Emerson Rex - Professional Eater?

Have you ever heard of Takeru Kobayashi? Of course not. He's a professional eater. And nobody follows professional eating. Kobayashi has made a career out of eating as much as he possibly can, in one sitting, in record time. This includes the famous Nathan's hot dog contest, among other really gross exhibitions of people stuffing their faces.

There are two patterns emerging in Emerson that make me wonder if professional eating might be a career path for him. Quantity. And style.

Quantity: Emerson eats, a lot. From the time he was born just under four years ago (9 lbs, 7 oz.), we supplemented with formula due to his size and ravenous hunger. He actually gained weight in the hospital, when most kids lose a few ounces. He weighed 11 lbs. within a week of his birth. He gobbled baby food, table food, and the like with no holds barred. He experienced the occasional pickiness with vegetables as a young toddler, but made up for it with other items. There are cookouts where he'll put away 2 hot dogs, along with all the sides, and then follow it up with dessert. Those that know Emerson, know he is not pudgy, in the least. Around 12 months old, he looked like a mini-linebacker that could take out a DII college freshman. He quickly leaned out, and although big and strong, lost the baby pudge. Make no mistake, he can gobble watermelon, blueberries, and the like, right along with the hot dogs. His insatiable appetite usually includes two dinners. He'll eat what we're having at dinnertime, then often follow up with a sandwich, banana, and cheese before bed. He's going to be one of those teenagers that goes through a gallon of milk every other day, isn't he?

Style: Emerson was always a bit of a "shoveler" at meal time. It's not a huge surprise, since I often see Jason down a dinner roll in a single bite. Then look at me with puffed cheeks and a smile. Emerson has started dipping his food recently. French fries in ketchup? Veggies in ranch? No...bananas in water, and pancakes in orange juice. If you've ever flipped through channels to catch a professional eating clip on ESPN, then you have seen that the more serious eaters dip their food in liquid to make it go down more quickly. Emerson has never seen this. Apparently, it's something you're born knowing.

I want my children to have happy, healthy, productive lives. And if Emerson is the next Kobayashi, then I'll be the loudest one on the sidelines, cheering him on!

He didn't actually eat all of these. But, an example of style.

Showing my support. It helps that it's a delicious dumbo ear.

Mailboxes in Suburbia

Jason and I were very careful about selecting the neighborhood in which we bought our house. In addition to the type of home we were looking for, there were some things we were targeting for a neighborhood...minimal traffic, quiet streets, friendly neighbors, parks/pools, etc. We quickly knew once we landed in the 'hood, that we were home. We have great neighbors, on our street and around the corner. We have numerous babysitters at our disposal, pet-sitters aplenty, and lots of good company for bonfires and social gatherings.

In the last 2 weeks, we've had at least 5 offers from neighbors to help out with Emerson whenever this dear baby decides to make his/her arrival. Especially for middle of the night care, in case we have to make a quick departure for the hospital. We're surrounded by good people!

I got the best laugh earlier this week when I came home, and pulled in the driveway. This is what greeted me...

The first thing I did was walk into the street to get a picture and send to Jason. Our mailbox isn't even that close to the street, how could the mail truck, or someone else, hit it? Then, after opening the mailbox...

I laughed pretty hard, and then sent this second photo to Jason. Who hasn't done this? I, personally, was responsible for backing out of my parents' garage and taking out a portion of the door frame. I know Jason had his share of fender benders while learning to drive too, I think one even involved a mailbox.

I think part of the reason I found this so funny, was the reality that as parents, we'll probably be leaving a similar note in a neighbor's mailbox in another 12 years. And with our darling Emerson at the wheel, we'll probably leave more than one.

Swim. Swam. Swum.

This year, swim lessons. Next year, swim team! And with those shoulders, I think we have a butterflyer. Tear to my eye!!!

What we do when we watch the Olympic swim trials.

A few days after I posted the pic of the white swim cap to FaceBook, Emerson received a team USA swim cap in the mail from a secret admirer! So fun!

Another photo from swim lessons with his buddy, Luke. I love the reckless abandon of this photo.

Patriotic Dinosaurs

Emerson has always been a good sleeper, and when we're attentive to our parenting and schedules, he's typically in bed, lights out, by 8:30pm, and asleep until we wake him at 7:30am. I have had people tell me that we are lucky, and to not expect that with the next child. And to that I say, "Jealousy isn't pretty on anyone." I'll take my rock star sleeper and run with it.

Can you see the wheels turning in this picture? He must really be working through a lot in that almost-four-year-old mind during those many hours of sleep. A few of his deep-thoughts-by-Emerson questions of late, include:

• Do you think the people on that plane are going to Poppy’s pool? Referring to my Dad's pool in Florida, since most times he gets on a plane, that's our destination.
• Do dinosaurs like the American flag? I've never given it much thought, but I would guess most dinosaurs are patriotic.
• Remember when we used to live in California? Hm. Left field with this one.

And there are the occasional not-so-deep-thoughts-by-Emerson, which of late, include lots of little boy focus on all things potty. Like "Can I pee in the hamper?" I really don't think he'd actually do it, but I continue to say no, just in case.

Preparing Emerson for Coach Willie

I hear going from one to two children is a big hurdle in parenting. Juggling attention needs, schedules, meals for more, etc. While I'm sure we'll be adjusting our lives in many ways, we've been really planful in how we're preparing Emerson for his new brother or sister. He'll turn 4 years old just a few days after this baby arrives. He's very independent in some ways. He can get himself completely dressed, eats independently, has freedom of the house to play in just about any room, etc. Although, I'm sure he's not yet grasped just how different our lives will be when there's another human being residing in our home, occupying much of our time. I don't think I've fully grasped it yet, either.

We recently attended a big sibling class at Riverside Hospital, where I'll deliver. This was an opportunity for Emerson to hear a little about childbirth, see a patient room, visit the nursery to see newborn babies, and just become a little more comfortable overall with the idea. This occurred the afternoon after we lost power, so we were all going on lack of sleep. Let's just hope Emerson absorbed something.

We also had an outing to Easton to get a gift for Emerson to give to Coach Willie when he/she arrives. He selected a very special bunny at Build-A-Bear for Coach Willie, and named him hoppy. He also selected a dog for himself, and named him Charlie Brown. I love the process of Build-A-Bear...you select the animal, are a part of the stuffing process and bringing it to life, you add the heart, and name and register your new friend with a birth certificate and online registration.

Hard to know exactly how Emerson will do with being a big brother. I'm hoping these little touches keep him excited and interested in our new addition!

Hoppy and Charlie Brown, sans stuffing.

One down, one to go!

Bath time for our new friends!

A blog about poo.

Emerson needed some help wiping last night after going to the bathroom. So, I went in. As much as I don’t want him to be dependent on our help for that, sometimes you just do it because it's easier than not.

After I was finished helping him…

“There, you’re all set. Flush then wash your hands.”
“Is it all clean?”
“Yes.”
“Is it nice and shiny?”
“Yes.”
“Is it bootiful?”
“Yes! Now flush and wash your hands!"

Fish Lessons for the Monkey

Depending how long you've been following my blog updates, you've likely seen lots of posts about Emerson and water. He loves it. I had him in a blow-up swimming pool at just a few weeks old, he's always loved the shower and bath, and can't get enough swim time! For a 3-year old who has been to Florida more times that most adults, it should come as no surprise that he's turning into a total fish. As a former competitive swimmer, and a child who had goggle indentations and stringy, green hair most of my youth, I am crazy kinds of proud.

We were in Florida most recently in May of this year. Emerson swam to his little heart's content. We'd put his water wings on him, and he'd swim for hours on end. We'd pull him out long enough to shove a granola bar or banana in him, apply more sunscreen, then allow him back in.

Emerson has always been a little dumb-brave. He's forgotten a few times over the years that he wasn't a full-fledged swimmer, and would jump in anyway. This has resulted in either me or Jason quickly following him in, fully clothed. With last night's swim lessons, this should no longer be an issue! In fact, he's sworn off water wings forever! I think we'll hang onto them, for the visits to the deep-end. More on the lessons...

We have a fantastic neighborhood pool, which offers group and private lessons in the summer. One of Em's neighborhood buddies was also interested, so we signed them up. We knew Luke might be in a different class since he was 5 years old, but still fun to go together.

Last night was the first of 8 half-hour classes. He was grouped with other kiddos his age, 3-4 years old. After about 3 minutes in the water with this group, he was sent to the other corner of the shallow end with the 5-6 year olds (I followed, beaming with  pride).

Can you see him on the far right of this picture? He's like, "Seriously? We're kicking our feet?"

This face tells me he's about to do something...

Yep. There he goes.

This next class up was much more appropriate for Emerson. He was quickly swimming back from a few feet out, pulling himself up for breaths along the way, and following instructions on floating on his back. Day one...a total success.

Emerson and Luke...reunited and it feels so goooooood!

Zen.

Freedom Festivities

Love this time of year. The cookouts, the pool, the social outings, parades, fireworks...all of it! Ya know what I don't love? 95+ degree days. Especially when they're back to back. To back. To back. Despite the heat, we enjoyed our Independence Day celebrations with family and friends! Seriously, who doesn't love America's birthday?!?!

Emerson got to spend time with three of his favorite cousins-by-love, Ruby, Sabin, and Oliver Nelson. Their Nana Vicki is Emerson's Mia's best friend and soul mate (make sense?). Their husbands are aware, and totally comfortable with this. They even have burial plots selected so Vicki and my Mom could be side-by-side, with the husbands on the outside. Who does that? Well, Nana Vicki and Mia do. That's who. If you know them, you love them. And if you love them, this goes without explanation.

Emerson loves going to any household full of kids and being smothered with attention! This thrills me because I know what a great big brother he's going to be in the very near future. And my heart smiled a bit when Ruby and Sabin were arguing about who got to sit next to Emerson during a movie. Love it when my boy is loved.

Emerson and Sabin, gettin' to work!

Emerson's turn on the rope swing...I think he liked it. Although his death grip on the rope may have indicated otherwise.

Ruby is the best big sis! She has so much fun with all the little boys!

Getting ready for "Puss in Boots."

This was during Red, White & Boom fireworks, which we caught on TV. Total kid-crazy-mayhem. So much fun!

Saturday morning, we finally woke Emerson up at 9:30am, so we wouldn't miss the parade. I suppose we were all a little tired, cranky, and hot. But I cannot miss an Independence Day parade! LET'S GO!

Have a great spot, now, just need the parade to start.

Oh my stars and stripes, it's HOOOOOOT!



Later in the day, Emerson got to play at his friend's house. Nolan lives in our hood, and has a pretty amazing water slide. So amazing, that even Jason couldn't resist.

We're saddened that it's supposed to be an absurd 104 degrees on the night (tomorrow) we typically go to Somerset fireworks with the Lipps. But since I'm nearing 37 weeks pregnant, and Terra is nearing 33 weeks pregnant, we nixed those plans. A weekend in the A/C is jst what the doctor ordered. Literally. My OB told me to stay out of the heat.

You can find me at home this weekend, chugging ice water out of my favorite ComFest plastic cup.

Power Outage

Remember when the lights when out when you were a kid, and how cool it was to track down candles, play board games, and patiently wait for the lights to come back on? It seems like we lost power a lot growing up, because this is a very vivid memory for me! Or maybe my parents just had an issue with regular bill pay.

With the recent Friday night storms, we, like 1 million others in Ohio, lost power. Without any idea of when we'd get it back, we made lunch meat sandwiches, surveyed damage, and made the most of it! We were fortunate. We had some damage to a porch swing, swingset, grill, and some roof damage, but nothing that can't be fixed. Here's the quick photo recap of our 24 hours without electricity. Good luck to those of you reading this who still don't have it!

Wet from sprinting from car to house as the storm rolled in...no power means no garage door.

Emerson thought it would be a good time for a puncture wound to his head. He came up under a counter quickly, which he's done many times. This one actually left a mark.

The platinum hair, and typically, blood-heavy head wound, makes it appear much worse than it actually was.

Coloring time.

A hot, sweaty night for all (he's at the foot of my bed, upside down). Thankfully, we were only out of power for a day. This 36-week pregnant Mom, with a three-year old clinging to her, did NOT get much sleep.