What's In a Name?

We have had several questions about Emme's name, so I thought I would post about it, just in case you've been wondering.

Emmeline (pronounced like Caroline)

* the pediatrician's office says Emmelene (rhymes with Darlene).  Every time!
* a few people have said Emmelyn (rhymes with Lynn)

We chose Emmeline, just cuz we like it!  It doesn't really have any special meaning or family history. 

Have you ever seen the movie Ann of Green Gables?  Have you seen the sequel to that? Ann of Avonlea?  I LOVED those books and movies when I was younger.  I've seen the movie a billion times- never get tired of it.  You have to be a true fan to really know where I'm going with this.  Anyway, in the sequel, Ann goes and teaches at an all girls school.  She befriends a wealthy family and they have a daughter named Emmeline. 

[Also, Emmeline's dad proposes to Ann and although, he was a great guy- we really knew that Gil was the only one for Ann.  Anyone still with me???  No?  Well, trust me.  Great movies- you should see them some time.]

Enough about that!  I first heard the name Emmeline in those movies and I always really liked it.  When we were listing names we liked, it made the short list and ultimately became our favorite.

We often call her Emme (like the award given to actors- Emmy) for short.  We also say Emme Clare!

Clare (pronounced just like Claire)

We chose the name Clare after my paternal grandmother, Clara Faye.  She passed away when I was in high school and I thought it was a great way to honor her memory.  We thought Clare sounded better with Emmeline, as opposed to Clara.

And there you have it, the history and pronunciation of Miss Emmeline Clare!

Daddy's Girl

Sunday Church

We finally took Miss Em to church.  She was perfect- didn't cry once!  We love this little girl!

Road Trip

Emmeline took her first road trip!  Jeremy went to Nashville for work for the week, so my mom came to our house for a few days to help me with Emme. 

And then, the three of us plus Ivy and Winnie headed to A-town.  Our car was stuffed- we practically loaded up Em's entire room.  Folding and packing the pack 'n play was a small challenge- for a minute there, I really thought we might have to load it without folding it down.  It was comical.

Emme did so great in the car.  We didn't even hear a peep out of her and Ivy and Win did great with her.

When we got to my parents, I fed her and we headed to dinner with Dad and Uncle Big E.  She was perfect during dinner, too!

Em had a great time out at the ranch.  She loved watching Ivy and Winnie play in the yard.  She also got to meet Hank.  He just really wanted to give her a big, sloppy kiss.  He settled for playing with Ivy and Win.

Ivy loves hanging out with Mae Mae.  Now, we all know why!  The proof is in the pictures.

Doc watched Emme while Mae Mae and I went to Pilates.  I'd like to say it was a refreshing little getaway, but I'm pretty sure I could barely walk for a few days after my one session.  Clearly, I need to make that a more regular class.

All in all, we had a great time in A-town and Emme was a perfect angel on the trip home.  We were so excited to get back and see Jeremy!

Movie Star

Star might be a little far fetched, since Miss Em really doesn't do many tricks just yet.  Nevertheless, here is Emmeline in her debut movie appearance.

DISCLAIMER- This video will probably only be interesting to very close family members, i.e. grandparents and aunts.  If you are merely a casual blog reader, don't feel that you have to spend the 2 minutes to watch this clip. 

One Month Check-up

This little cutie had her one month check- up yesterday and the doctor was pleased with her progress.  She's doing great and direct quote from the doctor- "absolutely perfect!"  We think so too!  We might be a little biased, but I know I'm going to get an amen from MaeMae, Doc, Gram and Pop Pop. 

Length: 20 1/2 inches

Weight: 7 pounds 15 ounces

20th percentile for both!

An Evening Stroll

The weather was amazing last night- the perfect temperature and only a slight breeze. We loaded up Em in the BOB and got Ivy and Winnie ready and headed out for an evening stroll.

I would like to say Little Miss loved seeing the 'hood, but I'm pretty sure she slept almost the entire time. She woke up for a minute when we put the bug cover on her stroller. Oh well! Lots more evening strolls to come!

Jeremy, Ivy, Winnie and I had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful trees in our neighborhood. 

Bath Time with Em

Up until now, we've been giving Emme a little sponge bath, but last night we broke out the froggy tub and gave her a real deal bath.

Much like her sponge baths, she loved it!  I think she's going to be a water girl.

Photo disclaimer- Daddy was taking all the pics, so that explains why her face is in almost none of these pics!  ha!

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Sometimes, we still have to wake Emme up to feed her.  Actually, most of the time.  We try to keep her swaddled while she's sleeping, but that little stinker usually finds a way to get at least one arm out.

This is one of my favorite times with Em.  She is so snuggling and sweet right when I pick her up out of her crib.  She makes the sweetest little noises and starts stretching.

But after some cuddling with momma, it's time to change that diaper and get some lunch.  She's still so sleepy.

Big stretching

She's not ready to wake up

Being a baby is exhausting!

More stretching

Finally- awake!

Hmm . . .

Starting to get unhappy!

Time to put the camera away and take care of this little sleeping beauty! 

All Caught Up

I'm all caught up for now!  Scroll all the way down and you might have to hit the Older Posts button at the bottom to see all the new posts- 14 total!

• A Song for Emme
• Mother’s Day
• One Big Month
• Time for Paci
• Nap Time 
• A Visit from Aunt Ali 
• Happy 1st Easter
• FOUR Years 
• I love bath time!
• Our Trip Home
• Lots of Visitors!
• Well, hello!
• She’s Here!
• Babymoonin’

 

A Song for Emme

You're gonna love this video!

http://rockyandamymc.blogspot.com/2011/05/no-time-to-blog-about-our-weekend-but.html

Mother's Day

Being a mom is hard. I’ve only been at it for a month and it’s definitely one of the hardest times in my life. But also—the most rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And that’s saying a lot, because I desperately want to sleep for a significant amount of time, like a week.

Becoming a parent also puts into perspective how much my parents love me. It’s hard to fully understand until you look at your little girl and know how much she needs you and that you would do anything in the world for her happiness.

Throughout my life, I’ve had so many strong, caring women (mom, mother-in-law, grandmothers, aunts, etc.) who have really shown me what being a mother means. Words can’t adequately describe my gratitude for their support and encouragement over the years. 

Mom- you are one amazing lady.  I really hit the jackpot with you for my mom.  Thanks for still partaking in those sleepless nights to help me with ECW.  You taught me everything I know about being a mom and I'm so glad I was able to learn from the best.  I love how much you adore Emmeline.  Most importantly, thank you for being such a wonderful woman of God and teaching me that nothing is impossible with God.  Thanks for being my biggest fan!

While becoming a mom has been hard at times, I am so thankful for the support of my mom and mother-in-law. They have been a tremendous blessing to Jeremy and me, as we transition to the role of parent. I’m so glad that Emme Clare has these 2 wonderful role models, as she grows up.

Rita- Thank you so much for welcoming me into your family from day one.  I could not ask for a better mother-in-law.  You have done so much for Jeremy and me and we so appreciate you.  Thank you for raising such a wonderful and caring son, who is also a wonderful father.  I'm so glad Emme Clare has you as a grandmother. 

Thank you MaeMae and Gram! We couldn’t do it without you!