Coming Home

After a long 6 weeks in Minnesota, I am happy to say that Brandon and I (and Emma) are coming home! Brandon will be working for the same company, but they are allowing him to work remote. Thank you Jesus! I never in a million years though that they would be open to that possibility.

I couldn't be more thrilled to be going back to sleeping in my own bed, and having Emma in her own room. We will still be living in the in-laws basement while we look for a place of our own. We have toyed with the idea of purchasing a place because with the market how it is prices are low and people are eager to sell. However, with Brandon still open to working anywhere in the country we are having a difficult time with the idea of making such a big purchase and then not being able to get rid of it. Thus, the apartment search ensues! I love/hate looking for apartments. It seems like anything we want/need is way out of our price range and so when I start looking at sad, dumpy looking places that are in our price range I get super depressed and start trying to figure out how I could potentially work 3 jobs to afford a place. I jest, however it does get really depressing. Of course with looking for new places to live comes the dream of owning new furniture :) Here are a few of my favorite things. How cool is the beanbag hammock and the table top fireplace?? Or the scrabble pillows "love"!

home by sperkins

Emma- Four Months

Dear Emma,

Today, you are four months old! I say this every month, but I'll say it again...I can't believe how fast time goes. You did a lot this month, and every day I fall more and more in love with you. You make mommy & daddy laugh, but you also challenge us which makes us better partners because we both want the very best for you. We try to show you that we love each other, because we want you to know that you were born into a family of love, and that you are very very loved! 

The biggest highlight this month is that you rolled over. We were so proud of you, and now you never stop! Often I find you in the morning sleeping on your stomach because you had flipped in the middle of the night and then fallen back asleep. Now we just need to get you to learn how to get back on your back, because right now you get frustrated if you are on your tummy for too long. 

You have had a cold most of this month, which has been challenging for all of us. I feel bad because there isn't much I can do to help you out besides using the nasal aspirator and sitting in the bathroom with you while the shower runs so it gets nice and steamy. One of my favorite memories of this month is actually of us sitting in the bathroom while the steam was clearing out your nose and I was singing Christmas carols to you (we were home for Christmas). I would look down and see you smiling at me, and occasionally you would try and sing along :)

We have also endured many road trips this month, going back and forth to Chicago from Minneapolis 2 weekends in a row. I think you didn't like sitting in the car that long because you screamed your head off for at least 2 hours both ways. Luckily, our last drive back to Chicago is in just a couple weeks and then I promise we won't bring you on a car ride for that long until we get an iPad holder for the head rest so that you can watch some cartoons or something.

I love you and can't wait to see what you learn this month!

Mommy

Exploring Minneapolis

Emma and I did a little driving around today, and when we got back to the hotel and she ate (after she screamed her head off in the car) we did a little photo shoot. I'm trying to make sure she gets lots of tummy time and time in her bumbo chair. I want to make sure she's nice and strong! So here are a few adorable shots from today. She did really well!

It was Emma's first time at an art museum today! We went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art where she slept the entire time. Hopefully we'll be back one day so she can enjoy all the art and the beautiful view of downtown Minneapolis from the museum. Here are a few shots to help her remember.

I really enjoy exploring new cities. I have to admit it's very different exploring with a baby. I have to consider nap times, feeding schedules (other than my own) and where the elevators are. But I'm so glad I have my little buddy with me, and I can't wait until she understands these places and gives me input on what she'd like to check out. In the meantime, it's just me, going where I want to go, pushing a stroller. And there is no better feeling in the world.