“I think I want a Frozen Scooter for my birthday,” Lily tells me as if her birthday was this week and not Emma’s.
Both my girls are as all who read my blog know Frozen obsessed, but Emma at 5 years old now knows that they don’t make a Frozen Scooter and just wants a scooter for her birthday, doesn’t need to be Frozen. Although the rest of her family party today has to be Frozen oriented with a Frozen Cake, decorations and even Frozen backpack and dolls, too.
Fortunately, somehow we got lucky and found the much sought after and coveted Frozen backpack at the Disney store last week (paging Uncle Michael – like I have said before everyone should have an Uncle Michael).
But I digress, two Frozen backpacks and matching lunch bags have been bought and purchased (yes even though it is Emma’s birthday, if Lily doesn’t get one for pre-school there will be hell to pay).
So, as you read this later today, we will indeed be celebrating Emma’s Frozen Birthday 5th birthday party theme and yet I seriously cannot believe it was 5 years ago that I was so very pregnant with Emma and waiting to give birth to her. (Sorry for the re-run of her birth story for those who have read this one before, but for me it never gets old and love taking this walk down memory lane each and every year).
Before, I rerun and share her birth story though, I want to share an interview, I did with Emma yesterday on the last day she will ever be 4 years old, all about her favorites. Here is what Emma told me about some of her favorite things are in her life as she is indeed turning 5:
Emma Favorites at 5 years old:
1. Favorite Color: Yellow
She was looking at my my MacBook screen immediately lit up looking at the sticky notes seeing one int he color yellow, which has been her favorite color ever since I can remember.
2. Favorite Movie: Frozen with Olaf in it (See still Frozen obsessed here).
3. Favorite TV Show: Jessie
She absolutely loves the Disney show and will always choose to watch this if it is on.
4. Favorite Book: Princess Cupcakes/Baking & Fancy Nancy and The Mermaid Ballet
Just today she received a copy of the Disney Princess Baking Book for her birthday and can’t wait to try some of the cupcakes and cookie recipes now, as well as she just read this Fancy Nancy book for her Kindergarten book reports she had to do for summer vacation.
5. Favorite Song: Olaf Sings About Summer, because my birthday is in Summer.
Yup, Emma has been telling me for months that her birthday is on July 17th and summer. Of Course, Olaf is still number one here!
6. Favorite Thing to Drink: Mickey Juice
No secret here, even though she rarely watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, she still loves the juice that has him on the label.
7. Favorite Thing She Likes to Do: Play with Her Barbies and Elsa Barbie Doll.
Even after she water colored her hair and had me scrubbing the doll’s hair clean, as well as re-braiding it, she loves Elsa so and is also getting Anna Barbie for her birthday, but doesn’t no this just yet. Shh, it’s a surprise!!
8. Favorite Thing to Eat: Watermelon
This was the baby at a little over a year old that was found carrying a watermelon from one room to the next. I am not kidding Superman had nothing on Emma!
9. Favorite Animal: Puppy
Lucky for her we just got one with Elsa, our golden retriever puppy!
10. Favorite Thing to Wear: Skirts
I have totally lost count how many mornings we have fought over what she will wear, because if it doesn’t have some sort of skirt or dress to it, my girly girl, Emma won’t wear it.
And when I asked her if there was anything she wanted to share, she told me:
“I love Olaf and Warm Hugs!!”
Even though it is July 17th, 2014 and her 5th birthday, I still couldn’t forget and would be remiss, if I didn’t share her birth story from July 17th 2009, because from this day on our lives were never the same again. Her birth story was anything but typical by the way.
It was my first pregnancy and I was so very excited to lay eyes on her for the first time. I remember her whole nursery decorated and just waiting for he arrival. Kevin was working that summer at a local camp teaching young boys sports and swimming. I was home everyday all day waiting for the big moment to arrive. The day before my last weekly checkup, I sat in the glider in her nursery and remember willing her to be born. I was bored, tired and just too excited for words.
Thursday-July 16, 2009:
I went to my regular weekly checkup. I was now 39 weeks and my doctor informed me in his own witty repertoire (to know my doctor is to love him–seriously he is the best) as he put it, “Pregnancy is over!” I had no clue why, but then got the lowdown that my amniotic fluid was too low (dangerously low) and I would need to be induced.
I was to go home pack a bag and meet him at the hospital at 6 am the next morning. I left that appointment feeling a mix of emotions. Yes, I was the same person that wanted the pregnancy to be over, but now I was definitely scared at the prospect of labor and delivery.
I had never been through it and seriously after all my reading and knowledge (immersed myself in the weeks to come with pregnancy books about delivery, as well as having take a child-birthing class, too). So, what did I do? I went to get my nails done. Don’t ask me why I did this, but thought it would keep my mind occupied and relax me a bit. The rest of the day was a blur, except for the fact that I couldn’t sleep that night (was like a kid on Christmas Eve night). So, we watched Ghostbusters and then I tossed and turned until it was time to get going to the hospital at 6 am.
Friday-July 17, 2009:
I was indeed admitted into the local hospital at 6 am. Where I was weighed in, given a hospital gown, and asked all the pertinent questions, subsequently answering them and then getting the IV put in.
Around 8 am, my doctor finally began to induce me with the platocin. Within less then 2 minutes, the baby’s heart-rate dropped dangerously low. So, the platocin was immediately shut off. Within a minute or two her heart-rate rebounded and was fine, but my doctor wanted to wait a bit before restarting it. He also had to perform a DNC shortly on another patient (my doctor has hospital rounds on Fridays). So told us to sit tight and would return to try again, but if the same thing happened, I was to be sent immediately for a c-section, because he wasn’t going to take any chances.
Seriously, this was the one thing I dreaded and I cried to the on call nurses that I didn’t want a c-section. I had seen the video of one during the previous child birth class we took and remember how awful it looked and really just did not want to go through it if I didn’t have to. I mean I had come this far and was not prepared to go down without a fight.
For one thing, I had never had major surgery and was not about to have it now if I could help it. Yes, I was a big baby was this was concerned, but I was truly just scared. Amazingly so, my delivery nurse confirmed I was indeed beginning to have regular times contractions on my own as I was waiting and the baby’s heart-rate was fine. I remember her saying that I was having classic textbook contractions and the baby’s heart-rate was holding steady.
So around noon, they began slowly starting the platocin again and all went well this time. By around 2 pm, I had the bags of water broken to try to speed things along, because I was still only 1 cm dilated, but 100% effaced (crazy, but true). My labor was slow, painful and steady.
By 6 pm, I was only 2 cm dilated, but the contractions were getting closer and worse. I finally asked to get an epidural and it was administered successfully by a little after 7 pm. I remember finally nodding off a bit while watching Everybody Loves Raymond on the hospital delivery room TV.
I was awoken at 8:30 or so for my doctor to check how I was fairing. I was still only 2 cm and was told again that if I didn’t progress soon that I may need a c-section, because there was a fear of a possible umbilical cord compression. Yup, still not wanting to hear that and remember getting a bit panicky again at this point.
At around 9:30 pm, I began to think my epidural was wearing off and told my nurse that I was getting a lot of pressure and cramping low in my pelvis to please up my epidural. She tells me to hang on and she will get the doctor. The doctor comes in and take one look and tells me it is time. That I need to push, because I literally went from 2 cm to 10 cm in an hours time and the baby’s head was pretty much right there.Yes, I was totally naive as to what the pain I was feeling, but hey it was my first baby!
The next thing I know I was pushing and pushing for a little over an hour, when at 10:31 pm, I gave birth to Emma Grace, who was only 5 lbs 15 ozs and 17 1/2 inches. She was so tiny, but so perfect and very alert. In fact, the doctor (who had delivered tons of babies before) told us she won the award for most alert after birth!
Little did I know that she had her days and nights mixed up and would be up most nights with colic at this point. So that may explain this, but still she was perfect and all ours. Kevin and I were totally in love with her and so on cloud nine at this point.
Thursday-July 17, 2014:
Well, Emma is now indeed 5 years old today and still cannot believe that the above labor and delivery of her happened over 5 years ago. She will be starting Kindergarten as most already know int he beginning of this September and yes I am still so shell shocked by this thought. She is still small and petite for her age, but can’t believe how far she has come and how much she really has grown. We still love her so much and cannot believe how much happiness and joy one little person could bring into our lives!
Happy 5th Birthday Emma Grace–Mommy and Daddy Love You So much!!
One Click Is All It Takes!!
NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner says
Happy birthday Emma! I guess I didn’t realize that we both had babies in the summer of 2009! Malone is also headed off to Kindergarten this fall. He’s crazy excited and I think I’m ready too.
I hope you guys have an amazing Frozen party and day. I’m so glad you found the backpack. I hear they are as rare as Golden Tickets!
April says
Awww! Happy Birthday Emma! She is so adorable. My son LOVES the summer song, even though he wasn’t born in the summer at all. I hope you’re able to give her everything she desires… maybe even a Frozen scooter! π
Alexa says
I LOVE this post Janine. Happy Birthday to Emma! I am pinning this as a “How to write a great Birthday Post!”
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Happy Birthday, Emma! May all your wishes come true!!
Carrie Groneman says
Wonderful story and such a blessing she is! Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Dara says
happy birthday Emma!!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Happy 5th birthday! What a cute interview with her to remember all of her likes this year!!!! Hope she enjoys all the Frozen merchandise and themed-party!
sara says
Such a cutie! Happy Birthday Emma!!!!!
Eli@coachdaddy says
birth stories rock if you ask me, especially that first one. i love that you shared yours here today. Happy birthday Emma!
Ginny Marie says
Oh, I just love your interview with Emma! I also love that her favorite color is yellow, since most little girls I know say pink! Yellow is a great color!
Learning how to balance on a scooter helped my Lily learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. Both my girls have pink Razor scooters. π
Kristi Campbell says
Happy happy birthday, Emma! She’s beautiful, Janine, and I hope that you all have a wonderful and perfect day. Also, I can’t believe you went from 2cm to 10 in an HOUR! Yikes. Glad no c-section though! And really happy birthday to your sweet daughter.
Rosey says
Aww, I was right there in the hospital with you. Happy Birthday to your sweet beautiful baby girl!!
Bill says
Hard to believe she is five. We have had the honor to watch these girls grow before us; it makes us, in a way, extended family, and I think that’s pretty cool. Happy Birthday Emma. And wonderful post, Janine.
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I love this post too. I always enjoy reading about your sweet precious family.
PLEASE TELL EMMA HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR ME. When I played the video, my Caleb and Diana came running to see what I was doing. They loved it. I also should them Emma.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Echo says
Happy Birthday, Emma! I hope all of your dreams come true!
Her interview is so dang cute!
Melanie Chisnall says
Janine, I just love seeing how much you love your girls here. So special π And a BIG happy birthday to Emma! π
Kerri says
Happy Day sweet Emma!!! I loved your last day being four interview. I am sure you will keep your mom on her toes this coming year. Oh, and of course we love Olaf!
Pure Grace Farms says
What precious pictures and loving tribute to Emma. There is nothing that can compare to being a mommy. Thanks for the small glimpse into your world.
Blessings,
Shari
Niki says
Happy Birthday, Emma!!!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
She is such a cutie and I hope it was a wonderful birthday for Emma! Would you believe I still have not seen Frozen?!
Brittnei says
Hehe. Look at your belly bump. So cute! I had no idea there was Mickey juice! These girls are so glamorous. I love their grey winter tights with their skirts. So happy that Emma is here with you for another year. What a wonderful time and precious moment. π
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
Happy Birthday Emma! I said it on Facebook but I just had to stop by and say it again here. Now it’s official. Ok I happened to play the video and Madison was there. This has been the longest I’ve ever stopped on one post because she made me play it 3 times (yes 3) before I finally said “we have to go”. I have one obsessed Frozen toddler here too. I wonder when the craze will all end. π
Aunt Gloria says
So glad we have Emma in our life and family. She is a real sweetheart and much loved by us all. I hope she had a happy birthday and can’t wait to see photos of the cake, etc. Sorry I had to miss the party. See you soon. Give her lots of hugs and kisses from Aunt Gloria
Cynthia says
What’s really cool is that I feel like I’ve known you and Emma since she was really little. π I, too, can’t believe she’s going to be starting kindergarten.
And, interestingly, your two girls DO look like twins, hehe. No wonder you get that question from time to time.
I hope the day was absolutely wonderful! xo
Jhanis says
What a beautiful birthday post for Emma! I hope she likes her surprise! We have a frozen addiction at home too, my little girl no calls me Anna because she is Elsa and her brother is Sven. LOL
Bev says
Aw, happy (belated) birthday, Emma!! I really enjoyed reading your birth story. Mine is still so relatively fresh in my mind, it really brought me back.
Chris Carter says
AW!!!! Happy Birthday to that precious little angel!!! What a birth story Janine!! I’m SO glad you didn’t have to have a C-section!! Having a baby truly is a LABOR of love!!
Jen@JENerallyInformed says
Oh my gosh my kids would die of happiness if we could meet Olaf! We have even been taking him around with us this summer and snapping pics since my 6 year old was very worried that he have a good time on this his very first summer! I posted some of the pics up yesterday! Happy belated birthday wishes to your beautiful girl and I love the pictures of both of your girls. They are just too precious π
Tamara says
Even on vacation, I had to check in about your beautiful daughter’s birthday and your SITS-day!
I finally found something in our twins don’t agree on, because Scarlet hates Jessie! I am laughing because “In summer” is in my head right now. While on the beach. Is this your first blog comment from a beach? Probably not.
Kim says
Well, you already know I’m way behind – but happy birthday to Emma!!! 5 is so exciting – kindergarten and so many changes. I loved reading all about Emma’s birth!!
Michelle Liew says
A happy belated b’day, Emma!! And you’ll have lots of Frozen stuff in your wardrobe, I’m sure!
Christine says
Happy birthday Emma!!
Honestly, if I were a kid, Frozen would be my favorite movie, too. Olaf is awesome.
Have a great party day!
Louise says
Happy birthday Emma! Such a great post for her.
I love the round up of what she loves. I might have to do that with my girls so I don’t forget.
And the highlight of this post over here? Olaf video. Both my girls came over and took turns with the computer’s “Earmuffs” to listen to the song. So we have some Frozen fans over here too π
Considerer says
Ahhhh BEAUTIFUL! I love how your Things are EmmaThings of thankful. That’s wonderful. HAPPY BIRTHDAY lovely girl π
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
Happy happy birthday Emma!! What a beautiful tribute and birth story. My kids are frozen obsessed as well and I don’t know how much more I can take!
Sarah says
Awww, I love birth stories! And Happy Birthday, Emma! My daughter loves Olaf and his song, too.
Kitt O'Malley says
Happy, happy birthday to darling Emma!
Sandy Ramsey says
Emma is just a doll and I’ve so enjoyed watching both of your girls grow over the past year. I remember Fancy Nancy! Nikki loved those books and she was such a character. I had forgotten about little Nancy and am glad to know she is still entertaining little girls to this day. I will have to see if we have any laying around from the good old days. If we do, I will send them to Emma and Lily.
The birth story was beautiful and I’m so happy that everything worked out so well. Your daughter is just a love and wish her Happy Birthday……I hope all of her wishes come true!
clark says
HB E!!
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78jQBdryCWg )
(it’s the Beatles, in case your server decides it’s an enemy attackβ¦lol)
zoe says
ohhhhhhhh how adorable! Still looking like the baby pics… Thats so sweet! WOW Elsa is getting big! She is just a ball of fluff! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
I think Emma and Kidzilla would get along fabulously – Zilla also loves Frozen, insists on wearing skirts 99% of the time, is completely girly-girl, and also a Fancy Nancy fan. (LOVE those books!)
Glad your birth story ended well. I am a huge anti-induced labor person here. Let’s just leave it at mine did not go well. Seems like everyone I meet who was induced has at least some negative to the story. But anyway.
Your girls are lovely – a very happy happy birthday to Emma and to all of you!
Kristi says
The years really do fly by! Happy birthday to Emma!
Tenns @ New Mama Diaries says
Aww Sweet Emma! Happy belated birthday to your precious little girl. How awesome it must be to watch her grow before your eyes. 5! Wow, what a big age! The fun is just now starting. I wish her many more happy, healthy, and fun birthdays. She’s a doll! π
Thanks so much for linking up at Creative Style! Have a lovely week! π
catherine gacad says
beautiful emma! she is such a big girl now at 5 years old. one hand!
the pinterested parent says
I love all of these pictures. How beautiful each and every memory is. Happy birthday sweet girl. Meeting Olaf must have been wonderful for her.
Rabia @TheLiebers says
Happy (belated) birthday, Emma!