Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Today we got up and it was cold!! So the adorable matching spring dresses I had bought were put back in the closets. Oh well... they still looked cute. Maybe I'll just put them in the matching dresses for church once its warm again... which will probably be next week!

Grace and Emma were spoiled by the Easter bunny this year!

2 weeks

Little Miss Emma is already 2 weeks old. Boo hoo!

It's funny how with your first baby you can't wait for them to sit up, crawl, walk, talk, etc... but with your second baby (and I'm guessing with every baby there after) you want them to stay little as long as possible.

Emma had her 2 week well check today. She weighted in at 8lbs 9ozs (60th percentile) and was 21.5 inches long (89th percentile). Another tall girl maybe?

Here are a couple pictures from the last couple days.

Sleeping soundly

Tummy time

Snug as a bug in a rug (I just love swadding pictures)

Tea party anyone

Grace having a tea party and then cleaning up the dishes afterwards... where do they learn these things?

Mixing tea

Sipping tea

Sharing tea

Cleaning dishes

Putting dishes away

Playing

We pulled out the playmat the other day for Emma to enjoy. Well Grace thought it was for her because she wanted to lay under it with Emma. Emma fell asleep, while Grace played with it! But I thought it was cute the girls "playing" together. I can't wait for the day that they actually can play together. So many memories to look forward to!

Doesn't Emma look so tiny next to Grace.

1st haircut

Yes my daughter is 2 and we had yet to get a haircut. I was so afraid that if we cut it that would be the end of her curls that I love so much. But that wasn't the case at all. In fact her hair seems to be even more thick and curly! I LOVE IT!

So while Adam was off this week we took Grace to Sharky's (a kids haircut place). Grace was super excited at first to sit in the Barbie car, but then the lady pulled out the cape to put on her and she freaked out and wouldn't let me put her down. So she got her haircut sitting in my lap while she watched Noggin. Thankfully the ladies there were great with her and seemed to just go with the flow. Here is before, during and after pics!

Front

Back

My new haircut... so cute!

recap

Ready or not!

My tiny baby is already one week old. I just can't believe how quickly the last week has gone. So here is how the last week has gone. Brace yourself... this is a long post.

Last Tuesday night we dropped Grace off at my parents house since we had to be at the hospital so early the next morning. We headed off to a nice childless dinner at the Cheesecake Factory... yum! The next morning I woke up at 4:30 (anxious to meet my little girl) and couldn't go back to sleep. We were out the door by 6:30. I was hooked up to an IV by 8:30am. My doctor came in and broke my water. Then by 9am they started pitocin to get things moving. They checked me around 10 and I was still just a 3! I was actually sad that I wasn't progressing and thoughts of a c-section were entering my mind. I got my epidural at 10:30am which was great b/c I was starting to have quite a bit of pain. Which I think helped to relax me a bit to I could dilate. By 11:30am I was progressing slowly... I was only a 4. But 45 minutes later I was having LOTS of pressure so the nurse checked me again and I was 9! The next 20 minutes flew by with nurses running around getting things ready. They made me lay on my side b/c they said it slows the baby down. The doctor got there checked me... I was ready to push. I pushed 3 times and her head was out! One more push and she was here by 12:38am. What a shock! I still can't believe how quickly it went, especially since just 2 hours earlier I was thinking I would be there all day. I couldn't have asked for a better labor and delivery.

Emma was born crying. She actually cried for nearly an entire hour. At first I couldn't get her to nurse, but she finally calmed down to nurse a little bit. Thankfully that is really the most I have ever heard her cry. Over the past week she has only cried a handful of times. Even when she wakes in the middle night she doesn't cry... she just starts squirming in her bassinet. I'm hoping that this continues. She has turned into a great little nurser... eating every 3 hours during the day and at night has gone 5 hours! She still sleeps most the day and night and has an awake period in the evening. I keep wondering when she is going to wake up, but then again I'm also hoping that maybe she is just a laid back baby like her daddy was. I think Emma looks a lot like my baby pictures, but others will beg to differ :) She doesn't have nearly the amount of hair that Grace did and it seems to be lighter in color. Her eyes appear to be a grayish blue (like Gracie use to be), but who knows what color they will end up being. Overall she is just the sweetest little blessing and a joy to add to our family.

Grace is also just as in love. She can't get enough of the baby. When she wakes up in the morning or from her nap she always wants to know where the baby is. She wants to hold her and kiss her to the point that I'm surprised Emma hasn't told her stop. While I'm thrilled that Grace loves her baby sister so much, I'm hoping that the new-ness wears off quickly.

We also had Emma's first pediatrician visit this week. She weighted in at 8lbs 2ozs (her birth weight was 8lbs 7ozs) and is perfectly healthy. We couldn't ask for more.

And now here are more pictures than you ever wanted. We have been snapping away, they have just hanging out on our camera waiting for me to post in all my spare time (HA!).

Our little helper

Pictures of Emma!!!

Here are some pictures we took this morning while Grace and our parents were visiting. Grace loved holding the baby as you can see below.

Emma Ann

Emma has arrived!!! She was born at 12:38PM and weighed 8 lbs 7.5oz and was 20.5" long. Everyone is doing good! We will send and post pictures shortly.

tomorrow!

I had a doctors appointment this morning and I am now 3 centimeters dilated! But she is still cozy in my belly. So the plan for now is to be induced at 7:30am tomorrow (Wednesday). We are praying for a quick and smooth delivery and a healthy baby girl!! We are bringing our laptop with us to update as soon as we are able. So be checking back tomorrow afternoon/evening. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!

snow

No I haven't gone into labor! I still have 24 hours till I will be induced...

But we did wake up to a fun treat this morning... SNOW! This was our first real snow of the winter. We bundled Grace up so she could play. She wasn't quite sure what to think of it. But it sure was nice fluffy snow... not ice like we normally get here.

Everyone but me

How come everyone I know is having babies but me?? :)

Really though... I just got a call from my aunt and her water just broke! And she isn't due for a 8 days. I'm due tomorrow! What the heck?

Oh well. She had her 2nd child 3 weeks early so I guess this isn't really early for her. My babies just need some extra baking time to fattin' up! :)

Date night

Since Miss Emma has decided to delay her entrance into the world, my mom offered to keep Grace last night to give Adam and I a date night. We gladly accepted! We dropped Grace off for the night around 6 and we headed to dinner and a movie. I can't even remember the last movie that Adam and I went to see together.

We got home and went to bed. I know that doesn't sound very exciting, but it was so nice to go to sleep and sleep in. We then had a VERY relaxing morning. I ate breakfast while sitting on the couch and watching tv and then took a long shower and ever so slowly got ready for the day.

It is amazing the things that you totally take advantage of when you don't have kids. Taking your time getting ready is definitely one for me. But it had to end eventually. And we were ready. It's funny how parents need time away from their children, but when they are away they miss them terribly and wonder what they are doing. I guess that is what parenthood is all about.

No leap year baby

Unless I go into labor right now and have a baby VERY fast I'm pretty sure that this baby will not be born on Leap Year... much like everyone thought. While I didn't really want her to born today anyway, I'm to the point in my pregnancy with 3 days till my due date that today sounded pretty good. Oh well. I guess there is always tomorrow. :)

Here is me still pregnant. 39 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

my sweet baby girl

Dearest Emma,

I know you are nice and warm and cozy in my belly, but daddy and I are really ready for you to come into the world and join the party. We understand that you are going to give us sleepless nights, but we are willing to have those to have you here. I also understand that it is probably nice and quiet in my belly away from your loud big sister, but she can't wait to meet you. She keeps telling me "Emma out!". And your daddy and I couldn't agree more. So whenever you are ready we are waiting to give you lots of hugs and kisses.

love,
your mommy

You know you are 9 months pregnant when....

*Anyone you call answers the phone after the first ring and asks if its baby time. And if they don't answer the call they call you back within 5 minutes.
*You get calls daily from your friends and family (especially your mother) to see if there is any action.
*Anytime you are out and about people tell you good luck before you even tell them when you are due... they just know it could be anyday.
*You get gifts in the mail from your friends and family... we are so incredibly blessed!
*You make plans by starting every sentence with "If I don't go into labor...".

I'm sure there are 1000 other things... these are just a few things I've been noticing the last week or so. No action today. We did walk around the mall for a while and I've lots of contractions today, but nothing with a pattern. But the day isn't over yet!

No news... really

I went to the OB this morning and I'm just a bit further than I was a week ago.

2 centimeters dialated and 50% effacted...

The doctor said several times it could happen anytime. Well that would be great! Today sounds great to me... I guess the day isn't over yet.

The girl's rooms

CHEESE

Yes I'm still here. 9 days till the official due date.

My friends, Seth and Tiffany, had their precious baby girl Reagan last night around 5pm (2/22/08). Reagan was a teeny tiny thing weighing in at only 5 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 inches long! I can't imagine a baby that tiny. Adam and I are planning to go visit them in the hospital sometime tomorrow.... as long as I don't go into labor then we will be at the same hospital. How fun would that be!

So back to reason for this post... the girl's room! I've been meaning to get around to this for a couple weeks now. We have for the most part finished Grace and Emma's room. I still have a couple things to hang in Emma's room, but overall they are complete! FINALLY!!!

Grace's big girl room

Emma's room

Babies babies and more babies

Poll at the bottom of this post....

***************

More prayers needed... my other good friend, Tiffany, is being induced tonight! She had a regular doctors visit today and b/c of a couple things they didn't like they want to induce her tonight. This is her first little girl and she needs prayers for a smooth delivery of baby Reagan. She is actually not due until the same day as me, but she is lucky and gets to meet her baby girl 11 days early! Thanks for the prayers... and here is some pictures of the new edition to the Lada's family.

Hailey, Joey and baby Avery

(Doesn't Hailey look awesome!!! This was taken just minutes after Avery arrived!)

Proud big sister Molly and Avery! I hope Grace is this happy to meet her new sister.
So when is my little baby Emma going to arrive? Any guesses? I would have guessed last week, so what do you think? My due date is March 3rd (11 days from today), but if I don't have her then I'm currently scheduled to be induced on March 5th. So guess away....

OH MAMA!

Here is my ever growing belly! I'm not sure how much bigger it can get.

Avery Kate

She's here!! Hailey had a smooth labor and delivery today. Avery Kate was born shortly before 4 in the afternoon weighing in at 6 pounds 9 ounces and 18.5 inches long... tiny little one! As soon as I have a picture I will post! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!!

38+ weeks

I had my 38 week appointment today. I can't believe I'm due to have this baby girl in 13 days (give or take... hopefully she will decide to come sooner). My OB said I was dialated to nearly 2 centimeters and I'm still just 50% effaced. So a litle progress since last week. The morning before I had Grace I was checked and I was only a 1.5 centimeters, so maybe Emma isn't far behind.

Oh and on another note, one of my best friends, Hailey, is being induced tomorrow morning to have her second little girl! Many of you know her or hear me talk about her, so say a prayer that her delivery goes smoothly and that their little girl (who is still nameless) is healthy! I'm lucky to have such a wonderful friend... I just wished she didn't live so far away!!

maybe

I thought maybe yesterday was the day... the big delivery day that is.

Turns out that darn braxton hicks can really be a teazer! I had contractions pretty much all day and just felt like poop.... but then today I've been fine all day... a few contractions, but nothing exciting. Maybe this girl is just ramping up for her big debut.

2 weeks and 2 days till my actual due date, but as far as I'm concerned she can come anytime now. So little one in my tummy... did you hear that? We are ready for you!!

Our little Valentine turns TWO!

Happy 2nd Birthday baby girl!

We enjoyed a nice night at Gattiland! It was a nice little family birthday. Grace got lots of fun new toys, pjs, shoes and even a picnic table to enjoy this summer! Yes she is totally spoiled! :)

We went to the pediatrician this morning and boy is she growing! She was 26 pounds (40th percentile) and 36.5 inches (95th percentile). The doctor said she is part giraffe!! There is an old wives tale about double their height at age 2... if we do that it would make Grace to be about 5'8" when she is full grown. That is 4 inches taller than me! Our long and lean girl. She seems to be doing good as well as far as development. I've been a bit worried about her speech, but he isn't in the least worried which is a huge relief. I'm sure every parent worries about their kids... you just want them to be smart and successful, right?

Anyway, I know I will look back on this in years from now and wonder how she was ever this litle. But for now I can't believe she is getting so big. She really is turning into a big girl. I'm sure once Emma arrives she will seem even bigger. But for now she is my little baby girl!

37+ Weeks

Today I had my weekly appointment and we have had a little progress! YEAH!!

I was still just 1 centimeter dialated, but I was 50% effaced and the baby is dropping! This is great news. The doctor even told me to make sure I was registered at the hospital (which I am now!) and to make sure we had a bag packed (which we still need to do!). So I'm sure since she told me those things the baby wont come for 3 more weeks. Which wouldn't be the end of the world, but Adam and I are just so anxious to meet Emma. I can't believe any day Adam and I will be parents of 2 little girls. It is sort of bitter sweet... the days of just Adam, Grace and I will be over and there will be a new little bundle to join our clan.

Also, in 2 short days my baby will be TWO! Where has the time gone? 2 years from tomorrow my water broke and I headed to the hospital to have my little Valentine. Time really does fly. I'm sure the girls will be teenagers before we know it and diapers and preschool will be the least of our worries. But until then I want to enjoy little moment of their lives!

Preschool

Who knew that getting Grace into a Preschool for the FALL (as in over 6 months from now) would be so difficult.

I started looking for different Mothers-day-out and preschool programs before we even moved. Once we found a house I narrowed the search to a couple local churches very close to our house that I wanted to check out. Grace and I got out and toured our top two choices. My top choice is the church we are currently in the process of joining (we have to do a Membership class that is 4 weeks). Anyway, I love their program... everything about it. It just seemed perfect for us and Grace. But then they told me her class was already full for fall and I couldn't even get her on the waiting list till this morning. Which she is on the waiting list... number 10 on the list!! (I actually waited for an hour and half just to put her on the wait list!!) Anyway, when they told me last week there was already a wait list, I RAN to my second choice and was able to get the LAST spot for the 2 year old class. Now I do like this program just as much, but would love to get her into the program at our soon-to-be church. So right now I'm just thankful that I was able to get her into a program for the Fall, but hoping that I get a call at some point between now and then telling me they have a spot for Grace. I guess I always have next year. :)

I can't wait for her start... she LOVES being around other kids. In the mean time she still gets interaction with my friend's kids and at the church nursery on Sunday mornings. And in just a few weeks she will have a baby sister to play with... well sort of. Good enough for now.

All smiles

I could just eat her up! My sweet girl...

Mystery gift??

Update below...

Today we got a gift for the baby. It is a set of adorable little mary jane socks by Trumpette. The only problem is we have no clue who its from. The return address on the box is from a lady named Donna Savanella and the card only says :

"To Adam, Lisa and Grace,

Congrats on your new baby girl, Emma!"

Adam and I don't believe we know this person. Her address is in Hartford, CT... and we don't know anyone that even lives in that state. The only thing we can think is that someone we do know ordered the gift online and their name was left off the card that was enclosed.

So if you sent us the adorable socks let us know so we can thank you personally! I do love them and I'm sure Emma will wear them often!

****** My friend, Hailey sent the socks! What would I do without a blog? Would I had to call everyone I know. She ordered the gift online so the lady was just some random person! I guess I'll forgive her that her name wasn't on it. She is 9 months pregnant so we will give her a break!

36 week appointment

Well the numbers are in... the baby weights approximately 6lbs and 6 ozs and is 18.5 inches long! That puts her in the 67th percentile! I have friends that have delivered their full term babies and they weight that much. So basically we are expecting to have a baby about the same size as Grace... she was 8lbs 10ozs and 21 inches!

I really felt like they were going to tell me that she was smaller since I haven't gained as much weight, but oh well. I guess I just make big babies. My amniotic fluid levels were a little low, but nothing to be concerned about yet. Oh and I was dilated 1 centimeter. Nothing exciting, but at least its something! So we went ahead and scheduled to be induced on March 5th if I haven't already had her (my due date is March 3rd). However, I can still change my mind. I am just hoping that I will go on my own before that.

******************************************
In other news, Grace slept the ENTIRE night without waking up!! WOO HOO!!! She has only done this a few times since we have moved her to a big girl bed. I'm hoping it is a new trend! :) She never would wake up in her crib... I guess she is just trying to get us ready to have a newborn in the house! We will take what we can get!

news news news

Lots to report on here!

1. Bed progress - Grace is doing better. We have taken the Supernanny approach. THANKS so much for all the suggestions. First, we ended up putting her bed together and buying a rail and that seems to help keep her in more. She has gotten out, but only a couple times. I guess it makes it feel more like a crib. Over the past 5-6 nights we have gone from laying with her till she falls asleep to standing at her door. We do the normal bedtime routine... brush teeth, read books, turn on music, etc and she hops right into bed. We tuck her in and say "I'll be right here". And we walk to the door and just stand there for a few minutes. She will sometimes fuss for a minute after we close the door, but has normally fallen alseep. As far as her waking in the middle of the night... she is doing better. The last few nights she has only gotten up once and stayed in bed. I've gone in there and re-tucked her into bed and stood in her door way for a few minutes and it seems to do the trick. AMEN!!!!! So I've been able to get a bit more sleep. Thanks again. Hopefully things will keep going well. Here is a picture of Grace sleeping in her bed... she looks so tiny in the big bed!!

2. Photographers - Still loooking, but I've emailed a couple of the people that you guys suggested. I was so clueless that photographers are so expensive!! I've been lucky and had friend of friends take her pictures or we have gone to the Picture People and I've never spent more than $100 (including photos). But they are only little once right? Hopefully I will find someone quick! Thanks for your suggestions.

3. 4 weeks in counting... I'm due in 4 weeks... 28 days to be exact. I feel like I have everything to do. Although Emma's room is really coming along! I still have laundry to do and diapers to buy, but hey Walmart is open 24 hours right? I have an ultrasound tomorrow morning and we should be able to make sure its still a girl and see how big this baby is. It's weird because I haven't gained as much with this pregnancy, however I feel so much bigger. This baby is taking up every bit of space that I have. Hopefully this means that the weight I have gained will quickly be lost after her birth!!

4. Grace turning two! Several people have been asking what we are doing for her birthday... well since I'm too tired to throw a big party we are just having a small family dinner at Gattiland. Next year I think we will have a big party... and maybe just do a party every other year. I think it makes it more special then. But if you are just dying to buy her something she could use pajama's (2T) or any new fun toy or book (she loves books!).

5. We have been enjoying the nice warmer weather the last couple days. We let Grace play outside yesterday and she had a blast. Here are a few photos of her playing. Don't you just love her curls! The more humid it is the curly her hair! (Oh and just so you know our neighborhood is half finished, so they have houses popping upeverywhere... including across the street. That is why there is a port-a-potty in our neighbors lawn.... LOVELY huh!)

Looking for a photographer!

Does anyone know someone in Dallas that does children's photography? I am looking for someone ASAP to take 2 year pics of Grace and newborn pics of the baby next month. Let me know if you know of anyone that is good (and reasonable). I can't spend $200 on the sitting fee alone! Any suggestions welcome!!

ps... I've done Picture People in the past and they have done good, but I am looking for something a little more creative to show Gracie's personality. THANKS!!

OH and I am going to try to post later today... I've been under the weather so just haven't been up to it, but we have lots to update about!