We are celebrating today because this is Emmett’s 11^th month birthday. What a joy to spend time with this precious little boy. Emmett is happy and loving being the centre of attention ... Well, actually, he was somewhat irritated and aloof when I was just with him. Not interested in anything that was going on around him and certainly not ready to give anyone one of his million dollar smiles. He’s healthy - for a baby with SMA, Type 1! He constantly surprises us. Today, when Alisha asked him to blow bubbles, he did! Without hesitation. When Josh asked what sound a dog makes, Emmett just stared at him. However, earlier today he apparently made the woof woof sound all on his own. I cannot verify that, but I can verify that I saw him blow bubbles! This is a day when we forget about all of the concerns of the world and simply spend time enjoying the miracle of life. And blowing raspberries together! We have all said it before, that when you’re with Emmett and he smiles then the only thing that is possible to do is to smile along with him! And today, we are smiling. Even if Emmett is a bit on the grumpy side.

If you are wondering, the answer is no. Emmett absolutely did not get another helium balloon for this month birthday. I will fix that very soon - maybe with two balloons! Pam and I are keeping busy with getting settled in B.C. and I simply didn't get out to pick one up. It is unlikely that I will go bankrupt buying helium balloons, but according to some people in our family that is a possibility. Emmett, with his amazing eyes and expressions, has already told me that when he’s older he would like to have enough helium balloons to allow him to float around the house.  I said no, that he'd have to wait until he is older to do something risky like that. But that’s likely doable, as long as his mom and grandma’s don’t find out. His dad and grandpa Willms are possibly going to support this endeavour.

Do you think that for his 12 month birthday – his first year – that he would be old enough then?

Emmett's Occupational Therapist designed and built an 'arm' crane for Emmett that is hinged and extends. This allows Emmett to move his arm more extensively. With the weight held by the sling, he can concentrate on movement rather than on picking his arm up. It is great to see the look of concentration but also joy as he explores the unknown.  In the pic where he's sleeping, Emmett is buckled into his car bed. It is, I'm sure, the only way to travel! The last few pics, just a few more opportunities for this little boy's eyes to cause you to catch your breath! Emmett now wears his bi-pap machine for naps in addition to overnight sleeps. It isn't his favourite apparatus, but he does love story time and that sort of takes away the irritation of the bi-pap mask.

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog on Emmett swimming - we just have to get some photos that are discreet and won't embarass him when he's older!

Mommy, why can't I float around the house with helium balloons? Grandpa says it will be safe!