Emmy Turns Two

Happy Birthday, Emmy!

Our sweet little girl is now two years old!  She is such a blessing in our lives, and definitely brings a spirit of happiness and love into our home.  Her birthday this year is also kind of symbolic as a final celebration of Emmy before her baby brother gets here in about three weeks.  This is her final few weeks of having Mom and Dad's undivided attention.  I think she plans on making the most of it.

Emmy's birthday was on a Sunday this year, so she got to spend some of it with her friends in nursery!  The day before, we had a little party for her at home.  We decided that it probably wasn't the best decision to have Cory climbing up on chairs to hang decorations, so I dutifully took orders executing her festive vision.

It's amazing how a few balloons and some streamers can really make an occasion feel special.  Emmy immediately noticed all the decorations when she woke up in the morning, and was continually asking the play with the balloons.

Cory made an awesome cake for the party.  She is always great at this kind of stuff, and I am glad my kids have a mom who will always make them feel special with loving efforts like this party.

We had lots of family come into town for the party.  Grandma Buzz helped Emmy put on her party hat.  Anyone who knows Emmy, knows she does not do hats.  This one was off her head in less than a minute.  

Anna and Cohen also came into town, and having Cohen there may have been the best birthday present Emmy could ask for.  She loves that little guy.  Grandpa Wayne and Mimi K also came, along with Emmy's three uncles, Davis, Noah, and Logan.  In our little apartment, it was quite the crowd, but it was nice to have so many people there for Emmy.

Emmy wanted to do everything with Cohen.  She was waking up and asking for Cohen first thing in the morning, and it was the last thing she was asking before going to sleep.  They got a lot of good time together.  If Emmy loves her little brother even half as much as she adores Cohen, then our little guy will be pretty lucky.  On another note, Cory scolded me for eating too many of Cohen's snack puffs.  It was humiliating and I will never forgive her.  Anywho, moving on...

Emmy loved blowing out her candles, and we loved singing "Happy Birthday" as Mom brought out the cake.

Like I mentioned, Emmy was pretty content doing any activity that involved her little cousin.  They had some playtime and then a bath, before snuggling up before bed.  Well, Emmy thought they were snuggling.  I'm not sure what Cohen was thinking.

It was fun watching these two babes play and develop their relationship, and it was fun to have family in town to celebrate out little Miss Emmy Rae.  Best. Birthday. Ever.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Baby Boy Baby Shower

After making a move mid-pregnancy, I didn't expect to have a shower this time around.  The ward we moved into has had so many babies born this year and tons of people moving in that we figured everyone was just trying to keep up with all the new faces.

I was really touched when a sweet girl in my ward offered to throw me a shower.  It is so nice when people you hardly know go out of their way to make you feel special and cared for.  My visiting teachers also helped out and I was so glad that they took the time to help shower me as I prepared to welcome my little baby boy into the world.

We played a baby scavenger hunt, with all things having to start with the Letter C for Baby Calvin.

Anna and I posing for a photo op.  She, Cohen, and my mom were all in town for Emmy's birthday that was also this weekend.  I am so glad that they were able to come to both festivities.

Love this picture of everyone sitting around chatting.  The baby shower was at the home of a family in our ward that has a beautiful home.  It was all decked out for Halloween and fall and it was so cute to look at all the neat little touches she had.  Very fun to have it as the backdrop for the sweet shower the ladies threw.

I call this one...pumpkin smuggler.

While Anna, Mom and I enjoyed the shower, Uncle Sean was on baby duty.  He took care of Cohen and Emmy while we were gone and took full advantage of the opportunity to try out our new double stroller. 

Cohen liked it so much he fell asleep!  He was thrilled to head to the mall playground.

Emmy and Cohen enjoying some cousin playtime.

The double stroller in all its glory.  Can't wait to be seen all around Dallas rocking this thing!

Sunday Picnic

A beautiful Sunday afternoon made us feel like getting out of the house and eating lunch by the water.  There is a pretty little lake with a great walking path a short drive from where we live and it has tons of new apartment complexes all around.  We headed over to check it out and see if we could find a good spot for a picnic.

Taking in the view from a well placed bench.

Emmy liked going right up to the edge to see the water, and Mom was scared and panicked the whole time.  You can't tell from the picture but the water is about a 3 foot drop from the edge and is not meant for swimming.  Sean took every opportunity to tease and pretend to fall in, just like any good husband would!

Emmy gave in to Mommy pleading with her to get some pics together.  It's rare that these two get a shot of just the two of them so Mom took advantage of  the opportunity.

Big cheesy grin from Miss Emmy

Emmy posing with her picnic snacks.  She is a big time grape lover and can never resist a PB&J.

Double Stroller

With Baby Calvin soon to be joining the family we had to make some upgrades in the stroller department.  We have had our eye on this beauty for quite a while.  Has tons of seating options, fits with the car seat we already have and let's be honest...looks totally boss!

Sean took the evening to put it together while Emmy tried to help and give him pointers, she was mostly helpful...

Coming up with a game plan.

"Are you sure that goes there Daddy?"

Emmy testing out her new shade canopy.

The final product, way to go Dad!  Sean is too proud of his soon to be upgraded Daddy status.

Emmy was very excited to sit in the stroller and was upset it was too late to go for a stroll.  She probably would have sat in that thing the rest of the night.  Success, and she can't wait to share with Baby Calvin.

Rangers vs. Angels

We scored an awesome deal on tickets to see the Angels play here in Dallas.  Sean sported his Trout Jersey and I decided to side with my Texas roots and cheer on the Rangers.  Emmy said she just hoped everyone could have fun and that there would be lots of hot dog eating going on.

Neither of us had ever been to a Texas Rangers game so we scouted out parking, some good tickets, and even scored a game on $1 hot dog night!

Dad wore his Trout Jersey proudly even with all the Rangers fans swarming us!  We walked about 1/4 mile to get to the stadium and Emmy always prefers a ride on Daddy's shoulders.  Plus you can't beat the view!

More father and daughter cuteness.

The stands around us were pretty empty so we had plenty of room to enjoy the game.  I kept trying to coach Emmy to cheer for our Rangers!  We are Rangers girls!

Miss Emmy loved eating her hot dog.  With it only being a dollar, we ended up buying her a second one and Daddy helped her eat it.  He always helps her eat her yummy food.

A house divided.  Even though we were cheering for separate teams, we had to take a family selfie.

Love these two cuties!

Emmy loved cheering, and clapping and dancing to the music.  

Daddy's lap made for one of the best seats in the house!  Dad was excited to see a Trout home run, and the Angels won!  It's OK, because my Rangers are in 1st place!

Aunt Sarah Visits

Emmy got lucky and had a special visit from her Aunt Sarah!  She came all the way from California to see us here in our new home in Texas.

The weeks consisted of swimming, plane watching, getting a visit from Uncle Davis as well, and lots of fun times as we wound down the summer.  It is still super hot in Texas so summer seems like it hasn't ended.  Aunt Sarah was in shock, and our A/C even went out in the car while she was visiting, so it was extra hot just for her!!

On our way home from the pool!

Emmy tried on some of her Tinkerbell costume so Aunt Sarah could be sure it was authentic.  

Can't wait for Halloween!

We also headed downtown to walk around Klyde Warren Park and ride the M-line trolley!

Emmy was snuggled up with Aunt Sarah while we waited to see

planes fly over at the Love Field Airport.  Emmy also wanted to hold hands with Uncle Davis.

Short, but fun visit and we can't wait for Aunt Sarah to come back in January to meet  new baby brother!

USC vs. Alabama

Big Daddy Mike spent Labor Day weekend with us and Emmy loved having Grandpa around to play with.  We headed to Lone Star Donuts for some treats.  We have been a few times to this place and it has become a bit of a favorite for us on Saturday mornings!

Emmy always loves the powdered donuts!

The real reason, though, that Grandpa came into town, was to attend the USC-Alabama game at AT&T Stadium.  It was the college football season opener, and a huge game for USC against the defending national champions.  Dad and I left our apartment 2.5 hours before kickoff to give ourselves plenty of time to make it to the stadium.  On a normal day it would only take us about 20-25 minutes.  Well, we headed down the highway with Dad's USC flag waving proudly on top of the car.  Unfortunately, about 5 minutes into the trip, the flag was ripped off the pole and lost forever in the Texas brush.  It was an omen for the rest of the day.  When we were about 3 miles away from the stadium we hit a wall of traffic and spent the next 2 hours crawling along until we got to the parking lot.  After leaving 2.5 hours early, we got to our seats in the middle of the National Anthem.

The venue was absolutely massive.  Our entire half of the stadium seemed to be full of USC fans.  I was surprised how many of us there were.

The other side was packed with Alabama fans, and they were loud.  

The first quarter of the game was absolutely electric.  Every big play elicited the roar of the crowd, and it was really fun.  The next three quarters?  USC was dominated.  It wasn't even close.  Alabama looked like they were playing a high school JV team.  We left in the middle of the 4th quarter.  

To console ourselves, we grabbed some Jack-in-the-Box tacos.  I'm glad I got to go to the game with my Dad, even though our Trojans got beat down.  Fight on!

Emmy didn't know or care that Grandpa's team was humiliated!  She loved having him around to sing and play with her.  Thanks for coming to visit, Big Daddy!

Baby Boy Gilmore

Got to get an extra sonogram in since I moved doctor's and she wanted me to see her ultrasound tech first thing after our appt.  Super exciting!  Latest pic of our little guy.  He was doing sucky lips when we first saw him, it was super cute.  

Everything is looking super great.  He has all his fingers and toes and is growing perfectly!  So fun to get to see him!

Emmy and Mommy Visit Utah

With Sean starting back up at work and great prices on flights to Utah, Emmy and I decided to take a trip up to Utah while we had a chance to see lots of people we love!

I had a roommate from college getting married and Anna, Jake, and Cohen were back home from Seattle for the summer.  Not to mention, Gigi Page wanted to make the trip down to sneak in some time with Emmy.  Grandma Paula came down right after to get in some special time as well.  We got to see so many wonderful people and it was a great way to close off the summer!

My best friends from college were all gathering in South Jordan for an Open House on Friday night.  I knew there would be many wonderful reunions with some of my greatest friends.  It was such a great night and I was glad we made the effort to be there.  Besides getting to see Stephanie Lee, the beautiful bride, and meeting her new husband, I also got to catch up with Jenessa, her new husband and parents, Summer and her adorable family, and Kylie.  It was a great night with such wonderful people who mean so much to me!

Emmy had tons of fun running around and playing with all the other kids, and even got to eat a snowcone!  I am about 7 months pregnant, and shocked everyone with my growing baby belly.

GiGi Page drove down from Wyoming and picked us up from the airport.  She spent Friday to Saturday spoiling Emmy and getting in some much needed grandma time!  They ate yummy breakfast at Waffle Love and took Emmy to the Disney store where she ran around yelling all the characters she recognized.  She was in Heaven!  

After GiGi left we spent the rest of the weekend and week with Anna, Jake, Cohen and Grandma Paula.  Emmy was smitten with Cohen and was always sad when it was time for him to go to bed or for her to go to bed as well.  She never likes to miss out on time with her friends.  At night she would call out for Uncle Jake or Aunt Anna or Grandma to come and get her.  When she would wake up in the morning the first thing out of her mouth would be, "Cohen?"  She liked holding him, patting his head, and telling him, "no, no, no!" if he was encroaching on her toys.  By the end of the week Cohen was chasing her around the house and trying to climb up on her and play.  Emmy wanted to do everything Cohen did and would even lay down on the changing mat and ask for diaper changes after Cohen was done.  She is hilarious!

Cutest little cousins having too much fun together!

Random pic of Emmy in Cohen's high chair.  The yogurt we got her was super thin for some reason and she decided drinking it would be the better option.

Cute vid of Emmy having too much fun with Cohen.

Of course, after Grandma Paula and GiGi Page left she would be asking about them all day.  I am telling you the girl has some serious FOMO!  

Big thanks to Jake and Anna for hosting us and taking good care of us while we were far from home.  We had a blast and Emmy misses Cohen already, but we are excited to see Daddy!

Queen of the Mountain

Now that I am working full time again, weekends feel like weekends!  We have been watching the Rio Olympics every day since they started, but we wanted to get out of the house a little on our Saturday, too!  There is a big play area at the Galleria mall just about 15 minutes away from where we live.  Emmy always likes playing with other kids, so it works perfectly to take her.  To our surprise, when we got there, Slappy and Monday were putting on a show.  They are a couple of vaudeville clowns that perform at the Galleria every Saturday morning.  It was a great little show, and Emmy seemed entertained.

Once the show was over, we headed to the play area.  Emmy climbed up onto the small rock mountain for the first time and wouldn't come down.  She stayed up there as Queen of the Mountain until we told her we had to leave.  We had planned to go to Sam's Club for some samples.  Emmy now recognizes the word "samples" and didn't need much convincing to leave the mall.

Emmy can actually say "samples" pretty well, which catches a lot of the Sam's Club sample station workers by surprise.  As we approach, Emmy almost always yells out "SAMPLES" and the workers laugh and offer her one.  Emmy is especially helpful when the workers don't have their samples out yet, because she lights a little fire under them, and we can just smile, as if to say, "Sorry, she is just really excited about samples..."  Then we wait there so Emmy can keep putting pressure on them to get the samples ready faster.  It is a pretty effective system.  Successful Saturday!

Cool Girl, Emmy

Emmy wants to be just like Mom and Dad.  

So when we all put on our glasses to run errands, she has to be a part of the gang.

This is Emmy trying to keep it cool in hot, hot Dallas!

UT Southwestern

Summer vacation is finally over.  I loved having so much time at home, but have anxiously awaited the first day of my administrative fellowship with UT Southwestern Medical Center.  Today is that day!  I will be working primarily at the brand new Clements University Hospital.  It really is a state-of-the-art facility.  This is going to be a fantastic way to start my career, and I am excited for the next 18 months in this fellowship.