Sunday, August 30, 2009

Transitioning...

Now that Emmry is a year old, I have been wanting to start on the transition from being a baby to now growing into a toddler. The transition however is not going well at all. I've been wanting to only use her passy at night time and start to wing her of the bottles! But I have had no success with either! She won't drink from anything but her bottle and she won't drink anything but formula! A few sips of tea from a medicine dropper every once in a while but its all formula for her! The passy ordeal, yeah... I just can't do it. It is such an easy out for when she is upset or angry or just plain fussy! I thought it would be easier once she got a little older... Oh boy, I was W-R-O-N-G!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Emmry's First Birthday Bash (Sorry We're Late)

Yes we are late with the blog entry of Emmry's first birthday. However, I do have a good reason! Miss Emmry had been sick since her birthday party! Thankfully, it was just a virus that we had to let run its course. She is so much better now, back to being a wild-child!

Emmry's party was fantastic... a lot of work and planning but it was well worth it! On Emmry's actual birthday (Friday August 21) we went to eat with the entire family and nowhere suits us best than Mexican food!

Saturday was the big day though. Emmry's party was at Uncle Jeff's and Aunt Kim's neighborhood pool. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous (it had been raining all week). The pool area was covered in HOT PINK and LIME GREEN and even a special banner that Brittany, Chelsea and I made! (Thank you girls) Emm had a big 2 layer "Hair-Bow" cake... a mini "Hair-Bow" cake to match!It was a little too cool to swim but we still made the best of it. She got TONS of gifts; a highchair, a new stroller, toys, shoes, hair-bows, a pink glove and ball, and loads of clothes! She enjoyed opening her presents... so look out Christmas because she is now a pro!
The "playing in the cake" part... it took a few minutes before she actually really got into it. More like 20 minutes. But once she figured out that is was okay to "mess", she was COVERED! I think she had a wonderful time and even though she won't remember it... I WILL! =)

I'd like to thank everyone that attended her FIRST BIRTHDAY! I am glad you guys got to share the special day with us!
Thank You:
Nana-Gayle, PawPaw, Ninnie, PawPaw Daddy, Kyndal, Taylor,Granny-Pat, PawPaw, Lynn, G-G, Breanna, Eric, Chase, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kim, Cole, Aunt Shannon, Caleb, Luke, Aunt Maymie, Ben, Hunter, Aunt Debbie, Erin, Auntie Britt, Michael, Chelsea, Allan and Miss Kathy.
We love you all very much!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Our First Fever/Undiagnosed Sickness

Oh how I couldn't wait for Emmry to turn one... I sure didn't realize what was going to come following her first birthday party. She has been so sick since Saturday (her party), that I haven't even had time to post pictures or blog about her first birthday party. Here is what is going on so far with Emmry and her illness:

Saturday afternoon, Emmry didn't seem to be feeling very well... mostly fussy. I figured she had just been worn out from the party and from not having a very good nap. However, that night the fever started. On Sunday, her fever stayed about the same. She was in and out for most of the day. Sunday night the bomb hit us... 103.8 temperature but she had no other symptoms; just a fever and a little congestion in her nose.

First thing Monday morning I rushed her to the doctor. We arrived at 10:00 am and didn't leave until 2:00 in the afternoon. They ran EVERY test on this child. Everything from the flu, ear infection, strep, mono, phenomena, UTI, catheter, blood work, and X-rays... NOTHING! Everything came back normal EXCEPT her white blood cell count. It was very high. Before we left, they gave her a shot of antibiotics, hoping that would help lower the white blood cell count. For the remainder of Monday, Emmry slept a good bit. She did "perk up" once we left the doctors office. But it wasn't for a long time. Once she woke up for her nap, the child was on fire... I am telling you, I could see the heat coming from her body... her temperature was 104.5! And yes, I was freaking out. But she was keeping liquids down and took her medicine. So the doctor just said wait and see what she does.

Emmry ended up falling to sleep on her own around 10:30 Monday night and she was so pitiful. She woke up several times in the middle of the night until I finally picked her up. Something was wrong... her temperature was 104.5... AGAIN! A dose of Motrin, some good home made sweet tea, a cool bath and she was back to bed! I didn't hear a peep from her the rest of the night (yes, I checked on her numerous times).

This morning (Tuesday), we took her back to the doctor at 8:30 and pour Emmry just hates that place. She cried just seeing the doctor. They took her blood again and we waited. (I'm not sure about anyone else, but I hate waiting... I hate waiting for the news and not knowing either it's good or bad.) Her white blood count was exactly the same and I could tell by the look on the doctors face she was worried/shocked. Apparently the shot she gave Emmry the day before hadn't worked. So we did a repeat; she gave her another shot and sent us home. Emmry has slept most of the day (with a continuous fever). She played a little this afternoon but she just isn't the same. Her pour little eyes are so droopy, she is just so give out. Her doctor (Barbara Terry) really thinks she has either A. a virus (that we may never know what it is/was and we have to let it run its course) or B. roseola (its a virus that has a full 72 hour fever of 103-105 and on the forth day, the child breaks out from head to toe in a rash). To me, both options stink. I don't want Emmry to have either!!

We go back to the doctor at 9:00 in the morning. We are HOPING/PRAYING that her white blood count is down. If it isn't... Scottish Rite here we come! I can seriously say this with so much truth... I wish it was me!!! I can't stand this. I hate this and it's just not far! All I can do is hold her, love her and pray but even sometimes... It just doesn't seem like I'm doing enough!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

525,600 Minutes With My Darling Emmry

My Sweetest Emmry,
(Tears are pouring from my face at this very moment)
As a child, I imagined having a daughter; imagining you would be this wonderful was beyond my imagination. I can't describe to you how you make me feel other than by saying you are my entire world. I have loved every moment that I have been blessed to have with you. These past twelve months, you have brought laughter, joy, hope, and love into every one's life. You are so remarkable already and full of so much attitude (which I love).
From the start, you have been a Daddy's girl. I love the way you adore him and oh how he loves you. You are two peas in a pod and when he's around, no one else will do. Lately, you have been hanging on my hip though and I must say, I LOVE IT! I love watching you grow. I also love watching you sleep, you are so peaceful and I often wonder what you are dreaming about. You amaze me every day my sweet angel.
This blog is more than just pictures and words; it is memories of the happiest time of my life. These are memories that are locked in my heart forever. I look forward to sharing these special and unforgettable moments with you.
I am blessed to be your mother and honored that God chose you as my daughter. I promise to always love you, care for you, listen to you, guide you, and help you beyond my lifetime.
Emmry, you will always be my miracle. You will always be my baby girl.

Happy First Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Daddy's Song


Put a smile on your face,
It will make you feel better.
Put a smile on your face,
Make it last forever.
Put a smile on your face,
When you're down and when you're blue.
Put a smile on your face because Mommy and Daddy love you.

When Emmry was a newborn, she had colic. Todd started singing to her one day and these are the lyrics he would sing. She would quit crying and smile every time. He still sings her this song when she is upset and it works. He is such a wonderful Daddy. We love him so much!

Monday, August 17, 2009

It Was A Hairbow Kind of Night

Tonight, I had two of my closest girlfriends (Brittany and Chelsea VanHorn) over to help me with Emmry's birthday banner. Oh what a afternoon/night it was! We took a trip to Hobby Lobby, ate pizza, spilt drinks and Sammy (my dog) peed on some of the paper we were using for the banner!

While Brittany and I were working VERY hard on the banner, Chelsea was also working VERY hard on her own project... Emmry's hair! Chelsea's creation was hilarious. I think Emmry has ten bows in her hair! I was a much needed "girls" night and I think we all had a blast!

(If this isn't the most awful face, then I don't know what is!! Todd says she looks like me!! )

Friday, August 14, 2009

Party Planning!

The party planning isn't as stressful as I thought it would be. I am actually very relaxed and putting most of the stuff off until next week (the week of her party). I know. I know. I am a procrastinator but I have found that when I just "throw" things together, it usually works out better in the end.

Today was a big day! I placed the order for Emmry's cake and I seriously couldn't be more thrilled! I think the "theme" and "idea" of her cake came with a lot of thought and love. Not to mention that I came up with it on my own! It's very creative. The lady that is creating her cake even said she has never done anything like it before! Other than her actual party... I am the most excited about her cake!

Today is also Friday and this means... This is the last Friday that Emmry will be a "baby" or less than a year old!! Because I want the days to slow down, they only seem to be speeding up more quickly. This is such a huge step and although I am ready to take it... I am still a bit sadden by the thought!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A Dirty Surprise

This morning, I didn't wake up to my usual baby. I heard Emmry crying in her crib and I quickly went to check what was wrong, only I had no idea what I was going to find! The moment I walked into her room, I smelled it but she was standing up so I didn't think anything about it. I looked over the crib and poop was EVERYWHERE! Seriously... EVERYWHERE; her hands, her face, the crib, toys, blankets, and her bedding! The rails of her crib had poopy fingerprints! I wanted to just cry at the mess she had made but I couldn't help but laugh. I bathed her, cleaned her crib, and washed her bedding... Now we are all better! Boy, motherhood is just great!! =)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

A Year Full of Happiness...

(Our First Official Picture Together)
I seriously say this all the time but it's the truth... I cannot believe I have been married to my wonderful husband for a full year. I remember the day we got together, the day he proposed, the moment I said "Yes"!!, and the second I said "I Do". Although we are very different, we are so much the same and throughout our nearly 4 year relationship we have definitely been thru a lot. I love a challenge and will stop at nothing to reach my goals. Other than our daughter, our marriage is my number one goal in life.
(Cruise 2007)
Todd is truly an amazing father... I knew that the moment I met him. In fact, I told him that's what attracted me to him. When he walks into the room, Emmry's face just lights up. She adores her daddy, no one will ever compare. He is a great hubby too. He would bend over backwards for me and sometimes, ONLY sometimes do I use that to my advantage! :) I love the fact that he isn't afraid to do laundry, clean up around the house when needed, or watch Emmry for an hour while I go to the store. I also love the fact that he always defends me; he never allows anyone to hurt me or put me down. He is honest to goodness my biggest fan! I can't imagine my life without him in it.
(Mexico 2007)
The morning of our anniversary, he surprised me with another charm from my Pandora bracelet! (I am such a HUGH fan of Pandora) Then, we spent the remainder of the day between the beach and the pool. For me, it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more!
(Formal Night August 2007)

To Todd:
What if I had never walked up to you that day in the park? We sure wouldn't be here, where we are today. So I believe you owe me a "THANK YOU"! :) None the less...
I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for being my husband, thank you for giving me the most precious gift of all, Emmry and thank you for standing by my side thru it all. I know I can depend on you for anything and I know you will always be there. You have brought so much joy in my life, I'll never be able to repay you. As we grow and continue to change, I hope your love from me will always stay the same! I look forward to sharing so many more memories with you. I can't say it enough... I love you!
(Pregnant with Emmry)

(On Our 1 Year Anniversary!)