7 Months: Happy Fall Y'all!

(Taken October 21, 2013)

Weight: 17lb. 13oz (90th percentile)

Length: 27 1/2 in (95th percentile: tall girl!)

My goodness! What a crazy month. I have not even been able to keep up with what month we are in. If my head wasn't attached, I would have already lost it. We have all been doing well, just trying to enjoy the chaos and commotion of having a mobile baby and the stress of the holiday season (isn't it the best?!) Well, like I said before, we are loving life but trying to keep up. I find myself forgetting to eat, drink, occasionally forget to brush my teeth (haha..but seriously.) I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and live each and every day to its fullest. Here is an update on this past month (actually month and a half).

• Scarlett has begun to crawl! It is incredibly hard to believe, but she's turning into a little scooter. She doesn't get too far, but I imagine that will change very soon.
• Her top teeth are starting to come in, but nothing has broken the surface yet.
• She loves green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas. Bananas upset her stomach and she hates apples. 
• She is still sleeping through the night. The time change threw us off a bit, but she is now sleeping from 7pm (ish) until 8:30am. 
• She naps about 2 times a day. One 30 min nap in the morning and one 1 1/2 hr nap mid afternoon.
• She's still pretty calm and is reminding me more of Alex each day. She is much more relaxed like daddy and not as uptight as me (thank goodness.)
• She is a great little sitter now and less wobbly. 
• She giggles all the time and loves Daphne. She thinks Daphne is the funniest thing ever.
• She is mostly interested in non-toy items: plastic bottles, wrapping paper, boxes, etc.
• She's a hair puller! Especially now that my hair is longer and dark. She must really like this dark hair because she is always grabbing at it.
• She cries mama when she upset and dada when she's happy. Go figure. She is also saying something that sounds like "OK" and "dog". Who knows.

We have really been enjoying being parents and living in Charlotte. I have met so many wonderful people and found such a great mom group that we go to on a weekly basis. They are such a blessing and a great source of encouragement. Also, Alex and I just celebrated 10 years together as a couple. I couldn't imagine a better man to spend this beautiful life with or be the father to my sweet little Scarlett. God is good! Thank you all for checking in on us!

Love and hugs,

Emily and Scarlett

6 Months Old!

First time at a pumpkin patch and she was not too excited

Eating carrots for the first time

Best Buds!

My glamour girl!

Two Teeth!

 

 

 

What a fun month! It seems like she is changing week to week and it is so exciting to see her growing up and developing such a sweet personality. Here are the highlights from the past month:

 

 

• She has two teeth now and I think another one will pop up very soon!
• We've made some sweet friends at playdates and enjoy spending time with them every week
• She has started trying solids, but really only ventured into carrots and apples
• She is always laughing and smiling and is very ticklish
• She is turning into a bit of a momma's girl. She will occasionally pitch a fit if someone else holds her.
• She can sit up with a little assistance
• She sleeps through the night from 8pm to 7:30ish am
• She takes 2-3 naps during the day for about 45 min
• She LOVES Daphne and laughs at every thing she does.
• She has started to jump alot in her Johnny Jump Up and it is probably the cutest thing ever.
• She wears a 6-9 month size
• Her eyes are starting to turn green
• Her hair is a reddish brown

 

 

I love being a mom and I really can't imagine my life any other way. She is such a happy baby and I am enjoying every minute of it. Exceptions include poop diapers and when she pitches a fit ;)

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Fall!

Love and hugs,

Emily and Scarlett

5 Months: So many firsts!

First time in a swimming pool

First time at the beach

She loves her Aunt Kate!

First time in the sand and ocean

First Alabama football game

First time trying rice cereal






Weight: 16 lb 6 oz
Length: 26 in





She thinks I'm funny! ;)

 

 

I was too late with the camera and she was completely over saying "mama"

 

 

Whew! What a month! This has been the most fun and most tiring age yet! I feel like I never stop and sitting has become a luxury. This month has been filled with many firsts and I don't think the camera has left my side. Here is an update of the past month:

 

• Scarlett has gotten her first tooth
• She experienced her first Alabama touchdown and screamed like crazy
• She tried rice cereal using a spoon and did great!
• She made her first baby friends at her first play date. (We have met some very sweet moms and kids at a couple of play dates. We are excited about making new friends here and look forward to the next one!)
• She's found her toes and will occasionally put them in her mouth!
• Went to the beach and pool for the first time in Myrtle Beach, SC. (She loved it!)
• Successfully sounded out "mama" for the first time. She said it a few times, but I haven't been able to get her to say it again.
• Her weight and height is in the 90th percentile for her age! She's going to be tall like Alex!
• She can wear 9 month size clothes
• She wants A LOT of attention and loves to be held.
• She can grab and hold her toys and immediately sticks them in her mouth.
• She LOVES Dragon Tales and screams at me if I turn it off. She also loves Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
• She is still sleeping well throughout the night. She wants to go to bed around 8pm and will sleep until 7am.

This has been such a fun month and I am so excited about the many more firsts we will experience together. We are also loving Charlotte and have found it is one of the most welcoming places we have ever lived in. Alex and I are enjoying all that this great place has to offer and look forward to building many more great friendships.

 

 

Thanks for checking in on us!

 

Hugs and Kisses,

 

Emily and Scarlett

 

 

 

4 Months

   Scarlett is 4 months old and we are finally settled in Charlotte! We are all loving life in our new home and look forward to discovering more of what this great city has to offer. This has been a busy and exciting past month. Here is an update:

• We moved in on July 31 and thanks to my sweet in-laws we are all unpacked.
• Our neighborhood is wonderful! All of our neighbors are so welcoming. One night while unpacking, our next door neighbor brought by a huge dinner for us. Another neighbor brought brownies. We feel right at home!
• Scarlett is "talking" more than ever now. She is constantly squealing and making little noises. She also laughs now and it is the cutest thing ever! She's most ticklish under her arms and her neck.
• She is wearing 6 month clothes. She seems really long.
• She is a hair puller, so I'm wearing more ponytails than I ever have.
• She tries to grab everything, so we have to watch her. She almost pulled Alex's dinner into his lap when we were eating.
• She loves her new interactive seat and watching cartoons. This is great for me because it allows me to get some stuff done around the house.
• She doesn't really like me to read to her, but she does like looking at the pictures and trying to rip out pages.
• She's sleeping through the night from 8:30 pm to 7:45 am. She eats about 8 oz. 4 times a day.
• She still really likes baths and she loves to splash.
• She's lost almost all of her first hair and it is growing back light red. ginger baby! :)
• Her eyes are still blue, but have specks of green.

I have been cooking a lot more lately and a lot more healthier. Here are some recipes that are just too good not to share.

Balsamic Chicken 

with Fresh Spinach and Tomatoes served over Parmesan pasta with broccoli

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced

4 tbsp olive oil, divided

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 medium sweet onion, sliced

1 large tomato, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups fresh spinach

salt to taste

pepper to taste

2 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided

2 cups broccoli

1/4 cup  Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

dry pasta

Heat 2-3 tbsp olive oil in large skillet. Brown chicken, onion, and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and add balsamic vinegar, tomato, spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

Boil and salt water. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and add 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.

Steam broccoli and serve on side. 

Summer Rice

1 cup uncooked rice (brown or white)

2 cups water

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/2 frozen peas

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 yellow onion, diced

salt to taste

pepper to taste

1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Cook rice. Set aside. 

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and saute garlic, onion, peas, and celery. Add to cooked rice. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Enjoy!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! Aunt Kate is babysitting tonight, so we can go on a date. Yippee!

Love and hugs,

Emily and Scarlett

Scarlett is Moving to Charlotte: 3 Months

She thinks I'm funny...

Scarlett is Moving to Charlotte!

This past month has been an absolute whirlwind. Alex moved to Charlotte to start working a few weeks ago and I have been wrapping things up here in Tennessee. Here is an update on what has been going on this  past month:

• Our house sold in 1 day! As soon as we listed it, it sold! We actually priced our home on the higher end and we sold it pretty close to asking price. My theory is that inventory is so low in this area and we are in the prime season and maybe because I'm such a fabulous decorator ;)
• Scarlett is a seasoned frequent flyer! She has made two round trips on an airplane in her short 3 months. I was a bit worried about flying with her, but she did a great job and has made me a proud momma. Everyone kept complimenting her on how well she did.  Her first flight was delayed several hours and made me a nervous wreck, because I didn't know how long I could keep her entertained and happy in an airport. I was also worried about running out of formula because I did not prepare for a flight delay. Thankfully, the milk held out and so did she and we made it to Charlotte with our sanity still intact. During the last return flight, she peed on my leg as everyone was boarding the plan and the guy next to me was less than amused. I had just changed her diaper  a couple hours earlier, so I didn't know how it had gotten so full so fast. The guy next to me said I wouldn't be able to change her and I looked him straight in the eyes and said, "watch me." Yes, I felt like a badass when I successfully changed her in less than a minute in my lap without her making one peep. He then looked at me and said, "surely she isn't your first..."
• We were not planning on our house selling so fast, but when it did we realized we needed to find something in Charlotte ASAP. We found and bought our house the first weekend up there and should close on it at the end of the month.

• Scarlett was a trooper the whole time we looked at houses. We looked at over 30 homes in just 2 days and she barely made a sound. The realtor was convinced that we drugged her up before we left each day. 
• Alex and I are so excited about our new home in Charlotte. The neighborhood is absolutely precious and the people are just as nice. It has a swimming pool with a slide, fountains, and lifegaurds which makes me feel much better. It also has a really cute playground that will be great for Scarlett when she gets a bit older. This neighborhood has sidewalks unlike our current subdivision and is much flatter which it great for running/walking/biking. Our house was just completed this year and has the pretty kitchen I have always dreamed of. I can't wait to show you all pictures as soon as we move in.
• I will miss living in Nashville, but I am so looking forward to our new life in Charlotte. It is such a beautiful city. The surrounding communities are manicured and charming: better than I could have ever imagined. 
• Scarlett can now roll from her back to belly. She also likes to sleep on her side. 
• She is constantly wiggling and has started "talking" to me.
• She is sleeping through the night. I put her down between 8-9 pm and she will typically wake up between 5-6 am, eat, and then go back to sleep until 10 am.
• I have been inspired by my sister-in-law, Kate, to start eating healthier and get my butt back in shape. I had a lot of momentum in the beginning, but lost it. I am now kicking it back into high gear and ready to get this baby weight off. I am so glad we will be living in the same city because she knows how to encourage me to keep going (Thanks Kate! You're the best!)

This past month has been a busy one, but overall it has been very exciting! I am looking forward to all that this next month holds. 

Love and hugs,

Emily and Scarlett

2 Month Update

Scarlett is 2 months old!

Scarlett in Panama City Beach

We had such a wonderful time with Alex's parents in PCB

Weight: 11 lb. 11 oz.
Length: 22 1/2 in
Head Circumference: 15 in.

Wow! Scarlett is 2 months old! Time sure is flying by. We are loving every second of parenthood. I remember thinking how weird it was going to be having a baby, but as soon as she got here, I couldn't remember what it was like without her. Here is what's been going on this past month:

• She has started smiling at us and it is the sweetest thing ever!
• She loves bath time, watching cartoons (For real! As soon as I turn it on, she instantly starts watching and gets quiet), her bouncy seat (Thank the good Lord for that thing! Best $25 I ever spent!), riding in the car, going for walks, and being outside.
• She hates tummy time, getting dressed, pacifiers, and sitting still.
• She is following us with her eyes now
• She is a very content baby and rarely cries.
• She is eating 4-5 oz. at every feeding and goes 4-5 hours between feedings.
• She is sleeping through the night with just one 4 am feeding

This past month we drove down to Panama City Beach and spent the week with Alex's parents. We had such a great time! I am so glad Scarlett got to spend so much time with them. Alex and I especially loved it because we got a lot of time to ourselves and had a great date night. 

We have also decided to move to Charlotte, NC. Alex has been offered a promotion and will be working in Electrolux's corporate offices. We are so excited, but also very sad. We love Nashville and have made so many amazing friends. It is definitely a bittersweet move. We are also so excited because Kate, Alex's older sister, just moved to Charlotte for her job, so we can't wait to live in the same city! I love that Scarlett will be able to get close to her Aunt Kate! 

Love and hugs,

Emily and Miss Scarlett

1 Month: Life With a Newborn

Spent my first Mother's Day weekend with my mom! Very special weekend :)

Scarlett Kennedy is 1 month!

Sweet Sisters ;)

I can't believe it has been over a month since we welcomed our sweet Scarlett into our lives. Life has been so incredible and I can't imagine our lives without her. 

Scarlett is growing so fast! Here are some things that have happened within the past month:

• Scarlett was discharged from the hospital the same day as us, but we were told she had a slight case of jaundice. She ended up having to go to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and have her blood work taken. Thankfully we only had to stay a few hours and her blood work came back very good. Let's just say I was a total mess the whole time because there is nothing worse than hearing that your baby needs to go to the ER. My mom and Alex were amazing and helped calm me down. I am just so happy that her jaundice went away and we didn't have to stay in the hospital overnight.
• Breastfeeding was a nightmare! Every part of getting pregnant, being pregnant, and then delivering were easy, but breastfeeding was so hard for me. The first day was very good, but because of her jaundice, Scarlett was very sleepy and she stopped nursing like she should. Because she wasn't nursing, my supply dried up. She is now getting fat and happy on formula. This devastated me at first, but I have a great support system and knowing that she is healthy and growing on schedule is all that matters. Also, there are some serious perks to formula! Anyone can feed her, I can indulge in a drink now and then, I no longer feel like a dairy cow, and feeding her in public is so much easier! (Still wish I could breastfeed, but I choose to look on the bright side).
• Alex changed his first poop diaper and I literally started crying I was laughing so hard. All I could hear was him screaming, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! It won't stop! Emily!!!!!!" Haha! It was way too funny!
• Scarlett has outgrown her newborn clothes...sniff. sniff.
• She is now sleeping in her crib and I get up with her about 2 times a night.
• She is a tummy time champ! She can hold her head up so well. She actually rolled over by herself from tummy to back all by herself!
• She is reaching for things and recognizing faces much better. Sweetest thing is when Alex is holding her and she touches his face and reaches for his glasses.
• Last but certainly not least: I am back in my pre-pregnancy skinny jeans!!! And it feels sooo good!

I have also learned not to always believe everything you hear. Throughout my entire pregnancy, all I ever heard was that I will always be exhausted, will never go out, I won't be myself because EVERYTHING will change, my house will be messy, and it will take a very long time before I feel like myself. Well, I want to set the record straight. I feel GREAT! I shower everyday, put on makeup, exercise, clean my house, and cook dinner. I may feel a little tired at times, but taking good care of myself makes me a better mom. Yes, my life has changed, but I'm still me. I still go out with friends (Scarlett needs good Daddy time) and I am enjoying life more than I ever have. If you are thinking that your life will be over once you have a baby, think again. As far as I'm concerned, my life just started and I can't imagine it any other way!

Love and hugs,

Emily and Miss Scarlett