The big news of the day: Emily lost her umbilical cord! We’re so proud. I nearly made a cake for myself to celebrate, but managed to refrain and have hot cocoa instead.
So the umbilical cord fell off first thing this morning and she was very excited for Chris to wake up so she could tell him all about it. We got this picture of her, and then the nasty little stump went missing (that’s the black thing in the picture below). We couldn’t find it anywhere, but the dog was suddenly begging for more treats. More? Oh, that’s disgusting! What a gross little dog! Good thing we weren’t planning to save the cord for her.
Yesterday was our big trip to Bar Harbor to meet Gwen. It was fun to meet up with friends who are going through a parallel experience! As we compared stories, there were many similarities about the pregnancies, labors, and life since. For example, both girls are experiencing their bouts of acne right now. (Babies have their mothers’ hormones in their systems from being in the womb, so around 2-3 weeks after birth, they usually develop acne outbreaks that pass quickly.) Here was Emily on the ride over — wisely getting some rest before the big event:
She was happily sporting her favorite bunny cap for the big day.
Here are the proud daddys (note that they’re holding the wrong babies):
and the proud mommas (holding the correct babies):
Given that Gwen was bigger than Emily and could already hold her own head up (!), we thought it was very prudent of Emily not to spout off about being two days older. Besides, Gwen clued Emily in on the joys of baby swings…Emily was outraged that we own TWO and haven’t set them up for her yet. We hurried home and set the first one up for our princess:
Emily was none too happy about leaving her new friend. We experienced a minor meltdown on the drive home:
Clearly, we’ll have to go back and visit again soon. Or else.
My proclamation that letting Emily sleep upright had cured all of her nighttime issues was, alas, a little premature. The next night she was back to being a crabby baby. Last night I tried a new approach: I burped that baby every 38 seconds as she was eating to try to keep her gas/reflux issues to a minimum. By George, it worked beautifully! She was smiling in her sleep all night (probably because she was filling her diaper, but I choose to believe it was something I did). We’ll see if we can keep this impressive trend going for more than one night. It’s probably not much of a trend if it only happens once.
Chris took some time today to put together her Rolls Royce of swings, given to her by Grandma Mary Ann and Grandpa Steve. Emily supervised from her cocoon on the floor (with her eyes closed, no less), and Nathan supervised from his vantage point by the heating vent.
The end result: a happy Emily Jane, sans umbilical cord, rocking a very Michael Jackson one sock sort of look, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the rainforest.
Grandmother Ann said,
January 12, 2009 at 9:36 am
I have finally checked in to the blog again. (fractured my left foot and have been quite out of commission…and still am) Such a wonderful array of photos, expressions, people, family…..the expressions come mostly from little Emily. She is certainly animated. She’s absolutely adorable and beautiful. Of course, Grammies WOULD say that! But she is, we all know
Very good job, daughter and son-in-law!
Sister (and now Auntie) Sarah said,
January 12, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Ewwwww … well, at least you know the dogs will always be well-fed now that Emily is around. Her first of many treats she hands off to the dogs!
if she chooses to swing from “limb” to limb (OMG the jokes are just “toetally” endless!)
And Sister Amy will be pleased to see she’s sleeping comfortably in the blanket.
That furry car-seat looks sooo comfy – I wish I could drive to work in style like that in all that softness (and at 7am I’m wishing my eyes could be closed too). Her toes look like fingers – you sure she isn’t part chimp? I’m thinking she’ll be able to write with those … pick up objects off the floor … all necessary “feats”
What a wonderful swing! Love the bright colors and animals! And I see she’s wearing one of my favorite jackets with the little ears on top
I found the cutest fleece jacket for Emily Jane today – but she has to wait until she’s 3 to wear it! Oh well, it goes along with the other 3-year-old presents I already have
Love & Peace
Aunt Linda said,
January 13, 2009 at 10:17 am
What wonderful pics you have, my love….
All the better to create a portfolio with, my dear!
This is great stuff! Who knows what the technology will look and act like when Princess Emily is old enough to manipulate it… (next year, you say?)?
You have managed to capture the most amazing shots of this adventure and I am certain that there are ways to save it forever…off line. I am afraid that online will look far different…far too soon!
I am loving being along for the ride. You are absorbing the bumps and my ride is smooth!
ok, ok, ok….I just can’t stand it! Is it an innie or an outie?
Kelly said,
January 13, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Do you guys have heat in your house? Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help if you need it. Little miss Emily is dressed for sledding in all of your inside pictures so I can’t help but be concerned. Give us a call, K?
Love to you all!