tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260346191487802902024-03-05T21:56:00.111-05:00Holly the MommyI am a new mom sharing the ins and outs of our life with a baby in tow as I snap pictures along the way. I love to review my favorite baby products! I hope you enjoy!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-24725743666725598042013-12-07T12:15:00.000-05:002013-12-07T22:49:27.726-05:00It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am happy to announce that we got our sleeper back! { Knock on wood - knock on wood - knock on wood! } Our doctor recommended that we slowly decrease the amount we let Asher eat at night ( he was eating SO MUCH AT NIGHT and barely eating - well, drinking milk - during the day). His appetite has now increased during the day and he doesn't wake up for bottles anymore. Hallelujah! Who knew?!</div>
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He's bound to wake up from his nap any minute, but I wanted to take a quick moment to post some cheerful Christmas pics to get this blog into the spirit! :) Pics are the best part of blogging anyways, right?? More to come, I'm sure, because I just can't get enough of this sweet little face. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far!</div>
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FYI - That tree took about 3 hours to complete. So worth it, though, and it creates some pretty awesome bokeh. Thanks to Pinterest for the inspiration and to my husband for being so patient. :) </div>
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The stocking hanger was purchased here: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YouMeandThree">www.etsy.com/shop/YouMeandThree</a></div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-87830827452017048572013-11-30T21:44:00.002-05:002013-12-01T12:27:10.352-05:00Cloth Diaper Stash for SALE!Hello! Oh my goodness, has it been awhile since I have made a post on here... I'm so sorry! My excuse it that I am just <b><u>pooped</u></b> ( pun intended with the subject matter of this post...). I'm too pooped to post - ha! Everyone is wonderful and Asher is doing wonderfully, getting so big and so smart. Business is booming and our lives are as crazy as ever. I do miss the therapeutic side of blogging, so maybe in the near future I'll pick back up on here. But for now... I'm pooped. :)<br />
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I hopped back up on here to let anyone who may be interested know that I am SELLING MY CLOTH DIAPER STASH!!! Oh my gosh... there is so much. Most of it is BARELY used; a lot of it has <u><b>never even been used at all</b></u>. I just don't have time to cloth diaper anymore (haven't for awhile). We cloth diapered mostly part-time for about... 2.5-3 months, I think, and everything was purchased new. So this stuff is pristine, NO STAINS whatsoever, and hardly any wear. The only items that even look used are the handmade covers I purchase from Etsy. Otherwise, you can't even tell.<br />
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I don't know why there's some weird spacing going on on here... sorry if this list looks a little wonky!<br />
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Basically 40 diapers, all with inserts, lots of extra inserts and everything else you might need to cloth diaper full time... probably several babies.... and in style! :)<br />
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I put little stars beside the things that are 100% unopened/new. Some "unstarred" things are also completely new, just opened.<br />
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<b>- - FITTED DIAPERS - -</b><br />
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1 - Thirsties Duo Fab FITTED Snap Cloth Diapers, Green, Size 1 (6-18 lbs)<br />
1 - MonkeySnuggles Chocolate Chip FITTED Cloth Diaper<br />
1 - SquirrelnOwl Brown Retro Cars & Green Velour Bamboo FITTED Diaper<br />
1 - PoopsieDoodles Skulls & Stars Bamboo FITTED Hybrid Cloth Diaper<br />
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2 - Kissaluvs Cotton Fleece Hybrid Contour Diaper, Unbleached **<br />
1 - Snappis Cloth Diaper Fastener, Size 2 **<br />
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<b>- - DIAPER COVERS - - </b><br />
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1 - Bumkins Cloth Diaper COVER, Seuss Yellow Fish<br />
1 - GroVia Hybrid Hook/Loop Shell Diaper COVER, Color: Surf<br />
1 - TheEliMonster Cloth Diaper COVER Superhero SIZE MED<br />
3 - CountingtheBlessings Cloth Diaper COVERS AI2 - Argyle, Chevron, and Shark Print<br />
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<b>- - ALL-IN-ONE DIAPERS - -</b><br />
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2 - GroVia Cloth AI1 Diaper, Colors: Surf & Cloud<br />
1 - bumGenius One-Size AI1 Cloth Diaper 4.0<br />
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<b>- - POCKET DIAPERS & SETS - -</b><br />
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9 - bumGenius One-Size Snap Closure Cloth Diaper 4.0 (1 unopened**<br />
3 - Fuzzibunz Pocket Cloth Diaper w/2 Inserts Each - Elite 2013 (Yellow, Red, Lt Blue)<br />
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1 - Kawaii Baby Minky Pocket Cloth Diaper with 2 Large 100% Bamboo Inserts<br />
1 - Kawaii Pocket Cloth Diaper with Inserts **<br />
1 - Happy Heinys ONE for ALL Cloth Diaper + 2 Microfiber Inserts<br />
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1 - Charlie Banana 2-in-1 Reusable Diaper - Black<br />
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1 - Thirsties Duo Diaper, Cool Stripes, Size 1 (6-18 lbs)<br />
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1 - Lil' Impressions AI2 Pocket cloth diaper, Safari Adventure SIZE M<br />
1 - Lil' Impressions AI2 Pocket cloth diaper, Tossed Puppies SIZE SM<br />
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1 - Rumparooz Cloth Diaper with Inserts - Brown **<br />
1 - BabyKicks Pocket Diaper with Insert and Liner (Black) **<br />
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4 - Kushies Cloth Diapers **<br />
4 - Kushies Washable Diaper INSERTS **<br />
10 - Kushies Biodegradable Liner Sheets **<br />
2 - Kushies Washcloths **<br />
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1 - Bummis Cloth Diaper Cover SIZE SM<br />
1 - Bummis Cloth Diaper Cover SIZE MD **<br />
4 - Bummis Cloth Diaper Inserts **<br />
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6 - Gdiaper gCloth Inserts<br />
2 - Gdiapers (1 Red, 1 Green)<br />
40 - Gdiaper Flushable Refills<br />
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<b>- - EXTRA INSERTS - -</b><br />
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6 - Charcoal Bamboo INSERTS **<br />
3 - CountingtheBlessings Cloth diaper INSERTS w/gussets<br />
12 - Alva Baby Cloth Diaper 4layers Antibacterial Bamboo INSERTS **<br />
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<b>- - & MORE - -</b><br />
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10 - Fleece liners<br />
3 - Thirsties Cotton/Velour Doublers<br />
2 - Rolls of Disposable Liners (most left on roll)<br />
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1 - Wet Bag in Chevron Pattern **<br />
1 - Kanga Care Pail Liner, Whale Tale Pattern<br />
1 - Bag of Rockin' Green Hard Rock Cloth Diaper Detergent (opened, used twice)<br />
1 - Bag of Rockin' Green Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer (opened, used twice)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Send me an email at: <b>hollyzarski@gmail.com</b> if interested.</span><br />
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<b> FYI - Serious buyers only, please. For now, I prefer to sell everything together as a lot. </b>For the lot of everything, I'll be asking $850 with free shipping (on the lot only). I'll ship within the US. I'll accept Paypal only. Thanks!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, & everything else that I have missed in the past few months!!! Updates coming soon, I hope! :) I'm still active on Instagram, so follow me to watch Asher grow! @hollyzmommy<br />
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-16343126534964489322013-10-21T20:58:00.003-04:002013-10-21T21:32:29.473-04:008 Months Development & Milestones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>8 Months & Counting...</b></h2>
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I think this has been one of the most significant months so far for mental development in terms of Asher starting to understand the things going on around him and what we are saying to him. His personality continues to emerge and his mind grows by the hour - or by the minute! He is having more and more "attached" moments. He is still a genuinely happy baby, eager to learn, generous with laughs, and sweet to the core. He's developed a crooked little smile, ripe with mischief. </div>
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<b>8 Month Milestones</b></div>
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<li>Still "dragging" himself along the floor, but now with Nascar speed!</li>
<li>Can sit up on his own (and does so in his crib in protest of sleep)</li>
<li>Can pick up and feed himself little snack puffs</li>
<li>Responds to (and <i>sometimes</i> listens to) "no"</li>
<li>Asher certainly has his preferences now and makes them known, i.e. favorite books and toys</li>
<li>Likes to "share" his binky with both me and John. He'll take it out and offer it to us. We politely decline the sweet gesture but applaud his willingness to share!</li>
<li>Mimics sounds</li>
<li>Uses his fat little pointer finger all day long!</li>
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<b>Fun Times</b></div>
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Asher loves to chase the vacuum if he is on the floor. He's fast enough to catch it, too! He's very good at spotting any missed specks on the tile and likes to announce when he's found one by pointing to it with his chubby little finger and yelling, "ugghhhhh ugghhhhh!". Thanks for lookin' out, little guy!</div>
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<b>BABY SIGNING UPDATE</b></div>
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Asher still doesn't consistently use sign language, but I know he is absorbing it and understands much of what I sign to him. He even is on the lookout for new signs - i.e. I showed him a lion on his pajamas by pointing to the lion and saying "lion". He looked at me, then the lion, then to my hands waiting to see the sign, which to his disappointment, I didn't know! </div>
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We've introduced lots of new signs throughout the past few weeks including <b>"diaper change", "share", "brush teeth", "light", "airplane", "car", "bus", "duck" or "bird", "outside", "shoes", "socks", "friend", "hungry"</b> and several more. Asher now signs <b>"ball"</b> when prompted for a game of rolling his ball around. We just work them into our everyday interaction with him. I'm trying my best to stay consistent, which has been the hardest part of the baby sign language process. I need to work on my sign language vocabulary so that I can show him new signs when he seems interested to learn them, such as the situation with the lion! </div>
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<b>TEETHING</b></div>
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We have 6 teeth! <b><u>Six!</u></b> Can you believe how quickly these little buggers just pop out of nowhere? The two top/front teeth are slowly making their way down and 3 front/bottom teeth are almost completely up with 1 more trailing behind. No more gummy smiles around here! We teefin!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bros.</td></tr>
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<b>PLAY & SUCH</b></div>
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It's pretty much official now that our house is <i><b>a baby house</b></i>. By that I mean that the furniture is not aesthetically positioned anymore so that we could contain Asher in a specific area and allow for more space to play, the rug that I hated is now back because it's soft and bigger for more play area, no matter how often I pick up, it seems to remain a constant mess, we've added another baby gate to the picture... the perfectionist inside is a little unsettled but, hey, what are you going to do? I just keep reminding myself that what is important right now is <i>not</i> a perfectly coordinated living room or lack of clutter on our counters. What's important is our baby, our family, and our sanity, even if that means a messy house from time to time. Or all the time. </div>
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<b>SLEEP</b></div>
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I dream of the nights when Asher would sleep from 8pm-8am without so much as a peep from his cozy little bassinet, then I am awoken by the cries from his crib at 12am, 4am, 6am or 8am reminding me that those days indeed are gone. </div>
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Even with the multiple wakings a night, we had a nice bedtime routine going on for awhile, but then Asher got sick from a brief stint with daycare and a sniffly little 10-month old named Andrew, and now our bedtime routine has been disrupted, smashed, broken, and crushed to smithereens. </div>
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I'm not bitter about it at all, though. </div>
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As always, we will get through!</div>
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<b>8 Down, 4 To Go...</b></div>
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We had no idea 8 months ago just what we were in for. We didn't know that this warm little swaddled bundle would soon shift and consume our entire lives, our decisions, our thoughts, our plans, and our photo libraries. But it happened and we are (tickled <i>blue</i>?) to be immersed in this new world.</div>
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I guess this is when we start planning the first b-day bash, huh? Oh, goodness. Pinterest, here I come!</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-60485603114635356732013-10-04T20:56:00.001-04:002013-10-04T20:56:44.748-04:00Asher's Sensory Box - Activity for 7-9 Months<span style="text-align: left;">A few weeks ago, John and I made a <b>"Sensory Box"</b> for Asher. We went to Michael's Crafts in search of various things that we could include in this special collection of items.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The idea of the sensory box is to expose your baby to new and interesting textures, shapes, colors, etc. It can help with sensory processing, hand-eye coordination, fine motor development, and creative play.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">We chose items from all over the spectrum including a textured rubber ducky, a feathered ball, a plastic cow, pig, and hermit crab, a foam koozie with glitter, a slinky, bells, textured fabrics, and a sea sponge, just to name a few of the treasures.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Most of these items are <b>not</b> baby toys, therefore the box is only to be played with under <b>direct</b> supervision. This means you shouldn't take your eyes off baby <u>for even a few seconds</u> while playing in the box! </i></span><br />
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It's not uncommon for babies to be surprised and even scared of some of the <b>new textures</b> that they are exposed to during sensory play. Asher was terrified of the <b><u>sea sponge</u></b>. At the very first touch, he drew his hands back and held them over his head, looking around frantically for someone to take it away! He eventually warmed up to it and even held it up with a big grin! Then, when reintroduced to this mysterious sponge a few minutes later, he again DESPISED it and still will no longer give it a moment of his time. Maybe one day, sea sponge, maybe one day...</div>
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<b><i>Watch Asher Experience.... THE SPONGE!!!!...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVKaxtLD-tCnwHIVDYGsQggIlAWvrmcdYjqC2WHodCup5S37wnqTUyrbFooB9W5nnQB0rzQl2LN377WcDIgvzl1BTTc8DhMtKxJtRwY9Ck9BjlP8rnoJNIZS2qMbNHn6o9ihNUtFHleyL/s1600/HTM-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVKaxtLD-tCnwHIVDYGsQggIlAWvrmcdYjqC2WHodCup5S37wnqTUyrbFooB9W5nnQB0rzQl2LN377WcDIgvzl1BTTc8DhMtKxJtRwY9Ck9BjlP8rnoJNIZS2qMbNHn6o9ihNUtFHleyL/s640/HTM-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are many different sensory bin ideas out there for kids of different ages. For babies who are still putting everything in their mouths, I would steer clear of small, choking hazards.</div>
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<b>Here are some ideas to put in your own sensory box! Many things could probably be found at the dollar store or in sale bins at the craft store. It doesn't have to be fancy - just get creative!</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Bath Sponge (or Sea Sponge...if your baby will tolerate it :) )</li>
<li>Slinky</li>
<li>Rubber Ducky</li>
<li>Feather</li>
<li>Burlap</li>
<li>Textured Felt</li>
<li>Christmas Bell</li>
<li>Hair Extension Clip</li>
<li>Lace</li>
<li>Mirror (careful of any sharp edges, plastic if you can)</li>
<li>Shiny Cardstock</li>
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<b><i>Have you made a sensory box for your baby? What kind of things did you put in it?</i></b></div>
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{ Don't forget to vote for our small business, <a href="https://www.smallbusinessbiggame.com/FL/Z-Create-Design/387818">Z Create Design</a>, in the <b>Small Business, Big Game Contest from Intuit</b>! Click the button below to automatically cast your vote. Daily voting allowed! :) Thanks for your continued support! }</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-62470944873674704482013-10-01T20:04:00.004-04:002013-10-05T22:31:36.822-04:00We're Still Here!<span style="text-align: left;">I'm SO sorry that I've been MIA for the past 2 weeks! Business has been <b><u>booming</u></b> with <a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/">our Etsy store</a>. It's been absolutely crazy and has required a lot of my time, leaving very little for blog updates. :( So, while my posts may happen a little less frequently, I am <i>determined</i> to keep things going here, as well. </span><br />
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<b>So what have we been up to???</b></div>
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We have had <b><u>so many things</u></b> happening just within the past 2 weeks! Asher now has <b>THREE</b> teeth, all on the bottom. This is accompanied by lots of crankiness and discomfort. Thank goodness for our mesh feeders filled with frozen fruit, and good ol' Sophie the Giraffe.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">good ol' Soph</td></tr>
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Check out this hilarious <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093DKVKY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i05?ie=UTF8&psc=1"><b>jChew Chocolate Bar teether</b></a> that has already caused a few second glances (and Asher loves!): </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrfmqCd59ikSly_uzvugcat9y1M_aGgj0BhyphenhyphenrU0GQkw_S0rxDkxg-CKHk-oMHkiX4WC1f-yCeK8yz7yXOBlj7pjHZ2Os6PwmkImigiHxRmV5FkucnXaSmqKSxcfcdsYQ1tYfoWebB1xsb/s1600/IMG_4546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrfmqCd59ikSly_uzvugcat9y1M_aGgj0BhyphenhyphenrU0GQkw_S0rxDkxg-CKHk-oMHkiX4WC1f-yCeK8yz7yXOBlj7pjHZ2Os6PwmkImigiHxRmV5FkucnXaSmqKSxcfcdsYQ1tYfoWebB1xsb/s640/IMG_4546.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Can't forget the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teething-Toys-Free-Chicken-Appe-teethers/dp/B003MX1Q6E/ref=pd_bxgy_ba_img_y">chicken wing appe-teether</a>, either! Yum!<br />
(The wetness is water from the ice in his mesh feeder.)</td></tr>
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Asher is now <b>MOBILE</b> - eeeek! - and has mastered his "army crawl". He <i>can</i> get up on all fours now, but hasn't quite figured out how to crawl with his tummy off of the floor. That certainly doesn't stop him, though! This little guy is determined to get from a to z as quickly as possible. He has a weakness for the remote, phones, and the window. If any of those three things are within a few feet of him - everyone, out of the way!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk9L6OmfJ1J1mT0H8yvUPXNL91jSmUK_c8mf3tf0nPOTiTuj0UJu7wWuifMRc1kM6FDpE-C27YsQHeY7vowZb3N7DBgr1iY1PEg_iesRLWamcG6TnAcEwAw9w8NRcC5Ob-i6gnsFiig-D/s1600/IMG_4480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk9L6OmfJ1J1mT0H8yvUPXNL91jSmUK_c8mf3tf0nPOTiTuj0UJu7wWuifMRc1kM6FDpE-C27YsQHeY7vowZb3N7DBgr1iY1PEg_iesRLWamcG6TnAcEwAw9w8NRcC5Ob-i6gnsFiig-D/s640/IMG_4480.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRXlEqI29gsGtM7WXfl7_MslAUY_l5tWG3UvUrEcfYUyISg0H6LStxKJjDSq_RUWWJxitvPLL0aytn9-RvQQLHoO9buA2M9xM7nrV1LyT548-o1OwfiAIPBfqj5jHuBR5B2vQMlV-oy-i/s1600/IMG_4483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRXlEqI29gsGtM7WXfl7_MslAUY_l5tWG3UvUrEcfYUyISg0H6LStxKJjDSq_RUWWJxitvPLL0aytn9-RvQQLHoO9buA2M9xM7nrV1LyT548-o1OwfiAIPBfqj5jHuBR5B2vQMlV-oy-i/s640/IMG_4483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Watch as he pulls himself around:</b></div>
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We are also babbling away now and there is still a lot of "mama" and "dada" coming out. He's also added LOTS of "yaya". I still haven't figured out what that might be referring to - maybe just anything and everything. You have to admit, it is a fun word!</div>
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We are still having quite a few night meet-ups with this little guy. Sometimes it's only twice night, but most of the time it's three. We make do.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"It's 3am and I must be lonely..."</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE1aRmOwduYdHZQM6RNB2W11DtjOa9dNBL1ALm7XCZBbmf-YymFrpSk1thaRmhJN_u9vm423yHgznK7VirCm-swQJQMsPiuZz7ByC5LW3pg_LZ7ZynKAPYTi-tu4DMNlEac26A1RWZZ1H/s1600/IMG_4605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE1aRmOwduYdHZQM6RNB2W11DtjOa9dNBL1ALm7XCZBbmf-YymFrpSk1thaRmhJN_u9vm423yHgznK7VirCm-swQJQMsPiuZz7ByC5LW3pg_LZ7ZynKAPYTi-tu4DMNlEac26A1RWZZ1H/s640/IMG_4605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Asher has decided that he <b>HATES</b> being at the shop with us. Along with the homemade baby food, the cloth diapering, and the non-use of "cry-it-out", another well laid out plan goes out the window.</div>
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I checked into some child care options and not only are places booked with infants but they are so expensive!! And really, I only need about 3 days a week...</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">ENTER LITTLE SISTER TO SAVE THE DAY!!!!!</span></i></b></div>
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Thank goodness for miracles. My little sister is able and willing to babysit Asher 3 days a week AND help out with a few chores around our house for less than we would have paid a daycare. <b>Hallelujah!</b></div>
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The amount of work that I get done in 3 days without Asher at our shop is the equivalent to 5+ days of work with him there. He is no longer missing naps, in fact, he is taking 2 naps a day again. He is SO much happier. While I miss not being at home with him, I honestly <b><u>feel like myself again</u></b> being out and about and working on my own. Now when I am home with him, I am refreshed. I wouldn't go as far as to say "stress-free", but I defintely feel like I can tolerate more without getting overwhelmed now that I have a little time away. </div>
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This leads me to my next announcement...</div>
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<a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXPj2G0TSTQXFvFTPnAau3PU_Et8kMM4NylnL6_F-hFKpctFcCjNSiRoQNqJX755GfYgmyHJs_hFsi2p47oX26RTyGkxSP0uZyh1ZfdL718kZvf1V8yci1ybXAaABXvpxhugRDxn15Fio/s400/ZCD-Postcard-9-2013-Front.jpg" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_138011639"></span><span id="goog_138011640"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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We have entered our business, <b><a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/">Z Create Design</a></b>, into a contest and we made it into round 2! Intuit Quickbooks has partnered up with entrepreneur Bill Rancic and coach Jimmy Johnson to find a small business worthy of a truly life changing prize in the <b><i>Small Business, Big Game Challenge</i></b>. The prize? A Superbowl commercial! Could you imagine that kind of exposure?</div>
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<b>I need your help everyone! Click here to see <a href="https://www.smallbusinessbiggame.com//FL/Z-Create-Design/387818">OUR PROFILE</a> and VOTE. Oh and there is a video. Yes, we made a video. Yes, it may be corny, but you gotta do what you gotta do. :)</b></div>
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<b>Or.. click the button below to cast your vote. You can vote once a day, so keep voting! Help us win! </b></div>
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We couldn't be more excited to see what happens... </div>
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Since I am not able to update you all as frequently here on my blog, be sure to follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/HollyZMommy">twitter</a> and on <a href="http://instagram.com/hollyzmommy">instagram</a> for daily updates! I'm also pinning all the time, so follow my boards on <a href="http://pinterest.com/hollyzarski/">pinterest</a>!</div>
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Well, it's 8pm and Asher is bright-eyed and bushy tailed after about an hour of fighting sleep already under his belt for the evening. It's just might be another long one... </div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-88842263407015555872013-09-14T23:19:00.000-04:002013-09-14T23:19:06.878-04:007 Months Development & Milestones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uVnYShEIKFFqSTjHBruRqNk6rSURrWOwWQ_Z7tsReNY2wQUWOJJlNePLG4nbNZuXGiJLS0iYnPw2JxTcg9WwndRIrO5e7G0kmVIRS9DWzxryvTa1DLw8Z7_BY9jEyJFFm_vk37LoH1wl/s1600/monthly-bear-vintage-7mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uVnYShEIKFFqSTjHBruRqNk6rSURrWOwWQ_Z7tsReNY2wQUWOJJlNePLG4nbNZuXGiJLS0iYnPw2JxTcg9WwndRIrO5e7G0kmVIRS9DWzxryvTa1DLw8Z7_BY9jEyJFFm_vk37LoH1wl/s1600/monthly-bear-vintage-7mo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>Happy 7 Months, Baby Asher! - 9.9.2013</b></span></div>
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WOW. I can't believe how much change and progress occurs in the 6th month of age. These things happen so quickly. And the physical growth! I swear that after each nap, Asher is noticeably bigger and has more hair. He has so much hair now that I have to brush it and.. eh hem... gel it... in the mornings. :) His personality continues to build and we see more moods than ever. Sometimes he's calm and patient and others he is wild and active, kicking those legs 100 mph. He absolutely LOVES the pugs, Suki and Sumo. If he hears their little feet go <i>tap-tap-tap </i>outside of his nursery door while he's relaxing with a bottle, he stops eating immediately and pulls up toward the door trying to see which doggy has come to pay a visit. This is awfully cute, but it also can be quite a distraction when we are trying to wind down at bedtime. </div>
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As with every other monthly update, the interactivity just builds and builds. Asher will give me a "kiss" if I ask for one, he snuggles, he laughs, he gives you a perplexed look if you do or say something strange. Every day I am just amazed at the constant leaps being made in what seems like the shortest amounts of time.</div>
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<b>MILESTONES @ 7 Months Old</b></div>
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<li><b>Saying "Mama" & "Dada"</b></li>
<li>Sounding out multiple new sounds and consonants</li>
<li>I'm pretty sure he's trying to say "doggy", "baby", "baba", and "milk"</li>
<li>Sitting with ease, catching self when loses balance for "graceful" falls</li>
<li>Scooting/Rolling across floor</li>
<li><i>Working</i> on getting on all fours with tummy off ground</li>
<li>"Walks" if I support him and hold his arms :)</li>
<li>Responds to his name</li>
<li>Imitates sounds and actions</li>
<li>Self-entertains for short periods of time</li>
<li><b>FIRST TOOTH - Can feel the sharp tip coming through.</b></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rSU4WEFJpHu5ojf2oNYlYFDULbaB59gUbNPy3GKKbraal-9wQ0yt4BEI5lhAtyl_pO316Z52kIkewo6iSZDYZIAUn2PMKbyrHOrduXpWseOari59SPamCK013aypxAcWkW7tf2wEsGiP/s1600/HTM-8836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rSU4WEFJpHu5ojf2oNYlYFDULbaB59gUbNPy3GKKbraal-9wQ0yt4BEI5lhAtyl_pO316Z52kIkewo6iSZDYZIAUn2PMKbyrHOrduXpWseOari59SPamCK013aypxAcWkW7tf2wEsGiP/s640/HTM-8836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>BABY SIGNING UPDATE</b></div>
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Baby signing is starting to take shape. Before the past few weeks, Asher would sign intermittently and seemed to mix up his signs from time to time. The only real consistent one had been "dog". (LOL) Now, that's starting to clear up a bit. A few times he has signed "milk" when he <i>wants</i> milk - not only while he is drinking it. He signs "more" multiple times while eating to signal that he wants another bite. </div>
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We haven't been focusing on teaching new signs yet. We are just trying to stay consistent with the ones we have already introduced and been exposing him to. </div>
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<b><u>Signs we've seen most often...</u></b></div>
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Dog</div>
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Milk</div>
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Up</div>
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More</div>
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Eat</div>
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Hurt</div>
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Banana</div>
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Mama?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd-ED3M8SccHNFPJF_FnMjodTrpRK9Gngy6bKPSr9FFP-dPMZu4qyuJ0MoUY5agK1JL3WSAc9qY4dpnvjSsoEdj55LjobL5NoSvwT6JoEi1U47d4w1LYmM463wW_j7NKHFoXrqqikZUL0/s1600/HTM-8771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd-ED3M8SccHNFPJF_FnMjodTrpRK9Gngy6bKPSr9FFP-dPMZu4qyuJ0MoUY5agK1JL3WSAc9qY4dpnvjSsoEdj55LjobL5NoSvwT6JoEi1U47d4w1LYmM463wW_j7NKHFoXrqqikZUL0/s640/HTM-8771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>TEETHING UPDATE</b></div>
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Oh, are we teething. Our saving grace, Hyland's Teething Tablets, unfortunately, I believe have caused a serious case of eczema. It's either the tablets or a different body wash we've been using. I've stopped both. I'm not good at slowly eliminating to figure out the real cause. I'm definitely leaning more toward the tablets, though. The eczema was accompanied by a severe case of diaper rash. It almost appears as though Asher's been exposed to dairy or soy again, but from my reading the lactose base in the tablets would not affect a dairy allergy... ugh this stuff gets more and more confusing every day. We will get through!</div>
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Anyway, that little tooth is making its way out and we've seen an increase in chewing, irritability, and difficulty going to bed and staying asleep. So far, the symptoms have been relatively mild, though, so fingers crossed that things don't get worse! The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BabyGanics-Say-Ah-Teething-Gel/dp/B009GYGUK0/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1376104086&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=BabyGanics+Teething+Pods" style="background-color: white; color: #b2f7b2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">BabyGanics Teething Pods</a> have been our new best friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHM8yDwPOTK-j5J110ORwbkoVwJi20QdW4sPVS1a4Gl6HcOjTZZQDgE6iZWSjZ1o5a12KvKhRd6OLUjaS1cBeWLMs3ldxH8UdW1NCI09fWNwTu0CEwrF2s_ib70dzOKYR-J6QwpkkQhb6/s1600/HTM-8789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHM8yDwPOTK-j5J110ORwbkoVwJi20QdW4sPVS1a4Gl6HcOjTZZQDgE6iZWSjZ1o5a12KvKhRd6OLUjaS1cBeWLMs3ldxH8UdW1NCI09fWNwTu0CEwrF2s_ib70dzOKYR-J6QwpkkQhb6/s640/HTM-8789.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<b>SOLID FOODS / FEEDING SCHEDULE</b></div>
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Asher loves his solids. He won't even finish a bottle anymore in anticipation of a solid meal. This just makes every day all the more interesting around here in that he barely eats during the day and is up all hours of the night to fill his tummy with milk. We're back to two night wakings where he finishes off 6oz each. I can't complain too much since this is the only way he gets enough milk! </div>
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I may have slipped up and given Asher some wheat a few weeks ago which I thought caused an eczema breakout, but with our current breakout and it's seeming connection to the teething tablets, I think I am in the clear. I'm pretty sure I had given him some tablets back then, too. Slap on the wrists rescinded. Phew.</div>
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<b>PLAY, 7 MONTH BABY, PLAY!</b></div>
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I really want to be sure I encourage <b><u><i>imaginative play</i></u></b> as much as possible. I gave Asher a shoe box awhile back to put his blocks in, dump them out, put them back in...etc. to encourage his developing sense of spacial awareness and positioning. We flipped that box over a few days ago and with a few blocks and creativity made a makeshift car! :) I think he wondered why it didn't move. In all seriousness, I am looking around for a little ride-on toy for him but haven't found the perfect one just yet. It is amazing, though, how much more interested Asher is in water bottles, wooden spoons, and cardboard boxes then his is in most of the toys (some expensive!) that I have bought for him. Go figure.</div>
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We do a lot of peek-a-boo and "I'm gonna get you!" games. Asher loves to crawl around in the laundry when I am folding it. He loves to bang on his new drum but always within minutes is making it into a bucket for his toys. He also loves to dip his hands into a little bowl of water for some hand washing / sensory play.</div>
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All in all, 7 months is a fabulous baby age. Some things get harder, yes, but a lot of things get easier, too. I guess that goes for any stage. <b>I love this little man more than anything.</b> I don't know what we did so long without him here. :)</div>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-60523909459785516162013-09-10T22:21:00.001-04:002013-09-10T22:52:06.912-04:00Tooth Warning - Asher's First Tooth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Tooth Watch -</b> An announcement that the eruption of a tooth and teething symptoms are possible.</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Tooth Warning -</b> A tooth or teething is imminent and expected, i.e. a tooth has been spotted</span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Our </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: orange;">"tooth watch"</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> has now officially been upgraded to a </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">"tooth warning"</span><span style="color: #505050;"><b>! </b>A little white spot could be seen just below the gum when these pictures were taken and now, just a few days later, that spot has erupted into a sharp little spike that is easily felt with your finger. { Getting that little bugger on camera is another story. }</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #505050;">It hasn't been easy around here for the past week or so with this tooth making its way out. We already haven't had a full night's sleep since that first day in his crib - and before that it had been since we started solids...so we technically haven't had a full stretch of sleep since Asher was 4 1/2 month old! *yawn*</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #505050;">On that note, Asher is now <b><u><i>7 months old</i></u></b>! I'll be posting our usual monthly update soon. There is so much to share! I need to get his onesie pic before too much more time has gone by.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Even while teething, Asher is still such a <b><u>happy</u></b> baby. He gets sillier and sillier by the day! Check out his newest silly moment making scrunchy faces in his pack and play... This must be one of those things that every parent gets on camera at some point. It never gets old. If you haven't captured this yet, put it on your list of <b>MUST TAKE BABY PHOTOS/VIDEOS</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I think he must know how goofy he looks because he thinks it's so funny! <i>BTW: Suki was just sniffing most of the time there... she only got one face lick in, I think... :P</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">We have been so busy with our shop that it's been difficult to get in a lot of quality time, all 3 of us. When we do get to have family time, though, Asher is in heaven. He loves his daddy so much! Sunday mornings are our favorites. It's the only day of the week for us when no one has to go to work, no one is in a rush, we get to sit down with our little man and just play, play, play. I used to make homemade waffles or pancakes every Sunday before this little ray of sunshine came about and this past Sunday I picked up the tradition. Only - eek! - I cheated and used Bisquick. But NEXT Sunday - it's on! I'll break out the eggs, milk, vinegar... and I'll be sure to share the awesome Belgium Waffle recipe that I'm convinced makes John love me just a little bit more. :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry it's just phone pics today. Sometimes, though, these in-the-moment phone shots can be even more special. :)</td></tr>
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Remember how excited I was for our 6 month photo shoot and all the delightful little outfits I had planned for our cutie-patootie? Well, we haven't gotten out photos back yet (we had to keep pushing the shoot date back but finally got them taken on the 31st and a few more on the 2nd), but during our session I took a quick phone pic and <b><u>oh my gosh - look at this <i>cuteness</i>!!</u></b> I CAN'T WAIT to see what our photographer, <a href="http://www.carolinenicolephotography.com/">Caroline Nicole Photography</a>, has in store for us.<br />
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I hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying some change in weather as Fall starts to set in. Unfortunately for us, it is still a <b>sweltering 90 degrees</b> and with the humidity it <b><u>feels like 100+</u></b>. The only sign of Fall in these parts is the appearance of the annual yummy pumpkin treats and drinks at Starbucks. I just may turn down the thermostat tonight, hop into a warm, cozy sweater and make myself some delicious spiced pumpkin hot chocolate via a recipe I repinned on Pinterest. Fall in Florida. Gotta love it!</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-12992133538623442742013-09-06T23:57:00.001-04:002013-09-07T13:04:57.912-04:00Maternity Photo Shoot for My Sis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I took some photos for my sister who is <b>"Ready to POP!"</b> with baby boy #4! We used some of the photo props that we sell in our store, <a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/"><b>Z Create Design</b>,</a> and some of the new maternity photo props that I am going to be adding to our stock very soon!</div>
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We can all guess that little Kellyn is going to be as handsome as can be. I mean, look at his brothers! These boys are all going to be heart breakers. </div>
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It was quite the challenge to wrangle 3 rambunctious boys for a photo shoot, but we made it happen and, if I do say so myself, we got some pretty awesome pics!</div>
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CONGRATULATIONS to my sister, Nikki, the mom-to-be. I can't wait to meet my newest nephew very, very soon! :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a quick pause to photograph Asher with his Grandma and Grandpa!</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/">FIND THE PHOTO PROPS HERE</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/">(If you don't see the one you want listed, send me a message via Etsy.)</a></b></div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-88414435500806057462013-09-03T23:55:00.000-04:002013-09-04T19:31:56.394-04:00Halo Sleepsack - Product Review & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFOVM6gwogtZ7xxhzOTiz-hrHBPlw10nQavzgO0MF4L6QA8zaGXtUNk1K6ksRpRjb3tR1ul7yB7WXmlaNdiRxFosfS9_gMI80vPIyGIB2s9C2u9fOPBRT6OQwvR8wujRdKbrgVD4kE3ze/s1600/HTM-8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFOVM6gwogtZ7xxhzOTiz-hrHBPlw10nQavzgO0MF4L6QA8zaGXtUNk1K6ksRpRjb3tR1ul7yB7WXmlaNdiRxFosfS9_gMI80vPIyGIB2s9C2u9fOPBRT6OQwvR8wujRdKbrgVD4kE3ze/s640/HTM-8382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We like to keep it nice and cool in our house at night. We have a thick, fluffy comforter and we're always practically buried in that thing. It's concerning to think about Asher sleeping in just one layer without his swaddle when we are across the house covered in three! A few of his sleeper outfits don't even have footies, either. Luckily, there is a <b>safe blanket option</b> that doesn't carry the risk of putting a blanket in the crib (a big time no-no).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, <b><a href="http://www.halosleepsack.com/">HALO SleepSack</a></b>!</span></i></div>
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We tried out one of the new designs of the <b>HALO SleepSack Wearable Blanket</b> and I am so happy to have come across this amazing product! First of all, it is 100% cotton, which is perfect here in Florida. Breathable fabric is a must. It's an excellent way to ensure that Asher is warm during the night (especially those little toes!) and I honestly think he sleeps better when he has it on. Another perk of the SleepSack is that little feet can't escape through the crib slats anymore. Hurray! </div>
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The zipper is inverted, zipping from bottom to top, which makes diaper changes quick and easy. The only thing is that you will need the sleepers that snap rather than zip. I'm a fan of the PJs with snaps, anyways, because they just seem more comfortable. The new SleepSack designs are super cute, too. I'm a sucker for anything cute.</div>
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Asher loves his SleepSack and I am definitely going to have to invest in a few more, especially with cool weather just around the corner! I'm excited that they also have designs with foot openings for ages 12mo - 5T so that little walkers can stay warm safely and without kicking their blanket off during the night. Pretty neat!</div>
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<b><span style="text-align: left;">The new 100% cotton SleepSack Wearable Blanket designs are available at Target stores, </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/halo-sleepsack-wearable-blanket-100-cotton/-/A-10038156#prodSlot=medium_1_8&term=halo+sleepsack" style="text-align: left;">Target.com</a><span style="text-align: left;">, or </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SleepSack-Cotton-Wearable-Blanket-Medium/dp/B00B1M2TUK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1378262352&sr=8-5&keywords=halo+sleepsack+100%25" style="text-align: left;">amazon.com</a><span style="text-align: left;">. Connect with HALO on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/halosleepsack">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/halosleepsack">Facebook</a>, or <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/halosleepsack">Pinterest</a>.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="text-align: left;">Or... You can WIN ONE! Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a HALO SleepSack. Winner announced in 1 week!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="text-align: left;"><br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/da6f771/" id="rc-da6f771" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></span></b>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-67072882698407996792013-09-02T21:44:00.001-04:002013-09-02T21:44:13.959-04:00Stale Cereal, Mama, Dada, & DoggyOur Labor Day weekend was productive and eventful! We cleaned out our kitchen pantry which was much, much needed - even more so than I realized. I won't miss the cans of soup from 2008 or the box of stale cereal that had been taking up precious shelf space for months. We now actually have a place to store our baby formula and rice cereal! It's the small things in life, it really is.<br />
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This weekend also marked a very exciting milestone for baby Asher. <b>He said "Mama" and "Dada"! </b>Check it out...<br />
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We also think we may have heard <b>"Doggy"</b> but the jury's still out on that one. How exciting! These are definitely some of the greatest moments in parenting. <i><b>And the 6 month cuddles... I die!</b></i><br />
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This month also marked another <b>record breaker</b> at <a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/">our shop</a>. Holy moly - we are busier than ever! I have to apologize for my lack of blog posts but this momma has been busy, busy, busy. Thank goodness that 6 1/2 months also brought some self-entertainment skills and Asher is able to play happily on his own for a little while. Our <b>Pack and Plays</b> have finally become our go-to lifesaving baby gear during the day. We keep one at our shop and have one in our living room now, too. He actually took a nap in it while we were getting our clean on in the pantry. Woop-woop!<br />
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This week is going to be another hectic one while we continue to fulfill the orders that have been pouring in throughout the past month. Asher's rearin' and ready to go with Signing Time and his Pack and Play. :)<br />
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Enjoy our latest<b> iPhone favs</b> and have a wonderful short week!<br />
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-15969655826764748972013-08-31T00:43:00.000-04:002013-08-31T00:43:23.345-04:00Tasty Shades: Mint Candy Apple & Cream Puff You may remember my saying a little while back how I haven't painted my nails with anything other than clear polish in a long, long time. I might go as far as to say it may even have been... <i>8+ years</i>..? Well, a few days ago, I broke that mold. I got a manicure during my <b>mommy spa day</b> and I chose to have my nails painted in color! Woo-hoo! Don't get too excited yet. It was a nude. :) I tested the water and I liked what I saw. So now, I am jumping on the nail polish bandwagon and here are the first additions to my up and coming <b>nail polish stash</b><i> (is it sickening that these are the only colors of nail polish I own...???):</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-3yHIkzgLPqe147P5pL-YggzriVS2A5UUvpHwhyphenhyphenoO_54vISH_P0g9Z1d4DfJH2L41GHMtXf55mMO-N_QomRVEQojAnRtxwgBKB9GCeeyTdg_moy38s7F6_RiiETetkIZ0K5gtRnGlmCp/s1600/Nails-8333-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-3yHIkzgLPqe147P5pL-YggzriVS2A5UUvpHwhyphenhyphenoO_54vISH_P0g9Z1d4DfJH2L41GHMtXf55mMO-N_QomRVEQojAnRtxwgBKB9GCeeyTdg_moy38s7F6_RiiETetkIZ0K5gtRnGlmCp/s640/Nails-8333-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essie-Lacquer-Candy-Apple-Fluid/dp/B002UEF3OM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377923052&sr=8-2&keywords=essie+mint+candy+apple">ESSIE Mint Candy Apple</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaXHrcTT3Z9hOISTmxLV3nLBOUpXqWMufj1025XtNfGrHFKRcYnkCtpxiS2qGhUM0AyFDgAkJEnzVEkXUutLCvnbSpulYN0-6ATi8H3ENrGGl0bLSDPuZsApZPYmJRh5sbWV0MhqbzgDa/s1600/Nails-8310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaXHrcTT3Z9hOISTmxLV3nLBOUpXqWMufj1025XtNfGrHFKRcYnkCtpxiS2qGhUM0AyFDgAkJEnzVEkXUutLCvnbSpulYN0-6ATi8H3ENrGGl0bLSDPuZsApZPYmJRh5sbWV0MhqbzgDa/s640/Nails-8310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Nail-Design-Vinylux-Lacquer/dp/B00CNE2GOO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377923086&sr=8-1&keywords=vinylux+top+coat">Vinylux Top Coat</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CND-Vinylux-Polish-Lacquer-0-5floz/dp/B00D0NM45I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377923105&sr=8-2&keywords=vinylux+cream+puff">Cream Puff</a>, & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/136-CND-VINYLUX-POWDER-Weekly/dp/B00EA5AA42/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377923133&sr=8-2&keywords=vinylux+powder+my+nose">Powder My Nose</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ8TRfYjf_A6WyelbdAbVbqDq9Ll2JCLsLxVd6CT0Hae1xPKf1tToPmjM_87JKsG43CfEmzV7tBsUR9hU_QYj8ts3KsL8efOA-5d-AxaGBeTCoUCtVBi1JFD-qoYH7DTUJP_oJO8oMxfv/s1600/Nails-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ8TRfYjf_A6WyelbdAbVbqDq9Ll2JCLsLxVd6CT0Hae1xPKf1tToPmjM_87JKsG43CfEmzV7tBsUR9hU_QYj8ts3KsL8efOA-5d-AxaGBeTCoUCtVBi1JFD-qoYH7DTUJP_oJO8oMxfv/s640/Nails-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <b>Vinylux nail polish</b> boasts a 7+ day wear and an under 9 minute drying time. The <b>"Powder My Nose"</b> color is the one I had put on at the spa and obviously I was pleased since I couldn't help but buy a tube of my own. I used the <b>"Cream Puff"</b> to give myself french tips on my toes and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be applying a thin line with a large brush. I actually think it is harder to control those tiny nail art brushes. I can't wait to see if these white tips last an entire week. That would be amazing!<br />
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The <b>Essie "Mint Candy Apple"</b> is such an awesome shade. I think I have an addiction to this color - it was our wedding color back when we tied the knot. Maybe it holds some nostalgia to me. Whatever the case, I love it to pieces.<br />
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I hope I'm not crazy to have gone with such a pop of color on my nails with Asher's 6 month/our family portrait session tomorrow. We rescheduled the session from a few weeks ago due to a severely sunburned daddy who may or may not have worn his sunglasses and no sunscreen and ended up looking like a critter of the night. ;) The polish ties into our color scheme so <b>fingers crossed</b> <i>(pun intended!)</i> that it doesn't <b>stick out like a sore thumb</b> <i>(another pun intended! Haha)</i>.<br />
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Hopefully I'll have some fun stories and exciting pics to share after this long weekend. I need to get the dust off my camera and get a snappin'! <i>Happy Labor Day, everyone!</i><br />
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-8206708859836130562013-08-27T23:17:00.000-04:002013-08-27T23:17:09.083-04:00Marriage After Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Maintaining a <b>strong relationship after having a baby</b> is not an easy thing to do. There are so many changes. There are so many added responsibilities and there's much less time to get everything done. <b>Much less.</b> Sleep deprivation is running rampant and postpartum hormones are out to stir things up at any chance they get - <i>thanks for that, hormones.</i></div>
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They say<i> </i>that men's marital satisfaction actually <b>shows an increase</b> during the few months following the birth of a first child. Then, a few months down the line it shows a steady decline. For women, they say the decrease in satisfaction happens immediately (mostly due to hormonal and any drastic lifestyle changes), although, in some cases, the "new baby high" lasts for both parents throughout the first year and then the reality of parenting kicks in sometime after the baby's first birthday.</div>
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For majority of couples there seems to be a common denominator in this decrease in marital satisfaction - the division of responsibilities and a lack of communication. <b>Ding, ding, ding, ding! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VEXFmEHWBBmqi_RoFlNxLxSalYNO1sc3BhVp823rzUv26bge0duo0mXMvioG40enKqPjWn8c3aisCdE9e7HgzW92bTHRoPn5ZCqGHGcEecmuNPt6-55gW5WTMJXKgAoQHQCDKhOQYKOc/s1600/Image+2+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VEXFmEHWBBmqi_RoFlNxLxSalYNO1sc3BhVp823rzUv26bge0duo0mXMvioG40enKqPjWn8c3aisCdE9e7HgzW92bTHRoPn5ZCqGHGcEecmuNPt6-55gW5WTMJXKgAoQHQCDKhOQYKOc/s640/Image+2+-+Version+2.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQUkdv6Lfy8qlXZhA_pQtmtain2YbB4HiB9XeIaNuXMkpyYP-cscR2cAYHvl4DKgPjl31tGvzTLlYC-6kHvrpkk-Ven-nOzJxHGwFvkDHMs1FW62XxLLbQKoZ7xF2YTTzr8_94CeuNaEh/s1600/Image+3+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQUkdv6Lfy8qlXZhA_pQtmtain2YbB4HiB9XeIaNuXMkpyYP-cscR2cAYHvl4DKgPjl31tGvzTLlYC-6kHvrpkk-Ven-nOzJxHGwFvkDHMs1FW62XxLLbQKoZ7xF2YTTzr8_94CeuNaEh/s640/Image+3+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure where we fall with those statistics. We haven't necessarily had a decrease in marital satisfaction, but I do think we have to work a little harder. We have our moments and they definitely happen more often than they used to. </div>
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I do think, however, that <b>the simple acknowledgment that this is something</b> <b>very</b> <b>common</b> and <b>taking the time to talk</b> about our responsibilities - who will do the majority of 'x' chore and who will take care of 'y' - can make a WORLD of a difference. The power of a conversation can be amazing.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">- Some people suggest to <b>get your communication on</b> during walks with the baby. This way, you both are looking ahead rather than face to face which eliminates misread body language or damage from unintentional eye rolls. -</span></i></div>
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For the past week, John and I have spent more time together than we have in a long, long time. In this short time, I feel like our relationship and understanding of one another has been revived, in a way. We both see how hard the other works, whether on the job or at home, and we are both appreciative. But I think <b>the real game changer</b> has simply been that we have been <b>TALKING</b>. We've talked about work, about our business, about our baby and our home. We've talked about chores and how much its going to suck to have to do an emergency clean up before the bug man comes to spray the house. ;) But we've also had the chance to talk about the small things, the silly things, and the unimportant things. The things that connect us and make us laugh together. The things that were the only things before there were other things. (You follow?) </div>
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Like I always say, I know everyone and every situation is different and I am not an expert by any means. It's still early in the game over here. But in our case, <b>communication</b> has been key at this point. Taking the time to connect to one another again and to BE FRIENDS again, has made us a better team and with that we can be better parents - <b>happy parents.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little time apart spent with friends is important, too!</td></tr>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-45738466980279401872013-08-24T23:38:00.004-04:002013-08-24T23:43:21.173-04:00Asher's Closet - 6 to 9 Months<div>
Lately I have been throwing <u><b>so much clothing</b></u> into the "Too Small" box in the corner of Asher's nursery. His closet has been dwindling down until I recently realized that there is not much left that fits! Other than the <i>much-too-big</i> 12 month sized outfits I have stuffed in the back of the closet, almost everything else is now outgrown. What else to do then build his wardrobe back up with some shopping?</div>
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My biggest peeve about baby clothes is that it is really hard to find something UNIQUE! It seems like anything purchased from the department store is sure to be seen on at least 2 other babies within the week. We want individuality around here! <i>{</i> <i>Even if I am the one who chooses the said outfits... :) }</i> So, I am left with no choice but to shop online, which, is one of my favorite past times. So it all works out. </div>
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Another issue with buying baby boy clothes for us is the FLORIDA HEAT! All those cute layered baby looks pinned all over Pinterest and featured in photo shoots left and right... yeah, those aren't happening around here. We have to go with as few layers as possible, foregoing the socks and hats to boot. So much for coordination! <i>We'd like the thinnest fabric available, please.</i></div>
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<b>So, what <i>IS</i> Asher wearing these days?? </b>I'm glad you asked. Let the baby fashion show begin! <i>(Joan would be so proud.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5zLVNANlwgBfEMgqiTGiU82b2LRthbKOWWxrK11skdE2rSBeizjuUXpj91eLyzKp0SK7mFrBz37_QFrO_12TJNySlBtKng30TunKBgh3eBpiIv6VK2QwS-y0kAFCe1AhT5XKAPosw5jG/s1600/ashers-closet-6-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5zLVNANlwgBfEMgqiTGiU82b2LRthbKOWWxrK11skdE2rSBeizjuUXpj91eLyzKp0SK7mFrBz37_QFrO_12TJNySlBtKng30TunKBgh3eBpiIv6VK2QwS-y0kAFCe1AhT5XKAPosw5jG/s1600/ashers-closet-6-9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">1. <a href="http://www.rockmeusa.com/site/rmshop?page=shop.browse&category_id=8">Rock Me Grasshopper One-Piece</a> | 2. <a href="http://www.teacollection.com/baby-boy-clothes">Tea Collection Fish Romper</a> | 3. <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/city-threads-s-s-t-rex-head-tee-224016">City Threads T-Rex Tee</a> <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/charlie-rocket-striped-short-198928">Charlie Rocked Striped Shorts</a> | 4. <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/tea-collection-s-s-graphic-tee-760523">Tea Collection Skull Tee</a> & <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/tea-collection-surf-short-760450">Surf Short</a> | 5. <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/carters-infant-s-s-tee-759712">Carter's Firetruck Tee</a> & <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/carters-infant-fitted-short-759539">Red Fitted Short</a> | 6. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1223668/jumping-beans-mock-layer-tractor-tee-baby.jsp">Jumping Beans Truck Tee</a> & <a href="http://www.kohls.com/catalog/boys-jumping-beans-baby-clothing.jsp?CN=4294730817+4294874869+4294737914+4294719810&WS=96">Khaki Pants</a> 7. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1222820/jumping-beans-robot-bodysuit-baby.jsp">Jumping Bean Robot Onesie</a> & <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1409419/jumping-beans-striped-knee-patch-pants-baby.jsp?color=Rowdy%20Red">Patch Pants</a> 8. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1224660/jumping-beans-new-sheriff-bodysuit-baby.jsp">Jumping Bean Sherrif Onesie</a> & <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1259089/jumping-beans-plaid-canvas-shorts-baby.jsp">Plaid Short</a> 9. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1217155/jumping-beans-car-striped-bodysuit-baby.jsp">Jumping Bean Car Onesie</a> & <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1432987/jumping-beans-french-terry-pants-baby.jsp?color=Charcoal%20Heather"> Blue Pants</a> | 10. <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1263130/jumping-beans-dig-it-bodysuit-baby.jsp">Jumping Bean Dig It Onesie</a> & <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1192654/jumping-beans-poplin-shorts-baby.jsp?color=Carved%20Stone">Cargo Short</a> 11. <a href="https://www.diapers.com/p/carters-infant-woven-short-set-759600">Carter's Anchor Short Set</a> 12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Funny-Spanish-Months-Athletic-Heather/dp/B00CMS12KA">You had me at HOLA! Onesie</a></td></tr>
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Thankfully, we no longer are dealing with the extreme spit-up that forced us to change clothes every hour or go diaper-only. This makes for one happy mommy. Now I can dress this kid up with all the fun looks!</div>
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I have to admit, I am a sucker for Ebay when it comes to baby clothes. I don't buy used, just new items with and <i>sometimes</i> without tags. Not that there's anything wrong with used clothes, I have just had a bad run of luck when it comes to purchasing pre-owned articles of baby clothing, so I steer clear now. A few of the outfits shown here were purchased on Ebay. It takes commitment. Think at least one hour of scrolling through search results just to find one cute outfit. I'm picky. And apparently I have too much time on my hands. <i>{ I wish! }</i></div>
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I like to mix just a few "higher end" pieces in, but not too many because these clothes don't stick around long. <u>If I'm<i> </i>lucky</u>, I'll get 2-3 months out of something and I'm really pushing it there near the end. I probably <i>could</i> get a few more wears out of some of his things, but just the thought of stuffing Asher into something tight while he wiggles around and fights putting his arms and legs through the holes makes me just move on to something else. <i>Into the bin it goes!</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"How does this pug look on me, mom?"</i><br />
<i>You also may have noticed our old rug is back. The new one was the worst quality ever! :(</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.zulily.com/">Zulily</a>, of course, has been an excellent source of unique and fashionable baby clothes. <a href="http://diapers.com/">Diapers.com </a>has a nice range of options from lower end to higher end and their app makes shopping fast and easy. <a href="http://kohls.com/">Kohls.com</a> has some great things, too!</div>
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I have learned not to wait too long to wash clothes that you think you have a few months to go until they'll fit. Most of these clothes SHRINK! I can't tell you how many times I pass something by thinking it's still too big, then when I finally go to put it on Asher it's too small! :( Mommies beware.</div>
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I know one day Asher will thank me for putting so much time and effort into his perfectly coordinated and balanced infant wardrobe... <i>Bahahaha! </i></div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-72490346583340567002013-08-23T22:45:00.001-04:002013-08-23T23:19:14.344-04:00Immune Boosting Maple Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been one of those weeks (hence the lack of posts the past few days!).</div>
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On top of one of the <b>busiest weeks at <a href="http://www.zcreatedesign.etsy.com/">our Etsy shop</a> that we've EVER had</b>, my car battery finally died. It's been on it's last leg for the past few months; we knew it was going to. Every time I get into my car, the time is 10 more minutes behind. I have been helplessly late to <u>everything</u> because of this battery! (At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.) Yet, somehow we kept finding ways of putting the replacing of it off. Apparently BMW batteries are NOT cheap. Thankfully, when it finally decided to kick the can, Asher was not with me to melt in the 98 degree heat and John was just down the road. </div>
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I felt ANOTHER cold coming on and even though I am not a proponent of taking antibiotics at every given chance, I decided to hit up that extra z-pack I had in my medicine cabinet. Last time I was sick, it lasted for 3 weeks and my ears still don't feel quite right. I didn't want to take any chances.</div>
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Which leads me to my next hiccup this week... I haven't been out in the sun in AGES. So, I decided to hit the tanning salon <i>(I know, I know!!!)</i> to give myself a tiny base tan and some much needed vitamin D. I've literally only been out in the sun <u>one time</u> in the past... year???... so, hey, give me a pass on this one. Anyways, I forgot that antibiotics make you sensitive to sunlight and I got <b>burned, baby, burned!</b> I just hope my red hot skin tames down before my massage scheduled for this Sunday. If not, that will really top everything off for me. This momma needs to get her relaxation on and I am not about the let a <b><i>faux sunburn</i></b> stop me!</div>
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On the positive side of things, our <b>transition from the bassinet to the crib </b>has been going magnificently well. The past 2 nights, Asher has slept through the night again (10-11.5 hours) and gone to sleep within 10 minutes of being put down. He's even starting to cooperate with being put down for naps, now, too. <b><u>(Insert applause - make that standing ovation - here!)</u></b> Take that <i>Cry-It-Out</i>. We barely even needed to use you. :)</div>
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So in celebration of our baby sleeping soundly at 6:30pm and also as a band-aid to my <i>oh-so-stress-filled</i> week, I decided to whip up some sinfully delicious <b>Maple Cookies</b> this evening. Did you know maple syrup (the real stuff, people, not that high-fructose-corn-syrup-crap) has <b><u>immune boosting</u></b> properties? Maple syrup contains <b>zinc and manganese, </b>both of which are key players in the function of your immune system. So if you happen to eat one too many of these cookies - it's all good! You're just building up your immune system, after all!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MAPLE COOKIES - <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/maple-cookies/">FIND THE RECIPE HERE</a></span></b></div>
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Oh, you thought I made that recipe up? Not a chance. ;)</div>
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I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Go and get some sun - some <i>real</i> sun - but don't forget your SPF! Learn from my mistake. </div>
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...Lastly, I have to leave you with <i>at least one</i> cuteness shot from this week. Check out these adorably chunk-a-licious Jumperoo lovin' legs! <b>Go, baby, go!</b></div>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-31799214479984248352013-08-20T22:06:00.001-04:002013-08-20T22:06:29.143-04:00Teething Update - Tooth Watch + Sign for "Hurt"We are still on <b>TOOTH WATCH</b> only now it has been raised to "<span style="color: red;">Severe"</span>. There are no teeth in sight yet, but there are lots of fun teething symptoms going on around here.<br />
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Reinventing these terms so commonly used by the national weather services, let's define <b>"tooth watch"</b> and <b>"tooth warning"</b>:<br />
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<i><span style="color: orange;"><b>Tooth Watch -</b> An announcement that the eruption of a tooth and teething symptoms are possible.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red;"><b>Tooth Warning -</b> A tooth or teething is imminent and expected, i.e. a tooth has been spotted</span></i><br />
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Any day now we'll be upgrading this <b><span style="color: orange;">"tooth watch"</span></b> to a <b><span style="color: red;">"tooth warning"</span></b> when a little peak of white pops through those pink gums. That will not be a fun day! I wish I could fast forward a few weeks and bypass this horrible discomfort, but I know the relief would only be temporary as teething is not a short-term deal.<br />
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We are fortunate that Asher is easily distracted so the crankiness comes in short spurts. We've been surviving the extra painful moments with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hylands-Homeopathic-Teething-Tablets-Count/dp/B005FAAI1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377048752&sr=8-1&keywords=hylands+teething+tablets"><b>Hyland's Teething Tablets</b></a> <i>(in moderation, once per day if needed)</i>, frozen blueberries or peaches in our <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nuby-5397-Nibbler-With-Cover/dp/B008FONS7A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377048447&sr=8-5&keywords=nuby+nibbler">Nuby Nibbler</a></b>, and <b>cold teething rings</b>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Ring-Teether-Colors-Vary/dp/B000ICZ9Y2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377050423&sr=8-1&keywords=teething+ring">Munchkin Teething Ring</a> 2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hylands-Homeopathic-Teething-Tablets-Count/dp/B005FAAI1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377048752&sr=8-1&keywords=hylands+teething+tablets">Hyland's Teething Tablets</a> 3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nuby-5397-Nibbler-With-Cover/dp/B008FONS7A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377048447&sr=8-5&keywords=nuby+nibbler">Nuby Nibbler</a> with Frozen Blueberries/Peaches/Ice <br />4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vulli-Sophie-the-Giraffe-Teether/dp/B000IDSLOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377050470&sr=8-1&keywords=sophie">Sophie the Giraffe</a> 5. Lots of Hugs and Kisses! :(</i></b></td></tr>
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<i>{ Side note about the Nuby Nibbler - I like the one with the handle MUCH better for handling purposes <u>and</u> because you can hook it to his pacifier clip so that it doesn't get thrown on the floor. A warning about using bananas in it, though - you will not be able to get the black gunk out of the net! Ick. }</i><br />
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Last night, Asher woke up around 10pm for a midnight snack, then was wide-eyed-and-bushy-tailed for about an hour and a half. I put him temporarily in his bassinet while I got ready for bed and he made sure to tell me that he was having some teething pain (although he was, surprisingly, tear-free). Check out his super impressive baby <b>sign language for "hurt"</b>:<br />
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We actually have never practiced the baby sign for "hurt" with him, but he's only seen it on the <i>Baby Signing Time</i> DVD like a billion times, so I am not surprised he picked it up. Well... I kind of am, actually. There's no denying that this definitely <i>looks</i> like his mouth hurting is what he was trying to convey and he is having teething pain, so, it only makes sense. Smarty pants I tell ya. He's goin' places, this one!<br />
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-1540955036542075642013-08-16T22:01:00.001-04:002013-08-16T22:01:41.206-04:00B2C - Night 7 + Wooden Teething Toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh my goodness... can you get enough of that <i>old-man-face cuteness</i>?? I can't either.<br />
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We are on <b>B2C</b> <b>NIGHT 7 - the transition from the bassinet to the crib</b>. Last night Asher woke for a bottle around 1am (his eating schedule has been rearranged so I do believe he was legitimately hungry) and then it took him just a few minutes to fall back to sleep and he slept until about 6 when we brought him in with us until 8:30 for some extra Zzzzs.<br />
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This afternoon, we put him down for a <b>nap in his crib</b> at about 3:30 and he was asleep around 4:00. He resisted and we attempted to let him cry a little until I offered him a comforting hand to squeeze after about 10 minutes of steady tears and frustration. Within 5 minutes of that, he was asleep. I guess it was like a <i>modified</i> CIO. I just can't do the real thing but I don't think we'll need to. He napped for an hour and a half. Yipee!<br />
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It was <b>bedtime</b> at 7:07 and by 7:28 he was sound asleep and has been every since. He didn't cry, just groaned and grunted his way into slumber-land. He did let out one cry and needed my hand to squeeze for just a minute right before he nodded off. Hey - we may be onto something here. We'll just wean the hand and should be golden. Stay tuned.<br />
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Our newest excitement is this <b>wooden teething toy</b> from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HennieRose" style="font-weight: bold;">Hennie Rose</a> on Etsy. This is one of the few teething toys that he actually <i>likes</i> chewing on. This shop has the cutest things! I might also get Asher one of the pacifier clips that has the wooden beads on it, as well, considering he is always chewing on the straps of his. So neat! I wanted to share. </div>
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As luck would have it, we have to rise early again tomorrow to get a few things done at our shop while there's still time to get a shipment out. Oh well, maybe we'll hit breakfast after that if we get early enough of a start. Who knows what's on the agenda for the rest of the weekend... maybe the zoo? ;)<br />
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<b>Have a fun weekend!</b>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-70183490207326432392013-08-15T21:51:00.001-04:002013-08-15T22:07:01.282-04:00SUPERBABY, Zany Zoo, + Phone Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I should have a badge made that says "Crazy Mom". I am the mom whose baby fell asleep in his crib without fussing (woo-hoo!) and then decided to lug in my camera and a tripod to take some pictures of him in the dark. Risky business. Fortunately, he did not wake up. He stirred a few times and I held my breath - but thankfully he didn't wake while I was clanking around in there just a few feet away from him. I said I was crazy, didn't I?</div>
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<b>NIGHT 6 OF BASSINET TO CRIB TRANSITION</b></div>
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Today, Asher only napped about 15 minutes in the car. He was up at 9 (well, up at 6, ate, then came to our room until 9. I was so tired I didn't even want to attempt the re-inserting of the paci over and over again from across the house. He went right back to sleep in our room. Bad mom! TIRED MOM.)</div>
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Any-who, he was officially up at 9, ate breakfast, then was off to work with me. He got a bottle there and we unsuccessfully attempted napping a few times. We were back home by 2. He had lunch then we TRIED napping. He wasn't having it. Before I knew it, 5pm came around and he looked super sleepy. Since late afternoon naps can mean long, <b>sleepless nights</b>, I kept him up and we did <b>bath, bottle, book, a little more from his bottle, and bed</b> by 7:30. He fussed until that last few ounces so I think he was just still hungry? His appetite has been all over the place lately. He was out as soon as I put him down. So much for putting him down while he's still awake like "the experts" say to do, but we're doing our best here. I'm still rather new at this. :)</div>
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Presenting... SUPERBABY! He could fight crime in his sleep. He's a super sleeper.</div>
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Alas, the night is still young. I flipped our little flat head onto his side after taking these pics and got these little nuggets with my phone. Um, you're welcome.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cotton booty cuteness ;) aka cloth diaper fluffy butt</td></tr>
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Drool spots on the sheets are probably only cute when babies do it. Or maybe it's cute for all children, but certainly not adults. Just a word to the wise. ;)</div>
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On another note, our new <b>big boy toy</b> came in and I, I mean Asher, was so excited! We got him a <a href="http://justb-byou.com/toys/smart/zany-zoo/"><b>Zany Zoo</b></a> that he can play with while sitting up. He already loves flipping open the doors, spinning, flicking, pressing, twirling... and he can't even see everything on top yet!</div>
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I can't even. These pictures are so edible I don't know which ones to make smaller. They're all full-size worthy. <b>Indulge yourself in the cuteness...</b></div>
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Without further ado, it's time for my iPhone Favorites from the past few weeks. I am a little behind on getting these up since we've been so crazily busy. Enjoy! </div>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-20759128210463339362013-08-14T23:17:00.002-04:002013-08-14T23:19:33.948-04:00The Big Move - Bassinet to Crib <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEzDSN9vQIWhEfLquKq3GW-xLSvGvw_0fHEg68wdDKJfXrWoUaEZdW1D6cgIWbG0-288T-LwY3O5t277JZDIaS0S0oTsge9JFOGIKgDS1oig7xWdIqSKeaEYL-PbETxK1FyIKGj9pLg1A/s1600/HTM-7654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEzDSN9vQIWhEfLquKq3GW-xLSvGvw_0fHEg68wdDKJfXrWoUaEZdW1D6cgIWbG0-288T-LwY3O5t277JZDIaS0S0oTsge9JFOGIKgDS1oig7xWdIqSKeaEYL-PbETxK1FyIKGj9pLg1A/s640/HTM-7654.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Well, the gig is up. We are free to have more children now. Our former "angel baby" is now showing a new side. A wakeful, alert side. He still shows off his contagious smile all hours of the day...and night - he's just no longer in favor of sleeping, or more specifically,<b> going to sleep</b>.<br />
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We are now on <b>night 5</b> of the transition from the bassinet in our room to Asher's crib in his nursery. He's 6 months old now, he is moving around a lot more in his sleep, and he is getting really close to outgrowing his bassinet. So we figured it is like a perfect time to make the move.<br />
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<b>Night one</b> went extremely well. Too well. Asher fell right asleep in his crib with no resistance to his 7:30pm bedtime. It may have even been 7:15pm. Out like a light. He woke just briefly around midnight for a bottle, then it was back to bed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our iBaby monitor allows us to watch and even take pictures of Asher in his crib on our mobile devices.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52oL4-2p9oB4Ncw1xslZ9oal-5ZVTPMTuEbQk68Nx-j5WscZtyFO32U4xtRKkwyNtUYlubh9qsPV3NthqrXIMgmvOX1WIccVnAN5ZtiqGjJmzn3HYrdsqy2ZSlQdqdbyGJP14ZLXVURjx/s1600/HTM-7676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52oL4-2p9oB4Ncw1xslZ9oal-5ZVTPMTuEbQk68Nx-j5WscZtyFO32U4xtRKkwyNtUYlubh9qsPV3NthqrXIMgmvOX1WIccVnAN5ZtiqGjJmzn3HYrdsqy2ZSlQdqdbyGJP14ZLXVURjx/s640/HTM-7676.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He was then up in the morning at about 7:30am. I fed him and he wasn't having his crib anymore at that point, so I brought him into our room into his bassinet and both of us got another 2 hours of sleep (score!). <-- Daddy left early, early to go fishing and I didn't get to bed until super late - hence the excitement for extra sleep.<br />
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The following nights brought the tossing and turning and Asher's hesitance to sleep in his crib. We gave in last night, on night 4, letting him back into our room when he absolutely would not go back to sleep around 2am. Into the bassinet - done. Sleeping baby. Tonight, if I even walked into the nursery with him he'd start to cry. I finally got him in there by rocking him to sleep with a bottle. I know that's one of the worst things to do, so I do not want to make this into a habit!<br />
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I must mention that our schedules are also all out of sorts right now. Circumstances have brought me back to our shop every weekday for at least 3-5 hours. Maybe by next week I'll be able to cut it down to 3 days or so. Sometimes, if I am lucky, Asher naps. But it's unfortunately just not a nap friendly environment there. We have loud machinery running, I am using a tape gun to package up orders... I don't blame him for not being able to get quality rest while we're there.<br />
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In addition to this new schedule, our pediatrician recommended we feed Asher breakfast and late lunch rather than breakfast and dinner since he has been having more might wakings since starting solids. Working this new feeding schedule into our new work/home schedule is going to be a little tricky. But we will make it work.<br />
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Oh - ALSO - we are supposed to have him sleeping on his stomach now to combat his "flat head". He doesn't like that. So this just adds to the difficulty at sleep time.<br />
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I'm not a fan of the "cry-it-out" method for us. So I'm going to have to get creative to get Asher into the habit of sleeping in his crib. I'm going to try to let him play in his crib while I am doing things in his room, i.e. folding laundry, organizing, cleaning, etc. I'm already putting him in there for naps (with much resistance) but I'm sure this will improve in time, as well. When he wakes, I am giving him his bottle in his nursery so that he stays sleepy and hopefully won't think about changing rooms. </div>
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Hopefully by next week I'll have some more perspective for anyone going through the transition from bassinet to crib once we have crossed the threshold. Fingers crossed this process won't take much longer than that!</div>
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<b>When and how did you make the transition from bassinet to crib/ How did it go? Any advice?</b><br />
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-71507341977914067842013-08-12T23:25:00.002-04:002013-08-13T08:09:50.050-04:00Why I Am Letting Go Of "Wife Guilt"Nowadays, modern moms and dads likely share much of their day equally when it comes to both home maintenance and parenting without relying on traditional gender roles to divvy up the ever-growing list of responsibilities. But in some households, like ours, it just works better to stick with tradition a little, but I have found there to be one caveat - what I like to call <b>"wife guilt"</b>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by<a href="http://www.carolinenicolephotography.com/"> Caroline Nicole Photography</a></td></tr>
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We all know about the all-too-common <b>"mommy guilt"</b> that plagues us when we let that DVD run for the second (or - eek! - third!) time or when we pop open some processed, store-bought baby food and leave our Beaba to collect dust. Now, I let myself fall victim to even MORE guilt when my husband walks through our door at night and I am taking advantage of these baby-free hours of the day to get some "play time" in. Pinning, tweeting, blogging... the fun stuff. The <i>relaxing</i> stuff.</div>
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I can just "feel" his eyes peering into the sink full of dirty dishes with disappointment or stepping over that pile of laundry that hasn't yet made its way to the washing machine shaking his head with dismay. In reality, he understands. But that guilt is a powerful thing and it <i>convinces</i> me that he <i>must</i> care and that I have <i>failed</i>.</div>
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Most nights, I have just gotten off my feet maybe 30 minutes before he gets home. I try to reason with my inner self. <i>I'm not only a mom and a wife but I'm also technically <b>always</b> on the clock with running our online store and helping keep our manufacturing and inventory organized at our shop - even on days that I work from home I am working on and off throughout the day. </i><b><i>And it's busy season, self! </i></b></div>
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This plethora of unnecessary stress is thrown onto me by my guilt-ridden conscience. Deep down, I know that my husband doesn't mind our <b>less than perfect household</b>. John knows I am trying my best - we both are trying our best. I need to, and maybe most of us - husbands and wives alike - need to, let go of the quest for perfection. Let go of the spotless kitchens and shining sinks. Let go of the perfectly balanced and homemade meals and children with perfectly matched clothing. I will let go of the thoughts of inadequacy that tell me that I am failing as a wife because I can't do everything on my to-do list by the end of the day, week, month, year. And that's ok. And John knows that's ok. I need to remember that it is OK.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by<a href="http://www.carolinenicolephotography.com/"> Caroline Nicole Photography</a></td></tr>
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When we made the decision to marry one another, it wasn't for our abilities to wash the most loads of laundry in one week or because one of us had the cleanest sink in town. In our marriage, as a team, we shouldn't search for each others' faults or pass judgment on one another when a fault emerges. When John comes home at the end of the day to the mess that currently is our home, he knows that I am trying my best everyday and I know that he is, too. <b>And me, I guess I can kick that "wife guilt" to the curb.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by<a href="http://www.carolinenicolephotography.com/"> Caroline Nicole Photography</a></td></tr>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-11356451060815887052013-08-09T23:52:00.001-04:002013-08-09T23:52:50.534-04:00Happy Half Birthday - 6 Months of Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmHMXgxhuITTXF5jl8Q_3ka3jSrYZeB38hl5TH9JMuTAbSHZhbGeTVztkHzCEFIaFiFaiSm2K1Z2dAtXHCv6s5O7IsYMn1OY_gdAYEFogC2uLuVCCK2kvasUSRCETkelJLQjkoJVRXODb/s1600/Monthly-7327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby development at 6 months" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmHMXgxhuITTXF5jl8Q_3ka3jSrYZeB38hl5TH9JMuTAbSHZhbGeTVztkHzCEFIaFiFaiSm2K1Z2dAtXHCv6s5O7IsYMn1OY_gdAYEFogC2uLuVCCK2kvasUSRCETkelJLQjkoJVRXODb/s640/Monthly-7327.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">6 Month Update - Development & Milestones</span></h2>
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I've said it and I will say it again, I can't believe it has been 6 months already since our sweet baby was born. 1/2 of a year! It went by so, so fast.</div>
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Asher is so much more lively and interactive now than ever before. He is happy all day and lets us know with a huge, as John would say, "Kool-Aid grin" that stretched from ear to ear. He laughs, he plays, he is curious... and he is so smart!</div>
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<b>SIGN LANGUAGE UPDATE - 6 Months</b></div>
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<b><i>Asher is now signing:</i></b></div>
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Dog</div>
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Milk</div>
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Up</div>
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Eat</div>
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<b><i>We have seen glimpses of...</i></b></div>
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Cereal</div>
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Mama</div>
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Dada</div>
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Water</div>
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<b><i>He gave up on:</i></b></div>
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Banana </div>
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Carrot</div>
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<b><i>I have now introduced these new signs:</i></b></div>
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Diaper</div>
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Change</div>
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Sleep</div>
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Sleep Clothes aka Pajamas</div>
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Train</div>
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Airplane</div>
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Car</div>
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<b>SIGNING IN USE...</b></div>
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The other night, I had to change Asher's diaper after having already put him to bed. While on the changing pad, he signed "milk". I wouldn't have otherwise given him any since he had just eaten, but once I did he ate the whole thing! This is just amazing to me and really solidifies our desire to continue with baby signing.</div>
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Here's a video of our little signer showing off his skills signing "dog" when he sees and hears the pugs during his pictures this morning...</div>
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<b>MILESTONES @ 6 MONTHS</b></div>
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<li>Asher can now <b>sit</b> without using his hands for support (still topples over after a minute or so).</li>
<li><b>Crawling</b> <b>"inchworm" style</b>, still, only he is now making more progress in terms of moving across the floor. He can't yet lift his belly and support himself on his hands and knees, but once he figures that out - watch out! He'll be unstoppable.</li>
<li><b>Sounding out</b> "brrrr", "thhh", "deh", "meh", and blowing spit bubbles. I swear I heard "mama" and "dada" tonight but it may just be wishful thinking. ;) I <i>DID</i> hear "eee-ooo" while he was trying to do peek-a-boo and I'm pretty sure he wants to say "doggy" so badly!</li>
<li>Can <b>drink from a sippy cup</b> (but loses his grip within a few seconds). Just a tiny bit of water with his "crackers" <i>(which I then discovered "may contain milk or soy" - oops - so I made homemade ones and will share the recipe soon. They<i> also said they contain "organic flavor"? What the heck is "organic flavor"??? I am getting crunchier by the minute...</i>)</i></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Half-birthday onesie from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kakabaka?ref=shop_sugg">Kakabaka</a> on Etsy.<br /></td></tr>
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<b>TEETHING UPDATE</b></div>
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We are still on "tooth watch"! Nothing yet, but lots of crankiness in the evenings, so something must be moving around in there. We've got a close eye out for anything breaking through...</div>
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We've been giving Asher 2-3 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hylands-Homeopathic-Baby-Teething-Tablets/dp/B006WU11K0/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1376104169&sr=1-1&keywords=Hyland%27s+homeopathic+teething">Hyland's Homeopathic Teething Tablets</a> in his bottles whenever he seems to be experiencing teething pain. We also picked up some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BabyGanics-Say-Ah-Teething-Gel/dp/B009GYGUK0/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1376104086&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=BabyGanics+Teething+Pods">BabyGanics Teething Pods</a> which I have only had to break out once and it really seemed to have helped a lot. </div>
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<b>SOLID FOOD UPDATE</b></div>
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Asher loves solid foods! He loves them so much that he will only drink half his usual amount of milk in the mornings and is extra finicky with bottles now. I had to start giving him brown rice cereal (against my original plan) so that I could mix more milk into his solids to thicken everything up.</div>
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It's been about 2 weeks now that he has been eating <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happy-happy-bellies-Brown-Cereal/dp/B005P0VIM4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376105865&sr=8-2&keywords=happy+baby+brown+rice+cereal">brown rice cereal</a> and over the past week or so we have seen an onset of mild eczema on his face, arms, legs, and chest. I am not sure if this is related to the rice cereal or the introduction of stage 2 baby foods (which have multiple ingredients in them) so I am going to be doing some backtracking to stage ones and hopefully I can figure out what is causing this issue. Our city has also made changes to the water recently and it smells like awful chlorine now, so maybe it could be related to that... It's so frustrating! His next doctor's appointment is just around the corner, so unless the skin issue takes a turn for the worse before then, we'll address it then.</div>
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<b>POSTPARTUM UPDATE</b></div>
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My hair is still shedding like crazy - when does this stop?!?! Otherwise, things are pretty much back to normal, for the most part. Thank goodness!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcteABgngFBXWoiJIFI43_1YIALsgB8hMkwWlY2uAiVeGcyGVtABGHLBB64UHJMwmqkxSzRxYUvoSLMa7hPvYndUT9o_eRGuD4TPzylhDIuHNkSiQ_ZEknRuasYsfEFhp5gapJa3Bzxmj/s1600/Monthly-7438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="6 month baby milestones and update" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcteABgngFBXWoiJIFI43_1YIALsgB8hMkwWlY2uAiVeGcyGVtABGHLBB64UHJMwmqkxSzRxYUvoSLMa7hPvYndUT9o_eRGuD4TPzylhDIuHNkSiQ_ZEknRuasYsfEFhp5gapJa3Bzxmj/s640/Monthly-7438.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving Suki the "stink eye". :)</td></tr>
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<b><u>Happy Half-Birthday</u></b> to our ENERGETIC little jumping bean. He is so sweet and loving but he is also showing signs of <u>never ending ENERGY</u>! Those feet - they just go and go and go. We have our work cut out for us with this one, I think. Oh and that mischievous smile... Yes, we are in trouble. </div>
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<i><b>We love you baby Asher! </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Don't tell Daddy, but now it is time to start planning your 1-year birthday...</b></i></div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-75462399877569024632013-08-08T00:11:00.005-04:002013-08-13T08:36:06.273-04:006 Month - Half Birthday Prep & Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, almost! Asher's "official" <b>6 month half birthday</b> is this Friday, August 9th. Can you believe it has been <b>6 months</b> already?!??! It feels like just yesterday I was feeling him kick inside my belly.<br />
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It is just incredible how quickly they grow. Not just physically, but mentally, too. I'll get into detail with everything like a usually do after I take his 6 month onesie growth picture. Plus, I've got some seriously awesome news on <b>baby signing</b>. Be sure to check back in a few days for that!<br />
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We have a <b>6 month baby photo shoot</b> set up with our photographer, <a href="http://www.carolinenicolephotography.com/"><b>Caroline Nicole Photography</b></a>, on the 17th. I'm still not 100% sure where we are going to do them. I am torn between a beach setting or park setting. Maybe there's a beach with a park that would cover both bases. We'll see. I'll have to brainstorm on some spots. Ideas are welcome!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WARDROBE!</span></h3>
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I've been collecting outfits for Asher's 6 month photos for awhile now and am <b>SO EXCITED</b> because they're just <u style="font-weight: bold;">absolutely adorable</u> (if I do say so myself)! <b>#1</b> is perfect for the shoot with Caroline since we'll be outdoors and it will be HOT. I have another onesie on its way that is similar but with a vest instead of suspenders.<b> #2</b> is going to be perfect for whatever we end up doing on Friday. <b>#3</b> is going to be used for an indoor portrait session by ME! Or, it may be too big and it will be saved for a later date. <b>#4</b> I purchased before Asher was born and I hope it still fits! It's size 0-6 month, so we will see. If it fits, I'll bring it along for the outdoor session.</div>
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<b>*** WHERE TO BUY FIND THE ABOVE OUTFITS ***</b></div>
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<b>1. Tie/Suspender Onesie - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaddiesAndLasses">Laddies & Lasses</a> on Etsy</b></div>
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<b> Onesie with Vest (not pictured) - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/143347473?ref=fb2_tnx_title">The Accent Shop</a> on Etsy</b></div>
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<b> Hat - </b><a href="http://www.borntoloveclothing.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Born to Love Clothing</a><b> </b><i>(I found on Zulily sale...)</i></div>
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<b>2. Custom 1/2 Onesie with Matching Legwarmers - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kakabaka">Kakabaka</a> on Etsy</b></div>
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<b>3. 3-Piece Vest Outfit - <a href="http://www.macys.com/">Macys</a></b></div>
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<b> Newsboy Hat - </b><a href="http://www.borntoloveclothing.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Born to Love Clothing</a><b> </b><i>(I found on Zulily sale...)</i></div>
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<b>4. Giraffe Romper - <a href="http://www.mud-pie.com/c-1051-rompers.aspx?1=1">Mud-Pie</a></b></div>
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<b>5. Ruffly Blanket</b> <i>(Shown under the clothes above and will be the perfect beach blanket for our pics. Also, this store is now on my list for go-to baby gifts - this is the most adorable blanket I've ever seen! I'll have to be extra careful with it during our photo shoot not to ruin it.)</i><b> - </b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/allthatruffle" style="font-weight: bold;">All the Truffle</a><b> on Etsy</b></div>
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As for me, I am going to wear a white shirt with white pants? Maybe, maybe not. And a turquoise statement necklace. I bought John two shirts to try on. I'm not falling into the <i>figure-out-what-you're-going-to-wear-on-the-day-of-the-shoot</i> trap again. Here's what I have going on in my head:</div>
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I also had John make some half birthday <b>photo props</b> for our little guy. One that says '1/2' and one that says '6mo.'. We also are now selling them! Here's a link to our store if you're interested: <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158425063/baby-photo-prop-half-birthday-half-sign?ref=shop_home_active">1/2 Birthday Photo Prop</a></b></div>
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I also found a really neat vintage wine box on Etsy for Asher to sit in. I hope it gets here in time!</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Did I mention I am excited???</span></i></b></div>
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The good thing about having this photo shoot on the 17th (other than more than enough time to prepare) is that Asher will be sitting like a pro by then. He is getting more and more steady sitting without his hands. In a week's time, he'll have it down, I'm sure. Here's a quick video of his skills...</div>
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Needless to say, there is much excitement around here with our little half-year-old. I hope I have a chance to make a half cake for him. More half birthday news and pictures coming soon!</div>
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Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-17601851017464575562013-08-04T23:58:00.000-04:002013-08-05T11:57:32.380-04:00Photos with Baby Marley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, baby Marley and her mommy, Nancy, came over to take some photos while both her and Asher's daddys were outside working on John's boat. We were totally content indoors in the cool a/c while the guys were melting in the Florida heat.</div>
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While I snapped picture after picture of this little beauty, baby Asher watched happily from his Rock 'n Play. Both he and Marley were such great sports throughout the whole process! There was hardly a tear all day from either of the little ones, and that is saying something! I was excited to get some extra practice in on some of the new backdrop items I recently purchased and Nancy was just as excited to get some photos of her little angel.</div>
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Marley was such a pleasure to take pictures of and she is just so darn cute and photogenic!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip9sTfseeOTYiRYoTq9hsLGT3potsQObM8PZ88FtrzUV2pb_uGgvaqT8VigmC6m_tGmWY7m1Y4Ohp-hRhhuyKXwEuN2luuZ8hJMtbmaGFRbXw7fG0ldGQZmJnu1_yw6e7cyl_x_zWMLbH/s1600/HTM-6602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip9sTfseeOTYiRYoTq9hsLGT3potsQObM8PZ88FtrzUV2pb_uGgvaqT8VigmC6m_tGmWY7m1Y4Ohp-hRhhuyKXwEuN2luuZ8hJMtbmaGFRbXw7fG0ldGQZmJnu1_yw6e7cyl_x_zWMLbH/s640/HTM-6602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the mini "photo shoot", both babies fell fast asleep. I'm telling you, we couldn't have planned the whole thing better. So, while the "models" rested, Nancy and I whipped up some <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/five-things-134/">Carrot Margaritas</a> as featured on <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/five-things-134/">Cupcakes and Cashmere</a>. I know, it sounds like a strange recipe - but they turned out awesome. I didn't have red pepper flakes, only ground red pepper which worked just fine with a tiny sprinkle on top. It finished it off with the perfect 'kick'. We even brought a few to the guys who were still working diligently outside in the heat. How they can be outside for more than a few minutes (hours!) in this weather, I will never know. We had a fun time connecting with "mommy-talk" while the babies finished up their naps.<br />
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Oh - and I will deny any allegations of using a baby bottle to measure the correct ounces of liquor. ;)<br />
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-29418578422945215772013-08-03T00:46:00.002-04:002013-08-03T00:48:08.329-04:00Labor Inducing Pregnancy Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's the story of my labor inducing <b>"Pregnancy Pizza"</b>.<br />
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When I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with Asher, I was very afraid of going over 40 weeks and ending up having to be induced in the hospital. So, I tried to find what information I could on safe ways to "naturally" induce labor to help get things moving along.<br />
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<b>Among the various tips, tricks, and "labor inducing foods" I found were:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Going for walks</i></li>
<li><i>Sitting on an exercise ball (supposedly helps move the baby into position)</i></li>
<li><i>Eat Pineapple (pineapple promotes the production of prostaglandins which ripen the cervix)</i></li>
<li><i>Eat eggplant or, even better, eggplant parmigiana</i></li>
</ul>
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I did all of the above. Starting at 38 weeks (because these things can take time), I ate pineapple like it was going out of style. Same with eggplant parm. I ate it in sub form. Mmmm. With a husband in the Italian restaurant business, I had to find out why eggplant parmigiana was on the list. I had this food on speed dial, but if it was simply a myth, the last thing I wanted was to be dealing with nightly heartburn from the tomato sauce along with all of the other wonderful <i>last-week-of-pregnancy</i> discomforts.<br />
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It turns out that the <b>oregano and basil</b> in the red sauce have both been known to <b>stimulate uterine contractions</b>. At 39 weeks pregnant, that's all I needed to know. I called John up that evening and told him to bring home a Margherita pizza with EXTRA oregano and basil.<br />
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<b><i><u>That night, contractions started!</u></i></b> They were inconsistent and very far apart, but they were happening (and painful). It lasted throughout the next day when I had some leftover basil and oregano laden pizza for lunch. That night, I had him bring me another "pregnancy pizza". The painful contractions were still happening, but some were up to an hour or more apart and some would only last a few seconds. I heard stories all the time about people thinking they're going into labor and then it just STOPS. So I figured this was inevitably going to stop, too. The following evening, after a leftover pizza slice for lunch, more increasingly painful and now consistent contractions, I was heating up a slice for dinner and my water broke! (This was 6pm on a Friday that I had to call John to leave the restaurant and come home immediately. Talk about timing!)<br />
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To make a long story short, Asher graced us with his presence at 5:59am the very next morning. He was <b>6 days early</b>.<br />
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It's hard not to contribute the start of my labor to the magical "Pregnancy Pizza". We'll never know if that's what truly got things moving. As tasty as that pizza is (I'm having him bring me one home right now), it's a seriously delicious myth to bust.<br />
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If you live near Melbourne, FL, go to <a href="http://www.sanremoitalianrestaurant.com/"><b>San Remo Italian Restaurant</b></a> and ask for the <b>"Pregnancy Pizza"</b>.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">* RECIPE *</span></b></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">LABOR INDUCING PREGNANCY PIZZA</span></b></h3>
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<ul>
<li>14oz pizza dough (homemade or store bought for 16" pie)</li>
<li>1/3 cup pizza sauce</li>
<li>1 teaspoon minced garlic</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of oregano</li>
<li>2 large tomatoes, sliced</li>
<li>1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, fresh or shredded</li>
<li>10 fresh basil leaves, chopped</li>
<li>1 teaspoon olive oil</li>
</ul>
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Pre-heat the oven to 550 degrees or as high as your oven will go. Use a pizza stone to prepare and cook the pie.<br />
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1. Knead, roll and stretch the dough to 16" in diameter and 1/8" thick.<br />
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2. Spread the pizza sauce on the dough lightly and evenly, leaving a 1/2 inch or so along the edge for the crust. Sprinkle with the garlic and oregano. Top with sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (or if using fresh, arrange the cheese slices along with the tomatoes) then the basil.<br />
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4. Cook the pizza for 10 minutes or until golden brown.<br />
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5. Carefully remove pizza from the oven and drizzle with the olive oil. Cut into 6-8 slices. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykLIR9YWgO5hk7gsVLiqx828oPOofUQPcAuQdv-BEYTokHhTjEbKqElVT4_UxGfnS884dKSKNp-baLnmLp8iOtCVFTDcNk9WauMhYKkqkbaKVKWyz0FKaona3RoHopLlp7jZ41Ks0k3gH/s1600/HTM-6484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykLIR9YWgO5hk7gsVLiqx828oPOofUQPcAuQdv-BEYTokHhTjEbKqElVT4_UxGfnS884dKSKNp-baLnmLp8iOtCVFTDcNk9WauMhYKkqkbaKVKWyz0FKaona3RoHopLlp7jZ41Ks0k3gH/s640/HTM-6484.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-10433300339545500952013-08-01T21:39:00.000-04:002013-08-01T21:51:20.964-04:00Looking Back - Bringing Home A Newborn Now that Asher has "unofficially" hit the 6 month mark (his "offical" half birthday will be on Aug 9th - yay!) I look back at those first few weeks home with him with a little more understanding of what we all were all going through. Hopefully I can offer up some insight to others about to embark on the same, exciting journey. Of course, this is just based on my own experience and every baby and every family is so very unique. So take what you want and just leave the rest. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgEMOdxKiqdQych4wLwUbSjufIYyrnOFx_BxSt8OT2qdIFZ65CPSVHiJ5cLO_09Ut0TvWELsr1HXdXRnORZN9vQlPNosE11rag-d5ELDBksfpU_bwJQ6Mt6LFsXngrOed6DZCX9jaIMks/s1600/HTM-095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgEMOdxKiqdQych4wLwUbSjufIYyrnOFx_BxSt8OT2qdIFZ65CPSVHiJ5cLO_09Ut0TvWELsr1HXdXRnORZN9vQlPNosE11rag-d5ELDBksfpU_bwJQ6Mt6LFsXngrOed6DZCX9jaIMks/s640/HTM-095.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">{ We took a lot of video during our first week home, so I have mostly still frames from that footage below. }</span></i></div>
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I really didn't realize just HOW MUCH your life changes when you have a baby. Maybe not everyone's life changes so drastically, buy mine sure did. I went from always on the go and on my own time to a whole new schedule with one very demanding boss - baby Asher.<br />
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Those first few months with our new baby are a blur. We had Asher in the height of flu season and the hospital recommended that we don't take him out in public or expose him to school age children for at least 1 month. So, we enlisted the help of family to keep our refrigerator and pantry stocked while we settled in and got to know our new recruit within the confines of our home. He was so tiny and so new. <b>We were both overly prepared and utterly unprepared at the same time.</b> Life was going to be different. That was a fact.<br />
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As a new mom, there are so many uncertainties. Even still, the uncertainties are there, but during those early, early days, no matter how many books you've read, <b>the uncertainties run rampant.</b> That first week home, I think I took Asher's temperature almost every hour in the evenings to make sure he wasn't too hot or too cold. <i>What should the a/c be set at?</i> <i>Does he need socks? A hat? Swaddle? </i>Your mind comes up with questions and scenarios that can drive you absolutely insane. It's all part of the fun, even the mistakes. We all make them. From backward diapers and onesies to forgetting to fasten in your baby in the carseat and having to pull over to secure the buckle - it happens to the best of us and we learn to laugh it off.<br />
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It takes time to learn what works for you and your baby. Don't pay attention to scrutiny from others. In time, you learn to worry about yourself and your baby only. Sometimes you are setting yourself up if you ask for others' opinions. There are lots of times when, in hindsight, I wish I had gone with my gut. <b>Be confident. Trust your instincts. You know more than you think you do. </b><br />
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We were incredibly blessed to have a relatively easy time when it came to our day to day with newborn Asher. He would wake 2-3 times a night, but only to go right back asleep after a feeding. He slept a lot during the day. He really didn't cry much at all. I think what's difficult in situations like ours is that your routine no longer exists and you are now on your baby's schedule, which let's face it, isn't even a schedule at first. All of a sudden you have more laundry every day, if you're bottle feeding you have lots of bottles to wash. You now have lots of dirty diapers and bath time and tummy time. Your house is likely in complete disarray and you're up all hours of the night. <b>I have to remind myself that when I look back on this time of my life, I won't remember how messy my house was (very) or how many loads of laundry I was behind on (lots). I will remember holding and caring for my baby, playing and smiling with him. That's what's important.</b><br />
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<b>{ VISITORS }</b></div>
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When you first come home with your baby, you are going to have visitors. I do think its important to discuss the "rules" with your significant other beforehand and having certain days planned out in advance. <b>The last thing you probably want to be doing is entertaining.</b> Whether or not your visitor is expecting to be entertained, it's in most of our natures to feel the urge to do so when you have a guest in the house. Same goes for cleaning. You also probably will not be interested in cleaning or have the time to clean. It's totally ok to turn down a visit. Maybe even create a code word that you can use to signal one another that you are ready for company to leave.<br />
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<b>{ THAT'S <i>MY</i> BABY }</b></div>
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I can say that now that this part has gotten much easier. That said, when you first bring home this little life that only days ago was bumping around inside of your belly, for some, it can be hard to suddenly give them up to another's arms, even if it's only for a few minutes but especially if it's for longer. I know of many, many a new mother that has felt this way and don't really understand it, much like I still have trouble grasping exactly what was and sometimes still is going through my mind.</div>
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On one hand you want to protect your baby, whether it is from germs or from careless accidents. I can't tell you how many times the vision ran through my mind of someone other than myself holding my precious baby without me around and letting him fall. It <b>pained me to relinquish control</b> over the most important thing in my life.<br />
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On another hand, I think you just want to experience every moment. This is REAL for you. You're not playing house, you're a mother and this is your baby. The <b>mother-baby bond</b> is essential and also <b>learning your baby</b> is important, too. You are learning what soothes your baby, what he likes and doesn't like, which way of doing certain things works best for you. It takes time.</div>
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In my opinion, the most important things when you bring home your first newborn baby are you, your baby, you significant other. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.<b> If the three of you are happy, that's all that matters.</b> Anyone who has you and your new family (the family of 3)'s best interests at heart, will understand and give you as much time as you need to get into your new routine.<br />
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Just remember that what you are feeling is NORMAL and OK. You are not doing anything wrong. Have confidence in yourself and stand strong. </div>
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<b>{ WHY ARE/AREN'T YOU...? }</b></div>
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I often find myself trying to explain what I am doing and why I am doing it. I've learned that I need to learn how to just own my decisions and not spend time trying to defend myself, sway or sell anyone on my beliefs. Opinions are going to be thrown at you left and right and sometimes its easiest to just <b>smile and nod. </b>You know what's best for you and your family.</div>
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Also, it's so difficult not to compare with other babies but it's really a tricky trap you fall into. Try not to. All babies are different and will reach milestones and grow at their own pace. Oh, and it's ok if you don't have to most posh baby gear around. I've accepted that I am not a celebrity and it's ok that my high chair is from Target. (I <3 Target.) The higher-end stroller we ended up splurging on doesn't even have cup holders. I mean... that's annoying.</div>
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<b>{ VERY GLAD WE HAD... }</b></div>
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<b>Extra bassinet sheets and lots of sleepers</b><br />
<b>Frozen meals (if you have time, make some!)</b></div>
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<b>Coffee + Coffee + Coffee</b></div>
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<b><u>A sense of humor</u></b></div>
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...among much else, of course, but those are essential.<br />
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<b>{ INTO THE SWING OF THINGS... }</b></div>
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After that first week, when John went back to work and to his day to day routine, I carried on with my new one. You quickly realize that a sleeping baby can wake at any given moment. <b>You learn to eat fast.</b> <b>And pee while you have the chance. </b><br />
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You also suddenly realize how ridiculously unnecessary all that <strike>crap</strike> stuff in your old purse was. Now you'll throw your card and cell phone into your diaper bag and won't miss a thing.<br />
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I ventured into work at our shop a few times with baby in tow. He slept well in his carrier and even allowed us to go out for dinner a few times while he dozed softly in his seat. <i>This isn't so bad, </i>we thought.<i> You just have some extra things to carry around, that's all. </i><b>- Yeah, that changes. Enjoy it now!</b><br />
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Life with a new baby is not always easy. You learn to let little things go and to put certain things previously of much importance on hold for a little while. You now have something much, much more important to focus on. <strike>Note to self: Need new couch.</strike> There are lots of changes happening left and right, yet so many of those changes are for the better. You become enlightened to what life is all about. <b>All the cliches come to life</b> and you can't really remember what you did for so long without one of these swaddled little sweethearts in your home.<br />
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At the end of the day, you have to just look at the big picture and have fun. The newborn stage goes so quickly, but <b><span style="font-size: large;">it's worth every shushing, worrying, swaddling, kissing, grabbing, crying, sneezing, hiccuping, hair pulling, dream feeding, milestone reaching, heart melting, overwhelming and sleep deprived minute.</span></b><br />
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326034619148780290.post-10989351433769778522013-07-29T22:16:00.000-04:002013-08-01T22:15:51.129-04:00The Teething Monster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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It's been a whirlwind few days of cranky baby, cloth diaper annoyance, and a disdain for cleaning and cooking. I was a little too ambitious with adding in homemade meals every night. I mean, it's just me here eating it. I learned the hard way that a lot of food goes to waste. So, I am going to aim for every 2-3 days since leftovers will fill in just fine. Oh - don't get me started on the diapers. I am <u>so over</u> the diapers. For now. Update soon. I promise. </div>
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<b><u>Dare I say</u></b> our little bundle is finally sleeping soundly and has been since 7:45pm? <b><i>What a relief. </i></b>We've been having <b>"bedtime battles"</b> for the past few nights and Asher has been winning. He just doesn't want to sleep! Here's a little snippet of what we've got going on at bedtime...</div>
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This will last for hours! Eventually I'll go get him, try my best to keep him calm out in the living room with me covering all the bases - change, feed (if he'll eat), burp - then I'll put him back to bed and the cycle continues. Thank goodness that tonight he is letting me take breather and is staying in bed - asleep. Hallelujah. </div>
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The little guy is also starting to show signs of <b>teething discomfort</b>. They're coming! He's been gnawing on anything and everything much more often and much more forcefully than ever before. Around 5pm, like clockwork, it seems the aching starts to get the best of him and the tears start to break through. He pulls on and pats his cheek and ear and the most calming thing for him has been a cool teething ring. He even prefers it over his paci. Poor little guy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I never asked for teeth!!!"</td></tr>
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Although our household has been turned somewhat upside-down for the past few days with <b>lack of sleep</b> for everyone and the <b>3 Cs of the Wonder Week (clingy, cranky, crying)</b>, we still have a content and <b>happy baby</b> for <i>most</i> of the day... As long as you're holding him or playing with him. Hence the aforementioned disdain for cleaning. So, without further ado, here is a fun compilation of his happy and giggly moments throughout the past few days followed by my latest iPhone favs... Gotta keep it lighthearted up in here. ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvy8h3swjOmI7ZLC1GotOWCN4eeJ3vUQREjBmUpo_Y7pfxzZkWFHOyUeSkA2HjOPim5JNfTwbQo8XCpwIjBIJ9w4l2AMo9p21EH-91qaBX3o2YJlR5TDxzYhjwoOvUPukyVt7_7id-5CLl/s1600/Ph-Col-729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvy8h3swjOmI7ZLC1GotOWCN4eeJ3vUQREjBmUpo_Y7pfxzZkWFHOyUeSkA2HjOPim5JNfTwbQo8XCpwIjBIJ9w4l2AMo9p21EH-91qaBX3o2YJlR5TDxzYhjwoOvUPukyVt7_7id-5CLl/s1600/Ph-Col-729.jpg" /></a></div>
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You see? A <b>teething</b> and <b>wonder week </b>filled household can still be a <b>fun</b> and <b>laughter </b>filled household! You just have to find the silver lining. Let's just say we <i>all</i> needed that video around here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought this for Asher, and when it arrived it was MY SIZE! Talk about luck!</td></tr>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252930231351886416noreply@blogger.com2