Being 1 year old has treated Emmett pretty well so far.� He's a pretty confident walker, and he can now go from sitting to standing without the aid of a third party.

We took Emmett for his first (professional) haircut last weekend.� I'd cut it before myself, but it was the first time we actually took him somewhere to get it done (and he was starting to look like a hippie).� Let's put it this way -- he was not a fan.� Nope ... not one bit.� He was in the chair for less than a minute before he started crying and screaming.� They ended up pulling over a bigger chair so he could sit on my lap, and even then it was a struggle.

[caption id="attachment_1157" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="teary-eyed, before the major breakdown"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1158" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="appeased by mom's lap and an animal cracker"][/caption]

The only bright side of the situation was that we went to Snip-its, which is dedicated solely to children's haircuts and was more than prepared for the situation, armed with bubbles, singing hairdressers, animal crackers, lollipops and cartoons to battle less-than-happy customers like Emmett.� It was a little costlier than I would have liked, but I can say with confidence that for kids uncomfortable with getting their hair cut, it's the best way to go (for at least the first few haircuts).� Two thumbs up for Snip-Its!� Below, Emmett shows off his new 'do and reflects on hair first haircut experience ...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttVbQYnXwtA&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Age Timer: 12 months, 3 weeks

Topics: Weekly Updates, Milestones, video, Firsts, first haircut, toddler

I'm happy to report that Emmett's first birthday party (Theme: Mod Monkey) was a complete success.� There were very minimal freakouts or snafus, and I think it's safe to say that everyone had a great time.� A huge thanks goes to my parents, Niki and James for helping out and to everyone who attended and sent gifts, cards & Happy Birthday wishes to make his day special.

[caption id="attachment_1147" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="The Birthday Boy in his Mod Monkey Party Hat"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1150" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="Balloon Boy"][/caption]

It goes without saying that Emmett made out big time with all his presents.� He received not one -- but two -- ball pits (you jealous?).� However, oddly enough, Emmett's favorite present seemed to be a cupcake-shaped Target gift card from Uncle Shawn, Aunt Sara and cousin Ben.� It must have been that whole give-a-kid-a-present-and-he'd-rather-play-with-the-box mentality.

It took Emmett a little while to master the whole cake-eating concept, but eventually he got the hang of it.� Check out the video (though I'm warning you, it's kind of long)...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRTbBqAyt80&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

[caption id="attachment_1148" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="Cake to the Face!"][/caption]

*Fun Fact: Emmett is sitting in the same high chair I sat in on my first birthday.

James took Emmett to his 1 year checkup on Tuesday, and the little man is doing just fine.� He's now 22 lbs. 10.5 oz. (49th percentile) and 32 inches long (96th percentile), and he even got the go-ahead to start substituting whole milk for formula.

I still can't believe it's been a year, but I've enjoyed every single minute of it!

For more photos from Emmett's first birthday party, check out the Birthday set on Flickr.

Age Timer: 1 year, 4 days

Topics: Milestones, video, Firsts, Toys, cake, happy birthday, cupcake, first birthday, birthday party

Topics: birthday, Weekly Updates, Milestones, Firsts, party, first birthday, 1 year

Ever since Gran Lucy took Emmett to the Boston Children's Museum a few months ago, James and I have wanted to take him back together. Well, we finally got the chance last night, and boy was it a bargain!� Friday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. the museum offers $1 admission (compared to the normal $12) sponsored by Target, and since admission for children under 1 year is free, we got into the museum for a grand total of $2!� Of course, we had to pay for parking, but it was totally worth it.

[caption id="attachment_1133" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="playing with the Brio trains in the PlaySpace"][/caption]

There's not a ton for Emmett to do there yet at his age, but if we only have to pay $1 a piece, I think we'll definitely be heading back on future Fridays.� There are a couple of sections of the museum that are specifically geared toward toddlers, like the PlaySpace and Peep's World, where we spent most of our time.� Still, I can't wait until Emmett is old enough to enjoy some of the cooler areas of the museum like the awesome New Balance Climb, a "3-story climbing sculpture made of brightly painted curved platforms."� To be honest, James and I both wished we were a little younger so we could play in it ourselves.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2aoRUubvas&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

The coolest thing about the trip was the opportunity for Emmett to interact with other kids his age, which he rarely gets to do.� James and I had a lot of fun watching him play.� Let's put it this way -- Emmett is definitely not a shy kid, and he definitely doesn't need to know James and I are in proximity to have a good time.� Oh, and yeah -- he's a huge fan of bubbles.

[caption id="attachment_1134" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="hanging out in Peep's World"][/caption]

Find more highlights from our trip in the Boston Children's Museum set on Flickr.

Age Timer: 11 months, 3 weeks

Topics: Weekly Updates, video, children's museum, boston children's museum