Today Emma Kate Kate had her second doctor’s appointment. She was a champ this week and gained 10 ounces! That brings her weight up to 5lbs 13oz. She also grew to 17.5” (a half inch in a week!). The doctor said she looks as healthy as can be and told us that we don’t need to bring her back until her 2 month checkup.

Tonight she’s been really good. She hasn’t cried at all. I don’t mean to say that like she’s usually not good. She was just fussier than normal the last two nights, and I’m guessing that was because she had gas. It certainly wasn’t her fault!

Grandpa went home Sunday night because he had school today, but Grandma is staying with us all week. We certainly appreciate the help! Next week will be so much more exhausting without anyone here to assist with feedings, diaper changes, laundry, and other household chores. Does anyone else want to volunteer to stay here? We’ll give you a bed to sleep on and let you watch anything you want on TV!

It’s about 5AM and Emma Kate and I have been up all night. She’s eaten a bunch, burped, had wet and poop diapers, and let out plenty of gas. For any of you who don’t have babies, don’t believe anyone who says that a baby’s poop doesn’t stink. That’s FAR from the truth. And I believe the gas smells even worse than an adult’s. All you can do is laugh about it, especially at five in the morning. Fortunately grandma’s getting a shower and she’s volunteered to take the next shift. I really don’t know how we will manage once the grandparents go home at the end of the week. How does anyone cook, keep a house clean, wash clothes, work, and take care of a baby? I’ll be posting in a week to say whether or not it’s possible!

Emma Kate was delighted to get a visit from her friend Brittain Friday evening. Brittain brought her mom and grandmother with her, along with a wonderful Ritz Chicken Casserole and a big batch of special recipe brownies that she slaved over for hours!

Alison shows off EK to Valerie and Jackie:

EK shows off her newly acquired bottle holding skills:

Alison and Emma enjoy a fun playdate with good friends Valerie and Brittain:

Be sure to check out Brittain’s blog to read her story and meet her family.