March Madness

Since marrying Boomer, there is one thing that I have learned: the official holiday in March is the NCAA basketball tournament! Aside from perhaps Thanksgiving, his favorite time of the year is March Madness. He loves watching the selection show, listening to all the commentary, filling out his bracket[s], following along with each round, and talking trash to anyone who will listen. The tv in the Kennedy household stays on any channel broadcasting basketball, as he flips back and forth to watch as many of the games as possible. iPad, laptop, phone -- he has numerous ways to watch the games simultaneously. Between work and evening events, he probably doesn't get to watch as much as he would like, but he still manages to keep up with his brackets in various different pools (none that require any money, thank goodness!) In honor of March Madness, Grammy dressed Em in her college gear so she was ready to watch the games with her Daddy. Take a look at the newest member of Gator Nation! Em is also a big Wake Forest fan. Unfortunately, Wake lost in the opening round games, so we'll be cheering for Florida in the rest of the tournament. Go Gators!

Photo courtesy of: Daddy (when Mommy was out of town!)

While I wouldn't call it 'madness', March has brought with it a fair share of general busyness. Spring sports are underway at Boomer's school, and at my work, we are gearing up for our open house programs, which take place on two separate Saturdays in the next three weeks. Throw in a Bachelorette Weekend, a 8-5 job, a few high school evening programs, a doctor's appointment, and training for a half-marathon, the days are flying by. I am so thankful for the opportunities we have had to see family. My dad's cousin, Karen, stopped through Kernersville earlier this month, and then she and her daughter Kayce came back again to see my grandparents. Em was all smiles throughout our lunch. You can see how happy she is in these pictures with Great Gma Nancy. Then, while I was away in Boone for the Bachelorette Weekend, Boomer took Em to Star to spend some time with Granny and PawPaw. It was a win-win, because Em got some cuddles from her grandparents, while Boomer had extra help for the day! I had a lot of fun with my girlfriends celebrating Emily and Daniel's upcoming wedding. Of course I missed Em, but I think the first night away was a success. It certainly eased my mind knowing she was in such great hands with Boomer; he did an excellent job flying solo for the weekend. While I was away, he sent me a lot of pictures (like the one pictured above), and I loved seeing what they were up to during their daddy-daughter time. I got a laugh out of the many outfit changes she had throughout the weekend! It seemed she was wearing something different in every picture -- apparently there were several blowouts! It didn't keep her from smiling though, and she is such a ham for the camera. 

This past week has been very special as Em had the opportunity to meet her great-grandparents, my mom's parents Great Gma Harriet and Great Gpa Bill. They made the trip up from Florida and spent a few days at my parent's house. We had dinner together several nights, and it was so special to have four generations together. Em loved pulling on Great Gpa Bill's beard, and she loved being fed and falling asleep with Great Gma Harriet. Since I was at work during the day, Em got to spend more time with them than I did....but let's be honest, she was the real reason for their trip :)  

Em had her 4-month appointment this past Monday. Going into each appointment, I have been nervous to see the number on the scale. Since Em's 2-week appointment when her weight was down, I just haven't gotten over worrying about her weight. In the last few weeks, she has felt heavier and she is certainly growing out of her clothes, but I wanted the scale to confirm that. After Monday's appointment, I am happy to report that our girl is growing right on schedule! She is on a healthy growth curve, weighing in at 13 lbs 2.5 oz (21st percentile) and measuring 26 inches in length (94th percentile). The doctor was very pleased with her development. He commented on her alertness and on her hip movement, as she tried to roll over several times while being examined. She had to have a few vaccinations, so that part was no fun for Mommy or for baby, but we got through it. Our next appointment will be at six months, assuming we don't have to go in before that. We have been lucky to skate through the winter months with only one minor cold; I pray that sickness continues to stay away as we move into spring!

Here are a few other pictures from early March: Daddy playing ninja during bathtime, Em getting oh-so-close to rolling over, Em being held by her cousin Zander, and a photo of Em and her friend, Laurel, dressed alike at church. (Thank you, Katie, for the adorable monogrammed dresses!) Both girls are growing so much.

Oh, and one more big thing, Em laughed for the first time! A real, throw-the-head-back, fullblown giggle fit! We have been trying to coax a laugh out of her for quite some time, and perhaps I should say, specifically BOOMER has been trying. He has tried all means of tickling, singing, and dancing, but it wasn't until Wednesday night that she finally did. And it was MOMMY who got her to do it! I made this ridiculous sound, saying "hey, hey" like a seal, and she just threw her head back and laughed. Luckily we captured it on video. It was the best sound :)

While March has been busy, 'busy' just means 'making memories'!

Squirmy, Smiley, and 4 Months Old

Every day is something new with our squirmy, smiley 4-month old! Our little Em likes chewing on her hand, blowing bubbles, and finding the television, wherever it may be in the room. She also loves kicking around on her changing table and sleeping in the car. The rainforest is still one of her favorite activities, and she especially likes grabbing the toucan. She is pretty strong when she is sitting in her Bumbo or rolling over from her tummy to her back. She has not yet done the reverse, but she is so close! Our curious little girl almost rolls over when she is trying to see something over her shoulder. I don't think it will be much longer until she figures it out. Her hair is still sparse, with the most being on the very top of her head. We are a long ways away from pigtails! She likes spending the day with Grammy; walking around the neighborhood, reading books, or running errands around town. When Grammy comes over in the morning, she loves calling out to her and saying 'hello.' Em sure has a thing for the men in her life, because she loves to smile at Grandpa and laugh at Daddy. She also doesn't make a fuss around her cousins, whether it's letting Zander hold her or allowing Maddox to rock her in her car seat. She continues to be a great sleeper. Em's bedtime is around 7:30PM...and sometimes it is hard to keep her awake even that late! Usually around 6:45PM or 7:00PM, she will make her displeasure known if Mommy isn't moving fast enough with the bedtime routine. We will bounce around or sing songs to at least make it until 7:15PM, when we will do a last feeding. She is eating around 30 ounces a day, and sometimes as much as 9 ounces at the nighttime feeding. She is in between sizes right now: her 0-3 month clothes are too small, but some of the 3-6 month clothes are too big. Luckily we have a lot of clothes, because she tends to have one big blow-out a day. It is a rare surprise for me to see her in the same outfit in the evening as the one she had on that morning. 

Up ahead in the next few days, we have Em's 4-month appointment, which will include a few more vaccines and the usual measurements. By our own judgement, she is a happy, healthy little girl, but I am anxious to have the doctor confirm that. We also have a big 'first', as I spend my first night away from Em. Next weekend, we are celebrating Emily's Bachelorette Weekend in Boone, so I am turning things over to Daddy for Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend for everyone! Speaking of weekend, happy Friday! Em is already asleep, and I hope to make it up until Boomer gets home. We met him earlier for dinner at the River Grill in Yadkinville, but he went back to school for baseball. Yep, it's baseball season! They are calling for some winter weather on Saturday night, so spring seems like it is taking its time. We will set the clocks forward this weekend and hope for longer days and warmer weather!  ...Or maybe one more snow day!

Happy 4 Months, Emerson! We've loved every single day with you! 

I couldn't help including this photo...it may be one of my favorites! <3

Date Nights

We had two special occasions this past week -- our 8th dating anniversary and the Forbush JROTC Military Ball. Initially, Boomer thought it was silly to celebrate our dating anniversary -- "we have a wedding anniversary, why do we need to celebrate our dating anniversary??" Pssh silly guy! Girls like to celebrate everything! He changed his tune when I suggested that we always return to the place of our very first date. So on Tuesday night (February 28th), we went back to where our story began! Eight years ago, we went out to dinner at Mellow Mushroom in Winston-Salem and then had our first kiss later that night. It was that evening that we mark as the start of our dating relationship. There were a few coffee dates before that and one late night dinner at McDonald's after an intramural game, but it was the night at Mellow Mushroom that seemed most significant. So here we are again, ordering the same pepperoni and bacon pizza, but this time as a party of 3. 

Completely candid <3

 Then, on Saturday, we had another date night, but this time as the original Kennedy Party of 2. Grammy come over to babysit (yes, after already watching Em all week!), and Boomer and I went to his school's JROTC Military Ball. It was a very formal event, with all of the cadets dressed in their uniforms and their dates in gowns. There was a plated meal, a guest speaker, and special recognitions for the graduating seniors. Being in the room with the cadets reminded me again of the freedoms we have in our country and the young men and women who fight to protect those freedoms. It was an honor to be invited and be among this next generation of heroes. After the program portion ended, the dancing began. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get Boomer on the dance floor, but I will try again next month when we go to Forbush's Prom!

Em continues to surprise us with new tricks each week! This week, Grammy tried out the Bumbo, and Em was strong enough to sit up on her own. She slumps just a bit, but overall she seems to enjoy this new contraption. As she gets even stronger, it will be great to have an alternative to laying her down under the rainforest or putting her in the monkey chair.

Em is growing fast! I'm looking forward to next week's 4-month appointment to see what her new weight and length are. Just based off of her clothes, I know that she is getting bigger. Her 0-3 month onesies were starting to pull at the neck and the sleepers were making it hard for her to stretch out her legs! My project yesterday was once again packing up the smaller clothes and swapping them for the next size. Didn't I just do this?? Gosh, the time is flying by!

Here are a few other snapshots from the week: napping after church, breaking out in a smile, cousin-bonding with Adelynn while at Trivett and Kessley's birthday party, hanging out with Uncle Goosie, and just generally looking cute! 

 

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! :)