One of Harley’s Birthday requests, was a trip to Paso Robles to see his dear friend Hugh. So we picked the boys up from school Friday afternoon and drove to Paso Robles. We arrived just in time to meet Hugh and Michelle for dinner at Chili’s. Emma enjoyed sitting in a high chair for the first time but seemed stressed about by all the noise and things to look at. The boys went to Hugh’s hill that evening to enjoy a fire and some ginger beer. We stayed at the Holiday Inn which I purchased on Priceline for an incredible deal. Adam and Luke love staying in hotels and were so excited for the breakfast buffet in the morning. 
I am certain they tried everything. What the boys didn’t eat, Harley finished off. Luke even asked if we could come back for lunch! But we headed to do a bit of shopping and pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy atop Hugh’s Sound of Music hill. Harley and the twins rode around the ranch on the Kabota. Both Adam and Luke got to drive it themselves. The highlight of day was target practice with Riley and Hugh. Everyone including myself practiced their aim. I think mine was the worst. The trip home seemed longer than ever but Emma did fabulous in the car.
The following Monday morning, Emma and I took off on a road trip to Vallejo to visit two of my dear friends from college. Its about a 5 1/2 hour drive and she did amazingly. We spent two days visiting with Anne Connors and her family and Nancy and Jarrod Phelps. It was a truly a relaxing few days. We didn’t really do anything particularly exiting other than chat and then chat some more. One night we drove to Napa and went out to dinner with Nancy and family. Emma was a 
perfect angel the whole time. Anne commented that she is certain we will have another child because Emma is the kind of baby that makes you want more. Only time will tell… Emma made friends with Anne’s youngest daughter Anna. She was so sweet with her. On the trip home Emma was awake and playful the first hour and then slept for three hours straight. I almost made it to Bakersfield without stopping!
For Harley’s 42nd Birthday, I had planned a party at my parents. The theme was American stars and flags to celebrate his newly acquired citizenship also. Early in the day he was surprised by a birthday visit from Hugh and Riley. By late afternoon he wasn’t feeling well and by dinnertime he had a fever. The following week was awful!! He had a fever for four days and missed two days of work. Not a good thing when you are still doing your probationary time as a new hire. And Emma came down with something too!! She had a 
mild fever for four days, diarrhea, wasn’t eating very much, extremely restless and fussy. By Friday, I decided it best I take her to the doctor to rule out an ear infection because she had started playing with her right ear. I wasn’t able to get her into Dr. Fan but another pediatrician had the time. She determined that Emma was just a “FUSSY INFANT". Needless to say I believe she was wrong and the visit was a complete waste of time. She did however recommended Pedialyte because of the diarrhea and Emma loved drinking the orange flavored variety. Despite feeling lousy, she still managed to be happy 75% of the time.
Nancy sent us a gift box in the mail with lots of fun clothes from Gymboree. A few milestones for Emma this month include:
* Reaching our for everything…including Mom and Dad (a few favorites include Mom’s hair and Dad’s glasses).
* Sitting up extremely well without support. Trying to sit up on her own.
* Feeding herself the bottle, picking up Gerber Puffs to feed herself.
* Loves to ride in the stroller and play in the Baby Einstein stationary walker.
* Rolling over finally!!
* Laughs and laughs. Such sweet sounds.
* Wakes from naps happy!
