Giselle is 11 Months Old

Dear Giselle,

One more month and you will become a full blown toddler.  Crazy.  I used to say I'm not ready, but I see this glimmer in your eye as you learn and discover something new and I know how happy that makes you.  And no matter what, when you are happy, we are happy.  As you get older, you get more and more fun (as if that's possible).  You are such a bright ball of energy; always on the move and always smiling.  I still wake up every day so thankful for this gift to be your Mommy and I still can't believe God blessed us so abundantly with such a perfect baby.  You are our world.  Our family and your happiness is all that matters.  

Here is a peek into your world at 11 months old:

• Each day you are such a busy explorer, always on-the-go exploring every single detail around you.  You love to crawl around the house and open each and every cabinet we have to peek at whats inside. It keeps you busier than any toy you own that's for sure! Your favorite pastime at the moment is unrolling the toilet paper and ripping it up. I let you play on occasion and hope that takes the wonder out of it. 
• Last month you started standing and this month you can walk with your walker. The first time I gave it to you, you pulled right up and off you went. I of course was stunned and totally didn't expect that. I cried... Yep. I'm just not ready for my baby to grow up. I want to keep you little for as long as I can. 
• Your sister has always loved to cheers and it's a big part of many of our family meals, so it's not surprise that you had been watching and taking that in. One day, we went to cheers your cup and you lifted it right up and ours and 'clink'. You are hooked now too! It's so sweet to cheers to the start of the day with you and Emeline.
• I'm pretty sure you are more vocal than most babies at this age.  You babble constantly!  Maybe you will be an early talker?  Or maybe you already are!  You can say - hi, hey, mama, dada, mommy, bubba, mimi, night night, bye-bye and eyes.  
• You continue to be fascinated by eyes and you can now point to someone's eyes and say 'eye'. I was stunned at how fast you learned this. You are one bright baby girl.   
• Lately you have really been responding well to what I ask of you.  When I tell you no, you shake your head no and sometimes stop what you are doing and when I tell you to hand me something, you do.  We are starting discipline early since you are busy-active-into-everything kind of baby.  
• You are now drinking water from all sippy cups - even the ones with straws.  Oh and you do not like help.  You are very independent and only like to hold the cup yourself. 
• You drink 3-8 oz bottles a day, 3 finger food meals and 2 snacks.  We still can't believe how great of an eater you are.  You sure do love your food!  I've also noticed your appetite really increasing lately.  We can't leave the house without snacks!
• You sleep from 8:00 pm-7:30 am.  Your nap schedule is still the same.  
• You are still in size 12-18 month clothes and size 4 diapers

Things really did change for the better when we brought you home.  One day I'll write you a letter on all the many life lessons you have already taught us.  Thank you for making my world a better place and me a better person.

You're the one we've always wished for,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(Oskar and George too)

Giselle is 10 Months Old

Dear Giselle,

Oh no... My sweet baby girl has reached the double digits and you know what that means... You are soon to be 1 YEAR OLD.  I can't bare the thought of it just yet, so we won't talk about it.  For now, I'm going to enjoy every second of these last two months of your infancy before you become a full blown toddler. 

You brighten every day.  Every morning you wake up first (aside from Daddy) and every morning I walk into your room to see your beaming, beautiful face and to hear the sound of your precious voice tell me 'hi'. There is not a more peaceful way to start my day. How can that day not be glorious when I'm greeted by you and your sweet innocence.  You have to be one of the happiest babies around.  I know every mom says this, but you just have to be. The amount of joy and laughter you show to others is incredible and just one of the many lessons you will teach Daddy and I. I know  in my heart of hearts that you will grow to be a perpetually happy, joyful and positive person. Our hearts and home have never been filled with so much love and JOY.  Thank you for this gift.  

Here's a peek into your world at 10 months old:

• You are officially a stander.  You can really stand for as long as you wish, but only if you are holding on to something. You haven't reached the freehanded stage just yet. Whew, because that's the last step before walking.  Please be a baby for a little longer. Please...
• And now that you can stand, you can climb! Oh boy... I open the dishwasher and those chunky thighs of your suddenly find themselves on top of my dishwasher. You can also climb the stairs leading out of our living room. This used to be a safe place for me to set you down and walk away for a minute because you were 'locked' in. Not any more. Those whole house is yours to discover now. 
•  Recently when you get excited about something or even when I get on to you for something (and you think it's all a big joke) - you throw your arms out wide and wave them up and down in excitement.  It's quite funny. And hard to discipline. Oh boy. You've already got my sweet spot figured out. 
• Oskar and George have really had your attention lately. It seems you have become quite fond of them these days. And I can't say I blame you. They are with us for every diaper change, every bath, every meal and bottle and every playtime in between.  Lets just say, they don't leave our side. You have tried so hard to kiss Oskar, but he's just not ready yet. They both do let you slip in the occasional rub and tap. You are gentle - enough!
• Speaking of your love for the dogs... You have discovered how fun and funny it is to feed them! You love dropping them the occasional treat and giggling about it. If I step away and hear you laughing I know you are guilty. Stinker!
• Recently I realized I haven't taught you how to throw a ball and with in minutes, you had it down.  Until they started going under the couch and then you just intentionally threw them there. Silly girl. 
• You love watching the big kids we come in contact with. You and your sister are in a music class and you try your hardest to mimic everything they do. It's pretty sweet until they show their age and you attempt to be mischievous right along side them. 
• Bath time continues to be one of your favorite times of the day.  You pull up and start bouncing up and down in excitement every time you hear the water start. Right when I place you in the bath tub those legs start to kicking. Even if there isn't any water yet. You just love taking baths! But you hate swimming... Go figure. 
• Every day your babbling gets better and better.  You can mimic unbelievably well.  If you are in the mood, you will repeat a word we say and most of the time, its sounds just like what came our of our mouths.  I'm amazed.  
• You have 6 teeth now and at the moment you have no signs of any others popping through.  Every night after bath, you bounce up and down in excitement when it's time to brush your teeth. I've never seen a baby love brushing his/her teeth as much as you do. I sure hope you never fight me on this like sister did. 
• You are fascinated with people's eyes, nose and mouth. Always reaching and grabbing. 
• If I had to say what your favorite toy is at the moment, I would have to say it is anything musical. Musical drums, musical books, anything that sings a little tune and you are hooked. 
• We are still working on our sign language and you can sign - all done and more.  You are talking so much and so fast that I'm not sure if we should continue the signs. You don't have an interest really... You'd much rather skip that step and babble. We'll figure it out together. 
• Mimi has taught you how to make this clicking noise with your tongue and you do it all the time now.  It's pretty cute.
• You are such a great eater; I can't believe it.  You will eat anything.  The only thing you still don't like is avocado, but I sneak it into things and you eat it. I'm not even sure you have a favorite food. You really seem to enjoy most things. But I will say, you always eat your meat first. You love your protein like mommy!  You eat finger foods only like a full blown toddler - 3 times a day and 1 afternoon snack. 
• You drink 3 - 8oz bottles of formula a day and water through a sippy cup whenever you want it.  
• Sleep continues to be the same.  You sleep from 8:00pm-7:30am.  Sometimes you wake up even later and I so enjoy those mornings I get to sleep in.  I realize every day how lucky I am to have a baby who is such a good sleeper.  Your nap schedule is the same as well.  Your morning nap is about 2 hours and your afternoon nap is about an hour and sometimes only 30 minutes.  
• You are still in size 12-18  month or 12 month clothes and size 4 diapers.  

Thank you for making every day count. 

You are the best thing that ever happened to us,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(Oskar and George too)

Giselle is Nine Months Old

Dear Giselle,

Giselle Laine Simpson, my are you ever loved and cherished sweet girl. Everyone who meets you just falls in love with that sweet cackle and deep giggle of yours. Your eyes melt me and when our eyes meet and I give you a look, you just get me and give me that hilarious cackle of yours. That laugh just seems to melt the woes of the world away and forces me to focus on the blessings right in front of me. You are one of my biggest blessings and always will be. 

I love everything about you, but something I love most is your tenacity for life. You enter a challenge and face it head on. This trait will take you so far in life and I promise to always encourage and foster this characteristic of yours. I believe it will make you someone very special. That plus the way you light up the lives around you with your silliness and your smile. You sure make your mommy and daddy beam.

Here is a peek into your world at 9 months old:

• We have a little game you and I. Or rather you have a game you play with me. You love getting into the dog bowls and I immediately tell you no, no, no. You listen, get super excited, back away for a second, give me that look and dive right back in for some more fun. And repeat. It's silly and we both get a chuckle, but my point is, you understand the word 'no' and you do actually listen to me. Hooray! Can you please be a better listener than your sister?? 
• I've really been amazed at what you understand lately. You are really growing up. I can tell you to come here, follow me to another room, hand me a certain toy, etc. and you listen and follow instructions. I think and hope you will aim to please when you are older. Right now, I'm feeling like your listening skills are superb!
• You stopped pulling up on your crib and since we moved, there aren't a ton of things for you to pull up onto until the furniture arrives, but you are pulling up and getting onto your knees which is promising. You still love to be held and I hold you every second I can, so I may be holding you back a bit, but I'm okay with it. I just want you to stay little. Your sister is so focused on being a big girl that I just want my baby to be a baby. That okay with you?
• You are now starting to wave, but you are very particular to who you wave at. Meaning you never do it on command. Just when you fancy saying hello or good-bye to someone.
• You got your second top tooth this month, making that four teeth total. And now you have this adorable gap between your teeth that I just love so much. It melts me too. 
• You give the best hugs. I mean they are really hugs even with a nice pat on the back at the end. Mommy squeezes you and give you pats on the back for comfort and now, you do it right back to me. Sometimes I think it's also your way of letting me know you need that extra comforting pat on the back. 
• You love making noises with your mouth and can do them on command. You kiss and click your tongue every time I ask you. Although when we kiss, you still give out the slobbery ones. Sister doesn't appreciate them so much, but I sure do!
• You really love toys these days and we are having so much fun playing together with Emeline. You even love dress up and get a kick out of seeing yourself in the mirror dressed up. I think you are going to be a total girly-girl too! You love playing with the activity cube, a musical make-up mirror, love story-time (but you are super wiggly), crashing tea parties, swinging outside, eating sister's play food, banging on the drum, eating books and talking on the phone. 
• Speaking of talking, you are babbling so much lately! Based on your lack of sleep, I think you are about to hit another speech and physical milestone. You should be pulling up soon (again since you regressed) and I'm sure you will add some words to your, 'mama', 'dada', 'hi', 'hey' (in a deep voice), 'okay', 'yes' vocabulary. 
• That reminds me... Now when we are getting ready to eat, I'll ask you if you would like something and if the answer is yes, you get so excited and shake your head up and down saying emphatically, 'yes'.
• We've been working on signs, but you are still just signing 'more' and that's totally okay. Sometimes you get so excited that your more is more of a waving your hangs together and we all giggle because you look so silly doing so. 
• Exploring - that is definitely your favorite activity these days.  You never sit still.  There is always something new to find and discover in your world!
• You love peek-a-boo and to be scared.  We get the biggest smiles and giggles from you when we play. You also love to be 'thrown' on the bed. I never actually let go, but you love the trill of it. You also love to fall backwards on your own or by me 'pushing' you and you love to throw yourself into my and Mimi's chest. We all get the biggest kick out of it.
• You now eat finger foods only and 3 times a day.  You are very independent too.  You only want to feed yourself.  Your ability to pinch and pick up your food with your pointer finger and thumb really amazes me.  You can pick up even the smallest foods like cottage cheese.
• You continue to be a pretty good sleeper although our mornings progressively getting earlier and earlier. Momma's no morning person! You sleep from 8:00 pm - 6:00 am.
• You are still in size 12-18 month clothes and size 4 diapers.
• You weigh 21 lbs 3 oz (88%) - your weight gain started to slow after you became mobile.  I think you even lost some weight you are so active.
• Your height is 29" (88%)
• Little lady, I am so very proud of you. This month, you took swim lessons and learned if you fell into the water to kick to the surface, turn on your back and kick to the side of the pool. You can then turn, reach to the side, pull yourself up and hold on for dear life until you are rescued. We have a pool now and it was of upmost importance for me to have both of my girls safe around the water. I'm pleased to say you both are! Proud mommy right here! You showed such strength and determination while learning that I was in awe of little you and beaming with pride that you are mine. Both of you showed such intelligence and good listening skills that even the instructed was impressed by you. I couldn't be more proud. 
• You and Emeline are the very best of friends. In fact she tells me every day. And you idolize her every move. Just promise me you won't copy EVERYthing she does. She's a toddler you know and a force to be reckoned with. But she can teach you some pretty special lessons in life as she is one well mannered, polite and kind little lady. 

This month, we moved into a new home and you were a rockstar. Not once were you shaken from the stresses of moving and the change in scenery or routine. You just went with the flow of life changes and I'm so thankful. We are settled in our new life now in Austin and I know you are really happy here. As are we dear one. As are we... We are very much looking forward to raising you with so much love and happiness in our new home and introducing you to all the fun and adventure our new city has to offer. You make my heart so full Giselle Laine. 

You simply amaze us,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(Oskar and George too) 

Giselle is Eight Months Old

Dear Giselle,

Gosh, this month you really turned a page and grew up even faster on me. In one short little month, you became mobile and you began to really communicate with us. My little baby girl is learning, thriving and growing up ever so quickly. With each day that passes, my love for you grows and we become more bonded than ever. You're my sweet little blue-eyed buttercup who I just adore in every way. 

Here's a peek into your world at 8 months old:

You have learned to clap now and you understand when it is appropriate.  You clap for yourself when you do something new, when you are proud of you, when one of us says 'yay' anytime, when your sister does something silly or when Mommy or Daddy do something you like - you clap for it all. That's a lot of clapping in one day!

You are now crawling! After you learned how to crawl, you quickly mastered it. You are so fast especially when you are crawling to something or someone you are excited to see. You are a baby on a mission! This has opened your world up to so many new discoveries as you crawl to touch and experience new things. Mostly your sister's toys. I guess after all, you prefer her big girl toys instead of those silly baby toys I've been placing in front of you. 

I was cleaning your room one day while you were playing in your crib and I look up to your bright beaming face and you were standing! You pulled yourself right up and you were so very proud of your newest accomplishment. Our hearts of course sank because you grew up just a little bit more. I thought this was going to be a new normal, so immediately I made your Daddy pull out the tools and lower the crib for you. And you haven't done it since... You fooled us! But I will never forget the proud look on your face when you did it. Sweetest glimmer in your eyes. 

You are both signing and saying 'more' during feeding time. I even caught it on video! We were all so proud of you and couldn't believe that word popped out of your mouth at such a young age. 

Your third tooth popped in this month and it was your first top tooth. You handled this one like a champ!

You love every food and are now feeding yourself finger foods and drinking from a sippy cup on your own. This independence of both you and your sister is something I'm very proud of. I wish you both needed me a little more, but I'm thankful to have fostered this trait in both of you - one that may lead to you wanting my help over needing my help. 

You take two naps a day now.  A 1 hour nap 2 hours after you wake up and a 1 or 2 hour nap from 1:30-3:30. I'm so happy and feel much more accomplished now that I have time to tend to my mommy/wife duties while you are napping and sometimes I get in a little 'me' time too. It's wonderful to have a bit of a breather while you and sister sleep at the same time. 

You are still eating finger foods 2 times a day and you are eating much more of it.  This last month you dropped 1 nap and 1 bottle - big changes!  3 - 8oz bottles a day for you now and I'm thinking you will start eating food 3 times a day soon.  

You continue to sleep from 8:30 am-7:30 pm.  

You are in size 12-18 months clothes with growing room and you are still in size 4 diapers. 

Baby girl, you are just thriving and growing so fast I can hardly keep up.  Each month I write you these letters, I hope I remember all the important and special moments and milestones to document for me and for you.  I know one day these moments will all be a distant, but cherished memory.  Some Daddy and I may forget and others will feel like yesterday.  Baby, thank you for all of these special moments.  Thank you for making me feel so incredibly loved and admired by you.  I never imagined you would love me so deeply.  

You fill my heart,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(and Oskar and George too)

Emeline is 3 Years Old!

Dear Emeline,

Happy 3rd Birthday baby girl! You are made of pure joy, pure love and an unbreakable spirit. You are so full of life. Your energy and your smile are simply contagious. We've had the best time celebrating your spirit and the 'birbay' you have been anxiously awaiting the last 6 months as you have seen/helped me prepare for everyone else's birthday but yours. I hope all of your birthday wishes come true because you are certainly my wish come true. I love you 'way way more than you know' my 'EMEline' (that's how you say your name). 

When I look back at 3 year old Emeline, what will I want us to remember? The answer is...everything. I want to remember every silly saying, every I love you, every dance move, every squeal, the way you light up the room, they way you make everyone love you. I want to remember everything about you. And I want to learn from you.

This last year was a BIG year for you. It wasn't without it's bumps in the road, because you aren't you without them, but it was an INCREDIBLE year. Before I move into all the ways this year was so amazing, I have to tell you now (and you'll hear me say it) - you have a spitfire personality and I so admire your passion, but that also makes you a bit more difficult child to raise especially at such a young age when you feel so many things, but don't understand why or how to deal with those feelings. We are hopefully raising you in a way that does not squash that passion. I hope we are helping you foster those emotions and use them for good, because we know you are going to make one heck of an adult one day. You will move mountains - we just know it. And I hope you do too.

Back to the year (June 2014 - June 2015) I think we will all look back on as a favorite. Here are all the many amazin' (as you say) things I want us to remember:

• We celebrated your second birthday in Belize and you got your very first passport stamp. It was also Poppa's first trip abroad and we had such a great time. It's a trip I will always look back on with a huge smile on my face. I love nothing more than introducing you to new and exciting things. I guess it's what I live for - moments like that. Trips like that. Making memories with our family. 
• We lived on Winston Falls at the time and your best friend (outside of Mila of course) was Ben. You loved his brother Joe too, but in your words, 'Joe is sleeping'. He was always asleep in your mind. You three had so much fun together and we are thankful to have lived next door to a special family that will always hold a special place in our heart. You sure loved your 'Aunt Jenni'.
• This is the year that your love of books really took off. It was always my favorite time of day with you. Reading in your bed, book after book after book. Your favorite books are Love Ruby Valentine, I Love You So Much, shadow books, any holiday book, A Mother for Choco, I Had a Favorite Dress, The Napping House, A Visitor for Bear and so many more. 
• We visited your birth mom twice this year. One trip to the zoo and to Baskin Robbins where you shared ice cream with her (our favorite - rainbow sherbet). The next day we took you to your first theme park - Six Flags and your love for thrill and adventure started here. We ended our trip to Fort Worth with a trip to Coopers for peach ice cream on the way home. Later that year, we celebrated her sister's marriage. You were the sweetest flower girl, but you got a bit too shy to really perform your duties, so I walked down the aisle with you. You did dance the night away on the dance floor though. We made some memories we will never forget this night. Really, we were blessed to share this special time with your birth family. Most adoptive families don't get these moments. 
• You are a fish! You love the water. It really seems to bring you peace and calmness. Can we bottle that up for you?! You are taking swim lessons and are making progress, but you love the freedom of swimming about on your own in your puddle jumper. 
• We got your first fish 'Little Raine' named after mommy and daddy's fish Raine in college (he was our first pet together. We sufficiently killed Little Raine three weeks later. Still don't know how...
• We got your beloved Lilah (build a bear first bear) for your second birthday and she's the first stuffed animal you really have clung too. That and this bunny with a rattle in it. Daddy and I will never forget the rattle sound coming down our hallway (Lake Gardens house) as you came into our room in the middle of the night. 
• You love milk still. You might just not grow out of your love for milk. Every day starts out with a big glass of whole milk. And some days you get an mid afternoon treat too. 
• I took you to you very first circus with Ben and Joe and you only lasted for 45 minutes. I thought it was a total bust until you started talking about it the very next day and every day after for 6+ months. Every person you met, you simply said, 'circus?' before anything else as if to see if they liked the circus too before figuring out if you wanted to talk to them further. It was hilarious! 
• I also took you to your very first movie - Planes: Fire and Rescue. I thought you would love it since you love watching the planes pass over our house, but then again, you only lasted for half of it. This one you didn't talk about...
• We took you on your second trip to Beaver Creek. You will know that this trip is so special to me. We took you there at 10 weeks old and have gone every year at Labor Day since. Except that one year Daddy's boss made us cancel... There is something so magical and refreshing about being in the mountains with my family. We had our traditional VooDoo Donuts in the park upon arrival and we hiked to truly magical Beaver Lake as always. We also attended the always fun Oktoberfest where Mimi, Poppa, Noni and Pa met us there for a day. You'll know how special this trip is to me. Daddy even purchased a painting for me to always have the memory around. 
• The very next day after we landed at midnight from our Beaver Creek trip, you started your very first day of school. You loved Mrs. Stephanie and Mrs. Tiffany so, but you and Mrs. Stephanie really bonded. I felt at ease leaving you with someone who truly loved you for you. The spunky, spirited, silly you. You really thrived in school. I think I only received one bad report. I think you bit someone. Other than that, you are really truly sweet, caring, loving and kind to other children. I love this about you. Always concerned for their well being if they fall, get hurt, sad, mad, etc. You really thrived in your learning also. By week 2, (you were 2 years and 3 months) you mastered your ABC's. The same ABC's you I had been singing to you at nauseam for years. For almost a year, you sang LMNOPeas and I never had the heart to correct you. I loved it so. You mastered counting to 13, your colors and learning letter and number recognition too. 
• Right after Mommy and Daddy dropped you off on your first day of school, we went and closed on our second home together - Lake Gardens. That night we had a sushi picnic on the floor in our new home to celebrate. We moved to Kingwood just a mere 3 weeks later. This was such a special city to me. We only lived there for 10 months but Kingwood and our gorgeous home with such a peaceful backyard will always be dear to me. I loved our life there and you loved 'Eme's house' as you affectionately called it. We lived a very full life in that wonderful town and home in only 10 months. 
• On October 16th, God blessed us with the greatest gift - Giselle Laine Simpson. With just three days notice, you became a big sister and you fell in love with her instantly. The moment you met her brought me to my knees. It was a dream come true for me on so many levels to give you a sibling, but to be able to give you a sister and best friend for life means everything to me. You've been the sweetest big sister and she has helped you mature so much. She idolizes you and you are completely in love with her. I'm so proud of you both and the strength of your bond. It's been incredible to witness day in and day out. 
• Your sister's nickname was supposed to be 'Elle', but you gave her the name 'Selle' and it stuck. For better or for worse, it's her name in our home. She might not like you for this later, but I love that you named her. 
• Your favorite holiday this year was Halloween. We were a rag doll family and I have to admit, we were pretty darn cute. You were obsessed with all things scary, dressing up, the movies, the books, and the candy too of course. You loved it all! And we celebrated big in true mommy style. You know I love to celebrate holidays! I introduced you to Hocus Pocus and it's been a favorite movie since. 
• Your F's are pronounced as P's and your L's are pronounced as R's and your R's pronounced as W's. I can't correct you because I know one day very soon you can say all of your words correctly. I love when you say 'coppee' and 'goopy' among many others. 
• We celebrated your 3rd Christmas and it's was our best yet. New house, new baby and so many incredible memories. I'll never forget that day and holiday season with you. The magic I saw in your eyes will stay with me forever. It was this Christmas that you became smitten with Kevin McCalister and the movie Home Alone. You started acting out the bathroom scene which you affectionately call, 'shampoo, ahh!!'. We've laughed at this dozens of times and it doesn't get old. 
• We rang in the new year with you and you were fascinated with the 'sparkeys' and confetti filled count down you and I shared. We loved making you a part of our New Year celebrations. 2015 was the start of something special. Might just be our best year yet!
• You are resourceful I tell you. One day soon after we moved into Lake Gardens, you pushed your hamper all the way from your room to the fridge, climbed up, unlocked the lock, broke in and stole your beloved berries and bacon. Only after all this mess plus playing in sister's bottles did you yell for help. We knew then we were really in trouble with you. Plus, a few days later, you broke into sister's teething meds and ate the whole bottle. In came the door lock and the hallway gate. Fixed you right up! You really seemed to appreciate it and sleep better at night too. You were no longer staying up and dreaming of things you could get into while mommy and daddy were sleeping. 
• In 2015 we had the loveliest Valentine's day and sweetest Easter too. Daddy dressed up as the Easter bunny, you saw his arm pop out and the surprise was ruined. You shouted, 'it's daddy in the costume!'. You weren't even three yet and we screwed that one up... Hopefully you will forget... But if not, we've laughed about that day and moment so many times. It was worth it!
• On April 10th, Daddy quit the job he hated and accepted his dream job as CFO for Luxe Energy in Austin. It was the open door we've always dreamed of and the start of many new adventures. The first being able to enjoy Daddy home with us for three whole months as he waited the start of his new career. We found our dream house in Austin during this time, travelled to California, played at home with you two and took many a trip to Austin to plan out our new life there. It was so busy, but so nice to have Daddy home with us to experience it all with him. 
• On April 27th, we finalized your sister's adoption and she became your official sister forever and ever, amen. It was certainly one of the happiest days of our lives. Even for you!
• Shortly after we finalized Giselle's adoption she became your best friend and so did I. You proclaim every single day that, 'Mommy, Mimi and Selle are my best fwiends!'. I just love it. You are my best 'fwiend' too, but I'm still your mommy first. 
• And just like that, the year was over. You are three now. Three has been hard on my mommy's heart. I love watching you grown and experience life, but I down right hate how fast time is moving. I guess that's what motherhood is all about - nostalgia and grace. I've got the nostalgia part down, but grace on the other hand I take day by day. You thankfully give me lots of free passes and you love me no matter what. It's a beautiful thing your love for me. We celebrated you turning three by taking you and your sister to a night away in Galveston. We went to the beach on your last day as a two year old and had the best day. Afterward, we had dinner as a family and then we went to the hotel lounge and let you stay up way past your bedtime while we enjoyed listening to the pianist play Micky Mouse for you and we enjoyed a dessert together - you picked pie (our favorite!). It was the sweetest night. The next day you turned three! We started the morning with donuts, lots of Happy Birthday singing and presents. We then went down to the pool and spent hours there before heading to Mimi and Poppa's to celebrate with them. 
• The very next day, you had the most fun Farmer's Market party (inspired by your love of the farmer's market we went to in California) with all of your friends. We had a bounce house, a clown and lots of sweets and yummy food daddy made for us. It was a blast and I'm not sure how we'll top it next year. But you know me, I gotta try!

And here are some of your very favorite things in your third year of life - baking with me, playing in the sprinkler, movies, books, play dates with our friends, taking Oskar and George on walks, jumping on the trampoline Mimi and Poppa got you for your 2nd birthday, dresses and accessories, playing dress-up, Elmo, footprint art, picnics, nature walks, and your best fwiends - Weston, Ben and Joe, Mila and Luca, Sebastian, and McKinley.

Emeline, I want you to know how very much I love you. You, your sister and your daddy are the first thought I have when I wake up in the morning and the last thought I have before I shut my eyes at night. You three are my everything and I find such great purpose as wife and mother to you two. But you my love, are truly something special. You tell me you love me at least 20 times a day. Maybe more. Probably more. I find my greatest joy in surprising you and your sister and making this childhood of yours as magical as I possibly can. I might be ruining you for your future husband, but you know what, I'm also raising you to be truly grateful for it. You know how hard I work to make this life special for you and honestly, you make me feel so loved and treasured by you. All the ways you tell me 'thank you' and that I'm the, 'best mommy ever' make me feel more loved, more treasured and like you are more grateful for me than anyone else in my life. You have no idea how special you make me feel. Thank you for lifting me up and making me feel so very loved by you. You have the sweetest and kindest heart. I love you 'way way more than you know'. And I always will. 

Forever and always, 

Mommy, Daddy, 'Selle', Oskar and George

Giselle is Seven Months Old

Dear Giselle,

Our littlest love. My are you precious and oh so sweet. You are filled with love and snuggles and boy do you love your mommy time. Every where I go, you want to go to and if you can't, you follow me with your beautiful blue eyes. Your personality is really starting to shine and you are one silly giggly girl!

Here's a peek into your world at 7 months old:

• Once you learned to sit, you worked long and hard to figure out how to go from sitting to your tummy and it wasn't long after a few play sessions on the floor and your desire you reach a toy that you mastered both going from tummy to sitting and sitting to tummy. Just one more way you are able to reach anything you want!
• You are babbling pretty constantly now and your current favorite baby gibberish is 'babababa'. You can also say, 'hi' and 'hey'. One day I said 'hey' to you and you mimicked me perfectly. I though it was just a fluke and turns out you can really say it! Of course never on command, because well, you are you. Nothing happens on command!
• You love standing holding on to something or mommy and daddy supporting you as you do so. I think a new skill is brewing...
• This month, we also decided (or rather you decided), you were ready for a big girl car seat.  You love it and are so much happier riding around in the car.  
• You've really become ticklish these days.  Your current tickle spots are around your collar bone and inside those sweet chunky thighs of yours.  I can't stop tickling you because I just love that deep belly giggle of yours. 
• We are still making our way through all the veggies you can eat.  We have tried sweet potatoes, avocado, cauliflower, peas, carrots, broccoli, butternut squash and squash.  So far, you love them all except those pesky avocados.  You have also eaten bananas, all berries and tried those infamous puffs that every baby loves.  
• You eat solids twice a day now and take 4 - 8 oz bottles. 
• Bath time starts around 7:30 pm and we play for a while, then get you ready for bed, then play some more, read you a story or two and soon after, you are off to dreamland by 8:00 pm.  
• You sleep for a solid 11 hours and are up by 7:00 am -7:30 am. 
• You are finally a good napper! You take a 1.5 hour nap 2 hours after you wake up, a 1 hour nap around 1 pm and a 1 hour nap around 4 pm. 
• This month, you got your first teeth. I'm so glad you got them a bit later in life, but 2 teeth at once - yikes! No teething medicine worked. The only solution was you on my chest. I was happy to forgo sleep just to make you comfortable. At first I was sad to see that gummy smile of yours go, but I have to say, you are even cuter with your two bottom teeth. Smiley, that smile of yours melts me and way I get it. 
• This month, we also went on your very first trip to the beach to celebrate your sister's 3rd birthday. We had tons of fun, but the waves and the heat put you right to sleep and you slept through all the fun! Next year you will be right in the mix!

Gosh Giselle, your babyhood is passing me by like no other time in my life. I want to savor every second I have with squishy kissable little you. You are the sweetest, happiest little baby and I never want to forget anything about this season of my life. It's tough. Oh so tough with two babies 3 and under, but I as your mommy am very blessed to have two amazing little princesses whom I treasure with all my heart. You are perfect to me in every single way and I love you way way more than you will ever know. 

You are our sunshine,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(and Oskar and George too)

Giselle is Six Months Old

Dear Giselle, 

Happy 6 months to our little sunshine! You are the bright shining light in all of our lives. Giselle, your face lights up with just a look in your direction, you have the absolute best belly laugh and who can resist those rolls. You are a momma's girl, you love your food and you love your sister even more. We have one smart, beautiful and full of personality little baby on our hands. We couldn't be more blessed by you our little angel. 

Here's a peek into your world at 6 months old:

• Your biggest milestone this month is that you are able to sit on your own now. When you accomplish something new, your face lights up and you smile the biggest smile. You are so proud of yourself and we as your parents are even more proud of you. 
• You can now hold your own bottle and feed yourself finger foods. You have gone from a little helpless baby to an independent baby in a blink of an eye. Although, you would always rather mommy or daddy's help than to do it yourself. I can live with that. 
• You have started to fuss a bit when your sister takes away a toy from you. She's generally a good sharer, but she's a toddler... Don't blame her just yet.
• You are really discovering your voice this month. It made my heart so happy to hear you say 'ma-ma' the other day when you were fussing a bit. You have done it several times since. You can also say, 'ba-ba', 'da-da', 'ah-goo' and 'ah-boo'. You also love to squeal in excitement to see how loud you can get. 
• You still love to stand and are getting really good at standing with less and less support. 
• You are a bit spoiled my love and still love for mommy to carry you everywhere. We are both happy heart-to-heart when I carry you in the ergo. I think you could stay there for hours on end. 
• Crawling is soon. When we lay you down on the floor, you can scoot around forward and backward and side-side to get whatever toy may be out of your reach. 
• Speaking of reach, your reach must be 3ft. Nothing can be anywhere in the vicinity of little you because you will find a way to reach it. Silly girl. Your hand-eye coordination is sharp!
• You have also started reaching for mommy to pick you up and each time, my heart just melts. 
• Emeline is your absolute best friend. She can do anything for you and you giggle your best deepest giggle. You idolize her and she you. Nothing makes me happier than to see the connection you two have already. 
• You take 3 naps a day and the length always varies (30 min - 1.5 hours), but you seem to take your longest nap in the morning exactly 2 hours from when you wake up.  All your naps are exactly 2 hours after you wake up from the last. 
• Your bath is full of toys and bubbles to make it more fun and more of a sensory experience for you.  You love both, but still just really love to splash about by kicking your feet with your sister.
• Bedtime is at 8:30 sharp these days and our bedtime routine is much the same with family story time in Emeline's bed before we kiss your sweet lips goodnight. 
• Weight - 19 lbs Height - 27 in
• You are in size 12-18 month clothes already! Where did my little baby go?! 
• You have also really started to get hair this month. It is the most beautiful shade of auburn. Giselle my beauty, you are going to be a knockout with those blue eyes and auburn hair. 
• Your personality is the sweetest. You are loving, bubbly, sweet, shy, a bit sensitive, determined and silly. 

6 months ago today, we were blessed with the absolute greatest gift. Everyday, I'm so honored and thankful your birth-mom chose us to raise you baby girl. You are our entire world. Happy 1/2 Birthday my little buttercup.  It's been the best 6 months of my life. 

We love you to the ends of the earth and back,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(and Oskar and George, too!)