Emma's Birthday Part II

The backyard pool we got for Emma. Unfortunately the water was just too cold to get in so she was hovering around it. This was the first time we'd allowed Emma to walk around the backyard on her own. She was very curious and wanted to explore.

Our attempt at gardening: (from left to right) cherry tomato, jalapeno, blueberry, green pepper, red pepper and strawberry plants.

This is actually a very fragrant lilac color rose plant. There was one single rose when we got it at the NEX but after it died there were no new bloom.

My herb planter: (l-r) basil (not doing so well), lemon balm (don't know how to use it but smell really good), cilantro and peppermint.

My new favorite flower: dahlia.


My other herb planter: (l-r) basil (it was dying so I cut it off hoping it'd regrow), rosemary and miniature peppermint.

Emma was playing with the water even though it was freezing.


I was a bit worried that she would fall in...luckily, she remained dry for the rest of her birthday.

Emma's Pup the Bubble Blower.

She actually said bubble! You know, simple things our kids do to make us moms so happy!

She was opening up a present from us...I know I know, you think I am tight, right? It's a greener way to wrap and hardly any work for me. We got her some Elmo's story books, a couple of Peter the Rabbit and the pool.

The easel was a present from Ibe Yee Yee and it arrived just on time. If you listen closely you can hear her attempt at the ABC song...so proud of her!

I meant to record us (including Stephanie, Melodie, Karrie, Lisa, Steve, Sam and Becky via web cam) singing happy birthday to Emma but I didn't hit the button hard enough the first time and ended up recording what went on afterward. I am so upset...go ahead and laugh, Sam, KT and Winnie...

The inside of Emma's cake.