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Sunday, November 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Fall Fun with Friends
Try saying that 3 times fast.
I'm so behind on blogging. I keep telling myself I will catch up and I plan on it. Someday. Until then here's a peek into our lives at the moment.
We went to the pumpkin patch a few weeks back with friends. We had a great time and came home with 6 pumpkins. :)
We also went to see Veggie Tales Luve with our favorite college student/babysitter/photographer/adopted aunt ever - Tiffany!
Then today is Halloween. The girls are dressed up as Little Bo Peep and her sheep. The costumes have special meaning behind them. A dear friend has a little girl about a year older than Claire. She had the most adorable lamb costume last year. So I asked and Courtney let us borrow it. Thanks Court! Courtney and I were college roommates at ECU. Go Pesagi! Avery needed a little Bo Peep dress. My mom had kept some of my dresses from when I was little and I found the perfect one for Avery. Thanks Mom! All we needed was a candy cane turned staff and bloomers from another friend and ta da! Cute cute costumes.
Sorry if the pics are all out of order. I'm currently rocking a cute little lamb who will only nap in my arms today. Thus blogging from my phone. :)
I'm so behind on blogging. I keep telling myself I will catch up and I plan on it. Someday. Until then here's a peek into our lives at the moment.
We went to the pumpkin patch a few weeks back with friends. We had a great time and came home with 6 pumpkins. :)
We also went to see Veggie Tales Luve with our favorite college student/babysitter/photographer/adopted aunt ever - Tiffany!
Then today is Halloween. The girls are dressed up as Little Bo Peep and her sheep. The costumes have special meaning behind them. A dear friend has a little girl about a year older than Claire. She had the most adorable lamb costume last year. So I asked and Courtney let us borrow it. Thanks Court! Courtney and I were college roommates at ECU. Go Pesagi! Avery needed a little Bo Peep dress. My mom had kept some of my dresses from when I was little and I found the perfect one for Avery. Thanks Mom! All we needed was a candy cane turned staff and bloomers from another friend and ta da! Cute cute costumes.
Sorry if the pics are all out of order. I'm currently rocking a cute little lamb who will only nap in my arms today. Thus blogging from my phone. :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
9 month milestones - 9/22/12
9 month milestones - 9/22/12
Height - 26.5"
Weight - 18 lbs 4oz
Diapers - size 3
Clothes - 6-9 month
Sleeping - We try for bedtime usually around 8:00. You sleep for 30-45 mins then wake up and are up until 10:30 or 11. You usually sleep til around 2, then eat, back to sleep, wake around 6 then sleep til 9! so different from when Avery was your age. But she had to get up early so mommy could work so thats probably why. Your dr recommended sleep training at your appointment today. Let you cry it out for a week. A week?! I don't think I can. I'm trusting that eventually you'll want more sleep and it will be when you are ready. Plus I know trying to eat/nurse with you lively big sis around is sometimes a challenge so if this is what we must do then I'm ok with it.
Eating - You eat every 3 to 4 hours during the day. You eat for shorter amounts of time during the day and longer ones at night. You eat baby food/table food two times a day. You love Cheerios, veggie straws, strawberries, sweet peas, and bananas. Baby food - you like any fruits and veggies go down better when mixed with apples or pears.
New discoveries - Your voice and your hand waving! We hear dada and mama along with funny grunts and growls all day long. You figured out how to wave with your right hand and its the cutest thing!
New accomplishments - Your first tooth broke through! Yay! You learned to crawl and pull up this month. You started really crawling the week after Labor Day. You learned to pull up about two weeks after that. Now you are impossible to stop. I anticipate many bumped chins and foreheads in your future. :) You are so proud of yourself when you pull up though. You can finally keep up with Avery too.
Places you went - Tyler for Labor Day to visit Mim & Papa, Andrew, Kristy, Bella, & Layla. You also spent the weekend at home with Daddy and Poppa while me and Nonna went to Women of Faith.
Special Memories - Watching you crawl and pull up for the first time. Seeing you wave bye-bye!
Dear Claire - 9 months already! I'm wishing time would slow a bit. You are growing into a big girl each day. crawling, pulling up, waving - please don't start walking yet! I love your sweet cuddles and hugs as I rock you to sleep each night. You are a big girl but still let me baby you. thank you! Daddy also has become funny to you. He can make you laugh better than anyone. I pray you always are able to laugh. It makes life so much better. Don't grow too much in the next 3 much. Just kidding!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Height - 26.5"
Weight - 18 lbs 4oz
Diapers - size 3
Clothes - 6-9 month
Sleeping - We try for bedtime usually around 8:00. You sleep for 30-45 mins then wake up and are up until 10:30 or 11. You usually sleep til around 2, then eat, back to sleep, wake around 6 then sleep til 9! so different from when Avery was your age. But she had to get up early so mommy could work so thats probably why. Your dr recommended sleep training at your appointment today. Let you cry it out for a week. A week?! I don't think I can. I'm trusting that eventually you'll want more sleep and it will be when you are ready. Plus I know trying to eat/nurse with you lively big sis around is sometimes a challenge so if this is what we must do then I'm ok with it.
Eating - You eat every 3 to 4 hours during the day. You eat for shorter amounts of time during the day and longer ones at night. You eat baby food/table food two times a day. You love Cheerios, veggie straws, strawberries, sweet peas, and bananas. Baby food - you like any fruits and veggies go down better when mixed with apples or pears.
New discoveries - Your voice and your hand waving! We hear dada and mama along with funny grunts and growls all day long. You figured out how to wave with your right hand and its the cutest thing!
New accomplishments - Your first tooth broke through! Yay! You learned to crawl and pull up this month. You started really crawling the week after Labor Day. You learned to pull up about two weeks after that. Now you are impossible to stop. I anticipate many bumped chins and foreheads in your future. :) You are so proud of yourself when you pull up though. You can finally keep up with Avery too.
Places you went - Tyler for Labor Day to visit Mim & Papa, Andrew, Kristy, Bella, & Layla. You also spent the weekend at home with Daddy and Poppa while me and Nonna went to Women of Faith.
Special Memories - Watching you crawl and pull up for the first time. Seeing you wave bye-bye!
Dear Claire - 9 months already! I'm wishing time would slow a bit. You are growing into a big girl each day. crawling, pulling up, waving - please don't start walking yet! I love your sweet cuddles and hugs as I rock you to sleep each night. You are a big girl but still let me baby you. thank you! Daddy also has become funny to you. He can make you laugh better than anyone. I pray you always are able to laugh. It makes life so much better. Don't grow too much in the next 3 much. Just kidding!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
5 Month Milestones - Claire
5 month milestones - 5/22/12
Height - 24"
Weight - 14 lbs 5 oz
Diapers - size 2
Clothes - 3-6 month
Sleeping - bedtime is usually around 8:30. You were doing so great sleeping for long stretches at night then you started getting out of your swaddle. We were still swaddling you at the first of the month until you and big sis spent the night with Nonna and Poppa. Mommy had a women's retreat with church and Daddy had to work. Nonna was able to get you to sleep without your Swaddle. You had a rough night though.
Turns out you had Roseola. You had the crankiness and fever but the rash came later. Poor baby!
Eating - You eat every 3 to 3.5 hours during the day. You eat for shorter amounts of time during the day and longer ones at night. You started taking Dr. Brown bottles but they still aren't your favorite. Maybe someday. You tried avocados and bananas this month and weren't a huge fan but you didn't hate them either.
New discoveries - Everything you can get your hands on goes into your mouth. Toys, blankets, clothes, sister's hair. Teething has started although I can't see any tooth buds yet. You love to jump in your jumperoo. You enjoy walks in the stroller.
New accomplishments - Rolling over both ways! Sorry, Mommy didn't write down the exact date.
Places you went - OK to stay overnight with Nonna and Poppa.
Special Memories - Staying overnight for the first time without Mommy & Daddy. Your first real sickness (Roseola and a cold). Celebrating Avery's 2nd birthday with an owl party. Your dedication at church with Mommy, Daddy, big sister, Nonna, Poppa, Mim, Papa, Uncle Daniel & Aunt April.
Dear Claire - 5 months old and getting so big so fast. This was a rough month for you. Having your first real illness was a new thing for all of us. You stopped sleeping well and preferred to be held. Which isn't a bad thing, I love it. I just didn't get much done at all. :) Plus Mommy and sister got a cold too and we pretty much were all sick the whole month. I'm hoping next month we all feel better. Praying you are on the mend and the rest of our summer is a healthy one. We love you baby girl!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Love,
Mommy &Daddy
Height - 24"
Weight - 14 lbs 5 oz
Diapers - size 2
Clothes - 3-6 month
Sleeping - bedtime is usually around 8:30. You were doing so great sleeping for long stretches at night then you started getting out of your swaddle. We were still swaddling you at the first of the month until you and big sis spent the night with Nonna and Poppa. Mommy had a women's retreat with church and Daddy had to work. Nonna was able to get you to sleep without your Swaddle. You had a rough night though.
Turns out you had Roseola. You had the crankiness and fever but the rash came later. Poor baby!
Eating - You eat every 3 to 3.5 hours during the day. You eat for shorter amounts of time during the day and longer ones at night. You started taking Dr. Brown bottles but they still aren't your favorite. Maybe someday. You tried avocados and bananas this month and weren't a huge fan but you didn't hate them either.
New discoveries - Everything you can get your hands on goes into your mouth. Toys, blankets, clothes, sister's hair. Teething has started although I can't see any tooth buds yet. You love to jump in your jumperoo. You enjoy walks in the stroller.
New accomplishments - Rolling over both ways! Sorry, Mommy didn't write down the exact date.
Places you went - OK to stay overnight with Nonna and Poppa.
Special Memories - Staying overnight for the first time without Mommy & Daddy. Your first real sickness (Roseola and a cold). Celebrating Avery's 2nd birthday with an owl party. Your dedication at church with Mommy, Daddy, big sister, Nonna, Poppa, Mim, Papa, Uncle Daniel & Aunt April.
Dear Claire - 5 months old and getting so big so fast. This was a rough month for you. Having your first real illness was a new thing for all of us. You stopped sleeping well and preferred to be held. Which isn't a bad thing, I love it. I just didn't get much done at all. :) Plus Mommy and sister got a cold too and we pretty much were all sick the whole month. I'm hoping next month we all feel better. Praying you are on the mend and the rest of our summer is a healthy one. We love you baby girl!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Love,
Mommy &Daddy
Monday, September 3, 2012
Mercy Project
Today I'm taking part in a blogging party of sorts, helping to bring awareness to human trafficking and the Mercy Project in Ghana, Africa.
Mercy Project
There’s an estimated 7,000 children who work in the Ghana fishing industry. Some of these children are as young as 5 and 6 years old. All of these children are slaves. -Mercy Project
Today many in our country will take a day off from our jobs to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. No matter if we’re celebrating at home or at the beach, we’re entering into a tradition that has largely been shaped by Labor Unions - organizations that are dedicated to protecting workers’ interests and improving their wages, hours, and working conditions. Today as we lounge around or hang out with friends and family, we’re not only celebrating hard work, we’re honoring fair, ethical working practices and the laws that prevent discrimination, abuse, and child labor in our country. Without these laws in place (and enforced), the most vulnerable members of society suffer. Who are the most vulnerable? Children.
Today as we’re celebrating the systems in our own country that strive to prevent injustices like child trafficking and child labor, we’re mindful of the many child slaves around the world who are unprotected and the organizations, like Mercy Project, who are working to free them.
As a mother, it’s difficult for me to imagine my children working 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. I’m unable to wrap my brain around the thought of my children engaged in long, hard days of physical labor, eating one meal a day, and then falling asleep at night on a dirt floor filled with other slave children. Yet this is the daily reality for kids who have been trafficked into the fishing industry in Ghana, Africa. As with much of Africa, there is a great deal of poverty in Ghana. Unfortunately, this leaves many mothers in an unimaginable position: sell their children to someone who can take better care of them or watch them starve to death. Most of the mothers are told their children will be given food, housing, and an education. Instead, the kids are often taken to Lake Volta where they become child slaves and their mothers never see them again. Thankfully, Mercy Project is working to break the cycles of trafficking around Lake Volta by providing alternate, more efficient, sustainable, fishing methods for villagers – ultimately eliminating the need for child slaves. Because of the work Mercy Project is doing in Ghana, the first group of children will be freed this month from Lake Volta.
We invite you to watch this moving, 10 minute documentary about the issues surrounding child labor and trafficking in Ghana and most importantly the hope Mercy Project is bringing to children and entire communities in Africa. Mercy Project is the only NGO working on Lake Volta addressing the injustice of child labor and child trafficking at its root - by strengthening the Ghanaian economy and eliminating the structures that cause the demand for trafficked children.
Whether these ideas of child labor, child trafficking, and modern-day slavery are new to you or you’re aware of these injustices, but need to hear some good news every once in awhile, we invite you to become a part of what Mercy Project is doing in Ghana. When Mercy Project frees their first group of children this month, we can all celebrate together.
Learn more and get involved by –
• Watching Mercy Project’s short documentary.
• Following Mercy Project on Facebook.
• Connecting with Mercy Project via Twitter.
• Spending some time on Mercy Project’s website.
• Sharing about Mercy Project’s work in Ghana with your friends.
Although child trafficking, child labor, and the unstable economies that result in these injustices are a tragedy, we’re grateful for what Mercy Project is doing to protect the vulnerable and for allowing us to be a part of this story. While we’re commemorating labor laws and ethical work in our own country today, we invite you to follow along on this journey with Mercy Project to protect and free children in Ghana.
Mercy Project
There’s an estimated 7,000 children who work in the Ghana fishing industry. Some of these children are as young as 5 and 6 years old. All of these children are slaves. -Mercy Project
Today many in our country will take a day off from our jobs to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. No matter if we’re celebrating at home or at the beach, we’re entering into a tradition that has largely been shaped by Labor Unions - organizations that are dedicated to protecting workers’ interests and improving their wages, hours, and working conditions. Today as we lounge around or hang out with friends and family, we’re not only celebrating hard work, we’re honoring fair, ethical working practices and the laws that prevent discrimination, abuse, and child labor in our country. Without these laws in place (and enforced), the most vulnerable members of society suffer. Who are the most vulnerable? Children.
Today as we’re celebrating the systems in our own country that strive to prevent injustices like child trafficking and child labor, we’re mindful of the many child slaves around the world who are unprotected and the organizations, like Mercy Project, who are working to free them.
As a mother, it’s difficult for me to imagine my children working 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. I’m unable to wrap my brain around the thought of my children engaged in long, hard days of physical labor, eating one meal a day, and then falling asleep at night on a dirt floor filled with other slave children. Yet this is the daily reality for kids who have been trafficked into the fishing industry in Ghana, Africa. As with much of Africa, there is a great deal of poverty in Ghana. Unfortunately, this leaves many mothers in an unimaginable position: sell their children to someone who can take better care of them or watch them starve to death. Most of the mothers are told their children will be given food, housing, and an education. Instead, the kids are often taken to Lake Volta where they become child slaves and their mothers never see them again. Thankfully, Mercy Project is working to break the cycles of trafficking around Lake Volta by providing alternate, more efficient, sustainable, fishing methods for villagers – ultimately eliminating the need for child slaves. Because of the work Mercy Project is doing in Ghana, the first group of children will be freed this month from Lake Volta.
We invite you to watch this moving, 10 minute documentary about the issues surrounding child labor and trafficking in Ghana and most importantly the hope Mercy Project is bringing to children and entire communities in Africa. Mercy Project is the only NGO working on Lake Volta addressing the injustice of child labor and child trafficking at its root - by strengthening the Ghanaian economy and eliminating the structures that cause the demand for trafficked children.
Whether these ideas of child labor, child trafficking, and modern-day slavery are new to you or you’re aware of these injustices, but need to hear some good news every once in awhile, we invite you to become a part of what Mercy Project is doing in Ghana. When Mercy Project frees their first group of children this month, we can all celebrate together.
Learn more and get involved by –
• Watching Mercy Project’s short documentary.
• Following Mercy Project on Facebook.
• Connecting with Mercy Project via Twitter.
• Spending some time on Mercy Project’s website.
• Sharing about Mercy Project’s work in Ghana with your friends.
Although child trafficking, child labor, and the unstable economies that result in these injustices are a tragedy, we’re grateful for what Mercy Project is doing to protect the vulnerable and for allowing us to be a part of this story. While we’re commemorating labor laws and ethical work in our own country today, we invite you to follow along on this journey with Mercy Project to protect and free children in Ghana.
"The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”
-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"...in serving the best interests of children, we serve the best interests of all humanity."
-- Carol Bellamy
“When the lives and the rights of children are at stake, there must be no silent witnesses.”
--Carol Bellamy
"God does not want us to merely give the poor perfunctory help, but to ponder long and hard about how to improve their entire situation."
-- Tim Keller in Generous Justice
"If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong."
-- Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
4 month milestones - Claire
4 month milestones - 4/22/12
Height - 23.5"
Weight - 13 lbs 5 oz
Diapers - size 2
Clothes - 3-6 month
Sleeping - bedtime is usually around 8:30. You sleep til 2 or 3. Eat then go back to sleep til about 8. Eat again and usually sleep until 9:30. Still swaddling you with the Aden and Anais blankets. Your naps aren't scheduled like Avery's were at this age. I think it's because we have different schedules almost every day. As long as you get to nap though you are in a good mood.
Eating - You eat every 3 to 3.5 hours during the day. You eat for shorter amounts of time during the day and longer ones at night. Guess there is too much to see and do! We finally found a bottle you would take. The Playtex Dropins. No more gagging!
New discoveries - your feet! You aren't quite as limber as Avery but you love to hold your feet. You are ticklish and laugh when tickled.
New accomplishments - Smiling. Laughing. Getting really close to rolling over.
Places you went - to Tyler for Easter. To Tiffany and Brent's for Easter. To Ok for Mommy's birthday.
Special Memories - seeing you and Layla play on the floor at Mim's house. Getting to watch big sister hunt Easter eggs knowing you will love it next year. Celebrating Mommy's birthday. Seeing your sweet personality develop. In so many ways you are so unique and in a few things just like your sister. It is fun watching you two interact.
Dear Claire - 4 months already?! It can't be. You have grown from that tiny newborn into my chunky monkey. I smile whenever I see your leg rolls. They are so cute. Your hair does this faux hawk thing and your Daddy is so proud. I try combing it down and he messes it up. You love being held, and rocked, and talked to. If I could do one of those all day I think you'd be content. You sleep so soundly while I'm holding you but the second I put you down you start to stir. I know these days go by fast so I try not to rush through our rocking sessions. You are so loved. Avery asks about you when she wakes. She knows when you need a diaper change. She plays rough with you sometimes but you smile at her anyways. Daddy likes it when you laugh at him and he can hold you for longer than 10 minutes at a time. What can I say? Right now your are a Mommy's girl! I pray you always know how much you are loved. First by God then by your family. I pray we are able to let you experience true love do you can let God love you. Sweet girl you are so blessed!
Love,
Mommy &Daddy
Height - 23.5"
Weight - 13 lbs 5 oz
Diapers - size 2
Clothes - 3-6 month
Sleeping - bedtime is usually around 8:30. You sleep til 2 or 3. Eat then go back to sleep til about 8. Eat again and usually sleep until 9:30. Still swaddling you with the Aden and Anais blankets. Your naps aren't scheduled like Avery's were at this age. I think it's because we have different schedules almost every day. As long as you get to nap though you are in a good mood.
Eating - You eat every 3 to 3.5 hours during the day. You eat for shorter amounts of time during the day and longer ones at night. Guess there is too much to see and do! We finally found a bottle you would take. The Playtex Dropins. No more gagging!
New discoveries - your feet! You aren't quite as limber as Avery but you love to hold your feet. You are ticklish and laugh when tickled.
New accomplishments - Smiling. Laughing. Getting really close to rolling over.
Places you went - to Tyler for Easter. To Tiffany and Brent's for Easter. To Ok for Mommy's birthday.
Special Memories - seeing you and Layla play on the floor at Mim's house. Getting to watch big sister hunt Easter eggs knowing you will love it next year. Celebrating Mommy's birthday. Seeing your sweet personality develop. In so many ways you are so unique and in a few things just like your sister. It is fun watching you two interact.
Dear Claire - 4 months already?! It can't be. You have grown from that tiny newborn into my chunky monkey. I smile whenever I see your leg rolls. They are so cute. Your hair does this faux hawk thing and your Daddy is so proud. I try combing it down and he messes it up. You love being held, and rocked, and talked to. If I could do one of those all day I think you'd be content. You sleep so soundly while I'm holding you but the second I put you down you start to stir. I know these days go by fast so I try not to rush through our rocking sessions. You are so loved. Avery asks about you when she wakes. She knows when you need a diaper change. She plays rough with you sometimes but you smile at her anyways. Daddy likes it when you laugh at him and he can hold you for longer than 10 minutes at a time. What can I say? Right now your are a Mommy's girl! I pray you always know how much you are loved. First by God then by your family. I pray we are able to let you experience true love do you can let God love you. Sweet girl you are so blessed!
Love,
Mommy &Daddy
23 Month Milestones - Avery
23 Month Milestones - 4/4/12 Height - 30.5"+
Weight - 22 lbs+
Sleeping - You usually go to bed around 8 or 8:30. You sleep til 9:30 or 10 and still take a 1.5 to 2 hr nap in the afternoon. You still sleep all night without waking so we are very blessed in this area.
Eating - This month you started to get more picky about what you eat. You love sweets and ask for "chocolate" if you see it around. :) Mommy has had to get more creative about finding things you will eat. You love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (all natural peanut butter and Simply Fruit strawberry spread).
New discoveries - You love to wash dishes in the sink. If Mommy is rinsing dishes or loading the dishwasher you pull up your stool and want to help. We have to set a timer otherwise you would play in the water for hours!
New accomplishments - You moved to your big girl bed this month (& did great in it)! Mommy was worried at first. Then we moved the toddler bed into your room and said let's do this. Daddy got all your stuffed animals and blankies and tucked you in for the night. You went to sleep and slept til 9:30 the next morning! Whoo-hoo! Much easier than I thought. Naptime has been a little bit of an adjustment but you are getting better at it.
Places you went - To Tyler for an early Easter celebration with Mim, Papa, Uncle Andrew, Aunt Kristi, Bella and Layla.
Special Memories - Playdates with friends. Walks with Claire in our new stroller. Playing with your puzzles. Washing dishes with Mommy. Hunting easter eggs in the living room. Hunting easter eggs with Bella.
One more story for your memory. You keep me on my toes every day. We had run an errand and you had left your taggie in the car. Claire was fussy so I had her in the Moby Wrab on me. You said, "blankie car Mommy." I remembered you had left it in the car. No biggie, I would just go get it for you. I walked to the garage, you were watching a cartoon. I shut the door to the garage behind me so you wouldn't get in to something that might hurt you. I walked around to your seat, got your taggie and heard you giggle from the door. My thought was, I hope she doesn't lock me out. I should have moved a little faster after that thought. I walked back around the car and sure enough you had locked me out of the house. Really?! The saving grace was Claire was with me and it was only you in the house. You were knocking on the door, playing a game you and daddy do. You knock on one side of the door and Daddy knocks on the other. Back and forth until you laugh. I guess you thought I would do the same. I kept knocking on the door to keep you near it, hoping you might unlock the handle. I was about to give up. I was going to walk next door and ask to use the neighbor's phone since mine was in the house. Just before I opened the garage door, I heard a click. You unlocked it! I was never so happy. You thought it was all a game and laughed when you saw me. Stinker! Let's just say I never go out to the garage without my keys anymore. And I've installed child safety covers on the door knobs.
What a month! I definitely have to learn to stay one step ahead of you. You amaze me with what you learn and remember. You really are more of a toddler than a baby now. My big girl. Daddy and I love you more than you know. We hope you will always remember that. Know that God has big plans for you. So blessed to be your Mommy and Daddy.
Love you Punkin-doodle!
Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Testing 1..2..3..
I am so behind on blogging right now. Have every intention of catching up because I want the girls to have this to look back on someday (its their virtual baby books). A friend (Precious Moments) has been having problems with Blogger so I thought I would log in and see if mine was still working. She is able to post from her blogging app on her phone, but not her computer. Any ideas? Leave me a comment or email me and I'll pass on the info. Thanks!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Avery - 22 Month Milestones
22 Month Milestones - 3/4/12 Height - 30.5"+
Weight - 22 lbs+
Sleeping - You usually go to bed around 8 or 8:30. You sleep til 9:30 or 10 and still take a 1.5 to 2 hr nap in the afternoon. You still sleep all night without waking so we are very blessed in this area.
Eating - Breakfast is usually eggs with cheese and fruit, oatmeal with frozen blueberries, or a waffle with yogurt and fruit. You can finish off 2 scrambled eggs with no problem. Depending on when you get up, sometimes you have a mid-Morning snack of cheerios, fruit, or crackers. Lunch is either left overs, chicken nuggets (5), or our muffin tin lunch. After nap time, you have a snack (again) and usually munch on something until dinner. For dinner you mostly eat what we have but occasionally you won't touch it. I found out you love carrot sticks and sliced cucumbers. Really you will eat pretty much any veggie if we give you ranch to dip it in. You call it "honey" and we aren't sure why. You also now have 16 teeth, 8 on top and 8 on bottom.
New discoveries - Playing outside with your chalk and wagon are your favorite afternoon activities. You won't let us pull you in the wagon, you insist on pulling it yourself. It looks so sweet you pulling it up and down the sidewalk.
New accomplishments - Your hair is long enough for a pony tail! I think Mommy is more excited about this than you are. I love fixing your hair each morning. You don't share my fondness for it.
Places you went - To Oklahoma to Nonna and Poppa's for Uncle Daniel's birthday and for your great-grandad's 80th birthday party.
Special Memories - Watching you learn to love Claire. You like to play with your baby doll like I take care of Claire. Going to our first Valentine's Day playdate with friends and helping you make Daddy a Valentine.
Two more months and you will be 2. Really?! How did it go by this fast? You really should still be Claire's size in my mind. But you are talking in full conversations. Making decisions on what you like. Helping Mommy take care of Claire. Telling Daddy "love you Daddy" before bed. You are more little girl and less baby each day. I'm excited about the days to come, but miss the days before. We pray your heart is always big - big enough to love Jesus, your family, your friends, big enough to share, big enough to dream. Love you baby girl!
~Mommy & Daddy
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Claire's 3 month Milestones
3 month milestones - 3/22/12
Height - 23"
Weight - 12 lbs plus some
Diapers - size 1 but getting snug
Clothes - 0-3 months but some are getting too tight
Sleeping - We finally are in a semi-routine. You usually eat around 8 or 8:30 each night then go to bed til about 2 or 3 in the morning. You eat then go back to sleep til 7 or 8, eat again, go back down, then up around 9:30 or 10. Its not all night but its not a bad schedule either. You usually sleep about 1 to 1.5 hours about 3 times during the day. You nap and sleep swaddled. We did switch you from the flannel swaddle to the Aden + Anais muslin swaddles and they seem to work so much better.
Eating - You eat every 3 to 3.5 hours during the day. Stil have a good appetite, but you suddenly are very distracted while nursing. I have to try everything, covering you with a blanket, walking around, playing music. Eventually you get hungry and eat but wow! Mom is getting a workout.
We had an appointment with Dr. Cole at the end of February to check on your tongue tie and lip tie. Apparently your lip tie was very tight and your tongue was about half-tied. We had both corrected, hoping it would help you be able to take a bottle and a paci and help you not take in so much air while eating. You were a champ. Mommy held you (while you were swaddled) while they did the procedure. Nonna thankfully had come home with us and stayed with sister during the procedure. Everything went well the first 24 hours. You had a swollen lip and wanted to sleep alot but nothing terribly bad. Then the next day came. You refused to eat from about 11 am to 11 pm. You were miserable and Mommy was worried. I was afraid to give you a bottle because I really didn't want you to give up nursing and prefer a bottle. You finally ate a little late that night. Mommy asked around and someone suggested Tylenol. I said a prayer and gave you a dose early the next morning. It made all the difference! You finally felt better enough to eat. It took about a week to get you back to your normal eating schedule. You can take a paci now. We still are trying to find a bottle you like.
New discoveries - Pacis and bottles are actually good! Of course it probably didn't help that you couldn't really take either until we got your lip/tongue ties corrected. You have found your hands. You love chewing on them. You can recognize Mommy, Daddy and big sis Avery.
New accomplishments - Sleeping 7 hours straight! Woo-hoo! Your colic/fussiness is getting better. Mommy and Daddy love that you don't have screaming marathons right before bed anymore. You actually take naps by yourself on your own.
Places you went - to OK for your great grandad's 80th birthday.
Special Memories - Watching your big sister Avery learn to be sweet and gentle with you. I walked to the bedroom and back and found her trying to push on your eyes! Needless to say Mommy says Avery, be gentle! At least 20 times a day. Big sister does love you though. She calls you Pear. Pear is sleeping. Pear is crying. Hi Pear! Are some of her favorite phrases.
Dear Claire - these past three months have flown by. It's hard to think how much has changed in such a short time. I love getting to stay home with you and Avery. Life is really different than it was 6 months ago. These days I hardly ever get on the computer unless it's at nap time. And nap time is something I try to participate in as often as I can. :) Play dates and errands are our fun trips out. We picnic on the living room floor on beach towels. My favorite parts of the day are rocking you to sleep, chasing down your crazy sister after bath time and listening to Daddy make you both laugh. I pray you always find joy in life. God puts so much all around us if we just stop and look.
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Height - 23"
Weight - 12 lbs plus some
Diapers - size 1 but getting snug
Clothes - 0-3 months but some are getting too tight
Sleeping - We finally are in a semi-routine. You usually eat around 8 or 8:30 each night then go to bed til about 2 or 3 in the morning. You eat then go back to sleep til 7 or 8, eat again, go back down, then up around 9:30 or 10. Its not all night but its not a bad schedule either. You usually sleep about 1 to 1.5 hours about 3 times during the day. You nap and sleep swaddled. We did switch you from the flannel swaddle to the Aden + Anais muslin swaddles and they seem to work so much better.
Eating - You eat every 3 to 3.5 hours during the day. Stil have a good appetite, but you suddenly are very distracted while nursing. I have to try everything, covering you with a blanket, walking around, playing music. Eventually you get hungry and eat but wow! Mom is getting a workout.
We had an appointment with Dr. Cole at the end of February to check on your tongue tie and lip tie. Apparently your lip tie was very tight and your tongue was about half-tied. We had both corrected, hoping it would help you be able to take a bottle and a paci and help you not take in so much air while eating. You were a champ. Mommy held you (while you were swaddled) while they did the procedure. Nonna thankfully had come home with us and stayed with sister during the procedure. Everything went well the first 24 hours. You had a swollen lip and wanted to sleep alot but nothing terribly bad. Then the next day came. You refused to eat from about 11 am to 11 pm. You were miserable and Mommy was worried. I was afraid to give you a bottle because I really didn't want you to give up nursing and prefer a bottle. You finally ate a little late that night. Mommy asked around and someone suggested Tylenol. I said a prayer and gave you a dose early the next morning. It made all the difference! You finally felt better enough to eat. It took about a week to get you back to your normal eating schedule. You can take a paci now. We still are trying to find a bottle you like.
New discoveries - Pacis and bottles are actually good! Of course it probably didn't help that you couldn't really take either until we got your lip/tongue ties corrected. You have found your hands. You love chewing on them. You can recognize Mommy, Daddy and big sis Avery.
New accomplishments - Sleeping 7 hours straight! Woo-hoo! Your colic/fussiness is getting better. Mommy and Daddy love that you don't have screaming marathons right before bed anymore. You actually take naps by yourself on your own.
Places you went - to OK for your great grandad's 80th birthday.
Special Memories - Watching your big sister Avery learn to be sweet and gentle with you. I walked to the bedroom and back and found her trying to push on your eyes! Needless to say Mommy says Avery, be gentle! At least 20 times a day. Big sister does love you though. She calls you Pear. Pear is sleeping. Pear is crying. Hi Pear! Are some of her favorite phrases.
Dear Claire - these past three months have flown by. It's hard to think how much has changed in such a short time. I love getting to stay home with you and Avery. Life is really different than it was 6 months ago. These days I hardly ever get on the computer unless it's at nap time. And nap time is something I try to participate in as often as I can. :) Play dates and errands are our fun trips out. We picnic on the living room floor on beach towels. My favorite parts of the day are rocking you to sleep, chasing down your crazy sister after bath time and listening to Daddy make you both laugh. I pray you always find joy in life. God puts so much all around us if we just stop and look.
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Monday, April 16, 2012
Random
I'm behind on the girls monthly updates with big intentions of getting caught up. I have 3 posts in draft status if that helps. Anyways, a friend posted this "20 questions" list on her blog. It was fun to read and think about so here is mine.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A nurse. Specifically with babies. That lasted until high school and really changed after I took zoology in college. Made my first B and realized I did not like memorizing stuff.
2. What is on your nightstand right now?
A lamp, some books, a random DVD, a paci, lotion, baby nail clippers, and 2 bottles of paint.
3. What are 3 of your all-time favorite movies?
Princess Bride, Tangled, Radio
4. Where is the coolest place you have ever kissed someone?
Lake Tahoe on our honeymoon
5. What do you regret doing as a child?
Being shy. Silly I know but now I see i let fear keep me from really living and having fun.
6. What is one thing you wish you could do?
Right now, keep a clean house, be a great mommy & wife, and have dinner made all in one day. I'm dreaming I know. :) I truly am happy being a stay at home mommy with a messy house and leftovers for dinner. The above is just if I had super powers.
7. What was your favorite job growing up?
Babysitting or working at Photographs by Lawrence.
8. What is your favorite food and favorite place to eat?
Either a steak from Outback or fajitas on the grill. Yum! I like Outback, Freebirds, Chick Fil A, and Sweet Tomato.
9. What was your favorite show as a kid?
Full House or Family Matters (TGIF - anyone remember that? So fun)
10. Who is your favorite actress & actor?
Sandra Bullock and Robert Downey Jr.
11. What CD is in your CD player right now?
Veggie Tales (Avery's choice)
12. How do you relieve stress?
Umm, read blogs, watch a movie with Randy, craft, SLEEP!!
13. What are your top 3 favorite TV shows that you watch now?
Castle, Bones, Private Practice
14. What is one thing that is hard for you to forgive?
Lies and being taken advantage of .
15. What are 3 things you want to do before you die?
Go on international mission trip with Randy, see my kids have their own relationship with Jesus, bless someone in s big way either financially or materially.
16. If you could play any sport and any position what would it be?
Sports? Hmm. I guess either be a swimmer or gymnast.
17. Have you ever smoked or used drugs?
Nope. Never.
18. What is your biggest fear?
Losing Randy or my kids, wasting my life
19. What are 3 things you don't really like?
Cleaning (there I said it, although I love the after part thus I must do it), putting laundry up, being left out
20. What are 3 things you are addicted to buying?
Cute girl clothes, summer shoes for me and the girls, Fruity Cheerios.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A nurse. Specifically with babies. That lasted until high school and really changed after I took zoology in college. Made my first B and realized I did not like memorizing stuff.
2. What is on your nightstand right now?
A lamp, some books, a random DVD, a paci, lotion, baby nail clippers, and 2 bottles of paint.
3. What are 3 of your all-time favorite movies?
Princess Bride, Tangled, Radio
4. Where is the coolest place you have ever kissed someone?
Lake Tahoe on our honeymoon
5. What do you regret doing as a child?
Being shy. Silly I know but now I see i let fear keep me from really living and having fun.
6. What is one thing you wish you could do?
Right now, keep a clean house, be a great mommy & wife, and have dinner made all in one day. I'm dreaming I know. :) I truly am happy being a stay at home mommy with a messy house and leftovers for dinner. The above is just if I had super powers.
7. What was your favorite job growing up?
Babysitting or working at Photographs by Lawrence.
8. What is your favorite food and favorite place to eat?
Either a steak from Outback or fajitas on the grill. Yum! I like Outback, Freebirds, Chick Fil A, and Sweet Tomato.
9. What was your favorite show as a kid?
Full House or Family Matters (TGIF - anyone remember that? So fun)
10. Who is your favorite actress & actor?
Sandra Bullock and Robert Downey Jr.
11. What CD is in your CD player right now?
Veggie Tales (Avery's choice)
12. How do you relieve stress?
Umm, read blogs, watch a movie with Randy, craft, SLEEP!!
13. What are your top 3 favorite TV shows that you watch now?
Castle, Bones, Private Practice
14. What is one thing that is hard for you to forgive?
Lies and being taken advantage of .
15. What are 3 things you want to do before you die?
Go on international mission trip with Randy, see my kids have their own relationship with Jesus, bless someone in s big way either financially or materially.
16. If you could play any sport and any position what would it be?
Sports? Hmm. I guess either be a swimmer or gymnast.
17. Have you ever smoked or used drugs?
Nope. Never.
18. What is your biggest fear?
Losing Randy or my kids, wasting my life
19. What are 3 things you don't really like?
Cleaning (there I said it, although I love the after part thus I must do it), putting laundry up, being left out
20. What are 3 things you are addicted to buying?
Cute girl clothes, summer shoes for me and the girls, Fruity Cheerios.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Claire's 2 Month Milestones
2 month milestones - 2/22/12
Height - 21.5"
Weight - 11 lbs 4 oz
Sleeping - This month was a rough one in the sleep department. Around 4-5 weeks our friend colic hit. Yep, he just couldn't stay away. We tried everything. Gripe water, mommy cutting out dairy, tomatoes, and chocolate. Nothing worked. Mommy was exhausted, daddy had to sleep in the extra bedroom to get any sleep and you were so miserable. During the day you were fine but from 6-10 every night you screamed and cried. So we started looking for other remedies. Nonna and some other friends suggested a chiropractor. Nonna googled chiropractors in our area and found Dr. P. I called and he said we could come right in. He started adjusting you at 6 weeks and we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. Mommy also noticed you won't take a paci and gag on bottles so we are looking into that.
Funny thing is in all this, you sleep for about 6 hours after the screaming ends. Then wake up to eat and go back to sleep for 3-4 hours. During the day your naps are 30 mins to 1.5 hours.
Eating - you have been eating like a champ! Every 3 to 4 hours during the day and go for a 6-7 hour stretch at night.
New discoveries - your hands, your bath, you don't like it when mommy eats lots of salads,
New accomplishments - you smiled at 6 weeks! You slept for 6 hours straight around then as well.
Places you went - to OK for Uncle Daniel's birthday and Grandad's 80th birthday celebration. Mim and Papa came to see you.
Special Memories - seeing you smile for the first time. Rocking you night after night praying you would settle down and sleep. The peace you felt when you finally were able to sleep. Your first Valentine's Day and playdate with friends. Celebrating Grandad's 80th birthday on Leap Day.
Dear Claire- this month was a little rough for us all. Colic is no fun and we all had to learn to adjust because of it. Hopefully next month will be better. You did have some wonderfully sweet moments. I love that you will nap in my arms and are so at peace. You are growing and changing so much. You are so different than your sister and it's a good thing. Keeps me and Daddy on our toes. :) we love you so much sweet baby girl. Praying God continues to watch over you and that we are the Mommy and Daddy you need.
~Mommy & Daddy
Friday, March 16, 2012
Panic. Otherwise known as the day I started going gray.
I am so behind on the girls monthly updates and blogging in general. Life with two and as a stay at home mom is so busy, fun and tiring. Totally worth it but blogging doesn't have a top priority right now. Anyways, I had to document this event for my memory and hopefully to share with Avery someday when she has kids.
Today, Friday, March 16, 2012 you Avery Harrelson locked Mommy and Claire out of the house. You aren't even two yet! Really?! We had run to Target for some things and when we got home you left your taggie "blankie" in the car. I started dinner and you realized you forgot blankie. You came to me and said, "Blankie in car." I remembered you had left it and said I'd go get it for you. I was wearing Clsire in the Moby Wrap and the car was in the garage. I went out to the garage and closed the door behind me so you wouldn't get into Daddy's tools in the garage. I walked to your side of the car opened the door and got blankie. I had the fleeting thought, "I hope she doesn't lock me out." and of all times I didn't have my phone with me. I walk back to the door and sure enough you had locked it. At this point my brain was trying to figure out how to get back into the house and every option I could think of wouldn't work. I opened the garage door because it was getting warm and I had Claire. I could hear you saying "mommy" and laughing. I kept trying to get you to unlock it. I tried Daddy's way of getting in but it didn't work. He says I didn't do it right. I'd almost given up and was going to head to the neighbors to call Daddy when you unlocked the door. Thank you God! I kept praying you wouldn't hurt yourself while we were waiting to get the door opened. I also was running through a list of things that I should have done to childproof better. Silly I know but I was worried. You thought the whole thing was a game and laughed when I opened the door. I know you didn't mean to but I think you gave Mommy a few gray hairs today.
I love you punkin-doodle but please, PLEASE don't ever lock me out again!
P.S. The whole episode took maybe five minutes. :)
Today, Friday, March 16, 2012 you Avery Harrelson locked Mommy and Claire out of the house. You aren't even two yet! Really?! We had run to Target for some things and when we got home you left your taggie "blankie" in the car. I started dinner and you realized you forgot blankie. You came to me and said, "Blankie in car." I remembered you had left it and said I'd go get it for you. I was wearing Clsire in the Moby Wrap and the car was in the garage. I went out to the garage and closed the door behind me so you wouldn't get into Daddy's tools in the garage. I walked to your side of the car opened the door and got blankie. I had the fleeting thought, "I hope she doesn't lock me out." and of all times I didn't have my phone with me. I walk back to the door and sure enough you had locked it. At this point my brain was trying to figure out how to get back into the house and every option I could think of wouldn't work. I opened the garage door because it was getting warm and I had Claire. I could hear you saying "mommy" and laughing. I kept trying to get you to unlock it. I tried Daddy's way of getting in but it didn't work. He says I didn't do it right. I'd almost given up and was going to head to the neighbors to call Daddy when you unlocked the door. Thank you God! I kept praying you wouldn't hurt yourself while we were waiting to get the door opened. I also was running through a list of things that I should have done to childproof better. Silly I know but I was worried. You thought the whole thing was a game and laughed when I opened the door. I know you didn't mean to but I think you gave Mommy a few gray hairs today.
I love you punkin-doodle but please, PLEASE don't ever lock me out again!
P.S. The whole episode took maybe five minutes. :)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Avery - 21 month milestones
(This is a month late. I thought I had posted it, but I didn't. Doing a little catch up blogging today!)
21 Month Milestones - 2/4/12
Height - 30.25"+
Weight - 21 lbs+
Sleeping - You usually go to bed around 7:30 or 8. You sleep til 9:30 or 10 and still take a 1.5 to 2 hr nap in the afternoon. You still sleep all night without waking so we are very blessed in this area.
Eating - Breakfast is usually eggs with cheese and fruit, oatmeal with frozen blueberries, or a waffle with yogurt and fruit. You can finish off 2 scrambled eggs with no problem. Depending on when you get up, sometimes you have a mid-Morning snack of cheerios, fruit, or crackers. Lunch is either left overs, chicken nuggets (5), or our muffin tin lunch. After nap time, you have a snack (again) and usually munch on something until dinner. For dinner you mostly eat what we have but occasionally you won't touch it. I found out you love carrot sticks and sliced cucumbers. Really you will eat pretty much any veggie if we give you ranch to dip it in. You call it "honey" and we aren't sure why. You also now have 16 teeth, 8 on top and 8 on bottom.
New discoveries - You have been talking a lot more this month, or it seems that way. You talk in your own form of sentences. Usually we can only understand two or three of the words but they make perfect sense to you. I wish I could just remember all the words you know and write them down.
Not really a discovery but for the record this past month has been really warm. We have spent several afternoons outside with our ball and chalk soaking up the sun. Crazy when you think about a year ago when we were iced in. For a week!
New accomplishments - you learned your first song and "sing" it with mommy. Mommy will sing "if you're happy and you know it, clap your hands/say amen" and you respond with a little high pitch "amen" every time. Cutest thing ever!
You started to love to dance. The songs on Tangled (which you request multiple times a day) always get a little dance out of you. You especially like it when Mommy or Daddy dance with you. You like to "rock out" to Thousand Foot Crutch in Daddy's truck too.
Places you went - Not many. We were pretty much quarantined to our house since Claire was so little.
Special Memories - Seeing you learn to love your baby sister. Watching you become more of a toddler and less of a baby. Watching you and Daddy during bathtime - that has become your special time with Daddy.
Punkin-doodle - you are growing up so much. I think I'm noticing it more since sister is so little. :) I love to see you learn and explore and grow, but wow! It truly does go by so fast. Thank you for being patient with Mommy as my attention has been divided between you and Claire. You are wonderful at playing by yourself while Mommy cares for Claire. I do love our special lunches/playtimes while Claire is asleep. It makes my love for you both grow so much.
~Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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Claire - 1 month milestones
1 month milestones - 1/22/11
Height - 20.75"
Weight - 8 lbs. 10 oz.
Sleeping - You have been such a flexible little sleeper. The first few weeks we let you sleep wherever you were. You took lots of naps in Someone's arms. Then we realized you weren't sleeping great at night. So we started swaddling regularly and sleeping got better. You have had a few nights where you'd rather stay awake than sleep. Sometimes that involved crying. On both our parts. I think something mommy ate bothered your tummy. We are working on figuring out what that is.
Eating - you have been eating like a champ! The first week it was every 2 to 2.5 hours during the day. By week 4 it was every 3 to 3.5. At night it varies. Most of the time you will go to sleep around 9 and wake up around 10:30 or 11 to eat. Then back to sleep by 12 then up again around 2 or 3. After that feeding you usually sleep until 7 or 8.
You have been gassy. (I know. Someday you might read this and say, "MOM!!" well this is my baby book for you and if I don't write this down I'll forget. Trust me, you'll know someday.) when you get this way Gripe Water comes to the rescue. I've cut out milk and that seems to help.
New discoveries - everything was new this month. You recognize Mommy and Daddy and right now prefer Mommy. I think it's because I have your food. Big sis Avery loves you and is learning to be kind and gentle to you. Currently though, you can sleep through her loudest screams. Let's hope that lasts.
New accomplishments - let's see. Arriving 2.5 weeks early and weighing more than your sister! She was 1.5 weeks early and weighed 6 lbs 5 oz.
Places you went - really no where. We pretty much stayed put since it was cold and RSV season in full swing. Cousin Layla actually did get RSV and got put into Children's at 3 weeks old. She was there for 2 weeks. Thankfully she made a full recovery and is home now. We have been extra cautious about taking you out until you get a little older and bigger.
Special Memories - your first Christmas at 3 days old. All the family and friends who celebrated your arrival with us. Seeing you for the first time. Watching your big sister and Daddy fall in love with you.
Dear Claire- you surprised us with your arrival and we are so glad. To have you here made Christmas so much more special this year. This second time parent thing seems to be going a little easier too. Hopefully all we learned with Avery will benefit you. You are special and unique. Your own little you. I know you will teach us lots and we will learn patiently. When people say they didn't know they could have enough love for 2, but they did, they are so right. We love you baby girl. More than you know. You have mommy, daddy, Avery and all our family and friends praying for you, loving you, and celebrating you.
~Mommy & Daddy
Height - 20.75"
Weight - 8 lbs. 10 oz.
Sleeping - You have been such a flexible little sleeper. The first few weeks we let you sleep wherever you were. You took lots of naps in Someone's arms. Then we realized you weren't sleeping great at night. So we started swaddling regularly and sleeping got better. You have had a few nights where you'd rather stay awake than sleep. Sometimes that involved crying. On both our parts. I think something mommy ate bothered your tummy. We are working on figuring out what that is.
Eating - you have been eating like a champ! The first week it was every 2 to 2.5 hours during the day. By week 4 it was every 3 to 3.5. At night it varies. Most of the time you will go to sleep around 9 and wake up around 10:30 or 11 to eat. Then back to sleep by 12 then up again around 2 or 3. After that feeding you usually sleep until 7 or 8.
You have been gassy. (I know. Someday you might read this and say, "MOM!!" well this is my baby book for you and if I don't write this down I'll forget. Trust me, you'll know someday.) when you get this way Gripe Water comes to the rescue. I've cut out milk and that seems to help.
New discoveries - everything was new this month. You recognize Mommy and Daddy and right now prefer Mommy. I think it's because I have your food. Big sis Avery loves you and is learning to be kind and gentle to you. Currently though, you can sleep through her loudest screams. Let's hope that lasts.
New accomplishments - let's see. Arriving 2.5 weeks early and weighing more than your sister! She was 1.5 weeks early and weighed 6 lbs 5 oz.
Places you went - really no where. We pretty much stayed put since it was cold and RSV season in full swing. Cousin Layla actually did get RSV and got put into Children's at 3 weeks old. She was there for 2 weeks. Thankfully she made a full recovery and is home now. We have been extra cautious about taking you out until you get a little older and bigger.
Special Memories - your first Christmas at 3 days old. All the family and friends who celebrated your arrival with us. Seeing you for the first time. Watching your big sister and Daddy fall in love with you.
Dear Claire- you surprised us with your arrival and we are so glad. To have you here made Christmas so much more special this year. This second time parent thing seems to be going a little easier too. Hopefully all we learned with Avery will benefit you. You are special and unique. Your own little you. I know you will teach us lots and we will learn patiently. When people say they didn't know they could have enough love for 2, but they did, they are so right. We love you baby girl. More than you know. You have mommy, daddy, Avery and all our family and friends praying for you, loving you, and celebrating you.
~Mommy & Daddy
Monday, January 23, 2012
Claire's arrival
They say the second child gets shorted when it comes to pictures and such. Sadly, after a month, I have to agree. So here is my attempt to give Claire the blog time she deserves. Plus this is my way of documenting all those important moments and memories.
December 22 started off as a normal day. Well, mostly. Early that morning I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. This wasn't unusual, the last month of pregnancy mean tossing and turning almost every night. This time I decided to actually get up so I wouldn't wake Randy up. I spent the next two hours playing on the Internet. Finally I was tired again so I went back to bed. I woke up early to take a shower and get ready for my midwife appointment. Our babysitter, Tiffany, came over to watch Avery for me while I was at my appointment. While in the shower and driving, I noticed I was having some small contractions. They were sporadic and not very painful. At my appointment, my midwife checked me and we were measuring at 37 weeks. I was also dialated to a 3 and 50% effaced. Funny thing was, I was at a 3 and 80% when we went to the hospital with Avery. I told Lisa that I had contractions for two days with Avery and didn't realize they were contractions, so I could be wrong about these. She said since they weren't strong and regular that it could still be a while. She jokingly said if we wanted her to come soon to walk a lot.
I left the birth center and headed to Sam's to finish my Christmas shopping. I just had a few things to get then I headed to Studio Movie Grill to buy tickets for the date night Randy and I had planned for that night. Bad idea I know. Ran by the post office to drop off a package. Got home and Avery was asleep. I grabbed some lunch and sat on the couch to blog and look at Facebook.
During the time I left the center and got home, the contractions got a little stronger but weren't long or regular. I thought it was just because I was on my feet. Resting on the couch seemed to lessen them. I still tried to time them but they weren't regular. Avery woke up about 3 and played while I sat on the couch. At this point, they would come in groups of 3 if I got up and walked but sitting slowed them. By about 4:30 I was having them while sitting too and they were getting stronger. Avery pretty much had free reign of the house. Poor thing, snacked on Cheerios and juice and ran wild for the most part.
Because I couldn't see a pattern I really wasn't sure if labor was progressing or if they would let up. Plus I really wanted to make our date night. By 5 they were pretty strong and I was having to sit or lay down during them. At this point I realized we wouldn't be making the movie. I called Randy and let him know I thought we needed to head to the birth center. I called Lisa and let her know what was going on and asked if we should come in. She said yes and that she'd get things ready for us.
Here is where things get crazy. See Avery surprised us at 38.5 weeks and we didn't have our bags packed or the car seat installed. Well this time we told ourselves we would be ready by 38 weeks and not be surprised. We should really stop saying that. There we were at 37.5 weeks and deja vu. So after calling Lisa and Randy and making sure Avery had plenty of juice and Cheerios, my to do list started. My bag, Claire's bag, snacks, Avery's overnight bag all had to be packed. I called Brenda to let her know Avery would be spending the night. And all this was from the floor of my bedroom. :) thankfully Randy got home soon and I had most of what i needed laid out for him to put in a bag. The Segler's arrived to get Avery and finally we were ready to go. Poor Avery didn't know what was going on. She did know something was up and that mommy was hurting. She was so cuddly that afternoon.
We left and debated on which route to take. Because of traffic and construction it took us about 30 minutes to get to the center. I was focusing on breathing through the contractions and Randy was driving and timing them. :) We got there, went upstairs to our room and it was about 7:00. Lisa and Rebekah helped me get somewhat comfortable on the big exercise ball. I was having lots of pressure down low. Resting on the ball helped take some of the pressure off. With their help, and Randy's encouragement, I labored like this for about 30 minutes or so. Then my legs started feeling weak, so I asked to lay down.
After a little "rest" it was already time to push. Are you keeping track? We hadn't been at the birth center for an hour yet. I pushed for 10-15 minutes and then Claire was born! At 7:52 p.m. She was perfect! I think she came out screaming. Her lungs were very healthy. :) We thought she was smaller than Avery, but she actually weighed 6 lbs 7 ounces. Avery was 6 lbs 5 oz. She was red, with light brown hair, and chubby cheeks. So different than Avery. She was all her own. I got to hold her right away and I was in love. I don't know how it happens but I loved her just as much as when I saw Avery for the first time. She got to nurse and took to it like a champ.
My parents arrived just after she was born and got to come in and meet her. Lisa and Rebekah checked her out, Daddy got to weigh her, and then it was time to enjoy her. Our little Claire Elizabeth. She was here. 2.5 weeks early. We joked that she didn't want to miss Christmas. She (& God) had a timetable all their own.
Randy and Dad left to grab something to eat, while Claire and I got to enjoy a nice herbal bath. We ate dinner (at 10 that night) and then Mom and Dad headed back to our house. Randy and I decided to stay at the birth center overnight because it was so late. We could have gone home 2 hours after she was born if we had wanted to. We had an ok night. I don't think either of us slept much. Not because Claire was fussy, she just was restless. I was running on adreniline and just couldn't sleep. It was a sweet night all the same. We got up the next morning and headed home around 8.
I'm going to break this story up here. It will be easier to blog about our arrival home and Avery's first meeting in another entry. Pictures will come soon.
December 22 started off as a normal day. Well, mostly. Early that morning I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. This wasn't unusual, the last month of pregnancy mean tossing and turning almost every night. This time I decided to actually get up so I wouldn't wake Randy up. I spent the next two hours playing on the Internet. Finally I was tired again so I went back to bed. I woke up early to take a shower and get ready for my midwife appointment. Our babysitter, Tiffany, came over to watch Avery for me while I was at my appointment. While in the shower and driving, I noticed I was having some small contractions. They were sporadic and not very painful. At my appointment, my midwife checked me and we were measuring at 37 weeks. I was also dialated to a 3 and 50% effaced. Funny thing was, I was at a 3 and 80% when we went to the hospital with Avery. I told Lisa that I had contractions for two days with Avery and didn't realize they were contractions, so I could be wrong about these. She said since they weren't strong and regular that it could still be a while. She jokingly said if we wanted her to come soon to walk a lot.
I left the birth center and headed to Sam's to finish my Christmas shopping. I just had a few things to get then I headed to Studio Movie Grill to buy tickets for the date night Randy and I had planned for that night. Bad idea I know. Ran by the post office to drop off a package. Got home and Avery was asleep. I grabbed some lunch and sat on the couch to blog and look at Facebook.
During the time I left the center and got home, the contractions got a little stronger but weren't long or regular. I thought it was just because I was on my feet. Resting on the couch seemed to lessen them. I still tried to time them but they weren't regular. Avery woke up about 3 and played while I sat on the couch. At this point, they would come in groups of 3 if I got up and walked but sitting slowed them. By about 4:30 I was having them while sitting too and they were getting stronger. Avery pretty much had free reign of the house. Poor thing, snacked on Cheerios and juice and ran wild for the most part.
Because I couldn't see a pattern I really wasn't sure if labor was progressing or if they would let up. Plus I really wanted to make our date night. By 5 they were pretty strong and I was having to sit or lay down during them. At this point I realized we wouldn't be making the movie. I called Randy and let him know I thought we needed to head to the birth center. I called Lisa and let her know what was going on and asked if we should come in. She said yes and that she'd get things ready for us.
Here is where things get crazy. See Avery surprised us at 38.5 weeks and we didn't have our bags packed or the car seat installed. Well this time we told ourselves we would be ready by 38 weeks and not be surprised. We should really stop saying that. There we were at 37.5 weeks and deja vu. So after calling Lisa and Randy and making sure Avery had plenty of juice and Cheerios, my to do list started. My bag, Claire's bag, snacks, Avery's overnight bag all had to be packed. I called Brenda to let her know Avery would be spending the night. And all this was from the floor of my bedroom. :) thankfully Randy got home soon and I had most of what i needed laid out for him to put in a bag. The Segler's arrived to get Avery and finally we were ready to go. Poor Avery didn't know what was going on. She did know something was up and that mommy was hurting. She was so cuddly that afternoon.
We left and debated on which route to take. Because of traffic and construction it took us about 30 minutes to get to the center. I was focusing on breathing through the contractions and Randy was driving and timing them. :) We got there, went upstairs to our room and it was about 7:00. Lisa and Rebekah helped me get somewhat comfortable on the big exercise ball. I was having lots of pressure down low. Resting on the ball helped take some of the pressure off. With their help, and Randy's encouragement, I labored like this for about 30 minutes or so. Then my legs started feeling weak, so I asked to lay down.
After a little "rest" it was already time to push. Are you keeping track? We hadn't been at the birth center for an hour yet. I pushed for 10-15 minutes and then Claire was born! At 7:52 p.m. She was perfect! I think she came out screaming. Her lungs were very healthy. :) We thought she was smaller than Avery, but she actually weighed 6 lbs 7 ounces. Avery was 6 lbs 5 oz. She was red, with light brown hair, and chubby cheeks. So different than Avery. She was all her own. I got to hold her right away and I was in love. I don't know how it happens but I loved her just as much as when I saw Avery for the first time. She got to nurse and took to it like a champ.
My parents arrived just after she was born and got to come in and meet her. Lisa and Rebekah checked her out, Daddy got to weigh her, and then it was time to enjoy her. Our little Claire Elizabeth. She was here. 2.5 weeks early. We joked that she didn't want to miss Christmas. She (& God) had a timetable all their own.
Randy and Dad left to grab something to eat, while Claire and I got to enjoy a nice herbal bath. We ate dinner (at 10 that night) and then Mom and Dad headed back to our house. Randy and I decided to stay at the birth center overnight because it was so late. We could have gone home 2 hours after she was born if we had wanted to. We had an ok night. I don't think either of us slept much. Not because Claire was fussy, she just was restless. I was running on adreniline and just couldn't sleep. It was a sweet night all the same. We got up the next morning and headed home around 8.
I'm going to break this story up here. It will be easier to blog about our arrival home and Avery's first meeting in another entry. Pictures will come soon.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
20 month milestones - 1/4/12
20 Month Milestones - 1/4/12
Height - 30.25"+
Weight - 21 lbs
Sleeping - You usually go to bed around 7:30 or 8. Your morning nap is gone for good. :( Mommy was sad about this but giving it up means you sleep til 9:30 or 10 and still take a 1.5 to 2 hr nap in the afternoon so I cannot complain. You still sleep all night without waking so we are very blessed in this area.
Eating - Let's see, since I have been home with you full time for over a month, I am realizing you eat a lot! Breakfast is usually eggs with cheese and fruit, oatmeal with frozen blueberries, or a waffle with yogurt and fruit. You can finish off 2 scrambled eggs with no problem. Depending on when you get up, sometimes you have a mid-Morning snack of cheerios, fruit, or crackers. Lunch is either left overs, chicken nuggets (5), or our muffin tin lunch. After nap time, you have a snack (again) and usually munch on something until dinner. For dinner you mostly eat what we have but occasionally you won't touch it. I am really not sure why you aren't close to 30 lbs when I think about all you eat in a day! You LOVE prune juice. We water it down so it's mainly water with a tiny bit if juice but you still love it. Milk and water are staples too. Mommy discovered an easy way to lose weight - sit next to you while eating. You will eat off my plate more than your own. You also now have 16 teeth, 8 on top and 8 on bottom. Your eye teeth came in thus month.
New discoveries - You became a big sister this month. Claire arrived 3 days before Christmas and your world changed forever. You weren't sure about her when we first brought her home. You did not like the fact that she had a new blanket that you thought was yours. But you gradually warmed up to her and now I think love her. We have to remind you to be gentle but you are sweet to her.
You also love to talk on the phone - any phone, real or not. This started when Mommy started being home full time, I think. When I needed to get some work done but you needed interaction I would call Nonna and you and her would talk and talk. Most of it was jabbering but every now and then you would throw in real words. Your Aunt Vickie got you a play iPhone for Christmas. It's cute until you get mad because you want to talk on our phones and we are using them!
New accomplishments - you love to open presents and since it was Christmas you had several opportunities. It started out with Mim and Papa's visit. You loved pulling the paper off the boxes. Then came Christmas morning. You opened Mommy and Daddy's gifts first. Then came Nonna and Poppa's and Daniel and April's. This time you just wanted to tear off the paper and move on to the next one. ;) you stuck to it in spite of it being your nap time.
You also had your first week long trip away from Mommy and Daddy. Mommy wasn't allowed to lift you after Claire was born. Nonna stayed with us the first week we were all home, and you went home with her and Poppa for the second week. From what I heard you kept them on their toes! They really enjoyed getting to spend so much time with you and you had a ball.
Places you went - To Tyler with Mommy to meet your cousin Layla. To Bass Pro to see Santa with Mommy, Daddy, Mim, and Papa. To Aunt B (Brenda) and Uncle Mark's overnight when Claire was born. You even slept in Tiffany's bed with her! To Oklahoma with Nonna and Poppa for a week.
Special Memories - Meeting your new cousin Layla for the first time. Eating breakfast with Angela and Ashley at Cracker Barrel. Seeing Santa at Bass Pro. Riding the carousel with Daddy. Meeting your baby sister for the first time. Christmas with Mommy, Daddy, Claire, Nonna, Poppa, Daniel, and April.
This month was a busy one. It went by much faster than expected. You were a trooper though, through it all. It was so much fun to experience Christmas through your eyes. The wonder and excitement, the awe. You grew up so much when we brought Claire home. It was so wonderful and sad at the same time. You will always be my baby, but you are no longer the baby of our family. You are learning to be gentle and sweet to Claire. You are learning to be patient and share Mommy and Daddy's attention. So much in so little time. You are a precious little girl. We love you more than you know.
~Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, January 12, 2012
19th month milestones - 12/4/11
19th Month Milestones - 12/4/11
Height - 30.25"+
Weight - 20 lbs+
Sleeping - You usually go to bed around 8:00. You also gave up your morning nap for the most part. Funny thing is if you aren't at home you'll take it. Mommy also realized your room needs to be darker for you to sleep longer. We are working on that one. You usually sleep until 9 or 9:30.
Eating - Your picky phase got better this minth. Which was great considering Thanksgiving was in there. Since Mommy was home with you full time now, I'm getting creative on ways to get you to eat. One of your favorites is eating out of a muffin tin. I put cupcake liners in the tin then fill each with a small amount of food. The first time we had this you ate everything! You even tried some new foods. Muffin tin lunches will be making their appearance a lot around here!You have 12 teeth, 6 on top and 6 on bottom.
New discoveries - You are recognizing who people are and putting names with faces. You started calling me Mommy more. Yay! You still yell Da-da when you wake up. Every single time. Even though I'm the one who gets you out of bed 80% of the time. You are starting to learn what the potty is. Hopefully you still love it when we do full out potty training.
New accomplishments - You stayed 3 days by yourself with Nonna and Poppa before Thanksgiving. We weren't sure how you would do but you did great! Didn't throw fits or anything. You started throwing fits/tantrums often after mommy started working from home this month. Like all out screaming and crying. Most of them happen when mommy tells you no. It's like your whole world falls apart at that word. We are working on it though. In the meantime know we love you and our no's are to protect you not because we want to be mean. I'm sure we will have to explain that several times over your lifetime.
Places you went - To Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. We celebrated by spending all week at Nonna and Poppa's.
Special Memories - Having a garage sale with Daddy, Mommy, Nonna, and Poppa. Thanksgiving in Oklahoma. Spending time with friends - Amelia, Jessica, Zach, Ava, Katie, Lily, Cami, Lacey, and Jon. Getting spoiled by all your great-grandparents, aunts and uncles. Driving to see the Christmas lights (much better experience this year).
You are growing and changing so much punkin doodle. Everyday I see you learning and trying something new. So blessed by your little life and heart already.
~Mommy & Daddy
2012 - resolutions
It is already January 12, 2012. How is that possible? I have let the blog sit idle long enough. My goal this year for the blog is to get caught up and do better at writing what's happening in our lives.
The last few months of 2011 were kind of crazy in our lives. I was growing a baby and finishing up working full time. Randy's job kept him busy and all his hard work paid off in him getting the most cost efficient award out of all the warranty reps. Avery was growing, learning, and changing what seemed like daily. And then Claire arrived! I promise I'll do posts about all of these. Soon!
The last few months of 2011 were kind of crazy in our lives. I was growing a baby and finishing up working full time. Randy's job kept him busy and all his hard work paid off in him getting the most cost efficient award out of all the warranty reps. Avery was growing, learning, and changing what seemed like daily. And then Claire arrived! I promise I'll do posts about all of these. Soon!
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