A Half a Year Under Our Belts...

That's right...can you believe Emerson is 6 months old??? I sure can't! It seems that he gains a few pounds and grows an inch every time I blink!

So, we saw the pediatrician last Wednesday and Emerson now weighs 18lbs 10oz and is 28.5 inches long! He certainly is our big boy! Things are going wonderfully! He truly is such a blessing and I am forever thankful for him! He spent Thanksgiving with Daddy this year b/c I had to work (bummer), so I am very anxious to spend Christmas with my own little family...can't wait!

Here are the most updated pictures of my handsome little man! He has such a great temperament and personality...



































He brings so much happiness to our lives! Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Hope your halloween was spook-tacular!!!

Happy Halloween! We had a great weekend with our family! Here is our cutest-ever, little dino! :) He was such a trooper! Enjoy!

FALLing in love...over and over again...

Fall has officially arrived. Can you believe it? It has only been FOREVER since I have updated this thing! The days just fly by....

Emerson is 5 months old now! He is changing every day. At his 4 month appointment, he weighed 16 lbs and 3 ounces and was 27 inches long.

We had Emerson baptised on Sunday, October 10th. He was such an angel! Thank you to everyone who came to support him! :)














It will be interesting to see just how big Emerson is in November when we go for his 6-month appointment! He is eating rice cereal now, and he loves his banana flavored mum-mum bars too! He is definitely a good eater! :) His most favorite thing to do is...you guessed it...roll over! And once he finally mastered it, he rolls over all the time! Here are a few pictures from Sunday. Sunday was his 5-month birthday! We had breakfast with his Aunt Kate in good ol' Greensburg, IN to celebrate! :)















Emerson's 1st Halloween is this weekend. He wanted to dress up as something REALLY SCARY...so he is going to be the scariest dinosaur ever...lol. I will have to post some pics after this weekend! Enjoy your week and weekend.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! :)

Almost 3 Months....

Time really does fly! I'm horrible at keeping this thing updated...and I apologize! :) We've been VERY busy these past few weeks! Katy and Brandon came home for a month. It was great! I felt like they lived in Indiana again. They are back in VA now, but it was great to have them home...we miss them already!

The "Hinkle Family Vacation" was in St. Joseph, Michigan this year. It was fun and great to get away. Here are a few vacation pics:



Isn't Emerson so cute in his swimsuit!?!? Love it! :)
















After we got back from vacation...Kylie got engaged! She and Kendal got engaged on July 31st! The wedding date is tentatively set for July 9, 2011! We are so excited! Our next goal...get Emerson walking so he can be in the wedding...lol! :)

On August 1st, Emerson's newest cousin was born! Sarah and John (Kyle's older sister) gave birth to Reagan Jane Randall! She is just precious!













Reagan is so petite. It's crazy to think that Emerson is just 10 weeks older!

Emerson of course is just growing so quickly! Still looking just like his Daddy! At his 2-month check-up he weighed 14lbs 2.5 ounces and was 25.75 inches long! He is very long...over the 100th percentile! He smiles and talks all the time! We are just waiting on him to roll over! He loves his bathtime!


We are loving all this excitement! Our lives are truly blessed! It's been a great 12 weeks off with my little one! It's back to work on Sunday. It's bittersweet, really. Keep me in your prayers...as I will be missing my little man while I'm away!

Love to all!

5 weeks...already!

Last week, we had Emerson's 1 month pictures taken and he went for his 1 month checkup! I can't believe he is 5 weeks old! He is growing so quickly! He now weighs 12 lbs 6 oz and is 23 1/4 inches long! He is in the 97th percentile for his age. He is a very big boy! He has recently started smiling and cooing at us! I just love it...he is so precious! Emerson and I enjoy spending the weekdays together and we love having the weekends to spend as a family when dad is home too!

This weekend, we have a 4-day weekend as a family! Aunt Katie and Uncle Mitchell are coming into town! We are throwing a baby shower for Aunt Sarah and Baby Randall too! Exciting! We hope you enjoy your holiday weekend too! Happy 4th of July!

Growing Like a Weed...

We just can't believe how quickly our little man is growing! It's amazing. He changes so much every day! He is 17 days old today. On Monday, he lost his umbilical cord. Wednesday, after celebrating Kyle's birthday, it was bath night. Emerson got to use his big boy tub now that he lost his cord! Here he is...

He honestly did really well, but this picture is just so cute...and it's the only one we have that doesn't include his man parts! hehe
I weighed him at work this week too. I could not believe it when I saw that he weighed 10 lbs 5 oz! He has gained almost 2 pounds in 2.5 weeks! I think it goes without saying that he loves to eat! lol He decided to start sleeping 4 hours at night now too! I was so excited when I woke up and he had been asleep for 4 hours! It's amazing how the small things in life mean so much!

1 Week Old....

Emerson Blaine Hardie was born on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 8:04pm. He weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces and was 22 inches long. He is very healthy! What an awesome experience! Emerson looks just like his daddy...and is every bit as handsome! We got to bring him home on Wednesday night. He weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces at discharge. Since then, we have been adapting to parenthood...one night at a time. Everyone is doing well. :)

Here is a picture from yesterday in his baseball uniform...lol.
He changes so much every day!


Today was our 1 week follow up appointment with the pediatrician. We were surprised to find that Emerson weighed 9 pounds 3 ounces and was 22.5 inches long!!! He is quite the little piggy! :) The doctor was very pleased with his progress! :)

elephant ankles and sausage toes...

It's Friday. Emerson is just too comfortable in there! I am officially 4 days overdue. We went to the doctor yesterday for our non-stress test. Emerson passed his first test ever! It was fun to listen to his heartrate for about 30 minutes. The nurse said he is a healthy little man in there. She also said that he must be a salsa-dancer...lol...he is so active! Anyway, the depressing part is that I keep gaining weight...most likely due to my elephant ankles and sausage toes. I think I continue to swell more every day.



So, hopefully he will arrive soon! Any day now would be perfect! If not, we will wait for Monday to be induced. Please pray that he decides to come into this world on his own...in the next 24-48 hours! We can't wait to share him with you!

Enjoy your day! Much love!

40 Weeks Pregnant...Today...

It's officially here...my due date...today. Apparently life is way too comfortable for Emerson on the inside! Thank you for your prayers...we made it through Friday at Kylie's graduation without a flaw. We spent the rest of the weekend trying to walk Emerson out of the womb (literally, miles and miles)...with no luck! I believe he is a stubborn little guy. Wonder who he obtained that quality from???? :)
We went to the doctor today. She said that she waited on our call all weekend...and it never came. She did her exam and said I am dilated 3-4cm and that my cervix is "very ripe and boggy". It's only a matter of time. How much time? Kyle and I are growing inpatient. We are so anxious to see what he looks like and to hold him in our arms! So, anyway, if he holds out through the end of the week, we scheduled our induction for Monday, May 24th at 0600. I'm really hoping and praying that he comes before then! Thanks again for all the prayers and support! We'll keep you posted on when the little guy finally arrives!

Make a wish for us...

Since I last posted, I have been working to complete some things on my "list of things to do" and relaxing is a huge part of that list! :) Amy and Travis took these pictures of us and Emerson...


We celebrated Mother's Day with our mom's and families. It was fun! I actually got cards and a few gifts too! I'm not sure it was a "legal" celebration...since I haven't put in the "hardwork" yet, but I think the "hardwork" isn't too far away.

On Monday, we went to the doctor and she said I was dilated to 3cm and 60% effaced. So, any day now our little Emerson could come into our lives! The question is...what day will it be??? I wish we knew. I can definitely feel lots of pressure in my pelvis and pain in my hips this week...not to mention my elephant ankles. I really do feel well though. I just know he is preparing himself for delivery! Dr. Raney said that she didn't expect for me to make it to my next appointment (next Monday). We shall see! Kylie graduates from nursing school on Friday afternoon, so I'm just hoping that Emerson is willing to wait until after her pinning...and then he can decide to come at any time he wishes! We are ready for our little man to arrive!

Did I mention we are so excited that Katy and Brandon are coming home this weekend too! They are here for Kylie's graduation...but I was thinking...wouldn't it just be a great weekend to have our baby??? I'm hoping that is the case...feel free to make a wish for that too! :)

Baby Showers Galore!

Well, we have had two baby showers since I last posted! On Sunday, April 18th, Rachel hosted a baby shower and invited our co-workers to her house. It was great to spend time with the lovely ladies I work with outside of work! And as you know...we are all nurses...so you can imagine how creative a few of the gifts were...bedpans and all...Thanks Clarian!



Here is a pic of the cute little growth chart that matches Emerson's room. Rachel had a friend make this for us! We can't wait for him to arrive so we can watch him grow! :)


Then, on Tuesday, April 20th. We went to our small church group gathering and they all planned a surprise shower for us and another couple who is expecting their little boy in June! It was great!

We are so blessed to know so many special people in our lives that care so much about us and Emerson! All I have to say is: Emerson is going to be one lucky kid! We can't wait for him to meet all of you! THANK YOU!

The weeks are just flying by! This is week 37! I went to the doctor yesterday. She said that Emerson is still growing. She asked if I was having contractions. I told her I didn't think so??? It sounds weird, but I've never had a baby before...and certainly can't tell you what a contraction feels like! When she was measuring my belly she thought that I was probably contracting and just didn't realize it. She thought she would check to see if I'm dilated next Monday! Exciting!

I'm still praying that Emerson comes after May 14th. That is our goal! :) Kyle says I shouldn't pray for a specific date...lol. I told him that God knows He can bring Emerson into this world at anytime, but it doesn't hurt to ask for a little guidance in His timing....right?!?! :) If you know me, I have Emerson penciled into my planner for May 14th or after...lol! :) Anyway, nesting is underway at our house. It's not just me either...it's Kyle too! He has been working hard to landscape our yard. It is looking great! We are expecting to mulch it in the next few days. I'll have to post a pic when it is all nice and mulched. ;) Gretta has been nesting too. She has been practicing protecting her food in preparation for Emerson's arrival...she's a beast! She does raise her ears when we say "Emerson"...it's cute...it's like she knows that she is about to be a big sister. :)

Anyway, thanks to everyone for all their support throughout our entire pregnancy! Hopefully we can squeeze at least another post on here before Emerson makes his appearance! Otherwise, keep checking...we never know when he might just arrive...

An added blessing...

I just had to post (For a second time this week!) about the cross that Kyle made to put in Emerson's room! We hung it just above the doorway...blessing him when he comes and goes. Here it is!

My husband is so talented! I just love it that Emerson will have something handmade by his daddy in his room! We hope you like it!

Can I blame it on the BEAUTIFUL weather...???

So basically I am horrible about keeping up-to-date on my blog! I'm sorry! I'm blaming it on the beautiful weather...I just don't want to be inside on the computer! You would've thought that I would've found the time in the past month to update this thing...but no. Today, though, is your lucky day! :) Let's catch up...shall we?!?!

Lamaze classes started on March 3rd and they end this Wednesday night. It has been really fun and enjoyable for both of us. We talked about labor and delivery mostly, with a little infant care/health and breastfeeding thrown in.

Kyle was very attentive and he even volunteered one night to try on the 35 pound "pregnancy vest" to spend an hour in my shoes. Here he is...sorry the pic is fuzzy...

We've had 2 baby showers since I posted last. The first was on March 20th with family at my parent's house. It was hosted by my sisters and mom. Katy came home for it too! It was fun and everything was wonderful.

This is me and my cousin who made the cake...yum!












Our second shower was April 3rd, hosted by two of my girlfriends from high school, Ashley and Jamie, and two of Kyle's sisters, Amy and Sarah. All my friends and Kyle's family came! It was very nice too! This is the only pic I have right now from that shower.

So basically we have received many words of advice...and many nice things to fill Emerson's nursery! It was great! Thanks to all of you who have helped make our pregnancy so special so far! We appreciate all your love and support! Only 5 weeks left...it's crazy!

And as you know, Easter has passed and Kyle and I were thinking that this would be the last major holiday as just "the two of us". It's kinda sad in a way...but exciting all at the same time! I love my husband...he's the best!

We've been working to organize Emerson's room. Unfortunately, we had to serve Kylie her eviction notice and move the futon out of the nursery. :) I have a few updated pics of the room...













It's amazing how many items just one little baby needs!

Our pregnancy is flying by! I am measuring exactly on track, and at my last doctor's appointment, Dr. Johnson thought Emerson was head-down...so that is exciting! I am still feeling great and have been outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine and getting some exercise! :) I do have to admit...I'm ready to have my old body back...you know, when I could actually bend over comfortably to tie my shoes...haha! It's beautiful outside today...go enjoy it..I'm certainly going to!!!

Playing Catch-Up...

Today, I'm donating my time to my "to-do list". Essentially, spending some time doing small things I have neglected to do over the past few weeks...like updating my blog.
The last part of February was very busy! Kyle arranged a couples' massage on Valentine's Day...and it was most wonderful! So much for relaxation though! My last doctor's appointment was Thursday the 18th. Emerson is growing in leaps and bounds! My measurement was 27 inches at 27 weeks...not to mention the growth in weight that he and I have collected...and we won't mention it! ;)
We left for Atlanta, GA on Friday the 20th to see Kyle's sister, Katie and her husband, Mitchell. We spent the weekend with them. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and it was great to spend time with just the two of them! Here are some pics from our trip:


"The Group" at the restaurant, McCray's!


The weather was beautiful and here we are at the walking park!










We went to the cutest shop too! It was all baby clothes made from recycled materials. We bought Emerson the most handsome shirt!




Just two girls...chatting it up!







Just two boys...causing trouble!





Look at my drink from Murphy's. Isn't it the cutest thing ever?


After coming home from Atlanta, I had my Premier Jewlery party on Saturday! It was fun. Thanks to everyone who came! And now...here it is...Monday...and March is here! Time sure does fly! The counter says only 77 days until Emerson arrives! It's getting exciting! We start Lamaze classes this Wednesday...should be fun! March is another busy month...can't wait!

Airplanes...

So, Kyle has been working very hard on Emerson's room and the room is really coming together! We now have the crib and changing table. The artwork arrived this past week too! Airplanes are our theme. We are excited to show you some pics!






It's very simple, sleek, and streamline. Obviously this is just a start, but I will keep posting updates!

Otherwise, not much has changed. I'm still feeling great! My belly is continuing to grow. This little guy is so active! I can't believe we are starting our 3rd trimester! I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful pregnancy so far! Our 7 week Lamaze classes start in March...it should be interesting. :)