I just love the photos of sleeping babies! Maybe it is because they are at peace and so sweet while they are asleep.

Today was Robby’s first day back at work. We all seem to have survived! We pushed the date back because Emily got a stomach virus and I was really not comfortable being left alone with a sick kid and an infant. Emily is doing much better now and we were able to keep Julia sheltered enough to not be exposed to the virus. I took Emily to the doctor to see if we could head anything off for Julia’s sake. While we were there she weighed in at 22 lbs. She has gained two pounds in almost three months.

Emily and I have been under the weather the last few days. This morning, we had cartoons on and Mommy laid down on the couch to get some extra rest. Emily took note of what I had done and stole my pillows. With each pillow, she piled them on the other end of the couch. Then she climbed up and laid her head on the pillow to share the couch with Mommy. She laid there for a moment and then sat up. She got the blanket off the back of the couch, covered herself up with it, and laid back down. She didn’t stay long with me, but it was so funny to watch her play.

Emily is 19 months old, and between a busy schedule at the pediatrician and a vacation, we were not able to make it for her 18 month checkup until now. At this visit she weighed in at 20 lbs 14 oz. and 32 inches long. Over the last four months she is 2 lbs 8 oz. heavier and 1 3/4 inches longer. Emily is in the 50 percentile for height, 5 percentile for weight, and 3 percentile overall. This is where she was prior to her odd weight loss at one year. The doctor is pleased to see her regain her size. Emily wouldn’t show off any of her tricks for the doctor, but she did let him admire the 6 new teeth that she had come in since her last visit. Our visit ended with three more shots and lots of tears. We will go back for another check up at 2 years.

Emily and I went to our city outdoor pool to play in the hot Tennessee afternoon. I didn’t take my camera and get photos because I wasn’t sure that I could manage both the camera and the child at the pool. Now that I have been once I know better what to expect and will take one next time. The pool has a ‘walk-in’ shallow section with water that shoots into the pool. We started walking in at that point so that Emily could get used to the water. I sat in the water as she inspected the shooting water. I was surprised that she didn’t last very long there and actually wanted to walk deeper into the pool. Most of this section was only 2 feet so she was able to walk pretty far before the water got very high on her. At some point she decided that she wanted to walk and explore outside of the pool. I wouldn’t let her do this and she found it quite upsetting. She just didn’t understand that the hot pavement would hurt her tender feet. To offer some distraction she and I went into the deeper section of the pool and played games of spinning and bouncing in and out of the water. She was very happy as long as she was holding on to Mommy. She was not keen on the idea of floating on her back and letting go of Mommy. Swimming was not much more successful, for some reason she wants to maintain some amount of control. After a little over an hour she was tired and a little grumpy and we headed home to get a much needed nap. The whole trip was fun and we will have to do it again soon.

Emily and her Mommy went to see a movie (Nim’s Island) this morning. The movie was sponsored by our local theater and hospital and they provided toys and employees to help watch the children and the exits. It was an opportunity for Mommy to watch a movie and for Emily to watch as much as she wanted of a movie. Emily found the lighted steps most fascinating. She learned how to walk up the stairs and somewhat crawl down the steps. We only had one spill. Over all it was a wonderful activity and we will watch for more opportunities to catch some movies together.

Emily is 15 months old and once again we are headed for the pediatrician. At this visit she weighed in at 18 lbs 6 oz. and 30 1/4 inches long. Over the last three months she is 2 lbs heavier and 1 1/4 inches longer. It is Mommy and Daddy’s hope that by the next visit she will have reached the 20 lb milestone. Emily was really good for her checkup except for letting the doctor check her teeth. I have to trick her to let me see her teeth and the doctor didn’t have any more success than I have. The doctor is smart and leaves the shots to the nurse. Emily got two shots and they were very traumatic for her, it is the first time that I think she knew something was coming and then got a shot. She cried really hard, but by the time we had gotten to the car she was calming down. Mommy was smart and brought her milk for after the visit and milk fixes most boo-boos. We will go back for another check up at 18 months.