Family Photos

Kevin's mother, siblings and spouses came to town for Thanksgiving and we had family pics taken. I'm so happy with the way they have turned out. Emma did fantastic, considering she has a cold. We're very sad, though, that Kev's oldest sister was not able to come because she is in the process of moving.

We hope everyone had a blessed holiday with friends and family; I know we did!

Can You Smell The Turkey?

I have such strong cravings for turkey and dressing. I can not wait to feast on all the Thanksgiving trimmings. I love this time of year because you don't have to feel guily about induging in delicious food (until January when you realize you've gained 10 lbs). I am so excited about seeing all my in-laws and for them to meet Emma. I know so many people who have conflict with their spouse's family, but I couldn't ask for a better bunch of people. Every time we're together we have so much fun and laughter. There's love and friendship among everyone and it always creates a warm-snuggly feeling in my heart. Then, it is so sad when the "get-together" is over and everyone goes their separate ways. There's rumor amidst all of us that there is a possiblity we'll all end up living near each other in the upcoming year. I am hoping and praying that this comes to pass. I did not know much of my extended family when I was growing up. I didn't even know any of my grandparents beyond an occassional funeral. I want so much more for Emma. I want her to have the support and security that comes from family; the kind of relationships I never had. Me and Kev sure could use the support, too. It is nice to have a pat on the back for the efforts we're making to be good parents. Kevin's twin brother and his wife Cortney live here in Springfield and have been fantastic. They have made such an effort to spend a lot of time with us and Emma and to be available to help when we've needed them. I'm so thankful for them!

I hope that all of you have much to be thankful for this year. Kev and I have had a very rough and sad year in some aspects, but there have been many blessings (duh, our baby girl!) It's funny, though, we are both hoping this next year doesn't hold as much excitement. It would be nice to just coast for a while. :) Many blessings and safe travel to all of you. We love you all and are very thankful for each of you!

Love, Kev and Mandy

Smile of the Day

It is so exciting to capture her little smiles. She is such a happy girl after she eats and loves to play. I've started singing silly songs to her a lot and she loves them. Our favorite thing to do is take common songs and change the lyrics for her. A few hits are "For She's a Little Costello" (to For He's a Jolly Good Fellow), "Oh My Emma, Child of Mine" (to Oh My Darlin' Clementine), and "Sipsy Doodle" and "She's a Sipsy Doodle Dandy" (instead of Yankee Doodle).

Last night went pretty good. She's falling asleep a lot easier. I am so happy things are going better than I anticipated.

We are cleaning house this weekend, getting ready for family that's coming in for Thanksgiving. Kev gets done with his clinical early today which is great since he'll be able to help me get some things done. Other than that, life is good. Not too much exciting going on at the Costello household other than being mesmerized (sp?) by miss Emma Liz. Hope everyone is having a blessed day!

Sleep Training Day #2

First off, let me say that this is not how we put Emma to bed, so no need to say prayers for her dumb parents. JK. This is her wrapped in a blankie laying on the couch taking a cat nap while I was sitting next to her. I just thought it was so adorable.

Last night was 50 times better than the first night. She was asleep at 7:30, up at 11 back asleep by 12, up at 3:45, back asleep by 4:30 and then slept until 7:45 this morning. Ahhh, progress is sweet, especially when it's only been 2 nights. I'll keep you posted. Love to all!

Day 1 of "Sleep Training"

I had to post this adorable smile I ca

ptured this morning after Emma ate. It's amazing, considering that the girl didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night! We have started trying to get Emma to sleep in her crib (instead of our arms) and we officially have 1 night under our belt.

We have decided on a bedtime routine starting around 7:30ish to consist of bath, eat, rocking with a story/lullabye, prayer and into bed. It actually started okay last night. We swaddled her and put her into bed around 8:30. We would go in and comfort her every 10 minutes until she fell asleep, which only took a few times. So, she was sound asleep around 9 and I was feeling pretty cocky. "This isn't so bad," I thought to myself. Kevin and I went to bed and slept so soundly. Until midnight. I went upstairs to her room and nursed her, changed her diaper, swaddled her and put her back into bed. I repeated the comfort every 10 minute routine as earlier in the night. This time, though, it took until 6 AM. Actually, it didn't even happen then, but I got her up to eat again, swaddled, etc. She went to sleep pretty easily around 7 and slept until 10 (so did I).

I'm feeling a little sluggish, to say the least, but I'm hopeful. She's actually taking her first nap of the day right now in her swing (Can we say AMEN)? I'll keep everyone posted on how it all goes. Who knows, maybe she'll sleep through the night this time. HA!

Emma Goes to the Doctor

Emma with Trudi and Stella

Emma laying on the exam table after being measured

8 lb 13 oz and 21"

Emma's little bandaids from her shots :(

We took Emma to see Trudi, the pediatric nurse practioner that I work with for a well-baby check and her first shots. Emma did really fantastic. She was very still and quiet while Trudi examined her. She cried when she got her shots, but luckily she was easy to console. She has spent most of the day sleeping and snuggling with me. She's running a low-grade fever, but nothing too serious and we gave her Tylenol, so that's helping.

We are going to start a new sleep routine tonight, on the recommendation of Trudi. Many of you know we've been struggling with being able to get Emma to sleep when she's not in our arms. Basically, Trudi says that this is what she's learned so we have to "teach" her another way. This basically involves letting her cry it out a bit while being there to comfort her and support her with touch and our voices. It's going to be a rough night tonight, but we'll see.

We are really excited about family coming next week for Thanksgiving. ALL of Kevin's family will be here, so we're having a family portrait done on Friday. I can't wait to see it! We hope the rest of you are having a good week and looking forward to Turkey Day!