A Month of Thanks - Day 30

Today, I'm thankful that I took the time to document all the ways in which I am thankful for our life.  It's easy to forget the beauty and blessings around us, but when times get a little tough, I'll have this list to look back on and simply smile at how truly blessed we are. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 29

Today, I am thankful for our photographer who is so beautifully capturing Emeline's 1st year for us.  This weekend we have Emeline's 6 month pictures (a little early, but those Christmas cards much go out on time!).  Thanks R and J Studios for freezing this time for us and for capturing the joy of Emeline's 1st year!

A Month of Thanks - Day 28

Today, I'm thankful for the beauty of the world around us.  It's easy to overlook it, but I've been trying to find the beauty in the everyday.  Instead of seeing the trash in the streets, I choose to see the trees behind it with their gorgeous changing leaves.  Instead of seeing the concrete jungle we live in, I choose to admire the beauty in the architecture.  You see, we aren't fans of Houston, but I've chosen to find the beauty in this city in hopes of learning to enjoy the city we live in a little more.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 27

Today, I'm thankful for my mom and all the ways she has stepped in to help us as Emeline's Grammy.  She watched Emeline while we were away in New Orleans as well as Oskar and George.  My dad was at the deer lease, so it was just Eme and Grammy bonding time.  I'm so thankful to have her and my dad close, so Emeline and her grandparents can share those special moments together.  I have such fond memories of days spent at my grandparents houses, and I can only hope the same for Emeline.

A Month of Thanks - Day 26

Today, I'm thankful for this holiday season.  I've been yearning for this season for over 3 years and now it's here.  I finally have a daughter to share this magical time with.  A family to start our own traditions.  I look forward to all the memories we will make and all the traditions we will instill on our own family in hopes of passing them on to the next generation.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 25

Today, I'm thankful my mother-in-love gave birth to my husband on this day 30 years ago.  She raised an incredible man and should be so proud of the husband and father he has become.  Today, we celebrate his 30th birthday and we enter the second decade of our life together.  I'm so thankful we locked eyes in a library on the UT campus almost 10 years ago. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 24

Today, I'm thankful for having received two very helpful parenting books that have we have turned to during our neediest first parent moments.  If you are a new parent, I highly recommend these two books:

Your Baby's First Year (week by week)

The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Well and Wake Up Happy

As well as this video:

The Happiest Baby On The Block

All three resources have been instrumental in raising our happy baby.  I'm so thankful not only to have these resources, but for the people who introduced them to us.  Now, it's my turn to pass them on!

A Month of Thanks - Day 23

Today, I'm thankful for our ability to travel and see the world as we wish.  Traveling is one of our passions and we enjoy exploring this world and all the many cultures in it.  Right now, we are celebrating Kris' 30th birthday in a city full of history and culture - New Orleans!

A Month of Thanks - Day 22

Today, I'm thankful for Thanksgiving.  This year and really every single day, we have so much to be thankful for.  Today, we celebrate them all and we celebrate this special time with the ones we love most. 

 Happy Thanksgiving from our little 'turkey'!

A Month of Thanks - Day 21

Today, I'm thankful for my husband's job.  No job is perfect and this one certainly isn't, but it provides in many many ways and we are ever-so-thankful.  One of the perks we enjoy the most is his flexibility.  He never misses an important appointment, he always gets the time off he asks for, he's home by 6 pm at the latest and on days like today, he's home by 2 pm.  A few years ago, life wasn't so flexible.  Thinking back to his years in investment banking, makes me appreciate this job all the more.   

A Month of Thanks - Day 20

Today, I'm thankful for photography.  I'm thankful we can freeze a memory in time and capture unique and special moments in our lives that we can reflect on for a lifetime.  Memories may fade, but a photograph can bring those moments back to life.  For all these reasons, I want to continue to learn about photography so I can capture my family best in all of our milestones and moments we never want to forget. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 19

Today, I'm thankful for our home.  It may not be decorated perfectly in a way that reflects who we are... It may not be in the city that we desire most or even the part of town...  But it is our home.  The place we rest our head.  The place we have our quiet moments.  The place we make our greatest memories.  This home is special to us and it always will be.  It is our first home together.  And the house we brought home our first baby.  We made our house a loving home and that's what matters most.   

A Month of Thanks - Day 18

Today, I'm thankful for our neighbors.  We are so blessed that they are not only our neighbors, but our great friends.  We have been there for each other during some dark times and I'm so thankful God introduced us when he did.  I know we can always count of them and they us, no matter what happens in our lives. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 17

Today, I'm thankful for weddings.  Every time, Kris and I attend a wedding, we snuggle a little closer during the ceremony and reflect back on our wedding day and the vows we promised each other.  The day we became one was the absolute best day of my life and I'm thankful for how magical of a day it really was.

A Month of Thanks - Day 16

Today, I'm thankful that we have family that lives so close to us.  I'm thankful that they are always there for us when we need them most.  I know no matter what, if we need them, my parents will be there to lend a helping hand.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 15

Today, I'm thankful that Oskar and George love their sister almost as much as we do.  A fear that weighed heavily on me when Emeline came home was whether or not they will get along, be accepting of one another and eventually love each other.  I had my worries in the beginning...  We visited the vet for one of them every other week for 5 weeks with vomiting,  diarrhea and George even got round worms.  We had a liver scare with George as well, but it all turned out to be him adjusting to new life with a baby.  All of those costly vet trips were the boys adjusting to no longer being the center of our attention every day.  Now, if you know us, they are still the center of our world - we include them in everything we do with Emeline.  It's just an adjustment because their world will never be quite the same.  And now, they are embracing their new world as big brothers to Emeline.  It warms my heart to see them together.  George cuddles with Emeline and lets her pet him, he plays with her and they even share their toys.  Oskar is Emeline's protector, checking on her every chance he gets and when he see she's okay, he gives her a big kiss right on the lips and Emeline giggles.  She is absolutely fascinated by both of them.  Always trying to pet them and her eyes follow their every move.  All she has to do is look at one of them and her face lights up and she lets out her cute deep giggle.  Oh how I love my little family.  I'm so very blessed.  

Oskar check on Emeline every single time she's in the bath.

Just catching up on current affairs (literally these days) and petting her dog.  

Swapping toys and smiles with George. 

Cuddles with George 

More George cuddles

Oskar and Daddy cuddles

Kisses from George

Oskar and Emeline thinking, "what the heck is mom doing to us now".  

The boys making sure Grammy is taking care of their sister. 

Meeting Emeline for the very first time. 

And sweet kisses from Oskar make Emeline really happy!

And now you think I'm crazy!

A Month of Thanks - Day 14

Today, I am thankful for our housekeepers.  I'm thankful we found such a special family to help us.  Rosa, her husband  and her sister are so kind and loving towards Emeline and I (Kris is at work when they come).  They don't miss a detail and they even help out in sweet ways like emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, bringing in the trash can on trash days and bringing in any packages we may have at the front door.  I'm just so grateful I can spend those extra hours or days with Emeline instead of worrying about cleaning my dirty house - which if you know me, I wouldn't be able to stand living in a dirty/messy house and neither would Kris!  Rosa and her family are one-of-a-kind and we are so lucky to have them.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 13

This is a silly one, but nonetheless, I'm thankful.

Today, I'm thankful for the crock-pot.  Yep, I said it - the crock-pot.  If you want something more general, then I'll say I'm thankful for modern amenities that make our lives easier.  It wasn't long ago that housewives were not able to enjoy this luxury.  I can prepare dinner in the morning, let it cook all day long, come and go as I please and dinner will be ready by 6pm.  I don't cook with the crock-pot as much as I should since there aren't many truly healthy dinners you can make with it, but when I do, I love it.  If you could guess, I used it today to cook some delicious pulled pork.  Another great new recipe - I'm on a roll!

5 Months Old

Dear Emeline, 

Gosh, you are growing up so quickly it brings tears to my eyes.  I knew this time would pass quickly, but really I had no idea how truly fast it would fly by.  I have savored each moment we spend together and each stage, but somehow I just can't get enough of you.  You are my world.  And I am yours. 

Here's a peek into your world at 5 months old:

• You are now either a side sleeper or a tummy sleeper.  When I lay you down in your crib for 'night night time', you immediately roll over and start sucking your thumb and soon after, you are fast asleep.  The first time I found you sleeping on your tummy, my heart skipped a beat and I quickly rolled you over onto your back.  Immediately, you rolled right back onto your tummy and I realized that you are alright, you are safe and it's okay for you to roll about in your crib as you please.  You do sleep more soundly this way.  
• You are a little spoiled my dear.  You love to be carried and I carry you around everywhere with me.  And anytime you are on my hip, you have both arms wide open.  In true Emeline fashion, you look adorable.  Although, we have become a bit of a wide load and I have to be careful of your arms knocking things over!
• When we lay you down on the floor to play with your toys, you have learned to scoot forward or backward and turn side to side.  By scooting, you can get to where you want to go.  
• My favorite quirk you have started at 5 months old is your sweet yawn.  Every single time you yawn you vocalize your yawn and make such sweet noises.  I smile after every one.  
• Besides scooting, when you are on your tummy, you have learned to arch your back, extend your arms and legs out and kick like crazy.  When I say 'run Eme run' you kick faster and faster.  And then we giggle!
• Your hand eye coordination has really drastically improved this month.  You are into everything already.  Reaching and grabbing for anything in my hands, anything in close reach and anything you may want to reach for.  I had no idea this would happen at such a young age.  
• Speaking of reaching, you started reaching for mommy when you want me to pick you up.  My heart just melts...
• You found your piggies at 4 months and now at 5 months, you just can't stop sucking on those sweet toes of yours.  Changing your diaper is quite the challenge these days when I have to steal your legs to put your diaper back on.  And in the morning when you wake up, I find you entertaining yourself with your feet.  At 5 months, feet are still fun!
• I haven't written about this one yet...probably because I've been in denial about it.  From the moment you recognized me as your mommy, you have been a mommy's girl.  You do love your daddy, there's no denying that, but you sure do love your mommy because we spend so much time together bonding just you and I.  I've always dreamed of having a mommy's girl and I just never thought I would be this blessed.  No matter who is holding you, you find me and lock your eyes on me.  You watch every move I make.  All I have to do is look at you and you flash me that big gummy smile.  I know one day you will grow out of this stage.  One day, you won't let me hold your hand in public, give you a hug or even kiss you.  So for now, I'm embracing these moments.
• You have learned how to sit up!  One day I let you sit unassisted for a split second and your sturdiness and strength shocked me.  You were able to sit unassisted for about 15 seconds.  A few days later, you were at 30-45 seconds and then suddenly, you were able to sit and play with your toys for as long as you like.  I just can't believe it.  I'm telling you, your strength continues to amaze me.  
• You love to walk with mommy.  I hold your hands and walk behind you supporting you and you walk one foot after the other as if you know exactly how to do it.  Slow down baby, please.  I need you to be my baby for longer, sweetheart. 
• You live for your routine.  Grammy has watched you a couple of times now and really there is no need for me to write down your routine for her.  You eat and nap at basically the same time every day.  You are such an easy baby.  We are truly blessed. 
• You are eating 4 - 8 oz bottles a day.  No food just yet.  We, along with Dr. S decided it's best if we skip rice or oat cereal (both cause constipation and you don't need them anyway) and move straight veggies when you are closer to 6 months.  For now, formula is all you need. 
• You take 3 naps a day and the length always varies (30 min - 1.5 hours), but you seem to take your longest nap in the morning exactly 2 hours from when you wake up.  All your naps are exactly 2 hours after you wake up from the last. 
• Our bath routine is much the same except I added toys and bubbles to make it more fun and more of a sensory experience for you.  You love both, but still just really love to splash about!
• Bedtime is at 7:30 sharp these days and our bedtime routine is much the same with family story time before we kiss your sweet lips goodnight. 
• Your brothers (Oskar and George) are your best friends.  One look at them and you giggle over and over again.  You even talk to them.  When you look at Oskar you say, "ehh - eeee".  You truly love these guys. 

My sweet love, please slow down.  You are growing and progressing so quickly I can hardly keep up.  You will grow up in due time, but for now, please just be a baby.  My baby.

You are our world,

Mommy and Daddy

(and Oskar and George too)

A Month of Thanks - Day 12

Today is Emeline's 5 month birthday, so I waited and saved this special day for her.

All the days of my life, I will be immensely grateful for Emeline.  She is the most precious gift we will ever receive.  And five months later, I'm still in awe of Emeline and our birthmom who so graciously placed her in our arms forever.  Emeline is the greatest joy of my life.  Life is not always easy and neither is motherhood, but to see her gummy smile complete with dimples melts my heart every single time.  To know she is happy, makes me happy - no matter what.  When I think I can't love her anymore, I wake up the next morning to that gummy smile and somehow...I do.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 11

Today, I am thankful to the men and women who protect our great nation.  Because of you, we can live our lives in peace.  "Land of the free, because of the brave".  Thank you for ensuring our freedoms.  I couldn't be more grateful.  Happy Veterans Day. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 10

Today, I am thankful for my parents.  I love them immensely.  They support me in any decision I make and they are there for me when I need them most.  I'm one lucky girl to have such loving parents.

A Month of Thanks - Day 9

Today, I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.  Everyday that we get to wake up healthy and able to conquer the day as we wish is a huge blessing many take for granted.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 8

Today, I am thankful for the knowledge and desire I have to eat healthy and keep my body strong and functioning as it should.  Kris came to me back in March with an interest to start eating Paleo.  At the time, we were currently grieving over our failed placement and the baby we lost.  I thought he was crazy - how could he think of anything else?  We'll, I reluctantly obliged and I have to say, so many things changed for me and my body in a matter of days.  You feel so light on your feet and energetic when you aren't weighed down by processed foods or foods your body fights to digest.  Two months ago, we took a break from the lifestyle, but now we are back and more eager and motivated than ever.  If you are interested, here is a brief summary of what Paleo is (taken from link referenced above). 

The Paleo Diet

is based upon eating wholesome, contemporary foods from the food groups our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have thrived on during the Paleolithic era, the time period from about 2.6 million years ago to the beginning of the agricultural revolution, about 10,000 years ago. These foods include fresh meats (preferably grass-produced or free-ranging beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and game meat, if you can get it), fish, seafood, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and healthful oils (olive, coconut, avocado, macadamia, walnut and flaxseed). Dairy products, cereal grains, legumes, refined sugars and processed foods were not part of our ancestral menu.

Decades of research by Dr. Loren Cordain and his scientific colleagues demonstrate that hunter-gatherers typically were free from the chronic illnesses and diseases that are epidemic in Western populations, including:

• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancer
• Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
• Osteoporosis
• Acne
• Myopia (nearsightedness), macular degeneration, glaucoma
• Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, gastric reflux
• Gout

 And many, many more.

Choosing to eat the Paleo diet isn't easy, but it's so worth it.  Take it from a once skeptic to another.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 7

Today and everyday, I am thankful we have the means and abilities that allow me to be a stay-at-home mom.  I just simply can't imagine my world without Emeline in it every second of the day.  I hope to never miss a milestone and I hope I can always be the reason behind her smiling face each day.  This time is precious and I know it will pass in a blink of an eye.  And I certainly couldn't write this post without again thanking my wonderful husband for working so hard to make this dream a reality for our family.  I truly treasure each day Emeline and I spend together learning and playing.     

A Month of Thanks - Day 6

Today, I'm thankful for the right to vote - the right we earned to have our voice heard.  

The Simpson Family voted a couple of weeks ago, but here is our beauty supporting her favorite candidate on Election Day 2012. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 5

Today, I'm thankful for this little guy.  

Shh... Nobody tell him he's a dog.

This morning I woke up to this sweet boy sleeping next to me.  After Kris leaves for work, he not only takes on his role as protector of the house, but he also takes his place in bed.  

Oskar was my first baby and he holds a very special place in my heart.  He's the most loving, loyal and protective dog I have ever owned.  He may be 7, but he's still my baby.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 4

Today, I'm thankful for our friends.  The ones who have helped us get through our darkest hours.  And the ones who have celebrated our sweetest moments.  Our friends are family to us and we wouldn't choose it any other way.  Each of you have touched our hearts.   

A Month of Thanks - Day 3

Since college, Kris and I have maintained a date night every Friday night unless of course he had to work.  Since Emeline has been home, we have toted her around with us to every date night.  Now Emeline is getting older, bedtime is getting earlier and it's no longer easy to just pack up and take her out to dinner.  This Friday, we ordered pizza, watched movies and just had a sweet family night in.  Sometimes all you need on a Friday night is pizza, wine and a little snuggle time all in the comfort of your own home.  

Today, I'm thankful that my husband is home on Friday nights and every Saturday and Sunday so we can enjoy our weekends not only with each other, but as a family.  Once upon a time, life wasn't so simple.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 2

Today and every single day of my life, I am thankful for our birthmom.  Without her, I would never be a mother and I certainly would never have met the greatest joy of my life - Emeline.  Our birthmom made our dream come true.  We are finally a family and Emeline completes us in ways we never imagined.  Our birthmom is the most selfless, independent, determined and courageous person I have ever met and may ever meet.  She continues to think only about Emeline and about our family, never wavering or acting on her own needs.  I admire her tremendously.  And we love her so! 

A Month of Thanks - Day 1

So often we get lost in our day-to-day worlds.  Minutes can pass by like seconds and the next time we look up, the day is over.  And in that day, likely I wouldn't have taken even one second to count my blessings.  Sadly and even likelier, I probably took more than a few minutes to focus on something bothering me.  Something I can't control.  Something I don't like.  That stops now and that stops here.

In honor of Thanksgiving this year and every year forward, I'm starting a new tradition. I'm going to count at least one blessing every day for the month of November and document them here.

Day 1:
Today, I'm thankful for my husband.  Kris is the most loving and selfless man I have ever met.  Everything he does in his life is for our family.  He works tirelessly to make our dreams come true, and he doesn't just stop there.  He's my best friend and his positive outlook on life makes me a better person.  And watching him with Emeline is just about the sweetest thing you have ever seen.  I always knew he would be an amazing father and Emeline is so blessed to have him.  And so am I.  Love you always and forever babe.