Week 18: Bottle and Boogie Man Battles

Micah had his 4 month check up this week and everything went well. He's 15 lbs 14oz and is 25 inches long. He's in the 60% for weight and 75% for height and head size. Other than a little eczema on his back the doctor said he looks like a healthy little boy! YEAH! Thank the LORD!

That being said, this past week we have been battling with Micah to take a bottle. Last week we bought a new brand of bottles to see if he would like it and he even took 5 ounces from me. BUT he hasn't wanted anything to do with the bottle since! I should have started giving him one regularly when he was a little younger ... (sigh) who knows he might have STILL had problems even now. Well, we're NOT giving up, so if any of you moms out there have any good advice for me I'd love to hear it.

Other than that Micah's week was pretty good. He was out of routine on Sunday so he did have a little bit of a hard time adjusting to naps again on Monday and Tuesday. He also woke up in the middle of the night on Wednesday due to his shots (he got four shots and an oral rota virus vaccine), but I just gave him a little Tylenol and as soon as that kicked in he went right back to sleep.

Jackson had a great week too, but we are just starting to battle his active imagination at night time. Nothing to unmanageable, but still a battle none-the-less. I didn't help matters much yesterday night ... I let Jackson watch "Toy Story." Usually I skip past the scary parts, but I was talking to my friend on the phone about my bottle dilemma with Micah and forgot to pay attention. In the middle of our conversation I heard Jackson yell, "MOMMY! MOMMY, MOMMY!" in the most frightened voice I'd ever heard come out of his little mouth. I quickly turned off the T.V. and ended the conversation with my friend (sorry Rachel). Jackson was so scared that he wouldn't even go near the T.V. He just wanted to go upstairs and cuddle with his daddy who was on a conference call for work (that was part of the reason I let him watch the movie in the first place). We interrupted the meeting for a quick cuddle and then Jackson was fine. I felt SO bad! We talked about how the movie was just pretend and how God will protect him and take care of him. I was fully expecting to be up in the night with Jackson, but he didn't wake up at all (thank you Jesus). Whew! I learned MY lesson!

Week 17: A Quick One

This week was so similar to last week that I almost didn't blog it, but there are a few notes to myself that I need to make.

My progress: I ran out of my DHA supplement that my midwives suggested I take during my pregnancy and while nursing. It enhances your memory and mood. Not to mention that it's chalk full of Omega-3s which is also good for your heart as well. I did see a change in my mood this week so I quickly ordered a refill.

Micah: I finally got Micah to take a full bottle this week. I tried one bottle a day for about three or four days this week. He takes it best while I'm walking around with him. I also switched from the Evenflo bottles to the drop-in Playtex bottles. He seems to be taking the fast latex natural latch nipple well, but I'm hoping to switch him to the silicone as soon as he'll take it because I guess the more he's exposed to latex the higher risk he has of developing an allergy to latex. Anyway, I think we will continue to try and give him one bottle a week at bedtime so that he's okay with taking an occasional bottle from a babysitter.

Jackson: we have "Mommy and Jackson Time" at 10:30 almost every morning now. I'm a little bored of playing "cars" so I found a great website called Toddler Toddler that has some fun ideas for things to do with Jackson during that time. This week we made our own puzzles out of scrap pictures, we visited a virtual circus (on YouTube) and made his bedroom into a library (he had his own library card and everything). We had a couple of sunny days this week too, so being outside helped too! I'd love to hear other mom's ideas on how to entertain a toddler without just turning on a video (which is very appropriate and tempting at times, but I TRY to make it my last resort).

AWESOME Prayer

Colin and Jackson were on their way to get me some coffee (Monday is usually my Starbucks night, but I accidentally let my license expire (that's another blog for another time) so I couldn't drive myself). Anyway, on the way to Starbucks Colin and Jackson had the following conversation (or at least something close to it):

Colin: Oh Jackson, when we get back home it will be time for Bible story. Do you remember what tonight's Bible story is about?

Jackson: Say it Dad.

Colin: Yesterday we read about Jesus dying and being buried, but did he stay dead or is he alive?

Jackson: He's alive Dad!

Colin: It's so good that Jesus died and came back to life Jackson because now he can live in our hearts and we can go to heaven. Jesus lives in Mommy's heart and my heart and someday if you ask Jesus he can live in your heart too.

(Long Pause -- Colin said they even talked about something else for a little while)
(Slient Pause)

Jackson: Dear Jesus, please come live in my heart! Amen.

Colin said that Jackson also asked to pray for Micah that he would someday ask Jesus to live in his heart too. I'm not sure if Jackson understands all of the implications of asking Jesus into his heart, but who am I to say that God can't regenerate the heart of my two year old son. Praise the Lord for an answered prayer! May I never forget to pray for the the salvation and sanctification of my children! What a day to celebrate!

New Camera!

Colin surprised me for my birthday with a new digital camera ... it's WAY better than my old one. Here are a few of the pictures I've taken so far.

Week 16: CLICK

Things really seemed to click this week for all of us. I'm sure it helped that none of us are sick right now. Sunday and Monday were the most difficult days of the week because Sunday is compelety out of routine with church and Monday is spent trying to get back into the routine that was interrupted on Sunday. I remember this to be true with Jackson too up until he was even a year old. Worshiping our Lord and Savior is well worth the sacrifice of a routine though and I'm not going to change anything in that regard. I know that Micah will learn how to bounce back quicker over time.

Well, I stuck to the three hour schedule this week like I planned and things are going well. This is the first time that I really feel like we have a good routine established. For my sake and perhaps for yours I'll write down what our daily routine looks like:

7:00am - Jackson wakes up and has time with Colin before Colin goes to work.
7:30am - Micah nurses and Colin is off to work.
8:00am - Micah has awake time downstairs while Jackson and I eat breakfast.
8:45am - Micah goes down for a nap and Jackson and I get cleaned up and dressed for the day. Then we have our morning one on one play time.
10:30am - Micah nurses and Jackson has alone play time until Micah is done and then we all play together.
12:00pm - Micah goes down for a nap and Jackson and I eat lunch.
1:00pm - Jackson goes down for a nap and I get some alone play time (SIGH).
1:30pm - Micah nurses and we have one on one play time.
3:00pm - Micah goes down for a nap and I have a little time to do devotions, rest or plan supper.
4:00pm - Jackson wakes up from his nap.
4:30pm - Micah nurses.
5:30pm - I start getting supper ready.
6:00pm - Colin comes home from work and we have supper and Micah goes down for a nap.
6:30pm - Colin and Jackson have one on one play time.
7:15pm - Wake up Micah and Jackson starts to get ready for bed.
7:30pm - Bible time with Jackson and Micah.
7:45pm - Jackson in bed and Micah gets ready for bed and nurses.
8:00pm - Micah in bed.

That's pretty much how the week went this week. It gets more complicated when you add in going grocery shopping and the library, which I'm so proud that I accomplished this week as well. I was also able to clean my entire house and do all the laundry this friday too (my sister and her brother-in-law are visiting this weekend) which I haven't done since before Micah was born.

Colin and I celebrated Valentine's last night by getting a babysitter and going out to eat. I was so excited because Micah and Jackson had had a GREAT day of naps and playtime and I got cleaning done and Colin came home early from work it was a GREAT day!! We enjoyed a wonderful meal at a very nice restaurant, but the babysitter called and said that Micah wouldn't take the bottle I prepared for him. Luckily we were pretty much done with dinner and didn't sound like Micah was too fussy. So, we finished up and headed home to feed Micah. We hadn't tried giving him a bottle since he was about 10 weeks old, so I wasn't sure how he'd do with it. We were able to successfully give Jackson a bottle at least once a week, so that freed us to go on dates whenever we wanted or needed to. This will be our next goal for Micah!!

Good week all in all!!

20 Children's Books

Jackson and I LOVE going to the library and Santa Maria just got a brand new library this past summer so we have been VERY spoiled. We go to the library at least once a week to check out half a dozen books at one time. Of course, we read them all in one day and continue to read them over and over again throughout the week. WE LOVE BOOKS! So, we decided to put together a list of books that we thought were worth checking out again. This is mostly a list of library books, so it does not include any of the books we own (with the exception of the Bible Stories and Curious George) and therefore there are some classics that did not make this list. It was hard to decide on only 20 books and of course I have two boys so most of these are boyish books, but I think they'd still be fun for girls too. Anyway, I hope you enjoy our list and get a chance to check them out at your local library some time! "But you don't have to take my word for it!" (Sorry. Just had to slip that Reading Rainbow flashback in there!)





"365 Bible Stories for Young Hearts"
We bought this book for Jackson when he was VERY little. Colin and I love this book because it has a concise Bible story every day, but it doesn't water down the true Bible stories ... yes it even includes stories like Jezebel getting eaten by dogs. It also includes some interpretation of the Bible stories, but for the most part they are just telling the stories from the Bible.





"The Complete Adventures of Curious George" by Margaret and H.A. Rey
One of Jackson's all time favorite books. Of course you have to look past some of the cultural norms of the 1950s like George smoking a pipe before he goes to bed, but it's a classic and every kid can relate to being curious and sometimes a little too curious.





"Digger Man" By Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha
This book is a part of a series of books by Andrea Zimmerman. A cute story about a boy who imagines what it would be like and what he would do if he had a digger. We read this when I was pregnant with Micah and it sparked conversations about what it would be like to be a big brother as well.




"Hot Air: The Mostly True Story of the First Hot Air Balloon Ride" by Marjorie Priceman
A very fun tale of the first hot air balloon ride in France. There are actually very few words in this book except for the very beginning and end of this book which makes it fun for the imagination. I love at the end of the book the brief history of the actual invention of the hot air balloon.








"Can You See What I See Trucks and Cars" by Walter Wick
A great eye spy book for young readers. Jackson could look at this one for HOURS ... luckily we checked it out when he was potty training and it was small enough for him to hold while he was on the potty.







"C is for Caboose: Riding the Rail from A to Z"
A great book for parent and child with fun railroad trivia and historical photographs.









"Walter the Farting Dog" by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray Illustrated by Audrey Coleman
My mom actually introduced Jackson to this book. It's a very whimsical book about a gassy dog and how one can turn a problem into a solution.







"Mother, Mother, I Want Another" by Maria Polushkin Robbins Illustrated by Jon Goodell
A cute bedtime story dedicated to Moms! Gotta love these stories!












"A Vistor For Bear" by Bonny Becker Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
A wonderful story about friendship! We love that it uses words like "impossible, intolerable, insufferable." The characters are very memorable ... Jackson and I have played Mouse and Bear many times since we've read this book.










"Together" by Jane Simmons
Two dogs become best friends despite their differences. Great message!









"The Three Silly Billies" by Margie Palatini Illustrated by Barry Moser
A spin on the traditional "Three Billy Goats Gruff" that includes Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk and several other classic stories. The goats are a bunch of surfer dudes ... fun!











"Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney
One of my favorite books. It has a fun cantar and rhyme and a great message for bedtime. My favorite line is when the mama says, "Llama, Llama what a tizzy! Don't you know you're mama's busy?"











"Truck Driver Tom" by Monica Wellington
This book's story is just mediocre, but the pictures are really fun. It combines photos with drawings and is sort of like an eye spy book as well.












"Don't Forget I Love You" by Miriam Moss Illustrated by Anna Currey
Another Mommy story about a little bear dawdling on his way to school and even though Mom's in a hurry she's never too busy to say "I love you."










"Mind Your Manners B.B. Wolf" by Judy Sierra Illustrated by J. Otto Seibold
An after the happily ever after story about the big bad wolf going to a tea party at the library and how he makes up a song to remember his manners. So fun! I love trying to make up a melody for the songs in these types of books! Uncle Josh read this one to Jackson and came up with a great tune ... too bad I can't remember it!










"I Stink" by Kate and Jim McMullan
A book about a garbage truck filled with lots of onomatopoeias and the words are also illustrated. For example, the word "crushed" looks crushed. It's very fun and I found it was a great way to get Jackson to get interested in learning how to read words. This book is one in a series of books. We also checked out: "I'm Mighty" about a tug boat and "I'm Dirty" about a digger!
































"Every Friday" by Dan Yaccarino One of Colin's favorite books about a dad taking his son out for breakfast every Friday and the rituals they experience on their walk to the diner.












"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems
A fun book that breaks the fourth wall (if I may use theatre terms) and talks to the reader. It's the reader's responsibility to keep the pigeon from driving the bus NO MATTER WHAT the pigeon says. This is one in a series of books as well: "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!" "The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!" "The Pigeon Has Feelings To!" "The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!" "The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!"











"Falling For Rapunzel" by Leah Wilcox and Lydia Monks
We mostly like this take off of the traditional Rapunzel story because it has underware in it ... just read it ... you'll love it!











"Why Do You Cry?" by Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise
A little boy is turning five and doesn't want any cry babies at his party. He invites only his friends who don't cry ... well ...you'll see what happens when you read it ... moms make sure you remember a tissue ... it's very sweet.









"Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm" by Jerdine Nolen and Mark Buehner
A very imaginative book ... I'll admit that it's a little strange in parts, BUT very imaginative ... AND there is a hidden cow, chicken, pig, cat and dinosaur on every page even the cover and back of the book.

Every Good Gift Comes from God

I'm sitting here in tears as I have discovered the little ten month old girl (Cora) I mentioned a couple of blogs ago has gone to be with Jesus today. Here she is pictured with her family below.



What a sober reminder that God is in control of ALL things including when my children will leave this earth. To some that may be so scary and at times it is to me too. But I believe in a God whose being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth are infinite, eternal and unchangeable. There isn't anyone or anything else that I would want in charge of my children's life and future including myself.

I have no idea why God chose to take that sweet little girl to heaven today, but I know that He has a reason and is somehow gaining glory.

It still hurts. I'M crying and I've only known the family through their blog. I cannot imagine what her parents are feeling right now. I'm praying that they are experiencing "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard[ing] [their] hearts and [their] minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7

If you think of it, lift the McClenahan family up in your prayers today!


www.themcclenahans.blogspot.com

Week 15

Whenever I write these notes to myself I try and think about what I would want to be reminded of when I am in the same or similar boat with another baby (if God chooses to bless us with another one). So, please forgive my randomness, but I do have a rhyme and reason to my writings.

My Recovery: I STILL don't fit back into my normal clothes. I'm fighting the bulge around my belly, sides and back. I have started to work out about two days a week on the elliptical trainer for about 30 - 45 mins and doing a little bit of weight lifting too. My appetite is still large, but I'm not craving sweets as much as I used to when I was getting up for feedings in the middle of the night. Oh yeah and I'm losing my hair like CRAZY too! Most days Colin takes the car and we stay home so cabin fever is a problem sometimes. However, I'm not sure we'd go anywhere anyway since Micah is still trying to work through getting his naps established and consistent. Colin has been gracious enough to let me have a Starbucks night to myself every Monday night after the kids go to bed. I've been able to work on my play during that time and it has made me feel like I'm more than just a mom. Not that being just a mom is bad ... I'm sure you moms understand. Anyway, it's been SO nice to have Micah sleeping through the night! I have not needed a nap for the past couple of days and have been able to get some things done while both of the boys are asleep in the afternoon. The only downfall about not having the car and having a child that naps a lot is that I'm finding grocery shopping and meal planning a bit difficult. I'm hoping to work on that in the up coming weeks.

Micah's Progress: After the bronchiolitis cleared up Micah began to sleep through the night 12 hours. There were about two or three nights when he was waking up out of habit between 11pm and 12am and then again at 3am -4am. I let him cry through the first round knowing that he was not hungry and then fed him at 4am until he was not longer taking a full feeding at 7am (his normal first feeding of the day) at which point I knew he could make it 12 hours between feedings. I think I've been a little too flexible with his daytime schedule though going between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 and sometimes even 4 hour feedings and that may have thrown off his nap schedule. He was back to sleeping between 45 min to an hour max and waking up crying. I decided at the end of the week to put him on a strict 3 hour schedule. The goal is to get him to have an hour and a half of wake time and then an hour and a half nap. That would mean he'd have four naps in a day and five feedings. Yesterday was a disaster, but today has been promising. I also started swaddling him again for naps in case he just needed that little extra snuggle to get him through the transitions in his sleep cycles. We'll see how next week goes.

Jackson's Progress: Jackson came down with a terrible cold this week and there were a couple of nights I spent the night on his bedroom floor so that when he woke up from a coughing fit I could give him a sip of water (the only thing that would sooth his cough). We had to encourage him not to love on Micah too much, but that's SO hard for him and for me ... I want him to be able to love on his brother, but I just wish that didn't involve sharing germs. I'm not certain if Jackson had the same cold as Micah. Jackson had a fever for two days with his cold and Micah did not. I'm hoping that either way we are in the clear and at the end of these terrible colds. I've also found this week that I need to schedule some one on one time with Jackson. We were able to do this Thursday morning and then in the afternoon Jackson took it VERY well when I told him that I needed to get some things done around the house and that he needed to have play time by himself for a little bit. I'm looking forward to the days when the boys will entertain each other, but I also know that means my role will change from playmate to mediator. :)

Green Eggs and Ham

One of Jackson's favorite books is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. In fact, when he was about a year and a half old I walked into his room as he was reading it: "You like eggs? Noooo. You like eggs? Noooo." It was so cute! Anyway, he's recently grown to love it again, so this morning we made green eggs and pancakes (I didn't have ham) for breakfast. He LOVED it! The pancakes were green too, but you can't tell in this picture.