Emma Jewel Newsletter Vol. 23 (8/30/2004)

We are starting to see a prelude to "young lady" Miss Emma and less and less of 
"baby" Emma.  She has started reaching for things that are unfamiliar to her so
she can explore.  She is passing things back and forth between her hands, rolling 
over all the time, and even tolerating being on her stomach for longer and longer
periods of time.  Also, she is communicating more now with squeals and laughter.
Before, she would cry out or squeal more as a reflex to frustration.  But, now
she is using it on purpose as a way to get what she wants...and fast!  It is 
hard to explain, but has been quite amazing to watch.  

She is also enjoying Momma and Daddy "walking" her around.  We hold her up while
she paddles about the floor on her feet.  You can tell she is already getting the 
need to move about on her own.  Walking and crawling are still a ways off, but 
she is working towards it.

We have turned her around in the papoose.  Up until this week, we have carried 
her tummy to tummy.  But, her head control is so good now, that we turned her
around.  She is liking facing forward much better.  She can see so much more.  

Miss Emma has washed her hands for the first time big girl style.  She and I had
been out in the back yard picking up stuff.  (Ok...Miss Emma was more supervising.)
When we came inside, I washed my hands, and stuck her hands under the faucet to wash
them, too.  She really liked it.  She always enjoys her bath and this mini-bath
was a nice treat. 

Miss Emma is afraid of naps.  When she realizes she is going to sleep, it 
sends her into sobbs.  She often fights it until she just falls out.  Even rocking
and walking don't always fix it because she just doesn't want to sleep even though
her little eye lids are lead weights.

One of Miss Emma's favorite past times is watching the chicky babies.  We have
about 30 new chicks running about the yard.  She finds them endlessly fascinating.  

The other day, she and I went to Office Depot to pick up a few items.  Nearly the 
entire time we were in the store, she was smiling.  We go there often with her Daddy.
I think we had been there so much that she thinks it is our second home.  The news
of this thrilled Joseph.  :)

We try to go out to the pond and feed the fish most everyday.  Miss Emma always finds
that fun.  She doesn't so much like to watch the fish as she does the leaves on 
the trees.  

Daddy Joseph has gotten very good at making Miss Emma laugh.  Funny faces and funny 
noises are two of the secret ingredients that he uses.   

We officially have a family portrait.  Our good friend Stan gave us a beautiful frame
with the words "The Dixons" engraved on it.  It has set empty for quite a while, but
recently Joseph and Miss Emma snuck off and printed a family picture to put inside it.
What a good looking bunch of folks!  :)

Momma Kay