The Maggi Family

Daniels Birthday Pt 3 of 3

2012-01-26T13:24:00.001-05:00

Saturday, January 21, 2012 we celebrated Daniel’s birthday again! :-) Our friends came to this party, “mammy” and “Papa Keith”.

In this post I will cover the traditional birthday milestones, etc. so that I can look back and see what Daniel was like at his first birthday.

Our Daily Schedule:

He wakes around 6:15 every morning.
He nurses for about 10-15 minutes with me still in bed.
He takes another nap (or perhaps just a continuation of night time sleep) from 6:30-9:00 ish.
Around 10 am he typically nurses, but I am currently trying to get him to “forget” about that feeding and eat a normal breakfast instead. Some mornings it works, other days, not so much, but more on that later.
He plays until lunch time.
Around 11:30-12:00 we sit down for lunch. (He is still really prefering purees, but will eat some regular food that he has to pick up, but again, more on that later)
around 12:30, Daniel has had it for the day, and is ready yet again for another nap. At the point, I am trying not to nurse him, just lay him down, give him a paci, tuck a blanket around his body, and leave. We are no longer listening to music, or winding up the mobile. It’s a silent room when I leave. (it’s really weird for me!)
around 3, sometimes earlier depending on the noise level, he will wake. He is usually a little clingier after this nap, just wanting to be held and snuggled for a few minutes before playing. Sometimes he nurses, other times he doesn’t.
Around 4:30 we hit a regular “fussy period” when nothing I do calms him. It seems he just whines for whineyness’ sake! (I know that isn’t a well thought out sentence! sorry!)
Around 5:00 p.m. He is hungry for dinner, but I try to hold him off until ‘daddy’ gets home and we can eat as a family.

Diaper size: 3

Clothes: 12m-18m

Teeth: 5 or 6. 4 very visible, and at least one has broken through up top, to the right.

Height: appointment soon

Weight: I weighed him with me on scales on his actual birthday, and it appeared to be about 22 pounds.

Percentiles:

Milestones:

standing up from pulling up
a normal crawl
eating with hands
saying: “mama” “dada”
cruises from furniture to furniture.
refuses things he doesn’t want
“hums” for things he does want
gives kisses on command
jabbers using combined syllables
understands “no”
bends over and picks up objects
rolls balls back and forth
imitates us or tries as best as he can

Things he is NOT doing that “the book” says he should be:

waves goodbye consistently. (He has done this twice!)
he gives a weird “clap” its more like he clasps his hands together and brings it from his mouth and out, to his mouth and out. I have tried to capture this on video, but he has not cooperated so far.
Daniel will not stand alone without support, much less make a step or two.
does not obey specific commands, but will come when I call, and will stop doing something if I say ‘no.’
does not say more than mama or dada.

I am TRYING not to get too stressed out about this, but its hard.

Discipline:

Since we have hit the one year mark, I find myself having to correct him a lot. It initially was just explorative protection issues such as:

“hot, don’t touch”

“Don’t pull on this, it will hurt you”

BUT NOW. .

they are behaviors that seem to be done to “push my buttons” like: smacking my face while nursing in frustration, pushing his spoon away forcefully, throwing his cup on the ground, etc. Just this morning, he was trying to bite our leather couch with his front teeth, and I told him no, and used my hand to lift his face, and he pushed my hand away, then started to like claw at me, needless to say, we are smacking his hand and saying no, and why we are saying no, followed by love once the behavior has ceased. This can get so exhausting, and we are just on 1st base, with ONE child. Shhew!

Food:

He is really showing signs of being picky and particular, and it is nearly driving me bonkers. It feels as if nothing I offer him is something that he wants unless it is bread, pasta, or pureed baby food. I want him to start eating what we are eating, and mostly on his own. I should have just made this the requirement from the beginning, but I didn’t. I will be doing this food thing different the next time around (if we have one).

Drink:

He drinks water out of a sippy cup, but it chokes him up each time. I am introducing milk out of a open mouthed plastic cup, and he is taking a couple of drinks at a time, but nothing to really get overly excited about.

As you know, he is still nursing, and I am trying to get a few of the unnecessary “snacking” done away with. I am hoping for a morning afternoon, and night time feeding. Then to just have the first and last ones left in a month or so.

A lot of our friends came to celebrate with Daniel. It was a really enjoyable evening, and he received so many wonderful things. Thank you to each and every one of you that came. You made the day really special.

Daniel TRULY loves cards!!!

I will be posting more about this box, but our friend Kristin gave this WONDERFUL and thoughtful gift. I am still amazed by it. I will be showing you all of the insides very soon!

Daniel is a our sweet gift from God, and we love being his parents. Gods favor on us has been overwhelming and we cannot wait to share another year with him.

Thought I would show a little after party clean up! :- )

Babysitting 101

2012-01-23T12:38:00.001-05:00

[(before you all stamp me as the worst baby sitter, ever, hear me out. :- ) In the afternoon, before their naps, after lunch, I do a face wipe down, a diaper change, and then a story to get ready for nap time. As I change one baby, I let the other wait usually patiently in the crib (because they both move a lot now) and then while I change the other one, the opposite child waits patiently in the crib) Well, this particular day, Daniel was in a particularly fussy mood, and poor Kolton always has sympathy for him, and cries right along with him. So, while waiting for their story, this is what they did, and I found it funny. There! Now you know I don’t find enjoyment in unhappy babies!)]

So, back to the point: Babysitting 101

don’t blink (trust me, don’t blink)
let go of your expectations for how you think the child should be/act. This baby is different, not your own, and will be different. Even children that come from the same parents are different, so this applies everywhere.
don’t shower too early in the day. (You will be covered in a multiple array of snot, food, drool, and maybe some other questionable bodily substances)
don’t try to get anything else done while babies are awake. This only provides frustration on your part that everything is half done.
run all noisy household appliances at nap such as the dryer and dishwasher. This drowns out sound from the other child waking earlier than the other, a possible dog barking, an unexpected knock at the door, etc.
get enough rest the night before. A cranky momma breeds cranky children. Trust me, I know.
Plan a routine. This keeps boredom from setting in. Children are fans of predictability in my short experience.
pray all the time for compassion and understanding for these little bodies that depend on you at all times for nearly, everything. God grants it to you. I know from experience.
communicate well with their mommy. just do it.
and for me, the best thing that I can do, before anything else, is to kiss that baby 10 or 20 times in a snuggle, that way, I have established love that is not easily shaken throughout the day. Because they try. :-)

There ya go! All you need to know. Happy Monday friends!!

Happy FIRST birthday, Daniel!

2012-01-17T14:09:00.001-05:00

The day is here. Daniel Patrick Maggi. Born on January 17, 2011 at 2:21 p.m. weighing 7 pounds 1.5 ounces is ONE year old TODAY!

When Daniel came home from the hospital, he woke up around 3am. It was our first night home, and I gladly picked him up and brought him into the living to keep from waking Dennis. The gas logs were burning, providing the only light in our middle-of-the-night living room. It caused his eyes to become bright and glassy. He looked at me with wide eyes, and I simply melted. For the first time it was he and I, alone, and I knew that I would forever be changed. I cried thanking God for this miracle he has so graciously given.

Being a first time mom is a hard thing. Everything seems a big deal, everything feels like it matters; almost like life or death. I learned, to pay attention to my baby, not books, not relatives, no one but Daniel. He and I broke a lot of “rules” this first year.

Having a child at home was music to deaf ears. The joy that he has brought to me has become yet another avenue to worship God. Daniel has pointed me to Christ, allowing me a multitude of reasons to thank him for his blessings, rely on Him for his grace, and give me yet another reason to get on my knees before Him; pleading that God would capture his heart early. I pray our Daniel loves God like Daniel of the Scriptures.

^{The next few quotes in italics are quoted from Stepping Heavenward a book written by Elisabeth Prentiss; a faithful wife and mother.}

_{"God never gives us hindrances. On the contrary, He means, in making us wives and mothers, to put us into the very conditions of holy living. But if we abuse His gifts by letting them take His place in our hearts, it is an act of love on His part to take them away or to destroy our pleasure in them. It is delightful...to know that there are some generous souls on earth who love their dear ones with all their hearts yet give those hearts unreservedly to Christ"}

_Beautiful.

_{"Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her lifelong prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!"}

“I want to see little children adorning every home as flowers adorn every meadow and every wayside. I want to see them welcomed to the homes they enter, to see their parents grow less and less selfish and more and more loving because they have come. I want to see God’s precious gifts accepted, not frowned upon and refused.”

And from the Word of God: the all popular Deuteronomy 6:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Happy Birthday Daniel.

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Happy Birthday Daniel Part 1 of 3

2012-01-15T21:03:00.001-05:00

I warn you now: I am a picture FINATIC and I couldn’t just settle for a few. Today, we celebrated Daniel’s first birthday with my dad’s family. We enjoyed pizza and cupcakes!

Daniel devoured the pizza! It was his first time eating it and he downed one WHOLE slice!

One of the ONLY decorations I made was this banner covering his first year of life. As you all know, I have had a mini “birthday” session every month. It manifested itself into this birthday banner that covered from birth to his 11 month birthday shot. It was so weird to watch him grow in 13 photos!

Then, it was time for the REAL fun! Daniel was given his very own cupcake!

It was a slow progression that quickly became messy!

See?

Next up: PRESENTS!

I want to draw your attention to this shirt that Daniel is wearing! Allyson Bishop, an acquaintance of mine, whom, I recently snapped Christmas card photos for, made him this birthday shirt!! Also, a bib to go with it to protect it when eating all of that messy cake!! She hand sewed (sewn?) this herself, and I LOVED it! Perfect for saving their normal clothes, and something you can set aside in your baby’s keep sake box! (you will notice the bib in the photos of Daniel eating. FYI: the backside of that bib was corduroy! how neat!)

Daniel LOVED every thing he received from his family. He ESPECIALLY loved the cards. I love that he didn’t love the green that came inside; instead, just the cardboard. :- )

After present time, he played awhile with “PawDaddy” otherwise known as grand-daddy or to me, just daddy! :-)

This is a picture of Daniel with his Great-GREAT grandmother!

We had a wonderful time at his birthday party! We have a day planned of mommy, daddy, and Daniel time tomorrow and then another party this coming Saturday so that the rest of our family and friends can partake. More photos to come! And. . . did someone say. . . . one year old photo shoot?!? Hmmm…. maybe!

doors, doors, doors….

2012-01-12T13:33:00.001-05:00

This is his entertainment!

All the day long, he could just play with doors. Open them, shut them, open them, and shut them. It’s the sound of a curious boy!

Kennedy Family Photos

2012-01-11T16:22:00.001-05:00

Click the photo and head on over to With His Light to see the rest of their family portraits!

In our garage. .

2012-01-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

Zach Harris, a friend of ours from church, is keeping his race car in our garage to work on.

We think it’s pretty cool. Dennis was his spotter a few months ago at one of the race tracks. My dad did this a long time ago, so it’s really not a new thing to me.

Zach quizzed me on what these parts were above. . and with one hint (the first letter) I was able to guess, AND I knew which motion it made. Aren’t I just the smart little cookie?? :-)

The other person, I cannot remember his name, is apparently the ‘brains’ behind the whole thing, but I told Zach that I would make it LOOK like he was the one doing all of the work! How’d I do?

Lots of manly things happening in here. I try to stay out of the way, but sometimes, it’s just fun to hang with the guys!

I found this photo in the garage of Dennis and I probably back in 2003? So long ago!!! Praise God for seeing us through.

Welcome baby David

2012-01-10T22:21:00.001-05:00

Tonight Dennis and I went to my uncle William’s house to meet their newest baby, David. David was born three weeks ago. He has two older siblings, Megan & James. He is a SWEET little boy. Barely made a peep the entire time we were there.

Daniel was interested in him, and maybe a little jealous.

William was feeding him here. It was the only time that he was awake!

Welcome baby David. Daniel can’t wait for you to get big so he can play with you!!!

Photography

2012-01-10T13:59:00.001-05:00

It’s such a love of mine. I love it. I love to look at it. I love to capture it. I love to share it. I love it. I am either knee deep in it, or I am daydreaming about it when I have little to nothing going on. (Such as the month of January)

Something pretty exciting is happening. I am having a web site built JUST for that. It’s no surprise that I have grown this business slowly. I have taken my time with equipment, with contracts, with a real site instead of my other blog. Didn’t know it existed? Go here. I enjoy taking photos and I dream one day of it being a full time job for me. Not now. For now, it cannot grow taller than Daniel. I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I am excited what the future will bring.

If you are hoping to have a family session this year, please do not wait to get yourself on the book. I have it now opened until November 9, 2012. Not a day further. Get your date in! :)

Happy 2012

2012-01-06T13:41:00.001-05:00

We knew 2011 would bring us a bouncing baby boy. It was comforting to know what was coming in a sense. But this year, Dennis and I have no idea what 2012 will bring.We hope it brings us to a deeper love for our Savior, a deeper love for each other, and a glimmer of what it means to have everlasting joy.

To celebrate the beginning of another new year, we celebrated with our small group. We had a progressive dinner. We started out at the Harris’ home for appetizers, then went to the Carroll’s home for dinner, and then to the Bolling house for dessert. I admit, I am TOTALLY stealing these photos from Kristin! Thank you for allowing me to snag these! :-)

us girls gabbing in the Harris living room. .

Brett & Jody

Kristin & Darren

the boys did a good job of entertaining themselves. . while we spent some more time chatting together.

Us! It was midnight during these photos. I was looking a little tired!

Erin & Nathan

We anticipate that the Lord has good things in store for us.

^{“O Lord, I have heard the report of you,}

^{and your work, O Lord do I fear.}

^{In the midst of the years revive it;}

^{in the midst of the years make it known;…”}

^{-Habakkuk 3:2}

Weaning on my mind.

2012-01-05T13:36:00.001-05:00

Well, it’s almost been a full year of nursing my ~~baby~~ boy. Can you believe it?

When family & friends would ask: “So, how long are you planning on breast feeding?”

I would answer a quick and pointed: “for one year, when he no longer needs formula or breast milk.”

Well, it’s here and I am starting to rethink my goal oriented answer. At that point, I was just wanting to MAKE IT to that point; which felt like 10 years when your child is only 3 or 4 months old. One year seems like. . . . well, forever.

It’s not. It’s here. And because it has almost been a year, I have had some fantasizing thoughts about going to the mall for an unlimited amount of time with no baby to worry about. I have had daydreams of going on a hot over night date with my husband with no plans of having to rush back by 6am to feed my child. But, is this really a good reason to deny my child the object of his affections?? :-)

When I say ‘affections’ I mean, affections. Daniel does not take a bottle, he does not drink pumped milk from a sippy cup, he does not really even like much of any liquid unless it is from the source. He in one year old, and he still nurses five times a day, at least.

So, as the time is nearing, and I thinking about weaning because it’s “time” I have also been taking cues from Daniel, and he is in no way close to ready. So I started to do some research.

I am anxious about fully weaning him for a multitude of reasons, but I am mainly afraid that I will be stopping a very nutritious and beneficial add-on (breast milk) to his diet to give him something less suited for his body (cows milk)and chance that he won’t like it, and refuse to drink it, giving him nothing. Part of this “anxiety” comes from being a new mom and not knowing what is past this step of babyhood, but truly, I don’t think Daniel will automatically take to cows milk. And why would he when what I can give him tastes better, and made JUST FOR HIS BODY?!?!

Now, before I share my research, I want those of you reading moms to know, that I am in NO WAY condemning you for choosing not to breast feed, I am not trying to make you feel bad for not being able to continue. I am just sharing my research as a way to share my decision.

I found that from www.kellymom.com

Human milk expressed by mothers who have been lactating for >1 year has significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods. During prolonged lactation, the fat energy contribution of breast milk to the infant diet might be significant."
-- Mandel 2005
In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements

-- Dewey 2001

Nursing toddlers between the ages of 16 and 30 months have been found to have fewer illnesses and illnesses of shorter duration than their non-nursing peers (Gulick 1986).
"Antibodies are abundant in human milk throughout lactation" (Nutrition During Lactation 1991; p. 134). In fact, some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991).
Extensive research on the relationship between cognitive achievement (IQ scores, grades in school) and breastfeeding has shown the greatest gains for those children breastfed the longest.
"Meeting a child's dependency needs is the key to helping that child achieve independence. And children outgrow these needs according to their own unique timetable." Children who achieve independence at their own pace are more secure in that independence then children forced into independence prematurely.

I never even contemplated the benefits to MY health of breastfeeding, but I found that for me:

Extended nursing delays the return of fertility in some women by suppressing ovulation (References).
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer (References). Studies have found a significant inverse association between duration of lactation and breast cancer risk.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer (References).
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of uterine cancer (References).
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (References).
Breastfeeding protects against osteoporosis. During lactation a mother may experience decreases of bone mineral. A nursing mom's bone mineral density may be reduced in the whole body by 1 to 2 percent while she is still nursing. This is gained back, and bone mineral density may actually increase, when the baby is weaned from the breast. This is not dependent on additional calcium supplementation in the mother's diet. (References).
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. (References).
Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease insulin requirements in diabetic women (References).
Breastfeeding moms tend to lose weight easier (References).

^{With that said, I have ultimately chosen to follow Daniel’s lead, yet, getting him down to 2 feedings a day. For the remainder of the time, I will really concentrate on getting him delicious, nutritious food he can eat with his hands.}

^{Thanks for joining in on my thought processes as I wean my little guy. :-)}

Perhaps…

2012-01-03T21:27:00.001-05:00

…the kennedy family has felt a little forgotten. . . .

Not a chance!

When it gets quiet. . . .

2012-01-02T22:32:00.001-05:00

This is

what you may

find

when you start to look for a reason why.

I think it is safe to say that his pajamas are ruined.

I also think it is safe to say that he has his father’s (and his grandfather’s) sweet tooth!

Christmas morning, Pt 2

2012-01-02T22:17:00.001-05:00

Hello friends. I have been really behind updating about Christmas because I have had the stomach bug for almost a FULL week. I despise that these posts are going to archive under 2012! Grr. Enjoy them anyway. . .

On Christmas morning, we went to church and then we joined Dennis’ family at his brothers house for dinner and gift exchanging.

Of course, Daniel had his share of fun!

I LOVE that he uses that index finger for everything he does!

THEN, on my birthday, my mom came over and brought us our Christmas and my birthday gifts.

Daniel loves his gift from Mammy! It’s at the beginning of his maturity level, but I have NO DOUBT he will get a lot of enjoyment out of it as he grows a little older.

And, in other news, on December 26th, I turned 26!!!! Wheew. The birthdays are getting less and less fun! :-)

Daniel’s First Christmas morning

2011-12-27T17:07:00.001-05:00

WoW! We have had a really busy Christmas weekend! I unfortunately did not bring my camera to a couple of the events, but I did manage to capture our Christmas Day! Daniel woke up around 9:00a.m. on Christmas morning. We brought him in the living room in front of the couch you see, read him the very abbreviated story of Jesus’ birth, and then let him open up his gifts. This first photo is him taking off towards it. Which we thought was going to be a big hit. . but as you can see, if you watch the video is that he was MORE interested in his OLD toys that it was difficult to get him to open up and play with the new ones!

Whooo! I guess he was tired from such an exciting morning!

In this photo below, he is playing with a car that he received the previous night at my dads house. As you all know that read my blog frequently is that my grandad died late last week, and it turns out that he picked out this toy in a magazine to give to Daniel on Christmas. It is such a sweet gift that we have this toy as a reminder of him. We will miss him, but in the mean time, Daniel is LOVING this little car!

Daniel’s Great-Great Grandmother gave him some soft oatmeal cookies for Christmas, and we thought we would let him enjoy them for his Christmas breakfast. It was a nice Christmas morning.

I hope that you all were in awe of the birth of our Savior.

More to come soon!

11 month Birthday Post!!!

2011-12-18T21:51:00.001-05:00

Dennis wheeled Daniel around today, take a peek at this video after you read about his 11 month of life!

Daniel riding in the wheelbarrow on a chilly December Sunday!

WOW!!!!!!!!! Daniel is 1 month away from being a FULL YEAR OLD! WHERE HAS THIS LAST YEAR GONE?!?!?!?!?

Our baby in a word: Adventurous!

Some neat things he is doing:

he has finally abandoned the “army crawl” and is finally now crawling like a normal human child.
babbles using many different sounds and expressions
grinds his top teeth to his bottom teeth
throws his paci down when he is up and wants out of his crib
likes to take a bath.
loves the bathroom, that is place of choice when he gets down on the ground to crawl
we joke that he does all things with his index finger.
hates oatmeal and cut up banana. He will push the spoon away and turn his head.
starting to chew with his front teeth.
LOVES his daddy! he likes to be held and to play with him.
LOVES strangers- yet is shy if they approach him before he is ready. He will burrow his head into my chest if someone speaks to him.
is going through some separation issues. He doesn’t want anyone to hold him but me or Dennis. He will allow me to leave the nursery at church without too much of a problem.
can “dance”.
kisses on command.
he listens well when we say “no” (and we say it a lot)
he gets his hand spanked when he does not listen
he likes to be “chased” when he crawls. he squeals, it’s so cute
he stands up on his own
he cruises the furniture

Eating Schedule:

The 11th month has brought THREE meals a day, and more than one food at each sitting. He is loving it!

7am- milk from momma

9:30- milk from momma, then fruit or yogurt

11:30- snack (cheerios, cut up veggies, and/or some cheese)

12:30- milk from momma

3:30- milk from momma

5:00- evening snack (cheerios, puffs, or some thing else)

6:30- dinner (vegetable, bites of what we are eating, etc)

7:30-8:00- milk from momma

Sleeping:

He wakes between 6-7am.

Morning nap: wake time til around 9:30 or 10am

afternoon nap: 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Bedtime at 7:30 p.m.

Clothes size: 12 months

Diaper size: 3

Weight: 19 pounds+ (I have been guessing for months that he was at the 20 pound mark, but I have been way off in my estimations)

He is between the 25-50 percentiles in height and weight.

Yes, that is a mitten on his feet. (He lost his shoe, so we improvised)

THIS is my sweet baby boy trying to pull on his ear that has been bothering him for weeks. :-(

Happy 11th month, Daniel. Maybe my next post will have you walking.. :- )

Around our house. . .

2011-12-18T21:16:00.001-05:00

you will find. .

a child and a dog digging into the dishwasher. . . .

our new Christmas ornament that we always get to add to our tree. (Hallmark always has a new “Our Christmas Together” ornament, and this year the normal ornament was kinda.. ugly. . so instead I found this other ornament that I felt was way cooler and way more appropriate for our year. This year, OUR NEST, aka, HOME, has THREE “eggs” in it, not just TWO! The ornament on the front says: “our nest” and on the back of that, it has the year. I happen to think it’s pretty perfect)

a baby gate to be installed to keep Mr. Mobile away from our woodstove that is now, upstairs. Don’t even get me started on that.

This new find at the grocery store.

(A way to line ALL of your dishes and even the kind you couldn’t with aluminum foil before. It is tear resistant so you can protect your dishes from discoloring, the black cooked on stuff that is nearly impossible to remove, and even better, you can cook anything on them, even lasagna, meatloaf, etc. I LOVE IT.

See? Other than a little oil that escaped, my dish is clean up easy!!!!

Amoxicillin that Daniel has been taking for a mere 15 days, and he is STILL pulling at his ear! Grrr. Another Dr. visit, soon? Most likely!

and Cheerios! This child would be LOST without his beloved Cheerios!

So, that is just some things around our house today! Hope you enjoyed!

Birthday post for Daniel, SOON!

Grandad Chesnut

2011-12-18T19:21:00.001-05:00

This last Friday, our family lost my Grandad Chesnut. This picture was the first and last time he saw his one and only great-grandson. Lots of funny memories come to mind when I think of him.

As you can see he had the “comb over” hairdo going on. When we were kids Greg used to love to comb it down over his face (then it completely covered it) before he chased us around the house acting like a scary animal on his hands and knees while he pretended to come and “eat” us. It was really funny.

He would let us ride his lawn mower ALL of his property. He called my brother Greg, “grooder”

He has one seat in the house, and you’re seeing him in it. Just some of the sillier things in life that leave lasting memories.

He will be missed!

To go back to read more about this visit, go here.

Nichols Family Photo Session

2011-12-12T23:06:00.001-05:00

Click on the photo to head on over to see the rest of their family photos!!!

Shelor Family Photos!

2011-12-07T14:50:00.001-05:00

Head on over to my photography site to see their photos!!

Play time at Chuck E Cheese

2011-12-05T14:54:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone! I am really trying to get better about taking photos of our every day lives. It is really hard to do when I have these two babies to take care of, the stroller, bag, etc. But what made it easier today was. . . . Dennis got to join us for the last half of the play time, so I was able to snap some shots!

Sorry for the blurry nature of this photo, but it was the only decent photograph I had of the boys together.

There is sweet little Lisa watching Kate on the horsey!

There goes Ashely running after Cohen!

We were waiting on the show here. Daniel wasn’t nearly as thrilled about the characters singing and dancing as I thought that he would be.

‘Daddy’ entertained Daniel for quite awhile. It was nice to see him having fun without me doing all the work!

Love the Cotton candy mustache!

Big truck for a little boy! he played awhile in this just pushing buttons, etc.

Thanks for viewing our photos of our special play time. It is always such a treat to get out of the house, play with the boys, spend time with my friends, and eat yummy pizza! Thanks girlies for such a nice morning out!

With a room full…

2011-12-03T11:03:00.001-05:00

of toys. . . . . .

This is where. . I found my boy. . . . .

Inside the shower curtain.

(I am totally digging the one sock half on look!)

Does he have the ‘BUSTED” face, or is this my imagination?!?

I am super busy today preparing for a baby shower. But there is ALWAYS time for silly pictures!!!

Skadetti Boy

2011-11-28T19:45:00.001-05:00

I have been waiting for this day for many many years.. when my boy could be covered in noodles & sauce. :-)

Daniel is 10 months old!

2011-11-26T22:22:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that in two months, our baby will ONE YEAR OLD?!?!? Can you believe it?!? As I prepare these posts for him every month, I am never not amazed how the time really does fly.

So, let’s get to it!

Our baby in a word: STANDING!

won’t exactly cruise yet, but it getting so close I can barely take it.

Fun things about Daniel

He pulls himself up on anything study enough to support his weight.
He is still maintaining the “army crawl” but he will get on his knees to inch himself closer to the things that he wants.
he is partial to crawling to the bathroom.

he LOVES to look behind doors

He does everything it seems with his index finger.
He gives hugs and kisses. (if course with an open mouth)
he is very very curious, so staying in my arms for very long is rare.
He is very happy in the mornings.
He is JABBERING A LOT NOW. Using different noises and sounds. (see video at the bottom of the post)

He says: ‘dadadadaaadddaaa” and it melts my heart. His “mamamamamamamam” days are seldom.

A not so fun tidbit of Daniel, but I think it’s just apart of his personality, is that he STILL cries when I walk out of the room in our house. Both Dennis and I always get a whimper. He LOVES PEOPLE!

The grocery store and shopping malls are his play ground. He LOVES to make conversation with the people.

he still loves to play with anything real. (remote, phone, iPod)
a thing we learned last night at dinner when an older song came on was that he likes to dance! He was eating his dinner and started to bounce in a dance like way when it came on. It was sooo cute, and it made us both chuckle. I was amazed. I guess all this crazy dancing I have been doing is finally paying off!

Stats:

Weight: I am guessing a full 20 pounds if not more.

Height: I don’t know. He was 50th percentile for height at his 9-month check up

Diapers: Size 3

Clothes: 9 months and up to 12 depending on type of clothing.

Teeth: 2 bottom, and 2 top have broken through but are not obvious to sigh yet.

Nursing & Eating:

6:30-7:00a.m.- milk

10:00 a.m. milk and then yogurt afterwards

12:00p.m. snack (cheerios, puffs, yogurt melts, etc)

12:30-1:30- milk (before his nap)

4:00- milk

6:30- dinner. vegetables or whatever we have that he can eat.

7:30-8:00- milk

Sleep:

7:30 p.m.- 6:30a.m. (has been in a habit of waking up around 3am that we are trying to break)

7:30a.m- 10:00a.m. morning nap

1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.- afternoon nap

sometimes a cat nap in the evening, but not often

7:30 p.m. bedtime

I know this is not a routine of mine, but I thought I was add some annoying things about Daniel:

he cries when you stop the car
he cries when you leave the room
he is a light, easily woken sleeper
he whimpers when you walk in his room with him (I guess he things he is going to bed?)
he gets bored with his toys easily (which I realize is my fault)
I know he can’t help it, but I don’t love his cowlick.

I still thank the Lord every day that I have this precious child, cowlick and all, and am beyond blessed to call motherhood my profession. Love you Daniel.

Barnett-Blankenship Engagement Photos

2011-11-22T01:52:00.001-05:00

Head on over here see Kaitlyn & Toph’s engagement photos!

:- )

Kennedy Family Sneak Peek

2011-11-15T21:22:00.001-05:00

Lotsa’ sneak peeks available at http://www.withhislight.blogspot.com

standing.

2011-11-15T11:15:00.001-05:00

I know that I have missed the opportunity to update you all as these have happened! I have been EXTREMELY busy with lots of things on my to-do list which has consequently caused the blog to suffer. But, today, during play time, I took the opportunity to catch Daniel playing!

as you can see, he is pulling up on furniture, window seals, doors, and his stand up toys!

he is sticking true to his “army crawl” even though he can do it the ‘real’ way. Lots of milestones, but I will save it for his 10 month appointment soon!

Friday Thank You’s

2011-11-04T16:31:00.001-04:00

Thank You. . . Harper. . . for running off for an entire day and night. . getting picked up by the pound causing us to go to three different buildings for the proper paper work to bring you home.

Thank You.. . . pound. . . for charging me $30.00 to bring home my own dog.

Thank You. . . city of Salem. . . for charging me $5 just to know that our house owns a dog.

Thank You. . . Kolton. . . for wearing me out this week so that I can sleep well at night. . .No, really, Thank you!!! (this is non-sarcastic)

Thank You. . . . Johnson & Johnson. . . for making the last inch of your baby soap impossible to get out.

Thank You. . . . Kroger. . . for cheating me out of saving $5 on your mega 10 item event. Now, I have to go back and wait in line to get my $5 off.

Thank you! What are your weekly thank yous???

Happy Friday all.

Daniel’s 1st Halloween

2011-10-31T21:32:00.001-04:00

found

really

cute

elephant

our

yard

today.

Happy first Halloween sweet elephant!

Welcome Kolton!

2011-10-31T21:24:00.001-04:00

Kolton is going to be hanging out with us during the day this school year. My hopes is that these two sweet boys will become great friends. We had our first day together today.

I am really excited to be able to serve Kolton’s parents this way, and hope that this is an uplifting, God glorifying experience for both of our families.

Welcome Kolton, we are excited to add your sweet face to our day!

Thank You. . .

2011-10-28T17:07:00.001-04:00

I don’t know if any of you have stayed up late enough on a Friday night to hear some of Jimmy Fallon’s thank you notes, but I just love it. So, I thought I would start my own Friday Thank You’s.

Enjoy!

Thank you. . . Progresso. . . for adding too much broth to very little substance so that I have to chase all the carrots around my bowl.

Thank You. . . Kleenex. . . for not making your tissues stick well enough together, making me stuff my hand inside the small hole to get out 1 tissue.

Thank You. . . Walmart brand salt. . . . for not giving me a substantial flap to pour out the clumpy salt. Making me stand in my kitchen and beat the salt box on my counter to make it like. . . . salt. . . . again.

Thank You. . . Off brand Cheerios. . . for all of my toasty oats that flew across the floor because your bag is cheap and poorly made.

. . I think that is all my annoyances for now. . . .

: – ) happy friday.

“Well, babies get sick!” puh!

2011-10-27T01:17:00.001-04:00

In the past when moms would say: “My baby is sick” I would think “well, babies get sick.” NOW when moms say: “My baby is sick” I will think: “Oh, you poor thing, I bet you are tired. I am sorry that your child is not feeling well. What can I do?”

It’s not that I was being cold or lacking in compassion; it’s just I lacked the experience of having a sick baby. Not anymore!

Daniel had RSV as a small small newborn, but even then, I don’t think he was as sick as he is right now. We have had 2 long exhausting days/nights. He is uncomfortable, he can’t breathe, he can’t sleep well, and he isn’t as happy as our normal little Daniel. But I would say that his spirits are still good. (that is, when I am not sucking out his nose- and shooting saline spray up it, and when I am not sticking the thermometer up his butt, and when I am not wiping the snot off ~~all over his face~~ his nose. But yea, otherwise, he has good spirits. : – )

We are hoping he gets to feelin’ better real soon!

(and sorry to all of you mommies that I lacked true compassion for!)

lOdER-fRaNk sneak peek!

2011-10-25T23:14:00.001-04:00

Click the photo for the revealed full picture!!!

7:36 a.m.

2011-10-25T20:16:00.001-04:00

Mr. Bedhead was waiting for me like this. I have been waiting for the day that I would find him pulled up and waiting.

Only, it made it less fun because he has been TRULY sick for the first time since he was a month old (the RSV, remember?) he’s been crying his eyes out all day, would not sleep a wink, and has been stuffy, mucousy and with a bad cough. Poor boy.

But yay, for the standing up!!! :)

Carroll Family Sneak Peek

2011-10-25T17:21:00.001-04:00

Click on the photo to see the full picture!!

Dennis,

2011-10-23T22:53:00.001-04:00

Love,

Your bride.

Our 6th Anniversary- As a family

2011-10-23T16:56:00.001-04:00

Dennis treated me to a Friday full of pampering. Manicure, Pedicure, eye brow waxing, a wax for my hands, a hair, cut, color, and style. I was at the salon from 1:30-6:00!!!!! Looking back, I wished I could have just relaxed and enjoyed it, but instead, I was tense, watching the clock and anxious to get back home. I guess when you are a mom to a small baby, it’s hard to take your mind off of mommyhood, and feeding times, etc. It was a rare treat and very proud and impressed that my hubby took a day off of work for me to be treated. Afterwards, we enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner at Shula’s at the Sheraton Hotel in Roanoke. It was DELICIOUS!!!!! Pricey if you order the steak, but WELL WORTH IT!!!! Then we went to Hotel Roanoke to listen to music and talk about our future together. It was an amazing night. Thanks to Paul & Jill who watched our Daniel overnight. (By the way, he woke up at 4am but she distracted him until 6 am when she called me to come pick him up)

THEN. . . on Saturday we took our annual long drive to see the fall foliage and see new things. Our first stop was Paint Bank, Va. This was a restaurant that had a swinging bridge up top with an old general store.

Dennis and Daniel are looking at the people eating down below. (And yes, that is a CHRISTMAS tree in the background!)

Before leaving, we got two cold drinks- (root beer, and an RC Cola) a Moon pie, and a candy screw driver for Daniel.

He liked it!!!

His daddy let him enjoy holding the bottle of his consumed drink!

feeding the fish!

Then, around 4:00p.m. Daniel expressed to us that he needed to nurse, so we pulled in this parking lot in WEST VIRGINIA to feed Daniel. There was a pee-wee football team playing. Those kids were really cute, and really GOOD!

The leaves were pretty- but not as bright and bold as I was hoping for.

We stopped at an Amish Shop/Furniture store. It was really neat.

Then we stopped at this Humpback Bridge. I did something pretty fun for the girls in my small group. I tried to find all of their names in this grafattied bridge. I was 98% successful!

Then, we ended the evening at Maw & Paw’s diner in Eagle Rock for dinner. It was good.

It was a fantastic anniversary weekend. We really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait until next year for another anniversary to celebrate it again. Hmmm, wonder what another year of marriage will bring us?!? : – )

Happy 9th month birthday Daniel!

2011-10-17T14:43:00.001-04:00

Our baby in a word: MOBILE!!!!

I think I find myself thinking each monthly birthday how much progress he has made and how I don’t think I could enjoy him any more than I have the previous month, and then the next month, I am surprised again.

Some fun things:

Daniel sits well.
He rolls easily
he ARMY CRAWLS!!!

This is the most recent, newest, funnest, and FUNNIEST thing to watch lately. I have a video posted if you wanted to see.

he gives me a mischievous grin when I turn on his mobile before he goes to sleep
he LOVES his daddy

he is showing signs of bashfulness. (he will turn his head to “hide” if a stranger approaches him)
he is showing partiality to who he wants to hold him and who he doesn’t
he says: “Mamamamamamamammmmaaaa”
he eats REALLY well off of his plate: beans, corn, macaroni’s, puffs, cheerios, banana, etc. He is fast and and Humm’s when he is ready for more.
He likes to swing. (outside in daddy’s garage or at the park)

His favorite things to play with:

remote control
my iPod touch
my cell phone
keys
pretty much ANYTHING REAL. . . apparently, he is too cool for baby toys! :- )

Stats: We go to the pediatrician this week, and I will update this when I find out!!!

Height:?

Weight:?

Diapers: 3

Clothes: 6-9 and some 9-12 even though they are a little too big.

Nursing:

7:00 am-ish
10:30 ish
1:00-ish
5:00 ish
7:30 ish

Sleep:

7:30p.m. to 7:00-8:00 a.m. ish

8:30-10:30-10:45 a.m.

1:30-4:00 p.m.

bed at 7:30 p.m.

Daniel has a very curious and endearing personality! Since he is able to go from room to room without so much of my help, he is staying content longer playing, etc while I am getting things done around the house. I am really enjoying being his mom. He lights up my day!!

Daniel’s army crawl.

2011-10-13T17:14:00.001-04:00

Enjoy this video of Daniel making his way through the house. It is pretty funny. Excuse my videographer skills, they are not very good. :-)

it finally happened. .

2011-10-12T16:48:00.001-04:00

This is Philip Weddle. He was the friendly police officer who pulled me over (for the very first time in my existence) on Sunday afternoon after church. Turns out, he was the 2010 police officer of the year.

This is our exchange:

cop: “ma’am may I see your driver’s license and registration, please.”

me: (as I am putting my Wendy lunch down) “Well, sir, I don’t have my license with me, it has been lost in one of my purses.”

cop: “you do have a license, correct? It’s not be revoked, or suspended?

me: “OH, No! Sir. I have just lost it.”

cop: “Well, may then, I see your registration.”

me: (As I pause) “Sure, I will have to look for it, but, first, could you please tell me what that would look like, I have never been pulled over before.”

cop: describes the shape of the registration.

me: “may I look in glove box?”

cop: “Please, do you even know why I pulled you over?!”

me: stunned, I had not yet wondered, surprisingly answer. “No! In fact, I don’t know!”

cop: “Your tags are expired.”

me: (still thumbing through piles of mess) “Oh.”

cop: “did you know, or did you forget to renew them?”

me: “Actually, I didn’t know. That is typically my husband’s job.” pause the thumbing through of the paper and announce: “I don’t have the registration either.

cop: sighs. “Ok, Can I have your information, name, social, so that I can be sure that you have a license?”

Me: “sure” and I give it to him.

Cop: leaves me for what feels like forever.

comes back.

Cop: “let me explain your ticket to you and what you need to do.” but explains that since his hand was hurting, he chose not to write me a ticket for my not having my license with me.”

me: stunned I got a ticket, sign the paper, and drive away!

Our Family Photo

2011-10-10T16:08:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Nathan Carroll for taking our family photos. What a unique experience to be on THAT side of the camera. He did a fantastic job! We are thankful for his willingness!!!

what 2 minutes can do

2011-10-10T14:48:00.001-04:00

I leave him in his rom to play so that I can get some laundry done- - -

When I come back. . . he is gone- - -

and in the dining room!! What the heck??? When did my baby learn to move?????

I am Limited. .

2011-10-07T10:26:00.001-04:00

I have been known to daydream about being able to shop limitlessly as I wash clothes, fold socks, do dishes, vacuum floors, make dinner, and grocery shop.

Well, since I have been attempting this week to find outfits for our first time ever family photo session, I have been SOOO LIMITED. . . and found myself drudging around daydreaming about being able to just wash clothes, fold socks, do dishes, vacuum floors, make dinner, and grocery shop.

Who said shopping was not hard work?!? :-)

Visit with Grandma & Grandpa

2011-09-30T19:25:00.001-04:00

Due to some unfortunate circumstances (death in extended family) we got an unexpected visit from Dennis’ folks this past week. It was good that Daniel got some time with his Grandma and Grandpa. He has been a sweet little guy for them.

I

2011-09-30T01:20:00.001-04:00

dying

for

one

THESE………………………

Benson-Carroll Photo Session

2011-09-29T00:22:00.001-04:00

Click the photo and head on over to With His Light Photography to take a peek at Mattie & Scott’s engagement photos!!!! Enjoy!!!

Snapshots from playtime today

2011-09-27T16:40:00.001-04:00

and the real play time photos. . . ;- )

8 months old!!!!

2011-09-24T20:12:00.001-04:00

Daniel is 8 months old today! I know I probably say this with every ‘birthday’ post, but TRULY I feel like his 8 month has made me MORE in love with him than ever before, if that is even possible!!!!

Wondering Why? I thought that you would never ask! :-)

Our baby in a word? OBSERVANT.

Before I get to the (boring) details of Daniel’s 8th month, let me start with the fun and interesting things.

Daniel is so much fun most of the time!! He has done THREE very FUNNY things this week that has captured my heart and my LAUGHTER!!!!

- Daniel found his penis last week!!!!! And he goes to “grab” it like he is picking up a cheerio- - :-) It is so funny!! And now he even realizes it still exists even when his diaper is on because when it is changing time, he sits up on his elbows and looks down to “be sure that it is still there” I have this on video, but I don’t think I will be sharing it. It’s just too personal?

-Daniel also has learned to “rub” his own belly. When we are changing clothes, I will rub his soft belly, and I guess it occurred to him that he can do it too, and he does. And he does it so soft and sweetly. It’s sweet to see him take over. . and, it’s weird.

-Daniel is NOT crawling yet, but he is “scooting” a small amount now. He will scoot backwards, but not forwards yet. He will roll some, too. He will get on his knees, but hasn’t crawled. I am seeing quite a bit of frustration in him and his inability to move about as I can see that he wants to.

-Daniel stands up on his legs really strong and LOVES to “walk” around. This means that he is no longer content just sitting in our laps, he arches his body back to get off of us and “walk.” Needless to say, this causes for a sore back when I am hunched over all of the time “walking” him around.

-He is VERY curious, and very observant. I do not think that this kid misses anything!!! I even had a man stop me in the parking lot at WalMart and comment on how in tune he was to everything happening around me. It was neat that someone else noticed this very odd personality trait about Daniel. Ok, on with the rest of the “boring” details.

weight: ?? Guessing 22 pounds?!?!
Size clothes- 6-9 months- and pushing
Diaper size: 3

Nursing:

Still doing it well, and doing it often! Making it this far has found me sighing one big ‘sigh!” I am MORE than half way to quitting time. It’s not that I am wanting to quit, because I love that God answered this monumental prayer as one of the things that I wanted to do if I was able to be a mommy. He answered it for me ABUNDANTLY in that he won’t take any form of liquid from anyone or anything BUT me. THIS MEANS, that it has been QUITE AWHILE since I have been away from my baby for more than an hour in months! What has me itching to get out of the house? A DATE NIGHT with my husband, that’s what!!! I guess, we will just put him to bed and stay up LATE!!!

His schedule is pretty much still the same. But for MY records when he is like 3 years old, and I was wondering what the 8th month meant to us as far as feeding, it goes:

-wake time.

around 10 or 11.

nap time. (1ish)

after nap (4ish)

dinner (6:00ish)

and before bed (7:30-8ish)

Eating how many ounces? I don’t know. He fills his tummy and babbles when he is finished, that is when I know he is done.

Oh, yes, what about solids???

Still maintaining one feeding a day and some pincer grasp practice with Cheerios, bananas, puffs, yogurt melts, or even these other crunchy snack things that I am not too keen on. It is like a baby form of a potato chip, and I am pretty certain it brings nothing significant, nutritionally to the table, which means, I won’t be buying them again. And the puffs, I am not really sure what that is, either. I have not encountered a food he does not like, yet. He eats: bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, applesauce. I know that I said this the last ‘birthday’ post, but I truly am going to offer him a lunch now, and then dinner, so that bumps us up to two meals a day on top of his nursing. But now that he is 8 months, we will do TWO feeding a day. . . sniffle, my baby is growing.

(photo below was taken on his exact 8th month b-day before bed)

Sleeping:

Night time is a battle 80% of the time, and I am pretty sure it is my fault. Why? Well, he is still screaming bloody murder at night when I put him to bed. He just will NOT settle down!!!! Sigh. It is so hard to listen to, but I KNOW that he is not in pain because when I pick him up: he smiles, and goo’s and wants to play. No, sir! It is bedtime!!!! He has no trouble during the day going down for a nap, he loves it, and seems relieved that I have allowed him to go to sleep.

Schedule:

wake between 5-7am
morning nap between 8-10
afternoon nap between 1-3:30ish
bedtime around 8.

Thanks for reading all of this, if you actually made it this far. There is an EXTREME lack of pictures. I can’t explain it, there just is. Better job next month?!?!

Psychological issues already?

2011-09-21T16:48:00.001-04:00

Hangin’ out on the bathroom floor….

Apparently sad about his inability to make friends. . .

And drowning his sorrows with the pills.

We will be working on this.

Happy Wednesday- -

and by the way- Mr. Hurtin’ over here is 8 months old, and I have a post about it in the makins’ I just hadn’t had time to post it-

Welcome Nathaniel!

2011-09-19T16:37:00.001-04:00

I was given the most precious opportunity yesterday to assist my dear friend Lauren as she labored to bring a new life into this world. She and Chris welcomed their new baby boy, Nathaniel yesterday at 7:42 p.m. He weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces. She was so strong and so courageous! I was blessed beyond comprehension to be there. Thank you sweet, Lauren, I can’t wait to watch you grow in God’s gift of being a mother.

Benson-Carroll Sneak Peek

2011-09-12T23:20:00.001-04:00

Pincer Grasp!!!

2011-09-07T16:13:00.001-04:00

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting. . and I am very proud to finally report that our boy has finally shown signs of using his pincer grasp!! We have been practicing with these Cheerios every day for a good week and a half. He was very disinterested in it for the first few days, then started to scoot and move with his hands, and then finally started using his index finger and thumb! Go Daniel.

Reunions, Reunions, Reunions!!

2011-09-05T19:21:00.001-04:00

This labor day weekend Dennis, Daniel, and I attended TWO reunions! One took place on Saturday which I regrettably let go undocumented as far as pictures were concerned, and on Sunday we had another one (at the same park) that I did take pictures of. Of Daniel mostly!

Daniel’s SECOND baby tooth came in!! Now, we have the sightings of TWO small baby bottom front teeth.

We have learned that Daniel KNOWS what it means to SMILE for the camera. I mean, DUH his mommy is a photographer!! THAT was bound to happen, yes?

We have also learned that Daniel likes to be on the GO! He does not want to sit on your lap, or receive your love-ins, he wants to walk!!!! And he does walk. He will walk all over the place (with your help, of course!)

And, Daniel is also a PEOPLE lover. He LOVES to be in contact with people. He likes to smile at them, to listen to them talk, to have them pay attention to what he has to ‘say’ and so on. I can hardly make it through grocery stores or restaurants without his bubbly smile causing comments. I love that he is a people lover. Although he likes to chat, he is showing signs of being a little. . . . . . shy. . . . . . or. . . . guarded(?) if others hold him. He will let them hold him, but he makes IMMEDIATELY sure that I am close by. Once he sees that I am there, he startes to explore their facial features, their eyes, nose, lips, etc. I love that.

Teacher-Fever

2011-08-31T23:30:00.001-04:00

This photo brings back some AWESOME memories!!! It seems that EVERY new school year I always get an itch to teach. I love nothing more than being a mom to my boy, and would never go back to teaching in exchange for being a full time mommy, but there is something really refreshing and satisfying about teaching, too. I loved all of these kids. This was a first grade group. I enjoyed walking in that classroom every morning. I knew I would deal with the same things with the same students, every day, but I still loved it. Let’s hope my teacher fever leaves soon!

Our Boy’s

2011-08-30T23:39:00.001-04:00

first

tooth

has

FINALLY

cut

through

his

sweet

little

gums!!

YAYYY!!

I found it last Thursday when we were on a little play date. When I laid eyes on it, I teared up. I think for whatever reason, it was a true memorable moment.

to daniel. . .

2011-08-29T19:42:00.001-04:00

Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in God's name, I will make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, her life-long prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest! ---Elisabeth Prentiss

Busted

2011-08-27T12:20:00.001-04:00

eating

ice cream

with

Mammie

We are so feisty. Let’s stop!

2011-08-26T10:36:00.001-04:00

I found this excerpt from a blog that I was recently pointed to in an indirect way. Go to Femina Girls to read more from this lady regarding being a wife and motherhood. But when I bumped into this article copied below, I was so glad that someone else seemed to feel the EXACT SAME way that I have been feeling on “hot button” issues. I either extend my judgment to others on issues, or feel the judgment extended to me. If our goal is the same, let’s stop being so feisty! (I have underlined or bolded to add effect, this woman did not do this orginially)

“We all know that women are pretty much the worst at getting tangled up in heated, personally charged arguments about things (things being pretty much everything pertaining to children). Someone comes along to say that breastfeeding is the way the truth and the life, and people start throwing stink bombs. Someone barges through saying that epidurals are the only answer to the problem of pain, and before you know it, churchwomen will be driving cars with “Ban Sally from Mothering” bumper stickers. Some poor woman makes a comment at a baby shower about how she is scheduling her baby’s feedings to try to get more sleep, and women will begin making pointed comments about baby wearing and co-sleeping, and when the next la leche league meeting is. (Shannon Maggi can personally add about 10 or 15 more topics to this hot button list, easily, but I won’t!) People start using words that are too big for the situations and start alienating Christian sisters over whatever they have decided is a monumental issue.

But here is the real big issue: Christians are not allowed to have hot button issues which they use to stir up trouble. Sure, you may care about things. Yes, you should have reasons for why you are doing what you are doing.

But have you gotten so involved in an “issue” that you cannot fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters who think it is silly? Are you so caught up in teaching your kids phonics while they are in the womb that you need smelling salts when someone laughs about it? Does it stress you out to see a “christian” mother feeding her children easy cheese? Do you long to pelt her house with copies of Nourishing Traditions with important parts highlighted? Are you the wrath of God as pertains to birthing methods, educational systems, and nutrition?

Now here is the thing. Principles are the things that God lays out for us. Love your children. Serve the Lord. Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Children are a blessing. Be fruitful. Methods are the tools we use to try to accomplish these things.

Methods vary, even when the people involved are all following God. Do not get caught up in method camps and chisel away at the number of saints you can fellowship with every time you read a new article about that thing that has become the most important thing. Do not build for yourself an arsenal of inflammatory topics. Do not be quick to fire off heated comments.

The thing about principles and methods is that if you agree on the principle, the method is not such a big deal. But most of us know this – we understand the difference between the two, and yet we still get all wangled into madness about it. Why is this?”

To finish this article, head over to: Continue Reading

We are going to CLIMB out of debt!

2011-08-25T16:47:00.001-04:00

While I was on vacation with my mom I had a rare opportunity to concentrate my time on a book that I feel has changed our lives forever. It is regarding how we spend our money. I read Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover. I came home with a renewed and inspired idea how we will deal with our existing debt.

Dave lays out 7 “baby’ (we think that they are quite huge, personally) steps to become financially fit.

1. Save $1,000 for a emergency fund

1.5 create a detailed budget through an envelope system (more on that later)

2. Pay down all debt starting with the small debt to the largest regardless of interest rate.

We already have a plan in place as to how to do this from the beginning. It is called:
giving up stuff you don’t need. Sigh.

3. Save 3-6 months expenses. (we will save 6 because we are a one-income family)

4. Contribute 15% to retirement

5. Contribute to your child(ren)’s college.

6. Pay mortgage off as fast as possible.

7. Gain wealth/Give- This step is inevitable if steps 1-6 happen. But I don’t really consider this the “goal” of our decision to do this. We don’t want to necessarily strive for millions of dollars, nor will that be our reality, but we do want to go to the grocery store without using a calculator, give gifts generously without feeling a “sting” in another department, and not feel burdened by our financial situation.

This is not some get rich quick scheme, in fact, it will take us many years to get this to be a reality. Another great fact is that we won’t be rewarded only in the end, every time we make a good decision with our money, it will FEEL GOOD. We will be putting ourselves into a better financial state every month. If it took 10 years to get the reward, there would be no point to it. No one realistically would go for that.

I have made a grocery list inventory and will use that to create a more specific grocery budget based on ONLY things that we need. You can see a snippet of that in my above picture.

To better manage our money, we have created an envelope system of spending. I will write another blog post on this. later.

All money spending areas of our lives are covered here, even the dog expenses.

This is radical, yet, the smart decision for us. I wanted to share with you all. Thanks to all who have supported us and rooted for us in this next exciting step in our lives.

Meal Planning made EASY!

2011-08-24T17:08:00.001-04:00

I am really excited to talk about this! A friend of mine, Chrissy, introduced me to this website.

How Does It Work?

You choose the store. They provide the plan! Each week you will receive a brand new plan with a complete grocery list organized by sections. Each meal plan is ONLY $1.25 per week!!

I went to the store today and brought TWO weekly lists with me. I chose the meal plan for 2 people for 5 days through Wal-Mart.(They offer 7 days with more members with other stores to choose from) I found that the prices that they listed for pretty much on target! If some items were a little higher, some items were a little lower. I went to the store today budgeting in $90.00, I spent $79.00 and that included other items!!! I was hesitant if I could trust their listed prices but I was SHOCKED when I walked up to the little window anticipating to see three digits! I was so wrong. One list I printed estimated it would be about $32.00 and the other estimated about $42. I cut out one meal because I knew that we, and I mean, I, wouldn’t like it, so I just cut it out. It is so easy. I wished that I could list all of the advantages. Maybe I will.

I made the first meal tonight:

Budget Beef Meal with
Corn on the Cob (on the grill) and
Crusty French Bread.

I think it’s quite tasty and pretty quick!

The advantages:

you don’t have to wonder what to cook
the recipes are easy to follow
the detailed grocery list leaves out all guessing
they are common meal items
they are family friendly
they share items with other recipes (so no wasting!)

I am excited about it. I hope that I have intrigued your mind. If so, to sign up, click the link below. You have to pay $15.00 for three months (12 weeks of meals) of weekly lists, and you get to choose your store!

E-Mealz- Get me started!!

I have some EXCITING things to talk about with you all soon. Maybe tonight after church I can share all the neat things happening in the Maggi household. (and no, I am not expecting another baby. yet.)

For Sale

2011-08-22T20:10:00.001-04:00

Trailer: $1,250.00

2003 Honda Odyssey $7,550

You can find both listings at Craiglist at:

6x10 Utility Trailer - $1250
roa farm & garden
2560793092

2003 Honda Odyssey EX - $7550
roa cars & trucks - by owner
2560776620

Happy 7th month, Daniel!

2011-08-22T13:30:00.001-04:00

Hey Friends.

I wanted to update you all on Daniel’s 7 month birthday!

weight: 20 pounds

diaper size: 2

clothes: 6-9 months

Our baby in a word: CURIOUS (and funny!)

Nursing:

6:45 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

3:30-4:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

real food for dinner

8:00 p.m.

He is a good eater still, and is REALLY enjoying and eating his table food very much. I am still pureeing his food, but KNOW that I need to start getting his used to using his fingers to feeding himself, I am just too scared to do it alone. I would rather someone else be home while doing this in case he chokes. This is one of the only things that I am scared to do as a new mom. He is still only eating one time a day, but I am getting ready to start a second feeding at lunch or breakfast, I am not sure which one yet.

Sleeping:

Sleeping in the 7 month has turned to be a big fight. I am not sure if it is the inconsistency of being home the past couple of weeks, but getting him to go down for the night is like an hour or less long fight. When we had a little bitty baby, I would go get him no matter what. But now, I can tell when I lay him down that he is just mad and insisting upon his own way, so we keep him in there. I go in momentarily to reestablish the paci, and blankie, and walk away. It sounds cold, but I know that he is just mad. You can tell the different cries for your baby, and I know the mad cry.

Once he is asleep, sometime after 8, he still until-6:45 a.m.

morning nap 8:30-10:30

afternoon nap 1:00-3:30 p.m.

maybe a small cat nap, or rest time near 5

8:00 bedtime.

A really cute thing that he does at night and for naps is pull the blankie up to his face and nuzzle into it before going to sleep. I happen also to sleep with my face covered. I guess he gets it from his momma.

He takes a paci for nap times, bed times, and sleepy times if we are not home.

He wakes easily.

He wakes up if we are riding and take him out of the car. So, we play a lot of “keep Daniel awake games” if we are close to home.

Behavior

Yes, what a weird category to add to this update!!!! I have had to take my very first measure of discipline in this 7th month. The first happened on Friday, August 19. I was trying to put on his button up shirt, and he moved my hand away from the buttons and made a “eeegghhhh” noise as if to stay “don’t do that!” So, I just looked at him and resumed buttoning. The second time I did it, he had the same reaction and I pushed his hand down and looked at him in the face and said: “Daniel, NO!” I held his hand down a little longer, and then resumed the third button, with the very same reaction. Then, I did the same thing. “Daniel, NO!” and then when I went to button the 4th button, he gently, placed his hand on my hand as if to say: “Can I do this?”

The second form happened today actually while I was buttoning another shirt. Same reaction with pushing me away. I corrected him verbally four times before I had to slap this little hand. (Which KILLED my heart) he roooollllleeeeed his bottom lip down but didn’t cry. After I finished buttoning his shirt, I sat him up and said: “Do not push mommy’s hand away.” then I hugged him, told him I loved him and we went on with life.

I CANNOT believe that my little baby is already showing signs of his depravity! Yikes!!!! I knew that this was coming but I had NO IDEA it would be this subtle and sneaky so soon. In preparation to rightly discipline him when it came time, I have been reading a book called “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp and it says obedience defined is:

Without Challenge
Without Excuse
Without Delay

Of course, Daniel is only 7 months old, but I have these principles in mind now, I will be able to discipline demanding obedience in this way.

Funny Things:

Daniel LOVES to be the center of attention.
He loves to see and “talk” to people
He grabs everything he can see
he sits up wonderfully
he plays with toys
he chews anything in sight
he reached for us regularly to come to us
he gives “love” in forms of hugs and wide mouthed kisses
he is starting to cry when I leave the room quite often.

To improve this, we have been playing some “peek-a-boo” games to improve on this. I will walk out of the room, and wait until he whines (2-3 secs) and then reappear. He will grin. I stay a second, and then hide again. Wait a few seconds even if he doesn’t whine, and reappear. He will grin. Then I do this until the seconds in between whines is longer and longer. Today we made it 20 seconds. I am trying to establish his trust that I will come back and that there is no need to cry, but only to wait. I hope this helps our efforts in nursery if he becomes anxious about my departure. So far though he does great if he has distractions. At home, there are not 15 other little children to look after.

he will “walk” a long way holding our fingers.
He rolls REALLY well now.
do NOT like to be on his back, will lunge up using his elbows even when I change his diaper.
still loves to be naked
still does not like to be dressed.
loves his crunchy, loud books.
smiles A LOT. We have been told OVER AND OVER how happy he is! It makes us happy parents. I want to take credit for it. :)
smiles for pictures
no longer a fan of cuddling.
Will lunge forward or backward to see something someone has blocked his view from.
Chatters LOUDLY mostly in the evenings.
will catch a ball if Dennis rolls it to him. The first few times he caught it, he laughed to himself in satisfaction for his achievement. I thought it was the coolest thing.
What else?!?!?

Happy 7 month, Baby BOY!!! I love you so much!!!

Our trip to Ocean City

2011-08-14T22:27:00.001-04:00

Daniel and I took a trip with my mom and Keith to Ocean City to stay with his aunt and uncle. It was nice to get away, but stressful too. I sure missed my husband while we were away! here is a recap in photos.

I ate these Boardwalk fries each time we went. They are sooooo delicious!

This is Brenda and Chris. She loved on Daniel the entire week!

These are pictures taken of Daniel moments before a very scary incident. Check out the picture below to take a guess at what happened moments before my camera no longer works!!!

Chris and Keith went out on the boat early Sunday morning and caught a bushel of blue crabs. They brought them home, and cooked them. They were great. I stabbed my thumb so that temporarily wounded my eating potential.

At the boardwalk. I loved going.

I am pretty sure we have a little class clown on our hands! The above picture was taken seconds before the below picture. he LOVES to have his picture taken. One night at the boardwalk some lady was advertising some clanking balls, and each time she did it, he would giggle so loud. People on the boardwalk were stopping to listen to his sweet little giggle. It was awesome and very memorable.

I don’t take pictures with Daniel that often, but we made some time to get some pictures together.

Chris likes little babies, but since he was sick most of the week, he held off on holding Daniel til the end of the week. They enjoyed their swing ride.

It is so nice to be home. I am looking forward to routine again.

Fresh Cooking. . .

2011-08-06T00:10:00.001-04:00

I had an opportunity to FINALLY use some of our garden ingredients to cook a meal. Tonight I made spaghetti, but I wanted to spruce it up with some fresh ingredients. So first, I took two tomatoes and cut them up and added it to some chopped onions.

Next I went outside, and found the perfect green pepper.

Chopped it up, and added it to the mix.

Then I went outside and took two stems of fresh basil to add to the sauce.

Viola!

When you cannot make FULLY homemade sauce, it never hurts to add a little bit of fresh to it to make it taste better.

I am taking this little guy away with me for a week to Ocean City, MD to spend time with his Mammie, and extended family. I will not be able to blog, but I will fill everyone in on pictures when I get back in a week!

Mullins Family Photos

2011-08-04T18:35:00.001-04:00

There is simply nothing better than a seasoned, old, broken in, informed, Godly, awesome, there-for-you-at-2am, best girl friend, and her husband and three children. Nothing better. Please enjoy photos of them.

Wrapping it up. . .

2011-07-29T12:04:00.001-04:00

We are closing in in the final day of our vacation in The Villages! Last night we went down to the square and walked around, grabbed some ice cream and watched people dance. Dennis and I are always so amazed about these golf carts every single time we come. I guess because there is just not another place on Earth quite like it.

We think these next two men shown below are funny. . . I mean, seriously. . check out the dog in the back! Does this dude not look like a New York Yankee or what?!?!?!

Dennis has been a shopping PHEEEN!!! Gosh. I felt like I was married to a woman this week. Just kidding. But he really has shopped til he dropped. We ended at Jos. A Bank this morning. Hopefully there will be no more!!!

We found this (very drunk) man (and wife) trying on clothes IN THE STORE. . . if you notice, this older gentleman is not dressed. . . . but he was very very furry!!!!! :D

Today we are finishing up with golf (Dennis) and pool time. Later dinner, packing up, and heading out in the morning. See you all later.

Bad Family Photo Take 1

2011-07-27T21:04:00.001-04:00

Last night Dennis and I went to Tampa to see Dennis' uncle Bobby, and children. This picture is ultra BAD because I couldn't get it to the computer any other way than Paul taking a picture of it from his camera and emailing it to me. Even though it's bad, there is something still kind of . . . . good . . . . about it, but I don't know what. We have two full days left, and then we head home on Saturday.

Hello from the Sunshine State!

2011-07-24T23:14:00.001-04:00

Hello friends and family!!

Today marks the first full day on our vacation!! We spent the day at the pool, went to dinner at Chili's and watched a beautiful sunset. We had a long but shorter trip than I expected with a 6 month old baby with us. He was a perfect angel with the exception of two 10-minute fussy periods within the last two hours of the trip. It was great.

I have been enjoying my FAVORITE drink today.

Daniel enjoyed some pool time today.

Daniel is looking a lot like me today, I think. : )

Tomorrow we have plans to do more pool fun. Tuesday we are driving to Tampa to visit Dennis' uncle Bobby, Wednesday we are maybe having a date night… . (insert sexy whistle here).

We are here with Dennis' brother Paul, and his two children Katlyn & Cole. The three of them are sharing one bedroom, and the three of us is sharing another bedroom. It is really tough getting all things baby plus all of our things to work well in one room. Dennis and I have shoved two twin size beds together. . . I can't bring myself to sleep separate on our vacation.. . and it works well for space to fit the pack n play in here. The glass top table in our bedroom has been turned into a diaper changing table with diapers and wipes. I have gotten creative with our space.

Daniel is adjusting slowly to the new place and new routines, but he is getting there. Getting him to sleep in his play yard has been the greatest challenge so far, but I am REALLY glad that I brought his bedtime music with us because I think that it makes him feel like he is home in his comfy bed. : )

I have never really felt the difference in being a new mom until being on this trip. Before when I was on vacation, I was TRULY on vacation. I didn't cook, I didn't clean, I went wherever I wanted to go, whenever I wanted to go, and didn't have to worry about anything. Even though I am not cooking or cleaning, EVERYTHING that we do is revolved around nap time, bed time, and EATING time! But, it is just apart of motherhood, and I am so glad that life is revolving around something different this trip. ; ) He adds so much joy to our vacation. Grandma and Grandpa are enjoying him too, I think. Although, fussy times are different because I am so worried that I he is getting on their nerves. I don't want them to be ready for us to go one day into our stay! :)

6 months

2011-07-22T00:47:00.001-04:00

Our sweet baby in a word: CURIOUS!!

Weight: 17 pounds. 10 ounces. (50%)

Height: 27 inches long (75%)

Head Circumference: 17 incehs (25%)

Instead of telling about Daniel in categories like I have done in the past, I will share about Daniel starting from the moment he wakes up until the time that he goes to bed.

He wakes up around 6:45 a.m. Dennis usually greets him every morning, and he brings him to me for his first feeding of the morning. He comes to me smiling and bright (most mornings!). He nurses for about 15-20 minutes, but has a hard time concentrating because of Dennis’ noise getting out of house. He tuuurrrrnnnnnsss to find him with every move he makes. He has taken QUITE the new interest in his daddy, which is so so so sweet to watch. I am kind of used to being the ONLY object of his affection, but I am truly welcoming the new fascination in Dennis.

After he eats, I bring him back to his room, and lay him back down. He smiles at me, and then within 10 minutes is already dozing back to sleep for his morning nap. We call it: “the I’m so tired from sleeping all night so I need another nap” nap. ; –)> He will wake again anytime from 9-11! It is insanely crazy how much this little boy sleeps. He usually wakes up jabbering and talking. Always so very happy.

After this, we usually play, read, and talk. He loves his swing, he loves his little jumperoo. He likes to mostly just stand in it, even though he does play in it, too. He loves to just stand in it and goo, gah, shriek and “talk.”

Around lunch time, he will eat again. It’s time yet again to go back down for a nap. Nap time can be anywhere from 12:30-1:30 to 3:30-4:30p.m. depending on when he woke up from his morning nap. To prepare for naptime, he just lays down, pulls the blanket over his head, and is out.

I know that it is time to go get him when I hear him talking to himself and googling. When I walk in, he smiles at me SOOO BIG! and it’s usually filled with kicking legs and excited drawn up arms. I LOVE that he loves me this much! ; ) When we get up, we do another diaper change, and then he eats again. After this he will either:

sit up and play independently in his crib
do some tummy time
watch Baby Einstein
we read a book (or I dodge his hands from ripping the pages out)
or anything else I can think of

Once Dennis gets home we eat dinner. Daniel will eat a small portion of carrots, sweet potatoes, banana, mango, or zucchini. (It’s what I currently have on hand right now) He is eating it REALLY good now. It’s no longer ‘practice’ but some serious business when it comes to meal time. He really likes his food. When we are at restaurants, he won’t sit in his car seat anymore at meal time, he wants to be on my lap and eating whatever I am eating. Of course, we just give him little bits of potato, or I will feed him from his own food. He has gotten a lot better about not making terrible faces, but actually moves the food from the spoon to swallow. No more playing around!

He sits!!!!!!!!!

He LAUGHS!!!!

I especially love how he lays on his back and grabs his legs and feet as he is doing in this photo above.

We went to Outback Steakhouse the other weekend with Dennis’ family. Jill, our sister in law had Daniel and was counting “1………2………….THRRRREEEEEEEEEE” as she waved a kids menu in his face, and he just cackled and laughed so loud over and over!!

He is just so much fun. He loves his bath times. He splashes with his hands and feet. Everything goes in his mouth if he can get his hands on it. He smiles and loves on his ‘Mammie’ and LOVES girls.

There is ONE thing that I don’t LOVE about Daniel: his massive COWlick. I despise it, and I am joking when I say that I am praying for a young woman to love it one day. Wow. It’s just so. . . . . distinct.

Thank you for reading all about his 6 month fun. We love you all.

I am 6 months old!!

2011-07-19T16:59:00.001-04:00

This is the “big” milestone for Daniel so far. I will have a 6 month milestones post and some pictures sometime soon. Probably after we get to Florida! We love him!!!

Tote Organization

2011-07-14T15:27:00.001-04:00

When you own a growing child, things, mainly clothing, tend to pile up because they grow out of their clothing SO FAST. . . . So, in an effort to remain of top of this from the beginning, I decided to keep a tote IN THE CLOSET, always available to stash clothes that Daniel cannot fit into any longer. So, here is a picture of how it fits perfectly in his closest, ready to become future “hammey downs” as we in the south like to say.

Below is a picture of the past box that has been recently been finished to put away for the next little Maggi boy.

Of course labeled perfectly to easily learn what is actually in the box.

I have found this to be helpful. I hope that maybe this little tip will help you as well if you are a stasher of clothing instead of a passer-downer.

A Helpful Resource. . .

2011-07-13T16:49:00.001-04:00

Today when I was looking for nutritional information for Zucchini, I found this great website that lists all of the nutritional benefits of certain fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, teas, herbs & spices, etc. As I am very curious what the foods that I feeding Daniel are doing to serve his growth, and I found this very helpful! Enjoy!!

http://www.everynutrient.com

Liberi Photo Session

2011-07-12T14:35:00.001-04:00

Thank you Liberi Family for allowing me to capture your family!!

On the way. . .

2011-07-12T13:21:00.001-04:00

to sitting. . . . .

He is not quite there yet, but he is getting stronger and stronger.

Remembering the First Days of Mommyhood. .

2011-07-11T00:23:00.001-04:00

It has occurred to me recently that I never posted the photos of Daniel from the first moments after he was born. I want to go ahead and do that now. At the time I didn’t really think about pictures of course, but I am really glad that we have them now.

Just so that we are clear: it takes a lot of guts to post these photos of me, but I have confidence that you will have mercy on my appearance as I had been laboring for nearly 30 hours at the point of these pictures. Well except for the first one.

This was taken on Sunday (the day before Daniel was born around 10:00 a.m. I was having a contraction while this exact photo was being taken)

These next pictures are from the NEXT Monday morning. (around 6 hours before Daniel came) Those of you that are not familiar with this machine: this kept track of my blood pressure, heart rate, and the baby. The paper is my contractions. I cringe seeing those black lines spike. That meant it was a painful one. The number 48 that you see on the monitor is the level of contraction I was having at the moment. I saw that number go into the 100’s, but 48 is pretty uncomfortable, too.

I asked Erin to come be my “coach” while I labored in the early stages. I say early, but it felt late to me. At this point, I had still not had the epidural. All I will say is, we are still friends, and this is a good thing. She saw me in a pretty personal way that I am grateful didn’t scare her away! I was thankful for her support. It meant a lot to me to have my mom there, too. In my mind, I thought that the hours leading up to his birth would be “enjoyable.” Meaning, I thought I would be myself, and we could all just hang out. I was……… WRONG! I was not much fun to hang around. I can see the anguished body language of my mom. I know that she hated to see me in such pain, but I know that she was so excited for her grandbaby to get here.

Now, if you fast forward a few good hours: You have the first moments of Daniel’s life.

(I apologize for the “natural" nature of this photo, but it is what it is) Dennis is cutting the umbilical cord here. That cord was tough!!!!

My poor baby was cold! When I laid eyes on him for the first time, all I could see was that he had his daddy’s mouth! I mean, that is ALL I could see. I was so glad. I love Dennis’ features, and it was an honor to have a son that looked so much like him. And then the second thing I noticed: the kids was ALL hands and feet. I hoped that he would grow into them.

I love love love this picture of him here with my mom. As soon as I had him, we invited our family and friends in that were waiting.

I know that all mommas believe that their baby is the most precious thing that they have ever seen, but I really did believe that he was prettiest little thing, ever. But, again, he is my baby, and I am his mom. Of course, I am going to think so.

This was brought to us for dinner the second night that we were there. It was really yummy.

These next pictures marks the day that we brought him home. I was really excited to leave the hospital, but I was also very scared. I really relied on the nurses to bring me that awesome ice. I could drink all the Coke I wanted. (non-caffeinated of course) and I loved it. It was my favorite thing.

This was one of our first family pictures. I was VERY VERY emotional that day. I just couldn’t stop crying! Everything was just beautiful and sweet. And, everything seemed overwhelming.

When we got home, Daniel needed his first at home diaper change. Dennis pretty much did everything those first few days at home. I was so nervous for him to go back to work. Just looking at those pictures, it reminds me of the cold in the air that January afternoon.

Cousin Cole holding him for the first time.

and my mom gets another squeeze of her grandbaby.

and now. . . . .

I get to wake up to this sweet little boy every day. He has grown up before my very eyes. I cannot believe that it has already been nearly 6 months since our lives have changed. We love our sweet Daniel. Thanks for journeying back through those memories with me. Love to all.

Our First Fruits. . .

2011-07-10T23:39:00.001-04:00

It has finally happened!!! We were able to pick the first “fruits” from our garden later this week!! We thought we just had a squash, and then this morning Dennis went out to check the garden before church, and in a blink, we had these two large Zucchini's! We didn’t even see them coming!!!

So we had a small dinner tonight, and I fried the squash because Dennis had never had it before. I mixed the Zucchini in with a pepper and onion blend. I am just LOVING this garden. It just brings so much satisfaction. We have been very fortunate to not have to use any type of netting or fencing to keep animals out, and the bugs seem to be leaving them alone, so we have had no problem keeping our veggies organic! Love that.

Before there were 5….

2011-07-07T16:54:00.001-04:00

there were just two…………