From My Front Porch

Riding Lessons

2012-01-27T14:03:00.000-06:00

Do these make you all warm and gooey inside? Or is that just me?
<3

Outta' the Mouths of Babes

2012-01-25T16:50:00.001-06:00

At the grocery store the other day I accidently tooted. I moved the cart quickly, hoping people would assume it was the cart, or at least one of my babies. Until my “baby” called me out...

K: “Mama! uh-oh! Funny! Funny! Poop.”

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Despite embarrassing me, I am amazed at Kherington’s rapidly accumulating knowledge. I often tell her that she is smart.
We have been practicing meeting and talking to new people:

M: “What is your name?

K: “Kerry-tin. Smart.” (nodding head)

M: “Yes, you are smart. How old are you?”

K: “tree!”

M: “No, honey, Harper is three. You are two.”

K: “Oh! Okay.”

M: “So how old are you?”

K: (pause) “dos!”

Smart, indeed.

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At the dinner table:

M: “Will you eat some of your strawberries?”

K: “SURE! Ummy! Ummy pawperries.”

M: “How about some broccoli?”

K: “Mama! No, Mama! Ummy, no.” (while emphatically shaking her head) “Hondo eat?” (nodding yes)

Good try, kid.

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Yesterday she discovered a microscopic cut on her knee that was scabbed over and a little red. I cleaned it and gave her a Dora band-aid. But being overly dramatic, she made sure anyone in a 100 mile radius knew about it.

K: “boo-boo hurts! Kiss, please.”

Everyone kindly obliged.

Last night I was in the bathroom. Kherington charged in and saw me using a panty liner.

K: “Mama, band-aid! Boo-boo?”

Um…..

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On another note, sweet Hadley is so laid-back, chill and cheerful. I am always saying “Happy, happy, happy Hadley!” while she smiles and coos at me.

At Kherington’s two year well check at the doctor:

Dr.: “What is your baby sister’s name?

K: “sister.”

M: “no, KherBear, what is sister’s name?”

K: “Haduh.” (pause. Nodding head) “Her happy.”

Truth.

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I guess we all have adjectives attached to our names now.
I just told Kherington she couldn't have a cookie before dinner, so I really hope mine isn’t “Mommy, mean!”

What would your adjective be?

What would you like it to be?
It isn’t too late to try and change it.

Two Years

2012-01-21T07:29:00.000-06:00

Kherington Grace, you turn 2 today!

Big Sister, at two years old:

You are an angel!

You weigh 31 pounds and are in the 90th percentile or higher for height, weight, and head size

Your favorite foods are pizza, eggs, blueberries, cupcakes, and chocolate

You can't even go from one room to the next without an armload of baby dolls, monkeys, blankets, snacks, drinks, fake food, stuffed animals, toys, crayons, books, etc.

You speak a few 3 or 4 word sentences

You like to sort, stack, and organize (yet when you finish with a project everything is still spread all over the house!)

You enjoy climbing. When you get on top of something you say "Ta-Da!" I didn't teach you that.

You love to play dress-up in Mommy's closet, emerging with huge shoes on the wrong feet and about 20 bikini tops & bottoms around your neck

You adore Dora The Explorer and especially her monkey, Boots

You always want to be outside

You love all animals, helping to feed our pets and wanting to ride the horses

You have a huge vocabulary, but some of your most often used words include Mama, baby, no, milk, monkey, sister, t.v., outside, crackers, Hondo, Dora, and please

You enjoy coloring, painting, and other crafts... as long as you don't get glue on your hands!

You have some OCD tendencies

Your first friend is the 6 year old neighbor, Tessa

You enjoy puzzles and books and a little too much television

You still adore music... singing, dancing, and playing instruments... especially Tai-Pan's drum set

Your favorite song is "This Little Light of Mine"

You like playing "catch," "airplane," and "Simon Says"

Your favorite color is purple

You aren't quite ready to potty train- you have had one success, but otherwise you will sit on the potty for an HOUR and hold it out of stubborness

You like counting, especially in spanish

You and Daddy have a bedtime bit, where you both say "Night-night. Sweet Dreams. Love you!" Then you give him a kiss through each slat in your crib. It is precious.

You give the sweetest kisses, hugs, and snuggles

You are a great big sister

You heard us say "I love you very much" so often that you started just saying "Much!" And we adore it.

You love tea parties!

You are loved! Happy birthday!

From My Front Porch

2012-01-20T11:30:00.000-06:00

Kherington's first ride...

{forgive the camera phone quality and my finger in the video!}

I think we've got ourselves a cowgirl!
{or two}

Words I Wish I'd Written

2012-01-19T11:07:00.001-06:00

An article by Glennon Melton called Don't Carpe Diem has been all over the place. Parents everywhere are reading and emphatically nodding their heads, "yes! that is my life! sometimes parenting sucks!"

She talks about people telling her to carpe diem and enjoy EVERY moment of parenthood, then she admits that she doesn't. I respect her honesty and I get where she is coming from, but I don't really agree with the first half of her article. I concur that parenting is hard and exhausting sometimes, but I think that means we are doing it right.

Maybe I'm still new at it, but I continue to cherish the crappy moments. And maybe fertility issues and miscarriages have made me more appreciative of what I've been given, even when the babies are crying, puking, pooping, biting, not sleeping, throwing tantrums, coloring the couch with sharpies, and doing their best to embarrass me in public.

And I believe that God calls us to cherish every day and to learn to be more perfect, like Him.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

But the second half of her article? Well, this is pure gold...

"There are two different types of time. Chronos time is what we live in. It's regular time, it's one minute at a time, it's staring down the clock till bedtime time, it's ten excruciating minutes in the Target line time, it's four screaming minutes in time out time, it's two hours till daddy gets home time. Chronos is the hard, slow passing time we parents often live in.

Then there's Kairos time. Kairos is God's time. It's time outside of time. It's metaphysical time. It's those magical moments in which time stands still. I have a few of those moments each day. And I cherish them.

Like when I actually stop what I'm doing and really look at Tish. I notice how perfectly smooth and brownish her skin is. I notice the perfect curves of her teeny elf mouth and her asianish brown eyes, and I breathe in her soft Tishy smell. In these moments, I see that her mouth is moving but I can't hear her because all I can think is -- This is the first time I've really seen Tish all day, and my God -- she is so beautiful. Kairos.

Like when I'm stuck in chronos time in the grocery line and I'm haggard and annoyed and angry at the slow check-out clerk. And then I look at my cart and I'm transported out of chronos. And suddenly I notice the piles and piles of healthy food I'll feed my children to grow their bodies and minds and I remember that most of the world's mamas would kill for this opportunity. This chance to stand in a grocery line with enough money to pay. And I just stare at my cart. At the abundance. The bounty. Thank you, God. Kairos.

Or when I curl up in my cozy bed with Theo asleep at my feet and Craig asleep by my side and I listen to them both breathing. And for a moment, I think- how did a girl like me get so lucky? To go to bed each night surrounded by this breath, this love, this peace, this warmth? Kairos.

These kairos moments leave as fast as they come- but I mark them. I say the word kairos in my head each time I leave chronos. And at the end of the day, I don't remember exactly what my kairos moments were, but I remember I had them. And that makes the pain of the daily parenting climb worth it.

If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success."

God Bless those Kairos moments. They make up a lifetime.

But for me, I will continue to embrace the hard parenting moments, too.

I will Carpe Diem over and over again.

De Colores, ya'll.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Shutter Shortage

2012-01-16T18:58:00.000-06:00

Remember how my {fantastic, amazing, expensive, close-to-my-heart, like another child} camera died on Christmas Eve? Well it is still at the factory for repairs and I feel bereft without it. They just keep saying 2-6 weeks. six weeks?!!

Even my {crappy} back-up is on the blink. Rather than spend more money on rentals I think I'll have to cough up the dough for a better back-up. I can't be without a camera. I have clients scheduled and even more importantly, really cute kids that are growing quickly! {birthday parties, baptisms, milestones, adorable naps on the couch with the dog, oh my!}

So in the meantime, enjoy a month-old photo of our cute {but terribly mean} cat...

Young Love

2012-01-09T17:35:00.000-06:00

I recently went back to my hometown to visit with two of my best friends from high school. We caught up over a cold beer, watched babies play, and firmly decided that the "good old days" weren't nearly as good as these...

Cowen and Kherington sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

3 Months

2012-01-07T01:00:00.000-06:00

Hadley June is three months old today!

Beautiful girl, at 3 months:

You just started sleeping in the crib in your room

You weigh approximately 12.5 pounds

You are about 23.5 inches long

You are always happy and smiling, especially at Big Sister

You sleep about 8 hours at a strech

You bat at your toys and love mirrors

You like to sit up in your bumbo and watch the world

You have almost outgrown size 1 diapers

You go to work with Mommy

You blow bubbles and suck on your fingers and lips
You like sitting wedged between Daddy and the arm rest in his recliner

You are a delight!

And of course these photos would not be possible without my assistants...

From My Front Porch...

2012-01-05T13:36:00.000-06:00

I'm Hadley and I hang out wherever Mama puts me.

I'm Kherington and I think sisters are FUN! vroom! vroom!*

*No babies were harmed in the making of this post.

An Honorable Name

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-06:00

I just posted both of these photos recently. But I don't care, they make me smile.

Chelsea Elizabeth with my Great Grandma Elizabeth in 1982.

Hadley June with her Great Grandma June in 2011.

{Are they wearing the same glasses?!}

Beautiful women we are named after, sweet girl! Lucky us!

On Love

2012-01-02T13:44:00.000-06:00

The following opinions are solely my own. I don't speak for anyone else.

This post is inspired by facebook. And youtube.

And church.

And it is about gays and lesbians.

There is a lot of talk out there right now about gay & lesbian rights, especially in the church.

I have gay and lesbian friends.

I am a Christian.

I don’t see the problem here.

Christ taught us to love one another. And love is love.

There are, however, many conflicts within my religion about the acceptance of the LGBT community and specifically, gay marriage.

Personally, I feel there are many people who twist the Bible to say what they want it to say. They use the word of God to point fingers and say “you are wrong and I am right.” These manipulations of the Christian faith simply don’t work for me.

So in the same way that some Christians say that the Bible states that homosexuality is wrong (but turn a blind eye to the fact that it also says divorce, greed, jealousy and even eating shellfish are sins) - I have chosen to take the core messages of God’s word - to love your neighbor, to practice patience, to give of yourself, to honor Him, to spread goodness, to share the beauty in His words and the sacrifices that He made for mankind - and use these things as the basis for what we will teach our children. God is good. God loves us. We are all His children.

I’m not writing this post to point fingers at anyone (there’s been enough of that already). I certainly don’t write these words to invite criticism or to create a heated debate on interpretations of the Christian religion.

It simply comes down to this:

We are all sinners. And God loves us anyway.

So with that said, I hope my church will welcome gays with open arms. Our job is to love one another and tell each other about Christ. We are not here to judge others or decide what is right and wrong. All we need to do is love. Just love.

I know the disputes will be around for a long time. There is a disparity in the Methodist Church over gay clergy. The near future will bring the gay marriage issue. We welcome gay church members to our flock… but sensitive issues remain. Can two gays chaperone a youth trip in which adults and youth sleep in the same room? Separate rooms? How much affection is it “appropriate” for them to show at church? Shouldn’t they be treated exactly the same? I think so. But then it doesn’t make me uncomfortable to see lovers of the same sex. I think far too often people hide behind jokes or criticism or the Bible simply because they don’t want to admit their own discomfort. Being honest about being uncomfortable is okay, being sanctimonious is not.

I have always considered myself pretty conservative, but I also support gay marriage. I truly believe that any two people who love one another enough to commit their lives to each other should certainly be allowed the right to do so. Marriage is sacred. It will always be sacred and allowing two men or two women to experience that union - to profess a lifelong commitment to love, honor, cherish before God –that detracts nothing from the holiness of marriage. It doesn’t threaten the sanctity of my marriage in the least. I want my gay friends to have the happiness that I have, with all of the perks and rights that come along with it.

There are far too many people who don't treat marriage with the sanctity it deserves, but their sexuality has nothing to do with it.

To be completely honest, I have only recently come to peace with gay marriage in a church. I always believed they should be allowed legal marriages and commitments… but a Christian marriage in the church was hard for me to swallow. Perhaps it was my conservative side, and I don’t know exactly when it changed. But I now believe that any marriage commitment for a relationship built on faith and made before God is a reason to celebrate.

Love is always a reason to celebrate.

When Kherington and I pray we ask the Lord to guide our lives and help us to be good people. When she says “amen” at the end of her bedtime prayers, I hope that above all else, I am able to teach her and her little sister that God is love and love comes in many forms.

Happy 2012!

2011-12-31T11:06:00.000-06:00

Every year I proclaim it to be the best year of my life. The truth is, they just keep getting better!

Here is a look at our 2011 in photographs...
{the year of babies!}

Beauties

2011-12-30T22:43:00.000-06:00

Great Grandma June meeting Hadley June for the first time...

I do believe it was love at first sight for both Ma & June Bug!

A Magical Christmas!

2011-12-30T22:16:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2011 was my favorite one, yet!

We had a wonderful time teaching Kherington about Christmas, singing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus, and starting our own traditions. It doesn't get any better than family, food, and Faith!

We had Skip's side of the family at the ranch on Christmas Eve and mine over on Christmas afternoon.

The girls were thoroughly spoiled and loved upon! Kherington got a fort from Santa (with help from a handy Daddy, a sewing Sissy, and pinterest!). She got a bouncy horse from Pops & DeDe and an art easel from Sissy & Tai-Pan. Hadley got a baby doll and a monitor for her room. All six cousins were also OVERJOYED to learn that we get to embark on a Disney Cruise this summer!!! Happy, lucky girls are these!

My good camera AND my back-up camera got very sick on Christmas Eve and quit on me. I almost cried. So most of our Christmas is on video and a few shots with my point-and-shoot and {gasp!} a flash! But they captured some pretty special memories, nonetheless.

Emmanuel! Joy to the World!

From My Front Porch...

2011-12-23T01:25:00.001-06:00

Santa Baby

2011-12-21T13:36:00.000-06:00

"Muntz-Muntz"

2011-12-19T11:55:00.003-06:00

Dear Kherington,

One day I woke up and we were actually communicating.

I hear you call "Mama" from your crib and I go get you and ask if you slept okay. "Yes," you reply, "weet dareams." (sweet dreams) I ask what you want for breakfast and you say "Hilk. Pahcays. Peas." (milk and pancakes please)

But before we leave your room you say "Poop! die-bah." You don't really have poop, but you do need a diaper. I change you and you demand "muntz-muntz! bay-bee!" You want your monkey and your baby doll out of the crib so that they can accompany you to breakfast.

This continues all day. You can tell me exactly what you want (and don't want!). We have mini conversations. You learn a new word after I use it once. You mimick sayings and slang that we use without realizing it. It is amazing.

Your vocabulary is incredible and your pronunciation is getting better. So is my toddlerese.

But there are still many words that you mispronounce. I find them adorable and I know they won't last long. So, I want to preserve them...

Your precious monkey lovey is either "muntz-muntz" or just shortened to the sound a monkey makes, "mmm-mmm."

My favorite word to hear you say is your name. "Kerry-tin" in a tiny, sweet voice as you nod and point to your chest or to a photo of yourself. Love it.

Your favorite food right now is "potsa!" You ask for pizza at least once a day. Followed closely by "CUH-cakes" and "CHOC-let." I never seem to understand when you ask for "so-real," so you sign "cereal" and point to the box.

You often ask to "cor", "pay," or watch "tee-tee." (color, play, t.v.) In the car you ask for music by whining for "NATCH!" (?!?)
You used to say milk just fine... but one day it was shortened to "ilk," and now it has become "hilk." Daddy and I try to correct this and it just makes you thirsty!

When we ask you to do something (and you aren't in the middle of a tantrum), you say "Sure!" or "OKAY!"

Your "thank you" sounds like "nunk nun."

At bedtime you can't wait to put on your "ajamas!" When we tell you that we love you, you answer "uv, too!" Sometimes all on your own you give a hug and say "much!" which comes from me telling you that I love you so much.

I know someday I may wish you had a mute button, but for now I'm loving each and every word.

You're precious, kiddo.

Love, Mama

From My Front Porch...

2011-12-16T14:51:00.000-06:00

"Awww!" or "Ewww!" You decide.

Parent Potty Training

2011-12-15T16:01:00.002-06:00

Thanks for participating in the Potty Jotty Giveaway!

Reading your stories was great fun... come over sometime and write them in my Potty Jotty, 'kay?

Random.org picked a number 1-39 and it was 6!

Our winner is Lindsey! Please check your email so we can get your address and get it shipped to you.

Only a few of you correctly guessed why my urine smells like maple syrup. Fenugreek is right! I'm taking a galactagogue to keep my milk supply up because I got nervous that my iud would hurt it. All is well with the supply, but Hadley and I both smell like pancakes.

While we are on the topic of bathrooms (since it really doesn't come up very often), I had some more thoughts. Using public restrooms with baby in tow is quite an adventure. Am I right? They don't teach you about that in childbirth class or in What to Expect When You Don't Have the Happiest Baby on the Block... or whatever.

They tell you all about sleepless nights and teething, but NOBODY mentions public restrooms or changing crib sheets. Or else population growth might come to a skidding halt.

I remember one of my first times out in public after Kherington was born. I went to a bathroom stall in the mall to nurse her. I got over THAT quickly! Now I'll whip it out anywhere. If you wouldn't eat in a bathroom, don't expect my baby to.

But back to my point... you enter the bathroom and you have to pee. No problem if you have a stoller or carseat... unless you come out of the big stall to a handicapped person staring you down. But if you are a baby wearer like me, you face the old hoveroverthetoiletwhilebalancingthebaby problem. It took me awhile to learn to lift the baby in the carrier, pull down the maternity jeans I probably shouldn't be wearing anymore, hover, pee, change any needed femine products, wipe, stand, flush, pull up jeans, pull down tank, shove nursing pads back into place, lower sleeping baby back into position, and truimphantly exit the stall.

So now baby needs a change. See a diaper changing table? Score. Pull the rickety thing down, grab changing pad from diaper bag because they are out of the disposable ones, grab diaper and wipes with one hand while holding onto baby with the other, do your business, endure the little old lady that must touch baby and ask mundane questions, change the baby into the spare clothes (that are a little too small) because she had a blowout, wrap the dirty diaper and toss in trash, balance baby while you wash your hands, and done!

Not too bad as long as long you don't run out of wipes. One time I left my 4 week old that can't roll over and was firmly strapped into the changer for about 10 seconds to wet some toilet paper and I had to endure a five minute lecture from a librarian. {sigh}

And if there is no changing table? and no room on the wash counter? I quickly learned to sit on the pot and change the baby on my lap and I was pretty sure that made me a superhero.

And then that baby became a toddler. You enter the bathroom and before you can so much as unsnap your jeans, that toddler has reached into the trashbin just to see what is inside, rolled around on the bathroom floor because you asked her to stop touching the trash, and licked the toilet bowl rim just because she could. Well, maybe not that last one... but she always tries to touch it and isn't that almost the same thing?!

When she isn't accumulating as many germs as humanly possible, she is looking under the stalls at other people and then clapping for me and saying "Mama, poop, potty!" {sigh}

And if I try and change her diaper, she flops all over the changing table, unbuckles herself out of it, reaches down to "help" when I wipe, and gives me about a 2 second grace period to complete any necessary snaps, buttons, or zips. And we aren't even to potty training yet. {sigh}

THEN... I go and have another infant and try to take them both to the bathroom at the same time. I can do it now, because I am in fact a super hero. But I'm not giving away my secrets, I think the public restroom experience is a parenting right of passage and you'll have to pay your own dues.

I'll just say THANK GOD for "Family Restrooms" that have those toddler seats with chains (okay, straps) and purse hooks and changing tables and nobody to judge you while you complete your circus act!

Potty Jotty Giveaway!

2011-12-11T19:48:00.001-06:00

My urine smells like maple syrup.

No joke.

But there are a lot of toilet-related jokes out there.

Because potty-related things are funny. Just ask a three year old.

Everyone has a toilet story. I know adults that have wet the bed after a night of drinking, potty-training children that have carried their accomplishment into the living room to show Mommy, and women that have laughed just a little too hard, if you know what I mean!

Someone I know very well has peed in a hotel room and it wasn't anywhere near the jet-engine powered toilet bowl.

I've already fessed up to falling asleep on the pot. And there's the mysterious fact that two months ago my bladder couldn't hold a rain drop and now it can hold a small swimming pool without my realizing it.

Yes, everyone has a call of nature story.

But the funniest potty humor I've seen in a long time is The Potty Jotty.

This clever book was put together by a friend of mine and it had me in stitches!

The Potty Jotty is a journal for the guest bathroom. A water closet guest book, if you will.

With humorous bathroom jokes and photos already in it, guests will be entertained. But the real purpose is for them to leave comments, stories, doodles, and even ratings of their pit stop that will make everyone that comes after them laugh so hard they piss their pants.

I love this clever idea and can't wait to see what my friends write when they are pontificating on the porcelain throne. (and wondering why my powder room smells like ihop)

And for this time of year, I know The Potty Jotty would make the perfect "White Elephant" gift. Everyone will be talking about it! AND they will actually want it! (and we all know that is rare in a gift exchange!)

So... you, my lovely readers (hi grandma!), get a chance to win one! The contest ends Thursday 12/15 at 3pm Central and the book will ship right away! I'll choose a winner with random.org.

To enter, leave a comment for each entry you qualify for. Be sure to include an email address so I can contact you about your victorious win!

And for you losers, well, maybe you want to order your own Potty Jotty here!

POSSIBLE ENTRIES:
1. One entry for telling me a potty-related story. I know you have one, but make it up if you have to.
2. One entry if you are or become a follower of this (awesome) blog
3. One entry if this is the first time you've ever commented on this (incredible) blog
4. One entry if you tell others about this contest via facebook, twitter, or email
5. One entry if you correctly guess why my urine smells like maple syrup

So... five possible entries! GOOD LUCK!

As for me, I've gotta go see a man about a horse...

Two Months

2011-12-07T11:27:00.000-06:00

Hadley, you are two months old today!

At two months:

You weigh 10 lb 15 oz

You are about 22 in

You typically sleep a 6.5 hour stretch at night and then nurse every 3 hours

You smile some, especially when Kherington is in your face

You love lights and watching the world

You still get really gassy

You hold your head up and "sit" up well

You grasp things in your fist

You love vibration

You enjoy baths and kicking nude in front of the heater afterwards

You are an awesome baby!

From My Front Porch...

2011-12-02T02:22:00.000-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Kherington loved hanging the shatter-proof "balls" on the tree. She tested the shatter resistance a few times. We also hung bells down low to alert us to any miscreant toddlers. or dogs. or cats.

She loved reaching up high with Daddy to top our 9 foot tree.

Our big girl is in the Christmas spirit!

And Hadley slept through it all. :-)

Baby Weight

2011-11-30T13:20:00.000-06:00

I finally got the "okay" to work out again.

You know, in my spare time.

Everyone is trying to lose weight this time of year, after the Thanksgiving gorge and before the New Year's Resolution craze.

I've seen some of my friends on facebook post a mantra to help them reach their weight loss goals... "Nothing tastes better than skinny feels."

The only problem with that?

It is complete and utter bull$hit.

Turkey Day

2011-11-24T03:21:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from my little turkey!

Photographic Proof

2011-11-22T03:21:00.004-06:00

According to my daughter, this is "Kerry-tin!"

And this is "Sisser!"

Both Mama. This perplexes her to no end.

Parenting "Fails"

2011-11-20T13:34:00.000-06:00

Both girls were with me and I was volunteering in the church nursery during Sunday service. Kids ran happily about.

Kherington, of course, gravitated to the baby dolls.

She was playing with a little boy doll, mimicking everything I do with my baby. She was changing his diaper, kissing him on the forehead and "shhh-ing" him. The other nursery workers thought it was adorable.

Then she climbed up into a rocking chair with him and lifted up her dress as high as she could with one arm. Then she placed the baby boy face first into her diaper.

!!!

I knew she was breastfeeding and just couldn't lift her dress high enough.

But they might not ask me to work in the nursery anymore.

________________________________________________________

Hadley often gets gassy and really uncomfortable just before bedtime. Her doctor recommended bouncers with vibration and even a vibration system for her crib.

It is a really handy little system that goes under the mattress and runs for 20 minutes until baby dozes off. You can buy them online.

But don't google "crib vibrator."

I got less than favorable results.

The Soundtrack of Love

2011-11-16T15:26:00.001-06:00

In the middle of 2009, I heard the words I'd been longing to hear... "You're pregnant!" And I cried tears of joy. (immense joy after two miscarriages and two long years)

Two nerve-wracking weeks later I heard a sound that would forever change my life... a healthy, thriving heartbeat from deep in my womb.

A few glowing months later, I heard the surprising words "it's a girl!" and they rocked my world.

4,000 tiny kicks later, another sound stole my heart... I heard my firstborn cry for the first time and my heart nearly exploded with joy and pride and immeasurable gratitude.

When her cheeks were round and chubby and her breath was milky sweet, tiny giggles filled our home and my cheerful heart giggled along.

Shortly before her first Christmas, this daughter of mine made another memorable sound. She called me "Mama" for the first time and I didn't think I'd ever hear anything more beautiful.

But I was wrong.

Today I dropped Kherington off at church and she gave me a big hug said "LUH BOO!"

Which translates to "I love you."

She said it all on her own and I thought I'd die of extreme happiness right then and there.

That is pure love.

And I felt pure joy. Bawling in the church day care with those tiny arms wrapped around my neck

This life is making the most precious kind of symphony.

I'm listening.

And I LUH BOO, too, Kherington.

Cloth Diapering * An Update

2011-11-11T03:21:00.029-06:00

I've been cloth diapering (part time) now for almost two years. Remember this cloth diaper review and this post and this one with some useful information?

Well, now that Kherington is about to potty train (hip hip hooray!) and Hadley will soon be starting cloth, I figured I should update some of my previous posts. Preferences change as babies grow and as you find your cloth diapering groove.

So, without further ado... my number one, go-to diaper is the bumGenius 3.0 OS AIO. (one size all in one) It is discontinued... go figure. I also really like the new 4.0 AIO, but even at the largest setting, the fit is a bit snugger on my chunky gal.

Cute model, right? Workin' that cat walk.

"Um, Mom? How many photos are you going to take?!"

I love this diaper because it is easy and reliable. It comes with the perfect amount of absorption already sewn in. Thats right, NO STUFFING. Of course, if you want to add more liners (for overnight or heavy wetters), you can. But for everyday use, normal wetters don't need any stuffing!

Like a disposable diaper you slide it under the bottom and velcro it on.

That's all.

Great fit. Well made. Comfortable. Has never leaked. I repeat... NEVER LEAKED!

We heart our bumGenius diapers.

In close second are gDiapers. A little more fuss... but they are great diapers, good for the environment (I like the disposable liners that biodegrade or compost quickly), and cute!

I have several other brands like Fuzzi Bunz, Blueberry, and some fitteds. I use them all, but the BG 3.0 AIO is my favorite.

A few things more things you might want to know if you are considering cloth diapering:

I used to prefer snaps on my diapers, now I am hook & loop all the way. (my only exception is thirsties brand, they always popped open) They work just like a disposable diaper and stretch for a perfect fit.

I use Rockin Green Cloth Diaper Detergent or All Free & Clear. I dry in the sun anytime I can. Works magic.

You are "supposed" to wash cloth diapers every other day... but I've often gone 4 days and had zero problems. They don't stink in my pail and they wash up perfectly.

It isn't necessary, but a diaper sprayer attached to your toilet is worth every penny!

I purchased most of my diapers online. But if I did it all over again, I would look for packages of 8-10 sold in bulk. (after I was sure I liked that diaper!) Even better... I would buy used. It might sound icky... but diapers that are well cared for easily last through more than one child. If it doesn't gross you out, look around for used diapers in good condition. bumGenius even sells refresher kits for used diapers in case you want to replace the velcro tabs.

My girls still wear disposable diapers, too. When Kherington was born I tried most every brand out there. But I never tried Luvs... thinking they were cheap and wouldn't work well. I was so wrong, now I love them! They are one of the most affordable options and I have never had a problem with them.

When I buy disposables, I use Amazon Mom. You can subscribe for automatic deliveries with free shipping, and they end up cheaper than HEB, Wal-Mart, Diapers.com, and Costco! Plus... you can cancel anytime, change your diaper selection/size, add or skip a delivery, change your delivery intervals, etc with no problems. So easy. And more room in your shopping cart.

So... that's my take on diapers. Do you cloth diaper? What are your favorites? Your tricks and advice?

Acting Your Age

2011-11-09T13:08:00.001-06:00

Dear Kherington,

We might not have reached your birthday yet, but you sure are acting two!

Every day holds a new adventure... tantrums, mood swings, testing your boundaries, ignoring us completely, stubborness, etc.

My first approach to discipline is positive reinforcement and setting a good example. Even at your young age, I believe in calmly explaining why you should or shouldn't do something. It usually works. You are a smart girl.

I believe in trying to limit the number of times a day that I say "No." I honestly think this might mean I have a toddler that says "no" back less often. Plus, I'd rather explain proper behavior than be a fountain of negativity.

I also believe in giving you a safe play environment where you aren't temped into too much trouble.

But when all else fails, we try other methods. Time out, however, has been a huge bust. Um... you like it! I can't threaten you with it to stop a bad behavior because you will just dash happily over to your time out chair and grin at me.

My Mama-is-serious-I'm-about-to-get-mad face and tone of voice have no affect on you whatsoever. (I don't get it, Daddy says I'm good at angry faces)

I've popped you on the bottom, but I guess the diaper padded it so much that you looked at me like I'd tickled you.

Taking away toys or priveledges isn't working. Even bribery isn't working.

We are all learning as we go. Someday we will both laugh at all this.

But I might lose my mind if I can't get you to STAY OUT OF HADLEY'S BABY SWING!

It seems far too often I have to say "Kherington, I asked you not to touch Mama's camera." "No! Don't put a blanket on Hadley's face." "I wish you wouldn't stand on the kitchen table." "Kherington, be careful not to jump on your sister." "Please don't spill your milk on purpose." "No you cannot have 6 oreos for breakfast." and on and on.

I want to teach you right from wrong and raise a well-behaved, respectful child. But I don't like having to police you every second.

So I am extremely grateful that we live on this ranch and that you love to be outside.

We head out the door and immediately you are the boss.

"Sit!" you command, pointing at my rocking chair on the porch.

I do, and you play.

Oh, do you play!

We have a wide open space for you to run without danger. We have animals to pet, acreage to explore, sunshine to soak up.

I can keep an eye on you without holding you back.

I can say "Yes!" "Go! See! Do!" "Yes, KherBear, enjoy your adventure."

Plus, the puppies keep you company.

I love getting to tell you "yes!" and letting you run free. All children should get to run free now and then.

I love you & your free spirit (even when you act two), Mama

1 Month

2011-11-07T01:06:00.003-06:00

Hadley, you are a month old! How did that happen?!?!

Sweet June Bug, at one month old:

You weigh 9 lbs 4 oz

You are 21 inches long

You wear size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothing. Newborn doesn't fit anymore!

You usually sleep 3-4 hour stretches at night (Mama thanks you!)

You get gas pains easily and often

You grunt a lot but rarely cry

You are already toughening up to Big Sister's "love" pats

You nurse like a pro but don't mind a bottle

You like pacifiers but will also self-soothe with your hands

You continue to look just like your sister did at this age

You have made our good thing even better!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-05T14:38:00.005-05:00

This November (and every day!), we give thanks for the bountiful blessings in our life.

God is so good!

Bath Time Fun

2011-11-04T01:56:00.001-05:00

From My Front Porch...

2011-11-02T01:42:00.002-05:00

A bull whip and a hot shot are perfectly normal toddler toys, right?

Seems pretty normal from where I sit on My Front Porch...

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.002-05:00

Our Lil' Pun'kins

2011-10-30T01:43:00.001-05:00

Parenting Handbook: Thou must take the obligatory photos in the pumpkin patch. Show to everyone. Think, smugly, that your kids are cuter than the others.

Toddler Feet + Baby Feet =

2011-10-28T01:37:00.001-05:00

{Nearly} Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T01:28:00.001-05:00

{country girls!}

And this shot looks more like a city girl, but it is too funny not to share!

From My Front Porch...

2011-10-24T02:05:00.005-05:00

Newborn Portraits

2011-10-22T10:16:00.000-05:00

See more of Hadley's newborn portraits at: http://chelsealietzphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/hadleys-newborn-portraits-chelsea-lietz.html

21 Months

2011-10-21T01:15:00.003-05:00

Kherington, you are almost two! Eek!

At 21 months old:

You weigh 30ish pounds

You are a Big Sister!

You call Hadley "Baby Sisser" and "HAD-ah"

You wear 2T clothing, but it has to have ample room for the booty you got from your Daddy

You use the word "poop" for pee, poop, diaper, and private parts

You love "school" and the teacher seems to love you, too

You have an incredible vocabulary and will repeat most anything we say. But some of your most recent words include KERRY-TIN (Kherington), NACK (snack), CUHCAKE (cupcake), TICKLE-TICKLE, HUNTING, TRASH, CHEESE, CACA (cracker), TRUCK, ILK (milk), TUN-TUT (tunnel)

You got your Mama's sweet tooth

You sorta say "I love you" and hold up your hand in an attempt to sign it (melts my heart every time!)

You can spell your name by repeating each letter after us

You enjoy singing. Sometimes attempting the words of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." But more often than not, you make up your own song with words you know... "MaMaMaMa DaDaDa Ow-side Sisser MaMa Hondo Baby" in a sing-song voice.

You line up your bath toys on the edge of the tub and perform for them

You have your share of two year old tantrums and tears and mood swings

You say "SHAH!" which means share but sounds more like a cuss word. And to you it means "give it to me NOW and I'll say I'm sorry and give you a hug when I get in trouble"

You love, love, love to be outside. Especially playing in your car

You hate having your nails trimmed and your hair fixed. Your hair is getting longer and blonder, with some adorable unexpected curls

You adore Dora, playing chase, brushing your teeth, and washing your hands

You are still learning and using sign language. You know about 15 signs.

You loved your first lolly pop! (once you figured out the right end!)

Genetics

2011-10-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

TWINS?!

Nope, just identical sisters!

Game Day

2011-10-15T00:15:00.001-05:00

Hook 'em, Hadley!

1 Week

2011-10-14T01:30:00.004-05:00

Hadley June, at one week old:

You weigh 7 lbs 8 oz

You are in the 68th percentile for height and 32nd for weight

You nurse every 2-3 hours

You love to be swaddled

You often furrow your brow

You have very long fingers

You go through a LOT of diapers

You are kissed often by your big sister

You have a knack for getting hungry just as Mama sits down to eat

You can raise one eyebrow like Mama and sister

You are loved!

From My Front Porch...

2011-10-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Birth Day!

2011-10-10T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hadley June Lietz

October 7, 2011

At 1:06 pm

7 lb 2 oz, 20.25 in

Hadley June...

Making Our Good Thing Even Better

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

Five

2011-10-02T02:24:00.003-05:00

5 days to Hadley June!

And I am officially to the point where I will get more sleep with a newborn nursing on demand than I do now.

And I am so over peeing 37 times a night. {is that why they call them the "wee hours?!"}

So I say COME ON baby! Mama's ready!

Monkey Business

2011-09-30T18:15:00.000-05:00

Kherington has a lot of great toys.

Most of them are hand-me-downs, but I make sure that she has a good variety.

She has puzzles, pretend toys, balls, stuffed animals, tractors, plastic farm animals, a basketball goal, baby dolls, keys, blocks, musical toys... all that crap.

I even get her "boy" toys in an attempt to make her well-rounded.

But nothing compares to her baby dolls.

She adores them. She reads to them, feeds them, dresses them, diapers them, puts them to sleep, takes them on walks, puts them in time-out, gives them baths, kisses them, etc, etc.

This behavior is just one of the reasons that I know she will be an amazing Big Sister.

But lately there is something creepy about her babies...

One of these is not like the others, no?!

After babies, her second love is monkeys.

So her {slightly batty} Great-Great Aunt gave her this monkey baby. {yes, I know this is a chimp, which is actually an ape and not a monkey. but she is one, 'mkay?!}

And if you thought Kherington loved her baby dolls, you should see her with this baby monkey! It gets all the same treatment as her babies, and more. It gets fed with a banana bottle, and sometimes Kherington's real banana. She speaks to it in monkey-talk. It accompanies her to dinner and sometimes to bed. She tries to take it everywhere. Mama tries to leave it at home!

It is cute that she is so attached. I like monkeys, too. But let's be honest, this thing is CREEPY.

My photos don't do it justice. The material is a creepy feeling soft plastic. It has ugly hair on it's head, arms, and legs. The monkey's hands and feet are downright scary. And this thing is heavy!

But Kherington doesn't care. She loves her monkey baby best of all.

She doesn't even mind that it is now missing an arm...

Ten

2011-09-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

10 days to Hadley!!!

Daddy's Girl

2011-09-22T01:00:00.007-05:00

I just read a blog that had me bawling. I mean BAWLING.

It is a sweet list written by a Daddy of the way all fathers should treat their daughters. Seriously, bawling. Wet shirt, hard to breathe, hand over my heart, snot on my face bawling.

It made me so grateful for my amazing Daddy. (yes, I'm nearly 30 with two kids and I can call him daddy if I want to) And so, so excited for Skip and our daughters.

Daughters that are loved like Kherington, Hadley, and I are by our fathers are blessed beyond measure. Am I right, girls?

Life is so, so beautiful, and the father-daughter bond is one of the most precious things.

Please, please go read the list by Michael Mitchell: (with tissue in hand)
http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

And then, check out his blog because it is pretty awesome:
http://lifetoheryears.com/

"Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years."

Last Weekend Get-Away

2011-09-21T03:39:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my God Parents for letting us use their amazing lake house, we had a fun weekend get-away with Kherington's God Parents and three handsome God Brothers!

I treasured some special time with Phillip, Phillip, Kristin, Kayson, Kouper, Kylar, and Kherington! (say that 5 times fast!)

We ate a lot of great food (okay, mainly me), swam, played on the boat, went fishing, enjoyed beautiful weather (and even some much-needed rain), caught up on our busy lives, and cheered the Horns on to victory!

It is safe to say that all that fun wore Kherington out...

Hadley's Nursery

2011-09-19T18:38:00.000-05:00

Hadley's room is done!

We have awesome large rooms in our place, so it is spacious and full of natural light. It will also house the guest bed for now. Eventually I want the girls to share a room for awhile. But this one is all Hadley's!

You already know I'm not into baby pink and cutesy characters. So I chose bright, funky patterns of orange with some blue and brown, too. I love it!

And most everything is handmade! I like to support the small business, especially work-at-home-moms. So most special touches in her room (bedding, lampshades, memory board, etc) were ordered from Etsy, which also allowed me to use the profits earned from my small business to pay. {If anyone wants the name of a particular seller, just message me!} A few things were made by me, too!

The incredible name above the crib was handmade by a friend of ours! It is AMAZING! And he shipped it all the way from California. Thanks Zack & Courtney!

Without further ado, Hadley's room...

P.S. Kherington's turquoise and coral room got an update, too! It includes a big girl bed! I'll post pics when it is done.

9 Months

2011-09-17T08:06:00.000-05:00

9 months along and still going strong!

We have 20 days to go!

{That's right, 9 months is a lie, pregnancy is 9.5 months!}

I am feeling well. But I'm ready.

I see my doc weekly to check on my cervix, which might be hinting at early labor. We also do a Non Stress Test to check on Hadley every week. We are mainly watching the placenta function due to my blood clotting issues.

But so far everything looks great!

Time is flying by!

Big Sister is ready for you, Hadley June!

My Baby

2011-09-14T03:10:00.002-05:00

Dear Kherington,

In a few short weeks, you will no longer be the baby of the family.

Oh, but you will always be my baby! My first born! My sweet girl!

Once a baby girl, always a baby girl.

Before you become a Big Sister, I wanted to tell you some of the things that I will always remember from your babyhood. It was such a happy and joyous time!

You were always a happy baby. You rarely cried. The only bad crying fit I remember is the drive home from the hospital. After that you were pretty laid back and content.

From the beginning you were an awesome sleeper! You loved to be swaddled and always slept with a sound machine playing ocean waves. The first few weeks, the doctor made me wake you up to nurse. And you were so zonked that we had to get you naked and rub ice on your back to get you to stay awake long enough to eat.

Speaking of breastfeeding... the first 2-3 days were really tough. You wouldn't latch easily and didn't nurse as long as the nurses said you should. But I was determined and you soon took to it like a champ! You loved breastfeeding, as did I, and I nursed you until you were almost 17 months.

Though your vocabulary is now exploding, I will never forget your sweet baby babbles. Or your love of dancing and puppy kisses. I will always remember the day you learned to crawl by copying Harper. And of course some of your first steps taken on the beaches of Mexico.

You were quite the traveler. And your "go with the flow" attitude fit right in with our family. You visited Ruidoso, Nashville, Dallas, Longview, Corpus Christi, Mexico, Florida, and various other fun locales.

Your sweet milky baby breath will always be with me, conjuring up images of sleepy eyes and chubby hands upon my breast. I will always feel us, skin to skin, as we snuggled together in the early morning hours. I'll remember that you always slept anytime we were in the car and you absolutely refused to take a bottle... ever.

Looking at you now, I still see your chubby baby cheeks. I first saw them in your ultrasounds, I kissed them as you flourished, and now they are one of the last remnants of baby as you become a young girl. (those and your adorably chunky thighs)

You are going to be an amazing Big Sister. And though you are eager for independence and so quickly growing and learning... I promise never to forget that you are still a baby.

There is no rush to grow up.

I am still here to hold you when you need to be held, snuggle you when you need love, and I will always, always be here to dance around the livingroom like a crazy fool with you! Or even the grocery store.

KherBear, my heart is filled with wonderful memories of you, and we still have a lifetime to spend together!

I'm reminded of a line from one of our favorite books... "You're my sweetie, my dear, my smile and laughter. You're my playmate for always and my joy ever after."

Love from One Baby Girl to Another,
Mama

Farewell to Summer!

2011-09-12T21:07:00.000-05:00

{but sadly not the heat, yet!}

The Circus

Back to School

Church Picnic & Swim Party

Happy Birthday to DeDe!

30 Days

2011-09-07T18:40:00.000-05:00

30 days to Hadley!

Well, maybe.
It seems my body might have other plans. Only time will tell!

But Hadley is healthy and strong. She is 5 lb 11 oz right now, so doc estimates her birth weight on October 7th to be about 8 lbs 2 oz. (but these make me laugh because the tiny print says +/-13 oz... which is a lot of variation!)

People keep asking if I am ready for her arrival.

Um... I guess so?!

I have boobies and a car seat, so I'm prepared.

But somehow it still doesn't seem real!

I daydream about her and talk to her and feel her by the hour. But it is still hard to wrap my mind around having ANOTHER daughter of my own, living IN our house with us!

I just know it will all feel perfect once she is nestled in my arms and Big Sister and Daddy get to give her kisses.

In the meantime we are spending one-on-one time with Kherington, planning a date night, cleaning the house, preparing my office for maternity leave, stocking up on groceries and supplies, napping, digging baby things out of the garage (anyone seen my sleep nursing bras?!), looking forward to a girl's night, attending football games, washing tiny baby clothes, editing photos for clients, running last minute errands, preparing meals for the freezer, stocking impossibly small diapers, visiting the doc weekly, and kissing the still-growing belly.

We (and by we I mean Daddy!) have two more things to hang in Hadley's room and then it is done! Photos coming soon, I promise!

Baby coming soon, too! Really soon!

A KherBear Hug

2011-08-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

Kherington Grace,

Today was a rough day.

I was stressed and sleep deprived, and you were a cranky beast most of the day.

This evening my body really, really hurt and I was resting on the couch, watching you play.

In your tired neediness, you were climbing all over me. Clambering on my belly and my back really hurt me and I couldn't hold it together anymore.

I started crying. No, sobbing.

Huge, uncontrollable sobs that stopped you in your tracks.

You studied my face. For a minute, my scrunched features must have looked like a smile. You started to laugh along, but then you saw my tears and knew I was sad.

Immediately, you threw your tiny arms around my neck in a bear hug. You kissed my lips and the tears off of my cheeks. You put your monkey lovie on me and patted my back.

Your pure sweetness just caused me to cry more, and you alternated between hugs, kisses, and pats.

Though easily bored these days, you sat patiently beside me as my sobs turned to quiet tears, then sniffles, then hiccups.

After another big hug, you caressed my cheeks and then kissed my belly. You began to walk away with your monkey, then turned around and brought it back to tuck into my arms. I guess you thought Mommy needed it more than you did at the time.

At nineteen months, I don't know how you knew exactly that I needed. But you did.

Your love healed me, Kherington, and made everything better. You are the sweetest child.

I know I will never forget today. And I wanted to make sure that you knew the story, too.

And please know, Sweet KherBear, I will always be here to return the favor.

I love you like a bear loves honey, {And everyone knows that's an awful lot.}
Mama

Forty

2011-08-28T02:15:00.001-05:00

40 Days to Hadley!!!

Double the Fun

2011-08-24T12:45:00.002-05:00

Let me be completely honest.

There are days when I think Oh crap, I'm about to have TWO cranky, crying, pooping, snotty, needy kids?!?!

And only 20 months apart! How will I stay sane?!

I imagine twice the laundry, more sleepless nights, double the vomit when the stomach bug comes around.

I see one being potty trained while the other goes through diapers like sand through an hourglass.

I hear two different cries for mama. I see two wiggly bodies to dress and two knotty heads to detangle.

Twice the bad behavior, double the time-outs.

One will pull at my breast while the other pulls my hand to take her outside.

Two car seats to wrangle and four shoes to search for.

I know sometimes it will be more than twice the work and will take more than double the energy.

But I rarely go to this dark, scary place.

I'm not kidding myself, it won't be easy.

But when I wonder how I will get it all done...

I imagine two slippery bodies fresh out of the bath, two giggling girls on the bed between Mom and Dad, four bouncy pig tails in my rearview mirror.

I think of double the kisses and twice the hugs.

I know we will have infinitely more laughter. Oh, the laughter!

Double the bed time stories, two telling terrible jokes, twice the magic.

Two tiny voices singing off-key with Mama and dancing like maniacs.

I forsee sisters holding sticky hands and sharing secrets.

Twice the innocence and beauty.

With more than double the love coming our way... how can I worry?

We are too (two?!) blessed to be stressed.

I say bring it on...

Hadley's Happy News!

2011-08-22T17:52:00.001-05:00

"If you surround yourself with the good and righteous,

they can only raise you up." - Mark Glamack

Skip and I are extremely blessed to have some wonderful friends. We know a lot of good people who aim to live Godly lives and strive to walk in faith.

So when it comes to choosing God Parents for our children, we have a lot of great options. As with Kherington, we wanted someone for Hadley who believes in family, love, prayer, hope, and compassion.

As we began to think about the right choice for Hadley, we knew the perfect family! And they have honored us by heartily agreeing!

Meet the Sanchez family...

Sam, Bobbie, Ainsley, Sammy, and John David

Not to be outdone by Kherington's plethora of God brothers, Hadley will have three God siblings, too!

Sam and Bobbie are great parents and fun friends that have strong Christian values and enjoy being active in their church. They are positive people who look for the good in others. They currently live in Florida... but we know that no matter where life takes them, they will always love our daughter, be there for her, and support her on her walk with Christ.

We feel so blessed to be raising our children with people who raise us up, like the Sanchez and Kneupper families!

And it doesn't hurt that they all have precious kiddos that we adore!

8 Months

2011-08-19T18:12:00.000-05:00

Still glowing and growing (and sweating!) at the eight month mark.

From My Front Porch...

2011-08-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

Enjoying a watermelon that Daddy grew in our very own garden!

It was delicious!

Upcycling

2011-08-15T18:00:00.001-05:00

You know by now that I'm a huge fan of hand-me-downs and resale shops. Babies hardly use their clothes before they grow out of them... so my girls are blessed to wear 90% hand-me-downs.

As kids grow, they are a little rougher on their clothing. But they also get attached to special items and certain themes/characters.

So when you want to spruce up your old clothes and make them new again, you upcycle!

My friend Katherine, mother of five beautiful girls, is the master of upcycling. Her creative little company, BeBe Gear, reuses old fabrics to make something new, fresh, and unique.

She just made Kherington an upcycled Longhorn dress.

We love it!

It is already soft and comfortable. And this handcrafted dress is one of a kind... meaning my lil' horns fan won't be wearing the same overpriced outfit from the co-op that 600 other kids are wearing on game day.

BeBe Gear has a few cute pre-made dresses, shirts, and skirts in their etsy shop, in various styles and sizes.

Or you can order a custom creation! Your size, your style, even your fabric! Does your kiddo have a favorite shirt she can't bear to part with? Want a unique way to support your favorite team or your elementary school on spirit day? Want a brag-about-my-age dress for a birthday? Upcycle with pride!

Find Bebe Gear here, and "Like" her on Facebook here!

Bookworm

2011-08-12T09:58:00.001-05:00

Dear Kherington,

We read a lot in our house.

All day long you launch books at my head or hold them right in front of my face, just in case I didn't hear you insisting on reading a "BUK, BUK!"

You love old books, new books, and even the same books over and over. For one favorite of yours, you say the first word before I even open the cover.

Before bedtime we snuggle in your room and read. I usually set the limit to 4 or 5 books, but you are one devious little story-lover.

When we get near the end of a book, you quickly shut it and grab another... as if not finishing it means it doesn't count.

If you grab a book and hop on my lap only to realize that you've chosen a really short, one-word-per-page book, you instantly change your mind and go hunting for a longer story.

Last night after our 6th or 7th book, I told you to choose just one more to be our last book of the night.

You nodded and mumbled "LAST. BUK."

Off you went in search of the perfect book to prolong our story time.

You dug through the shelves and the stacks on the floor, searching high and low.

And...

You brought me the Bible.

Well played, baby girl, well played.

Kisses from one bookworm to another,
Mama

From My Front Porch...

2011-08-07T13:33:00.001-05:00

Nothing says summer like the smell of chlorine and sun block, and the taste of warm water from a garden hose...

{Summer Fun!}

Dreams

2011-08-04T06:11:00.002-05:00

Dear Hadley,

There are two months until I get to meet you. Well, I hope.

It is true that I am busier this pregnancy and find that once or twice a week I forget about my condition until you send me a reminding jab.

But not a day goes by that I don't dream about you. Very early every morning, before the sun peeks through the window, we commune together, you and I.

Your a.m. aerobic sessions pull me from slumber with a smile on my face. Still half asleep, I cover my belly with my hand and send you love. This moment of every day... before the dogs lick my face, before your Daddy tries to snuggle, before your sister calls out for me... belongs to you. I whisper to you and we push against each other through a layer of taut skin.

Later, when I go to drop your sister off at Sissy's, you both seem to get hiccups at the same time. We ride along together, singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Skinna-marinky-dinky-dink," my two sweet girls hiccing and bumping away.

It always starts me day dreaming. I am so eager to see how you girls will be alike and how you will differ. How sisters so close in age will be knitted in the same womb from the same genes. It is going to be so beautiful watching you grow up together.

There are some things I wouldn't mind you having in common with Kherington... like her sleep habits and her penchant for kisses. If you like stories as much as she does, I'll read to you both all day long. My lap is big enough for lots of book-loving babies. I hope you enjoy breastfeeding as much as Kherington, but you better agree to use a bottle now and then!

Sometimes my day dreams become night dreams, as my weary and aching body drifts off to slumber... resting itself so that it might continue to grow you big and strong. And sometimes those dreams are about you. In the last one, you came early and your father wasn't there. I felt alone and distraught without my family, but then they put you in my arms and I knew that our family had grown and that we would all four be together soon. I can't explain it, but you had a full head of black hair!

No matter how you arrive, what you look like, or what is similar or dissimilar to your sister, I know that you will be perfect. God is making you that way. Another miracle to answer our prayers and make our life whole.

When I was a child, just the thought of having you someday made me happy. Then learning of your surprise existence made me happier, and now every day my happiness grows as you do. We are going to make each other so happy... you, your sister, your Daddy, and I.

I love you sweet girl, Mama

Book Reviews

2011-08-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

LOVE IT

Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein

I've never been into the frilly pink princess crap. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against cherishing your daughter or reading fairy tales. But I don't want my girls growing up thinking only heels and diamonds make you beautiful or that they need a man to rescue them in order to be happy. I enjoyed this glimpse into the disgustingly commercialized world of little girls today. Let's remember the kind of women we want to raise and make smart decisions. I'm all for dress-up, imaginative play, and reading... but you might find me gently steering my girls away from all the Disney crap on the shelves.

LIKE IT

Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay by Stefanie Wilder Taylor

This is a cute collection of first-baby stories and new mom lessons. I enjoyed it and got quite a few laughs. I found myself nodding along, thinking "yep, so true!" Mainly it made me kick myself for not writing it myself. I'll pass this book along to pregnant friends and then I'll read her next book: Naptime is the New Happy Hour and Other Ways Toddlers Turn Your Life Upside Down.

HATE IT

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

Ugh... Where to begin? The authors might be skinny (I don't know for sure), but that happens to be the only thing that qualifies them to write this book. They make many unsupported claims, and most of them I disagree with. Their blunt writing style is meant to be funny, but just strikes me as haughty and persnickety. They shun pretty much everything yummy... alcohol, sugar, starches, meat, animal products, milk, etc. About the only thing I agreed with is their support of breastfeeding. A diet of tofu, celery and water? No thanks. You may be skinny, but you're a bitch because you're hungry.

*Photos "borrowed" from Amazon.com. So sue me.

From My Front Porch...

2011-07-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

Central Texas has been in a severe drought.

And you already know that it is HOT.

So when we got a few showers recently, Kherington and I took the opportunity to play in the rain.

We sang and danced and splashed in puddles... 'cause that's what fun Moms do!

7 Months

2011-07-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

And 1 week.

Yeah, so I'm not so "on-top" of things this time around. Oh well.

I'm busy living!

Seven months have come and gone and sometime as I crept into my third trimester, all hell broke loose. All of a sudden everything got harder. And I mean EVERYTHING.

Now take my complaints lightly because I am still one of those annoying women who LOVE being pregnant. I really do. And I have it pretty easy.

But things are certainly tougher now. I have intense back pain... every day. I'd compare it to the pain after a c section, only I don't get the good drugs or the cute baby to dim the pain. I don't even get ibuprofen.

When the thermometer says 103 outside and this baby on board is my own personal furnace, I climb into my roasting car and turn on the seat warmers, just in case it helps my back. But nothing really helps.

And it is harder to keep up with two jobs, running a household, and a busy toddler. But I remind myself that millions of mothers have done it before me. I still love it, I know it will be worth it, and I certainly don't want to rush it. I don't know if this is my last pregnancy or not. But just in case it is, I want to enjoy every single day, every single precious jab to the ribs/bladder/some internal organ that really kinda hurts.

So even if my back is excruciating for the next 70 extremely hot days, I'll be smiling.

I'm pregnant and I love it!

We had another appointment with the high risk doc last week to check on Hadley's growth. She is doing great and is very active. She is already over 3 pounds and 16 inches long! Doc says she has long legs... duh!

And I kid you not, she raised one eyebrow at us! {something Kherington and I do to pester Daddy} From the ultrasound images, I think she looks like her big sister.

All of Hadley's measurements point to a big baby for this point in time. {could be why I am 4-5 pounds ahead of where I was with Kherington at this point. well, that or the pizza}

My placenta is still low and she is still breach. {which is NOT the most comfortable thing in the world!} So it looks like the c section is a go.

I believe I only have to see the high risk doc once more. Good news for the pocket book!

October 7th will be here before we know it.

We can't wait to meet you, Miss Hadley!

We all Scream for Ice Cream!

2011-07-25T04:27:00.005-05:00

When I was growing up with a February birthday, I was slightly jealous of my brother's August birthday parties. They were outside and usually involved swimming. I remember one year his party was at Schlitterbahn Water Park and I was ENVIOUS. {nevermind that I had a totally cool outdoor cowgirl party where we rode horses and ponies!}

Skip was in the same boat growing up. So we decided that our daughter, with a "winter" birthday in January, should get a mini half-birthday celebration each summer. Nothing big, just a special day devoted to her and summer-type activities. This year we all got ice cream! {and brain freeze, and a sugar high!}

Happy half birthday to our little ice cream monster!

The View From Here...

2011-07-23T05:22:00.008-05:00

I still see my toes. I see them!

18 Months

2011-07-21T02:15:00.017-05:00

A year and a half old! How did that happen?! Kherington, you are a delight to be around and we are so proud of how quickly you are learning and growing.

At 18 months:

-You weigh 27 pounds; 78th percentile

-You are 32.5 inches tall; 75th percentile

-You have many new words, some of which include EYE, TICKLE-TICKLE, ORSH (orange), BAP! (baby), BOO (blue), NEIGH, MOO, BAFF (bath), APPLAH (apple), BUK (book), SIDE (slide), OHM! (Amen), HEP (help), DUCK, BIRD, FISHY, CHEESE, JUICE, POOP, PER (diaper), BLURP (blueberry)

-Your favorite words are "UP" and "BAP" and your favorite sign is "eat"

-You are taking swim classes and doing great

-You hate when you have to leave Sissy; Daddy calls it throwing a "sissyfit"

-You really, really, really like chicken nuggets. And ice cream. And cookies.

-You throw books at me all day long, saying "BUK!" and signing "please"

-You get a few OCD tendencies from Mommy

-You adore playing with the shape sorter

-You sleep 11-12 hours at night and nap 1.5-3 hours during the day

-You are curious about Mommy's body; you like to kiss the "BAP" in my belly

-You are envious of the neighbor's Little Tike foot-powered car

-You like to sit on the big girl potty, but no success yet

-You enjoy clomping around in Mommy & Daddy's big shoes

-You give eskimo kisses and fist bumps

-You get spooked by the sound of planes flying overhead

-You love your baby dolls... you feed them, read to them, bathe them, give them bottles, take them on walks, put them to bed, pat their backs, change their diapers, and put them in Hadley's baby furniture/accessories

-You mean the world to us!

How big are you?

SO Big!

*Vintage sofa was a gift from Sissy, and the backdrop was painted by Sissy!

Family Golf Day

2011-07-19T19:48:00.000-05:00

"6 lbs 11 oz, and OU Still Sucks!"

2011-07-14T16:04:00.003-05:00

Today after my OB visit and the requisite nasty glucose test, we had some excitement.

We scheduled Hadley's delivery... October 7, 2011.

Right smack in the middle of OU weekend.

I have a feeling we will never again have sex in the month of January.

Let me explain... We are die-hard Longhorn fans. We have season tickets, we tailgate, we bleed burnt orange. And every OU weekend, Skip's parents treat us to a family getaway in Dallas to attend the Texas v. Oklahoma football game. It is a wonderful tradition and always fun. Skip has only missed 2 or 3 years in his entire life... mostly from serving overseas.

I knew I wouldn't be able to attend this year. But I was holding out hope that Skip could go with his family and then rush home with a victory to celebrate his daughter's birth.

But it seems life has different plans. With Hadley's delivery on Friday, we will be watching the football game from the comfort of our hospital room. {Just like Kherington and Daddy watched Longhorn basketball when she was born.} But don't worry, we have Longhorn blankets, onesies, and hats for our sweet newborn. Plus "The Eyes of Texas" makes a fine lullaby... just ask Big Sister.

And I hope the rest of the Lietz clan will still go to the game. Hadley will be waiting for hugs and kisses on Sunday or Monday!

The upside? We have the actual date we should meet Baby Sister! And... I had this gut feeling that I was going to go into labor over that weekend anyway, when everyone was gone.

But... I did sweet talk my doctor into putting us on waiting lists to deliver the 10th or 11th.

Is it wrong to hope someone goes into labor early? And why did so many other couples celebrate Kherington's birthday?!

Waiting those few extra days to meet Hadley would be torture for me... but it would make her Daddy awfully happy... and 10/10/11 or 10/11/11 are cooler birthdates anyway.

So... unless things change...

and we have 2 OU tickets for sale...

The Rocking Chair

2011-07-11T20:15:00.001-05:00

Dear Kherington,

For months I worried that weaning would mean the end of our special bond. Especially our nighttime routine, just the two of us in a love embrace.

But you have been fully weaned a few weeks now, and I can't believe how smoothly it went. You are such a big girl. You are still a Mama's girl, but every day you get more and more independent.

Even so, our nights are still special.

It is really special that sometimes Daddy can put you to bed now; I know he enjoys that.

But it is usually the two of us, and I cherish it.

We head to your room and as I try to wriggle you into pajamas, you say "BUK, BUK!" (book, book) with increasing intensity and excitement.

You climb in my lap, freshly bathed and smelling of Johnson's baby shampoo and Elmo toothpaste.

You hold your monkey and a book or two while I read to you. You finally started letting me finish each book... most of the time.

Our favorites right now are "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein and a book written as a children's prayer thanking God for our beautiful world.

We say a bedtime prayer together. You get excited as I list things we are thankful for. Sometimes you rush me because your favorite part is saying "OHM!" (Amen.)

After reading, you let me cradle you like a baby. I rock you and sing songs, usually church songs because I can never remember all the words to lullabies.

Certain songs prompt you to "sing" along. You watch my face intently, gazing deep into my eyes and studying my lips. When Hadley kicks, you raise an eyebrow as if perplexed.

As your eyes start to droop, I let you turn off the light and turn on the sound machine... jobs you find great satisfaction in.

As the rhythm of ocean waves syncs with our rocking motion, you tuck your head under my chin and our hearts and our breathing slow together. We exchange kisses and I whisper the words in my heart as I lay you down. Your last slow blinks follow me into my own dreams.

I love you a million bedtime stories,
Mama

The View From Here...

2011-07-07T06:32:00.001-05:00

Fatherhood Looks GOOD on You!

2011-07-05T03:32:00.004-05:00

From the moment the doctor held up our baby girl in the delivery room, fatherhood became real for Skip. And from that moment he was excellent at it.

He took photos of her, bathed her, spoke to her in loving tones. He was man enough to remove his shirt and do kangaroo care bonding in the hospital. He changed almost every diaper those first few days while I recovered.

When we got home, he did anything I asked of him. If I nudged him during the night, he went to her. {though really, there wasn't much point because he didn't have boobies} He dutifully took out the poopy trash each week.

He held her in his recliner as they watched football or basketball. He smiled each evening as I told him the newest cute thing she'd done. He laughed at baby videos that only parents and grandparents can appreciate.

From the beginning, Skip has loved his daughter.

But of all a sudden these past few weeks, he has COME ALIVE as a father.

It is a beautiful thing to see.

Kherington is more adventurous, more communicative, and more receptive. She understands what we teach her and tell her. She tests her limits and even plays games. She cuddles and kisses and tickles.

And now that he has someone to interact with, Skip is an even better father than I dreamed of.

Watching them together melts my heart.

He enjoys teaching her new things.

He soaks up her kisses and her love.

He even helps me discipline... a duty many fathers shirk. {as much as you should discipline a 17 month old, anyway} As we decide she is old enough for some behavior... like signing "please," or not throwing food on the floor, or petting the puppies gently, or picking up her own toys... I know he will always be consistent and help me teach her right from wrong.

He is patient and loving and steady.

He has been dying for the day that she becomes a "Daddy's girl." And I know it isn't far off.

And if he keeps adoring his daughter the way he is now... he will never be undersexed again.

Our Little Fish

2011-07-02T08:15:00.001-05:00

Our little girl is so BIG! She loves the water and while swimming with Sissy decided she was ready to let go.

Yes, the videos are sideways. Yes, I could download some software and fix them. But I'm feeling pregnant and lazy today, mkay?! I think you'll agree that she is adorable and brave and amazing anyway...

I'm ridiculously proud.

Coming Soon To Our Front Porch...

2011-06-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hadley!

Hadley Pizza Lietz

Oh man, I crack myself up. {Ya know... cuz I said I've been eating so much of it that this baby should have it for a middle name? And I even had some for dinner tonight. So, it's funny? Oh, forgetaboutit...}

Hadley June Lietz

June is after Skip's grandmother, June "Ma" Elmore. Ma is loving and kind-hearted and a great cook. And most importantly, she gives the best hugs in Texas. Not kidding, ya'll.

We are honored that our daughter will always carry a piece of Ma's heart around with her. Kherington and her baby sister, Hadley, are lucky girls to have three cool great grandparents.

Kherington Grace, get ready for Hadley June!

6 Months

2011-06-28T20:30:00.000-05:00

And a few days...

But who's counting anyway?

{You know, besides me}

Now that...

2011-06-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

is a big dust bunny...

Griswold Family Vacation

2011-06-21T00:02:00.004-05:00

Two weeks ago 13.5 "Kanes" decended on SanDestin, Florida for our annual family vacation.

Sissy & Tai-Pan spoil us so!

The place was amazing... we all crashed in one cool penthouse suite at Baytown Wharf in SanDestin Golf & Beach Resort. There was so much to see and do... aqua beaches with sugar-white sand, games, adventures, golf, shopping, great food, swimming pools, babies to chase, straws to draw to choose room assignments, etc. We even got to meet up with friends that now live there. {Thanks Sanchez family for letting us borrow all of your cool beach toys!}

One night we got a babysitter and had an amazing dinner out. I ate a huge platter of steak & lobster that was to die for! And a glass of red wine... and cheesecake. ;-)

I loved watching the cousins interact and play together. Benjamin was an active adventurer and Hudson was the smiley laid-back baby he always is. And the girls... let's just say that if Kherington learned much from Julia and Harper, then we're in trouble!

I would have more photos... but this photographer allowed her waterproof camera to drift out to sea! {with a memory card full of photos] The shame! I'm heartsick about it.

Family vacations are really something wonderful. The trip was full of adventure and special treats. But my favorite memory was when Tai-Pan had all three of his granddaughters on the bed for a "wrestling" and tickle fest. The girls were giggling out of control and trying to get away, all the while begging for more. Their laughter still rings in my heart. Sometimes it's just the simple things in life...

Daddy Dearest

2011-06-19T03:47:00.001-05:00

Dear Dad, (the dad I share my genes with)

Since I was little, I knew I was lucky to have you for a father. As a child, I was keenly aware that being your "Pookey" was something very special.

I will always remember the laughter and the trips and the simple moments that made my childhood happy. I can still imagine the comfort and safety of sleeping in your arms. I thought you were super man.

And now? Now, I know that you are more. You are the kind of man that people want to be like and certainly want to be around. You are happy and positive and uplifting. You share your wisdom without being judgemental. You are caring and selfless and a servant of God.

You are incredibly awesome with your grandchildren... hands-on, understanding, fun, and helpful. And you are beyond supportive of us as parents, even being supportive of breastfeeding... and that is rare!

You might even be a better Tai-Pan than a Daddy. But it's a close call.

On this Father's Day, we want you to know how much we love and admire you. We will be learning from you for a long time to come. And you will be a father-figure to more people than you know.

The Great Tai-Pan is our tribal leader and we are so grateful.

Love, Pookey

Dear Daddy, (the Daddy I share my bed with)

Starting a family with you has been the joy of my life. And seeing you grow as a father has deepened my love and respect for you.

You take good care of us and we enjoy rewarding you with kisses. {even if you have to work for them sometimes} Kherington always has a big smile when you come home... and though I may be busy or tired or stressed, I always feel just as thrilled that Daddy is home.

When I envision our future, it is never lacking in smiles and laughter and love. (or little girls!) I know God has good things in store for us, and I am so grateful that you chose me to be your wife and your parenting partner.

I have NO doubt that both of your daughters are going to adore you. And these girls are going to know just how lucky they are to have such a cool dad.

Happy Father's Day, babe.

We all love you a million puppy kisses,
Chels, Kherington, and baby H

This & That...

2011-06-18T20:23:00.000-05:00

-Like I said, sorry I haven't been blogging much. I know you've been eagerly checking for new posts several times a day. No? Oh... well maybe just a few of you. {Hi Aunt Brookey!}

-All of a sudden, Kherington is an excellent eater again. Daddy taught her how to use a fork by herself and that helped. But a new phase started and she is at least agreeable to trying anything again. phew!

-Today I popped a button off of my maternity shorts. um... time to lay off the sweets?!

-From what I can see, Kherington is cutting 5 new teeth at once, including molars. There may be more, but checking her mouth is truly risking life and limb... or at least digits.

-Texas is HOT already. Hits 100 or more most days. It is going to be a looooong summer for this pregnant mama of an outdoor-loving toddler!

-We have settled on the baby's name!!! I adore it. We will announce very soon, I promise. But it starts with an 'H!'

-My "little sister" Elisa came to stay with K and I this weekend. When she wasn't being a typical teen on facebook, she held Kherington on her lap and read her Shel Silverstein for half an hour. melt my heart...

-Kherington's communication is getting better and better. More words and signs, and fewer grunts and frustrated cries. It amazes me how quickly they learn.

-A few weeks ago Skip hit his first hole in one. I wish I'd seen it, but it was still awesome!

-Kherington is currently obsessed with strollers, babies, ice cream, bottles (which she never used), her wagon, forks, shoes, her Sissy, and water.

-I'm already in nesting mode. I'm nagging Skip to set up the crib... when in reality, I don't even have the bedding yet and Baby H won't be here for 100 days... and she won't even sleep in it the first three months since I use a co-sleeper. But I enjoy decorating their rooms and I'm eager!

-Kherington has started pulling hair and sometimes hitting in the face. Never other children, usually just me. And not out of anger, just because she thinks it is funny. I'm not a fan.

-The pregnancy is going well. A few scary things I've never dealt with, like spotting and round ligament pain... but both docs are positive that all is well. Plenty of Braxton-Hicks lately. Someone tell my uterus that it probably doesn't need to practice! Baby H is breach and very, very active. Placenta is low again. Weight gain is good and back pain isn't too fierce yet. I'm lovin' it!

-Kherington has been an excellent sleeper lately. (well, mostly her whole life) She sleeps 11-13 hours at night and still naps twice a day like a champ. No complaints from this weary mama!

-I'm busy at home, at work, and with photography... so I'll post as often as I can. Don't go anywhere!

On Parenthood and Blogging

2011-06-14T12:02:00.001-05:00

We are home! We returned around midnight last night. Some stories and photos to share, soon.

Life is changing so quickly. And so wonderfully.

My little family is growing and thriving. My marriage makes me happy. My faith fills me with love and glory.

Life is just so beautiful.

I've thrown myself into parenthood, making a giggly little girl my world. And yet still making time for my family, my friends, and the things that I love... like photography, reading, writing, and our pets.

Some parents swear they won't let parenthood change who they are. And while I understand the idea of not letting children swallow you whole and push away the things you once loved.... how can becoming a parent not redefine who you are?

My family does define who I am. And I have no qualms about that.

I'm a mommy. That will never change and I will never want to shed that skin. I think it has made me a better all-around person.

It has made me busier, for sure.

Children grow quickly. And I want to spend my time coloring on the kitchen floor, jumping on the trampoline, splashing in the bath tub, and learning animal sounds as we stroll around the ranch.

As Kherington becomes more independent, she requires less of my time but requests more of it.

So I find myself writing less and living more.

And I'm okay with that.

But don't worry, faithful readers (hi grandma!), this blog isn't going anywhere.

Sharing photos, thoughts, and stories about my life and my kiddo(s) is nearly as much fun as blowing bubbles on the front porch...

I'm Sorry I'm Not Sorry

2011-06-08T18:40:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the lack of posts lately.

But would you be blogging if you were here?...

The Joys of Toddlerhood- Part 1

2011-06-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Ah, toddlerhood.

Strangers turn away and cringe.

Other mothers tsk-tsk and offer unsolicited advice.

Neighbors pretend they don't know you in the grocery store as your son flops around on the floor.

Even parents dread the "onery ones," the "terrible twos," and the "three-times-as-bad threes."

{maybe I made some of those up, but whatever...}

I could get into tantrums or selfishness or stubborn independence, or half a dozen other toddler trials. But today we tackle the picky eater.

Since we started solids, my kiddo has been a great eater. She ate everything with gusto... well, except peas, I always had to hide those. She tried and liked all kinds of fruits and veggies, including spinach, broccoli, and more adventurous greens. She learned the joy of being at the top of the food chain and attacked chicken, turkey, pork, salmon, and beef with gusto. She devoured whole grains and dairy.

And then a few weeks ago, she developed the dreaded toddler pallete.

80% of what we put on her tray goes on the floor.

Even when she is super hungry most of it rejected on sight, without even a taste.

I keep offering and she keeps feeding the dogs.

Her food pyramid consists of yogurt, blueberries, goldfish, taco meat, chicken nuggets, and oatmeal cream pie cookies.

Don't get me wrong, I keep offering healthy options and the junk happens rarely. But this is the food pyramid she would choose.

Now, I know it is perfectly normal for a kid to be picky. Hell, I think I ate chicken fingers for fifteen years straight. But I've tried hard to give her a balanced diet, especially since we are weaning off of breastmilk. I want her to do better than I did at 13.

I offer lean shredded meats, steamed veggies, fresh fruit, whole grains, beans, and plenty of dairy.

I feel like lunch is the hardest meal to be creative with. This kid won't even eat bread!

And she is asking to eat all day long. She must have hollow legs, this kid. I try to stick with breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning snack, and an evening snack. I find if she is hungry at mealtime, she tries more things. But what if she won't stop signing "eat" and pulling me to her high chair an hour before dinner? Give her a snack or tell her to wait for dinner?

When she doesn't eat the dinner we are having... give in and feed her something else or "teach her a lesson" she probably won't understand yet and put her to bed hungry? {which means she would probably wake me up crying at 3am}

At lunch when she refuses the food, I put her plate in the fridge and I offer it again in an hour or two. And this stubborn kid still won't have anything to do with it.
So... I want to know... how did you get your kids to eat well? What are their favorite healthy meals and snacks? Have any tips to share? Will she be rejecting my dinners until she is 18 and moves away to complain about dorm food?

From My Front Porch...

2011-06-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

I Told You So.

2011-05-29T08:37:00.001-05:00

See these two?

I told you I was a lucky woman.

And Baby Makes Four...

2011-05-27T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have heard many, many parents, upon the anticipation of their second child, wonder if they could ever love another child as much as their first.

While I think this is a completely normal and rational worry {that always ends up to be for naught}... It has never even crossed my mind.

I feel like I have SO much love in my heart that I could never stop loving my family madly and deeply and equally, no matter how it grew or changed.

I could adopt a child and love him or her just as completely and passionately as one knit in my womb.

I love my "little sister" from Big Brothers, Big Sisters like a real sister, or maybe even more like a daughter.

My family is my family, no matter when or how they arrive.

I look at Skip and my cup runneth over.

I look at Kherington and my heart swells up so I think it might burst.

I feel an unborn child squirm inside me and I well up with tears of joy and gratitude, for I already love her unconditionally.

God blessed me with a big heart. I might be sensitive and emotional, but I'll be loving my family like crazy until the end of time.

All because God first loved us.

Agape...

{Nearly} Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T06:15:00.002-05:00

From My Front Porch...

2011-05-23T21:19:00.000-05:00

I reckon we need a little practice with the finger painting.

We didn't agree that the paint should be on the paper.

And we certainly didn't agree that we shouldn't splash around in the entire bowl of paint.

But we did agree...

On the post-paint bath!

Weaning & Weeping

2011-05-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

The thought of weaning makes me feel like weeping.

Well, lots of things make me weepy these days. Stupid hormones.

But I just nursed my daughter in the twilight... her long, less chubby body curled around my belly while her baby sister thumped from my womb. The chair rocked and both of us seemed to linger, in bliss.

It was beautiful.

It always is.

But today was the last time I will nurse her twice in one day. After our weekend away, we will go to only once a day. That will last a few weeks, and then we will really wean.

It makes me sad. Kherington certainly doesn't want to stop. She doesn't need it, but she enjoys it.

But I believe it is the right time for us. For both of us, and for this baby I'm nourishing in another manner.

16-17 months exceeded my expectations and I am proud of us. It wasn't always easy... sore nipples, a thrush infection from hell, being a slave to the pump, leaking at the worst possible times, and painful biting that led to bleeding.

But I wouldn't change a single second of it.

I cherished those private moments with the baby I so longed for. I celebrate my body for all that it can do. I thank God for the opportunity to nurse, and even to share my milk with another baby in need.

When I feel weepy, I try to remind myself that this will only leave me a 3-4 month hiatus from being an all-day-buffet, and then I begin all over again!

Bonding with another wee babe. Nourishing a child to health (and adorable chubbiness!) with only the gifts God has given me. I look forward to it.

But if I feel this emotional about weaning my firstborn... just imagine what a mess I'll be when I wean my lastborn. He or she might be 12 by the time I bring myself to do it!

Kidding!

Sort of.

A Day to Forget

2011-05-16T16:07:00.001-05:00

It was a rainy morning that turned into a beautiful Texas day. We spent the afternoon and evening on the golf course. By evening, we were all exhausted.

We threw our bags in the car and loaded Kherington in her car seat. We remote-started my Tahoe and tossed the keys on the front seat. Then we closed the back doors… the doors that automatically lock when you use the remote start.

Our 15 month old was locked in the car.

I looked through the window at the keys on the seat and toward the diaper bag that held the spare set. I looked at our daughter, securely fastened in her seat.

I laughed, like I didn’t really believe it. Then I got a little hormonal and panicky. And then I realized that the car was running and Kherington was happily munching on a snack and drinking her water.

We called a few locksmiths and they were 40 minutes away. It dawned on us that the car would soon shut off. So we called the police.

Mama Bear and Papa Bear stood ready to break a window or even claw through it if need be. But even when the car turned off, the evening was cool. Kherington sat in her car seat making faces at me and laughing. She was in no immediate danger.

I tried to relax. Kherington and I interacted through the glass during the longest ten minutes of my life.

And then we heard them.

Sirens.

A huge, bright red fire truck came screaming down the busy street and into the parking lot that was crowded with people we know.

My face turned as red as the truck. I thought I would die of embarrassment.

No such luck.

Four handsome firemen hopped out to save the day.

They looked nervous when they saw a pregnant mama… but relaxed when they took in my nervous laughter and Kherington’s smile.

They decided to wait on a locksmith since she wasn’t in danger. Apparently they have one on speed dial.

They hung around chatting like old chums, when they seemed to notice the calm-if-somewhat guilty-feeling Dad.

“Is that yours?” one of them asked Skip, gesturing to the car.

“The Tahoe? It’s hers.” He answered.

“But the baby, that’s his.” I squeak like a stupid schoolgirl.

Amid my nervous giggles, a stern looking police officer showed up…. just in case it wasn’t already a complete circus act.

People gawked at us from their vehicles. And let’s not forget that my full name is plastered across the back windshield for all curious onlookers.

For a minute I wondered if I was about to be arrested, get a ticket, even have my kid taken away. He looked mean.

But he assured us that this happens all the time and suggested hiding a valet key somewhere on the vehicle.

I made awful, nervous conversation. Skip appeared cool and relaxed.

Uncle Landon laughs and points from his car and threatens to take video.

Harper keeps saying “Kerry-tin is locked in the car!” and I flash to the hundreds of people she will tell.

For another ten minutes Kherington blows kisses and waves at the handsome firemen and they flirt right back. She was having the time of her life with so much attention.

And finally Pop-a-Lock showed up. He acts like he does this every day, saving small children, and pops open the doors in less than a minute.

We surged in to hug and kiss a baby that had no idea anything was amiss.

We thanked our six knights in shining armor and felt grateful as they all drove away without handcuffs, tickets, a call from CPS, or even a bill to pay.

Parents of the year?

That’d be us.

Now I just regret not getting a photo of Kherington with her heroes. Now that'd be one for the baby book.

From My House To Yours

2011-05-05T23:11:00.002-05:00

A letter for my mother.

Dear Mom,

There is a path from my house to yours, grass worn down by bare feet and paw prints.

It leads from my porch, through the oleander, over the trampoline, past the bird cage, and to your welcoming back door.

For the love in both of our homes has overflowed into the other.

Mom, I was always so fortunate to be your daughter. Then I was blessed to be called your friend. And for these past couple of years, I have cherished being your neighbor.

We held each other when babies and parents were lost. We hosted celebration dinners when good news was shared. We rocked comfortably in the quiet moments on the porch at sundown.

We laughed at livestock on the loose and reaped the rewards of our garden. We pontificated in the hot tub and pet dirty puppies. We prayed and we partied.

You made a best friend for life when Kherington was born. I have no doubt that some of her spark and zest comes from you. It is such a joy sharing my daughter with you.

I’ve built my own little family on this ranch, just 80 yards from the people that taught me what family is all about.

And though the boxes have been packed, these moments will always live in my heart. I know we will always be close. I know you are giving us room to fly.

But you’ll be here. And we’ll be there.

And there will always be a path from my house to yours.

Happy Mother's Day.

I love you, Chelsea

Dear Baby

2011-05-03T15:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Baby Sister,

That's right! This morning we learned you are another sweet baby girl.

We are overjoyed! Elated! Eager!

It is so nice to be able to call you by name, to envision your future self. Your sweet name rolls off of my tongue and washes over my belly. Over and around you.

I love having you this close to me. Your movements give me a sense of magic and wonder. I already feel our bond... our hearts racing along together amidst the woosh of blood and life-giving sounds.

We're in this together, you and I.

But when you arrive, you won't believe how lucky you are. You are going to have the coolest big sister and the most amazing Daddy. So many people already love you.

I feel like I already know you, too. But of course that fun part is still to come. For the rest of our lives! I get to marvel at the creation that is purely you.

I can't wait to see how you and your sister are alike. And how you differ. How your own personality shines through, uniquely yours.

So much awaits us, baby girl! But I'm not going to rush it. Because I cherish this part, just you and I. Mother and daughter. We are letting God perform His work. His miracle. Everything has its season. And this is ours.

You are going to bring more joy and laughter and love to a home that is already overflowing with these blessings. Life just doesn't get any better than that.

And you won't believe how heartbreakingly beautiful life is.

There are so many things I will show you!

So many spectacular books and poets, songwriters, artists, thinkers, dancers. So many things for us to experience... foods, horseback riding, rainbows, different cultures around the world.

So many things people have fought for and died for… flowered pastures we can run laughing into the heart of and star strewn Texas skies we can dream under.

All of us.

You, your daddy, your sister and me.

I love you already, Mama

Place Your Bets!

2011-05-01T23:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, hopefully this is your last chance to vote boy or girl! Brother or Sister!

I keep getting these questions...

Sickness- I'd say it was slightly worse than last time. But... I wasn't doing acupuncture this time.

Cravings- Last time I craved sweet and juicy, especially canned fruit. This time I'm craving salty and comfort foods, especially pizza. {Pizza should be this kid's middle name.} But... I'm the type of person that could eat pizza and sweets everyday for the rest of my life.

Weight Gain- Same as last time, slow and easy. But... that could change if the pizza keeps up!

His Weigth Gain- They say if Daddy gains weight too, it is a girl. And if not, boy. He gained weight last time. But... this time he seems to be losing!

Carriage- Last time I carried small and right out in front. This time seems to be a bit lower, which they say means boy. But... maybe it is just too soon to tell.

Heartbeat- They say below 140 is boy and above is girl. Kherington was always 160-185. This one has been 140-155. But... science says this method is a load of crap.

Chinese Birth Chart- Last time it said girl. This time it says girl. But... these things are stupid.

Old Wives Tales- They say a girl takes away beauty and a boy gives beauty. But... last time I felt more beautiful than ever and this time, less so.

My Gut- I guess boy. But... I thought boy last time, too!

So... go ahead, make your prediction.

What? Did I scare you away with this post? I didn't say you couldn't have an opinion. I said you better not imply that either sex would be a bummer!

4 Months

2011-04-29T17:11:00.002-05:00

Photo by Mallory Schrade

Four months and finally feeling great!

Marketing Your Small Business

2011-04-28T10:24:00.000-05:00

I have long wanted to put vinyl lettering on my car to support my growing photography business. But to be honest, I assumed it was expensive and needed to be professionally installed.

But my friends at Build A Sign.com taught me otherwise. Not only is most vinyl lettering under $40, but they send detailed instructions for installing it yourself. And it gets better... they sent me a free sample in exchange for giving you guys my honest opinion. So here goes...

The website is awesome. You design and customize to your own specifications. You can preview how it will look. Couldn't be simpler or or more affordable.

The package arrived quickly, rolled up in a firm canister to avoid damage. The instructions were as claimed, detailed and easy to follow.

We cleaned the window. Measured and taped the letters where we wanted them. And then peeled the backing...

And that part didn't go perfectly. Not even close. But we followed the directions and used a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles.

Then... voilà!

We ended up with a tiny wrinkle or two, but you can't even tell. I am very, very pleased!

Reckon this means I'm official now.

Guess I better stop picking my nose at red lights.

What's Up Doc?

2011-04-26T18:42:00.001-05:00

Since January 1, my family has seen nine doctors. Isn't that absurd?! Especially for a young, healthy family.

But we are so lucky to be in good hands and have good care. Here are our latest updates...

I saw my OB last week and the baby sounds great. Everything with my body is right on track. I began feeling the baby move over Easter weekend... well, at least for the first time that I could be sure it wasn't gas!

I am, however, covered in a freaky rash. Doc thinks I had an allergic reaction to something. But I haven't changed anything like lotions, soaps, detergent, etc., or eaten anything new or had shellfish... so we are stumped. First they tried high doses of antihistamine... which made me crazy sleepy, with what I termed restless leg syndrome. Skip had to rush home to care for KG while I slept and twitched! (and tried not to scratch) It is an angry red rash (not hives) on my legs, forearms, and a little on my belly, and it itches like mad. Doc tried a new prescription drug and so far no relief. It just got puffier. At least, he said, the chance is minute that it could ever hurt the baby. And no, doc doesn't think it is the common pregnancy rash, PUPP.

Kherington saw her pediatrician for her 15 month check up and is a model patient. She is about 80th percentile for size and her language is advanced for her age. But she did develop yet another ear infection... which means more antibiotics that give her a wicked diaper rash.

She also saw her hematologist for a follow-up visit. Her iron levels and red blood cell size are both now normal! Doc was very pleased and is confident her bone marrow is working properly. We found that Kherington did inherit one copy of the MTHFR gene mutation from me. This doesn't mean much now. But it means that she can never smoke and can never take birth control pills. When she gets to child bearing age, she will also need folic acid and aspirin like I do. But this is nothing serious and knowing this might help save some heartache when she gets around to giving us grandchildren. {which will be wonderful! but I must say that talking about my ONE year old smoking and having sex is just eerie}

But the real excitement comes next week when we have another level 2 ultrasound with my high risk doc. I just can't wait!!! Photos coming soon!