Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Alphabet Wall
In late June, I finally finished a project I started a long time ago ... Joel's alphabet wall. Trying to stick with our gender neutral theme (just in case we are blessed with a girl in the future), I figured this would be able to stay on the wall for a while. I bought the letters and paint at Jo-Ann's and Michael's. I picked blue, orange, teal, brown, and purple for the colors. I used a ruler and level to get the letters as straight as possible and used mounting tape to stick the letters to the wall.
6.5 Month Check-up and Update
I haven't blogged in a while, so I feel like I have a lot to jot down to keep all of Joel's new adventures up to date. On July 3rd, Joel went for his six month check-up. He was a little delayed because of a cold that both of us had for two or three weeks. (I didn't want him to get any vaccinations while he was sick.) He weighed 21 pounds and 3 ounces, which is in the 93rd percentile. He was 28.5 inches long, which is in the 94th percentile. Most surprisingly, he jumped from the 75th percentile in head circumference to the 90th percentile with his head measuring 18 inches. Grandma said it was because "His brain is just getting so big." :) Joel got three shots and an oral vaccine. He took them like a champ, only crying on the initial prick of each shot. (Last time he cried all the way home.) He was a little clingy later in the day though. We left the doctor's office feeling blessed to have such a healthy young boy!
In other news ...
In other news ...
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| Joel is more efficient with crawling now, even though he still uses his one-leg-up method. |
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| He loves pulling on everything in sight, including other children (not good). |
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| It is starting to take a lot more energy to keep up with him now that he's on the move. |
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| Joel loves bath time and enjoys splashing and playing with his bath toys. He really enjoyed his first trip to the pool too (as expected). |
Monday, June 3, 2013
My First Mother's Day
We spent this Mother's Day in Fieldale with my family. We made a special visit to Greatgrandma and Greatgrandpa Shivley's house to take a four generation picture.
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Joel enjoyed looking at the pretty flowers at Grandma Cheryl's house. He even picked me a flower petal. It was a very sweet first Mother's Day gift!
Update on Joel
Joel is about five and a half months old now. We are thinking he weighs about twenty pounds. He enjoys sitting up, standing with support, reading books, trying to crawl, rolling off of the changing pad, playing peek-a-boo, jumping and bouncing, watching children and animals play, pushing from stomach to sitting, and being tossed in the air. He really dislikes being in his car seat for any extended period of time. While I'm sure cutting teeth is painful, he's being a pretty good sport. Maybe he'll get tooth #3 soon.
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| His one leg up crawling method |
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| Sitting up with drool to the floor |
Sunday, June 2, 2013
My Must-have Baby List
Since having my first child, I've been asked several times what I would recommend to give a new mom or what I would recommend registering for as a new mom. I am hesitant to write this down, because one hears SO much advice when getting pregnant or starting the adoption process. I would love to have feedback from other moms on the advice I'm giving below. If it doesn't seem like good advice for you, feel free to discard it. I'm a first-time mom, definitely not an expert. Also, it might help you to know that I have limited unused storage space (as most of us do), so I try to avoid buying and having anything excessive. Some of this advice may not apply. There may be differences depending on space in your home, breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, your plan for spacing between children, etc.
Here is a list (in no particular order) of the things I think of when I am asked the above-mentioned questions. I'll mention some of the bigger items at the end, since relatives, close friends, or a combination of gift cards usually buy those.
1. Diapers and wipes are a top priority, especially if planning to use disposable.
Sidenote: Did you know a newborn uses 10-15 diapers a day, sometimes more?!?! Be prepared!
2. If planning to nurse, I found the following items to be helpful: a nice pump, especially for working moms (I like Medela, the yellow brand); nursing pads (I like Lansinoh, the purple brand); milk storage bags (Lansinoh); an electric pump car charger if traveling a lot or pumping in the car often; a Boppy pillow; a nursing cover; and burp clothe (Gerber prefolds work well)
Sidenote: You can get a lot of supplies and samples you need only at first from the lactation consultant at the hospital.
3. A lot of people forget to register for medical/grooming stuff. Thankfully, some of my friends knew to get me them: pain/fever reducer, teething gel or tablets, diaper cream (a lot of people like Triple Paste), and gas drops. I did register for a health care set. The nail clippers, thermometer, and nasal aspirator were must-haves for us. I also registered for some sensitive baby body washes and lotions, just in case Joel was sensitive. The lavender baby lotion smells really good, too. While not a necessity, I splurged and put it on my registry. If having a summer baby, you might want to register for baby sunscreen. A humidifier could be a good gift, too.
4. I took some friends' advice on a stroller. I got a Snap-n-Go, which fits almost all car seat brands. It is much lighter than a travel system. Another thing to have with the car seat or stroller when out and about is a car seat cover. It helps keep light out and somewhat deters people from peeking at a sleeping baby.
5. Big swaddling blankets (mine shrunk and were too small after about three weeks)
Sidenote: Not all babies like being swaddled, but I am interested in trying a Woombie next time. Joel was able to get out of the Velro swaddlers fairly quickly.
6. A few fitted sheets and two mattress pad covers to alternate should do. Don't register for blankets. People enjoy making them as special gifts. We chose to get a mesh bumper (due to debate over bumper use), and have really liked it.
7. Back pack diaper bags and fold-up changing pads with a place to put wipes and diapers are super useful. Two shoulder straps are easier than one. The bag doesn't fall off when you bend over to pick other things up.
8. Register/buy things for a few months down the road. My friends will probably laugh at this, since I'm such a planner. The little things you need around five or six months add up, though. Trust me ... I'm there. I'd recommend registering for a few plastic bibs. You can wipe them down instead of washing them every time. Usually these are a little bigger, so you'll still need smaller cloth ones. Don't register for cloth bibs. People will give you these because they are cute! I'd also get spoons, sippy cups, a bottle brush, a squeezy spoon for travel (a food container with a spoon tip), and a freezer tray for homemade baby food. By the way, you don't need an expensive baby food maker. Regular blenders and choppers work fine. Last for this list, I'd register for a shopping cart seat cover with bumpers on the sides. I have recently found this helpful. I no longer have to take up half of the cart with the car seat. Plus, Joel really likes sitting up and seeing everything.
9. If you'd like to register/buy a bigger item, these are the things I found have most useful: crib, mattress, breastpump, glider/rocker, highchair, Pack-n-Play (for travel and hanging out with friends), and an infant car seat (we like our Chicco Key-fit). If I were to register again, I would also put a second stage car seat on the registry. They can be really expensive. (We're saving for that now.) We didn't buy a changing table. We just throw a changing mat, prefold cloth diaper, or my changing pad on the floor.
You might be asking where all of the other stuff is, so here is my humble opinion on that. Borrow swings, bouncy seats, Johnny Jump-ups, exersaucer, play yards, bassinets (unless using a Pack-n-play type thing), clothes, bottles, baby-wearing gear, and Bumbo seats. For a first baby, try these things out at a friend's house. See if your baby likes it. If not, don't buy one until the next kid comes around. You'll be glad you saved the space and used your gift cards for diapers. You really only need a few things to sit the baby in when you need a break. Having one of all of the above out isn't necessary. For instance, we have all of the above, except for a bassinet. We borrowed a Bumbo, got a used Johnny Jump-up after figuring out that he liked it, bought an exersaucer after trying it at a friend's house, and were given used bottles. We got the the swing, bouncy seat, and play yard at our shower, but borrowed them from friends to see if he liked them before opening them. We have clothes through size 4T from friends and relatives that are done having kids. Babies do need clothes to wear, but I wouldn't recommend registering for them. Most people aren't able to resist how cute they are, and throw an outfit in with a gift anyway. Buying gently used clothes at a consignment shop is a huge cost-saver, too. If you bought or were fortunate enough to be given all or most of the things above, let someone borrow yours to get it out of your house/storage for a while.
When we had Joel, we got a ton of toys. Because I'm a person that feels overwhelmed by excess stuff, I actually re-gifted or returned about a fourth of the toys we were given. (Sorry if you gave me a toy. I probably didn't return yours!) If you ask any experienced mother, they will probably tell you that a child has a select few favorite toys. What they really like to explore are things you have lying around the house. For instance, Joel loves wipes cases. I know I'm a teacher, but if you are going to buy a child a toy, make it a toy with some sort of developmental value.
One last piece of advice: I would recommend having shower hosts ask for a book with a message inside, rather than cards.
Here is a list (in no particular order) of the things I think of when I am asked the above-mentioned questions. I'll mention some of the bigger items at the end, since relatives, close friends, or a combination of gift cards usually buy those.
1. Diapers and wipes are a top priority, especially if planning to use disposable.
Sidenote: Did you know a newborn uses 10-15 diapers a day, sometimes more?!?! Be prepared!
2. If planning to nurse, I found the following items to be helpful: a nice pump, especially for working moms (I like Medela, the yellow brand); nursing pads (I like Lansinoh, the purple brand); milk storage bags (Lansinoh); an electric pump car charger if traveling a lot or pumping in the car often; a Boppy pillow; a nursing cover; and burp clothe (Gerber prefolds work well)
Sidenote: You can get a lot of supplies and samples you need only at first from the lactation consultant at the hospital.
3. A lot of people forget to register for medical/grooming stuff. Thankfully, some of my friends knew to get me them: pain/fever reducer, teething gel or tablets, diaper cream (a lot of people like Triple Paste), and gas drops. I did register for a health care set. The nail clippers, thermometer, and nasal aspirator were must-haves for us. I also registered for some sensitive baby body washes and lotions, just in case Joel was sensitive. The lavender baby lotion smells really good, too. While not a necessity, I splurged and put it on my registry. If having a summer baby, you might want to register for baby sunscreen. A humidifier could be a good gift, too.
4. I took some friends' advice on a stroller. I got a Snap-n-Go, which fits almost all car seat brands. It is much lighter than a travel system. Another thing to have with the car seat or stroller when out and about is a car seat cover. It helps keep light out and somewhat deters people from peeking at a sleeping baby.
5. Big swaddling blankets (mine shrunk and were too small after about three weeks)
Sidenote: Not all babies like being swaddled, but I am interested in trying a Woombie next time. Joel was able to get out of the Velro swaddlers fairly quickly.
6. A few fitted sheets and two mattress pad covers to alternate should do. Don't register for blankets. People enjoy making them as special gifts. We chose to get a mesh bumper (due to debate over bumper use), and have really liked it.
7. Back pack diaper bags and fold-up changing pads with a place to put wipes and diapers are super useful. Two shoulder straps are easier than one. The bag doesn't fall off when you bend over to pick other things up.
8. Register/buy things for a few months down the road. My friends will probably laugh at this, since I'm such a planner. The little things you need around five or six months add up, though. Trust me ... I'm there. I'd recommend registering for a few plastic bibs. You can wipe them down instead of washing them every time. Usually these are a little bigger, so you'll still need smaller cloth ones. Don't register for cloth bibs. People will give you these because they are cute! I'd also get spoons, sippy cups, a bottle brush, a squeezy spoon for travel (a food container with a spoon tip), and a freezer tray for homemade baby food. By the way, you don't need an expensive baby food maker. Regular blenders and choppers work fine. Last for this list, I'd register for a shopping cart seat cover with bumpers on the sides. I have recently found this helpful. I no longer have to take up half of the cart with the car seat. Plus, Joel really likes sitting up and seeing everything.
9. If you'd like to register/buy a bigger item, these are the things I found have most useful: crib, mattress, breastpump, glider/rocker, highchair, Pack-n-Play (for travel and hanging out with friends), and an infant car seat (we like our Chicco Key-fit). If I were to register again, I would also put a second stage car seat on the registry. They can be really expensive. (We're saving for that now.) We didn't buy a changing table. We just throw a changing mat, prefold cloth diaper, or my changing pad on the floor.
You might be asking where all of the other stuff is, so here is my humble opinion on that. Borrow swings, bouncy seats, Johnny Jump-ups, exersaucer, play yards, bassinets (unless using a Pack-n-play type thing), clothes, bottles, baby-wearing gear, and Bumbo seats. For a first baby, try these things out at a friend's house. See if your baby likes it. If not, don't buy one until the next kid comes around. You'll be glad you saved the space and used your gift cards for diapers. You really only need a few things to sit the baby in when you need a break. Having one of all of the above out isn't necessary. For instance, we have all of the above, except for a bassinet. We borrowed a Bumbo, got a used Johnny Jump-up after figuring out that he liked it, bought an exersaucer after trying it at a friend's house, and were given used bottles. We got the the swing, bouncy seat, and play yard at our shower, but borrowed them from friends to see if he liked them before opening them. We have clothes through size 4T from friends and relatives that are done having kids. Babies do need clothes to wear, but I wouldn't recommend registering for them. Most people aren't able to resist how cute they are, and throw an outfit in with a gift anyway. Buying gently used clothes at a consignment shop is a huge cost-saver, too. If you bought or were fortunate enough to be given all or most of the things above, let someone borrow yours to get it out of your house/storage for a while.
One last piece of advice: I would recommend having shower hosts ask for a book with a message inside, rather than cards.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Breakfast Made Easy
I found this idea on Pinterest. Plop eggs into a muffin pan (mine just happened to be square) and bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes. I greased the pan first and put onions in the bottom. I've also added red peppers and would like to try adding spinach. Adam puts two on regular bread to make egg sandwiches in the morning, but they would be the perfect size for English muffins. I made six eggs on Sunday night, and he had a quick breakfast until Wednesday!
This would be great for big families or a big breakfast gathering, too. It's so easy! The eggs are off of the stove top and out of the way (for cooking pancakes or sausage or bacon), and all of the eggs are ready at the same time!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Marriage Reflections Continued ...
Earlier, I posted some reflections about some things I have learned so far in marriage. This will be a shorter continuation of that. I realize I wrote kind of a lot on the first set of reflections. Again, these are in no particular order.
5. It is important to pray for your spouse on a regular basis. Pray for his spiritual development, his day-to-day tasks, and his struggles. It's also important to pray together regularly. Pray for each of you to have patience and forgiving hearts. Pray for your finances, big life decisions, and intimacy with one another. Oh ... and an added bonus ... it is more difficult to get angry about a fault your spouse has when you are actively praying together for that particular area in his/her life.
6. Avoid extreme words and exaggeration ("you always" and "you never") when in a disagreement. It's just simply not true that your spouse alllllwwaaays or neeevvveer does something, even if it feels like it!
7. God first. Then marriage. Then kids. In my personal opinion, if parents aren't showing and receiving love, kids have a more difficult time doing so. It's important to continue dating your spouse, even if it means spending $20 extra on a date because you need a babysitter. (You could swap date nights and babysitting with another couple every once and a while, too!) Take time to talk about your interests and your dreams. Be silly ... and romantic!
8. It's important to have married mentors in your life. Our pre-marital counseling was so helpful. We learned how to enter, be in, and leave a disagreement. We learned how to give and receive love from one another. We discussed our finances before having any struggles with how to spend money. Pre-marital counseling is educational and preventative, and I'd urge anyone to participate in it.
Along the same line, I'd urge married couples to find a mentor couple, to read books on marriage together, and to attend marriage conferences and retreats together. It's important to be actively pursuing Christ's love and peace in your marriage, whether you are struggling or not. Couples don't necessarily have to go to a marriage conference because they are struggling. Many go because they want to continue to make their marriages stronger.
5. It is important to pray for your spouse on a regular basis. Pray for his spiritual development, his day-to-day tasks, and his struggles. It's also important to pray together regularly. Pray for each of you to have patience and forgiving hearts. Pray for your finances, big life decisions, and intimacy with one another. Oh ... and an added bonus ... it is more difficult to get angry about a fault your spouse has when you are actively praying together for that particular area in his/her life.
6. Avoid extreme words and exaggeration ("you always" and "you never") when in a disagreement. It's just simply not true that your spouse alllllwwaaays or neeevvveer does something, even if it feels like it!
7. God first. Then marriage. Then kids. In my personal opinion, if parents aren't showing and receiving love, kids have a more difficult time doing so. It's important to continue dating your spouse, even if it means spending $20 extra on a date because you need a babysitter. (You could swap date nights and babysitting with another couple every once and a while, too!) Take time to talk about your interests and your dreams. Be silly ... and romantic!
8. It's important to have married mentors in your life. Our pre-marital counseling was so helpful. We learned how to enter, be in, and leave a disagreement. We learned how to give and receive love from one another. We discussed our finances before having any struggles with how to spend money. Pre-marital counseling is educational and preventative, and I'd urge anyone to participate in it.
Along the same line, I'd urge married couples to find a mentor couple, to read books on marriage together, and to attend marriage conferences and retreats together. It's important to be actively pursuing Christ's love and peace in your marriage, whether you are struggling or not. Couples don't necessarily have to go to a marriage conference because they are struggling. Many go because they want to continue to make their marriages stronger.
9. The last piece of advice that we've found helpful (and that I have time think of and type about before my 5 month old wakes up) is to fellowship with other Christians independently and together. It is always beneficial to be edified and encouraged by someone you trust.
That's all for now! I wonder what advice I'll add when I read this a few years down the road ...
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