shades

Yesterday I was able to go shopping with my mom and sister to get all the last minute things she needed for college. We had a lot of fun and it seems it gets easier each time we take Emery out. We had to go to Target of course and I found Emery a couple of cute outfits and some adorable baby sunglasses. I just wanted to share that picture with you all because it's one of my new favorites. Enjoy and hope all is well with you!

long overdue announcement

It seems a little ridiculous that we would wait six weeks to announce the birth of our daughter. However, in the midst of diaper changes, 3am feedings, and lullabies, blogging was pushed to the bottom of our priority list. Now life is starting to hit a routine so I find myself happy to announce that Nolan and I have a bouncing baby girl! Her name is Emery Ruth and she joined us on July 3. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz, and was 19 inches long. She is absolutely beautiful and we are enjoying watching her grow each day. She now weighs well over 9 lbs, she's probably closer to 11 lbs by now actually. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with her while Nolan goes to work. Sometimes I wouldn't mind switching places but I most certainly would miss her before too long. I was just commenting to a friend today that I think she's getting very close to responding to us and laughing with us. She coos more and more each day and occasionally I can get her to smile when I blow raspberries on her belly or kiss her cheeks. She has a prominent dimple on one cheek and I love trying to get it to show. I'm nursing her and that is getting easier each week as well (thank the Lord). She gives me about 3-4 hour breaks in between feedings at night so I am not too terribly sleep-deprived. Nolan is such a great dad. He willingly does the gross jobs like suctioning her nose and emptying the diaper pail. He's also not afraid to get the dirty diapers and Emery certainly puts him to the test on those! Hopefully I'll be able to update this a little more and let you know how Emmy is growing and changing.
In other news, I had to have my gallbladder removed last week. I went 23 years without ever having surgery and then I underwent 2 within 5 weeks of each other (I had to deliver by C-section). Pregnancy really messes with a girls' body! Luckily I was able to have outpatient, laparoscopic surgery. The recovery time has been much quicker than the C-section. My mom came to stay with us and got up with the baby so I could sleep a few nights so I am on the mend.
Tomorrow my mom and sister are coming to pick up Emery and I so we can help Bethany pick out a computer for school. My little sister is moving in to college this weekend! I'm so proud of and happy for her but I cannot believe she'll be so far away from home (SIU Carbondale).
Well, as I said, I will do my best to update more often. That's all our news for now. Enjoy some pictures! She's seriously the best baby ever!