One Month

I cannot believe it has been one whole month since Emerson Marie came into this world. It feels like 4 days, not 4 weeks...it really has flown. Emerson has been a very good baby from the start...she LOVES eating, she actually cannot get enough. We have spent many days (and nights) "cluster feeding" or "On Demand feeding" because it can occur on an hourly basis at times. Emme was such a little doll when we brought her home, everyone that saw her would say how tiny she was, well she was/is- her birth weight at 7 pounds and 19.5 inches, she has rapidly gained both inches and pounds since. Her last doctor's appointment just about 3 weeks ago, she was already up just about a pound, and now her cheeks are filling out, her legs are getting chubby, her tummy is nice and round, and her newborn pajamas are just about too short. She is also in size 1 diapers, so things are progressing, Little Girl is getting bigger! Emerson has also endured her 1st cold- I have been so careful with her, we haven't left the house with her, and hand washing is #1 in our house, but when your 2 year old is still learning how to cover his mouth, it makes germs very difficult to stop. Emerson has been struggling with a very stuffy nose...so some nights have been more difficult. Poor baby. I guess they say this will only make her immune system stronger...

Emerson still has that "womb like" sleepiness to her. She spends the majority parts of her days sleeping peacefully. However, the few times she is awake (besides when eating), she is alert as can be. She does not like to be alone, and will cry if she notices others have left the room, she has given me a couple tiny smiles while I was talking to her, and she moves her head in the direction of voices- especially mommy's, daddy's, and Jacob's...

She loves to be held and LOVES to sleep on her tummy...only something I will allow her to do during naptime while I am in the room. She's not the biggest fan of hats or....HAIR BOWS!!! Oh, no! Mommy is working on that one.

The rest of us have been doing well. Rocky and I are exhausted, the days or evenings don't seem to include ANY down time as of yet. Late nights, early mornings, and 2 babies...it has been a learning experience. We seem to be handling it well so far...Rocky and Jacob have gotten alot closer during all of this- Jacob seems to be enjoying his new time with Daddy while Mommy is feeding baby. Jacob's new found love is making snowmen with Daddy...it keeps him busy, happy, and so ready for a nap/bedtime. Jacob also has taken a liking to his Little Sis. It took him about 2 weeks to get used to the major change of a new baby in the house, and sharing his time with Mommy. But now, he is very loving and gentle with Emerson. He helps me change her, bathe her, burp her, and hold her. He seems to be loving every minute of being a Big Brother- he enjoys new responsibilities and being treated like a "Big Boy"- so this new role is truly perfect for him. Jacob's favorite line- "Mommy, baby is crying, pick her up/feed her." He is already watching out for his Little Sister. Lastly, I am happy. Happy and content. I must say that I have never felt this way (content and satisfied with where I am at this time in my life). NOR have I ever imagined that I could feel this way while going through the "newborn stage"- but having Jacob and Emerson feels like my life is complete right now. I don't want to be anywhere else then home with my babies...even if it means I haven't showered all day or can't seem to complete a single task...they are demanding and full of energy...and though I would do anything for a full night sleep and regular naps, it is amazing to see these 2 people and call them my own. I am truly head over heels in love.

Happy One-Month Princess.

We love you!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, and Jacob

Sweet Baby

Thank You

A special Thank you to all of our friends and family who have helped us out these last couple weeks...without you, I would not have survived. Recovering from a c-section, nursing a baby, sleepless nights, and an unhappy 2-year old...makes for LOTS of challenges...Thank you to my mom for coming over the first few days in the mornings to care for Jacob, take care of me, feed both of us, and let me take naps...Thank you for moral support and unconditional love. Also, a special Thank you to my mom for also helping me while she is caring for Baby Alyssa too (4-months old) since Karen has returned to work. My mom is super busy right now, but she still finds time to help us as well. We love you Grandma Joey! Thank you to Rocky's Mom, Olivia for all that she does for us...she has been coming over every morning by 7am to help me get Jacob out of his bed (since I haven't been able to lift him), feed him breakfast, and entertain him while I rest and tend to the baby. A major Bonus is she cleans the house too and it always looks fantastic- Thank you Grandma Olivia! Thank you to my sister, Loren and Baby Mason for making the trip to the Suburbs once a week the last couple weeks to make us lunch, entertain Jacob, keep us company, clean, and watching Emme while Jacob and I went to Spanish class one day. We love you Lowen (as Jacob says). Thank you to Cara for spending the day with Jacob while I was in the hospital - he LOVES spending time with his Aunt Cara- they did crafts, had lunch, played, etc. This was very special for Jacob, especially during this major transition in his life. Thank you Aunt Cara. Thank you to all of the visitors in the hospital and at our home. The gifts, cards, food, phone calls, emails mean the world to us. We are all so blessed to have such wonderful people who care about us and who will watch both Jacob and Emerson grow. We love you.Emme and her Big Cousin, Brenden
Aunt Loren and Baby Mason visiting and taking care of us
Emme and Tia Lorraine
Emme, Mommy's cousin, Rhonda, and Great-Grandpa Morkes
Emme and Grandma Joey

Emme and Pa
Emme and Uncle David
Emme and Grandma Olivia
Emme and Aunt Karen

Baby's 1st Sponge Bath

Emerson has been a very easy-going baby thus far...the only things that seem to upset her are hunger, getting her diaper changed, and/or being even a little cold while changing her, bathing her, etc...so she didn't mind the sponge bath as long as the bathroom was warm and her towel was covering her body.

Storytime with Daddy and Big Brother

I think Emme likes storytime just like her Big Brother...

We are most Thankful for Our NEW Family of 4!

Introducing...Emerson Marie~

November 22, 2010

10:11 AM

7 lbs. 19.5 inches

Proud Big Brother~ Jacob

Proud Parents~ Rocky and Jill

She is here!! We are just all so in love...

We checked into the hospital on Monday morning at 7:30- after only 2 hours of sleep from the night before (I could NOT sleep Sunday night- all I could think about was my C-Section first thing the next morning) and my C was scheduled for 9:30- once 9:30 rolled around, we literally walked into the OR, sat down on the table, and got ready for it all to begin. Once the spinal was in, the surgery began, and within 30-minutes, at exactly 10:11 AM, the moment we all had been waiting for finally arrived- Emerson Marie made her entrance into this world, and it was the best "cry" I had ever heard! She was here! After a quick peak at her as they brought her over to me, they continued with the rest of the surgery, and then brought me to recovery . I was in recovery for a long time because I had some extra bleeding, but I had requested they bring my daughter over so that I could atleast attempt to breastfeed...and guess what?! It was like she took some breastfeeding classes in the womb, she latched on like a pro- and has been doing great since!

Emerson was able to meet her big brother, Jacob who has been waiting to meet her. I believe it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship! Jake was a bit nervous for mommy when he saw me in bed, but after some time hanging out, he was able to get more comfortable with everything, and has looked forward to visiting us each day. My recovery is coming along, and Emerson is a dream come true. We have spent some very sweet Mother/Daughter moments together these past 36 hours, and I just feel so complete as I sit and cuddle with her...I don't want to be anywhere else right now, these first days are very precious to me, and I am not taking one second for granted. Here are some pictures of Emme's first days...

Only a few more hours...

...until we meet our Baby Girl!(Sign Reads: I will be a Big Brother Tomorrow)

1 Day and Counting...

Countdown to Emerson's Arrival

Some updates to share...I have been having some mild contractions too far apart to count. Other than that, I am just a nervous wreck....I have been keeping busy with lots of cleaning, organizing, cooking, laundry, and decorating for the Holidays. My nerves are all about the C-Section at this point. Last time, I did not know I was going in for a C-Section, so there were no thoughts about it. This time, all I can think about is lying on that table praying that everything goes alright. Another way to calm my nerves has been listening and singing with Jacob to lots of Christmas Music- he has been singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Feliz Navidad," and "I want to wish you a Merry Christmas" all around the house- it has been so cute. We also made some Reindeer Cookies today- though Jacob likes to call the Reindeer - "Moose, mommy- not reindeer!" All I can do is laugh. A week from today, all these nerves will be a distant memory. Next Saturday at this time, I hope to be sitting with my husband, sipping a glass of wine, as I hold my daughter and kiss my son as we sing "Feliz Navidad" "Frosty the Snowman" or "Raise Your Glass" (by PINK- HAHAHA- what can I say-Jacob and I are big fans!) 1 More Day....

"Put it this way...I'm a Genius!"

...

Jacob is saying..."Put it this way, I'm a genius."

Day 2: 26-Months to the Day

Countdown to Emerson's Arrival: Day 2

Jacob and Emerson will be exactly 26-months apart- to the day. September 22, 2008 - We welcomed our 1st Born, Jacob Brayden into this world. He arrived after 17-hours of labor and an emergency c-section. He had a few complications with his breathing after birth, and was in the neonatal for 4 days prior to his homecoming. He was our miracle baby because it took so long to get pregnant, now 2-years later...he is just the BIGGEST joy in our lives. He will be the BEST Big Brother. November 22, 2010- we will welcome our 1st Daughter, Emerson (middle name TBA) into this world. She will arrive after a scheduled c-section, and hopefully without the drama of labor, she will not endure any complications and will be coming home with us on Thanksgiving. She was our "Surprise" and she has been such a gift from God from Day 1- I will never forget the day we found out "It's a Girl!" She is and will always be our Princess. Just 26-months apart, I am imagining these two to be great playmates, good friends, and eachother's confidants throughout their lives...not without a few challenges, sibling rivalries, etc along the way...of course. With this post, I have attached a Newborn Picture of Jacob...I wonder who Emerson will look like...

Day 3: The Good, The Bad, and the Real Ugly

Countdown to Emerson's Arrival: Day 3

Some things I will miss about this pregnancy:

• Feeling her movements- it is such an amazing thing! It never gets old-ever!
• Eating gluten when I shouldn't be
• Rocky changing the cat litter
• Sleeping.

Some things I will never miss about being pregnant:

• Having to pee all the time
• Having a HUMONGOUS tummy that everyone in the world stares at
• The comments- "wow- are you due yesterday?" "How many babies are in there?" etc.
• Not being able to bend over to pick things up
• Not being able to shave my legs very well
• Hormones. Hormones. Hormones.
• Pregnancy mask that keeps getting worse- all over my face
• Stretch marks that keep multiplying
• Sleeping on my side
• Walking slow while worrying that I might pee in my pants
• Water retention
• Not being able to have a martini
• Not being able to hold Jacob on my lap
• Not having enough shirts long enough to cover my belly
• Heartburn

...But at the end of the day, it is all worth it to have a beautiful, healthy, happy baby...and plus, this IS the easy part...Hello?! I will remember that in a few short days.

Day 4: Last Prenatal Appointment

Countdown to Emerson's Arrival: Day 4

Today was my last OB appointment of this pregnancy! Yeah! The next time I see my doctor will be 7:30 Monday morning for our C-Section. Nothing exciting to report today. They did another non-stress test (I've had 3)...baby is moving like crazy- which is fantastic! The nurse calls her "Little Stinker" because it is difficult to keep the heart rate monitor on her because she runs/swims away each time the monitor is secured on my tummy...as we watch my stomach do alien type movements. So, the non-stress tests take a really long time because she likes to move...alot. As far as dilation, etc...nothing again. So, once again nothing to report. I am a little disappointed that my body can't show me some sign of knowing how to deliver a baby on its own...but I digress...A C-Section it is. My final weight gain...24 pounds. I am very proud of myself. Hopefully, I will be able to work this off easier than my last pregnancy weight since it is a good 10lbs. less. I am really trying to get back to healthy weight again. Other than that, I am really nervous. Really nervous about the upcoming c-section. I am able to get my mind off of it as Jacob and I keep busy. 4 more days to go...and Monday is D-Day!

Hablo Espanol

For the last couple months, Jacob has been taking Spanish Classes at Language Stars. He really loves it. It is an hour a week - for parent and tot. His teacher's name is Diego (I swear!) Jacob loves him. And, his teacher really believes he is excelling. The entire class in in Espanol...absolutely NO English. (I am struggling a bit, but my son seems to be picking things up quite nicely) There are 2 other kids in the class besides Jacob. He seems to understand everything being said to him, and is able to answer most questions back in Spanish. Olivia (Rocky's mom) visited one day and Daddy came another...they both really loved the class as well. Our "semester" ends December 16th, and we hope to continue again this Summer. Here is a little "clip" of our Little nino speaking Espanol.

Day 5: What is in a Name

Emerson's Arrival Countdown...Day 5

What is in a Name? I remember hearing the name Emerson a few years ago. I heard it as someone's last name (and LOVED it) and also, Actress, Terri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives) has a daughter named Emerson (and I LOVED it). I shared the name with Rocky a couple years ago, and he too loved it (but it was only after we found out we were having a boy with Baby #1 that we thought of it and decided to "save" it for another day...IF we ever had a girl). Though it is more historically a male name (Ralph Waldo Emerson), within the decade it has become more popular, and in 2008, Emerson was used 2x more often as a Girl's name then a Boy's name. Once we found out Baby #2 was a Girl, there was NO question on what her name would be. No baby name books were opened, nothing. I can honestly say this is the one thing that Rocky and I agreed on immediately. We are very fond of such a beautiful name.

The meaning of the name Emerson (which I literally just looked up last night): work; rich, powerful ruler (I guess it kind of describes a Princess- hehehehe!)

I have been very emotional these past few weeks as well. I did a little searching to find words that would make me feel good and excited to share with my Baby Girl. I wanted to share these sweet words that really describe how I want to raise my daughter. I know I had a difficult time as a girl growing up. Constantly struggling with self-esteem and sometimes feeling alone...it is both an honor and a challenge to be a girl...and I want my daughter to Believe in magic and wish on stars and know that in her heart she is strong and beautiful and she can do anything she puts her mind to- even her own mother struggles with this at times, (I am STILL learning) but being true to yourself will eventually allow your dreams to come true.

Daughter~

Be Strong. Be intelligent. Smile.

Know that beauty has everything to do with how you feel about yourself and nothing to do with other people's opinions. Never do anything just because everyone else is. Always be true to yourself. Expect the best from life and that's what you'll get.

Believe in magic and wish on stars.

Love and trust and be compassionate, make faces, play in mud puddles. Take bubble baths. Turn off the lights and watch lightning storms. Dance, laugh, cry, and sing when you want to. Read everything you can get your hands on. Stand up for what is right especially if you stand alone. Don't allow yourself or people around you to tolerate prejudice of any kind.

Don't be afraid to try something new. Run through snow drifts. Spin in circles and roll down hills. Pet puppies, hold kittens, and talk to babies. Stay up to watch the sunrise. Never apologize for being a woman or for being yourself.

Never forget that I love you always and forever. You will always be my daughter.

(Writer, unknown)

Day 6 : A Peak at the Completed Nursery

Emerson's Countdown: Day 6

A final look at her Nursery. All set for a Princess. I am very happy with how it has turned out. Her closet is full of clothes until she turns atleast 18-months- she will be dressed very fabulously thanks to all of our family and friends and some beautiful hand-me-downs too!!! 6 more days...

1 Week and Counting...

Counting Down until Emerson's Arrival...

7 days until D-Day. A week from today, we will be checking into the hospital at 7:30 AM for our 9:30 scheduled C-section to welcome our daughter, Emerson into this world. Physically, I am ready!!!! I never realized how truly HUMONGOUS my stomach was until I saw these pictures...holy s***! I mean, I know my stomach is HUGE...but these final belly pics really do it justice. This baby is just hanging out in my HUMONGOUS pouch of a stomach- literally, just laying "out there" as if she was snuggled up in a hamock, not tucked nicely in...but out as far as my stomach and skin will stretch...oh my poor skin! I am going to try to do a daily post this week as we count down the hours to Emerson's birth...here are my FINAL belly pictures. Thank Goodness:) Count Down Begin....Day 7.

Preparing Big Brother

As the final leaves fall from the trees, it is obvious there is no turning back...the Holidays are almost here and Old Man Winter is right around the corner. With that, comes a case of the "Stir Crazies"- just in time for a new Baby at home, but not so fun for her Big Brother who is already starting to "stir." So with that said, besides a few bad colds (one that we are fighting again currently- the 2nd time Jacob has been sick in 4-weeks and it is only November 10th- just the beginning of flu season) this kid is starting to get B-O-R-E-D. So with my "nesting ability" in full swing right now, I have decided to prepare a few new, upcoming projects that should keep Jacob busy the first few weeks of Emerson's homecoming. We have decided to "make" a "Good Boy" chart- which is mommy's craft #1- the chart consists of really creative pictures I either drew or glued on, and a list of "Good Deeds" Jacob is to be practicing. Some examples: Pee Pee on the Potty, Listening to Mommy, washing hands regularly, getting dressed (with my help, of course) without throwing fits, Helping with Baby, Brushing teeth, putting on coat, shoes, hat when we go outside, picking up toys, asking for help- NOT Whining...etc.etc. Each day, he gets a sticker by each "good deed" if he has successfully completed it. By the end of the week, with enough stickers, Jacob gets an ice cream cone! So far, it is a little early to tell, he is still getting the hang of it...but he LOVES to put the stickers on each night.

Recently, I made a trip to Michael's....where I picked up a bunch of craft ideas- one of those was a little white cardboard box- which I have made "Jacob's craft box" (to get him excited about more crafts to come, etc. - today, we spent a nice hour decorating it with fun stickers and his name.) He seems to be enjoying these "crafty ideas". Some upcoming projects to fill up the next many weeks: an Indian headband with feathers (THANKSGIVING CRAFT), cardboard traced ornaments to decorate, cardboard gingerbread men to decorate (Holiday Crafts), and some "stick" guys to decorate. Just a few ideas....Hopefully, this will help keep him busy!

Baby Emerson Update

It is 15 days and counting until we meet our long-awaited Little Girl. (I just love how that sounds!) We are now officially excited as her arrival is right around the corner. Nerves and anxiety were my big emotions most of this pregnancy, but as we get closer to meeting her, all I can do is day dream about her, and cannot wait to hold and kiss her...we cannot wait for our family to be together and for our son and daughter to meet his sister and her brother. Some recent updates about Baby Girl and myself...

• She is SUCH a mover that it took the doctor a couple minutes to keep up with her to finally get her heart rate (150 bpm)
• My weight gain thus far has been 22 lbs. Expected Birth Weight of Emerson: 8lbs "ish"
• No change with me- (no dilation thus far)- not that it really matters, my scheduled c-section is still set for 11/22- unless she decides to make an early appearance...
• The doctor has said that I have "dropped"- so we will just wait to see what happens

Next Appointment- Wednesday (11/10)

Scheduled Delivery Date- November 22, 2010

How I have been feeling- Well, my bladder needs to be emptied everytime I stand up or walk. I have been taking regular naps (while Jacob is napping) for the last few weeks - for (2) reasons- #1- Jacob has decided that 6:30-7am is a nice time to wake up now (ahhhhh!) #2- I haven't been sleeping the best at night. Yet, my energy level has been increasing- making sure things are getting organized and crossed off my lists. Pack and Play is officially set up in our living room, swing set up in our family room, all clothes, blankets, etc have been washed, room is FINALLY complete...(Rocky finally hung the "E" for Emerson above her bed- which is the last thing I wanted done) Bassinet all set to go (thanks St.Legers!), Breast pump polished and ready to go (yeah! breastfeeding- totally giving me anxiety just thinking about it) My stomach is so big that I feel like the rest of me looks smaller...but once I deliver, I know I will see where all the "fat" remains...uggh! A few more things around the house to be done...but, otherwise, we are ready for our Princess to come home. Okay, I'm going to say it..."Bring it On!" Ahhhhhhh....what did I just say?! Oh, well no turning back....ready or not, here we come- Rojas Family: (Soon-to-Be) New Family of 4.

This Baby has been "Showered!"

My Mother-In-Law was planning to surprise me with a Baby Shower, but she wanted to have it at my house, so she did tell me a few days before. I was not expecting any showers this time around, let alone another shower...but I was informed that in the Mexican culture, every baby gets a baby shower...pretty awesome! Also, Emerson will be the 1st Granddaughter in the Rojas Family, so she is already quite a Princess. October 23rd, the Rojas Family threw me a nice little shower at my house. Some fantastic Mexican Food (Homemade Tostadas- my absolute favorite in the world!) and a very Sweet, yet lovely cake. A few relatives and close family friends joined in the festivities, and Emerson was showered with more clothes, a new bouncy (girly) seat, a personalized Piggy Bank, more diapers (!!!!), and accessories. It was a very PINK afternoon.