Forgive me for the length of time since my last post. We as humans always seem to find ourselves busy with SOMETHING. Generally speaking, there's nothing I'd rather be busy with than Thanksgiving and Christmas. So until I can get it together to post some more pictures, here are some updates:
Emma's been battling a series of bladder infections, and she now is on an antibiotic for a few months to try to get rid of whatever's bothering her once and for all. We had to do this once before, and it seemed to work, so let's hope the long-term medicine works again.
Emma's Granddaddy (that would be my father-in-law) made her this great little mini-wheelchair out of a Bumbo seat. Pictures soon to follow, but for now, let me tell you that Emma LOVES it. She already knows how to maneuver wheels thanks to her mobile stander. We aren't viewing this new toy as a wheelchair, but more as a tricycle or toy with wheels. We refuse to give up on Emma's mobility, so this Bumbobile is used as a toy, rather than as a consistent mode of transportation.
In the last couple of weeks Emma has begun to really treasure baby dolls. She didn't have much interest in them before, but she's warmed up to them. She's a very affectionate child, always giving "squeeze hugs," offering lots of closed- AND open-mouthed kisses (to anyone, including our dog and my parents' dog), patting backs, and her most recent stunt: scratching backs. Oh, and she likes to brush your hair. So all that affection has begun to be channeled into loving on her baby dolls. So stinkin' cute.
Ok, big news: my goddaughter was born on Friday, November 18!! She was 8 lbs, 10 oz, and her name is Elsie Anne Sharp. I love her, and she's awesome. Pictures to follow.
This weekend Russell and I are going to the ACC Championship game in Charlotte. I know what you're thinking: what a waste. The wheels are going to come off the Clemson bus AGAIN. And you're probably right. So the Clemson game will just be one of a few things that we're going to do in Charlotte, and we'll pretend that the game isn't the only reason we're going to Charlotte for the weekend. Emma is staying with Mama Jane and Granddaddy, so she will be spoiled rotten upon our return.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Lots to see, little to read
I'm exhausted but have lots of cute pictures of the doodlebug (and a brand spanking new doodlebug) to share.
Actually enjoying church! Is that a smile...in her Sunday School room?! Miss Glenna must have the magic touch...
Mason's 4th birthday party:
Not really caring too much for the slide...Russell seems to be enjoying it, though:
Fast forward..just who is that little girl my daddy is holding?
Our new niece, Anndie Marie Young! Born 11/14/11, a whole month early...but still 7lb, 2 oz!
Actually enjoying church! Is that a smile...in her Sunday School room?! Miss Glenna must have the magic touch...
Mason's 4th birthday party:
Hmmm....what to play with next...
Not really caring too much for the slide...Russell seems to be enjoying it, though:
I am absolutely certain that if Emma could talk she would say, "I gotta me one-a these here swings." She LOVED it. Do they sell these bucket swings at retail or only to city parks and rec departments? They're great for trunk support, which is what our little one will probably need for quite a while.
Fish face:
Fast forward..just who is that little girl my daddy is holding?
Our new niece, Anndie Marie Young! Born 11/14/11, a whole month early...but still 7lb, 2 oz!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
The things I missed
The title of this blog sounds so defeated and upsetting, but it's not - just a reflection on the things I missed during the first three months of Emma's life. I am reflecting on these things because my dear, sweet Holly is due with our godson/goddaughter in a week.
Can I just say that newborns still freak me out a little? I never really had a newborn. I had a baby in a hospital crib for three months. I'm still nervous about holding a newborn and his or her head just rolling right off. Also keep in mind that I never had a child with a small head (Emma was born with hydrocephaly), so I don't know how to cradle a newborn baby's head. I don't know what it's like to have a squirmy newborn. I don't know how to swaddle a baby. I don't know how to change a newborn's clothes without snapping off an arm or a leg. I don't know what it's like to be sleep-deprived: Emma had nurses who fed her every three/four hours around the clock when we were at home sleeping. I don't know what it's like to not have time to shower between feedings. I don't know what it's like to nap when my baby does. So you see, it's not all bad things that I missed.
Now obviously, we went through some things that some parents should never have to deal with. As I look back, though, the things I missed that I wish I hadn't missed, I will be able to catch up on with my godson/goddaughter, as well as my niece who will be born in December - getting used to holding a newborn, learning how to hold a squirmy (from the waist down) newborn, and changing a newborn's clothes (not just the side-snap shirts that Emma wore). Holly and Allison, I still can't promise that I will know how to swaddle. And I will NOT breastfeed your child. But snuggling, holding, and diapering I can handle.
Oh, that reminds me: Holly, please don't have a little boy. I don't like changing little boy diapers, and I don't think that will ever change. I will love him just the same, but diaper changes will give me the willies (no pun intended).
Since I'm reflecting, let's look back at a few blog posts in October and November 2010:
October 13, 2010
October 15, 2010
October 24, 2010
October 26, 2010
October 31, 2010
November 2, 2010
Can I just say that newborns still freak me out a little? I never really had a newborn. I had a baby in a hospital crib for three months. I'm still nervous about holding a newborn and his or her head just rolling right off. Also keep in mind that I never had a child with a small head (Emma was born with hydrocephaly), so I don't know how to cradle a newborn baby's head. I don't know what it's like to have a squirmy newborn. I don't know how to swaddle a baby. I don't know how to change a newborn's clothes without snapping off an arm or a leg. I don't know what it's like to be sleep-deprived: Emma had nurses who fed her every three/four hours around the clock when we were at home sleeping. I don't know what it's like to not have time to shower between feedings. I don't know what it's like to nap when my baby does. So you see, it's not all bad things that I missed.
Now obviously, we went through some things that some parents should never have to deal with. As I look back, though, the things I missed that I wish I hadn't missed, I will be able to catch up on with my godson/goddaughter, as well as my niece who will be born in December - getting used to holding a newborn, learning how to hold a squirmy (from the waist down) newborn, and changing a newborn's clothes (not just the side-snap shirts that Emma wore). Holly and Allison, I still can't promise that I will know how to swaddle. And I will NOT breastfeed your child. But snuggling, holding, and diapering I can handle.
Oh, that reminds me: Holly, please don't have a little boy. I don't like changing little boy diapers, and I don't think that will ever change. I will love him just the same, but diaper changes will give me the willies (no pun intended).
Since I'm reflecting, let's look back at a few blog posts in October and November 2010:
October 13, 2010
October 15, 2010
October 24, 2010
October 26, 2010
October 31, 2010
November 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Doodleladybug
Our nickname for Emma is Doodlebug. All the time, Doodlebug. I'd like to ask God to tally how many times we've called her Doodlebug and Emma and see how close the two are. So it's only fitting that Emma be a bug for Halloween - a ladybug. She did really well keeping the hood on her head. Here are some (ok, a lot of) pictures from the evening:
Excited to be going to see Rob and Holly!
Sticking her lip out to blow a raspberry
Annie the Bee, wondering why there's a baby in her house stealing her love
Apparently, Halloween was also about gifts this year. Nan gave Emma a new puzzle you can see her playing with up above in my lap, and Mr. Rob and Miss Holly gave Emma a soft new owl to snuggle with in her crib. Emma warmed right up to it.
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