Tried my hand at making some little Valentine’s Day cards this year. Sweet Adeline loves receiving cards (thanks to her personally addressed mail from my sister in Ohio) and I know she will be absolutely thrilled with an opportunity to distribute her own this year (love this age!) I only had a few minutes to do this, but it’s a cute first attempt and gets the job done!
Still in need of some of your own little cards? Check out these free, printable, adorable cards from One Charming Party!
on the swings – her favorite
I’m on day one of cleaning the house (yes, it takes me like 3 days), I have a “to do” list a mile long and James has barely recovered from traveling . . . so what do we do? We take a day off and go to Busch Gardens for a family fun day! Sometimes you just have to take a break from it all and go have some fun. We happen to have some passes that will be expiring soon . . . and with the little ones we never last long so we went just for the morning. It was a blast.
As soon as we walked into the park James ran ahead to check out Cheetah Hunt (new ride). The girls and I took our sweet time getting there checking out the awesome hippopotamus sleeping in the water with the fish and turtles. When we got there we were watching the ride and I happened to snap a picture, the ride goes so fast you can’t really see who is on it. When I got home and was looking through the pictures I saw that I actually caught James on the ride! What are the chances??! How fun!
Best part of Busch Garden Tampa Bay for toddlers is Sesame Street Safari of Fun. Awesome place to run around . . they have 2 sections of spray fountains, a variety of toddler rides, huge sand pit, bouncing trampoline thing, tree houses and of course – Elmo. What is it about Elmo? There is something about him that kids are just attracted to. I don’t even know where Adeline learned “Elmo” was but it was one of the first characters she could recognize (we barely watch Sesame Street). I suppose he is just a nice, furry, loveable kind of guy.
the star himself
Amelia went on her first ride – the “Safari go-round.” Poor thing wasn’t a big fan…isn’t that the cutest little pout ever?!
Playing in the fountains during Lunch on January 26 . . .the benefits of living in Florida during the winter. It was a beautiful day in every way.
Here we go again – starting solids with Amelia! A few years ago I did a post on Making My Own Baby Food and it turned out to be one of the best things we could have done for Adeline. I should give you a disclaimer, I am not a nutritionist or even a “health nut” by any means. I really enjoy food and am known to eat anything (good and bad). And although I appreciate healthy food and it truly makes me feel good and definitely helps with the waistline, I am obsessed with my Chipotle burrito, french fries with ranch dressing and the occasional Big Mac. But when it came to transitioning my babies to solids, I became much more aware and educated as to what we put in to our bodies (or at least into theirs). I guess it started with the breastfeeding, I figured that if I was to put so much effort into making breastfeeding work for us, this healthy all natural approach was going to keep going.
Making your own baby food is so much easier then people think it is. I’m not a spectacular “cook” by any means and I’m all about getting a quick and easy (but yummy) dinner on the table. We got the Beaba Babycook
As I stated before, I’m not a 100% organic, non processed foodie. We eat mac & cheese, hot dogs & sugary cereals – but we also have fresh fish, carrots and rice. Adeline eats gold fish, candy and loves McDonald’s chicken nuggets – but we try to keep all these things in moderation. I admire moms like Lisa Leake from 100 Days of Real Food who prepare organic and natural foods on a daily basis, I truly believe it’s the best thing you can do for yourself nutritionally. Our bodies are developed and fueled by what we eat.
There are a lack of studies on the specific roles nutrition has on the neurological and physical development in preschool children (as this age group is difficult to measure), but we do know that there is no part of our physical or psychological existence that is not affected by nutrition. From the first stage of gestational development during pregnancy, to birth and beyond – nutrition plays a role. We all know that malnutrition is detrimental to our health and overall development as the consequences are obvious and well studied. Just think of everything your child learns to do in it’s first few years of life – from taking, walking, listening to instructions, engaging in tasks to making decision for themselves. It’s amazing – we all know the recommendations and benefits from breastfeeding, I would love to know more about the correlations between POSITIVE exposures of vital nutrients in infants and the specific developmental and behavioral outcomes that occur those first few years.
My take on it – we as parents have the responsibility to make the right choices for our children. It is proven that children learn what and how much to eat from their parents. They cannot do it themselves and depend on us 100%. If I don’t teach them my children to clean up after themselves, be respectful or eat right – I can’t expect them to just grow into it, it’s learned. Commercial baby food has nutrients, is convenient and easy. Have I used jarred baby food? Definitely, I’m not about to break out the baby cook on a road trip (although I have taken it when flying to grandmas). We all want what is best for your kids and there is only so much you can do. Just be aware of what your putting into your kids bodies and the pros and cons. Do not be fooled that a jar of bananas is just as nutritional as taking a banana into a bowl and mashing it with a fork. Millions of infants eat commercial food everyday and have all their nutritional needs met with no health issues, but you have to wonder what physical, psychological and developmental consequences this may have as research is so underdeveloped in this area.
Sources:
Georgieff, M.K. (2007). Nutrition and the developing brain: nutrient priorities and measurement. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85 (20), 614 – 620.
Rosales, F.J., Reznick, J.S., Zeisel, S.H. (2009). Understanding the Role of Nutrition in the Brain & Behavioral Development of Toddlers and Preschool Children: Identifying and Overcoming Methodological Barriers. Nutritional Neuroscience, 12 (5), 190 – 202.
Scaglioni, S., Salvioni, M., Galimberti, C., (2008). Influence of parental attitude in the development of children eating behavior. British Journal of Nutrition, 99 (1), 22-25.
Stallone, D.D., Jacobson, M.F. (1995). Cheating Babies: Nutritional Quality and Cost of Commercial Baby Food. Center for Science in the Public Interest. Retrieved from http://www.cspinet.org/reports/cheat1.html.
So Amelia is already 6 months old, I can’t believe it. I’ve survived having a newborn and a 2 year old with no major catastrophes, have kept my sanity and even enjoyed myself. Here are some key things that have helped me along the way . . .
1. Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Color Video Monitor
I am beyond blessed with the world’s best sisters. I have three – yes, it can be overwhelming, chaotic and emotional – but they are all special, priceless relationships. It’s like having three guaranteed best friends (whether they like it or not!) So to my sisters…
Thank you.
To my little sister, thank you for loving me even when I could be a bully. For putting up with my craziness and bossiness. For dealing with my projects and adventures. For being there when I need someone to rely on. For listening and loving and always being steadfast. For your patience and dedication, for your commitment in everything you do.
To my older sister. Thank you for your example of perservience and determination. For pushing me and encouraging me in all that I do. Thank you for always getting it done. For never letting anything stop you and showing us what hard work and determination can get. For your wisdom, boldness and fiestiness. For your conversations (even when lengthy) and passion.
To my oldest sister. Thank you for your love and support. For your kind heart and soft arms. Thank you for never saying no even when you want to. For putting up with all of us even when you’ve had enough. For always listening and accepting. For a heart of gold and a smile like no other. For your strength and perseverance through the good and bad, thank you for your example of love.
I love you all more than you know.
Now having 2 little precious girls of my own…I cherish the moments when they share a smile and even a toy. Their relationship is growing already and I pray they have that special, unique connection that only sisters have. Through the good and bad, they will always have each other.
It’s been a BUSY summer for us this year. New baby, potty training, traveling . . . I can’t believe Fall is here already! Time is flying by so fast that sometimes I just want to hit the pause button and slow things down a bit to enjoy these precious moments. I can’t believe that Adeline is 2 1/2 already, such a fun (and at times trying) stage. I love the holidays and I’m really looking forward to sharing this time of year with Adeline as she is able to understand and participate in SO MUCH MORE now. First up – Fall projects and Thanksgiving! Here is our “to do” for the upcoming season – look forward to updates on our progress. Happy Fall =)
“Give thanks to the lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
Almond flavored cookies – YUM. I came across this deliciously simple sugar cookie recipe from Pillsbury a few months back and they have become a huge hit in my home. Adeline and I had some fun making them again this Labor Day weekend and I think we only have 2-3 left already (only because my husband hid them). They are great cookies to make with kids to serve at a party or for a simple little treat! Adeline picked the frosting color (lavender was the choice this time) and loved “sandwiching” the cookies after I iced. Enjoy
print from www.emilyleypaper.com
Recently having our second little girl I am reminded of how hectic life can get. Newborns are hard work! I am constantly feeding, burping or putting the little one to sleep while trying to entertain and provide an adequate amount of attention to my two year old…not to mention keeping the house in some what of an order, provide meals, clean cloths, be a loving wife and MAYBE have some time to myself (??!) . . . whew, I’m EXHAUSTED!
I find myself getting frustrated because I just can’t get everything done. I overwhelm myself (often with the things that are not so important) consequently turning into a cranky and irritable mom, which I have found often leads to cranky and irritable children and husband. But when I get to thinking about all of this and my (sometimes) bad attitude, I realize that I do it to myself. I dwell on things that are not important and hold myself to some unobtainable standard that I set for myself. I am not perfect. There will be days (many days) when things just do not go according to “my plan” or “my schedule” – and that’s OKAY because it’s not about ME.
In the big picture, some things just don’t matter that much. I am blessed with an amazing, loving family. If I dwell too much about everything I have to do, I’m going to miss some amazing moments with this family. It is by God’s grace that I have the privilege of being a mother…. I am reminded that sometimes I just need to take a deep breath, step back, pray and re-prioritize my “to do” list.
God did not give me this role to walk around anxious and stressed out all day, I will miss His rewards by my own ignorance and my family will reap the consequences. My children are watching me everyday..they observe how I deal and react to EVERY situation. I want them to see a mom of GRACE who knows how to stay calm, react with wisdom, enjoy life and be CHRIST-LIKE. We will have good days and bad days, but each day is a blessing where we can all learn and grow. And for those really really bad days – we just need to remember that tomorrow is a new day!
Emily Ley (from www.emilyleypaper.com) could not have said it better when she said
Check out her blog HERE to print your own copy of her great, free printable pictured above – AND put it on your desk.
When I delivered my first little girl in 2009 my plan was to have a natural child birth. I went in determined to make this happen, but after 19 or so hours of grueling labor things didn’t go according to my “plan.” I ended up having a Cesarean (C-section) despite all my efforts in trying to avoid one. It was an exhausting experience and not what I may have wanted, but thankfully we had a successful and healthy arrival of little Adeline – you can read about my first delivery experience HERE. So when we got pregnant with our second, I was bit apprehensive about delivery. Should I just schedule another C-section? Do I try a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)? Will my doctor allow me to even try a VBAC?
If possible, I did not want another C-section. My recovery was horrible . . . I couldn’t sit up for several days, function without prescription pain medication and tasks such a breastfeeding, laughing, coughing were all very difficult. Truth be told I also felt a bit cheated, I wanted that experience of having a “normal” delivery. I wanted to be able to immediately hold my little girl in a hospital room as opposed to an operating room and have the opportunity to do skin to skin as soon as she was born. I have heard from others that they had a wonderful (well at least a not so bad) C-section experience, but that was not the case with me. Regardless of the method I would just be thankful for a safe and healthy delivery, BUT if I could have a choice, I would prefer not to go through major abdominal surgery again. I find it surprising that many moms, including celebrities, are given an opportunity to choose a method of delivery and (MANY) are opting to have a C-section for convenience rather than a medical justification. C-sections in reality are a riskier choice for mom and baby. Many don’t realize that they actually have more harmful medical effects over a vaginal birth.
Studies state that even if a mother has a C-section with the first pregnancy, attempting a vaginal child birth with future pregnancies can be very successful. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists came out with an updated list of guidelines (July, 2010) stating that not only women with one previous C-section could attempt a VBAC, but women with up to two previous C-sections, women carrying twins and women with an unknown uterine scar. A VBAC has it’s risk, but definitely not any more than a C-section. In fact, a successful VBAC has fewer complications than a elective repeat C-section. Unfortunately, VBACS are not the norm in hospitals. Despite the positive findings, the majority of doctors and hospitals do not encourage VBACs - if they even allow them at all. It is easier for the medical practitioner and hospital to perform another C-section than attempt a VBAC – but sometimes you have to ask who’s best interests do they truly have in mind? Cesareans are at an all time high in the United States. Doctors are too quick to preform them and mother’s are not fully informed of the risks involved in a C-section or the benefits of a vaginal birth. C-sections are a life saving medical procedure for both mom and baby, but should be done at the right time for the right reason.
So what do I do? I knew that I wanted to at least try a VBAC. I discussed this with my midwife (I attend a medical midwife/doctor practice) and the plan we came up with was to schedule a C-section right at the end of my pregnancy (the day after my due date) and if I would go into labor naturally prior to this date – I could try a VBAC as long as there were no major complications. Still vividly remembering the complications I had with my first delivery, I wasn’t overly hopeful, but it sounded like a good plan to me. As the months progressed I had myself convinced that I would definitely go into labor early this time (I was 3 days late with the first one), which would mean a smaller baby and hopefully a better possibility of a VBAC. But before I knew it I was VERY pregnant . . . and despite running after a 2 year old and participating in lots of outdoor adventures . . . my C-section was scheduled in 2 days and there was no sign of this baby coming out. Ugh, I was so anxious about it, knowing that I had a scheduled surgery to deliver my baby was nerve wrecking to me. I remember staying up the evening of June 19 stressing about the pre-op appointment I was to have the following morning. I was just praying that whatever was going to happen with this delivery, C-section or not, that God would have his hand on it because it was out of my control (but to at at least allow me to go into a labor on my own and for this baby to come out when she was good and ready!)
Well, the next morning I woke up my husband around 6 AM with contractions and by 7 AM we were heading to the hospital with contractions minutes apart. My midwife came in, examined me and said that the baby was a lot lower and in a better position than my first one was – I got the green light on the VBAC if I still wanted to try it. But then there was the pain, the excruciating pain… ugh, labor sucks. I was vividly recalling my previous 19 hour labor experience and the doubt just settled in, I really didn’t think I would be able to try and push another large child out. A nice, quick C-section sounded SO appealing and I was SO tempted to just call it quits. I mean, seriously, who tries a VBAC on their due date with a previous 10.4 pd child? Why put myself through this torture? But I had to try it, especially since I fought for it in the first place.
This whole experience was just surreal. I remember walking around the hospital room with contractions (in extreme, almost intolerable pain), holding on to the most loving husband in the world and being cheered on by the greatest midwife, thinking that there is no way this was going happen. Before I knew it (and not a moment too soon), I was on that hospital bed pushing out a baby. It’s almost a blur, what an absolutely incredibly amazing experience. Amelia was born at 9:39 AM – through a VBAC at 9lbs 13 oz and 20 1/4″. We did it! I still cannot believe. I had a natural VBAC with an almost 10 pounder on my due date with a C-section scheduled for the next morning (crazy!!!) I am so thankful that I had a doctor and midwife who let me try this (I think the nurses all thought my midwife was nuts), the support system around me that I needed, that I didn’t give in to my doubts and allowed myself to try this. As much as I would like to believe that I just became some kind of super mom, I really can’t take any credit as it had nothing to do with me – God allowed this little girl to come into this world like she did. I like to plan things and think that I have some control over these events, but I don’t.
So would I do a VBAC again or opt for another C-section? If I had an option, I would try the VBAC again. I wouldn’t say that either method is exactly ideal. I had to have an episiotomy, definitely not fun. I was sore like crazy and it hurt to sit and walk for weeks. I pray and hope that things are still “normal” down there – ha! Little Amelia also broke her clavicle, most likely from being such a big baby. The pediatrician caught it at her first doctors appointment (it was missed in the hospital) and although he wasn’t concerned and it has healed with no complications, I was still very distraught by it. But I’m now 6 weeks postpartum and overall I feel good (you know, besides for running after a toddler, taking care of an infant and completely lacking in sleep) My body finally feels like it’s going back to normal. I would definitely say that my recovery is much better this time around than it was with the C-section. I feel as if I could move around much more and be more hands on with Amelia from the start. I also know that if we want more children in the future, the fact that I had a VBAC, would make this decision less riskier and healthier for my body. Again, I’m SO thankful that my doctors let me attempt this and that I had the God given strength to do it.
So if you are thinking about attempting a VBAC – go for it! It can be done! At the end of the day there is only so much you can do or try and “plan.” But at least be informed on what your options are so you can make the best decision for you and your baby. Every delivery is different and each experience is unique to its own. Both of my experiences, from labor to delivery, were worlds apart. Choose a good doctor/midwife, it makes a world of difference, and remember that you have a voice in the way you want to try and deliver your child and ultimately, God’s in control.
Sources:
HealthGrades 2011 Obstetrics & Gynecology in American Hospitals. July 19, 2011
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists “Ob-Gyns Issue Less Restrictive VBAC Guidelines.” July 21, 2010
(Eeeeek!! The picture above was taken walking out the door on my way to the hospital…already in labor with contractions 5 minutes apart. Emotions on overdrive with anxiety, excitement and crazy nervous all at the same time)
James 1:17
When we had our first little girl, Adeline, it was hard to imagine loving anyone as much as we love her. From the moment she entered our world she captured our hearts. As we eagerly waited for our second baby girl to arrive, I often wondered what it’s going to be like to have “two.” Will we feel the same? Is it going to be different? How will this addition effect our family dynamics? I was just getting used to being a mom of one! To go from a family of three to a family of four seemed like such a big step! (And how the heck am I going to be able to handle a potty training toddler and infant?!)
But on June 20, 2011 @ 9:39 AM Amelia Grace entered our world . . .and we fell in love all over again. Just when you think your heart can’t love much more, this amazing little blessing opens your heart up even more then you thought it could. It is absolutely amazing, the experiences and emotions are all so similar yet different at the same time. I’m still figuring out the juggling part of it all (does one ever really figure it out?), but I am truly feeling so blessed to have these two precious little girls in my life.
