I know, I know. I keep saying I want to try cloth diapers. Maybe you're tired of hearing about it. I was all ready to order some when I realized I have even more questions. I am just going to dump them here and hope all you experts can help a girl out! Some of them are probably dumb...but here it goes anyway.
Background: I am planning to buy some Flips and some prefolds (because they're cheaper) and covers. (I also figured I could use some prefolds when in need of "doubling" up.) Stevie apparently has sensitive skin. He has a pretty bad rash right now from trying some disposable diaper booster pads in his overnight diapers. We're still thinking of just using overnight disposable diapers at night and cloth diapers during the day.
1. Is my son going to experience diaper rash with prefolds since they aren't fancy at pulling the moisture away?
2. What is the difference between Chinese and Indian prefolds? What do you prefer? What does premium mean...do they hold more? Doesn't any store sell them so I don't have to order online?
3. I am looking at detergents and my head spins. (I'm not up to making my own yet.) I like the sound of Rockin green, but maybe I should go with the actual Bumgenius detergent if I'm getting their brand diapers (keeping warranty in mind)? Every kind I'm reading is showing some sort of problem with some people...either with stink or stains or whatever. With the Flip, I'm planning on the stay dry inserts...so they're microfiber, which I heard becomes stinky. Do I want to spend lots of money trying out detergents? No.
4. If detergent is so important...do I need to use cloth diaper detergent with all my laundry? Will my regular detergent leave build up in my washer...transferring to my cloth diapers?
5. How many times do I really wash the diapers...as in rinses and washes? Do I only put detergent in once?
6. Do you use a bag or an open pail for your dirty diapers? Does it need to be special? Do you rinse your diapers right away to get some pee/mess out? I rinsed his clothes by hand right away to get the blowouts out.
7. I've heard of using wipes (washing and drying them as long as they last) for liners until their used with a poopy diaper. Do those need to be washed separately from the diapers to get their "soapy-ness" out? Anyone used like Kushies disposable liners? Did they cause irritation?
8. I also want a liner option for when my little guy gets a rash...to use diaper cream. So, what do you do when your little one gets a rash?
9. Stevie's a heavy wetter. Are there really any good doublers that are worth it and cheaper than more inserts...or should I just buy more of the Flip inserts to double up?
10. How do you know how much detergent to use? How does it vary depending on front loader and top loader? Does powder or liquid detergent matter? We are hoping to move in a couple of months...and we're not sure what kind we'll have yet.
Hmm, what this probably boils down to is this: I don't want to buy all these diapers (though I'm going to start small), and mess them up or make this a big waste of time and money. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill...help, please! :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thoughts so far...
on Ginger Plowman's book, "Don't Make Me Count to Three!"
Matt and I started reading the book together last night. We really like going through books together. When we read a book, it results in some really great discussions. I feel like it brings us together...in another partnering way. We're a few chapters in, and I thought I'd share some of the things that stood out to me for my benefit of jotting it down and to give others a glimpse into it to decide whether they might like to read it (or not). We're borrowing it from the library so I can't make notes in the pages, which is a bummer, but if we like it when we're done, we'll get a copy of our own.
Ok...
When I rock Stevie before nap and bedtime, I am usually consciously hit with the responsibility most...the responsibility of raising a child entrusted in my care from our heavenly Father. Whoa. Ginger Plowman says on page 21, "Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, disciplinarian, etc. (just to name a few). It's about molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training, and guiding. There is nothing like the influence a mother has on her child. A mother's influence has enormous potential to shape the person a child becomes, for good or ill."
What I have really liked or appreciated is her perspective: "we are not merely after outward actions, but inward cleansing. We are after the very hearts of our children" (pg. 26). She explains that discipline and instruction of the Lord go hand in hand, as stated in Ephesians (6:4). In my way of thinking, from what I believe and from what I have read so far, it really is about training the child in the ways of the Lord through Biblical instruction and exemplifying our own relationships with each other and our Savior. We're trying to get into the "why" we need to to the right thing...not just to do the right thing because it's right. I want Stevie to see that sharing his toys is right because God's Word says we should love our neighbor and be kind and giving to others....and because he wants to serve God in relationship with Him. God has given us all we have, has given us His very Son. We do what we do in thanks, honor, and praise to Him.
Which leads to another point. Plowman writes: "Sin is not a laughing matter. Let's face it: Sometimes it is hard not to laugh at our children when they are blatantly sinning. However, Christians should not laugh at or make light of the things that God sent His Son to die for" (pg. 30). Ok, so some of these things might seem obvious, but this point really hit home to me, not so much the laughing part, but the gravity of sin. I need this reminder. I've been to church all my life, and unfortunately and painfully honestly so, I don't always think of sin (as in the every day disobediences of children) with such gravity. Awful, I know. What I mean is, do I always think of sins as when our Savior hung on the cross for those very things? Of course I think of sins being bad and wrong and in need of forgiveness for...and when describing to young children at church, I describe sins as things that do not please God. Sin leads to death! Whoa, reality check. Sins are things that do not please God...but things so bad Jesus had to die for, so we could be free and have eternal life with Him. (Oh, grab hold of that little Stephen.) I'm having a hard time trying to put into words how this opens my eyes to disciplining our child/ren.
Huge sidenote but somewhat related: I went to school to be a teacher. I had to read books on classroom management (we were discouraged from using the "d" word...discipline, because "discipline is for dogs"). We were highly encouraged to use positive reinforcement. Don't get me wrong, positive reinforcement has it's value, but we need to be redirected when doing wrong as well. And, I like the ideas of intrinsic motivation vs extrinsic motivation (but goodies are fun sometimes). I think intrinsic motivation leads to one being disciplined (yup I'm using that word)...and where does that intrinsic, self-worth and motivation ultimately lie in my personal experience and opinion: in love, in our Lord and Savior. He has touched my heart in a profound way. Therefore, I live for Him. (I so wanted to write a thesis on this subject, but it's a difficult thing when teaching in public schools.)
It's all about God. It's all about what He's done for us and how we live our life in return. That's what I need to teach my boy. So, Scripture is to be the tool to show how we should act (and learn from others' actions in the Bible) ...direction in right and wrong, but we follow the Scriptures and His commands because we love our God. "We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). I know...this sounds so simple of a concept in some ways, so... duh, almost. But, I love it! There is such purpose in discipline and in life, rather than just doing the right thing because it's right, so I don't get a punishment or so I get a cookie (or whatever...those extrinisic motivators). I do think it's sort of "easier said than done," and I know disciplining our children is going to be a challenge. (Check out Ginger Plowman's story about pride coming before the fall...hysterical! You'll have to read the book for that one!) It's just a wonderful reminder to me because I know there will be times when I'm tired (mm hmm) and I'd rather just say, "Stevie we do not hit our brother/sister," give punishment, and be done. This is going to require patience, prayer, study in the Word, and discipline with intention. I know, another "duh"...to discipline with intention for a change in the heart, not just the action....for understanding and tender hearts....not for tender bottoms or fear. So maybe this is all...uh huh for you, but sometimes I need a good dose of "duh."
So, as I said, we've just started the book. What we're excited to do for starters, is gather some verses (we already have a few in mind). Those will sort of be our family rules, posted on our walls (yup, like in a classroom, but when we move, I can use paint!) to refer to as we go about our days (as well as having our Bibles). I want my children (as well as us as parents) to have the Word of God in our hearts and on our walls. This is our life-style. We live for Him because He lived and died ...and lives again...for us!
I'll share some more nuggets that stick out to me as we continue reading.
Matt and I started reading the book together last night. We really like going through books together. When we read a book, it results in some really great discussions. I feel like it brings us together...in another partnering way. We're a few chapters in, and I thought I'd share some of the things that stood out to me for my benefit of jotting it down and to give others a glimpse into it to decide whether they might like to read it (or not). We're borrowing it from the library so I can't make notes in the pages, which is a bummer, but if we like it when we're done, we'll get a copy of our own.
Ok...
When I rock Stevie before nap and bedtime, I am usually consciously hit with the responsibility most...the responsibility of raising a child entrusted in my care from our heavenly Father. Whoa. Ginger Plowman says on page 21, "Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, disciplinarian, etc. (just to name a few). It's about molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training, and guiding. There is nothing like the influence a mother has on her child. A mother's influence has enormous potential to shape the person a child becomes, for good or ill."
What I have really liked or appreciated is her perspective: "we are not merely after outward actions, but inward cleansing. We are after the very hearts of our children" (pg. 26). She explains that discipline and instruction of the Lord go hand in hand, as stated in Ephesians (6:4). In my way of thinking, from what I believe and from what I have read so far, it really is about training the child in the ways of the Lord through Biblical instruction and exemplifying our own relationships with each other and our Savior. We're trying to get into the "why" we need to to the right thing...not just to do the right thing because it's right. I want Stevie to see that sharing his toys is right because God's Word says we should love our neighbor and be kind and giving to others....and because he wants to serve God in relationship with Him. God has given us all we have, has given us His very Son. We do what we do in thanks, honor, and praise to Him.
Which leads to another point. Plowman writes: "Sin is not a laughing matter. Let's face it: Sometimes it is hard not to laugh at our children when they are blatantly sinning. However, Christians should not laugh at or make light of the things that God sent His Son to die for" (pg. 30). Ok, so some of these things might seem obvious, but this point really hit home to me, not so much the laughing part, but the gravity of sin. I need this reminder. I've been to church all my life, and unfortunately and painfully honestly so, I don't always think of sin (as in the every day disobediences of children) with such gravity. Awful, I know. What I mean is, do I always think of sins as when our Savior hung on the cross for those very things? Of course I think of sins being bad and wrong and in need of forgiveness for...and when describing to young children at church, I describe sins as things that do not please God. Sin leads to death! Whoa, reality check. Sins are things that do not please God...but things so bad Jesus had to die for, so we could be free and have eternal life with Him. (Oh, grab hold of that little Stephen.) I'm having a hard time trying to put into words how this opens my eyes to disciplining our child/ren.
Huge sidenote but somewhat related: I went to school to be a teacher. I had to read books on classroom management (we were discouraged from using the "d" word...discipline, because "discipline is for dogs"). We were highly encouraged to use positive reinforcement. Don't get me wrong, positive reinforcement has it's value, but we need to be redirected when doing wrong as well. And, I like the ideas of intrinsic motivation vs extrinsic motivation (but goodies are fun sometimes). I think intrinsic motivation leads to one being disciplined (yup I'm using that word)...and where does that intrinsic, self-worth and motivation ultimately lie in my personal experience and opinion: in love, in our Lord and Savior. He has touched my heart in a profound way. Therefore, I live for Him. (I so wanted to write a thesis on this subject, but it's a difficult thing when teaching in public schools.)
It's all about God. It's all about what He's done for us and how we live our life in return. That's what I need to teach my boy. So, Scripture is to be the tool to show how we should act (and learn from others' actions in the Bible) ...direction in right and wrong, but we follow the Scriptures and His commands because we love our God. "We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). I know...this sounds so simple of a concept in some ways, so... duh, almost. But, I love it! There is such purpose in discipline and in life, rather than just doing the right thing because it's right, so I don't get a punishment or so I get a cookie (or whatever...those extrinisic motivators). I do think it's sort of "easier said than done," and I know disciplining our children is going to be a challenge. (Check out Ginger Plowman's story about pride coming before the fall...hysterical! You'll have to read the book for that one!) It's just a wonderful reminder to me because I know there will be times when I'm tired (mm hmm) and I'd rather just say, "Stevie we do not hit our brother/sister," give punishment, and be done. This is going to require patience, prayer, study in the Word, and discipline with intention. I know, another "duh"...to discipline with intention for a change in the heart, not just the action....for understanding and tender hearts....not for tender bottoms or fear. So maybe this is all...uh huh for you, but sometimes I need a good dose of "duh."
So, as I said, we've just started the book. What we're excited to do for starters, is gather some verses (we already have a few in mind). Those will sort of be our family rules, posted on our walls (yup, like in a classroom, but when we move, I can use paint!) to refer to as we go about our days (as well as having our Bibles). I want my children (as well as us as parents) to have the Word of God in our hearts and on our walls. This is our life-style. We live for Him because He lived and died ...and lives again...for us!
I'll share some more nuggets that stick out to me as we continue reading.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Random thoughts
Another one of the random thoughts posts...because...well, just because.
I hope I'm happy when all this house business is done. I. am. ready. for. it. to. be. done. I'm a leetle bit stressed about it.
Huggies is starting to redeem themselves. After trying 2 different Huggies when Stevie was little (their regular ones and pure and natural), I thought I'd never try them again. They were terrible. I still say it. Stevie leaked out of EVERY one. EVERY one. Pee or poop, it came out. We used Pampers while he was a newborn, and then I found the Target Up and Ups when he was a few months, and we never looked back. The price works for us...and so do the diapers! Stevie was still wearing Pampers overnights through the night though because he's a heavy. wetter. and Up and Ups during the day. Well, he was leaking through the overnights recently. He's already a size 5, and they only go up to size 6. So, we tried those diaper doubler things from Babies R Us. They worked ok, but gave him a horrible rash. They don't pull the moisture away from him...and we've all suffered because of that. I was told that Huggies really are better than Pampers at night. I did not expect them to hold diddly squat, but I tried them anyway. And, diddly they held! This morning was the 4th? morning Stevie has woken up with dry pajamas! Maybe it's just a coincidence, but maybe not...and I'll give a little credit where it's due: Thank you, Huggies.
Yes, I'm using lots of periods and capital letters for emphasis. It is so nice to write however I want.
I'm going to the library today. It's been a. long. while. since I've read a book. Hmm, that might be showing in my writing, huh? I need to get "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" for our Children's Church lesson on Sunday. It's just for the anticipatory set....for manna from heaven....in case you were wondering about that. I also am excited about a parenting book. It's called, "Don't Make Me Count to 3" by Ginger Plowman. I laugh every time I think of the title. It's about heart-oriented discipline...or so I'm told...I haven't read it yet! I will be sure to share my thoughts. Any other books like that you'd recommend?
Speaking of parenting. My boy yells. He yells from the depths of his belly. Sometimes he pulls his arms down and out with little fists while he does it. I roll with it. I think he just enjoys hearing himself. He also likes how his voice echos in our apartment with the tall ceilings. He might just be preparing to be a passionate preacher one day or loud singer?? He has no idea what "shh" means. I try to keep my voice soft when I talk to him and "encourage" softer voices. It doesn't bother me much at home except when I'm trying to talk with Matt. I'd like him to eventually learn "indoor voices," but he's 10 months. In the grocery store and at church, well, I'd like to keep his joyful noises less distracting (and overwhelming...or...) to others. Yes, other people "shh" him. He doesn't yell all the time or even every grocery trip or anything, but it is somewhat of a favorite activity. Suggestions?
I hope I'm happy when all this house business is done. I. am. ready. for. it. to. be. done. I'm a leetle bit stressed about it.
Huggies is starting to redeem themselves. After trying 2 different Huggies when Stevie was little (their regular ones and pure and natural), I thought I'd never try them again. They were terrible. I still say it. Stevie leaked out of EVERY one. EVERY one. Pee or poop, it came out. We used Pampers while he was a newborn, and then I found the Target Up and Ups when he was a few months, and we never looked back. The price works for us...and so do the diapers! Stevie was still wearing Pampers overnights through the night though because he's a heavy. wetter. and Up and Ups during the day. Well, he was leaking through the overnights recently. He's already a size 5, and they only go up to size 6. So, we tried those diaper doubler things from Babies R Us. They worked ok, but gave him a horrible rash. They don't pull the moisture away from him...and we've all suffered because of that. I was told that Huggies really are better than Pampers at night. I did not expect them to hold diddly squat, but I tried them anyway. And, diddly they held! This morning was the 4th? morning Stevie has woken up with dry pajamas! Maybe it's just a coincidence, but maybe not...and I'll give a little credit where it's due: Thank you, Huggies.
Yes, I'm using lots of periods and capital letters for emphasis. It is so nice to write however I want.
I'm going to the library today. It's been a. long. while. since I've read a book. Hmm, that might be showing in my writing, huh? I need to get "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" for our Children's Church lesson on Sunday. It's just for the anticipatory set....for manna from heaven....in case you were wondering about that. I also am excited about a parenting book. It's called, "Don't Make Me Count to 3" by Ginger Plowman. I laugh every time I think of the title. It's about heart-oriented discipline...or so I'm told...I haven't read it yet! I will be sure to share my thoughts. Any other books like that you'd recommend?
Speaking of parenting. My boy yells. He yells from the depths of his belly. Sometimes he pulls his arms down and out with little fists while he does it. I roll with it. I think he just enjoys hearing himself. He also likes how his voice echos in our apartment with the tall ceilings. He might just be preparing to be a passionate preacher one day or loud singer?? He has no idea what "shh" means. I try to keep my voice soft when I talk to him and "encourage" softer voices. It doesn't bother me much at home except when I'm trying to talk with Matt. I'd like him to eventually learn "indoor voices," but he's 10 months. In the grocery store and at church, well, I'd like to keep his joyful noises less distracting (and overwhelming...or...) to others. Yes, other people "shh" him. He doesn't yell all the time or even every grocery trip or anything, but it is somewhat of a favorite activity. Suggestions?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
How did you know?
It's been a bit crazy around here lately. Hmm, but when is it really not? I just wanted to let you know, Matt, that I love you! Yes, I'm writing this on my blog. Inappropriate place or not, I'm writing that here.
I heard a discussion lately regarding how one knows when a person is "the one." Matt and I had an interesting meeting and relationship. Matt was the only guy I "dated" or "courted"...or was courted by? However that works. Anyway, not that I wanted to have more relationship experiences with other guys, but I wanted the answer to that question, is he really the one? We were definitely talking marriage quite soon into our relationship. I prayed and prayed about it. Before you start thinking I didn't really like the guy, let me clear that up: I really liked him. I really, really liked him. I was attracted to him, and he had the qualities I wanted most in a husband. (...so it wasn't as if this was an arranged type deal or anything.) I just wanted to have some sort of "sign" that Matt was the one for me. My mom asked for a sign for my dad...and she got it. So, I left mine sort of open ended. I just asked God to make it known to me in some way that would make me certain, and He did.
I had a dream. It wasn't some crazy dream of me on my wedding day with Matt as the groom. I dreamt Matt had come over one Sunday after church for lunch at my parents as he often did. This time, however, we had some sort of discussion that ended our relationship. I don't know the details, but I know I was upset. Since we were "over," what do you think Matt did? He got on my parents' phone and called up some other chick and asked her father's permission to court her! at. my. parents. house. me. standing. there. ...till I stormed out the door of course! I was livid! I was hurt! How could he do that? How could he call that girl here? How could he do that so quickly? And who is this girl? No way! He is MY man! He is supposed to marry ME! His wife will not be that girl. It will be me! We are meant to be together! Something happened in the dream shortly after I stormed out. I saw Matt talking with my parents in their car. (You know how dreams jump around.) He ended up getting out of the car and talking with me. I don't remember the words said at all. I just know that he came back to me and I came back to him and things were smoothed over. He left, grabbed a little wash tub and soap and was about to wash my feet (in the act of service sense) when I woke up.
Ignoring the oddities in the dream...I came to the conclusion I needed. I woke up certain that I didn't want to be with any other man. I was certain that I didn't want Matt with any other girl. I found my treasure. And that's when I knew.
Recently, I had another dream. We've been married for over 3 years. This one was weird. I dreamt it was my wedding day. My 2nd wedding day?? I don't know. I was confused. I married this short guy with dark hair. I didn't even know him. I didn't want to know him. I didn't like him. Matt was at the wedding. It was like we were best friends and I longed to marry him. Here I was with Mr. Short guy who didn't know anything about me...nor did I know anything about him. I was so upset. I knew I made a huge mistake. How did I marry this guy? Why am I not with Matt? Take it back! Change it! This is not right! I woke up, tear stained, but I rolled over and knew Matt was there. All was right.
Sometimes I talk about my weird dreams on here. Maybe it's annoying. I'm no dream expert. I do think some dreams are just plain crazy but some can also be great reminders. This last one was a "nudging" one for me to remember what a great husband I have. No, he's not just great because he's tall. We are the perfect match, and that won't change. I knew he was the right one back then, and I know now. Even if we have (hmm, how shall I say it) "ill feelings" towards one another at times, that doesn't change the fact that we are meant to be together. We had our choice. I'm thankful for the choice I made! I love you, Matt!!
How did you know? I'm a sucker for love stories!
I heard a discussion lately regarding how one knows when a person is "the one." Matt and I had an interesting meeting and relationship. Matt was the only guy I "dated" or "courted"...or was courted by? However that works. Anyway, not that I wanted to have more relationship experiences with other guys, but I wanted the answer to that question, is he really the one? We were definitely talking marriage quite soon into our relationship. I prayed and prayed about it. Before you start thinking I didn't really like the guy, let me clear that up: I really liked him. I really, really liked him. I was attracted to him, and he had the qualities I wanted most in a husband. (...so it wasn't as if this was an arranged type deal or anything.) I just wanted to have some sort of "sign" that Matt was the one for me. My mom asked for a sign for my dad...and she got it. So, I left mine sort of open ended. I just asked God to make it known to me in some way that would make me certain, and He did.
I had a dream. It wasn't some crazy dream of me on my wedding day with Matt as the groom. I dreamt Matt had come over one Sunday after church for lunch at my parents as he often did. This time, however, we had some sort of discussion that ended our relationship. I don't know the details, but I know I was upset. Since we were "over," what do you think Matt did? He got on my parents' phone and called up some other chick and asked her father's permission to court her! at. my. parents. house. me. standing. there. ...till I stormed out the door of course! I was livid! I was hurt! How could he do that? How could he call that girl here? How could he do that so quickly? And who is this girl? No way! He is MY man! He is supposed to marry ME! His wife will not be that girl. It will be me! We are meant to be together! Something happened in the dream shortly after I stormed out. I saw Matt talking with my parents in their car. (You know how dreams jump around.) He ended up getting out of the car and talking with me. I don't remember the words said at all. I just know that he came back to me and I came back to him and things were smoothed over. He left, grabbed a little wash tub and soap and was about to wash my feet (in the act of service sense) when I woke up.
Ignoring the oddities in the dream...I came to the conclusion I needed. I woke up certain that I didn't want to be with any other man. I was certain that I didn't want Matt with any other girl. I found my treasure. And that's when I knew.
Recently, I had another dream. We've been married for over 3 years. This one was weird. I dreamt it was my wedding day. My 2nd wedding day?? I don't know. I was confused. I married this short guy with dark hair. I didn't even know him. I didn't want to know him. I didn't like him. Matt was at the wedding. It was like we were best friends and I longed to marry him. Here I was with Mr. Short guy who didn't know anything about me...nor did I know anything about him. I was so upset. I knew I made a huge mistake. How did I marry this guy? Why am I not with Matt? Take it back! Change it! This is not right! I woke up, tear stained, but I rolled over and knew Matt was there. All was right.
Sometimes I talk about my weird dreams on here. Maybe it's annoying. I'm no dream expert. I do think some dreams are just plain crazy but some can also be great reminders. This last one was a "nudging" one for me to remember what a great husband I have. No, he's not just great because he's tall. We are the perfect match, and that won't change. I knew he was the right one back then, and I know now. Even if we have (hmm, how shall I say it) "ill feelings" towards one another at times, that doesn't change the fact that we are meant to be together. We had our choice. I'm thankful for the choice I made! I love you, Matt!!
How did you know? I'm a sucker for love stories!
Monday, April 5, 2010
10 months
Dear Stephen,
You're a whopping 10 months old! Here are some of your favorite things now:
*You love playing with your ball. I bought one for you and one for Noah the week they came to visit. You saw me look over the balls at the store and were so excited about it. I handed you the Diego ball, and you beamed! You carried it in your little hands through the rest of my grocery trip, so proudly. You laughed every time I called it "ball." Nearing the end you started tossing it with joy, and I didn't mind since we were almost done (and thankfully the store wasn't crowded...This is probably one of those things "I never would have allowed" before I had kids). From the first time we played at home, you amazed me at your ability to roll it back to me. You've got a flick motion down with your right hand (always your right hand) to send it to me. You get very excited when it comes rolling back your way.
*You love other kids. You laugh hysterically at whatever they do. You had a great time with Noah a couple weeks ago and love your cousins. Grandma and Grandpa's dog is pretty funny to you too.
*You used to wave when you were tinier, but I guess you gave it up for grander things. You started waving again at yourself a couple of weeks ago, and you were thrilled. You were in the car, looking in your little mirror, grinning and making happy noises at the little boy waving at you. Those little waves also popped up as Daddy drove by a parked police car on the highway one day. It's a good thing he wasn't speeding!
*You started saying, "Hi" right at 9 months. It's sort of a southern hi. "Ha-ah!" You win a lot of ladies' smiles at the grocery store with your greeting. You also say, "Dada" but "Mama" is no where to be heard yet.
*You're starting to wind down from the 40 oz of formula you were having a day (nope, I'm not kidding or exaggerating. You eat us out of house and home.) We're still somewhere in the upper 30's though. You love your foods, but spaghetti makes you gag. We're working on the bigger noodles that are easier to chew.
*You are a big boy for your age. At 9 months, you were 24 lbs 2 oz and 30 1/2 inches. (90th and 95th percentile.) I am so eager to see how tall you'll be when you're fully grown. Beyond stature, we hope you grow in wisdom and in favor with God!
*I'm pretty sure you're working on more teeth because of the drooling and chewing. You had 8 teeth in 8 months and decided to take a vacation during your 9th month.
*I thought for sure you were going to crawl early (and your interest in the Pampers box baby), but you're taking your time, and that is just fine. You've had your own unique way of moving across the room since before Thanksgiving...by log rolling and later, army crawling. Your preferred movement is the right elbow/shoulder/toe crawl. Once you finally catch on to the real thing, I'm sure you'll wonder what all that work was for!
*You are very much mobile though the official crawling hasn't taken place. You keep me hopping all day (and it's much harder to take a picture of you now because you want the camera)...and still love to move the heavy things (ahem, furniture pieces) across the room!
*You like to smile and talk to your name board outside your door whenever we walk by. There's a nice familiar face to look at and talk to!
*You still love to watch Daddy play basketball every week. We are often still offered the nursery, but I understand where you really want to be.
*You think it's so great when you pull yourself up to a sitting position from on your belly. Big smiles. And...maybe our cheering has something to do with it too.
*Your 2nd haircut (remember, your first haircut was when you were 3 months old?) was the night before Easter. I enjoyed trimming it (the first time for me). It came out ok...much better than the first time I ever cut your dad's hair.
We're so proud of you, Stephen! My days are full with you, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love always,
Mom
You're a whopping 10 months old! Here are some of your favorite things now:
*You love playing with your ball. I bought one for you and one for Noah the week they came to visit. You saw me look over the balls at the store and were so excited about it. I handed you the Diego ball, and you beamed! You carried it in your little hands through the rest of my grocery trip, so proudly. You laughed every time I called it "ball." Nearing the end you started tossing it with joy, and I didn't mind since we were almost done (and thankfully the store wasn't crowded...This is probably one of those things "I never would have allowed" before I had kids). From the first time we played at home, you amazed me at your ability to roll it back to me. You've got a flick motion down with your right hand (always your right hand) to send it to me. You get very excited when it comes rolling back your way.
*You love other kids. You laugh hysterically at whatever they do. You had a great time with Noah a couple weeks ago and love your cousins. Grandma and Grandpa's dog is pretty funny to you too.
*You used to wave when you were tinier, but I guess you gave it up for grander things. You started waving again at yourself a couple of weeks ago, and you were thrilled. You were in the car, looking in your little mirror, grinning and making happy noises at the little boy waving at you. Those little waves also popped up as Daddy drove by a parked police car on the highway one day. It's a good thing he wasn't speeding!
*You started saying, "Hi" right at 9 months. It's sort of a southern hi. "Ha-ah!" You win a lot of ladies' smiles at the grocery store with your greeting. You also say, "Dada" but "Mama" is no where to be heard yet.
*You're starting to wind down from the 40 oz of formula you were having a day (nope, I'm not kidding or exaggerating. You eat us out of house and home.) We're still somewhere in the upper 30's though. You love your foods, but spaghetti makes you gag. We're working on the bigger noodles that are easier to chew.
*You are a big boy for your age. At 9 months, you were 24 lbs 2 oz and 30 1/2 inches. (90th and 95th percentile.) I am so eager to see how tall you'll be when you're fully grown. Beyond stature, we hope you grow in wisdom and in favor with God!
*I'm pretty sure you're working on more teeth because of the drooling and chewing. You had 8 teeth in 8 months and decided to take a vacation during your 9th month.
*I thought for sure you were going to crawl early (and your interest in the Pampers box baby), but you're taking your time, and that is just fine. You've had your own unique way of moving across the room since before Thanksgiving...by log rolling and later, army crawling. Your preferred movement is the right elbow/shoulder/toe crawl. Once you finally catch on to the real thing, I'm sure you'll wonder what all that work was for!
*You are very much mobile though the official crawling hasn't taken place. You keep me hopping all day (and it's much harder to take a picture of you now because you want the camera)...and still love to move the heavy things (ahem, furniture pieces) across the room!
*You like to smile and talk to your name board outside your door whenever we walk by. There's a nice familiar face to look at and talk to!
*You still love to watch Daddy play basketball every week. We are often still offered the nursery, but I understand where you really want to be.
*You think it's so great when you pull yourself up to a sitting position from on your belly. Big smiles. And...maybe our cheering has something to do with it too.
*Your 2nd haircut (remember, your first haircut was when you were 3 months old?) was the night before Easter. I enjoyed trimming it (the first time for me). It came out ok...much better than the first time I ever cut your dad's hair.
We're so proud of you, Stephen! My days are full with you, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love always,
Mom
Friday, April 2, 2010
Back on the Roller Coaster
Please keep your hands and feet inside at all times and enjoy your ride.
I'm talking about that house hunt again. I know, I said I wasn't going to write about it much here, but...here's a little more anyway. I guess I try to give you a little bit of the real stuff in my life, and it's my way of getting this off my chest.
Yesterday, I wrote about crying over a swing set. Well, I wasn't meaning that I was hanging over a swing set crying. We found a house, put an offer in, and it was accepted. We both think it's amazing, honestly more than we really even hoped for. After we got the call about our acceptance, I told Matt, "We should've asked for the swing set!" He said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. They're leaving it." And there it was, I cried. Matt laughed...as sensitively as one does when their wife is emotional in a happy way. Then I laughed because I cried about having the opportunity to have a swing set. It felt so complete. There was something special about the house/property for each member of our little family, including the swing set for Stevie (and any future children...and nieces and nephews). No, it's not this huge play ground of a swing set, but it's nice and very suitable. I was picturing our little boy swinging and going down the slide, breeze running through his hair, and him beaming with smiles and giggling with delight. It's just one of those mom things. I was day dreaming of my little family settling and growing there.
Anyway, we are in need of Divine intervention. When we put in our offer, it was based on the information we were given by the selling realtor. Now, we are being shown different information, which changes things quite a bit. To be honest, a big part of me is very upset by this. The information needs to be correct when given to serious buyers. (Sorry for the vagueness, but this being public, I am purposely being vague.) So, we're not stuck with the house by any means yet. These things just need to be worked out, whether we continue ahead or withdraw. Ugh. Why did this house just have to be so perfect? (No, it's not the drive and jump pool house earlier mentioned.) You know when things just seem to be "so right?" Matt and I both felt this is "the one" or at least the one to heavily pursue. I mean, I cried over the swing set! :)
So, we were making our way up that big hill when the roller coaster got stuck. Unnerving to me in either situation. I'm trying to keep my head on my shoulders and trust the Lord for His plan. Please pray for us that things will be fixed and continue on or we'll be able to safely get off! And, if this miraculously works out, I have a couple more silly stories to share about the experience.
(Sorry about the ridiculous metaphor.)
I'm talking about that house hunt again. I know, I said I wasn't going to write about it much here, but...here's a little more anyway. I guess I try to give you a little bit of the real stuff in my life, and it's my way of getting this off my chest.
Yesterday, I wrote about crying over a swing set. Well, I wasn't meaning that I was hanging over a swing set crying. We found a house, put an offer in, and it was accepted. We both think it's amazing, honestly more than we really even hoped for. After we got the call about our acceptance, I told Matt, "We should've asked for the swing set!" He said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. They're leaving it." And there it was, I cried. Matt laughed...as sensitively as one does when their wife is emotional in a happy way. Then I laughed because I cried about having the opportunity to have a swing set. It felt so complete. There was something special about the house/property for each member of our little family, including the swing set for Stevie (and any future children...and nieces and nephews). No, it's not this huge play ground of a swing set, but it's nice and very suitable. I was picturing our little boy swinging and going down the slide, breeze running through his hair, and him beaming with smiles and giggling with delight. It's just one of those mom things. I was day dreaming of my little family settling and growing there.
Anyway, we are in need of Divine intervention. When we put in our offer, it was based on the information we were given by the selling realtor. Now, we are being shown different information, which changes things quite a bit. To be honest, a big part of me is very upset by this. The information needs to be correct when given to serious buyers. (Sorry for the vagueness, but this being public, I am purposely being vague.) So, we're not stuck with the house by any means yet. These things just need to be worked out, whether we continue ahead or withdraw. Ugh. Why did this house just have to be so perfect? (No, it's not the drive and jump pool house earlier mentioned.) You know when things just seem to be "so right?" Matt and I both felt this is "the one" or at least the one to heavily pursue. I mean, I cried over the swing set! :)
So, we were making our way up that big hill when the roller coaster got stuck. Unnerving to me in either situation. I'm trying to keep my head on my shoulders and trust the Lord for His plan. Please pray for us that things will be fixed and continue on or we'll be able to safely get off! And, if this miraculously works out, I have a couple more silly stories to share about the experience.
(Sorry about the ridiculous metaphor.)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A funny thing....
...happened the other day.
I cried over a swing set.
Maybe I'll be able to share more in the future.
I cried over a swing set.
Maybe I'll be able to share more in the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)