Family conversations

While changing Henry's diaper.
Paul: Hey momma, Emma put diaper cream on Henry's butt.
Emma: Yeah!
Paul: Maybe this can be your job from now on Emma.

After Emma threw a rosary at Henry.
Samantha: Emma, we do NOT throw Jesus.

After a long day when I was tapped out.
Samantha: Eating a bowl of cereal and a glass of rosé.
Paul: HOW can you have milk and wine together.
Samantha: Spoon to mouth. Like this.

Emma: When I grow up, I want to be a mommy. 

While reading my Bible in bed one evening.
Emma: runs and grabs her own Bible and sits down next to me
Emma: Dear Jesus, help Jesus. Come to our home. Thank you for our blessings. Don't worry Jesus, I'm right here. 

After I sprained my foot and was elevating it in bed.
Emma: Are you okay momma? Don't worry, I'm always here. I'm going to close your door so you can have some quiet time. Tell me if you need anything. Shuts the door. 

Something crashes in another room.
Emma yelling from the other room: I'm not doing bad things!

Henry crying.
Emma: I didn't hit him. Or head butt him. Or kick him.

Getting ready for a Labor Day BBQ. 
Emma: I want to wear a dress to the party.
Samantha: I want to wear one too. Should daddy wear one? What about Henry?
Emma: No momma. Henry doesn't have any dresses, he's too small. And daddy is too tall!
Emma: Just me, because I'm a big girl.

Emma noticing that our bed was not made.
Emma: Oh my goodness daddy! You didn't make your bed! 

While leaving the shopping center parking lot.
Emma: BYE AFRICA!

Henry's first day of pre-school

And a new class for Emma!

Henry started pre-school today. He's in a class of one to two year-olds and he looks oh so tiny compared to those giant 18 month-olds. He was crying at drop off but his new teachers said he had a great day and I'm sobbing thinking about my two TODDLERS. 

*Insert sobbing emoji here.*

Emma showed him the ropes and Paul and I are looking forward to ONE drop-off and ONE pick-up. WOOT!

SOBBING. 

(See Emma's first day at the same pre-school last year here.) 

Henry at one year

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRY!

One year ago, at 7:27 pm you sprang forth (<-- ew) earth side and our lives have been forever changed. This has been a year of new adventures and growth of love and gray hairs.

You are such a special little boy -- full of life and energy and sass and laughs and screams and smiles.

He's walking, he's talking (mama, dada, and screaming a lot), and getting into everything. He's already a climber and brings more chaos than I thought was possible for someone so small. But he's the sweetest snuggler. 

What a blessing this boy has been in our lives. I cannot always believe we have these two beautiful children, but there you have it.

Let's look back at this past year shall we...

Happy birthday my sweet boy.

Henry at eleven months

So I'm a bit (a lot) late on this considering Henry turns one (!) in a week, but here are his eleven months photos. 

He's just so cute. 

Emma says

While talking on her pretend cell phone.
Samantha: What are you doing Emma?
Emma: I talkin to Emma's Memaw. (my mother)

While getting ready for school one morning.
Samantha: Emma, how would you like your hair today?
Emma: I don't want it down or in a pony tail.
Emma: I want it crazy. Like a princess.
Samantha: Princesses have crazy hair?
Emma: I need a crown.

Emma is stuffing her face while eating dinner one night.
Samantha: Okay Emma, don't eat too much or you will get a tummy ache.
Emma: Okay mommy.
Emma: Like the caterpillar!

During breakfast one day.
Paul: Hey Emma. Did you know your Auntie Mariah is coming to visit you soon?
Emma: Well, we have to finish breakfast first.

After I spilled my tea all over the kitchen table.
Emma: It's okay mommy. Accidents happen!

On our way to the playground.
Emma: Momma, are we at the playground yet? 
Samantha: No we aren't, but soon.
Emma: Okay. I'll hold my horses.

While Paul and I were in the kitchen we hear.
Emma: MOMMY! DADDY!
Paul and Samantha: What?
Emma: Wipe my butt!
Paul: Can you do it yourself?
Emma: No way.

On the car ride home after Mass when we were trying, and failing, to teach her how to whisper.
Emma: Whisper momma. Like this.
Emma: Watch me whisper! *does not whisper*

After she finally stays in bed all night.
Paul and Samantha: going crazy, jumping up and down, high-fives all around
Samantha: Here is your lollipop!
Emma: Mom, will you hold it? I go potty. I don't want to drop it in the potty.

When Henry was trying to play with her toys.
Emma: Tell baby Henny he can't touch my toys!
Samantha: Why can't he play with them? 
Emma: Because I said so!