Monkey Boy Turns 2!

Emmett James Carpenter had his 2nd birthday on Saturday, May 10th. We had a little party at Candlelight Park, the scene of many of my birthday parties growing up. Not everyone could make it so we were a little short on kids, but the boys enjoyed playing with Gabriel, Corinne, and Jaycee, as well as Dillon & Mary Joe Spencer. Thanks to all Emmy's grandparents and many aunts and uncles for showing up to celebrate! With Alden's help, Emmett opened lots of thoughtful presents - thanks everyone! His favorite is his Spiderman scooter from Mom & Dad. He calls it Mya Man. I tried to stick with a sports/ball theme since the birthday boy loves that. We had cupcakes and made it home before lunchtime. I love Emmett's birthday shirt - he picked out this Mickey Mouse shirt himself at Walmart.

It's amazing how Emmett's body has changed just in the last month or so. He's no longer a baby, but suddenly a boy. His fat little legs have leaned out, and his face shape seems to be changing too. We're very proud of him - his vocabulary grows daily and he is the most polite kid I've ever seen. He always says please and thank you. And sorry - which is good, because he needs to say sorry a lot. Emmy is still our most active kid, proving he can climb to the top of anything in our house, including the top shelves in his closet. He finally will watch 5 or 10 minutes of tv and likes The Wiggles, Thomas the Train, or Elmo. He drinks more water than anyone I know, bringing a corresponding number of wet diapers. He loves to play catch and ride scooters. He has a cute little gallop when he runs. Emmett is still very attached to his blanket, running to Blanket for comfort whenever he gets hurt, rather than Mom or Dad. He sucks his thumb when he's tired or inexplicably, whenever he holds a baby. Emmett loves his brothers, following Alden around all day and trying to smother Roland with love whenever Mom isn't watching. He thinks he can pick the baby up by himself and we're just lucky nothing serious has happened yet. I have to keep a very watchful eye. You've probably never met a kid who can get into trouble faster than Emmett, but I just adore that cute face - from his gap-toothed smile to his squinty eyes when he smiles. We love Emmett!