Exersaucers, Eleven Ounces and Ear Infections

Well our little one is growing up fast.....5 months old on December 12th...the week leading up to the 12th was full of firsts.....as well as that weekend!

First off we brought out a new toy for him to play around with: the Exersaucer....dont know if that is how you spell it....but we are going with it! He loves it....well almost all of it (check the video). When he is in a good mood he will sit in it for up to an hour and just reach and try to get all of the goodies.....he even tries to get the little yellow handle thingy (check the pic) into his mouth. Bailey even helped him learn to turn the spiny thing around himself (check video as well). He is also almost big enough to stand flat footed in it, and after only a day, he was able to rotate himself in it.....here are some pics:

STYLEIN!!!..Yeah Stylein...

How do you like my new ride?

And here is the video:

The weekend brought about some new experiences as well. Emrick woke up alot Friday night and Saturday morning.....I mean pretty much at some point within every hour!! While this alone was unusual, the other thing that was unusual was that he was EXTREMELY fussy. I mean nothing would console him....so at about 7 am we checked and he had a little fever. No Problem. A little later we checked and t had gone up (with Tylenol)...still ok. E fell asleep with Bailey on the couch and then at about 10 we checked again and it was like 104.....ok, guess we are going to the doctor. This in of itself was not a new experience, as we are pros at this whole goin to the doctor thing! Everything was the same ol same ol when we were there....then the following took place:

Doc - We are gonna check his ears to see if there is an infection

Me (in my head)- you always check his ears and there is nev..

Doc (before I finish my thought) - Oh here is why we have a fever....we have an ear infection...rolls him over.....oh we have two ear infections...poor guy..

Me (still in my head)- Oh....that sucks....

We had gone through five months without the dreaded ear infection which everyone says is common in kids......well in one day we got two.....so I guess they catch up with you! So now we are on more drugs.....but according to E's faces, these taste better than the reflux medicine...

Oh but there was good news out of the visit.....Emrick was 12 pounds and 11 oz! He had gained an ounce a day since his scheduled visit on Dec 1st. That is the first time that he had gained what our doctors says is around the norm (1 oz a day). We have had him on different cereals, rice...which he likes..oatmeal...which he is not a fan of...and barley (just tried it tonight) which he seems to like. We also have bought him some baby food (on a side note, I can not believe all the different combinations...seriously turkey dinner?). We tried yams first and today was the first day he ate most of it without gaggin....dont think he likes it....but I think we will try bananas next.....we will let you know how it goes....

Have a very merry Christmas and remember what Christmas is all about....hint: Its not shopping or getting gifts.......love you guys............Jonathan

Four Months and Baby Dedication

We recently went back to the doctor for our four month well check-and boy are we getting LONG!! Emrick is 25 3/4 inches long (63%). Now, notice, I didn't say he was getting big, because he only weighs 12 pounds (we won't discuss the percentile there). Although there are days when I worry we aren't doing something right, my instinct is that we are, and his body has super high metabolism. The hardest part is when others tell us there must be something wrong since he isn't gaining weight. We don't think so, because he is growing a ton...just not getting very heavy. We also trust our doctor, and he always is good to listen to us and check Emrick out thoroughly. Emrick is getting so big - He is...
-loving to check out his feet
-beginning to learn to occupy himself more and more
-grabbing for toys and placing them promptly in his mouth
-a definite drooler
-rolling over (back to tummy is going very well, but tummy to back is a bigger challenge)
-eating rice cereal, and liking it!!!
-on full formula - while the price is high, and I miss our sweet times nursing, pumping was not functional for me
-taking soy formula, and is on reflux medicine (the reflux was worse with regular formula)
-beginning to laugh
-cooing and talking up a storm
-loving his mommy and daddy (I might be wrong, but I think he knows us, at least he always smiles at us)

We also had Emrick's baby dedication at Grace Church this past weekend. We shared this time with our dear friends, the Spanns, and Emrick's best friend, Eli. Not everything went exactly as we had planned, but it was so special. Jonathan and I were challenged as parents, and our friends and family were challenged to pray for us as well. Jonathan's parents, and my mom were here for the ceremony, and then we headed to the Spann house to watch the SEC & ACC Championships. It was such a great time that we didn't get a single picture. I know that our family got some though, and I will post them later. I'll leave you with one of the boys...please continue to pray for these two boys, and our two families as they grow. Our greatest desire is to see the boys grow to love the Lord, and His people. May the Lord be glorified in all they do!

So where do I start

Hi all....Jonathan here. It has been such a long time since Ive put anything on here....not that there hasnt been anything going on....Ive just had excuses to not blog! Bailey, Emrick, Bristol and I are all doing well. Some of you know that Emrick had been sick, well we treated him for a sinus infection and things still didnt go away, so now we are treating for reflux. Its one of those things that you treat and see if treatment helps....the tests to actually find out if you have it seem painful at best. His symptoms seem to all have a common denominator in the reflux arena (very House[TV show] like). Those symptoms are the girgling when he eats, sometimes fussiness when he eats (mostly at daycare) and the the slow or no weight gain! This has been the biggest thing for Bailey and I....last doctors app on Wed he was 11 lbs and 2 oz.....yeah and he was 8-1 when he was born! While that may not sound astonishing, the fact is that when he went to the doc 2-3 weeks ago, he was 11 lbs even! So hopefully the reflux thing helps. We arent majorly concerned as he seems great other wise....but it is hard sometimes when you think to yourself "am I doing something wrong". I think its just another thing that God is teaching us to let go of....

We are enjoying being parents...we are getting to a stage that I am enjoying now, more so than the others. Emrick is starting to react and laugh and giggle alot more, which is fun for me. I just cant help but smile and laugh when he does....its great. It is also neat to hear bailey talking to him in his room in the mornings and hearing him laugh. She has done a great job with him and just being a mother in general. She has also done a great job at keeping me involved (even though I bet she wants me more involved, especially at 4 in the morning...Ill work on that) by having me hold him as soon as I get home, and just talking to him about me. That may not sound like much, but when I feel that I am away from him so much....it is nice to know that she reminds him about me! She has been a trooper though, it is pretty amazing and I am really lucky to have a wife like her......cause man I dont think I could do it. Hopefully we will get some pics up here soon.....and be more active on the blog!! Talk to yall later!!

One Magnificent Monday!

There were a couple of things that really made yesterday a terrific day! First, we had Emrick's 2 month check-up. Guess what -10lbs 4oz!!! For us that is huge...more than an ounce a day since our last check. The doctor said, he's not a very big guy, but he's growing and that's what matters!!!!!!!! He moved up to the 16th percentile! And, he is 23 inches long which places him in the 52nd percentile. The worse part of the visit was his 2 month shots. He did fairly well, and I was a big girl (thought I would cry, but was able to hold it together). It is such a relief that he is finally gaining weight at a more normal weight, whatever normal means.
The second part of yesterday is that Emrick got news that he would grow up with a wingman...Elijah Barton Spann, aka Eli was born. The Spanns are special friends, and we are so excited that our boys will be so close in age. Donald and Mary Beth chose to be surprised by the sex of this baby, so Emrick has been wondering, girlfriend or wingman? I think at this point, he's very excited to have a best bud! We are excited for you, Spanns, and can't wait to journey through this stage of life with you!
I'll leave you with some recent (and not so recent) pictures of the little guy:

4 weeks (his daddy plays with his hair when he's tired, too!)

Relaxing in the Tub at 7 Weeks

Almost 8 Weeks

Sleepy Heads

Happy 9 Week Old

These are a tad bit older (around 1-2 weeks old):


And ready to "Play Ball" at almost 6 weeks

Birth Announcements and Stats

Just a quick update before our next feeding! I recently finished thank you notes and sent out birth announcements - if we didn't have your address, or yours hadn't gotten to you yet, here is the finished product:
Front:

Back:

A friend of a friend, Shilo helped us with them...and I love them, they really came out terrific!
We recently went to a weight check on August 24...Emrick weighed 8 lbs and 13 ozs at 6 weeks. While I think that is still tiny, it was almost an ounce a day since his previous check, so we are on the right track!!!!! When I see other babies his age, he looks about the same length, just a little skinny! We are getting into a routine, and for that I am thankful! Oh...he's crying...time to eat! Be back soon - we have a check up September 14, I'll post more recent photos and new stats!

One Month Old

So I posted the following picture with the caption: "Such a big boy!" on my facebook page:

The irony? Emrick is quite the little guy. We had his one month well check today and Emrick weighs 8lb 3oz (yea...finally back to birth weight), he is 21 and 3/4 inches long, and his head is 14 and 3/4 inches around. He is in the 13th percent for weight, 33rd percent for length, and 11th percent for his head circumference. None of that is concerning...he's just little! However, we are still trying to figure out the whole weight gaining thing. It took us a whole month to get back to birth weight, but maybe now we are on the right track!
He also fusses quite a bit, so Jonathan and I are trying to learn to be patient and tag-team the fussy times. It is hard to tell if he is gassy, hungry, or just a little spoiled. We love our little guy, but 3 minutes of loud screaming can seem like an eternity, not to mention 30 minutes or longer. Whoever said that the first two weeks were hard LIED...the first month is hard, but totally worth it.
It is worth it on many levels, but one being the things that Jonathan and I are learning, and being exposed to! Being a parent has completely exposed so many sinful qualities in both of us. While this is never fun, it is beneficial to know that within our root we are terribly sinful, and we still need to seek help from our Lord.
I have to say, I couldn't do this parenting thing alone...We are definitely having to work together to get through each day, and every night. I am extremely blessed with a husband that knows me well enough to know my strengths and my weaknesses, and he steps in where needed, and back as necessary. Such a blessing.
We have also been blessed with meals from many of our friends, and are still receiving meals. Every other night, friends have stopped by, dropped off meals, and shared encouraging words. Some friends have stayed long enough to watch a movie or vacuum or fold clothes or take over holding a sweet, but fussy little guy. There are times that I struggle with self-pity wishing I had friendships like this or that, and I take the friendships I have for granted. It is in times like this where I am shown the value and the depth of the friendships I do have, and I couldn't live without them...again, Such a blessing.
While there are trying times in the journey of parenthood, it has also presented so many blessings as well...enjoy a few photos of one of the biggest blessings:

Just hanging out!


Ehhh!?!?!


My favorite past time!


After my fussy spells, we all have a little headache!


I love my paci...gotta hold it in my mouth!


P.S. Just finished working on birth announcements, and am so excited about getting them in and sending them out, so be on the lookout!

What do you say?

Since Emrick has joined our family, we haven't really had much to post. We have been learning one another and sleeping very little...so what else is there to say??? However, I know that won't get me off the hook!
We spent a lot of the first couple of weeks with Emrick here in the pediatrician's office looking after Emrick's jaundice and weight gain. Emrick bottomed out at 7lbs and 9 oz...and stayed there a little longer than we would have liked. Therefore, we are now supplementing each feeding with 1/2 oz of formula. It isn't terrible, and at his last check he was back to 7lb and 14 oz. We are definitely on our way back to birth weight!!!!! We have also lost our umbilical cord, and taken our first bath. Emrick really loved his bath! Emrick has pretty much decided that he likes being awake from 12-2 AM, and his second favorite play time is from 4-4:30 AM. Luckily Jonathan and I trade off. We are just starting to train Emrick to go to bed without us holding him. He pretty much sleeps in our arms until we lay him down...then screams when we try to put him in his crib :/ So, starting tonight, we are letting him learn to go to bed...he isn't a big fan, and it pretty much breaks my heart...but I won't be sad when he learns that this is okay, and that we love him despite abandoning him to his crib!
Okay so this is pretty much the worse blog that I have written in a while...but oh well.....here are some pictures to make up for it:






Oh, and here's one to show what we haven't been doing.......could this really be my kitchen????

Emrick Scott is Here!!!

Yes, I know, the last blog left you hanging. However, since the little guy has made his arrival, we've been a little pre-occupied. Don't have much time even now as the grunting is beginning for our 5:30 dinner date, so I will give a few brief details, and some pictures, then go and spend time with the cutest little boy I've ever met. The pitocin drip was restarted on Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. and Emrick arrived at 6:28 p.m....so it was another long day. But, I must say, that it was well worth the wait when I saw that precious little angel on my chest...however, I did have the thought that he was a little nasty when I grabbed him ;)!!!!!!! We got discharged on Tuesday afternoon, and have spent the last couple of days figuring out just how this parenting thing works. I've decided it is definitely a team effort, and couldn't do it without Jonathan's help and encouragement. Okay, the grunts are turning to shrills...so here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Emrick Scott Edmonds - July 12, 2009 - 6:28 pm - 8lbs 1 oz - 20.5 inches

So how bout one last hoorah +1

So no news on the baby.......disappointing I know! Today was filled with much excitement and then tons of waiting....and when I say tons I mean like big blue whale tons! We left for the hospital at about 515 AM!! We got here a little early but did receive the last bed.....praises! We started the pitocin drip at around 730 or 800 and then for the next 12 hours we sat..walked..ate..sat..walked..slept..sat. Not really in that order. At 800 PM we stopped the Pitocin and Dr Rana decided that Bailey should eat (she hadn't eaten since 800 Fri) then rest. We will resume the schedule at 600 AM Sunday. Today has been draining even though there wasn't a birth. Expectation and tons of anticipation really can take it out of you. I will say that Bailey was a trooper....being poked prodded and basically forced into contractions.....none of the contractions was too bad.. although some towards the end of the pitocin drip were getting her to make faces. Tomorrow should be fun....


So part two of this post is going to be the first entry in 'Blind and Clueless in Dadville USA" (running title..which basically means it may change). This will be a randomly run post-story type of idea. Some posts may be a simple thought....some may be a small chapter in an Encyclopedia Brittanica....depends on what I have on my mind.

Todays entry:

7/11 - "God lets talk"

God I know you know what you are doing and you are all knowing and all.......but have you thought about what you are doing here, do you know me at all? I mean I know me and I know what Ive done and what Ive thought over 31 years, What do I have to offer a Son? I mean I know I have yet to live out my calling in Ephesians to my wife on a consistent basis yet.....now this. I trust you Lord and I know that you had all things set before time began.....but could you double check.....what do I have to offer a Son? I am helpless sometimes, I am selfish the most and I can be downright judgemental towards almost all folks. I forget to pray...I intend to read...I always make plans that Ill never keep.....what do I have to offer a Son? Lord you found me in the depths of this bottomless world.....despite years of your hands not being seen, your will not being sought, your grace not being known, your safety not being acknowledged....you changed me in a blink of an eye.....what do I have to offer a Son? I am a redemption story in progress; a mold that continues to take form. I am a man after your heart and after your will...this is all by you and of no slight of my hand....what do I have to offer a Son? Lord you changed me....you saved me........you gave me knew life.........your Son...yourself...your will is now mine....but yet I say what do I have to offer a Son? What has been offered me....what has given me knew life....what is my hope and my salvation? The answers to these questions have nothing to do with me.....but everything to do with Him....the answers were always there....the Love, the Hope, the Protection and the Presence....when I take hope in you Lord the answers are clear....what do I have to offer a Son....well I have anything and everything....the beginning and the end....the alpha and omega....what do I have to offer a Son???.......I have nothing more to offer to my son Lord than yours so that he may know you.....and I have full confidence Lord that your Son will do!

>>>>>>
we will update on Sunday with more news....Love ya

Jonathan

One Last Hoorah!

Been wanting to blog for several days, but hadn't gotten motivated, partly because there has been alot to write about, and we weren't real sure how to fit it all in. So here are a few updates before getting to updating on baby news!

1. Jonathan had an amazing time in Eleuthera. Thank you to everyone that supported us in prayer and financially. Their trip was definitely profitable. Here are a couple of pictures from the trip (I bet if several people comment, he'll actually blog about the trip....but he doesn't think anyone reads the blog, so he's been reluctant ;))!!!
The Working Pictures:


The Scenery Pictures:



2. Bailey has finished 18 hours towards her Masters in Literacy. This is great for a couple of reasons...a) PAY RAISE!!!! b) It is mid-way through the program and is a good breaking point for baby. I will take a year off from classes, and return next June.

I also wanted to post some pictures of Emrick's room. It is completely done, and I have a couple of favorite features...actually, I have alot of favorite features:


These are two things that Jonathan brought back from Eleuthera. The map and the shells fit the decor perfectly, and it is super special that Jonathan retrieved this shells himself off of the ocean floor!



These are two paintings done by Jonathan's grandfather. We loved them when we first saw them, but they fit perfectly in Emrick's room, and we couldn't resist putting them in there for him to enjoy! Plus, they are way more prominent than where we had them displayed before. Thanks Grandpa Becker!!!!


This saying is very special cause when I first realized I was pregnant, I was scared to death that I would miscarry. I would pray for peace, and then sing this song to Emrick with my hand on my belly. The Lord definitely would comfort me, and I am sure this verse will guide Emrick, Jonathan, and I as we learn together about the things you learn about when your family grows!!!


My good friend Libby had her mother-in-law paint this rocking chair for Emrick, and it is precious. I had a little red rocker when I was little that had been in my family, and really wanted to get Emrick one, so it was a great addition to his room! Thanks Libby and Vicki!!!!

And...one more belly picture (by the way, can I mention one more time how gross I think these are?):

Yes, I know it will be the last belly picture! As I write this, Jonathan is packing the car with our bags, and making sure that we have everything we think we might need for the hospital. I went in for my check-up today, and the doctor and I decided we would induce in the morning (July 11)! If you see this, please pray that things will go smoothly and as uncomplicated as possible! AND, check back for details about little Emrick!!! Love to all!

Time to Update!

I don't have a ton of pictures to put up, although I probably should because we have been busy. Maybe the pictures will come soon! First off, Jonathan and I haven't really spent time together alone, just us hanging out without an agenda, for FIVE weeks. Everything that has been going on has been great, but I'd be lying if I said we haven't missed each other some. It all started May 16 when Jonathan went to Eluthera in the Bahamas for a mission trip. He was gone for a week, and came back the evening of the 23rd. He had an amazing time, and from the pictures they seemed to have worked hard, but also had a ton of fun.
The following weekend, "the boys" went to Jonathan's parents house in Sparta, NC for a weekend to celebrate Jermile, and his upcoming wedding. I am not sure I or you want to know anymore details, but they seemed to have fun, as they are trying to plan another trip maybe in August sometime...
Then, it was June, and the first weekend in June, my mother-in-law Susan and I went to Mississippi and Louisiana for the last time before Emrick arrives. My dad's wife and her family held a shower for me, and it was really nice to spend some time with friends and family.
Last weekend, we were priviledged to celebrate the marriage of Jermile and Haley Brooks!!!!! After the rain delay, it ended up being an absolutely beautiful day and wedding. It was a day we were all excited about, and were so extremely thrilled to see come together the way it did. Everything ended up being just perfect! Jermile and Haley, thanks for letting us be a part, and we love you. (Jonathan was in the wedding, and so we stayed pretty busy the couple of days before the wedding trying to be helpful and such).
Needless to say, we have been WORN OUT! We are looking forward to trying to spend some quality time with each other in the next couple of weekends before Emrick arrives!
So, on to more information about that!!! I started my weekly visits yesterday, which I think will make things really seem to go by faster! I am at 36 weeks, and measuring 37 weeks. It looks like Emrick is dropping to me, but there isn't any progress to show that he will be coming early. I didn't really expect anything different than that, as I have been pretty much comfortable. I have been really blessed with a somewhat easy pregnancy so far. I haven't had much back pain, and haven't felt anything that I would describe as Braxton Hicks. Although, I am starting to feel huge, and get little sensations in my lower back every now and then. Like I said, nothing to complain about, and I definitely feel blessed by that. So, 26 days and counting!
We have been working hard in Emrick's room, and everything is done except hanging the ceiling fan. It is a great feeling to know that the little man can come any day, and we will have a place for him to rest. In finishing off his room, we had a small internal conflict....do we buy the ceiling fan we can afford and will look fine in his room, or do we buy the ceiling fan that is out of our price range cause its awesome...here are the two fans:

Fan #1 (except the one we would put up has ivory light holder thingys):


OR

Fan #2


It would probably help if you could see the decor in his room...but it would look really neat!!!!! So, would you go on the splurge, or go practical????? We ended up going practical, and decided maybe one day we would upgrade when Emrick actually cared what fan was in his room!!!!

8 weeks? C-R-A-Z-Y!!!

That's it...8 weeks until due date! At my last appointment, I measured 33 weeks verses the 30 weeks that I should've been measuring. This doesn't mean Emrick will come 3 weeks early, it just means he will be big!!! I am definitely getting excited, but the hormones are beginning to hit as well...I'm actually beginning to clean a little, and also freak out about how in the world I'm going to do everything and fulfill all the expectations of a mom and a wife once he gets here...a little overwhelming!!! I know that God will continue to bless and lead us through this though! I've put some pictures below so you can compare belly growth...but everyone knows this isn't my favorite part, so be nice on the comments!!!
Also, don't forget to be praying for Jonathan and his teammates in Eleuthera...that's in the Bahamas. I know they are working hard, and building a ton of relationships!
11 weeks:

31 weeks:

Spring is Here! And brings pictures and updates!!

Spring is finally here, and I am so glad. I really don't like the cold weather at all, so I am excited that it is finally a little warmer. However, I am beginning to feel the hormones working, and it isn't really warmer, but it is hotter...not complaining, but I think that I finally got my wish to be warm!!! A couple of weeks ago, these precious baby squirrels were playing in the tree in the side yard. They had both Bristol and I mesmerized....although I think for separate reasons!


I feel like our life has been spinning the last couple of weeks. We have been so busy. It has all been a blast, but we are both feeling the effects. Jonathan recently realized there is something on his calendar every single weekend until the last weekend in May! So crazy!!! One thing that kept me busy recently was a two night/three day field trip to Barrier Island with 80 fifth graders. It was a pretty fun trip, and I was able to catch a couple of cool shots!


When I got home that Friday night, Jonathan was so very excited! He made me close my eyes for a surprise in Emrick's room. This is what I found...

Emrick's first piece of mail! It was such a great piece of mail as well. Emrick's great aunt (Randy's sister) made him this incredible quilt. It has pieces of Randy's old clothes as the letters and some of the objects on it. It is so special to have a gift that comes from Randy. Aunt Jeanne did an incredible job...here is one square:

And the whole quilt:

That night, my mom and my brother's family, and Jonathan's family all came to town. They came to attend the wonderful shower that my great friends hosted for me. Here are my wonderful hostesses (although I think they had some other helpers too):

And some of my great friends that came to show Emrick some love:

Everything was so pretty, and great:

I felt completely blessed as I looked at the incredible amount of love that was shown to Emrick!

Not to mention all the other great things that we got last weekend, Crystal (my brother's wife) brought me all of the baby furniture from her two boys. On Saturday afternoon, we (THEY) put everything together. In addition to the furniture, Crystal also brought 7 boxes of hand-me down clothes, shoes, toys, necessities, etc. So for the unveiling of the room:

It is really beginning to come along! I am SO excited!!! (And YES, the house is officially off the market). AND, I almost forgot, Emrick's daddy bought him his first HotWheels!