But Mom, I don't want to go to sleep!

One of Emily's newest discoveries is that she likes to see the happenings of the world. With that said, she also doesn't like to go into a boring, dark room and lay in a bed when there are more exciting things going on in the living room. The quest for sleep has forever been the most important concern for several parents...and now we understand. I think Eli's going to have to lock me out of the house or tie me to the kitchen table if I'm expected to let Emily scream, night after night, for hours on end. I swear, all you have to do is mention the word sleep and she starts to fret! Have I mentioned that she has mastered the pouty face? :)

Supper Club and New Doctors

So I think you really feel like you've grown up fast when you're sitting at a table with 4 couples all talking about their baby's newest feat, dirtiest diaper, or how you've only had 2 hours of sleep in days. Eli commented on his appreciation for the Alexander's dishes and I knew it was official-kegs and "the Belt" had no longer been the main topic of conversation--we stepped through the threshold of adulthood. If you find me searching for one of my many pairs of reading glasses or sipping prune juice anytime soon, please help me get back to my youth. Regardless of the sudden epiphany, it was refreshing to sit amongst people who didn't babble and squeal when you coo in their face (not that I dont love Emily's gentle voice!). We had chinese food from scratch...talk about hard work! I think Kayla and Meaghan were on their feet for something like 10 hours straight, but it was well worth the wait for a delicious meal. Poker followed the meal until everyone's red-rimmed eyes were getting heavy and the babies woke up for their middle of the night feeding. Eli and I are hosting next and we have to admit that we're a little intimidated after such a great night!
Monday marked Emily's 6 month birthday, as well as the Emily's conception date...weird huh! We changed pediatricians and absolutely love the new doctor. It was fun talking about "regular" baby things (as opposed to her sodium levels or her delayed reflexes). Table food and sleeping through the night are in our near future and it's hard to believe that time flies so quickly.
I saw the only NFP only doctor in the metroplex yesterday and was pleased that he had alternative solutions to the birth control pill. Once I found out that he wasnt in my insurance network I almost cried, but he spent a full 2 hours with me adding together the pieces of my puzzle so I wouldnt have to come back to him for another 6 months!
I was thrilled with Emily's physical therapy session this morning. She tolerated tummy time for almost 2 minutes and can hold up her head for a few seconds at a time. Just amazing!!!

Prayers Needed

Please say a special prayer for our sweet Emily whose hemangioma on her arm started to bleed today. Since this is a vascular birthmark, it is more tender than other birthmarks and bleeds tremendously and quickly. Luckily the bleeding stopped after a few minutes, but it can very easily open again and would need stitches. Thank you!

Nana's Visit, Groundhog, and Superbowl

There's been so much going on lately that we barely have a second to sit down! I think the most exciting news is that we found a new pediatrician in-network for Emily who has approved her Synagis shot for RSV (saving us $1800!) My mom came up to visit last Friday to watch Emily so I could go to the hospital. She's so wonderful--she made me some great soup and then cleaned our apartment when I was gone. After being a little discouraged from my OBGYN pushing the pill on me so many times, we've discovered that there is a NFP only doctor a block away who is in our network as well...a God send.

Saturday of course was the day I had been looking forward to for a long, long time...Groundhog! Lauren was absolutely phenomenal at her powderpuff game and proved to be a lot more intense and hilarious than I remembered from 2 years ago. We had to leave suddenly just after she tackled the life out of some girl and almost tore her own ACL. I was so worried for the rest of the night until I saw her as happy as a clam out at Groundhog park. Anne was so generous and offered to babysit Emily while Eli and I went out (which made for the second time we got to go out without the baby!) but we missed both of them. There were quite a few alumni at Groundhog and I was on top of the world...more social interaction than I've had in forever!! We got home pretty late and met Marty and Olivia at 9am mass the next day with only 2 hours of sleep and no food in our bellies, so needless to say, we didn't feel the greatest.
Of course the Superbowl was awesome too, even though inside we were crying that we should be watching the Cowboys. We went over to Greg's party and had so much fun (he had lots of great junkfood too...pizza, chips, coke, even frozen snickers bars...I was a happy girl!!) And what a game! We knew that after the catch off the helmet the game was going to be awesome!
Today marks the first day of lent, a time for personal penance and the season of baptismal preparation and baptismal renewal.