Here's my excuse for not posting

We haven't posted any updates or pictures in a while. But here's my reasons/excuse:
-My mil arrived here last Monday (a week ago yesterday). She was here until Wednesday visiting.
-Right around the time she left, a breastfeeding issue developed into a full-blown Problem. It kept getting worse until on Saturday I started feeling very tired and flu-like. By the time Mom came on Sunday I was shaking with the chills, dealing with engorgement and tendernes, and a fever.
-Sunday night the ice storm came. Power went out by 3 am and we were up all night. I was feeling terrible. A tree BRANCH fell inches from the window where we were sitting. The temperature dropped. By morning I went over to the McIntyre's who offered to let me sleep while they took care of Emma. Mom was my hero and stayed at the house to take care of Joseph.

Right now, Mark is here too (he came up to take advantage of free firewood). Mom and Mark are staying at the Holiday Inn (hence my posting this), and Aaron and I are staying with the McIntyre's (whose power has been restored). Pray that my nursing issue gets better. Pray that we get power back at the house. And pray that we can persevere. :)

Sweet Emmaline...or Emmeline?

So, we're wondering about the spelling of Emma's name. If you remember, we're naming her after her (let's see...) Great-Great Grandmother, Violet Emmaline Graber. Or is it Violet Emmeline Graber?

This is Aaron's Dad's, Mom's, Mom. (Got it?) Aaron's grandma, Emma Kathleen, was named after her (who was her mother). My engagement ring was Violet's. So, I'm wearing Aaron's Great-Grandmother's engagement ring. And I want to give it to my Emma after I'm gone. I want her to know where she comes from. So, we're going to ask Aunt Kathryn if she might know the spelling. I suppose it's not crucial, but I'd like to at least know.

I guess we could just pick whatever we like. But I don't even know what I like. Emmeline has a nice look to it. Any other opinions?

Baby Emma

Emmaline Violet Payne was born Wednesday, November 28 at 7:18 pm. (That's 4 days early!) She weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces (!) and measured 19 1/2 inches long. She's a doll. :)

This was about 8:30 pm, an hour after she was born

I just gave birth, okay? At least I'm willing to share.


Emma's 4th day with us. She's resting. Ah.

Thanksgiving

But no one's really wanting to see pictures of Thanksgiving... :)