A Day in the Life of Emerson (Part 2)

Several weeks ago, I wrote a post on what a typical day looked like for Emerson. I wrote about the routine (or lack thereof!) that we had during my maternity leave. Now that I am back at work, Emerson's days are a bit different and a bit more structured. We are all adjusting to the 'new normal' that comes with me being a working mom. Our mornings now start a little before 6AM. I will get myself ready and then either Boomer or I will go in to get Em around 6:30AM (depending on if Boomer has left for work yet). The hour or so I spend with her after that is very precious, and it goes by quickly with changing her diaper, feeding her, and pumping. Grammy arrives around 7AM to provide an extra set of hands. When I leave for work around 7:30AM, Grammy Daycare begins. Grammy may spend a little more time at the house, perhaps feeding Em or changing her out of her pajamas. Most days, they then go to Grammy and Grandpa's house, when Em will fall asleep for her morning nap. 

Sometimes this nap may last for just the 10-minute car ride, or sometimes, it is much longer (1 to 2 hours!) At first, my mom worried about keeping Em in her car seat, but as you can see, she doesn't seem to mind! After napping, Grammy plans a lot of fun activities for the day. They may visit Great Gma and Great Gpa... 

...or they may visit Mommy at work!

This picture was from this past Tuesday. Grammy and Grandpa had an errand to run in Greensboro, so they stopped by my office. It definitely brightened my day, and I enjoyed showing off my little girl. My coworkers loved seeing Emerson. Most of them had met her at our office Christmas party in December, and they all remarked how much she has grown since then. Grammy and Grandpa said that they would be back again and we would go out to lunch!

In the afternoons, if the weather is nice, Grammy may take Em on a walk around the neighborhood. All that fresh air means Em gets sleepy again, so she may have her afternoon nap in the stroller. 

Grammy has a double stroller, and on one day this past week, Maddox filled the front seat. He wasn't feeling too well and had to stay home from daycare. Maddox and Em got in some cousin time, while still maintaining a healthy distance. Grammy was extra careful to make sure they didn't share germs! If the weather doesn't cooperate for an afternoon walk, Em may take her nap indoors in the Pack 'n Play.

Throughout the day (and when she is not sleeping!), Em plays with all the different toys at Grammy and Grandpa's house. She loves kicking around on her boppy, pulling (and chewing) on the rings that hang down on the arch activity gym, and just generally being spoiled by her grandparents!

When the workday is over, Boomer and I rush home as soon as we can. Most days, Grammy will bring Em back to our house, but sometimes I pick her up there. On the best days, I'm reunited with my little girl around 5:30PM. On the days when traffic is heavy or work goes a little long, it's closer to 6PM. I haven't quite figured out making dinner yet. In the ten days of work so far, I've only cooked once (yikes!) Grammy has cooked dinner a couple of times (have I said how thankful I am for her??), and we have also gone out to eat, done take-out, or had leftovers. Since Emerson is not very mobile and is agreeable to being in her car seat, we've continued to eat out like we did pre-baby. Let's be honest, I didn't cook much then either! 

After dinner, we play with Em for a little bit until it nears bedtime. If it is a bath night, play time is in the bath. Barring major spit-ups or blowouts, we give Em a bath 2-3 times a week.

Around 8PM or 8:30PM, Em will start showing signs that she is sleepy. I've gotten pretty good at reading these signals: yawning, sucking on her hand, becoming squirmy when we are holding her but then also does not want to be put down. I'll take her into her nursery for the last feeding and a few bedtime songs. Even if she falls asleep in my arms, she generally wakes when I am putting her in her crib. I haven't mastered the smoothest transition yet, but she seems to like her crib and doesn't fuss. I'll watch her from the monitor in our room, and she is usually out within 10 minutes. Boomer and I stay up a little longer, watching The Bachelor tv and unwinding from the day. During this time, I find myself looking at my phone at the pictures and videos of Em. Although I am tired and dread the sound of the alarm clock, I look forward to when I will see her again in the morning!

To My Mom

Whew, I survived my first week back at work! 5 days, 40 hours. There were some tears, lots of yawns, and several moments of missing my little girl. There were also nighttime cuddles, reunions with coworkers, and the pride of conquering another day. Each day seemed very full, from the time the alarm went off until I climbed back into bed that night. 

Em is still doing great sleeping through the night; however, we don't quite have a morning routine yet. She tends to stir anywhere between 4:00AM and 5:30AM. At the earlier end of that range, I would be able to catch a little more sleep before getting ready for work. If Em slept until 5:30AM, I would start my day after putting her back down. A few mornings, I saw her again before I left for work, but on other mornings, she would still be sleeping. I'm not sure which is better! When she is awake, it is harder to leave; when she is asleep, I miss seeing her. My own routine of getting ready has become pretty speedy. Quick shower, and then I am heading out the door with my extra 'luggage': my pump bag, my mini-cooler, and my purse. It's quite a sight! I would arrive back home anywhere between 5:30PM and 6PM, depending on the traffic. The hours in the evening went by quickly, with dinner, baths, bedtime, and then getting things ready for the next day. I had one late night when I had a college fair at a high school in Greensboro. On that night, I got home around 9PM, just in time to nurse Em to sleep and put her in her crib. I think all moms deserve awards for making it through the week! I guess the reward is the weekend -- and we have certainly been enjoying the slower pace and the extra time together over the last two days.

Like I wrote in my earlier post to my Valentines, the week was made better by the encouragement and prayers of so many people. By far, my biggest supporter this week was my mom. For the many hours that I was at work, she was at home taking care of Emerson. It has been such a blessing to know that my little girl is getting so much love and attention while I am away. In fact, I think she is more spoiled with Grammy than when she is with Mommy! My mom went above and beyond to make the week as easy as possible for me. There were tears in both of our eyes when I left on Monday morning. I think her heart broke too, knowing the sadness I felt in leaving. From making dinner to washing bottles, she worked tirelessly this week, and I can't thank her enough. The texts throughout the day and the FaceTime calls helped me get through the next few hours. My heart is so full with gratitude for the time she is spending with my baby girl. I am happy to know that they are developing a bond that will last both of their lifetimes. As we close out the weekend and prepare for another week, I want to write a special post to my mother.  

Mom, 

Thank you for selflessly giving of your time, your energy, and your love to your family. I am so glad that Emerson is with you during this time of transition. When I think of her as I do often throughout the day, I have such a peace knowing that she is with you. It thrills my heart to know that you are reading with her, taking her on walks around the neighborhood, and capturing the next smile to send to me in a message. I can't quite put into words how much you mean to me and how I pray for a similar relationship with Em when she is older. Several months ago, I remember you saying that you thought it was your calling and your purpose during retirement to watch your grandchildren. I feel challenged to be a better mom as I watch you live out Proverbs 31:

"She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
'Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.'
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, 
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
- Proverbs 31: 27-31

I love you! XOXO
Lindsey Belle 

One of my favorite pictures of Grammy and Em

Will you be my Valentine?

 

Every girl's first Valentine is her Daddy, and this girl couldn't be luckier! 

There is a special bond between a little girl and her daddy. I have loved seeing this relationship develop between Boomer and Emerson. Since we didn't know the gender when we were expecting, we would dream about what our baby would be and the fun things we would do with a little boy or a little girl. Boomer said he was so nervous (okay, maybe he used the word "terrified") to have a girl. Dating, puberty, emotions, dress-up, Barbies, make-up, first loves, broken hearts...I admit, it makes me nervous, too! But as I see him with Emerson now, I know it was God's plan for us to be her parents, for us to have a daughter. Boomer loves coming home from work and immediately scooping up his little girl into his arms. He likes to rest her on his chest, and he laughs at how she raises her head like a little turtle to look around. His newest challenge is getting her to laugh; he is determined and has tried all methods of tickling, dancing, and silly voices. He loves taking 'his girls' out on dates. I was wrong when I thought he wouldn't care if she was dressed in pink. In fact, he likes for people to know she is a girl. He doesn't object when I put a bow on her head. He is proud to show her off at work or to his friends.  

Seeing my own Dad as a Grandpa, I am sure he did many of these same things when he, like Boomer, was first learning how to be a dad. Being older now, the way my Dad shows his love is a bit different. It's no longer tickles and playing, but it is checking the air in my tires and hanging pictures in the nursery. It's changing the dryer vent, fixing the broken blinds, and tracking my flight from take-off to landing. It's sending the forecast before I go on a trip and a daily text wishing me a good day at work. And in all these many things, the greatest way he has shown his love is by setting the example for what I deserve in a husband and partner. 

In seeing Boomer with Emerson, I have fallen even more in love with the man I married. My prayer is that Emerson will always know the love her father has for her. And one day the love of her Heavenly Father, too. Until the day that her Valentine is someone other than her Daddy, I am already praying for that man. 

...And heaven help him when he comes to meet her father! :)

To all my Valentines

Yesterday was my first day back at work after a 12-week maternity leave. I had marked February 13th on my calendar a long time ago, all the way back in November when Emerson first arrived. It seemed so far off at the time...but before I knew it, it was Sunday night, and I was setting my alarm for work the next day. I could write a whole post on how difficult it was to leave Em on Monday morning and how I cried during my entire commute. I could write about how I missed Em especially in the mid-morning, when I knew she would be her most playful, and then in the afternoon, when we would usually wait for Daddy to get home. I could go on and on about how strange it feels to be away from her, after being with her every second for the last three months, and how weird it is to once again dress in professional clothes. But I could also write about the fabulous support system I have while making this transition, the many phone calls I have received and sweet messages. I could list the numerous loved ones who have checked on me and offered words of encouragement. I want to thank all the 'Valentines' in my life for helping me through this tough thing called being a working mom. 

To my husband, thank you for making the time at home so precious! I enjoyed our Sunday walk around the neighborhood and going out to dinner; it helped to chase away the blues. Thank you for being home early on Monday so that we could spend time together as a family with our little girl. And mostly, thank you for being the other face that I rush home to every evening. 

To my mom, thank you for loving my little girl during this time. I can't imagine how hard it would be to drop her off at a daycare. I know I will have to do that soon, but I am thankful for the bond you will develop with her during these next few months. I've enjoyed our chats and texts throughout the day. I still feel connected to her, and I also feel more connected to you, as I learn more and more about being a mother. 

To my sister, a fellow working mom, thank you for the flowers you sent to brighten my day. You have been a great listener and have encouraged me as I take on this challenge. I look up to you and the way that you juggle everything. I am thankful for the bond that we have as sisters and now as mothers. 

To my friends, I was overwhelmed by the sweet messages, texts, emails, phone calls, and hugs. I feel like I have a huge cheering section, and your prayers were felt all throughout my day. You are my crew, my tribe. 

To my coworkers, thank you for welcoming me back with such excitement. I appreciate your patience as I adjust to being in the workplace again. You have been so kind to let me ease back in to my duties, and it has been nice to see all your smiling faces again. 

Today was easier than yesterday, but still so hard. My prayer is that the time at work will be productive and worthwhile, and I pray that the time at home is meaningful and intentional. I hope I can be my best self when I am at each place.
Happy Valentine's Day from this working mom! :)

3 months and counting!

Today, I took out the next onesie to document another monthly milestone. The photo shoots are getting more lively, to say the least! Our little girl is becoming very active, and she is quite a ham for the camera.

At three months, Em continues to like playing under her rainforest play mat. Now she can grab and hold on to the animals that hang down above her. Her favorite animal is the toucan. She will grab on to it tightly with such a precious look of concentration on her face. Like on her play mat, she is also starting to be more active during baths. For the first few weeks, she didn't move much and also didn't make much of a fuss at bathtime. Although she still looks somewhat confused by the whole bathing process, she has started to splash with her feet and bob around in the mesh seat. She seems to like my "Bubbles in the Bath" song (to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus"), as well as our lotion song -- both bathtime staples! Riding in her car seat isn't a problem. Em usually will quickly fall asleep when the car starts moving. If I know that we are going somewhere, I will try to plan for that time to be her nap, since inevitably she will fall asleep anyway. We still don't have a set routine with naps, but Em takes about three naps a day: mid-morning, afternoon, and a "dinner nap". I call it a "dinner nap" because it usually coincides with Boomer's and my dinnertime. We have still been able to enjoy going out to eat, since she is content in her car seat and will usually sleep through the whole meal. Our ideal dinnertime is a little earlier now than it use to be. (Last Friday, we made a dinner reservation at Bonefish for 5:00PM! That would have been so early before, but now it is great to be home before 7:00PM.) Our nighttime routine usually starts around 8PM, with Em in her crib by 9PM. I will wake to feed her anywhere between 3:30AM and 5:30AM, and then she will sleep for another couple of hours. Our girl likes to sleep, just like her momma!

Em has definitely discovered her hands. Boomer and I laugh at the way she balls them up into fists and waves them around like a little boxer. For weeks now, I have been worried that she may suck her thumb. She hasn't quite done that yet, although I often catch her with multiple fingers in her mouth. Several times I've even seen her trying to stick both fists in her mouth, silly girl! I've noticed, too, that she isn't really sucking on her fingers as somewhat chewing on them. I think she may be in the early stages of teething. On the top gum, I can see the slightest bit of white close to the surface. My friend Shawna pointed it out to me when we were at lunch this week. Just a few days ago, I tried to introduce a teething toy as a substitute for her fingers, but Em is not quite able to hold the toy in place. In addition to her hands, she has also discovered her voice. She is becoming more vocal, especially when she is hungry. Otherwise, she is a very happy baby and is very generous with her smiles. She smiles most for her family, but she will smile at strangers, too. Here are a few of those precious smiles!

 And a few of the outtakes! :)

3 months. 13 weeks. 93 days. She was a part of our hearts even before that, but it is hard to believe how fast the time has gone by. We are looking forward to the fun ahead in month 4!

More 'Firsts'

As we approach the 3-month mark, it is amazing how much Emerson is growing, both physically and socially. She can follow sounds around the room, and she loves to look at lights, whether on a ceiling fan, under her rainforest, or [her favorite] the tv. Her newest trick is 'talking'. She is becoming more and more expressive every day, and she makes the cutest cooing noises and sighs. She also smiles often, which just melts your heart!

This past week, Boomer was away at a conference in Pinehurst (tough life, huh?) so Em and I had some girl time for a few nights. We managed okay, but we were glad for Daddy to come home on Friday. Several of these pictures are ones that I sent to Boomer while he was away. The picture in the top right is from the Super Bowl -- the New England Patriots pulled off an amazing comeback and won in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons 34-28. Em is wearing her cousins' football toboggan. If football is not her sport, Grandpa Buzz is hoping that golf is! With the help of his friend Adonis, Grandpa gave Emerson her very first putter, custom-made in pink. She is already proving to be pretty strong with holding up her head and turning over when she is on her tummy, and I think we may have an athlete on our hands. As soon as she is able to hold that putter, we will have to see if she likes golf!

I had a few 'new mommy firsts' this week. After a workout at the YMCA, I picked up Em from the childcare room, and I was greeted with the dreaded grocery bag of dirty clothes. Em had had a blowout! Luckily, my diaper bag was stocked with a fresh outfit, but it's amazing the damage a little baby can do! Then, after a big shopping trip to Walmart and as I was loading up the car, I noticed a 4-pack of tissues under my cart that I had forgot to pay for! Now with Em's car seat taking up the majority of the space in the cart, I have to put things under the cart, something I rarely did before being a mom. I will admit, there was a split second where I debated going back inside. The devil on my shoulder said there could be a way to pay for it next time. But we made a second trip back inside to pay for it. One last thing, after shopping at Babies R Us, I got out to the car to find that I had left my car keys at the register! Just as I realized my mistake, the cashier was running outside to give them to me. I guess blowouts and forgetfulness are just rites of passage of motherhood! 

Another new thing this week was crib training. Emerson has been sleeping in her crib at night since we came home from the hospital. However, her naps tend to be anywhere EXCEPT for the crib. She may nap in her monkey chair or in the car seat, sometimes even propped up on the boppy. To make things easier for Grammy next week when I go back to work, I've been trying to be more consistent about naps in the crib when we are at home. We've had mixed results so far; she is not on a set schedule yet with napping, but hopefully we will keep improving. I'll continue to be thankful that she sleeps well at night!

This week, we had special visitors from West Virginia. My parents' friends, Leigh and Ethel Shorr, came for a few days, and we had the opportunity to see them. It is no coincidence the name of "Leigh." It is after this Leigh that I received my middle name, and it has since been passed on to Emerson and to my nephew, Alexander "Zander" Leigh. It was great to see them and introduce them to our Emerson Leigh.

Along with the Shorrs, we've gotten together with other friends this week. Last Saturday night, we had a pizza night over at the Williamses. Laurel and Emerson have grown a lot since their first meeting back in November! Em and I also made a short trip to Statesville to meet up with Shawna and her little girl, Kena. Shawna and I have been friends since elementary school, and it was great to get together with our girls! The days of my maternity leave are winding down, but I am trying to soak up every minute with family and friends, and especially with Em!