Happy 8 Months, Emersyn Ruth!

Part of me is in complete denial that my baby is 2/3 the way through her first year! Yikes! Where has the time gone?! I have tried REALLY hard to savor every second with her and not let the time just pass by, and I still don't know how time has passed so quickly.  Emersyn is sweeter than ever, and so much fun.  She has grown up so much this past month, and become such a big girl.

Emersyn has become quite the communicator recently, she loves to wave hello and goodbye :) It is the sweetest wave I have ever seen! She absolutely loves Elmo and Sesame Street, and still adores Baby Einstein videos.  She is mobile and QUICK.  I spend all day chasing this speedster around the house, and it is exhausting.  Crawling is perfected as well as pulling up on everything she doesn't tip over first, and she can take a couple of steps while she is pulled up! She chatters non-stop, her favorite chatter is "dadadadada".  I know, music to Lance's ears :) Emersyn and BoJackson are the BEST of friends.  Bo is quick, but Emersyn in quicker and she can catch him in no time.  She loves to grab his ears and tail, sweet Bo just lets her.  The only bickering between these two is over toys.  Emersyn wants the toy Bo has and Bo wants whatever toy E has, and Emersyn has learned to pitch a FIT if Bo takes her toy away :) Speaking of fits, our sweet child is a master at fit pitching! She loves mine and Lance's water bottles, and if either enter her sight and she doesn't immediately have her hands on it, a fit will proceed.  Yes, we are in for it!

Emersyn is still eating like a pro, she went on almost a month long kick where she refused to eat anything except avocados and bananas.  Thankfully, we are on the other side of that phase.  She LOVES yogurt, puffs, baby crackers, and pieces of banana like a big girl.  She is still adjusting to her sippy, but does love drinking water out of it.  Such a big girl.

Our sweet angel teaches us new things everyday.  She absolutely amazes me, I think she hung the moon and have never been so in love.  She loves to be rocked and to cuddle, I cherish every single second of this. I just love this sweet child and can not get enough of her love each day.  Yes, sometimes I want to pull my hair out and am convinced I have no idea what I am doing and no business being responsible for this little human. Those days I grow as a wife and mom.  Other days, I just stop a hundred times during the day and just thank God for this sweet, sweet blessing that I could have never deserved.  Her sweet little giggle and precious smile make all the bad times more than worth it, she is such a sweet baby girl.  I love being Emersyn's mom.  I could watch Sesame Street, make silly faces, and sing "Old Macdonald" all day long. This is all I have ever wanted, and I am so thankful this is the life I have been blessed with. 

Emersyn Ruth, you are the sweetest blessing ever and I am so thankful I get to be your mommy!

Happy 7 Months, Emersyn Ruth!

Another month has come and gone and flown by ever so fast! Our sweet girl is growing and changing daily, and boy does she have a personality. She is the sweetest cuddler and lover, but can pitch a rather frightful fit as well. She has changed over this past month a little too much, I am still trying to catch up on all she has done just in the past 2 weeks, hopefully I will remember it all :) Emersyn LOVES to watch her baby Einstein dvds and Sesame Street, she is a huge Elmo fan. Her favorite food, hands down, is avocado! Girlfriend could eat avocados all day, every day if I would allow it. She is also a fan of squash, peaches, and bananas. You could mix anything with avocado and she would eat it, though :) She loves to chatter and make her "motor boat" noises. If she is awake, there is a sound coming out of her mouth :) Her chatter right now is mostly dadadada and nananana. Definitely not first words yet, my bet for her first word is "Bo". Speaking of Bo, E adores BoJackson, and I think it is safe to say the feelings are mutual. These two are precious together, they love to share toys and play. If E is ever fussy in the car, we will spend the whole ride asking "where is Bo?" and she will just giggle. Bo has been so great with her. Her favorite toys right now are the teething toys off of her Einstein mat and bouncy, Sophie the giraffe, her play cell phone and any real cell phone she can get her hands on, Elmo doll, the foam alphabet letters we have under her pallet in the floor, and she loves to run laps in her Bright Stars walk around table. We have discovered E loves the pool and the water! We have a float we put her in in the baby pool and she tries to swim out of it, busy all the time! Emersyn is now very mobile, overnight she went from barely sitting up to sitting up without a wobble, crawling, pulling up, and even can take steps once she has pulled herself up! Anything that this child can get her hands on, she's pulling up on. She is not still for a second! E is a pro at yoga moves, she loves to put herself in a V position on her hands and feet and try to walk around like that, such a mess! Our sweet girl loves playing with her feet, and too many times those piggies make it to her mouth! She loves for us to talk bout kitty cats because BoJackson likes to chase cats in our yard, and she thinks that is so funny! She loves singing "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" with her daddy and riding on his shoulders :) I can't believe how much sweet little E has changed over the past month! She is turning into such a big girl, it actually makes you appreciate the tantrums and helpless times because it's a reminder she is still a baby. Emersyn is so sweet and such a precious blessing! We have had the lovely pleasure of spending time with Gran and Peeps the past few weeks, and it has been glorious! I can't even begin to put into words how wonderful and amazing they are and how much they love little E, but having them around makes my heart happy :) E loves her Gran and Peeps so much and she has the best time with them when they are here! I get a little vacation because they hog her :) I actually took a nap by myself without having to listen for a baby this past week, it was amazing what quality sleep can do for you! E lights up when they come in the room , she knows how much they love her, too :) Thank you, mom and dad for not only being the greatest parents in the world but also being the most amazing grandparents for E and loving her more than you thought was possible. We are all so lucky to have you :) I have no idea what this next month will hold, Lord willing more growing up for our sweet girl, more bumps on the noggin, more chasing for mama, more hugs, kisses, and giggles, and a lot more play time with this busy little bee :) and I am so thankful for every second I have to spend with her and love on her. 7 months ago, I had NO idea what I was doing or about to embark on, I'm still pretty clueless most days but I do have an unconditional love for little Emersyn that gets us through everyday. What an experience and beautiful blessing you are every day, being your mommy is the greatest! I love you, Emersyn Ruth Haney, happy 7 months our sweet angel :)

Happy 6 Months, Emersyn!

How are we already celebrating 1/2 a year with our sweet girl? Time has FLOWN by extremely too fast. I am trying to hold on and capture every second and make the most out of every minute (even during screaming, crying fits!) but they are all going by faster than I can catch them.  It was only yesterday we found out we were going to have a little girl, it seems, and there is no way it has been six whole months since we welcomed her into the world.  I know, it's not slowing down anytime soon....

So, what all has our big girl been up to this month? Well, we had E's 6 month visit at the pediatrician, and she got all good remarks :) E is 19 lbs 15.6 ounces (97%) and 27 inches long (90%).  Little girl is definitely not lacking in the size category! She is developing perfectly as well.  She can sit up without assistance long enough to watch an entire Baby Einstein movie (which is her absolute FAVORITE!), she is scooting and rolling everywhere- still waiting for that first crawl, she has started mimicking sounds and so far has mastered rolling her lips making a spitting sound and smacking, she loves to eat and does it very well, she has started reaching for us when she wants out of a toy or to be picked up, she cries if you walk out of the room, she responds to her name, and just gets sweeter by the day! Emersyn has the sweetest personality, she loves to laugh and smile.  She has started giving "kisses" where she reaches for your face with her mouth wide open and lands a big wet one wherever her mouth hits :) Melts. My. Heart.  A big milestone we just reached this past week is Emersyn is now napping in her crib and sleeping some of the night in there as well! Yay, E! She is doing great, I am the one with the separation anxiety issues :(  

Sleeping in her own room in her crib is not something we have stressed over or pushed. We are definitely NOT "cry it out" parents and you could classify us as more of "attached" parents if you need to give us a label, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It has made life so much less stressful and relaxed, E is doing a great job sleeping on her own now and it was just something that came with age. 

I have learned so much in these past 6 months of being a mom.  One thing that really disappointing me is all of the "parties" of parenting.  Parenting is just another classification system to too many. And discussing your views on parenting can cause a commotion nothing less of a political debate.  Yes, this has caused way too much stress and unnecessary thoughts as a mom, too often I wonder if I am doing the best thing for my child because what I prefer is the least popular of parenting styles and too many ideas flood my mind from people who are not MY baby's mom. Just in case someone reading this is struggling with the same thing, this is my conclusion and it has freed me.  Every baby is different, and what works for one may be detrimental to another, as a mom I know my baby better than anyone else. Yes, most days if a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics observed us, they would probably gasp, and I don't care at all.  I am a complete hippie and germophobe when it comes to being a mom, and I am ok with it.  I do many things now I swore I never would, and I get over it and move on.  Being a mom is too much of a blessing to sit and fret over each and every decision, and I choose to turn my frets into thanksgiving to God for choosing me to be E's mom :)

I have learned so many positive things, too. I have learned and experienced true joy and unconditional love unlike I knew existed.  I have learned that a clean house is not as important as 15 extra minutes of play time in the floor making silly noises and faces to get a giggle.  I am so thankful that I am blessed enough to be a stay at home mom with Emersyn. I never doubted this was my ultimate goal, but I had no idea how amazing it could actually be.  Yes, I spent 5 years earning a degree just in case being a mom wasn't in the cards for me and I use that knowledge every time I introduce a new fruit or vegetable to E and we review the nutritional benefits :) I never imagined or planned my  life around being a mom so soon, but boy am I glad I am not the one in control! I could not imagine a plan any greater.

Emersyn, I LOVE being your mommy.  Here is to the next 6 months being even more enjoyable than the first 6. I wish time could pause or slow down just for a second, but I know there is no such thing, so we will have fun and absorb all the time together that we can.  I will cherish everyday with you, even the days when you won't nap and pitch fits, and be thankful for your cries.  I love you more than I ever thought was possible, and this love only increases daily.  I can't wait to see what all you do this next month, I am sure you will continue to amaze and surprise me. You are such a precious gift, and I hope you always know that your mommy loves you, No. Matter. What :) I love you, Emy-boo!

Mother's Day 2012

Today, as well as this entire week, has been such a blessing and a wonderful celebration of my first Mother's Day. Lance completely outdid himself and celebrated every day. He brought me gifts (new running shoes, chocolate, and an upgrade in our satellite channels so I could watch Fox and Friends in the morning :) ), he took off work a couple of days, helped me paint our living room, and a host of other sweet surprises to help me celebrate being a mom. Of course, I didn't need or expect any of this, it's just a testament to the wonderful husband he is :) just loving on sweet E and BoJackson was plenty enough for me. This Mother's Day was even more special because we had Emersyn's baby dedication at church. Sweet girl wore one of my Feltman Brothers bubbles from when i was her age :)  It was a wonderful day with my precious family, just loving on each other and thanking God for this beautiful blessing of family he has given us!
One year ago, Lance and I had just shared with the world that we were going to be parents. Lance took me out to lunch because I was craving meat and we dreamed about what we would be doing on this day one year later. Neither of us would have imagined what parenthood would truly bring us, or what an amazing blessing it would be. We had no idea how hard, yet how rewarding it would be, and we surely had no idea how much our capacity to love would increase. I have known my whole life I wanted to be a mom. Some people have desires and callings to be many things, mine has always been a mom, and thankfully my desires matched God's plan for my life and sent me Lance who had the same wishes for a family. When we found out we were going to be parents, I was terrified although it is all I ever wanted. The second I s aw Emersyn, I felt complete. My ability to love others multiplied the second I looked in her sweet eyes. I was able to love my parents more because I understood their love for me as parents, I loved Lance more for helping create this beautiful baby,and I even loved complete strangers. I developed a burning desire in my heart to love others more than ever before and to love children. The love I have for Emersyn is unexplainable. I understand now all of the times my parents said, "we are doing this because we love you". I understand why my dad always tried to force my mom to do something for herself, but she would always take it all and use it towards me and Luke. 
Being Emersyn's mom is the greatest title I could ever have and the proudest title, even on days I barely get a shower and smell like spit-up. I love my sweet girl more than I could have ever imagined loving anyone and I am so thankful she was given to Lance and I to raise. Emersyn Ruth,you are an amazing little girl and your mommy will love you forever and ever. You will always be my baby girl. Thank you, Emersyn, for making me a mommy :)

Happy 5 Months, Emersyn (well, 5 1/2 :) ) !

Big girl is sitting up

Precious baby girl

Best friends

They fight over Bo's toys :)

:)

Kissy lips :)

This is what my mornings look like :)

Sweet love fell asleep swinging

Mommy and Gran bought this outfit for her the day we found out we were having a baby girl :)

How is my sweet child making her way into her 6th month of life already?? Emersyn is such a big girl and Lance and I are so blessed to be her parents. E is learning and growing everyday. She LOVES her Baby Einstein movie, and has traded interest in her toys lately for BoJackson's toys! So, extremely gross! Bo and E both love playing together and think it is hilarious. E is quite the chatter box lately and loves to call Bo. I think they have their own way of communicating :) Emersyn is as close to being mobile as possible. She gets on her knees, puts her booty in the air and rocks back and forth. Just today, she has started pushing up on her arms while she's got her rear up, as soon as she figures out those two things go together, she is GONE! She even tried to pull up up on her toy box today- yes PULL UP! She is quite the advanced child :) I blame it on her large frame :) We are counting down the days until our next doctor visit. I am already dreading shots, but looking forward to seeing how big sweet E is! We started solid foods about a week before E's 5 month birthday and she LOVES it! So far, she has had sweet potatoes, avocado, spinach, carrots, peas, and her first fruit- bananas and apples :) Sweet girl loves to eat (is that a surprise?) We are still settling into things here in PA. We have met and developed a beautiful friendship with some great people- such an answered prayer! I have a running buddy, Lance has a basketball buddy, and E just adores their girls! E has made some friends at church, she likes the boys. We had a talk, no boyfriends until she is 30, but I am thankful she is getting interaction with other babies instead of just Bo :) Lance is working diligently at his research and I am teaching an RPM class and staying home with E and Bo :) In 2 weeks, our sweet girl will be halfway through her first year! I'm still trying to figure out where time has gone :) Being your mommy is such a blessing and I love you more each day, sweet E!

The beautiful circle of life

We are finally beginning to settle in our new home in Pennsylvania! There is only one box and I don't see it moving anytime soon, so I am trying to overlook it- it is full of all of our framed pictures and I am just way too indecisive to decide on where I want to put those now. We spent this past weekend painting our master bedroom and the dining room- which is the most gigantic dining room I have ever been in, and didn't realize it until I was about to cry from paint exhaustion! Our new bedroom suite was also delivered and is absolutely beautiful. It is finally becoming OUR home, and we love it! I will start posting pictures once we start completing spaces :) We love our little neighborhood, our neighbors are awesome, I found a gym with fabulous instructors and a ton of Les Mills classes, Lance is settling in to his research at the university, we found a church that we love, and one of the coolest things about PA- no sales tax on groceries! (yes, I feel like an old woman getting excited over such a thing!) Our biggest adventure so far has been trying to get car tags- so far, we have a tag on one car and are waiting on more paperwork for the other- a word to the wise if anyone who reads this blog is planning a move to Pennsylvania in the near future... be prepared for 12 trips and many headaches over car tags. My favorite line from Lance during our last excursion to AAA was "Well, Rick Santorum just lost my vote just because he is from this dumb state!"

I know, so far this blog relates in no way to the blog title... I'm gettting there. On April 4th, 17 years ago I lost one of the most influential men in my life- my granddad. I only had him here for 7 short years, but no one has made such an impact. Ever since he left us, whenever I have an important event in my life my dad always says "Do you wonder what granddad would think if he were still here?" Each and every time that brings tears to my eyes because if only he could have been here to see me go off to Auburn, run Boston, graduate college, get married, and have a baby! I can only imagine what he would say and how much he would love Emersyn :) Thankfully, he left a beautiful legacy and implanted himself in so many ways in my dad and his brothers. My dad reminds me so much of him, especially of the grandparent he is to Emersyn. I am so blessed to have had my granddad for the short 7 years that I did, and my dad to carry on his name and greatness my entire life, Not one day has passed in the past 17 years that I have not thought of my granddad and I doubt that will ever change. Since junior high school, I have kept a picture of granddad and me on my nightstand (it is in the unpacked box of pictures still!), and every picture we take of E and my dad I can only help but think "this may be the picture Emersyn keeps on her nightstand when she is married :) Althoough, I sure hope she has her Peeps to be with in person!

As I have spent this day remembering my precious granddad, I have done this while watching my precious little girl amaze me with every little sound and movement she makes. What a precious gift life is! E has grown up so much over the past couple of weeks. She has started rolling over from her back to tummy (she has been rolling from her tummy since 7 weeks). She has started jabbering and laughing at everything, of course BoJackson is her favorite. She calls Bo, and it is the sweetest little sound in the world. She looks right at him and squeals until he comes towards her, and when he does she will just smile and laugh like it is the funniest thing she has ever seen. Bo adores E just as much, and HATES to hear she is upset- he will pace the house and just look at us like "Do you know my baby is crying?!" E has become even more of a daddy's girl, she absolutely adores Lance! Of course, there are still times when no one but mommy can console her little soul :) Her hands are CONSTANTLY in her mouth, as well as anything else she can grab. You can not take your eyes off of this child. Last night, I sat her in the chair with Bo while I got ready to feed her, before I knew it she had leaned over and grabbed one of Bo's back legs and was headed straight to her mough with it. I laughed so hard I hurt, when E saw me laughing, she thought it was hilarious and started laughing as well. Definitely one of those times you wish you had the video camera on and ready to capture that moment :)

I am in complete disbelief that my baby is 4 1/2 months old! She is growing up a little more each day and becoming such a big girl. Her independence breaks my heart some days, but I am so thankful she is a healthy baby :) I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds for our little angel!

Happy 4 Months, Sweet Emersyn

I can NOT believe another month has passed! I have had to take notes so I would remember all of the new, fun things she has done this month. Little girl is growing up so much, and is too much fun! Her little personality is adorable, she is becoming quite the social butterfly and will melt any stranger's heart with her sweet smile. She loves to hear you whistle, and talk like Donald Duck. She is eating like a champ and taking great naps as well. You never know how she is going to sleep, some nights are a solid 8-10 hours, others she may wake up every 2-3 hours.
My favorite thing that has happened in the past month is that Emersyn has discovered BoJackson, and he is by far her favorite thing to play with. She will sit and just laugh at him if he is near, and if he gets close enough she is reaching for him. Unfortunately she doesn't understand "be easy" and when she reaches for him, she grabs as much fur and skin as she can and tries to take it right to her mouth. He doesn't necessarily like this, but since Bo is so "special" he forgets quickly and is ready to play again soon :)
E is so close to rolling from her back to her belly and she gets SO mad when she gets stuck! She is also almost sitting up on her on, she just needs a little more core strength to get more upright :) She loves to jibber jabber and communicate with anyone who will listen. She also tries to talk to Bo when she wants to play :) Yes, it is precious! Throughout all the moving and unpacking we have discovered that E loves to be in her Baby Bjorn! She will ride in it until she passes out. If I ever meet the Baby Bjorn creator, I will kiss them, this has been a lifesaver!
E went for her 4 month check-up and is a whopping 16 pounds 11.7 ounces and 25 1/2 inches long!!! She had an awful time with shots, but is feeling much better now. I am already dreading our 6 month shots.  On the bright side, though, I love love love her new pediatrician. What an answered prayer she is.  
We are so thankful for such a sweet and healthy baby girl! On to month 5, sweet E, and I can't wait to see all of the new and fun things you do next :)