Just Love this Girl!

As you can see, Emma Clare is adjusting well to the beach life. Yes, she loves her sun glasses!

 Baby girl had her first 1/2 day at daycare today. Chris had to drop her off, I couldn't do it. He said he teared up when he left. When he went to pick her up, they said she was an angel, just slept, ate then slept some more. We tried to put her to bed early last night (around 9:30) but she was still in a dead sleep when I had to wake her up at 7:30. I guess we'll try for earlier tonight!

In other news, Emma Clare is a smiling fool! She loves to smile now, and is so cute. She smiles when her mom or dad walk into the room, so amazing. It is hard to catch on camera, but we have a few shots are our shutterfly address (emmaclaremullen.shutterfly.com) 

We're looking forward to all of our summer visitors! Mark and Caitlin are coming up soon, then Grandma Pat and Godparents then Chris' brother and girlfriend then Grandma Claudia. Can't wait!

My favorite things...

When I was pregnant I always asked moms about their favorite baby products. I thought I'd share mine here! This way I can remember and maybe help some future mommies! 1. The Miracle blanket. Now I'm not one to fall for gimmicks, but this swaddling blanket really works. It is the only one Emma Clare can't break out of! 2. White noise machine. While it is mind numbing to me, it helps keep Emma Clare sleeping! 3.Aden and Anais receiving blankets. They are a little pricey but are light weight and big and so, so soft. You can use them as a nursing cover and stroller cover too (to keep the sun out). I love them! 4.Sooth and glow seahorse. We play this for Emma Clare as part of her nightly routine http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Ocean-Wonders-Soothe-Seahorse/dp/B000W3XEQM . She loves it! 5. Diapers. Ok I know this is an obvious one! But I thought I'd share with you my take on brands. I hate the smell of chemicals in diapers. Some of you may be rolling your eyes at me, but I really can't stand it! We are using cloth while at home(bum genius and Econobum) and it is going well. I did not use cloth for the first few months(too much to adjust to) and we used 7th generation and earths best diapers. With coupons and promotions I was able to get them at diapers.com for 13 cents a diaper, which is a good deal! Cheaper than Huggies! I've also tried the target brand diapers, and the didn't smell too bad so I may use these in the future for daycare. There are lots of other products I like, but that is my top five must haves! You'll notice that most of them have to do with sleeping...we take sleep seriously in this house! Emma Clare has been sleeping through the night since she was 3 weeks old(at 6hours) and now sleeps 9-10 hours a night. I know a lot of it is luck, but I think some of these products help too!

I know I'm a little late on this post, but things have been busy! We recently spent 10 days in Cleveland visiting with family and friends. Emma Clare got to meet her cousins, Ryan and Connor (and we got to meet Ryan for the first time!). We also had Emma Clare's baptism, it was great. The same priest who married us did her baptism, so it was very special. Emma Clare did great on the flight and in the airport (even after several delays and not getting into Cleveland until 11pm!).

I can't believe that Emma Clare will be 12 weeks old on Monday! Which means, I have to go back to work. I've been so lucky to have this time with her! Chris will now be home with Emma Clare until the middle of August. I'm excited for him to have this time to bond with our baby girl!

Emma Clare is so much fun! She is smiling, rolling over, cooing and starting to laugh. She holds great eye contact and seems engaged when we read and plan. It is so crazy how much she has grown in just 12 weeks! Oh, and at 8.5 weeks she was 12.7 pounds and 24in long. Our girl is not a small one!!

Enjoy the pictures!