Dear Emma,
EMMA!!! You are so cute!!! Lately you have been using your sweet voice more and more. It's been so fun hearing you make more sounds, and trying to talk more. You do a very cute high pitch squeal and it makes me laugh! You bring smiles to our faces daily with your big smile. You smile every time we talk to you, and especially after you eat! Haha. The last few night you have been sleeping half the night with me in our bed because it's been very cold, and you need to be snuggled :) You haven't been happy in your bed the last two night, but you do stay in our bed for at least half the night, and then you demand to be up with me. Lets see... You are already holding your head up very nicely. Although you have always seemed to have a strong neck, you now can sit up on my lap with you head support from me. You can even sit in your bumbo seat by yourself, and you really like it because it allows you to look around. You see us very well, and have for a while now. You notice when one of us walks into the room or leaves the room. You are a super sweet baby and not to fussy, BUT you know what you want, and ask for it as loud as you can! Hahahaha... You always seem to have a reason for crying whether it be that you want to eat, you are tired and need help getting to sleep, or you just want to be held :) It cracks me up when you want to eat, so you fuss a bit, then when I pick you up and you hear my voice, you smile so BIG knowing that milk is near. If I take to long getting ready to nurse you, you start whaling! You cry sooooooooooooooooooooooooo loud basically telling me that I am not fast enough. It's so cute! I laugh every time because you can be such a drama queen, in a good way ;) I like how you know what you want and let us know. You are pretty mellow though, and sleep a lot still. You are so flexible, and don;t mind the occasional rough hugs from brother or strong pats on the face from brother. You do so well when he pokes your nose saying, "beep, beep." You smile at your brother every time he gives you a kiss or plays in your face trying to make you smile. He gets so happy when you smile at him. Last night you ALMOST laughed! So close!!! You made a high pitch sound with a big smile on your face because I was talking to you and tickling you! I looked up at your daddy and screamed, "did you hear that!!!? She almost laughed!" Your daddy came right over to us om the couch and tried to make you laugh, but you did not... We are thinking you may start to laugh soon though, because you are always trying to do something new.
We all went to Knotts Berry Farm this last Sunday, and it was amazing! You did so great, and were super easy and mellow the entire day! I was so happy that you and your brother seemed to enjoy yourselves. You got to be strolled around all day outside and listening to the crowd, and Eli got to try out some baby rides in camp snoopy! I think Eli had one tantrum towards the end because it was getting late and he didn't have a nap. That was our first time going to an amusement park together! Even your dad and I haven't been to one together since we met, and it was so awesome going all together with our extended family! Since it was veterans day, your uncle C.J. and auntie Jess got us in for a great price!
You smell so sweet, and I love holding you and smelling your head, kissing your cheeks, and running my finger along your face. You add so much love, excitement, tenderness, and warmth to this household, and we are so thankful for you. Tomorrow is mine and your dad's engagement anniversary! I get butterflies when I think about it ;) Want to hear how he did it? Ok! I'll tell you! Haha!
I knew he had ordered me a Christmas present already, and was keeping it at his house until Christmas! I was to excited about knowing that he had it, and kept bothering him about letting me open it early!!! I remember begging him to let me have it early. That is the kind of people your daddy and I are. We always get each other gifts early, and then end up opening them before the official time. It happens every time an anniversary comes, or birthdays or Christmas. Hahahaha! So the night before he popped the question he dropped me off at my house, and said that he would let me have my present tomorrow. He said it was ok since he got me something else, but that I could only have one before Christmas! I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy!!! Also, I guess you should know that I had been telling your daddy that I REALLY wanted to go up to the Glass Chapel with him to take some pictures since it's so beautiful up there, and so in his car when I was about to get out, he casually said, "oh, do you want to go to the Glass Chapel tomorrow?" I said, "sure!" Then told him to wear a white shirt because I would like to have a "couple" picture of us up there. So the next morning, he came to pick me up. I remember so well because my brother was there that morning and was visiting from San Diego. My whole family was there when we walked out the door. We drove up there, and he pointed to the back seat, and when I looked, there was a HUGE box! I was so excited, and he said that it was my present and I could open it today! We walked around there for a while taking pictures, and then he said he would go get my present and I could open it at the table. I knew exactly what it was! I thought I knew exactly what it was anyway! Hahaha. I thought it was a scrap booking machine I had seen on line, and really wanted! I opened the box, and there was a red scrapbook... I pulled it out thinking, "Oh how sweet, he bought me an empty scrap book because he knows how much I love to scrapbook!" but when I opened it up, he had actually made me a scrap book! I was so touched and started to look through it, telling him how good it was, and how he was almost better than me at it! Hahahaha... I was looking at all the pictures of us, and ticket stubs from movies we had gone to, and other fun souvenirs of our time together. Then when I got to the last page it read: "Stephanie R. G., Will You Marry Me?" My head spun for a second, then all of a sudden I saw a ring in my face, and then I saw your daddy tearing up, and kneeling on one knee!!! I was trying to grasp what was happening, and I blurted out, "are you asking me to marry you!!!? He nodded yes, and I exclaimed, "sure!!! I mean, of course!!! Yeah!!!" I started crying, and then we hugged and kissed and it was perfect! He actually asked me out loud after he knew I read it, but I didn't hear him whilst my head was still spinning! hahaha. I love how he did it, I love that it was so personal and just us. I loved the intimacy of the entire situation, and remember my heart pounding out of my chest! He set the camera up on a tripod while I was looking at the book, and I hadn't even noticed it! So we got pictures of him asking me! Yeeeeeeeps! Then after it all, I was laughing and telling your daddy, I always imagined me being so cool about it, and responding with simply a, "yes." So I made him ask me again so I could just say YES!!! Hahahahahahahahah! We went to Starbucks after, and had coffee together all giddy. I finally told him to take me home because I was beaming and wanted to gush to my family that I was engaged!!! So we drove to my house, where my family was all waiting, and his parents were there too! It was such a happy time! I remember walking up the pathway to the door, and seeing every face of my family right there at the door with cheesy smiles on their faces waiting for some sort of signal to start congratulating! Hahahaha. I just held up my hand and said, "we're engaged!" and they all started screaming and hugging us. It was the best day, full of happy tears! And that's our engagement story, and what we will be celebrating tomorrow! That is where I said yes to not only marrying your daddy, but yes to this little family we now have! Yes to starting a future with him along side me, and yes to the blessings God has given! You and your brother are the biggest blessings to us! We love you Emma, and we have always been excited to have you!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
From my Heart to Yours
Dearest Emma,
You went to the doctor two days ago, and you weighed in at 10lbs and 2 oz. You are 22 1/2 inches now and still growing. The doctor walked into the room, greeted us and then walked over to you and gasped at your cuteness! haha! I of course agree whole heartily ;) He said that you are such a beauty, and have big beautiful eyes. He also says that you are smart, so you've got the brains and the beauty ;) haha. He flipped you over in his hands to see how well you could hold your head up, and you were holding it so high, looking like a little flying fairy! Heehee, I started giggling, and the doctor said, "well, now you're just showing off!" Hahahahaha. He said that was not normal for a 2 month old, and that you are very strong. :) I was a proud mama... Although I would have been proud anyway, even if you didn't do all those things. ;) Quickly my laughter turned to sadness as they poked your sweet little thighs. They gave you three shots and when your brother saw it happen, he pointed, made a very sour face at the nurse, and tried to grab at her! hahahahahahaha! When you were finished, I let Eli kiss you, and told him how brave you were. Later that day he hit you in the leg, and you started crying. He doesn't mean to hit you hard, he just gets so excited sometimes, and tries to bring you up to his level of excitement, and you rarely respond. Hahaha, unless he accidentally head bumps you, or pokes to hard and you cry. I am always trying to intercept the interaction to a certain point, but I can't catch everything! He is very nice and gentle to you most of the time, but alas, he is still a baby too, and can sometimes get a bit crazy around you ;)
You are just thriving my little Emma Bella Sita! You love to smile, You have smiled since you were born, and people can say its involuntary, but I know it's on purpose ;) You smile when people talk to you. You LOVE being talked to, and you love being lightly tickled. When I run my fingers along your face, and you neck ever so softly, you start kicking and smiling, and try to talk. We have already heard you make sounds! Your voice so far as we have heard, is the sweetest sound! You made a cute little sound last night when your daddy and I were talking to you on the couch. We both got so excited to hear you. You smiled HUGE at us last night!!! It was theeeeeeeeeeee sweetest thing! I LOVE our family Emma. You are so loved, nurtured, and valued.We value the gifts that God gives, and you are an ever so priceless gift from God. God has been so faithful all throughout mine and your daddy's life. I look back on my life and I can actually see so many times where God was protecting, guarding and nurturing me. I can say it out loud, with no question in my heart, that God is the reason I am here. I remember when I backpacked through Europe with two girlfriends staying in hostels. We had no plan whatsoever, and had never traveled like this before. We basically jumped on trains from place to place, and would stay wherever we could find that was cheap. Three young girls traveling blindly... I mean, we were having SO MUCH FUN!!! And I felt the presents of God the entire time. I remember praying so much on that trip and being so connected to scripture and to God. Our relationship grew leaps and bounds on that trip because of all the beauty I was seeing, all the time I had on the train rides, and how much I HAD to depend on God at that time. Sometimes though, when I think about the decisions I made on that trip, I get a chill down my spine. I'll just leave it at that, and you can ask me all about my trip someday. I'll tell you EVERYTHING! It was amazing, it made me grow in ways I didn't even know I could, and allowed me to see how others live. God doesn't always use the same ways of allowing growth for us, but I am still a huge advocate for people to travel, and see Gods world, even if it's only one time. I learned a lot about myself and the values I held dear and still do :) I was tested to the max, and I feel that with Gods love, grace, and mercy, I was able to stand pretty firm in the face of opposition. It was encouraging to see how God gave me the courage and strength to stay true to what I believe and what I believe He wants for me. Of course this wasn't ALL in Europe, but I was pretty much alone out there with no parents to call, no pastor to pray with, and no one really holding me accountable. I also made an amazing friend on that trip, so that was a blessing :) One of the girls I went with ended up being my room mate, and good friend. I am so thankful for friendships that can blossom through crazy situations. Now all that being said, having been through it and since I have experience, YOU Emma, will not be backpacking through Europe with 2 other girls alone, with no plan and no phone... If you do, and I hope you do some sort of traveling in your life, you will have a cell phone that works, a plan at least in place, oh, and your dad glued to you... Was that last one too much? Did I go a step to far? He's a fun guy... He wouldn't be to much trouble... In fact, he's pretty darn smart and handy :) Hahaha...
On another note Emma, I love you so much and want the best God has panned for you. I personally love knowing that there is no place I would rather be. I love having peace about being a wife, a mommy, and living where I am. I have a husband who I respect. I respect his decisions, because I have seen him be able to put aside his pride and make decisions he never thought he would. I have seen him inform himself, research, ask questions, and more importantly PRAY about all his important decisions, and that gives me peace. God is with your daddy. God helps your daddy, corrects your daddy, encourages your daddy, and gives him the strength to lead our family. I am a very controlling person, I like to explore and learn, and your daddy and I make a great team. He allows me to be me, and also will call me out when I'm in the wrong. I like that I can't walk all over your daddy. I like that he gets his direction from God; a God we both love and believe in with our all. So, if it is some day your desire to be married and start a family of your own, remember how important it is to marry a wise man of integrity, who even in being tested, will be true to what his convictions are. WOW!!! Well there was a topic I had no clue I was going to write about ;) That's why I love these letters I write to you. I can write from my heart :)
I will always do my best to be a good mommy to you and your brother. You can trust that I will make mistakes, but that I love you, and will always try to be the mom God is helping me to be. I have some amazing help too ;) Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, moms, dads, grandparents, friends and a great church family to help us along in this journey.
You went to the doctor two days ago, and you weighed in at 10lbs and 2 oz. You are 22 1/2 inches now and still growing. The doctor walked into the room, greeted us and then walked over to you and gasped at your cuteness! haha! I of course agree whole heartily ;) He said that you are such a beauty, and have big beautiful eyes. He also says that you are smart, so you've got the brains and the beauty ;) haha. He flipped you over in his hands to see how well you could hold your head up, and you were holding it so high, looking like a little flying fairy! Heehee, I started giggling, and the doctor said, "well, now you're just showing off!" Hahahahaha. He said that was not normal for a 2 month old, and that you are very strong. :) I was a proud mama... Although I would have been proud anyway, even if you didn't do all those things. ;) Quickly my laughter turned to sadness as they poked your sweet little thighs. They gave you three shots and when your brother saw it happen, he pointed, made a very sour face at the nurse, and tried to grab at her! hahahahahahaha! When you were finished, I let Eli kiss you, and told him how brave you were. Later that day he hit you in the leg, and you started crying. He doesn't mean to hit you hard, he just gets so excited sometimes, and tries to bring you up to his level of excitement, and you rarely respond. Hahaha, unless he accidentally head bumps you, or pokes to hard and you cry. I am always trying to intercept the interaction to a certain point, but I can't catch everything! He is very nice and gentle to you most of the time, but alas, he is still a baby too, and can sometimes get a bit crazy around you ;)
You are just thriving my little Emma Bella Sita! You love to smile, You have smiled since you were born, and people can say its involuntary, but I know it's on purpose ;) You smile when people talk to you. You LOVE being talked to, and you love being lightly tickled. When I run my fingers along your face, and you neck ever so softly, you start kicking and smiling, and try to talk. We have already heard you make sounds! Your voice so far as we have heard, is the sweetest sound! You made a cute little sound last night when your daddy and I were talking to you on the couch. We both got so excited to hear you. You smiled HUGE at us last night!!! It was theeeeeeeeeeee sweetest thing! I LOVE our family Emma. You are so loved, nurtured, and valued.We value the gifts that God gives, and you are an ever so priceless gift from God. God has been so faithful all throughout mine and your daddy's life. I look back on my life and I can actually see so many times where God was protecting, guarding and nurturing me. I can say it out loud, with no question in my heart, that God is the reason I am here. I remember when I backpacked through Europe with two girlfriends staying in hostels. We had no plan whatsoever, and had never traveled like this before. We basically jumped on trains from place to place, and would stay wherever we could find that was cheap. Three young girls traveling blindly... I mean, we were having SO MUCH FUN!!! And I felt the presents of God the entire time. I remember praying so much on that trip and being so connected to scripture and to God. Our relationship grew leaps and bounds on that trip because of all the beauty I was seeing, all the time I had on the train rides, and how much I HAD to depend on God at that time. Sometimes though, when I think about the decisions I made on that trip, I get a chill down my spine. I'll just leave it at that, and you can ask me all about my trip someday. I'll tell you EVERYTHING! It was amazing, it made me grow in ways I didn't even know I could, and allowed me to see how others live. God doesn't always use the same ways of allowing growth for us, but I am still a huge advocate for people to travel, and see Gods world, even if it's only one time. I learned a lot about myself and the values I held dear and still do :) I was tested to the max, and I feel that with Gods love, grace, and mercy, I was able to stand pretty firm in the face of opposition. It was encouraging to see how God gave me the courage and strength to stay true to what I believe and what I believe He wants for me. Of course this wasn't ALL in Europe, but I was pretty much alone out there with no parents to call, no pastor to pray with, and no one really holding me accountable. I also made an amazing friend on that trip, so that was a blessing :) One of the girls I went with ended up being my room mate, and good friend. I am so thankful for friendships that can blossom through crazy situations. Now all that being said, having been through it and since I have experience, YOU Emma, will not be backpacking through Europe with 2 other girls alone, with no plan and no phone... If you do, and I hope you do some sort of traveling in your life, you will have a cell phone that works, a plan at least in place, oh, and your dad glued to you... Was that last one too much? Did I go a step to far? He's a fun guy... He wouldn't be to much trouble... In fact, he's pretty darn smart and handy :) Hahaha...
On another note Emma, I love you so much and want the best God has panned for you. I personally love knowing that there is no place I would rather be. I love having peace about being a wife, a mommy, and living where I am. I have a husband who I respect. I respect his decisions, because I have seen him be able to put aside his pride and make decisions he never thought he would. I have seen him inform himself, research, ask questions, and more importantly PRAY about all his important decisions, and that gives me peace. God is with your daddy. God helps your daddy, corrects your daddy, encourages your daddy, and gives him the strength to lead our family. I am a very controlling person, I like to explore and learn, and your daddy and I make a great team. He allows me to be me, and also will call me out when I'm in the wrong. I like that I can't walk all over your daddy. I like that he gets his direction from God; a God we both love and believe in with our all. So, if it is some day your desire to be married and start a family of your own, remember how important it is to marry a wise man of integrity, who even in being tested, will be true to what his convictions are. WOW!!! Well there was a topic I had no clue I was going to write about ;) That's why I love these letters I write to you. I can write from my heart :)
I will always do my best to be a good mommy to you and your brother. You can trust that I will make mistakes, but that I love you, and will always try to be the mom God is helping me to be. I have some amazing help too ;) Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, moms, dads, grandparents, friends and a great church family to help us along in this journey.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Sweet Tears
Dear Emma,
I had such a mommy moment with you today! I got some wonderful alone time with you this afternoon, while Eli was napping and daddy was at work. I was holding you in my arms, and whispering in your ear. I was saying whatever came into my mind about how I feel about you. I whispered to you that I love you so much, You are the most beautiful baby girl, you are so sweet, and so smart, and you fill my life with so much joy. I was saying so many things, to which you slowly fell asleep hearing. Then all of a sudden tears started falling form my eyes! I sat there just peacefully crying tears of joy while holding you. I guess I wouldn't label it as "crying," so much as letting tears fall. I find myself tearing up at the strangest times, and I wonder sometimes if I'm the only one who cries when my baby first smiles, or looks at me? Or when Eli was having so much fun watching the pig race yesterday at the fair, I TOTALLY teared up! Hahahahahahaha... I just take so much delight in seeing you guys grow and enjoy new things. Just like I hurt and feel sad when you guys are sick or feeling sad. Today I had such a random thought of when my mom used to put on Anne of Green Gables, and serve us ice cream, and we would watch it together and have the best time! Looking back now I can see how it gave her joy to do something fun with us girls. Or when she would wrestle with my brother, and well, all of us, and we would be laughing hysterically! I can see now, that she did those things for us, and to enjoy family time. It's so fun coming up with my own ideas for Eli and you. You are still a bit young for activities other then being help and talked to ;) But I take great pleasure in holding you, and talking to you :) I love all the stages you are going through and I savor each one. You have already seemed to grow and change so much!
So after doing some reading, asking around, and praying, I decided to take on a whole other responsibility in choosing foods for our family. I am now involved in reading food labels, buying more organic, and making my own food here at home with better ingredients. This is not something I am going to make myself crazy over, but it is something I am taking the time to do for my family. I don't think that what we bought and made before was all that bad or anything, I just felt certain convictions on going a step further. I am very happy with our decision as a family to eat healthier than we were before, (which was pretty healthy, just different). I had no idea how much information was out there on the food that you choose and the benefits of making the one huge change that we decided to make. Your daddy is very well educated in this field thankfully, and so he has been my shoulder to lean on, and my super helper in grocery shopping. He is so encouraging when I go to the store now, and he eats all my experiments! He loved the cookies I made today that have different ingredients! I think you will like them too someday! :) Oh, and your daddy has been cooking a lot lately! That has been so nice! I hope you get your cooking skills from him, and your baking skills from me ;) He really is a better cook than I, but I can totally out bake him ;) heehee...
I'm so happy we get those treasured moments together. I love you so much Emma. You are a jewel. Well, your bro just woke up and needs some good snuggle time before we all go play outside!
I had such a mommy moment with you today! I got some wonderful alone time with you this afternoon, while Eli was napping and daddy was at work. I was holding you in my arms, and whispering in your ear. I was saying whatever came into my mind about how I feel about you. I whispered to you that I love you so much, You are the most beautiful baby girl, you are so sweet, and so smart, and you fill my life with so much joy. I was saying so many things, to which you slowly fell asleep hearing. Then all of a sudden tears started falling form my eyes! I sat there just peacefully crying tears of joy while holding you. I guess I wouldn't label it as "crying," so much as letting tears fall. I find myself tearing up at the strangest times, and I wonder sometimes if I'm the only one who cries when my baby first smiles, or looks at me? Or when Eli was having so much fun watching the pig race yesterday at the fair, I TOTALLY teared up! Hahahahahahaha... I just take so much delight in seeing you guys grow and enjoy new things. Just like I hurt and feel sad when you guys are sick or feeling sad. Today I had such a random thought of when my mom used to put on Anne of Green Gables, and serve us ice cream, and we would watch it together and have the best time! Looking back now I can see how it gave her joy to do something fun with us girls. Or when she would wrestle with my brother, and well, all of us, and we would be laughing hysterically! I can see now, that she did those things for us, and to enjoy family time. It's so fun coming up with my own ideas for Eli and you. You are still a bit young for activities other then being help and talked to ;) But I take great pleasure in holding you, and talking to you :) I love all the stages you are going through and I savor each one. You have already seemed to grow and change so much!
So after doing some reading, asking around, and praying, I decided to take on a whole other responsibility in choosing foods for our family. I am now involved in reading food labels, buying more organic, and making my own food here at home with better ingredients. This is not something I am going to make myself crazy over, but it is something I am taking the time to do for my family. I don't think that what we bought and made before was all that bad or anything, I just felt certain convictions on going a step further. I am very happy with our decision as a family to eat healthier than we were before, (which was pretty healthy, just different). I had no idea how much information was out there on the food that you choose and the benefits of making the one huge change that we decided to make. Your daddy is very well educated in this field thankfully, and so he has been my shoulder to lean on, and my super helper in grocery shopping. He is so encouraging when I go to the store now, and he eats all my experiments! He loved the cookies I made today that have different ingredients! I think you will like them too someday! :) Oh, and your daddy has been cooking a lot lately! That has been so nice! I hope you get your cooking skills from him, and your baking skills from me ;) He really is a better cook than I, but I can totally out bake him ;) heehee...
I'm so happy we get those treasured moments together. I love you so much Emma. You are a jewel. Well, your bro just woke up and needs some good snuggle time before we all go play outside!
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| You, your brother and I at the LA County Fair yesterday! |
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| You were such a trooper there! Made it easy on me ;) |
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Emmasita!
Dear Emma,
So we call you many things. One name will warp into another, into another and then into all sorts of names that are not your own, but that we call you all the time! Hahahaha! It all started with Emmasita! Don't know why that came so naturally to both of us, but it did! That was shortened to Sita... So we found ourselves calling you Sita, then Seets, then Emma-bella-sita, then just bella-sita... Hahahaha, so around here, you are known as Bella-sita! :) Oh but we're not finished! We also call you little Em, Em"n"Em, Sita-Leeta, and really, so much more! The rest of the names we call you are more terms of endearment that didn't originate from your own name :)
Last night was a tough one. You just didn't want to sleep. your daddy and I were up for most of the night, and when we were all finally getting some sleep this morning, your daddy's phone range and woke everyone up! Yeeps!!! Oh well, we survived, haha.
Yesterday we went to your uncle C.J. and auntie Jessica's place to have pizza and hang out. We had so much fun just being with family. Nic wanted to hold you a lot, and so we let him :) He held you one last time before we left, and you projectile spit up and it just missed him! Hahahaha, it was funny because your cousin Nic is super grossed out by that kind of stuff. He won't even kiss Eli because of "slobber." He will hug babies, but no kissing because he doesn't like to get drool on himself. Hahahaha! Thankfully you missed him with your spit up. Your auntie Meliss and Megan were there, and they held you a lot too, and then played chase with Eli. They are so good with kids, and babies :) They usually have Nic and Eli following them around by the end of the night, and you will probably jump right in when you are able to play :) But for now, everyone just passes you around and loves to hold you. Mommy and daddy barely see you when we are around family, but we love it! We are blessed to have such a loving, supportive family.
Man, with two babies now, we are in such a routine, and it's hard to stray from that for now. We have nap times, and bed times worked out like clockwork, and have a system of doing things that works great for us right now. It will change soon, but it's funny how planning to hang out with friends, or go out somewhere has to be more in advance now. We are usually pretty flexible, but now we actually like to have a plan in place earlier than later if we are going to be doing something. Maybe half of that is so that we can mentally prepare ;) Evenings are not good for us either because that's actually our family calm down time :) Eli eats dinner, then we have to get him all ready for bed, and then have him in bed by 8pm. He usually falls right asleep and never puts up a fight. In fact, he starts to collect his animals, and then points to his room around that time. Hahaha... But when we have people over, he won't go to sleep. He has trouble staying in his routine if people are here. You like to sleep as well around his bed time, and that's when mommy and daddy kind of take a rest and chill out on the couch together not having much energy to do anything else. Haha!
You are such a great eater! You nurse on demand, and have been able to do so since minutes after you were born! Thank Jesus for two babies who gave me no troubles in nursing! I was told by soooooooooooooooooo many people that it's very hard, and there are all these terrible stories, but you guys had mercy on me and latched right on! Nothing I did, you are the pro here ;) I love nursing you, It's our time :) I told your daddy it's like our time to just sit together, and have such a strong connection. I think it's pretty cool. Plus, you helped mommy's tummy go back down faster. Nursing helps in making the uterus go back to normal :) in the hospital, every time I nursed you, I would feel really uncomfortable cramping in my lower stomach and I didn't quite know what the connection was. Then the doctor told me that when I nurse, it stimulates the contractions that help my uterus to go back. Crazy! The body is a pretty awesome thing Emma. God sure did think of everything! I like how my tummy feels now. It's all soft and fun! I have a tummy that reminds me I got to carry you and your brother, and what a blessing that was. :) Ok, ok, ok, I'll get going now, I was kind of rambling on and on. Hahahaha... T.M.I.??? heehee... I love you Emma-bella-sita! You make me smile, you fill my heart with joy, and you bless me every day.
So we call you many things. One name will warp into another, into another and then into all sorts of names that are not your own, but that we call you all the time! Hahahaha! It all started with Emmasita! Don't know why that came so naturally to both of us, but it did! That was shortened to Sita... So we found ourselves calling you Sita, then Seets, then Emma-bella-sita, then just bella-sita... Hahahaha, so around here, you are known as Bella-sita! :) Oh but we're not finished! We also call you little Em, Em"n"Em, Sita-Leeta, and really, so much more! The rest of the names we call you are more terms of endearment that didn't originate from your own name :)
Last night was a tough one. You just didn't want to sleep. your daddy and I were up for most of the night, and when we were all finally getting some sleep this morning, your daddy's phone range and woke everyone up! Yeeps!!! Oh well, we survived, haha.
Yesterday we went to your uncle C.J. and auntie Jessica's place to have pizza and hang out. We had so much fun just being with family. Nic wanted to hold you a lot, and so we let him :) He held you one last time before we left, and you projectile spit up and it just missed him! Hahahaha, it was funny because your cousin Nic is super grossed out by that kind of stuff. He won't even kiss Eli because of "slobber." He will hug babies, but no kissing because he doesn't like to get drool on himself. Hahahaha! Thankfully you missed him with your spit up. Your auntie Meliss and Megan were there, and they held you a lot too, and then played chase with Eli. They are so good with kids, and babies :) They usually have Nic and Eli following them around by the end of the night, and you will probably jump right in when you are able to play :) But for now, everyone just passes you around and loves to hold you. Mommy and daddy barely see you when we are around family, but we love it! We are blessed to have such a loving, supportive family.
Man, with two babies now, we are in such a routine, and it's hard to stray from that for now. We have nap times, and bed times worked out like clockwork, and have a system of doing things that works great for us right now. It will change soon, but it's funny how planning to hang out with friends, or go out somewhere has to be more in advance now. We are usually pretty flexible, but now we actually like to have a plan in place earlier than later if we are going to be doing something. Maybe half of that is so that we can mentally prepare ;) Evenings are not good for us either because that's actually our family calm down time :) Eli eats dinner, then we have to get him all ready for bed, and then have him in bed by 8pm. He usually falls right asleep and never puts up a fight. In fact, he starts to collect his animals, and then points to his room around that time. Hahaha... But when we have people over, he won't go to sleep. He has trouble staying in his routine if people are here. You like to sleep as well around his bed time, and that's when mommy and daddy kind of take a rest and chill out on the couch together not having much energy to do anything else. Haha!
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| Emma Feet :) |
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| Almost 1 month old... Where does the time go? |
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| Our first real family portrait since you were born! Exciting! |
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| Your brother and you :) |
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
I Would so Much Rather...
Dear Emma,
Hi! I just got through kissing your soft little cheeks, and now I am here writing you a letter. But I keep wanting to walk back over to you (although you are sleeping) and hold you :) You are so darn cute!
Although I am one of those people, (please don't judge me) who likes to clean, and keep up with the house work, I would much rather spend time with my babies! It's so nice when you guys are these ages because you also want to spend time with mommy! I don't want to miss out on any of it ;) So, when the choice comes to either load the dishwasher or hold you, I would rather hold you. When I'm enjoying wrestling with your brother on the floor, the toys can wait to be put away. Although I enjoy cleaning, laundry, and baking, I have been able to see how much more important it is to enjoy my babies! I always say to myself, that God, your daddy, you and your brother take priority in my life. Your daddy and I always make sure to spend a good amount of time together, and we also enjoy spending time all together as a family. We pray together in the evening, and that's one of my favorite times.
Your daddy was just talking with me the other day about how he knows it's his responsibility to lead this family and sometimes that's a lot of weight! He said it's a good weight, but heavy at times nonetheless. He thinks about things I never thought of as being on his mind a lot. I have to say, it's nice to know he is not only thinking on these things, but acting them out in order to help his family grow spiritually and emotionally. I want you to have an idea of this Emma, because I know your daddy will always be loving you, protecting you, and desiring good things for you. He loves his family, and so do I. We want good things for our babies. We pray for you kids every day, multiple times a day. Even when it seems to you that we are being not understanding or unfair, just have the peace inside that we are always making decisions through prayer and the wisdom we pray for as well. We may not always be right, or make all the right decisions, but take comfort in the FACT that we love you, we care about your well being, and we will always do our best to understand you, and nurture the things in you that God wants to grow. :)
Today has been a funny sort of day! I usually clean when you guys take naps, since I enjoy it so much, and today it feels like it took me no time at all to do all sorts of house work during your naps! I mean, I got so much done in such a short amount of time! Hahaha, it's crazy! It feels like the day is in slow motion, but I'm moving a mile a minute! Feels kind of nice to do what I like doing, and also have a clean kitchen floor. It's usually filled with blueberries, cheese, and juice! Sticky floors are one of my pet peeves, but I have managed to get over it for now since it's a daily occurrence, raining food that it... BUT, I still attack it when I can ;)
I was sitting between you and Eli yesterday in the car while your daddy was running into the store. I looked at both of you, and just said out loud, "I am such a blessed mommy! I love you guys so much! Look how freakin cute you are!!!" Hahahahaha... It just came out! I was all of a sudden overwhelmed with pride and joy in my sweet babies, and felt truly blessed to know you both! Then Eli pinched me, and you projectile threw up on me, and the moment was over! Hahahahaahaa, just kidding, the moments continues! :) Your brother has started a new thing... Pinching... Not very nice huh? We have no idea where in the world he learned it or how he picked it up??? It's puzzling... Then again, we have no clue how he learns lots of thing, for example, his sour faces. No clue. Now when he pinches we have to tell him how it hurts us, and not to do that. The only thing is, he thinks it's really funny, and it's hard not to laugh. We don't laugh in front of him, but it is so hard! I for one, have never pinched your brother, and neither has your daddy! hahahahahaha! So, why the heck do we have a pincher on our hands? Good question... We will never know...
You little missy have a very cute sad face... Sometimes you wake up crying because you want to be held or fed, and you make your little frown, and your lips pop out and you look so stinkin' cute! You and your brother both have the best sad faces in the world! You guys could melt an ice sculpture with those frowns! Why an ice sculpture you may ask, and I would answer, It was the first cold thing that came to mind... hahaha!
Ok, well I better go. I have to go rest for a bit before you two wake up and need me to play! :) Love you Emma Lee Holland!
Hi! I just got through kissing your soft little cheeks, and now I am here writing you a letter. But I keep wanting to walk back over to you (although you are sleeping) and hold you :) You are so darn cute!
Although I am one of those people, (please don't judge me) who likes to clean, and keep up with the house work, I would much rather spend time with my babies! It's so nice when you guys are these ages because you also want to spend time with mommy! I don't want to miss out on any of it ;) So, when the choice comes to either load the dishwasher or hold you, I would rather hold you. When I'm enjoying wrestling with your brother on the floor, the toys can wait to be put away. Although I enjoy cleaning, laundry, and baking, I have been able to see how much more important it is to enjoy my babies! I always say to myself, that God, your daddy, you and your brother take priority in my life. Your daddy and I always make sure to spend a good amount of time together, and we also enjoy spending time all together as a family. We pray together in the evening, and that's one of my favorite times.
Your daddy was just talking with me the other day about how he knows it's his responsibility to lead this family and sometimes that's a lot of weight! He said it's a good weight, but heavy at times nonetheless. He thinks about things I never thought of as being on his mind a lot. I have to say, it's nice to know he is not only thinking on these things, but acting them out in order to help his family grow spiritually and emotionally. I want you to have an idea of this Emma, because I know your daddy will always be loving you, protecting you, and desiring good things for you. He loves his family, and so do I. We want good things for our babies. We pray for you kids every day, multiple times a day. Even when it seems to you that we are being not understanding or unfair, just have the peace inside that we are always making decisions through prayer and the wisdom we pray for as well. We may not always be right, or make all the right decisions, but take comfort in the FACT that we love you, we care about your well being, and we will always do our best to understand you, and nurture the things in you that God wants to grow. :)
Today has been a funny sort of day! I usually clean when you guys take naps, since I enjoy it so much, and today it feels like it took me no time at all to do all sorts of house work during your naps! I mean, I got so much done in such a short amount of time! Hahaha, it's crazy! It feels like the day is in slow motion, but I'm moving a mile a minute! Feels kind of nice to do what I like doing, and also have a clean kitchen floor. It's usually filled with blueberries, cheese, and juice! Sticky floors are one of my pet peeves, but I have managed to get over it for now since it's a daily occurrence, raining food that it... BUT, I still attack it when I can ;)
I was sitting between you and Eli yesterday in the car while your daddy was running into the store. I looked at both of you, and just said out loud, "I am such a blessed mommy! I love you guys so much! Look how freakin cute you are!!!" Hahahahaha... It just came out! I was all of a sudden overwhelmed with pride and joy in my sweet babies, and felt truly blessed to know you both! Then Eli pinched me, and you projectile threw up on me, and the moment was over! Hahahahaahaa, just kidding, the moments continues! :) Your brother has started a new thing... Pinching... Not very nice huh? We have no idea where in the world he learned it or how he picked it up??? It's puzzling... Then again, we have no clue how he learns lots of thing, for example, his sour faces. No clue. Now when he pinches we have to tell him how it hurts us, and not to do that. The only thing is, he thinks it's really funny, and it's hard not to laugh. We don't laugh in front of him, but it is so hard! I for one, have never pinched your brother, and neither has your daddy! hahahahahaha! So, why the heck do we have a pincher on our hands? Good question... We will never know...
You little missy have a very cute sad face... Sometimes you wake up crying because you want to be held or fed, and you make your little frown, and your lips pop out and you look so stinkin' cute! You and your brother both have the best sad faces in the world! You guys could melt an ice sculpture with those frowns! Why an ice sculpture you may ask, and I would answer, It was the first cold thing that came to mind... hahaha!
Ok, well I better go. I have to go rest for a bit before you two wake up and need me to play! :) Love you Emma Lee Holland!
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| You made it to your grandma's 60th birthday party! |
Thursday, August 30, 2012
All the Wonderful Things...
Dear Emma,
You are laying right next to me on the couch right now making cute baby sounds, and spitting out your binky only to look for it again :) You are JUST to precious! Your daddy just left for work, but before he left, we were both sitting on the couch with you, holding you and talking to you about all kinds of stuff. We think you are the most beautiful baby girl in the world!
You were so good last night. You let us sleep for longer periods of time before waking us up to eat :) The funny thing was that I was soooooooooooooooooooo tired this morning! I felt like I couldn't pull myself out of bed! You're daddy was up at 6am for work, and when he came back around 7:15am, he slept a bit longer, then got up with Eli. you and I stayed sleeping till 9:30am!!!!!!!! It felt so nice to sleep in.
We sing songs to you ALL THE TIME! Hahahaha, I think we have a friendly competition going on between us for who makes up the best song about you. We do the same with your brother too! Hahaha... I always just use the tune of other songs to sing a song about you. The lyrics usually say something about your sweet cheeks, your beautiful smile, your cute little nose, your chubby little arms and legs, and basically anything and all things Emma.
I LOVE being your mommy Emma! You are so sweet, you smell so good, you cry so cute, you smile so sweet, and you are the best little baby snuggler ever! I love kissing your little soft cheeks, and your sweet smelling head. I love nibbling your little toes, and pretending to eat your thighs ;) haha... I love when you fall asleep in my arms, and when you yawn! When you open your eyes, it's seriously thee cutest thing ever. Your eyes get so big, and you open them so wide! You already smile so much! You have been smiling since birth! I have pictures of you smiling right out of the womb! Hahaha... I know it takes a while for babes to be able to focus on things, and really look at something, but I swear you look right into my eyes sometimes! Every time you make eye contact with me, I want to tear up! I just love you so much! I cry about everything these days. Also, I think that becoming a mommy made me even more emotional than before I was a mom. I mean, my kids do one little new thing, and I want to like set of fireworks, jump up and down, and tell the world that my baby just blinked... Hahaha. I am one of those mommies who texts pictures to people almost everyday of my babies! :)
Eli spent a good 5 minutes walking in a circle kissing you, me and then daddy over and over again yesterday. It was so sweet. He loves you. He knows now too, that before bed, he doesn't just kiss mommy and daddy, he now has another family member to kiss good night, and he takes it very seriously. I told daddy this morning, "She is just the most wonderful and perfect addition to this family." We are so glad you are here Emma, and I for one, could not be a happier mommy!
I have always wanted to eventually get married, and start a family with the man I love. I never could have even imagined it being this awesome! I used to imagine how it might be, or what kind of wife and mom I would be, but I couldn't have ever thought up all of this. God has been so faithful. I always prayed for my future husband when I was a little girl, and now that I married your daddy, I see that God answered my prayers, I am paired perfectly with your daddy. I didn't even know what I needed, but God did, and your daddy still surprises me to this day with qualities I totally appreciate! So Emma, moral of this story... Pray for Gods plan in your life. Pray for Gods will in your life, because He knows you better than you know yourself, and loves you more than you can comprehend.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37: 3-5
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:20-22
You are laying right next to me on the couch right now making cute baby sounds, and spitting out your binky only to look for it again :) You are JUST to precious! Your daddy just left for work, but before he left, we were both sitting on the couch with you, holding you and talking to you about all kinds of stuff. We think you are the most beautiful baby girl in the world!
You were so good last night. You let us sleep for longer periods of time before waking us up to eat :) The funny thing was that I was soooooooooooooooooooo tired this morning! I felt like I couldn't pull myself out of bed! You're daddy was up at 6am for work, and when he came back around 7:15am, he slept a bit longer, then got up with Eli. you and I stayed sleeping till 9:30am!!!!!!!! It felt so nice to sleep in.
We sing songs to you ALL THE TIME! Hahahaha, I think we have a friendly competition going on between us for who makes up the best song about you. We do the same with your brother too! Hahaha... I always just use the tune of other songs to sing a song about you. The lyrics usually say something about your sweet cheeks, your beautiful smile, your cute little nose, your chubby little arms and legs, and basically anything and all things Emma.
I LOVE being your mommy Emma! You are so sweet, you smell so good, you cry so cute, you smile so sweet, and you are the best little baby snuggler ever! I love kissing your little soft cheeks, and your sweet smelling head. I love nibbling your little toes, and pretending to eat your thighs ;) haha... I love when you fall asleep in my arms, and when you yawn! When you open your eyes, it's seriously thee cutest thing ever. Your eyes get so big, and you open them so wide! You already smile so much! You have been smiling since birth! I have pictures of you smiling right out of the womb! Hahaha... I know it takes a while for babes to be able to focus on things, and really look at something, but I swear you look right into my eyes sometimes! Every time you make eye contact with me, I want to tear up! I just love you so much! I cry about everything these days. Also, I think that becoming a mommy made me even more emotional than before I was a mom. I mean, my kids do one little new thing, and I want to like set of fireworks, jump up and down, and tell the world that my baby just blinked... Hahaha. I am one of those mommies who texts pictures to people almost everyday of my babies! :)
Eli spent a good 5 minutes walking in a circle kissing you, me and then daddy over and over again yesterday. It was so sweet. He loves you. He knows now too, that before bed, he doesn't just kiss mommy and daddy, he now has another family member to kiss good night, and he takes it very seriously. I told daddy this morning, "She is just the most wonderful and perfect addition to this family." We are so glad you are here Emma, and I for one, could not be a happier mommy!
I have always wanted to eventually get married, and start a family with the man I love. I never could have even imagined it being this awesome! I used to imagine how it might be, or what kind of wife and mom I would be, but I couldn't have ever thought up all of this. God has been so faithful. I always prayed for my future husband when I was a little girl, and now that I married your daddy, I see that God answered my prayers, I am paired perfectly with your daddy. I didn't even know what I needed, but God did, and your daddy still surprises me to this day with qualities I totally appreciate! So Emma, moral of this story... Pray for Gods plan in your life. Pray for Gods will in your life, because He knows you better than you know yourself, and loves you more than you can comprehend.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37: 3-5
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:20-22
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| Your first bath! You did great! Didn't even cry. |
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| you at 2 weeks old |
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| You and your brother :) |
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That...
Dear Emma,
We took you to your first appointment at a week old this last Tuesday and it went very well. You weighed in at 2 ounces less than your birth weight :) All the nurses were saying how cute you were, and then they asked how big you were when you were born. All of them looked shocked when I told them you were 8lbs. 10oz... They looked at me and said "YOU had a baby that size!?" In all honesty, yes I felt the difference of that pound versus when I had your brother, but you were just an average size, healthy baby... The thing that blows people's minds apparently is that I am a petite woman. The awesome thing about it is that it showed me that no matter what your size is, God made our bodies able to do all sorts of cool stuff. Giving birth is a pretty cool experience because what seems impossible, becomes possible! I never thought I could do a natural birth because my mom was never able to. When it happened, it happened so naturally, and my body just kicked into gear! With you Emma, there were a lot of similarities to Eli's birth, but it was also such a different experience! You gave mommy a run for her money, yet, I felt so encouraged and got through it very nicely!
At your first appointment, the doctor looked at you, and said, "Hey, your cute! You're not supposed to be this cute right now, my kids looked scary at this age!" hahahaha! It was funny. He is a very sweet doctor, and he actually specializes in new borns! When we had Elijah, he walked in to check him for the first time in the hospital, and he walked into pastor Nathan praying for Eli. The doctor stood there, closed his eyes, folded his hands, and then when pastor Nathan said Amen, he repeated, "Amen!" we liked him right off the bet. ;)
Our pastor also prayed for you Emma! He came over the day after you were released from the hospital, read from the bible about how God knit you together in my womb, and then said a prayer for you. We are so very blessed to have such a wonderful pastor. His wife is pretty darn great too, and was also there ;)
You have had SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many visitors since you came home, and well, at the hospital too ;) All your family, and some friends have come by to hold you, look at you and bring you cute little things. We have also had people come and bring us dinner every night since you have been home! That has been so nice!
I just looked over right now at you laying on your daddy's chest asleep! You look so relaxed and happy. Such a cutie you are Emma! He looks happy to have you there :)
Your original first appointment was scheduled for Monday, but as we were walking out the door, your auntie Melissa came in the back door and told us that our dad, (your grandpa Cruz) was in the emergency room because they were thinking he might be having a stroke... I was in shock, and we had to switch around our plans. Your daddy and you took Eli to grandma's house in Torrance, and then came back home. I went up to the hospital with auntie Melissa, and we sat with our dad for the whole morning until we got results. He had suffered a "mini stroke," and they ended up sending him home later that afternoon. Now we are just hoping he takes it easy and gets plenty of rest! It was an emotional day...
You have been such a little piece of heaven dropped into our household! We all love you so much Emma. Your brother is always kissing you, hugging you and trying to hold you. Your daddy and I just stare at you, and ask each other how you got to be so beautiful!!!? You are so sweet! You pretty much sleep most of the time, and then eat. You eat and sleep, and occasionally wake up for a while and look around with your wide open eyes. It's so precious! I love dressing you up in your pretty little dresses, but you are pretty darn cute in just your diaper too! haha... You wake up kind of a lot during the night to eat, and what's funny is that you sleep longer periods of time during the day! Isn't that funny... If only you could switch that around!!! hahahahaha... When you cry at night, your daddy will get you out of your bed and hand you to me so I could feed you. Your daddy then takes you back, changes your diaper and puts you back to bed. Then in the morning, your daddy and Eli go hang out in the living room, while you and mommy snooze for a bit longer. Then we join them not to long after. I feel like your daddy was born to be a dad! He is super good at it. Patient, kind, nurturing, and very attentive. Even when he is so tired, he always talks tenderly to you guys :) I appreciate the wonderful help your daddy is. We make a great team ;)
Oh! I HAVE to tell you something funny about your daddy. Today we went to Starbucks with you guys, and Eli peed on me, so I was walking through the parking lot to throw his diapers away, and when I was walking back towards the car, I guess your dad was watching me the whole time. When I got into the car, he was smiling at me, and said, "Hey babe, I was watching you walk... you looked pretty cute ;)" he then went on to say, "If I was leaving Starbucks and saw you walk in there from the parking lot, I would have gone back inside just to talk to you... I would have gotten in line behind you and asked you what you usually order, and you would have smiled all shy and said, Carmel frapp, and then you would have asked me what I usually ordered, and I would say, Oh, just a drip coffee, but I already had one, I just came back in here to talk to you." Swoooooooooooooon! I was taken again by your daddy's charm! Hahahahahahaha! He went on with the story, and it was very romantic, and then he looked at me and said, "I could hook you again babe," I just smiled and said, "Yes, you probably could ;)" He's a fun guy... You'll see... You may not appreciate his humor at times, especially when you enter the phase of being embarrassed, but he's funny none the less, and even when I really don't want to laugh, he gets me to. When he came up with that whole scenario today it made me all happy because he is still thinking of me in that way and trying to make me blush. In all honesty, this day has been kind of not the best... But moments like that kind of make you forget you were having a lame day... Last night I got no sleep between you and Eli waking up, and then I tell your dad he could go work out at 6am before his first client because I thought, why not? Eli ended up waking up right as your daddy was out the door, and so I had to get up, looking like a zombie with blood shot eyes... He usually gets up at 8am!Then he pooped and, pardon me, but it was messy and I had to clean that up, and run a bath for him. Then you started crying to eat, and I was thinking to myself... "Hmmm, I only have two hands here. What to do..." hahahahaha! But it always works itself out, and things are not to crazy, there are just those days where everything that can go haywire, will... Then Eli would not go down for his nap, which is usually no problem... I finally got him off to bed, but he only slept for half the time he usually does! So he was a bit more cranky today. Then we had a fun play date with Lydia and her friend Noel, which was awesome! We went to Starbucks after that, which is where your brother decided to pee on me! Hahahahahaha... Ok, so I did laugh in that situation, only because he started laughing, and how can you be mad at that smile? So I cleaned him up, walked to the trash can, and it was when I got back from there that your daddy made me feel amazing again! Did I mention that I stepped on your brothers tiny blocks twice today bare footed! Those things cause such pain! Now your daddy is gone again taking my sister to the airport, and I miss him... Oh yeah, and this morning when your dad returned, I was feeding you, and when I went to burp you, you spit up all over me! You missed the baby burp cloth, and went straight for my clothes, the couch, and my legs. ;) Being a mom is messy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!!! Ever! I love my babies, and though some days can and will be draining, I have this inner joy that can never be put out. It's like a glow! A mommy glow!!! We have been blessed. So blessed Emma... We see what God has done in our lives, and only hope to glorify him with all he gives us. We love you!
We took you to your first appointment at a week old this last Tuesday and it went very well. You weighed in at 2 ounces less than your birth weight :) All the nurses were saying how cute you were, and then they asked how big you were when you were born. All of them looked shocked when I told them you were 8lbs. 10oz... They looked at me and said "YOU had a baby that size!?" In all honesty, yes I felt the difference of that pound versus when I had your brother, but you were just an average size, healthy baby... The thing that blows people's minds apparently is that I am a petite woman. The awesome thing about it is that it showed me that no matter what your size is, God made our bodies able to do all sorts of cool stuff. Giving birth is a pretty cool experience because what seems impossible, becomes possible! I never thought I could do a natural birth because my mom was never able to. When it happened, it happened so naturally, and my body just kicked into gear! With you Emma, there were a lot of similarities to Eli's birth, but it was also such a different experience! You gave mommy a run for her money, yet, I felt so encouraged and got through it very nicely!
At your first appointment, the doctor looked at you, and said, "Hey, your cute! You're not supposed to be this cute right now, my kids looked scary at this age!" hahahaha! It was funny. He is a very sweet doctor, and he actually specializes in new borns! When we had Elijah, he walked in to check him for the first time in the hospital, and he walked into pastor Nathan praying for Eli. The doctor stood there, closed his eyes, folded his hands, and then when pastor Nathan said Amen, he repeated, "Amen!" we liked him right off the bet. ;)
Our pastor also prayed for you Emma! He came over the day after you were released from the hospital, read from the bible about how God knit you together in my womb, and then said a prayer for you. We are so very blessed to have such a wonderful pastor. His wife is pretty darn great too, and was also there ;)
You have had SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many visitors since you came home, and well, at the hospital too ;) All your family, and some friends have come by to hold you, look at you and bring you cute little things. We have also had people come and bring us dinner every night since you have been home! That has been so nice!
I just looked over right now at you laying on your daddy's chest asleep! You look so relaxed and happy. Such a cutie you are Emma! He looks happy to have you there :)
Your original first appointment was scheduled for Monday, but as we were walking out the door, your auntie Melissa came in the back door and told us that our dad, (your grandpa Cruz) was in the emergency room because they were thinking he might be having a stroke... I was in shock, and we had to switch around our plans. Your daddy and you took Eli to grandma's house in Torrance, and then came back home. I went up to the hospital with auntie Melissa, and we sat with our dad for the whole morning until we got results. He had suffered a "mini stroke," and they ended up sending him home later that afternoon. Now we are just hoping he takes it easy and gets plenty of rest! It was an emotional day...
You have been such a little piece of heaven dropped into our household! We all love you so much Emma. Your brother is always kissing you, hugging you and trying to hold you. Your daddy and I just stare at you, and ask each other how you got to be so beautiful!!!? You are so sweet! You pretty much sleep most of the time, and then eat. You eat and sleep, and occasionally wake up for a while and look around with your wide open eyes. It's so precious! I love dressing you up in your pretty little dresses, but you are pretty darn cute in just your diaper too! haha... You wake up kind of a lot during the night to eat, and what's funny is that you sleep longer periods of time during the day! Isn't that funny... If only you could switch that around!!! hahahahaha... When you cry at night, your daddy will get you out of your bed and hand you to me so I could feed you. Your daddy then takes you back, changes your diaper and puts you back to bed. Then in the morning, your daddy and Eli go hang out in the living room, while you and mommy snooze for a bit longer. Then we join them not to long after. I feel like your daddy was born to be a dad! He is super good at it. Patient, kind, nurturing, and very attentive. Even when he is so tired, he always talks tenderly to you guys :) I appreciate the wonderful help your daddy is. We make a great team ;)
Oh! I HAVE to tell you something funny about your daddy. Today we went to Starbucks with you guys, and Eli peed on me, so I was walking through the parking lot to throw his diapers away, and when I was walking back towards the car, I guess your dad was watching me the whole time. When I got into the car, he was smiling at me, and said, "Hey babe, I was watching you walk... you looked pretty cute ;)" he then went on to say, "If I was leaving Starbucks and saw you walk in there from the parking lot, I would have gone back inside just to talk to you... I would have gotten in line behind you and asked you what you usually order, and you would have smiled all shy and said, Carmel frapp, and then you would have asked me what I usually ordered, and I would say, Oh, just a drip coffee, but I already had one, I just came back in here to talk to you." Swoooooooooooooon! I was taken again by your daddy's charm! Hahahahahahaha! He went on with the story, and it was very romantic, and then he looked at me and said, "I could hook you again babe," I just smiled and said, "Yes, you probably could ;)" He's a fun guy... You'll see... You may not appreciate his humor at times, especially when you enter the phase of being embarrassed, but he's funny none the less, and even when I really don't want to laugh, he gets me to. When he came up with that whole scenario today it made me all happy because he is still thinking of me in that way and trying to make me blush. In all honesty, this day has been kind of not the best... But moments like that kind of make you forget you were having a lame day... Last night I got no sleep between you and Eli waking up, and then I tell your dad he could go work out at 6am before his first client because I thought, why not? Eli ended up waking up right as your daddy was out the door, and so I had to get up, looking like a zombie with blood shot eyes... He usually gets up at 8am!Then he pooped and, pardon me, but it was messy and I had to clean that up, and run a bath for him. Then you started crying to eat, and I was thinking to myself... "Hmmm, I only have two hands here. What to do..." hahahahaha! But it always works itself out, and things are not to crazy, there are just those days where everything that can go haywire, will... Then Eli would not go down for his nap, which is usually no problem... I finally got him off to bed, but he only slept for half the time he usually does! So he was a bit more cranky today. Then we had a fun play date with Lydia and her friend Noel, which was awesome! We went to Starbucks after that, which is where your brother decided to pee on me! Hahahahahaha... Ok, so I did laugh in that situation, only because he started laughing, and how can you be mad at that smile? So I cleaned him up, walked to the trash can, and it was when I got back from there that your daddy made me feel amazing again! Did I mention that I stepped on your brothers tiny blocks twice today bare footed! Those things cause such pain! Now your daddy is gone again taking my sister to the airport, and I miss him... Oh yeah, and this morning when your dad returned, I was feeding you, and when I went to burp you, you spit up all over me! You missed the baby burp cloth, and went straight for my clothes, the couch, and my legs. ;) Being a mom is messy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!!! Ever! I love my babies, and though some days can and will be draining, I have this inner joy that can never be put out. It's like a glow! A mommy glow!!! We have been blessed. So blessed Emma... We see what God has done in our lives, and only hope to glorify him with all he gives us. We love you!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Your Big Debute!
Dear Emma,
Well you surprised us all and actually came right on time! You arrived right on your due date, and I was so shocked! Here is how everything happened...
The night before, which was a Monday evening, on the 13th of August, your daddy and I decided to go out to dinner. I took a nice, long, and relaxing shower, blow dried my hair, and actually used a hair straightener! I put on some makeup and wore a purple maternity tank top that has big white flowers on the belly :) One of my faves this time around of the maternity clothes. Your daddy really likes that one too, which is why I decided to wear it out on our date. We thought it would be fun to go out to dinner the night before your due date juuuuuuuuust in case you decided to join us the next day ;) We took your brother to his grandparents (Dean and Darcie) and went to P.F. Changs! It was so yummy! I love Asian food, and we ordered really yummy stuff. After our dinner, we walked across the way to this place we had never been to, and decided to get a milk shake for dessert. I was going on and on about how I wanted to go there because it's so cool that you build your own burgers, shakes and meals. I was so excited to "build my own shake!" When I got in there, I looked at all the options, and walked out with an Oreo shake! Hahahahaha, your daddy made fun of me after, and was saying out of all the options I could have chose, I went with a typical Oreo Shake... Hey! The tummy wants what the tummy wants!
That night your daddy rubbed my back, he rubbed my feet, and I danced all around the living room. This was so that maybe we could naturally induce my labor ;) Hahahaha! I took a picture in the kitchen of you and I as well so that I would have a pic of what we looked like right before. I have to admit, in the back of my mind I did not think at all that you would come the very next day! I was thinking we would have to wait till a few days later. We went to bed and I woke up at 5am because a) I was having "braxton hicks," b) I couldn't sleep, c) I had to pee, d) I had some heart burn, and e) I wanted to check on your brother. I covered Eli with his blanket, jumped back into bed with your daddy and tried nudging him. He was dead asleep, and so I grabbed his phone, and was scrolling through all the pics of you and me getting bigger and bigger. I had been getting small contractions, but didn't think much of them since I had them all the two nights before. Then all of a sudden I got a real painful one and when I hunched over to grab my tummy, I felt my water break! I sprung out of bed super fast and said to your daddy, "Um... my water just broke!" He sprung out of bed, grabbed his phone, and said, "Soooooo, should I call my parents!" I answered, "YES!" We needed your grandparents (Jim and Diane) to stay with Eli while we drove to the hospital! This all happened around 5:45. By 6am we were driving across the bridge to Long Beach Memorial, and I STILL could not let myself believe that I was in labor! Hahaha... It just seemed surreal. I was saying things to your daddy like, "I mean, I think it was my water breaking... I've never felt that before... Well if anything they will let us know what it was... Then if they send us home, at least we were on the safe side." Then they HIT!!! My contractions started to get painful. I then realized at the end of the car trip to the hospital, that yes... I was indeed in labor! Hahaha... I didn't want Mike to drop me off, so we drove to the farthest parking lot! Hahahaha, and I walked. I was holding my tummy, breathing deep, and laughing at your daddy's faces! We went up the elevator to Labor and Delivery, talked to thee most depressing front desk lady who's face looked as if she just sucked on a sour lemon. She asked, "what do you need..." I answered... "my water broke." She said... "fill out these papers." Hahaha! So I filled out her darn paper work and sat in the waiting room as directed until a nurse came to get me. I was hunched over in the chair, half laughing at the situation and half panicked that I was not going to make it in the room in time to get an epidural! Hahahaha. Your daddy and I were greeted by a very sweet nurse who brought me into the examining room. This is the first of three rooms. This room is where they check you out to see if you basically make the cut! heehee... They check to see if they will admit you. When they checked me I was at 5 centimeters, and then they started racing around trying to get all the computer questions filled out and my file ready to go. There was a mix up though, and so they had to re-ask me a bunch of stuff because they put me in the wrong room, and had another patients file up. It was crazy! Finally though, I was taken to the Birthing Room! Once in the birthing room they got me all strapped up to the monitors, and I started having some really bad contractions. Because of my sort of high pace labor they kept calling the lab to see if they could get the results for my blood work A.S.A.P. so that they could give me the epidural. Finally, they called the guy with the magic needle, and he administered the medicine. It was easy as cake. I never really felt it, just as I never felt the first one with your brother. I was finally able to calm down a bit before the storm. I closed my eyes and started nodding off a bit for about 20 minutes. Then, I noticed that I was feeling my contractions through the epidural, and I was feeling them strong! It started to get very uncomfortable pretty fast, so I called the nurse, and she checked me. I was at 8 cen, so she made me turn over to my other side and left to get stuff she needed to prepare the room for you to come! I ended up having to call her because I felt so much pressure, and it felt to me as if I was doing all I could to keep you in. So she came in, she checked me and just like that, I was at 10 cen! In a matter of minutes from turning me on my other side! Crazy! It took the doctor a bit to get in there, and the whole while I was telling your daddy, "That doctor better hurry because she's coming!" So the doctor finally arrived and she was so nice and very personable! She JUST had a baby as well, and so I really felt like she was empathetic to my situation at hand... hehe... She gave the best direction, she talked me through everything, and she did am amazing job at encouraging me through the birth. Anywho, when she first entered the room, after the introductions, she checked me and said, "ok!, wow, there she is." She said lets do a test push on the next contraction, and see if she is ready. So I pushed at the next contraction, and the doctor was like, "whoa, ok, lets get this going!' She prepared everything, and then there we went. Your daddy was on one side of me, along with the baby nurse, and my nurse was on the other side of me. The next contraction came and I pushed as hard as I could. I was hearing things like, "Great job," "that was an awesome push Stephanie," "Keep going," "You got this sweetie!" Then a break! Ahhhh, breath.... Just keep breathing..... Then the next contraction came, and I hear everyone tell me to go again! Your daddy was saying such encouraging things, and keeping me on track with breathing. I kept reminding me not to hold my breath, but to breath out, and that super helped! Then another break... Finally the third contraction came, and that's when everything got pretty intense. This was it, you had made your way down and there was no turning back, and no more just waiting for the next contraction. I was pushing, and pushing and pushing. It was hard! So now I keep hearing, "Come on Stephanie, keep pushing, you have to keep going... Come on you are doing great! We need another big push, I see her, keep going. Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeath! I hear Mike tell me I can do it, and he can see you! He said with a huge smile, there she is babe, you have to keep pushing, but I can see her honey! There was a point when it got so hard that I blurted out... I Can't!!! And everyone responded... Your daddy said, "yes you can babe, You are doing so good!" The doctor said, "yes you can sweetie, you are doing so good!" The nurse said, "push through the burning, just keep pushing through the burning," your grandma Darcie responded, "yes you can!" and your auntie Melissa told my mom... "Mom, she said she can't!" (in a panicked and protective voice...) Hahahaha All the encouragement in that room, and all the prayers I was saying to Jesus gave me all the strength I needed. I can remember praying through the whole experience and it's amazing how God answers our prayers. He gave me grace and mercies through your entire birth. e calmed me when I needed calming, and encouraged me when I needed encouraging. He gave me all I needed, and boom! There you were! You came out, and I saw you, and it was love at first sight! I was crying, daddy was crying, grandma was crying and auntie was crying! We were all so happy to see you Emma! You were just so beautiful! I remember that's what I said! I said, "Oh honey! She's beautiful!" and your daddy agreed whole heatedly! We were beaming with joy and I got to hod you for a bit before they took you to the corner of the room to check you, and to suction your stomach since you swallowed some fluid. You were amazing! Didn't cry much, and when they gave you back to me, you started nursing right away! Like you hadn't eaten in ages! Hahahaha... No problems there, you took to nursing like a pro! It was all together an awesome experience, and your daddy and I agreed that we loved the staff this time around much more. They were so much nicer and personable. Plus our doctor ended up being so great. We had never met her before your delivery, but we were so thankful we got her. Although there was pain, discomfort, and exhastion, this goes down as one of the best experiences of my life! The birth of Emma Lee Holland was the greatest blessing! We love you and are so happy you finally came!
After everything calmed down, and you had your bath, they let your brother Eli in the room to meet you! He just stared at you and was kind of looking all around at me, your dad, and you. He was just taking it all in. He gave you kisses, and then layed on mommy while daddy held you. Then he kept kissing your daddy and me, and trying to touch your face. It was so cute :) Your brother is getting used to having a tiny baby in the house now and every time he notices you in the room he smiles and runs over to you. He grabs you, touched your face, beeps your nose and tries to rock you in your sleeper. He also steels your binky and puts it in his mouth, and piles stuffed animals on top of you. We have to watch him closely with you since he has no idea how delicate you are ;) but he is gentle for the most part. He also tries to tickle you, and he likes your toes too! Hahaha... He kissed your toes today, and played with them smiling! He loves toes! His own especially ;) Well Emma, we all love you! Your welcoming party was amazing! Everyone showed up to say hello. Lots of family including cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, great aunts and all came to see you. You are LOVED baby girl ;) So very very very loved! The hospital kept us two nights, and then finally let us go! It was so much fun bringing you home. We had your brother come join the fun of getting you ready to leave the hospital. We all sat on the hospital bed and got you dressed up in pretty pink clothes. They put me in a wheelchair where I held you in one arm and your brother in the other! Hahaha, and daddy had all the bags. Such a great memory, holding both of my babies on the way to the car.
You have been a joy! I am bursting with joy and smiles all the days long! You and your brother have enriched our lives so much. Just staring into your eyes, and holding you, and nursing you makes me the happiest woman on earth! Your daddy already calls you his princess, and that you are ;)
Well you surprised us all and actually came right on time! You arrived right on your due date, and I was so shocked! Here is how everything happened...
The night before, which was a Monday evening, on the 13th of August, your daddy and I decided to go out to dinner. I took a nice, long, and relaxing shower, blow dried my hair, and actually used a hair straightener! I put on some makeup and wore a purple maternity tank top that has big white flowers on the belly :) One of my faves this time around of the maternity clothes. Your daddy really likes that one too, which is why I decided to wear it out on our date. We thought it would be fun to go out to dinner the night before your due date juuuuuuuuust in case you decided to join us the next day ;) We took your brother to his grandparents (Dean and Darcie) and went to P.F. Changs! It was so yummy! I love Asian food, and we ordered really yummy stuff. After our dinner, we walked across the way to this place we had never been to, and decided to get a milk shake for dessert. I was going on and on about how I wanted to go there because it's so cool that you build your own burgers, shakes and meals. I was so excited to "build my own shake!" When I got in there, I looked at all the options, and walked out with an Oreo shake! Hahahahaha, your daddy made fun of me after, and was saying out of all the options I could have chose, I went with a typical Oreo Shake... Hey! The tummy wants what the tummy wants!
That night your daddy rubbed my back, he rubbed my feet, and I danced all around the living room. This was so that maybe we could naturally induce my labor ;) Hahahaha! I took a picture in the kitchen of you and I as well so that I would have a pic of what we looked like right before. I have to admit, in the back of my mind I did not think at all that you would come the very next day! I was thinking we would have to wait till a few days later. We went to bed and I woke up at 5am because a) I was having "braxton hicks," b) I couldn't sleep, c) I had to pee, d) I had some heart burn, and e) I wanted to check on your brother. I covered Eli with his blanket, jumped back into bed with your daddy and tried nudging him. He was dead asleep, and so I grabbed his phone, and was scrolling through all the pics of you and me getting bigger and bigger. I had been getting small contractions, but didn't think much of them since I had them all the two nights before. Then all of a sudden I got a real painful one and when I hunched over to grab my tummy, I felt my water break! I sprung out of bed super fast and said to your daddy, "Um... my water just broke!" He sprung out of bed, grabbed his phone, and said, "Soooooo, should I call my parents!" I answered, "YES!" We needed your grandparents (Jim and Diane) to stay with Eli while we drove to the hospital! This all happened around 5:45. By 6am we were driving across the bridge to Long Beach Memorial, and I STILL could not let myself believe that I was in labor! Hahaha... It just seemed surreal. I was saying things to your daddy like, "I mean, I think it was my water breaking... I've never felt that before... Well if anything they will let us know what it was... Then if they send us home, at least we were on the safe side." Then they HIT!!! My contractions started to get painful. I then realized at the end of the car trip to the hospital, that yes... I was indeed in labor! Hahaha... I didn't want Mike to drop me off, so we drove to the farthest parking lot! Hahahaha, and I walked. I was holding my tummy, breathing deep, and laughing at your daddy's faces! We went up the elevator to Labor and Delivery, talked to thee most depressing front desk lady who's face looked as if she just sucked on a sour lemon. She asked, "what do you need..." I answered... "my water broke." She said... "fill out these papers." Hahaha! So I filled out her darn paper work and sat in the waiting room as directed until a nurse came to get me. I was hunched over in the chair, half laughing at the situation and half panicked that I was not going to make it in the room in time to get an epidural! Hahahaha. Your daddy and I were greeted by a very sweet nurse who brought me into the examining room. This is the first of three rooms. This room is where they check you out to see if you basically make the cut! heehee... They check to see if they will admit you. When they checked me I was at 5 centimeters, and then they started racing around trying to get all the computer questions filled out and my file ready to go. There was a mix up though, and so they had to re-ask me a bunch of stuff because they put me in the wrong room, and had another patients file up. It was crazy! Finally though, I was taken to the Birthing Room! Once in the birthing room they got me all strapped up to the monitors, and I started having some really bad contractions. Because of my sort of high pace labor they kept calling the lab to see if they could get the results for my blood work A.S.A.P. so that they could give me the epidural. Finally, they called the guy with the magic needle, and he administered the medicine. It was easy as cake. I never really felt it, just as I never felt the first one with your brother. I was finally able to calm down a bit before the storm. I closed my eyes and started nodding off a bit for about 20 minutes. Then, I noticed that I was feeling my contractions through the epidural, and I was feeling them strong! It started to get very uncomfortable pretty fast, so I called the nurse, and she checked me. I was at 8 cen, so she made me turn over to my other side and left to get stuff she needed to prepare the room for you to come! I ended up having to call her because I felt so much pressure, and it felt to me as if I was doing all I could to keep you in. So she came in, she checked me and just like that, I was at 10 cen! In a matter of minutes from turning me on my other side! Crazy! It took the doctor a bit to get in there, and the whole while I was telling your daddy, "That doctor better hurry because she's coming!" So the doctor finally arrived and she was so nice and very personable! She JUST had a baby as well, and so I really felt like she was empathetic to my situation at hand... hehe... She gave the best direction, she talked me through everything, and she did am amazing job at encouraging me through the birth. Anywho, when she first entered the room, after the introductions, she checked me and said, "ok!, wow, there she is." She said lets do a test push on the next contraction, and see if she is ready. So I pushed at the next contraction, and the doctor was like, "whoa, ok, lets get this going!' She prepared everything, and then there we went. Your daddy was on one side of me, along with the baby nurse, and my nurse was on the other side of me. The next contraction came and I pushed as hard as I could. I was hearing things like, "Great job," "that was an awesome push Stephanie," "Keep going," "You got this sweetie!" Then a break! Ahhhh, breath.... Just keep breathing..... Then the next contraction came, and I hear everyone tell me to go again! Your daddy was saying such encouraging things, and keeping me on track with breathing. I kept reminding me not to hold my breath, but to breath out, and that super helped! Then another break... Finally the third contraction came, and that's when everything got pretty intense. This was it, you had made your way down and there was no turning back, and no more just waiting for the next contraction. I was pushing, and pushing and pushing. It was hard! So now I keep hearing, "Come on Stephanie, keep pushing, you have to keep going... Come on you are doing great! We need another big push, I see her, keep going. Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeath! I hear Mike tell me I can do it, and he can see you! He said with a huge smile, there she is babe, you have to keep pushing, but I can see her honey! There was a point when it got so hard that I blurted out... I Can't!!! And everyone responded... Your daddy said, "yes you can babe, You are doing so good!" The doctor said, "yes you can sweetie, you are doing so good!" The nurse said, "push through the burning, just keep pushing through the burning," your grandma Darcie responded, "yes you can!" and your auntie Melissa told my mom... "Mom, she said she can't!" (in a panicked and protective voice...) Hahahaha All the encouragement in that room, and all the prayers I was saying to Jesus gave me all the strength I needed. I can remember praying through the whole experience and it's amazing how God answers our prayers. He gave me grace and mercies through your entire birth. e calmed me when I needed calming, and encouraged me when I needed encouraging. He gave me all I needed, and boom! There you were! You came out, and I saw you, and it was love at first sight! I was crying, daddy was crying, grandma was crying and auntie was crying! We were all so happy to see you Emma! You were just so beautiful! I remember that's what I said! I said, "Oh honey! She's beautiful!" and your daddy agreed whole heatedly! We were beaming with joy and I got to hod you for a bit before they took you to the corner of the room to check you, and to suction your stomach since you swallowed some fluid. You were amazing! Didn't cry much, and when they gave you back to me, you started nursing right away! Like you hadn't eaten in ages! Hahahaha... No problems there, you took to nursing like a pro! It was all together an awesome experience, and your daddy and I agreed that we loved the staff this time around much more. They were so much nicer and personable. Plus our doctor ended up being so great. We had never met her before your delivery, but we were so thankful we got her. Although there was pain, discomfort, and exhastion, this goes down as one of the best experiences of my life! The birth of Emma Lee Holland was the greatest blessing! We love you and are so happy you finally came!
After everything calmed down, and you had your bath, they let your brother Eli in the room to meet you! He just stared at you and was kind of looking all around at me, your dad, and you. He was just taking it all in. He gave you kisses, and then layed on mommy while daddy held you. Then he kept kissing your daddy and me, and trying to touch your face. It was so cute :) Your brother is getting used to having a tiny baby in the house now and every time he notices you in the room he smiles and runs over to you. He grabs you, touched your face, beeps your nose and tries to rock you in your sleeper. He also steels your binky and puts it in his mouth, and piles stuffed animals on top of you. We have to watch him closely with you since he has no idea how delicate you are ;) but he is gentle for the most part. He also tries to tickle you, and he likes your toes too! Hahaha... He kissed your toes today, and played with them smiling! He loves toes! His own especially ;) Well Emma, we all love you! Your welcoming party was amazing! Everyone showed up to say hello. Lots of family including cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, great aunts and all came to see you. You are LOVED baby girl ;) So very very very loved! The hospital kept us two nights, and then finally let us go! It was so much fun bringing you home. We had your brother come join the fun of getting you ready to leave the hospital. We all sat on the hospital bed and got you dressed up in pretty pink clothes. They put me in a wheelchair where I held you in one arm and your brother in the other! Hahaha, and daddy had all the bags. Such a great memory, holding both of my babies on the way to the car.
You have been a joy! I am bursting with joy and smiles all the days long! You and your brother have enriched our lives so much. Just staring into your eyes, and holding you, and nursing you makes me the happiest woman on earth! Your daddy already calls you his princess, and that you are ;)
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| waiting for you <3 |
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| Seeing you for the first time! |
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| Daddy cutting the cord :) |
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| Holding my baby girl! |
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| kisses for sister :) |
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| our beauty :) |
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| daddy's girl! |
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| our little family! |
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| the day you came home! |
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| Brother and Sister :) |
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Children Who Cry WOLF!!!
Dear Emma,
I officially have the babies that cry wolf! Hahahaha... Eli did this to me, and now you are doing it my love! Last night I was sitting on the couch watching funny youtube videos with your daddy and your auntie Meliss and all of a sudden I got a pretty painful contraction! Then I got a ton more, and they just kept coming. They were all pretty darn painful, and so I jumped in the shower, your daddy checked my hospital bag to make sure everything was in there that we needed, and your auntie Meliss helped us search for the camera charger, and then she went home to take a shower just in case! So when mommy was in the shower, the contractions started to calm down, and become less painful. Then they started to become very far apart! You tricked us! We didn't quite get our hopes up though, since we had experienced this the last time. We will see what the doctor says today at our appointment :) Last time this was happening, (getting tons of contractions that were sporadic) they sent me to the hospital to be induced. But I think that was only because I was already a week late with your brother. I know they wouldn't do that today, but I hope that I am further along, and closer to labor! Heehee... I'm being impatient!
Right about now I am wishing to be Mary Poppins so that I could snap and things would just go to their places here in this house! Hahahaha... I have no energy, and every time I start a project, I have to leave it to sit down for a while and take a break! Not a good way to get things done. I have a bunch of half done projects all over the place! I think my mom (your grandma Darcie) is going to come pick up Eli for a while a bit later so that I could get some stuff done around here, and then go to our appointment. Eli usually comes with to our appointments, but he get bored pretty fast. haha... I can't wait till he meets you Emma. He is going to love you! Can't wait to see him give you kisses and hugs :) He's good at those things :) Ok, well, I love you! Hopefully I will meet you soon!
I officially have the babies that cry wolf! Hahahaha... Eli did this to me, and now you are doing it my love! Last night I was sitting on the couch watching funny youtube videos with your daddy and your auntie Meliss and all of a sudden I got a pretty painful contraction! Then I got a ton more, and they just kept coming. They were all pretty darn painful, and so I jumped in the shower, your daddy checked my hospital bag to make sure everything was in there that we needed, and your auntie Meliss helped us search for the camera charger, and then she went home to take a shower just in case! So when mommy was in the shower, the contractions started to calm down, and become less painful. Then they started to become very far apart! You tricked us! We didn't quite get our hopes up though, since we had experienced this the last time. We will see what the doctor says today at our appointment :) Last time this was happening, (getting tons of contractions that were sporadic) they sent me to the hospital to be induced. But I think that was only because I was already a week late with your brother. I know they wouldn't do that today, but I hope that I am further along, and closer to labor! Heehee... I'm being impatient!
Right about now I am wishing to be Mary Poppins so that I could snap and things would just go to their places here in this house! Hahahaha... I have no energy, and every time I start a project, I have to leave it to sit down for a while and take a break! Not a good way to get things done. I have a bunch of half done projects all over the place! I think my mom (your grandma Darcie) is going to come pick up Eli for a while a bit later so that I could get some stuff done around here, and then go to our appointment. Eli usually comes with to our appointments, but he get bored pretty fast. haha... I can't wait till he meets you Emma. He is going to love you! Can't wait to see him give you kisses and hugs :) He's good at those things :) Ok, well, I love you! Hopefully I will meet you soon!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
So Ready!
Dear Emma,
I'm pretty ready to meet you now! :) Haha, I mean, I really do want to go into labor at this point. I'm only asking for 8 days early! That's not to much... ;) Our doctor is officially out of town on vacation, so they referred me to a Dr. Wheeler who we will meet tomorrow at our appointment.
I have been feeling kind of weird lately. I got another sore throat, I was feeling super dizzy and nauseous, and was very tired yesterday! I actually had to miss your cousin Hannah's birthday party :( That was sad, but I really needed the rest. Your daddy took Eli, and you and I hung out at home sleeping, and being present for the plumbers who were replacing our pipes! They had to dig up a part of the front yard to do it, so it was a huge job! Thank God they finished in 1 day!
I'm feeling pretty big now, and although I walk just fine most of the time, when I get tired, or have walked for to long, I start to do the "pregnancy waddle." I also am experiencing my legs feeling like they keep coming dislocated from my hips when I walk, so I am always having to adjust, or I all of a sudden get a dead leg, and it almost makes me have to stop walking or fall. Usually I can just maneuver in away. Your daddy laughs at me because when it happens, I always cry out, "aaah, my butt is dislocated!!!" Hahahaha... I have a flare for drama sometimes ;)
So the house we will bring you home in is almost done! well, I mean, not the dining room, but the rest of the set up and unpacking is almost done! We had lots of plumbing set backs, but thankfully that is all taken care of!
I'm so excited to hold you! I seriously can't wait to set my eyes on you for the first time! I keep telling your daddy, "We get to kiss her little cheeks, and play with her little toes!" Today we took Eli to the park and he is climbing, and running on bouncy bridges, and all kinds of fun new things. Then we took him to PETCO to see the fish, birds, mice and turtles! He loves it there! Can't wait till you can come on our fun family days!
The other night you totally siked me out thinking I might be close to having you! I had contractions all night long, but no you! It's just my body preparing itself I guess ;) Also, I keep having sharp pains in my lower abdomen, and keep feeling like you are ready! But, you're not... I think you are too cozy in there, which is a good thing :) ok, well I love you! I'm going to go watch the Olympics with your auntie Meliss and your daddy. Love you!
I'm pretty ready to meet you now! :) Haha, I mean, I really do want to go into labor at this point. I'm only asking for 8 days early! That's not to much... ;) Our doctor is officially out of town on vacation, so they referred me to a Dr. Wheeler who we will meet tomorrow at our appointment.
I have been feeling kind of weird lately. I got another sore throat, I was feeling super dizzy and nauseous, and was very tired yesterday! I actually had to miss your cousin Hannah's birthday party :( That was sad, but I really needed the rest. Your daddy took Eli, and you and I hung out at home sleeping, and being present for the plumbers who were replacing our pipes! They had to dig up a part of the front yard to do it, so it was a huge job! Thank God they finished in 1 day!
I'm feeling pretty big now, and although I walk just fine most of the time, when I get tired, or have walked for to long, I start to do the "pregnancy waddle." I also am experiencing my legs feeling like they keep coming dislocated from my hips when I walk, so I am always having to adjust, or I all of a sudden get a dead leg, and it almost makes me have to stop walking or fall. Usually I can just maneuver in away. Your daddy laughs at me because when it happens, I always cry out, "aaah, my butt is dislocated!!!" Hahahaha... I have a flare for drama sometimes ;)
So the house we will bring you home in is almost done! well, I mean, not the dining room, but the rest of the set up and unpacking is almost done! We had lots of plumbing set backs, but thankfully that is all taken care of!
I'm so excited to hold you! I seriously can't wait to set my eyes on you for the first time! I keep telling your daddy, "We get to kiss her little cheeks, and play with her little toes!" Today we took Eli to the park and he is climbing, and running on bouncy bridges, and all kinds of fun new things. Then we took him to PETCO to see the fish, birds, mice and turtles! He loves it there! Can't wait till you can come on our fun family days!
The other night you totally siked me out thinking I might be close to having you! I had contractions all night long, but no you! It's just my body preparing itself I guess ;) Also, I keep having sharp pains in my lower abdomen, and keep feeling like you are ready! But, you're not... I think you are too cozy in there, which is a good thing :) ok, well I love you! I'm going to go watch the Olympics with your auntie Meliss and your daddy. Love you!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Signs of Labor!
Dear Emma,
two weekends ago, on July 14th, we had a sweet little welcome shower for you! Your dad and I were so blessed, and blown away by our family and close friends generosity! We got so many cute clothes for you Emma, and it was just so much fun hanging out with everyone. I love seeing my aunts and uncles, my cousins, brothers, and sister, grandma's and grandpas, and good friends. It's always nice to catch up with everyone, and spend some quality time together, especially under such awesome circumstances like celebrating you coming to join the family! Wow, that was a mouth full of a sentence! haha... We had a cake with a little owl on it, and pink, yellow, purple and turquoise everywhere! We played games like measuring my tummy, and people had to guess how big I was! But mostly we just hung out, talked, ate and enjoyed the day! Your auntie Melissa and Megan planned most of the day, and it was so cute. They sent out the invites, made a lot of the food, organized who brought what, and decorated grandmas house! I have one great sister :)
So today, I went to our appointment alone, and left the guys at home so daddy could watch Eli and catch up on his homework. Today they checked me for SIGNS OF LABOR, which I thought there would be none... I have been feeling like you will be right on time or late like Eli was. Although I am physically tired, and emotionally ready to have you, I am alright with waiting on you since we still have much to do! Well, today I gathered surprising news that I wasn't quite expecting to hear.I did get the normal low down which was that everything is measuring great, I am healthy, and you have a strong and healthy heart beat. Then my doctor checked me to see how close I may or may not be to labor. They usually start checking for these things at this time, and when she checked she said that I was already dilated 3 centimeters. She also said that my cervix is soft, and if I were to get contractions, I should go right into labor. Also, that your head is low, and even lower than Elijah's was at this time. She compares my pregnancies to get a better idea of what may happen. I don't think it is going to be anytime REALLY soon, but she did change my mind about maybe you coming a bit early rather than late. Time will tell ;) I am so excited though! I seriously can't wait to hold you in my arms, nurse you, and love on you! Alrighty babe, I better go now. Love you! We are 37 weeks today!
two weekends ago, on July 14th, we had a sweet little welcome shower for you! Your dad and I were so blessed, and blown away by our family and close friends generosity! We got so many cute clothes for you Emma, and it was just so much fun hanging out with everyone. I love seeing my aunts and uncles, my cousins, brothers, and sister, grandma's and grandpas, and good friends. It's always nice to catch up with everyone, and spend some quality time together, especially under such awesome circumstances like celebrating you coming to join the family! Wow, that was a mouth full of a sentence! haha... We had a cake with a little owl on it, and pink, yellow, purple and turquoise everywhere! We played games like measuring my tummy, and people had to guess how big I was! But mostly we just hung out, talked, ate and enjoyed the day! Your auntie Melissa and Megan planned most of the day, and it was so cute. They sent out the invites, made a lot of the food, organized who brought what, and decorated grandmas house! I have one great sister :)
So today, I went to our appointment alone, and left the guys at home so daddy could watch Eli and catch up on his homework. Today they checked me for SIGNS OF LABOR, which I thought there would be none... I have been feeling like you will be right on time or late like Eli was. Although I am physically tired, and emotionally ready to have you, I am alright with waiting on you since we still have much to do! Well, today I gathered surprising news that I wasn't quite expecting to hear.I did get the normal low down which was that everything is measuring great, I am healthy, and you have a strong and healthy heart beat. Then my doctor checked me to see how close I may or may not be to labor. They usually start checking for these things at this time, and when she checked she said that I was already dilated 3 centimeters. She also said that my cervix is soft, and if I were to get contractions, I should go right into labor. Also, that your head is low, and even lower than Elijah's was at this time. She compares my pregnancies to get a better idea of what may happen. I don't think it is going to be anytime REALLY soon, but she did change my mind about maybe you coming a bit early rather than late. Time will tell ;) I am so excited though! I seriously can't wait to hold you in my arms, nurse you, and love on you! Alrighty babe, I better go now. Love you! We are 37 weeks today!
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