Winthrop with our Dear Friends

This makes Emmett's 4th trip out to the Methow Valley. I guess that goes for us as well. We're fortunate to experience 40 acres of pristine mountain top land in a modern home that is "off the grid" courtesy of the Fredlunds and Overman families. It's deep in the North Cascades and worth the drive for the spectacular views and simply get-away-from-it-all experience.

Going this year with our wonderful friends, The Cugiers and Keegans, was the best! We have many fond memories from the Cugiers car not making it up Uphill Road, creating our own luge/sled course, defending ourselves and kin from vicious wasps (only 3 stings!) and cheering on the Saints at Sun Mountain Lodge for Superbowl Sunday. I think my favorite memory is Emmett creating his own man-made sled by simply rippin' it down the hill on his belly. He was in heaven and so were we!

Emmett's Video Again...Mama Reminiceses

Emmett is on my lap right now as we sit and enjoy You Tube clips. Our most favorite by far and always will be the one we created when our boy was just 6 months. As I watch this, I think about Anya being the same age today and I tear up. How can our precious babies grow this fast? I am reminded to simply enjoy the ride each and every day because they'll be grown up soon enough.

Enjoy this again if you've seen it before or sit back and smile if its your first time!

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...