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October 29, 2015

Life with Emmerson

Happy Thursday! A few have asked how things are going with Emmerson at home, so I thought it'd be a good idea to write a post to remember some details!
 



Life has never been sweeter. Everyday I have to pinch myself, as it is still astounding to me that this beautiful being in my arms is our daughter. She's amazing. The love I feel is an overwhelming, incredible one. It's one that is has been described to me, and one I had envisioned, but one I could not fully realize until Emmerson came into our world. It's one that is worth every second we waited for her. The love we feel doesn't erase the pain of our journey, but it does provide a healing and fills an Emmerson-shaped hole in our hearts, as only she could. We are blessed beyond measure to have her here.

 I tell her a thousand times a day that I love her and kiss those sweet cheeks (and toes, thighs, belly, wispy-haired head) pretty much constantly. I have made the career switch from being a teacher to staying home with her, and couldn't be more thrilled to do so. I just want to soak up every moment, and find myself panicking that she'll be off to college before we know it! (Yes, she's only five weeks).

Day by day, we keep busy. She sets the schedule right now, and I'm good with that. We do tummy time, read books, lots of napping, eating and snuggling. One of my favorite times of day is after she wakes up, around 6 am and we sit in bed with a cup of coffee. We're learning how to soothe her (she loves movement, being swaddled and shushing at the moment). Emmerson loves having her arms and hands up by her face, and is very expressive and alert. She also loves being worn in a carrier, and we've tried the k'tan, boba, and a sling. We're looking for a more structured carrier, probably the Tula, to move into next. The dogs love her, too! They definitely were a bit confused by our new, tiny family member, but they've adjusted well and race to greet her each time they walk in the door.

Baby girl is still in newborn clothes and diapers, but we can tell she's growing fast! 0-3 month clothes are pretty huge on her, but we've started to roll up pant legs and shirt sleeves to fit into some things.

 Overall, she's a happy baby! As far as sleep is going, for years we would have given anything to have a tiny baby keeping us up at night, so we're grateful to be up with her now. She is sleeping in slightly longer stretches, about 4, 4 1/2 hours or so, which is great. It's funny how your body adjusts to functioning on less sleep. At first, we were a mess, but now getting four hours in a row seems like a luxury and we feel renewed when we get that stretch. :)

For eating, we are breastfeeding! I know it's personal and there are so many ways to feed your baby, and what's most important is that your baby is eating, right? Since I did share we planned to breastfeed, I thought I'd update on that. It's been an adventure, for sure, but from what I understand that can be the case for anyone. In India we didn't have a lot of support in that department, so I was mainly pumping and giving bottles of breastmilk that way. Once we got back, I met with my lactation consultant right away, and we've made so much progress and are nursing every feed now. She's learning and I'm learning, so we're giving each other time to figure it all out. She is doing great! I still pump around the clock to make sure she has enough, but thankfully my supply has kept up and changed as she has, which is truly awesome. I'm really happy to have the opportunity to do this.

It wouldn't be a complete update if I didn't talk about Emmerson's daddy. TJ is such a phenomenal dad, which I knew he was and would be. He loves spending time with her and she sure does love him. He is up at night with us, and is the swaddling king. I know it's hard for him to be away from her, and we're very thankful for him making it possible for me to stay home with Emmerson. I love him more than I ever thought possible now that I see him as a daddy.

That's life right now! It's blissfully sweet and our new normal is this beautiful, unbridled joy. Of course there are challenges, but our perspective is to just be grateful for every moment with our girl, and when you have that, the little stuff doesn't really matter all that much. I thank God every day, multiple times a day, for Emmerson Kate. And I want to continue to encourage those who are waiting for this season of life. It's worth it, friends. Please hang in there and do not give up. Thank you all for sharing in our joy and excitement, and for loving and praying for our precious girl each step of the way.

October 21, 2015

Dear Emmerson--One Month



 
 
 
Dear Emmerson,
 
My darling baby girl, you are one month young today! Everyone says that it goes by so fast, and boy were they right. This has been the fastest, most exquisite month of our entire lives. Our hearts grow with love immeasurably each and everyday.   
 
Being your mommy is truly the greatest thing I have ever experienced. I love every single second. Before you were born, I wrote letters to you each week. Now that you are here and we're getting to know one another, I'm going to continue writing to you. You've had a busy month and I want to capture and remember all of it!
 
At your pediatrician appointment last week, you measured 20 1/4 inches long and at your one month appointment you weighed in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces!
You are such an angel baby. You're on a pretty consistent three hour sleep/eat schedule and are a happy girl most always. Some of your favorite things include making kissy faces, smiling, Mama's milk,  strolling, swinging in the Mamaroo, being held, having your arms up, snuggling, naps on Mommy and Daddy, bathtime, and looking at shapes. You're very alert and your eyes are captivating.
 
You don't love tummy time quite yet, and you like your milk the second you feel hungry, thank you very much.
 
 
We affectionately call you Emmerson Kate, Emme (sounds like Emmie), Emme Kate. Daddy sometimes calls you the Red Hulk when you (rarely) get mad, but we all know that's still just as cute.
 
Here are some recaps of your first weeks!
 
Your birthday and first week
Your Mimi and Papi shared your first 18 days with us and it was so special to have them there with us! They love you sooo much and miss seeing you now that they are in NC! We miss them, too!
 
Week Two
Week two we went to the US Embassy, got your passport, and then went to the Indian consulate to get your exit visa. You flew home on a 15 1/2 hour flight and did phenomenal! You slept and ate the whole flight. We have never been so happy to be home than when we brought you with us!
Week Three
Week three we spent getting acclimated to life in NYC. You went to your first US pediatrician appointment and we had a photographer come to our apartment and take sweet pictures. Daddy went back to work and we started figuring out how to spend our days just you and me.
Week Four
The weather cooled way down and we had our first visitors! We visited with Danielle and Brent, Sarah and Matt, and Nana, Auntie Naomi, Susan and Andrew. Everyone is so excited to meet you!
 
 And here's how you've changed over your first four weeks!
 
Emmerson, we still can't believe you are ours. What a beautiful gift you are, baby girl. You are loved beyond words by us and so many others. Everyone is joyfully relieved you are here!  Everyday truly is the best day because we have you in our arms. We don't take a minute of it for granted. Happy One Month, sweet angel. We love you so, dear baby.
 
I love you,
Mommy


October 16, 2015

Introducing....

Emmerson Kate!
 Emmerson was born safely and perfectly healthy into our arms on September 21st, 2015 weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19 1/2 inches long. Our hearts are overflowing with love and gratitude. She is more than anything we ever dreamed of, and we are in awe that we have been chosen to be her parents. Thank you, God, for this indescribable gift.



 
seconds before Emmerson was born!
 
It's a GIRL!
 
The moment we met our baby girl.
 
 
As soon as they took her back, reality started to set in. She was here. She was safe. She was ours to keep.
 

Emmerson, you light up our lives. Thank you for making the long journey to our arms. There aren't words to adequately express how abundantly grateful we are that you are here. Welcome to the world, my angel. We love you, we love you, we love you so, dear baby.

Love,
Mommy
 
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