So much for keeping up with my posts. You should look for me on Facebook as I tend to visit there more frequently.

Things have been pretty hectic since my last post, including a kitchen remodel and several health issues (however, Russ seems to be exempt). Now, where to begin? I suppose chronologically might be best...

Makenna seems to have adjusted quite well to her "school-like" atmosphere at the Cornell Child Care Center. I myself really enjoy her being closer to me and have grown quite fond of all the staff. In October, the entire center held a Halloween costume parade followed by a small party. Mima joined me in cheering Makenna along and in no time she was off on her own (Ms. Independent).



In November I celebrated my 30th birthday (where has the time gone) and was blessed to have the entire Sullivan family around for the holidays. Sometimes I'll find Makenna relaxing with the 3 foot Barbie that Aunt Shannon and Uncle Marty got her for Christmas.



Things were pretty quiet during the beginning of 2009 with a few events popping up in April (the annual Vet School Open House at Cornell and the Lansing Fire Department's annual Easter Egg Hunt).







Mima and I took the girls (Aubrey and Makenna) to Myrtle Beach for a week in early May where they played in the sand, swam in the ocean, visited the aquarium and watched a gentleman catch a baby hammer-head shark right from the shore of North Myrtle Beach!



Next came the birth of Carter Stephen Crockett (see my last post about Makenna's surrogate parents). Makenna was so excited to hold him and sing him songs.



In early July, Russ and I were blessed to find out that we are expecting our second child (March 5, 2010). A trip to Old Forge with our new friends the Grimm's rounded out the month of July.

Ok, so I am not keeping up my end of the bargain. I've lost track of the number of times I have been harrassed about the blog and the lack of updates. SORRY :)

Well, so many things have happened since February that I don't know where to begin. In early March, Russ and I took a 10-day cruise to the Panama Canal and left Makenna in the care of her 'surrogate' parents John and Stephanie Crockett. Now the Crockett's just got married in September of 2007, so parenting was a first for them. I think Makenna's good nature gave John a warped sense of how well-behaved children are (Stephanie used to nanny for several families in the Rochester area and is familiar with the antics of children).



As for Eva, Makenna's presence took a little more getting used to.



Mid-May brought the arrival of my nephew, Matthew Joseph Flynn. Proud big-sister and protector of the little one's near and dear to her (including Ms. Makenna), Aubrey Lee takes her turn cuddling with MJ.



I wish that I had some updated pictures of Matthew...you would'nt believe how he's grown. The boy is a few days shy of 5 months and is wearing 12 month clothing. If I recall, he is closing in on the 20 lb. mark (not far behind Makenna's 26 lbs.).

In early summer we received a bunch of great hand-me-down toys, which Makenna loves to play in daily.



Summer was spectacular! The warm days gave Makenna the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the water (and she loves it)! Whether it is in a pool, on the lake, or running through a sprinkler, if there's water Makenna will be there.



(However, she doesn't like to have dirty feet)

On August 30, Makenna turned two. I thought we might get lucky and skip the terrible two's...well, we weren't that lucky. She has her moments but for the most part, tends to be a very independent and helpful little girl. We are currently in the middle of a kitchen remodel and she is always willing to lend a hand (especially when it comes to sweeping).

A week after her second birthday, during an attempt to carry her baby doll and blanket up the stairs, she slipped and broke her right arm. The cast (which she had for three weeks) didn't stop her as she just found new ways to climb with her over-sized appendage. The hardest part was keeping her out of the water!

To wrap things up, Makenna started at the Cornell Child Care Center today. Last night we took a bath in preparation for the start of the new week and her new 'school'. What a little princess!



More soon...I promise!

Well, Makenna officially began walking on October 8 and now we can't keep her still (I'm not surprised). She is so full of energy and seems to be fearless. To prove how fearless she is, we often find her trying to scale the brick fireplace surrounding (I believe she thinks this is her own personal climbing wall).

When Halloween rolled around we were geared up and ready to go...our little girl made her debut as Piglet.

On November 30, we took a trip to Utica, NY for the Polar Express train ride. What a time! So Makenna was a little young to understand, but Aubrey really enjoyed it. Makenna did enjoy lunch at Chuck E. Cheeses. She was however, afraid of Santa (poor guy).

For Christmas, Makenna made out like a bandit. It was great that she had more of an interest in opening gifts (at least the interesting toys...I don't think she'll start caring about the clothes until she's twelve or so).

The three Emerson's rang in the New Year at home...we we're all asleep by 11:30 p.m. How pathetic...you'd think we were old or something :)

Makenna is learning new words everyday. I was a little shocked though when she told me "no way" for the first time. Aside from her rebelious attitude, she loves to give hugs and kisses. It is so cute...I can't imagine life without her. It will be hard to leave her for 10 days while Russ and I head to the Panama Canal (at least she'll be with great people).

Well, Aunt Shannon just got hitched this weekend and the whole family was in town for the festivities (minus Uncle Mike, Scott, and Nic...we sure missed you). Aunt Shannon was beautiful (of course), but I was pretty darn cute myself. Oh, and my mommy looked pretty too!


Next it was my day to shine! Mommy and daddy postponed my birthday celebration until this past Sunday, September 16, so that all my great aunts and uncles could be a part of this milestone. The day began with my baptism at St. Catherine of Siena with Father Mike Mahler performing the ceremony.

I got a little bored listening to the readings, but I sure do love that Psalm 23 (it was my great-grandpa's favorite). Finally it was the time I had been waiting for...I was going to get naked and be dunked in the water. When Father Mike was done, I was so upset that I was ready to jump back in on my own. Bring on the tub toys!



I didn't get to do anymore swimming at that point in the day, but the day had just begun. Moving the days activities to Mima and Papa's house, we all gathered for a large feast provided by Bob's Barbecue--barbecue chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, salt potatoes, and rolls. Yum, yum...something I can sink my six teeth into. The best part was still yet to come!

Not only were we celebrating my birthday and baptism, but we were also celebrating the birthdays of my great-Nanny, Mima, Great Aunt Debbie, and Daddy. Here comes the cake.

I wasn't quite sure what to do at first, but after some instruction I think I finally got the hang of it. I've decided...I like chocolate better.

I also want to thank everyone for all of the great gifts that I received. I can't wait to use them all. Thank you, thank you, everyone.

It was so great to see you all and I can't wait until we do this again.

I Love You--Makenna

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKENNA!

It's my party and I'll smile if I want to, smile if I want to, smile if I want to...

Baby's First Birthday

It's your first birthday, Makenna,

One candle on your cake;

Proud parents stare in wonder

At each new move you make.

We join in celebration,

As this special date arrives,

For baby has brought pleasure

Into all our lives.

We look forward now to seeing

How you progress and grow,

From the cute and tiny infant

You were one year ago.

So dig into your icing;

Enjoy your presents, too.

The reason for this day

Is a special person--you!
By Joanna Fuchs

Happy birthday baby girl--love Mommy and Daddy!

It's official...we are counting down to Makenna's first birthday...T minus 9 days. Look out August 30, here she comes.

Miss Makenna is certainly a thrill seeker like her mother, much like her cousin Aubrey too! Whatever she may be riding in or on is much more exciting when it goes faster. There is always the trick riding that she does on her pony at Maggie's house (what a hoot to watch...I never knew they went sideways).

You must forgive her serious expression. If she isn't smiling and showing off her four beautiful teeth (the fifth one is on its way), she's typically serious enough for all of us that you can't help but laugh.

Oh, how beautiful, our little princess! I know you won't believe it, but she's developed Russ's attitude...ok, ok, my attitude. She threw her first temper tantrum yesterday because I wouldn't let her play in the cupboard under the sink. The benefit...my kitchen floor got cleaned; all the dog hair stuck to her clothes while she rolled around. I should have known that my mother would be right...I'd have a child just like me! I am just thankful that I have blonde hair (it helps to hide the grey).

Makenna is sure to be over 20 lbs. by now. We made an impromptu visit to the doctors on July 28 (for our first real cold/illness) and she was weighing in at 19 lbs. 6.4 oz. It is unreal to think that she is four times the weight she was when we brought her home. As a side note, a friend of mine just had twins (Cora and Kate) on May 24 (6 weeks early) and the largest was the same size as Makenna was. When I held Cora, I was in denial that Makenna was ever that small.

To all of you who have yet to have children of your own--trust your mothers, aunts, grandmothers, etc.--time really does go fast. Cherish it, all of it!

It was time for Makenna's first haircut (her bangs were getting too long). I think that she looks so much older than she is. I have been warned that the boys will be knocking on our door in no time. My response..."I know where daddy's gun is, and I know how to use it!" Those boys better look out...you don't ever want to mess with anyone's mama!

Family and friends...save the date! In conjunction with Shannon's wedding on September 15, we will have a baptism (1:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena) and a 1st birthday party for Princess Makenna on Sunday, September 16. Details to follow.

Until then, god bless. We'll see you soon.

Despite overcast skies and a little bit of rain (more in some areas than others), we spent a delightful Sunday afternoon at Sandy Cove. And although Russ thought that the water was a little too cold, Makenna didn't seem to mind...everytime you tried to take her out, she wanted to go back in.

The kid is fearless of water! She spent so much time in her floaties that her feet looked like little prunes...so impressive for such a little tyke.

Thank you Greg for all of the great pictures...next time we should remember our camera!