Ask and you shall receive. My parents treated us to lunch at Red Lobster! We brought our little shrimp along, and as you can imagine, we left with FAR more shrimp than we came in with - most of which were in Adam's tummy!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Inevitable Happened...
Ask and you shall receive. My parents treated us to lunch at Red Lobster! We brought our little shrimp along, and as you can imagine, we left with FAR more shrimp than we came in with - most of which were in Adam's tummy!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Oh, Adam
I found this to be amusing, and maybe you will too...
This morning, Adam & I were chatting. In a serious voice he said, "You know what I'd like to do this year that we missed out on last year?"
I'm thinking he's referring to something important like possibly sending out Christmas cards or going somewhere fun or nice to make memories.
Adam's response:
"Endless shrimp fest at Red Lobster. It's back for a limited time."
My reaction:
First a puzzled stare followed by several moments of silence. I mean, how can I respond to this offbeat yet brutally honest confession? Only by laughter :)
Thanks for the laugh, as always, Adam!
This morning, Adam & I were chatting. In a serious voice he said, "You know what I'd like to do this year that we missed out on last year?"
I'm thinking he's referring to something important like possibly sending out Christmas cards or going somewhere fun or nice to make memories.
Adam's response:
"Endless shrimp fest at Red Lobster. It's back for a limited time."
My reaction:
First a puzzled stare followed by several moments of silence. I mean, how can I respond to this offbeat yet brutally honest confession? Only by laughter :)
Thanks for the laugh, as always, Adam!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Painting the Town PINK!
While Alaina has only been allowed out of the house a few times, she has been known to leave a streak of PINK along the way! Actually, I feel like mama bear who is hybernating with baby bear. We have been little hermits the last few weeks, stearing clear of germs in the outside world! Despite our extreme efforts, we have had 2 separate virus-like episodes. Explain to me how this can be?!!!
Alaina's first outing was, of course, coming home from the hospital...
Her second outing was to the pediatrician when she was 3 days old...
Lesson learned: Always pack a hat
Since it was the beginning of August, meaning miserably humid & HOT, I thought a hat was not necessary to take along to the pediatrician's office. But HELLO mommy - doctor's offices are known to have sub-zero temps. She was happily naked on the table, wrapped in only her receiving blanket, and the nurse suggested that we cover her head to regulate her body temp. I can't remember who (probably Adam), but someone suggested wrapping her onesie around her head. How resourceful! Lesson learned.
The third outing was to Rah-Rah & Poppy's house!
Lesson learned: Remember the diaper bag!
A minor miscommunication took place in the Emmett household Saturday evening. Adam packed the diaper bag. I brought the diaper bag downstairs, ready to be placed in the car. Adam placed Alaina in her carseat. I rounded up my grocery list and a few scraggly coupons. I grabbed my purse. I thought Adam put the diaper bag in the car. He thought I put it in the car. No one double checked. Off we went to Rah-Rah & Poppy's house (Adams' parents), baby in tow without any supplies! This would have been an excellent test of survivor if we hadn't realized we left the bag & just dropped her off willy-nilly. BUT we quickly realized this embarrassing fact once we reached their house. We left Alaina there for a long 40 minutes while we drove back home to retrieve the bag and then back to their house, diaper bag in hand. Oh my. Bet we won't do that again! Or at least I hope so.
Alaina LOVES spending time with Rah-Rah & Poppy! They hold her, talk to her and attempt to stimulate her. She is mostly asleep when people visit, but she does have a couple hours a day when she's alert and ready for action. She was toted around, becoming familiar with their house. She spent time on the front porch, back porch and in her monkey-themed pack & play. Meanwhile, Adam & I ate dinner & went to the grocery store. We enjoy our alone time, even if it is short-lived & spent grocery shopping :)
The most recent outing was running brief errands with mommy. She actually did not get out of the car, but it was an outing nonetheless! Our first outing just the two of us. We went to Blockbuster to return a movie & to the bank (drive-thru) to make a deposit. The total trip time was approximately 20 minutes. As you can see, we live on the wild side.
Oh, and she has also taken several strolls around the neighborhood. Sometimes in her stroller, sometimes just held by her daddy. Alaina enjoys the fresh air and is perfectly content outside. But even more so, she enjoys car rides. We have not heard a peep out of her while she's being driven around in the car. I suppose the sound & vibration lulls her to sleep.
Please note: You may be thinking that the above pictures are not the best shots, angle-wise. This is due to the fact that as I stepped out on the porch to snap the photos, BRA-LESS!!!, my neighbor rounded the corner. I quickly wrapped up my business and ran back inside. AHHH!
Alaina's first outing was, of course, coming home from the hospital...
Her second outing was to the pediatrician when she was 3 days old...
Lesson learned: Always pack a hat
Since it was the beginning of August, meaning miserably humid & HOT, I thought a hat was not necessary to take along to the pediatrician's office. But HELLO mommy - doctor's offices are known to have sub-zero temps. She was happily naked on the table, wrapped in only her receiving blanket, and the nurse suggested that we cover her head to regulate her body temp. I can't remember who (probably Adam), but someone suggested wrapping her onesie around her head. How resourceful! Lesson learned.
The third outing was to Rah-Rah & Poppy's house!
Lesson learned: Remember the diaper bag!
A minor miscommunication took place in the Emmett household Saturday evening. Adam packed the diaper bag. I brought the diaper bag downstairs, ready to be placed in the car. Adam placed Alaina in her carseat. I rounded up my grocery list and a few scraggly coupons. I grabbed my purse. I thought Adam put the diaper bag in the car. He thought I put it in the car. No one double checked. Off we went to Rah-Rah & Poppy's house (Adams' parents), baby in tow without any supplies! This would have been an excellent test of survivor if we hadn't realized we left the bag & just dropped her off willy-nilly. BUT we quickly realized this embarrassing fact once we reached their house. We left Alaina there for a long 40 minutes while we drove back home to retrieve the bag and then back to their house, diaper bag in hand. Oh my. Bet we won't do that again! Or at least I hope so.
Alaina LOVES spending time with Rah-Rah & Poppy! They hold her, talk to her and attempt to stimulate her. She is mostly asleep when people visit, but she does have a couple hours a day when she's alert and ready for action. She was toted around, becoming familiar with their house. She spent time on the front porch, back porch and in her monkey-themed pack & play. Meanwhile, Adam & I ate dinner & went to the grocery store. We enjoy our alone time, even if it is short-lived & spent grocery shopping :)
The most recent outing was running brief errands with mommy. She actually did not get out of the car, but it was an outing nonetheless! Our first outing just the two of us. We went to Blockbuster to return a movie & to the bank (drive-thru) to make a deposit. The total trip time was approximately 20 minutes. As you can see, we live on the wild side.
Oh, and she has also taken several strolls around the neighborhood. Sometimes in her stroller, sometimes just held by her daddy. Alaina enjoys the fresh air and is perfectly content outside. But even more so, she enjoys car rides. We have not heard a peep out of her while she's being driven around in the car. I suppose the sound & vibration lulls her to sleep.
Please note: You may be thinking that the above pictures are not the best shots, angle-wise. This is due to the fact that as I stepped out on the porch to snap the photos, BRA-LESS!!!, my neighbor rounded the corner. I quickly wrapped up my business and ran back inside. AHHH!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Name
Since Adam & I decided to keep our chosen baby name a secret throughout the entire pregnancy, it sparked a lot of mixed reactions. One of the main responses was pure curiosity as to what this mystery name was, how we chose it and why we chose it. Well folks, you already know the first answer. And by the way, her first name is pronounced "Uh-lay-nuh" / "A-lai-na", NOT to be confused with "Uh-lanna" or "Uh-lonna." Now it's time to give the reasonings behind how and why we chose her special name.
~ The HOW & The WHY ~
I truly believe God spoke this name to me over a year ago, before she was even conceived. Alaina popped into my mind and gripped my heart, and just as I would have done with any name I liked, I researched this name in my huge Baby Name book. I was determined to only choose a name that had a good meaning. Something that fit. When I learned the meaning of Alaina, I was certain it was THE perfect name.
ALAINA means "shining light"; "precious"
This precious baby has been a light to Adam & I, to our family, to our friends. We were in a sad, dark place last year when we found out we lost our first baby Caroline. Especially since the only thing in the world we wanted, or at least I wanted, was to be parents. We needed a light in the midst of darkness, a hope for a new beginning. And ultimately, Jesus is our light and our hope. I pray that Alaina will be a light to everyone she meets, shining the light of Jesus into a dark world.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His disciples...
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
There are a couple more reasons why this name is significant. In a way, it combines a piece of both her mommy & her daddy's name. My middle name is Elaine. If you take the 2 E's on the end and substitute them with A's, you get Alaina. Adam's initials are ABE, and he always wanted his firstborn to carry his same initials. This left the "B" middle name to be filled. We both agreed that we really liked the name Brooke.
BROOKE means "flowing water"; "small stream"
The meaning of Brooke isn't too profound, however we love the name, so that's that! I also LOVE the sound of flowing water and it's calming effect. Always have. When I was a baby, often the only way to calm my colicky self down was listening to the drip of running water from the faucet. When Adam & I are planning a special dinner, I always throw in the fact that my vote would be a waterfront restaurant, overlooking the ocean or a river or a lake. Heck, even a creek would do the trick. That reminds me...our 3 year anniversary is coming up in late September...perhaps dining at a "water" restaurant is in order!
So you see, her name is PERFECTO, just like her :)
P.S. It has taken me a good 3 hours to complete this blog post. Some of the time, I have been typing 1-handed as I held Little Miss Alaina. I have left the computer multiple times to put her in the swing, take her out of the swing, feed her, burp her, walk her around the house, clean up spit-up, change her clothes, change her diaper, rock her, lay her down in her crib, etc. Life as a mommy is interesting to say the least! But I LOVE it!
~ The HOW & The WHY ~
I truly believe God spoke this name to me over a year ago, before she was even conceived. Alaina popped into my mind and gripped my heart, and just as I would have done with any name I liked, I researched this name in my huge Baby Name book. I was determined to only choose a name that had a good meaning. Something that fit. When I learned the meaning of Alaina, I was certain it was THE perfect name.
ALAINA means "shining light"; "precious"
This precious baby has been a light to Adam & I, to our family, to our friends. We were in a sad, dark place last year when we found out we lost our first baby Caroline. Especially since the only thing in the world we wanted, or at least I wanted, was to be parents. We needed a light in the midst of darkness, a hope for a new beginning. And ultimately, Jesus is our light and our hope. I pray that Alaina will be a light to everyone she meets, shining the light of Jesus into a dark world.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His disciples...
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
There are a couple more reasons why this name is significant. In a way, it combines a piece of both her mommy & her daddy's name. My middle name is Elaine. If you take the 2 E's on the end and substitute them with A's, you get Alaina. Adam's initials are ABE, and he always wanted his firstborn to carry his same initials. This left the "B" middle name to be filled. We both agreed that we really liked the name Brooke.
BROOKE means "flowing water"; "small stream"
The meaning of Brooke isn't too profound, however we love the name, so that's that! I also LOVE the sound of flowing water and it's calming effect. Always have. When I was a baby, often the only way to calm my colicky self down was listening to the drip of running water from the faucet. When Adam & I are planning a special dinner, I always throw in the fact that my vote would be a waterfront restaurant, overlooking the ocean or a river or a lake. Heck, even a creek would do the trick. That reminds me...our 3 year anniversary is coming up in late September...perhaps dining at a "water" restaurant is in order!
So you see, her name is PERFECTO, just like her :)
P.S. It has taken me a good 3 hours to complete this blog post. Some of the time, I have been typing 1-handed as I held Little Miss Alaina. I have left the computer multiple times to put her in the swing, take her out of the swing, feed her, burp her, walk her around the house, clean up spit-up, change her clothes, change her diaper, rock her, lay her down in her crib, etc. Life as a mommy is interesting to say the least! But I LOVE it!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Welcome to the World, Alaina Brooke
My beautiful angel, Alaina Brooke, decided she was ready to be born into this world 3 weeks early! She was born on Friday, July 31 at 11:36am, weighing in at 6 lbs. 1 oz. & 19 inches long. Although it came as a shock to Adam & I, as well as the rest of our family & friends, we could not be more happy that she is finally here & in our arms! Here's how Alaina's birthday played out...
~ 3:00 am ~
Water broke. I woke up for one of my many nightly potty breaks. After hitting the bathroom, I got back in bed. Suddenly I felt a little trickle down my leg. Hmmm. I had just peed, so I couldn't be peeing on myself. Or could I, I thought? Surely this was not it. I layed there so attentive to my body and repeated the words in my head, "Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God." I went to the bathroom again and turned on the light to see what was happening. More leakage tinged with blood (graphic, I know). Cramping started. Ok, time to alert Adam.
~ 3:10 am ~
Poked Adam on the shoulder as he was soundly sleeping. He awoke and said, "Huh." I said in a super quiet, almost nonbelieving voice, "Um...something is happening here." He sprung up out of the bed so fast that he nearly knocked me & my big belly into the pack & play, located behind me. In a panicked voice he said, "Ok, what's going on...what do we need to do..." He turned on the lamp & I informed him that my water broke and we needed to pack the hospital bag (DARN, I did not meet my deadline to get this done by Wednesday and now everyone knows it!).
~ 3:15 am ~
Called the nurse. I was so nervous that I could barely dial my phone. In fact, I misdialed several times. The nurse instructed me to take my time gathering my things and drive to the hospital. Adam & I worked quickly as a team to pack the hospital bags. I did have a list made, which made it super easy because we did not have to worry about thinking about what all we needed. It was all written down. I am glad that at least I had this part done. Adam ran up & down the stairs many times and was dripping in sweat even though the house was freezing cold. I took a shower and soon we were out the door. Here are a few photos of us just before leaving for the hospital.
~ 4:30 am ~
Wakened our parents from a deep sleep with the news that their grandbaby was on the way!
~ 4:40 am ~
Left for Northside Atlanta. It was rainy and there was no traffic (I really wanted it to be raining & in the middle of the night with no traffic when I went into labor - YAY for all of these things coming true!). Contractions were 10-12 minutes apart at home, then moved closer together, about 4-5 minutes apart during the drive to the hospital.
~ 5:15 am ~
Arrived at the hospital. Adam dropped me off in the labor zone and then parked the car. We waited for about 5 minutes in the lobby before being directed to a room. I was hooked up to the monitors and the IV was started. When I arrived, I was 3cm dilated & 70% effaced. Contractions were 2-3 minutes apart.
~ 6:00 am ~
Parents arrived, ready for action. We thought they would be waiting a long time, possibly for 12 hours. To our surprise, it was not very long at all! After chatting with our parents for awhile, I noticed the contractions really slowed down and were very irregular.
~ Around 7:00-8:00 am ~
Pitocin was started to speed up the labor process. I was told the pitocin would take about 30 minutes to kick in, however I felt a difference in 5 minutes. It was uncomfortable, but bearable...at first.
~ 9:00 am ~
Unbearable pain. No one had checked to see how dilated I was, but the pitocin really kicked in and I was painin'! I asked for the epidural. Then I was informed that I had to go through an entire bag of fluids before it could be administered. Great, NOW you tell me this. I waited. And waited, watching the fluid bag. Once it ran out, the anethesiologist came in and started lecturing me in his British accent about all the possible risks imaginable associated with an epidural, especially in a person with a low platelet count. My platelet count at the time was 120, by the way. I thought I was going to strangle his scrawny neck!!! I was SO incredibly irritated by him that I thought I would snap. He wanted to ask me the stupidest questions about my nose bleed history in the middle of the WORST contractions which were occuring back to back. HELLO - I AM IN LABOR AND I NEED DRUGS! I was hurting so bad I could not even look at him to answer his idiotic questions. I just hung my head down and whispered to Adam that I wished he would just give me the...(bleep)...epidural. Yes, I cursed! He finally got around to getting to the point and giving me the epidural. He did not warn me of what he was doing or to be still. He just jabbed me in the back. My reflexes kicked in and I immediately jerked forward. He yelled at me (YES, BRAVE MOVE MR!), telling me that I must be still and any movement could be seriously harmful. Then he jabbed around (ouch!) and I rejoiced once the epidural was in and he left the room.
~ 10:45 am ~
Epidural in, which made me shake uncontrollably, by the way. I thought at this point I should get to rest awhile. The nurse told me to lie on my side. I did and suddenly noticed that I had intense pressure and burning in my bottom. She acted like she did not believe me. I told her that I felt the need to push already. In disbelief, she checked me only to find that I was 9-10cm dilated and 100% effaced. It was already time to push. Ha! Told you so, lady. She told me NOT to push, just breathe through the contractions until she had time to page the doctor and get in delivery mode. Um - NOT pushing was so hard to do, but somehow I managed to breathe through it.
~ 10:50 am ~
Pushing began. Doctor nowhere in sight, only the nurse. I thought multiple times that I was going to push the baby out on the table while my doctor was in never never land. She was popping out!
~ 11:20 am ~
Dr. Zane arrived (same doctor that was on call when I had the miscarriage/hospital ordeal last year). Finally.
~ 11:36 am ~
Alaina Brooke Emmett was born. Hallelujah! Although she immediately started crying, Adam & I did not cry. We were too happy to cry! We just smiled from ear to ear and marveled at her beauty and her mere existance. What a miracle :)
We were given the option to be discharged from the hospital either Saturday or Sunday. We chose Sunday. It was an interesting couple of days being constantly interrupted and getting virtually no sleep, BUT it was soon all said & done and we were able to head home with our baby girl. She wore the white dress that Adam & I bought her on the very day we found out we were having a little girl. She was swimming in her dress as she was so tiny! But she was stunning at the same time. And she did remarkably well on the car ride home...not a peep out of her!
Welcome home sweet girl! We love you!
~ 3:00 am ~
Water broke. I woke up for one of my many nightly potty breaks. After hitting the bathroom, I got back in bed. Suddenly I felt a little trickle down my leg. Hmmm. I had just peed, so I couldn't be peeing on myself. Or could I, I thought? Surely this was not it. I layed there so attentive to my body and repeated the words in my head, "Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God." I went to the bathroom again and turned on the light to see what was happening. More leakage tinged with blood (graphic, I know). Cramping started. Ok, time to alert Adam.
~ 3:10 am ~
Poked Adam on the shoulder as he was soundly sleeping. He awoke and said, "Huh." I said in a super quiet, almost nonbelieving voice, "Um...something is happening here." He sprung up out of the bed so fast that he nearly knocked me & my big belly into the pack & play, located behind me. In a panicked voice he said, "Ok, what's going on...what do we need to do..." He turned on the lamp & I informed him that my water broke and we needed to pack the hospital bag (DARN, I did not meet my deadline to get this done by Wednesday and now everyone knows it!).
~ 3:15 am ~
Called the nurse. I was so nervous that I could barely dial my phone. In fact, I misdialed several times. The nurse instructed me to take my time gathering my things and drive to the hospital. Adam & I worked quickly as a team to pack the hospital bags. I did have a list made, which made it super easy because we did not have to worry about thinking about what all we needed. It was all written down. I am glad that at least I had this part done. Adam ran up & down the stairs many times and was dripping in sweat even though the house was freezing cold. I took a shower and soon we were out the door. Here are a few photos of us just before leaving for the hospital.
~ 4:30 am ~
Wakened our parents from a deep sleep with the news that their grandbaby was on the way!
~ 4:40 am ~
Left for Northside Atlanta. It was rainy and there was no traffic (I really wanted it to be raining & in the middle of the night with no traffic when I went into labor - YAY for all of these things coming true!). Contractions were 10-12 minutes apart at home, then moved closer together, about 4-5 minutes apart during the drive to the hospital.
~ 5:15 am ~
Arrived at the hospital. Adam dropped me off in the labor zone and then parked the car. We waited for about 5 minutes in the lobby before being directed to a room. I was hooked up to the monitors and the IV was started. When I arrived, I was 3cm dilated & 70% effaced. Contractions were 2-3 minutes apart.
~ 6:00 am ~
Parents arrived, ready for action. We thought they would be waiting a long time, possibly for 12 hours. To our surprise, it was not very long at all! After chatting with our parents for awhile, I noticed the contractions really slowed down and were very irregular.
~ Around 7:00-8:00 am ~
Pitocin was started to speed up the labor process. I was told the pitocin would take about 30 minutes to kick in, however I felt a difference in 5 minutes. It was uncomfortable, but bearable...at first.
~ 9:00 am ~
Unbearable pain. No one had checked to see how dilated I was, but the pitocin really kicked in and I was painin'! I asked for the epidural. Then I was informed that I had to go through an entire bag of fluids before it could be administered. Great, NOW you tell me this. I waited. And waited, watching the fluid bag. Once it ran out, the anethesiologist came in and started lecturing me in his British accent about all the possible risks imaginable associated with an epidural, especially in a person with a low platelet count. My platelet count at the time was 120, by the way. I thought I was going to strangle his scrawny neck!!! I was SO incredibly irritated by him that I thought I would snap. He wanted to ask me the stupidest questions about my nose bleed history in the middle of the WORST contractions which were occuring back to back. HELLO - I AM IN LABOR AND I NEED DRUGS! I was hurting so bad I could not even look at him to answer his idiotic questions. I just hung my head down and whispered to Adam that I wished he would just give me the...(bleep)...epidural. Yes, I cursed! He finally got around to getting to the point and giving me the epidural. He did not warn me of what he was doing or to be still. He just jabbed me in the back. My reflexes kicked in and I immediately jerked forward. He yelled at me (YES, BRAVE MOVE MR!), telling me that I must be still and any movement could be seriously harmful. Then he jabbed around (ouch!) and I rejoiced once the epidural was in and he left the room.
~ 10:45 am ~
Epidural in, which made me shake uncontrollably, by the way. I thought at this point I should get to rest awhile. The nurse told me to lie on my side. I did and suddenly noticed that I had intense pressure and burning in my bottom. She acted like she did not believe me. I told her that I felt the need to push already. In disbelief, she checked me only to find that I was 9-10cm dilated and 100% effaced. It was already time to push. Ha! Told you so, lady. She told me NOT to push, just breathe through the contractions until she had time to page the doctor and get in delivery mode. Um - NOT pushing was so hard to do, but somehow I managed to breathe through it.
~ 10:50 am ~
Pushing began. Doctor nowhere in sight, only the nurse. I thought multiple times that I was going to push the baby out on the table while my doctor was in never never land. She was popping out!
~ 11:20 am ~
Dr. Zane arrived (same doctor that was on call when I had the miscarriage/hospital ordeal last year). Finally.
~ 11:36 am ~
Alaina Brooke Emmett was born. Hallelujah! Although she immediately started crying, Adam & I did not cry. We were too happy to cry! We just smiled from ear to ear and marveled at her beauty and her mere existance. What a miracle :)
We were given the option to be discharged from the hospital either Saturday or Sunday. We chose Sunday. It was an interesting couple of days being constantly interrupted and getting virtually no sleep, BUT it was soon all said & done and we were able to head home with our baby girl. She wore the white dress that Adam & I bought her on the very day we found out we were having a little girl. She was swimming in her dress as she was so tiny! But she was stunning at the same time. And she did remarkably well on the car ride home...not a peep out of her!
Welcome home sweet girl! We love you!
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