Emmett is 1!

It's crazy to think that we just had our last first birthday for our kids! Emmett is officially 1 year old! I can't throw out the old cliche "seems like only yesterday" on this kid though. His first year was tough to say the least. Really, nothing terrible happened, he was just, well, we'll say not the easiest baby I've had. Like, if he was our first he would be an only child kind of not easy. He was my hardest pregnancy and hardest delivery as well. BUT, that said I, of course, wouldn't trade that kid for all the Diet Coke in the world. (Which I'm pretty sure I drank most of over the last year. It's my go to detox moment drink. We all survived, don't judge.) 

I truly am anxious to see what emerges from this little guys personality as he grows. Jake and Coop were pretty predictable. Emmett, we will see. As of now he's the epitome of a boy. He's generally up to something, usually emptying the recycle bin, or the tupperware cupboard, or making his way up the stairs the second he notices one of his brothers left the bathroom door open for him. He knows he's being naughty too, because often times he'll sit at the top of the stairs looking back and waiting for me to come after him before he laughs and makes his way for the bathroom as quick as possible. That little game quickly earned him the nickname 'Trouble', which gets used enough he actually responds to it now.  

One thing's for sure, I hope he doesn't outgrow wanting to snuggle his momma for at least a little while longer.

Emmett's Birthday Party!

On Saturday, we had Emmett's birthday party. Sadly, not everyone could be there, but we did have Grandma and Grandpa and Cody, Kelsea, Maddison, and Molly there to celebrate with us. Matt, Megan, Ava, and Will were driving home from Oregon that day.
I thought, given his personality, a monster theme was perfectly fitting. I love him, I do, but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.... well, you get it.

After dinner, Emmett quickly picked up on how to unwrap presents, and like most babies, he was really excited about the boxes.

 Grandma and Grandpa got him the cutest little car to ride in, with a handle up high for mom or dad to push. He loved it and got several rides from his brothers and cousins before the night was over.

They also got him an adorable little shirt and tie set for church, jammies (because grandma literally cannot NOT get jammies), and a book. Kelsea found him a cute little zoo toy that makes all kinds of wonderful noises. It's loud and obnoxious and has no off switch so of course he loves it. (I'm already researching what to get Maddi for her birthday as revenge.) Jason and I got him a dinosaur that has a place in his belly and his back that pops little balls around and either out one side or out his mouth. It's noisy but HAS AN OFF SWITCH! Jake and Coop got him a car that has different spots you can touch it to make it rev, honk, start, or go across the floor. Aunt Megan has a swing for the swing set on it's way.
We were able to break the kids away from all the new toys with mention of cupcakes, so we moved them all to the kitchen to sing to the birthday boy. This was my favorite part of the whole night. Emmett is a fan of being the center of attention and started singing along as we all sang to him. So. Stinking. Cute.

 I helped him blow out his candle and he quickly got to work on his cake, not disappointing on the smash part of that fun tradition.

Starting Fresh

There's no better time than now for a fresh start, right? I've been meaning to start blogging again for quite some time now, but somehow mom life kind of takes up a lot of time. 
After looking through the first book I made from my old blog with the kids, I felt guilty and a bit sad that I have let so much time go by without recording any of the many good, great, wonderful, and even not do fabulous things that have been going on around here. 
I'll admit, I got into a funk in life and it made me lazy about things. But I am back, and excited, and ready to document all of the moments that make us, well, us!
I may even get really crazy and start postdating some memories that deserve to be kept.
So, welcome back into our life, hopefully you enjoy it as much as I do!