Firsts

First hockey game - the Crowchild Classic. Other than a major upchuck all over his Dad, and some tears when the horn sounded to signal a goal, a successful outing. Emmett and Oscar's parents know they are playing with fire exposing their boys to the game of hockey. Emmett's mom lives in constant fear that she will be a hockey mom.







First flight. Other than some sore ears on the descent, it was remarkably uneventful and straightforward. Emmett was plugged into Treehouse, the parents were plugged into the Olympics, and Oscar was plugged into the inflight refreshment service, courtesy of his mom.









First visit with Gramma, full of hugs, giggles, cuddles and kisses.

Emmett's Kiwi Adventure

Taking advantage of his dad's heap of vacation time, his mom's maternity leave, and free airfare for himself, Emmett has dragged his family to New Zealand. While his parents were thrilled by the service on their 14-hour Air New Zealand flight, they couldn't help but note the irony of the most comfortable seat on the plane going to the passenger who paid, like, nothing.

The weather in Christchurch has been spectacular, sufficient to assist Emmett in crossing a few things off his Kiwi Things-To-Do list.

Drive the Summit Road above Dyer's Pass. Check.

Fish and chips in Akaroa. Check.

Act like a tiger at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Check.

Home for the Holidays

Emmett's parents dragged him home to visit family and friends, celebrate his first Christmas, and tour him around their respective home towns. The holidays were full of fun, festivities, and many firsts including Emmett's first plane ride. He handled the outbound flight like a champ.

On the return flight, however, he was lucky to not be hauled off by security when just before pushing back from the gate he spat up a smuggled stash of breast milk cleverly concealed in his belly. Fortunately, the volume of liquid amounted to less than 100 mL.

Relatives from the clan Stran eagerly awaited his arrival. His cousins were smitten with the newest member of the family, as were his aunts.

Not sure if Uncle Blair was as smitten, though he eventually started to come around...

Luckily, Grampa and Poppa came to the rescue, giving Emmett some quality armchair time.

All in all, Emmett received more than his fair share of attention and cuddling over the holidays. Hey, when you're as cool a Christmas character as Emmett is, who can resist?