Emma's half birthday

Today Emma turns two and a half! We don't technically celebrate half birthdays, but maybe we should? I can't believe how the time has flown. She blows me away even though lately she has figured out how to push my buttons so easily. I am hoping that is more of an issue I am having with "no patience" during this pregnancy. It could also be that she is so smart. Even though I am her own mother, sometimes I forget that she is still so, so young. Yesterday, I had to keep reminding myself, "She is only two! She is only two!"

Lately, the biggest news for Emma is that she has been sleeping in her own room, alone. For the longest time, she would only sleep in there if Denny or I laid down with her ... then she got super clingy to just me. As this pregnancy has progressed, it has become more difficult for me to stay in bed, so Denny took charge and established a great bedtime routine for her. Sleep has always been an area where Emma has wanted to be touching me or in a tight space, so this is a big deal.

Another cute fact about Emma is that she has become super attached to a stuffed monkey - it's actually one that Aunt Alicia bought her at a garage sale this summer. She insisted on taking it shopping today, and she refused to leave him in the car. I was not in any type of mood to fight, so we brought him in to both Target and Meijer. To my surprise, Emma took great care of him the entire time. Right now, she is snuggled up with him sleeping.

Developmentally, I believe Emma is doing great! I don't know what milestones she should be reaching (I know, for shame!), but I know that her daycare providers are amazed by her progress in sign language and in identifying names. When I picked her up one day last week, they told me she grabbed a balloon (all the kids received heart-shaped balloons for Valentine's Day with their names on them), and said, "This isn't mine, it's Olivia's." She then did the same with Lilly's ... so maybe she is good at recongnizing letters or has a good memory! She can also count into the 20s and sing the entire alphabet song (along with many, many songs).

I wish I had a better report for potty training. The truth is, sometimes she does great and sometimes she doesn't. Just like the sleeping issue, I am trying to be patient to let her get it down on her own time. It's not easy when I think she has the skills and knowledge, but I know she will get it when she is ready.

Any day now, Emma will become a big sister, and any doubt that existed about her handling it well has completely vanished. She is excited and loves talking about brother and giving him kisses. I can't wait to see her with him.

She is still the greatest joy in our lives! Happy Half Birthday, Emma Claire!