One Month Already?!

One month and one day to be exact!! :o) Sorry it's been so long since I have updated, but I have to admit this mom thing is much harder than I thought. I can honestly say it's the most challenging task I have ever had to take on -- both physically and emotionally.

The breastfeeding has been going well technically -- she is gaining weight and is digesting it just fine -- but it has been hard for me to adjust my "scheduling" tendencies to the tendencies of Miss Emma, which are about the furthest thing from a schedule. She has yet to have two feedings that are the same, but that is life as a parent, right? I can already tell she is VERY strong-willed and knows what she wants. (I wonder where she gets that from???) Remember how I said God used my pregnancy to humble me and prepare me for what I can't control?? Well, I now know that nothing could prepare me for life after pregnancy. In other words,God is continuing His lesson -- I just need to be a better student. Lesson #1 -- Just love your child and get over yourself. Life is too short to be all stressed out. It's just that I feel every decision I make for her is going to have some long-term effect. But as my wise mom said, "Lisa, she isn't going to walk down the aisle with a pacifier in her mouth. Just give it to her if you think she needs it." Well said. To sum this all up, I'm learning -- albiet slowly -- to chill out and take everything day by day.

Aside from her basket-case mom, Emma is doing great. She is already a whopping 9 lb 7 oz and is adorable. She doesn't "goo" yet, but squeeks and grunts a lot and giggles in her sleep. I can't wait until she gets a little older (not much though!) so we can interact and play more. Her smile just melts my heart (yes, even at 4am when we have yet to sleep a wink!:o), so I can't wait to see it more often and hear her laugh.

I'm definitely tired, although Emma seem well-rested :o). She tends to eat every 2 hrs or so and doesn't quite sleep any longer than that, so I'm still holding out for a 3- or 4-hour stretch I had in the first week. It'll come eventually. The good news is she isn't colicky and doesn't cry really unless she's tired or hungry. I guess I can't ask for more than that!

In response to much urging from many of you, I finally posted more photos -- sorry it took so long! As you can see, Emma is growing like a weed, but when I compare her to other babies, she's still my little peanut! That little nose is too cute -- and that bottom lip is still pouty ... I just love it!

This weekend is our first big trip to Geneva with the family, so hopefully all goes well...especially since we're sharing a room with Brian and Alicia and the kiddies. Say a prayer for us, and have a great weekend everyone!