Hip...Hip....Hooray!

Today was an exciting day! Not only did Emerson celebrate her 5 month birthday but she rolled over in all of the excitement! We started the day off by taking her birthday photo shoot and in the middle of taking pictures, the little girl rolled right over. It was extra special because both Travis and I were watching! I was so thrilled that I called Emerson's physical therapist like a boasting mother.

It is absolutley incredible how a baby can change your whole world!


Emerson smiling for her photo shoot-




Emerson flipped over!!! Back shot-



Proud Baby!

Expressions

Emerson is a baby with many expressions! I've captured a few new and old ones for everyone to enjoy.


Emerson and I went to the park to watch daddy practice for his basketball game. Travis, along with other dads of children with Down syndrome, will be playing X106.7 on April 7th. We're hoping that Emerson's surgery will not interfere with the date of the game. Emerson is daddy's #1 cheerleader!!




Loving the hammock!!




"Another picture? This one is gonna cost you!"




I think Emerson is getting used to the camera....what do you think?




Emerson's first trip to the beach. I tried to get a picture with one hand. It turned out pretty good.

4th Cardiologist Appointment

Don't tell Emerson that this is a part of her exercise! She is having too much fun!!





Today we met with Dr. Fleishman for our monthly check up. Emerson is now weighing 14pounds 3 ounces and is 25 inches long! Emerson is not allowing Down Syndrome to keep her from growing (the average female adult with DS is 4 feet 11 inches tall)!! Dr. Fleishman was again very pleased with her saturation levels, weight gain, and the sound of her heart.
There is a slight change in our "plan" to move forward......
Dr. Fleishman spoke with the Pediatric Surgeon, Dr. DeCampli, about Emerson's situation. They are both in agreement that we need to perform the surgery before the 7th month mark. Dr. Fleishman explained to us that they don't want the muscle tissue to thicken much more. The more that it thickens, the more they will need to hollow out.
Emerson has a sedated Echocadiogram scheduled for March 24th. They are putting her under sedation just so they can get a good read without her squirming around. This will be the last appointment before the surgery to ask any questions or discuss concerns. The surgery date will be determined next week but they are looking at the beginning of April. Emerson will most likely be 6 1/2 months old when the surgery takes place. I will post the date of the surgery as soon as we find out!
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

Happy Heart Day!

Kisses to my friends......



Kisses to my family.....




Kisses to my main squeeze, Daddy!

My Favorite Present!

Emerson, Grammy, and I went to Disney on Friday to celebrate my birthday. Grammy could not resist getting Emerson her first Minnie Mouse outfit. Emerson got many compliments on her adorable attire! It was a beautiful day filled with many new memories!

Bad Hair Day!

Daddy thought that it would be funny to towel dry Emerson's hair while mommy was out. This is what I woke up to this morning! Thankfully, we have a spray bottle!!

Practicing in the Nude!

As you all can see, Emerson did not inherit many of my features. The one thing that she did get from mommy is a wrinkly forehead. I wish I had her pretty eyes!!

Girly Girl

Do I need to say anything??




Emerson got her first pair of shoes that fit!! Children with Down Syndrome typically have really small hands and feet. Loving the pink cowgirl boots!!

Goal #1- check!!

Never in my life have I felt this indescribable love for anything until this little baby. Emerson has opened my heart to the next level! It's amazing how such a small task, like holding up your head can put such a HUGE smile on a mommy's face.
Yesterday, Emerson decided that she was going to hold up her head- no problem. When the physical therapist came today she was alarmed that Emerson had already accomplished the first goal. Our next goal is rolling over on our own!

Emerson reminds Travis and I how very blessed we are every day!

Baby Red Bugs!

Emerson and I went to meet the newest little Red Bug last night. Kiley Lauren Priske and Emerson have similarites already. They both weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces at birth and their mommies were in the same recovery room.
After visiting with the Priske Family we went down to the NICU to visit Nurse Cassandre. She was amazed at how much weight Emerson had gained! I told her that we've been working really hard on all that weight! I'm proud of my little "porker!" It was great to see you Nurse Casseandre!!!

Emerson is still anxious to meet the other Baby Red Bug, Kendall!!

ALMOST!!!

Emerson is trying so hard to roll over. I'm hoping with a little more practice she'll get it soon. As you can see, she gets a little frustrated!

Loving the Camera!

Emerson is ready for the magazines. She really knows how to strike a pose!



Too funny...These are 6 month shorts! It looks like she already outgrew them! :-)