Emerson is Turning One :: A Year of Firsts

It's official. We did it! Tomorrow is Emerson's birthday and we can finally say that we've survived and thrived in our first year with baby! This year we have loved harder, spoke sweeter, slept less, and laughed more than any other in our marriage. Emerson has expanded our hearts beyond measure. Honestly sometimes we wonder what we did with all of our time before he came along, as we can't think of anything we'd rather be doing or anywhere we'd rather be! Emerson Robert is our greatest accomplishment. We couldn't be more proud to be his parents.

This year was full of many firsts for our family. Emerson is the first grandchild in both of our immediate families, so this year hosted his first holidays, first travels, and first year milestones for us all. Indulge me if you will, by taking a look back at all of those amazing little moments that amounted to the most incredible year of our lives. Sweet Emerson, here's looking at you...

3/29/2012 - Your first hiccups. Just a couple of minutes from being born, you latched on and nursed with ease. A couple of hours into your first day, you had your first hiccups. We were in such awe of you!

3/30/2012 - Your first smile. Your Auntie Kara came to the hospital the day after you were born and you were obviously in love at first sight. She documented your first smile, at one day old.

 

3/31/2012 - Your first car ride was of course coming home from the hospital. Daddy has never driven with more care than he did that day.

4/5/2012 - Your first bath at home was quite an experience. We were all a little timid and you were so delicate and new. I bathed you in our master bathroom and Daddy bundled you up afterward. It was surreal to have you home.

4/27/2012 - You took your first trip to Nana & Chiefs' house in Sugar Land, Texas. You slept so well in the car that we had to pull over twice to wake you to nurse because mommy was getting uncomfortable. Had we let you, you would have slept through the whole trip. Already an excellent traveler.

4/28/2012 - The evening of their housewarming party, we asked our dear friends Craig & Taylor Connor to be you God-parents, they said yes and we were overjoyed!

 

5/12/2012 - On our first Mother's day weekend, you took your first trip to your Great Granny's house Austin, Texas. Watching her meet you for the first time was truly special.

5/26/2012 - You reached for and picked up your first toy. Your firm grasp and precision was very impressive for your age. It was our first glimpse into how smart you are!

5/31/2012 - Your first giggle! Daddy was tickling you and it was the sweetest sound. I tried to capture it, but you were camera shy. Now you laugh constantly. We adore your laughter.

6/2/2012 - You went swimming for the first time at Nana & Chief's house. Daddy held you and you never once cried. You have loved the water from that point onward. We can't wait for you to grow up swimming and playing in their pool, we know it will make for some special memories for us all.

6/3/2012 - You were baptized at Sugar Land First United Methodist by your Daddy's favorite Pastor, Martin "Marty" Nicholas. You were surrounded by love as we promised to raise you in the light of Christ. Your Great Granny, Great Mamaw and Great Papaw among others traveled from out of town and out of state just to witness your most special day.

6/15/2012 - You took your first out of state road trip to Memphis, TN to visit your Great Mamaw & Papaw for our first Father's day weekend. Your Great Papaw was in the hospital, but was so happy that you had come to town he told all of his nurses all about you.

6/17/2012 - We headed south from Memphis to Mississippi for your first visit with The Day Family and you met your Great Grandmother Rose! She was so tickled to meet you as was the rest of the family.

6/26/2012 - You finally rolled over! Bless your heart, you started trying to roll over very early but you were just so little that you couldn't quite muster the strength. You never gave up. After countless attempts, you did it! We were so proud of you and perseverance. We know that no matter what obstacles life presents you, that you will never cease to overcome them.

6/29/2012 - You took your first flight from Dallas, Texas to Cleveland, Ohio. It was just you and I and you were such a trooper. Every flight attendant stopped by to cuddle and compliment you and you even scored mommy some free wine!

6/30/2012 - You attended your first Ring Family gathering and met all of your Yankee relatives! We are so lucky to have such a big and loving family. They were all so sweet to you, but your favorite spot was in your Great Uncle Fran's arms. I'm still convinced he is a baby whisperer!

7/4/2012 - You attended your first fourth of July baseball game, the Frisco Rough Riders. Your daddy and I decided to make it our little family tradition, no matter where we are, to take in a ball game together every 4th of July. It's so fun to begin our own traditions and make treasured memories with you.

 7/13/2012 - You started pushing up onto your hands and knees. You were not crawling yet, but it almost seemed as though you were planning as to how you would!

7/30/2012 - First food, sweet potato puree... you didn't know what to think, it cracked us up!

8/3/2012 - You sat up on your own (unsupported). You had been sitting in your Bumbo chair for a little over a month and loved having an upright view of the world. Since very early on you always wanted to be "up". You continue to be very observant of your surroundings.

 8/24/2012 - You said "Dada" for the first time. I don't think I have ever seen your daddy smile bigger.

8/27/2012 - You said "Mama" for the first time, my heart completely melted.

9/4/2012 - You got your first tooth and it was not fun for any of us. We were exhausted, but celebrated that little tooth with plenty of frozen bananas and cuddles.

9/8/2012 - Your first time fishing with Daddy, it would soon become a favorite activity for the two of you.

9/23/2012 - We celebrated your first 6 months with a 1/2 Birthday party.

10/6/2012 - Your first University of Texas Football experience.
An important day for our future Longhorn \m/

10/16/2012 - Pulled yourself up into standing position using the ottoman in the living room.

11/19/2012 - You clapped. You learned by copying Mommy.

 12/8/2012 - Your first time visiting Santa!

12/22/2012 - You had your first steps with a walker. You walked all around pushing it only moments after opening it!

In the same evening, you stood up on your own to admire Great Mamaw & Papaw's Christmas tree.

 2/15/2013 - Your first vacation. Three days at Antler Cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma for Daddy's birthday.

2/23/2013 - Your first steps, completely on your own... they took our breath away.

3/29/2013 - We celebrated your first year! Tomorrow will be your first birthday party and we can't wait to share our joy for you with all of our family and friends!!

It's been the most incredible year. Emerson, you are our everything. Thank you for being so easy to love and bringing a smile to our faces daily. These days are flying by, and we are so thankful for every memory and minute with you. Love, Mommy & Daddy