Emerson's First Word

Dear Emmy, We had your 6 month check up this week, and the doctor agrees that you’re perfect. Here are your stats:

Weight: 16 lbs, 1 oz (50%)
Length: 26.5 inches (70%)
Head Circumference: 42 cm (25%)

You had to get three shots this time, which made Abby and I sad. Abby covered her ears so she didn’t have to hear you cry. You were pretty loud at first, but you quieted down just as soon as I picked you up and kissed you. Little girl, you are too sweet for words.

You also said your first word this week: Dada. How’s that for a birthday present for your father? The first time you said it, your father and I looked at each other and were like “did she just say Dada? I think she said Dada." Then the next night, Mama Jo and Uncle Erik were over for your dad’s birthday dinner. I said “Emmy, can you say Dada?” And clear as a bell, you said it. This time there was no denying it. We all started cheering and I’m pretty sure your dad and I high-fived each other. (We’re officially turning into those dorky parents we used to make fun of). Anyway, by the end of the night you were babbling like a brook and your dad said you were just showing off now.

For the record, Abby’s first word was also Dada, which I always thought was so ironic. No offense to your dad, but I’m the one who did all the work here. I carried you girls around for nine months and endured heartburn, backaches, hemorrhoids, restless leg syndrome (yes David for the last time it IS a real syndrome) and many other discomforts, and that’s all before I got my stomach sliced open! Then I fed you both using my own body. And then, a few months later, you open that sweet little mouth and utter dada as your first word. Unbelievable.

But the truth is, I loved being pregnant with both of you and I truly believe that women are the lucky ones. We get to carry you and protect you before anyone else, and even after you’re born, no one knows you quite like your mother. So since the moms get all of that, maybe it’s nice that most babies say Dada first. Girls, I feel so lucky to be the one you call mommy. And Emmy, I’ll take it whenever you decide to say it.