Life in the Woods: A Week in St. Louis

Since Mike is currently without a job, we thought we would take advantage of the "vacation time" and visit Grammy and Poppa in St. Louis. I had this trip planned for a while for Emma and I to go visit after Grammy and Poppa returned from Egypt. Aunt Janet was also here for the week. It was such a blessing to have Mike come with us. It has been wonderful to be loved on and cared for all week with great food and help with Emma, especially while she has been sick. It is just so hard for mom and dad to be so far away and the time we are able to be there is just invaluable. It was difficult though because Sarhea, our niece, had surgery while we were gone and it was a struggle to not be there for the procedure to support the family but we were able to keep in touch and the surgery went well.

We were so thankful that Emma "knew" Grammy and Poppa when we arrived. She has started having stranger anxiety at times and it would have been very hard for mom and dad if she screamed at them since they cannot control how much time they spend with her. She sees them every day on the computer via Skype and knows their faces and voices although she does not get to see them very often. It was very sweet for her to remember them when she saw them and obvious that their intentional effort to spend time with her over the distance paid off. After just a very little time of studying faces she was comfortable with Tante Janet and Great Grandma and it has been great for her to let everyone hold her without any tears or drama. It also has been good for Emma to be with people other than mommy since we have been secluded in the house for the past month because of the weather and the increase in sickness going around.

We have had a great time and Mike and I even got to go out on a real date! It was so fun to just enjoy dinner out together and not have to worry about Emma at all. None of us are eager to go home but will have to return some time this week. Here are some pictures from this week.

Great Grandma loves to hold Emma although we have to watch pretty carefully because Emma does not like to be held, especially sitting down. Grandma has been so sweet with her and Emma just smiles at her!

Grammy has enjoyed holding Emma and seeing all of her fun girl clothes!

Grammy has let Emma have lots of time with her "piggies" out of her socks so Emma can play with them. She just squeals when she sees her feet and will not let them go.

Emma is continuing to get stronger each day. She loves tummy time and is interacting and playing with her toys without our help now.

Poppa is so fun! He loves playing with Emma and spoiling her.

Emma was all ready for bed while we ate dinner. She hadn't had a nap and we were concerned that she would fall apart, but she could not have been more content and precious while we ate dinner. She really has become such an easy baby.

Emma sits in her highchair during meals and has a great time watching all that is going on around her. She has been very content to play with a spoon and soak in the attention of everyone at the table.