Emmersyn @ 7 months!

Month 6 to 7 was a big one for us. Emmersyn started crawling, got her first real sickness, got her first tooth and said her first word (Dada). I LOVE this age, I love all the new things she's discovering, the new things she's doing. She is so much more content now playing on the ground because she can get to wherever she wants to go and she can get whatever she wants. I have to be very mindful about what's on the ground now because this girl chews on everything in sight. Riley and Lincoln are also starting to learn not to build anything on the floor unless they want it knocked over :).

Breathing treatments--she was so patient; she just sat there while we did this for a good 10 minutes, five times a day for about 2 weeks!

Emmersyn is sleeping horribly at night--even worse than last month. She's now waking up two or three times a night and that (starting two nights ago) is changing because she absolutely shouldn't be waking up three times a night. She's eating 3 meals a day and I will probably start trying crackers, bread, etc. this coming month with her.

Emmersyn also loves to stand and jump. I won't be surprised if she takes after Riley and starts walking early. She's very strong and has some massive thighs. Speaking of, when I had her in at the doctor's office last week she weighed 18 lbs. 6.5 oz (at 6.5 months old).

E seems to be quite the mama's girl. She loves to be held and I would say is one of the happiest babies I've ever seen (many people agree). She has a constant smile on her face and loves when anyone looks her in the eyes and talks to her. Most days all three kids take a nap at the same time in the afternoon, but on the rare occasion Emmersyn stays up and I get a solid couple of hours with just her and I love it. I often feel guilty about the quality one-on-one time I get with her because I have other kids to take care of. When I just had Riley I spent SO MUCH time playing with her on the ground, reading to her, singing, etc. and with Lincoln I could do the same. Now I feel like I really have to make a conscious effort to put things down, or leave things for later in order to get some quality time with her. However, I now know (because of R and L) how quickly time does go by and I really cherish this baby stage. Before I know it she'll be walking around, talking back and throwing fits. :)

This is where everything goes--right to my mouth!

We've got a Crawler!

Emmersyn is officially crawling! She's been scooting for a long time, but yesterday she actually did it--the "right" way! One day later it seems like she's been crawling for months because she can crawl across the room in no time.

Emmersyn @ 6 Months

A half a year old already? What in the world?? I cannot believe my baby is growing so quickly, I wish I could freeze her at this very age!

Emmersyn is...

• Sitting by herself.

• VERY close to crawling.

• No teeth...yet. I told Ty someone has replaced our sweet, happy girl with the fussiest baby known to man. She is fussy, clingy and not happy way more often than usual. Teeth must be coming through soon.

• Weight: 17 lbs. 15 ounces (80th percentile); Height: 27 inches (85th percentile); Head: 17 inches (85th percentile)

• Eating 3 meals a day. E hasn't met a food she doesn't like and her thighs can prove it! (I'd say her favorite is avocado--which was also her first food).

• Holding toys, grabbing at everything (especially my hair--ouch).

• Sleeping HORRIBLY!! Like much worse than when she was a newborn. She's waking up every three hours and I either have to let her cry or feed her. If I feed her she goes right back to bed, but this waking up three times a night HAS to stop. I'm exhausted.

• Loves being held (and is most of the day) and loves the MOBY still, we have definitely gotten our use out of that.

• Wearing 6-12 month clothes, size 3 diaper still. I feel like she's finally starting to slow down.

• Other than the past two weeks she's the happiest, smiliest baby ever. She has a constant smile and it's infectious.

• She loves to laugh and I love listening to it!

• Nursing every three hours and going to bed at 7:30 (but waking up way too often at night).

Sitting all by herself!

First food-avocado!

Loves her toes!

Loves splashing in the water!

She's (almost) on the move...

This was Emmersyn about 2 weeks ago. 5 months old is way too early to be doing this...

Hopefully it takes her a while to figure out how to go forward! :)

Emmersyn @ 5 Months

Seriously, look at those cheeks!

Scooted herself under the couch!

My little sickling--she had a nasty cold for about a week!

I'm going to do this one bullet style:

• Rolling over from tummy to back and back to tummy.
  
• Loves the exersaucer.
  
• Wearing size 6-12 month clothes but mostly 12-18 months (especially one piece outfits/jammies). Size 3-4 shoe.
  
• Weighs at least 17.5 pounds.
  
• Smiles and laughs like crazy. Loves when R and L play with her. Grabs toys and loves looking at herself in the mirror.
  
• Has been nursing every two hours for weeks now--it's exhausting for me but I'm determined not to quit!

Emmersyn @ 2 Months

Emmersyn turned 2 months old yesterday. She also had her 2 month doctor's appt. where she got 3 shots. We found out, there, that she weighs a whopping 14 lbs. 1 oz. (off the charts--big) and is 23.5 (between 50th and 75th %ile) inches long and her head is 39 cm around (off the charts--big). It will be interesting to see how she grows compared to how the other kids grew. R and L were really big as newborns too and were almost off the charts until about 3-4 months old, then slowed down so much so that they only gained about 2-3 lbs. from 3 months to a year.

Emmersyn LOVES her tongue! She is constantly sticking it out and "chewing" on it, she also found her thumb a few days ago (09.17.10) which she is starting to suck on. It will be interesting to see if she ends up sucking her thumb or taking a pacifier!

She still likes to be held all the time, but is starting to get a little better about falling asleep on her own (doesn't have to be rocked all the time) which has been nice because it's difficult to hold her all day. She does spend a significant amount of time in the Moby Wrap still. I swear she'll never roll over, she's never put down long enough! She is also sleeping a little better at night. Still waking up twice to eat, but always goes down right after she eats. Doc says she might continue that longer than the average baby since she's so big and needs to eat more often (she eats every 3 hours during the day and about every 5 at night).

As difficult as having a newborn is, I LOVE it! She is such a fun and smiley baby! I cannot believe she's already two months old. Before I know it she'll be crawling everywhere!

A few pictures from the last month:

**Cute story of the day: I took all three kids with me to Emmersyn's and Riley's doc's appt. yesterday and when the nurse was giving Emmersyn her shots Lincoln looked at the nurse, pointed his finger and said "Go Away...You're not nice". I didn't know if I should have been horrified that my two year old would say that to someone or glad that he was sticking up for his baby sister?!!

Happy Birthday Lincoln!!

Two years ago, May 8th, our lives changed and even though I didn't think it could get any better, with the birth of Lincoln it did! I cannot even explain the amount of joy, fun, and love he has brought into our lives. Yes, things are so much more hectic with two babies, but he is so worth every challenging moment!

Here are his physical statistics at 2 years old:

34 inches (48th percentile)

27 lbs (48th percentile)
48 head (48th percentile)

Doc said he was the most proportionate kid she's ever seen on the growth chart at 2 years old--every measurement was in the 48th percentile. Guess that means he's perfect :)!

I cannot believe how much this kid talking. He talks like crazy and can say just about anything you tell him to including his favorite phrase, "Go away" and "Come on". Wonderful. It must help that he's got a big sister to imitate and she loves teaching him her words. Thankfully she doesn't know any naughty ones! He loves playing with cars and figures and he's got such an imagination for a 2 year old. He'll play with Riley's doll house all by himself and make the characters "talk".

He got into the terrible twos just in time for his 2nd birthday. This child of mine who is fairly calm and laid back sure can throw a mean fit. If he's tired watch out he can flip in an instant--but I guess who can't, right? Speaking of sleep, he's an awesome sleeper. He sleeps from 7:30pm until 7am and takes a 3-4 hour nap.

He is very much a Momma's boy. He may rough and tumble with his sister and Daddy, but with me he is so sweet. Often he will come up to me for no reason at all and plant a kiss on my lips or give me a "tight squeeze" anytime I ask for one (which is often :)!) Is very polity and "thanks mama" no matter who gives him something. So if Riley gives him a toy he says "thanks, mama" :). I think he may have a hard time when the baby comes along because anytime I hold another baby or toddler he throws his hands up for me to hold him and tells the other baby to "Go away"! YIKES, I hope he does better than I think he's going to!

All of a sudden within the past month or so he has become a very picky eater which is extremely frustrating. He LOVES peas and broccoli and bananas. Asks for crackers when he wants something to eat and water when he wants something to drink...even if he wants a banana and milk. It's his way of telling me he's hungry/thirsty.

Right after he turned two he started climbing out of his crib. However, after doing it two days in a row, one night he was screaming bloody murder and when I "ran" up to his room he was stuck on top of the rail. I think it scared him to death and he hasn't even attempted to climb out since! I will prolong the transition to a big boy bed as long as possible! He is also great using a regular cup, in fact I'd say he's better with it than Riley is. He always uses a big cup unless we're out...then we take a sippy for him! He's got great fine motor skills

Lincoln loves going to church and gets so excited when we tell him we're going. We pray that he continues to feel that same way as he grows! I pray every night that each of my children have a personal relationship with the Lord and that they will strive to please him. Lincoln is so special to us and I cannot imagine my life without my sweet boy. He has made me such a better person and I am lucky to be his mom.

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy!

Lincoln's 1st Haircut

Lincoln finally got his first official haircut while we were back in MI. His mullet just had to go, we were fitting in, in West Virgina too well :). He didn't have much hair to cut, especially on top, but it still needed to be trimmed. I had trimmed it previously but my cut just wasn't working for him. So on Saturday (1/2/10) my Dad, "Papa", and I took Lincoln to get his haircut in Bridgman where my little sisters go. It was right in the middle of nap time, I know, not the best timing, but that's the appointment that they had so I wasn't sure how Lincoln would do. Thankfully my dad walked next door to Ben Franklin and picked up a sucker to keep him occupied while! Dad picked a Slow Poke, the messiest, stickiest sucker out there and by the time she was done the sucker had hair and slobber covering it, but it did keep him occupied and he didn't seem to mind :). He was great, the only time he was a little nervous was when she turned on the electric clippers. Papa was proud to have him on his lap and I was glad so I could snap some pictures!

About to get started!

As you can see, the mullet is GONE! Thank goodness.

Riley's new BIG girl bed

We moved Ri into a big girl bed a while back but finally got her a new bedroom set and bedding. I had the hardest time deciding what kind of stuff I wanted, but am happy how it turned out. I still need to get something for the walls.

On a somewhat different note, she is (and has been for a few months) staying in her room and not giving us a hard time with bedtime anymore. No crying, no fits, no excuses, etc. She may come out once(maybe twice), but other than that she stays in her room and plays or reads until she falls asleep. Almost every night she stays up for a good hour or so before actually falling asleep, but at least she's in her room, in her bed. What a difference that makes!

Although she sleeps in her bed, this is where I usually find her when she's not sleeping...

My 2 Little Fishies

Ty had a short day at work today so we decided to take full advantage of this beautiful weather that we've been having lately and took the kids to the pool. Lincoln has never been in the pool before (I thought he was too little last year) and I thought he'd love to test out the water since he loves baths. Riley loves the water too, but whenever we get to a pool she'd rather run around the edges and sit on the stairs and today was no different. I took Lincoln in with me and he was pretty unsure at first. He didn't cry at all, but whined, probably because he was cold. He's used to his warm bath water. After about 2 minutes he warmed up, floated in his "inner tube thing" and we hung out in the water for almost 2 hours. I am so excited that we've got access to 2 pools ALL summer LONG . We intend to take advantage of them and hopefully I'll have a good tan by the end of the summer (without having to pay $$ for it this time :)).

"I love this, mom!"

My handsome little guy!

Sippy/photo break (Lincoln was sitting on the chair and Ri came up and sat next to him and put her arm around him. I just love how much she loves her little brother and how well they get along.)

It's funny because I've always laughed when I heard people saying "women hate summer because it's bathing suit weather". I'm thinking, 'oh come on people, get a grip...it's not that bad'...that was before I had kids. Now I know exactly why people hate bathing suit shopping and getting into a suit to be seen by everyone! I am so there and it's depressing that I'm only 25 and my bikini days are OVER!! I've got two babes that I'm so thankful for and are so worth every stretch mark, so I suppose I shouldn't complain. Maybe one day I'll get back in shape, but I doubt it :).

Lincoln's WALKING!

Lincoln took his first steps almost a month ago (May19th) but it never really caught on until last week. Once he started walking, he didn't stopped. He didn't start by taking 1 or 2 steps, he started with like 10 or 15 instead. He just loves his new found freedom and loves trying to keep up with his big sister. This video was taken last week--the first day he started "walking". I can't believe my baby is a walker, although it did take him forever (compared to Riley, at least). Now that he's got about a week of walking under his belt he's barely crawling anymore. I'm not sure I'm ready for this new stage in Lincoln's life, but I just love to watch him change and grow! He's quite the talker too--even if I can understand him :).

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

My sweet baby boy turned one last week, May 8th to be exact! I cannot believe how the time has flown by and that my baby is already one! That day, when he turned one, was so bitter-sweet. I absolutely LOVE the personality he has now, I love that he feeds himself and sleeps through the night, I love that he smiles and laughs like there's not a care in the world, I love that he gives me hugs and kisses and smiles with those squinty eyes that just make my heart melt. Yet, I already miss those days of laying with him on my chest, smelling his sweet baby scent. I miss the days of nursing him and laying in bed with him, knowing he feels safe and warm. I love that he's growing up, but already miss the baby stage. So bitter-sweet!

We so anxiously waited your arrival! I knew you were going to be a big boy. I was HUGE!

Weighing in!

I couldn't imagine our lives without him and can't remember the days before he was born. It's like he's been here since the beginning. I look forward to the mornings when we lay in bed--me half asleep and Lincoln, wide awake, snuggling with me or crawling all over me--waiting for Riley to wake up. Of course I don't enjoy waking up most mornings at 5:30, but I cherish the alone time I have with my baby boy.

The Bible says that the Lord will never give you more than you can handle. When we found out we were pregnant with Lincoln I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I was shocked to say the least, but I knew that God would provide--and he has. Even though it may not have been our timing, God's timing was absolutely perfect!! Not only am I thankful for sweet Lincoln and the time I get to spend with him, but I love that Riley has a playmate. They are 18 months apart and even though having them closer together is a lot of work, I couldn't have "planned" it any more perfect than it is! I honestly have thought that having two is "easier" than just one! Call me crazy, I know, but I honestly do!

I have read so many blogs lately about children that are really sick, who have passed away seconds after they are born, children who are fighting for their lives and it really makes me hold my kids tighter, hug them more often, and thank God for giving them good health! It makes the days that I want to pull out my hair, the days that I think I just might go crazy, not seem so bad after all! I have such a greater appreciation for those days now! I love you sweet Lincoln, and I hope that you will forever stay a Momma's boy!

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Okay, now for the "facts" :). At Lincoln's 1 year check up he weighed 19 lbs. 4 oz!! (5th percentile) and was 2 8 3/4 inches (25th percentile). He's on the small side, but I'm not concerned. He eats VERY well and has been eating all table food for months now. He's drinking whole milk (at least 20 oz./day). I honestly get a little tired to the doctor's saying "put butter on or in everything he eats"! Well, sorry docs. I'm not feeding my baby unhealthy just to fatten him up. How unhealthy is that? Instead I wish they'd give me some healthier, options for fat. He still eats an avocado a day and a cup of whole milk, organic yogurt, peanut butter on crackers, etc. Now I've started him on Hommus. Let's just say he's getting used to it :).

He waves, says momma, dada, bye bye and jabbers a TON. He's starting to stand for a long period of time on his own and he cruises all over the furniture. He'll walk when he's ready and I'm fine with him being a "late" walker! Some of his favorites toys are the Little People toys. We got Riley a Little People's castle and he LOVES it. Poor kid is always playing with girls' toys! Thank goodness he got some great boy toys for his birthday (more on that to come...).

He's still sleeping through the night. He goes to bed by 7:30 and wakes up around 6am! Not fun waking up early, but I like having the evening for Ty and I. He's still taking 2 naps, one at 8 am and the other around 1:00 (when Riley takes a nap too). Each are for about an hour. He's wearing 6-12 month clothes and 6-12 month Robeez.

Lincoln LOVES to be outside. But, he doesn't like to touch the grass and will face plant into it before he'll put his hands down!! (It's quite funny to watch actually!)

Lincoln on his 1 year birthday!! (Can you honestly have too many pictures of a child?? I think not...)