Emerson's First Weekend at Home

 We came home to beautiful decorations!

Emerson came home on Saturday and spend Sunday with our closest family members.  All of the kiddos couldn't get enough of her.  She was super good, sleepy and cuddly that entire first weekend! :)

Emmie's Bella Baby Pictures

We adore our little Emerson so very much!

Choir Performance

 Allie, Dane, Claire and Madeline had their first choir performance today.  We were proud of them and Allie kept us laughing! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Zy9GA_yxY&feature=youtu.be

Emerson Kate has Arrived!!!

I felt super good on Wednesday and had a lot of energy, so I thought something may have been brewing. Wednesday evening, Laura and I walked the kids to choir and then around Edison Park.  I felt good, but my back was feeling really sore.  I mentioned to Matt, half joking that maybe I was having back labor.  We went downstairs to watch a movie and I noticed that I'd been having mild contractions and must have had way too much water as the bathroom trips were numerous.  I think that Matt and I both knew something was up!  As soon as the movie ended we packed our bags, then decided we would try our best to get some sleep.  Unfortunately for me, the contractions were a bit too frequent and a bit too painful for that to happen.  I rested in bed until around 3:00, as laying down was no longer comfortable at that point.  I showered and waited and tried to keep my mind off how horrible I was feeling as the contractions were coming on strong and fast.  We called our parents at 4:00 - G-ma and G-pa left from Kokomo and my dad left to come to our house so the kiddos could keep sleeping.  I was in very active labor when we got the hospital a bit after 5:00 and the contractions were pretty much on top of each other.  I walked (I felt like I couldn't sit in the wheelchair) into labor and delivery and a team of nurses was there waiting for me.  I was at a 9, so they called the doctor, hooked me up and called the anesthesiologist.  Shortly after that, my water bag broke and I just felt like a big mess.  The nurses got a hold of the doctor and he told the nurses that he was on his way and to get the epidural to buy some time.  I was thankful, as one of the nurses made me think the epidural wasn't going to happen.  By the time the doctor arrived, the epidural had taken the edge off.  He got to business right away and said, "Well the baby can't get farther down unless it's out."  So on that note, the pushing began.  With the first push, the head was out.  On my next contraction, she was born.  I looked and said, "It's a girl!" right along with the doctor.  We felt like we had seen her before as she looked a lot like newborn Maddie.  We held her and fell instantly in love with our baby girl.

Her stats:
20.75"
7 lbs. 15 oz.
Born at 6:27 a.m.

Since she was born so early in the morning, she had many visitors on her first day.  I was pretty out of it since I was so sleep deprived and had a rough couple of hours!!!  

 Kristin and Addison came for a surprise visit.  Addison and Emerson are birthday buddies - exactly 6 years apart - so cool!!!!

 Maddie and Dane love their little sister very much.  Maddie wants to hold her, touch her and can't get enough of her.

40 Week 5 day Update

Matt and I went in yesterday for an ultrasound, non-stress test and exam.  The baby is measuring around 8 lbs. - just under, actually.  However, they said Dane would be around 6.5 lbs., so I am not too convinced about that!  I am guessing at least 8.5 lbs.  The fluid levels were good and the placenta looks good, so no concerns there.  The baby was super active during the non-stress test.  It was actually entertaining watching the heart rate go up and down and watch the belly move like crazy.  The nurse and doctor said ours was by far the most active baby of the day by a lot!  Since everything looked good, the doctor said there was no reason to rush an induction unless we wanted to.  When I went in past due with Dane, they wanted to take him as they were worried about his small size.  We decided that we will wait a bit longer and hope the baby comes on his/her own.  The doctor thinks there is a good chance we won't make it until Monday.  I am between 1-2 cm and 50% effaced.  We scheduled an induction for Monday should the baby not come by then and they don't like to go much past 41 weeks.  As for me, I feel pretty decent.  I sleep well every other night, so every other day is pretty good!  My back is feeling it as well, but I know it won't be too much longer so I can handle it!!

40 Weeks

This baby will follow Maddie and Dane and come after 40 weeks.  About a month ago, I thought this one may come early or on time, but after my appointment on Wednesday, the doctor has me thinking otherwise. I was only 1/2 cm and not very effaced.  I have a doctor's appointment/ultrasound on Tuesday and we may be talking induction at that point.  I am just nervous that I am going to have a 9 lb. baby!!!

Maddie and Grandma

While the boys were at the game, Maddie and grandma got special time together.  They made a list and were able to do almost everything on it!  They had a tea party, went to the park, read books and did special cutting projects.  But what was she most excited about?  Putting up the spider webs that she has been asking for since she first saw them on a house down the street.

Dane's First Bears Game!!!!

Grandpa, Daddy and Dane headed to Solider Field to watch Drew Brees take on the Chicago Bears.  The boys left early, as Matt was hoping to introduce Dane to Drew Brees.  It didn't surprise me that he made it happen!  Oh those good old Purdue memories and a proactive daddy! :)  Matt yelled down, "Drew - Matt Welke from Purdue!" Matt said Drew was running and then he turned around, saw him and ran over.  Matt said he'd love for Dane to get a picture and Drew was like, "Of course!"  The security guards tried to intervene, but Drew told them it was fine or something along those lines.

What an awesome day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Matt said Dane couldn't have been better and they had the best time!  A HUGE, HUGE thank you to E!!!!

Dane is 3!!!

My 3 Year Old...

Dane has always been my sporty guy and that is still very much the case.  He loves playing all sports and loves wearing sports attire.  He changes his clothes often during the day and always gets himself dressed.  He can often be found wearing his football helmet around the house!  His favorite sport is probably still basketball, but he is pretty into t-ball/baseball, soccer and football as well.  He will be starting a sports class now that he is old enough and he can't wait!  He also loves riding his bike and scooter and he zips around well on both of them.  Music is Dane's other interest.  He loves drums, guitars and has been asking for a tuba.  He is a good eater and especially loves mac and cheese and fruit.  He is also a great milk drinker and loves chocolate!  Dane adores his sister and watches out for her.  If someone gives him something, he will often ask for one for his sister too.  He is pretty easy going and he is definitely the easy one to put down when it's time for bed.  We love our Dane Train, D-Train, "Bro" and Daney Boy so very much!

Dane was very excited about his birthday this year.  Maddie woke up early on his birthday to help decorate before Dane woke up. She was super excited when he woke up and couldn't wait to start his special day.

 Dane got a SUPER cool trampoline and awesome big kid trike.  Thanks Aunt Tami!!!

 Licking the frosting off the birthday candle!  YUM!

 Dane's baseball cake, by request!  Thanks Grammie!

 A DRUM SET!!  He was so excited!  Thanks Grandma, Grandpa and Cesta Family!

Dane got himself dressed, as usual.  He likes his jersey on backwards these days so he can see his name.   He is also sporting his new hat from Grammie and Papo and pants from Baby James!  He got really cool sports stuff from the Newtons, Auntie Jill and Grammie and Papo.  What a lucky guy!

 The kids puts on a show - they were wound up!  Dane and Claire collided and he was done. I enjoyed the cuddle time with my 3 year old!

 Hyper Mads and Claire tackled a tired Papo...