week 1

Hello!

Here I am 24 hours fresh!


I wasn't so happy and chipper my first hour.

I really wanted to go back to my dark cozy place...

Since I couldn't go back, I decided to make the
most of it and sleep here whenever possible!

Mommy called me her little sack of potatoes.

Occasionally I would be willing to sleep elsewhere.

And sometimes, when I got really tired...

I was willing to sleep anywhere.

Pool time fun

I have been a little hesitant to enjoy Mr. Froggy

with the same excitement as I did last summer.

Probably something to do with becoming a toddler,

having unpredictable mood swings and

developing my independence in a big way!

But it was SO hot last week, Daddy put me

in with my clothes on (shoes and hat too).

I was so surprised that I forgot to do my

usual routine of crying hysterically!

I loved every second!

I did eventually decide to get out.

What?!

It isn't normal to swim with your clothes and shoes on?

Introducing Emma

After a "maternity" blogging break,
I am back to report that Emma
has arrived and we are all doing
exceptionally well!

Everything about Emma can be described as
easy... Her birth, the days to follow and even now.
Her personality is already showing itself
and she is wonderful! We can't get enough!

We were induced on Friday morning, June 24th. I came in
at 4 cm dilated and 70% effaced.

9 AM: Pitocin was started
10 AM: My OB broke my water
10:30 AM: I ordered my epidural
(I had to endure about an hour of hard labor
before I could receive my epidural. I didn't
experience that with Charlotte and it was a shock!)
11:30 AM: I received my epidural (I LOVE modern medicine)
Rest and relaxation until around 4, when Emma's heart
rate kept dropping with each contraction. They placed
an internal monitor on her and gave me oxygen,
but it kept dropping each time. They called my
OB to assess the situation, but when they checked me,
I was 10 cm and fully effaced, ready to push!
5:00 PM: I pushed through two contractions
5:09 PM: Emma was born!
Her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, which
explained why her heart rate kept dropping. We are
beyond grateful to have her with us! She is perfect!

She still falls asleep when held like this!
She loves to cuddle!

She rarely cries, and she usually just wants to be held.

She has captured our hearts!

Emma Olivia
6/24/2011
5:09 PM
8 lbs. 1 oz
20 1/4 inches

Bad to the Bone

Yes. I ride a Harley.
Like I would ride anything else!
And my biker gang is cool with my helmet choice.

Hiding Spot

I have a new favorite game... hiding.

I realize this is a little obvious,

but I had to start somewhere!

A trick I've learned to help my hiding game

is to make a monumental mess, preferably

spilling something that has to be cleaned asap.

Then I run in the other direction and search out a spot.

I now know to find an unsuspecting spot and wait

quietly to be found. I am really good at quietly waiting.

If I can pull something in behind me,

it takes Mommy even longer to discover me.

I can't say for sure if Mommy likes this new game

as much as I do. She has learned that silence = mischief,

and usually hunts me down pretty quickly once I go quiet.

How can I help myself? This spot was made for me!

Babies

My Mommy keeps talking about

a "baby sister". Who knows what that is!
What I do know is that if she is
planning on taking care of two babies,
well lets just say, she has a lot to learn...



Taking care of ONE baby is a lot
of work. I would know, I do it every day!



It's best to keep them wrapped in a blanket.



You have to pick them up and
pick up after them!



They like to leave their toys everywhere...



but don't you dare forget their
favorite toy, or your baby will cry!



Phew, its a lot of work and it is constant!

Then, you throw another baby in the mix...
Watch out! And say goodbye to your
sleep and your sanity!!!



I recommend strolling your babies
around as much as possible!
All babies love to go on walks.




But be warned... your baby will cry if it falls out.



Sometimes its best to just hold one of baby
while pushing the other in the stroller.

Good luck!
Of course, I am available for
consultation for a small fee...

Lazy Morning Fun

I just love the weekends!
It thrills me when Daddy
gets to stay home with me.

I lounge with everyone, including Bella.
She is my big sister, after all.
And I have become very interested in playing
with her and showing her all sorts of affection!

I still sometimes act shy around the camera...
Mommy is working on my smile on command abilities.

I cooperate about 10% of the time.

I keep trying to tell her that I am the boss of me!
I'm starting to get a sense that I might be mistaken on
that thought, but I'm not going to give up easily!