oh emmett

What a blessing you have been! I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the addition of you, my sweet little boy. And what a boy you have become! Your passions for zooming cars, smashing things, playing with your "shooter" (nerf gun), fixing things and figuring out how they work shine through each and every day.

Yet, your gentle nature and sensitive spirit warms my heart and teaches me how to slow down, relax, and to enjoy just "being" - not necessarily "doing". To say you have been a joy is a massive understatement.

Many nights I wake to the sight of you standing at the side of our bed, big brown eyes peering out at me. "Will you cover me?" "Will you cuddle me for just a second?". You eagerly take my hand in parking lots, walking down the street and even at home. You surprise us all by exclaiming in your soft sweet voice out of nowhere "I love you daddy", "I weeely love you Anna".

Your innocent nearly 3 year old self is already anticipating the joys of Christmas. You scour each catalog, pen in hand yelling for "the boy pages" to circle things that look interesting. You run to the door each time the doorbell rings thinking it's Santa Claus and that you are going to be able to ask him for the Light Saber (or "lifesaver") you so covet, and then explain to whomever is nearby how you will then "push the button and turn it on and swing it all awound".

You remind me of my youngest brother, your uncle Matt, as you avoid questions after picking you up from school. Your answer to all of my questions about what you did or who you played with is nearly always "anyfing, and anybody" (meaning nothing and nobody). But...eventually, on your own terms and in your own time, bits and pieces of your day will trickle out and I get a better sense of who you are and who you will become.

Your adoration of your big sister and her friends becomes more prevalent each and every day. You will follow her just about anywhere, try just about anything she commands, and you do it with a smile....for awhile anyway. But when you've had enough you certainly know how to let her and everyone around you know. You make me laugh out loud.

I can't think about you without smiling. Without thinking of your soft cheeks, your silly smile, the way your "th's" are replaced with the "f" sound...like fink instead of think, your crazy red hair, and the way you hug my leg and hide behind it when you are nervous.

I don't know what I ever did to deserve such wonderful children. This experience is so amazing, so rewarding, such a joy. We are so very blessed.