About a couple of months ago, I started getting ready for the weening-off-the-bottle-to-sippy-cup phase.� I bought some transitional sippy cups from Munchkin (which have a soft spout made of a silicon material similar to Emmett's bottle's nipples) and even the real things, planning to be fully prepared.� When I first gave Emmett the transitional sippy, his reaction was basically, "What the heck is this thing?" which then of course resulted in frustration and the cup bouncing off the floor.� I decided to put it away and try it again another day.

Well, "another day" turned out to be today, and I'm happy to report some mild success!� Watch as Emmett investigates and tests his sippy.

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

[caption id="attachment_1075" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Investigating the Sippy"][/caption]

So far, they seem to be working out great!� No leaking, easy-to-grip.� I definitely recommend them if you're looking for a training cup.� Check 'em out here.

Age Timer: 10 months

Topics: Milestones, Firsts, sippy cup

Emmett spent last weekend up in Maine with Gran Lucy and Grandpa Mac to give James and I some time alone to celebrate our 2-year (dating) anniversary.� While it was fun to do some adult things like go out to dinner in Harvard Square, have intelligent conversation and see a movie at the theater, I'm not gonna lie - I missed the little goober.

Of course he just had to do some growing while we were away.� Lucy noticed a budding tooth in the front, top row of his gums while he was in her custody, which has without a doubt contributed to his crankiness this week.� Luckily though, Lucy also came up with what I'm calling the apple remedy: a semi-peeled apple for Emmett to chew on, which really does the trick.�� It keeps him occupied, and it feels good on his gums.� A lifesaver!� Check out the apple remedy in action:

[caption id="attachment_1069" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Tart!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1070" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="The Apple Remedy"][/caption]

In other news, it's my sister's (Aunt Adrienne) birthday today.� Happy Birthday, A!

Age Timer: 9 months, 3 weeks

Topics: birthday, Weekly Updates, Milestones, family, anniversary, teething, toofers

Of course as soon as I post a video about Emmett's awesome army crawl, he decides to one-up it.� Emmett is officially a normal crawler now, and honestly, it's all he wants to do.� Seriously - he's sooo over his walker now...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2dzOz0bxFA&hl=en&fs=1]

[caption id="attachment_966" align="aligncenter" width="554" caption="Official Crawl Pose "][/caption]

He's so into crawling that I had to purchase a baby gate to keep him contained in one spot.� It gives him free range of the hallway, which really helps to support my productivity during the day...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SFY4woHR2U&hl=en&fs=1]

Age Timer: 8 months, 1 week

Topics: Milestones, video, Firsts

In college, a few of my friends appropriately nicknamed my camera "Pamera."� It went with me wherever I went, and everyone appreciated how well it documented our college years.� When they heard about the loss of my camera a couple of weeks ago, the nickname resurfaced.

Well I'm pleased to announce I received my replacement Pamera in the mail yesterday!� Pamera III, I think it is.� I haven't stopped taking pictures and recording video since!� A few highlights (though I added tons more to Flickr - check the blog's right-hand column) ...

[caption id="attachment_959" align="aligncenter" width="532" caption="Smiles at the kitchen table"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_960" align="aligncenter" width="530" caption="Duck Lips (And Escape)"][/caption]

I finally got a proper video of Emmett's army crawl ...

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

And in case you're a baby and are interested in knowing how to escape from your bouncer seat, check out Emmett's how-to video:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIxK3ff6ifs&hl=en&fs=1&]

In other news, Emmett pulled himself up to standing position for the first time the other day!� I know what your reaction is (since everyone's reaction has been the same): "You're in for it now!"� Yup - I know.� I'm hoping to capture his new stunt on video soon; right now all I have is a shoddy photo from my Blackberry (the camera hadn't arrived yet).

Look for pictures and a virtual video tour of the new apartment this weekend!� I'm also working hard to get a shot of Emmett's two toofers, but it's a tough one to capture.� Emmett doesn't exactly follow the "open your mouth" direction very well yet.

Age Timer: 8 months, 6 days

Topics: Weekly Updates, Milestones, video, Firsts