repeat.

My mom gave Emme a new treasure. A key chain with a little, blue phone dangling from it. This lovely little trinket comes equipped with a "record" button...

A hundred laughs echoed from my mom's house, during the car ride home, and did not cease until she drifted off to sleep tonight. I hope she got her fill of the word "fart" for a while. 

just one.

With Delaney snug in her crib, Emme & I bid toot-a-loo to Clay and hopped in the car for a late night spin through DQ's drive thru. I couldn't help but notice a little extra bounce in Emme's steps as she and I headed to  the car. I have to admit, I was a bit excited, too. To see the smile spread across her face when I told her it would just be her & I going to get ice cream made my heart overjoyed and slightly sad at the same time.

Since becoming a big sister, Emme has had her fair share of challenges. Mainly, sharing my affection with another little person. But for the most part, she has really stepped up to the plate and is my little helper and one terrific big sis. Often times, I forget that it was her world that was drastically changed when Delaney joined our gang.

So tonight, as we were driving, I heard Emme's sleepy voice peep up from the back seat-

    Emme: "Mom, it's just Mom and Emme in the car. You and me!"
    Me: "Yep, buddy, you and me."
    Emme: "This is pretty special."
    Me: "It sure is, kiddo."

Thank goodness for the cover of night, I teared-up. Just going to get ice cream without little sis in tow was such a big deal to Emme.

Back at the house, Emme plopped in the middle of the couch, between Clay & I. We were eating our ice cream when Emme said, "You know what, guys? It's just Mom & Dad and one kid, me!" Clay smiled and gave me a knowing look over the top of Emme's head, "Yep, buddy, just you."

growed-up.

Sitting at the dinner table a few nights ago, Emme was very interested in the idea of when she is a "growed-up". Typically, when this topic arises, Emme will focus on the ideas that as a grown-up she will get married or drive a car or use a sharp knife to cut her own food. Obviously these are all things she sees good ol' mom & dad modeling.
During this particular conversation Emme sits up in her chair, gesturing with one hand and says, "Mom & Dad, when I'm a growed-up I am going to drink beer." Clay & I share a smile and I giggle a little as a beer sits in front of both our dinner plates. I acknowledge her statement and reassure her that, yes, she may drink beer when she is 21. Then Emme says, "And, Mom & Dad, when I'm a growed-up I'm going to say, 'sh*t'."

I guess mom & dad need to model a better language filter. Oops.