Emma's World

The Children's Museum

2009-01-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Emma and I have had an eventful week. On Wednesday we met our friends for a morning of fun at the Children's Museum. If you live in Phoenix and haven't been it's amazing. I can't wait to bring Emma back...maybe one more time before the newest Behrend arrives.

Mom, I'm pooped.

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!

2009-01-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

We took Emma to the zoo for the first time this month and she loved it. We were lucky that all of the animals were out, some sun bathing and others playing. We could have spent all day at the petting zoo and play area. From the looks of it all the Arizona Behrends are ready to move north and harvest some potatoes.

Christmas At the Behrends

2009-01-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful. We loved watching Emma open all the presents. Our festivities started Christmas Eve with the Farneys & Behrends and continued the next morning at our house and then with the Finnertys. We're blessed to have our family so close.

At the Railroad Park

2009-01-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

It was a chilly night but we had such a great with our friends at the railroad park. Emma loved the lights, carousel, and she started to warm up to the characters towards the end. Ho ho ho...

Fun with Icing

2008-12-29T19:43:00.000-08:00

So I'm slightly behind...my new years resolution will have to be to stop procrastinating. We had a great time decorating the house with Emma. It's amazing what an 18 month old can accomplish.

Here Comes Santa Claus

2008-12-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

This holiday season started with Breakfast with Santa. Emma had so much fun spending time with everyone. She especially enjoyed reading a book with Ms. Claus and decorating cookies.

Thursday Thoughts

2008-12-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Has it really been a month since my last post?!?!? Emma is still as cute as ever. Her two favorite words are "WOW" and "Midnight", which is our cat. We're finishing up with Christmas decorations and tomorrow night we tackle the tree. Hopefully Emma is kind to the ornaments.

The Days Go By...

2008-11-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Talk about chompers...this little girl is getting a mouth full of teeth all at once. A few started breaking mid-September and they just keep coming. Forget 2 year molars...let's now call them 18mo molars.

Oh, and let's not forget about the expansion of her vocabulary. This little munchkin is adding words everyday. Now when we talk to her most of the time we follow up with, "can you say" and she'll get this quizzical look on her face and more than half time she'll repeat it.

However, one of my favorite Emma quirks is her obsession with kleenex. I've had a runny nose for months now so I always have a tissue with me. Well talk about observant- Emma for the past couple month will see the kleenex, point to it (while making sure she has our attention), and then rub her nose. Once you give her the kleenex she proceeds to blow her nose into it. LOL...The other day I had the box on my night stand and when I came back into the bedroom she had pulled almost all of them out and surrounded herself. It was hard not to laugh but I said, "Emma" and she looked at me, scooped them up, and blew her nose.

Below are just random pics that have been taken over the past few weeks, which I thought were too cute not to share.

Our Little Ladybug

2008-11-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!! Little Miss did it all...picked our her pumpkin, helped Daddy carve it, and of course we went trick or treating with our cousins. Emma is the cutest ladybug that we ever did see.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-11-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

We ventured into the great outdoors...well at least to Old McDonalds Farm to find a pumpkin with our cousins. We had fun feeding the animals, taking a hayride, and watching our cousins ride a horse. Oh what fun when the holidays come...

Who's That Girl

2008-10-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've established that a wig and/or funny hat plus Emma equals way too much fun! I can't believe how much she changes from day to day. A new word here, ability there, and let us not forget her plethora of facial expressions. Her knew venture is winking, which brings a smile to my face every time she tries it. Oh, and Daddy taught her to answer a few new questions (Who's so pretty? and Who's a genius?) with the only appropriate answer ME! We've been so blessed with this amazing little girl.

Idaho

2008-09-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time visiting family in Idaho. The weather was beautiful- a nice change from the 100 degree climate from which we departed. Emma and mommy had a couple of firsts, one of them being riding an ATV. Another was taking part in the potato harvest. We even got to dig up some spuds of our own to bring back to Arizona. The majority of pictures are of Ben, Emma, and Grandma Behrend, which is GREAT (we were SOOOOO happy that we were able to spend time with her) but I made a resolution to remember my camera and bring it to all outings while on vacation. We got to see so many family members but didn't have a camera to capture the moments. Anyhow, the first leg of the trip we spent in Aberdeen where Ben's Aunts and Uncles live; the second leg was spent in Boise to celebrate the union of Ben's cousin Crystal to her now husband Von. The bride was beautiful as was the wedding. We're truly blessed to have such a wonderful family...who we wish we could see more often.

Kimono Emma

2008-09-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Aunt Ellen got this Hello Kity kimono while away on business. She looked so cute that I had to get some random photos before she grew out of it.

Almost...

2008-09-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

So we briefly played with our friend Tiffany and were able to get 2 really cute pics before her son's teacher called to let her know that he was sick. Needless to say we're looking forward to getting together when we return from ID.

Fountain Adventures Part Duex

2008-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun the other day at the fountains that we thought we head back with Daddy for some more fun. Nothing makes me smile more than seeing the two of them together playing. What can I say she's Daddy's girl : )

Off to the fountains

Hi Mom!

Fun in the Sun

2008-08-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

We had a great Wednesday with our bestest friends John and Jill at Kierland in the fountains. It was Emma's first time so she was a bit hesitant but John showed her the ropes. As interested as she was in the fountain she was equally interested in playing the grass and rocks. It was fun to see her wander. We can't wait to go again soon.

Camping 08'

2008-08-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

We went on our first family camping adventure a couple weeks ago and had a great time. Emma loves being outside and in Scottsdale it's just too hot so we took full advantage of outside time. We went on walks, played with the dogs, played games, and let's not forget making smores.

Kitty Love

2008-08-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Emm'a best friend is our cat...now we just have to get the cat to realize the same thing : )
Somehow I think that she's finally catching on, ever so slowly.

Little Ms. Bookworm

2008-07-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love it!! Who knew that a 1 year-old could love books so much. Emma's got rooms of toys but always chooses to pick up various books and read them. I think it's the greatest thing ever. I love when she picks out her book, brings it to me, and then pats my leg to sit on my lap and read. Smiles Smiles all around from Mommy and Daddy. However, she's also likes to be Ms. Independent and select a book and climb in a chair to read it.

Cheers to our baby Einstein.

Kayaking, Hiking, and Surfing Oh My

2008-07-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

We've returned from our annual Cabria trip and oh what fun we had...I just we wish that we had pulled out the camera more often. Uncle Bill we'll get you with Emma at Christmas.

We did have fun taking walks on the boardwalk with Emma and going kayaking with UB, Aunt El, Georgina, Jeff, and Emma. The boys had a day out surfing- unfortunately, for me, no surfing while prego- but that's okay there's always another year.

Thanks Aunt El and Uncle Bill we always have such a great time seeing you.

Emma the Fish

2008-07-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's a double header. Emma loves the pool so we take her in as often as possible. Check out daddy and Emma. We had a wardrobe malfunction with her swimsuit so we improvised.

Happy Birthday Emma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

No, we didn't fall off the face of the earth...mommy has just been extra busy. On June 13 we celebrated Emma's 1st birthday. We were happy to spend the day with family and friends. I made Emma a giant cupcake but it turns out she's not a big fan. The pictures don't do the situation justice but it was so funny.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE, MOMMY AND DADDY

Her First Sacrament

2008-05-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

On May 4 Emma was baptised at St. Maria Goretti's church. We were lucky to have an intimate baptism with family and friends. The day was beautiful and we blessed to be amongst those we love.

Away We Go...

2008-05-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

We're so happy to say that we FINALLY got a 4 door vehicle, which is kinda displayed behind Emma as we leave for our "Hundred Acre" adventure. She loves going out in the stroller. The last picture is one of our most loverly friend's niece, Paloma.

Emma Reese "Bunny" Behrend

2008-05-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks Great Grandma Farney for Emma's bunny ears. We love putting them on her and watching her play. How long she leaves them on is always the million dollar question. My favority picture is the last one in this series. Ahh, we love- love - love Emma. : )

Okay- how cute is she...my little bruiser.

This and That Pics Around Our Wedding

2008-05-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

Bailey and Emma love

Mom and me sending peace, love, and happiness

Grandpa Land giving Emma some sugar

Brock and Emma time

Ben, Brock, and Uncle Brian

The Adventures of Emma

2008-04-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

From the store with Mommy to playtime and dinner with Daddy and Mommy. Life is good.

Hipty Hop

2008-04-03T14:23:00.001-07:00

Okay is anyone else kinda like..."uh, Easter's over". We went to brunch with the Farney family and then headed over to Uncle James and Aunt Jill's house. Luckily we made it just in time. I remember holidays as relaxing times where everybody hangs out but we're on the move. It's all worth it.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

2008-03-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a gift. It's something that I never really thought about but realize more than ever and think about often. When I'm spending time and playing with Emma I'm actually living in the moment. I'm not thinking about what I have to do or what happened yesterday. She's our giggle bug, who loves to play, give hugs and kisses, and explore.

Where's the diapers?

Oh, I foundm' and I think I might need one

Night...night.

One Big Family

2008-02-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

Just some pics from various events. Team Behrend rooting for our Steelers. Emma playing in Mommy and Daddy's room, and Emma playing in her room.

Go Emma Go

2008-02-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

January has been a busy month and February hasn't seemed to slow down. Emma's Uncle Chris was in town to run the PF Chang's 1/2 marathon with me and my loverly friend Jill. Our Uncle Stephen and Lisa stopped by to congratulate us on the accomplishment, and we had the best time with the family together so close after Christmas. And what's more exciting is that we've got a crawling machine!!! And there's no slowing her down...she's even pulling her self up every chance she gets, but everyone needs their rest. :)

Everyday has a new milestone and we are so blessed. Life is beautiful.

Happy New Year 2008

2008-02-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

The new year is off and running and so is Emma. She's officially a crawling machine and is quite precocious...oh and how could I forget to mention that with crawling came standing. So watch out because if there is something for her to grab on to she'll be pulling herself up- and dancing if you put on music. The past month has been so rewarding as we've watched her develop such a personality.

Ho ho ho...Merry Christmas

2008-01-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

See I told ya I'd get caught up. The Behrend family had a wonderful first Christmas with three days of festivities. We spent Christmas Eve eve with our favorite Aunt Jill, Uncle James, Bailey, and Brock. We had a yummy dinner prepared by Uncle Ben and exchanged gifts. We then spent Christmas Eve with the Farney Family all fifteen of them. On Christmas we invited Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Chris, Uncle Stephen, Great Grandma, and Great Grandpa Finnerty over for breakfast and presents. Afterwords we cleaned up and went to visit the rest of the Finnerty family twenty-four in all for more gifts, dinner, and games. We wish that we could have seen more of the Behrend's, but they were close at heart.

Aunt Jeri and Emma

Aunt Tammy and Emma

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh isn't she cute.

Mommy and Emma

Peek a boo

Who is this guy?

Bailey...I'm not sure about this guy but Brock likes him.

Great Grandma you're silly.

Our Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2008-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

ND may have had a heartbreaking year but Emma and Daddy are all set for a phenomenal 2008 season. In preparation Daddy and Mommy felt it only appropriate to send good ju ju from Scottsdale to South Bend by dressing up our "good luck" girl.

Go Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gobble Gobble

2007-12-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

I'll get caught up if it's the last thing I do :)

Thanksgiving was fun. We spent it at Grandma and Grandpa's house along with all of the Farney's and Finnerty's that could make it...17 in all. Emma enjoyed being taunted by her Great Grandma Farney with a Turkey leg and hanging out with the family.

Mommy, Grandma, and Great Grandma Finnerty

Bailey and Emma

Emma Reese

Great Grandma Farney and Emma

Aunt Jeri and Emma

Great Grandma Farney, Uncle Paul, and Emma

Mmm Mmm Good...

2007-12-16T19:36:00.001-08:00

Emma has taken her next gulp in life with baby cereal and she loves it. We introduced rice cereal into her diet. It's so cute to see how much she enjoys it when she opens her mouth as wide as she can to get the next bite. Having a baby has allowed me an opportunity to appreciate the little things in life.

It's a Bee-u-tee-ful World

2007-12-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Emma's 1st Halloween was a whirlwind day at Daddy's work. We said hi to lots of new people and familar friends. Afterwards we stopped my Grandma Farney's to say hi before heading home to see all the trick or treaters.

Family Fun With Aunt Ellen

2007-12-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

While the boys are away the girls will play. Daddy and Uncle James went on a hunting trip with Jason, so Mommy decided that was a great weekend for a sleep over. Aunt Ellen and Aunt Lynda happliy abliged and flew in from California to participate. We also went to look at dress, had lunch, and played with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa.

Great Grandpa, Emma Reese, and Aunt Ellen

Emma Reese

Emma Reese and Aunt Ellen

Great Grandma, Emma Reese, and Aunt Ellen

Aunt Ellen, Aunt Lynda, and Emma Reese

Oh What Fun When Idaho Comes

2007-11-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

The past couple months have been filled with new adventures. Emma met her Great Grandma Behrend, Aunt Janice, Aunt Carla, and Aunt Bonnie in October. We had so much fun while they were here and wished that they could have stayed longer, but know that we'll see them again soon. Hi ho Hi ho it's off to Great Grandma's we go...

Aunt Janice and Emma
Ben and Grandma Behrend

Aunt Janice, Ben, and Aunt Bonnie Grandma Behrend and Shannon Happy BirthdayAunt Jill! Aunt Carla and New Daddy Ben
Aunt Carla and Emma

Happy Birthday Mommy

2007-11-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks James and Jill for having us over. It's always fun hanging out with you and the kids.
Love,
Aunt Shannon

Happy Birthday Mommy

You rock Bailey and Brock

Uncle James you're giving me a wedgie

I wear my sunglass at night...

Cambria Dreaming

2007-11-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

A while back I posted a riddle and then failed to post an answer, which is Emma prefers alligators because of the double consonant. Now off to Cambria...we had so much visiting Aunt Ellen, Uncle Bill (UB), and Aunt Lynda. Emma played in her rumble but seat, mom and dad did some surfing and wine tasting, and everyone got to spend time hanging out.

Daddy and Mommy go surfing

Emma, Aunt Ellen, and Mommy on a walk

Aunt Ellen puts Emma to sleep

Emma and Daddy playing

Emma playing with Mommy and Daddy

Thanks Dad

2007-10-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Dinner at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house is always fun...even moreso when Daddy decides to get cute with his cutie.

What Bud Light...where's the good beer?

Family Fun

2007-09-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that an entire month has past since our last post. So much has been going on...we had our Great Aunt Jo visit us from NYC, we took our first family vacation to Cambria, CA, Mommy celebrated her birthday, and Emma celebrated her 3 month birthday. She's growing so much and has become so interactive. My heart runneth over with love :)

Riddle Me This...Riddle Me That

2007-08-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma Finnerty was over yesterday to babysit and brought with her a riddle that she cut out of the newspaper a couple years ago, which she just happened to find (the riddle is unique because of the name used). My Grandma said that it must have been a premonition of her great granddaughter who has now arrived and asked me to add it to the blog. If you read it and want to guess the answer you can do so in the comments. I’ll post the answer when we return from our first family vacation. Cambria here come the Behrends!!

Emma is odd but not peculiar. She hates arguments and is agreeable. She dates a programmer but loathes systems analysts. She’d like to get married but can’t pick which month to do so. She has narrowed it to summer or fall because she hates the spring and winter. She is sure to enjoy her wedding but not her reception. Emma’s little cottage has three rooms. She likes the walls and floors but not the ceilings. She likes the doors but not the windows. She sleeps on cotton sheets and pillowcases because she hates linen and silk. She likes dogwood trees and their small blossoms but dislikes flowers. He favorite colors are yellow and green; she doesn’t care for blue or red. She wears dresses instead of blouses and skirts. Her hair, of course, is brunette. Emma has a treadmill but doesn’t like to exercise. She’s chubby but not plump. She loves the wilderness but hates camping. She enjoys cooking but stays out of the kitchen. She like books but not magazines…Does Emma prefer alligators or crocodiles?

Emma the Beanstalk

2007-08-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Emma had her 2 month check up this week and oh my how she has grown.

Newborn visit
weight: 8lbs 6oz
height: 21 inches

2 month visit
weight: 11lbs 13 1/4oz
height: 24 1/4 inches

The doctor said that everything looks great...now if we could just get this little girl to sleep. I talked to the pediatrician about her cat naps and night time sleep patterns. She said that if we're doing everything we can to try to get her to sleep that there's not much else that can be done except...letting her cry it out. I'm going back to work on September 10 so this may be the route that we take even though it's so hard. The weirdest part about Emma's sleep habits is that when she's awake she's in a good mood(regardless of only getting 2 hours of sleep all day). Hopefully at her 4 month check up Emma will be sleeping like a baby ; )

Happy 2 months Emma!

2007-08-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Emma's 2 month birthday on August 13, which was also my brother Chris's birthday. So it was bi-coastal celebration in NYC and AZ. Emma is growing so fast and starting to talk more everyday. It's so fun to interacting with her because she now responds with smiles and sounds. She's also outgrowing her newborn onsies. They're getting a bit snug and we're starting to dress her in the 3-6 month outfits. In addition she's fighting sleep for her evening nap because she knows that Daddy is home and wants all of his attention. As soon as he says hi and gives her a kiss she's smiles and laughs. It's so CUTE!!

Family Fun

2007-08-09T14:37:00.001-07:00

I was going through all of our pictures that we've taken of Emma and thought it would be fun to share with everyone all wonderful family that has come to visit us since our Emmalicious arrived. We can't wait for all the family members who haven't met her to meet her soon. It was so cute yesterday while lying in her crib she took the pacifier out of her mouth and proceeded to hold it in her hand and wave it around for almost a minute. It immediately put a smile on my face and forced me to smother her with kisses. Everyday is filled with smiles.

Bath Time at the Behrends

2007-08-09T14:29:00.001-07:00

2007-08-09T13:01:00.002-07:00

Emma loves taking a bath. It's so funny to me that even when she's fussy we'll put her in the tub and she sits there content. We share the fun every night because we get so much enjoyment out of the time. We were using Johnson & Johnson but have now switched to Cetaphil because she was getting a rash. Our night ritual now consists of bath, quiet music, snacks, and sleep. Her sleeping patterns have changed. It seems that we're up more frequently in the middle of the night, but she's been extending her stints. Hopefully someday Emma will love sleep as much as her mommy and daddy.

Emma Laughing

2007-08-09T13:01:00.001-07:00

2007-07-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Daddy can't wait to come home from work to see both his girls, and his girls are happy to see him. Emma loves play time with her Daddy, and on this particular night Daddy had the video camera in hand. Here's a clip of a night at the Behrend's.

Emma's 1 month birthday

2007-07-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

2007-07-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe how quickly time goes by these days. We celebrated Emma's 1 month birthday on July 13th. I made cupcakes for the occassion and after dinner Daddy got the video camera so that we could share the fun with our family and friends. Rest assured Mommy and Daddy have eaten all of the yummy funfetti cupcakes. Emma has a 11 more months and then she can have as many cupcakes as her heart desires.

Happy 4th of July

2007-07-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great day hanging out with family and friends. Our adventure began with Jamie, Jill, and John at Kim and Kurt's house. There were so many new people that we were able to meet, and Emma even made a few new friends. Thanks Jill and Jamie for extending the invitation. After spending time at the Mae's house we headed to Aunt Jill and Uncle Jame's house. We spent the evening hanging out and playing games. It's always fun spending time at our home away from home. Bailey and Brock were so excited to see their cousin, and it was so fun for us to see them all interact. Bailey even let us know when Emma had a poopy diaper. When Uncle Ben suggested that she change it Bailey let him know that she was too little.

Mommy, Daddy, and Emma

Carson, Emma, and Kole

Brock, Bailey, Emma, and Shannon

Daddy Time

2007-07-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Emma loves spending time with Dad...and he's amazing. As soon as he gets home from work until we go to sleep he's helping out. He gave her her first bottle the other night and we're now aternating between breastfeeding and bottles. And just before bed its belly time. Isn't she strong!

Our First Visit to Dr. Campbell

2007-07-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Whoa...it's amazing how time flys when you're new parents. Emma Reese met Dr. Campbell for the first of many visits. Dad took the day off so that he could go with us, and thank goodness because getting her in and out of the backseat of the Blazer is quite a challenge. Dr. Campbell is very nice; we're so happy that Aunt Carol recommended her. She was pleased with Emma's weight gain and said that she could feed on demand, which means that Mommy and Daddy get to sleep through the night until she wakes up. Our next visit is August 21.

Ben's First Father's Day

2007-06-22T09:52:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun day. It began by making Daddy blueberry muffins, tummy time with Emma, and presents. Ben loved the new onesie that Emma and Mommy had made for him and his new Steinbach Nutcracker. Lots of family stopped by to say hi and Great Grandma Farney even brought Ben his favorite for Father’s Day…a yummy ice cream cake. Uncle James, Aunt Jill, Bailey, and Brock stopped over on Monday to say hi; they brought pizza for dinner along with surprises for Ben & Emma. They found the perfect hat and shirt for the occasion. We’re so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family.

Welcome Emma

2007-06-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, only 5% of babies are born on their due date. Emma was born June 13 at 10:06 am. She weighed 8 pounds 1 oz and is 21 inches long. We have been home from the hospital for 6 days and have been enjoying every minute. Yes...even our adjusted sleep habits. Emma has had lots of visitors to welcome her to her new home. The house was decorated to welcome Emma and it looked amazing. We are very thankful for our loving family and friends who have done so much for us. Emma has received wonderful gifts, flowers, and not to mention the yummy food to help Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Due Date Eve!!

2007-06-12T13:19:00.001-07:00

I'm so surprised that it's the 12th of June and I'm still pregnant. I completely thought that I'd be a Mommy right now, but Baby Behrend has other plans. That's okay we'll be on his or her schedule for a long time. It's also given Ben time to finish the project upstairs. He's amazing!!

We're sure of one thing...we'll be parents by Saturday, June 16. Stay tuned................