six months.

Dear little Emma,

Happy half birthday, baby girl!

I can't believe you are already six months old.

Time is seriously just flying by.

The past month has been full of firsts,

Milestones left and right.

You are growing and changing so much

And with each new month, each new phase you enter

I think I couldn't love you more.

But life with you just keeps getting better.

At six months old, 

You are sitting up on your own!

You're trying oh so hard to crawl

and I know it won't be long until I need to lock up the cabinets.

You've got the rock and scoot thing down but

still find it easier to just roll to your destination of choice.

No matter what, you're never still for very long.

You've moved to the big girl tub,

had your first of many pool trips to come

And just last weekend, you had your first beach trip!
{which deserves it's own blog post!}

You are very serious at times, and a little bit bashful.
You seem to evaluate new people, places and things
before you decide to flash your pretty smile!

You are 13 pounds, 8 ounces
and 24 1/4 inches long.
10th percentile for both, little munchkin!

You're wearing size 2 diapers.

3-6 month, 6 month and some 6-9 month clothes.

We re-started the solids up a few weeks ago

and now, you have no problem

and have loved everything we've given you. 

Apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, rice, pears and prunes.

Looking back now,
I think your rash you developed last month
was the result of teething.

You cut your first tooth this month

And the second tooth followed right along.

You started to sleep through the night
and teased us with a whole couple weeks without waking
until it stated up again.
We are currently in process of getting you back in your groove.

And, just to keep it real, here's an outtake
 from the approximately 100 photos I took in about 15 minutes.
That's spit up on the onsie, a wrinkled six month sticker from being eaten,
and those are "I've had it!" fake tears.
It's tough being six months old :)

Five Months.

 Hello little blog.

I just can't seem to keep up with you these days, but I'm not totally giving up.
I started writing this post 2 weeks ago and didn't finish.
It's a month late, considering my little miss will be SIX months old tomorrow. Half a year!!
Don't worry, that post is already in progress :)
Just need to add the photos that I'll take tomorrow!

 ***

Dear Emma,

Five months! You're getting to be such a big girl.
Every day it seems you learn something new and it's so exciting to watch.

This month, you're rolling all over the place.

If I lay you down and walk away for a minute, 

I come back and you are never in the spot where I left you.

Those little arms and legs are getting strong! 

You love to kick and attempt to jump.

And are working on your mini push-ups.

You can sit unassisted for short period of time, 

but it seems you're more interested in how to move

than how to just sit still!

You also LOVE to stand. 

I have a feeling you're going to be an early walker.

Teething is definitely in progress...yep, already!

You cannot keep anything out of your mouth.

You finally really discovered your feet

and, well, they go right into your mouth.

You love being outside

which is great, because mama does too!

I have a feeling you are in the 13 pound range, 

but we won't have another well visit until next month.

You are a petite little miss, 

and we just love you to pieces.

You're still wearing size 2 diapers,

3-6 month and 6 month clothes.

This month we attempted some solids.

We started with rice cereal and after a few days, 

we tried applesauce and sweet potatoes.

You got the hang of the swallowing thing pretty quick

and liked everything we gave you.
You would open your mouth after each bite

as if to say "more, more, more!"

After about a week though, you developed a really bad diaper rash,

probably due to the volume of stuff that was filling those diapers up!

So we decided to put the solids on hold for a bit.

You're still nursing about every 3 hours during the day

and at night, well it's still hit or miss.

You sleep from about 7pm-7am 

but usually you are up once a night to eat.

We celebrated mama's first Mother's Day 

with a trip to the park and your first swing ride.

You loved it.

We also set up a hand me down swing in the backyard.

Your favorite part of the whole thing
is the way your mama and daddy yell "weeee!"

We do all sorts of crazy things to see you smile and laugh.

You also had your first big road trip to Pennsylvania

for Auntie Meg's bridal shower.

You did much better than we expected for the five and a half hour drive.

 Here are a few more favorites from your fifth month.

 

We love you baby girl.

Jump!

This little munchkin turned 5 months old last week

and she can finally just about touch the floor (on her tiptoes!) in the jumperoo.

{Please excuse my over the top annoying mom voice!}

There's lots of jumping and rolling and giggling and playing going on around here.

I'm loving it. 

More soon!

On Becoming a Mother

I feel so incredibly blessed to be a mother

and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

This little girl lights up my days, every day.

And despite some frustrating times every now and then,

this is the most rewarding job I'll ever have. 

 Watching Emma grow and thrive

from a tiny squishy newborn
into a happy, healthy, and busy four month old

is more reward than I could ever ask for.

As I've grown older,

I have realized more and more

 just how lucky I am to have a mother

that loves me unconditionally and raised me 

to be the woman I am today.

 I think she did a pretty amazing job!

But now that I am a mother myself, 

there is a whole new realization.

I now know exactly what it was like.

To endure hours of labor...

and to look into your baby's eyes for the first time.

To struggle through those early days.

To endure many sleepless nights.

To beam with pride at every milestone.

And to thank God every day for this incredible gift.

So thank you, Mom

For teaching me everything I know.

There really isn't a love
quite like the one a mother has for her first daughter.

Happy Mother's Day!

four months

Dear Emma,

You turned four months old a little over a week ago

and I think it's safe to say, I'm loving each and every day with you.

Lately, each day is something new

and your sweet little smile just makes us melt.

This past month you've mastered rolling over from your back to your belly

and your belly to your back, and that is how you like to sleep.
If I put you in your crib on your back, you immediately kick your legs up and roll!

You love to stand {with our help, of course}

and are still always moving...waving those hands and kicking those legs.

When we hold you up to stand you take a few steps, mostly backwards!
You like to sit up with pillows propped around you...
and I have a feeling it won't be long until you can do it on your own.

It's a whole new view!

You have a few favorite toys: your O ball, links, and of course Sophie the giraffe
everything goes right in your mouth!

You're just starting to get the hang of the Jumperoo
{even though we have to put a box under for you to reach!}

And you love the bath more and more each day.

You've learned to splash and it's the cutest thing

even if I do end up soaking wet :)

We've had some really beautiful days this spring

and you love to be outside.

I tell you about the birds and the trees and the sky

and you listen and watch so intently.

 You are 12 pounds, 3 ounces

and 23 inches long.

{not sure where I estimated 25 inches at 3 months!}

A little munchkin, that's for sure!

But you continue to grow and it seems to me you get bigger each day.

You're wearing size two diapers

and mostly 3 and 3-6 month clothes.

Still eating every 2-3 hours during the day

and usually once or twice at night.

You've become very easily distracted, especially when eating.
There is just too much to see!

Your sleep patterns changed drastically this month

and unfortunately, not for the better!

There were many nights where you woke up every hour or two

and usually, it wasn't because you were hungry

although sometimes I would nurse you
because it was the easiest way to get you back to sleep.

Currently you're still waking up once or twice

but usually will take your pacifier and go back to sleep.

Baby girl, I love your giggles and squeals.

I love the way you like to rub something in between your fingers
when you're trying to fall asleep.

Whether it's your bunny lovie, a blanket, or my shirt or hair

I know it comforts you.

I love your curiousity...the way you watch us go about our days

whether we're eating dinner, folding clothes, or out shopping.

Those big eyes really do take it all in.

I love each new day with you

and am always looking forward to whats to come.

Baby's First Easter

We had a pretty great Easter weekend.

One of the things I was most looking forward to 

after finding out we were expecting

was celebrating all the firsts
and starting our own family traditions.

 

My sister came from Pennsylvania to visit for the weekend

and it was nice to have the company

and an extra set of hands for a few days!

Happy baby girl

Emma's first Easter basket

I was excited to play Easter bunny 

even if my three month old
will have no recollection of this first.
We had a bucket monogrammed with her name 

that we'll use for years to come.
I found a cute floppy-eared Jellycat bunny, 

some books, and a duck & a bunny wooden teether.

Bunny feet!

So much cuteness.

 Auntie Kate makes me laugh!

Love my little family of three.

Bright eyed baby doll.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

three months.

Dear Little Emma,

 As of yesterday you are 14 weeks old,

and last Tuesday was your three month birthday. 

You really are the light of our lives

and each day with you keeps getting better and better.
I can hardly remember what life was like before you came along
and I can't imagine it without you.

This month was a big one for you in terms of discoveries and milestones.

Your arms and legs are constantly moving!

You've found your hands and feet...

and prefer them over any toy or rattle.

Your hands are always in your mouth lately,
you love to blow bubbles, and you've started to drool.
Some say this could be the start of teething, but it would be pretty early.
Slow down a little bit because mama isn't ready for that yet!

You have developed really good head control.

During tummy time, you just lift your head up and look from left to right.
You love to watch the dogs!

In the last couple weeks, you've learned to roll

from your belly to your back and it's now your new favorite trick.

You can also roll from your back to your side,

and sometimes that's how you like to sleep.

With all of these moves you've been sporting,

it's no wonder I find you in a different spot in your crib

than where I placed you a couple hours before.

You still love your activity mat and your swing

and stare at the toys and birds hanging above you.

You're starting to reach for things,
and you can grasp some small toys, 

but really prefer to play with your own fingers!

You have found your voice 

and I love hearing your "coos" "ah-goos" and squeals.

You have the biggest grin and the brightest eyes,

and those are just two of my favorite parts of you.

You won't have another well visit with your doctor until four months

but we estimate that you're in the 12 pound range

and about 25 inches long.

You seem to be growing every day!

You are still in size 1 diapers but are about to start using size 2 at night.

You're already starting to outgrow your 0-3 month clothing
and some of the smaller 3-6 stuff fits.
You are still eating every 2-3 hours during the day.
At night, you usually wake up once to eat...
although you have slept straight through the night twice!
Let's try to do that more!

I can't wait to see what the next month holds.
Each day is like a new adventure watching you learn and discover things.
I'm excited to share these moments with you
and feel so blessed to be your mama.
Love you so much little girl.

Emma's Newborn Photos

I've mentioned before how blessed we are

to have a professional photographer in the family.

Jaime shot my maternity photos and I loved them so much,

so naturally I had her lined up

and ready for whenever Emma decided to make her debut.

She happened to be in Costa Rica on vacation 

when Emma was born

but once she returned, 

our humble abode was one of her first stops...

to meet the little one.

Well, this past weekend, 

Jaime was at our house again.

This time for some three month photos...

{Because can you ever have enough photos of your child?}

And it occurred to me that I never even shared her newborn photos

with all of you.

And they are too precious not to share,
she has already changed so much.

These are a few of my favorites.

{this is the one we used for her birth announcement}

Lately.

Well, it's been a while.
We've been busy!
Lately, life has been so full...

in the best ways possible.

Visitors, lunch with friends, sunshine, walks outside. 

We've really been soaking it all up.

This is a {little} phone photo dump
to catch you up
On some favorite happenings from the last month.

How was Valentine's Day was over a month ago?
Lil pup loving her baby sis.
Sweets and flowers from the hubs.
Cutest monkey butt I've ever seen.

 

 

 

Mommom came to visit!
Our little family before a mom & dad night out.
Auntie Katie came too! Snuggling at it's finest.

First time in the bumbo!
Tiny toes. Delicious.
Happy baby girl.

Winter trying to give it one last hoorah. And my watch dog, Mocha, in her spot...waiting for daddy.
How our family dinners look these days.
Me and my girl with matching stripes :)

Story time with dad.
My baby turned 2 months old. And she'll be 3 months next week. Crazy.
More puppy love.

Craving rice krispy treats. The goods.
And the end result. Delish.
Sometimes a good beer at the end of the day is necessary.

Baby legs!
Visiting daddy at work.
Gosh I love this little one.

Auntie Meg headband makin'.
Auntie Meg and {soon to be} Uncle Kyle came to visit.
More headbands for Emma's collection :)

Cuteness overload.
Trying out the statement finger trend.
Little one loves bath time!

Signs of spring...I think it's here to stay!
Morning snuggles are the best.
We've had abundant sunshine lately. Loving it.

Emma and her honorary aunties at breakfast!
So serious sometimes. Just taking it all in.
My best friends. Love these girls.

My little sidekick.
Wickford, RI...on a walk one beautiful day.
More smiles from my little love.

 * * *

Life has been good.
Really, really good.

two months.

Dear Emma, 

Today you are two months old!

These have been the best and fastest two months of my life.

You continue to grow and change every day

and we love watching you take it all in.

You are very observant and it's so fun to see you discover new things.

This month you've learned that you have a tongue, 

and that your arms and legs work!

You love your activity mat and will sit there contently

watching the lights and listening to the music.

You really love lights and music, two of your favorite things.

You get excited and swing your arms and legs

and have just begun to realize you can hit those toys that hang down!

In the past couple weeks you've started to like your swing more.

You sit and stare at the little birds on the mobile

and will sometimes take naps in there,

really that is where you nap the best...the swing or in someone's arms.

You are 10 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long.

You are in the 50th percentile for weight and 25th for height.

A little munchkin, for sure but growing right on track!

You are eating every 2 1/2 to 3 hours during the day 

and will go a little longer at night.

You wear size 1 diapers and 

now fit into all your 0-3 and 3 month clothes.

It's so fun to dress you up!

You have been fairly consistently giving us one 4-6 hour stretch of sleep at night.

You love the bath and it seems to relax you.

After your bath, I feed you and we put you to sleep around 9.

You will usually sleep until around 2 or 3

eat, and go back to sleep until 5 or 6.

You are a pretty happy baby

and are full of smiles, especially in the morning.

I can't get enough!

I'll dance and sing and you smile and make little noises at me.

You love your daddy too.

You recognize our faces and voices

 and I think you know we are all yours.

We love you so much, little one!

Friday Find.

So I've professed my love for Instagram...

and obviously, my love of the IPhone app

as well as my daughter

are quite apparent, 

seeing as how that is really all that's on the blog these days...

So imagine my delight when I discovered this.

Who knew you could custom design an IPhone case

using your favorite Instagram photos?

 All you do is sign into your account and it uploads your photo gallery.

You can choose different layouts/designs  

and at $34.95 + free shipping, it's not a bad deal.

And because she is just too cute not to share.
My baby girl has discovered her tongue
and this is her new favorite face.

Happy Weekend, friends!