Emery is 2 months old

All about Emery's second month

Eats:  every 3 hours, mostly nursing, one bottle (or so) a day

Sleeps: best in the rock and play...down to only waking twice a night

Wears: 0-3 month clothes, size 1 diapers, lots of hairbows 

Likes: watching brother, being cuddled, turning your head from side to side to look all around, being "worn" in the ergo or moby wrap, Christmas lights

Dislikes: being over-tired, tummy time, sleeping flat on your back 

Milestones this month:

- 2 month check up (and shots--yuck!).  You aren't gaining weight as quickly as they would like (you were 9 lb, 4 oz on December 30th...about the 15th percentile) so we are adding a milk fortifier to your bottles

- first smiles (Ahhh....so sweet!) and coos

- first Christmas

- photos with Santa

Dear Emme, 

This month has been so fun--making special Christmas memories with our families.  You added so much sweetness to our Holidays!  We can tell already that you are going to have a special relationship with your brother.  He loves you so much (sometimes a little too much...he likes to get in your face) and we know you love him too.  You love to watch him play.  This month you've gotten more interactive, smiling and cooing at us.  You smile with your entire face, almost closing your eyes completely.  It's pretty adorable.  Your first smile for daddy was on Christmas morning, in fact. What a thoughtful gift!  :)

We are so thankful for you, sweet girl!

Love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Emery's First Month

All About Emery Kathryn, Month 1

Eats: Every 2.5-3 hours 

Sleeps: a lot!  Only stays up for an hour or so at a time...but sleeps best in someone's arms.  Will usually go 3 hours between feedings at night.

Wears: size 0-3 clothes, size 1 diapers, size 3-6 month socks (girl's got some long, skinny feet!)

Likes: being swaddled, being talked to, nursing, watching big brother, looking at Christmas lights, burying her face in mommy's elbow to get to sleep

Dislikes: when mommy eats dairy, being over-tired, hungry, or cold

Special milestones this month: 

- overcame jaundice and a dairy allergy (boo)

- first photo shoot (with Leslie)

- met a ton of people (everyone loves you, obviously)

- first bottle (2 weeks old...you were a champ)

- first Halloween (you were a sleepy pumpkin)

- first Thanksgiving (you had dairy-free leftovers) 

-first family movie night (Frozen)

- first overnight road trip (to Chattanoga for Thanksgiving)

- first time being licked by a dog (it took about a week.  I tried to keep her away...)

- first (of millions) hugs, kisses, stories, and cuddles

Sweet Emme Kate, 

It's hard to believe that you're already one month old, but at the same time, we can't imagine a life without you here!  You add so much to our family--a wholeness that wasn't there before.  We are so grateful at God picked us to be your parents and look forward to watching you grow.  We love you! 

Mommy and Daddy 

Collier at 18 months

Happy 1 1/2 Birthday! 

Collier,

You're actually just over 19 months old now--officially a toddler, no longer a baby.  What a bittersweet time!  I love seeing you grow (you're up to 23 lbs, 33 inches--tall and thin, still) and learn new things (more words than we can count!), but it's a little sad to watch you lose so much of your "baby-ness".  That being said, I cant tell you what a pleasure it is to see the little boy you're growing into.  We are noticing as you grow that you have a very sweet and tender heart--you're always gentle with animals and smaller kids, are easily upset when someone else gets hurt, and are concerned about others' well-being.  It is my prayer that God will use this gentle heart and loving spirit to do great things. Just seek His way, sweet boy...

As we passed your half-birthday, there were several "big" things I wanted to be sure I remembered about you; that I wanted to cement in my mind as a picture of Collier at 18 months old:

Says "hold you" when he wants to be picked up

Prays for "tooper" every night (Cooper)

Reminds us to say the blessing (and sneaks bites during it)

Asks for "be-ah" hugs (bear)

Likes tv a little too much

Grumpy when he's hungry (like dad)

Knows more animals names than a zookeeper

Still loves books--faves are Grover, Goodnight Gorilla, Dog book, any book with a song

Asks for "Baby Mine" and pats on the back at bedtime.  Wants to rock with mommy or daddy.

Loves to water the plants outside. (And himself)

Happiest when outside....loves dirt and rocks and grass rocks and mulch and rocks

Says everything is blue when asked what color it is

Gets really concerned about whether his food is hot "ees hhhhot?" "Ees warm?"...

Loves babies, especially baby Russ

Is exceptionally gentle with babies and animals--loves all animals especially dogs

Had to start time out--sits on a stair for 1 minute and cries pitifully.  Then gives hugs and kisses when we get him up.

Getting quite the sweet tooth...loves cookies and vanilla wafers and asks for them at random times

Likes to race--says "set-go!" before he runs 

Sweet boy, you bring endless joy (and occasional frustration, to be honest--you're quite opinionated) to our days.  We are thankful everyday that God chose us to be your parents, and pray that He gives us the grace to raise you in His way.

Love, Mommy and Daddy