We're Back People!

I'm serious. I have a new found zeal for blogging. Maybe it's because Emma is changing so much and I can't keep up. Maybe it's because I realized THIS is a history of our lives, her life, what goes on, and I don't want to forget it. I have already forgotten so much. It's nice that pictures can remind us of forgotten memories. I was reading through old posts earlier this week and stared in amazement at how much Emma has grown. I mean, look at those old bathing suit pictures! She is positively tiny! And that hair! Soooo dark. I love how it is lightning up and curling at the ends now.

So Emma's newest thing is that she loves to stand. She loves to be propped up at the foot of the stairs or in front of the couch or chair and she stands and plays. And by plays I mean she bangs her hands against the cushion (or floor depending on where she is "standing") and squeals in delight. She is dying to be mobile, people. I just don't think she knows how to crawl. Or has any desire to for that matter. She gets up on her knees and plays the piano on her knees. Take that step baby girl!! She's pulled the piano over onto herself many times and surprisingly doesn't always cry. She does, however, lay there until you come and rescue her. Silly monkey. She loves to sit up and play and reach for things, but if you put her on her stomach, oh help her she gets mad. Sure, she'll play there for a little while, but then pu-leeeeze get me back up Mamma!! She is getting that nasty cry (you know the one - the attitude changes and you can tell she's mad) and we've had to have a few conversations regarding that.
Mamma: Emma, we don't talk like that in this house.
Emma: nananana
Mamma: OK, Emma, I know you want the remote control, but it's not for little girls.
Emma: NAnanana
Mamma: [hides the remote to curtail further dissatisfaction]
Emma: NANANANANA

She's not happy. So we're trying to just keep the TV off and then the remote becomes less of an issue. However, the other day, Jeff was watching something [read: NFL Network - see we need to always be aware of what has taken place at the Combine (please don't ask me to explain the Combine - I feel like it should be capitalized but I'm not sure. I think it's some sort of pre draft qualifying events like lifting weights - sort of like an opportunity to show what ya got to the prospective teams so they know how, if, and when to draft you.) Side note: I just looked it up and the draft starts April 25th. But seriously, the Parnell household should know what is going on at any particular moment in the NFL. Because you know, it's all about the Fantasy Football draft. Which will be in like AUGUST or SEPTEMBER!! And you know, things DO NOT change over the course of time. Whatever, it's my husband's passion [obsession] so we'll let it go at that.] Really, that just got too long. The point was, Jeff was watching TV and Emma was on the floor in front of him IGNORING the TV and playing with her books. Mamma was so proud. :-)

So here's Emma this morning...




...doing what she loves.
My cute little monkey who isn't so little anymore...