Five months old

The Olympic torch is almost at the cauldron, with the final torch bearer still a secret. (Maybe Wayne Gretzky?). Bill Clinton undergoes heart surgery. Astronauts finish a big addition on the International Space Station. And Emmett celebrates his five month birthday. He continues to grow at an astronomical rate, remaining in the 95th percentile for his height. He's added breakdancing to his list of tricks (making a photo shoot extremely difficult).

His parents are relieved at another recent development. He lost most of his dark hair in the weeks after his birth, and sported a mullet for several months. Thankfully, he has outgrown his Shorty Longback stage (for now) and is sprouting fine blondish hair all over his head.

Emmett lights a fire under his parents

Emmett decided it was time to drum up some Olympic spirit, so he packed his mom and dad into the car for the early-morning arrival of the torch at the Olympic Oval.

Emmett's parents were beside themselves with excitement about a fly-by by the Canadian speedskating team (pretty sure that's Cindy Klassen in the middle)...

...but not as excited as Emmett was to EMSalute the Olympic torch.

EMSalute

In the spirit of the a-ok sign, the shaka sign, or the common thumbs-up sign, Emmett was quick to develop his own hand gesture. The EMSalute (pronounced ee-em-essalute) was first captured on camera before Emmett left the hospital. It consists of extending the pinky finger of the left hand while keeping the thumb and three middle fingers curled.

Emmett illustrates this gesture in the video we posted yesterday, and in the photos below. The EMSalute should not be confused with a similar gesture on the right hand which generally means, "Somebody stinks, and it sure as heck isn't me."

Giggle or cry?

Emmett's mom says he's giggling. Emmett's dad says he's revving things up for a big ol' scream.