Emma - almost 18 months old

I think each time I write about how much Emma has grown I always say it happens so quickly...well, it does. Just in the past 3 months she's doing so many new things and it always surprises me at how abrupt these new discoveries make them selves known to us. Emma now puts the deodorant stick in her arm pits (cap on of course), files her nails, puts keys into locks, puts clothes in the washer, dryer and our favorite - climbs in the dryer to help pull them out, pretends to shave her face with Troy's electric shaver, puts her stuffed animals "night-night" and tries to help me potty by getting the toilet paper and flushing the toilet.

She talks so much now too. She tells us when she is thirsty and if she wants milk or juice or when she prefers a snack. When she falls or drops something she says "ah, man" and when she doesn't like how her friends treat her she sways her finger and sternly says "no, no, not nice."

I'm not sure if Troy's new work schedule has made her extra clingy to me, but lately Emma has become my little mini-me. She follows me around like my shadow and anytime we get ready to go anywhere she asks "uh, mommy?" to make sure I'll be coming along. These days there are two things Emma doesn't do much without....her mommy and her blanket. Sometimes it's not even sufficient to be next to me - she literaly has to be right on top of me, even in the bathroom.

One Year of Marriage

April 11 - one year of marriage. Some days it seems like just yesterday, but most days it feels like it's always been this way - perfectly together. I've heard that the first year is the hardest. I'm not sure if that means ours should have been extra hard, given we raised a baby during the first year, lost jobs, started new careers and balanced life while working different schedules. It's actually been easy, almost effortless, but I guess it's that simplicity that most marriages lack. Things between Troy and I just work, and I like it that way.

I love my husband with all that I am. He is the most thoughtful person I know. He always puts my feelings, wants and needs before his own. He is an amazing daddy too. He is making the home that is the ultimate example to Emma of how a man should love his wife and raise his family. I hope God is preparing someone just like him for her one day.

My wife

its been almost one year since i gave my life to the one person that understands me more than anyone else. i know they say we are still newly weds but i feel like i know her like we have been together for years. this past years has had some wonderful times. i was lying in bed the other day with sabrina and i found myself staring at her wondering what i have done in this life to deserve this gift from God. i focus on her face following the curves, soft and smooth to the touch. she is my whole life now i could not imagine my life without her. i know with out a doubt that she was created for me. so to all of you that read this i just wanted to let the world know that I LOVE SABRINA WITH ALL THAT I AM. honey i will cherish you our whole life and will do everything in my powers to love you better.