May Update: Birthday Update "Each day comes bearing its own gifts--untie the ribbons." -Ruth Ann Schabacker What a celebratory time in our lives. We truly feel like we have been partying for a month now. We have celebrated Mother's Day, Emily's fifth birthday, my thirty-somethingith birthday, Emily's graduation from pre-school, a family reunion, my niece's eleventh birthday, and finally, the first birthday of sweet Hannah. Whew! Hannah is just plugging along...she crawls like a champion but would much prefer to walk (she needs some assistance, but it won't be long now before we are chasing after her). She cruises any and every piece of furniture -- a far cry from the little girl who would sit and rotate only to locate a favorite toy eight weeks ago. She likes a sippy cup and will drink from a straw, but still enjoys a bottle a couple of times a day. She has bonded really well to Emily and can spot her in a crowd (the red hair may have something to do with that!). She has bonded well to Rob and me, and we are continually amazed by her tenacity. She does have shyness around strangers, and we are still keeping the "no holding rule" in effect until she shows the desire to venture out a bit--we want to ensure for her that she can trust us, and she need not worry. Everyone has been very supportive and understanding about calling to check in and giving us some choices about visitors and timeframes. We appreciate the courtesy and love that Hannah has been shown despite the eagerness felt to hold her and see her. We "get it" that you have all waited a long time with us! She has begun to say lots of things (not that anyone else would necessarily understand them...but "stinky" was her first word aside from Mama and Daddy only to be quickly followed by "dog" and in this party season, "balloon"!) She has this super sense of humor, but overall, Hannah has proven herself to be more serious, and we will be curious to see if that changes or if that is just her nature. She now shines eight pearly whites in that tiny rosebud mouth of hers, and we think the seriousness could be partly attributed to the four teeth that have emerged in the past few weeks. When we met Hannah, she had only ever had formula and perhaps some fish broth (I wouldn't even venture a guess as to how that must have tasted; somehow, I don't think it was shrimp bisque). Now, she is curious and loving tasting new things. At dinnertime, I use the prep time as a good opportunity to hand her samples of new items as I chop and prepare--she has turned down very little, establishing quite a repertoire for herself, but I can say when she says "No", she means it! Emily has really had the most activity this month. The highlight being a small ceremony at school to mark the end of her preschool years and the beginning of her elementary years. Her teacher did a beautiful job making the celebration personal, and highlighting each child's strengths and kind hearts and telling an enchanting story about each child, along with their favorite activity at school throughout the year. She has made some wonderful friends in preschool, and we feel blessed to have been surrounded by really great families these three years. We surprised Emily with a day at the circus on my birthday, which was fun for all of us. Emily has a strong affinity for animals, so she loved it. She had a bunch of field trips this month (the insectarium won rave reviews for our little creature lover), and she took her friends to the Philadelphia Pretzel Factory to make pretzels to celebrate her birthday. My mother comes from a large family--my grandfather was one of eight, and he and his brother were twins. In honor of a seventy five year old tradition of family reunions, cousin Barbara organized yet another reunion this May. I feel grateful to have shared this event with my family, and it was joyful to introduce Hannah to so many relatives. Emily had a ball with all of her extended family, and my cousins and I stood back and watched our children play together, reminiscing our own happy memories from when we were little. It is a happy feeling to have family one would choose as friends. Each day definitely brings something new and watching it unfold is remarkable. We are looking forward to summertime. Hannah and Emily are both outdoorsy kids; I see sand and swingsets in our immediate future. We are looking forward to Hannah's first time at the beach and well, Miss Em counts the days til she can hop into the surf in good Ol' Ocean City. Until next time, be well. Thanks for sharing our life with us--your kindness and support has been wonderful. Love, Rob, Heather, Emily and Hannah   That's all folks!     All Graduated   Big Helper     Em's flowers to Hannah     Ladybugs...   Ladybugs...     Little Ladybug     Little ladybug and her mommy!   Did you expect something else?     Happy Birthday to you...     Ladybug and her daddy!   Hmmm...     Pretty Good     Cute plates, Mom.   I'll lick it!     Our Jim and Gerry     Got any more cake?   Bigger Ladybug     Staying in the Family Biz     Cheeeese!   Go ahead, chop it off!     Happy Mom's Day!     Help - get me out!   I am five now!     Mom makes me happy.     Oh, nooo!   On the Move           This page hosted by