Emerson is one chatty girl. She can say an astounding 40+ words (I really don’t understand how that’s even possible for her age, but it’s true). And in the face of not knowing words, she continues to tell stories, chime in on adult conversations and talk to herself. I can already envision her at 3-years-old asking me a battery of questions and commenting on life all. day. long. It’s exciting to imagine….but also, a little frightening, because I don’t talk as much as she does.

Emerson is also a whirlwind of activity. She prefers to run everywhere, rather than walk. She is extremely “busy” all the time. She laughs hysterically at herself. She’s obsessed with owls and babies. She likes to shower instead of bathe. If something is at all climbable, she will attempt to climb it.

What’s most striking to me right now, though, is how much I admire my child. Although I can’t predict her future, I already see so many qualities in her that I have been working to attain my whole life. She is at ease in the world, socially magnetic, brilliant, and confident. As cliché as it is to say, it is a complete joy to watch her grow up.