Cinco de Avocado

Happy Cinco de Mayo everybody!

Ryan and I thought we'd be clever and miss the crowds by going out to lunch instead of dinner today--yeah right! We got caught in the post-church-non-margarita rush, but with a celebratory outfit like this one, we didn't mind too much! Our friends the McGlowns bought it for E.V. on their honeymoon last year, and we've been patiently waiting for this holiday--which also happens to be their one year anniversary!--to put it to good use. Needless to say, Emma Vance garnered a LOT of attention and was the belle of the Cinco de Mayo ball at La Parilla this afternoon!

There was a bit of a wait, but we didn't mind since E.V. loves to keep us occupied. Everyone commented on how cute she was and how adorable her outfit was, and one of the employees even gave her a beaded necklace (which totally won over E.V.'s affections). When we sat down, I ordered an avocado to feed Emma Vance (and to keep her from complete boredom) even though she had already had her official lunch at home. It's her latest favorite food, and after scarfing down the WHOLE thing, I ordered another half--which also quickly disappeared along with a small bottle and a kids' water! (Can you say "growth spurt?!?") Her mouth was full of food and smiles all during our meal, and we were more than happy to hang out with our little lady in public for a couple hours. She was such a good girl that our server rewarded her with her first balloon, and, man, was she pumped about it!

As we left the restaurant, I laughed at the thought that we can officially declare that Cinco de Mayo is really "Cinco de Avocado"--well, at least in E.V.'s world. :)

Mama No Shower

Oh, what I wouldn't give for Emma Vance to be fully vocal these days!

She's developed this unexplainable little habit over the past month or so that I've titled "Mama No Shower." I try to shower everyday during her first wake time (since I have other things to do during nap time and because if it doesn't happen then, it won't happen) and have done so since she was a newborn. When she was immobile I'd set her in her bouncy chair, and she was content to observe the bathroom around her for that 15 minutes each morning. As she began to crawl and explore, she would just motor around our master bedroom and bathroom, getting into the trash or knocking over laundry--small prices to pay for 15 minutes to myself each day.

HOWEVER, one day it occurred to her that I was in that noisy, steamy shower, and she lost it. I initially thought she had bumped her head or something, so I cut my shower short to tend to her. When I jumped out and picked her up, she stopped crying immediately. I didn't think anything of it until the next day when it happened again! This time she crawled over to the shower, pulled herself up and started banging on the door and bawling. Hmmm. This went on for a week or so, each day getting worse, until I decided to deduce what was causing her all-of-a-sudden-angst. I began by just running the shower to see if it was the noise of the water that bothered her. Nope. The next day I pulled her into the shower with me, thinking she was curious. Definitely not. The third day I stood in the shower fully clothed with no water running. She was happy, and clearly thought I was being silly. I even tried to get Ryan to distract her with playtime while I jumped in the shower. She wasn't fooled. I then resorted to showering with the bathroom door closed, but she'd just bang on the door and sob her heart out until I emerged. Dang.

Everyday, the second I step into the running shower, she freaks out--even if I play with her through the glass, showing her I'm still here. It's become a natural part of our routine, this whole crying-while-I-shower thing. I wish I could tell what she was thinking and WHY she cares if I'm in the shower, but for now I'm happy to imagine her just yelling at me, "Mama no shower!" over and over. :)

"Ooooh! Mama no shower! Mama no shower!"

Baby Dedication

Today Emma Vance was dedicated at North Point Community Church. (A "baby dedication" is a celebration where parents to announce their intentions to raise a child in a Christian home.) It's been a long time coming, with the grandmothers inquiring about a "christening" since before E.V. was even born, and this morning turned out to be a wonderful event where fun was had by all--and most importantly by Emma Vance!

I'll spare you all the mundane details, but it was a lovely event. There was a short service with live music, a slideshow of the babies, and a speaker, then some family discussions at our table followed by a prayer. There were a LOT of tears (happy tears) shed at our table, including those shed by the Aquilios (shocker!). I suppose when it comes to babies and nostalgia, even the toughest of The Donalds doesn't stand a chance. :) Thankfully, throughout the morning Emma Vance was not of the screaming-baby variety, but instead she chose to entertain her captive audience with a tabletop dance, to dote on her family as she was passed around, and to gaze at the big lights and loud music.

Afterwards we had a low-key family lunch at Brookwood Grill in Roswell. The food was good, and the entertainment even better. (Did I mention EMMA VANCE was the entertainment? Ha!) Overall it was a nice little event, and we're happy to have officially introduced Emma Vance into the church. God is good!

E.V.'s gift from North Point for the occasion

(There was a 10 person limit for the event, so Ryan and I sat butt-to-butt on a chair. Talk about a true partnership! ;) )

Hands-down the best picture of the day!

(Here she goes with the tabletop dancing...)

Little miss passed out on the way after the dedication (can't blame her!),
but was up and at 'em the second we walked in to the restaurant!

(Mrs. Emma Vance knitted this little peach caplet for the occasion.)

E.V.'s latest obsession? Clicking her tongue!

My brother, Jon, thoroughly enjoying his cheat day!

(Love this guy so much.)

"Um, hey guys? Where's my food? Guys? GUYS???"

Just chillin', blowin' raspberries...

Such a pretty picture! Too bad 10 seconds later she threw up oatmeal on Aunt Lisa. :/
Aaaaand we're done.

When all was said and done and we were home safely, Emma Vance and I wound down with a bottle and a little Sesame Street. She fell asleep about two minutes after finishing her bottle, and I went downstairs to join my husband...

...or should I say my "other baby?" :) Hey, it was a long day for everyone!