Transition has not been easy on little guy

The last 5 months I feel have gone exceptionally well. Anya is predictable and already sleeping through the night. We're more experienced parents and the confidence level doesn't even come close between the two children. Sometimes I feel the mom guilt with Emmett wishing he had me as the mom I am today right from the start.

The toughest transition is watching Emmett go from 'the world revolves around me' to 'why do I have to share my parents with her?' I'll never forget an hour after Anya was born he turned to the room full of people and exclaimed, "I don't want to be a big brother anymore!" There was a chuckle or two, but inside I felt sadness for him and the loss of being the only child. Even though we all know it's good for him one cannot help but empathize and being his mom, well, how can I not hurt seeing him this way?

Witnessing Emmett pull her hair or drop a cup on her head was brutal. Mama Bear came out in me and for the first time, I found myself yelling at one child to protect the other. I think this is taboo talk for many, but I had to figure out what to do and that meant consulting his teacher, Nan. Nan is the toddler guru of WA state and she truly is a saint. She eased my concern by letting me know "yelling is common" and "don't beat yourself up". We agree Emmett is a bright boy and can use his words to communicate his emotions.

Immediately, I share with Emmett my love for him and how I know this is not easy on any of us. I said when he feels these emotions to tell me rather than taking it out on Anya. A day or two later, he said to me, "mommy, it's hard having a baby sister." I asked him, "what can we do to make it easier for you?" His reponse, "more hugs and kisses."

I could not have been happier and more pleased! I told him how proud I was of him and how much I love him. I see this as my gateway to LOTS and LOTS of affection with my growing boy. Of course, I started going bananas with hugs and kisses. Now all I hear, "mom, too much love...too much love!"

We're making progress. Emmett loves his sister and regularly calls her "my baby". These two will be play pals in no time!

Memorable Desert Hike

This is one of those photos you will forever cherish just like the last one of Emmett mid-air jumping into the pool. Life is good.

Can Emmett be any happier?!

The importance of vacations with swimming pools for toddlers...

Palm Springs is where it's at!

Emmett had so much fun on this trip. All of us did so much so we had frowns on our faces the last day. Emmett said, "I don't want it to be over". How can you blame him and frankly, we feel the same way, too. Having a pool at the house was the secret to a highly successful trip. There was never a dull moment to say the least and we always had something fun to do. His swimsuit with a built in vest was a life saver (no pun intended) as we could sit on the side, cheer him on, while not having to live in the pool. If he had it his way, he would sleep outside just so he could be closer to the water.

My most favorite shots are with Emmett and Daddy playing in the pool. Both of them love it so much! This is not only a trip we want to do again in the future, but our hearts are content and thrilled with the idea of coming back to this home on El Camino Way one day.