Emily

Emily is such a good big sister. She completely adores her little brother and is such a good mommy to him. She is always so willing to help feed him, get him dressed, and entertain him. Jacob in turn loves watching everything she does. Emily has never resented having a sibling and always makes sure Jacob is included - we can't ever skip him when it's his turn for family prayer. Whenever he is crying she always races to give him his paci or hold up a toy for him to play with. She totally mimics everything I do and say.

Over the past 6 weeks the effects of a baby have started to sink in though. Emily is more emotional (but then what 3 year old isn't) and isn't listening as well as she used to. She has become more clingy to me as well. Every Tuesday and Thursday we battle about preschool. She is constantly saying she doesn't want to go to and that she doesn't like it. Whereas before we could bribe her with anything if we said she couldn't go to preschool. We've tried several approaches to try and make it a more positive thing, but unfortunately I think it's only time that will make it better. I wouldn't 'force' her to go each time if she didn't love once she was there. Every night before bed, Jeff talks to Emily about her day and then sings to her. It's their special daddy and Emily time. Well yesterday Emily asked when we were going to have just mommy and Emily time. I'm sure the fact that she doesn't have my attention all day long anymore is to blame for the whining and preschool battles. I guess I just need to carve out more time for just the two of us - and hope that that will end the whining.
(Emily had to include Jacob in this picture)

Emily has pretty much done nothing but color for the past two weeks or so. She has LOVED it. I have to sharpen her colored pencils every couple of days she colors so much. We are very impressed with how much her coloring skills have grown in such a short period of time. I love how she always has to give them away too. She'll write who the picture is to and sign her name at the bottom. I love all of her letters. Most of the pictures end up being for me, Jeff, Jacob, cousin Ella, or a gma or gpa because those are the names she knows how to spell. But she did give one to my visiting teacher on Sunday.
I had to include this last picture. To me it looks like they're planning something- something mischievous. I can only imagine what these two are going to be coming up with and doing in the coming years.

We sure love our little Emily. She is so smart and such a happy girl. She loves helping with anything and everything. She tries so hard to choose the right and please us. She is so sweet and sensitive. We are so proud of what a beautiful girl she is. I am so lucky to be her mom and her best friend.