"Emu Hat!"

As most of you know, Alex's Aunt Georgia has been overseas in South Korea since October 2006. We luckily stay in touch via Skype and yearly visits. It is remarkable how close of a bond he has with his long distance Emo (aunt in South Korean).

Brent has recently morphed Alex into calling Georgia "Emu" instead of "Emo" which is a great source of irritation to Georgia. It is hilarious.

Today we were working in the backyard to get it ready for winter and I walked out of the basement with a Red Sox hat on. The moment Alex saw me he yelled while laughing "Emu Hat!" Mommy couldn't possibly own a hat, but he knew Emo had lots of hats... and one identical to the one on mommy's head!!

I thought that was awesome that he thought of his auntie so immediately, and I knew I had to share it. I know that it is hard on Georgia to not be around her very first nephew in person, but she has truly forged a bond with him. Anytime we get ready to Skype he gets excited to see her. He hugs and kisses her even if we are just talking over the phone. It warms my heart to see the obvious connection they have, even if there is so much physical distance between them.

It's almost like he knows what good work Georgia is doing in South Korea, and that makes it okay that she is gone. I know my heart is more settled after seeing it myself... but I honestly had to see it myself.

My boy is not a baby

Alex and Mommy playing with bins.

I think when parenthood hit I was least prepared for how quickly they change.  Every little milestone, crawling, walking, first words, etc. seem so monumental at the time.  Looking back they're just fleeting moments in the constantly growing and changing life of Alex.  Hopefully we documented those moments well enough that they aren't gone forever.  He's becoming a little person with wants and needs that he can communicate.  He has his favorite phrases "Wook at dat, DA!" and "Whured it go?  All gone?"  Yesterday he wanted to play catch with one of Marty's toys.  I was busy cooking dinner so I told him he should play with Marty.  They played "catch" for a good 5 minutes together.  "Dwop it Mahy" when the dog wanted to play tug more than fetch.  Made me think about how much fun it's going to be to watch our kids playing together.  I hope the playing outnumbers the fights.  We shall see.