Emily is 4 Months Old!

Emily is 4 months old now. I can't believe we are already starting her on rice cereal and talking about her almost sitting up by herself! She's such a sweet little girl and only cries when something is really wrong, like being long overdue for a nap or when she wasn't feeling well this past week.

We actually went to the doctor on her 4 month birthday, but not for her well check up. Kylie had a fever the Thursday before and had it for a few days. 2 days after her fever went away, she started coughing and getting a runny nose. The next day Emily woke up with a fever. Fevers are scary for little babies and usually the doctor tells you to take them to the ER. We used our parental intuition and best judgement and didn't rush to the hospital because more than likely she had whatever Kylie had. We watched her fever which got up to 101.8 that day and gave her Tylenol once to make her more comfortable. Even off Tylenol, her temperature was all over the place. It wasn't as severe as Kylie's was, for which we were thankful. We took both girls in to see the doctor and while she said we should bring Emily to the hospital, she understood and acknowledged just watching her carefully from home especially since it was the holidays. Both girl's were seemingly healthy. Their lungs, nose, ears were all clear. Kylie had a little congestion in her throat, but it was just in her throat which is why she was coughing. Emily had absolutely no other symptoms (yet) and was super happy when the doctor was there. Her fever was gone by that night and didn't show any other symptoms until some light coughing showed up at night while we were in Austin the Friday after Thanksgiving. Her main symptom was loss of appetite on Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving. She barely wanted to eat, so we gave her a little pedialyte like the doctor said. We also looked up a Children's Hospital just in case. Once we were home on Sunday, she immediately ate better. Since waking up this morning it is like she is wanting to make up for all of the missed feedings. Hungry little girl! So glad it was as mild as it was and never turned into anything serious! One main reason why I promote breastfeeding!

Sweet girls waiting for the doctor!

You wouldn't think I was sick!

Emily was great at her 4 month check up this morning, even when hungry and tired! She showed off her skills and smiled like crazy at the doctor. She got 3 vaccines, one oral and 2 shots in her legs. She cried for a minute, but was finished before I even went to pick her up. I remember Kylie screaming her head off! On that note, Kylie got her flu shot today and actually was a super star. Barely winced. SO proud of her. We talked about it ahead of time, so she would be prepared. We made sure to do hers first though, so she wouldn't see Emily cry. Such good girls!

Emily talking to me.

Big Smile!

Emily weighed 17 pounds, 7.5 ounces and was 26.5 inches long. Still in the 98% for height and 95% for weight. She is getting pretty good at tummy time and can push herself forward with her toes. She can almost roll over from tummy to back, but still mostly gets frustrated or spits up before she gets to the rolling over part. She has rolled over from her back to tummy before, it just takes a long time. She will chill on her side for a little bit and then if she gets uncomfortable she'll roll to her tummy. But mostly she will kick like crazy on her back until she scoots her head into something. Hence the bald spot on the back of her head. So funny. She loves 'facetime.' Not the i-phone facetime, but actually seeing people's faces, especially her sister's. She loves kisses on her neck and giggles every time! She loves practicing standing up and changing her clothes. If you lift her arms to take off her clothes, she will just giggle! So sweet. Other stats: size 3 diapers, 9-12 month clothes, grabbing things easily especially hair and plates, will drink out of a bottle if necessary, but won't drink much, falls asleep in the car almost every time, and naps on her tummy 3-4 times a day.

My favorite pic from today!

Crystal's Wedding

Yesterday, Casey's older sister got married. It was a very special ceremony, not only because they were getting married, but because her three girls were gaining an amazing father figure. I have no idea if they will be calling him 'Dad' or not, but it was so sweet to see the commitment he, Casey (not my Casey; going to make our lives slightly more difficult with the name situation! ;) ) made to them. There were lots of tears, but they were such happy tears. Even my Casey had tears in his eyes several times last night! We are so happy for them and look forward to seeing their family grow stronger and closer together as they begin this new journey as the Hilliard Family.

I stole this picture from Alex Price Photography on Facebook! Don't be mad, but I didn't have a picture of Crystal!! SO pretty!

With that being said, this was the first wedding Casey and I went to since we've grown into a family. It was quite a different experience toting around 2 kids, one nursing and one who doesn't really have a mute button. We couldn't just get up out of our seats and walk to the cocktail hour like everyone else without being the LAST ones out of the room because we had bags, blankets, jackets, snack cups, and a toddler who was slightly unwilling to give up her i-phone (oh wait, daddy's i-phone..). Seriously, after the ceremony we were supposed to clear out of the room, so they could set up the reception tables. They were literally moving every chair around us and almost pushing tables into us as we waddled out of the room. This would be why, we have a total of about ten pictures from the wedding. Yes, me, who practically has a camera imbedded into her hip, only got a few pictures! Luckily there was a photographer and we will be able to get the pictures from Crystal and Casey whenever we get around to it. I'm sad that I didn't get more and feel terrible about not getting some of them getting married. The ones we have will just have to suffice until they get their CD!



Casey with his girls!

Slightly fussy Kylie wanting to see certain family members that she couldn't see just yet...

Oh, all better! Snack cup with cherrios and Daddy's i-phone!

The girls looked adorable in their dresses and tights. Kylie had her little peacoat on and I don't think she could have looked any cuter. Emily, thankfully, decided that she wasn't going to spit up on people. That was a plus. There was only one incident towards the end of the night where she spit up when someone was holding her, but it was in the burp cloth! Phew! Kylie was fussy before the ceremony, but other than that, she ate dinner and LOVED dancing. She even smiled or looked at the camera in all the pictures we had to stand for. It helps when her cousins are there. She had such a fun time dancing with them.



Daddy and daughter dancing! Wish I had more pics of this!

Kylie dancing with cousin Maddy.

It started getting late, so I fed Emily down in the brides room, then we changed the girls into their pajamas and headed home. Kylie wanted to stay and dance. We promised her a dance party at home, with Daddy. I'm sure he's happy I promised that! Kylie didn't get to bed until after 11 and Emily was a little closer to 12 because she was awake and wanted to talk for a little while.



I love my family! The pro lady got a better pic, can't wait to see it!

My newest 3 month old!

Emily Grace is 3 months old. I can remember exactly when Kylie was 3 months old and it blows my mind that Kylie is now 2 years, 3 months. Just for a reminder of my first 3 month old...

Kylie Nicole

Just like I thought Kylie was my entire world, now Emily is my world. Well, now they both are. Somehow, God given I know, there is and continues to be enough room in my heart for the two of them. There's no pushing one to the side. It amazes me and helps me realize how God's love is the same for us all. His heart just grows, the same way he allows our hearts to grow for each of those that we love. I cannot imagine life with out them and I cannot believe how much I love them and how much I would do anything for them.

Emily is amazing. She continues to be at the top of the charts for growth and continues to be an avid every 2 hours nurser. I'll take her measurements this week and update on her height and weight. We don't have her next appointment until 4 months.

She absolutely loves her sister. Her favorite time of day is sitting on my lap watching Kylie eat lunch or dinner. She just smiles and giggles at Kylie. Not to mention that Kylie loves it too and talks to her which Emily loves. Kylie is really starting to realize that Emily is a little person. She loves when Emily responds back to her either by squealing, smiling, or laughing. Emily loves kisses, especially when Kylie gets in really close and kisses her on the cheeks. My heart swells when I see them together.

Emily is a good sleeper. She naps on her tummy wherever I am (usually on the couch in either living room, so I can see her) and sleeps on her back, swaddled in her pack-n-play in our room. I'm afraid to unswaddle her. She sleeps through the night almost every night only waking up to eat somewhere between 4 and 7 depending on how late she was able to nurse before bedtime. She does nap with her pacifier, but doesn't have it at night. I've really been working hard on not giving it to her at night. We'll see as she gets older if that keeps up.



Little wiggler trying to get out of her swaddle when Mommy was 'sleeping in.'

Emily is still on Zantac for reflux. She gets .8 ml in the morning and right before bed. Just recently if we are late to give her the medicine, she will scream and we can't console her until we realize that we need to give it to her. (This may be because she is growing so fast, that the dosage needs to bump up.) Usually she settles down after getting some down. She spits up everyday, every feeding, in between every feeding, when you expect it and when you least expect it. So expect it. We are not sure people realize this. She WILL spit up on you. She has some days that are better than others, but it's a given. Spitting up is hers and my life at the moment. And just for my record, Kylie spit up a lot too, but around 3 months her spitting up dwindled down. Emily's is still as much as it ever was and sometimes more. Kylie is so sweet and if you don't realize that Emily spit up, she will tell you 'sup' which means spit up and sometimes will even get a burp cloth and try to wipe it for you.

Look at that tummy bulging out of the car seat straps.

Now on to Emily's size. She weighs 17 pounds and is somewhere between 25 and 26 inches long. She has outgrown her 0-3 and 3-6 month clothes and onesies. Her 6 month outfits mostly fit, some pants are too tight around the tummy and just increase her spitting up. I would rather get her some looser pants! So right now she fits-ish into 6 month clothes, 9 month clothes, and even 12 months. I just bought her a dress today for a family wedding that is 12 months. She is 3 months old people! She is in size 3 diapers which I believe Kylie was still in when she was walking. She is in between size 2 and 3 shoes, but honestly she has never really worn shoes yet. She doesn't mind bows, headbands, hats, even sunglasses. Mommy is overprotective and puts hats and sunglasses on her girls when we go outside.

Emily still looks like Kylie, but is definitely her own person. I love being able to remember Kylie and look back at pictures to compare. Kylie always thinks pictures of her are Emily. Emily on the left, Kylie on the right! (or Emily on top, Kylie on bottom if the mobile version changes it.)

 
I Love My Girls!! Even when Kylie is screaming and thrashing around in the front of the double stroller (buckled in mind you) because she wants to go on the elevator, rocking Emily who begins crying (whom I was holding off on nursing until we got home; it had been 3 hours since she ate; so now she's just about inconsolable)... in the middle of Children's Place. In a really long line. With one cashier. And we parked outside of JCPenney on the other side of the mall. Even then. I love my girls.

 

My Girls Lately

Not much has been happening lately besides my girls growing up way too fast! Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks.

 

Rain boots!... very windy at church that day.

Emily.. enjoys sticking out her tongue!

Kylie has been obsessed with her blocks lately. Loves building towers and 'houses.'

There are days when all Kylie wants to do is cuddle with Emmy, other days she just wishes Mommy would give her all of the attention. :)

Kylie doing toddler things. ;)

Pretty girl just chillin'.

Lately this tub has been a hat or shoe... again toddlerisms.

Sweet sisters. Emily doesn't seem much smaller than Kylie.

It is so hard to put this sleepy baby down when she looks like this! Love her to pieces!

Emily is almost 3 months old and we're about to experience her first holiday season. So excited.. I'm going to be one of  'those' moms (as my sister put it..) and play dress up with my girls. I just love it when they match!! So be on the look out for pumpkin patch pictures, Halloween, etc!

Emily is 2 Months Old!

Well Emily is now 2 months old. I feel like I was just in the hospital with her. Crazy. I think the time is flying by quicker because she’s second in line to Kylie. Our days are filled with a lot more action with a toddler around.

Sweet Sisters!

Emily is such a good baby, besides the absurd amounts of spit up. I mean really, we need to buy stock in Shout and burp cloths! But she really is such a good baby. She does get held a lot (which they say is good for them when they are little!), but she loves her bouncer. I think it’s because she can see everything that is going on. We rarely turn on the bouncing/music because she just likes to sit in it, plus bouncing brings on more spit up.

My girls after Emily's little Sip and See.

She is still on Zantac for reflux. Which come to think of it is probably why she wants to sit up so much instead of lying down. It helps for sure, keeping her less fussy during and after feedings and also keeps her from spitting up bucket fulls. She still spits up a ton on the medicine, but believe me when she’s off of it, I go through almost all of my burp cloths in one day. I have to do laundry about every other day just so I can have enough burp cloths. Yesterday, I just used a receiving blanket, so that #1 I would not get soaked, #2 I could keep reusing it because it’s much larger, #3 I could do laundry because I was out of burp cloths. I finally picked up her refill, so hopefully she’s back on track today.


                 Kylie wanted to burp Emily. :)

Her doctor’s appointment went well. She is definitely not deprived at all! She weighed 15 lbs, 3.5 oz. and that puts her in the 98%. She was 24.75 inches long, which is the 99% for height. Big, strong girl. The doctor said she seems more like a 4 month old. Her head control is more like a 4 month old, but still isn’t a fan of tummy time. I think mainly because spitting up ruined it. She actually loved it at first, but I think you can only handle so many times of spitting up a large puddle and planting your entire face in it. Poor baby!

Here’s Emily ‘talking!’
 

Kylie still loves her and wants to be near her constantly. Kylie just recently got a cold, really deep chest congestion and high fever for a day. She’s still getting over it, but has been so good at staying away from Emily so she doesn’t get sick too. Usually, Kylie is kissing her throughout the day and playing with toys with her, but because I asked her not to so she doesn’t get sick, she has remembered and mainly has stayed away. Now that she’s feeling better, she forgets more, but I don’t want to take any chances! If Emily gets any kind of fever, we have to take her to the ER. She’s just so young. And we do not want a repeat and have a 2 month old in the hospital again!



So back to Emily and some more of her at 2 months. She no longer fits into any 3 month outfits and we only have a few 3-6 month outfits left. I’m in the process of getting out all of the 6 month clothes. It was exciting to have another July baby girl, but we didn’t expect her to be so much bigger than Kylie! Kylie wasn’t wearing 6 month clothes until it was colder outside. We are currently squeezing Emily into her last size 2 diapers, so she’s really a size 3. We have been so blessed with family buying us diapers, that we have only bought one box of diapers so far for Emily!



Emily pretty much tells us what she needs. I nurse her on demand (generally every 2-3 hours), but her days tend to look very similar. Once she’s up in the morning, she takes a long morning nap usually somewhere around 10. Kylie eats lunch around 12:30 and goes down for a nap. At some point during Kylie’s nap, Emily goes down for a longer afternoon nap. She likes to sleep on her tummy, so I usually put her down on the couch where I can see her. I have yet to work up the courage to put her in her crib. She’s pretty good about lifting her head when she ‘can’t breathe’, but she does like to bury her head into things, so that’s why I’m not excited about her being a tummy sleeper. She normally needs another little nap in the evening, which usually means Casey or I are holding her during dinner time. Casey puts Kylie to bed around 9 while I get Emily ready and feed her another time. She usually goes to sleep somewhere between 9 and 10 and sleeps through the night until 5am. There are still some nights where she wakes up at 2:30 or 4am to eat, but mostly sleeps to 5 or later and then after eating goes back to sleep. Like I said, such a good baby! She sleeps in the pack-n-play in our bedroom now and we swaddle her at night, so she sleeps on her back then. Soon we’ll be weaning her off of being swaddled and hopefully will continue to sleep on her back at night. The tummy scares me!


Love this little girl dearly and I love seeing her and Kylie together. Emily lights up when Kylie comes to talk to her or give her a kiss. Seriously it is the sweetest thing ever! Cannot wait until Kylie’s cold is over and done with, so I can smooch all over her and not worry about getting Emily sick! Hopefully by the weekend, I can kiss both of my girls and they can go back to enjoying each other’s company.

Happy 2 Months Emily!!