And On the Sixth Day . . .

  .  .  . I love you more than ever before!  These past days with you, Stella,  have been pure bliss.  You're so tiny and delicate -- guess I'd forgotten how small new babies really are.  I'm baby-sitting right now, and just drinking you in!  Your skin is soooo soft and you smell really good.  Your daddy said you no longer smell like play dough.  I think you smell like sweet, fresh baby.

I still feel the need to pinch myself each time I look into your perfect little face; it sometimes doesn't feel quite real.  Of course, as I predicted, all your Mississippi family and friends think you hung the moon!  I think we were caught a little off guard to see how your little personality already shines through.  Such a sweet spirit, yet you make your needs known loud and clear! 

Think I've made about a thousand pix already.  I posted some on my Facebook page so friends and family could get a glimpse of you -- well, maybe a little more than a glimpse!  Will share some on your blog also.  I love all the ones of you and Papa;  he's got that same look in his eyes that he had when he looked at your daddy and your uncles when they were babies.  I can tell you love him just as much -- you just snuggled up in his arms.

I love looking at the photos of you and your uncles and aunt.  They all look at you with adoring eyes.  That's cause you are simply adorable!  I also love watching your Mama and Daddy with you.  It's obvious how much they love you, and they don't seem like "first-time" parents -- they're so good with you.  In fact, your Daddy "tells" me how to take care of you sometimes!  I don't mind though; I'm just so thankful he is such a loving, hands-on Daddy.  And your Mama misses you so even if she is gone only a few minutes.  She is so patient with you.  You are a blessed little girl to have them as your Mama and Daddy.  I know they will always take such good care of you and of each other.

Papa,  Daddy,  and  Stella

Papa and Stella

Papa, Emmie, and Stella

Aunt Rhonda and Stella

Uncle Kurt and Stella

Uncle Kelley and Stella

Uncle Josh and Stella

Lauren and Stella

Mama and Stella

Daddy and Stella

Stella looking at her Daddy

Stella, I could look at your pictures all day long!  You are so precious.  Am so thankful and thrilled you are visiting Papa's  and  Emmie's house.  I'm so happy you will be here for another whole week.  Looking forward to your Tea Party on Sunday.  There's so much I want to tell you and show you this next week.

Good Night, Sweet Stella.  I love you very much.

Emmie

Coming Home !

Stella, if you could see me now,  all you would see is my big ole smile.  Why?  Because you are en route to Mississippi -- yeaaaaa!  We are all sooo eager to see you -- and your Mama and Daddy, as well !!!  {:)

Your Mama just texted us a picture of you sound asleep as y'all travel.  You are such a good baby.  Papa and I have had such a good time seeing you and talking to you via the computer on Skype -- we think you grow a little each day!We also love all the pictures your Mama and Daddy have sent us these last three weeks.  Here are just a few of our favorites:

Stella at her first state fair

Kentucky State Fair 2010

Daddy with his favorite Favre fan, in their matching #4 jerseys

Mama and Stella

Stella  on her quilt that Grammie made

Stella with Mama and Daddy

Stella's closeups  Emmie made at one day old

Sleeping Beauty

Think this is same pose -- oh well, can never have too many photos of her!

Stella, we are so happy you are coming to Papa's and Emmie's house!  We're going to have so much fun.  I just want to hold you all the time, but know I'll have to share you with Papa and the others.  I have some more surprises for you that I just know you'll love.  Oh, and don't forget -- you'll get to meet your new doll, Carrie, that I got for you.  I posted pictures of her on your blog before you were born.  She's been waiting for you.  And by the way, don't listen to any thing the uncles may say about Carrie -- they aren't true, just vicious rumors!  Those boys of mine think they're pretty funny sometimes (including your Daddy!).  Just remember I'm the boss of them, NOT the other way around.  Sometimes I think they forget.  Also, your doll Carrie DID NOT make Papa sick; in fact, he loves her as much as I do!

We love you, Baby Girl, and will be so very happy when you and Mama and Daddy arrive at our house tomorrow, Sunday, September 5 -- another Red-Letter day marked on my calendar!  

Papa and Emmie

Carrie is waiting for Stella to arrive

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little STAR . . .

My Dear Stella,

The day was Wednesday. The eleventh day of the month of August. The year was 2010.  At 4:02 p.m., we first heard your voice! The day you were born -- a Red-Letter day, indeed!!!.

Your Mama and Daddy arrived at Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, about 8:30 a.m. to prepare for your birth. Grammie, Grandaddy, and I waited with them all day. I had flown on a big airplane from our home in Mississippi to your Mama's and Daddy's house in Kentucky on Saturday, a few days before. Your Papa was still not well enough to come with me as we had planned. We were sad about that, but we kept in touch by phone all during the day on that Wonderful Wednesday. The whole day was pretty much spent making pictures of your parents, listening to your heartbeat, and waiting and praying for your safe arrival.  I had my camera in one hand and my cell phone in the other. The nearer your birth hour, the more I texted Papa, along with your Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Sonny, Uncle Kurt, Uncle Kelley, and Uncle Josh. I also sent those text updates to Aunt Kake and Aunt Cherry, Marvene and Sharon, who were waiting to hear at home in Mississippi. Uncle Josh continued to post updates with other family and friends. EVERYONE was so excited and eagerly awaiting word of your birth!

The doctor told us it was almost time for you to be born, so Grammie, Grandaddy, and I were waiting in the hall outside the door when we thought we heard you cry.  Grammie and I rushed to the door with our ears pressed close to see if we could hear that sweet sound again --  we were SO excited we could hardly wait!!!  Then we heard you again and we were laughing and crying all at once.  Soon, the nurse came out and sent us away to the waiting room so you could be alone with your Mama and Daddy for a while.  I called Papa and he was soooo happy; he wanted me to tell your Mama and Daddy to keep you "covered up real good" so you wouldn't be cold.  It wasn't long until your Daddy texted me and said "Y'all come on in!"  We three hurried as fast as we could down that long hall to see you for the first time, and that was the moment I had waited for -- to look into your beautiful face.  Stella, you took my breath away!  God had created the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world!!!  Here's proof:

First time ever I saw your face . . .

Little miracle

Sweet Stella

Emmie looks happy!   Emmie IS happy!!!

Emmie passing Stella to Grandaddy

Grandaddy and Grammie are all smiles

Mama and Daddy with Baby Stella

Mama and Stella

Daddy and Stella

Mama  holding Stella

Daddy holding his little girl

Brand New Baby Stella

Stella's doctor

What a grand day it was!  God is so good!  He gave us a blessing on that Wonderful Wednesday that we will always treasure and love -- our Sweet Stella!

We love you so very much, little girl,
Emmie and Papa

And We're Off . . .

Good Morning Stella!

 It's time!!!!  Your Mommy and Daddy will be at the Hospital at 8:30 a.m.!  Today is Wednesday, August 11, 2010 -- Stella's birthday.  Guess what!  Today is also Uncle Sonny's birthday -- what a gift you'll be!

I've been praying all night for your safe arrival, that you will be healthy and safe, and that your Mommy will deliver you without any complications.  She's a super Mommy.  I've asked God to protect you both.  And your Daddy.  Think he's a little nervous.  I KNOW I am a lot nervous!

Gotta go!  On my way to Hospital to wait for your birth.  Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa! 

Hang on Sweet Stella -- it's going to be a wonderful ride!!!

I love you very much, Stella Bella,
Emmie

Mommy and Daddy last night -- the night before

you were born, Stella Bella !!!

Waiting for the Princess . . .

Girl, you better hurry up!!!   A lot of people have put their lives on hold, and are waiting in line to hold you.  Tomorrow's the Big Day!  Unless you have a surprise for us and decide to make your debut between now and then.  We'd have no problem with that either. 

I arrived in Louisville about four days ago, on Saturday.  Late Friday afternoon, Papa INSISTED that I schedule my flight and be on my way up here.  So I did.  I have loved being with your Mommy and Daddy.  They're so happy you're coming soon.  I love feeling you move in your Mommy's tummy.  Boy, have you got her tummy really big!  She looks so cute with you in her tummy.  You make her tummy kinda heavy, but she never complains.  Your Daddy is always rubbing her tummy and asking her if she feels all right.  They are such sweet parents and are just delighted and thrilled God has given them such a precious gift as you.

Papa wishes he could be here when you are born, but as I told you earlier, he is not feeling well and is unable to travel right now.  But his heart is here with your Daddy and Mommy, and with you especially.  He'll be so happy when y'all come to Mississippi for a visit in a few weeks.  But for now, your Uncle Josh has Skype and the webcam all set up and ready to go.  Your Daddy has his packed and ready to take to the hospital.  Then Papa and your aunts and uncles at home will be able to see you when I do!  Isn't that neat?  I love technology. 

Your other grandparents arrived today.  They are soooo happy!  Grammie has gotten so much cool stuff for you!  Your Mommy, Daddy, and I are going to dinner with them and Uncle Gene tonight -- an early celebration!  We, everyone,  love you to pieces.  Rest now, sweet baby; tomorrow is a big day.


Stella, God has made you so wonderfully.  God is so good.  He is so great.

I love you very much,
Emmie

Butterflies . . .

Sweet Stella,

Your Mama and Daddy said the doctor told them that you could be born any day now!  Ever since I heard that, my tummy feels like butterflies are fluttering around inside.  That's what happens when someone is excited and and happy and maybe a little nervous.  When I think of seeing you soon, I get the happiest feeling inside -- as if my heart is dancing!  I have my suitcase packed ready to hop on the plane when your Daddy calls.  Papa wishes so that he could come with me, but he hasn't been feeling well lately and the doctor insists he stay home.   He is so excited to see you!  Your Daddy and Mama are bringing you to our house soon after you are born, Papa will be happy for that day to arrive!   He shows all his visitors some things we have bought for you -- especially your baby doll!  Papa doesn't get excited about too many things, but you are certainly an exception.  His face lights up when your name is mentioned.  I can't wait to see his face when he first holds you in his arms -- he's waited for you a long time. 

I've posted some pictures below for you and your Mama and Daddy to see.  Good night sweet child.  I love you very much.

Emmie

Feltman Brothers Pink Hand-embroidered
Baby Girl Dress with Slip

Slip to Match Feltman Bros Dress

Back of Pink Baby Dress

Closeup of hand-embroidered flowers

Closeup of hand-embroider, tucks and lace-trimmed hem

Stella, you will look like a little princess in this Feltman Brothers baby girl dress; all you need is a tiara.  Well, look at that.  Marvene brought you a "princess tiara" balloon last night!  She loves you already.

Stella, that picture in the background is Times Square in New York; oh, it is a grand city!  When you are old enough, perhaps your Mama and I will take you there for some shopping and see a Broadway play and Central Park and the American Girl doll store.  Yeaaa!  I love New York.  Papa doesn't want to go with us; he said  "I've been twice, and once is enough!"  Silly Papa!   Your Daddy loves New York.

Stella, I just have to show you one of my favorite things I have waiting for you at my house.  It is called a "Church Quiet Bag".  When you are older [yet still young enough to get the wiggles during church], your Quiet Bag will come in handy.  Fun things to keep you busy, but not noisy -- such things as a cloth book, crayons and paper, goldfish snacks, your blankie.  Your Daddy will be glad you have this -- especially since he is a preacher!!!

                                   Stella's  Church  Quiet  Bag

 Goodnight, Stella.  I better go to bed now.  You never know -- I might have to catch a plane to Louisville tomorrow!

I love you very much,

Emmie

En Pointe !

Dear Stella,

Aunt Cherry and I were shopping about a month ago when I saw this sweet little tutu set and just loved it.  I looked down and there was one just for you -- an S monogram for Stella was embroidered on the shirt as well as on the back of the diaper cover!  I just had to get it -- my first tutu!  I knew your Mommy would just love it, and as for your Daddy .  .  .  well, time will tell.  I've a feeling he'll think anything and everything looks beautiful on you, his little girl.  Papa and I can't wait to see you in it.  Papa agreed with me that your baby doll, Carrie, looks so pretty modeling your tutu.  He thought the tiny pink bow was just perfect for Carrie's hair.  Will be so fun taking photos of you wearing your tutu.  For now, here's Carrie  .  .  .

Stella's   Tutu

Modeled by her baby doll, Carrie

Taking  a  Break

Tutu Cute !

Bottoms  Up!

Modeling  Stella's  Tutu

Hope you like your tutu, sweet Stella.  You're going to look like a living doll!

I love you,
Emmie