Happy Two Months Birthday, Emmie!

Emmie,

From Monthly Growing Photos

Another month and even more blessings that we can't even begin to count! You are definitely spoiling us as first time parents. WOW you are a really good baby! You are still VERY predicable when it comes to your schedule, naps, and feeding times. If you are crying we think about when you were fed last, check your diaper (you are not a fan of a wet or a dirty diaper), and then if those are not it you are usually just sleepy.

Some exciting events this past month:
-You were dedicated at our church, Mountain Brook Community Church, on March 1. It was a really special day for your dad and I to dedicate you to the Lord, since He was so gracious to entrust you to us.
-You met Aunt Jen, Uncle Chad, cousin Molly, Kris, Michelle, Amy, Carla, Sara, and Kristin.
-We were so blessed to have 3 shower for you this month in Birmingham, Cullman, and Slidell (WOW what girly and totally pink clothes you got!).
-You have started going walk 1 1/2 miles with Mommy almost every day in the jog stroller around the neighborhood.
-You went to the lake for the first time. It was just a quick Sunday afternoon trip and we did document it with a photo of you on the dock.
-You were serenaded by daddy. He played the guitar and piano for you and put you right to sleep.
-Mommy was the one that finally gave you a bottle on the way down to Louisiana. Daddy had done this many time, but I had not.

New milestones for you as you grow:
-First of all, your little face is changing. More and more people are saying you are looking like your daddy.
-You nurse really well, which is nice for me, since I was the one who had to try to convince you to stay awake by stroking your cheek, rotating your arm, rubbing your back, or squeezing your butt in towards me.
-Along this same note, you have gotten a little distracted sometimes when you eat by staring at a nice shadow on the wall, needing to burp, or trying to make a diaper (if you know what I mean).
-You have a really good 30 minute awake time after you nurse, but then it is time for a 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. nap.
-I had to cut your fingernails. They were getting long and scratching me when you nursed. I didn't make you bleed, that was a good thing.
-I finally got smart and you only wear sack gowns to bed now. I am so over the snap pjs and the zipper pjs also (since you still have to get your feet in those too).
-SMILING! This is the best! You started smiling when you were 6 1/2 weeks old. Now at 8 weeks old it brings joy to mine and daddy's hearts when you give us a big ole grin. It is so cute - you will smile, make eye contact with us, then get bashful, and turn your head and eyes away from us. You are also really cute when you have been crying (yes, unfortunately, we let you cry sometimes when you don't want to go to bed) and we go in to check on you and you stop and give us the biggest smile ever.
-You don't go crossed eyes anymore. Your eyes are getting stronger.
-You have graduated from the Newborn size diapers and you are now wearing #1s.
-You are really good at getting out of your swaddle. We had been only wrapping your arms, but now we have to tuck them in really well, so you don't break loose.
-You went to the dr. today for you 2 month well baby checkup. You weighed 11 lbs (60%ile) and you were 22 1/4 inches (also 60%ile).
-You can sleep longer now. Just 3 nights ago, you went 8 hours straight for the first time. You usually sleep about 6-7 hours typically from 10:30p to about 4:30a or 5:30a.

Emily, your dad and I were just saying last night that we are so happy that you are in our home for us to care for. This past week, in the evenings I have been rocking you to help you nap during that time and it is such a good feeling to know you so well as your Mommy to get you to sleep in just the way you like to be snuggled. I love caring for you as your Mommy. It is the best! I also put my ear to your chest the other day and your heart beats so fast. God is amazing! Sometimes in the mornings your dad will bring you into sleep with me for a little while until your next feeding. MAN how sweet it is to snuggle with you. It just feels so good. I have caught myself saying "when she was younger". Crazy that you are already growing up!

I love you!
Mommy