My New Toy!

We busted out the exersaucer a few weeks ago. Emry likes it pretty well as long as Steve or I am in the room. Here's a pic of her in action and a few other randoms. Enjoy! (And excuse Steve's "manly" chest in the last picture.)

Such a Big Girl!

Our little girl isn't so little anymore. At her 4 month well checkup, she came in at 100th percentile for height at 27 inches...80th percentile for head circumference at 16 3/4 inches...and 70th percentile for weight at 14 lbs 2 oz. Wowzers! The doc said she looks great and apparently has great eye contact, and head and leg control. Unfortunately, she had to get several shots and boy oh boy did she HATE them. That was the LOUDEST I've ever heard her cry. You would have thought her limbs were being ripped off. The last time she received shots it took her only seconds to stop crying but this time it took her about 5 minutes to finally calm down. Poor baby. You moms out there know how heart-breaking it is. Luckily Steve came with and was up by her head when it was happening. Then I got to cuddle her afterwards. We thank God everyday that we have a healthy little girl who's thriving! Here is a shot of her "war wounds" and some other randoms. Come on, I couldn't resist. Obviously 1 picture doesn't cut it. :)

Laying on her side. I'm hoping she roll over soon!

4 MONTHS!!!

I can't believe my sweet baby girl is already 4 months old! Someone must be shaving days off the calendar because time is moving way too fast. Besides becoming a member of the "4 month" club, Emry and I traveled to Iowa to meet my mom this weekend. She drove down from Minnesota to meet us in the middle. She NEEDED her Emry fix. :) Steve's parents generously let us stay with them so baby girl received LOTS of attention from both grandmas and one grandpa! She also got to meet one of Steve's uncles who lives in Texas. How fun! Here are her 4 month stats: * Nurses 6 times a day * Goes to bed at 7:00, we wake her up between 9-9:30 for her last feeding, then she usually sleeps until 5:30 or 6:00. Lately, she's been waking up around 3 or 4 but luckily her pacifier ties her over until her first feeding. * Doesn't mind tummy time * Blows raspberries * Is a droolin' machine * Can lay on her side for a short period of time (I'm hoping she'll roll over soon) * Has a LOT to say :) * Notices her hands and brings them to her mouth * Grasps toys for short periods * Plays in exersaucer if mom or dad are nearby * Takes 3-4 naps a day...the longest is the afternoon nap from 1-3:30 * Gets crazy legs during bath time * Enjoys being read to * LOVES watching other kids * Smiles all the time

Emry and Grandma Maro.

Great-Uncle Dale and Emry.

First Mother's Day!

I was so spoiled by Emry and Steve yesterday! We kicked off our day by heading to the 9:30 church service. Then we attempted to eat brunch at Granite City, Mimi's Cafe, and Corner Cafe...all had at least a 45 minute wait. Across from Corner Cafe, I spotted a shabby looking diner called Deb's Diner. At this point, my stomach was practically eating itself so I was willing to try anything! I insisted we go in. The food was Deeeelish and the people watching was even better. It turned out to be a fun adventure. Steve and Emry also gave me a few very sweet gifts. However, spending time with my two favorite people meant the most to me. :)

'Lil Jail Bird

Little Peanut

G & G Broz Meet Emry!

My Grandma and Grandpa Broz were in Florida when miss Emry was born so they have been anxiously waiting to meet her. On their drive back north to Minnesota they stopped in KC to see our sweet baby and us. We were planning on meeting after Steve and I were off work but they surprised me by coming to my school with 30 minutes left in the day. Coincidentally, this was the day my students threw Emry and me a baby shower. And once again, Gayle so kindly brought Emry up to school so she could be part of her own celebration. As Gayle neared our room my grandma raced out to see her and my grandpa teared up. It was a magical moment and I'm so thankful Emry will grow to know such remarkable people. They have been such positive influences in my life, I'm sure they will be the same for her. So many amazing things all happened at once the afternoon of April 27th!

Grandma Schmidt's 80th B-day Celebration

Last weekend we traveled to West Des Moines to celebrate Grandma Schmidt's 80th birthday with Steve's family. Grandma insisted on taking us out to lunch for HER birthday. You have no idea how many times the question, "Are you sure?" was asked. Grandma is our elder so we had to respect her wishes. Afterwards we headed to Steve's parents for cake and ice cream. It's always great to spend time with family...we loved every minute of it!

Take Your Child to Work Day

Emry visited me at work for the last 30 minutes of the day. What a treat! Twelve students out of 22 were present and they were thrilled to see her. That was so sweet of Gayle to bring her...thanks!

The Dreaded Day

Yesterday was my first day back at work. The morning started off pretty good and then small tears began on the drive to drop Emry off. She was as happy as can be in the back talking and giggling to herself. Gayle so kindly agreed to meet me halfway between our houses in the mornings so I can get to work on time. I was in good spirits once we reached our drop-off point, then Gayle handed me some homemade cookies and mints and wished me good luck. At that point, the tears began FLOWING. I said goodbye to my sweet baby girl and drove off. The tears dwindled on the way to school and ended by the time I got to my classroom. Thankfully, the day flew by because I was trying to reacquaint myself with everything and our schedule was pretty packed. My students and coworkers were very sweet and made the transition easier for me. By the end of the day, it didn't feel like I had been gone for almost 4 months. I think Monday will be a little easier. I just keep telling myself there is only about 6 weeks until summer break!

Hey, look at me!

Emry and Levi are doing tummy time at breastfeeding group. Levi couldn't stop staring at Emry but she could have cared less. She was staring off into the abyss while he was gazing into her eyes. :)

3 Months

Emry is 3 months old today! I completely forgot to create her "I'm 3 months" sign...oh well. She's growing and changing so much every day. Now I know what my friends meant when they said, the time flies. Here are some facts about Emry at this stage: * She weighs 12 lbs 5 oz * nurses 6 times a day * sleeps from 7:30-9:00, nurses at 9, then sleeps until 6 or 7am * holds her head up real well * tolerates tummy time for longer periods * coos * smiles A LOT! *is our "naughty napper" because she'll only sleep 30-40 minutes and is very hard to get back to sleep * loves the cow with the mirror on her play-yard * has busy legs and arms in her bouncy seat and on the changing table * tracks objects really well * recognizes mommy's voice * wears size 1-2 diapers I've absolutely loved every moment with her. I could definitely get used to being at home full time, but unfortunately, I have to return to work. The great thing about being a teacher is I get the summer off. Only 6 1/2 weeks until Emry and I can spend all day together! And...I feel comforted knowing that someone amazing will be watching her. Happy 3 months baby...daddy and I love you!

Meet Gayle

The dreaded day is nearing! I return to work this Friday...ugh! I seriously cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I haven't worked since Dec. 21st. Yikes! Fortunately, someone fabulous will be watching our little angel. Gayle was a VERY POPULAR lunch lady at my school and offered to care for Emry. She is the sweetest, most thoughtful person I've ever met. She spoiled me while I was pregnant so I can't imagine what fun Emry and she will have. :)

Friday will be difficult but it'll get better and better each work day. Only 6-ish weeks until summer break! We can do it!

This isn't so bad!

Tummy time isn't torture anymore!

Hi Guys!