Emma Goes To Church

Emma was such a big girl last night; she slept for about 6 ½ hours before needing to be fed. After we put her back down for the few remaining hours of sleep, we awoke to get ready for her next big first, going to church. We were afraid of how Emma was going to do during church so we sat near the back, in case we needed to make an early escape. Emma slept through about half the mass and then began to wake up to eat (or so that’s what Michael says). He may have just wanted to leave church early, who knows. He took her out to the back of the church to feed her. That's where he stayed till the end of mass. She didn’t do too bad for her first time at church.


Emma, dressed and ready to go to church. Thank you Kelly for my beautiful dress!


Our church

Brendan's Graduation Party

This afternoon was another first for Emma; she met all of Michael’s family for the first time. When we got to the graduation party, everyone wanted to see Emma. Emma also got to meet her cousin, Tuesday, who is just a month and a half older than her.


Daddy and his little girl.


Emma getting kisses from Great Aunt Debby.


Emma resting on Ashley.

We left the party around 7:00 PM and I thought for sure by the time we would get home and try to put Emma to bed, she would be wide awake. But, I think the whole day just wore her out because when we got home, we did a little tummy time and then we put her down. She sat up in the swing for a little bit until her eyes became too heavy and she drifted off to sleep. Let’s hope she gets at least a few hours of sleep in at a time.

Our First Time Out Without Our Sweet Pea :(

Since the holiday is coming up, Michael gets off a half day today. Well it was supposed to be his day off, but he moved that to Tuesday so he can have a longer weekend. My mom was doing a little running around this morning and then was heading out to our house. She is watching Emma while Michael and I go to lunch and a movie (The Hangover Part II). This is the first time we are leaving Emma home while we go out. It's a little sad that she won't be with us, but at the same time we know she is in good hands.

We went to Applebee’s then headed to the movie theater. The movie was pretty good; lots of laughing. We ran into the JCPenney nearby to get our price adjusted on the items I bought the day before. We also went to the Catholic Supply store to buy the godparents their gifts.

My dad and Scott came out to the house after they got off work for dinner and to do some things around the house. My dad and Michael worked up in the attic putting in a gable fan. We are hoping that the fan will keep the heat out of the upstairs, or at least keep it a little cooler.


Nana and Emma sleeping on the couch.


Nana woke up while I was taking a picture.

Emma's First Grocery Shopping Trip

After dinner, Michael and I took Emma on her first grocery shopping experience. That was an interesting trip! The stores were packed because of the holiday weekend coming up so it took even longer to shop. It was also a learning process for me and Michael since we hadn’t taken Emma out in the pumpkin seat and needed to use the grocery cart. Well needless to say, the pumpkin seat didn’t fit correctly so we had to get two carts. And since it was super crowded, it just made grocery shopping worse.

Once we made it to the check out line, there was a creepy man and lady behind us, well mainly the man. He was creeping on the little girl in the aisle next to us and then it was our turn. He was looking over my shoulder and finally when I moved just a little bit, he began asking questions and getting closer to Emma. I kept a good eye on him since he was freaking me out! So little Emma is going to have a lot of firsts and this was one thankfully she won’t really remember.




Emma slept the entire time we were shopping.

Emma's Shopping Adventures

When Michael woke up and was ready to go to work, he noticed that I wasn’t in the best of moods. I didn’t get but a few hours of sleep so he debated about staying home and letting me rest. I was feeding Emma right about lunch time when Michael came walking into the house. It surprised me! He came home so that we could get something to eat and then I could get some rest. This was Emma’s first real shopping experience; we went to Mid Rivers Mall to eat lunch. She wasn’t hungry when we were eating, which was a good thing so we were able to eat and then we would feed her later. Michael and I went to look for gifts to give Emma’s Godparents for her Baptism and to look for a dress for me to wear to her Baptism. My mom called while we were at the mall and told us that we needed to head home that the tornado sirens were going off near our house and that the storm was heading towards us. We made it home before the rain and winds picked up. Of course, the meteorologists tell you to stay away from the windows so naturally what does Michael do, he goes outside to watch the storm. He is crazy! We are all safe and sound now, but the storms are still going to be around for a little bit longer. I’ll be glad when all this bad weather is over with.


Emma's first trip to the mall, JCPenney here we come! Emma can't wait to get daddy's credit card to go on many shopping sprees to come!


Emma's first experience in the food court.


Daddy feeding Emma in the shoe department.


Poor Lexi; she was a little afraid of the storms.

Tummy Time

After we got home from my parent's house, Michael put Emma on the living room floor for a little tummy time. This was the first time Emma did tummy time so the dogs were curious as to what we were doing with her. Cali was getting really scared from the storm that was coming and was about to walk all over Emma. That's when we decided to stop tummy time.


Just getting a feel for this so called "tummy time".


Daddy doing his tummy time with his little lady.


Sometimes nothing calms the little girl, even daddy's kisses.

Emma Meet Your Friend Kelly

Michael got up with Emma at the beginning of the night, but Emma just didn’t want him to calm her down. I tried sleeping, but kept hearing Emma crying so finally around 2:30 AM I went downstairs to relieve Michael so he could get some rest. He looked like a zombie when I went downstairs. I think I came at just the right time. Emma and I talked, I fed her, and then put her down in the pack n play where she slept for about five hours. I think she just wanted her mommy.

This morning Michael’s parents came over to visit with us and Emma. They left shortly after the RotoRooter man left right before my friend Kelly and her mom got to our house. They wanted to come up here to meet Emma and to bring me and Michael dinner. It really wasn’t necessary to get us dinner, but Kelly kept insisting so I let her do it. At first, Kelly’s mom was afraid the dogs would be protective of Emma so she didn’t reach for her right away. It probably also helped that I handed Emma to her mom and the dogs were okay with them being here. Both Kelly and her mom just kept saying how beautiful Emma is and they just loved holding her. Kelly fed Emma and then Emma got the hiccups and both Kelly and her mom were laughing hysterically each time Emma hiccupped. I showed both of them Emma’s finished room and then they headed home. It was a short trip, but I’m glad they made the trip up to visit us. We will see Kelly in about two weeks for Emma’s baptism. Michael and I enjoyed the Bandanas BBQ that they brought for our dinner and it was an early night for us. Or so I thought it was going to be (Emma had other plans for our evening).


Our friend, Kelly, with Emma.

Meeting More Family

It was a rough night last night with Emma. Michael woke up Emma before we went to bed, but that didn’t help her sleep throughout the night. We put her in the bouncer in our bedroom where Emma slept for about an hour and a half. She woke up hungry so I fed her and tried to put her back in the bouncer. That really didn’t last very long so I decided I would put her in her crib and sleep in her room since the baby monitor wasn’t fully charged. It is amazing how fast she goes to sleep when she is in her own bed. I think it may have something to do with the fact that she can stretch out, but still feel the closeness of the boppy pillow. I woke up a couple times just to check on her since I couldn’t really see her well from the floor, but then woke up around 3:30 AM for another feeding. This time we were awake for about an hour. I also brought her downstairs to let her sleep in the pack n play and so I could get a little better sleep.

My mom came out to our house around 10:00 AM to help clean around the house and to visit with us. We went to Costco to get some pictures developed then headed over to my Grandparent’s house to visit with them, as well as Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tom, and David. Aunt Kathy just couldn’t stop holding onto Emma and saying what a cute little girl she is. We didn’t stay very long at my Grandparent’s house because we may be going there tomorrow. We headed home and waited for daddy to get off work so we could visit with him.


Emma got to meet her Great Aunt Kathy.

Going To Great Grandparent's House

Last night, Michael and I may have gotten the best sleep yet. We decided to bring Emma upstairs in our room again to see if she would sleep longer in her bouncer. Emma woke up just a two times throughout the night, but that’s because she was hungry. Now if we can just get into some kind of routine like this we would be doing good.

My mom and I took Emma to my grandparent’s house and when we got there we were in for a treat. We couldn’t get to their house because someone in their neighborhood was getting a pool installed. As soon as we got into the house, my grandma wanted to hold Emma; she pretty much just snatched her right from my mom. Great Grandma fed Emma and then Great Grandpa held her for a little bit. We didn’t stay too long because my brother, Greg, was going to come out to our house. Greg was so exhausted that he fell asleep on the couch before Emma fell asleep for her nap. My mom also let me take a little nap while Emma was taking her nap; except I really wasn’t that tired so I just laid down for a little bit.


Great Grandpa Herbie


Great Grandma

After Michael got home and we had dinner, we decided to take the puppies and Emma for a walk around the neighborhood. The dogs weren’t doing well walking so Michael kept getting mad at them; Emma just slept through the whole walk. We are trying to wake Emma up later in the evening so that she is tired by the time we go to bed; let’s hope it works again this evening.

Dad Heads To Work

After getting a little better night sleep, Michael decided to go into work today. We both knew it was going to be hard for him to get back into some kind out routine with sleep and work. I tried to keep Emma downstairs and as quite as possible so he could get as much rest as possible. Surprisingly, Michael was up and ready to go to work earlier than he is normally used to.

Throughout the day, Michael called a couple times to check up on us to make sure both of us were doing okay. It was good that Michael went back to work to catch up on things there, but at the same time I wish he would have spent more time with us at home. This is a very important part of our lives as we are just beginning our family, and at times I feel like I can’t do it all on my own.

Today Emma and I didn’t do too much; we just laid around and watched tv the majority of the day. There are things I wanted to do around the house, but I am so tired or distracted holding my little lady that I can’t do anything. When Michael got home from work, he came right up to Emma and picked her up. She had put on a pouty face, but then once she realized who it was she was all happy.

Michael’s friend, Jake, came over to pick up his poker chips, but I think he really wanted to see Emma. He told Michael congratulations and patted my head since I was holding Emma. He made the comment about “some people say their baby is cute, but really they aren’t; well we actually have a cute baby”. Everyone is saying that Emma is such a cute baby; what can I say, I guess she takes after her mommy :)


Waiting for daddy to come home.


Dad was excited to see Emma.


But I don't know about Emma excited to see daddy.

What A Day

Last night was a rough night for me and Emma. Michael had thought about going into work today so he went to bed earlier last night, which was fine because I could get some sleep throughout the day (or so I thought). Shortly after Michael went upstairs to go to bed, Emma woke up hungry again. After feeding her and getting her ready to go back to sleep, I put her in the bouncer. That didn’t last very long because then she was fussing. So I picked her up and held her against my chest for a little bit. I was falling asleep sitting up with her. I was nervous about actually falling asleep with her on me so I tried putting her back in her bouncer or the pack n play, but that didn’t matter because she just started fussing each time I placed her down. Let’s just say that for about 5 hours I didn’t get any sleep. It also didn’t help that around 4:00 AM I ran out of pumped breast milk. I decided to try to get some formula for Emma, which she hasn’t had much since the hospital when she just had a little bit. She chugged down most of the bottle of formula in no time, which helped calm her down (for the time being). Also at this time, the dogs were wanting to go outside. I got up to let them out and as I was walking into the kitchen, Emma had projectile vomiting. I guess the formula wasn’t settling with her tummy. I mean she had me covered, as well as herself completely covered. I washed her up and changed her without any fussing; I think because she was still in shock with what happened. After all this, I tried laying her down again, but again no luck. Michael didn’t even bother to come downstairs while Emma was crying her little heart out. I finally got into a comfortable position laying on the couch with Emma. She looked so peaceful sleeping with her head on the pillow and cuddled up next to me. I was afraid she was going to roll off the couch, but at least she wasn’t screaming her lungs off.

Michael was to wake up and go into work, but around 7:00 AM when my mom called I noticed he was still here and still sleeping. That made me even madder, knowing that he had a good night sleep in a bed! When Michael came down dressed and ready to go to work, he asked if there was anything I needed and I calmly said SLEEP! Let's just say he decided not to go into work today. And then when Michael was up with Emma, she just slept most of the time with him, which isn’t fair. I tried everything to calm her down, but all it took was for Michael to hold her and for him to put her down.


Daddy with his little girl.


Sleeping Beauty


Mommy taking a nap.

This afternoon, Michael and I took our three girls for a walk. It was quite entertaining watching us. Michael had both the dogs in front of me and I had Emma in the stroller. We didn’t go very far since I’m still recovering, but it was good just to get out of the house. The weather was nice, a little breezy, but it was comfortable to go on a walk. I hope to go on more walks with Emma in days to come.


Emma wasn't looking forward to her first walk.


Emma fell asleep before getting out of the driveway.


Michael with the girls, Cali and Lexi.


Heading home.

Just A Lazy Sunday

This afternoon my parents and Scott came over for lunch and to visit with Emma. She just laid down right before they got here, but she soon woke up. Scott held her for a little bit and you should have seen the faces she was making. When Scott leaves to study abroad for a month, he will be surprised by the changes that will occur with Emma. My dad also held her for a little bit and fed her. They were both about to fall asleep on the couch.

My mom wanted to give Emma a bath, which she did need a bath. This time for the bath, Emma was laying on the kitchen counter. She did really well just laying there, but I was afraid that she was going to hit her head on the wine rack. I kept a close eye on her. She is such a cutie!




Wrapped up in Nana's arms.


Mommy and baby taking a quick nap.

Later this afternoon, Alison sent a text message asking if it was okay for her and John to come over to meet Emma. They stopped by a few hours later and only stayed a little bit. It was kind of funny how protective the dogs, especially Lexi, were of me and Emma. When Alison went to pick up Emma from Michael, Lexi just gave her a look like she was going to snap at her so Michael decided to give Emma to Alison while she sat on the couch. Emma was making some funny faces while Alison was holding her and then the tears slowly started from Emma. It was just time to feed her. I asked Alison if she wanted to feed her but she decided to give Emma back to me and I would feed her. I was glad that Alison and John were able to stop by to meet Emma and hopefully we will be able to meet them again sometime for lunch/dinner. Emma is going to be my little side kick for when I go meet the girls from now on. She is going to be such a girly girl!


Alison meeting Emma for the first time.

Emma Is One Week Old

I can't believe this little lady is one week old today! Time is going by so quickly. We cherish all these precious moments we have with our sweet pea.

This morning my mom came over so Michael and I could get a good nap in. It is funny how when either of our parents come over, Emmga goes to take a nap so easily. However, when Emma is with Michael or me, she just fusses up a storm to the point where it’s easier to pick her up and hold her.


Emma taking a nap.

Michael’s parents came over this evening with dinner and to help set up for the garage sale on Saturday. After eating and visiting for a bit, Michael brought up the containers of garage sale stuff so that I could price things. Michael and his dad were in the garage setting things up so we wouldn't have to get up earlier tomorrow.

Ashley also came over to visit us and mainly to see Emma. She's like royalty now! It had kind of surprised me that some of our friends haven’t called or sent messages asking about how we are doing or if there was anything they could do to help. That made our decision about who will be Emma’s godmother easier. Ashley has been there to help out whenever we need it so we decided that we need someone like her to be Emma's guidance and role model. Who better than to ask her. So right before Ashley left for the night, I asked her on Emma's behalf to be her godmother. And, she said yes! What a great way to end the night.

Emma Meets Her Great Grandparents

Since my grandparents didn’t go to the hospital to meet Emma when she was born, they wanted to come over to meet and visit with her today. When they came over, they brought lunch with them. There was enough food to feed an army, which it’s surprising since it is like that any time we have a meal with them. They brought flowers and a glowworm for Emma. They also gave Michael and I an Applebee’s gift card. I really didn’t expect to get anything from them, but we do appreciate all that they have done for us. While my grandma was holding Emma, she decided that she wants to be called the vintage grandma. I guess Owen started this trend with things or people being vintage. Grandma loved holding and talking baby talk to Emma. She got a kick out of how much Emma smiles and moves around. Grandpa held Emma for just a little bit because she was wiggling around quite a bit. I’m glad that my grandparents were able to meet their great granddaughter!


Great Grandpa Herbie


Great Grandma


Emma's beautiful flowers and her hospital photo in the background.

After my grandparents left, Michael took Emma to the post office and St. Joe’s church so I could take a nap. I was in such a deep sleep when they returned that I didn’t even notice they were home until minutes later. While Michael was out, he had bad luck with both places he went. The post office had our hospital photos of Emma, but when he viewed them at home, he noticed that all the pictures weren’t on the disc. When Michael went to the church, he had a lady give him a hard time about the paperwork he was going to turn in for the baptism. Instead of what he had, she wanted some other form that pretty much said the exact same thing, but it had Emma’s footprints on it. Hopefully things will get cleared up with these situations.

Emma's First Bath

Michael and his dad gave Emma a bath at the kitchen sink this afternoon. I video taped this adventure and was it an adventure! It was really cute watching Michael give her the bath, especially since he was so nervous. I think he was afraid of not doing a good enough job, but he did okay. Emma did really well also. I think it helps that she really likes having her hair washed. But she wasn’t a big fan of having the rest of her body washed since she was naked and cold.

Emma Finally Meets Her Uncle

My brother, Greg, met Emma for the first time this evening. My family came out to our house with dinner. I suppose it will be about a month before Greg’s girlfriend, Jill, gets to meet Emma. The more my brothers are around Emma, the more they will feel comfortable with her. After all, Michael and I had no idea what we were doing when Emma was first born, but now we are like pros at it. You just have to do what makes them happy, no matter how silly you may look or sound. Oh the things you will do for love!

Emma's First Shopping Spree

Emma went out on her first shopping experience after the doctor’s appointment. We went to Walgreens! Michael needed to get his D-TAP shot and we needed to pick up a few things. Emma is such a good little shopper; she didn’t even ask for anything.




Excited as we were heading into the store.


Exhausted after shopping.

After we got home, Emma’s sisters (Cali and Lexi) ran right up to her and sniffed her to make sure it was really their sister. They have adjusted really well with Emma, which had surprised us all.

Emma's First Check Up

Today was supposed to be Emma’s due date, but she greeted us a little earlier (which we are all okay with). We had a follow up appointment with Emma’s pediatrician at 11:40 AM today. I knew how long it took us to leave the hospital on Sunday, so I told Michael that we needed to be getting ready to leave at 11:00 AM. Well as it turned out, we didn’t end up leaving till around 11:15 AM. The pediatrician’s office isn’t that far from our house, but the weather was starting to get bad and I think we should be more cautious now that our sweet pea is riding passenger with us.


Michael with our sweet pea as we were leaving for her first doctor's appointment.


Daddy with Emma at the office.


Mommy with her little lady :)

When we got to the office, Michael and I had to fill out more information, which I’m pretty sure we filled it all out when we went to meet the pediatrician months ago, but what can you do. After waiting for about 20 minutes, we were called back into one of the rooms.


Daddy was a nervous wreck while we were waiting; he just wants everything to be perfect with our little one.


The good little patient.

Michael and I were to undress Emma to her diaper so they could get her weight and examined by the doctor. The nurse took her weight 3 times, each of which came back 8 lbs 1 oz. The nurse and pediatrician were both impressed by how much she had gained in just a few days; they said we must be doing something right. That was good to hear for Michael and I because this is all new to us and we don’t always know if what we are doing is right or if we should be doing more. The pediatrician examined Emma and everything was just perfect with our little angel.


The view from the room.


Daddy getting Emma ready to see the nurse and doctor.


The nurse weighing Emma.


Emma's weight just 4 days after being born; 8 lbs 1 oz.


The pediatrician examining Emma and Emma was not a happy camper either.

When we were all done with the doctor, she told us we had the option to wait till her one month check up since her weight gain was so well in just a few days that she wasn’t worried about seeing her in one week or we could come back in one week to make sure things are going okay. Michael and I decided that since the pediatrician wasn’t worried and her weight gain was good the first few days, we will wait one month (June 1st) for her next appointment.