We’re getting used to our new “normal” of disrupted sleep and changing diapers. Neither of us knew how to change a diaper prior to Miss Emily’s arrival, but I must say we’re becoming naturals at it. (Um, can you become a natural at something? ) We’re impressed by her output (volume, sound effects, everything) and amused by her ability to pee during every diaper change. I thought only little boys did that. After the seventh or eighth time, I finally caught on and decided to leave her old diaper under her for a few moments longer. Yup, this ole’ girl can still learn a few new tricks. I think Emily is pretty impressed by my mad skilz.
It’s been so much fun to do this blog and to read the comments from everyone. Let’s give a shout-out to Carrie for suggesting it! And now I have even more fun things to talk about because the baby is here. So absolutely, the show must go on. Let them eat cake!
The dogs are struggling to understand what’s going on. Natalie is a little oblivious (as is her norm; she appears that way even in this picture), but Nathan is acutely aware of the new critter. He’s pretty sure we finally got him the pet chicken he’s been asking for for years. (Why does Nathan want a pet chicken? No one knows for sure — it’s just something he’s wanted for a long time now.) He’s interested in and concerned for her, but unfortunately, he’s like a bull in a chinashop. He hears her cry and wants to see what’s going on, but he’s too pushy about it, so we end up scolding him, then we feel bad because he’s just expressing concern. It’s a tough little balance to find. We want him to love his new pet chicken, but we don’t want him to inadvertently hurt her. So we encourage moments like this:
She continues to be as mellow as they come when it comes to meeting new people and being passed around the room. “I know I’m adorable. Yes, you may love on me if you must….” Here she is with many of the new friends and family in her life:
Chris’s cousin, Weston
Weston’s daughter, Isla
Family friend, Frankie
Chris’s cousin, Melissa
Chris’s sister, Caroline
Chris’s mother, Jane (and Bella the Chihuahua)
Emily doesn’t fuss much so far. It probably makes me a bad parent to admit that when she DOES get upset, I have to laugh. She makes the cutest little bird squeaks, and her face gets so squinched up…and then it’s over, quicker than it began, and she’s none the worse for wear:
Man, she’s probably going to be mad that I’ve already posted naked pictures of her on the Internet! Aren’t parents supposed to discourage that, not propagate it? Oops. Further proof that my parenting skills may not be quite up to snuff. Let’s see, I laugh when she cries and I put indecent pictures of her out there for the world to see. Eeee, if you had to have permission to have a baby, I think my application may have been denied.
She has so many moments of profound cuteness — I’ve decided that I need a carpenter’s toolbelt to carry around all of my new must-haves. I’ve learned that one needs spit-up cloths, nursing pads, extra diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes (mostly for her, although probably for me, too), and a camera at all times. My diaper bag has quickly become my new purse; 80% of the stuff is Emily’s but I’ve managed to conquer one pocket for my wallet, keys, cell phone, and (of course) camera. Anyway, back to the profound cuteness — if this doesn’t melt your heart, there’s something wrong with you!
Sometimes the camera just doesn’t do her justice. I’m telling you, this is the most beautiful baby you’ve ever seen. I know all parents say that, but it’s true this time. Emily is so darn adorable. Proof: when people see her on the street, they don’t struggle to find something nice to say (“Uhh, she’s got really, uh, nice eyelashes. Yeah. Those are impressive.”). Surely that means something?
Other moments from the past week:
(Chris and Frankie are pretty sure that she’s flashing her gang sign in that last picture.)
We had our first doctor’s visit today and Emily was furious that this disrupted her feeding schedule. Luckily, she discovered her fingers:
That pacified her for a few minutes, but she quickly realized that they didn’t produce much milk. Still, we managed to survive the appointment anyway. The nurse measured her and found her length to be 20 inches. Given that she was 21″ when she was born, the nurse decided to re-measure her. We lavished her with praise when we learned that she had grown from 20″ to 21″ in the past minute. We’re already talking to WNBA talent scouts. Touchdown! No, no, that’s the wrong sport. Homerun! Swiiiing, batta batta batta, swiiiiing.
Here she is with Chris in the doctor’s office (yes, I had to capture this “first” on film):
What, you ask, are our plans for this New Years Eve? With any luck, we hope to be asleep before, during, and after midnight. I know: it’s ambitious. Our resolution for 2009? To be the best darn parents this little girl has ever known.
