Introducing... Our Sweet EMMA GRACE

I started this blog after Ava Joy was born (quickly approaching 5 years) and fell off the bandwagon before she even hit a year old. In some of my facebook memories the links for these posts have popped up and I love having these memories, especially in the early days and weeks when sleep deprivation makes my memories shaky. I figured what better time than now- with our newest Princess's arrival to document the sweet beginnings and firsts for our Emma Grace.

Birth Story:

This isn't nearly as exciting as Ava Joy. Since Ava Joy ended up being delivered via c section after an extensive labor, after much discussion with the doctor and praying, we decided it was best to opt for another csection. We scheduled it for Monday, April 17, 2017 at 7:30am. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 that morning- big sister, grandparents, and aunts in tow and Emma Grace arrived at 7:59am weighing 8lbs, 3 ounces and 20.5 inches long. I will admit, my strong Type A personality loved having it scheduled and go so smoothly. Everything went smoothly and she is as healthy and perfect as can be. Jordan and I spent two hours in recovery with her, loving on her and snuggling. After that we moved to a room and Big Sissy got to come meet her. I felt complete. In a way I couldn't even begin to explain. The day was followed by so much love- our family, and friends that are family, coming to meet our sweet new baby girl.

Emma Grace's First Week:

Day 2 (Tuesday) Tuesday morning I was up and at 'em and feeling surprisingly well. I was able to shower (yay!). My parents stopped by and gave Emma Grace some snuggles before heading off to Africa to visit Auntie Bear. Then Auntie Boo came by with Starbucks and for some baby snuggles. After that the baby nurse came by and gave Emma Grace her first sponge bath. She didn't love it but didn't object too much. Auntie Bergen and Uncle Denn and the girls showed up later with lunch from Publix (I had been waiting for a roast beef sub all pregnancy). We spent the afternoon resting and then Auntie Andrea came by with big sissy after school. I was very ready to go home by this point and have both my girls under the same roof. Jordan went out and got us Panera for dinner. The entire time Emma Grace was snuggly and calm as could be.

Day 3 (Wednesday) Early in the morning they came by to draw blood from Emma Grace- she was a champ and didn't even cry. My doctor came by and cleared me to go home. We waited for the pediatrician to come by and clear Emma Grace. Once that was done we were free to leave. We left around noon and went straight to school to pick up Ava Joy. We were greeted by teachers and kindergarten students on the playground anxious to get a peek at Emma Grace. Lol. We headed home to begin our life as a family of 4. Later that afternoon Auntie Boo and her girls came by with Zaxbys. Auntie Andrea stopped by for a bit too.

Day 4 (Thursday) Ava Joy decided she wanted to stay home from school so we let her. We spent the morning snuggling and watching Princess Elena. Later that day Auntie Boo stopped by with pub subs and for some baby cuddles. We took Emma Grace out on her first family walk and bug sissy rode her bike.

Day 5 (Friday) Emma Grace had her first doctor's appointment in the morning. She weighed 7lbs 10 ounces (what Ava Joy weighed when she was born). Then we had a little time before picking Ava Joy up from school so we went on a lunch date to Firehouse. Later that evening Jordan took Ava Joy to the school carnival. Emma Grace and I headed out for an evening walk. For dinner that night my sweet friend Diana brought us 4 Rivers.

Day 6 (Saturday) We got up and got ready for Ava Joy's last soccer game.I didn't want to miss it so I brought my Tula and wore Emma Grace. She slept snuggled against me the whole time. After that we went to lunch at Chick-fil-a. Later that afternoon Jordan took Ava Joy to see Boss Baby. Emma Grace and I went on another walk. Later that evening Jordan and I soaked in baby cuddles and watched Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates together.

Day 7 (Sunday) We got up and gave Emma Grace her first sponge bath at home. Emma Grace went to her first church service! I wore her and she slept the whole time. I love wearing her! After that my friend Kimberly came over to do Emma Grace's newborn pictures. She was so patient and incredible. It took almost 3 hours but the sneak peaks so far are absolutely breathtaking. After that my friend Brittney and her son Blake stopped by. Ava Joy and Blake had fun playing. Then Auntie Pie and Uncle Justin and Lilly came over for dinner- pizza and... beer! (I only had a half of one but sooo refreshing!) By the end of the day we were all exhausted.

Overall...

Sleeping: Lots! But not by herself at night. Longest stretch so far was 2 hours but that's not a regular thing.
Breastfeeding: Going so well- she's already obsessed with the boob.
Disposition: So chill, snuggly, and calm.