What A Perfect Day for a Stroll

And, when I say "day," I mean early morning.  The Texas heat has been brutal past 9:00 AM.   And when I say "perfect," I mean overcast and muggy, but at least it's not the aforementioned brutally hot.  These days when I put on my tennis shoes, Noah immediately says, "it's time for exercise." 

   And, exercise it is... this formally prego body is getting used to the extra calorie burn of pushing two kiddos in a double stroller.  One of which weighs almost fifty pounds and who likes to think of his side of the stroller as his own personal Laz-E-Boy.  I knew a double stroller was a must with this kid.  Thanks Grammy and Aunt Mo.

Joy

When I look at this little one and how seamlessly she fits into our lives all I can think is... she brings me so much joy.

I Think I Love You From Head to Toe

This little piggy went to market...

This little piggy stayed home...

Momma... can you please pick me up now?

First Visits

During this first few weeks, we've had family and friends stopping in to meet our sweet baby Emma.  I haven't remembered to snap pictures of all of them... second baby and all, but manage to grab my camera for a few.

Grammy.  Emma, 1 day old, meeting her Grammy for the first time.  Grammy made it to the hospital after a 5AM five hour drive from Louisiana and a full day hanging out with big brother.

Mrs. Judi.  Judi saved the day by being "Johnny on the spot," and spending the night and most of the morning with big brother (until Grammy arrived to relieve her), so Daddy and I could head to the hospital worry free. 

PaPa Harold.  PaPa and his irrational fear of car travel braved Houston traffic on a Friday to come see Baby Emma.  He also brought all his boiling equipment and some live crabs and shrimp for my homecoming.  Yum!  I can't think of a better out of the hospital meal.

Aunt Mo.  Aunt Mo couldn't wait to get over here to grab her Baby Emma snuggles, so she hopped a quick flight for a super fast overnight visit.  She also put alcohol on the cord, against medical advice... and the flipping thing still hasn't fallen off.  Nice try, Aunt Mo. (Update:  The cord fell off on day 20.  Exactly one week after Aunt Mo's visit.)

Grandpa and Grandma.  They were here to meet Emma right when she was born.  This picture of Emma with her grandpa was taken on their most recent visit. 

Five Things Friday 07.08.11 - Big Brother

Wow! Time sure gets away from you when you have two kids. One day soon, I'll sit at the computer, upload the few pictures I've managed to take with my camera, and catch up on some blogging. In the meantime, Steve Jobs to the rescue again.

Noah is still not too concerned with Emma. I'm pretty sure he sees her as an extension of Momma. I mean she's pretty unobtrusive. Aside from some grunting when she's wet and hungry, she's pretty quiet. So, at any given time she's either eating or sleeping... quietly and attached to Momma.

1. At day 20, Emma's cord fell off (And the crowd goes wild.) I showed Emma's belly to Noah, and he said, "Good job, Momma! You fixed it." Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks it yuck.

2. Noah climbed into bed with us one morning while I was nursing Emma. Dean asked Noah to give kisses to everyone. Kisses for Daddy. Kisses for Momma. Kisses for Emma... Noah goes in to kiss Emma then says, "Uh... There's something in her mouth."

3. Sometimes Noah and I will play "Where's Baby Emma?" There are a few places around the house she might be. Her crib. The pack and play in our bedroom. A bouncy seat in any number of rooms or the cradle in the living room. Noah runs from room to room looking for baby.

4. Bedtime routine has evolved into lying in bed with Noah and reading a couple books followed by lights out and singing until he falls asleep. The other night Dean was doing bedtime when I poked my head in to see if he wanted to trade children. Noah said, "Want Baby Emma to lay in big boy bed." So, Momma and Emma put Noah to bed. So sweet!

5. Here's a picture this week of big brother and little sister. This is the face Noah makes when he's about to squeeze your head. In Emma's case, it was her nose. Sorry, Baby Em. Also, it's pretty obvious who Emma gets her coloring from, and it's not the same person Noah gets his from. Bring on the Vitamin D.

 

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Hello Old Friend(s)

Once upon a time, we had some good friends who moved to Hawaii.  And, we had dreams of a great family vacation visiting our friends in the islands.  Unfortunately, they moved back, and while we mourn our trip that never was... we are so happy to (hopefully) have these guys a little closer by.  On their way through town, the L family stopped in for a visit.  I'm pretty sure it's been almost two years and two kids since our last visit. 

We spent a little time in the backyard enjoying some Texas heat and popsicles.

Claire and Noah have been friends forever.  At one month apart, I would like to think if our families hadn't relocated, these guys may have been best buds.  Sharing everything. Here they are making up for lost time by swapping popsicles.  Now that is friendship.

And, this is little brother Luke.  No popsicle, but he did find a nice sandy water bottle to chew on.  I wonder if our sand tastes like Hawaiian sand.

Big sister Claire takes pity on her little bro and shares her popsicle which was Noah's popsicle.  Keeping count? That's three trades. 

Refreshed and full the kids headed inside to spend a little time getting to know Emma.  Noah is happy to let Claire to all the baby Emma holding.  It's a girl's job, right?

And, what a good job she did!

What a great visit with our friends!  We hope to see more of you guys now that you are back in Texas.

A Star is Born

Emma had her very first photoshoot this week.  Don't worry Mom... this is just one of several outfit changes.  And, if you live in our area, you should definitely check out  Natalie Wells Photography.  I can't wait to see how Emma's pictures came out.  Thanks Natalie!