Our newborn baby girl doesn't feel so "newborn" these days! At Emma's one month doctor's appointment she weighed in at an impressive 11 LBS 6 OZ! Incredible, I know. Not only was she in the 97% for weight, she was also in the 94% for height at 22.75 in. I'm still in disbelief one day post appointment by her ability to grow! She's a strong little girl too. Since Grace was a tad behind in the physical department due to torticollis, we're obviously naive to what strong as a newborn actually means. With that said, her head control and feistiness when laying on the ground are pretty amazing from what we previously experienced. As of a week and a half ago Emma also gave us her first real smile. After a rough first month unsure whether our sweet girl might possibly have colic (simply to find out she just had a dairy and soy allergy - poor thing) this was the best gift I could've asked for. There are few things in life that beat seeing the first glimpse of your baby's personality.
On a side note - we're told most babies typically outgrow their allergies (fingers crossed!) Since adjusting my diet for nursing, feedings have improved tremendously and our little girl is finally happy when awake. If someone would've told me I'd have to give up cheese a month and a half ago nine months pregnant, I might have told them to drop dead. Haha. Fortunately it's not quite as hard as I would've imagined given the endless options available at Whole Foods.
With that said, thank God for jar upon jar upon jar of peanut butter....
Our second little angel finally graced us with her presence four weeks ago Sunday! And yes, I'm just now writing her "entry into the world" post (more on that later). Emmeline "Emma" Rose arrived fashionably late on Sunday October 20th (her Aunt Lauren's birthday - how awesome) at 1:41 am. Weighing 8 lbs. 13 oz and 21.5 in. long, she has easily surpassed the entire Livingston/ Noffsinger side in size! Our first immediate reaction was that she looked "just like Dad", although we're starting to see more of myself and Grace as the days pass us by. Here's a small glimpse into our short but sweet hospital stay at Beaumont Royal Oak...
Blessed.
Skin-to-skin with Dad minutes after birth.
Proud daddy.
Exhausted Mama, but obviously on cloud nine.
First family photo of four!
Today most certainly is the best day ever Gracie :)
I was so incredibly proud of Grace holding Emma for the first time. She was elated, and so sweet and gentle. This video just melts my heart..
All of Zach's girls.
Gaga and her granddaughters. On a side note, we wouldn't have survived without my Mom the week leading up to and after my delivery. She is the most selfless, giving woman in this entire world (no exaggeration). Thank you, thank you, thank you Mom again for everything. You are an angel and we are so grateful for you!
Pretty sure we're approaching nap time here.. Or at least the time of day when a nap would normally take place.
Just perfect.
So happy to finally be heading home!
All bundled and ready to see her house for the first time.
For those of you that know us well, you remember that Zach and I struggled for some time trying to bring our second baby into this world. As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait. We certainly waited a long time for you sweet girl, and we are so grateful you're finally here! We named Emmeline after my beautiful angel baby sister, Emily, who passed away at birth on September 25, 1987. Choosing this name was incredibly meaningful to me especially given our hardship in conceiving and the fact that Emily would have been the same age difference to me as Emma is to Grace. I know she's looking down from Heaven smiling at our newest bundle of joy, and of course our choice of name!
My family's angel baby - Emily Paige Livingston September 25, 1987
Cider, apples, pumpkins, tractors, ponies and hay rides... this fall we've done it all! In an attempt to make sure Grace's pre-Halloween festivities weren't cut short due to my pregnancy (and make sure I was kept extra busy while awaiting labor to begin) we've been out and about experiencing all Michigan has to offer this time of year. Here's a glimpse at some of the fun we've had since the leaves began to change color...
The now "annual" photo of Grace and Harper at Franklin Cider Mill!
Feeding the ducks.
Dad's first Cider Mill experience!
Detroit Zoo love.
Melts my heart. Every. Time.
Yates Cider Mill with Miss Amie for Grace's real 2nd birthday. Such a special day!
She loves the "apple juice".
First pony ride, and definitely not the last. Thank you again "Miss Amie" for making the trip out to visit us! We love you and miss you already!
We obviously have a thing for tractors...
Like I said.
And we think Henry might too :)
Celebrating Miss Lindsay's birthday at Three Cedars Farm with a hay ride!
Poor lil man being loved on by Grace again. Haha.
Trying to pick the perfect pumpkin.
Hanging out on the choo-choo!
Happy birthday dear friend!
Gaga visits to help out before baby arrives! We obviously had to take her to Three Cedars Farm too - such a fun place.
Feeding the goats!
Oh, just a lil cow tipping..
"See ya later Mom!" Her words, not mine.
Using Gaga's shoe as a shovel in the corn box.
Decorating festive cupcakes with Gaga!
The almost finished product. Funfetti at its finest.
In keeping things equal for baby girl #2, it seemed only fitting to do a quick update at 38 weeks with how things have been going! This pregnancy has flown by until, hmm, three weeks ago perhaps? Between our move, our many summer travels, my decorating frenzy, Junior League meetings and 2nd birthday party planning, I've kept myself distracted and busy to say the least. This last month has just seemed to DRAG ON AND ON AND ONNNNNN though. We are so ready to meet you sweet girl! Hard to complain with how smoothly all has gone though. Baby and mama are healthy and doing great thus far, which is all you can hope and pray for. At our appointment last week I was 50% effaced (woohoo... not) and not yet dilated, so not much exciting is happening down below. Hoping for some progress at our doctor's appointment tomorrow morning!
Here are some growing bump and and nursery photos while we anxiously wait for her arrival!
31.5 weeks pregnant.
I love this photo so much.
I'm not one to take maternity photos, but some of these were actually semi-cute thanks to our amazing photographer! First, and last, time I'll be capturing belly pics I'm sure :)
*If you DON'T want to know her name, please disregard the photo below*
Despite the hand-me-down bedding and decor, baby girl #2 is pretty lucky to be sleeping in this gorgeous set-up! Thank you Kotcher family for passing down such a beautiful crib!
Thanks again to everyone who came out to help us celebrate Grace's 2nd birthday! And huge thanks to our wonderful families for all of you help leading up to, during and afterward. Not a feat I could have done alone due to my larger-than-normal-self these days. Extra special thanks to my Mom who stuck around to lend a hand a few days longer. No idea what I would've done without you! What a fabulous birthday party and great celebration to break in our new home though, and well worth the exhaustion and clean-up afterward. Grace had the time of her life meeting Minnie Mouse for the first time, and was opening new presents for days post-party. Such a blessed little girl having so many good friends and supportive family members who love her so much. She was sugar-filled and happy for at least a week post party!
Thank you bags for Grace's guests (courtesy of Etsy).
Minnie and Mickey ears to take home.
Thank you Jodi, Mom and Grandma Faye for helping me put together the silverware the night before! Would've been a lot more fun with a glass of wine :)
Welcome to Gracie's Clubhouse!
Make your own mouse station downstairs.
Framed invitation.
The over-the-top cake :) Delicious though, so no regrets!
Baked Impressions cake pops sans stick. Yum.
Grace's dessert bar.
Pirate's booty and veggie stick cups for the kiddos.
Kid's table!
Kid's drink station. Cups courtesy of Etsy.
Adult drink station. We went a tad overboard on the wine.
Who wants to come has a drink (or several) with me in a few weeks?!
Standard bounce house fun.
Grace was SO excited after it was set-up, she actually got sick from bouncing so much! Haha
Thankfully it didn't happen again during the party...
The birthday girl ready to party!
Thank you Dad for my awesome party! And for wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt :)
Minnie (aka Aunt Lolo) makes her entrance!
Thanks again Lauren for being such an AWESOME Minnie Mouse.
The party obviously wouldn't have been the same without you!
Loving Minnie Mouse..
Grace, Kylie and Cam loving on Minnie.
My biggest regret is not getting a group shot of the kids!
She had so many wonderful friends come out for the evening.
"Happy birthday to Grace..."
Minnie and baby Elle Marks.
Grace and Jane.
Loving the cake.
Opa, Nana, Brock, Carolyn, Kels, Kirk and baby Henry
Minnie and Papi snuggling.
Thank you two for actually wearing the ears! Haha.
Grace seeing her "big gift" from the Livingston family for the first time!
Her very own PINK ESCALADE BOP-BOP! The license plates are probably my favorite part.
The front is an Illinois plate that reads "UGIRLS2" (copy of LGIRLS4 from my growing up),
and the rear is a Michigan plate that reads "GMAC4" (for Gracie Mack and Zach's football number).
So awesome.
She was beyond excited. Not just for the car, but also for the Birthday Bear and Duck that sat in the passenger seat to greet her.
Auntie Lolo showing her how its done.
And they're off!
Gaga and Gracie ridin' dirty.
Here are a few videos that were too cute not to include as well!
Grace meeting Minnie:
Singing Happy Birthday to Grace. I was so proud of her blowing out the candles (and keeping her cool during the song)! Such an overwhelming moment to a 2 year old I'm sure:
