Another month in the books and my heart could burst! I can't believe it's been two months with our sweet Emmeline! People keep asking me how I'm surviving with FIVE kids, and truly, it seems like Emmie has always been a part of our crew, so I don't know how to really answer -- other than to say that we're all so in love with this little bundle, and life is busy and hard and natural and wonderful... All at the same time.
Emmeline is:
... the perfect combination of all of her sisters, but still has her own unique look. She looks like a little Larson woman, but each day, she matches a different sister. It's so interesting to me! She's truly a beautiful girl, and I can't help but dress her up and down like a baby doll - she's our real life baby doll. [From the day we brought Emmie home, Matilda has called her "Sister Baby," which just seems to fit and delights my soul!]
... smiling so often! When she is awake, she is generally cheery. Her smile melts me into a puddle, and she grind biggest for her Mom and Dad early in the morning or late at night - she probably senses there's less distractions and chaos at those times and just shines away!
... starting to coo and chatter with us, and let me just tell you how much I love those little sounds! I can listen all day long and never tire of the coos, and oohs and ohhs and every little squeak she makes! It's such joyful noise!
... sleeping so wonderfully. She's going 7-8 hours between feedings at night, which just feels like a direct blessing from on high, and we're so grateful. She makes up for it and seems to want to eat like every hour during the day, but it seems like a fair trade to get a good night's sleep.
... so snuggly. She'll nuzzle right into my neck or elbow and fall fast asleep. Snuggling babies is my favorite thing, and I can't help but feel like all is right in the world when their little baby hands grab a lock of my hair, and I feel their warm breath on my skin. It is heaven for me! [Also for Branson - within a minute of snuggling a sleeping baby, he is almost always totally asleep, too. He says his best naps happen while holding a sleeping baby.]
Our life is crazy and busy, chaotic and loud, and cluttered and messy. But is also simple and sweet, sacred and special, and beautifully wonderful. We're so blessed. God is good, and I am grateful for this plan He orchestrated for us to have joy. These girls are truly my joy!
Flashback:
