tummy time

This past Friday was our first day without Daddy home (we LOVED paternity leave, sad to see it go...).  I am happy to report that the day went smoother than I could have hoped.  It set a high standard though, I know not all days will be as easy.
One of the highlights of the day was Emmalyn's tummy time. Marc was REALLY interested in what Emma was doing... and cheered her on as she attempted to drag her head back and forth and hold it up.

Marc was SO proud of Emma, he couldn't resist giving her a little lovin'...

...and a little more lovin'...

....and a little too much lovin'...

And when we decided she had enough, Marc promptly decided he needed to show Emma how it is done, you know, so she would be prepared for the next time. ;)

Thank-you, Marc.

the verdict is in...

Happy Due Date, Emmalyn Elizabeth!

We are happy to announce that, after much consideration, discussion, and examination,

Marc has decided that we can keep Emma.

And he is going to be a GREAT big brother!

hand-me-downs

There aren't many outfits Marc wore that were fairly unisex.. most were blue and said something like: "Handsome like Daddy" on them. :) Today, however, I was able to put Emmalyn in one of Marc's outfits.  Can you see the resemblance? Can you even tell who is who?? ;)

In the above pictures, Marc is 2 months old (left) and Emmalyn is 2 weeks old (right).
What a difference it made for Emmalyn to be delivered 3 weeks later than Marc!

Marc at 23 Months, Emmalyn 2 weeks.. 

My, how they grow!

Dearest Emmalyn

You do not yet know how long it has been,
We've waited for you, dearest Emmalyn.

The world you've joined and now come in,
We most welcome you, sweetest Emmalyn.

The day you arrived our hearts you did win,
We love you so much, dearest Emmalyn.

Your eyes, your nose, your fingers and skin,
We are thankful for you, newest Emmalyn.

Your brother has kissed you- with his sly little grin,
We will protect you, dearest Emmalyn.

We pray for your heart- for beauty within,
Bring peace to this world, innocent Emmalyn.

We pray for your life- at its dawn to begin,
The Lord bless you and keep you dearest Emmalyn.

So let me look at you once more and put down my pen,
And see the beauty of precious Emmalyn.

A Big Thank-You!

Yesterday morning my mom, "Grandma Mari", left.  She has been here since the evening of the 11th - arriving to the Seoul airport, finding her way to our house by her self (taking a bus, then taxi, to get to our door with many suitcases) - and hit the ground running by taking over care for Marc right away (he spent the day with friends while I was in labor).  She stayed with Marc and made sure he was fed and.. well, alive :) while we were in the hospital with Emmalyn.   Jarrod was able to come home and help with Marc's transitions to bed or nap - but we greatly appreciated not having to worry about Marc's care the rest of the time.

When we came home from the hospital, Marc was happy to have everyone around - and we all continued to enjoy Grandma's presence, especially as she provided many delicious meals for us and our freezer.  We tried to get my mom out *some* (as much as possible with my limited movement! and a newborn) as we are always on the hunt to provide new experiences for guests.  Since this was my mom's 4th visit to Korea since Marc was born, she had some places she knew that wanted to go - so this time we decided to let her DRIVE there. (Don't worry, she had an international driving license with her :)  She did a great job in an unfamiliar city (with me or Jarrod as her navigation - I only allowed her to miss one turn when she said she knew where she was going ;).  

She also got out with Jarrod to go ice skating, and then I was able to take her to a Korean BBQ (Kalbi) restaurant for a final "thank-you" meal.  

But again, as this was her 4th visit (and with the timing of it) she kept insisting that she wasn't here for vacation, but to be a grandma - and that she was.  Grandma was able to offer her arms to Emmalyn when she wanted to be held and rocked.  Marc and Grandma bonded over morning snuggles and breakfast, many a story, and laughter as Marc entertained Grandma with his "funny" run (aka - get the wiggles out before bedtime). 

It was sad to see her go (it felt especially short for me since I was in the hospital for some of her visit), and I definitely miss having her around.  We are so grateful that she was able to take time away from her busy schedule and active family to be with us during these special days.

Thank-You for all of your help, Mom!!

Marc and Baby Emma

One of the most frequent questions I have been asked is: "how is Marc dealing with Emma?"

Well.  When she was born and he came to the hospital Marc mildly interested in the "baby" but mostly happy to see his Mommy again...

But then, we brought the baby home.
Mom came home - "yay!" running hug from Marc!
Baby came home... "hmmm.... maybe this will be okay? can I touch her? what does she do?"

"Look, I have a baby, too!"

As the days have passed... Marc's interest in the baby has grown... a little bit.  

He likes to check to make sure she is still there and talk about her at the dinner table...

He is curious about what she does...
(in the picture below he is in the middle of saying "Em-ma!"

...and surprised when she makes a sound!

Marc is very interested in the new "toys" that have arrived along with this new baby,
and wants to try them out! (he doesn't know they used to be his!)

He has tried to share his toys and books with Emma...

... and is proud of himself for being so generous. :)

Maybe one of these days he will actually want to hold her. ;)

Marc has tried to climb into my lap when I am holding (feeding) Emma - and definitely still needs individualized Mommy and Daddy time... but overall, it has been a really smooth transition (so far!).  I don't think I could for it to be going any better... helped immensely, of course, by Jarrod's presence at home for his two week paternity leave from work and my mom's help around the house!  I think the real trial will begin when it is just me at home with both Marc and Emma... prayers appreciated!

Tomorrow Emmalyn is 1 week old - can you believe it?!  Where do these days go?  I have been meaning to post this update for a couple of days now.. so here you go, before another one slips by as we try to soak in the moments (and sleep) as much as possible!

Precious Moments

"This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!" 

Psalm 118:24

 The past 24 hours have been very restful.  My mom flew into Seoul yesterday and spent the night with Marc.  This morning, Jarrod picked them up and brought them both to the hospital to spend the morning together.  They left for Marc's nap time - and Jarrod stayed at home until Marc went to sleep - which gave me 8 hours in the afternoon to rest, spend quiet time soaking up Emma, visit with a couple visitors, and rest (did I say that already? ;).  AND, we are *hopefully* going home in the morning!

I imagine that life won't be so calm once we get home, so I want to take the opportunity to do one last post of pictures from the hospital (because that is what you really want, right?!)

Marc and Grandma Mari meet Emmalyn!

Marc was quite pleased with his Pororo doll from baby Emma. ;)

Emma in the nursery for her hearing test this afternoon.  In the evenings, all of the little bins are full of babies!

"...Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:14b