The Hobson Family

VOTE FOR EMILY!

2011-01-24T19:40:00.001-08:00

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Finally...

2011-01-10T21:15:00.001-08:00

Finally got Em's 12 mo post finished up. Maybe in the next few months, I'll get her bday party post up..haha!

12 Months - October 22, 2010

2010-11-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Emily,

Well, we've made it to your 1st birthday! I just cannot believe how fast this past year has flown by. You've changed so much since you were born and I've learned a lot too! You are my first sweet baby, so we've had to do a lot of learning together. You know, there isn't an instruction manual on how to be a Mommy. It takes a little patience and a lot of prayer...a lot of calling Aunt Lisa and Aunt Melissa for advise too! Oh how I with my Mama was here for my questions, but I generally can figure out what she would say or do in situations. Her voice is never far gone from my mind. =)

Thankfully, we've been blessed with a very healthy, happy baby girl, so honestly, my major questions have been few and far between. I've really had NO problems or issues with you at all in your 1st year of life. You've never been sick, you've never really had any tummy trouble (thanks to nursing), you've only had diaper rash once, you've never had an ear infection. You are always so happy and sweet. I couldn't ask for a better baby! Sure, there were times when I would have questions or doubt myself or decisions I would make for you, but all-in-all, things have gone very smoothly. I hope I can say the same thing this time next year as we move into your 2nd year! I'm very aware that it will only get harder as you develop your own thoughts and opinions on things. =)

You've grown a whole lot since you were born. Born only a very small 5 lbs, 13 oz and 18 1/2" long, you are now weighing in at 18 lbs (10% for your weight) and 28 3/4" long (45% for your height). You're still a "small" girl, but as my mama (your Mimi) use to tell me, "that's just how God made you." He made me and Daddy pretty small too, so it's to be expected. =)

We had a very busy month this past month..the fair came into town, so we were excited to take you to your very 1st Fair. Although, you were to small to ride any rides, you still had a lot of fun looking at all the lights.

Well, actually, you went to the fair last year too, but you just couldn't see anything. =)

You didn't like the petting zoo very much though...

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, Fall decorations, Halloween, and now I can add your birthday to the list! While this wasn't your first "Fall," it was the first Fall you could really enjoy Fall activities since you were just a newborn baby last Fall. You know Mommy has got to get some "Fall Pictures" of my baby girl! Aunt Lisa and I made you and Abby little Fall outfits too!

See how much you've changed since last Fall!

Abby wasn't into taking the Fall pics, but Anna Lauren sure had fun!

We visited Nana Irene's house. Nana Irene is actually Abby's Nana, but you call her Nana too. =) She is so sweet and loves you very much too. She has lots of horses at her house, so we went to check them out. Maybe one day you can ride one of her horses!

Pawpaw, Granny, and Aunt Lisa also spend lots of time with you. You are a very lucky girl to have so many people that love you!

Another fun Fall activity we did this past month was the Canton Flea Market. Me and you had a "girls" day and went just the two of us. It was such a nice, breezy day. We had fun walking around looking at all the pretty stuff. I REALLY hope you like to shop girl b/c your mama sure does! Mimi also LOVED to shop, so maybe it's genetic. =)

Another comparison picture...this was me (and you) at the Canton Flea Market last year!

Halloween is just around the corner and I'm so excited! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays - it's just so carefree and fun. Aunt Lisa and I have you and Abby's costumes all ready to go and I can't wait for you both to wear them. I also made you a little Halloween witch hat t-shirt.

I also LOVE Halloween decorations. I try to add a new decoration each year. One of my favorite decorations is our "Treater Greeter" or what I simply call our "Spook." Mimi actually bought him for me a few Halloweens ago. He is so cute. He is motion activated, so when Trick or Treaters come to the door, he says "boo" and opens his arms and wiggles. Sadly, you were so scared of him. Maybe next year, he'll be more fun. =)

Mommy just loves, loves, loves spending fun holidays with you. It's like I get to live my life all over again through your eyes. I can't wait to see your excitement during holidays as you get a little older.

You are still loving story time. You've started to venture away from Mommy a bit and crawl to the center of the room. We also got to wear our Halloween costume to story time. While this isn't your exact costume, it's a sneak peak at what it will look like. =)

This past month we also celebrated your friend, Ethan's, 2nd Birthday at the Agricultural Museum. It was a lot of fun - we got to tour the museum and ride the train. I'm so lucky to have such amazing friends who also have kids. I'm excited to have you grow up surrounded by sweet, caring people. =)

You also made a new friend this past month, Cooper Richard Calvert. This is Anna Lauren's new baby brother. I'm sure you two will become great friends.

You aren't walking by yourself yet, but are walking with a little help.

Walking or not, you are on the move and into everything...including your puppy sisters' doggie crate. =)

You still scrunch your nose when you smile really big - it's the cutest thing ever!

I mean really, can you get any more adorable?

A few milestones this past month...

You started doing itsy bitsy spider. It's the cutest thing ever. You make the spider motions with your hands when I start singing the song.

You also FINALLY got some teeth! Two teeth actually! Your front bottom teeth came in almost at the same time, poor baby. =( But, with new teeth come learning to brush your teeth. You LOVE getting your teeth brushed. I guess it feels good on your gums and the toothpaste tastes good to you too.

You also started giving us kisses and hugs. My heart absolutely melts when you lean your little head on my shoulder to "give love." Your kisses are so sweet too. They are big, wet, open mouth kisses! Ha!

A HUGE milestone this past month for both of us was weaning off nursing and onto whole milk. It was just in the nick of time too because of your teeth coming in now..haha! I can now say we are totally weaned and you are on whole milk 100%. You are also totally off bottles too and on sippy cups 100%! I've packed up all bottles and bottle accessories and stored away until our next baby comes along. Wow, I no longer have a baby taking a bottle! Sad. =( I was a mean mommy...weaning you off the boobie AND bottle at the same time. But, I felt they were sort of one in the same and was optimistic that you could do it. Sure enough, you did great! I have mixed emotions about ending our nursing, but it was time. You can't stay my little baby forever. =(

Your biggest milestone is turning ONE! Of course, I was obsessed with making your 1st Birthday Party perfect - After all, you only get one "first" birthday! First, I started with taking your "1 year pictures." I created two different outfits with two totally different looks. I loved them both and couldn't decide, so I used them both! =)

The first outfit was a very "sweet, girlie girl" look. (Shirt made by Mommy - Design inspired by Aunt Lisa/Abby Grace)

Special thanks to Brandi for helping with this shoot...

The other outfit was still sweet, but with a little "edge" to it. It also more closely matches your birthday party color scheme of black and white damask and pink. (Hat and Shirt made by Mommy).

Special thanks to Daddy and Aunt Lisa for helping with the shoot...

Well, your birthday party is tomorrow (October 23rd). This day is extra special because it is also your Mimi's birthday. She would have LOVED to share her birthday with you. When I found out I was pregnant with you, I was hoping to have you on her birthday (even though you weren't due until November 3rd). Early in my pregnancy, I even asked my dr. if it would be possible to be induced on that day, but she said no. However, you made other plans...you wanted to share your birthday with your Daddy, so you made your grand entrance into the world on October 22nd...fast and furious - not even giving Mommy time to get an epidural!!

Sweet girl, you have no idea how much joy you have brought into my life. This past year has been the best ever and I can't wait to spend many more years with you. I know I have to soak these days up because some day, very soon, you'll grow up and have babies of your own. Only then, will you truly understand how much I love you. My mama use to always tell me that, but I never really got it until now. I wish so much that she was hear for me to tell her...I understand now...I understand how much she loves me! It's a crazy love...full of all kinds of emotions. But, it's a love like no other - a mother's love is unconditional forever and ever. You will always be my little Emmie...my sweet punky...my baby girl...forever. Happy 1st Birthday, baby doll!

Love always and always,

Mama

11 Months - September 22, 2010

2010-11-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Emily,

You are now 11 months old. As we fast approach your 1st birthday, I'm seeing my little "baby" turn into a toddler. You are officially "on the move" and so am I (trying to keep up with you and make sure you don't get into anything you're not supposed to get into!)

We've had a lot of changes this past month. Crawling opened a whole new world for you. Within a day of you learning to crawl, you were pulling up on your bed. We had been letting you sleep in a "sleep sack" because I was convinced it made you sleep better, but now you were pulling up on the bed even in your sleep sack, so we had to lose it. Pulling up on your bed brought new nap challenges for us because you just wanted to pull up on your bed all the time instead of nap - you had just learned a new skill, so you wanted to practice it all the time, but the new eventually wore off and you were back to napping good again. You like to sleep with your head propped on your bumper...it's so cute.

I also introduced you to whole milk this past month! I'm still nursing you and will continue to nurse you until you are 1 year old, but I wanted to at least introduce the whole milk to you (in a sippy cup), so you could be getting use to it. You didn't really like it very much, but hopefully, you'll learn to love it because the boobie is soon going away! I'm basically giving you a little whole milk in a sippy each day to get you learning/liking it.

Tooth Check..still NO teeth!

You started clapping this past month too! This is the cutest thing! We went to a football game to cheer on Uncle Bo (Brandon Police Dept vs Brandon Fire Dept) and you were cheering and clapping! You're becoming such a big girl!

One of your favorite toys this past month has been the fridge farm magnet set. This is very handy for mommy also as it keeps you occupied for a while, so I can actually get some things done around the kitchen.

You also still love swinging...we swing a lot.

You don't really play with any one toy for very long. Instead, you just want to pull all the toys out of your toy box. That's big fun for you!

And of course what would a childhood be without a picture of you inside a diaper box..haha!

While pulling up on your bed was the 1st thing you pulled up on, you very soon started pulling up on EVERYTHING. You would pull up on something and then look at me with such proud eyes...mommy is so proud of her big girl!

You're favorite thing to pull up on is Mommy. =) This is my view most of the day...

You would really love to play with your puppy sisters more, but they pretty much "tolerate" you for now...they haven't accepted you as a play mate just yet. But, at least they aren't scared of you. This was my big fear when you were born - I knew it would rock their little worlds to bring a new little baby home, but they've done great. Harlee was a little upset at first - she would hide in the bathroom or in a corner when you would cry, but now she will sit right next to you and even let you pet her. =)

We doggie sat my friend, Lesha's, puppy, Lizzie, this past month and you really had fun with her. Lizzie actually wanted to play with you (unlike your puppy sisters).

You like playing with other babies/kids. You're main play mate is Abby, but you get to play with other kids too. It's so fun to watch you interact with others.

With the Fall weather coming soon, we had our last swim of the summer. You love splashing in the pool and mommy loves watching her girl splash in the pool. =)

You have become a bit clingy to Mommy this past month. I think this is just a phase that all babies go through. While I love that you want to be with me, sometimes it can be a bit challenging having a baby on your hip 24/7. Example, I helped give Miss Mandi a baby shower for Cooper and I couldn't even put you down long enough for us to take a picture with all the hostesses of the shower, so...you got to be in the picture too. =)

But, even though you LOVE your Mama, you also love others and everyone just LOVES my Emmie...

Mommy is with you a lot, but Daddy does his far share of helping out with you. He LOVES his baby girl and you love him. I love watching you play together.

Here is Daddy being a light tester for Mommy before one of our photoshoots...this pic just cracks me up. What a trooper he is. =)

Baby girl, you are just such a joy to me. I love hanging out with my favorite little person. You are so funny - you think you are a comedian - haha. I think you get this from Daddy. He laughs at himself a lot and thinks he is hilarious...I think you have the same personality. You laugh at yourself a lot too. It's so funny. One thing that is hardly ever missing from your sweet little face is a smile. It lights up every room and makes my heart skip a beat.

You are truly the love of my life - my heart and soul. I sometimes think to myself, "wow, how did God know...you were just the one I wanted! You are my perfect, sweet angel baby and Mama loves you more every single day.

Love Always and Forever and Ever,

Mama

Don't Cry...

2010-10-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

My Mama will be posting soon. She has been soooo busy getting ready for my 1st Birthday Party.

10 Months - August 22, 2010

2010-09-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Emily,

You are 10 months old now and I am so sad that you'll soon be turning one. Well, not sad, but I definitely have mixed emotions about your 1st birthday. One day, when you have a baby, you'll understand the roller coaster of emotions a mother deals with on a daily basis. One of the biggest issues I, personally, face as a mother is having my heart constantly pulled from either clinging to the past or being excited for the future. This is probably something all mothers face.

I want to soak in all that is "baby" Emily, but at the same time, I'm so excited for what's next. I can't wait to decorate Christmas cookies with you and take you to Disney World. I can't wait to see your excitement on Christmas morning. I can't wait to play tea party and dress up with you. We'll have so much fun! Being a girl is the best!

This past month marks the end of your first Summer. It has been wonderful spending the Summer with my favorite little person. I am beyond blessed to be able to spend so much time with my sweet, sweet girl.

We had lots of fun hanging with friends outside. Specifically, you loved wagon rides with Abby Grace.

You've loved spending time with your Brandi while she was out of school for the Summer. You actually waved bye, bye for the 1st time this past month to Brandi. It was so sweet! Now you wave bye, bye all the time.

You've loved splashing in the water with friends.

Your favorite part about the water was putting your face in it! It was so funny to watch.

You love to "go." We generally get out a few times a week just me and you to run errands. We'll go to Target or Hobby Lobby and just walk around. People are constantly stopping us in the stores to talk to you. You are just soooo cute!

Daddy and I recently bought a little bike trailer for you (and your sisters and Abby) to ride around with us. You really liked it a lot! It's just so fun to watch you experience new things.

We are now a regular at the local library story-time. You really love watching all the other kids run around. We read books, sings songs, and play. It's so much fun..it's my favorite part of our week!

We finished up swim school this past month (good thing, because your swim suits were getting a little tight!). You did great and really came a long way from when we 1st started the class in May. We'll probably do swim lessons again, but will wait until you are a little older.

You still love to swing!

And, hang out with Abby and Pawpaw

You love to play with all your toys. Your favorite things seem to be little stuffed animals or dolls. You give them love by pushing their face up to your face. I'm trying to teach you to hug them. It's so sweet. You also love pulling all your toys out of the toy box.

You are a wonderfully happy baby "most" of the time. I say "most" because this past month, you have actually been a bit on the whiny side. I know this is just because you have been trying to crawl and get very frustrated because you can't seem to master it.

Mommy tries to get you to crawl by putting fun things in front of you, but it doesn't help much. So, I tried enticing you with something you REALLY want, Mommy's phone.

No luck though...

Maybe a pearl necklace would entice my girl to crawl, I wondered...

But, wearing a large tutu makes crawling a bit difficult mom. =)

But, Mommy knew your mobility was on the horizon. SO, I had to quickly get some "booty" shots of you before you were too mobile to escape me. I'd been wanting to take these pictures of you for a while, but just kept putting it off...I could put it off no longer! I was almost to late because as you can see, you were really trying to crawl around.

See the look of determination on your face!

Then, you had a potty accident, but it was worth it to get my booty pics! ha!

Another photoshoot Mommy had been putting off is getting some shots of you wearing a few little dresses that were mine and Aunt Lisa's when we were babies. Again, it was now or never, so I had to suck it up and just do it. These dresses mean a lot to me because it's almost like Mimi gave them to you since she gave them to me and your Aunt Lisa. I know she is looking down at you smiling. She loved little frilly girlie dresses. Seeing you in these would have brought tears to her eyes. Maybe someday, I'll have a granddaughter that can wear these! =)

Again, you tried to escape me...

It was pretty hot when we were taking these pics, so by the time I got around to shooting the little red dress, you had decided that enough was enough.

You don't get mad very often either, but when you do, you make the funniest face! You scrunch your face and clinch and shake your fists.

This past month you have decided that pretty bows, hats, and/or headbands are just not your thing.

Mommy did manage to snap a pic really quick of you in this SUPER CUTE outfit and SUPER CUTE pink flower band. But, I think it's the last we'll see of you wearing the flower headband. At least, for a while.

A big milestone for you this month was eating "puffs." Puffs look like cereal, but they dissolve in your mouth. You weren't very sure about them at first and would spit them out as soon as they got in your mouth. You also haven't mastered the "pincher" reflex yet either, so you can't grab them with two fingers and get them to your mouth. I'm sure this will improve this next month with practice.

You are still working on drinking from a sippy cup. You mainly use it as a teether and it ends up on the floor most of the time. But, you have started taking sips out of it now and then. So far, I've really only given you water because we are STILL NURSING! I know, I can't believe it either. But, it does help that you still have no teeth! =)

While you don't have any teeth yet, you are probably teething because you like to chew on everything. You haven't been too fussy though, so maybe it's not teething. Who knows.

You started pulling up all by yourself this past month. I had a bottom drawer opened to put away some clothes in your room and you decided to pull up on it. I just couldn't believe it! Then, you proceeded to start pulling your clothes out of the drawer.

And your biggest mile stone this past month was....drum roll....you CRAWLED! You crawled two days before turning 10 months old! Mommy was so proud of you and you are MUCH happier now!

But, mommy's job just got a LOT harder.

I had to get Daddy to help with our "10 Month" shoot. Usually, I can just do it by myself, but you are trying to run away from my camera now!

The day after you started crawling, you started pulling up on everything all the time! Oh, Mommy is going to be much busier now! =)

Now, you pull up on your bed all the time. This has been a nap challenge for us...you want to pull up and play instead of nap! We have lowered the crib and secured your bookshelf to the wall! Sadly, I also had to remove your "E" canvas from above your crib. This is something I knew was inevitable. Oh well...I'll put it up again some day (or when we have visitors)..haha!

You really like to pull up on Mommy. This is my view most of the time now...

I don't mind you pulling up on me. I love, love, love being with you. You are the light of my life. Words cannot express how much I love you. You are the sweetest baby ever. I can see you becoming a very sweet little girl and a beautifully sweet and caring young lady. This is my goal in life - to help you become a good person. I want so much for you...my main concern is making sure you have a good heart. I want you to be a genuine, caring, loving, honest person. I want you to have self confidence and believe in yourself. I don't want you to have issues with peer pressure. I want you to ALWAYS be able to come to me or your Daddy with a problem. I want you to make good decisions. I want you to choose your friends carefully. I want you to treat your body well and have respect for yourself. I want you to save yourself for your husband. I want you to love the Lord and trust in His plans for you - He has AMAZING plans for my sweet angel, I just know it! I could go on and on and on. Never in my life have I understood my mother more than I do now. I only wish she was here for me to tell her how much I appreciate her and talk to her about how I totally understand what she has felt for me all these years. It's truly a love like no other...being a mother is the greatest gift.

I feel it's a privilege being your mother. Like, God has given me such a precious, precious gift. I don't want to mess it up! Haha. Well, not really a laughing matter, but...If I really sat down and thought about the task that has been placed before me, I could feel very overwhelmed. But, we have some time to work through this growing up thing together. Day-by-day, we'll learn new things as a family. One thing is for sure...you'll always be loved.

Love Always and Always,
Mama

Love For Mimi

2010-08-17T19:49:00.001-07:00

She's been doing this for a while now, but finally got around to catching her on video tonight....

This is part of our bedtime routine. After we read her books, we say good night to Mimi. She has always smiled really big each time I've shown her Mama's picture - almost like she really knows who she is and loves her. She then started giving her kisses. Funny thing is, she doesn't even do this for me or anyone else yet!

Oh, how I wish I could tell Mama about this! It would melt her heart! It certainly melts mine and brings tears to my eyes every time she does it!

"Old" Fashion Friday - Thanks Mimi

2010-08-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Emily's Fashion Friday is brought to you thanks Emily's Mimi (my Mama). She bought all of these dresses for her sweet girl.

No, unfortunately, she didn't actually buy them for Emily, but she did buy them for me and Lisa.

Even though Mama isn't here to give my sweet girl little frilly dresses and gifts like all Mimi's do, I can at least pass things down to her that were mine and know that my mama would've loved seeing them on her and probably would've bought her something similar if she was here now. =)

Both of these dresses are by "Baby Bliss." I looked them up online, but couldn't find anything on them. I guess it's just an older brand that is not made anymore, but I do know that Mama bought a lot of our dresses from Helen's, so these probably came from that store.

The pink crochet shoes were not mine - I bought them from Baby Gap.

The little doll was also mine (and Lisa's) when we were little. She is wearing a matching dress. The fabric (pink rose buds) is the same fabric as Emily's (and my) "coming home from the hospital dress." We also have ANOTHER dress in the same fabric for when she is a little older. My mama LOVED this fabric - rose buds were her favorite thing on little girls. =)

Frilly Dress From Mimi # 2...

Guess Who!

Thank You Mimi - Love Emily Elaine

9 Months - July 22, 2010

2010-08-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Emily,

Well, we are definitely on the down hill slide of your 1st year! The time has flown so fast, my head is spinning! At your 9 month check up, you weighed in at 16 lbs, 16 oz and 27" long. You are 15% for your weight and 50% for your height. You didn't have to get shots at this visit, but did have to get your blood taken - you were so good - you didn't even cry at all!

You wear size 6-12 month or 6-9 month clothes, but can still fit in 3-6 month clothes too! You wear about a size 2 shoe, but some 0 size shoes also still fit you. Although, I never put shoes on you because you just want to take them off and eat them - ha! Plus, it's been so hot, I feel like they are just too hot and uncomfy for you. One thing is for sure, I LOVE to dress you up like you are my baby doll! People are always stopping us in stores to talk to you. Mommy and Daddy took you shopping at Wal Mart the other day and we literally had 7 people surrounding us making a fuss over you. Of course, we all just ate up the attention - we are proud parents for sure!

Speaking of shopping, Mommy finally got you out of your umbrella stroller and put you into a grocery stroller this past month. I probably could've done this months ago, but I didn't have the neat stroller cover to protect you from yuck store germs. Well, you LOVE riding in the grocery strollers. You feel so big and tall and are face to face with your fav person in the world...Mommy! =) I love to give you hugs while you are in the stroller - I just lean over and hug and love on you periodically while shopping - mommy is crazy over you! Daddy has started doing this with you too - you're just so huggable!

You still LOVE to swing. You get so excited when Mommy even opens the back door - you start jumping in my arms.

You also LOVE your Santa Pup. It's a little stuffed puppy dressed as Santa Clause. He sings "Jesus Loves Me" when you push his tummy. Pawpaw gave him to you for Christmas and he's your fav baby. He makes diaper changes much more fun!

You took your 1st trip to the zoo this past month. We went for a birthday party, so a lot of your friends were there too. We saw some animals, rode the carousel, rode the train, and ate ice cream (all things you did for the 1st time!) It was SOOO HOT though as you can probably tell from our red faces in these pics!

Something silly you do...

When I take a picture of you with a point and shoot camera, you smile SO BIG! It's the funniest thing! It's like you know what to do! Here is an example of how BIG you smile for the camera.

You have really started to pay attention to your puppy sisters, Gracie and Harlee, this past month. You like to pull their hair, which I'm trying to teach you NOT to do! I'm trying to teach you to be sweet and treat them nice. They love you and you will learn to love them. I can't wait until you can help mommy take care of them. 1st order of business...teaching you how to brush Gracie's hair! haha!

A few more mile stones for the month...

We have dropped a nap and a feed! You are now down to eating 4 times a day (breakfast, lunch, supper, and before bed - we dropped the 3:00 afternoon feed). You are down to only 2 naps a day (2 hour morning nap and 2 hour afternoon nap). The new schedule works out great and you'll stick with this schedule until about 20 months old - give or take a month or so. The schedule is truly magical and credit your schedule as the reason you are the happiest baby on the planet...that and you have your mama's sweet personality..haha!

You can feed yourself an entire bottle now. You don't do this very often since we are still nursing, but every once in a while, Mommy or Daddy will give you a bottle and you are able to drink it all by yourself. You have to be propped up on the boppy pillow though.

I introduced you to a sippy cup this past month. You don't have the hang of it just yet, but are getting there. So far, I've only given you water and a little juice (mostly water). You basically have treated it just like a toy and throw it around. Hopefully, you'll get the hang of it in the next month or so. My plan is to introduce whole milk to you in a sippy cup and ONLY a sippy cup...weaning off bottles and nursing at the same time - yikes!! We still have a little time though.

You have started pulling up on things. You can't totally pull up on something by yourself yet, but with a little help, you can pull up and stand on your own.

You are TRYING to crawl, but can't quite get the hang of it yet. You get so frustrated, but I know you'll get it really soon. If not, you'll walk first. You LOVE to stand and I know you would rather walk. It's probably my fault that you aren't crawling yet because every time you get on your tummy and fuss, I pick you up and sit you on your bottom. You HATE being on your tummy and I HATE hearing you fuss, so here we are...you are 9 months old and still not crawling. Oh well. You'll get there eventually. =)

You and Abby Grace had your very 1st sleep over this past month. Actually, you girls had several sleep overs together this month. We had story time together - it was very sweet. Of course, you girls had to sleep in separate rooms to make sure you wouldn't wake each other up, but one day, you'll be able to sleep in the same bed and have true slumber parties!

You visited Atlanta for the 1st time this past month too! Atlanta is a very important city because it's where your Uncle David, Aunt Melissa, and cousins, Avery and Liam, live. We don't get to see them very much which is so sad, but when we do get to see them, it's big fun for everyone! We celebrated your 1st 4th of July with them and it was a blast.

Daddy and Uncle Dave ran in the Peachtree Road Race, which is the largest (or one of the largest) 10k's in the country. It was fun to cheer them on!

Then, we celebrated the 4th with a Children's Parade in Uncle Dave and Aunt Melissa's neighborhood!

We also went swimming, watched Uncle Dave and Daddy play soccer, and played with cousins, Avery and Liam!

You also had your 1st taste of an avocado thanks to Aunt Melissa!

It was a very fun weekend and you were pooped on the car ride home!

Something not so great that happened this past month is your 1st diaper rash. It wasn't a horrible diaper rash, but diaper rash nonetheless. SO, mommy stripped you down to naked butt and let you lie around to air out. You loved it!

You are enjoying story time more and more every time we go. It's so fun to see you watch the other kids and play. I'm SO blessed to be able to take you!

Something fun and exciting...

I sent in a picture of you wearing a Jamie Rae Hat to the Jamie Rae Hat Company and they loved it and wanted to possibly use it for advertising purposes. They actually sent you about 8 more hats for free and asked me to take more pictures of you wearing the hats! I was so excited! Of course, we had to invite Abby and Hadley to join in on the hat shoot! I'm going to turn you into a baby model yet! haha!

Mommy LOVES to take you places with me. Actually, you go just about everywhere I go (except to work). But, who wouldn't want to look back in their rear view mirror and see this smiling face?! =)

We have a WONDERFUL bedtime routine down. Actually, we've had this down for a very long time now (since you were about 10 weeks old). Believe it or not, I had never even taken a picture of you in your bath tub with my "good" camera! I had to hurry and capture this moment before you moved to the big bath tub and out of the sink! This past month, I made a point to capture it in pictures...

First comes bath time at 8:00 pm. You love your bath. You just started really splashing a lot. We're probably about to have to relocate your bath to the big bath soon!

Next comes getting your PJ's on. Sometimes you fuss over this - you'd rather just be a naked butt! We play soft lullaby music and only have lamps on in your room.

Daddy tells mommy to stop taking so many pictures and enjoy the moment! I explain, I DO enjoy the moment, but I like to capture the moments too, so I can remember them later! He says "I have all my memories in my head - I don't need pics." We'll see. =)

Then, we read two books. Usually "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" or one of your touch and feel books. Then, we always end with "Good Night Moon." You love to read!

After the books, we always say Good Night to MiMi too!

Sometimes I read to you and sometimes Daddy reads to you. On the nights Daddy reads to you, he hands you to me, so we can nurse. This is the face you make when you are handed to me...

It's the sweetest face ever! You just laugh and smile so big and kick your legs like you can't get to me fast enough. I'm going to miss this so much when we stop nursing. After we nurse, we cuddle and rock. Then, it's hugs, kisses, and night night to your crib. You sleep all night long until about 7 or 7:30 am. Sometimes 8 am or later. I can let you lay in your crib for a while and you just talk to yourself. You generally don't ever cry out when you wake in the mornings. You ALWAYS wake up happy!

Emily, I can't express to you how much my love grows for you every day. You have forever changed my life for the better. Even bad days are made better by looking into your eyes. I can't imagine my life without you and can't remember my life before you. You are my reason for living - you are my heart and soul. I will always, always, love you. Even when I'm gone from this earth, please know that mama is always in your heart.

Love Always and Always,
Mama

Fashion Friday - My Vintage Baby

2010-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, Emily's Fashion Friday hasn't been the regular blog post I wanted it to be. Just not enough hours in my day! But, decided to try to be better about it, so here is a DOUBLE dose...

Today's Fashion Friday is brought to you thanks to Emily's friend, Hadley Claire. Hadley's mommy, Leah, has graciously passed down tons of Hadley's boutique clothes for my Emily to borrow. Having stylish older friends with very good taste really pays off!

In both pics, Emily is wearing one of my (and Leah's) favorite brands, My Vintage Baby. Love, love, love their stuff! Oh my gosh, and how much has my baby girl changed since she was 3 months old?! So sad.

8 Months Old - June 22, 2010

2010-07-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Emily,

You are now 8 months old and my love grows for you every single day. I keep wondering, how much MORE can I love you? I feel like my heart will eventually explode! You are growing and changing every day...

You weigh 15 lbs, 12 oz. Not sure what your percentiles are, but we will find out at your 9 month check up. Over all, you are a petite little girl - everyone calls you a doll baby. =)

I know how much you weigh this month because I took you to the doctor for the 1st time outside of a normal baby check up! You started running a fever and were just not acting like your normal, happy self, so I took you in just for safety. But, you were totally fine - no ear infection, no anything. Maybe teething?

You did get your 1st little cold this past month though...in fact, we ALL got sick with the same cold soon after coming home from the beach. Thanks to Abby and the Luckey family. haha! I guess that's what happens when you live with them for a week (while at the beach). It was just a cough and running nose. No fever or anything.

You are sitting up a lot better, but I still have to put a pillow behind you in case you fall over.

Food...Well, it's getting easier, but you are still challenging to feed. We moved you from the bouncy seat to a high chair seat and that has helped some, but you just are not very interested in eating (other than nursing). But, they say.."food is just for fun, until one." =) Hopefully, you'll start eating better soon!

First time sitting in your booster seat at a restaurant...

Then, mommy got you a high chair/stroller cover and now you get to seat in the restaurant high chair like a BIG!

You are the SWEETEST baby in the mornings when I wake you up. It's one of my fav parts of the day! You just smile and kick your feet sooo hard. You are so glad to see me!

Every time I wake you up (from a nap or in the mornings), I always have you sit up for a minute. You love this!

We are moving right along in swim school. You are having a little more fun with it - smiling more and kicking your legs. We even dunked your head under water for the 1st time and you did great! I was so nervous to do this, but you held your breath and closed your eyes! I was so proud! I think you'll be a great swimmer! Daddy was MOST scared to dunk you - he made fun of Mommy for not doing it very good at 1st, but then when it was his turn, he was to afraid to do it! haha!

Besides swim school, you also get in your little pool in the backyard some. You seem to enjoy it for a little while, but just aren't splashing around in it just yet. Harlee loves to jump in with you - she LOVES the pool!

You went to your first soccer game this past month..to watch Daddy play. By the looks of this picture, I don't think you were very impressed..haha!

Daddy had his very 1st Father's Day with you. Mommy thought it would be fun to dress you up in soccer gear and make him a card. You were NOT having much fun with this little shoot as you can tell from the pics.

Fun fact - Daddy and I bought this soccer onesie before we knew if you were going to be a boy or a girl - I TOTALLY thought you would be a boy and thought the onesie was cute, so we bought it. Maybe you'll have a brother one day that can wear it. =)

I took you and Abby's pics together for the 1st time this past month...well, had your first "planned" photoshoot for you and Abby. We bought Pawpaw a canvas print of you and Abby for his 1st Father's Day as a Pawpaw. It was soooo funny watching you and Abby interact. You girls are starting to notice each other more and more. Guessing...Abby Grace might run the show! haha! Guess it's sort of pay back because I bossed your Aunt Lisa around for years when we were little. =)

Speaking of Abby Grace, we celebrated her 1st birthday this past month too! Can't believe she is already a year old! Time is going by sooo fast!

We are STILL nursing and doing well. You have stopped biting me so much and still don't have any teeth (thank goodness for me). You are eating 5 times a day now and taking 2, 2 hour naps and 1, 45 min cat nap at night. We are about to drop a feed and a nap though - yikes!

You love to play...your fav things right now are your blocks, swing, and plastic rings. The swing is your absolute favorite thing! You start jumping with excitement in my arms when I head for the back door and laugh and smile so big the entire time you are swinging. It's so cute!

You also really like baby dolls...

And, you've found an interest in that large, black, metal thing that is constantly put in front of your face...

A fun facts...

You have a little bald spot on the back of your head. It'll fade over time, but I think it's so cute. =)

When you smile really big, you scrunch your noise...it's the cutest thing ever!

You curl your toes a lot.

You have the most gorgeous eyes...your eye lashes curl as though I curled them with an eye lash curler. Everyone you meet always comments on your beautiful eyes.

Every time you see a picture of yourself, know that mommy probably had a Gracie sitting on her lap while she was taking it...haha!

And, our Harlee is never far away either...

I can probably count on one hand the amount of times you've cried and I've NOT known what was wrong with you. You are the best baby! If you are crying, you are generally tired.

Generally, you are the sweetest and happiest baby!

You like paci's, but more for playing with them than for actually using them. You like your thumb most - I find it in your mouth almost every time I get you up in the mornings or from a nap.

You LOVE your Mimi. Sadly, you don't get to know her in person while here on earth, but you'll meet her someday. She is your guardian angel and is always with you (and Abby). We look at her picture every night before you go to bed. You always smile big and play with her picture. It's so sweet!

You've probably noticed by now, but Mommy LOVES taking your picture. You are just so photogenic and seem to like getting your picture made. I hope you always like to take pictures with me, but I know it'll probably get harder as you get older and more mobile. =)

Emily, there are no words to express how much I love you. You are my heart and soul..my reason for living. You have given me a purpose in life - to be the best mommy I can be for you. You make me want to be a better person - someone who you can look up to. I think twice about everything I say and do because I want to be someone you can be proud to call your mommy. I want the world for you and hope to help you obtain the world someday! Although, I feel as though I've already been given the world...I'm your mommy!

Love you,
Mama

"Sewing Nets" - Entry 2 of 2

2010-07-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

Over the next two months, I watched my mother get sicker and sicker. But, more than that, I watched a person on a mission. A mission to prepare her family for her inevitable departure – a family that relied heavily on her existence to function every day!

I love the analogy that Randy Pausch, author of “The Last Lecture,” used during an interview with Diane Sawyer. Randy was an amazing person - a professor who was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer with a wife and 3 small children…he was devastated by the fact that he was about to be forced to leave them, but made the most of what time he had left with them.
He said, “somebody’s going to push my family off a cliff pretty soon and I won’t be there to catch them and that breaks my heart, but I have some time to sew some nets to cushion the fall”…so, I can curl up in a ball and cry, or I can get to work on the nets.”

I love this analogy because it perfectly describes what my mother did for us when she became sick. Actually, I almost feel as though she is STILL doing this - with the birth of Abby Grace and Emily Elaine. She is trying to keep us busy and moving forward with life. One thing she told me while she was sick was, “you’ll be sad when I’m gone, but life will go on and you will have to go on too.”

Yes, she was absolutely devastated by her diagnosis, but her main focus became “sewing nets” for her family. Immediately, she started writing things down in a notebook…insurance policy info, bank account info, how to take care of her dog, Roxy (give her a Puparoni each day as a treat, make sure she has water, etc.). She even wrote down who she would like as pallbearers at her funeral.

She also wanted to find the perfect place to be buried. She received the news from her doctor on a Thursday and that same weekend, we were looking at burial plots. Keep in mind, she had only seen a general doctor – not an oncologist. We didn’t know what stage she was in, but she knew it was bad and didn’t have a lot of time to waste.

After visiting several times, we found the perfect spot – right by a big tree (she loved trees) complete with a bench for us to visit. With this established, she would rest easier knowing where she would be laid to rest and that we would be able to come see her (close to home). Plus, it would save us the worry of trying to find a place we “think” she would like.

Mama and I even went shopping for the outfit she would be buried in. We bought it from Belk at Northpark Mall. Of course, at the time, I played it off as if she was just buying this outfit to wear normally - not for her burial! But, we both knew what we were doing. It was the last time we ever went shopping together.

Next on her list was getting her (mainly my dad) out of their house of 36 years. She knew how hard it would be for him to have to live in that house without her. With ENDLESS memories wrapped up in that house, how could he ever go back there to live without her??!! Plus, her and my dad had been looking at houses for as long as I can remember. It was almost a hobby for them – driving around on weekends, searching for their dream home.

With this came lots of clean out! We pulled out boxes from closets and the attic and went through them with her. We cleaned out her jewelry boxes and cabinets with china and dishes. She touched everything in that house – telling us what was important and what was junk. We went through our baby clothes with her – found the outfit we came home from the hospital in…How could we have done this without her? I can’t imagine going through that house and not having her there to answer questions like, “what is this” and “where did this come from?” A person accumulates a ton of stuff over 36 years. Mama helped us go through everything.

Then, she found “the house.” This is a house she had seen before and liked, but it went off the market. Well, it was put back on the market when she became sick (a total God thing). We went as a family to check it out and she knew immediately it was the one. It was a perfect size, had little extras (granite counter tops and wood floors), but best of all, was only a few houses down from Lisa and about a 3 minute drive from my house.

She would say things like, “you can put DADDY’S Christmas tree here” and “my hospital bed can go here.” Of course, we would brush her off saying – it’s not JUST Daddy’s tree and you will not be in a hospital bed ! Of course, as always, she was right on both accounts. The tree sat right where she said it would sit (without her around to see it) and her hospital bed sat right where she said it would sit.

We cried a lot together, but also had some great conversations. I just tried to soak in EVERYTHING she was telling me. One of my biggest issues I’ve had with her not being here is the whole grandbaby thing. This was also a huge fear I felt when I learned she was sick - her never getting to see her grandbabies. I became almost obsessed with this – I wanted to go shopping for them with her and pick out a name, so I would know that she would leave the earth knowing their names. I also wanted to make sure she liked their names. This is why I chose Emily Elaine for my baby girl’s name – I know mama liked it.

I wanted her to buy them something, so I could tell them it was from their Mimi and have it be true. I was so upset (and still upset) that she would never get to experience the joys of being a grandmother, as well as upset for my babies never getting to know her. I knew their relationship would have been so special. I couldn’t wait to see it grow. I felt (and still feel) so cheated out of this. I feel as though my babies have been cheated. But, I know I can't dwell on this. I’m just going to try really hard to make Emily, Abby, and all future babies know her. If I have to flash pictures and videos in their face of their Mimi everyday, that’s just what I’ll have to do. =)

We did find a couple of items during the house clean out that mama had already bought her grandbabies. Some little wooden puzzles she happened upon at Old Time Commissary one day and thought were cute – she bought them and shoved them in a closet for later. When we found them and asked her about them, she told us they were for her grandbabies. She had also bought them some little silverware sets. So, our babies do actually get a few gifts from their Mimi. =)

I believe with my heart and soul that my mom is still up in Heaven sewing nets for us…

A couple of months after she passed away, we put our old house on the market and it sold in ONE WEEK! That’s unheard of right now! Even the realtor told my dad how lucky he was to sell it so fast and that his wife had a hand in it from upstairs. =)

Then, 2 months after mama passed away, Lisa learned she was pregnant with Abby Grace. She wasn’t even trying for a baby! This little girl literally saved our lives – our little “Saving Grace” I’ve tagged her b/c we were able to focus on planning for her arrival instead of sitting around dwelling on my mom not being here.

A few months later, I became pregnant with Emily Elaine. I just knew it she was a boy, but when the sonogram lady told us “it’s a girl,” I KNEW it was my mom’s way of intervening some how. She knew how special it would be for me and Lisa to have girls together. Plus, we have so much girl stuff from when we were little – little dresses, baby jewelry, dolls, etc. – all stuff my mom bought us that now our girls can have. So, both Emmie and Abby get to have things literally from their Mimi. =)

I have such bittersweet memories during the 2 months she was sick. It was such a WHIRLWIND - by the time we hit her funeral, I felt like my head was literally spinning and I was going to wake up from the nightmare at any moment.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a dream. But, my mom helped us get through the worse experience of our lives. We were literally able to grieve with her, which I feel really helped me accept the fact that she is gone. She is the bravest, most amazing person I’ve ever known. She helped us say goodbye – there would be no way I could’ve said goodbye without her preparing me.

"Sewing Nets" - Entry 1 of 2

2010-07-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

"Somebody's going to push my family off a cliff pretty soon and I won't be there to catch them and that breaks my heart, but I have some time to sew some nets to cushion the fall and that seemed like the best and highest use of my time, so I can curl up in a ball and cry, or I can get to work on the nets." ~ Randy Paucsh

Mama worked for the phone company for 43 years (since she was 18 years old!). She could’ve retired a long time ago, but she absolutely loved her job. Most all of her friends with the phone company had already retired and would constantly ask her…”when are you going to retire?!” She talked of retiring in 2009. I always thought she was probably waiting on me or my sister to get pregnant. I had such awesome dreams for her retirement. What an awesome bond she would be able to build with my babies. She would be SUCH a good Mimi. I also couldn’t wait to see her with them and how they would interact with her. She would be like a 2nd mother to them. She LOVES my dogs just as much as I love them. I couldn’t begin to imagine how she would love her grandbabies. I was even more excited for my babies – how lucky they would be to have her as their Mimi! How much fun we would have picking out baby stuff!

Of course, when I would talk about her keeping my babies, her response was always, “I hope I’m able to” Or “If my health is good.” I would get so frustrated at these responses because she was not sick. Why would she say these sorts of things? Then again, she’s always told me that she didn’t feel she would live a very long life. Her father passed away at 67. She felt like her fate would be similar to his. I would simply try to ignore these negative thoughts. But looking back, she had an incredible intuition.

Then again, she had incredible intuition about everyone and everything. My mama was always right about everything! This is a fact that I lived with my entire life. Sometimes it was a nuisance as it meant that I was wrong a lot. =) She seemed to always have a crazy way of knowing how things would turn out or know the best way to handle things. I relied on her opinions so much. No matter how big or small a problem, she would always make me feel better about it. Just the simple act of “telling” her my issue would make me feel better. I guess that’s just a mother for you though. My mother’s strange intuitive abilities were confirmed at her visitation when every single one of her former co-workers told me the same thing:

Your mama was always right – we could always call her and she would give us the answer or if she didn’t know the answer, she would find it. She was a very sweet, reliable person.

I believe her last day of work was Monday, June 30th. However, looking back, she had started bringing personal items home from work over the past few months. She had brought EVERY picture frame home. I asked her about it and she just said, I’m so stressed out that I just might walk out and retire on the spot one day! I didn’t question her motives.

Unbeknown to us, she had doctor’s appointments lined up for Tuesday and Wednesday (July 1st and July 2nd). She had a HUGE fear of going to the doctor. I still can’t believe she even went at all. She went to the doctor completely by herself. She knew something just wasn’t right with her, but didn’t want anyone to worry. Actually, I’m convinced she knew something was seriously wrong with her for quite some time and didn’t tell anyone out of fear we would push her to see a doctor. She must have been so scared. Her doctor took one look at her “spot” and told her that it didn’t look good. He even prayed with her. He did a biopsy and told her that he would call to let her know the results. She went home alone to wait…alone.

On Thursday, July 3rd, she received the phone call that would change her life (and ours) forever. The biopsy showed the cancerous cells of malignant melanoma - the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer. Her doctor simply told her to spend as much time with her family as possible. She received this news completely alone. Then, she sat alone all day contemplating how to break the news to my dad, sister, and me. She knew we would be absolutely devastated. After all, mama was the center of our family!

It was a scorching hot, sunny day on July 3rd. I had been trying to call her all day long, but she never answered – neither work or cell number. I finally reached her around 5 pm and she asked if Lisa and I would stop by (since our boys were playing softball). I hesitated (in my mind) to come over because Michael and I were supposed to leave for Atlanta the next day and I still had to pack, but I never hesitated to her (thank goodness). So, Lisa and I (along with our dogs) headed to their house.

When we arrived, Lisa and I walked straight to the backyard to let our dogs out and mama followed. Dad soon joined us and we all sat outside. Lisa and mama sat in the swing together, dad sat in a chair next to the swing and I was standing in the yard with my dogs.
We were not outside for very long when she said, “I went to the doctor today.” My reaction was, “Mama, I’d been trying to call you all day – why didn’t you tell me?!” Then, she held out her arms and they were both black and blue from all the blood work. Then, she said, “I’m a diabetic (pause/pause)…and I also have cancer.”

Hearing my mama say, “I have cancer” is the most horrible thing I’ve experienced in my life (2nd to watching her take her last breath). I replay this moment over and over in my head like a movie at least once or twice a week. Sometimes, I can even still feel the same empty/shocking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

When she broke the news to us, she told us straight out that it was going to move fast and she didn’t have a lot of time. I looked at Lisa and she was literally as white as a sheet! My legs became jello – I had to sit down on the ground. But, I didn’t cry. I remained very calm (strictly for her sake)…I was absolutely DYING inside though – my mind racing with questions. After talking to her for a few minutes about it, I had to pretend like I had “to pee” – acting very nonchalantly about it. The second I got to the bathroom, I collapsed to the floor in hysterics. I pulled myself together and cleaned my face – I didn’t want her to know I had a breakdown. When I got back outside to her, I decided to just try to brush her off and tell her how she can’t predict the future and she must remain positive – you’re going to fight and beat this, yada, yada, blah, blah. However in her eyes, she was just being realistic – I don’t have a lot of time, she told us over and over. I wanted so much to be positive, but in the back of my mind, I knew she was always right about everything.

It’s almost like a part of me died the day I found out the news. As always, in the end, she was 100% on the mark with her intuition.

10 weeks and 2 days later, she was gone.

Happy 4th of July Ya'll!

2010-06-30T16:12:00.001-07:00

Grateful

2010-06-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

We are fast approaching the 2nd anniversary of mama's passing (September). However, July 3rd markes a day that will live with me forever - the day she told us she was basically dying of cancer. This time of year always conjures up bittersweet memories of her - me sitting outside with her on the swing in the heat of Summer talking about life - what has happened and what lay ahead.

However, instead of dwelling on my sadness, I thought I'd think about all she was able to do with me. I know for some, knowing their mama is something they were not blessed to do in life. Many never get to meet their moms or lose them too young to ever remember or build memories. While my mama left me WAY to early, she was able to see me through 28 very important years of my life. I am sad she is not with me now, but am so very grateful for the time we had together. My greatest prayer is that I'm able to see my Emily through her many life milestones and watch her grow into a woman.

My mama…

Watched me take my 1st steps
Gave me the gift of a baby sister
Saw me get my braces on and 5 long years later, taken off
Took me on lots of vacations to the beach
Visited the mountains of Colorado and Tennessee
Shared in her two little girls' excitement at Christmas time
Took me to get my ears pierced (twice)
Spent hours watching me take dance lessons
Broke her wrist because of me - so she claimed.
Took me to school for the very 1st time
Watched me win my 1st dance competition - and cried. =)
traveled to Disney with us - A LOT
Helped me with my homework
Took me to my first movie - The Care Bears Movie =)
Tried to teach me how to cook - I wasn't very into learning, which I regret now.
Taught us to always be a friend - "If you see someone sitting alone at the lunch table, go sit with them - it could be you sitting alone some day." =)
Instilled in us good morals and values.
Taught me to love and respect animals - they are God's little creatures.
Cuddled with me in the bed - right up until I left home at 24! =)
Had trouble adjusting to me dating. =)
Left messages on my cell phone that started out, "Hey Baby, it's Mama."
Bought my 1st bra.
Took us on lots of shopping trips
Taught Lisa and I to always be there for each other
Dropped me off at my 1st slumber party
Taught us to "ask God to get you through it."
Bought my 1st car
Taught me about the birds and the bees =)
Worried about me when I would drive in the rain - or drive anywhere period.
Hated when my sister and I to traveled anywhere together without her - what if I lost both of you?!
Freaked out when she saw an ambulance - always thought it was headed for one of us!
Taught me the value of money.
Helped me pick out prom dresses
Saw me graduate from high school
Watched me grow into a woman
Helped me pick out a wedding dress
Helped plan my wedding
Gave me my wedding china
Watched me get married
Saw me graduate from college and graduate school
Saw me get my 1st job
Met my husband/father of my child and loved him
Helped pick out the décor for my 1st house
Told me, someday you'll understand a mother's love
Loved my dogs, Gracie and Harlee
Talked me into the best purchase I've ever made - my Harlee.
Displayed INCREDIBLE strength
Helped us say Good Bye to her

7 Months Old - May 22, 2010

2010-06-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Emily,

You are now a big 7 month old! Over half way to a year! It's so bittersweet for me to see you grow. I want you to grow big and strong - into a very sweet young lady, but at the same time, I wish you could stay my little doll baby forever. =)

You are on a great schedule - your day starts around 7:30 each day (6:30 on Tues/Thur when Mommy works). You eat every 4 hours and take 3 naps a day (we dropped one of your naps while on our beach trip and it's worked out great so far). You are in the bed by 9 or 9:30 and sleep the entire night!

We are still nursing and you aren't biting me as much. No teeth yet.

You are the HARDEST baby to feed! You blow bubbles and bit the spoon. I know you'll eventually get better though. =)

We had lots going on this past month...

We celebrated our 1st Mother's Day together. We visited Mimi and got to hang out with her mommy (your Grandma Roberts) and Aunt Jean who lives in Colorado.

You also started swimming lessons at Maley's this month with Abby Grace. While Abby LOVES the water, you don't know what to think of it yet. I can't wait for you to splash with the excitement that Abby shows - it's so funny. =)

Something terrible happened this past month! Something I've been knowing was going to happen sooner or later and I'd been DREADING! You discovered your headband/bow!!

You also LOVE to pull mommy's hair and ear rings...ouch!

You love to play! Your fav things now are the Jeep Walker, Swing, and Jumpie.

You have also been working on sitting up all by yourself. You will still topple over a lot, so I have to make sure you have a pillow behind you or hold your hand.

Your little personality is starting to shine through. You are SUCH a happy baby. That's actually an understatement. You smile ALL THE TIME!! I LOVE it! You also talk a lot - make little high pitched squeals. Mommy loves playing with you and so does everyone else!

We got to be in a fashion show this past month too! You modeled your Easter outfit and I modeled some shoes, a diaper bag, and some ear rings. It was a lot of fun and you did great!

You went to the beach for the very 1st time this past month. Mommy has been going to the beach (Destin) since she was your age, so it's so fun for me to take you. I can't wait to build tons of beach memories with you. I was a little worried about the long car ride, but you did great!

You were POOPED by the time we got to our condo though..you almost fell asleep on Pawpaw!

We stayed at the Beach Retreat Condos - they are one of the only really nice pet friendly condo's around that we can find. It's so nice to have our WHOLE family on our vaca. =)

It was so fun taking you to the beach for the first time. You seemed amazed by the waves and as always, were very smiley.

One negative about the beach...sunscreen! You HATED it! But, it was a must...100 SPF for my baby girl! I was so paranoid about you getting burned I could hardly enjoy myself.

But, even through the trauma of getting ready for the beach, you stopped to flash a smile to the camera...that's my girl!

The pool was fun, but like swim school, you just weren't that into it yet. You seemed to like your lady bug floaty that Aunt Lisa got you for Easter though. I already can't wait for next year - You and Abby will have a big time playing together in the pool. This year, it took mommy about 1 hour to get everything ready for about 20 minutes of enjoyment at the pool or beach!

Although, mommy was determined to stay out there longer than 20 minutes, so when you got tired, we took a nap by the pool! It was one of the highlights of my entire trip! I just LOVED holding you while you napped. While you slept in my arms, I watched Abby play in the pool. Can you say Heaven? =)

While in Destin, you got to meet your Great, Great Aunt Es! She is your Great Grandma's, sister. Pawpaw has been visiting her in Destin since he was a little boy and Aunt Lisa and I have been visiting her in Destin since we were little girls. Now, you and Abby get to visit her too! She is a lot of fun!

Also while at the beach, we ate at our usual favorite restaurants (The Back Porch). Well, you didn't get to eat, but next year you will.

Annual Fam Beach Pics!!

Can you believe the last time I was in Destin, you were in my tummy and Abby Grace was only 8 weeks old?!!

You and Abby are learning more and more about each other. It's so fun to watch you girls together - especially when you really start interacting with each other. I hope you can grow to be close and love hanging out with each other. Well, you sort of don't have a choice - you're stuck with each other for life whether you like it or not! ha!

I love you with all of my heart and soul. I get all teary eyed these days when I think about you growing up. I say it all the time...how I want to soak in these days with you because I know tomorrow you'll be 13 going on 25! I hope some day we can be the best of friends. I know that will be a long time from now - I have to be your mama 1st - not your friend. =) But, someday, when you are married and have babies, I hope we can be best friends. I love you punky!

Love, your one and only...

Mama

FAM BEACH PIC

2010-05-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

Annual family beach picture was a moderate success this year. I say moderate b/c both girls (babies) have weird looks on their faces, but at least their heads are facing the camera (along with the dogs). I cannot tell you how crazy hard it is to get these pictures...keep in mind, it's set on a tripod with a timer. I DREAD taking this every year, but am always glad we get it done...nice to have a family time-line so to speak. I hope we can keep this up each year, but it's getting harder and harder to get the job done. Michael is already begging me to hire a photographer for next year's pics. It would make life much easier...or would it?

Also, can't you tell I invested in a better camera this past year? Something I did just for my Emily. =) I sure can tell a difference! I wish I had the camera I have now back in 2007 b/c it's our fav one. I have it hanging in my dining room, along with a matching one of my immediate family (me, michael, pups). I plan on changing out the immediate family picture each year (to update it), but the 2007 family shot will always be displayed since mama is in it and it was her favorite too. =)

~ 2007 ~

~ 2008 ~

~ 2009 ~

~ 2010 ~

Here is my little family of over the years.

~ 2007 ~

~ 2008 ~

~ 2009 ~

~ 2010 ~

Fashion Friday - Beach Edition

2010-05-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our 1st beach trip with Miss Em. She just couldn't wait to show off her new bikini and sun hat. It's from Gymboree. It's hard to tell, but there are little cherries attached to the top. I have a thing for cherry stuff obviously. =)

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

My 1st Mother's Day as a Mommy...

As a mother, it was great. As a daughter, it was empty. I really missed her today. But, at least I got to be with her mama (and so did my Emmie). =)

Thanks Aunt Lisa for my new fav pic of us - taken this Saturday (check out Em's new swim suite!)

Happy Mother's Day Mama/Mimi. Gerber Daisy's For Her - One From Each of Her Girls

Muriel Elaine and Emily Elaine

I like to think that Emily somehow knows this is her Mimi's Mommy

6 Months - April 22, 2010

2010-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Emily,

You are 6 months old now! That’s half a year old!! You weigh 12 lbs, 12 oz and are 24.5” long. You are 50th percentile for your length, but only in the 5th percentile for your weight…just a petite little girl. You are petite all over except for your thick, chunk legs, which I just LOVE! I swear half your body weight is in those chunk legs – haha! You've changed so much in just a short amount of time!

We’ve had to take all the padding out of your car seat and bouncy seat this past month – you just don’t need the extra support anymore!

We are STILL nursing - yay for us! You have only had formula for a few days (when mommy had an eye infection and had to take some medicine). But, even then, it was mixed with breast milk. You have also stayed sick free so far! I’m attributing this to nursing you – it’s just SOOO good for you. You’ve avoided RSV from Abby (after she sneezed in your face) and also a cold from me and daddy. I can’t believe you still haven’t gotten sick! 6 months is a good nursing milestone and a lot of people stop after 6 months. Dr. Joe says 6 months is awesome and anything past 6 months is icing on the cake. So, I’m relieved at reaching the 6 month mark. I would love to nurse you for 1 year and that’s my goal, but girl..you have started biting mama! You don’t have any teeth yet, but gums hurt too. I’m trying to teach you not to do that b/c once a tooth gets me, I think that’ll be the end of our nursing time. =( I yell “No” to you and take you off and you give me the strangest look, like “what in the world did I do?!!” It’s so funny, but won’t be funny when teeth are involved!! Ouch!

You have found your feet this past month and love to try to eat your toes. I’ve been showing them to you for a while – just waiting for you to notice them.

You also sat up all by yourself this past month – although, you haven’t fully mastered sitting up on your own. You will sit up for a few seconds before you topple over to the side. We practice sitting up a lot – I sit you up every time I wake you up from your naps. You give me the biggest smile like you are so proud of yourself. Then, you just topple over to the side. Of course, you would rather stand up than sit up. You push with those strong legs of yours to stand up when I try to get you to just sit up. You are ready to get on the move!

You've REALLY started sucking your thumb this past month. You found your thumb a while back and would randomly suck on it, but lately, you suck on it almost every time you go down for a nap or to sleep at night. I'll look at the baby monitor and find that thumb in your mouth!

You also started playing in your jump-a-roo this past month. We borrowed Abby’s jumpie and you LOVE it. Of course, it’s a little big for you, so we have to stuff blankets all around you and put something under your feet, so you can jump big. You even try to jump when we are just holding you. Jumping is your new fav thing to do (besides cuddling with mommy, of course). =)

You had your very 1st Easter this past month. We went to an egg hunt and you met the Easter Bunny. On Easter morning, we went to church and you slept in my arms. Then, we had brunch at Aunt Lisa and Uncle Bo’s house – it was a great day. The Easter Bunny came to see you too – he left you some goodies in your Easter Basket and mommy bought you two swim suites for the summer – a tradition I want to start with you is giving you two swim suits each Easter for the upcoming Summer. They’ll be great for our upcoming swim lessons and beach trip!

Your little personality is really starting to come out now – you just talk and talk and “growl” and talk some more. You are so funny. I think you like to hear yourself talk. Our house will never be quiet again – I love it!

You also love to be tickled – your sweet spot is on your chunk thighs. You will just laugh and laugh when we tickle you there. You also will just look at Mommy or Daddy and smile so big – you are SUCH a happy girl! You love to smile and laugh.

You have started to get specs of brown in your dark gray/blue eyes. I figured they would start turning brown - just wasn't sure when it would happen.

You had your 1st vegetable this past month too – squash. We have been introducing a new vegetable once a week. We are on our last one (sweet potatoes) and will start inducing yummy fruits this coming month (6 months). You are eating veggies twice a day (lunch and supper). I’m trying to teach you to keep your hands by your side while you eat, so you won’t make a mess. I’m also trying to teach you some sign language (please and more). I know you have the ability to understand things long before you have the ability to vocally communicate. We’ll see how quickly you can pick up these signs. I’m hoping to teach you some others after you master these – hopefully, it will help alleviate some of the frustration you might feel when you can’t tell vocally tell Mommy what you want. =)

Random – my nickname for you is “punk” and “punky.” I have called you this since you were born. I know it came from me calling you “pumkin head” b/c you had a hat in the shape of a pumpkin when you were a newborn (since a Fall baby). It got shortened into “punk” and “punky.” It just fits you so well…you are my little punky. =) Some other nick names I have for you: Emmie, Emmie Wimmie, Em, Miss Em. I have really tried to call you Emily more lately b/c I have noticed I hardly ever call you by your actual name. You are going to think your name is Punky. =) My mama use to call me Jenny Penny, Jenn or Jenn Jenn. I guess nicknaming comes from her. I bet she would call you Emmie Wimmie.

Sweet girl, you just have no idea how much mama loves you! I literally love you more every single day. I love watching you learn new things – seeing the look on your face when hear a new noise or see something new. It’s like I get to live my life all over again through your sweet, innocent little eyes. I want so much to bottle up this time I’m having with you and keep if forever and ever, but I know that’s impossible and it makes me a little sad. I’m trying to soak it all in as much as I can. I want you to grow up big and strong, but wish you could stay my baby girl forever. Well, you WILL be my baby forever – you’ll be my 50 year old sweet, baby girl punky punk. =) You just remember that!

Love,
Mama

Fashion Friday - Mud Pie

2010-04-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Emily's Fashion Friday is thanks to Aunt Melissa and Uncle David. They bought her this adorable outfit for her Easter present. It's from Mud Pie (one of my fav brands). They also got her a matching piggie bank...super cute!

Emily's Fashion Friday - Cow Girl Up!

2010-04-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

Today's Fashion Friday is brought to you thanks to "Nana" Irene and Aunt Lisa.

The dress was an Easter gift from Aunt Lisa, Uncle Bo, and Abby. A favorite style from Target.

Bo's mom (aka, "Nana Irene") gave both the girls these adorable John Deer cowgirl boots for Easter. The best thing about these boots is they help showcase her ADORABLE chunk knees and legs. She's a petite little thing except for when it comes to those chunk legs...she is thick! haha!

Emily's Fashion Friday

2010-04-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

To say I LOVE dressing my girl up is a big understatement. She is my little baby doll! We love to shop (something passed down genetically from Mimi). But, she is growing so fast, a cute outfit will fit one day and be too tight the next! So, I'm introducing Emily's Fashion Friday to capture her extra cute outfits before she outgrows them.

The outfit in today's Fashion Friday is from Baby Nay

I love the cherries and little ruffles around the legs and arms. It reminds me of something my mama would buy, so that's a big reason it's a fav outfit. Plus, it's not PINK, which is a typical outfit color for Em.

Note, I try to NEVER pay full price for name brand baby clothes - this was a fab Ebay find!

5 Months Old - March 22, 2010

2010-04-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

Better late than never...here is our 5 month post (even though we are pushing 6 months now)... =)

Dear Emily,

You are now 5 months old and such a BIG girl! You are growing by leaps and bounds. There was one day in particular this past month that I woke you up one morning and thought, gee, you look so big all of a sudden – I think you had a growth spurt while you slept that night!

While you’re growing every day, you are still a petite little baby. You can still fit into many of your 0-3 months clothes, but no more 0-3 month PJ’s! You’re tiny, but pretty average in length, so your footed PJ’s are too short now. You are in 3-6 month PJ’s and even some 6 month PJ’s will fit you (although a little baggie). Generally, 3 months clothes fit you PERFECT, but will soon be too small. We’re fast moving into 3-6 month stuff.

Mommy and Aunt Lisa have started taking a sewing class, so we can learn to make clothes for you and Abby. It’s so fun! I hope you like the outfits I make for you. I love doing stuff for you. Oh, how quickly you have totally consumed my life! I love it! My mama (your Mimi) would be so proud of us learning to sew. I think all mama’s should know how to sew a little bit. I’m sure there will be a time when you are going to need some crazy outfit for school and I’ll have to make it for you. I had to be Annie Oakley in 4th grade for a school project, so Mimi added some fringe to a blue jean skirt and vest, so I could be a cowgirl. Now, I’ll know how to do that for you too!

You LOVE playing...you have so much fun on your floor gym and have started to play a little in your excer-saucer (although, it's still a little big for you). One of your favorite things to do is stand up (with some help from me or Daddy). I stand you up and say, "Sooooo Big." You just smile and look so proud of yourself.

Some milestones this month –

You have mastered grabbing and holding things. You’ve been holding things and putting them in your mouth for a while, but this past month, you’ve become a lot more coordinated with it. You carefully grasp for things within your reach and bring them perfectly straight to your mouth - like your paci. You can put your paci in your mouth all by yourself - sometimes you get it backwards though. =) You also want anything and everything that I have in my hands – a cup, boogie sucker, or my cell phone. If it’s in mommy’s hands, it needs to be in Emmie’s hands! =)

You’ve also really started laughing. I wrote in a past post that you have been “trying” to laugh for a while, but couldn’t quite get it out. I knew you were trying to laugh, but it just came out as a funny sound – not quite a laugh. Well, now you are full on laughing. You have the absolute cutest laugh ever in the world! It’s the best sound to hear. I get you to laugh by walking up your tummy and tickling under your arms. Daddy can get you to laugh the easiest. You just love him! Your face lights up when he walks into the room - I think you might be a Daddy's girl. I just hope you are a Mama's girl too. =)

You have been working on rolling over for a while and finally rolled over from your back to your tummy while at Granny’s house. Mommy's so proud!

Instead of a food milestone, we’ve had to take a step back on food. You just were not ready at 4 months for food, so we’ve just taken a break. I don’t want to force it on you if you aren’t ready. I’m going to start you back on it this month (month 5). You just get so mad and spit it all out. Maybe you don’t like cereal? I’m not sure. I think I’m going to try some squash soon and we’ll go from there.

We went to our very 1st story time at the library this past month. You were in awe of all the other kids running around. It was a lot of fun. I want you to learn to love to read. I use to read a lot when I was little. Books are so great for escaping into a fairytale land or adventure, but also help your brainpower! Haha! I think too much TV is not good for the soul. =) I hope to bring reading books into our bedtime routine soon.

We've also spent more time outside this past month than ever. It's FINALLY started to warm up, so we can sit outside and play. We also visited the park for the 1st time. You had fun watching the other kids play and we took a walk.

We also ventured out to our very 1st St. Paddy’s Day parade. You and Abby were decked out in your matching green dresses for the event. It’s funny how my life has changed – we use to take the puppies to the pet parade and now we are taking you girls to the kid stuff. We love it though. Like I said before, I love showing you off. =) AND, a milestone for mommy...it was the 1st time I could fit (or should I say squeeze) back into my pre-prego jeans - yay me! =)

You and Abby were dedicated at church this past month. Daddy and I want you to grow to love the Lord and Jesus. We want you to have a strong faith and trust in Him with everything you do. As you grow up, you’ll realize just how important it is to have faith. While it’s hard sometimes to have faith (it’s not something you can see or touch), it’s so important and something that builds over time with life lessons – sometimes hard ones. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes the hardest of life experiences to bring you to a closer walk with God. Sad, but so true. I experienced this 1st hand when I lost my mama.

Excited for your very 1st Easter, which is coming up soon. Can't wait to see what else happens this month!

My Heaven

2010-03-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Heaven is the face of a little girl

With dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles.
Heaven is the place
Where she calls my name
Says, “Daddy please come play with me for awhile.”

Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep,
Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing.
And Heaven is the weight of her in my arms,
Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams

And God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I’m longing for
God, you know, I just can’t see beyond the door.

~ Steven Curtis Chapman ~

4 Months Old - February 22, 2010

2010-03-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Emily,

You are now 4 months old! You are growing and changing every single day. We just went to your 4 month check up and you are now 11 lbs, 3 oz and 24" long! You are average for your length and are only in the 10% for your weight...just a petite girl like your mommy. =) People will see you in the store and say, "is that a doll?!" You are just so cute and small. =)

Your holding your head up really well now and are doing great with tummy time. You do little push ups while on your tummy. Dr. Jo says this is very important to building your little back muscles - getting ready to roll over and sit up!

You have really found your hands this month. They are constantly in your mouth! You have also mastered putting toys in your mouth pretty good.

Your favorite toys are your book, sprout doll, and glow worm. You seem to like doll faces - it's so cute. You also like your floor gym. We tried the excersaucer, but I think you are a little small for it. We had to stuff blankets around you and put a pillow under your feet. =) We'll try it again soon.

You had your 1st (and probably only) BIG snow! It's actually snowed a good bit since you've been born, but don't be confused. It NEVER snows like this here in Mississippi.

You had your 1st Valentine's Day this month, which was a lot of fun. You got tons of gifts from everyone - you are very loved. =)

We also took you to church for the 1st time. I decked you out from head to two - it was so fun. You slept in my arms the whole service - I loved it!

You haven't figured out Abby Grace just yet. She tries to figure you out sometimes, but you haven't really noticed her yet. I can't wait until ya'll start playing together - it'll be so fun to watch!

You are in size 0-3 months clothes, but are moving on up to the 3-6 months now. I just LOVE dressing you up! I can't wait to get some new stuff for you to wear. Although a lot of stuff is handed down from Abby Grace and also your friend, Hadley. =)

Another 1st this month is eating with a spoon. We started this right before your 4 month bday. We are feeding you cereal each night to try to get you use to eating actual food. Hopefully, you'll get the hang of it soon. As of now, more ends up on your face and burp cloth than in your mouth!

You are also interacting more with other people now. You smile and "talk" to everyone you meet.

Mommy just LOVES taking pictures of you. We have photoshoots about once every 2 weeks or so. I still have not managed to get a good one of your smiling (with the good camera) - other than the one at Christmas! You get a silly face every time the camera comes at you...like, what is that big, black, metal thing?

The biggest happening this month has been me starting to work only part time. I'm only working two days a week now, so I can spend more time with you! Your Granny is keeping you while mommy is at work. I'm so excited to be able to do this. I love spending time with you! I look forward to the coming months - watching your grow and change. I wonder what exciting things you'll do this month?! Only time will tell!

Growin Up

2010-02-19T18:29:00.000-08:00

We gave Emily her 1st bite of baby cereal tonight. She didn't take to it very well, but we'll try again tomorrow. I'm a little sad. She now is needing more than just me to fill her up. =( I still plan on nursing her though - until she can go to whole milk. No formula for this baby girl!!

Ready for supper!

1st Bite!

Ewww - Not so good!

No more please!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Snow Day

2010-02-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the Hobson family snow day pics here.

3 Months Old - January 22nd 2010

2010-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Emily,

Wow – 3 months old! You’re such a big girl! You are changing every single day. Your little legs have thickened up and so have your adorable cheeks. You smile and “try” to laugh all the time now. While you haven’t fully mastered laughing, I love the little sound you make when you try. You’re also holding your head up…still a little bobble-head, but holding it up nonetheless.

You are happiest in the mornings, but generally, are a happy baby all day long. We haven’t really experienced the “witching hour” of crying with you in the late afternoons/night like a lot of parents experience with their babies. You are just a happy girl. Mimi said that I was a happy baby too, so maybe you have my personality. =)

You are sleeping thru the night pretty good now and we didn’t have to let you cry it out very much. There were a couple of hard nights, but all-in-all, you’ve done great on your own. Sometimes you wake up in the middle of the night, but you generally go right back to sleep on your own after some mild fussiness or with the help of a paci. Mommy’s so proud of your sleep skills! I hope you keep it up!

I love waking you up. You have the biggest stretches after I wake you up. Sometimes, you smile at me when I come to get you in the mornings or when I wake you up from your naps. I try to wake you before you wake yourself, so I can see you smile when you wake up. If you wake up on your own, you tend to cry. Not a bad cry, more like a “mama – I’m hungry” sort of cry – no tears…unless I’m not fast enough. =)

You are also trying to talk. Well, making little sounds. You have the sweetest little voice ever! I could listen to you all day long! Even your little cries are adorable to me.

We have the best conversations while you’re on the changing table. I guess it’s because you are more on my level. You will just look at me and smile and talk and smile some more. You also have started kicking your legs really hard – I call it doing your exercises.

You’re clothes have finally started to fit! I’m so excited b/c I have so many cute things for you to wear. I think I take your picture every time I put you in something new. I can’t wait to take you out and about to show you off to the world. We still don’t get out too much – just too cold and the flu is going around like crazy!

Your favorite toys right now are your lion and glow worm. You just recently have started paying attention to these guys. You also like the little lady bug on your bouncy seat and the little sprout doll Aunt Lisa gave you. You like to talk to them – it’s so cute!

You are eating every 3 hours during the day and are staying awake for about an hour and half at a time (including while you eat). It takes you about 30-45 minutes to eat, so that gives us about an hour of play time before you start getting tired.
I know you are getting tired when you start throwing your head back and to the left or right or you start to get a little fussy. I’ve learned to put you down for a nap BEFORE this happens or RIGHT when it happens or you’ll fuss a bit before you fall to sleep.

You like your paci ok, but prefer to suck on your hands. You recently found your thumb, which has mommy a bit worried – thumb sucking is a hard habit to break – Just ask Aunt Lisa! =)

Mommy started back to work this month – January 13th. It was a hard thing for me to do – to leave you all day, but Granny is watching you for a little while until we can figure some things out. I am still able to see you at lunch though and we get to nurse. I’m so thankful for this!

We have established a great little night time routine. You eat at 9 or 9:30, then it’s time for bath. Next, you get on your PJ’s (while throwing a temper tantrum – not sure what this is about, but you do it every night without fail and for no apparent reason!) We thought you might be cold, so we put a heater in your room before you eat to make it nice and toasty, but so far, it hasn’t helped much. You just don’t like getting dressed. I think you would prefer to stay in your birthday suit!

Then, daddy rocks you while I get your clothes laid out for the next day. Then, it's my turn to rock you. We listen to our lullaby’s and pray for our family – each by name. We also ask God to say hello to Mimi and let her know we think about her each day and miss her very much. Sometimes Daddy will read a book, but for the most part, it’s just me and you rocking and saying our prayers together. Then, it’s lights out and time for “night night”. You go right to sleep!

You’re such a good baby and SUCH a blessing to your mommy and daddy. I have loved getting to know you over the last 3 months and can’t wait to learn more about you and live my life all over again through your innocent little eyes. I love you so much it hurts. I now understand what my mother (your Mimi) always told me about a “mother’s love.” I hope someday you will get to experience the wonderful feeling of being a mother and my prayer is that I’m able to see you become a mother. There is nothing like it on earth!

BIG pictures!

2010-02-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

I figured out how to post larger images on my blog - whoopee!!

2 Months Old - December 22, 2009

2010-01-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Emily,

Well, another month has come and gone! You are now 2 months old and getting ready for your 1st Christmas!
You had a big month this month. You started smiling – yay! You’ve been smiling since you came into this world, but I think they were more baby dream/gassy smiles. =) Now, you are actually looking at me and smiling. You’re first “real” smile was while on the changing table – you looked right at me and smiled. I was SOOO excited! Of course, I have to work hard for these smiles. Hopefully, you’ll start smiling more easily soon b/c I don’t think I can talk at any higher of a pitch voice!! Ha!

You are staying awake more now, but still sleep a good bit. You are also still waking up to eat during the night. I’m hoping you’ll start sleeping through the night soon b/c I’m getting a little tired. I don’t want to have to let you “cry it out,” so I’m hoping you’ll decide on your own that you don’t need to eat in the middle of the night anymore. =) We’ll see how that works out for us.

You also took your first bottle this month, which was a great help for mommy! Daddy was excited to feed you too. I was worried you would get confused going back and forth from the bottle to me, but you’ve done great with it – thank goodness!
Because you started to take a bottle, I was able to leave you with your first baby sitter. Of course, I can’t leave you with just ANY baby sitter, but Miss Brandi isn’t just any baby sitter. =) She LOVES you and you LOVE her! She came over to watch you while Mommy did a little Christmas shopping. I wanted to take you with me, but you are just too small and there is lots of flu going around – yuck!

It's been soooo cold this month and we even got some snow! You won't see much of this here in Mississippi, but some day we'll have to go to Colorado to see some real snow and visit Aunt Jean and cousin, Jacob!
We tried you out on your floor gym and started tummy time this month. I probably started this late, but you’re just so dang little – I thought it would be too much for you. You don’t seem to mind it very much, but it's not your favorite thing to do either. You lay on your tummy for a while and try to pick your little head up and then you start getting mad. We’ll keep working on this. But, you seem to like laying on your back and looking at your toys - you especially love your lion. =)

You had your 1st outing this month (other than to a dr’s office). Your daddy and I took you to eat lunch with us at Chimneyville. Pawpaw, Aunt Lisa, and Abby met us there. It was so fun. I dressed you all up in a Christmas outfit that Aunt Lisa gave you…you looked sooo cute!

You’re still very small, but we go to the dr. tomorrow (for your 2 mo check up) and I bet you’ve gained a bunch of weight b/c you are definitely filling out some. Newborn sized outfits fit you a little better now, so that’s exciting for mommy. I love to dress you up – you’re my little doll!

Most of our days have been spent in our PJ's though. Mommy only has about 1 more month at home with you before I have to go back to work. I'm already starting to be sad about this. I've loved spending all my time with you!

I’m so excited for your 1st Christmas. I know you don’t know what’s going on, but I like to pretend like you do. I have ended up with FIVE Baby’s 1st Christmas ornaments! I wanted the perfect one and searched and searched. Aunt Lisa has given you several and I have bought several. We finally decided it would be fun to make our own ornament, so we went to Harry The Potter and had your little hand print put on your very 1st ornament. I love it! Hopefully, we can do this every Christmas with Abby as a fun tradition for ya’ll. We want to create lots of little traditions for you. Christmas was so magical for me when I was little and I want to give that to you too.

We had another big outing this month too – I took you to see Mimi for the 1st time. I packed you up early one morning – just us girls. While putting out her decorations, I was all business – trying to get them to look just right. Then, when I pulled you out of the car and walked you over to her, I lost it. I was overcome with emotion. I introduced you to her and her to you. It was very bittersweet moment. I was so glad to have you, but so sad that she wasn’t here to see you. Oh, how I wish she was here, but I have to keep reminding myself that she CAN see you and that she WILL meet you one day.

I know I’ve told you before that you and Abby were born very soon after Mimi left us for Heaven. I truly believe with all my heart that you and Abby were sent to us as a gift from God to help us heal. There is a song by Martina McBride called “In My Daughter’s Eyes” that I love. In this song, she sings, “In my daughter’s eyes, I am a hero. I am strong and wise and I know no fear. But the truth is plain to see, she was sent to rescue me. I see who I wanna be, in my daughter’s eyes.”

Sweet girl, you were sent to rescue me. I was in a place of such sorrow, but you have brought such a light into my life and given me a purpose. I’m so proud to be your mama and hope I can teach you to be a sweet, loving girl and instill the morals my mama instilled in me. You are my heart.

Love,

Mama

Fun With A Friend

2010-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Em spent some time with her friend, Anna Lauren, a few weeks ago. Check out Anna Lauren's mommy's blog for some cute pics!

The Calvert Family Blog

Catching Up

2010-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

My New Years Resolution is to be a better blogger. I REALLY want to capture all these moments with my Emily, so I've decided I need to do a little write up each month summarizing her little achievements or little fun things we did that month. Bare with me...she is 3 months old as of yesterday and I'm just now posting month 1. Hopefully, I'll have month 2 and 3 up this week.

1 Month Old - November 22nd 2009

2010-01-23T15:39:00.001-08:00

Dear Emily,

I can’t believe you are already 1 month old! The time has gone by so fast since you were born. I’ve spent a lot of time just staring at you – and taking a ton of pics of you. The first week of your life, all I wanted to do was look at you and hold you. To say I was obsessed with taking your picture is speaking lightly. I just wanted to freeze time and that’s the only way I know how to do it! I just wanted to soak up all that was you – knowing this time was going to fly by! I looked at your little legs and feet and thought, this is what’s been kicking me all this time…you were quit a little mover and shaker while in mommy’s tummy. I wonder if that’s an indication of your personality. Me and your daddy are pretty hyper people, so the odds of you being a calm child are about a million to one!

The first time I saw you smile was on the day we brought you home from the hospital. I was sitting in your nursery rocking you and you smiled. It brought tears to my eyes – I was so overwhelmed with emotion – to have my baby girl home was both amazing and scary.

When we brought you home, we were going to put you straight into your crib to sleep at night, but I just couldn’t do it. I had separation anxiety! You were a part of me for 9 months and being in a totally separate room (even just down the hall) was unacceptable! So, we put you in your pack-n-play and I slept on the couch right next to you….well, I didn’t sleep much, but I just wanted to make sure you were breathing. The next night, we moved your pack-n-play to our bedroom and that is where you slept for the 1st 3 weeks. I slept a lot better with you close by, but Daddy didn’t. He just couldn’t sleep with you in the room b/c every little sound you made would make him wake up to check on you. We finally moved you into your crib and you did great. I started crying when I saw you in your crib for the 1st time b/c you were just so little. I thought to myself how fast you would grow and it made me sad.

You met your Grandma Roberts this month. She is your Mimi's mommy. She loves you and Abby so much. I love seeing her with you girls. Since your Mimi can't be here to hold you, at least her mommy can hold you for her. =)

You also met your Abby Grace. You don't know it yet, but she is going to be your best friend.

You’re a very small baby girl. Only weighing 5 lbs, 13 oz when you were born, you were only 5 lbs, 6 oz when we left the hospital. But, while you are little, you are strong! You already try to hold your head up and you push off mommy’s tummy with your feet so hard you could fall off of me! I have to be careful! You are ready to get up and move around!

You slept a lot this month. Everyone joked about how they never saw your eyes. You were just so small and it takes all your energy to eat and stay warm and cozy…you don’t have time to explore the world around you yet. That’s ok. Mommy has loved just holding you and keeping you warm and cozy.

NONE of your clothes fit you. You can't even wear the little newborn gowns yet - they swallow you whole! You wear the same onesies all the time. Most of the time, your clothes don't even match! I can’t wait until you can wear some of your cute outfits, but then again, I need to enjoy you being this small b/c you’ll be 17 years old in a prom dress tomorrow! Oh, daddy will have a hard time with that! Ha!

Your sisters, Gracie and Harlee, have accepted you ok. Well, Gracie has. Harlee is a bit jealous. She wants me to hold her anytime I start paying too much attention to you. Gracie loves to sit in your “Emily” chair. I think you might have to fight her for it when you get old enough to sit in it. =) Also, Gracie is use to sitting in my lap all the time, so on several occasions, while I’ve been nursing you, Gracie has climbed on top of the boppy pillow next to you and sits with us. Mommy was so worried about how they would react to you. I love your sisters so much. I hope to teach you how to love and respect animals – something your Mimi instilled in me. They are God’s little creatures just like us and deserve love and respect too.

I’m nursing you (something that made me very nervous before you were born). But, you’re doing great and we are learning together. You eat about every 2 – 2.5 hours. It’s a hard schedule for mommy, but I know it’ll be worth it. You wake up a couple of times in the night to eat. Our night time feedings are the sweetest times because you are awake after you eat (you have your days and nights mixed up right now). You fall right to sleep after you finish eating during the day and start having what I call the “baby dream smile.” It’s the cutest thing ever. I managed to finally capture it in a pic – just not with my “good” camera. =(

A fun fact – you hum while you eat! It’s so funny and cute. I have yet to capture it on video (since we don’t want mommy’s boobie on camera), but maybe I’ll try to capture the sound you make.

Some more fun facts – You have the most wrinkled little knees. I think it’s my fav part about you right now. They are soo cute! Soon, they’ll be filled with baby fat, but for now, they are so wrinkly. You also are little harry thing. B/c you were born a little early (2 weeks), you still have little hairs on your back, arms, and ears. This hair kept you warm while in mommy’s tummy. Don’t worry though, you won’t be harry for very long. But, I’ve loved having a little monkey. =)

While I’ve loved having you home, it has been a bittersweet time. I have been a bit sad because my mommy (your Mimi) isn’t here with me. Every single time I’ve looked at you, I’ve thought of her. This is not an exaggeration – EVERY time I look at you, I think of her. I imagine how she would hold you and love on you. I say things to you that I think she would say – I give you “baby kisses” like I know she would do and call you “sugerbuger” and “Emmie Wimmie” b/c I know she would call you that. She would just be eating you up with a spoon! I know she dreamed about the day she could meet her grandchildren. You and Abby Grace would mean the world to her…you would be her world. She LOVED her girls (me and your Aunt Lisa) and the fact that she now has two more girls to love (you and Abby) would just make her entire life complete! Plus, the fact that you look like me would have her over the moon. To see you in the little outfits I use to wear would bring her to tears, I’m sure of it. I absolutely HATE that she isn’t here and it makes me very sad, but I have to stay strong for you and believe she isn’t here for a reason. I don’t know what that reason is just yet, but maybe we’ll find out one day. I hung her picture on your crib, so she could watch over you while you sleep. I truly believe she is watching over you and Abby – your guardian angel. Sometimes, I wonder if you see her too. You sleep a lot, but when you are awake, you stare off into space – you stare very intently at something on the ceiling and even smile. I wonder if you are seeing angels that I can’t see – maybe seeing your Mimi. You were born almost 1 year after she left this earth and missed her birthday by only one day. My prayer is that you and Abby will grow to know and love your Mimi. Even though she isn’t physically here with you, she is always in your heart. You are a part of her. Your Mimi was an amazing person and she was able to teach me and your Aunt Lisa how to be strong, independent girls. We have been devastated by her absence, but have been able to pick up the pieces and keep going – something she would’ve wanted us to do. Sure, there are moments of sadness and we will never forget her, but “life goes on” as Mimi told us. I hope I can be half the mother to you that Mimi was to me and Aunt Lisa. My life would be fulfilled if I could achieve this. She was hands down, the best mama in the world.

I can’t wait to see how you change over the next year. So far, all you do is eat, sleep, and poop…ha! But, you also….sleep in my arms, make my heart smile, hold my fingers, give me sweet baby dream smiles, hum while you eat, bring joy to my life, cause worry and anxiety to your sister, Harlee, and smile at your Mimi who watches over you every day.

Love,
Mama

Oh Know!

2010-01-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

Looks like we might have a thumb sucker on our hands! She's never really loved paci's. I mean, she takes them - especially at night, but all-in-all, she tends to reject them. She prefers sucking on her hands, which lately has turned into a thumb! I know it's a very hard habit to break. I mean, you can just throw away the paci. It's cute though, huh?! =)

Back To Work

2010-01-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

I started back to work this week - Wednesday to be exact. It was a hard day, but wasn't as bad as it could have been if I had to take her to a daycare. Instead, her Granny (Michael's mom) is watching her. I'm soooo thankful that she is willing to take care of her for a while b/c I really don't think I could deal with her being in a daycare. She is only keeping her until April though...not sure what we'll do come April.

Anyways, we've adjusted ok. The mornings are hard - it's up at 5:30 am for me, so I can get ready before I wake Em up at around 6:15. I'm still breastfeeding, so I nurse her in the mornings b/f we leave and then am able to nurse her on my lunch break, which works out great. I have to pump only twice during the day, so that's good. I hate pumping though - it hurts! Plus, Emily isn't use to getting bottles so much, so she has developed a little gas, which isn't fun for anyone. I think I'm going to switch to a different bottle - we have been using the plain old Medela bottles that come with the breast feeding stuff.

Also, thanks to Lisa for the beautiful flowers and sweet card/picture. It was waiting for me on my desk Wednesday morning. It made me cry. =)

Anyways, here are some pics from her first week at Granny's.

Notice her little shirt - It says "Off To Grandmothers"

Mommy and Emily On Our First Day Back to Work/Off To Granny's

I'm so excited that this finally fits her! Thanks Aunt Lisa! Gracie and Harlee Love it!

"This too shall pass" is something mama always told us during hard/difficult times.

Emily's 1st Christmas

2010-01-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a little late on this post. I want to post more - just so I can look back for myself on these memories, but it's sooo hard to find the time!! Anyways, we had a great 1st Christmas for our sweet girl. I know she didn't know what was going on, but I sure had fun pretending like she did! ha!

Lisa and I are wanting to start all kinds of traditions with our girls. Making Christmas cookies, putting out reindeer food, Elf on a Shelf, etc. etc. We're just sooo excited that they are so close in age and can share in the Christmas excitement together. Lisa and I always had the best Christmases. Mom and Dad always made them so magical for us. I hope I can do the same for my Emily.

Here are a few pics from the holiday season...

Emily's 1st Shopping Trip to Belk!

Emily visited Mimi for the 1st time, while I put out her Christmas decorations.

Emily had some special visitors - Her friend, Ethan, and his mommy, Lesha

Emily's 1st Snow

Emily had SEVERAL Christmas outfits. This is outfit # 1. It was WAY too big, but we made it work. ;)

Outfit # 2. This was my Christmas gown when I was little.

Outfit # 3. Christmas stocking onesie I bought off Etsy. Notice my poor baby's legs. She got her 2 month shots on the 23rd. =(

Outfit # 4. Santa Hat onesie her Granny's friend made her.

Christmas Cookie Time!!

Our family
(Thanks for the Adorable Christmas socks Miss Mandi!

Always Remember Mimi - Especially at Christmas

Pawpaw and his Girls

Abby and Emily's 1st Christmas Together

Santa Came!

Outfit # 5. A gift from Aunt Lisa.

Emmie's Christmas Tree

Elf is Watching - Need a name for him, but will have to wait until Em can name him. =)

Em's other Christmas tree

The Hobson Cousins...just LOVE this pic!

I-chatting with Aunt Jean and Cousin, Jacob in Colorado! That's a toy Santa Aunt Jean has playing for Abby...ha!

Downtime for Mommy and Emily After a Great 1st Christmas - We fell asleep together on the couch soon after this pic was taken. =)

Em wasn't too into opening presents this year.

Abby, on the other hand, loved opening presents!

A gift from Abby and Emily to their Pawpaw!

Emily and Abby each got to open 1 present on Christmas Eve (just like Lisa and I use to get to do). This was from me to both girls....

It's a book explaining where Mimi lives. I put her picture inside with a little note from her to the girls.

We went to Harry The Potter to make Emily a Christmas ornament. I wanted to get her a really cute "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament, but could never find the Perfect one, so I thought this would be cute - we got her hand print on it. Lisa and I thought it might be fun to let the girls make an ornament with their hand print each year. All in all, I ended up with about 5 Baby's 1st Christmas ornaments for her!! ha!!

Cuteness At 10 Weeks Old

2010-01-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a few pics I took today of my sweet girl....just a spontaneous photoshoot kinda day. =)

Merry Christmas From Emily Elaine

2009-12-21T14:11:00.001-08:00

She's growing by the second! She'll be 2 months old tomorrow and I just cannot believe how fast the time is flying by! We're excited for her 1st Christmas. I know she doesn't know what's going on, but I sure do and am acting like she does. ;)

Emily Smiles

2009-12-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

We hit a new milestone this week! My Emily smiled at mommy for the 1st time! Well, she's been smiling since she got here, but this was the first time she actually recognized my voice and smiled at me. I think the other smiles were dream or gas smiles. =) So fun!

Happy 1 Month Emily!

2009-11-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

Emily is 1 month old today! I can't believe how fast the time is flying by with her! Her Aunt Lisa bought a cookie cake to celebrate her 1st Month Bday. =) I took her 1 month pics the other day with her wearing her "coming home outfit" and also a little red gown (both mine when I was little). I found some pics of me wearing these same outfits. It's so funny. She does look a lot like me, but I can see her daddy in her too. She for sure shares has his nose, blood type, and birthday!

I've been thinking about my mom a ton lately - with Emily around and the holidays coming up, she is constantly on my mind. I wish so much that she was here to see my Emily. She would love seeing Emily in these little outfits that use to be mine. Plus, she would be going crazy this Christmas - her first Christmas with her granddaughters. I know I'm incredibly blessed to have a beautiful, healthy baby girl, but this special time would be so much sweeter if mama was here. However, while she is not here physically, she is always with me...

When I'm holding Emily, when I'm putting her to bed, when I'm giving her "baby kisses" as mama called them...she is with me.

I can hear her voice saying..."Jenn, don't give that baby a paci - she isn't acting like she wants it." (A habit I've gotten into doing). =)

I can hear her saying, "isn't that darling" about various outfits and pictures I've taken of her.

Mama (Mimi) is always with us. She watches over all of her girls (Emily, Abby, Lisa, and me) everyday and night.

1 Month Old - Wearing Her "Coming Home" Dress - Was Also My "Coming Home" Dress

Me In Same Dress

1 Month Old - Wearing My Christmas Gown

Me In My Christmas Gown

Her Mimi Watches Over Her While She Sleeps

Just For Fun - Hanging In Her Bouncy Seat

3 Weeks In Pictures...

2009-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post a summary of Emily's 1st 3 weeks using pics...

1st Family Photo - Day We Came Home From Hospital

Meeting Ms. Mandi and New Friend, Anna Lauren

Hanging In Her Swing

Quality Time With Pawpaw

Small Baby

4 Day Old Check Up - Off To River Oaks

1st Bath

Meeting Abby Grace

Uncle Bo Holding Her For The First Time - Him and Abby Missed Out On Hospital Time With Her b/c They Had Both Been Sick. =(

Michael Surprised Me With My "Push" Present A Few Days After We Came Home From The Hospital

Photoshoot - With Some Help From Gracie =)

One Of My Favs From The Millions of Photoshoots We've Had...We'll Post Some More of These Soon!

1st Halloween - Thanks For the Outfit Aunt Lisa!

Just Hanging Out - A Typical Morning...No, We Don't Always Have to Match Our Outfits. =)

Cranky

2 Week Old Check Up With Dr. Jo!

Emily and Her Brandi

Gracie Napping With Emily

Wearing Her Soccer Onesie For Daddy

1st Walk

1st Time To Sleep In Her Bed (Slept In Pack N Play In Our Room for 1st 3 Weeks)

We've Had Lots of Help From Aunt Lisa and Cuz, Abby - They Are Worn Out!

Abby Loves Cuz, Emily...She Already Wants To Hold Her

Some Girl Time With "Great" Grandma

Mommy and Emily

Daddy and Emily

Aunt Lisa and Emily

Smiling for her Mommy!

1st Party - My "Surprise" 30th BDay!

Hanging In Hadley's PJ's...Thanks Hadley!

Meeting The Babb Family

Took This Pic Today...Just Hanging Out With Mommy

4 Generations of Girls

2009-11-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

My Grandma (mom's mom) came over for a visit today. It was her first time to really see and hold my Emily. She saw her at the hospital when she was born, but only thru the glass. =( My Grandma is the sweetest person in the world. While her mind is somewhat starting to wonder a bit, one thing is clear in her mind..."I love my girls." "I have three girls" she tells us all the time referring to my mom and her two sisters. I wish with all my heart my mom was here - she would be on cloud nine with her granddaughters around! I know she is watching down from Heaven though.

It's weird and probably crazy to think, but I swear I feel her presence sometimes when I'm holding Emily. Emily will start looking off into space so intently at something. I think babies can see things we can't - maybe angels? Today, while Grandma was watching her, she started REALLY staring at the ceiling. Even Grandma started asking her, what are you looking at??! I bet mama was there with us and she was seeing her. =) At least, I like to think so. =)

Sweet

2009-11-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Abby's such a big girl! At almost 5 months old, this sweet girl really tried to hold her cousin Emily...love her!

Emily Elaine's Birth

2009-11-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted - things have been a bit crazy around our house with our new addition, Miss Emily Elaine. Crazy how our lives have changed in the 3 weeks she has been here. She is the sweetest thing - I could just look at her all day long, which is pretty much all I did for the first week and a big reason for why there hasn't been any pics or blog entries posted. =)

Check out the cute slideshow Lisa made...

Turn the volume down at the bottom of the blog before clicking play.....

Anyways, her birth story is crazy...

On Wed (10/21), I went for my 38 week check up, which included a stress test. My OB was slightly concerned about her weight (she was weighing in at a small 5 lbs, 13 oz at my 37 week check up), so she ordered the test. No issues were found, but she also ordered a sonogram, which found that her fluid level was very low (2.1 - anything below a 5 is considered to be low). She told me we needed to go ahead and get her out and I would need to be admitted to the hospital that day! I cried when she told me this - just out of disbelief that the time had finally come. I'd never been in the hospital before and the whole idea scared me a little.

Michael and I went home and got everything together, kissed our sweet girls good bye and headed to River Oaks to have our baby girl. I was sad to leave Gracie and Harlee b/c I knew their little lives would never be the same once we returned. =(

I was given a cervidil around 6 that night to start the labor process. My OB wanted me to have a "balloon procedure," but I was VERY hesitant about this since my friend, Leah, had this procedure done and said it was VERY painful and didn't work for her anyways. I was so torn as to what to do b/c I REALLY wanted a normal delivery - no c-section - and my OB explained that this would basically guarantee it for me. I ended up deciding to only have the cervidil and if it didn't take, try the balloon thing the next morning. This is the same procedure Lisa had done with Abby and it worked great for her. Lisa's didn't hurt her, but mine about killed me! Of course, I was dilated 1 cm already and Lisa hadn't dilated at all, so maybe that's the difference.

I didn't start having pain until around midnight. I was given staydal to "take the edge off" my contractions. I must have gotten up a million times in the night to pee (poor Michael), which was not easy when you're attached to an IV and monitors on your belly.

My OB broke my water around 7 am and said I was 3 - almost 4 cm dilated. Once she broke my water, I almost immedietly started having severe contractions. I was in so much pain and felt like I was going to hyperventilate at times. I was trying really hard to remember the breathing stuff from my birth class, but it wasn't helping me too much. I kept begging for my epidural and asking Michael to go find him ASAP!

Finally, I heard the nurse tell Michael to leave (come back in 20 minutes, she told him) b/c the epidural people had arrived. Right about that time, I felt a huge urge to push - an unexplainable, uncontrollable urge. I told my nurse (who was AMAZING, by the way), and she told me to wait. She checked me, then looked me in the eye and said:

"Jennifer, look at me...you are dilated to 10 cm...there isn't time for an epidural...you're going to have this baby right now." Then, she said..."you can do this."

All I could say was Michael, where's Michael. Then, I started pushing some - I couldn't control it. I probably pushed about 2 or 3 times without Michael even in the room. I was screaming the whole time - not out of pain really, but out of an urge to GET THIS KID OUT OF ME! I was told later that a girl down the hall who had just rec'd her epidural told her husband and nurse, "we need to pray for that girl." The entire hall heard me screaming!

I kept asking for Michael and the nurses were saying they were looking for him. I asked for my cell phone and they found it. I called Michael (who had left with his mom to get breakfast) and told him to come back, I'm pushing!). Needless to say, he freaked out and almost missed her being born!

He walked in and couldn't even speak to get into the Labor and Delivery area. All the nurses were laughing at him. He walked in and about 2 pushes later, we had a baby girl!

I dialated from 4 cm to 10 in less than 50 minutes and pushed 5 times! Emily was IN A HURRY to get out! Something tells me this will be how she will live her life - always in a hurry...just like her Daddy. =)

Poor Lisa...she missed her arrival by about 10 minutes and was so upset about it (she was supposed to be in there with me like I was with Abby), but Emily waits for no one - not even her daddy! I was glad she missed all the screaming anyways. I had actually told my nurse ealier in the morning that I didn't want anyone, but Michael in the room when I was in this much pain. Lisa arrived just in time to get some amazing pics of my sweet girl right after she was born.

She also did a great job capturing the entire experience right up until Gracie and Harlee meeting her.

Emily's Here!!

2009-10-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is Lisa posting for Jenn. . . .

Little Emily Elaine decided to make her entrance a little sooner than expected arriving at 7:58 this morning. She weighed in at 5 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 18 1/2 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing WONDERFUL!!

Maternity Pics

2009-10-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Finally edited the maternity pics Lisa took of me. Turn volume down at bottom of page before playing....

Sleeping Beauty

2009-10-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Finally captured my Gracie talking in her sleep. She does it all the time, but usually only at night when we're all in the bed, so the video cam is never handy. Turn the music off at the bottom of the page and listen closely. She didn't do it very loud this time - she usually growls, barks, cries, etc....sooo cute - wonder what she's dreaming about??

Nursery's Finished!!

2009-10-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm 38 weeks prego (this coming Tuesday) and Emily Elaine's nursery if FINALLY 100% finished and waiting on her! I'm sooo glad to be done with it. I've LOVED decorating it and planning for her arrival. I'm CRAZY sentimental and have tried to fill her nursery with things from when I was little (things from her Mimi).

The furniture was mine when I was little (purchased by mama from McRaes or JC Penny - can't remember which)...we found the actual receipt while going through the old house! I painted it black a few years ago and changed out the hardware.

The little white rocking chair was mine and Lisa's - it use to be at our Grandma Duncan's house (Dad's mom). It use to have strawberry shortcake cushions on it. =)

I've put out my very 1st Cabbage Patch doll and have pulled out some other dolls that were mine - all given to me by mama.

I've also pulled out some old books that were mine. Mama wrote our names in some of them - I just LOVE that her hand writing is there.

Old baby clothes, jewelry, etc. etc...all things I've pulled out for our Emily. It just gives me comfort to know that while mama isn't here to give her things, Emily can have some of the things that were mine that mama gave to me, so it's like Mimi is giving them to her too. My big reason for wanting a girl. =)

Our bags are now packed and we are officially ready to go. BUT, we would REALLY like to wait at least another week or so before she makes her debut b/c the Luckey family has the flu!!

Abby was diagnosed on Wed afternoon with both types A and B seasonal flu (A, typically being swine flu). We were all so shocked and worried b/c she is just so little! Plus, I was with her the weekend before and the day before she was diagnosed - my dr. has been telling us how terrible swine flu (and flu in general) is on pregnant women, so I was a little worried. She prescribed me Tamiflu, but I have been sooo hesitant to take it. I just hate taking anything that might hurt Emily and there is a big notice on the prescription info telling me that the effects are unknown (good/bad) for an unborn baby.

I'm not having any symptoms and will DEF take it if I start having ANY at all, but so far am good. I just don't like taking meds while pregnant of any kind. It's my mother in me. She was the same way and I know she would be telling me to try to hold off from taking it. I think?! It's been a hard with for Lisa and me not having her around to give us advise on all this stuff. I keep wondering, what would mama say to do??!!

We are just staying away from the Luckey family for now - until everyone is cured. =) It's hard though b/c today is Lisa's (and Daddy's) birthday.

Anyways...here are a few pics of the nursery complete. If you want to see all of them, you can check out our flickr page.

Books from when I was little - Notice mama's hand writing in them.

My little jewelry box...a gift from my mom when I was little.

Emily's "coming home" outfit. Lisa, Abby, and me have all come home in this also! There is a blanket, bloomers, and even a little doll that matches this. Mama LOVED the rose buds. =)

This weekend, we've had to resort to video chatting....flu, go away!!

Happy Birthday Daddy and Lisa...Maggie too!!