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

Christmas

We had a great first Christmas as a family of three back home in Chicago. We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and went to the children's service at church which totally eased my fears of bringing Emma to church. It was quick and loud, if there was a child crying no one cared. I wish there was a children's service all the time! Christmas morning was spent at Brandon's parents house along with Emma's cousin Brady, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Matt. We had a wonderful breakfast of pancakes, Bay's english muffins, Brandon's famous egg dishes & other wonderful breakfast treats.

After the breakfast I look forward to all year, Brandon and Brady had a good time goofing off (I'm surprised that no food came back out!) then it was present time. Emma had no concept of presents, but I had a great time opening her gifts for her :) Next year she'll probably be tearing into them herself.

I am seriously sad that Emma's first Christmas is over, but I have to look forward to the years to come. I can't wait for her to be running around after her cousin and seeing the joy on her face when she sees presents under the tree and a stocking full of goodies. 

Emma Rolls Over

This weekend we surprised Brandon's mom by coming into town for the weekend. Brandon's family was celebrating Christmas on Saturday, so we thought it would be a fun surprise to drive down from Minnesota to celebrate with them. We had a great time with the family, and Emma rolled over for the first time! On Friday night, Ann told me that it seemed as though she was trying to roll over because she would get herself onto her side and then stay there for a bit. Well, imagine my surprise when no more than a few hours later I hear Emma crying in her room and I go in and she's on her tummy! The girl the proceeded to roll over again while Brandon and I watched. Here's a video of her doing it the next day:

 It is so cool to see these little things, it's amazing how little prompting babies need to reach developmental stages. I've only helped her roll over a few times before she did it on her own, almost like she knows instinctually how to do it. Babies have always fascinated me, but now that I have one of my own and get to watch her experience new things every day I am even more fascinated by the tiniest milestones.