Our Story of Hope, Perseverance and Believing in Miracles...

Monday, November 12, 2012

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.  

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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. 

Saturday, November 10, 2012

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.

Friday, November 9, 2012

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.  

Thursday, November 8, 2012

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.  

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

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.