Birthday, Halloween and First Steps...OH MY!

Whoa! My mom has REALLY been slacking! I have been nagging and nagging her to get my website updated. Guess I have to take things into my own hands! She has enough time for a trip to Cancun but not to update my website. I see the priorities! Needless to say. I have a lot to catch you guys up on!

My birthday! So I was supposed to have two birthday parties... cause everyone has two right? One here in Texas and one in Atlanta. Well...this guy named "Ike" ruined my party! He was a real poopyhead. I kept trying to meet him since everyone was talking about him - my parents, my friends, the TV and radio - but he was real sneaky - I never saw him even though people talked about him all the time! Apparently, he snuck in and turned off our lights. Well, mommy and daddy had a brain fart or something cause they couldn't figure out how to turn them back on. So there we were...walking around with lanterns, flashlights and candles? How am I supposed to coordinate an outfit with that lighting??? After this sneaky guy Ike came by our house he went by all the grocery stores and turned off their lights too so you couldn't buy anything! I guess it wasn't just mommy and daddy who had brain farts...it is like all the adults just forgot how to use the light switches for a while! If I was tall enough I would have showed them but that is the trouble with being 31 inches. Anyway, Daddy decided to go ahead and send me and Mommy to Atlanta earlier than planned. So Ike ruined my Texas party but it was ok cause that meant more time in Atlanta with my family, friend, and, of course, my boyfriend!

Atlanta was lots of fun and my birthday party was the BEST! Everybody came and was real nice and acting like they knew me. I didn't want them to feel embarrassed so I played along. They were a little looney though. Don't get me wrong...they were nice and I really enjoyed them but I think they were a little cooky. For example, at one point, they put me in my highchair, and put this goofy hat on me, gathered around me and started singing to me. They sang my Daddy's "Good Morning To You" song but they had the words all wrong. I smiled though, cause again, I didn't want to embarrass them. When they were done, they put this thing called "cake" in front of me. I just thought "oh...that's pretty...but why is everyone still staring at me?" Then mommy shoved her finger in it and then in my mouth and I learned what true ecstasy is all about. It was HEAVENLY. I had never had this thing called sugar before (unless you count the whole marshmallow I tried eating the week before when my mean ol' Aunt Carrie stuck her finger in my throat and pulled it out...just cause I wasn't breathing or some stupid reason like that). Anyway...needless to say...I really liked the cake.

My boyfriend turned one ten days after me and I got to go to his party too! More cake! We had a lot of fun and I got to meet some new friends! The trip to Atlanta was PERFECT...well, almost perfect. It was perfect until I got a call from my BFF saying they were moving. Her dad became some big time executive so they have to go live near the important people...at least that is what my Daddy says.

A couple weeks after being back in Texas, Grammy Nancy came to stay with me while Mommy and Daddy went to Cancun. We had so much fun. We played and I learned where my nose was and that my finger can go in it! Grammy has no rules so I got to eat whatever I wanted. She even let me try this new thing called Scrambled Eggs. Mmmmmm...I just don't like how they make me turn red from head to toe and swell up like a balloon. I also didn't like spending the rest of the afternoon in Dr. Irani's office instead of playing with my Grammy!

For Halloween, I was a flower. I was cute even if I do say so! The only problem was the long sleeve shirt, tights, and felt outfit were REALLY hot in the 80 degree weather here in Texas. I only made it to four houses. Mom says there is a price to cuteness...boy is there ever!

Which leads me to my final update. Since there was nothing else to do this weekend, I decided to get up and walk. Why not? You know what they say "When in Rome..." Well, you would have thought I solved world peace. My Mommy's reaction could be heard by dogs three states over - whatever that means, dad said it. Dad was pretty proud too. So now, anytime I want a little attention I just get to where I need to go on my feet instead of my knees...works every time!

So that is it. It is hard to sum up three months in one post but I think you get the idea. I can't wait to see everyone around the holidays.

Hugs and Kisses!

Emmi

P.S. Here are LOTS more pictures if you are interested!

http://picasaweb.google.com/kikiganz/SeptemberNovember2008

Trip to Rhode Island!

I was only home a few short days before we were off again! This time to Rhode Island! I am telling you! I am a World Traveler! I was particularly excited about this trip! I got to see my Great Grandmother again - who I hadn't seen since November! I was much smaller then! I also got to see my Grandma, Gramps, Uncle Kris, and Uncle Greg! I had SO much fun!

First stop when we got to Rhode Island was to Great Grandmother's! I love being with her! She fusses over me so much! She is the best! While I was there I also got to see my extended family as well! It was wonderful! We all went in the pool and it was so much fun!

After spending 2 1/2 days with Great Grandma, we headed over to Grandma and Gramps for the rest of the trip! Talk about being doted on! My uncles got on the floor and played with me and my Grandma would just walk and walk and walk with me. At one time, she did the FUNNIEST thing ever! She played this game, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" with some flowers! I thought it was HYSTERICAL! Check it out - but make sure your volume is up!

Ha, ha, ha! I still crack up when I watch that!

The last thing we did was go to Jack's...mommy's favorite restaurant! I enjoyed the clams! I just chewed and chewed and chewed on the shell! Felt good on my teeth!

Well, it was a fun trip and I loved seeing my family in Rhode Island! I can't wait to go back! I miss them already! Next, I will tell you all about my beach trip. But first, check out some more pictures of my Rhode Island trip!

Pictures of Rhode Island Trip

My First Trip to the Beach!

Hi Everybody!

Well, the past month has had A LOT of excitement! I got to go to the beach for the first time! Daddy, Mommy, and I met Grammy Nancy, Aunt Lynn, Uncle Rod, Aunt Andrea, and my cousins in Destin, FL. It began with mommy waking me up Saturday morning at 4:00 AM. Needless to say, I was NOT impressed. But I was a trooper and was good for ten of the eleven hour drive. I thought about being good for the final hour but what fun is that? I wanted to see how frazzled I could get daddy! It worked!

The beach was so much fun! Mommy says it was the worst year ever cause Hurricane Dolly pushed all the jellyfish to Destin. You could barely get in the ocean! But my brave cousins Aleksandra, Austin, and Bryce did it. Mommy and Daddy did not (chickens!). Even Cousin Libby tried to get in! But her mommy wouldn't let her either. Oh well. I enjoyed the sand, as you can see, and just crawling around. Everyone else enjoyed laying out.

We did take a walk to the pier one night. It was a nice walk and we all had a good time. I got to hang out with my cousins to I had a blast.

At one point, Aunt Lynn had the brilliant idea of telling Mommy I could get worms by eating the sand. Mommy, of course, became neurotic and shoved a paci in my mouth every time we were at the beach. I didn't want it. The sand was much tastier.

We had great weather until the last day of our trip. Then it started to get stormy. We were down at the beach, and I kept tellin them it was time to go in. I finally just headed in on my own!

Well, that is it for the beach trip! My next post will probably be when I turn one! Mommy is already crying about it! Good grief! In the meantime, check out my other beach pictures!

Beach Pictures

10 Months Old (almost!)

It is hard to believe I am almost 10 months old! It seems like only yesterday I was enjoying the nice warm, squishy environment of my mommy's tummy! Those were the days!

Well, lots to fill you guys in on since my last update. I am now full, fledged crawling like crazy. I crawl everywhere...including up the stairs! (About 5 minutes after this picture was taken me, Mommy, and Daddy went to Toy R Us and bought these not-so-fun things called "gates".)

My favorite thing to do is to crawl and climb all over daddy. I crawl up one side, face plant into the ground, turn around, and do it over again! It is FUN! Some times...I'd rather stand up on daddy instead of my usual crawling up and over.














Sometimes I get into mischief without daddy's help...like when I decide to help mommy reorganize her nightstand. WOW she has a lot of books!
This favorite summer hobby is going to the pool! I took swimming lessons and daddy says I was the best in the class. Mommy loves it cause I have about a hundred swimsuits and coverups she gets to dress me in...like this one I inherited from my good buddy Abigail.




I am also talking some now. I say Ma Ma, Da Da, Bye Bye (sometimes), thank you (sometimes), Hi! (my new favorite), and What!?!?!?! (daddy's favorite). Of course, if mommy and daddy ask me to talk for their friends...I won't do it. I can't be bothered with entertaining these boring adults. Instead, I just look at them and think "why do I have to put up with these imbeciles."

Well, that is it for now. I am sure I will post again soon since we are going to the beach in a few weeks and then to see my Grandma, Gramps, and Uncles who I have not gotten to meet yet. I am really excited! And of course my Great Grandma who is my favorite...after all I was named after her!

I'll be one before you know it and mommy says we get to go back to Atlanta for my first birthday. Daddy wants to know if mommy realizes we have moved to Houston and are not just visiting...I don't think so!!!!!!

Love,
Emmi

Links to My Latest Pictures

Trouble!

Well, I wasn't expecting to post again so soon but I had to let you guys in on my latest accomplishment. I decided mom was taking too long to get me out of my crib this morning so I would try looking for her.

I thought it was quite funny as you can see in the below picture.

Mother's Day was fun yesterday. I made mommy a card at Sunday School that had my handprint on it. I also helped Daddy pick out some great presents for the beach! A nice beach bag and matching towels for me and mommy. I also got mommy flip flops but daddy got the wrong size. 6M is not the same as 9W. I tried telling him that! Anyway...I didn't feel so good cause something funny is going on in my mouth (I drool a lot and feel the need to chew on EVERYTHING) but I enjoyed snuggling my mommy.

Hope all of you are doing well! Love and miss you!

Emmi

6 Month Update (a little late)

OK...so I am really 7 months now...well, 7 1/2. But I have been busy so I haven't had a chance to update. I have started all sorts of fun things...like crawling!!! Check it out!

I don't know why mommy was so surprised. Is this a big deal or something? In all honesty, mommy was just trying to get me "scooting" on film. But, as it turned out, I decided to go ahead and crawl for her! I didn't realize how tiring it could be though! Wow! Sometimes it is so tiring...I just give up!

I told you! It is rough! Anyway...on to some other stuff I have started. More solids!!!!!!!!!! I eat all sorts of fruits and veggies now...green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, bananas. WAIT! NOT BANANAS! Just like my mommy, smashed bananas gross me out! Every time I gag on them...mom gags with me! Just watch how nasty these are.

However, I am a fan of prunes. Notice how content and relaxed I am when she gives me yummy fruit!

Over the last couple of months, I have had some big events. One of those, was my boyfriend Trey coming to see me in Texas with his mommy. He is soooooooo cute. As you can tell, we are very much in love.

See what I mean?

Another neat thing that happened were the blue bonnets blooming. They are really pretty. They are the Texas State Flower and you can get shot on sight if you pick them. Well, that's at least how they act around here. In any case, I got my pictures taken with my BFF Paige. She is the greatest! She is 5 months older than me (which in baby time is like 5 years!) and she still let's me hang out with her. I told you she was cool! Mommy was too cheap to hire someone to take the blue bonnet pictures so she did it.

The biggest thing that happened over the last few months was Aleksandra joining our family! That's my new cousin (you may remember her as Sasha from Christmas. She changed her name. Teenagers! Who can figure them out!?!) She is 16 and the neatest cousin! While Aunt Lynn and Uncle Rod went to go get her from Latvia, mommy took care of me, Cousin Libby, Cousin Bryce, and Cousin Austin. I didn't think she was going to make it. But we survived...all of us!! Of course, mommy insisted on meeting Aunt Lynn, Uncle Rod, and Aleksandra at the airport. Something about not being to handle another minute...whatever that meant. Just kidding! It actually wasn't bad at all. I even heard mom describe it as "fun" one time! Of course, she did have great help from Grammy Nancy. On top of that, Grammy Carol, Aunt Mimi, Uncle Hal, Cousin Ethan, and Cousin Riley came up to see me! They were a big help too! In any case, mommy was still excited to meet them at the airport so here we are waiting for them to come up the escalator. That is Cousin Libby on the left, Cousin Bryce in the middle, Uncle Rod's daddy in the back, and then Grammy pushing me in the stroller. I am doin' my thing...people watchin. Cousin Austin was too cool to hang out and wait with us.

Well...I guess that is it for now. I will try to update sooner but growing up is very busy work! I will leave you with a link to all of my pictures over the last couple of months! I miss you and can't wait to see all of you!

http://picasaweb.google.com/kikiganz/AprilMay2008

Love, Emmi

Lots Going On...

Hi Everybody!

I have had a big ten days! It started with mommy deciding to give me cereal...boy was that fun! I wasn't quite sure what to make of it and more of it got on my bib than in my mouth. I think I like it but my tongue does this silly thing where it pushes all the food out before mommy can get it in. The doctor says it is a reflex that goes away between 4 and 6 months. What's a reflex? Anyway...mommy put the cereal away for a couple of weeks and said we would try again later. Good thing...I hate being a mess!

So...since we put that task away for a while I decided to work on something else...rolling over! I spent about a week rolling onto my side but my arm always got in the way. I looked at it and said "move" (well, really it sounded like a frustrated grunt to mom and dad) but it just stayed there! Well, then last Tuesday, February 5th mom decided it was time for a nap...but I didn't think it was time...so I let her know. I threw the biggest fit I have ever thrown in 4 1/2 months. In fact, I got so mad I flipped myself over...which made me even more mad because I lost my paci and I was stuck on my belly. When mom came in to check on me she started cheering and hollering. I just looked at her and thought "what...you didn't know I could do this?"

In the middle of all of this rolling over, it was my daddy's birthday. We got him a grill. Ok...maybe mom got him the grill and I got him the grill cover. She wouldn't let me get the nice present...something about me needing to get a job...

On Thursday night my grammy came to see me from Atlanta. We had lots and lots of fun. I showed off for her lots and lots by rolling over, and over, and over, and over. In fact, it got to the point that as soon as you put me down...I rolled to my tummy. I just like to show off! I had lots of fun with my grammy...she spoiled me by rocking me to sleep, making goofy faces, and talking in some weird goofy language that she seems to think I can understand. I giver her a laugh for making the effort though.

On Sunday, it was my baby dedication. I just wish my other grammy, Grandmas, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends could have been there as well. I had the most beautiful outfit on in the world. My Great Grandma gave it to me...it was handmade and I loved it. My mommy loved it even more. I don't think my daddy was too thrilled with it cause he kept saying I looked like the Grand Puba of the KKK.

Anyway...the service was nice and later that day we went out for celebration with grammy, Mr. David, Miss Molly and my BFF Paige to Buca Di Beppo. There was a lot of food and you would think they would give me a taste since the celebration was for me but I got jipped! Oh well...at least we had fun.

Well, Valentine's Day is Thursday and I haven't decided if I am going to ask my boyfriend Trey or my daddy to be my Valentine. It is a tough call!

Well, that is all for now. I hope all of you are doing well and that I get to see you soon. I miss you all and love you!
Love, Emmi

4 Months Old!!!!

Well hello everybody! It has been a while since I checked in so there is lots to catch you up on. I am four months old now and as happy as I can be!!!!!!!!
After my doctor visit, in November, I took my first plane ride to watch my cousin play in a football game. He was the best one on the field! I got to hang out with my Grammy Carol and Aunt Mimi and, of course, they always dote on me! Oh, and by the way, I was PERFECT on the plane ride out there.

From there, mommy and I went to Atlanta for three weeks and daddy went home for a week and then came back. It was great! I got to meet my Great Grandmother because she came to Atlanta to meet me and my cousin Libby for the first time. She was there two weeks and we had lots of fun!
I also got to meet a lot of mommy and daddy's friends for the first time. They were all really cool! I even got to meet my boyfriend Trey! I like them a little bit younger and he is 10 days younger than me!
Thanksgiving was so much fun but the best was the day after. Mommy has a tradition of shopping with her mom and sisters on "Black Friday" and she didn't want to break it. So...I stayed home with daddy! They left around 4:45 AM and didn't come home until 11:00 PM!!!! I had so much fun with daddy and he took GREAT care of me. Let's be honest though...I was pretty easy on him! Besides, Great Grandma was there to help out.
My second favorite part of the trip was meeting Santa Claus! I went to Phipps Plaza to meet the REAL Santa Claus. There was a little bit of an issue. While we were in line waiting, daddy was holding me and I started to get a tummy ache. It hurt pretty bad...but I didn't complain. We were next in line and I was all set to sit on his lap and tell him what I wanted. But I couldn't handle my tummy ache anymore. So...I let it all out...if you know what I mean. There was poop everywhere! It was all over daddy's shirt and dripping onto the floor! Luckily though...I didn't get any on my dress. So there we were...at Phipps Plaza...next in line to see Santa with poop everywhere! The people in line were super nice and helped mommy and daddy get it all cleaned up. By the time Santa was ready for me...I was all cleaned up. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for daddy!

After our Thanksgiving trip, we headed back to Houston...the experience on the plane ride back was not quite as good. I got another one of my tummy aches and i just couldn't hold it. It was EVERYWHERE! Much worse than in line for Santa. So there we were...mommy, daddy and me all in the tiny bathroom on the airplane trying to get me out of my poopy clothes without actually touching anything in the bathroom. I SCREAMED! I was naked, hanging in the air, with poop everywhere...not fun!

Anyway, we got home to Houston...but only for two weeks! We were back in Georgia for Christmas for another two weeks. The only thing bad about this trip was that we didn't really get to see any of mommy and daddy's friends. They were sad about that but there was so much family stuff going on that the trip was over before they knew it! This trip I got to meet Sasha. She is 15 year old girl that my Aunt Lynn and Uncle Rod brought over from Latvia for Christmas. She lives in an orphanage over there. She was really sweet and she is like a member of the family now. We miss her a lot now that she is back in Latvia.
Anyway, Christmas is GREAT! There are so many pretty, shiny things to look at and play with and you get presents LOTS AND LOTS of presents! I finally have some toys...just in time because I am starting to enjoy playing with toys.
One toy I got is this seat that hangs from the door. I am not sure what to make of it yet.

Well, tomorrow I have my four month checkup with Dr. Irani. I hear I have to get some shots which I am not happy about. I also hear I am going to start eating cereal soon so that should be interesting. I guess there are some good photos to come! In the meantime, here is the link to the rest of my photos from my Thanksgiving and Christmas trips and a few from when we got back! Photos
Well, that is all for now. I will try to write sooner next time! I hope everyone is doing well and mommy and daddy say hi!