Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Emma Turns 1... Month

Eggs, 

This is my third post tonight.  I just had to share more pictures!  I'm going to go hang out with you though so I'm keeping it short and sweet.  Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to practice my passion.  I've never felt so much joy looking through my viewfinder.  Thanks for an amazing and unforgettable first month!  I can't imagine my life without you.  Love you always,

Daddy










More Emotions in 5 Minutes

Emma,

All of these pictures were taken in a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds.  I feel like I ride the roller coaster of emotions with you and it's so much fun!  You're adorable and the pictures say it all.  Love you!  

Daddy
"Live is good.  I think I'm enjoying this." 
"I am definitely enjoying this!  Woohoo!!"
"Hmmm... am I really enjoying this.  I need a serious moment to think through this."
"Now that I think about it, I think we have a problem here." 
"I figured it out!  I'm hungry and I need food now!!  This is not a drill!!!!"
"Quit posing for that picture and get that bottle in my mouth!!  Pronto!!!" 
"I ate HOW MUCH??  Oh man, this diaper better have an elastic waist band."
"I'm never drinking again."

Black & White Just Feels Right

Gracie (That's what Grandma Deb calls you!),

I am have dying to write you again!  I'm sorry it has taken nearly two weeks but we have all been sooo busy lately.  I finally had some downtime tonight and editing your pictures and writing this blog entry (and others to follow) were the first things on my mind.  

It's hard to believe, but you're a month old already!  The time has really flown by so quickly.  Of course I've thought of tons of things I want to share with you but I probably won't even remember half of them.  Oh well, here goes...

You had a rough time about 10 days ago.  For two days and nights straight all you did was cry.  Mom and I felt horrible as there was nothing we could do to console you.  We took you to the pediatrician and found out you had thrush :(  Ever since we've been giving you medicine four times a day, which you actually like (it's banana flavored so I bet it's pretty tasty!).  Mom has to take medicine too so that stinks.  Luckily, you turned right around and your back to your happy ways.  

Last week I had a little emotional moment.  Just so you know, and I'm sure you can tell, I'm definitely more sensitive than most guys and I'm not afraid to admit it.  I was going to get you dressed into my favorite onesie and it didn't fit!  It really kind of hit me that even though you're so new, you're already growing up and getting bigger.  It's insane how fast you're changing.  I try to get all the pictures I can to remember the moments that seem to slip through my fingertips.  I must say, my pictures don't do you justice.  You really are a beautiful baby girl.  

As I mentioned, the last few weeks have been crazy for us.  Mom is back in school full time, which is rough.  I know she hates being away from you and she misses you terribly, even though it's only two full days a week.  Austin is in school too and busy with soccer two times a week.  I've been doing tons of reading, research and experiments for my thesis.  I've pretty much read 6 or more hours a day for the last 10+ days.  To top it all off, Dash has been sick too and mom and I have colds!  He had some nasty accidents which forced me to clean the carpets (I'll leave it at that) a couple days ago.  

Days with you are so much fun.  I've mastered getting you to sleep which makes me feel so great.  I think I have the touch :)  I swaddle you extra tight like you're in a straitjacket and then I hold you to my chest.  I always wrap my left are under your butt to almost put you in a seated position and I keep my right hand on your head, holding you close.  I swear, you go from screaming to passed out almost every time.  You're starting to smile more, which totally melts my heart.  You really seem to like Eskimo kisses or smooches on the neck.  Overall, I have to say, I think you're pretty great :)  

I read in the baby photography book that black & white is apparently the way to go.  I don't always agree but I thought I'd really try to focus on it with these pictures.  In the end, like the title says, black & white just felt right!  I'm going to go hold you for a bit and then write the next post!  Love you baby girl!

Daddy

Mom thought you looked like you were ready to box
I don't think you like having your neck cleaned
This picture cracks me up!  I like your 'do! 
Hungry girl.  Mom always sings, "Pork chop sandwiches, pork chop sandwiches" when you're hungry.  I think she's just jealous of the Schuldt cheeks :) 




Yes, that is your foot.  Yoga, anyone?!  


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Family Pictures!

Baby girl,

It's hard to believe another week has passed.  Tomorrow you'll be three weeks old and I have no idea where the time has gone.  I can't believe how much you're changing every single day.  It makes me want to keep my camera out and just take pictures constantly for fear I'll miss something!  

The last week has been filled with all kinds of excitement.  Grandma Dorothea came to visit from South Carolina last weekend.  Her trip was really exciting because she got to see you and where we live for the first time.  She was also a huge help to mom because she's a nurse and has tons of experience working with babies just like you.  She gave us lots of good pointers and tips to help keep you comfortable and happy.  

You also got to go to see your big brother, Austin, play two soccer games!  Okay, so you didn't really pay much attention, but I could tell you really wanted to cheer his team on.  

I absolutely love all the time I get to spend with you.  I watch you on Tuesdays and Thursdays while mom is at school.  My favorite part of our day is getting you in the stroller to walk to Austin's bus stop before and after school.  We take Dash too so it's a little family outing.  

We were finally able to get some pictures of the family thanks to Grandma.  We took you out in the front yard as the sun was setting and you really seemed to enjoy it.  

Well, I better wrap this up so I can get back to holding you!  My job is to keep you up and active for a few hours before bed in hopes you'll sleep more through the night... fingers crossed!  I love you baby girl, enjoy the pictures :)

Daddy