Emma Mae

Yesterday we headed to Carly's mom's house in celebration of a very special event. Emma's first birthday. Wow. Where has the year gone? Seems like yesterday I was waddling over to Carly's to meet Miss Emma for the first time. At 8 pounds, 5 ounces, I thought she was tiny. Boy was I in for a rude awakening! HA! Since conception, Emma's been my measure baby. I'd bounce questions off of Carly who was 2.5 months further along in pregnancy than I was. It was so helpful to know I wasn't going through it alone. And then when Emma was born, she became the milestone baby. I'd ask Carly what she was up to at various times and ask her if what Gideon was doing was normal. Thank goodness for Emma! She, and her mom, saved me a lot of heartache and worry! But what I find most special about Emma is watching her grow, just like Gideon. Watching her little personality start to emerge as she takes on the world. Listening to her jibber jabber is precious, and she's so sweet with everything she does. She is so much all girl compared to my boy. So yesterday, we piled the car with pink packaging and headed to Ginger's to celebrate. I hadn't been to Carly's mom's house since high school probably. And I'm sure we were up to no good the last time I was there! It was fun walking down memory lane in Ginger's big ol' house. Except now it is replaced with photographs of grandchildren where other family photos used to rest. And Ginger herself is still as sweet and wonderful as ever. With a grandmother like that, and mother like Carly, little Emma stands to be one heck of a woman. It was so awesome watching her do so much now. She's walking, fast. And talking up a storm. And she's so darn cute! I love watching her interact with her family. She loves her big brother and sister so much. But man, watching her with them- seems they were that size yesterday. Time doesn't fly, it warp speeds. We purchased several baby appropriate gifts for little Emma, and a special one. A locket. I put both babies pictures in it, silly as it is. I wanted Emma to have something special from her first birthday. I hope one day when she's a bit older, she'll wear the locket and know that there are wonderful friends who think she's quite a special person. And who love her dearly. Some folks joked that she'd wear it at their wedding, hers and Gideon's. We all laughed. Truth is, I never expected to have babies with my best friend, so maybe it could happen? Who knows. I only hope it serves as a reminder to her that all of her hopes and dreams can come true if she works hard, prays harder and has faith. She is a remarkable little girl already, and I can't wait to see where life's journeys take her. I am blessed with a wonderful friend in Carly, and hope Emma finds the same.