Emmaline- one month

Adventures in the first month:

We had you!

Bibby came to meet you and love on Carter

Mimi and Pop Pop visited us for a week!

Lots of snuggles at home

Emmaline,

Our girl. Just a month ago, we had no idea what you would be. When I asked, "What is it??" and the doctor exclaimed, "It's a girl!" in the sweetest way, I fell back into that hospital bed so at peace and so unexplainably thrilled. We have our girl.

After having a boy, I had no idea what being a girl mom would be like. You have added such sweetness and daintiness to our life. You are laid back and have a serious look on your face most of the time. When you get hungry, you start to grunt. You make so many noises and I'm still trying to sleep through them. You sleep great in your rock and play beside our bed. Lately we have been getting 4-5 hours of sleep at a time. Your sweet brother didn't sleep like that until he was a year (though he does nap 4 hours a day now- Praise Jesus!).

We spend our days nursing and passing you back and forth to hold, especially when the grands were here). You are pretty content unless you are having tummy trouble, then you seem like you might jump out of our arms. It doesn't last long normally. We are still figuring all this out together. You are a great eater and have gained around 2 lbs, we believe. 

Our first month was full of visitors, so now that its just us 4, we are really getting to know you. You are pretty simple. Eat, awake, sleep all day. Your brother is starting to love you. At first, he was a little distant, so I didn't push. Now that we tell him that you are crazy about him and think he is so funny, he likes to show off for you. He normally runs around the house to show you how fast he is. He says, "Clap your hands, Emmaline!!", so we clap your hands and say Go Carter! I know you and him will bond beautifully. 

I'm so happy that God saw us fit to be mommy and daddy to another baby. And I'm thrilled it was YOU. We are crazy about you, little girl. I'll have a friend forever, because I have you!

Carter - 2 years old

My firstborn is two whole years.

As I write this a couple of days before your actual birthday, I remember exactly how I felt on the days leading to your birth day. I was uncomfortable, waddling around, in between wishing you would arrive NOW and wanting you to stay in there until I was a little more ready. 

4:30 pm on August 22 happened and we packed the car to head to Balboa Naval Medical Center to meet you---not without a burger on the way! Is that why you love "fwys" so much?

That person on August 22nd seems like such stranger to me now. I wasn't "this me" until I met you. You opened our world to selflessness, joy, laughter, tears, and loving a little soul more than we could ever understand. You made me love your daddy deeper and fuller than I could the years before your birth.

August 23rd, early in the morning was the first time I heard you cry. A part of my heart escaped my body and now I watch it run and play everyday. You are a part of me and I finally understand How Deep the Father's Love for me is. But just like you will never grasp how much I love you, I know I can never grasp the depth of God's love is for me. Its unmeasurable and infinite. Remember that.

My favorite things about you are:

You call people by name. "Thank you, Mama. Thank you Dada." Sometimes you get really ahead of yourself and call us opposite (depending on what track your little mind was on and who is in your line of vision) but ALWAYS correct yourself. "Hi Friends" at the gym is another popular one. You love to hop. You're favorite thing right now is Choo choos and Mickey Mouse. We rode the train twice this week and you had a ball. "Ride twain?" is now what we hear all the time. Your favorite books are Brown Bear, 100 First Animals (which you know most and their sounds), and any pop up book.

You are a little ball of energy. There is no sitting still. Even when you are super tired and snuggle with me, that little leg is kicking through the air. You still love me to "shhh" as a rock you back and forth before nap time or bedtime. By the way, you nap like a champ. 12-4pm most days! You sleep through the night and Bibby even told me you giggle uncontrollably as you sleep (she loves to sleep with you when she visits!) You love bath time and could play in there forever. You love to call Pop Pop on the toy phone, too! You LOVE your daddy. It's playtime non stop when he is home from work. Daddy's face lights up whenever you are awake. He always has time for you. No matter how long of a day (or night when you can't stay asleep), he always gives you his full attention. You will snuggle with him when Im away and I love walking into watching y'all together. You always ask for our hands and drag us all over the place.

I think you are a genius, but I am your mother. You can count to 12 and you totally get the concept of what you are saying. You can almost sing your full ABCs (you started learning with "QRS" somehow) and know Twinkle Twinkle by heart. We are learning Jesus Loves Me and you always pick up at "Yes, Jesus Loves Me!" and sing the rest of that chorus. This week, you have picked up on so many new words and phrases. You repeat most things I say and Im learning what I sound like for sure! We can give you simple directions and you follow them easily! "Go throw this away" or "Go find so and so" and you really do it! You are going to be such a big help in a few months.

One funny thing is that we are learning that you call most men "Nick". At the restaurant last night, every time our waiter brought you something (chips and salsa mostly), you would say "Thank you, Nick". Also, one morning I asked you if you wanted a piece of toast. Now overtime you want pizza, you say "pizza toast?". I don't know how you got there, but its really funny.

Your not so favorite things are:

The walk down the hall to nap time. Doctor visits. Being in your carseat after I put the car into park (and now you say "Alright!" Every time I park, like its time to get out of the car). Lots of different food.  You are a bird, dinner time is not the easiest right now but we are all working through it. Im sad to say you are beginning to not like any smocked outfits. You'll grow out of this phase right???

Carter, you are a happy little boy. You have a joy that shines through you and you brighten every single day. I'm so glad God saw us fit to take care of you and enjoy you while at our temporary home. I pray for your salvation early in life and that you always follow Jesus with a joyful and humble heart. You teach us so much every single day. You are our daily reminder to cling to Jesus. I love everything about you and the journey you have taken us on so far. I can't wait to bring New Baby home to you. I pray the first days are sweet and that we soak them up as a family of 4. I also am excited to enjoy these last 12 weeks with just you. You are my favorite little Carter in the world. You are special and I will always choose you over and over again.

Fingers go straight to face when I pull out my camera!

Not so happy with the flash

Life update/ Baby #2

I loved the couple of years I spent blogging about my time during pregnancy and the first year of Carter's life. This past year I just haven't had time. Now that I am over halfway with our 2nd pregnancy (Surprise!), I'd really love to spend an hour each month writing about this pregnancy/birth/and new life that will be arriving around Thanksgiving! This baby is so precious and I want to remember just like I am able to look back and remember with Carter man!

I miss writing and the joy that it brings me, but with deployment (that Nick's been home almost a year from) and just being Mommy, I spent my quiet moments resting or catching up on things around the house. We recently bought a house, I worked on my Etsy shop a lot the past year, and now I am working on growing a human. That about sums up my life since last July!

Carter is almost two! He is my most precious gift. The bond of a boy and a mama can not be written on paper. I feel it takes away from the greatness of that relationship. There is so much that we have experienced together. The one that makes you Mommy.... you just can't put those feelings into words.

So, here we go with a new addition to our family! Nick and I were so happy to announce and we can't wait to see our first baby become a big brother!

eleven months

I can't believe Im writing this right now. My newborn is eleven months.

Adventures in the 11th month:

-We are busy bees! We are always on the go! I have to PLAN to have a slow day at home.

-You've started swim lessons. Not the biggest fan but getting better!

- We said our tearful goodbyes to family in MS. Until next time!

-We celebrated July 4th and you showed us your camera grin! Its the funniest thing ever!

My sweet baby,

I feel like I won't get to officially call you that much longer. You are growing everyday. I'm amazed at what you know already. You are QUICK! You still use that left knee and right foot to cruise around. You are so happy and love socializing. You love to be out and about. You love people. You think all eyes should be on you. You're my little extravert. 

Our big word is "eh?". Its like your a little Canadian. All day long.. "Eh?..Eh?..Eh?". You babble non stop. You make so many noises, I can't even count. My favorite is when you poke out those lips and say "Doh Doh Doh". You fake laugh to get peoples attention. You REALLY fake cry when you want me to pick you up or I tell you to leave something alone. 

Again, sleeping is going well so lets not even talk about it.

You crawl out to our patio and play with all the fun things out there. Rosie is coming around and liking you more and more. She wags her tail overtime you come into the room. We are learning to be gentle with her (and other babies). You get so exited and flail your arms around and hit things. We are working on that too. Especially when its my face.

You eat everything. I still can't believe you only have 2 teeth. That doesn't hold you back at all. Thats our go to when I need to clean the kitchen (or have 5 seconds). You drink from all kinds of slippy cups. You can chug some water. We nurse 3 times a day since you are so good with food and water.

You wave bye bye and when I say "where's Carter?" you put your hands on top of your head (you missed the memo of putting your hands over your eyes) and you keep them there until I say, "There he is!". Bath time is still a great thing. I have to keep the washrags away from you since you suck the water out of them..so gross. Im a water snob and bath water makes me want to gag when you drink it!

I love your from your head to your toes. This past year we have learned so much. I'm not the person I was a year ago. I've learned to function on little sleep. I've learned priorities and that I can say no, and that a simple life exceeds an extravagant one. We take one day at a time, especially through the more difficult ones. Also, naked babies are happy babies. Mostly Ive learned what it means to sacrifice completely for another human being. I wouldn't do it for just anyone. It makes me that much more thankful for Jesus. The pain he endured for me was more than I will ever bear. The way a baby will break your heart is a feeling a can't explain. I love you so much it hurts. It hurts to think of you getting older, more independent. It hurts that you love me so much. But its the best hurt that Ive ever felt. Eleven months ago, my heart released feelings and emotions that I didn't know I had. I love you because you are you. You're my favorite baby.

bath time

Like most mamas, bath time is used for play time. A lot of times, its more than once a day. Sometimes I even get to do an extra little devotional while Mister splish splashes. I keep Jesus Calling on top of the toilet for when time allows. I've been wanting to capture some photos of Carter man in the bathtub so I can frame them for the bathroom. I got out my big camera (this is a task sometimes) and bubbled up the tub. I love how they turned out and plan on framing them this week. But which 4 to use???

ten months

Carter is the big 1-0 months!

Adventures in the 10th month:

-Spent much needed time in Mississippi.

-We survived the heat.

-You began eating everything that I do.

- You gave us your first belly laugh. Your great daddy was the first to get it and it was the most wonderful noise!

My most precious boy,

I can't believe we are in double digits. They have brought new meaning to our life. 

Your personality is shining. You love people. You are so happy when we are out and about. You grin at everyone and still will go to anyone that wants to hold you. If you do cry as I walk away, its because you are overwhelmed, which means you are probably tired. You are my loud talking baby boy. We say all kinds of things..Da Da, Ma Ma, La La, Na Na, Ba Ba. But mostly Da Da. 

You eat everything. Cheese toast, graham crackers, most vegetables, most fruit (blueberries especially), turkey burgers, chicken...you name it. Most meats I pinch off, but other than that, you are a champ at chewing. I never even flinch at what you can eat. You love yogurt! I would say its the last thing Ill ever feed you with a spoon though. You'd rather feed yourself. And you normally always take a poop break during your meal. Always a show. We nurse 3-4 times a day and you can go a very long time in between now, thanks to food!

You pull up on everything. We still have the one knee- one foot scoot going on. You've stood by yourself a few times, but you didn't know it. You climb up my legs to stand up most of all. Ill be fine if you wait until after a year to walk, but I don't think that will happen. You are a mover. From the time you wake up to the time you nap or sleep, you go 100 miles an hour. I play by yourself great. I try not to disturb you when you do that. I think its healthy for children to learn to play alone. Builds that imagination. 

You love bath time, though now you just stand at the side and throw toys out. Apparently the noise I make is hilarious when you do that and worth testing. You are a dream in your stroller. You are so curious about this big ole world and you just take it in. I love watching you learn. Our favorite thing is bouncy balls. You squeal when you play with them. You chase them all over the house. Thats what got your first belly laugh too. 

Lets not talk about the sleep because its actually going well. Ill leave it at that.

Carter, you are so special. I know that I'm your mom, but you amaze me. You are so smart and have such  sweet and social spirit. I have a feeling you have an extrovert side to you. I look at you and wonder what I did before you. Its a love I can't explain. I love the family that you have made us. You give us so much joy. I feel the bond we have and Im so proud of it. Even those whiny tugs at my legs pull on my heartstrings. We are in for some fun times as you grow. This age is so demanding, but its so joy filled and fun. You understand things. You have begun to know what no means and stop when I tell you to stop. You give me that little mischievous smile and I just try to keep a straight face while my heart flutters. I love your outstretched arms as I scoop you up. I love your huge smile you give me for no reason at all. I love how much you love me. Its a confidence builder for sure. I would say stop growing, but there has been so much joy that comes with each new week. I think you are pretty wonderful. Ive never known exhaustion or love like this. They kinda go together and the love cancels out the exhaustion. You make me love your daddy even more than I thought I could. He loves you so much. You light up every time you see him. I can't wait to see what kind of little boy you will be! Remember how much we love you. I don't think we will ever let you forget.

nine months

Im only a month late on posting this nine month update...It means I have a crazy life with a 9 (now 10) month old right?

Adventures in the 9th month:

-We celebrated Mother's day!

-We walked over the Coronado Bridge with your friends Henry and Sam!

- You survived your first MOPS conference. You were the perfect baby!

Carter,

Month nine was full of so many new things for you. You became unstoppable. You easily made your way around the house. You chased Rosie and tried to share your food with her. You pulled up on the couch, and soon after, you began walking along the edge. I can't believe how fast you pick up your new talents. 

You weighed 17 pounds 10 ounces. You have always been on the smaller side of those percentile charts, but you have definitely picked up weight since your 6 month check up. We have been easily eating different foods since then, so I knew you would gain quickly!

You still go to everyone easily. I am so thankful for this. The doctor said you might begin showing signs of separation anxiety when I take you to the nursery at church or even leave the room, but I haven't seen that yet. You are always told what a happy baby you are. Its so true. You still only cry when you are hungry or tired. 

You love all foods! Ive started letting you eat whatever Im eating and its made our life very easy. You are so happy when you eat and when you are done, you rub those eyes with all that food on your hands to tell me that you are done. 

You say da da easily. You say ma ma when you are tired or whiny. When I say "Where's Rosie?" you look around. She is pretty neat stuff in your eyes. When you get excited about something, you suck in air as much as possible and screech with joy! Opening the front door does it every time. I can take you outside and set you in the grass for 30 minutes and you are just as content as can be. 

Our most fun outing is story time at the library. You still seem a little overwhelmed but I caught you clapping when the music was playing. You love watching all of the big kids sing and dance. 

I have so much fun taking you places. Every day is more joyful than the last. I love our days spent together. There is nothing Ive ever wanted more than to spend special moments with you! You're my joy and I love you so very much!

eight months

Carter is 8 months old!

Adventures in the eighth month:

-Bibby came for a visit!

-We celebrated your first Easter!

- Learned to crawl!

Carter,

My sweet boy is on the move. You went from swaying on your hands and knees to crawling all over the place in about 2 days time. I didn't realize you would change so much so fast. Sometimes you seem to stay at one step forever...other times you seem to skip 3 steps. You follow me all over the house. You are fast, too. I think what I want to remember most about your crawling is your one leg and one knee combination. You must think that using your right foot to crawl will get your there faster. Rosie isn't thrilled at this new skill. She does bring you her toys to see if you will chase her though. Your hands are still a bit too rough for her taste, though. You think she is the funniest and she got your first belly laugh. 

I just realized you don't cuddle as much these days. You always cuddle before naps and bedtime but other than that you want to play and move. Even sometimes before naps you arch your back and want me to put you in the crib. I do and you go right to sleep. Little stinker.  I'll be honest...sometimes I miss the days when I got tired all I would have to do is nuzzle you up to my side and we would fall asleep. You have been a champ at sleeping in your crib, but thats the only place you want to sleep now! The other night, you didn't have the best sleep time in your crib or while I was holding you. I finally got you to sleep beside me in bed and sleep from 430-630. It was wonderful to have you beside me again! You go to sleep anywhere between 7-8 pm and sleep until 4 am when you are ready to nurse. Most of the time you sleep until 615 after that. The past couple of mornings its been 5 am though. I think Im about to see your top teeth come through and that will explain the waking up at night part. 

We are on the go all of the time. I love the days we stay at home, but you are such a social butterfly that sometimes you seem to be happier out and about with people. You smile and cough at everyone to get their attention. You rarely cry in public. You have started to realize when I take things away from you, like keys... You get a little irritated at me then. You grunt when you aren't getting your way completely but mama knows best, Im sorry! I normally say, "Carter, you are going to be ok" in the calmest voice possible and you look at me like, "Hmm...thats not the reaction I wanted so I guess I'll calm down". You reach for me when I put my hands out to pick you up. You get so excited.

You still love that paci. Praise the Lord for that magical thing. I buy a new pack all the time. We can't have too many. When I am carrying you up the stairs, Ill stick to paci in my mouth to carry it, and you think that is just hilarious. You try to grab it from me to put it back in your mouth. Today at lunch we figured out a new game where you try to put the paci in my mouth. I get a pretty good laugh out of you then. 

We finally have a very normal nursing schedule. Its just about every four hours. I didn't realize how much we nursed the past 8 months until it evened out recently. Wooh, I don't know how we did it! Now that you eat food, you go longer which means nursing sessions go way better. You get the job done, no playing around. You know when you are done and sit straight up ready to play. Im getting a little sad that our year of nursing is coming up fast. I will miss it so much once we wean in 4 or 5 months....Im being a softy about it so we will see how it goes! I know once we stop that I will be sending you with daddy a lot and y'all will be best friends. Im so excited for that but I also want you to stay my nursing baby forever!

Our days consist of playing, napping, eating, Stroller Strides, MOPs, and bible study. We stay busy and you are easy to take everywhere. You will go with anyone so I pass you around once we reach our destination. You have the absolute best personality. I couldn't have made up a little boy like you. You are my biggest dream and my favorite miracle! I know you will do some big things. I love you so much, Carter! I hope you know that without me even having to say it. But don't worry, I still will :)

Poor bud has a nasty rash around his mouth we are dealing with today. I've been using a coconut oil mixture with Doterra's Lavender, Melaleuca, and Frankincense. I expect it almost gone by this weekend!

Click for 7 months