tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755355801420646482024-02-21T13:19:32.760-05:00Ben + Susannah & Baby!Through Life's Craziness...Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-90459616790163070002013-12-08T22:35:00.000-05:002013-12-08T22:41:49.671-05:00The Road to Nashville<br />
A couple of months ago I was approached by an LA-based PR firm about participating in the celebrity gifting suite backstage at the George Jones Tribute Concert in Nashville, TN. It would require lots and lots of work and some money, but Ben and I decided to go for it. We decided that even if the marketing didn't pay off in returns in sales we would at least have this amazing experience!<br />
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It was a long, hard road preparing for the show <a href="http://www.osusannah.com/blog/road-nashville-my-first-celebrity-gifting-suite">(read the crazy details here)</a> which took lots of patience, help, and work from family and friends, but we did have a great experience!<br />
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We packed the car on Tuesday and woke Whit up at 5:00 am to leave on Wednesday morning. That was a great idea-he slept for the first 3.5 hours of a 7.4 hour trip, and felt natural being in the car the rest of the day because that's where he woke up! We did take some breaks, though, including the largest tree house in America. Seriously, guys....<br />
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And the Knoxville Sunsphere and World's Fair Park: </div>
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<a href="http://worldsfairpark.org/images/content/sunsphere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://worldsfairpark.org/images/content/sunsphere.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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We decided to rent a house via airbnb.com for us, my photographer friend and her 2-month-old, my two sisters and 6-month-old nephew instead of renting individual hotel rooms. Best. Decision. Ever. There was plenty of room for all of us and the kids were much more comfortable there while my sisters took turns babysitting. </div>
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Backstage! </div>
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Megan and Ben helping to set up my condensed bedroom display on Thursday. </div>
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We got a great response from the guests about my products, our display, and our enthusiasm on Thursday so we were given a place on honor for the big deal Friday gifting event: first beside the door! The PR company owner was so pleased with us that he even let our babies visit for a couple of hours :) </div>
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Here are some pics of our favorite visitors: </div>
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Montgomery Gentry</div>
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Charlie Daniels</div>
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John Michael Montgomery</div>
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The hilarious "Soul Man" Sam Moore</div>
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The event wasn't exactly as we expected but it was really fun, and I was exhausted on Saturday. Ben and I both had sore throats from talking for so many hours, and my tongue had blisters on each side from talking while smiling so hard! We did make ourselves crawl out of bed on Saturday to enjoy some of Nashville, though. </div>
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We visited Nashville's Parthenon</div>
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Went boot and cowboy hat shopping... </div>
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And ate at a Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives restaurant! </div>
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Needless to say we were exhausted and ready to get back home on Sunday. We didn't leave until 9:00 am after packing up the car, and Whit was much less happy to be on a roadtrip this time. I was super irritable, he was crying off and on for about 5 hours straight, and I'm ashamed to say tensions ran a little high in the car that day. I guess we've learned that we all have our breaking points! I think mine is working insane hours for 8 weeks on one ultimate event <i>in the midst of the Christmas shopping season</i>, learning that the entire plan has changed and the workload has <i>doubled</i>, going out of town and having your unhappy child watched for 2 straight days by other people, putting your heart on the line for celebrity critique, having huge expectations which will undoubtedly get dashed, being the leader (and trying to be a happy, positive one) for 4 other people who are trying to create your vision, driving 8 hours away with furniture from the trunk to your knees, and all of the emotions that go along with it. </div>
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I'm exhausted just reviewing it. </div>
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And we didn't even get to see Taylor Swift's house. </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-44497352486931111822013-12-08T21:55:00.000-05:002013-12-08T21:55:47.875-05:00Whit and the Very Purple Crayon Halloween! I didn't give much thought to our Halloween costumes this year.<br />
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Psych.<br />
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I knew I wanted to do some sort of group costume, but what? The options are endless! A friend of mine showed me the Rainbow Fist costume she was making for her daughter, which gave me the idea to find some literary theme for our costumes. I love reading and Whit loves getting stories before naptimes and bed, so it was perfect! After a lot of internet searches I found the perfect inspiration: Harold and the Purple Crayon!<br />
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I follow<a href="http://www.generation-t.com/t-shirt-projects/harold-the-purple-crayon-halloween/"> this tutorial</a> for ideas on Whit's costume, a giant crayon, and putting the colored book pages on t-shirts for Ben and me, but I put my own twist on it: VINYL.<br />
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I made a vinyl stencil of a crayon and painted it onto purple felt the giant crayon he could carry, used purple vinyl to make permanent tshirts for us, and purple wall vinyl to make a car sign mimicking the book cover.<br />
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It really pays off to have a vinyl business :)<br />
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The first time we wore our costumes was for our church's Trunk-Or-Treat party. I was really proud of our creative group costume, but it wasn't so clear to others. A friend of mine dressed her entire family up as smurfs (including wigs and blue body paint) then complained to me that no adults were dressed up. We weren't dripping in body paint, but hey- I put a lot of thought into our costumes! </div>
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We even took him around to a few houses on our street the night of Halloween to introduce ourselves to our neighbors. Everyone was excited to meet Whit, but, once again, no one really understood that we were Harold and the Purple Crayon. Oh well. Maybe Where the Wild Things Are next year...? </div>
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While I was outside handing out candy to others Ben took some photos of Whit's antics inside... </div>
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If you didn't know, one of Whit's favorite foods is plain, cold, tofu. One of his least favorite foods is sweets. In this picture he is blatantly choosing tofu over candy! </div>
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And just to further prove his point he tried to throw the candy away :) Luckily Ben stepped in there, because, hey, some of us <i>like</i> candy. Like, really, <i>really</i> like it.<br />
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All in all Halloween was really fun, I was excited and proud to make our own costumes, and I think Whit enjoyed staying up past his bedtimes for two different nights. </div>
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I guess we'll do it again. </div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-30984630077609246682013-12-06T10:40:00.001-05:002013-12-06T10:40:15.978-05:00Whit at 15 months!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: red;">*This post was written the day Whit turned 15 months, about 6 weeks ago. Oops.*</span></i></div>
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Last week Whit turned 15 months old! I've been thinking back to some of my favorite monthly updates, which were 4 and 5 months. I used to pore over those pictures- I couldn't believe how adorable and fun my baby was- and I can still picture that photo shoot clearly in my mind. To be fif<i>teen</i> months old sounds so much older than four and five! And thinking back on the hilarious Christmas photo shoot (5 months) when we were battling his weight loss and he was too small to even sit up in the Bumbo he has become a serious toddler. He really is growing up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Whit @ 15 months old</u></span></div>
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*Feeds himself with a fork and spoon (<i>He only puts the utensil in his mouth, he can't get food onto it yet. He does try, though- he even spent Sacrament meeting trying to spear cheerios onto his fork!)</i></div>
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<i>*</i>Signs "please" (<i>as of two days ago)</i> and "more". (<i>This is a HUGE deal- he tested at a 5-month language rate when he was 13 months, so we work with him all the time on communicating with us)</i>. He doesn't know the appropriate use of either- just that he get something when he makes the motion- so he will do "please more please" in signs just about any time he wants something. I see "please more please" when he's ready to get out of his crib, for instance. </div>
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*Can say "ayon" (lion) and sometimes "ayen" (amen). Other than that he's pretty quiet, or grunts. </div>
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*Even though he doesn't vocalize much he <i>does</i> understand most of what we say to him. He will drop everything and go to the kitchen for his bottle when I say any word related to sleeping, will go straight to the bathtub if I say anything related to bathtime, to his changing pad when I say diaper, his high chair when we say anything about eating, etc. He even follows commands. "Don't close the bathroom door!" "Are you ready to go?" and so forth. I have seen most of these developments in the last few weeks, which makes me think all of the time and effort working with us, his speech therapist, and the at-home interventionist may be paying off! </div>
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*Loves to play hide and seek (<i>He'll crouch behind us and giggle when we pretend to look for him then hit our backs when he's ready to be found)</i>, peek-a-boo, any stuffed animals (<i>He sleeps cuddling a lion and will give any animal a squeeze when we hand it over. Adorable.), </i>books (<i>turning pages... how fun!)</i>, music (<i>He has even started quasi-dancing when he hears music)</i>, and opening and closing anything. (<i>We call him the door police- everything around him has to be closed! But of course it has to be opened, first :</i>)<i>, </i>and, of course, anything electronic (<i> Especially pushing the home button on our iPhones and iPad. He will push the iPad button until Siri gets irritated that he doesn't actually have a question.)</i></div>
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*Knows and will point to a nose, his belly, and his foot. </div>
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*Walks everywhere, all the time, and seems really comfortable and confident until BAM- a fall! He is always covered in red bumps, bruises, and scrapes. His poor forehead :( </div>
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*Rough play, especially blowing raspberries, being spinned around, and tickling (<i>when he's in the mood, of course)</i></div>
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<i>*</i>loves, Loves, LOVES his daddy. He doesn't just ignore anyone else in the vacinity (<i>including mom)</i> he will actively push others away! It's extremely heartwarming, but Ben gets worn down from having to do everything with/ for Whit and I get sad that I miss out on hugs and kisses :( </div>
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*Has a distinct personality and clear opinions. He will mostly follow commands, but the child does have a mind of his own and will throw things on the floor, close doors, push people away, and cry and scream when he is being encouraged to do something he doesn't want to do. We just need to harness that energy for good...</div>
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*Loves being outside. Anytime he is in a funky mood at home we can go for a walk and he is automatically pacified as we pass through the door. </div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-52656297517765215352013-10-15T10:54:00.001-04:002013-10-15T10:54:10.390-04:00Early Intervention, Speech Therapy, and Sensory Processing DisorderIt's been three months since I've updated the blog. Partly because I stopped doing monthly updates and photo shoots after Whit turned 1, partly because we've been so busy that blogging is low on my to-do list when I actually have free time. But I feel like it's time to explain one reason why we've been so busy lately...<br />
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Just before Whit's birthday I was sent a large packet of development surveys from the UNC-Chapel Hill Pediatrics Research Dept. It was the university chosen by the Education Department to fulfill a study on the behaviors and development of children at one and two years of age. The surveys were voluntary, but I decided to fill them out and send them in- you know, for the sake of research.<br />
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I expected he had a speech delay since by 12 months of age Whit had yet to say a single word, didn't seem to babble much at all, wouldn't look where we pointed, didn't seem to understand basic sign language, wouldn't respond to sign language or voice commands, didn't wave hello or goodbye, or even look at the right person when we said "Mama" or "Daddy". About a month after his birthday, though, I got a call from the study's head child psychologist informing us that Whit qualified for further evaluation based on not just speech development, but <i>two other developmental areas!</i> One, I was prepared for, three, I lost it.<br />
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In the same week (Whit was around 13 months old) I had an hour-long interview with a specialist about his habits and development, I spent around 4 hours filling out more in-depth surveys, Whit met with a speech therapist from the children's rehabilitation center (based on the recommendation of his pediatrician), and had a three-hour in-person, taped assessment for UNC. Needless to say, I spent the week feeling really terrible as a mother. How would Whit know the word "spoon" if he still didn't understand "eat"? Should I be teaching him "spoon"? <i>Does Whit exhibit social behavior towards other children? </i>No<i>. Do you do anything to change this behavior? </i>Well, I don't like it, but what the heck am I supposed to do about it?? Ugh... what a nightmare. But I was equally grateful to be in a state that provides this assessment and help so we can become more aware of Whit's needs and how to help him.<br />
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The results of his in-person assessment took a few weeks to be reviewed and get back to us, and gave a very thorough analysis of his current development. He had perfectly average 13-month problem solving skills, but 6-month speech development and 5-month social skills. In addition, he had many factors from the Autism spectrum, and they recommended a separate evaluation from our local Children's Developmental Services Agency because they noticed a significant lack of motor skills- especially in how he carries his body when walking and moving and how he uses his hands (he keeps one hand closed and pulled toward his side at almost all times).<br />
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Whoa.<br />
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Fast forward two months:<br />
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We see a speech therapist once a month for now, but will go more often once he hits 18 months.<br />
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We were randomly assigned to a group of research participants who would receive in-home intervention for eight months, then get re-assessed at two years along with the group of participants who will not have in-home intervention to decide if they were able to pinpoint and help pivotal behaviors and what difference it might make. I was thrilled to be assigned to this group- bring on the experts! We now meet twice weekly for an hour session with an early interventionist. She is a really friendly woman, and Whit really enjoys having her around. We talk while he plays with his toys, and each session we talk about what is new with him and she explains a new pivotal behavior technique we can work on together. We have learned and practiced things like mimicking Whit's behaviors, mimicking his speech, taking turns while playing, making eye contact, and other things to help Whit develop his social and communication skills. I am so grateful for this extra advice! I guess I just didn't know how to play with my child. I didn't realize that these basic interactions will build Whit's confidence and teach him about the give and take necessary for both speech and social interactions.<br />
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One thing we have really focused on, so far, is Whit's sensory input. After these couple of months of observation it seems pretty apparent that Whit is not on the Autism spectrum (<i>at least not classic Autism)</i>, but that his behaviors and attitude are a result of a Sensory Processing Disorder. Basically, he doesn't process the stimulus around him, so he isn't understanding and interacting with his environment very well- which frustrates him. He has a combination of Hypo- (has a very high threshold for understanding, so he craves more stimulus to experience) and Hyper- (has a very low understanding threshold so too much stimulus is upsetting) Sensory conditions. He seems hypo-sensitive orally, for instance. He loves spice and sour foods, foods with textures, things he can bite, using a straw, and a recorder or other toys meant to be blown or chewed on. He keeps food squirreled away in his cheeks because he likes the feel of something in his mouth, and spits out anything smooth because he doesn't sense that it exists as easily. All of those behaviors point to him seeking out ways to experience more with his mouth.<br />
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Unfortunately, he seems hyper-sensitive with his touch. He <i>loves</i> his stuffed animals, will rub his head against the couch or a blanket, wants to touch everything, but hates when I hug or kiss him. I think he is the cutest thing in the world and am addicted to touching him, but he recoils from human touch! I think he's come to associate me with rough, random grabs and smooches, so he cries when I try to pick him up now, and roughly pushes or slaps me away when I try to come close to him. I've been saying since I was pregnant that I was most excited for my child to run up to me, give me a tight hug, and say "I love you", but now I feel like that may never happen. I try not to make a big deal of it, but it really breaks my heart that he won't let me touch him and greatly prefers being with Ben to being with me. I think it has to do with losing Eleanor- I really want to squeeze my love into a child, but can't. I know we are blessed in so many ways, so I hate complaining, but honestly- it's a huge challenge for me.<br />
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Besides Whit's 2 or 3 appointments a week, we keep him on a strict schedule- which I think really helps. He still takes 2 2-hour naps a day, so I'm pretty inflexible to see friends. Oh well... I don't think he'll always need so much attention!<br />
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Does that give you an impression of our daily lives?<br />
<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-57154266892659124942013-08-04T19:57:00.000-04:002013-08-04T19:57:29.569-04:00Whit's First Birthday Party!Yes, it was two weeks ago yesterday that we celebrated Whit's birthday, so I'd understand an assumption that my lack of posting is a form of denial. It's not. I am *thrilled* that Whit is getting older!<br />
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Here are some birthday pictures I took of Whit the day before his birthday:<br />
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And some photos from his party! </div>
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My sister suggested we have a red "W" theme, since the white blanket and giant red "W" were the props in his monthly photos this past year. We only decided on a party at the last minute so we wanted to keep it a simple cook out with friends, but white, red, and photos of Whit- that I could do!</div>
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The kids who came were excited about our bubble machine and blown-up pool, but Whit mostly stayed at the stone retaining wall the whole time! Hey, when it's your party you get to do what you want, right? ;) </div>
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Whit was less than thrilled with the smash cake I slaved over. I guess I can't blame him- he hasn't had any sweets or sugars besides the fruit in green smoothies his whole life, and he wasn't a fan of digging his hands into buttercream. I guess new things take a while to get to used to. </div>
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Ben tried helping him eat it, but the first thing Whit did was make a face, cry, and pull it out of his mouth! Don't worry, Whit, I'm not offended. It's not the cake-it's you. </div>
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He eventually realized we weren't trying to harm him, but still wasn't interested!</div>
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I'm still working on making the best chocolate chip cookies; confident that one day he'll appreciate it!</div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-75318572260241746002013-07-19T09:13:00.001-04:002013-07-19T09:13:50.157-04:00Thoughts on Raising A One-Year-OldWhit is one year old. Twelve months. 365 days. One thing is for sure, this past year has been nothing like I thought it would be!<br />
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The past year seems to have flown by, yet I'm acutely aware of every temper tantrum. It feels like Whit has always been part of our lives, but we still have moments of yearning for the times when we could go out to dinner on a whim. His little face has become the constant fixture in my day, and I hardly recognize the baby I brought home from the hospital in his newborn photos. How can so much feel completely normal and still unusual at the same time?<br />
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{Enjoy these recent photos, then scroll down for my extensive </div>
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thoughts on my one-year-old and our journey}</div>
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Here are some thoughts from our brief time together:<br />
For his first few weeks Whit only slept. My mom, visiting the week we brought him home, said he was one of the calmest-tempered babies she'd ever seen. So, what happened...? Before long he eased into a comfortable {for him} routine of colicky crying. He <i>did</i> have reflux, which we treated, and still he would cry for hours at a time (unless being held by Mom or Dad and moving in our arms). The expensive swing we bought, all our loving family members and church friends, swaddling, and every other contraption that was designed to soothe a crying child never worked. My friend, Ashley, teased that I was back to pre-pregnancy weight so quickly because I was constantly holding Whit and bouncing on an exercise ball!<br />
For the first couple of months Whit would only take his fourth nap of the day while laying on my chest. I would hold him and watch Ellen until Ben came home then say, "Help! I"ve been held hostage!" Genuinely annoyed that I hadn't been able to even wiggle into a comfortable position for fear Whit would have woken up. But for the vast majority of his life Whit has not wanted to snuggle. Even his wanting to be held and rocked almost never equated to gently laying his head on my arm or softly swaying from side to side. And now he fights equally between asking to be held and pushing my hand away- fighting against the very thing he's crying for. I wish I'd know during those first few weeks how precious and scarce those cuddly moments were.<br />
He had a particularly difficult time learning to breast feed, but we stuck with it- even after he teethed non-stop from 5 to 10 months. To sum it up in 5 words: I. Can't. Believe. I. Survived. It wasn't just painful, it was incredibly emotional to struggle through something I knew should be best for my child! Even after he figured it out and we both got the hang of things, intense feelings of sadness would still creep up while breastfeeding as a result of months of pain. But we did it!<br />
One tender mercy from Heavenly Father is that, through losing Eleanor, we were intensely aware of how much we longed for a child and the intense capacity we had to love. We have depended on that love countless times to keep our patience through those months of high-stress crying. I knew babies pick up on the emotions of their parents, so I was careful to practice soothing breathing techniques, sing songs of love, and concentrate on a river of tenderness flowing through my touch before reaching for him, though it made no difference. I have developed a patience I was terrified didn't exist pre-children, and I'm proud of myself for that, but Whit continued to be inconsolable for months. He has gradually outgrown the worst of those phases, but has been deemed a highly sensitive and anxious baby by my mom, a Child and Family Therapist, Ph.D. Her grandmother/ professional diagnosis has given me some comfort- it's not how I'm parenting (necessarily)- it's just his current personality. So don't take it personally if you have tried to hold Whit and he was immediately sent into waterworks. He's never been that sort of kid!<br />
Another surprise for me is how difficult it is to wait and accept Whit's timeline for physical and intellectual development. Ben and I are both pretty skilled over-achievers (if I do say so myself), so I naturally assumed Whit would be leading his counterparts already. Instead, he crawled a month after the latest of my sister's kids, barely takes one step and stands on his own after months of walking and standing with help, and still <i>refuses</i> to sign with me after my consistent signing over the last six months. I find each earned milestone to be a relief because it means he's capable, and worry with each milestone to come that he'll never conquer it. There are moments when I'm convinced he's delayed- perhaps my way of preparing for the worst. You can't blame me for that. I jokingly asked my mom once, "Is is possible to be disappointed in my child?" her response, "Of course! Do you know how many times I was disappointed in Andy?!" :D<br />
Though things weren't as easy as I expected, and my effort and dedication doesn't always produce the effects I'm used to achieving, one thing was a given from the very beginning: This child has changed our lives, for the better, and I can't believe how much I love him. There have been many, many times that I have to put Whit down and step away because joy and desire are running so strongly in my veins that I feel myself turning into the Hulk and I'm afraid I'll squeeze the life out of him! I've learned to grit my teeth or bite my lip instead, and actually developed a mucocele in my lip and jaw pain trying to restrain myself! He is just <i>funny!</i> He is so expressive, loves to explore, has a long attention span, and has the cutest little smile full of bright white teeth. He is just crazy and wonderful and funny and sweet and frustrating and everything else in one little body. I love that his toes are almost all the same height, I'm fascinated watching him grasp and explore with his slender fingers, and am completely enchanted by his lavender eyes. I could stare at him all day. I have cried so many tears of hope and love over his beauty and sensitiveness, and I have uttered countless prayers for his health and well-being.<br />
One of my favorite things about Whit are the moments before I set him down for a nap. He is still trying to convince me he's not really tired and will give me all sorts of happy smiles, sometimes even "kissing" my jaw. I love that! And when he's really excited and happy his smile is so genuine that his nose crinkles and he starts to wheeze. That nose crinkle just makes my day, and is my constant goal. His fingers are so nimble- I could watch him pick things up all day. The way he moves his body is just entrancing. I love when he begins to do something that I say "no" to repeatedly. Eventually he realizes he shouldn't do that thing, will move toward doing it, then look at me for approval or disapproval. I'll keep a blank face, but that look of asking he gives me makes me swell with pride! He doesn't laugh automatically, but when he does that little giggle is the sweetest, most fun noise I've ever heard. I thrive on those moments when I see the evidence of his joy.<br />
What I've discovered in the past year is that Ben and I are not exactly <i>baby </i> people. This first year was a huge struggle for us keep our cool with this frustrating little bundle of joy who depended on us for more than everything and whom we were constantly trying to understand, but we are having more and more fun with him as he grows and learns new things.<br />
We are so excited for this next phase of his life (terrible two's don't seem like it could be worse than his infancy!). I can't wait to have him walk and run into my arms, give me a meaningful hug, hear his voice speak, and be able to play more together. I want to talk and babble with him endlessly about nothing, I want to go for walks together and point out the life around us, I want to go to playgroups and watch him (hopefully) make friends, and we can't wait for him to enjoy camping, rock climbing, playing instruments and singing with Ben, and eventually going kayaking together.<br />
My love for him brings tears to my eyes, but I do believe the best is yet to come!<br />
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-33498572228355318992013-06-18T11:29:00.000-04:002013-06-18T11:29:24.886-04:00Whit is 11 Months Old!Last night:<br />
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Ben: "What's your plan for tomorrow?"</div>
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Suz: "Tomorrow is the one day a month I'll take pictures, edit, and blog."</div>
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Ben: "Oh yeah..."</div>
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Suz: "Do you know why?"</div>
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Ben: "Of course! I couldn't forget the day of the month my son was born! </div>
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Only one more month of this, right?" </div>
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Suz: "Yeah... I guess..."</div>
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Ben: "Will you still take monthly photos after he's a year?"</div>
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Suz: "I'm not saying no, but I doubt it." </div>
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Sad, right? I honestly get choked up when it hits me that Whit is <i>almost</i> a one-year-old. <i>Almost</i> a toddler. That's <i>almost </i>preschool. Heck, I'll just say it- I can't believe my baby is about to go on his mission!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Whit @ 11 Months:</u></span></div>
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- Now exclusively getting <b>formula bottles. </b>We are both ecstatic.<br />
-Still explores with his mouth, including <b>giving "love bites."</b> (<i>At least it seems to hurt less if I give then a cute moniker.)</i> He will interrupt crawling across the room to take a bite of a toe, and likes to gnaw on my shoulder when I hold him. After getting a rather large and uncomfortable bruise from one of these "adorable" signs of affection I've decided it's not so fun, after all, and started to gently flick him on the cheek when he bites. Not sure if he's getting the message yet.<br />
- <b>Has learned "NO"</b>. I think. We don't say 'no' very often, but one thing we are sticklers about is preventing him from pulling books out of our low bookshelf. This month we waited until he crawled over to the books <i>and</i> started pulling books down then would jump over to him, pull him away, say and sign "NO" very seriously, then position him somewhere else and happily share other toys. After a couple of weeks he understood and will now go to the bookshelf to practice standing up, but <i>never</i> pulls the books down! Yay! I love that we have not only successfully communicated an important and useful household rule, but seeing that his mind and body are working in sync to understand, grow, and practice. He really is growing up :(<br />
-Whit has started<b> interacting with us</b>. He has always enjoyed playing and laughing with us, but this month he has started to hand things to me then ask for them back, give me kisses when I kiss him, etc.<br />
-He <i>freaks out</i> <i>(no, I'm not being dramatic)</i> for<b> green smoothies</b> <i>(or anything sweet, blended and delivered in a cup with a straw)</i>, but has basically <b>boycotted other pureed foods.</b> He has also become more <b>discriminating with his meals.</b> He used to scarf down whatever we put in front of him with gusto, but now he only wants to eat finger foods, he greatly prefers to feed himself, and if he decides he doesn't want more of a food he will put both fists in front of his mouth and turn his head.<br />
-Since we <b>share almost all of our meals</b> now we are being extra cautious to each healthy, homemade, organic meals, but this month he tried bacon <i>(accidentally... the first time...)</i>, frozen pizza, french fries, and cheese sticks. Eh.<br />
-Still prefers playing with everyday objects more than toys, but this month he has developed an affinity for <b>books, balls, and stuffed animals.</b> He loves turning books pages, loves chasing after a medium-sized beach ball, and snuggling with stuffed animals. It's really nice!<br />
-Has always been too distractable to keep anything in his crib<i> (including his feet. He's been using a sleep sak since he outgrew the swaddle because he would stay awake playing with his feet!)</i>, but after a couple disastrous traveling experiences recently we added a small <b>stuffed lion to the crib </b>to encourage him to form an attachment. He has been doing great with it! He does snuggle into it to fall asleep, moves away during his sleep, then wakes up happily playing with it. We fly to MI for July 4 soon so we'll be putting the lion to the test!<br />
-He is<b> <i>trying</i> to give up one of his three naps</b> but Mommy won't let him. End of story.<br />
-<b>Stands up on <i>everything</i></b>. If there is something around for him to put his hand on he tries to use it as leverage, which is pretty funny when said object is really low to the ground. If it's too short he ends up straightening his legs and sticking his but in the air but just stuck there because he can't straighten all the way up. Too funny. He does let go to stand on his own, but isn't too comfortable with it yet. He can last for a few seconds, and even longer when he's distracted while standing. Mental note....<br />
-He <b>walks pretty quickly and easily when holding on to one of our hands</b>, so we think he'll be walking as soon as he's comfortable with is balance. He does just look down at his feet as he walks, though, as if he's surprised he's attached to the things propelling him forward.<br />
-In the last 5 weeks has traveled to both coasts and spent a few days with his family in SC. We think he's having some <b>separation anxiety </b>because he practically refused to be set down among his triplet cousins while we were there.<br />
-Is getting<b> two more teeth</b> in on the bottom. That will make 8. Hence the bite bruises.<br />
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-37615033487524577312013-05-22T14:16:00.000-04:002013-05-22T14:16:04.805-04:00Andy & Amy's Shabby Chic Farm Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My brother, Andy, has met a fantastic woman and we were absolutely thrilled to go to their magical wedding two weekends ago in Roseville, CA. His wife is so together! They had a theme in mind and she completely went with it down to every detail. It was a wedding from Pinterest, Etsy, and Better Home and Gardens all wrapped into one! Truly, being with so much family for such a special occasion at this fantastic wedding/ party was an incredible experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are around 70 photos here so I understand if you aren't interested in all of them, but I just had so much fun taking pictures that I just had to share! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Set-Up</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Waiting to Begin</span></div>
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Andy pretended to get hurt while Mom pinned on his boutonniere. Classic. </div>
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Isn't my niece, Eliza, one of the most gorgeous children you've ever seen? Besides Whit <i>(and your own child),</i> of course! </div>
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I love this photo of my niece, Cat's, tulle in silhouette!</div>
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Andy and our nephew, Jack :) So sweet! </div>
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There was no wedding party, only flowers girls. How sweet is that? I walked into the barn/ shed where Amy was waiting with the flower girls for the ceremony to begin and stumbled on the sweetest conversation between them all. Amy was so sweet with her troupe, who, of course, were <i>thrilled</i> to be a part of her special "Princess Day"! </div>
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Unfortunately, I was using a 50 mm fixed length lens for this impromptu shot, so I couldn't get high enough for a full shot :( I learned my lesson...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuESVe95CyIqJ1_GM0e8Mgemjtdzq2w9493cm2s74GnJuWI98mlVJhQdeaU1A1HXR9OtnVUZaupyZUxSQxa5Xu0F5wOdvCxxHMu_piOGxSLXdagPvbHrenPaeqSxLfCWnqJ5bmOuCleJpT/s1600/AmyFlowerGirls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuESVe95CyIqJ1_GM0e8Mgemjtdzq2w9493cm2s74GnJuWI98mlVJhQdeaU1A1HXR9OtnVUZaupyZUxSQxa5Xu0F5wOdvCxxHMu_piOGxSLXdagPvbHrenPaeqSxLfCWnqJ5bmOuCleJpT/s640/AmyFlowerGirls3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Procession & Ceremony</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNoS2v_zBw7tsl4CrgeKIN8fiJYFV4HPMUqICQZRsyqEZL2zWW0HOaSbmBcQPCxC27yiaXTBAWDPydN1fEpeF1f2OLzsCrP3CoOt0SENngo4feNrTKhAec8fETOzeKK66VIjKJT4ICFyk/s1600/Cat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNoS2v_zBw7tsl4CrgeKIN8fiJYFV4HPMUqICQZRsyqEZL2zWW0HOaSbmBcQPCxC27yiaXTBAWDPydN1fEpeF1f2OLzsCrP3CoOt0SENngo4feNrTKhAec8fETOzeKK66VIjKJT4ICFyk/s640/Cat2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our nephew, Jack, carrying this sign was a surprise to Andy. We had to really yell at Andy to turn around so he would see it!</div>
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That was when Andy started to lose it... </div>
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...Until he saw Amy being walked down the aisle.</div>
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I *love* this photo of Amy! It really captures how happy she was!</div>
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We were all crying like babies. The mood was perfectly set by the sweet procession of flower girls and a sweet, simple (yet incredibly detailed) setting, but I (and most others, I think) lost it when Jack came down the aisle to surprise Andy with the "Here comes your girl!" sign. And the tears didn't stop there. No, I've been crying even going through these pictures! But this photo of our mom just breaks my heart. In a good way. We are all just so happy. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Aftwerwards and Dinner</span></div>
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They thought of every detail for the perfect shabby chic farm wedding. Lace and twine around jam jars holding garden flowers and candles, old fabric squares as napkins covered by silverware tied with twine, wooden chairs, white linens and a lace table runner, even a good ole' fashioned food truck! Yup, food truck. Apparently my brother was in charge of food :) </div>
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Andy parents {Left} with Amy's parents {Right} at the family table</div>
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Cake and Dancing</div>
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Before cutting the cake we watched a short movie depicting interviews from and about the couple projected onto a sheet. It was so sweet, and a very well-done montage. It will be a great memory for them!</div>
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One cake wasn't enough for this stylish duo. No, three cakes were in order, each with their own sweet decoration and covered with pale flowers. No complaints from the peanut gallery!</div>
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It was such a magical day, and they are an incredible fun! There is no doubt they will always be in love and have a life of fun :) </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-43403111929004272272013-05-18T20:56:00.000-04:002013-05-18T21:13:41.460-04:00Whit @ 10 Months!Our little guy is almost a year old. Wow, how time flies! Yet I can almost remember every painful moment of getting to this point when I think back on his infancy :) The memories are still fresh, which may be why we are enjoying Whit more and more the older he becomes! He is already so fun now. I can't wait for him to be walking, talking, and interacting with us more!<br />
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Whit wasn't very interested in posing for pictures today (or even sitting alone), so you'll have to take my word for it on the new advances he's been making!<br />
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*Will <b>push a hand away</b> when he doesn't want someone to touch him. Usually me. So sad :(<br />
*<b>Lunges for his crib</b> when it's time for naps or bed. I don't have any time to burp him or sing a lullabye! But I'm putting this in the "plus" category, anyway.<br />
*Can <b>use almost anything to stand up</b>. This has actually concerned me a few times when I turn around to see him standing very precariously...<br />
*Has <b>stood on his own</b> a few times for a couple of seconds!<br />
*<b>Squirls away food</b>. Honesly. We will give him something to chew on then notice it still in his mouth up to an hour later! He even does this with food he loves. He just likes to keep it in there to suck on for a while! Closet fatty?<br />
*<b>Shares his toys and food</b>. This is especially important becuase he LOVES his food! Sometimes he will be holding food in his hand and take a break from feeding himself to stick his fist of food into my face and smile. It is so cute! I use is an opportunity to show him the sign "thank you", even though he has NO INTEREST in signing. Yet...<br />
*<b>Bear crawls! </b>We noticed him starting to straighten out his legs as he crawls, and even try to straighten then tuck them underneath him like he's trying to stand up. Sorry, kiddo- you're not that big yet ;)<br />
*<b>Loves anything liquid</b>, especially smoothies! He drinks them, and anything else, through a straw like he's breathing. He will hold the cup and suck continuously from the straw quickly and forcefully until there's nothing left. Then cry for more.<br />
*Uses his <b>wrist to push fallen food back into his mouth.</b> I love it!<br />
*S<b>its back on his heels</b> so he can move around easier when he wants to. This is especially helpful when he finds something to stand up with!<br />
*<b>Really enjoys music</b>. I think he always has, but he's started to really show it. By now he will actually stop crying when he hears me sing!<br />
*He <b>loves interactive toys</b>. His favorites are stacking cups he likes to pull off and put on, and one with 5 pop-up chambers he can pop up and push down.<br />
*He can <b>place a block inside a slightly larger square</b>. Yay for fine motor control!<br />
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Last week we spent a few days in San Fransisco and picked up this ADORABLE monkey hat for Whit. I have a fondness for sock monkeys, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to take a picture of all the little animals!<br />
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Love you, Little Whitsy-Bitsy-puddin'-N-Pie-Love-Bug-Buggy-Boy-Monkey!</div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-88272805457139302192013-05-08T09:43:00.006-04:002013-05-08T09:43:44.963-04:00Wake up with Whit!Happy Wednesday!<br />
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Getting Whit after a nap is usually one of my favorite times of day. I say "usually" because if I time it right he has just woken up, is having fun playing in his crib, and is delightedly surprised to see me; his favorite playmate. Sometimes I get it very, very wrong, however. If he has woken up too early, is in a bad mood, or has been waiting for a few minutes he is a total grumpfest and it takes quite a while of cuddling to get his smiles back.<br />
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On the days when he wakes up on the wrong side of the crib I'll be glad I documented his happy side!<br />
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I love this one the best!</div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-43926386844719643012013-05-02T12:10:00.001-04:002013-05-02T12:10:27.828-04:00The little things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Melissa (M) often leaves comments on pictures saying, "He's so cute! How do you do anything but squeeze him all day?!" (or something to that affect.) Well... Honestly... I <i>don't </i>get much done, unless kissing and snuggling this little man counts as a daily accomplishment! I am just absolutely <i>addicted</i> to him. I often have to set him down, walk away, or hand him to Ben because the urge to <i>SQUEEZE</i> overwhelms me and I'm afraid of hurting him! (<i>Lennie Smalls disorder? Can that be a real thing?)</i></div>
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He has become so mobile and tactile lately. He concentrates on tasks and uses his hands, fingers, legs, and feet to delicately accomplish things. Here are some of the things I have come to adore recently: </div>
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Light touches, sweet kisses, and bear hugs just make my day!</div>
<br /><br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-87987226331097899912013-04-24T09:59:00.002-04:002013-04-24T09:59:40.267-04:00Price Lake Trail Hike in the Blue Ridge MountainsBen has been traveling across the state to a little town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains for work every week. I love coming with him. We used to live nearby and I enjoy visiting friends, I love getting a break from home and work, it's fun to stay in a hotel, and I like watching Ben interact with his colleagues during group lunches and dinners. But, honestly, the #1 reason Lenoir is fun to visit is it's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A mere 20 minute drive along one road takes us from Lenoir to Blowing Rock- a quaint resort town with fantastic restaurants, great shopping, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Driving into Blowing Rock and seeing the incredible views of hills and valleys covered in a lush, green blanket actually feels like home. I can release a deep breath I didn't even realize I'd been holding. It's wonderful.<br />
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I need to make one important clarification: I <i>{practically}</i> hate to hike, but I love to walk. So when Ben suggested we take a family hike on a trail in the Blue Ridge Parkway during one of his business trips I was thrilled to realize it was more of a stroll than strenuous. I guess I'm just more of a I'd-rather-not-feel-like-I'm-dying-when-I-decide-to-stop-and-smell-the-roses type of gal :) I always blame the fact that I have a breathing disorder which makes strenuous activity really difficult. And, hey, it's probably true!<br />
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This "hike" was amazing. It was a 2.7 mile loop around a beautiful lake right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Price Lake Trail in the Julian Price Memorial Park. The weather was great, the walk was fun, the scenery simply delicious, and practically deserted. Seriously, what more could you ask for? <i>Seriously?</i><br />
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This little guy is such a cheeser! I wasn't feeding him Cherrios, making funny faces, or inducing his smiles in any of these pictures <i>in any way</i>. He just loves the camera and pulls out that grin at every opportunity! </div>
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I especially love this photo because he is crinkling one eye just like I do when I smile. Crinkle eye + dimples means this boy gets at least one characteristic from his mommy: His smile! Woo hoo!</div>
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When we passed this tree Ben commented, "Well that guy just gave up." Ha! There is a dam at another edge of the lake, so maybe the beaver decided modern technology wins...? Take that, nature. </div>
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Ben took this family photo with his new iPhone 5. He'd been whining (<i>yes, whining is the right word.</i>) about his BlackBerry for years, and it hit a high when his company announced they would allow employees to use the new iPhone. His BlackBerry suddenly stopped working soon afterward (<i>sounds too convenient, but it's true!</i>), and he was bestowed a precious new iPhone 5 on Monday. The resolution is great, and I am glad its easy to take pictures of the three of us now! (<i>Notice my eye crinkle when I smile.)</i> </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-46329826057882418612013-04-18T10:43:00.001-04:002013-04-18T10:46:16.213-04:00Whit at 9 monthsWhit became almost unrecognizable this month!<br />
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I took him in for a sick visit at 8 months because of concern over his (lack of) weight gain, and the pediatrician encouraged us to increase his meals from 2 to 4 a day. That suggestion has made a huge difference for us! I don't get out of the house with Whit very much because he is only awake for 1-1.5 hours between naps and we need about 30 mins. to feed him a meal and around 20 mins for a full nursing session before he goes to sleep. That doesn't leave much time for playing, but Whit is much happier when he's awake and goes to sleep much faster! So far he has gained 11 ounces, which is a huge improvement from the measly 8 oz. he'd gained in the previous 4 months!<br />
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In addition to a fuller face and slightly chunkier body he has also started to crawl, stand up, and climb, and use his fingers to feed himself all in about 2 weeks. It feels like he went from "Baby" to "Pre-Toddler" in a very short time! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Whit @ 9 months</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">15 lbs. 11 oz: 2%</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">28 in.: 35%</span></div>
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*Understands sign language, but not repeating any. He gets really excited when we sign "Pick Up" and usually stops fussing for food when we sign "More", "Milk", or "Finished." I wish he was ready to do sign language, but I'm glad he at least understands some!<br />
*Is Crawling!<br />
*Can Pull himself to a standing position! <i>And </i>balance with one hand away, twist around, and step his feet.<br />
*Can climb up stairs!<br />
*Has 6 teeth, and LOVES to use them. He puts everything into his mouth and tugs on it! This has become a slight problem when eating because he will bite off the end of hard breadsticks and accidentally start to gag on it :( But he is really good at gagging, at least! There are little bite marks all over his crib slats, too.<br />
*Eats 3 meals and 1 snack a day and LOVES to eat. I make all of his food, but he also gets bits of anything we are eating. This means we can FINALLY eat dinner as a family in peace!<br />
*Can use his fingers and thumb to pick up cheerios and other small foods and get them in his mouth every time! He has become a very quick eater :)<br />
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*His hair is getting long and stringy. It sticks up in the back and parts to the side. He looks so grown up!<br />
*Still loves his music table, but will go for an adult item over a toy any day. His favorites are my phone, camera, other electornics, cords, and basically anything else he shouldn't be playing with. We try to interest him in toys, especially toys that move, but he couldn't care less!<br />
*Puts his head on my shoulder when he's sleepy and ends up giving me "love bites". I love it!<br />
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These photos haven't been edited. His eyes are such a solid blue that they are almost lavender! </div>
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Things are really changing around here now that Whit is mobile. Luckily we don't have much to babyproof around the house, but he does seem to find the one cord corner pretty frequently, or get stuck under the dining room table! He still has clingy moments and will follow us as we move around the house, but he is also much happier to play by himself because he can scatter to new areas when he gets bored. We have so much fun together! He loves going for walks and playing at the playground, but we are starting to realize how much trouble this in-between stage can be, too. We can't just set him down if we need to run and grab something- he doesn't sit still anymore! This makes it a little harder to take him on adventures, but luckily as he gets older he becomes more and more interested in the world around him.<br />
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Standing up and stepping his feet:</div>
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Climbing stairs at our playground:</div>
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Ben was home for lunch during a portion of our photo shoot so he got some cute pictures of us when Whit was getting sleepy. I'm so glad! Such a rare moment caught on camera!</div>
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I was pretty outspoken about wanting my baby to remain a baby for as long as possible, but it's true that each new phase is better than the last. We have so much fun with him now! I am actually looking forward to all the things we will be able to do together when is a true-blue walker!</div>
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But I hope he always lays his head on my shoulder when he's sleepy :) </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-42937716326024079852013-04-17T09:43:00.002-04:002013-04-17T09:43:53.091-04:00Greensboro Collegiate Biscuitville Run! Two weeks ago Ben casually mentioned an unusual invitation he'd received. It was to join a team of colleagues to compete in a 4-member relay sponsored by a favorite local chain restaurant, Biscuitville. Each member was to race through one biscuit-related relay, run .7 miles around a few city blocks, finish with a pass through a flour shower, then pass a mini rolling pin to the next team member.<br />
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My immediate reaction was YOU. MUST. DO THAT!<br /><br />Because I love the opportunity to photograph him looking so hilarious.<br />
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And this didn't disappoint!<br />
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The Avery Dennison team </div>
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All 4 members of each competing team stayed at the race beginning until their team name was called to begin and a member passed the rolling pin. </div>
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Avery Dennison was called second so Ben (relay #1) set off to be #1! He not only immediately boxed out the competitor called with him but also overtook one of the original 2 called minutes before him! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uDaKRJizRlbvvfoAwrDLvYIj0GVgbsQGpIWGko9c8qYr9VNKwiWHlM2eaOMMhUs4Ll4I0YZQPK8fM__3r14l9rf2z8SJVuBTQwKL-Pb2JxcEiuPpn0mqExHdvStL4XcVrCl4vH08qjbr/s1600/IMG_3190.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uDaKRJizRlbvvfoAwrDLvYIj0GVgbsQGpIWGko9c8qYr9VNKwiWHlM2eaOMMhUs4Ll4I0YZQPK8fM__3r14l9rf2z8SJVuBTQwKL-Pb2JxcEiuPpn0mqExHdvStL4XcVrCl4vH08qjbr/s640/IMG_3190.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Relay #1: Sweet Tea Tumble</div>
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I love this picture of Ben (<i>notice the shadow)</i> running through the flour shower: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5MCqUbMS7eBukR920c_shwokV91STCbVUtqBRA2IRKwV_jM9VmLT-9OTzXHyBGGaOkTzp92FjVrRxhlyFbxTngsh8a07VTsewAnVI2-qbvhriLDhkenjMUzOaTRhIHQz5i_Qe2tBd6_4/s1600/IMG_3210.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5MCqUbMS7eBukR920c_shwokV91STCbVUtqBRA2IRKwV_jM9VmLT-9OTzXHyBGGaOkTzp92FjVrRxhlyFbxTngsh8a07VTsewAnVI2-qbvhriLDhkenjMUzOaTRhIHQz5i_Qe2tBd6_4/s640/IMG_3210.CR2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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That other guy didn't have a chance when Ben saw they'd have to run up to and climb over a wall to slide into the sweet tea while holding a lemon in their mouths. Ben + climbing = FAST! No matter how many lemon slices he's chewing. </div>
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Passing the rolling pin to the next team member while they all waited at the starting line: </div>
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<i>(Side note: I was waiting at the next relay with a friend and our babies, but Ben ran through his .7 mile loop so quickly that I had to sprint to run ahead of him to get pictures of him flying through the flour shower and to keep up as he passed the rolling pin.... </i></div>
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<i>I was exhausted. </i><i>No marathons, races, or relays for me!)</i></div>
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Relay #2: Run through pancake batter tires while carrying a piggy. </div>
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Since Tiesha was one of the first racers at this relay the volunteers still weren't really sure how to advise her. This moment was pretty funny, she finished the tires and was ready to run her loop and said to the nearest volunteer, "Uh, can I give this to you...?" </div>
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Relay #3: Buttermilk Slip 'n Slide</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYJzryfvhQ5LmszXYAMjMTE4s_mKbg0Apg3PKP0PiSaqTV-lHoTP0ak9nSumvFbgEsECcDTA-QJOUgL4FVej52S6eO5hEMjsvWDdymqTN4uKVbWrJJkOKYZApRD0AjD7j8fLCU1h3RKFz/s1600/Biscuitville+Run-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYJzryfvhQ5LmszXYAMjMTE4s_mKbg0Apg3PKP0PiSaqTV-lHoTP0ak9nSumvFbgEsECcDTA-QJOUgL4FVej52S6eO5hEMjsvWDdymqTN4uKVbWrJJkOKYZApRD0AjD7j8fLCU1h3RKFz/s640/Biscuitville+Run-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The buttermilk slip 'n slide was my favorite! Volunteers had huge batches of buttermilk in buckets they would throw on the racers as they jumped on the balloon thingy. The racers were so enthusiastic and so grossed out at the same time, and the volunteers <i>loved</i> dousing them! It was AWESOME. </div>
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Relay #4: Jam crawl! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGIFhibSchiHUWUT7Lrs1nREqzFeHadYQo3iHUg2xwsfGHYCMiGz1bhyphenhyphenyuQDSyL7R64ACxhi7P7t_2gfLPWFJXcEidNfvhfbsxoLhyphenhyphenoOFIUbBOkXsHcuSBr6Eb-LvHlTzUK_YQeWu__1a/s1600/Biscuitville+Run-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGIFhibSchiHUWUT7Lrs1nREqzFeHadYQo3iHUg2xwsfGHYCMiGz1bhyphenhyphenyuQDSyL7R64ACxhi7P7t_2gfLPWFJXcEidNfvhfbsxoLhyphenhyphenoOFIUbBOkXsHcuSBr6Eb-LvHlTzUK_YQeWu__1a/s640/Biscuitville+Run-006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I actually missed seeing Beth do the jam crawl (<i>total bummer, it seemed awesome</i>), but Ben was standing ready and got some good pictures with my phone! Yay for modern technology! <i>Annnnnnnd</i> there were a ton of racers crowding her when I tried to catch her getting through the flour shower so I had her re-play the moment for better pictures afterward. <i>Soooooooo </i>I didn't take the first pictures and the second are fake. Judge me. </div>
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And the Avery Dennison team after the relay!</div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbUQpp0t1ZxwhC8vEZCfTYY17Bzpv45QzAdh7ZyDj-YksgDmzQohVgq5lA8W4ztrItejroTCAfRknkPOT9wu1bfGmCX83G43Atah3pkYn1mRTff5xsjgpX7LRfacMIWpj1AClx1LG3EM2/s1600/IMG_3343.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbUQpp0t1ZxwhC8vEZCfTYY17Bzpv45QzAdh7ZyDj-YksgDmzQohVgq5lA8W4ztrItejroTCAfRknkPOT9wu1bfGmCX83G43Atah3pkYn1mRTff5xsjgpX7LRfacMIWpj1AClx1LG3EM2/s640/IMG_3343.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div>
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Aren't they a glorious mess?</div>
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A good friend of ours from church, Seth, was racing with a team from his office so his wife, Alta, and I hung out (with our matching Canon 60D cameras!) to take pictures from different angles of our husbands. It was great to have a friend there to keep an eye on Whit while I ran after the A/D team, and fun to commentate with someone about all the sillyness we were witnessing! She took the awesome pictures of Ben going through the sweet tea tumble, and I got these of Seth at the buttermilk slip 'n slide: </div>
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Our friends!</div>
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Even Whit got in on the Biscuitville fun with one of the free breakfast biscuits they were distributing!</div>
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It was SO. MUCH. FUN. </div>
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<a href="http://biscuitvillebowl.com/7-campus-scramble/">Click here for more info on the Biscuitville Run. </a></div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-15245366795240532132013-04-02T12:23:00.000-04:002013-04-02T12:23:39.283-04:00Our Anniversary Trip to Roanoke, VA! When Ben and I got engaged we spent the weekend calling all of our long-distance family to poll which weekend of 6 would be most convenient for everyone to come to town for our sealing and reception. One after another they all gave the same reply- the first weekend possible; which happened to be over Easter. Everyone flew or drove in on Thursday, we were married on Good Friday, and spent the weekend celebrating.<br />
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It has worked out so well that our anniversary now falls around a holiday weekend every year! Ben gets Good Friday off of work, so we love considering where we should go to celebrate :D This year we used the extra time to go to Roanoke, VA. We couldn't decide between a mountain or beach vacation <i>(we love living close enough to so many beautiful areas that anything is an option!)</i>, but quickly settled on Roanonke- a city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains only 2 hours away- after seeing that one of favorite (<i>and clean)</i> comedians, Jim Gaffigan, was scheduled to have a show there on Saturday, March 30. Ben did some extra research and discovered some really terrific activities Roanoke has to offer. We spent the weekend hiking 2.5 miles to the top of a mountain and sinking hundreds of feet below the Earth into a cavern, seeing one of the most wonderful comedians in the country and one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/natural-bridge-history.php">Roanoke, VA Natural Bridge</a></span></u></div>
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This natural bridge was formed after a cavern collapsed. Along with Niagara Falls it has been one of the most popular natural tourist destinations in America since the 1700s, and has been included in many Wonders of the World lists. <i>(I had never even heard of it, even growing up a few hours away in SC. But I'm glad I've finally learned more of my nearby history and visited!)</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Roanoke, VA. Dixie Caverns</u></span></div>
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The only caverns in SW Virginia, the Dixie Caverns are nearby the Natural Bridge. The caverns were discovered in 1920 and are now open 363 days for 50-minute tours. The tour takes groups deep into the mountain and from "room" to room of discovered caverns. We go up and down different layers, see stalagtites <i>(from the ceiling)</i>, stalagmites <i>(from the ground up)</i>, water pools, and bats. </div>
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I, foolishly, didn't set up my camera on a tripod so I didn't get many good pictures, but it was really, really cool!<i> (And only a little cold ;)</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Dragon's Tooth Hiking Trail</u></span></div>
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There are many hikes around the Roanoke area due to it's proximity to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, but Ben quickly chose Dragon's Tooth as our Saturday activity due to it's name. That was fine with me- you may remember I referred to Whit as "Dragon" before he was born! Portions of this hike were pretty strenuous, though, and, in hindsight, may not have been the best choice... </div>
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It started off as a tame walk gradually uphill...</div>
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Then there were a few areas of necessary wall scaling... </div>
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<i>(during which I kept repeating, "Be careful with my baby!")</i></div>
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And the last .7 miles (or so) was almost exclusively scrambling over giant, awkward boulders. It's been hailed one of the hardest hiking portions of the entire App Mountains! I have breathing trouble due to Tourette's Syndrome, Ben has a cranky knee after years of competitive downhill mountain biking, and we (Ben) was carting around Whit the whole time! If I'd realized this last section had such a tough reputation I might have discouraged the trip! </div>
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The trail is called Dragon's Tooth because there are giant Tuscarora quartzite rock formations that straddle the cliff which resemble giant fangs. After climbing for about 2 hours I sat down with Whit at the base of the cliff while Ben climbed the extra 30 feet to get a view from the top of the "teeth". This is the very top of Cove Mountain!</div>
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I was here: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t7tMs45YATYv8kc6UDmZljc-UgHYPCjRTPq0FCJmbm94UACFPptDK2PVBi1trnnCY21212oFrBvTBX3PxXZs42lGfNUhwqrkNTKdipOGlKoizZgp0C9nJqmfr20BMkJ7D2A3TZb9GqOx/s1600/IMG_3006.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t7tMs45YATYv8kc6UDmZljc-UgHYPCjRTPq0FCJmbm94UACFPptDK2PVBi1trnnCY21212oFrBvTBX3PxXZs42lGfNUhwqrkNTKdipOGlKoizZgp0C9nJqmfr20BMkJ7D2A3TZb9GqOx/s640/IMG_3006.CR2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Changing Whit's diaper, </div>
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and nursing. </div>
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We left Whit under the watch of some VT student hikers so Ben could guide me up to the top of the rock: </div>
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It was sort of terrifying. </div>
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But beautiful! </div>
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Ben carried Whit in our new Osprey Poco Baby Backpack, which garnered lots of attention! This we heard from passing hikers:<br /><br />"Wow! Do they make those in my size?"<br />"He's got the best seat on the mountain!"<br />"He looks tired from this hike." <br />"Hey! There's a baby in there!"</div>
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"You're a better man than me..." <br /></div>
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It's funny how having a baby automatically makes you popular :) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeOrfpvO0ItzCqJynrBGR325ssx_sR9IE8ZlzDygcFUxbJVrlwKflMCQbfEG0PQFn2umJbliDIjR__OubRQ4S-QpRgPbm1Ea17N4ya7kIbxjJdfRfnox1H5GaA8axEbZbaZTRYdl4q25C/s1600/IMG_2974.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeOrfpvO0ItzCqJynrBGR325ssx_sR9IE8ZlzDygcFUxbJVrlwKflMCQbfEG0PQFn2umJbliDIjR__OubRQ4S-QpRgPbm1Ea17N4ya7kIbxjJdfRfnox1H5GaA8axEbZbaZTRYdl4q25C/s640/IMG_2974.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We contacted the Roanoke YSA group on Facebook for a babysitter and found tickets to Jim Gaffigan on Craigslist for the fourth row!! It was INCREDIBLE. We also went to two local restaurants, <a href="http://wildflour4thst.com/">Wildflour </a><i>(which is organic, local fare in a unique restaurant covered with paintings done by local artists)</i> and <a href="http://www.thequarterrestaurant.com/">The Quarter</a><i> (named the best new restaurant of 2011 and designed with New Orleans food. We ate gator! It may have been one of the best meals of my entire life!)</i></div>
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All in all we had a really terrific visit! There is also an impressive-looking modern art museum, a fun downtown square, and the second-largest municipal park in the country so I'd say another trip to Roanoke is in our future! </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-77227325838848321882013-03-20T18:04:00.001-04:002013-03-20T18:04:20.278-04:00All Parents Mess Up.I'm not oblivious to the fact that every parent has days when they wonder (<i>or know</i>) if they are doing the right thing. I wish that's all today had been- a test of parental faith. But today wasn't an I-don't-think-I'm-doing-my-best-in-this-moment sort of day, it was an I'm-being-told-by-a-children's-professional-that-I've-been-screwing-my-child-up sort of day.<br />
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Here's how it all began...<br />
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In a time not-too-distant, in a land called Greensboro, a 4-month-old baby boy weighed 14 lbs. 3 oz. Let's call him "Whit." He was estimated to be in the 44% for weight, which came as no surprise to his adoring parents. See, Whit's mom had had many ultrasounds during her pregnancy and many pediatrician appointments since he was born which all tracked Whit along the 50% for weight, as well. In the months that followed, however, Whit seemed to stop gaining weight. He grew longer, his face became thinner, and he began to resemble more of a little boy than a baby as sitting up stretched his neck and teeth sprouted in his smile. Although he seemed to be doing well, his parents became concerned that Whit wasn't gaining any weight. Whit also wasn't advancing toward some developmental milestones, either. Well-meaning family, friends, and strangers would often offer this advice to Whit's parents: <i>"Just wait until he's 8 months. That's when he'll start signing." "Babies don't usually start crawling until 8 months." "His weight has plateaued for now, but in a couple of months he'll be gaining weight again."</i> etc, etc. And so it was that they patiently (<i>for the most part</i>) waited for this mythical 8-month stage when all of their concerns would magically be overcome.<br />
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It didn't happen.<br />
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I don't need to be told that all babies are unique- I know that- but I couldn't help wondering if Whit's lack of interest in signing, creeping, crawling, pulling up, and standing (<i>all of which, or at least some of which, really ought to be happening right about now) </i>was related to his slight build. Is it possible that he isn't gaining enough weight to build the muscle needed for those actions, or something?<br />
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So today I brought him in for a visit to his pediatrician's office just to make sure his physical development isn't stunted. Give me a break- he's my first child and, though I try not to let the stress show to Whit, everything he does/ doesn't do is admittedly over-analyzed. He weighed in at exactly 15 lbs. Even less than I thought.<br />
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The conversation went something like this:<br /><span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "Does he get solid food?"</span><br /><span style="color: red;">Me: "He has two meals a day of solid food."</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "<i>Why is he only getting two meals?! He should be getting three plus a snack!"</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Me: "Well... We were told at 4 months to give him one meal, and at 6 months to give him two meals. I didn't want to do anything new without hearing from his pediatrician first."</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "How often does he nurse?"</span><br /><span style="color: red;">Me: "Every 2 hours or so. He's been teething the last few weeks, so he's nursing a few extra times at night when he wakes up." </span><br /><span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "Teething has nothing to do with it."</span><br /><span style="color: red;">Me: "Oh I know, I just wanted you to know that he's getting even more milk than normal and his weight is still low."</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br /><span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "Well you're right about that!" (</span><i style="color: blue;">shows me the graph of Whit's weight since birth and how it had plateaued then took a nosedive off the chart.) "</i><span style="color: blue;">How long does he nurse for?"</span><br /><span style="color: red;">Me: "About 10 mins."</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br /><span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "No wonder! He isn't nursing for long enough. You're feeding him too often. He's just snacking. You need to refuse him nursing so he's hungry enough to nurse long enough to get to the hindmilk during each feeding. You need to get him down to nursing just 4 times a day." </span><br /><span style="color: red;">Me: "Ok, that makes sense, but I feed him all he wants until he seems satisfied, then feed him again when he's hungry..." </span><br /><span style="color: blue;">Dr. L: "You've been teaching him that when he cries you'll feed him. I would cry all the time if it meant someone would nurse me, too!" </span><i style="color: blue;">(Did I mention Dr. L is a man?)</i><span style="color: blue;"> "You'll have to let him throw his tantrums without giving in and feeding him. And you have to be consistent. B. F. Skinner taught us about the link between behavior-consequences-reward." (</span><i style="color: blue;">Yes, he actually tried to tell me who Skinner was)</i><span style="color: blue;">. </span><br />
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Dr. L checked Whit's stomach and his liver and <strike>onions</strike> kidneys are fine, he was moving his arms and legs around enough that Dr. L isn't concerned with his motor skills, and we were sent on our way with the strict instructions to <i>get that kid on a schedule!</i><br />
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Which basically (<i>and complicatedly... really any way you look at it)</i> boils down to the fact that I, his mother, the being ultimately entrusted with his care, have been facilitating and encouraging Whit's bad behavior of not nursing the right way and not feeding him solid meals often enough and, therefore, am responsible for his low weight.<br />
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<i>But how the heck was I supposed to know that?!?!?!?!</i> And Whit is already pretty comfortable erring on the side of discomfort and sadness, which I think I deal with pretty well on a daily basis thankyouverymuch, so who is he to make it sound as simple as letting him cry through a tantrum until he figures out he won't get the reward? Whit isn't being manipulative- this is the way he's acted since birth! And realizing early on that I'd have to be firm with him so he might eventually outgrow his solace and learn to depend on himself to be happy means I don't just automatically coddle him. I Don't!<br />
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Ugh! Just.... <i>ugh!</i><br /><br />It was such a horrible feeling to go to a pediatrician looking for help and comfort, and instead be met with news that my baby is even worse than I expected and his shortcoming are a direct result of my poor parenting. I love him so much, and I really do try to be good for him.<br />
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So after Whit's nap we went to the grocery store and came back with lots of goodies that I'll be giving him all day long now:<br />
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When I'm a grandma (<i>hopefully</i>) will I look back on these days and regret doing everything wrong and think I've totally messed up my precious baby?<br />
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-77328693347029648922013-03-18T14:15:00.002-04:002013-03-18T14:21:00.099-04:00Whit is 8 months old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The many faces of Whit:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Whit @ 8 Months:</u></span></div>
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15.2 lbs</div>
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27.5 inches</div>
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*<b>Eating food with spices.</b> I make all of Whit's food, and have been trying new combinations with curry, Italian spices, garlic, chili powder, etc. in hopes that he will get used to the types of foods Ben and I eat daily and we can avoid having a picky eater later on!<br />
*<b>Lifts his arms up to be held.</b> This melts my heart. Yay.<br />
*<b>Has 4 teeth and is getting 2 more on top! </b>The last three weeks Whit has been in non-stop-waking-up-every-two-hours-hardly-naps-only-wants-to-be-held teething mode. I can't wait for those little <strike>jerks</strike> teeth to be out of there! But now he smiles to the left so he can feel the teeth that have come in on top :)<br />
*<b>Crinkles his nose when he smiles</b>. It is so cute to see his smile evolve!<br />
*<b>Separation Anxiety</b>. He cries if the person he's been playing with (usually me or Ben) is out of sight for even a brief moment.<br />
*Is getting better at<b> playing by himself.</b> We can leave him on the floor with a few toys and he will happily be entertained (<i>for a little while, at least!) </i><br />
*Still isn't crawling, mostly because he can <b>accomplish whatever he wants by sitting up</b>. He can fold himself in half to lean down and grab things, twist around the get things behind him, and sit back up from laying down after stretching to grab things. If something is too out-of-the-way to be stretched and received, he couldn't care less about it.<br />
*No matter how tired he is when I put him down, he will <b>twist around his crib until he's laid in every direction</b> before finally falling asleep horizontally across his crib. His is a mini crib that is only 26 inches wide, so this is becoming a real problem! It is <i>hilarious</i>.<br />
*<b>Hates to be manipulated </b>(<i>physically, not emotionally.) </i>If we position his knees to a crawling positions, or move his hands to show him how to sign he will FREAK OUT!<br />
*I've heard babies have a short memory, so distractions work wonders when they get upset. Not this child. He knows how to <b>hold a grudge</b>. If I leave the room, stop feeding him, or something else that upsets him he stays angry for a <i>while! </i>He may look like his dad, but this is proof that he gets at least one thing from his mommy!<br />
*Can <b>sit in a highchair</b> and <b>walks in a simple walking toy</b> at home.<br />
*Can <b>stand for a little while</b> and even pick his feet up when holding onto something<br />
*Loves to <b>tilt his head back to look up at us</b> if he is sitting in front of us. He loves getting kissed all over his face when he does that!<br />
*<b>Has started eating table food.</b> We have given him beans, rice, noodles, carrots sticks, and pretzels, which he happily gums to death.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I am so proud to say that with his developing personality it is so obvious how much he loves his parents. He completely lights up with Ben or I are around. He gives huge smiles when we smile at him, laughs when we laugh, always wants to be held, and generally shows how much he adores being around us. Yesterday Ben said, "What is going to happen when he isn't a Momma's Boy anymore?" Me: "Easy. That's never going to happen." </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Which is why I am able to get such cute pictures of this little charmer, even when he is teething, generally miserable, and crying. </span></div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-7229858842759832672013-02-22T12:17:00.002-05:002013-02-22T12:17:28.319-05:00Whit says Happy Friday!Whit has been really talkative lately, which is a combination of only a couple noises- either he's squaking or grunting! We call him our little pterodactyl :) <i>(Did you know that was spelled with a "p"? Thank you, auto correct!) </i><br />
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We talk back, and he laughs at the sound we mimic. At least he agrees its silly! <br />
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I'm so glad I finally got some of his jibber jabber recorded. This was taken after his morning breakfast of yogurt; he's always happiest after he's eaten! <br />
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Happy Friday!<br />
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-18283169687947434172013-02-18T16:58:00.002-05:002013-02-18T16:58:49.130-05:00Whit is 7 months old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Whit @ 7 months: </u></span></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">15.4 lbs</span></div>
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*<b>Blowing raspberries</b>! As if he didn't already drool enough... We keep saying, "Oh, he's teething!" because his shirt will be soaked after a few minutes, but no new teeth come in... Hmmmm...</div>
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*Has started to <b>grip around my arm </b>when I pick him up. It feels like he's giving a little hug, which actually makes me excited for him to grow up (<i>a little</i>) and give me a real hug!</div>
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*Has included<b> breakfast as a second solid meal</b>! He eats full-fat greek yogurt with fruit puree every morning, and lentils or other protein a veggies at night. We are trying to beef this kid up! Not working yet :(</div>
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*Is <b>sleeping without the swaddle!</b> This is HUGE for him. I thought he'd be swaddled on his honeymoon! He started bending around in his swaddle until he flipped and was stranded on his tummy, so we had to give it up cold turkey for a sleep sak. It took a while for him to learn to sleep with all of his limbs free, but he's doing great now! He wakes up twice between 7 pm- 7 am when he flips over and gets uncomfortable. </div>
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*<b>Sits up SO WELL.</b> He has no interest in crawling or anything resembling crawling because he can lean over and around and everything and pull himself back up to sitting. He doesn't mind tummy time as much, though, since he started sleeping in the Sleep Sak. I think he's happier with the night practice of being mobile, he just doesn't care during the day :)<br />*After a full month of sitting up almost all day the rash under his neck has finally gone away!</div>
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*Sits in the toddler side of the baby bathtub (<i>because we just realized there was a newborn and toddler side)</i></div>
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*Is spending a lot more time being <b>happy</b>! Wow. Finally. He is actually a LOT of fun to be around now! </div>
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*<b>Laughs and smiles </b>more often. Most often when we kiss his tummy, roughhouse with him, when we laugh, or kiss under his chin. </div>
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*Will sit while I read an entire children's book. We try to avoid any showing him any screens, so I'm reading a couple of books to him a day to stimulate his imagination. So I need some new books.</div>
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*Favorite new toys are <b>stuffed animals. </b>He's really interested in their softness and texture, and will snuggle in with one when he's awake. It's <i>so cute...</i> He met an actual dog that let him touch his fur and Whit was so excited! He laughed immediately as if thinking, "Wow! This stuffed animal <i>moves</i>!" </div>
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*<b>Puts everything in his mouth.</b> EVERYTHING. Thankfully my mom gave him some Little People toys, which are the perfect size for him to hold and chew on. I think we'll be getting some more of those. </div>
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*<b>Rolls over</b> from tummy to back and back to tummy. Not enough to move around that way, but seems proud of himself for doing it :) </div>
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*Starting to mimmick our speech. He makes the CUTEST noises. We love having "conversations" with him, where we just mimick noises back and forth!</div>
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*<b>Has amazing concentration</b>. He has always seemed to, and it hasn't stopped. Most recently he will watch Ben opperate a remote control helicopter until the battery runs out. He doesn't even notice if he's on his tummy or sitting up... he just watches it with his mouth open for as long as Ben flies it! I think that's why he doesn't care about moving. He doesn't mind sitting up even if no toys are around, he just likes to watch and observe everything around him. </div>
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Whit's 7 month photo shoot was during Ben's lunch break, so I got some cute ones of the two of them! Before my camera made a weird noise then turned off (aka the battery died...)</div>
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It's obvious Whit adores Ben, isn't it? </div>
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Our conversations lately have been different versions of "He's so great, isn't he?" "Oh yeah, SO great..." "I love him SO much... Don't you just love him so much?" "Oh... SO MUCH..." Haha! :D </div>
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But honestly, he is growing up, showing his personality, and is getting to be more and more fun to be around. Gosh, we just love him. He is our entire world. Oh. My. Goodness. </div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-18396003005026334012013-02-14T11:15:00.001-05:002013-02-14T11:40:57.397-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!Last night I cried myself to sleep on Ben's shoulder after finished the novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Molokai-Alan-Brennert/dp/0312304358"><u>Moloka'i</u>,</a> about a girl in 1900's Hawai'i who is sent to an exiled island after being diagnosed with leprosy at the age of 7. She spends her next 60 years battling the "bug", even being forced to turn over her daughter hours after she's born for fear that the infant would contract the disease. The main character, Rachel, never forgets about the baby girl she was only permitted to see from behind a glass wall twice a week until she was adopted off of the island at 1 year old - by far the most heartbreaking aspect of an already alarmingly traumatic story.<br />
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I woke up with a debilitating headache (<i>I guess crying over sad novels is the Mormon equivalent to waking up with a hangover?)</i>, but was overjoyed to spend this "LOVE DAY" with the boys I <i>do</i> have in my life. I'm grateful for the timely reminder from that novel to appreciate the love I have in my life, and the simple freedom of being able to kiss, hug, and cherish my baby every possible moment. </div>
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Plus, you all know I can't pass up the opportunity to have a photo shoot with my little "Love Love" :)</div>
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I just wrote a post about things I love about Ben for his birthday, but you just can't dispute that a man who stays up until midnight holding you and hearing you explain the plot of the most unsettling, dramatic story in indistinguishable sobs is probably the best guy on Earth. </div>
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I am so grateful, especially, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the knowledge and priesthood we have access to which has blessed us with a temple marriage and, therefore, an eternal family. Unlike the fictional-but-based-on-many-real-events characters from my book there is no doubt that we will see our little girl again, and that we will all be together forever! </div>
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I love you all :)</div>
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Now, Ben, what I want for Valentine's Day is a bottle of Aspirin. </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-13754747416685536882013-02-06T17:12:00.001-05:002013-02-06T17:12:39.542-05:00Happy Birthday, Ben!Ben's birthday was Monday. I don't want to say how old he is, but let's just say it was a big number.<br />
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Hence why I wanted to celebrate, and he didn't. Well, he won! He actually left Monday morning for a week of meetings across the state, so we haven't been able to celebrate <i>at all!</i><br /><br />My husband is incredible, though, and I have to tell him and all of you how much I love him. He is so funny, spontaneous, adventurous, and fun to be around. We always have a good time! He has a serious, side, too, and works long hours at his job and studying for his MBA at night and on weekends. He has amazing focus and commitment! But he loves being a father above all. For instance, he enjoys traveling for work but really didn't want to make this latest trip to China. He kept saying, "I really wish I didn't have to go. I'm really going to miss you and Whit." He found time to video chat twice a day with us while he was gone, and made sure the home we move to is still in a close range to his office so he can continue to see us for lunch every day. What a perfect combination of fun, hard work, and love!<br />
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Happy Birthday, Ben!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">In the last year Ben has: </span></u></div>
<br />*Traveled to Honduras, China, Ohio, Chicago, Milwaukee, Indiana, Utah, the NC coast, and SC.<br />
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*Listened to the Steve Jobs biography (<i>a big commitment since the biography was over 25 hours and his commute to work is only 5 minutes!)</i><br />
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<i>*</i>Become a father to our incredible son. Everyone says Whit is the spitting image of Ben!<br />
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*Got a promotion at work. He is now a Product Development Engineer!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Ben's goals for the next year (<i>He may not realize these are his goals)</i></span></u></div>
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*Become a snappy dresser. We're thinking business cas.<br />
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*Dedicate some time every day for physical activity.<br />
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*Move to a new home<br />
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Wow... They really do look alike... </div>
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Happy Birthday, Daddy! </div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-59445550819008255332013-01-22T23:25:00.002-05:002013-01-23T00:31:57.773-05:00A Squirmy Mom's Guide to Cloth Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a post about my (<i>and Whit's, arguably</i>) adventures into the world of cloth diapers. Cloth Diaper Land can sometimes seem like a mystical place where women don't shave their legs and babies smell like hemp, but I assure you it's much more accepting, caring, and (<i>let's face it</i>) stylish than your wildest dreams.<br />
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I didn't make the plunge into Cloth Diaper Land until Whit was around 4 months old. See, I believe in doing good to your neighbor and environment, and that the world and people were created lovingly and perfectly in our natural state (<i>for the most part</i>) but the possibility of poop touching me... <i>Gross.</i> Honestly- I might be the most squirmish person you could ever meet!<br />
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So it wasn't until a friend of mine casually mentioned that her daughter (<i>3 weeks younger than Whit</i>) was in cloth diapers and how much she loved it (<i>her opinion after two older kids who wore disposables</i>) that I considered it hard-core. Things just seem different when you know someone who can personally vouch for it, you know? Two months later I believe in cloth diapering like I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: <i>It just makes sense.</i> Why waste $1000s on disposable diapers (<i>for each kid!</i>) when cloth is reusable? Why add hundreds of pounds of non biodegradable waste to the already overfilling landfills when cloth is so sustainable? Why wait for you baby to have "blow out" poops that threaten to ruin his (<i>and your</i>) clothes when cloth diapers contain any mess? Why subject your baby to rough paper on their most sensitive area when cloth diapers are so much better for their skin? And the real kicker: Why buy extra clothing to cover up your baby's disposable diaper when cloth diapers are <i>so darn cute?!?!?!</i><br />
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Seriously, though, the thing that sold me on trying cloth diapers and then fully switching over was the argument that they are better for my baby. Whit has sensitive skin (<i>I think he has eczema, but it hasn't been diagnosed)</i> and acted in torture when wearing a disposable diaper. I was willing to try anything to give him more comfort and save me from changing diapers <i>all day long!</i> These were the answer. Whit never cries from a wet diaper anymore- he actually loves changing time! I can tell he likes wearing his cloth diapers, so it's worth whatever squirmies I have to overcome to make him feel better. Because let's face it- wouldn't you do anything for your child? Plus I'm saving money and he looks simply fabulous in the meantime :)<br />
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See what I mean? It just makes sense.<br />
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So, after lots of research, many kinds of diapers purchased, and two months of experimenting, here is what I've come up with:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">***<u>Cloth Diaper Reviews***</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bumkins-Stuff-It-Cloth-Diaper-Blue/dp/B008YE644U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358913115&sr=8-1&keywords=bumkins+stuff+it+cloth+diaper+owl">Bumkins Stuff-It Pocket Diaper</a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztBm7K1aAbkF_slKK_6OdQmbSlsJeV1w4ZcpCu1woUn3e6t0FRQn_ZyqzBt0iqBFATu9qQsRqPmIwFqnu-YSXrejytlRVcIn3YeiSC1uTu4_WzxieN0ue7IVk2hPU8nVEduRd9ZNffLIu/s1600/Whit+6+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztBm7K1aAbkF_slKK_6OdQmbSlsJeV1w4ZcpCu1woUn3e6t0FRQn_ZyqzBt0iqBFATu9qQsRqPmIwFqnu-YSXrejytlRVcIn3YeiSC1uTu4_WzxieN0ue7IVk2hPU8nVEduRd9ZNffLIu/s640/Whit+6+months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros: </u><br />
*Very trim, so it's great to fold up for carrying around</div>
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*Soft inner trim</div>
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*Vinyl outside so there are no leaks</div>
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*Super cute designs! </div>
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*Buttons on the front can help you size it for smaller babies</div>
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*Has a pocket opening in the back for an extra insert if you'd like</div>
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<u>Cons:</u></div>
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*One-time use, since the top lining layer always gets wet/ dirty (<i>so I put a thin insert on the top of the lining instead of inside the pocket to increase the use.)</i></div>
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*Buttons across the belly can be hard to snap if you have a squirmy baby, and aren't as easy to get perfectly fitted. </div>
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BOTTOM LINE: I love this diaper! I love that it is thinner than most other diapers and I have the choice of if and where to add an additional liner to increase it's use. It's not my favorite, though, because of the snap closures. I find those irritating, unfortunately :( Bumkins makes this design with a velcro closure I haven't tried, but those might just be the answer!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rearz Smitten Tongue-Style Diaper</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7C3DLA4fCeyaSTg4J40Mrh6XpEaM1ErXeyd3NvaWhwf4J6hSMxPunM5nnONSOD5nEq92l7AQZ0M3pWBGUXW9akzROdUuADKCUoHKyevr0hsfp_ZhkaIvxV6X58ISdDEOktEoA3BViycQ/s1600/Whit+6+months-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7C3DLA4fCeyaSTg4J40Mrh6XpEaM1ErXeyd3NvaWhwf4J6hSMxPunM5nnONSOD5nEq92l7AQZ0M3pWBGUXW9akzROdUuADKCUoHKyevr0hsfp_ZhkaIvxV6X58ISdDEOktEoA3BViycQ/s640/Whit+6+months-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros:</u></div>
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*The entire diaper is made out of terry cloth, so it is very soft on baby's skin</div>
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*One-piece, doesn't require any extra liners</div>
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*Material around leg gussets flares out, which looks cute hanging out of a onesie bottom :) </div>
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*Velcro closure is easy to pull snugly </div>
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<u>Cons</u>:</div>
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*There is no plastic or vinyl material, so if you baby is a heavy wetter or wears this for too long it soaks through. </div>
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*Bulky!</div>
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*Limited designs</div>
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BOTTOM LINE: This is the diaper I use when I know I'll be doing a load of wash soon because it will be dirty and wet in no time, and I don't want a wet rag (<i>basically)</i> lying around. You could add a cover over the diaper, but boy... I am not doing that much work! Which is too bad, since I love the way it feels! But when you're taking an additional step to cloth diaper <i>anyway</i>, you don't want one that will turn into a wet towel in no time. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rearz Couture Cover</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDgs6YjAXEHo7vQIxcX_SrDS0w8D1ija_BG5sYna0eILlE_-PhqfLOlk6g21Vdr2lZdPc065PYvFSKsXoZIHSRUKN-c88tZOgxcZqHB2Ny6ZZmO78sswKC4vdvnIngyapbm4pDnZ9pqx2/s1600/Whit+6+months-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDgs6YjAXEHo7vQIxcX_SrDS0w8D1ija_BG5sYna0eILlE_-PhqfLOlk6g21Vdr2lZdPc065PYvFSKsXoZIHSRUKN-c88tZOgxcZqHB2Ny6ZZmO78sswKC4vdvnIngyapbm4pDnZ9pqx2/s640/Whit+6+months-005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros:</u><br />
*Plastic, so no leakage</div>
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*Velcro closure is easy to pull snugly </div>
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*Double leg gussets make sure the leg opening is tight</div>
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<u>Cons:</u></div>
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*Everything else. It is just a piece of plastic, so you have to add a liner, close it tightly, and pray the liner stays in place!</div>
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*Doesn't fit well</div>
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BOTTOM LINE: I never use this diaper. I hate it. If it fits better when Whit gains a few pounds I may take to it more, but now... NO THANK YOU!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YE65U8/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00">Bumkins Cloth Diaper Cover</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUnq31os51PySRH3I8siYHIxAP9XLm9NseJAG-CPbWGgs7KTCHMHQBUaGfSg9SAMo7KeqYMKjyNp4JNJW9zt63ghS611ZoGEmw4ZMB-dBXiDKFC4W80b19KKq72NuI-u5N_lPMFbKusCe/s1600/seuss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUnq31os51PySRH3I8siYHIxAP9XLm9NseJAG-CPbWGgs7KTCHMHQBUaGfSg9SAMo7KeqYMKjyNp4JNJW9zt63ghS611ZoGEmw4ZMB-dBXiDKFC4W80b19KKq72NuI-u5N_lPMFbKusCe/s400/seuss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros:</u></div>
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*Plastic, so no leakage</div>
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*Fun designs</div>
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*Slim for traveling</div>
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*Double leg gussets make sure leg opening is tight</div>
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<u>Cons:</u></div>
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*Button closure makes a tight fit difficult, and takes longer to put on baby</div>
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*Have to add a liner, and it may move around with baby</div>
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*It doesn't actually leak, but the PUL fabric feels moist after getting wet. </div>
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BOTTOM LINE: This is the one I keep in our diaper bag. I almost never have to change Whit away from home, so if a diaper is going to get the least use I'm glad it's this one! I'm always carrying extra pre-fold liners, anyway, so this slim cover is perfect to not take up any undue space. Needless to say, I avoid it when I can because I don't like that the liners can move around. But, hey, it is called a COVER, not a diaper, for a reason! I should have known. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gDiapers-Little-Diaper-Covers-Orange/dp/B002Y27PKU/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1358913179&sr=1-2&keywords=LIttle+g+pants">Little G Pants</a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tnXMd7UMvQUhsfVURxJe3ghWHv1Ki_Ftb-crews-PAGKjcBtnYgDbim8SqJOC9mk34Ms1HbQgjMRU003YiL9OMiINJRzp0Qtnk-1oFDNvC-6MkFA58vwNwaOL9GmULhd_Bm3mqOTLlSh/s1600/Whit+6+months-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tnXMd7UMvQUhsfVURxJe3ghWHv1Ki_Ftb-crews-PAGKjcBtnYgDbim8SqJOC9mk34Ms1HbQgjMRU003YiL9OMiINJRzp0Qtnk-1oFDNvC-6MkFA58vwNwaOL9GmULhd_Bm3mqOTLlSh/s640/Whit+6+months-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros:</u></div>
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*Has a snap-in plastic liner which cradles the cloth insert in place</div>
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*Plastic liner can be cleaned or replaced if poops soils it</div>
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*Cotton outside is soft, and colors stay bold after washing</div>
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*Has velcro closures that are easy to pull snugly </div>
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*Available at Babies R Us, in case you don't want to wait for diapers to arrive in the mail and don't have a cloth diapering store nearby. </div>
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<u>Cons</u>:</div>
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*The plastic liner loses it shape slightly after repeated washing, so the Little G Cloth Inserts don't fit very well and end up sliding around, leaving the diaper exposed to soiling. </div>
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*This is the only cloth diaper that has shown some wear after repeated washings- there is more velcro on the inside to close tabs so they don't stick on other cloth (all these diapers have that extra velcro), but they somehow come undone and end up sticking to the cloth. Mine all have spots were the velcro has stuck and been pulled off, which looks cheap. </div>
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*Velcro around the back, not from back to front. They are the only we use designed that way, so I always get confused about which side is front or back!</div>
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*Only come in solid colors. They are good colors, but I love patterns!<br />
*Leg openings are somewhat large. Whit has never leaked, but they don't feel tight. </div>
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*Expensive, in my opinion.<br />
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BOTTOM LINE: These are great. I love that they have the plastic liner so cloth inserts can come in and out if Whit is only wetting his diapers. I wish the plastic liner was tighter, though, so the insert couldn't move around. I have to be careful which liners I use- I only use tri-folds that I fold into thirds, then down a third, to fit inside because the folding adds bulk. The Little G cloth liners are too thin to fill out the plastic insert. And I hate that they velcro across the back! I can feel the velcro un-stick when I hug or play with Whit sometimes, because it closes around the part of his waist that gets the most action. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Bum-Fashion-Basic-Medium/dp/B006BJB238/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1358911966&sr=1-5&keywords=cocalo+perfect+bum">Cocalo Perfect Bum</a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BljffMmvAZaIpchP7JrEEcDNpPBICG-r_GwhiSzhcPo8yHE49Ch66-VxYWQqxe4nAQf3OOyIErS2ou_ouPIFwpR8iU5QAXFSf550aBmPAmin3kX9u6a3TWidt9S_KhKsh8ikrsCrbyQR/s1600/Whit+6+months-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BljffMmvAZaIpchP7JrEEcDNpPBICG-r_GwhiSzhcPo8yHE49Ch66-VxYWQqxe4nAQf3OOyIErS2ou_ouPIFwpR8iU5QAXFSf550aBmPAmin3kX9u6a3TWidt9S_KhKsh8ikrsCrbyQR/s640/Whit+6+months-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros: </u></div>
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*Velcro closure so they fit snugly</div>
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*Attached plastic liner to make it re-usable; just switch the dirty inserts! Plus, the plastic liner keeps it's shape really well. </div>
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*ADORABLE patterns!</div>
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*Vinyl outside keeps it leak-free</div>
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*Smallish leg openings fit smaller babies perfectly (<i>may still fit larger babies, but I have a smaller baby and this one is perfect!)</i></div>
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<u>Cons:</u></div>
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*Come in S, M, and L sizes instead of one-size-fits-all. I'm bummed that I'll have to reinvest in another pair when Whit grows out of his M! </div>
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*Velcro closure has started to flare up a little bit after repeated washings</div>
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BOTTOM LINE: This is my <i>favorite</i> diaper! I have literally used this diaper for days on end (when poor Whit gets constipated or his poop doesn't land on the plastic liner) just by switching out the liner because I love it so much. I have to force myself to put it in the hamper :( I love that I can switch out the inserts, the plastic liner has stayed nice and tight so any size insert fits well, the leg openings have great elastic so there is no leakage, and I LOVE HOW IT LOOKS!!!!! I wish this brand were easier to find, though :( I only have one and I wish I had 5!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A4L7GOI/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00">Bummis Tots Bots Easy Fit Hook and Ladder</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp5E3mserU7oN0vyoZHMHzCcDKchpjnyQQmB1V1wYkVPeAm1JRqTLuWQ4-KvEjv362r28fWud5VO3Gxv5H-yx43iVxc6di1poumEW7nqLk58ToyrzzrloTZ2g8rOs29vYX5Qt7znEiJz-/s1600/Whit+6+months-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp5E3mserU7oN0vyoZHMHzCcDKchpjnyQQmB1V1wYkVPeAm1JRqTLuWQ4-KvEjv362r28fWud5VO3Gxv5H-yx43iVxc6di1poumEW7nqLk58ToyrzzrloTZ2g8rOs29vYX5Qt7znEiJz-/s640/Whit+6+months-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Pros:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*Tongue-style, so it's all one piece. No messing with an extra insert.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*Very soft material!</div>
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*Water-resistant outside</div>
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*Button closures on the front let you snap down to make it smaller, but they still have velcro across the belly to pull it snugly. Best of both worlds for a perfect fit!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*Amazing designs. So cute! </div>
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<u>Cons:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*One-time use</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*The lining material is bamboo, which is very soft and probably great, but it's hard on Whit's (<i>and other babies with sensitive skin)</i> skin. If he wears this one too long his skin gets red and bumpy. </div>
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*Bulky, since it's a tongue-style. Fine for home use, but not to carry around (<i>unless you're the type with a huge diaper bag. I'm not.)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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BOTTOM LINE: I really, really like these diapers. They fit perfectly, are really well made, have soft yet water-resistant outside... they really are a great diaper! The reason they aren't my favorite is because it's a one-time-use, and because Whit has a sensitivity to the fabric. Darn! But, since they are SOOOO CUTE (<i>I have the red and London print, which is my favorite)</i> this is the one I put him in when I know other people will see him in cloth diapers :) Yes, I admit, I like to show off once in a while! </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cloth Insert Guide</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Gerber Pre-Folds</u></b></span></div>
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These are the standard in our house! I love keeping these around. I prefer the tri-fold to the plain version. The sides tuck around the middle for the perfect width to put inside a diaper. They are a little long when folded, though, so the top third (more or less, depending on how much space the plastic liner has) gets folded down and the whole thing goes inside the plastic liner, folds down. </div>
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***There is a big difference between the package you find at Wal-Mart and Target!***</div>
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The exact same package of 10 pre-fold birdseye clothe diapers from Gerber is very different quality between stores. The Target version has a higher thread count so it is a little thicker and softer. The Wal-Mart ones have visible gaps between threading in the cloth, so they aren't as absorbent or soft. Take it from me, they are worth the extra $3! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Little G Cloth Inserts</u></b></span></div>
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We got these to fit the Little G Pants, which I <i>hate</i> using them with (<i>ironically.)</i> They are multi-layer with a soft side which wicks away moisture and a rougher side to lock moisture in. The soft side goes against baby's skin. It is a great length (<i>unlike the Gerber pre-folds that have to be folded in and then down to fit inside a diaper)</i>, but very thin. The problem with the thickness is that they don't fill in the plastic liners on Little G Pants! I only really use these as a thin barrier layer in the other cloth diapers, never for the ones with plastic liners, because it wrinkles towards the center as baby moves, leaving the sides exposed to messes. Darn. But it is nice to have these thin ones on hand to line the Bummis since the bamboo material irritates Whit, or to go on top of the Bumkins instead of inside them to make the diaper last longer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Others:</u></b></span><br />
Most cloth diapers (<i>except all-in-ones) </i>come with their own inserts. They typically work great, so don't be afraid to use them!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
***I <i>love</i> having so many cloth inserts around! I have found tons of uses for them including diapering, washcloth, kleenex, pot holder, etc.*** </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>How a squirmy mom changes cloth diapers:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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The question I get most often from friends is "<i>What do you do with poopy diapers?"</i> And it's a good question, because I am so squirmy! We actually avoided the messy, runny baby poop stage by waiting until Whit was on solid foods at 4 months to transition to cloth diapers. At that point his poop was much thicker (<i>sometimes hard or clay-like</i>), so it was easier to take care of. In the best circumstances I can just flip the diaper and a ball of poop falls right of into the toilet. A lesser-best circumstance is being able to rub thick poop off with some toilet paper (<i>without touching it, of course.)</i> When he has runny poop I just throw the whole thing in the washer without a second thought! I <i>always</i> add a little splash of bleach to the wash, though, so no fecal matter remains on the diapers. I have never had poop remain on any diapers that come out of the wash!<br />
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We do have a pack of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gDiapers-gCloth-Liners-105-count/dp/B006DKCXKQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1358912954&sr=1-1&keywords=gcloth+liners">gCloth Liners</a>, which are dryer sheet looking papers that can lay on top of the cloth diaper. They are flushable, so if Whit has one over his diaper we could just take the paper off the diaper and throw it right in the toilet. We don't use them, though. I think the idea is great and really helpful for squirmy people, but Whit only poops every two days or so, so I'd rather not put the paper in every diaper when he would hardly need it! One of the reasons I switched to cloth diapers was so Whit would be more comfortable in something softer than disposable paper, so I don't want him in these all the time. Oh, well. </div>
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When changing wet diapers I usually pop a back corner of the insert out of the diaper cover and hold that to pull it out, since the back corner usually stays dry. Then they go immediately into the washing machine! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The downside to using cloth diapers</u></b></span></div>
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When Ben reads this I know his reaction will be, "<i>You're admitting to the world that cloth diapers are anything but amazing?!?!"</i> and the truth is, yes. I am. Because cloth diapering isn't for everyone, so I want to help you make an informed decision! </div>
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1. You can't deny that there is more work involved when changing diapers. You have to have liners and covers (<i>unless you only use all-in-ones)</i>, instead of just diapers, which adds bulk to a carrying bag or diaper station. </div>
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2. You have to prepare each diaper <i> (even the tongue-style all-in-ones require you to fold the tongue inside an opening.)</i>. I do this as soon as they come out of the washer and dryer, but that only lasts for it's first use. This may be a downside if your baby immediately wets himself when he's diaper-free. </div>
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3. You carry around dirty diapers when he needs a diaper change in public</div>
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4. Keeping track of which diapers you like/dislike or serve which purpose (<i>I have specific diapers just for night time, for example.)</i></div>
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5. They have to be washed! I do a load of only diapers about twice a week. I don't consider that a huge deal, but it is a factor. </div>
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6. You might get dirty (<i>but that shouldn't really count since you would probably get poopy a lot more often when using disposables. I know I did!)</i></div>
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All of that being said, I still choose cloth diapers hands-down for all of the positives listed earlier. And I'm a no-fuss-down-to-business-volunteering-work-at-home-mom with a full-time-working-MBA-night-school-studying husband who doesn't really have time for unnecessary hassle.<br />
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To be honest, I <i>like</i> the "hassle". Going through this sort of extra effort makes me feel like a good mommy. Being a mom is tough- there are a lot of hurdles that can wear you down and tear at your self-esteem. I may wonder if I'm always doing what's best for my baby, but when I go through the effort to wash, prepare, and put a cloth diaper on him (<i>especially when I'm tired or feeling lazy, AKA "selfish")</i> I know that I am at least doing one thing purely for his benefit. It just feels good to put the extra effort into him, you know? </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Where to buy cloth diapers</u></b></span></div>
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There are a lot of resources out there for cloth diapers! I bought my first set, Little G Pants, on impulse from Babies R Us. I don't suggest doing that, though, because they have such a limited selection! Do some research into how you want to cloth diaper, then go dig for deals on the brands that you think will fit your needs :) Personally, I choose Amazon. We have free 2-day shipping, and I get so excited about new diapers that I want them as soon as possible! The prices are really comparable to other websites I've researched, so I always choose Amazon because of the quick shipping. </div>
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***Get a subscription to <a href="https://www.ecobabybuys.com/">ecobabybuys.com,</a> though!***</div>
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They offer a deal a day on ecological baby products, and often have deals on cloth diapers and covers. I have used that website to get great deals on new brands when I don't want to shell out the full amount somewhere else, since I never know what style Whit will respond to. </div>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-25105811786199811452013-01-18T12:26:00.004-05:002013-01-18T12:26:51.201-05:00Whit is 6 months old!Has it really been an entire month without a blog update? Wow... My bad : / But it's not for lack of subjects- the past month we have encountered many milestones, in fact! Isn't it ironic that the times with so much activity are the ones too busy to chronicle? (<i>I believe that was in the original version of the song.</i>)<br />
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When Whit turned 3 months old I heard from adoring strangers and friends alike that 3-6 months is their favorite stage of babyhood. Well, Whit is now 6 months. So... game over????<br />
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Nah... He just gets better and better!<br />
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<span style="color: red;">*This is a long post, but it's my way of keeping track of all of his important moments to</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"> remember in the future so don't feel like you have to read it :) *</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Whit @ 6 months!</b></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">15 lbs. 3 oz, 18%</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">27" long, 73%</span><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Whit went on his <b><span style="color: red;">first plane ride!</span></b> We visited my sister and her family for 12 days over Christmas and New Years. We were worried that he would be the only baby on the plane and noisy, but we were mistaken. On the flight to UT adults without young children were the major minority! Thankfully, Whit did really well! He had some cranky times, but wasn't ever the loudest baby :) </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Has started to<b><span style="color: red;"> sit up on his own</span></b>! He has been crying to stand up for months now, so I was afraid he would skip sitting up and crawling all together. I really want him to master those skills, though, so we have been spending as much of his awake time as possible getting him practice on his belly and sitting. We can sit him up and leave him unattended for almost a full minute now! </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Doesn't mind tummy time as much, thanks to all of our recent practice. He just doesn't care about going anywhere! He'd rather just watch and interact vocally with us. I put toys out of the way, crawl in front of him, and NOTHING. He has started to show interest in inching forward, but we only let him play on areas around the house with baby blankets down so he gets distracted and just starts pulling up the blankets instead of actually getting anywhere :) His focus is pretty cute... </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Has become quite the little <b><span style="color: red;">manipulator</span></b>! I read that babies don't know how to manipulate until around 6 months, so it's something I've been on the watch for. I do NOT want a spoiled child! Despite my best efforts to show him extreme love and care while still giving him boundaries and teach consequences, he knows how to get the attention he wants! This is most evident at night. Sometimes he fights sleep and will cry for a long time after being put to bed, and Ben and I watch him from a camera over his crib to discern when we should let him cry, or when we need to go in to him. He has learned that we will, eventually, come into the room so he has started crying then arching himself into a full C to tilt his head back to be able to see the door and wait for us! He will cry, stop crying to look at the door, start crying again, look again... in a pattern until it has gone on so long that we do end up going in just to try and get him to sleep once and for all. You are so obvious, Whit! </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Had his <b><span style="color: red;">first cold and ear infection</span></b> :( He showed full-blown cold symptoms a few days after we flew home from UT. He was congested, wheezed, sneezed, and coughed. Oh my poor darling... he was so pathetic! He would look up at me with red, puffy eyes and sneeze then immediately cough. It broke my heart! I called our health care 24hour nurse line twice, went in for two pharmacist consultations to find him OTC pain relief, and took him on a sick visit to our pediatrician. She diagnosed that he also had a very early, mild ear infection. I cried when she gave me that news. I actually cried. Oh. My. Gosh. I am that mom. I just hated the idea that he was in pain but too small to tell me what he needed! At least we got him on antibiotics right away, and I have been caught up enough on work that I can spend all of his awake time tending to his needs so he'll feel better. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Had an evening with his<b><span style="color: red;"> first non-relative babysitter</span></b>! Ben and I had tickets to see Blue Man Group the night he got his ear infection, and I really debated staying home with him. His babysitter was a single adult from our ward with lots of experience with children, and she insisted that it was no big deal and we should go. This was the first time he'd been left with someone other than his grandmas or my sister while awake, and the first time someone else would put him to bed. I left two pages of notes and texted the whole time we were at the show, but he was great! Woo Hoo!!!! She even said he seemed like a really well-mannered, mild-tempered baby. WHAT??!?! Whit ALWAYS puts on his best behavior for doctors and strangers. I don't know what's with that kid. </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Whit cut his<span style="color: #741b47;"> </span><b><span style="color: red;">first two teeth</span><span style="color: orange;"> </span></b>this month! The first came without much notice, but the second was a two-week MESS. He woke up every hour at night for so long that we actually took him to an urgent care clinic during our vacation in UT because he was acting so radically different from the first tooth-- we were sure he had an ear infection or something! Nope. $50 for an office visit and baby Tylenol to hear that our son was just getting a tooth. THANKS. I think his chompers are pretty darn adorable, but I sort of miss the wide, muppet-style toothless grins. Now his smiles is more of a slit, or without opening his mouth at all, because he likes to feel his teeth (<i>I get that way after a dental cleaning so I understand.)</i> He also likes to bite! He doesn't bite too often when nursing, but I have had to check for blood a few times! (<i>none.</i>)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Is becoming an <b><span style="color: red;">accomplished eater</span></b>. He LOVES dinner time. I know he would love additional solid snacks or another meal during the day, but I'm going to wait until his pediatrician gives the OK. For now he gets solid food mixed with cereal and formula at night. He opens his mouth for anything coming towards him! So far he has had bananas, avocado, prunes, peas, green beans, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, apple sauce, and pumpkin. He has taken every new food really well with the exception of avocado. He's had it four times and still gags and chokes every time, no matter how I prepare or mix it! I'm not giving up. Hear that, Whit? I'M NOT GIVING UP! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Can still wear some 0-3 and all 3-6 month shirts, but has outgrown his 3-6 months sleepers and pants. <b><span style="color: red;">Tall and skinny</span></b>, much? One of the first things strangers say when meeting him lately is that he is big, and they guess he's closer to 9 months than 6. He's actually really underweight for his age, thankyouverymuch. (<i>I guess I'm still against him growing up too fast.)</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Shows a definite preference for some toys over others. His favorites are a Lamaze crinkle butterfly and his Baby Einstein music maker. LOVES THEM. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Is starting to look less like a baby and more like a little boy... a little bit. </li>
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Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-38364797238445564382012-12-20T14:25:00.002-05:002012-12-20T14:25:41.759-05:00Our Adorable 5-Month-Old!<div style="text-align: center;">
On December 18th Whit became 5 months old!!</div>
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I think I'll refer to the past month as "The month of many milestones." I can't count how many times I expressed that my baby is growing up too fast based on the many new things he started doing, or improving, this month.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Whit @ 5 months:</u></span></div>
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-<b>Rolling over</b> easily and often<br />
-Started <b>eating solid foods</b>, and now LOVES it! He likes his cereal thick and eats mashed bananas, but choked when I introduced avocados. But I'm not giving up on real foods.<br />
-<b>Laughing</b>! It is so much fun to watch Whit laugh, but so far he only laughs at random times so it's hard to guess what causes it and make him laugh. Maybe next month?<br />
-Easily<b> pulls toys or pacifier in and out of his mouth</b>. This shows me that his hand/eye coordination as well as accomplishing a goal are getting better and better!<br />
-<b>Started teething!</b> His first tooth erupted on the 18th! He handled it very well. His naps were half as long over the weekend and he was pretty fussy if we weren't holding him, but that only lasted for a couple of days. I've given him a couple doses of Tylenol over the last 4 days which he really likes :)<br />
-We now swaddle him with his<b> left arm out</b>. He had been wriggling his hands up to his face during the night and it finally stopped startling him awake, so we deemed him ready to sleep with one arm out.<br />
-Is taking<b> 4 scheduled naps a day</b>: 9:30-10:30 or 11, 11:30-1:00, 3:30-5, and 6-7 (he sometimes skips his last nap).<br />
-Started going to <b>bed at 8</b> instead of 10. He <b>sleeps in until 8:00-9:00</b>, and often doesn't need a feeding boost. He also started waking up talking to himself instead of crying. Yay :)<br />
-Has <b>discovered his feet </b>and likes to grab them.<br />
-<b>Found his thumb</b> and often sucks it to fall asleep<br />
-His <b>hair is growing</b> back. It is brown and so soft :) Finally Ben doesn't say he's bald anymore!<br />
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He kept his hands or tongue around his gums because he's teething, so I didn't get many smiling photos today. But here he is showing off some of his accomplishments!</div>
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375535580142064648.post-55675484549953713492012-12-15T22:11:00.001-05:002012-12-15T22:11:42.060-05:00My two babiesBen put Whit to bed around 8:00 pm tonight as always. I took a shower then laid in bed, enjoying the quiet and feeling exhausted from a long day. Ben was downstairs studying. Laying in bed was hard, because there always seems to be something more valuable for me to do with my time. I made over 30 items that were ordered from my store currently sitting in a pile on the floor- I should print out packing slips and prepare them for mailing. The missionaries and possibly a friend are coming to dinner tomorrow- I should pre-make brownies or clean the house. Ben wants me to take a professional picture of him before church since he'll be wearing a suit- I need to research the best lighting techniques for a head shot.<br />
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But, for some reason, I had an overwhelming urge to re-read my blog posts and journal entries about Eleanor. I chose to do that.<br />
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So this is a post about raising a beautiful, healthy child who makes me incredibly happy with the memory of our first child looming in my heart. It's a post I've been wanting to write for a while.<br />
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I wrote in one of my posts post-Eleanor, pre-Whit that I wanted a baby and didn't think it was fair to have to experience two pregnancies and deliveries for just one baby. Well, I loved my second pregnancy (even my second delivery), and now I do have the baby I'd wanted. But don't think that he replaces her <i>in any way</i>. I don't. She doesn't. Ben and I decided to move on as much as possible. Not to dwell on the past, but to enjoy our family now and look forward to a reunion in the future. We chose not to ever look at the pictures taken of El when she was delivered or from her funeral, and not to celebrate her birthday anymore (though of course we will talk about her and explain her to Whit when he is older.) But I want to take just one opportunity to set the record straight on how I feel and how this is impacting our lives. I don't want anyone to think I have pushed Eleanor aside.<br />
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On one hand, carrying a baby to term and raising him makes a pregnancy ending at 26 weeks seem so trivial. The logical side of me understands that 26 weeks is just a small portion of what it takes to get and raise a child! So, to all those who thought I was making too big a deal of things when we lost Eleanor, I sort of understand why you may have thought that. On the other hand, I know what it feels like to carry, love, and have hopes for a child who never came home with you. The emotional side of me is still heartbroken over what we went through. So try to imagine this quasi-realism I'm living in: missing and remembering one child I love but barely know and experienced so much with, while raising a child who feels like the other half of my soul. It's confusing!<br />
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My friend Jessica (whom I've mentioned before) delivered her fourth stillborn child this summer. She called a few weeks later asking what it was like to have experienced a stillbirth <i>and </i>a live birth. She wanted to know if I loved my children differently.<br />
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Yes.<br />
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I told her (and cried) that Eleanor feels like my guardian angel. Someone I could talk to for hours and ask for help. Someone I'm excited to do girlfriend things with- talk about books, get manicures, giggle. She is someone who knows me, someone I can trust who will always be there for me when I need it, and will wait patiently when I don't. But Whit is part of me. Part me. He is the other half of my soul- someone I know better than myself whom I would give my life for. Someone who makes my heart hurt when he cries. I've never felt more connected to a person in my life.<br />
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In short, Eleanor takes care of me and I take care of Whit. Eleanor seems like my future best friend, Whit is just a helpless baby who looks at me like I'm his entire world.<br />
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The first week I could go to church after Eleanor was born our Relief Society lesson was on the spirit world. a new member of our ward (and currently a great friend of mine) told a story about a family from her old ward whose 8-month-old had choked on a Lego and died. I actually thought, <i>I know how that mother feels. But at least she knew her baby. My pain is worse, I could never even hold Eleanor. </i>Well, in retrospect, YEAH, RIGHT! What was I thinking? After Eleanor was born death became so real to me. I was terrified of losing Ben, or of him losing me. We would constantly talk about "What if" scenarios to make sure we would each be as prepared as possible. Now, no surprise, I'm trying not to let myself become convinced that I'll loose Whit too early. I can truly say I appreciate every moment with him- like I'm trying to soak in as much as possible "Just in case." <i>Every thing I do is with his well-being and happiness in mind.</i> I live for him! And if he died now I don't know how I would survive. Losing a child you already know and love, one you have held and rocked and nourished and sung to, would be a living hell. I suffered when I lost Eleanor, but not as badly as it would hurt to lose Whit. Not by a long shot.<br />
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And yes, I do feel guilty for saying that. But it's true.<br />
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It would be impossible <i>not</i> to love them differently, but I still love and think about Eleanor quite often. Having Whit hasn't really softened that blow much. He has made me so happy, but he doesn't take the pain away from my completely separate experience with her. In fact, when Whit and I pillow talk I can't tell him he's my favorite baby ever. I say he's my favorite <i>baby boy</i>. I've tried- the words just can't come out. When I do I try telling myself to be realistic and grow up, but my body won't let me. It feels like a betrayal to Eleanor, and I am physically incapable of doing that. I sang "You are my sunshine" to him for a while, but felt guilty every time. He will never be "my only sunshine." Ben eventually put my thoughts to words, and I haven't been able to choke those words out ever since. The melody is so familiar that it tries to come out, so I have to make up new lyrics after "You are my..." comes out of my lips.<br />
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So why the sudden rush to remember the past tonight? To re-read my words and see the pictures and delve into the emotions that have been hidden for so long?<br />
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It took five past blog posts to realize it: Today is the anniversary of Eleanor's due date.<br />
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But I'm not <i>sad </i>anymore.<br />
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In fact, a good friend is due with a baby girl (their first) in February and I'm planning her baby shower and giving her parenting advice. And I'm happy to do it!<br />
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Do you ever think "<i>I just want the Second Coming to be here already!"</i>? I do. That was my first thought when it was announced that the missionary age was being lowered, every natural disaster, and community crisis. To be honest, I think <i>go on, world- get worse. BRING. IT. ON.</i> Because that means the second coming is getting closer, and I am OH SO EXCITED for my family to be reunited! (I feel like a complete nut sometimes, but Jessica completely agreed with me on that!) I can't wait to teach Whit about Eleanor, and to eventually watch them interact with each other.<br />
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So, in closing, what it comes down to is that raising Whit makes me love Eleanor even more and anticipate our reunion with so much joy. If I love him so much, I'll be <i>twice </i>as complete when we are all together again!<br />
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Wow, so much to look forward to! I feel so, so lucky!<br />
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For now, this is how I imagine my children:<br />
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<br />Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08984221989557144495noreply@blogger.com3