Ears.

Lynie-

You might be the only 6 month old who will keep a giant flower stuck to your head, or reindeer ears on for an hour without pulling on them once.

You're the coolest almost 6 month old I know, and I am so happy I get to share my life with you!

Loving with Thankfulness

As I held my daughter's hand this weekend on a long car ride, my heart overflowed with thankfulness for her smile, her sweet personality, her presence, and most of all her life.

Every day I look at the woman I am, can I be better for her? I want to be the best mother in the world, I want B to become a child who is secure, who feels loved, who knows her place in this world, and knows where her true home is.

It is the cry of my heart to love my child despite all else in a way that she will know that love intensely.

How often do we hear, "She knows I love her, she knows." But, does she? REALLY, does she? I see parents berate their children, that does not speak love. Discipline does, but harshness does not, and my heart breaks. Does she see it in your words, your tone, your actions?

Show her. Show her she is worthy, show her she is wonderful, show her she is love.

There have been so many wonderful songs out over the past year about love, who am I kidding, there is a new song every day about love, right? (I write them at the drop of a hat, "I love you doodle boodle, you're my little poodle," unique... I know.) I wrote recently about my favorite song by Sanctus Real, but I just heard this little ditty, by JJ Heller, where the Hell(er) have I been since August? (Other than stuck at home with a new babe, nap training, changing/washing diapers, attempting to keep a clean house, and a blessed, well fed husband.) What Love Really Means It is called What Love Really Means, and I LOVE it.

I'm sitting here with headphones on because I have the song on repeat, my heart is so full. Oh how I pray Brooklyn knows the love that pours out of my heart for her, the desire to teach her, to lead her, and most of all to cheer her on. Months ago she filled diapers, cried, cooed at times, slept, and ate, a lot. Yet, I just loved her, because she is my sweet love, my little girl, created perfectly to join this little family. Has she done anything to "earn" my love? Certainly not, she was born, and love was.

My heart.

I am a lover, it is simple. I hug, I touch people, I intently listen to them, I try to know their hearts. I know how I love, and how I feel loved. I know how my husband feels loved, and although it is quite similar to how I feel loved, it still isn't the same. He could not have married the more perfect woman for him, a cheerleader to give him words of affirmation he so craves. And I, a woman who needs quality time, have been given a man who will listen to me for hours, who will lay in bed at night and share dreams, stories, and snuggles with (even though he'd rather go right to sleep). Love looks so different to every one.

I'm thinking of my nieces and nephews and how I think they may feel most loved, but I can't be quite sure. I can tell that one enjoys quality time, he enjoys a good conversation or a game he can share. The biggest girl is a completely quality time love as well, stories to tell, and so much life to share. The next gal is completely physical touch, if that girl could sit on a lap while standing, she would, if she didn't get embarrassed from holding hands, she still would curl her fingers into mine. The little man is tough, maybe the biggest lover of the bunch, physical touch pours out of this boy but he has such pride on his face with words of affirmation, I'm still learning his love language, but kiss him every time I can. And the littlest lady above my own, I'm still trying to decipher, but with about 99.9% accuracy, I'd go for physical touch, because that girl loves to love on people and dogs. :) And the littlest ones... I'm still not sure. It's hard to tell when you don't live day in and day out with them, but I think the littlest dude is a quality time kind of a guy right now, but we'll see where he is at in a year. :) And clearly, my newest niece is all about those smooches and smiles! :)

We are all so different, we all have such unique needs, and as a mom, I have to take the time to see that in my child. I never want her to feel a void because I did not love her like she needed me to. If she is not a physical touch child, and that is how I choose to show her love, she is missing out on the best love I can offer. I need to learn her, and give her that love. Much like I have to with my husband, and so far, I've got a quality time, physical touch girl... because much else she doesn't get! :)

I'd encourage you to learn the love languages of those around you, there is even a short quiz: 5 Love Languages that you can take to learn your own. (Don't do the one question one... it is lame.)

And in different seasons, we change, and that is okay. But love looks so different to every person, and loving them for who they are, not what they have done, and knowing how to love them, is so important.

Go take a gander at that song, do it.

God loves me for me, not for what I've done, or who I have become, but he loves me for me. Do we whisper this to our little ones? Our babes can't hear it or see it enough in my mind.

I will love this girl in spite of her actions, I will love her along her goodness, and wrongs. I will shower her with grace to guide her to be a woman of compassion, integrity, kindness, truth, and love.

Oh Brooklyn,

I love you for the person you are, because you are wonderfully made, I love you, because you are so much more than you will ever do.

Choices as Parents

Some day, I will see Jesus face to face.

Some day, I will have to account for the choices I have made, the life I have lived, the woman, wife, and mother I have been.

I have been blessed with the hardest job on earth. Surely the position as a CEO would challenge me daily, but will I stand at Heaven's gates answering for my company not making an extra hundred thousand dollars this year? What about running late to a meeting (one in which I probably cut someone off on the road, or spoke harshly to on my way out the door), will God look down upon me for my tardiness?

I believe I will stand there answering for the life I lived, 23 years as myself, and the rest of my days, a mother. I think much of what I will answer for is the way I mothered. Did I put my children before myself? Did I give to them first? Was I kind, firm, loving, and just? Did I show them grace? Was I fair? Did I teach them about Jesus, and pray for them (not just for their safety, to be blessed, and for health)?

So much more than anyone ever understands goes in to being a parent, if you do it well. It is easy to simply be a provider as a parent, and most likely your children will grow up to be okay. But don't we want our children to be amazing? If we do not set healthy boundaries, if we are hands off parents, if we always let our children off of the hook, then why are we even calling ourselves parents?

My husband said it perfectly last night... or at least I think it was pretty perfect. We went to a marriage conference and this is what he remembers.

You have to be both the best friend and the parent. You have to be the person your child can run to for support, love, comfort, friendship, and laughs. But, you also have to set the rules, tell them when they have gone too far, teach them, lead them.

Parenting is a balancing act, no one will ever have the scale perfect all of the time, but shouldn't we strive for that? Shouldn't every day be about being the best parent? The best parents come under the guidance of God.

What if we started every day praying? What if in those prayers we thanked God for being mighty, for being the Lord who created our children, who gave us a gift? What if we asked Him to guide us in our parenting, to show us what we are doing well, and what we are not. What if we asked God to protect, bless and walk with our children? What if we asked God to be in us?

Those, would be rocking parents I'd say. Just saying.

Last night I pondered putting our children first, not every time, but when it comes to eating dinner, we should serve them first. (I will never forget TD telling us his story about this.) I should put their needs above my own. Surely Jon and I also need time together to grow our marriage and live life together, but I also do think there is a big but there, BUT not at the expense of our children. When we are celebrating them, we really need to celebrate them!

Brooklyn was born on our wedding anniversary, as I went in for surgery at about 6:30 pm, two years prior I was sitting down to my wedding feast, surrounded by people I loved more than they will ever know. This year, I was in an operating room, surrounded by people I would soon love for bringing my child to me.

We discussed going out for Brooke's birthday, and due to the decision we have made to have me stay home, we budget things. Holidays, parties, birthdays, everything has to be under the microscope. But, we made that choice joyfully, and I would rather not get a new pair of jeans for 15 years and be able to be home with my love, and as long as God makes that possible, we will be good stewards of what we are given.

Anyway, we talked about if we are budgeting and Jon wants a margarita at dinner or something, and we only have money for that or dessert, does Brooklyn get her birthday dessert instead of dad getting his margarita? No, Jon is not a lush, just saying. He said something to the effect of, but we can celebrate our anniversary too! And of course I replied, "If we are going out for Brooke's birthday, then we are going out for Brooke's birthday. We can celebrate our anniversary on another day." He still wasn't sold on the idea, but I know he will always put our kiddos first. It is really hard to share a birthday and anniversary, my parents celebrated their anniversary once that I can remember, Jon and I wanted to celebrate every year. So far, we're 1 for 2, because we were sort of in the hospital for that second one. Maybe we'll go out for our 2 year and 6 month anniversary... that could be the tradition we choose. As parents, we are forced to make choices, I hope I am able to make the right ones.

**This is one of my favorite songs of all time- the story of a father and husband, who hears the cries of his wife and children's hearts to lead them. Oh how I wish this could be a father's day sermon, beautiful. This site, plays the song, you can hear the story behind the song, and other cool stuff from Sanctus Real: http://www.sanctusreal.com/**

What is it with women? I hope my girl doesn't catch the disease.

To be a rare breed of a mom, it takes something so special.

You have to look at yourself and love what you see.

Not every day, not every moment, but you have to LOVE the person looking back at you for most of them.

Yes, that means loving that stretch marked belly, beautiful eyes, little extra flubs, undone hair, and stunning smile.

Maybe this is something I'm good at, maybe that is why I think it is so important to tell yourself how cool you are. I'm not sure how I became someone with confidence, I'm not particularly beautiful, I don't have amazing eyes, my teeth aren't perfect, but I do have cute hair. See?! I just can't say that I'm ugly, because I just don't believe it! Sure, I'm a little overweight, but I have curves that could knock you out.

I remember hearing my mom, friends, friends' moms complain about how they looked, little things, often ending with a giggle. What is that, do we think because we're women we have to hate what we've got? I remember telling myself when I was about 13 that I didn't really care, I wasn't going to be like every woman I saw on TV (in particular) who just hated how she looked. I decided to LOVE it, to embrace every little thing.

I hope so badly that Brooke will grow up to completely love herself, that she will see herself as the beautiful girl God created. It is a disease to me, to try and find something you don't like about yourself just to complain about, to fit in with other women. Oh B, please see who you are, inside and out. I want you to love all that you are, for the simple fact that you are worth that love. I promise to do all that I can to teach my daughter how to love herself inside and out, I'm going to be a rare breed.

And if you saw Grey's a couple of weeks back, "We all have stuff we don't talk about!" And sometimes, I feel like it is this. Loving ourselves- every part of who we are.

Holding Hands

I'm sitting here tonight after putting my daughter to sleep, yes, it is only 7:30, but that kid just would not take her third nap no matter how hard we tried, so a little early to bed we go.

As I nursed my sweet girl before bed, I recited to her my favorite story, On the Night You Were Born, buy it for anyone you know having a baby, tear JERKER, seriously. I hear my voice tremble as I speak the words, "For there had never been anyone like you ever in the world," "Until everyone heard it, and everyone knew, of the one and only ever you."

Such a gift I have been given, Lord thank you for the miracle you created in me, for the mother you have created me to be, and the sweet girl you have created in Brooklyn.

My girl, is a hands girl, and always has been. From her very first days of life she has stared at hands, she is enamored by the picture my parents have hanging in their family room, The Hands of God and Adam in the Sistine Chapel(http://www.enterthebible.org/Bible.aspx?rid=1048), and she holds my hand for most of every day.

If she cries out in the night, I give her my hand, when she wakes up in the morning (but I'm not really ready to get up) I give her my hand. As she nurses in the morning, she holds my thumb, when I carry her in my Moby, she holds my hand. As we shop, we hold hands. As I drive, we hold hands. As she naps, she holds my hand. I lay with her before bed every night, she squeezes my thumb, and it is the most precious moment, every day. (My bedroom was decorated in precious moments... hehe!)

See, she's just a hands girl. For some reason, she just loves to hold hands, and I hope she always will. I cherish the moments she holds my hand or thumb, squeezing, falling fast asleep. What a love.

I know one day she'll be embarrassed to hold my hand. Sometimes I will hold her hand for her safety, or to show her the way. But mostly, I hold her hand because she is my daughter, and we're sort of best friends (at least that is what I tell her). I'll remember these moments when she is 11 and thinks she doesn't have to hold my hand. (And remind her she used to never let go.)

Cheesy Tortilla Soup

So I made this soup the other day, with just a few things in my pantry, and I absolutely love this!! I can't stop eating it, seriously. Jon said it reminded him of the Max an Erma's tortilla soup, which is a good sign.

Wanna make it? It's a little spicy, but not as spicy as M&E.

1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 cup milk
1 large can corn
1 large can Rotel or canned tomatoes and green chiles
1 chunk Chicken bullion
2 cups hot water
1 package taco seasoning

6-8 Servings-ISH

Directions: Heat cheese soup and milk stirring continually until fully mixed. Add chicken bullion and 2 cups hot water stirring occasionally.v Add taco seasoning. Add corn and tomatoes/chiles, let cook 5 minutes. Serve! :)

I ate mine with sour cream and added rice along with tortilla chips on the side- YUM! :) We also had chicken with the meal.

You could add chunked chicken or rice to the soup, rice will certainly thicken it up!
Seriously, YUM!

Tears and One Big Lap.

You know when your heart just breaks because your baby is crying?

I hate when it seems nothing can calm her down, this has only happened a few short times in Brooklyn's life, but when it happens, I feel broken. She may have gas, or a tummy ache, usually I can just hold her legs up, peace. Tonight, she was just tired. Poor girl, her naps were a little off, and that is just okay! She needs to be able to adjust, of this we are 100% committed.

Last night was the second try of "cry it out adapted." Remember when we did this when she was tiny? THAT went well-NOT. Our research told us to try again just after 4 months, we're trying!

She is old enough now that she can learn how to soothe herself, and we are going to give her that opportunity- BUT, if it doesn't work now, that is perfectly fine with us. We love snuggling her, me nursing her, and bouncing her till her heart's content. (Is that saying to your heart's content? hmm....)

We put her down, she slept for an hour, then, she woke up. SHOCKING!!! We went in, soothed her, paci, walked out. She began crying, and we gave her 3 minutes, then returned, soothed, pat on the back, paci, "I love you"s and left. Then 2 minutes passed, silence... but at the 5 minute mark, she was upset, so I returned. We are currently in the 10 minute phase (and it stays 10 minute chunks until she gives up... or we do.) It has been 9 minutes, she has been quite for about 3 of them, I thought she was out. Now she is VERY upset, but she will get this. I promise I'm not torturing my baby either, she still smiles at me in the morning! :)

On to the second 10 minute section, less crying, more moments of sighing, head down. A few screams, "SAVE ME MOMMA!" And at times, we swear she is saying "Mom! Mom!" or "Daaaaaaaaaaada!" Sweet girl.

We're on to the third 10 minute section, last night I went in after the 3rd 10 minute section and that was the last one... we'll see how tonight goes. Fewer fusses, but I'm not holding my breath, and she's not holding hers. (Thank goodness, I used to cry so hard I'd hold my breath and pass out.)

But, it has been quite sweet to share in this adventure with Jon. "It just breaks my heart." "I just hate that, how can she cry like that?" We've both been heard saying tonight.

Even, "Stay to the left, left left!!!" as our hall floors creak, and I just figured out this little lefty trick last week. Stay left... when leaving our bedroom, but please, don't sneak up on me, or I will punch you. I walk around my house with a fist at all times, I'm a paranoid weirdo, sorry. At night, I do the same... my kids better be careful! (I'm SO not joking, I TOTALLY do this, ask Jon, fist up in socking position.)

As my girl cried, I kept busy. When I went into her room I laid my hand on her and prayed a million things, "Lord help her to be a calm, strong, woman of faith. Grow her into a gracious, loving, woman of integrity. May she know you more than I and have a heart that serves." Millions of prayers are prayed over you daily sweet girl, how can a parent not cover their child in prayers? I do not understand. Parenting without God seems such an impossible venture, and it doesn't have to be done.

As I'm sitting here, I guess what is most important is that Jon and I always talked about how we would try different things as we parent. We aren't going to get it right the first time, and we know if we are willing to try things, our children will be too. We aren't going to do everything just right, right away. I think that is part of this Grace Based Parenting stuff I'm learning too, free to try things, and free to mess up, and have love surrounding you all the way.

We don't want to be "cry it out" parents, it is not in our nature. She cries and it breaks our hearts, we are not people who can stand it. We are fixers, we want to fix whatever is wrong. But, if this is what our daughter needs, to help her sleep, to learn to stay asleep, and to be able to sleep on her own as she gets big, then we are willing to suffer a little bit for the sake of our girl. And tonight, as I checked on her after aforementioned third 10 minute section, she was sucking her middle and ring finger, trying to calm herself down, she is learning. What a precious, sweet girl. Soon she'll be learning to crawl, and walk, and I will always hold her hand. She will never be too big for this lap, of that I am sure. I promised my niece one day that she can always sit on my lap, no matter how big she gets. She is 7 now, and occasionally will still sit on my lap. I know Brooklyn will know the same, she will never cry too many tears, or grow too big, or do anything too wrong to not fit on this lap, because this is one big lap, with lots of love.

We also didn't want to have Brooke in our bed before we had her, we were afraid, now, she snuggles us, sometimes sleeps with us, and is often tossed about amongst fluffy pillows and blankets on a Saturday morning, man does she love it!! And we do too.

Because it is so easy to decide what you're going to do, and what you WANT to work. But it may not work, and what we have tried with B, may not work with any other children to come into our lives, and we are completely okay with that. We will do the best that we can, with what we are given, and what we know.

It's a girl.

I really thought it was a boy- probably because I really wanted a boy. But it wasn't, there they were, girl parts.

I cried, tears poured down my face as I saw this little forming body in front of my very eyes, wiggling toes, hands covering a face I now adore, legs kicking like mad. I was in love, relieved at her heath, blessed by her life, and a little sad she wasn't a boy.

And really, it is silly, because I always wanted a daughter, too, and daughters are girls- I just didn't want her first.

Every dream I ever had about a family had a son first, because that is what I know. It is familiar, comfortable, and so special to have a big brother. As I lay there on that chair thing I completely let go of my childhood dreams and embraced a new one, a big sister-hmm. I don't even know what that looks like, how am I supposed to teach my daughter to be the best big sister in the world?

As silly as it is, it never occurred to me that I MAY have a daughter first, and I did. And I am so blessed, so lucky, so grateful that I GOT to have a daughter, and will praise God if I get 10 more, or all boys after. God is good, he knew just what we needed and always does.

And it's okay with me that Brooke doesn't have a big brother, she has big boy cousins who love her very much, and watching big Hunter-man cradling her today, kissing her gently, whispering into her ear, and loving her so very much, reminding her "how cuuuute" she is, I know she will get the protection, comfort, encouragement, and love that I got from my big brothers. It'll just have come from cousins, and they're really good at it.

A little more on the cloth dipes- if you care.

It still reins true that people ask me weekly about cloth diapers, and I am SO passionate about using them. It doesn't really bother me when people don't use them, after all, that is the way of our nation, and they can seem quite intimidating. When you're a cloth diapering momma, you sort of joint a club, a secret society if you will. You will understand terms such as CD, prefold, pocket, AIO, 3.0, inserts, liners, rice paper, wick, and pull. However, chances are high you'll have no clue how to use a diaper Genie.

I love cloth diapering for so many reasons, really.
First of all, after much research, I have learned that indeed disposable diapers take around 200 years to decompose, some sources say as long as 500 years. This is so very sad to me, why do we try to cut waste in other ways (recycling, reusing, repurposing, etc.), but not with diapering? And the thing is, it is so easy if you really give it a go. Also, if we are completely honest with ourselves, it does contaminate ground water, and that is going to increase the need for water treatment facilities and chemicals added to our drinking water. I can bathe in chlorinated water, but should we really be drinking it?

I also cannot lie, it is so nice to never leave a stinky diaper at a friend's house. It may seem like no big deal, but I have always felt sensitive to this. When I would visit a friend without kids and have Brooke in disposables (because we USED to use them when we went out for ease) I felt horrible leaving a diaper in their trash. I feel like we simply overlook the fact that not every family empties the trash every other day, not everyone has diapers in their garbage. We aimed to put the diapers in the main garbage in the garage when we visited people. (Luckily, breastmilk poop doesn't really stink!) But when you have poopy diapers in the trash- OOOEE! (We take the trash out once a week because we really don't generate that much garbage, more recycling than anything.) With cloth, you HAVE to take the diaper with you (in a wet bag if you care to know) and just deal with it at home. I have no diaper guilt anymore, and man does it feel GOOD!

Also with cloth, I have to come back to the financial side of it. Surely some diapers are $23 a piece- yes, a piece. BUT, you don't have to choose to go that route, you can even purchase used, which are just as good! I have never purchased a diaper for that much though, the most expensive to date was $12.50 because of shipping. According to a diaper calculator, I would spend close to $90 a month on diapers (yes, store brands are cheaper, however, I do not use diapers with chlorine or pellets in them, our family chooses to use chemical free diapers). Clearly, I have to do laundry any way, and I do one load of diapers (and towels if you care*I'll explain this more later) every other day. I broke even on diapers when Brooklyn was 3.5 months old, and I never have to buy another diaper again, but I did, because my cousin found a WICKED sale. (I can't wait to try them Kristen... if you're reading this!)

Cloth diapering forces you to step away from many chemicals and products that simply are not good for you. There has been quite the controversy lately about parabens, petroleum products, and "fragrance" in soaps, shampoos, lotions, diaper rash creams, etc. The benefit to using cloth is really, you CAN'T use these products. I have Triple Paste (from my awesome sister in law and we will use this with disposables if her rash is TOC) and we have Desitin that we used twice when she had a little rash again, in disposables. Because see, if you use these products on cloth diapers, they basically form a barrier to the diaper not allowing it to absorb urine anymore, and that my friends, is a problem. So, you have to stick to more natural creams, such as California Baby, or Grandma El's (seriously... even if you don't care about nature, get THIS stuff, I had diaper rash gone in under 24 hours using this product, it is like a Vaseline, smells DIVINE and can be used for about 101 other things! I also read about Bum Bum Balm... and I hope Jon will get it for a stocking stuffer or something, it's not like Brooke really will remember that her first Christmas was filled with booty pastes, diapers, and clothes anyhow! :) If you want to read more, check out this site: http://safemama.com/?s=diaper+rash LOVE it!

Again on the chemical route of thing, cloth diapers cannot be washed in traditional soaps (they cause buildup on the diapers much like rash creams), so we choose to use Rockin Green detergent and LOVE the stuff. The only setback with these detergents that are safer on cloth, if you get a stain on your clothes (because YES, you HAVE to use whatever soap you choose on EVERYTHING, or it will gunk up your machine and defeat the purpose of NOT using traditional soaps) you have to use a stain stick, stain spray, or... wait for it... the SUN! Jon and I can often be found setting clothes and laying them in the sun to get out stains, it seriously will bleach out just about anything, and we LOVE this! But... on rainy days like today... Spray 'n Wash better cut it... or I'll have a poo stained changing pad, booo.

So yes, I love cloth diapers, and it's okay if you don't. It really doesn't bother me, really. (And no, I don't say in my head- "If YOU want YOUR kids POO to be in a landfill for 500 years, whatev, that's YOUR thing.") It really doesn't bother me, because we have decided this works for US.

But anyway, don't be offended. When it comes to changing and washing diapers, this is what I do (and if you do cloth diapers, just trust me on this, I tried to only wash them... and they kinda stunk to me a little):
1. Remove diaper from baby, if it is a prefold, simply drop into your dry pail (I totally don't do a wet pail, they're pretty gross, and not so safe, or good for diapers really) and set aside your cover, unless it got majorly pooed on. (If just a little poop got on the gusset or something, I wipe it and re-use... usually using 2 covers a day.) If it is a pocket, remove the insert by shaking, or just pull it out for the love, you're going to use a wipe on your sweeties tush anyhow. Then, place diaper and insert in pail, put lid on if you use disposable wipes.
2. If you choose to use cloth wipes, we bought one package and use them, when we run out before another wash, I use disposables, wet the wipe with just plain old water and clean little tushie. We have a spray bottle, or you could go to the sink, but don't leave your kid on the changing table... unless you use your crib like we do! :) Then, just throw the wipe in the pail and cover- seriously, I've left the lid off so it is okay if you forget to put it on, and with just breastfeeding, it doesn't smell at all (until you go to dump it... then day old diapers are a little rank). We have a small garbage to put wipes in if we use disposable ones.
3. Get new diaper, put it on. If it is a pocket, this is super easy like a disposable, if you use prefolds, give yourself a good 2 weeks to get the folding down, it is so easy now. Then, put the cover over if you are using prefolds, make sure the WHOLE diaper is in the cover, or you will have a leak, just saying.
4. Repeat process when necessary.

To wash?:
1. Just after a diaper change I remove the liner from my pail, pull the strings to all diapers are secured inside and trek to the laundry like Santa Claus on Christmas.
2. Dump entire contents of bag into washer, including bag turned inside out, you will get so good you won't even touch a diaper! (You'll just smell the amonia) Run a "quick rinse" cycle, on my machine this takes less than 17 minutes and I use "Tap Cold" for temperature, this helps my diapers not get stained.
3. Since this cycle basically rinsed all the poo off of the diapers, I seriously add towels, rugs, jeans, sweats, whatever to the washer so it is full since I'm going to be using hot. (And YA- I can wash my jeans in HOT since they are a little big- holla!) I add 2 scoops of Rockin Green HARD rock (Rocking Raspberry if you care to know my scent this time around, and let the hot cycle go, I use a 40 minute long cycle, it is called "Light wash" on my machine.
4. Put everything in the dryer and dry on medium or low- WITHOUT fabric softener. Again, fabric softener will cause your diapers to repel the pee! (Or peeps like my Nana would say.) If you NEED something for your clothes, I have read about a few friendly liquid softeners you can add to the wash, Ecover is the name of one, found it at Earthly Goods. Vinegar is also said to work, and the smell neutralizes within minutes.
4*. Or, remove covers and pail liner to let air dry since there really isn't anything To dry on these other than the outside fabric, but you'll see if you cloth diaper that they don't need to be in the dryer.
4**. OR- sun dry, yes, this will get rid of almost every stain, seriously. Maybe I'll do a before and after some time! :)
5. When everything is dry, make 3 piles, prefolds, pockets, inserts. Spend 5 minutes stuffing your pockets so you just grab them when you need them, and put them in a basket/crate/whateveryouchoosetouse.

Why can't you use good old Tide or fabric softeners in other loads? Well, it truly gets IN your machine, and will wipe off onto your diapers in their cycle. What does this mean for parents who need to use public laundry in an apartment or laundromat? Well, you may need a few more diapers so you can wash maybe 2x a week, I'd suggest washing 2 loads of regular clothes with your soap before you do a diaper load, this way, your other clothes will bear the brunt of detergent with additives and hopefully clean out both washer and dryer before you wash your diapers. (Feel the inside of your machine, it has a film.)

It really is so easy, and I am so in love. And seriously, in cloth, BABY GOT BACK (like her momma).

Also- I use Rockin Green CLASSSIC Rock for my regular clothes, lavender mint scent. These smell VERY strong when you open the bag, but virtually no smell is left (seriously... I can't smell a thing) after they are dry.

The negative here, you can't get those wicked coupon deals on detergent, because you just can't use them! But trust me, it is SO worth it! :) Are you CDing? Let me know how it's going!!

Did I really say that? Twice?

Really, I promise if you lived with me, life would be amusing. I have to say that I know some pretty hilarious people, oh my word Suzanne and Ashley can make me pee my pants almost daily. Friend them on facebook (or in real life, if you know you believe in that anymore) because you will love your life.

But anyway. (There are many other wonderfully funny people in my life too, don't worry, I probably think you're funny, if you were worried.)

So.

Today a few things absolutely had me loving my life as I laughed at myself.

Set the scene: Booger 4 month old, dirty mommma. Both in bathroom, infant in bouncy seat, mom in shower. Mom gets out of shower, baby cries. "Sup home girl? How you hanging?" I must have made some face or something, because that child BURST out belly laughing. Umm... seriously? YA. I could not stop laughing... did I just call my daughter HOME GIRL? Yup, I SO did that.

As I lovingly fed aforementioned child (seeing as there is only one in my life....) she caressed my chest with her tiny little fingers. I looked lovingly into her baby blues. Then, it happened.
My daughter gave me...
a titty twister. I'm not lying, and YES, I just said titty (mom :). I'm still kind of in shock about it.

I've also decided to introduce Brooke to a lovey, I don't care if she has a stuffed animal she is obsessed with, or HAS to sleep with... in fact I prefer her NOT to have this, BUT, if it will help her nap or fall asleep better bring it on baby! So, I read to nurse your baby and give them said lovey. We have two, a hippo whom I have named Hannah from Aunt Mel, and Eleanor an elephant from Mommy and Daddy. (Yes, I name her stuffed animals, until she can talk, I get to, done.) Brooke LOVES these things, they are constantly in her mouth or tucked under her arm when I let her have them. Today she was eating Hannah's face and stroking her back so gently, thank God Hannah's mouth is sewn shut because Brooklyn totally dominated that thing in spit up. Shocker of the century I know- kid, if the amount of spitup you shoot out is any indicator of vomiting as a kid we are NOT going to get along, just saying.

Today I totally did something I shouldn't have too. Brooke has been SO stuffy, in an effort to de-stuff I used Great Grandma's nose clearer (almost like vapor rub)... my poor baby SCREAMED. I didn't think it'd burn... but apparently it did. Her eyes turned red, she got a few red spots on her face and she just screamed. I wiped it with a warm washcloth and she was happy- but I felt really bad for about 5 minutes. But... no boogers, ALL day. Seriously.

So, tonight when she got a little boogery and would not go down, I'm not gonna lie, I totally said, "Well if she is going to cry to go down to bed, I'll give her something to cry about." Umm... aren't you supposed to hear your mother in yourself? That was TOTALLY my papa!! So.. we tortured her again with the nose stuff, and no, don't call DCFS, she is FINE! :) And she is sleeping like a champ, with NO boogs. Amen, and amen.

But, here is my family, and I love it so very much.

I never do that.

Do you ever hit print on the computer, then as soon as the printer starts just about jump out of your pants because the house is so quiet? Ya... me either.

What about closing the door by grabbing the side and keeping your hand in the was of it making noise when it closes just to slam your fingers? I do this at least 5 times a day, UGH.

Ever picked your kids boogers for at least 20 minutes because they are just SO STICKY you can't get 'em all? No, I don't do that either, because that is disgusting.

Every time you hear a car door, do you peek to see if it's for you? I TOTALLY do.

You know what sucks about being a parent, you totally get things figured out... then your child decides to change. Brooke has never been a fussy baby- then today happened. I can't complain though, she only whined for about 30 minutes and I was a totally terrible mom and let her fuss, I needed to eat, blow dry my hair and I really wanted to make a cup of coffee (and not have to microwave it). So, she lived, and is having a beautifully perfect nap right now. And yes, I still think she's perfect.

My inspiration this week:
"And I will live, to carry Your compassion,
to love a world that's broken,
to be Your hands and feet,
and I will give, with the life that I've been given,
and go beyond religion to see the world be changed,
by the power of Your name."- Lincoln Brewster

Help.

Some days, you just have to ask for help. Really.

Tonight, I was exhausted. We are doing everything pediatricians and books suggest for nighttime sleep, but Brooke is struggling this week, and a few past weeks (with WONDERFUL reprieves!) with going to bed. She naps like a champ, seriously, I lay the kid down after 1.5 hours of wakefulness and she is OUT. I had to wake her up this morning at 8 (she was super tired). She napps 9:45 to 11:30 when I woke her up. Fell asleep at 12:40, slept until 3:40, down at 5:40 up at 6:30 and was SO tired by 7 that we bathed her read, stores, and started putting her down, but it was too late. She was past exhausted, suggestions? Some books suggest that I put her down then right at 7... but I feel like when we have done that, she isn't tired enough. Maybe she is in a growth spurt again, it is possible!

Any way, I laid with her to help her sleep. She still sounds like a little puglet- yes, like a little baby pug. I read about babies crying in their sleep, since this is what B seems to be doing. There are 2 options, teething or nightmare of Mommy leaving her- little girl! :( So, I just snuggle her super tight. We spent a lot of today in bed since I can tell she isn't feeling well, lots of snuggles and lots of warmth, LOVE it!

I was getting tired of laying next to a baby who was fussing, I had bounced her, walked with her, moby-d her, sang to her, everything that always works and daddy was doing what daddies do. And so, I just called to him, "Babe, I just need you to encourage me, I'm getting tired, and frustrated," He snuggled up with us girls, held Blyn's hand, and she was quiet and still.

I think it is so important to just say- help. I need you, I NEED for you to do this. My wonderful husband excels in helping, when I tell him what I need help with. I don't have the time to resent him or get upset often, because I have learned to just ask. I can't ask him if he'd like to get the laundry, I need to tell him that I need him to get it for me, please. Ahhh, communication.

I know a lot of people struggle with doing this, it is so hard to admit that we are weak. I feel like a lot of moms get caught up in not asking for help, so jump on the train. Ask daddy to cook dinner, ask him to hold the baby so you can shower, with the door shut (or else you'll end up like me, with a half shaved leg, yes, only one, and yes, only HALF done... meaning half way around my calf, not even meaning top or bottom done... just a patch on the front. Sexy.). even if it is just asking for a hug, asking for a phone conversation, all kinds of stuff. It isn't weak, it is strong.

Now... I asked Jon to clean the panini grill tonight... maybe I should ask him again because it is still sitting on the island, and I'm NOT cleaning that thing.

PS- felt like an official mom today, GIANT booger smeared and dried on my hand and I didn't even notice. "What... is... that...?" disgusted voiced husband. "Awww, it's a BOOGER!!" big smile me.

Worst Mom Of the Day

I think that I might get worst new mom of the day yesterday.

But only yesterday. (Are you crazy, I'd never be worst mom of the year!)

Anyone else want to claim today, because I ROCKED today.

I should have known that yesterday was going to be a bad day, I didn't do my hair. (AHHHHHHHHHHH- too much work and baking to do- both equally perfect excuses to not shower until 3:30)

Ok, so why do I get worst mom award? Well.... I gave my baby an itty bitty bloody nose, stupid booger sucker. I must have scratched her way up in her nose, I still feel bad. I should just throw the stupid thing away, I feel like the worst mom ever. But the poor girl sounded "like a pug" as my sister in law described her own daughter.

Well, yesterday I felt bad. Today, I totally rocked.

I read to my girl, A LOT, I didn't let myself get frustrated one bit today, even when she fussed for 45 minutes, so sad at bed time because shock- she was over tired. Overtired? After a day with family pictures, church, dedication, and party, it was a full day. I should have just kept her asleep from her 445 nap, but we are learning!

What really surprises me, and is the same for my friend is that my little girl will wake up with a hilarious "wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" deep, quiet- I put a paci in her mouth and her head literally slams into the bed, she just passes out immediately. Her best friend does the same, although she slams her hear into the crib and still does not wake up! These girls and their pacis!! :)

Today, Jon and I were able to dedicate Brooklyn- and there is so much to say about that, but I am tired tonight.

No ponytails.

I'm going to be THAT mom, sorry, I just am.

I'm going to be that mom who doesn't wear pony tails, so I cut my hair. (for now)

I'm going to be that mom who wears make-up, almost every day. (for now)

It's like when I was in high school if I wore pjs to school, I felt sloppy, my work suffered, I didn't pay attention, I was off.

For me, it is the same as being a mom. Days I stay in my pjs, I feel more tired, less playful, less motivated, less of the mom I want to be. Days without make-up and hair, who am I kidding, why did I even get out of bed?

SO- I'm going to get up, do my hair (no pony tails!) wear some make-up and feel great. Because that really helps me be the best woman, person and most of all mom every day.

What about you? What makes you the best mom?

Some days, it really just is a cup of coffee (while on the phone with your best friend?). I say promise it to yourself, what are you going to do every day this winter to be the best you?

I wonder...

I wonder if...

Brooke will be afraid of heights since daddy and I are so short?

Haylee will be less afraid of heights since her parents are taller?

Brooke will have blonde hair?

Harley will continue to be so cool with Brooklyn pulling her ears and all, poor dog just licks her face when she crushes her, good girl!

My dirty paci efforts have paid off, will Brooklyn's immune system be strong?

Brooke will take after me? Daddy and I spoke today about how we hope she will be girly, but still be able to hang with the guys. Paint her nails, wear hair bows, but throw a ball better than the guys. Come on girl!

Brooke will be a big sister?

Brooke will have a giant gap between her teeth like I did?

Brooke will still be afraid of the dark when she gets bigger, I hope she doesn't take after me in that!

I just really was wondering about the height thing tonight... more than I should have.

It's just me.

My daughter is crying in the background, snuggled with her daddy, the most pathetic little, "ehhhh, wahhhhh, eghhhhhhhhhhh," In adult, that means, "I am so tired I am restless!" In baby, it means, "I wanted to be awake and put on a cute face and now I just want my MOM!"

Ever feel like that happens at your house? You're the ONLY one who can satisfy your child? What a blessed curse. I don't feel the curse part yet, per se. But there certainly are evenings when I just wish my husband could calm her like I do, or snuggle her in the way that makes her fall limp asleep. But when she goes down for 3+ naps a day with my help... it is hard to train daddy to do it just like me, and he shouldn't. We both just need to have the patience to let him learn. Yes, WE.But really, it is okay.

I feel honored to be called to be Brooklyn's mom. Whether I am called at 1 am, 5:45 am or even 8:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm, 9:32, 9:42, 10:00pm. It is all such a blessing, and I promise to view my mothering in such a way.

This weekend we are dedicating our daughter, proclaiming that we will raise her in a Christian home, we will share the gospel with her and the love of Jesus, we will pray for her and bring her up to the best of our ability along with our church. It's a big deal, and so important to us. We are still deciding on the "life verse until she picks her own" and that is totally okay with me.

I love being a mommy, I love watching friends become mommies, and I cannot WAIT for all of that!

Starting this new parenting book...

So, I'm in this Moms group, and I love moms, and I love what we're learning about.

(I love non moms too, just a p.s.)


As I was reading from "Grace Based Parenting" by Tim Kimmel, a book I have not yet paid for, but WILL THIS WEEK- remember self! I came across a few interesting quotes that I want to hold on to, and this is quite an easy place to do just that.

As I'm thinking back to the conversations Jonathan and I had about starting a family I can remember something like this:

"So, you wanna make a kid?"
"YUP."
conversation OVER.

or perhaps...

"So, when we're parents, what do you think about discipline? Spanking, time-outs?"
"Remember when my mom quoted that scripture, 'Spare the rod, spoil the child,'?"
"Yup, I think in some circumstances, before our babes know what NO means, we're going to have to teach it somehow, I'm totally okay with spanking, in the right circumstance."
"Yup, me too, good call."
*And no, please don't try to debate spanking with me. We will use time-outs and all of those lovely parenting things too, geez louise.

or even...

"I hope we make cute kids."
"We will."
"No, I mean it, like I really hope our kids are super cute."
"They will be."
"Okay, I guess they'll be pretty cute, we were cute babies."
"Uh huh."
"Are you listening to me?"
"Uh huh."
"What do you want to name our kids?"
"Oh, I dunno, Noah, Brock, Harper or Brooke."
"Okay, I like those."
"What about Natalie?"
"Sure, that's cute."
"Well when are we gonna have kids?"
"When God gives them to us."
"You know, it isn't going to be easy. Have you ever held a baby?"
"Nope."

Ahh... the joys of being naive. Really, we knew a few things:
1- diaper changing isn't that bad
2- we're going to have to have a plan, sort of
3- we WILL get sleep
4- we will try to be natural parents
5- we will let our kids eat dirt.
6- we will delay vaccinations
7- we will kill out kids with kisses
8- we will still make time for each other
9- we will love our kids silly
10- we have no idea what is in store, except for that one weekend we watched Lexie, Hunter, and Callie, and THAT was FUN!!!

So, it may not come as a shock to anyone that we had no ideas of how we were going to sleep train our kids (until 8 months pregnant) or how we planned to parent in general. Basically, our plan was to love our kids like crazy, let them explore within certain bounds, let them learn from their mistakes and know that it is okay and we love them for who they are, not what they do, and to make sure that they learn the love of Jesus.

Well, in steps this book, and a few things that have my wheels turning.

"Since how children turn out is far more contingent on what is going on inside them
than outside them, unnecessarily tight boundaries undermine the desire of the Holy Spirit, who is working to build a sense of moral resolve in their hearts." Ah, to not keep our children on leashes, in a box, in a yard, with a 6 ft fence, with barbed wire and broken glass on top...

What about WHO we plan to live with other than family? "God left our families in communities to serve as porch lights, if you will, for the lost people around us. We are to be the steady flow that helps them find their way out of the darkness. When families are committed to being this light, they are inclined to live more intimately with Christ. They pray more, they study their Bibles more, they care for one another more, they reach out to their neighbors more."

It is going to be hard not to be fearful when I put Brookie on the kindergarten school bus to our neighborhood school, or let a teenager babysit her for the first time, or let her go to a sleepover, but "If we have put our faith in Him, we should be the last people afraid of just about anything!

I also find it interesting that many of us like to live by checklists, and I hope that I don't put that on my kids.
- said my prayers
- had a smile on my face all day
- spoke kindly to everyone
- said my prayers as lunch
- wore my WWJD bracelet

I don't want my kids to do this because it is on a list that they have to do, I want them to say their prayers because they KNOW God is listening and because he is their best friend. I want them to be kind and use nice words because they know that Jesus did that, they can wear the bracelet because they have a deep yearning to be like Him. Not because they have to put on a show for their friends or God, he knows it is just a SHOW!

I loved one part: "We start by surrendering our fears to the God who loves us and has a fabulous plan for our family." He LOVES us with such intensity that he doesn't want this to be a fight- he has the best plan for our family, we have to listen to find it.

I hope that we CAN be this home: "Children brought up in homes where they are free to be different, vulnerable, candid, and to make mistakes learn firsthand what the genuine love of God looks like."- I am still dreaming of what this looks like day to day, not just stating, "It's okay Brooke!" 100 times a day, but truly showing her that she is a creation of our God, and so I read "On the Night You were Born" to her every night. :)

Believe me I would.

If I could catch every coo and put it in a box, I would, that box is my heart.

If I could gather every giggle and hold it in my hand, I would, that hand is my heart.

If I could stockpile every smile and put it on a shelf, I would, that shelf is my heart.

If I could capture every cry and store it in a suitcase, I would, that suitcase is my heart.

If I could group every gaze and wear it as a necklace, I would, that necklace is my heart.

And if I could keep hold of you forever, I would, for you are my heart, believe me I would.


Outtakes:

If I could heap every hair pull and put it in the closet, I would.
If I could flock every hissy fit and put it at the bottom of the ocean, I would.
If I could get together every gassy night and put it in the clouds, I would.

Nothing.

Right now, my baby is sitting on her daddy's lap, making fists in front of her face and refusing to sleep. (With a ton of droll down her face, Lord I hope she is not getting a tooth.) I am not going to fight her. Think what you might, if you had a week like mine, you may not bother either. She slept in bed with us more than she should have, and napped with me in bed or on the couch more than she should have, too. Well, I guess more than what the books say. But, it is really okay.

But this week, we have had the most awful thing happen to our family, and I have no words.

I am broken. I am a mess. I am tearful. There is a lump in my throat that won't go away. It truly is inexplainable what I feel.

My cousin's sweet baby boy went to be with Jesus so unexpectedly this week. There is no comfort, just loss right now.

This bond that we have shared through our children will always be there, but what words are there to say? None. We were pregnant together. I had the girl, she got the boy. And so perfect they each were, so beautifully perfectly wonderful.

The prayers I pray seem wordless. My head spins as I break for my cousin and her family. The prayers I pray for their healing, peace and God's grace to cover them, fill my day. It is obsessive, the only thing I know I can control. That and baking, I bake when I am upset, so there have been a lot of cookies and brownies in my house since Thursday. Last night I sat in bed with nothing- no words, no tears, blank. Today, I put on the face. I'm not in shock any more, just numb. Numb for them.

Pray a prayer for them if you will.

"I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home." -Glory Baby

I wish I could have held you little Hudson, we love you.

Writing a song to my baby, because my friend did too.

My girlfriend made up a song for her little girl, regardless of how silly it sounds or how off key she may be. (But I know you aren't Liz! :)

So, when Brooke has been upset, or just won't go down and I don't know what to say to her, I can sing a simple song, that goes to a tune something like Jesus Loves Me.


B is for my baby,
R I really love you.
O you are outstanding,
O you're only ours.
K we knew you'd come to us,
L for all the love you bring,
Y because you are here
N for now and always.
Brooklyn,
Brooklyn,
Brooklyn Victoria C_________________.

And today, that was all she needed to close those baby blues and take a nap so this Momma can (watch biggest loser) clean the kitchen and paint.

Three Stories

I read in some parenting book given to me by a wonderful coworker (ex, I suppose :( ) that it is important to have a nightly routine for baby.

I read this months ago, and they said to begin this around month 2, so we did. However, this other book tells us to start at 3.5 to 4 months old, and now I see why the other book told us to start sooner. It isn't for the baby as much as it is for the parents to be in routine, it is hard to learn a new routine when you're so used to another. When this comes to parenting, it is so easy with a new baby to be quite laissez faire and go about your life... until she is 3.5 months old, then baby needs something predictable for bedtime. We all like it. Everyone has a routine, ours was usually TV, shower, jammies, bed, snuggle, kiss, night.

Anyway, we have had a routine for at least a month now with Brooke, (crazy!!) of feeding, bath, diaper, clothes, snuggles, bed.

After reading this newer book, they suggested story time. I know Brooke has no clue what I am saying, but the repetition of a story is supposed to help calm her down and let her know it is time to sleep.

Well, tonight, we did bath, diaper, jammies, feeding, stories, kisses from daddy, bed. And she was out like a light, that was about 30 minutes ago. After a 10 hour stretch of sleep last night, I'm pretty much 100% positive she'll be up within the hour, and that is A-OK with me.

But I was thinking about these stories that I am reading to Brooke every night. They aren't Jesus, Bible thumping stories (although we received many that we love), but just books about how much we love our girl.

My favorite lines are a sweet ending to a full week and a beautiful beginning to a new one.

"Everything about you is especially fine, I love what you are, I love what you do, Oooo, I love you." -Snuggle Puppy

"I love all that you will be and everything you are." -How do I love you?

"You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway." -Olivia

Selfish Momma

I'm learning that when I get frustrated with my child, it is not always because I don't know what to do, but more so, because I am a selfish person who would rather not be dealing with a crying baby.

That's not easy to say.

When I became a real mom (we said I was a mom from the moment we knew I was pregnant, okay, that's a lie, we called ourselves parents with our dog, because she is our baby, think what you want, we love her.) my best friend K and I talked about how much we feel like we have given up happily for our girls. Fewer showers, less time on the computer/phone, no shopping trips just for fun, less sleep. And yes, our bodies, although mine is looking quite better (clothed) than before I had Brooklyn. (Unfortunately a c-section gave me a forever flap of belly fat, gross, but hey, I still feel sexy. It's all in the head.) Anyway, yes, moms are probably the most selfless people I know. I recall many times my mom has been selfless, and there are too many to count. It is just what moms (and dads) do for their kids.

But some days I am tired of it, and I am really selfish. I will whisper, "Go to sleep baby," in the most loving tone I can muster. (Yes, I know I'm not the only one here, amen.) All because I want to sit on the computer and NOT work. Or I want to take a long shower, or put on makeup.

I'm not sure that will ever go away, and that is okay, because I promise to give myself grace here. I have committed to still take care of myself- it would be crazy not to. And yes, for me, mascara is a necessity, I feel like a nasty looking weirdo without it, and you can't feel like that and be the best momma you can be. But, I know that Brooke will nap every day, so I need to just relax and let her nap when she is ready (drowsy but not yet asleep, blah blah blah) and not get frustrated because I want her to nap now.

So, there is my confession, I still, and always will be selfish, but I'll work on it, and let you know how that goes.... if I remember.

Ps- Brooke just woke up as I finished typing this, "Of course you'd only take an hour nap," I said it my head, and made sure to hold her extra tight and kiss her when I picked her up, "but I'm happy you are here, and blessed that you are mine."

One of those nights.

Last night was one of those nights where I really thought Brooke would be an only child. Then I woke up to little smacks on my chest, and a big smile on my baby's face and figured eh, we can have 10 more, bring it on! Well... I can't have 10 more, stupid c-section and pocketbook. But we're open :)

It was a night where she fell right asleep. Bliss. I went .7 miles away to look at a house with my brother, best friend (who will be my sister in law), and mother. Come on, I HAD to go, my brother actually called me close to a million times yesterday. I can't even remember the last time he called me. The fact that he invited me to look at this house was a huge step. He likes me again, and that makes me get emotional. Man, we used to be best friends. We'd talk for hours, shop together, nap together, watch tv and movies together, talk guys/girls together. Then I dated/married one of his best friends... now he is planning to do the same to me, and he is finally talking to me again. Anyway, it was great to see this house, and know that my girl was asleep.

I think she smelled me or something, because within 10 minutes of getting home she was awake. She probably thought it was a nap or something.

It was one of those nights where you give her back the paci and she sleeps for 10 minutes, so you just let her get up because you're close to positive she thought it was a nap.

One of those nights when she is smiling so much, she can't be tired. She is cooing, talking and squealing. (And, her eyes are not red, which is the sure sign of exhaustion.)

She starts to yawn so you lay her down, mass hysteria. You pick her up, do a little bouncing, kisses, "shhh shhhhhhhh" es. Lay her down, she buys it.

Then she fusses, you play hot dog on the grill. You know the game, tummy, side, back, side, tummy, back. "Child, GO to sleep!" you whisper.

You walk out of the room, victory, for 25 seconds.

Your husband takes over, because you've played hot dog on the grill for close to 45 minutes and are quite bleary eyed.

He plays bounce, set, bounce set to no avail. He is covered in spit up, she is covered, it is disgusting.

She talks, gurgles, coos.

So finally, we all give. FINE child, it is bedtime for the whole family, apparently. We lay her down, and she will not stop talking.

What is wrong? Tears stream down my face because I am her mom, and I don't know what is wrong.

I feed her.

Screams.

I bounce her.

Screams.

One of those nights, but I KNOW something is wrong, because this kid does not cry unless something is wrong. So, we give her Tylenol. She doesn't have a fever, but something is wrong, and we are out of ideas.

Finally daddy gets the lotion, I strip her down and start rubbing her belly in clockwise circles, screaming gets louder and finally, giggles.

Massive farts her Papa would be proud of and some poops.

We change her pants, put her back in bed and blood curdling screams, I rub her belly again... shocking, more poops. So, we change her... again.

So, not only has it been a hot dog, bouncy down, clean pants/dirty kind of a night, but honestly, I can't keep my eyes open anymore and it is only 10:30. Pathetic I say.

She finally went down in her own bed and all was calm. Right as I fell asleep she fussed.

Daddy gets the "it's not worth it" face and baby is in bed with Mom and Dad.

We're still not sure what it was last night, but we all got a good night's sleep thank God.

And she went down like a champ for her nap today... after talking to herself for 30 minutes.

It kind of feels like a victory, even though I am checking her every 10 minutes since she is belly sleeping.

Oh those nights, you make mommying pretty difficult, but goodness are those smiles and giggles so worth it. Thank you for the happiest baby around, smiling even through her gas pains. Man, I am beyond blessed to share in those nights.

I'll screw up my kids.

Congratulations B-lyn, you have officially worn out your mother to the point of sheer exhaustion. (Last night I didn't know which direction was up it seemed) Now, be a good little girl and sleep for more than 3 hours.

Ahhh, I'm that mom who totally lets her baby sleep in bed with her because she wants to be well rested. And that is okay with me, and her daddy.

I'm also that mom who loves hearing what other people do for their kids... when they don't tell me what to do with my own.

Oops, was that too forward? I love you people, really I do! But we all think we know what we're doing here... and quite frankly, none of us do. So let's just share our experiences and move on with it. None of your screwed up your kids too much, so I won't ruin mine. Jeanny told me a long time ago it is not about not screwing up your kids, because every one does, but it is about screwing them up as little as possible. Forgive me if thinking sleeping with your parents sometimes (at 3 months old) is not damaging.

Maybe Brooke will sleep with us until she is 16 like our friend Jake did.. hehe, just kidding, or maybe 14 like her mom, but really, I'm a normal person, so does it matter that much? Trust me, Jon and I will find time to be together, trust me.

Let's see, what other horrible things do we do?

Well, Brooklyn gets a paci right off the floor- and she is our first born!

She even sucks on my fingers when I can't find the paci. Or grandma's knuckles, or shoulder, or biceps, or whatever.

Brooke peed in her bed where I change her last week and I didn't change the sheets yet because I can barely get the mattress out of the crib let alone get the ridiculous mattress pad cover thingie on- seriously baby product makers of the world, you SAY I can wash and tumble dry low, you lie. So, I just change her on a sheet cover instead. Oh, and I let her lay naked on a pile of quilts this weekend to air out her tiny diaper rash, and she peed on the blankets. Yup, peed.

Ps- tonight, daddy let her lay on the same blanket, which, you guessed it, wasn't washed this weekend, but it is on the docket for tomorrow morning! Don't call DCFS on me, she laid on the other half of the blanket.

Brooke slept on her tummy this week, and she slept for 12 whole hours, WHOLE.

Then she didn't, and that was great. Insert sarcasm.

I've always thought of children as an alarm clock, Jon and I cared for Lexie, Hunter and Callie two years ago for a weekend, they woke us up bright and early. Well... Brooke does this, then falls back asleep, glory hallelujah child, God MADE you for this family! So, this morning when I fed her at 7:15 I figured we'd get another hour or 2 out of her and off to church we'd go... until we all woke up at 10:20- thank you baby girl for the sleep! You can NOT be my alarm clock any day!

And as for vacuuming, if you read my blog normally, I used it in the living room the other day. So don't worry. :) And I swiffer a few times a week, so my house really is clean, and I wash the shower, and the toilet, and the sinks, and the kitchen counters... just I hate vacuuming when the baby sleeps, and changing sheets is my worst nightmare.

Miss Little Homemaker

This week I decided to be super wife and super mom, naturally.

The house is clean.

The toilet has been scrubbed.

The laundry is done.

The diapers are done being prepped.

And- I have cooked two REAL meals. Since Brooke was born, I have cooked:

1- ranch breaded chicken cubes
2- macaroni and hot dogs
3- tacos
4- taco salad

So... this week I set out on a little journey to cook the way that I love to. Truly both meals were so great that I have to tell you what I made!

Chicken Quesadillas

1 T. chili powder
2 T. fresh chopped cilantro
1 T. olive oil
1 lime
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 packages shredded Mexican cheese
1/2 onion diced
1/2 tomato diced
1 chicken breast

1. Mix chili powder, cilantro, olive oil, lime, salt and cumin.
2. Slice chicken breast
3. Cover chicken in mixture.
4. Cook chicken in skillet until there is no pink left inside.
5. Remove chicken from pan and shred when cool enough to touch.
6. In the same skillet, saute onions until golden brown.
7. Heat clean pan (I use cast iron) and place in a tortilla.
8. Layer- cheese, chicken, onion, tomato, cheese. Cover with another tortilla. Warm until cheese is melted.
9. Remove from pan and slice with pizza cutter.

Serve with rice, sour cream and salsa.

AND...

Lemon garlic chicken (I seriously said, "This tastes like wedding food!" and I have been to some GOOD weddings!)

3 T. olive oil
zest of one lemon
3 cloves of garlic (Friends, this means 3 of the little lumps that make up ONE giant lumpy piece or garlic, NOT three big whole things, you might die if you use that much, just saying)
1 T. fresh parsley (I used curly parsley)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 chicken breast

1. Marinate chicken for a little while. (While my chicken was cooking for the quesadillas I made the marinade for this meal and let it sit overnight.)
2. Slice and dice chicken breast.
2. I cooked in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes. (sprinkled the rest of the marinade over the meat)

Served with mashed potatoes, hello!

Jon and I share a chicken breast every night, so it is always sliced or cut up before I cook it. Reasons why I do this?
1- cheaper
2- less meat, we really don't need HUGE portions of meat with every meal (unless it is teriyaki beef)
3- cooks way faster, making it cheaper to cook too!

So, this Suzy Homemaker is pooped this week, but her husband has a full belly, and a little garlic breath, but that's okay.

I'm working on making 3 great meals a week, tonight we're aiming for Crispy Citrus Chicken Teriyaki, I'll let you know how it goes.

My Three Month Old

Brooklyn,

You are three months old today, and the load you landed in your pants made me proud. I suppose I should not say that it was in your pants per se... seeing as most of it ended up on your bouncy seat... As disgusting as THAT was, it may gross you (and readers) out that you absolutely love it when the dog licks your face... and in your mouth. What can I say? No sibling rivalry in this house! (But please, learn to kiss with your mouth closed quickly.)

The amount of "things" you've learned this month amaze me.

You can suck your thumb now, but do a pretty bad job, not gonna lie. You just can't get any suction on that skinny stick of a finger, and I am grateful for this.

You rolled over on 9/8/10 in bed about five times and then on 9/9/10 you rolled over on the living room floor unassisted, and scared yourself pretty badly! :) What a cutie! I now put 2 quilts down so when you try again another day, your head won't thump so loudly.

You giggle like no other, the cutest belly laugh. You laugh AT daddy and I, and you are thrilled at our belly farts, tickles, peek a boo, and smiles.

You still love being naked and squeal with delight at bath time.

You are so proud as you stand on our laps.

You no longer fit in infant diapers. You make us proud and are growing every day, in the 90th percentile for weight at 14 lbs. 3.4 ounces, the 92nd percentile for height at 24 3/4 inches, and 97th percentile for head measurement... girl, you got brains! :)

You gurgle as you talk to us, this used to be your little pre-cry. Now, it is your words! when you get really excited you squeal out coos that sound like "Hi!" and I swear you cry out "Momma!" late at night. Sometimes you scream so loud I cringe, happy squeals at least!

Right now, you are supposed to be in bed on this birthday evening. However, you are laying on the living room floor with Daddy playing "There she is!" and laughing with your mouth as wide as you can open it. You are gurgling, "Ah geeeee," and screaming. You're getting sleepy, and we'll tuck you in again soon.

How precious to see a daddy and his daughter, even though you SHOULD be in bed.

(B went down perfectly tonight, one paci plug and out. She woke up an hour into sleep like she ALWAYS does, slept for another 30 minutes after I fed her (my book says to try feeding to see if it is a hunger or sleep problem, it was hunger). Then, you woke up... again. And you are so awake, so daddy and I think it was just a nap. So, you'll get to be up again and we'll go to bed around 9:30, you stinker. But, that is what happens when your naps get screwed up by going to the doctor!)

I'm sorry you got a shot on your birthday today, but am so proud of you!

On a side note...

Last night before bed I was thinking about the kind of woman I hope you become, and sweet girl, as I am reflecting on that thought, I pray that you will be like Mary, Lazarus's sister in Bethany. Brooke, I hope that you will be enamored with our Lord and sit at His feet as He teaches you. That you will take time out of your day for Him and not get caught up in the little things. (But you still have to do your chores, just saying.)

Love you little girl.

The Voice of God and my little girl

At night and nap time I whisper "shhhhhhhhhh," into my daughters ear holding her tight to my chest. I "shhhhhhh" as I lay her down, and "shhhhhh" as I walk to the door.

The lights are dim and I hear a sweet suckle on a pink pacifier. Her breaths get quick and short as she searches her crib for my face.

I whisper, "shhhhhhhhhh" and her feet stop kicking. Her hands relax from flailing and she holds tight to her chest. "Brooke, Mama is here," I barely let the words leave my lips.

She knows I am there, although she cannot see me.

This routine reminds me of having faith in my God. I cannot see him, surely I can see the beautiful work of his hands in my daughter's face, the seasons changing, and the life all around me, but I cannot see his face. Brooklyn cannot see my face as I lay her to sleep, but she can hear my voice. And if I am still, if I truly sit and listen, I hear my Heavenly Father calling out to me.

The first time I truly heard God's voice was my junior year in high school. While laying on a freezing gray concrete floor in North Park University between a row of chairs, the speaker at SLAM or SEMP that year I think, told us to be silent. To simply sit and be. To quiet our minds, to stop everything.

I usually count my breaths when nothing is going on, I usually get to 10 then get bored and start tapping my foot or fingers. I think about what I ate for lunch. Where Ashley, Karen, Ben, Andy, Jamie are sitting. How cold that darn floor is. STOP? This was torture.

"Be still, be quiet. Don't think to breath, just lay there and be."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? There is NOTHING there!

But I trusted, and sat, and waited. Finally I got to the point where I literally heard nothingness. (This is how I trained myself to fall asleep so quickly too, but have since lost that talent with the becoming of a worrying mother and all... or more so thinking mother.)



I'm not sure if it was that day, or another day that we did this exercise again. My memory sucks, p.s. did you notice? But this time, the speaker challenged us to be silent, to still our minds and simply listen to the scripture he read. We were supposed to see what stuck out to us and then repeat that over and over and over until he spoke again. I know that I wrote down what stuck out to me in a journal that is buried in my basement at the moment.

It went something like this: "Psalm 25:4-5

Show me the right path, O Lord, point out the road for me to follow,"

for me to follow, for me to follow, for me to follow on and on and on and on.

Then we did this again, I would have missed the rest of what he said, and I waited to hear what God wanted me to get out of this lesson.

"Show me the right path, O Lord, point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me."

God who saves me, God who saves me, God who saves me.

"Show me the right path, O Lord, point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Hope in you, hope in you, hope in you, hope in you.

Does any of it make sense when put together?

For me to follow, God who saves, hope in you.

Nope, but each moment I clearly heard that what stuck out to me, and that was ALL that I heard, and it was JUST what God wanted me to hear. Just those few words, or even one word. It was like, deep within my soul, a tug that made those words sound different than everything else. So surely, it was some man's voice that said them, but truly God who spoke them.

By faith, I know that was the voice of God.

So when B-lyn goes down to sleep, she has this sense of faith that I am right there, although she cannot hear me. When she grows up, she will hear my voice even when I am not around. "Brooke, be kind. Be gentle. Use nice hands. Look before you cross the street."

Tonight I called out to her and she wrestled in her bed after a few "shhhhhhhhh"es, "Brooklyn, Mama is right here." in a quiet whisper, and she heard me, because she was listening.

God is calling out to each of us, but we are so busy we don't even take the time to listen for it.

Do you?

Floppy Ears

If that dog goes into the bedroom and flops her ears ONE MORE TIME.

I am really excited for the mom's group at Faith to start up, SO excited. I really want to build community with other women, young moms or old moms. I want to be surrounded by women who are supportive and loving. I have the best mom in the world, the best mother in law, and amazing sister in laws. My three best friends make my life wonderful. I just need more, do you know that feeling? You have what IS and looks so great, but you still need more? I don't care if I have five hundred friends or three, but mommying is tricky and sharing it is so much more fun. What a blessing to share it with family, every day, AH, I love it! And am ready to share more!!

I hope that I'm not getting my hopes up, but I'll let them get up because that is who I am. I get really excited about life and I'd be lying if I didn't. I squeal with joy, laugh like a mad man, and clap my hands like there is something wrong with me. I love enjoying life, and I WILL pass that on to my daughter.

I also hope that I will pass on laughter, belly laughs that hurt. That she will laugh with our family and be able to laugh at herself. She did a great job of this this morning in bed with Daddy for their dance party. Seriously, MELT my heart! Jon was made to be this little girl's daddy!

Even though tonight was the roughest bedtime in a long time, I am so happy I got to snuggle my little punk until she was just ready for bed, finally.

So dog, REALLY, shake it all you want out here, but I swear, if you shake it in that bedroom, those floppy precious black ears and double jingler collar, you're sleeping in your cage. (But probably not.)

Ps- Did I say that I ALWAYS wanted a son? Hair bows, flowers, headbands and hats, WHAT was I thinking? Thank you GOD for knowing just what we needed! (Although, I'd take a son in a heart beat!)

You make me look good.

Thank you little girl, thank you for being so good. Especially, thank you for being good in front of our friends, it makes me feel like I'm doing a really good job. :) Not that if you were fussy I would feel that I weren't, but you make me feel so proud. And really, it is okay with me that you have a meltdown in the car after being so happy. And it would be okay if you had a meltdown, I'd be proud to me your mom anyway. I love you- I simply think you are simply amazing. I could not think of a better daughter to have.

Love you cutest punky in the world!

And I'm totally serious, I have this conversation with her, "Thanks for not melting down until we got in the car!" Oh mothering, I love this, and was MADE for this!

Cloth Diaper Stuff

A lot of people ask me a lot about cloth diapers, and yes, still, after 12 weeks I am IN LOVE. We rarely have an explosion from prefolds, HALLELUJAH! And I have explosions from pocket diapers as often as I do in disposables, so I'll take it! :)

This is how I prep my prefold diapers on a budget, for those of you who care.

It is suggested to run diapers through 5-10 HOT washes before use to make the diapers fully absorbent. I do not have the need to fill my ENTIRE washer (ya ya, it doesn't do smaller loads, and that is still too much) with HOT water 10 times, I only have 24 diapers.

When you receive (yes, spell check caught that, I have NEVER been able to spell this stupid word!) your diapers, they will be very flat, almost like a tissue. I unwrap them and blob them all into my sink. I put about 3 inches of the HOTTEST water I can get in there, it is so hot I can barely touch the dipes. Let them soak up the water, wring them out over the ones that did not get wet. Here, I am using as little hot water as possible, just re-using it without having to re-heat. Get it?



After all of the diapers are soaked, I put them into a diaper pail (aka Home Depot bucket, less than $5) and bring them down to the wash. No, I do not wring out the final diapers, that is the washer's job! :)





So, I bring the diapers to the wash and throw them all in for a drain and spin to use less gas in drying. This is about 6 minutes of electricity.



Then, I dry them!

When I'm done, I drop them off on the kitchen table.



And, I repeat wetting process, or wait for my other diapers that need to be washed and throw them in together. This way, some soap comes into contact with them and can get anything off that doesn't need to be there (sizing, packaging, you never know...).



See how they are all fluffy now? This was taken after about 6 washes, I think we're good to go, but since B still fits in her infant size, I will use them and keep washing away since I have to wash any way. The darker colored diapers are Indian cotton and take more prepping, but I LOVE them. (These are also "premium" meaning that the center strip has more fabric, a 4x8x4.) The white are Chinese cotton and are most common, but, they do not sell these in premium where I purchased my dipes.



And my covers/rubber pants?

They are right here, well, a few!

The green is a FLIP- LOVE these even though they do not have leg gussets, my jelly roll holds poopies in (usually). I also have a butternut color, these both will fit her until she is about 30 pounds.
The blue is a Thirsties, pretty good, a little awkward at times as the front is more of a straight cut, I like to wrap the front around her waist towards the back for extra protection. I also have a green in the next size up.
The white is a Kissaluvs, no matter what setting, it is SO tight on her legs!
I also have a Blueberry (LOVE IT!). This will fit her until she is 30 pounds.





And, I fasten my diapers with a snappi. This is a rubbery Y shaped (with REALLY long 'V' parts and the leg is short) contraption that literally hooks (like teeth) into the diaper and holds it in place. Very easy to use once you've played a few times! Maybe I'll show you some time, but my baby is asleep. I just have never photographed her without a cover on... don't want pee all over myself.

And so, that is diaper prepping.

Cheaper than 10 washes, uses less water, and makes them just as fluffy! :)

Road Trip

I wish there were some funny stories to tell about our 8 hour, then 7 hour car ride to Shreve, Ohio and back.... but, I am so grateful that really, there aren't any.

Other than the old man/lady crabbing we did at jerky drivers, it was pretty smooth. Brooke slept almost the entire way, seriously. We stopped once, then got lost in Mansfield and had to stop again, if we hadn't gotten lost, one time would have been plenty! The babe woke up and I entertained her with a rattle, that kid LOVED it! Really, a butterfly on a rattle = pure bliss. Hilariously wonderful.

I was thinking if other people have these awful thoughts when placing their child's car seat before a long trip, or ever:

- If we get in an accident, and she dies, I hope I die too, so maybe we should be on the same side of the car.
- What would Jon do if he lost both of us? Maybe we should be on opposite sides of the car.
- What if Jon is driving, where does B go?
- What if I drive?

We got a hot van, and are still talking about how fabulous it was for us. I could climb back and forth from the front to back. It was such a smooth and comfortable ride with a lot of space.

We spent hours upon hours with Brooke's great grandma Sue and grandpa Walt on this trip, by the way, Jon put Blyn's car seat on my side, thank goodness I didn't have to make that decision. We talked about Dear John letters, great great great grandparents, pictures, sleep habits, farming, Lebron James, and babies. We even found a few cute family names along the way, Everett and Parilee, along with lots and lots of people who went by their initials.

I spend a lot of time alone, well, Brooke is on my hip, or bouncing with me, but I think a lot. I think about the blessing that family is to our family. And more than that, is I think how amazing it is who Brooke has around. Maybe it is normal, but it doesn't seem normal to me. Four great grandmas, 2 great grandpas, a great great aunt and uncle in the next town over and even more across states, great aunts and uncles all over, second cousins, some removed, etc. If this child needs a family member, she's got one almost anywhere. It is so special, such a sense of security that I hope she will grow up feeling.

She is still napping, almost 2 hours, she missed her morning nap, so figures! Last night Jon put Brooke to bed and it only took about 15 minutes until she was out- 7pm OH YEA! I fed her again at 10:30 (planned it) and she made it unitl 5:30, then we both slept until 8:45, sweet sweet girl. My little 12 week old punk, oh how I love her.

Ps- I want matching pajamas as a family this Christmas... totally dorky and awesome.

Rambling Wednesday

Today, I blogged in my head, and I was really funny.

Now, I'm just sitting here with a super cute brown haired princess strapped to my chest who refuses to lay in her own bed. Have we created a monster? It is a 99% possibility, but I'll take it! "Don't let your kids sleep in your bed! Force them to nap every day on their own. Cry it out!"

No thanks.

I help soothe B-lyn to sleep, but today when she shrieked to the point of almost passing out like her momma did as a baby, I said SCREW THIS! And snuggled my pumpkin while rubbing her little belly. I tried keeping milk out of my life, I do not know if she is sensitive to it or not, but it didn't seem to change any tummy problems. Maybe it isn't a tummy problem after all since she fell asleep on my chest in bed, and again in the Moby? I'm not sure... but that wasn't a sad cry, that's all I know, because, well... I'm her momma.

I just got my pants stuck in the computer chair, because heaven forbid Victoria's Secret make their pants for NORMAL people rather than German/Swedish/Swiss models with a 40 inch inseam... mine is 28.5, I don't think they even make jeans that short in a custom jean shop. Geesh.

I did the dishes today with B asleep, even dropped a few things that made me jump, sweet sleeping baby didn't notice one bit. Glory hallelujah!

We're leaving on Friday to visit Jon's family, don't come and rob my house, we don't have anything good. Anyway... Jon's car was hit at school by a worker, so he is getting it repaired over the long weekend- strategy here: Work will get a rental car for us, would like larger car for travel in case Nana wants to come with, lower gas mileage than our big car. Therefore.... we are SO excited to get a MINI VAN!!!!!!!

So not kidding. I am chomping at the bit to get a mini van with our next child/2 or whatever, and Jon is 100% on board. We may be the ONLY 24 and 26 year olds with this desire... and that rocks. More on the lot for us to pick from as all those old 30 somethings trade their vans in. Oh shut it, my blog, I can call you old, sisters :), the benefit to being the baby.

We really see the value and function in the size of a van. We get the whole SUV/Crossover Craze, it makes sense: spend more money, get less usable space, and look cool. Um, sign me up. NOT. I can barely climb into Jonathan's SUV without holding on to the side... put a child in my hand, we'll be diving head first. Let's not even discuss gas mileage. For our life, a van will make much sense. I am very happy to get a van one day... when we have the money.

I'm a believer: Breast milk Saves

This morning little B woke up with loose boogers, the kind that force her to sound like a cow as she sleeps. Poor babe. She snored her little heart out as she snuggled with me and all Daddy and I could do was smile!

I tried the booger sucker- and it didn't work. But she didn't mind it (I stick it in her nose regularly so she isn't afraid/shocked by it).

So... I tried the breast milk in the nose. If you don't know, breast milk is known to heal. The most common that people know of are stuffy noses and eye infections. REALLY!

So, here's our story. B is snuggled up next to me, getting to the point that she is screaming to breathe because of this little booger (which we should have named MONDO booger). We let her get pretty upset so that it would loosen, thinking possibly she would shoot it free herself, wouldn't that be impressive? I hate hearing her cry even a little, so I started to feed her. If I pull her off, or she falls off within the first five minutes, I've got a good 1 foot range of squirting milk. I aimed it at her face and got as much into each nostril as possible, then fed her again. At this point in time, it looked as though someone had splatter painted my child's face with some super light white liquid. (I know what a splatter painted face looks like because the neighbors and I painted their bedroom this way... using paint, not breast milk silly.)

As she continued to eat, this GIANT SNOT ROCKET comes flying out, sucks back in, flies out, sucks back in and I am grabbing for it with each breath that she takes. Jon frantically searches the bed for the booger sucker and I catch it! Aha you little booger- hehe. It was HUGE! And BOY are we grateful THAT dislodged, our girl is back to sleeping under her daddy's armpit, NOT sounded like a dying calf. And I like that. :)

Other ways to use breast milk, for ourselves too!!:

-On mosquito/bug bites/stings (even your own)
-Scrapes, burns, scratches
-Cancer sores
-Diaper rash, clean area first with warm water and NO soap, then squirt milk onto cutie bootie and rub in or let air dry
-Acne and eczema, rashes or hives again, clean, then rub in or let air dry
-Plugged eye ducts, no need for eye drops. When baby is asleep squirt a few drops over eye slit, gently lift lid to get it underneath
-Chicken pox, to help ease itchiness (I hope my pastor's wife was able to try this!!! :)
-Red eyes, squirt in there like a plugged duct
-Chapped lips and skin, simply rub it in, rub in it (I said this like, plug it in, plug it in.... Ahh, good jingle)
-Ear infections, squirt it in there!

I just think these all make sense, why not try it before heading to the doctor? I think it is safe to say that MOST people wait it out a few days before they take their child in. Why not try something that can't hurt while you wait it out those 2 or 3 days... and if it works, what have you lost?

Not only that, but breast feeding alone can reduce your risk of breast cancer. There are also so many diseases that can be treated with breast milk, I've read of hospitals giving it to adult cancer patients, intriguing! So if you've got some extra milk- donate it! It will be used!

So, there is a GIANT snot rocket on a blanket in my bed right now, and I think I will take a picture of it for Brooke's baby book "My First BIG Booger." Because really, that thing could have reached up to her brain.