...: March 2008

I hope everyone had a great Easter. Dave, Emma, Cooper and I went down to Grammy and Grandaddy's house "aka Camp Grammy's" for a few days. Aunt Su, cousin Katie, cousin BethAnne and Uncle Scott were there too. Aunt Su loved on Emma almost all day on Sunday which allowed me to have some free time, and much needed time at that!

When the girls arrived Beth Anne went right for her favorite place, in Granddaddy's lap. Her and Bill had a nice long conversation about how he would be more handsome if he had on a tie. Before we knew it Bill had gone upstairs and put on his most favoritest froggie tie. Notice that he's wearing a polo shirt!!!

Emma doted her new Easter outfit on Sunday. Just take a look at my little French bébé! I just laugh every time I look at this picture - it makes me think of the Sweedish Chef from the Muppets!!!!

She laughed the whole time I was taking pictures, just look at that precious face!!

Katie and Beth Anne had an Easter egg hunt in the front yard but couldn't help being goofy before hand.

Emma is growing like a weed and changes so much every day. She's so animated and laughs on cue which just makes me melt. Sometimes when I'm feeding her she'll pull away and look at me with her big blue eyes and just smile so big, even at 2 in the morning! As tired as I am and as bad as I want to go back to bed I just can't be upset with that face.

We're still breastfeeding and I'm proud to say that it's like second nature to me now. I am so glad I stuck with it through the hard time, it's so rewarding and I look forward to that time with her. Did I mention it also saves us like $25 a week!!! At the rate she goes through diapers I take every penny I can get!

Have a great week - more pictures to come!

Wow, I can't believe it's been 5 weeks since I gave birth to my little munchkin. I have been really bad at posting, and I apologize, but I'll try my best to catch everyone up.

This Friday Emma will be 6 weeks old. She's been to the pediatrician 4 times already and goes again on my birthday, April 8. The first time was for a routine checkup, the second for a weight check up, the third for weight and belly button and the fourth for weight again. Emma was born weighing in at 6lbs 10oz. She went down to 6lb 4oz, up to 7lb 30z, up again to 7lb 8oz and at the last checkup weighed a whopping 8lbs 6oz! She gained 14 oz in 8 days!!!! The doctor was impressed and the nurse thought I had super boobs!

Breastfeeding is going great. I think I am on the home stretch as far as pain goes. It's still a bit uncomfortable, but starting to feel good at the same time. I really enjoy it now and love spending the down time with her just staring at her little face. It's tiresome, especially during the wee hours of the morning but so rewarding. I never thought I'd bond so closely with her during feedings, but I just soak it up and anjoy every minute of it now. I'm so relieved the pain has passed.

Emma is one of the best babies I have ever met. She rarely cries and most of the time lets out a little whimper when she wants something. People think she's so calm because we are, but hey, I'll take it however I can get it. We are truly blessed that she's so peaceful and quiet, I just hope the teenage years don't make up for it.

Emma loves to look at us and smile. At first I thought it was gas, but I assure you, my little 5 week old smiles from ear to ear in response to our dorky faces.. I've tried and tried to get it on camera and finally this past weekend I succeeded... just take a look at this darling! Grandma Harley (my stepmom) was talking to her as I stood there clicking away waiting for the perfect moment. About 1600 pictures later we have....

Sleeping is still pretty hard. She's on a good schedule, eating at 7, 10, 1, 4, 7... but at times she'll wake up with gas in the middle of the night which screws the whole thing up. Her little belly doesn't do well with gas and it takes forever to get her to burp sometimes. Some feedings last almost an hour because of it. I'm worse for the wear and Dave has his bad nights too. But, we're making it through anxiously waiting for the night she drops a feeding. I've been told that once they reach around 10lbs their bellies get bigger and can handle the longer sleep cycle. I guess that means super boobs better get to work!

We have had a few close friends and family come to visit but it's nearing the 6 week mark when we can take miss Emma to meet the masses. You all have been very patient and we really appreciate all of you waiting to meet her. Once we get back from Easter holiday in Fredericksburg we'll be ready to go! Be on the lookout for Dad and his Baby Bjorn and mom with her no-doz!

Cooper is doing very well. He's completely recovered and shows no signs of his needle injury. His fur is growing back nicely too. He just loves Emma and gets very concerned when she does fuss. I wonder what he'll be like if we ever have a screamer! He sniffs her and wants to lick her face constantly, but overall he listens well and does very well with her.

Dave's mom, aka Grammy, is going to be our nanny. We are so blessed to have her and cannot thank her enough for what she's giving us. I know you're reading this Barbara so know that we are forever in debt to you for giving us your time. We lead a pretty crazy life here with the business and your love, support and time has been our backbone. Without you I'd be in tears taking my precious little one to a sitter and am grateful that I can walk upstairs for a little cuddle time whenever I want. Thank you Barbara, for everything you are, give and do - we love you bunches.

Well, my time is up. Dave is waiting upstairs for me to finish so he can come work. He's been putting in a lot of overtime these days and as sad as I am that he's not cuddling on the couch with us I know he's working hard to help support us. (I love you honey and appreciate all you're doing for Emma and I).

I'll leave you with a few more pictures of my punkin. Enjoy!

this is her on her 5 week b-day: