I'm not really sure when I will end the monthly updates on Emily. Fouad and I talked about doing it after she turned two, but she has changed so much even since her 2nd birthday, I feel like I will want to remember the little things that she did month to month. This month was no exception! Here's the update on our big girl:
*As you can see from the photo above, Emily has learned to smile on command. This might not sound like a big deal, but believe me I was almost out of ideas on how to make her laugh or giggle while taking pictures. Now she will just say "CHEESE!"
*Emily has started to talk herself out of being scared of things. For example, EVERY time the dogs bark at the front door she is startled, then she will announce that it's "just the neighbors." She also has had a fear of the vacuum for months, but now she will open the cleaning closet randomly and announce, "just the vacuum." Hilarious!
*As I mentioned in an earlier post, Emily has been enjoying time with her friend Olivia. They are so sweet together, and they really miss each other when they are apart.
*Emily has started taking a music class and she LOVES it. We had some trouble getting her to pay attention in dance class and gymnastics, but she has a blast and is focused for the entire 45 minute music class. I highly recommend The Music Class if you are in the Atlanta area. We initially did a one-time class that focused on Disney music, and she loved it so much we signed up for the 10 week session.
*Along with her music class, Emily has really developed a love of singing. She loves to sing songs from daycare (like Baa Baa Black Sheep), music class, or even songs that she makes up.
*Nap time has disappeared, but quiet time has started in it's place. Emily is doing well with quietly playing in her room (while I watch on video monitor) for about 30-45 minutes. After that, she's ready to continue her day with Mommy. Of course, Emily still naps wonderfully at daycare.
*Emily has some funny new phrases this month including "Oh my dear!" and adverbs like "really" or "very." She will tell us that her food is very hot or that she can jump really high. I love that her language skills are continuing to develop!
*Her memory is astonishing. She can remember the tiniest details from a conversation or sequence of events. She is constantly reminding me of things that I said or that we have seen.
*Pretend play has continued. Emily's favorite activity this month has been "cooking" and her specialties are coffee, tea, cookies, and pancakes. Each of these items always has a special flavor, like blueberry coffee, banana tea, or garlic pancakes. She loves to pretend and it is so adorable!
*Emily has started to enjoy movies and will request certain ones. Her current favorites are Little Mermaid, Elmo's Potty Time, Finding Nemo, and Up. I'm so glad it's not the same one over and over!
