Yes. This is extremely late, but I have been busy ever since my summer vacation began!  Not only was there Napa, but a photo session and currently, swimming lessons every morning!  There have also been random outings with Emi so I have to say, my vacation is absolutely fantastic.  So what is new in Emi’s world?  To go a little beyond her 9 month mark, she is officially just a scooter.  She knows how to lean and get on her tummy to reach for toys, but crawling is still not of an interest.  In fact, she dislikes being on her stomach so much that Emi has learned how to raise herself with her arms, scoot back, do the splits – I am not joking about doing the splits which is amazing to watch! – and sit herself right back up.  No matter how many times I put her in the crawling position, she sits right back up and continues doing what she was doing.  I am sure she will crawl…one day.  I know it is going to be right before I have to call her pediatrician so as of now, I am not too worried.  Perhaps she’ll walk first…or not.  I think she just likes sitting and hanging out.  The funny thing is everyone says to enjoy it before she gets mobile because once she is, there is no stopping her.  However, then people ask, “Why isn’t she crawling or walking yet?  Is she lazy?”  I’ve learned that you just have to shrug it all off.  Emi is going to move at her own pace and I am okay with it.  She always laughs and has a smile for me and that beats crawling.

Emi is expanding her “vocabulary” beyond ba-ba-ba, which is a sound that I find adorable.  Today she started saying ma-ma-ma and meh-meh-meh.  She mixes in the “b” sound and alternates to compose a sentence in baby talk.  It is pretty darn cute.  Another sound that she started recently making is ohhhhhh with the pursed lips.  It was funny because she first did it when she saw the box of Friskies food for Peanut.  After that, when Emi’s ball rolls away, she makes the same sound.  Emi is definitely going to be a talker.

And she is definitely going to be a swimmer.  (Possibly following in mommy and Auntie Kris’ footsteps?)  She absolutely loves the water and I am glad we are in the mommy and me class.  Emi kicks her feet, splashes and twirls her arms, and gets her face all wet.  She even starts talking and slowly gets louder with her ahhhhhh as we go back and forth in the pool.  She is the loudest one and usually initiates the other two babies to join in.  I cannot wait until next summer when she is in Tiny Tots and I can watch and photograph her!

Emi now officially has 6 teeth.  Her sixth one broke today and day by day, her top two front teeth are slowly coming down.  Despite having plenty of teeth, she still isn’t a big eater and favors eating oatmeal, fresh fruit, bread, and cereal puffs.  I have given up on baby food because Emi simply just doesn’t like it.  That’s okay, though.  We can now share apricots, peaches, and fresh bread together! (She especially likes the brioche from 85 Degrees Bakery!)

Time is going by so fast and 10 months is literally right around the corner.  Taro and I are already starting to think about her 1st birthday because I know it will just sneak up on us.  Just imagining Emi turning one is crazy.  Again, where did the time go?!?  This really is an awesome adventure with her and I am just glad that we have the entire summer to spend together.  I love it.

Emi and her favorite uncle!

Emi and friends!  Jen and Danny came down from up north and we were able to meet their lil’ one, Alyssa.  In addition, we were able to hang out with Muhammad, Suzy, Maryam, and Karim.  Hopefully all the kids will be great friends.

Pictures taken from Day 2 of Mommy and Me class.