Days Go By

You know, I'm thinking back over the last month and what keeps coming to mind is the good stuff. The memory-making moments. The funnies. The sweet times. This is not at ALL to say that we haven't had our bad days. But whereas the year between December 07 and December 08 when Olivia was 2 until when she turned 3, where most days were scripted with plenty of emotion, drama, tantrums, and more drama, these days we're kind of "in a groove." It's an EXTREME challenge for me to get ANYwhere on time. So I'm late alot. It's tough to coordinate feeding schedules with, well, anything because, though he eats pretty consistently every 3 hours during the day, each day's "first meal" for Jude starts at a different time; therefore, each day looks a little different and I don't know what that "different" is going to be until 7:00, 8:00, or 9:00 a.m. It's more difficult to fit my medical transcription work into the day, but it still needs to get done. So we've had to implement "room time" for Olivia so that I can supplement what little work I get done during her naptime since I'm inevitably feeding Jude at some point in there as well.

Insert: PLEASE don't hear me complaining about ANY of this. I love that these are my challenges everyday. I'm NOT griping, whining, trying to muster up some sympathy from you. I'm just being honest about our every day stuff. All this to say, still, as I look at this last month in review, all the positives are at the forefront:

1. How much Olivia LOVES her brother and how Jude is just now really beginning to respond to his funny, extremely in-your-face affectionate, big sister with huge grins and gasping for air as he tries to make his own sounds. He Adores her with a capital A.


ex. of aforementioned in-your-face affection










taking his temperature on his toes, naturally












my helper girl










2. Olivia's first experience with organized sports: A 45-minute soccer "practice" that consisted of 2 minutes of initial excitement and joy, 14 minutes of crying, pouting, and tattle-tailing after a fellow (male) teammate continuously "borrowed" her pink soccer ball, 7 minutes of a kicking the ball into the goal, 7 minutes spent passing the ball back and forth with a teammate, 9 minutes enjoying some gatorade and a snack, and then the last 6 minutes spent with Daddy just having fun on the field. We gots lots of pics and video and they are priceless.


Daddy showing her the ropes









just a wee bit upset, probably because of the ghetto rolled-up leggings, 80 degree weather, and non-soccer shoes she's wearing













taking a "gator-juice" break













look at that form!













superstar #9













3. Olivia's comment in the car the other day. Jeremy and I were discussing something (can't even remember what) and Olivia says to us, "You're arguing." We explain to her that we weren't arguing at all, just talking. She listens for a few minutes, isn't convinced, and says, "Guys, you ARE arguing," to which we again reassure her that Mommy and Daddy aren't mad or upset. We're simply having a conversation. Silence. She's thinking. Processing. Then states: "I know you're still arguing...miserable family." WHAT?


my snow angel













intensely enjoying the snow













back to her old stylish ways...this time two layered bathing suits over winter jammies. she's desperately ready for summertime.









having fun with mommy









4. Olivia's time with sweet friend, Wyatt, who won't be here too much longer as his family--under the Lord's direction--feel called to move on. Can't talk about it. Hurts too much right now.

high-five









wyatt talking, olivia listening


























we now know why some cultures believe in and practice arranged marriages. here is our choice for olivia.













5. Lots of opportunities to fellowship with old friends and new friends. Though we don't have pictures of these events, the conversations that we get to have with folks around our dinner table keep us going, motivate us along in our journeys with Christ, cause us to think, question, press on.


6. The Truth Project: Though its early on in this, the newest study that our small group is involved in at Sandhurst, God is CLEARLY at work in our hearts (Jeremy's and mine). He is giving us each, individually, a new passion for his Word, his proclamation of truth, and really is drawing us to himself. He is calling us to "be transformed by the renewing of our MINDS" so that we can KNOW him more intimately. I don't want to speak for Jeremy, but I'm humbled that he pursues me so relentlessly; even after more that 20 years of my inconsistent, lukewarm, roller-coaster ride of a journey with him, he still chooses to pursue me.

7. My healthy 11-week-old son. I'm so. in. love.

killer smile.












daddy and jude love.












no comment









97th percentile for weight.
99th+ percentile for height.
runs in the family.













my precious one.

All is well

Short but sweet post here!!! Jude is back home and has been for awhile. Just haven't gotten around to updating the blog. The Emert family is doing well. Just learning to balance all that life has to offer with a 3 year old, a 1 month old, and work and play. I am posting on Courtney's behalf as she is sleeping right now and pretty tired from late night feedings. So the Lord has been teaching me what it means to be present and I wanted to pass that along to my fellow bloggers. Not that I have it all together because we all know that is far from the truth. But God has given me a special gift this week that I want to cultivate. It is the art of being present. This is something I have struggled with all my life but when I have it is oh so good. The best way for me to unpack it is to give you some examples.
1. When Olivia asks to play Candy Land for 579th time not just saying yes but actually being there and enjoying it!!!
2. Putting my phone on silent at the end of the day when it is time to spend time with the fam!!!
3. Hitting the power button (off that is) on the remote!
4. Enjoying a good dinner and glass of wine with friends and discussing the Lord.
5. Doing life with people I look up to and respect.
I think it all comes down to living in the moments God has given us and not looking to what might be or hasn't been. Haven't tried it? You should!!!! I can promise you you won't be disappointed.

Its a New Day!!

So I am sitting here in the hospital with my beautiful wife and amazing son, missing my amazing daughter, and realizing that God really is in control. Just wanted to update the world on Jude. This morning it was determined that we needed to put an iv in Jude for the purpose of antibiotics if necessary. There was some thought that he might have Menengitis. Dr. Ben decided that the best thing to do was a lumbar puncture which would help us test for Menengitis. Jude got the lumbar puncture and they could not get the necessary fluid to do the test. So they went ahead and started antibiotics through an iv to be safe. We will be in the hospital until at least Sunday, maybe longer. Jude is now breathing on his own but somewhat low and might have to go back on oxygen. The prayer is that he can breathe on his own and does not spike another fever. So there you go! And God is good! Oh He is so good!!!

Hospital Bound

So it has been a couple of weeks since baby Jude was born. Thought I would give those non facebookers of the world an update as to what has transpired. We came home with Jude and all was well. That is until Sunday night when we noticed he was acting different. Went to the doctor (our good friend Ben) on Monday and found out Jude has RSV. Basically it is a virus that a lot of kids get by the age of 2. Problem is very few get this at 2 weeks. Symptoms that Jude is experiencing are a lot of congestion a cough, and he cannot breathe without the help of oxygen. He also started to get a fever last night and this has come and gone. We originally thought we would be here for a couple of nights and here we still sit. So basically in laymans terms until Jude can breathe on his own he has to stay at the hospital. Courtney is obviously getting tired and I have been trying to juggle taking care of Olivia and being there for Courtney and Jude. We are so thankful to our community of friends and family who have prayed for us, brought meals, and helped out with Olivia at the drop of a hat (special thanks to Jenny and Lia). I am supposed to start back work next week but Judy (Courts mom) came for the weekend and my dad and possibly mom will come next week as needed. We know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God is in control and is protecting our little man, and feel so blessed to have an otherwise healthy son. It still is hard as a parent to watch child go through anything that is not comfortable so say a prayer for the Emert family. I will try to post as time allows.

Ramblings from a proud daddy!

So the first day is pretty much down and Courtney and Jude are doing wonderful. Not to mention the fact that Olivia is in heaven spending time with her little brother. I wanted to freeze time when I heard her say, as she was holding Jude tonight, "Its okay Jude, your big sister is here now. I will take care of you." Its moments like those that make a dad so proud and help me remember what life is really about. Even as I sit here and look at Courtney feeding Jude I realize how quickly we can get things out of order. I am the first to get so busy that I forget to spend time with the people that really matter. I want to say thank you for everyone's prayers. Thanks to the Edwards, Lia, and Lloyed's for popping by today, as well as to Courtney's family for being so amazing with us. Judy you really are amazing. So as you look at these pictures, my prayer for you is that you will make the important things big and show the ones you love just how much you love them by spending the time God has given you. I know it is late and I sound really cheesy but I feel as if the Lord has really laid this on my heart. Here are some more pics to look at. Oh, and by the way, Poppa Don and Nana we can't wait to see you!!!




Justin and Jenny! You guys look ready for one of your own!!




"Brian, I think I am ready for round three."




That girl is such a natural!




Sweet lovin!




Hey Chris, Whitney really needs one of her own!




Honestly Granna, you are amazing!!!



Poppy is old hat at this point!!




Proud papa!



"I love my little brother!!!!"