tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79072103165380858572024-03-12T19:55:56.339-05:00Baby CollierThis is the start of a journey...planting the seeds for a family, and watching God make them grow...BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-88584974173953989722011-08-17T00:00:00.003-05:002011-08-17T00:56:29.789-05:0037 Weeks, 4 DaysShame on me...I can't believe I haven't posted. In all fairness, the season at which this pregnancy came was a busy one. We found out we were expecting on Christmas day. The slow winter months happened at the beginning of the pregnancy-- the time when you feel like your due date is so far away that you try not to dwell on it. Then in April, we bought a house (a process that actually started in November), and wedding season started in May! Decorating, renovations, hanging out with Noah, shooting, editing, meetings..... it has flown! SUMMER has flown! It's near the end of August and I feel like I haven't so much as blinked!<div>
<br /></div><div> It has been a fun summer though. Noah is really into swimming this year. He's mastered the use of his scuba gear in Uncle Bill's pool, and conquered his fear of the waves down the shore. At first he was thrown off a bit by the waves receding into the ocean (the illusion of moving with them), so whenever he felt like his balance was compromised, he would take on a surfer stance. It quickly became a game, as did running in and out of the water and jumping over waves. He feels invincible with his life jacket on! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've been miserable in the heat, as any pregnant woman would be, but Keith has been great about carrying things, and playing with Noah, to keep me as cool as possible. A happy wife is a happy life. :) The two of them did lots of fun stuff down the shore on our vacation. Bike rides almost every morning-- Noah got his first two wheeler with training wheels on it. He was elated! They went to the water park on the boardwalk, and Noah loved the slides he rode with Keith. We played mini golf (where he did get a hole in one!) but he quickly lost interest. He also loves to go to Kessles and eat pancakes and sausage. As much as I wanted to be there to watch everything they did, I tried to stay in the AC as much as possible. Unfortunately our house in CT's AC doesn't blow as strong on the first floor as it does on the second, so most days the first floor was 80 degrees. I'm so thankful for the air upstairs; wouldn't have slept without it! Working out in the heat was a different story. There were only two really hot weddings though. My clients and their guests seemed impressed that I was still working while big and pregnant. One guest told me I looked as if I was about to hatch. Thanks.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Sleeping is getting hard now as the baby is getting ready to make his debut! The feeling is different, this time around. He feels heavy. Carrying Noah tired me out, but this is a different kind of tired. This little guy sticks out further in the front, like a weight that's constantly trying to flip me over. My poor belly button is now an outie as a result. Everything with the pregnancy has gone great, though. I have gained 25 pounds in total, and at my last visit, had actually lost 2 lbs. I'm not sure how...lots of water, being more active, and not having time to eat lots, I guess. Plus this awful, never ending indigestion. I swear sometimes I get it over my own saliva.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I spent a week and a half in July scouting out local preschools. After talking to a neighbor, I realized I was behind on the game if I wanted to enroll Noah in a good one. I toured a few, and after three preschools, they all start to blend. I chose the one that has the most welcoming feeling atmosphere. On Sept 12th, Noah will be a preschooler at Trinity Day School! It breaks my heart! But he is so ready...he's developed and matured by leaps and bounds. He has always been verbally expressive, but his speech has become incredible! He uses big words like 'appropriate', 'repeat', and 'esophagus'. He also makes up words to replace the ones he's not allowed to say. The word "hate" has become "dogan". To hate something is to doge it. If it's something he thinks is bad, it's something that's "dogan". Then there are the things that we say that he repeats. Whether or not he knows what they mean, I don't know. While watching a skateboarder wipe out on XGames with Brendan, he put his hand over his mouth and said "OH SWEETIE!" He learns phrases from TV like "Give it a go" from fireman sam and kipper. He thinks his British friend's accent is really "French", and the language he speaks is not English, it's just normal.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>He's also growing in his little heart. I overheard a prayer, one night, for Mom Mom and Pop Pop, who were traveling to Canada that day. "Please, please protect Mom Mom and Pop Pop, God. Keep them safe. Amen." We went to Danielle's wedding last weekend, so ofcourse we had to talk about what it meant to be married, who was getting married and why. He came to the ceremony with us-- his first time in a catholic church. When he saw the crucifix, he said, "Look Mommy!! *point* it's the X! It's the cross that Jesus died on! I see it with my own eyes!" He learned about Jesus dying on the cross in Vacation Bible School. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Noah is elated to be a big brother. The baby's kicks feel more pronounced this time around-- probably because of his 'cliff-hanging' resting place stretching me to the max. Sometimes it draws an audible protest from me, and then Noah takes charge. "Baby, stop that right now. I don't want to tell you again". He decided early on that he would like to call the baby Mickey Mouse. I told him that he was allowed, but that Mommy and Daddy have to decide what they want to call him, and it will be different than Mickey Mouse. I've been organizing and cleaning, unpacking and washing, all in prep for the baby. Despite his denial about his old clothes still fitting him, I know Noah will be great with the baby. Two friends of mine have infants, and he is so gentle with them, always careful to include them, and guide them. He's such a precious kid. He was awfully concerned when I told him I would have to go to the 'hopspital' to have the baby, but after I explained it, he seemed ok. I'm praying someone will be available, when I go into labor, that he is comfortable being with. He gets along with anyone, though, so I shouldn't be worried. Most of my OBGYN visits have been one big long conversation between Noah and the Doctors. He helps with the equipment, asks what this pedal does, and that button. One OB he invited over for dinner. "Ask your husband if you can come," he says. "Bring your kids!" He's a charmer. He LOVES making new friends, and falls instantly in love!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Speaking of in love... we did a Gymboree class that was like a mock preschool class. He took quite nicely to a little cutie named Emma. I told him how Emma said to her Grandmom that she liked him because he made her laugh, and he was so proud. He told me that she is his girlfriend. He likes her yellow hair. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Yellow. *sigh* the color that he has also fallen in love with! Every art project that his Gymbo teachers would talk him into doing had yellow on them somehow. Even if the paper was dark, and you couldn't see the crayon on it, he would use yellow. We were having trouble getting Noah to sleep in his own bed, so I bought yellow sheets. I washed them and put them on in the same day. He couldn't have been happier! Then the next night, we were back to the rut of him not wanting to go to bed. I asked him why he didn't want to sleep there. He said it was because his walls didn't match his yellow sheets. So I painted the room. 4 coats later, he seems happy, so I ignore the obnoxious caution-sign-shade that glows into the hallway from his door. He's getting bunk beds soon, and already has big plans to sleep on top. I hope they are delivered before the baby is!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Stuff is so much more surreal when you're little. He tried to get Icky/Ick/Icholas to climb into a lifeboat hanging from the ceiling at B&B while we were shopping down the shore. It doesn't help that we feed into it with him....you know, doing stuff like telling him that the sign on the back of the airplane that flys over the beach says "Hi Noah!". </div><div>
<br /></div><div>*sigh* so my sweet little love bug is growing up. Man the stuff that happens when I blink. I'm loving the little boy he's becoming, but it's so sad that the time has gone so fast. I'm glad the winter will be settling in just as the baby comes...hopefully the time won't be busy enough to wisk those early months away too quickly. I have moments when I look at Noah, or watch him interact with Keith, or listen to a sentence he's trying to hard to build just right, to show me what he's thinking, and I'm absolutely taken by him. I love him more than I ever thought I could love. To think of giving that much love to another doesn't seem possible! I know I will be able to- it's in my capacity as a mother-- but I still can't wrap my head around it. It's funny, I find part of me feeling almost jealous for Noah, that this little baby will rob him of the attention and love I so desperately want to give him. It's ridiculous, I know. I'm anxious to fall in love with this baby, and be blown away by how much love can double in a life. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've planned with my doctor and midwife to do a VBAC. The hospital has to have an OR on standby, fully staffed, while I'm in labor, incase of complication. The doctor has to be present at the hospital, and my midwife will be there with me during labor itself. I hope and PRAY that it's successful...that I can experience labor and delivery the way God intended. Naturally, I'm a bit anxious about it. I have to keep re-centering on trusting God. I'm hoping I go into labor no later than Aug 30th, as my OB wants to schedule a c-section for 41 weeks. She doesn't want me to go past that so as to minimize stress on my scar. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I'm bummed that I didn't document this pregnancy like I did the last one, but honestly, I'm also kind of not. When I was pregnant for the first time, the only other part of life I was juggling was work, so of ourse, all the life changes ahead were at the forefront of my mind the whole time. What would it be like to have a child? How would it feel? What would he be like? How would my body change, and manage to give life to another? And I went through it all, and experienced the love and excitement of having a child, and watching him discover and transform and grow into what he is now! This time around, I'm still making those observations on the day-to-day, and my anticipations with this pregnancy have changed. I already know what it's like to be pregnant, and have even decided that I don't really like it, but it's worth the outcome. So I'm not all caught up in the technicalities of it. This time, I find myself wondering what he will look like-- whether he will look like Noah, or Keith or myself. What will his temperament be? How will he and Noah get along? And unfortunately they're all things I can't blog about until he's here! :) Thus the focus shift. I do want to document closely all the things I'm wondering about when he is here, though. Especially the relationship between he and Noah. Right down to the nitty gritty: what will his name be?? :)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>On that note, I'm going to bed. Life is good. </div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2LYIt6hpxThlKpBWZ5wcQ0wk7AYb249DXO-nBHXVIXFWjj2aig7TByWRB517-JMdXVC67U6YzAOHoHIrlVg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-26014122987780294672011-04-06T21:54:00.002-05:002011-04-06T22:02:03.467-05:0018 Weeks and Counting!This pregnancy is absolutely FLYING by! In the beginning I didn't really feel that way. I guess the sicker you feel, the longer it feels. But now that I'm feeling good (except for being tired), I can't believe I'm already at the 18 week mark. Now that I can feel the baby moving regularly (started to feel it around 13 weeks), I'm conscious of how quickly it's going because this is the part of pregnancy I enjoy the most. After Noah was born I found myself missing the little kicks and nudges. <div> I haven't weighed myself in a while, but I intend to, as I didn't keep record of weight gain with Noah. Now I'm kicking myself because I've nothing to compare this pregnancy to. Except, maybe, the end result. I didn't take many pictures last time either. Hopefully I'll remember to do that. Otherwise, feeling better! I still get the occasional migraine, but it's largely to do with life. The pregnancy just helps it along.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Noah kisses my belly now. He's so excited to be a big brother. I absolutely adore that boy. It's hard for me to fathom that soon there will be two people on this earth that I love with my whole heart. How is that possible? I can only hope that I can give them each all the love and attention that I possibly can. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It's only 11:00 but I'm kindof mind-numb from a day full of work. I can't think of anything else to talk about right now. I'll be back!</div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-74438986680472276452011-03-12T22:56:00.002-05:002011-03-13T00:01:49.932-05:00Where to begin!The past year has held so much transision for us. Noah is adjusting well to Connecticut. He has switched from a mommy and me class to a preschool class (once per week, two hours at a time). He's a big boy now...I drop him off...and sometimes actually leave the premisis...then come back for him. I think I'm more traumatized by it than he is...I have to go out and find things to do with my time because I hate being away from him. Then when I go back to pick him up, I feel the freshness of the joy his little smile always brings as he bounds to me, art project of the day in hand and a look of pride on his face as he tells me he made it for me. I tell him it's beautiful, and his response is "you're welcome".<br /><br />He has also settled into Sunday school quite nicely, and now Sunday school for a Bible study on Thursday mornings as well. Before we actually go to church, he gives me a hard time and says he doesn't want to go, but when we arrive there, he flys into his classroom without hesitation. For a long while Keith and I thought maybe something happened that was traumatic to him...whenever we talked about Sunday school to him in the car, he would make remarks like "I like the boys but I don't like the girls" (which he pronounces gawls). He carried on and on about not liking the girls, how they were mean and he wished they weren't there. Then he started to say the same type of things at preschool: "I'll share my toys with the boys but not the gawls". Imagine my surprise when I went to pick him up from preschool and his teacher told me "Oh, by the way, Noah LOVES Emma". She went on to tell me about how Noah takes her by the hand to go with him and play, and tells her to sit by him in the circle while they sing 'hello', and when she does, he puts his arm around her. After the "baledtines" (valentine's) day party, he asked me which one of his valentines was from Emma. Last week after class I told Emma's grandmom that Noah has taken a liking to her, and in her Italian accent, she said "Oh, Emma likes Noah too! I ask her why she likes him, and she says 'because he makes me laugh'". When we got in the car, I told Noah that Emma told her Grandma that, and he said "Well, when we get home, I want to call my Grandmom and tell her that I like making Emma be silly". It was so precious...it was the first time I've seen him return sentiment. He was impacted in a positive way by hearing Emma's kind words on his behalf, and he wanted to do the same thing, so that I would tell her Grandmom, and Emma would feel the same warmth when her Grandmom relayed it to her. It's tiny things like these that show me how he's growing and maturing.<br /><br />Last Thursday I picked Noah up from Sunday School and his teacher, Miss Lois, said "boy oh boy does he like to pretend! We've been swimming around the classroom for the past hour, with goggles and surf boards and everything!" And it's SO true! Noah LOVES to pretend. His imagination amazes me sometimes. His thing lately (at home) has been to put on his new flip flops that we got him for the summertime, and put on his swim trunks, and with his goggles on his head, he will go to the 'beach' (the sunroom) with his cooler packed with food. When we went on our family ski trip to Vermont, he was enjoying playing "pee-saucer" (police officer) with his Aunt Joey on the bunk beds. Bless her heart for devoting so much time and energy to playing with him. That communicates love to him, when you are willing to enter into his pretend world, and I know he will remember that forever. She got him Chef and Fireman costumes for Christmas. That was the icing on the cake! Now he can cook, and be a 'real' chef, like Ratatoullie! As an aside, he has grown so fond of that movie that when we trapped and scooped up a mouse in our kitchen, Noah raised his hand to the sky and said "it's ok, it's ok! he's a chef!". I was so much like him when I was young. I think he has pieces of his mommy's hopeless romantic in him.<br /><br />We tried ice skating this year. We got skates from babyskates.com. I was so happy to finally find some for him- double bladed and somewhat cute. We got them in the mail and he was elated! Wanted to wear them all around the house, along with his helmet. I had to confine him to the few area rugs we have on our floors, so he didn't do any damage, which was disheartening to him, but he didn't quit....until we put him on the ice. :) I took him to an ice rink in Danbury by myself (mistake number one-you should always bring daddy for scary first time experiences). We got all laced up and he was anxious to try it. His feet touched the ice and he started screaming. I held two of his hands and pulled him around the rink verrrrrrrry slowly, and he cried the whole time. We were there all of 10 minutes before I realized that it wasn't going to happen today. Then we went to the Gaylord hotel in DC over his birthday weekend. He LOVES hotels, too. Calls his room "OO". "when we going back to OO?"...we got a kick out of it. Anyway, the point of the story is that he saw us ice skating there, and didnt' want to try, but watched closely. The third time we made a bit of progress. We managed to talk him in to going to the place where the hockey players sit. Keith...thank you Lord for his patience...carried Noah on the ice for a few rounds, then brought him to the benches. I told Noah that if he skated while holding mine and Mom Mom's hands, we could go to the vending machine and get a treat. Finally, he agreed. He held our hands, and moved his teeny feet back and forth ever so slightly while we pulled him. He was SO proud. We haven't been back since, but it's on our list of to-do's. <br /><br />Our family is finally adjusting to CT. Noah got a head start. I remember when I was a kid, when we moved, I never worried. As long as my family was going to be there with me, everything would be fine. My mom and dad would make sure of it, I was confident. I remember that security, and it didn't feel forced. I didn't even question whether or not I was scared at the time. I just wasn't. It came as naturally as breathing. Now that I'm standing in my parents' shoes, moving my family to a new place, I'm feeling the void of not having them around. For the first time, my stability was shaken, and I think that's a large part of why I had such a hard time in the beginning. Now, suddenly, I'm the one who is supposed to deliver the same stability to Noah's world. The transition is much easier when I focus on that piece. There is never a second of regret when I focus all my time and attention to Noah. He has brought me so much joy and delight! I thank God for him every day!<br /><br />Noah is starting to have an awareness of God now. If there is anything that he can't explain, or it's not in his power to do, he asks if God is responsible. Then we talk about why, and how He makes things work. Now and then he'll get a little boo boo and I'll say "do you want me to kiss it?" and he'll say "no, God will make it better". So sweet and innocent...a blind trust that God can and will fix everything. A basic truth that I have to pull myself back to on a daily basis, while my controlling instincts pull me the other way. Noah asked one time if I had a Mom Mom too. He had seen a photo of she and I on my nightstand. I told him that I had one, but that she lived with Jesus now. We were in the car at the time, and when I gave him this answer, there was a long pause. I could almost hear the wheels turning. "How?" he asked me.<br />"Well, her body used to be here, but sometimes your body doesn't work right, so your heart (trying to communicate soul) has to leave it to be with Jesus."<br />"So your Mom Mom went to live with Jesus?"<br />"Yes".<br />"Did her arms go too?"<br />"No, her arms stayed here. Her whole body stayed here. It stopped working remember?"<br />"Did her legs go?"<br />*by this point we covered each piece of anatomy that Noah knows of, and established that they all stayed here while her heart went to live with Jesus*<br />Then there was more silence.<br />"Where does Jesus live?"<br />"In heaven."<br />"Up in the sky?"<br />"A little further than the sky, but it's up that direction, yes."<br />"When did He come out of my tummy?"<br />I turned around in my chair to face him this time.<br />"What???"<br />"Jesus lives here," he said, his tiny finger pointing to his chest, "that's what Mom (mom mom) told me".<br />And then I had a moment. It was so special for me to hear that Noah knows that Jesus's home is meant to be his heart.<br />"He lives in your heart and in heaven. He lives in both places."<br />I pray every day that God will bring Noah to know Him at a very early age, and use him to touch lives.<br /><br />Moving here has brought us closer as a family, and has brought us closer to our Heavenly Father as well. We decided this year that it was time to try for another baby. We had no idea what we were in for. We had six very early pregnancy losses, which brought me to the end of my rope. One morning I woke up early, and not knowing what else to do with my pain, I opened the Bible, and randomly picked a place to read. It was the story of Hannah. She was barren...could not have children. Her husband's other wife rubbed her nose in it. She wanted a child so bad, so she went to the temple one day and prayed. She was praying so fervently her mouth was moving, mouthing the words. The temple priest saw her and thought she was drunk, and called her out on it. She said that she wasn't drunk, but that she wanted a son so badly, and she told God if He gave her a son, she would wean him and bring him back to the temple to be dedicated to God's service. The priest was moved with compassion and said 'may it be granted to you'. God honored the priest's request, and blessed her with a son, Samuel.<br /><br />The story was better than any conversation I could've had. God heard me. I knew He was telling my heart that He saw what had happened. That my greif wasn't hidden from Him, and that He had a plan, and this was part of it. I was so refreshed in the Word that one day that I started reading every morning, picking up where I left off in Samuel, and reading through 2nd Kings. My anxiety was a non-issue. I still wanted a baby more than anything, and felt desperate at the thought of the possibility of it not happening, but whenever I felt desperate, I called on Him, and He reminded me of His faithfulness. To trust Him. Every day was a journey that God was taking me on, when I read the Bible in the morning. He was teaching me about Who He Is, in the real, un-diluted sense of the word. His true nature, and His holiness. He used the old testament stories to show me how He used to treat people before Jesus's blood stood as remission for their sins...He was no-nonsense! He drew lines in the sand. Everything was black and white. If you stepped over, you were finished. But then somewhere in there, He would show mercy. He's such a good God! But then He continued to pull me through the stories and speak to my heart that just because circumstances were changed by Christ's death, and then further so by our culture, doesn't mean that He has changed. He is still just as Holy. Just as no-nonsense. When I was seeing all of this holiness being unveiled (the best way my mind can perceive it anyway), He convicted me of how lax I've been living. Even my best efforts would not be enough to meet the standard, and He knew that- that's why He sent Christ. But I wasn't even giving it a good honest try. So I made changes. Then, He took me through plans He has for our family. Showed me that we are the first generation in the family to be born into a Christian upbringing, and because of this we are miracles, and He has work for us to do! He told my heart that He would bless Keith and I with a big family, and that if we raised them in Him, that He would use us. The last thing that He gave my heart to hold on to was December. I just had to wait until December, and He would put a child into my womb, and make it thrive by His power.<br /><br />I believed, but still, a part of me doubted. I am only human. But Christmas morning came, and with that a positive pregnancy test so strong that the test line was darker than the control line because there wasn't enough dye to go around. I was elated! We all were. Normally, I wouldnt' have told anyone at all right away, because of our history. But this time was different. God said it would be so, and it was so. I had no reason to worry at all. We told my parents and my brother that day. God is so faithful. In hindsight, He used my pain to change my life. I spend more time with Him now than I ever have! We are more involved in church, and are finding a family there.<br /><br />A week or so later, we told Noah. He is so excited to be a big brother. He keeps asking questions like how the baby will get out. I told him my belly will get bigger first. This concerned him...he said he didn't want it to get bigger. I told him that it was just because the baby was going to take up all the room, and once the baby was out, it would get smaller again. He seemed relieved, but then asked "when will God give you a new tummy?". I don't think he gets it just yet. He is so excited to teach and play with his younger sibling, and to help me feed him the ba ba. He is so precious, my sweet little love. I wish I could put into words how much joy and pride he brings my heart.<br /><br />So that's where we are! On a new journey for Baby Collier, in the process of buying a house, and making new friends every week. I'm starting to really appreciate every day because it's been my experience that you don't just go on a whim to see what happens. Every day is a divine appointment that God Himself sets up. He has flawlessly brought friendships together that otherwise would've been unlikely. He has provided for our every need. There were times when things were tight, financially, and He always made sure no need went unmet, and no bills went unpaid. As much as I hated Connecticut (and I still don't love the state itself so much), I'm so grateful for the way God has used it to blow our minds with who He is and how He cares for us.<br /><br />Your prayers are coveted, and you are loved. Hopefully it won't be another 6 months before I post again!BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-69123741504364908502010-03-30T13:43:00.010-05:002010-03-30T14:21:59.456-05:00The Tooth Fairy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjwJdXMwtiVptdQAfoAiD2QKdd1jPCobgzwou2P55RMpsjVr0y-23o6ISqZT9e5N7LIFFPwSaA6bsExDa0qf-fsqKT4W8693vif2XYuXm1HXGJ_TelYreiIBiRL000Qa1zTpqbJTmXJA/s1600/DSC_3808.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjwJdXMwtiVptdQAfoAiD2QKdd1jPCobgzwou2P55RMpsjVr0y-23o6ISqZT9e5N7LIFFPwSaA6bsExDa0qf-fsqKT4W8693vif2XYuXm1HXGJ_TelYreiIBiRL000Qa1zTpqbJTmXJA/s400/DSC_3808.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454509055223270706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrhSx4ipILkOrfZqhDoXN3Q0y6vIxQHKiMdVKuVDrYPMMkOKhpxf1vom16yh_VT_DBhn0dUGmF17kNbBj5TYn95YYwjh2LICXttDhJ0Ft_Iqw3vXaD4k0z5JFuGGvaGY9QnUbNICVqlY/s1600/DSC_3805.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrhSx4ipILkOrfZqhDoXN3Q0y6vIxQHKiMdVKuVDrYPMMkOKhpxf1vom16yh_VT_DBhn0dUGmF17kNbBj5TYn95YYwjh2LICXttDhJ0Ft_Iqw3vXaD4k0z5JFuGGvaGY9QnUbNICVqlY/s400/DSC_3805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454508840153343282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CkanUz80dGqIEosdh5anFDxaSndtFdNmasBI8RkKQxRYpS3aO3-1cqqtGjRas3boD6agL0SEBJR550PhrnRwCbP1YQ9HJXM7DpJEzBY-s5JHusJtWvjWbGch6eatz3OXAOEBukt0qyY/s1600/DSC_3793.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CkanUz80dGqIEosdh5anFDxaSndtFdNmasBI8RkKQxRYpS3aO3-1cqqtGjRas3boD6agL0SEBJR550PhrnRwCbP1YQ9HJXM7DpJEzBY-s5JHusJtWvjWbGch6eatz3OXAOEBukt0qyY/s400/DSC_3793.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454508648156048098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHLgpxWwbqYf-ZFHNvebcG1FrDvta0iVTiOWSeR6pY7txHwa1NsPSBPXkRAgkGfMNdYMyWnF2tYPS8EU9ELSRdVf8331DmUEFeSH02PMPqoyzStQKkxmDnfi6LjculRS-oJ70cczzDec/s1600/DSC_3784.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHLgpxWwbqYf-ZFHNvebcG1FrDvta0iVTiOWSeR6pY7txHwa1NsPSBPXkRAgkGfMNdYMyWnF2tYPS8EU9ELSRdVf8331DmUEFeSH02PMPqoyzStQKkxmDnfi6LjculRS-oJ70cczzDec/s400/DSC_3784.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454507851291518258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6s4QRA4qtArjmacXjMfcCZRckavWmWDic4gxwvhHM4xQGu8-htt_LEdH8fzit1YolcGRMg77X84LM7KImbj6Yf0RyJ_HuNCbwKtkZSR6XZtuDQuI6dgAerSGbOZIdL6z-ZZpJASSgaY/s1600/DSC_3698.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6s4QRA4qtArjmacXjMfcCZRckavWmWDic4gxwvhHM4xQGu8-htt_LEdH8fzit1YolcGRMg77X84LM7KImbj6Yf0RyJ_HuNCbwKtkZSR6XZtuDQuI6dgAerSGbOZIdL6z-ZZpJASSgaY/s400/DSC_3698.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454507633577801986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFy-ec_y1_QkzyHbN8mPGnbDKwtg4vwcFYELq7NiT3ws-R6_LiFV4VuL_O7wPfOQRs6RFInRFdzWjPvLaQE0cUtK5SRCyKNLnB-N4OBI1X65d2qE5oXx1Zr2UTYUwi8Hd2sPKpUi_qM6Q/s1600/DSC_3709.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFy-ec_y1_QkzyHbN8mPGnbDKwtg4vwcFYELq7NiT3ws-R6_LiFV4VuL_O7wPfOQRs6RFInRFdzWjPvLaQE0cUtK5SRCyKNLnB-N4OBI1X65d2qE5oXx1Zr2UTYUwi8Hd2sPKpUi_qM6Q/s400/DSC_3709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454507448838400658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxuDkaqwYOobqHeTiVnKIMBBstoB1dfUyf4J_QtlJyVZvCfOn-tTEVwDMlIcVxjTyQbtacXXantHQyQPcG7xE_A4kPGgtSBVv608hWq6C6KGtWp_-n8h2IEq2_iVh251rqFGe0_EIzRs/s1600/DSC_3688.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxuDkaqwYOobqHeTiVnKIMBBstoB1dfUyf4J_QtlJyVZvCfOn-tTEVwDMlIcVxjTyQbtacXXantHQyQPcG7xE_A4kPGgtSBVv608hWq6C6KGtWp_-n8h2IEq2_iVh251rqFGe0_EIzRs/s400/DSC_3688.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454507342528989394" border="0" /></a><br />...that's the name of the dentist's office, where we first met Doctor Lee. Noah was running on the hardwood, about three weeks ago, and BAM- totally face planted. I comforted him but when he smiled I saw that he cracked his front tooth in half- it was pointy on the end, like a fang! So I looked up a pediatric dentist. Noah hadn't been to the dentist yet, so I had no idea where to go. When we arrived at the Tooth Fairy, it was ADORABLE. Noah felt right at home- writing on the chalkboard, playing with the toys, looking at the huge Poo mural, so when they called his name to go into the office, he was happy-go-lucky. When the dentist started rebuilding his tooth, not so much. He screamed from the second it started, to the second it ended. Nevertheless, Dr. Lee did an amazing job, and we were out of there in no time. I personally HATE the dentist- I'm terrified. I don't think I've been in three years! I didn't want Noah to have the same kind of fear, so I made it a special day for him; took him to the mall and had lunch, rode the carousel AND the choo choo, and threw all mommy's pennies into the fountain. Three weeks went by, and Noah's healing process was good. The Doctor had given him antibiotics to prevent infection, and he handled it fine!<br /><br />In the midst of this healing process, we went to my mom's house to see her brother and his family. They have 4 kids- two teenage girls, and two 12 year old boys (twins). Noah absolutely ADORED the twins, Simon and Matthew. They were so sweet to him. They let him play with them with everything they were doing! He wanted to eat what they ate, play what they played, and do what they did! A few of the nights we were there, Simon and Matthew were the only reason I could get Noah to go to bed and to brush his teeth! I had to put a time out on his afternoon play to change a dirty diaper, and Noah carried on like the world would end. My dad came in to pick him up and comfort him, and he said to Noah, "what's wrong??" Noah said "I want my boys!"<br /><br />Anyway...back to the Tooth Fairy Story. Four weeks after the tooth incident, Noah jumped into a pile of pillows and chipped his tooth AGAIN! I guess this time it was technically the molding that broke, but either way, we had to go back and have the tooth re-built. Noah again enjoyed the play room and chalk board, but when Dr. Lee walked in to greet us, Noah ran to me, and said "hold you me, hold you me! I don't want him to fix my tooth!" Poor kid....so we went through the same ordeal again, Noah screamed again, and when it was over, Noah sat up and clinging to me said "I don't like the water Mommy!". Part of me was grateful he thought it was all water, and didn't know there was a drill involved :) We had a special lunch after that, and I think he's mentally fine now...I guess when we go for his first cleaning we will find out.<br /><br />Last night, Keith and Noah were running around, playing, and Noah says to Keith, "Daddy! Your tooth fell out!!!". So Keith says "oh no! Are you going to fix it?" Noah says "Ok!", runs into his play room, and comes back with his tool set. A hammer, a screwdriver, and a wrench. :) He told Keith to lay down and open his mouth. Noah sat over him, a very serious expression on his face, and said "Don't worry Daddy. I'm going to fix it", and proceeds to put his screwdriver in Keith's mouth. I was giggling as Keith was expressing each time that Noah triggered his gag reflex with that screwdriver, only to follow it with "don't cry daddy, I've got you". After about ten minutes of tooth-fixing, Keith was done. He sat up and said "ok my turn to fix your tooth!", and took the screwdriver from him. Noah said "NO DADDY! You can't take my Dr. Lee!!!"<br /><br />It's amazing all the things that impact our children. They soak up external stimuli like a sponge, and while you know it, you never know the full extent to which it impacts them until it comes back from their mouth! Noah's favorite show, Caillou, taught him the oh-so-annoying phrases "I don't have to", "I don't want to", "i don't like it", and my favorite: "it's not fair!". So we decided to flag Caillou and tell Noah he was no longer on TV. I've decided to feed his mind with Veggie Tales instead, so at least he's learning something good and wholesome!<br /><br />That's about all for now! Better get my work done while Noah is sleeping!BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-36718947587794933532010-03-06T12:04:00.002-05:002010-03-06T12:10:49.445-05:00Funny Noah-ismsThis isn't going to be a long post- I just had to share a few stories that cracked us up!<br /><br />The other night we were out to dinner with my dad. Dad and Keith both got soup, and gave Noah the crackers that came with it. Noah ate the crackers, and we proceeded with dinner. Twenty minutes or so passed, and Noah dropped his binkie on the floor. Threw it actually. And I told him that because he threw it, he wouldn't get it back. So a few minutes after that, he put his arm around Keith's neck, and then around dad's, and said "thank you very much for the crackers. I really appreciate it". We were dying...but once the laughter settled, he said "I need my binkie please". :) He's learning manipulation early.<br /><br />Here in Newtown, where we just moved, there is a town center, and there's little shops and whatnot. One of the features is a town hall that's been converted into a theatre. They only show one movie at a time and you can see the movie for $2 a person! We've been wanting to take Noah to a movie just for something fun to do, and when the Chipmunks were featured, we took the opportunity! He sat on his booster, and ate popcorn- was THRILLED when the red curtain moved back. Through the movie, he danced to the music and reacted verbally to what was going on, on-screen. After the movie, we put him in his carseat and Keith said "did you have fun at the movie??" Noah said "YEAH! I enjoyed it!" ...enjoyed...too stinking cute and grown up!<br /><br />We have done away with bottles. But he doesn't know it. I got two cups that have bottle-ish spouts, and we call them his 'big boy bottles'. He loves them-- so excited for the change! Putting the bottles AWAY!!!!!!!!! I'm hoping to slip a regular cup in front of him one day without him knowing.<br /><br />My little boy is growing up! :(BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-43809345202317172912010-01-25T11:06:00.009-05:002010-01-25T12:36:58.856-05:00WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3UqGGDmiss2wVGpyazQ-Thj42TZuJKEZ8IdWMq0Mgf01TOMc-HYmYH_-A6dVphpPzLZzbjgj9R0qVfBTNUOk5ysybongLayExwT2XSf5q-IDxUr95vNDTv4xBmz26Ld_ebzkabHUwdc/s1600-h/christmas09-15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430719141507060114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3UqGGDmiss2wVGpyazQ-Thj42TZuJKEZ8IdWMq0Mgf01TOMc-HYmYH_-A6dVphpPzLZzbjgj9R0qVfBTNUOk5ysybongLayExwT2XSf5q-IDxUr95vNDTv4xBmz26Ld_ebzkabHUwdc/s400/christmas09-15.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9oNTjqoMfPuqEEUSEROGVyAoXfvdksRryfaR_Vq2tHe8d-YvizORIN4ZWMOG9oYUPm7ehpRi54wEDGrOfUczv_FKGvB6m2vWFhLs0oQXVk5n2xzA6Ubaw9Y7JwS3Oyy2zdseMPlUfrk/s1600-h/christmas09-14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430719129300956018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9oNTjqoMfPuqEEUSEROGVyAoXfvdksRryfaR_Vq2tHe8d-YvizORIN4ZWMOG9oYUPm7ehpRi54wEDGrOfUczv_FKGvB6m2vWFhLs0oQXVk5n2xzA6Ubaw9Y7JwS3Oyy2zdseMPlUfrk/s400/christmas09-14.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6zITg3ARrxPxvAie9-O2otYuzqWpMJGWUHVRe-YmB0SZYWJ8bYFy86VGT8_k4S1hgSD0qXVq5SuPh-oTX_PyCQMdul2qGkvW7hymzWtc0NMzqQNqE6q1h8f-kMQHlWyLK09FfYzgIu0/s1600-h/christmas09-10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430718042698285970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6zITg3ARrxPxvAie9-O2otYuzqWpMJGWUHVRe-YmB0SZYWJ8bYFy86VGT8_k4S1hgSD0qXVq5SuPh-oTX_PyCQMdul2qGkvW7hymzWtc0NMzqQNqE6q1h8f-kMQHlWyLK09FfYzgIu0/s400/christmas09-10.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfo2bIliy8YHaX_7fOoxzkuAGC1jgkmZA-bbz_Cq-lrzDXeSL3hM8BpeZ8oK53-0R153phM24ZZLnA9bGv0O6o7OYvnv6TKpeBcyhkqAaH4W7rNb5cteEAsl5ca3LPlkOaUjSNgLzzRq4/s1600-h/christmas09-5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430717328994793762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfo2bIliy8YHaX_7fOoxzkuAGC1jgkmZA-bbz_Cq-lrzDXeSL3hM8BpeZ8oK53-0R153phM24ZZLnA9bGv0O6o7OYvnv6TKpeBcyhkqAaH4W7rNb5cteEAsl5ca3LPlkOaUjSNgLzzRq4/s400/christmas09-5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviLOOwRqcHVISTFrvuw3ve6kc2efa3kl4jeyi5xRCSNTwnCUJETsQMdnmSGKI6AllLdOWDF1N_TGxyXsUj6Gv22CfrVTxxwThf96_RIO37R1njWaoXYvRkW02KVefPRzKXILFNVieOys/s1600-h/christmas09-4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430717319944290450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviLOOwRqcHVISTFrvuw3ve6kc2efa3kl4jeyi5xRCSNTwnCUJETsQMdnmSGKI6AllLdOWDF1N_TGxyXsUj6Gv22CfrVTxxwThf96_RIO37R1njWaoXYvRkW02KVefPRzKXILFNVieOys/s400/christmas09-4.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I can't believe my last blog post was a YEAR ago!</div><div>I'm such a posting slacker.<br /></div><div>Noah is TWO years old, and obviously has developed WAY past the walking stage of life. He has a little sassy but adorable personality now. Soon after walking, he took to parades. My dad has a song he whistles and lots of fun 'parade batons' in his kitchen cabinets that he a noah wave in the air as the walk and sing. When noah gets into it, he recruits anyone who is in the room to come parade with him. I have a priceless video of this from Thanksgiving...if only I can figure out how to post it!<br /></div><div>For the past few months, Noah has been attending a parent/toddler class with my mom. They sang songs, played with lots of toys, and at the end of each class, got a hand stamp. The teacher was Miss Yvonne. Noah quickly became the teacher's pet, and though he was clingy and bored with the singing part of the class, he loved the activity portion. He took countless trips down the slide, rolled down the wedge-shaped mats, and begged to play basketball if the net wasn't already out. He came out of his shell after a few classes and began to participate in full, and proudly displayed his stamps if you asked to see them. He no longer attends, however, since Keith's promotion with Lincoln moved us to Newtown, Connecticut. I did take him to a gymnastics class last week, however, and after crying for the first 20 minutes, he warmed up and loved it. Poor guy, I can't tell if his cry-before-i-try attitude is because of the transition and move adjustments, or just him being two, and somewhat introverted. He went down a huge inflatable slide over and over again-eventually without me assisting him and cheering/coaxing him on, and at the end of class, I threw him into the foam pit. He was reluctant to try it and i knew he would love it but knew we didn't have time to do the back and forth of adjusting. So we conquered that one head on. He loved it, didn't want to leave, and wanted to play with every piece of gym equipment on the way out. Needless to say we're enrolling him in that one. :) When we were going out for groceries yesterday, he asked where the 'big big house' was. I realized that he meant the gym, and I told him the big big house was gymnastics class, and we would go back very soon.</div><div></div><div>Noah was the cutest pengin ever for Halloween this year. At first he didn't want anything to do with the costume. Then, some trick-or-treaters came to our door. We handed out the candy, and pointed out the costumes to Noah, and after that he ran over to his costume and said "put on! Go with kids!" He wanted to trick or treat too! :) He was so darn cute. I have to get pictures from my dad. Nick dressed up into a head-to-toe-sequin costume of a patriot (left over from dad's mummer days), and came with us. He was so funny...walking from door to do by himself, wanting to ring all the bells, and choosing his candy. We left with tons of lolly pops :) He was so excited that Uncle Nick came with us too! At one point after Nick left, he turned around after climbing someone's front steps and said "where'd uncle nickie go?? Oh no!". The day after halloween, we were making animal noises. I asked him what a cow says: "moo". I asked him what a dog says: "ruff" . I asked him what a penguin says, to which he responded, "trick or treat!!!"<br /></div><div>He's such a little squirt, wanting to do everything that mommy and daddy do. His favorite toys are either things he can't have or toy replicas thereof. He loves his toy kitchen he got for chrismas, and loves reading books in his tent! He's very good at verbally expressing himself. We went to the gaylord hotel in DC, just before Christmas, to participate in the ICE exhibit and christmas festivities there, and after a long day of playing, swimming, listening to Christmas music, and trekking through snow, we were lying in bed together. He looked at me and said "mommy, are you happy?" i said "yes Noah, I'm happy". He said "daddy, are you happy?" (but daddy didn't answer because he was sleeping). I said "Noah, are you happy?" he said "I'm happy". and with that, he went to sleep. One day we were riding in the car, and he played with my necklace and said "I like this mommy". Another day, I was fixing my hair in the mirror and he said "mommy you look nice". He just melts me! Keith has been hanging window treatments and whatnot, over the last few days. Now, Noah wants to climb on the ladder, so I help him. When he reaches the top, he says "i need a screwdriver". I try to distract him from that by helping him "jump off' into mommy's arms.<br /></div><div>The endless sleep battle has finally come to an end! We decided it was time for a fresh perspective on the bed, so we turned his crib into a big boy bed. He took to it right away, which has made it easy to put him to sleep in his bed. we just lay together and read a book, then stay there with him til he falls asleep. I was worried that the pattern wouldn't hold while we vacationed in canada, but things worked out just fine! He went into the beds to lay down when he was tired.<br /><br />Tons of transitions going on right now so we haven't stuck to the bedtime routine, which I know I"ll kick myself for, but I worry for him. I want him to feel safe and comfortable, and I don't want him to be traumatized by all the change. That said, I'm going to save my binky and bottle battles for later. I know the bottle is more of a comfort thing than a need because he asks for them and then just holds them- doesn't drink them. We will cross that bridge when he gets a bit more comfy here.</div><div></div><br /><div>That's all I'm going to ramble about for now- had to break the one year stint! Here are a few christmas pictures.</div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw52S-MvHQegDxQkirLT9FKHPeP-XDik5f8HuDq8H7kyYOky2fKhFaHwD8P6HMILwUjPwHYsRiAUXkOUiNL5Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzibNdCnxICFP-V_Nb3s2W5v6y-p1_kwgccUUYs1m63QlpNadh98qaNmId-u8eME8msaqQ-uecx-psRXQ0Aug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwurpT0lOunqAr0TCG4nfw3AGRDleyptVD-c-XrFMYWVI4xRNrb_f0owwcNtptYbuGl2PMqMbh0hoK1X6B-_Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-38247392663140823282009-02-06T20:45:00.004-05:002009-02-10T00:10:18.378-05:00Ready, Set, WALK!<span style="font-size:130%;">YAY! At 13.5 months, Noah is WALKING!!!!! :) We are so excited! He has taken two and three...up to six steps here and there, but never got excited about it. Tonight, while my mom and I were sitting on the floor across from one another, he began his journey. He walked to one of us, gave us a hug, then walked to the other. Ofcourse we were screaming and praising him, so he was getting excited. After a few turns back and forth, he walked toward mom and just continued past her! On through the kitchen and down the hall, into the entry way and to Pop-Pop's office he went! He hasn't stopped since! Holding a stuffed animal in front of him gave him confidence, but after a bit of practice, he's realized he can walk without holding it too! It's such an incredible feeling to see him learn new things like this- to reach these milestones! I blogged this entry with the intent to post a video I took of his first steps, but realized I don't have the connection cables. I will post it as soon as I get home!<br /><br />Upon trying to upload the initial vid, I noticed the one I shot at mom's was really dark so we went outside today to shoot some more of him walking. So here are both. :) Enjoy!<br />YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! :)</span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQ66GmrV4fdUdjJAXkN3loWVtat2Ns0dewNqHbM_cFRV5ro0-nV73nc6qAOk1rYOWrlKa3ZnOOCKsV6Gmcog' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLvfkF5rYCT6e9QhVLjPORO__avTkIy4JsFukpuxB8a4z3YrKNB60n5vhMXbevSsA8u_1GeGHARBuh45qdmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-55906525797381379732009-02-06T00:35:00.014-05:002009-02-06T00:46:05.150-05:00First Birthday and First Snow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY2jdqq-7wPn078ozZor_MPDejZxq1VKM2B6oHUxv12FkJ_YMAH6B3Y-deqZu2bgH8fRv-DuD06lXHDXnhgImAPfP0NNVbONIJWDGXAew4WJvT-UM0npVIg2NBjxidvaWYlPm0FR0BFk/s1600-h/edited-48.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHgCRL1I4nuLxYQJ4y72SM557sAug7uEkNm1m3YXM4xY2MC7vxszG_Q8oO6bZdoufBTILF41zu50lFazS1x8bOhlQ8hiulGrl5eBeElhBb8EgwwaOeo7tMfSunCv09iy9xkD3zojqF0M/s400/edited-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299554100153547234" border="0" /></a>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-71767165418241792072009-01-12T23:18:00.003-05:002009-01-12T23:48:32.036-05:00We're ONE! :)<span style="font-size:130%;">It's been a crazy-busy month, with Keith's birthday, Noah's birthday, and the Christmas holiday. It has absolutely FLOWN but Noah is a year old! Since we had a big dedication party, we only had a small gathering for his birthday-- pizza and family at our house. He had a great time opening his gifts, and would get so excited about the gift that he would ignore the rest of the wrapping paper remaining and start to play through the package. He didn't take any interest in his cake but did suck the icing off his candle. In fairness, he didn't feel well that day, due to 3 more teeth breaking through. We'll have to try the cake thing again soon, while he's feeling well. I did take pictures both of Noah's party and Christmas, but haven't yet uploaded them. I figured I would blog before I forgot all the fun little details about how he has changed.<br /><br />Every day, my little baby transitions into toddlerhood in some way. He's eating anything he can get his hands on (except veggies ofcourse), and doing so with only 4 teeth on top, and two on the bottom. Chicken is his favorite. In fact, on his actual birthday (on a wednesday) we took him to Chick-fil-a to have nuggets and play on the indoor playset. He had a BALL! He was double-fisting the nuggets and loving the apple juice. In fact, that was the night he first drank from a straw! He now can't get enough of straws, and will drink even if he isn't thirsty, if a straw is available. After dinner, he played on the playset, with the toys that he could reach, and even climbed a little on the slide. He would've gone up the stairs alone, if we'd let him, but we knew it couldn't support our weight, should he get stuck.<br /><br />He's not walking yet, although he totally could. He flys on his hands and knees-- he's definitely mastered crawling. And he's becoming more independent and confident when it comes to cruising. He's been using furniture to get around much more than crawling, these days. And every day, the distance he's willing to stretch to get from piece to piece grows larger. He will even take tiny half-steps with hands on nothing, in transit to his next furniture destination. Yesterday he stood for a good 20/30 seconds on his own, until he realized he was standing. Then he fell to his knees. He also took one step to get to Ashley! His first step! The other first that happened yesterday was him saying "Pop Pop". He said it two or three times and then got distracted.<br /><br />Noah's communication skills are rapidly growing! He now nods and shakes his head no in response to our questions. Sometimes I think he understands, sometimes I don't think he does, but he wants to communicate anyway. If there is something he wants to try to tell us, he will do so with fervent grunts, groans, sounds, and pointing. If we don't get it, he gets extremely frustrated and will not relent until he gets his point across. He says "Ma Ma" and "Da da" and "uh oh" quite regularly now. He's also been giving kisses. He makes the kissy noise with pursed lips, when we say "give me a kiss". But when he actually kisses you he plants his open mouth over yours, then pulls away. He gave me a hug and kiss one morning to wake me....it was so sweet! Right now, his hug is either pulling your face to his, really hard, or laying his head on your chest. He's such a tender heart, my boy! Hugs and kisses are given out all the time, and Keith and I can't get enough. :)<br /><br />He's become quite the little adventurer in the bathtub as well! Now Noah LOVES to lay down in the tub. You have to keep an eye on him because without warning, he will thrust himself backwards to lay down. He isn't cautious about it-- he expects your hand to be there. And once lying, he'll stay until he feels like it, and then will turn over. It's so funny to watch!<br /><br />Mimicking has been the latest thing. He mimicks so many of our actions: mom-mom picking lint off of the stairs, daddy putting his tools away, dance moves, sounds. The other day we were watching TV and my parents' and a hair loss commercial came on. It was an info-mercial so it was quite extensive. After the commercial Noah crawled down from my lap and onto Poppy's lap, ran a hand through his hair, and pointed to the TV. :) We all got a good laugh out of that one! My dad and Uncle Bill have been trying to teach Noah how to play with balls, and he gets SO excited when he 'throws' the ball (drops it over his shoulder after drawing his hand backward). He makes a big fuss and waits to do it again. And our little dancer is expanding his dance horizons! Any time there is even a hint of music on, he's moving. LOVES to dance, and LOVES music!!<br /><br />Christmas was fun, too. He enjoyed opening the packages and playing with the toys before they were even fully unwrapped. Poppy got him a bouncing zebra toy that he has learned to climb onto and off of, by himself. He also got him a radio flyer trike, which we look forward to putting together this spring, when the weather is nice. The holidays were crazy because of being out every night...Noah was on no real schedule and up late each night. But looking back at my childhood, I have such special memories from holidays, being allowed to be up late and play with my cousins and whatnot. I'd hate to take that away from him.<br /><br />My three cousins (Kristi, Lindsay, and Ashley) love to dote on Noah! If we go to a family party and they are there, he is almost instantly taken away and then passed between the three of them. He LOVES their attention, too. I always hear some kind of squeal or giggle from whatever room they are playing in. It's nice to have the break. I love being with Noah, so much, but he's a handfull! Especially now that he knows (and loves) climbing stairs (both up and down).<br /><br />It's getting late- time to wrap this up. I will post pictures once they are uploaded. Noah's changing so quickly that I suspect I'll be blogging more frequently now! Love to all of you! Happy New Year!</span>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-35620301313077209162008-11-25T15:14:00.006-05:002008-11-25T15:21:10.455-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohDtrKDnLCJEd_Ph6Nmq34pu0OwPM_YToCjK5bWWaTf9bzlrHrq8FIKO3JB5xNo27inXK7TWOzA485o8e1pwxs-8AvTMv0LRP9auTFl_GfGf_Jq-2BBV9sYKT0mr0Dwu7R7g94uuGT8A/s1600-h/ppatch-1-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohDtrKDnLCJEd_Ph6Nmq34pu0OwPM_YToCjK5bWWaTf9bzlrHrq8FIKO3JB5xNo27inXK7TWOzA485o8e1pwxs-8AvTMv0LRP9auTFl_GfGf_Jq-2BBV9sYKT0mr0Dwu7R7g94uuGT8A/s400/ppatch-1-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272692826745477090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwl0rWCnmcC86EjLDiMlQmJRk_PncveFlEDEPSI6pcH_pB4qljwY9PNx0OTaqW33r7biTP7ls8v0EkP-f6HcnkVm1xlYGBTBXbDBu4VwuNirkdUe6UrZHlOR9cvzs8bApXuk99csSYR6Q/s1600-h/ppatch-3-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwl0rWCnmcC86EjLDiMlQmJRk_PncveFlEDEPSI6pcH_pB4qljwY9PNx0OTaqW33r7biTP7ls8v0EkP-f6HcnkVm1xlYGBTBXbDBu4VwuNirkdUe6UrZHlOR9cvzs8bApXuk99csSYR6Q/s400/ppatch-3-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272692586411976466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hVzurmzokOO2O-d2IPTvkScI2TfGJryNufhfia4iwXHrEJCnbK1cOFn8qbR1XqFumeR_BntCD9p4YTNSE0etWNQSUQlQWBcjJISvaj_x5hdf6JnRgvtXnNEDy6yExYouGmAZ-uU93H8/s1600-h/ppatch-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hVzurmzokOO2O-d2IPTvkScI2TfGJryNufhfia4iwXHrEJCnbK1cOFn8qbR1XqFumeR_BntCD9p4YTNSE0etWNQSUQlQWBcjJISvaj_x5hdf6JnRgvtXnNEDy6yExYouGmAZ-uU93H8/s400/ppatch-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272692395999543458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgZufQYWhkIKE1fRvhcOe9EbBNnfbBpxGEpCR82hIdTJng70RIiHeCD5Pg8EnlFEIxO7l1-8PT5GltBjuSw8bhHnCLtMG1uMCEBTtXeh9Nvd3-t2D4gZshozio3LOJ6UJ1LLQnStqj-U/s1600-h/ppatch-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgZufQYWhkIKE1fRvhcOe9EbBNnfbBpxGEpCR82hIdTJng70RIiHeCD5Pg8EnlFEIxO7l1-8PT5GltBjuSw8bhHnCLtMG1uMCEBTtXeh9Nvd3-t2D4gZshozio3LOJ6UJ1LLQnStqj-U/s400/ppatch-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272692104975551058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvA2ujAzcRblMdGh6vfv_MGnTMXBYnSan6Gd9be0DfJ4mwfFdRCqgy-edLB6ihBA66_YNAsoWxfeE3O8lxDwHREWQO4eZEsRvJQN8MGwdHkThTw8bZMqYuWcrYN47MtK10Ytfhhw7EQQ/s1600-h/Edited+Halloween-4-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvA2ujAzcRblMdGh6vfv_MGnTMXBYnSan6Gd9be0DfJ4mwfFdRCqgy-edLB6ihBA66_YNAsoWxfeE3O8lxDwHREWQO4eZEsRvJQN8MGwdHkThTw8bZMqYuWcrYN47MtK10Ytfhhw7EQQ/s400/Edited+Halloween-4-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272691658214319010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4tSLpLtxSQThtj_kcB6HK_m0U2iwomZHTU-GOLTnod88UDXjpplSgyATlPrNH8B48nqIfAbCrZ2UYyb2ttfKcTP8WxJfY7fky0r0ulHSS4w807gX5jN1UvdrEehKinJD50B4MXfauLI/s1600-h/Edited+Halloween-3-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4tSLpLtxSQThtj_kcB6HK_m0U2iwomZHTU-GOLTnod88UDXjpplSgyATlPrNH8B48nqIfAbCrZ2UYyb2ttfKcTP8WxJfY7fky0r0ulHSS4w807gX5jN1UvdrEehKinJD50B4MXfauLI/s400/Edited+Halloween-3-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272691531654746658" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Noah is 11 months and two weeks old! AAAAAAAAH! Thanksgiving is just around the corner…I remember being big and pregnant with him last Thanksgiving. I can’t believe we’re here again. I already have his Turkey Day PJ’s packed and ready to go (you better believe you’ll see pictures!) and his cute little sweaters for the weekend. We’re packing up and going to Grand Maman and Poppy’s house. Noah LOVES eating whatever we eat now, so he will enjoy the Thanksgiving feast!! I’m really looking forward to sharing the day with him!<br /><br />Noah’s two teeth have turned into four (possibly five, I think). He’s been chewing solid food up without any problems, regardless! I didn’t get teeth until I was a year old, which may be why he is taking longer. My how he’s changed! His little personality is just blossoming…he tends to be really laid back like his daddy—not at all high strung. He likes to observe the action, if there are lots of other kids around. If it is just he and I, or he and one or two other people, he does get more vocal and more goofy. He is easily excited by seeing people he knows and loves. When Grand-maman, Poppy, and Daddy come into the room, it’s as though everything is right with the world, and his heart couldn’t be more content! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He loves to play with toys. His favorites are his touch-and-feel books, his push toys, and anything that plays music that he can dance to. He had his first fever about 3 weeks ago…had a virus. He was as sick as a dog, and even then, he danced while I held him. He had zero energy or spunk, but couldn’t resist the urge. His favorite game of late has been the “let’s crawl around on the floor together” game. He just laughs hysterically and squeals when you manage to catch up to him and make your most ferocious monster sounds! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mimicking us has become more frequent, lately. He used to shake his head “no” as a dance move, but now he has correlated it with the word “no”…and also with the word “yes” because when he shakes his head, I’ve also tried to teach him to nod. When I cuddle with him, I hum to him and tell him I love him. He’s started to make the same humming noise whenever we hold him close, and also one occasion while he was enjoying a cookie which was apparently really good. He has mimicked words like “uh oh”, “da da”, and “woof”. <span style=""> </span>He hasn’t caught on to waving yet. I’ve tried to hold his hand up to show him but he can’t be bothered. He loves to clap, but doesn’t try it himself…only when I’m clapping with him, holding his hands. We sing while we clap, so he realizes it’s a musical instrument.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We’re getting to the stage where he tests me. If he touches something he shouldn’t, I say “don’t touch that” or “touché pa” (French) and he usually draws back. But sometimes he only hesitates, looks at me to see if I’m serious, and then reaches again. At this point, he has his hand slapped, and yet another “touché pa”. If he tries for a third, he gets another slap, and is removed from the situation. His Aunt Dawn has been supportive of the bilingual instructions, and has been enforcing them with him, as well. She definitely loves him, that’s for sure!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Almost a year and he’s not quite walking. He totally could….he just seems to be content with his current modes of transportation! I’m sure one day his curiosity will get the best o him and he’ll take the leap. I’m not in any hurry. Either way he will be mobile, and when he walks, he’ll be taller and slightly more wreckless! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We’re FINALLY using the stinking sippie cup! I’ve had to train him in it. He loves his bottles but wanted nothing to do with the cup. Since we will be weaning at the one year mark, except for night bottles, I’ve been giving him his daytime bottles in the cup, and his night bottle in a bottle. So far, so good! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We’ve gone from hating baths in infancy to LOVING baths now. If I turn on the water, he will hold to the edge of the tub and help me to undress him….lift his legs for sock and pant removal, and pull out his arms from his sleeves. He then jumps up and down and eagerly hums until I finally put him in. He then plays with the water coming from the spout, tries to pull off the tub grips, plays with toys, and chases the bar of soap under water. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh, my time is up—Noah is awake. I will write more later. Prob. Much later. Quickly in summary, though, with the changing economy, Keith still has a job, and God has been faithfully providing for our needs. We are grateful and very, very blessed!<br />Pictures to follow! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-2909918584324104192008-09-30T22:43:00.009-05:002008-09-30T23:12:17.372-05:00Way behind!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE04_aLy_NCKB6mGwoFcjzwzmgMQB9BHhQWES3NLxHBmpmu9gkl7i-B1faQoWhPKlUeAEfN9JCIj7lmsNsZfNHuPTiVo7d6DD-M-uUYO8WjoFsfqPIbsZxayHB9PQcwnFUcr-oxic-jDg/s1600-h/dedication-324.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE04_aLy_NCKB6mGwoFcjzwzmgMQB9BHhQWES3NLxHBmpmu9gkl7i-B1faQoWhPKlUeAEfN9JCIj7lmsNsZfNHuPTiVo7d6DD-M-uUYO8WjoFsfqPIbsZxayHB9PQcwnFUcr-oxic-jDg/s320/dedication-324.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252032330248610706" border="0" /></a>Our 8th month flew and Noah is still growing and changing by leaps and bounds! The little crawler has now improved his speed and skill-- he's pulling himself up and using furniture to traverse the room. He is usually fixated on the electronics (tv, vcr, dvd)...but when he gets bored with them, will go to his toy box and attempt to pull it from the table. We have a new addition to the toy collection: Mr. Lion. He is a push-behind toy that gives Noah even MORE mobility! The lion's nose (in front of toy) plays music when pushed. Noah quickly discovered this, and will occasionally stop walking to go push the nose, so that it plays music again. He then proceeds upon his journey.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7ObqhrBsALo3YWh25iD9ZT6NoB5Ue-Y6K5z4tkfDf50QNdC6Bxk71sKz9_Gf4XFsZb-raSYfSi2DiCKzJSYVNLenophtPQB1qkN5KDHMGa1ffkGegB09eyGisEiJ4EJ6flaq6_wUbrc/s1600-h/dedication-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7ObqhrBsALo3YWh25iD9ZT6NoB5Ue-Y6K5z4tkfDf50QNdC6Bxk71sKz9_Gf4XFsZb-raSYfSi2DiCKzJSYVNLenophtPQB1qkN5KDHMGa1ffkGegB09eyGisEiJ4EJ6flaq6_wUbrc/s320/dedication-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252030705941096450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEcHctGUANeUA9O0El47GGIrP_AfwUEtJkS-8ICTN2yxfRB9jO_9lha5CQUWrjo-NkItBc3U6jR-mXmgEg3Sq2NBxUqwpOVf1fBHCh5ZNlS5ZnwBMX5_oH8XNVrzfHYyrYhPCX8skRdI/s1600-h/dedication-11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEcHctGUANeUA9O0El47GGIrP_AfwUEtJkS-8ICTN2yxfRB9jO_9lha5CQUWrjo-NkItBc3U6jR-mXmgEg3Sq2NBxUqwpOVf1fBHCh5ZNlS5ZnwBMX5_oH8XNVrzfHYyrYhPCX8skRdI/s320/dedication-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252030936965492898" border="0" /></a><br />He has us both wrapped around his little finger, but it's most evident with Keith when Noah makes him be the horsey. Keith will hold Noah in his arms, and Noah will take hold of his thumb, and lift it high in the air. This makes the horsey "go". Keith then 'gallops' across the room (sound effects and everything), with an elated Noah in tow. He thinks it's the greatest thing ever, and tries to play horse whenever Keith will allow.<br /><br />I absolutely love my Noah kisses. Every so often, Noah will grab my face, pull me close, and pull my face to his. Open mouth, drool, the whole nine yards. But it's so affectionate and precious! I hope he doesn't realize what he's doing too soon, and then want to stop. Nothing uplifts the heart like that does.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78-TG1izLiR9YVrPBSVjITHBeD7n6-hedIRWUS-qEe6AdxhRPKbopr59mHtFtvRu1k2NDrA8sLb0vzrLI__Ox7GpHRWDOumRBrrIdPbwU229v9ObRYU_NPGVooseiVy51ZCf34hGMQao/s1600-h/dedication-130.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78-TG1izLiR9YVrPBSVjITHBeD7n6-hedIRWUS-qEe6AdxhRPKbopr59mHtFtvRu1k2NDrA8sLb0vzrLI__Ox7GpHRWDOumRBrrIdPbwU229v9ObRYU_NPGVooseiVy51ZCf34hGMQao/s320/dedication-130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252031921439042322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Standing in his crib is a regular occurrence now. And his poor mobile (which can be reached when he's standing) is getting the brunt of it. It's heartwarming when I go to get him in his room and he's standing in his crib waiting for me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Solid foods are becoming more regular now-- bits of this and that. Bread, pasta, soft fruit...whatever we may be eating at the time. It's not the basis of his meals. More like a snack.<br /></div><br />Noah was dedicated Sunday Sept 28th, at Calvary Chapel of Central Bucks. We had quite the crowd at church-- there were at least 20 of us! Pastor Hessler prayed over Noah, mentioning that God would use the meaning of Noah's name (comfort) in his life and in the lives of others. I was afraid Noah wouldn't go to him, so we had a trial run in the lobby. Everything went fine, despite the facial hair. He was fine on stage too, until I put my hand on his arm to pray over him, and he realized I was behind him. I had him for the end of the prayer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO-M4D2yHLCNOYey90Dn8zYQ59r5Zmf4wRQs-XOt6mEqWSQnOHbeZKcR3iZrJyXnh00XdROHV3wEj9M84mFfkoXLDWQnEWsXd_97WZz5pMBnffKMYh28HCSZi8EbYA53-qXmcLuTeUsw/s1600-h/dedication-115.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO-M4D2yHLCNOYey90Dn8zYQ59r5Zmf4wRQs-XOt6mEqWSQnOHbeZKcR3iZrJyXnh00XdROHV3wEj9M84mFfkoXLDWQnEWsXd_97WZz5pMBnffKMYh28HCSZi8EbYA53-qXmcLuTeUsw/s320/dedication-115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252031609693313090" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMN0FfEp3EDc-4egWu7UqcVErHuVWqUL41dxIYn1vX5q4c4DYcfvf4ZtxcLaCIDyPM7Ldf1OWDz9OTOBo9iPmUxGe5HQyMd71E78E4Bdkc5h0xXdUuVWIMG0ietsbfmk-5yvBuZ0Yc2E/s1600-h/dedication-55.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMN0FfEp3EDc-4egWu7UqcVErHuVWqUL41dxIYn1vX5q4c4DYcfvf4ZtxcLaCIDyPM7Ldf1OWDz9OTOBo9iPmUxGe5HQyMd71E78E4Bdkc5h0xXdUuVWIMG0ietsbfmk-5yvBuZ0Yc2E/s320/dedication-55.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252031051871243330" border="0" /></a>The party was at Dad and Mom's. It was supposed to be outside, but the sky opened up....bummer. But we made due and improvised ('crisis management', my dad called it). Everyone was indoors- all 50 of us. It was fun! The cleanup...not so much. We managed to snag some family pictures prior to the service at Dad and Mom's, outside. We knew rain was coming and wanted to do it while we could.<br /><br />This ninth month is flying! It just keeps getting faster and faster...already October is approaching! Still, life is good. God continues to provide for our every need, and just in time! We have a lot of love under this roof, and for that I will always be thankful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rgrdLW3W0m7SvoUW9wSMN8PLEqk9o6TvBipeMQHsOdvTu5Ivi_YWG4312MQAqAeqRkBhlSYeBzzH2YbUNLdtsLywUJfmkHMmYwtTmIzL4wd99GyKMuAwkvNmgwdVzDM7bYaQ4GD5mPI/s1600-h/dedication-79.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rgrdLW3W0m7SvoUW9wSMN8PLEqk9o6TvBipeMQHsOdvTu5Ivi_YWG4312MQAqAeqRkBhlSYeBzzH2YbUNLdtsLywUJfmkHMmYwtTmIzL4wd99GyKMuAwkvNmgwdVzDM7bYaQ4GD5mPI/s320/dedication-79.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252031316614584914" border="0" /></a>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-72687279808387195932008-08-20T22:27:00.014-05:002008-08-20T23:06:51.358-05:00Month 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o6qBTyKj0w_gB8HFIt8aABz4qcp2qrJbN5hyphenhyphen_Z1v_uP11DwphmHkF0pviK4colrAkVAmR5yxHXIuQ8nr6eIzmdt-qXzainxd_QQchBJ_NI9z4zJ-3y1NJfOpcABDIUQ5KC-y46ttvIg/s1600-h/6monthportraits+%2814+of+80%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o6qBTyKj0w_gB8HFIt8aABz4qcp2qrJbN5hyphenhyphen_Z1v_uP11DwphmHkF0pviK4colrAkVAmR5yxHXIuQ8nr6eIzmdt-qXzainxd_QQchBJ_NI9z4zJ-3y1NJfOpcABDIUQ5KC-y46ttvIg/s320/6monthportraits+%2814+of+80%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236813389840925650" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >Months 6 and 7 flew by...and so much changed! Sitting up independently came at the end of month 6! This is when we took some of these pictures.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;font-family:georgia;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Noah got his first tooth on August 3rd: The bottom right center. He stopped eating and sleeping for the day it took to break through but once it was over, he was his normal, happy self. Once the teeth started coming, we started weaning. It was getting to be time when he needed more than I could give him, and the timing was great-- I'd been thinking I was going to wean when he started getting teeth. I don't think I could handle the biting! Since he took bottles from the beginning, weaning was no biggie. It took about 2.5 weeks and now he is weaned fully! I think he's still in the process, though, because he seldom will take a bottle from anyone else. I hope he grows out of that soon.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">7 months:</span><br /></div></div><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >About a week and a half ago I was on the phone with a friend, watching Noah and Keith play on the floor when Noah started crawling!!! I was so excited I started screaming in her ear, poor thing. The crawling started slowly...just two steps the first day, and then five the next, and full speed ahead the next! Now Noah is fully mobile and loving the freedom. He's already discovered the dog's bowl, the VCR, and the albums under our coffee table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkWVffFYuJLadnv1NQSKDNR0s5WxxNTUBSd5Ext6vHBai5WpAi5F_sBfqxBQraEc-7eMSNQuXTuDb5JL6mJAfqXiaydkErVolLTKflmTZtHmkLt2IU0dQNf44U1IqeHd_Jpsv3D3GBXc/s1600-h/6monthportraits+%2850+of+80%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkWVffFYuJLadnv1NQSKDNR0s5WxxNTUBSd5Ext6vHBai5WpAi5F_sBfqxBQraEc-7eMSNQuXTuDb5JL6mJAfqXiaydkErVolLTKflmTZtHmkLt2IU0dQNf44U1IqeHd_Jpsv3D3GBXc/s320/6monthportraits+%2850+of+80%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236811821643649570" border="0" /></a><br />Now that he can crawl, he doesn't want to be put into his exer-saucer anymore. He's figured out how to put his feet on the outside of the seat so I can't get him in. He's perfectly content to stand beside it and hold on to it, though. Since we've reached 8 months, he's figured out how to pull himself up on things, and is starting to figure out the whole furniture/people traveling thing. And what was really shocking to me....today he stood on his own! For a good minute! He didn't stand UP on his own, but he was holding me, and when Keith came toward him, he let go of me and balanced on his feet with his arms outstretched! I'm just amazed at all these new developments!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2decwo09q68zVPGTfUgep7NnKl4Xf-KQSisJnuGxBrmIySaspnrfmdvoL3Npk98cRVO5Oqlu__5hngECju6wYQCYZCkqVv39Saycsn87DRNEewGD6daq_z7daXKOdtPPbFtYhLFz4kGc/s1600-h/6monthportraits+%2869+of+80%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2decwo09q68zVPGTfUgep7NnKl4Xf-KQSisJnuGxBrmIySaspnrfmdvoL3Npk98cRVO5Oqlu__5hngECju6wYQCYZCkqVv39Saycsn87DRNEewGD6daq_z7daXKOdtPPbFtYhLFz4kGc/s320/6monthportraits+%2869+of+80%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236812302639536530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Every day is something new! Since he bumped his head falling off the bed last month, I've been trying to be extra cautious. I asked Keith to lower his mattress last night, so that he wouldn't pull himself up and topple over the edge.<br /><br />Solids are the main course now...we've worked the schedule out for his three meals, and he still gets bottles in between. I'm supposed to give him bottles right after he eats, and I've tried, but he doesn't take them right after his meal. He can't handle all that at once. He's become a very picky eater! If he doesn't like it, he refuses to open his mouth! At first i thought he wasn't hungry, then I just tried feeding him other things, and realized he was hungry, just didn't favor his first option!<br /><br />Noah's dedication and party are coming up at the end of September. Mom and Dad were kind enough to offer their backyard, so that should be nice. Mainly family- simple and casual. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOTA6ZVFFX8DXim1tc-vVm8yi92HZ2b_gN5pSDhSx2zrVvCJEeMiR8eUz1XiClk2-UNk21E59BiCeH-EGRy1RmDi9MmW8IUQuvtNv7KPXvdC4b6Z7JlMqITt2f_oTdmPUFsPQdYwplxc/s1600-h/front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOTA6ZVFFX8DXim1tc-vVm8yi92HZ2b_gN5pSDhSx2zrVvCJEeMiR8eUz1XiClk2-UNk21E59BiCeH-EGRy1RmDi9MmW8IUQuvtNv7KPXvdC4b6Z7JlMqITt2f_oTdmPUFsPQdYwplxc/s320/front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236812924796064226" border="0" /></a>We're excited! I made photo invitations because I've been meaning to make prints for Keith's family (HUGE picture people) and just haven't gotten around to it. This way was cheaper and easier. They got the invite and the pictures at the same time.<br /><br />Noah is still such a joy to us. He's just a happy kid. His smile comes so easily,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5bPnvHguDU6cDG7Ldzwd9YpBdMcnzt6szkYrQMshPjcm_xmdUr2IRV4pucNHhJKthG0VCEHrblIWB4ZYKgzovJo7RRQqnT5uqOA6QC3kfzBFEFwLls8EidUopW7qRyUOKpEdcUEVGuo/s1600-h/back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5bPnvHguDU6cDG7Ldzwd9YpBdMcnzt6szkYrQMshPjcm_xmdUr2IRV4pucNHhJKthG0VCEHrblIWB4ZYKgzovJo7RRQqnT5uqOA6QC3kfzBFEFwLls8EidUopW7qRyUOKpEdcUEVGuo/s320/back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236813681073069186" border="0" /></a> and can light up a room. I'm enjoying him so much. It's bittersweet how quickly he's growing and changing but I'm so thankful I can be here to witness it firsthand, and I'm not hearing it from some daycare babysitter. God has been faithful to provide for our every need!<br /><br />As for Keith and I, we're doing well. Keith still loves work-- he's diving headlong into the new position and is really good at it! I've been working hard to build my photography business. I have a new website now-- one that I can maintain myself. Check it out! : www.collierimages.com OR www.suzanneocllierphotography.com. My dad has been shooting weddings with me, which has been a lot more fun! My cousin, Ashley, has been assisting us. It's unbelievable the difference it makes to have help! I don' t know how I was doing it alone before! I'm working on rebuilding my corporate identity and branding. So far so good! Now if I could just get a few more referrals and find an effective way to advertise that wouldn't cost me an arm and leg.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6LhekkAyhA6CjW9i2lkzlLs8lCyoOoItmvVNwCkNCvKyuXR_-FdY7UeCTe4e3LYj7J-Vsa81FN1lgThwC75uC7KPNfcG2SVEfwlGnb3L9zHpvqNykX27qT3D1GT-ghY9FUDiN1GTsDY/s1600-h/the-Back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6LhekkAyhA6CjW9i2lkzlLs8lCyoOoItmvVNwCkNCvKyuXR_-FdY7UeCTe4e3LYj7J-Vsa81FN1lgThwC75uC7KPNfcG2SVEfwlGnb3L9zHpvqNykX27qT3D1GT-ghY9FUDiN1GTsDY/s320/the-Back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236816639293395074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This summer is just flying by! To think that in 4 months Noah will be a year old! We're trying our best to enjoy the warmth while we can. We've been going to the shore a lot, and trying to spend time with friends. Most of my free weeknights have gone to editing wedding pictures, so breaking away to write the blog is rare. Mom has been great, coming over to watch Noah so I can work. It's such a big help! He likes attention, so I can't really bring him in the room with me and expect to work longer than 5 minutes. Before he was crawling, he was spinning and rolling to get where he wanted to go. During one of my editing sessions, I had him on the floor. He started to cry, and I looked up from my work to find him under the bed with only his head peeking out, and not very happy about it. :) Now that he's mobile, I can kiss the whole idea goodbye!<br /><br />Well it's midnight, so I'm going to go kiss my sweeties and call it a night. Swee</span>t dreams!BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-74233855260921103602008-06-27T18:55:00.016-05:002008-07-01T10:25:00.424-05:00Who Are you and What Have You Done with my Son?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYn3sQJK05RRacRkxaFFQyRLayUSdTZqGMxDzb_srQxYKXk5mprPSauax88U2tqovLd_09_idMvrKiSJU78nTrcB084XcdCdaSDKLCkjv2tNRH6bPU1OKyK9XszvGV0hplHQdBnoADFc/s1600-h/Canada+%2848+of+48%29.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZsQzm9n6N88A3bumdd6t0_vxNZZR7T8TJ6yTjFnDeeUYLvNlAPXhw7yoPUkf8O_GzwPAb9l4zQy4hHsnkIhbI_Zk7pdfNv0z5XcBunVJ9t_SA0GxA6ZOWKI30bFc14eJPqm1yLASqaA/s1600-h/DSC_2460-244.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216714881331831090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 229px" height="261" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZsQzm9n6N88A3bumdd6t0_vxNZZR7T8TJ6yTjFnDeeUYLvNlAPXhw7yoPUkf8O_GzwPAb9l4zQy4hHsnkIhbI_Zk7pdfNv0z5XcBunVJ9t_SA0GxA6ZOWKI30bFc14eJPqm1yLASqaA/s400/DSC_2460-244.jpg" width="658" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="left"></p><span style="font-size:130%;">I didn’t write a five month entry. There were really no changes in Noah, except in his size- still growing like a weed! But as the sixth month approached, all these changeshave taken place and it’s like Noah<br />is a different baby! A week and a half of transition has brought my six-month-old’s personality out. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrFW0pibwhHw7idytTTO8dRV-nYPyNoxutymuax9Lye8K-ibf7-Qcdb4HDcDJn7G0quPS7ubePHSYgGFpSI6Bn4JV2S2-WJPX5lacLb8ryPwd6ZKunAvcwfHvUmWSGjQ8q5sqkfM4Tko/s1600-h/Canada+%2834+of+48%29.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216716887312282530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrFW0pibwhHw7idytTTO8dRV-nYPyNoxutymuax9Lye8K-ibf7-Qcdb4HDcDJn7G0quPS7ubePHSYgGFpSI6Bn4JV2S2-WJPX5lacLb8ryPwd6ZKunAvcwfHvUmWSGjQ8q5sqkfM4Tko/s320/Canada+%2834+of+48%29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The biggest ‘milestone’ change has been Noah’s sitting up. He’s pretty good at sitting independently now, after many trial runs on mommy and daddy’s bed. His favorite part of the trial runs was getting himself balanced and sitting, and then throwing himself backward into the mound of cushy blankets, arms outstretched, beaming from ear-to-ear. Another move he practiced was getting himself from a sitting position to his belly; this involved launching himself sideways and catching himself on his belly. I was hoping he wouldn’t try these moves on a less friendly surface and hurt himself. Wouldn’t you know, he did. He tried the belly move on my aunt’s love seat patio chair, with iron armrests. I was standing right there beside him, and next thing I know, he launched and smacked his eyebrow on the armrest, getting his first boo boo. He was hysterical, and I was almost as bad…especially when I saw the blood! Now I understand why my dad used to say the infamous “this hurts me worse than it hurts you”. My heart just ached when I saw those little tears! Luckly, Keith was not there—I would’ve had my rear end handed to me. I did call and warn him so that he wouldn’t lose it when he saw Noah’s eye….which is now good-as-new, thank heavens! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Noah laughs all the time now! The more ridiculous you can be, the harder he laughs! I devote hours to the task, and then try to capture it on a cell phone video, which hardly does it justice. I need to buy a video camera. The next day, I can hardly move from all the jumping around I did, but it’s worth it! Speaking of which, I’m now 2 lbs less than my pre-pregnancy weight, which is drawing me near to my pre-accident weight! 3 pounds to go to reach that mark. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another milestone is that we have finally started- and stayed on- solid foods. I tried to give him cereal at 4 months, but he just couldn’t be bothered, so I paused things and we’re back into it at 5.5 months. About a week into it, he started opening his mouth voluntarily in anticipation of the food, whereas before I had to coax him. He also kindof ‘chews’…to the extent that one can chew without teeth. I guess he just takes his time and tastes the food. His favorites are sweet potatoes and apples. He eats just about everything else, but hates string beans. He eats meat with a grimace on his face. He is nursing a little less because solids fill him up more. Two weeks ago he went on a nursing strike! After researching and racking my brain over why he just quit one day I concluded that it was after he nursed when I had the hiccoughs. Each hiccough would startle him. He would pull away, look up at me, and then start again. I guess it scared him because he stopped. So I had to pump to keep up the supply…all is back to normal now. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjksAWUciEScdEdwLM3mLlMCGgWeVXwmWnHOs2sYm68sUa65IMHfNdDWx9k69mBxHUTTnN0NyqlQL9249eKKFlMuIN0swxdJ0uUox8-n84wfc0nGStL2DyACG1lu20YRuICehIuUxS_Sw/s1600-h/Canada+%283+of+48%29.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216715334110943314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjksAWUciEScdEdwLM3mLlMCGgWeVXwmWnHOs2sYm68sUa65IMHfNdDWx9k69mBxHUTTnN0NyqlQL9249eKKFlMuIN0swxdJ0uUox8-n84wfc0nGStL2DyACG1lu20YRuICehIuUxS_Sw/s320/Canada+%283+of+48%29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">We have moved to only one feeding at night:4:00 AM! Nap times are more regular now: one at 9:30, and one at 3:00, each for about 1.5-2 hours. Not bad! It’s been a bit easier to get things done now. Since he is supporting his weight on his legs and has full head and neck support, I’ve been putting him into his exer-saucer a lot. He loves it, and he’s learning a lot from it. When he stands on my lap he rehearses turning his torso, and expects his waist/ legs/feet to automatically turn, like they do in the exer-saucer. I do my best to accommodate. He also rocks back and forth and jumps, but receives much different results from me. As an aside, saying “exer-saucer” always gets a laugh out of the Ciocis (Kristi, Lindsay, and Ash). </span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></p><span style="font-size:130%;">Memorial day weekend was a great time! The Ciocis came to the shore with us, and one morning after coffee and sticky buns, we<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216716136914702786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo39slCvdcYS2cmpl_dXYp4f0v5S4ITheRDzeZHNT6i-XHwOda-f_V47GG6ZiWoD7hPL47hu_4O-tIROLhvIL0funBtUXJM1hjVmbDDLDgl6lDV7xJp2qX9fxB4c4V0p7cQ7n7RjYL1o/s320/Memorial+day+%285+of+9%29.jpg" border="0" /> ventured out to the store to find a baby pool and pool toys. We managed to find a really cute one, and they inflated it for us. Noah went for his first swim, all decked out in his sun gear. He loved it! Water is becoming more familiar…now he splashes in the bathtub, and really enjoys it! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216716363438495890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="232" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4YGRA9wG0jjojQX5XUyc_X6CJoyDpBX-ahrJ61L2MA0HuJ_IvJnLrBFxxC37ycYifPQRO2x_nXMYiIFUb7vVgY-3TTieY_-RX37_ALRO3ffiNClytF3dfCv_3zB6axc-9kD8hTXLGAk/s320/Memorial+day+%282+of+9%29.jpg" width="136" border="0" />The next step was taking him in the Evitts’ pool. He wasn’t sure what to make of it at first, because it was cooler than he was used to, but once I eased him into the water, he seemed really relaxed. Relaxed enough to take a nap on Aunt Jos. <span style="font-family:Wingdings;">J</span> I still have to get the pictures from Lindsay of that day. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">We just returned home from Noah’s first road trip. We went to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> to see Dan & Meigan and their new baby, Liam. Noah did really well on the 7.5 hour car rides (both there and back). Slept quite a bit, and during his wakeful times, wasn’t hysterical. He did take 2 days to adjust to the new surroundings. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7NXs4eD4W5NwP_IKSDnNfVcqSEXm3iu7ANw_o0uUvBEPKGMavMz9nfV38HWbYuHpcr7C4F2dWMR8eaalv6hAE1UG0dbqnFNo4F552pHzgj8DoFqDfwvUqR7rjQ80ztLkmHJkHXMc2YY/s1600-h/Canada+%2841+of+48%29.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216717262042646034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7NXs4eD4W5NwP_IKSDnNfVcqSEXm3iu7ANw_o0uUvBEPKGMavMz9nfV38HWbYuHpcr7C4F2dWMR8eaalv6hAE1UG0dbqnFNo4F552pHzgj8DoFqDfwvUqR7rjQ80ztLkmHJkHXMc2YY/s320/Canada+%2841+of+48%29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">He was a bit cranky and had a hard time napping. Unfortunately by the time he was adjusted, our vacation was half over! Next time we’ll have to make it longer. He thought Liam was the greatest! Tried to play with him once, making the poor boy bleed on his lip. That was the end of that- now we just admire from afar. We had a great time- Liam is a little cutie pie! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">So that’s about all! If the rest of the month is anything like the past two weeks, with all the twists and surprises, I’m sure I’ll be writing more. Noah’s personality is coming out more and more- it’s so fun to see! </span></p>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-76493679480816753372008-05-05T00:32:00.011-05:002008-05-05T01:20:27.035-05:00On the way to Cape May....Noah went on his first trip to Ocean City this past weekend! We're so excited to be starting these traditions with him- we hope it's a place he grows to love. Saturday we went to dinner with a friend for his birthday, and my parents babysat Noah. My dad put him to sleep for the night-- a fir<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xXeADzcXKEtrA7MJSckl1LeOWzOTdeVqyWS5t6K1Ip3CkvkBrzdYOYGeBHt4VowhT-3C7ZQ5lQ3iOsWwIijlIrZA8LLRJaLeb-7JMv03txHN9SxO5CSibyIN4LAGbSky0sbLgI5aZXk/s1600-h/First+shore+trip+%2853+of+54%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xXeADzcXKEtrA7MJSckl1LeOWzOTdeVqyWS5t6K1Ip3CkvkBrzdYOYGeBHt4VowhT-3C7ZQ5lQ3iOsWwIijlIrZA8LLRJaLeb-7JMv03txHN9SxO5CSibyIN4LAGbSky0sbLgI5aZXk/s400/First+shore+trip+%2853+of+54%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196771826214287618" border="0" /></a>st! He is getting used to handling Noah. At first he was freaked out by Noah's crying or fussiness, but he seems to be getting past it, and tries to meet the need so he will stop, instead of passing him back. :) Noah's getting tons of nicknames from Grand-maman and Pop Pop: No-Jo, little Joe, medicine, dessert, treasure, and Ishcabibbles. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2vXfTeFED696Z6uZps8XZXDGbNlnSR3j_NOOkGYhgXWf4RI42wvKakz_UrEUAYqOrBpnjkSbnSOepa1z24pOmWeEW1G4CiYmjVbXQ3neAc9T1Cjsx5M75WMF3buPf_YinhoM1Q0TsiA/s1600-h/First+shore+trip+%287+of+54%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2vXfTeFED696Z6uZps8XZXDGbNlnSR3j_NOOkGYhgXWf4RI42wvKakz_UrEUAYqOrBpnjkSbnSOepa1z24pOmWeEW1G4CiYmjVbXQ3neAc9T1Cjsx5M75WMF3buPf_YinhoM1Q0TsiA/s400/First+shore+trip+%287+of+54%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196770778242267314" border="0" /></a>Anyway, back to the shore story...It's not beach weather yet, but on Sunday we took a nice long walk in the pleasant 70 degree weather, to the marina where Pop Pop docks his boat (Noah wore his fisherman's hat for the occasion). Later that day we went to the boardwalk to have Mac n' Manco's, and just like that the weekend was over. They fly by anymore.<br /><br />Noah is 4 months and two weeks old now. Unbelievable! He weighs in at 17.5 lbs, and 27 inches long! I asked the doctor if it's ok that he's so big. His response: "it's not only ok, it's great! I'll bet you never said you wanted to marry someone who is short, dark, and handsome!". We must be doing something right! He's in the 75th percentile for weight and height.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvljmjoLcErYGVsl8Tl-vEUJwEgF8nhvXHBVLBNTRJ8oEUXPLp10XuOt2G0QUxulUvJr2Ii6yZ-IjdRX64x6FjTYrUxYH7VFkJQyCg1GjnFzDR4pqsamzjzNJBH9s9hVFsuHqGjawCSY/s1600-h/First+shore+trip+%2827+of+54%292.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvljmjoLcErYGVsl8Tl-vEUJwEgF8nhvXHBVLBNTRJ8oEUXPLp10XuOt2G0QUxulUvJr2Ii6yZ-IjdRX64x6FjTYrUxYH7VFkJQyCg1GjnFzDR4pqsamzjzNJBH9s9hVFsuHqGjawCSY/s400/First+shore+trip+%2827+of+54%292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196771216328931538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj-whDvbWDd2Spia-692rRjiFHXtpfWkCIEyFiLYVKMgKM4o7UIhqAHxRi2d2Z1cqIHondFbZAQtrO0-MfeKkUaKkUE8qLU93n7bAAfHtgZsPplh6K_3dRztbnd69xnCc74NFcPa98Ks/s1600-h/First+shore+trip+%2842+of+54%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj-whDvbWDd2Spia-692rRjiFHXtpfWkCIEyFiLYVKMgKM4o7UIhqAHxRi2d2Z1cqIHondFbZAQtrO0-MfeKkUaKkUE8qLU93n7bAAfHtgZsPplh6K_3dRztbnd69xnCc74NFcPa98Ks/s400/First+shore+trip+%2842+of+54%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196771663005530354" border="0" /></a><br />While his daddy has hopes of him being a linebacker, he's showing signs of being musically inclined. Whenever music plays, or someone sings or whistles to him, he is instantly soothed, and becomes very attentive! We're trying to feed him music as much as possible. He thinks it's hilarious when I attempt to beat box for him and make him dance.<br /><br />Speaking of hilarious, HE GIGGLED the other day! Oh my goodness...it was the most precious sound I've ever heard! It was so much fun hearing him express his joy! I was singing "the wheels on the bus" and bouncing him around, and his squeals turned into giggles. He hasn't done it since, but I'm so looking forward to when it becomes regular. His laughter shoots straight to my heart!<br /><br />Sitting up has been the goal of late. He makes quite the effort to raise himself into a seated position (but can't do it unassisted yet). He sits up when I prop him against pillows just fine, and I'm trying to teach him to balance himself by holding him loosely while he sits. He's also taken to 'standing' (while I hold him, of course). Loves it! He smiles so proudly when he stands.<br /><br />We have CONQUERED bath time!!!! We no longer have to bathe with him. We have a new bathtub that he sits in <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULW8QzR_bzVYAMV9BdU6KFNq1-vxn3tpC_kdL8qmilBDxKe1p6fM295qibAj924kYVwLH2IHQWaQHaVYvmRnSGqNlZkYc_D6ZfoB286yVQgxww0IHQn-T5jxxBYyWBmszPjSQjqSILmA/s1600-h/First+shore+trip+%2830+of+54%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULW8QzR_bzVYAMV9BdU6KFNq1-vxn3tpC_kdL8qmilBDxKe1p6fM295qibAj924kYVwLH2IHQWaQHaVYvmRnSGqNlZkYc_D6ZfoB286yVQgxww0IHQn-T5jxxBYyWBmszPjSQjqSILmA/s400/First+shore+trip+%2830+of+54%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196771439667230946" border="0" /></a>by himself. It seems like he's enjoying his baths now! Instead of sitting, frozen, he will kick his feet and splash around a bit. It's definitely easier for us this way. Keith has also brings Noah in the shower with him when we're short on time. At first, the water in his face startled him, but he's warming up to the idea.<br /><br />Noah loves playing with toys now. Everything goes straight to the mouth! I was able to shower the other day without Keith being home-- I put him in the door jumper and he entertained himself for a while. Towards the end he was fussy but he gave me just enough time to get ready. We're making progress!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXYzG_33DIcr_A8MkZc_Y3sYRfMQn-3RlIDYoIgCyiIa_e3XNFc0FTekc0fhH5RtLJwPEjXhw5S1Q6jjds8n6LZD_MeRId-LKLmQxFIMvKUE_Pl9cnDYj2M-A4-JmuQpkL4qeNw3YvH0/s1600-h/First+shore+trip+%2813+of+54%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXYzG_33DIcr_A8MkZc_Y3sYRfMQn-3RlIDYoIgCyiIa_e3XNFc0FTekc0fhH5RtLJwPEjXhw5S1Q6jjds8n6LZD_MeRId-LKLmQxFIMvKUE_Pl9cnDYj2M-A4-JmuQpkL4qeNw3YvH0/s400/First+shore+trip+%2813+of+54%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196770971515795650" border="0" /></a><br />He also had baby cereal for the first time last month (pictures to come). He spits out more than he swallows, though, so I decided to put it off for a bit. I'm going to try it again tomorrow, and if it goes well, make it a part of the routine. I have pictures of his first solid meal, but will have to post them later.<br /><br />That's about all the updates I can think of for now. Time is flying by and Noah is getting big so quickly! Life is rich. I can't express how fulfilled I am when I wake up to that little boy's smile. I'm so blessed.<br /><br />Oh PS, only 2 more lbs to go to hit pre-pregnancy weight!!!! YAY!BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-52634194671468146222008-03-31T10:04:00.008-05:002008-03-31T22:00:55.595-05:00Three months and three weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jNy2z_wg-BRC4_FnUwUZlAu_zbBuy19tHrLTS1i5AnWDlA39L1qmJxp3qOcgQaGOvB3kEaEOHk-hmiO4zNw_QzkzCsa1HjGAx1jBs5BuukZK5A0kx8aaEcD7on9GuDQ3K7oAJuNCKkw/s1600-h/DSC_0644_JPG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183928028232751218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jNy2z_wg-BRC4_FnUwUZlAu_zbBuy19tHrLTS1i5AnWDlA39L1qmJxp3qOcgQaGOvB3kEaEOHk-hmiO4zNw_QzkzCsa1HjGAx1jBs5BuukZK5A0kx8aaEcD7on9GuDQ3K7oAJuNCKkw/s400/DSC_0644_JPG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yhj69Rv6rVlPM1kEsat8By2_tVx3UFlnKm_Hm0bDL6bSDeIBKxpE1cCYJaeF4jY8kpj7G3TXy9E_1AeErHwMPQVUd0PQO81-PvkW2T_QK3YLsdOzJwdZYtRv7doQhljaqn4jZ8e8yV8/s1600-h/DSC_0641_JPG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183927890793797730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yhj69Rv6rVlPM1kEsat8By2_tVx3UFlnKm_Hm0bDL6bSDeIBKxpE1cCYJaeF4jY8kpj7G3TXy9E_1AeErHwMPQVUd0PQO81-PvkW2T_QK3YLsdOzJwdZYtRv7doQhljaqn4jZ8e8yV8/s400/DSC_0641_JPG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGuDvBnvZ54JkkjC36DM79sM6HuywHQHUgIP1cAjKiroRjlKRIzTMoyqpiQZpdetdcsV_9HmiD4MgDzXrhnqxbMKzFo5UMEdzL3SryrpAFU5DMjmNQtiXAjY0IzR6TkAztHepAtLXEzE/s1600-h/DSC_0526_JPG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183927676045432914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGuDvBnvZ54JkkjC36DM79sM6HuywHQHUgIP1cAjKiroRjlKRIzTMoyqpiQZpdetdcsV_9HmiD4MgDzXrhnqxbMKzFo5UMEdzL3SryrpAFU5DMjmNQtiXAjY0IzR6TkAztHepAtLXEzE/s400/DSC_0526_JPG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWEgFLORmQVhnGvsqK80SpcA16QPQU75NV31PBX-ZDi9Uv2Kh35Y0Hm05uGex32SqwcXOzCwHsFj0hrRzTE98ixWDnywwZ-1A24udw7kNRESePywt6yLZ4Zw8sfEvQX3gQ3H9MF6NGAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0504_JPG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183927525721577538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWEgFLORmQVhnGvsqK80SpcA16QPQU75NV31PBX-ZDi9Uv2Kh35Y0Hm05uGex32SqwcXOzCwHsFj0hrRzTE98ixWDnywwZ-1A24udw7kNRESePywt6yLZ4Zw8sfEvQX3gQ3H9MF6NGAQ/s400/DSC_0504_JPG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74I_Nh1waGqZN9id7BCoi1JjudfG-1CO5073tF7LMUg3p6sQnJ4TLcfZUYPiHtXL0dA_pFJf_LiP-9vqbGfbw1IMF3laxor6qgnJTwtl3ZfEtAK4EZXAyuLNMeTCZjGwfYXimTLuazuE/s1600-h/DSC_0491_JPG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183927006030534706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74I_Nh1waGqZN9id7BCoi1JjudfG-1CO5073tF7LMUg3p6sQnJ4TLcfZUYPiHtXL0dA_pFJf_LiP-9vqbGfbw1IMF3laxor6qgnJTwtl3ZfEtAK4EZXAyuLNMeTCZjGwfYXimTLuazuE/s400/DSC_0491_JPG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>My my my how the time is passing! Noah is now three months and three weeks old, weighing in at a whopping 15 lbs 13 oz, and 24.5 inches long! He's a solid little boy! Some chub, but not as much as he could have for how big he is. This is the first month we have gone to the doctor's without him putting on 3 pounds. It was only 1.5 pound this month, so I guess he's slowing down. The doctor said he eventually would. He's as cute as ever, as you can see. So let's recap all the new things he's been doing:<br /></div><div>Smiling. I noted that on an earlier post, but he can't get enough of the smiles now!<br /></div><div>Talking. Last weekend (Easter- his first), Noah found his voice. He started cooing and squealing, and has been doing it more and more ever since. He makes quite the effort to express himself, lifting his legs into the air and straining with each sound he makes. Quite often he surprises himself with the noises he makes! It's been so much fun to hear his little voice! Along with his voice developing, his once little cry is now powerful!<br /></div><div>Reaching for toys. The other day I was out to lunch with Rachel and her son Elijah, when I heard a rattle sound. I looked over to find Noah both holding and chewing on Stanley's (beloved stuffed giraffe/rattle) head.<br /></div><div>Ever since the three month mark, Noah has been sleeping in his crib. He's doing really well with it! He gets up once or twice at night, which has been pretty good! It's far more bearable than before. No more bassinett for us!<br /></div><div>He also rolled over! Last weekend (again, Easter weekend), he rolled over like 6/7 times in a row, from his tummy to his back. I've tried to get him to do it again but he doesn't have much interest. He's also more fond of tummy time, now that he can control his head well. He used to cry immediately. Now I can get 10/15 minutes out of him before he makes a peep. He's already starting to bring up his knees. All we need now is arm strength and he'll be crawling in no time!<br /></div><div>Another thing he's been doing a lot of is trying to sit up! I'll have him in a reclined or semi reclined position, and he will strain to lift his head/torso into a more upright position. He's become very attentive too. He listens to my voice and watches me when I talk. His gaze follows me if I'm moving around the room. I think he's starting to recognize people, too. He's very comfortable with Grandmaman and Pop pop, and is melting down less and less when we are in big crowds. We went to Harrisburg last weekend for Ethan and Aaron's 5th birthday party, and he had shots the day before, so he was in a horrible mood Friday, poor kid. But Saturday we kept the people-passing to a minimum and he did far better than he has any other time he's been around a lot of people. We stayed at Aunt Glenda and Uncle Barry's while we were there, and he did fine with the new surroundings. He also took a bath in a baby tub without screaming, for the first time!! We're getting there!<br /></div><div>So many things are changing with him...I have to start keeping a list, as I haven't been able to get to the computer to post as often as I'd like. I hate to see the infant go, but watching him change and learn is so cool! Keith and I are absolutely loving being parents.<br /></div><div>Here are some pictures for you to enjoy-- he's a beautiful boy! I'm so proud he's mine! </div></div></div></div></div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-68454393845428929672008-02-21T12:33:00.005-05:002008-02-21T12:51:19.670-05:00Growing UP!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNWLtyEuxkKnht1Ote91VWOYy7V5oB8NhZL4AeQ2cJvwbehmzbwLAfnOfD9-IjqR0NwYEVnr8cN_gvRXpBRA8FbNrq65qF8PnK7Gw8drkMg5IqazRE6JNYnxDvVb93IlAhiLIjnhPlzY/s1600-h/cry+baby.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169491963731644978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNWLtyEuxkKnht1Ote91VWOYy7V5oB8NhZL4AeQ2cJvwbehmzbwLAfnOfD9-IjqR0NwYEVnr8cN_gvRXpBRA8FbNrq65qF8PnK7Gw8drkMg5IqazRE6JNYnxDvVb93IlAhiLIjnhPlzY/s320/cry+baby.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl4DTHWx-WaYHaHwYHB1EFfjM6NqVpb-mb2rYWVB6Ntb5gv5r5XuevZiFFHVXAkANELscpr63F2SMDw07PSUmwR5rLgYbhASxVmGqKY7wjEY__1D0FLqz_VAIWua3oZZ5cqjnLKOi3zM/s1600-h/sweetie+pie.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169491667378901538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl4DTHWx-WaYHaHwYHB1EFfjM6NqVpb-mb2rYWVB6Ntb5gv5r5XuevZiFFHVXAkANELscpr63F2SMDw07PSUmwR5rLgYbhASxVmGqKY7wjEY__1D0FLqz_VAIWua3oZZ5cqjnLKOi3zM/s320/sweetie+pie.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS5QpmaGRo8IOtglJBOxOEk9mHYukpXvrD4Ce9rT8tGil_FKOSEGH3Giyk4KbxA3tB-V8MW8RjCHDhHG2tuuLZoNFtKgw5lTcGox3GA2q8mXE7oKnleFbGANMTKz772lhIiEcIuqU3HM/s1600-h/sweetie+pie+2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169491392500994578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS5QpmaGRo8IOtglJBOxOEk9mHYukpXvrD4Ce9rT8tGil_FKOSEGH3Giyk4KbxA3tB-V8MW8RjCHDhHG2tuuLZoNFtKgw5lTcGox3GA2q8mXE7oKnleFbGANMTKz772lhIiEcIuqU3HM/s320/sweetie+pie+2.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I just got my cell phone out to count how many weeks old Noah is now- 10! 2.5 months old already! He's smiling on a regular basis now. He loves playing on his changing table in the morning when we are getting him ready for the day. He just kicks and coos and smiles away. It's so fun! I'm trying to teach him what a conversation is. If he makes a noise, I'll say something, and then wait for him to make another noise and say something again. I think he's getting the hang of it. He's getting bigger by the day! He looks so long to me now! Keith had to adjust the straps on his car seat and put them one rung higher to adjust to his height. I don't know how much he weighs for sure, but I'd guess at 12 or 13 pounds! I'm hoping it's not more than that because if it's 14, I only have a few weeks before his 86 or so diapers in size 1 don't fit! He's still nursing...and still has an allergy to dairy or something therein. I read that if babies show sensitivity to cow's milk it's because of the protien in it. If this is the case, they're prob. also sensitive to the protein in soy products. Which has also proven true. Even if I eat a bit of something, he throws up all of the next 2 feedings. Which stinks for him...he gets so uncomfortable. So I'm quitting all dairy and chocolate and spices, etc, cold turkey.<br /></div><div>He's getting closer to sleeping through the night now! He only woke up twice the past two nights: 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM. Soon I'm confident he'll sleep right through! Yet another discovery we made in the past couple of weeks is that Noah LOVES to be in the water if we are in there with him. I took a bath with him and he was as calm and content as can be! I hope a few more times of doing this will help him to adjust to water altogether and like taking baths on his own. For right now, though, it's fun to play with him in the tub. </div><div> </div><div>Also a new discovery: breaking from routine is not a good thing. Twice this month I've taken Keith to work and gone to friends' houses to visit, and both times it was a huge no-no. I think waking him up in the morning was my first mistake (taking him w/ me to drop Keith off) because he would normally sleep longer. My second mistake is taking him places...if he's in the car he's fine-- he sleeps. But if he's in new surroundings, he doesn't take his normal naps, and instead gets cranky and stays that way for the rest of the day. I feel so bad-- my usually content, happy baby is only fussy when we go somewhere. :( I guess it's a good thing I won't have the option to take him out next month-- Keith will have to drive to work when Lincon Financial relocates.<br /></div><div>Motherhood is still wonderful. I've graduated from college, and am not trying to balance class work any longer. Working out has taken the place of school work though-- trying to shed a few before summertime comes! Above are some pictures my dad took this weekend with his fabulous new camera! One of him crying...which breaks my heart every time- that face! There's also one with his Grandmom/Mom-mom. Too cute! </div></div></div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-92081896905432806472008-02-04T00:56:00.000-05:002008-02-04T01:04:21.701-05:006 Weeks and 6 Days old...but who's counting?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaGc0YMojbvOPKw6Eifgk0mrdxd3b34KnLB2Kw1IVXdnv_drlUBKV27_dNImErJB3VA3r3vwqwexPWYVgDtgg1qF17BqX2-9Q1XG9tJc85jgmCJVKEpjBMmDTlUqRDVosaRQeEGjpuwA/s1600-h/1+month+collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaGc0YMojbvOPKw6Eifgk0mrdxd3b34KnLB2Kw1IVXdnv_drlUBKV27_dNImErJB3VA3r3vwqwexPWYVgDtgg1qF17BqX2-9Q1XG9tJc85jgmCJVKEpjBMmDTlUqRDVosaRQeEGjpuwA/s400/1+month+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163001815667155682" border="0" /></a>It's nearly 1 AM and I promised myself I'd be in bed early tonight b/c I have to take Keith to the train tomorrow...but I HAD to post tonight because Noah LAUGHED AND SMILED today!!! He laughed twice, and now smiles whenever we coo and smile at him. It was the most beautiful sight in the whole world! It's so cool to know that he's choosing to react to us. Who ever said being a parent isn't rewarding!? It's such a high honor...I can't wait for the rest of his firsts!! Here are some pictures of Noah at one month old. He's getting so big so quickly! At the last doctor's appointment he was 21 inches long-- he's already grown 2 inches! It's so sad to see that he's not teeny tiny anymore, but seeing these neat little changes takes the sadness away. We are just loving him to pieces!BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-78054209568515512812008-01-25T22:51:00.000-05:002008-01-25T23:44:03.372-05:00One Month Old Already!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2iWFloP4XNbqz64oPS6WDn6T5MfHtQWvhR5H7a0NYOf8BWnRSeZDyPnVX5OsVZfsdy2SnnedALyAG6tkelNGFriv-a4E_NdhzwUeL6qpG-Ous0fB4cE5UINx2UW_wiDIvmoYAfehqS8/s1600-h/noah+and+keith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159641136902021826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2iWFloP4XNbqz64oPS6WDn6T5MfHtQWvhR5H7a0NYOf8BWnRSeZDyPnVX5OsVZfsdy2SnnedALyAG6tkelNGFriv-a4E_NdhzwUeL6qpG-Ous0fB4cE5UINx2UW_wiDIvmoYAfehqS8/s320/noah+and+keith.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6Jrq5EvQqC7xsYsVQ5NmyDmMmPokyFny74ypI8yO7dJ4KxfMM5nIX2MSqX8i0pdtVYPF_VsOcaJoIeC82AdGE_r-3M95uIlaPeb9knI47C8_gOBv-rLw2l60r7Hf42M3tVEsf-ja6ak/s1600-h/coming+home+collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159640922153657010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6Jrq5EvQqC7xsYsVQ5NmyDmMmPokyFny74ypI8yO7dJ4KxfMM5nIX2MSqX8i0pdtVYPF_VsOcaJoIeC82AdGE_r-3M95uIlaPeb9knI47C8_gOBv-rLw2l60r7Hf42M3tVEsf-ja6ak/s400/coming+home+collage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Here I am- I got a chance to pull away from the new mommy routine and make note of my amazement at how Noah is already 5.5 weeks old- over a month!!! How on earth did that happen so quickly?? I suppose all the days are blending together. Our nighttime routines have gotten smoother- Noah gets up every three to four hours for night feedings, and sleeps in between each feeding. He's been doing that since he was two weeks old. I'm so blessed! I'm told that soon he will forgo one or two night feedings and sleep longer. I love waking up to that precious face-- it makes all the fatigue worthwhile. Fortunately, I nap when he does, during the day. He really is a good baby. He only cries for a reason, which isn't very often. I'm a lucky mom! </div><div> </div><div>The picture collage is from the day Noah came home from the hospital. The picture above it was from this past weekend (5 weeks old).<br /><br />I want to make sure I make note of milestones Noah reaches. He's beginning to become aware that his hands are, in fact, his. If he is fussy, I can calm him by holding his hand. He's still very expressive with his hands...whenever he begins a feeding he clenches them into fists right beside his cheeks. As he begins to relax, the fists loosen and his arms go limp. It's cute how relaxing nursing is to him! Oh, and speaking of milestones...we took him to the doctor last week, and he weighed in at 11lbs, 4 oz!! He gained 4 pounds in one month! At least I know he's getting enough to eat. A common fear of nursing mothers is that they might not be...since you can't exactly measure what the baby consumes. Anyway, he no longer fits into his newborn outfits. He can only wear 0-3 month clothing now!<br /><br />At the same doctor's appointment, they tried to take a rectal temp...which ended in him pooping once on the nurse, once on the floor, and three times in my hand haha! Poor kid...he was obviously traumatized. The nurse insisted on changing the table paper before I put his diaper back on, which is why it happened so many times. It was quite the adventure. I think it's in his chart now: no more rectal temps!<br /><br />Another milestone is that he had his first vacation last Friday! We went to Grandmom and Pop-pop's on Friday, and were only supposed to stay until Sunday, but one thing led to another, and we ended up staying until Thursday!! It was fun...mom took him in the morning after his 5 AM feedings, so I could sleep a little bit. And we made occasional visits, through the day, to Pop pop's office (on the first floor) to give him a dose of "his medicine" as he calls him. They both love being around Noah- it's so satisfying to me to see that he's so loved by them! I'm glad he gets to grow up around a loving family.<br /><br />Noah is also becoming more 'vocal'. He used to make no noise outside of crying when he needed to be changed, or when he was hungry. Now he's making grunts and all kids of noises- one of which we've coined his 'alien talk'. It's hard to describe, but he does it when he's stretching or waking up. It's too cute!<br /><br />All in all, we're starting to establish a routine. Between housework, cooking, my homework, and Keith getting his licenses for work, we're busy. I wish I could get more done in a day, but want to wait until my 6 week checkup (monday) to make sure everything is healing alright. After a day where I try to do things, I notice that I'm still sore. I hope this passes soon! I'm anxious to start exercising, vacumming, and taking the stairs whenever I need to.<br /><br />Hahahaha! I'm reading back over this post and starting to see that it's just as scattered as I feel right now. I'm sorry-- it's nearly midnight, and I'm tired from the day, but figured I may as well stay up until the midnight feeding, then go to bed. Hopefully my next post will be a bit more organized. :) I just wanted to make sure I got a post in before his second month arrived! My sweet little baby...growing so quickly!</div></div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-74673014644228671532008-01-11T00:23:00.001-05:002008-01-11T00:26:42.156-05:00Christmas Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hlZ5kAYVdv0wnTL4MplYgqANMfEQomykrDHaDxximwDJqSM3DcquErV9Q5egzEFZ9DIhRUdh4LySTWe38KHCKQmzaJLS-16eDQev5qCdyCYSZhLESIxH-4vMS6DvzbW17zso4gd-FlI/s1600-h/cmas+%285+of+5%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hlZ5kAYVdv0wnTL4MplYgqANMfEQomykrDHaDxximwDJqSM3DcquErV9Q5egzEFZ9DIhRUdh4LySTWe38KHCKQmzaJLS-16eDQev5qCdyCYSZhLESIxH-4vMS6DvzbW17zso4gd-FlI/s400/cmas+%285+of+5%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154086125552200546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E3RgbqEn5QekZefSmFh-4K4YFSF7nuCXrJ-dpttVBVjIoEcRqH7RI_bvLHFkkT6EpNJnY0G5ovD1fAC0wZZqAJ8VGlQgKmYfuzHJOJxi11eMm15LbwUi-FdNAFkgfHONIyRzLg_xI9Y/s1600-h/cmas+%281+of+5%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E3RgbqEn5QekZefSmFh-4K4YFSF7nuCXrJ-dpttVBVjIoEcRqH7RI_bvLHFkkT6EpNJnY0G5ovD1fAC0wZZqAJ8VGlQgKmYfuzHJOJxi11eMm15LbwUi-FdNAFkgfHONIyRzLg_xI9Y/s400/cmas+%281+of+5%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154085897918933842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj03MQ3OZrqUGDkOWEqn6vp_gAhyRPJFioEOfv09gEVGuZdQ6plf37dhfy2ukampAxQlF3OkP2R0XViLGfKttsfB0nuMkYCMGYR3dNl8TbIg16KJeS1l73qEsKLxhxnhgWa9LbqANLOQ/s1600-h/cmas+%283+of+5%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj03MQ3OZrqUGDkOWEqn6vp_gAhyRPJFioEOfv09gEVGuZdQ6plf37dhfy2ukampAxQlF3OkP2R0XViLGfKttsfB0nuMkYCMGYR3dNl8TbIg16KJeS1l73qEsKLxhxnhgWa9LbqANLOQ/s400/cmas+%283+of+5%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154085773364882242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXTPCD8wZWY3BMLLCxRoF7_uEj-KKjSazzmq-7gta5YJvKkUwXTsE4T2gzvn2jLGFZPu-0hrlSgNttZNB4TqMkOXFFKWlrODuM3pa_ifgOfAvxuYeBIyjeKBnCasegjS1Y6rtnZhb3cU/s1600-h/cmas+%282+of+5%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXTPCD8wZWY3BMLLCxRoF7_uEj-KKjSazzmq-7gta5YJvKkUwXTsE4T2gzvn2jLGFZPu-0hrlSgNttZNB4TqMkOXFFKWlrODuM3pa_ifgOfAvxuYeBIyjeKBnCasegjS1Y6rtnZhb3cU/s400/cmas+%282+of+5%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154085567206452018" border="0" /></a>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-81876158019749436232008-01-03T22:44:00.001-05:002008-01-03T22:44:49.217-05:00More Pictures of Noah<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS69wbBtDaESbwgzvF9QyHWemA-U4BrVSbZHgwUkUDwdIcG_uNsda6AL_wSwrdrUUHoMgVsvmN9NqjjRw0qHzFl2wMDs5dKtrVNOAqIKvJ7D8x5vG8ZbPPaEm-UgkWRzYhkFT56ZMS4M/s1600-h/Noah+Collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151462287081401122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS69wbBtDaESbwgzvF9QyHWemA-U4BrVSbZHgwUkUDwdIcG_uNsda6AL_wSwrdrUUHoMgVsvmN9NqjjRw0qHzFl2wMDs5dKtrVNOAqIKvJ7D8x5vG8ZbPPaEm-UgkWRzYhkFT56ZMS4M/s400/Noah+Collage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-44748197767063508032008-01-03T21:09:00.000-05:002008-01-03T22:41:28.181-05:00The Best Christmas Gift I've Ever Received<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLVAkSxd36PUyeXtrIiTVDBkfjAJIHyWhOipHltJCyiPlrRo8UIi54eK1K4Fz85La9wJbX2Sa7YZ_RIFIZVN00lJQDDdAyVpsv-gJC58-WF3DdboZC19jOoI2TRxk2qBiBhbFVZYRT6g/s1600-h/Noah+1+wk+(21+of+23)edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151439283236563682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLVAkSxd36PUyeXtrIiTVDBkfjAJIHyWhOipHltJCyiPlrRo8UIi54eK1K4Fz85La9wJbX2Sa7YZ_RIFIZVN00lJQDDdAyVpsv-gJC58-WF3DdboZC19jOoI2TRxk2qBiBhbFVZYRT6g/s400/Noah+1+wk+(21+of+23)edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Hi Friends and family! It has been two weeks and 3 days since God sent us Noah Joseph; our little treasure. I never would've thought, on the day I last posted, that I would be in labor only two short days later. In conclusion of my pregnancy, I must say it was a magnificent one-- I'm truly blessed! Even though pregnancy is an amazing and fascinating thing, birth and little infants more than triple the wonder!<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Now for the details. It was Sunday the 16th when labor started. Keith, my mom, Nick and I were sitting around the living room chatting before settling in for the night, at which point Ezekiel, my dog, started behaving strangely. He jumped up and put his front paws on my lap, and then followed me around and just stared at me. He doesn't do this unless I have food for him. He did this for the rest of the night and followed us up to bed. It was about 3:30 when my contractions started. They were on the mild side at first; just felt like bad menstural cramps. They weren't coming at regular intervals, so I thought they were just Braxton Hicks and would subside soon. Around about 3:45 they had intensified and I couldn't get comfortable in bed. I went downstairs so as not to wake Keith, drank some water, and tried to distract myself with TV. The contractions started to come 5 minutes apart, so I waited 45 minutes (they should be 5 min apart for an hour before you go to the hospital) then went upstairs to my mom's room. I woke her and told her what was going on, and she told me to wake Keith and to get dressed-- that it was time to go to the hospital. I wasn't convinced that it was labor...the contractions weren't intense enough! But I'd rather err on the side of caution, so I called the doctor, who told me to go to the hospital. We got there by 6 AM, at which point they checked my cervix and I was 6cm dilated and 100% effaced-- I was staying and the baby was coming that day!! They got me set up in the delivery room, and I got my epidural as soon as I was able to. Side note: epidurals are WELL worth it!!! The epidural wasn't much pain at all-- more discomfort than anything, and over in a heartbeat. After I got the epi, I was able to sleep and wait for my body to get ready.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Around 12:30 they told me it was time to start pushing. So I pushed.....for 3.5 hours!!! Keith was counting and both he and my mom were holding my legs. The baby had progressed downward but once he hit a certain point, he would not progress any further. They thought maybe the epidural was inhibiting my ability to push, so they turned it down and changed my position...a ton of needless pain...but still the baby wouldn't budge. It was then that my doctor came into the room and said that there was a reason that the baby wasn't coming down, and it would be safest for him if we did a c-section. That was the LAST thing I wanted to hear...I wanted so much to experience childbirth the way it was meant to be! And at my hospital the policy is once you have one c-section, you always have to have c-sections because of the risks posed by VBAC's. I couldn't keep myself from crying...Keith cried with me...the doctor agreed to let me have another half hour to push, and then if no progress was made, we would move to a c-section. I pushed with<strong> everything in me</strong> for that half hour, and nothing. So my worst nightmare had come true. I had to have a c-section.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">They brought the anestesiologist (sp?) back into the room to adjust my epi for the c-section, told Keith to change into scrubs, and shortly after, the doctor rushed in stating that the baby's heart rate was dropping and we had to go in "right now". This panicked poor Keith, who was left in the empty room alone while they wisked me away to get ready for the operation. He thought the situation was serious and they forgot about him! Meanwhile, they were prepping me in the OR-- strapping me down, rigging the little curtain that goes in front of your face...I was living out my biggest fear. I was terrified...the whole idea of being awake during a procedure, and knowing what they were doing behind the curtain was more than I thought my mind could handle! I was shaking uncontrollably-- my arms looked like fish flopping around on dry ground! Next thing I knew, Keith was brought into the room. I was so happy to see him- he held my hand and I told him "you just have to help me breathe; I can't get my breathing under control,". So he breathed with me and held my hand...I don't know what I would've done without him! I was still shaking really badly and I thought my shaking would inhibit the doctor's work, or create some kind of 'oops'- so that only added to my fear. my right hand was held by keith but my left hand was flopping about freely, so I asked the anestesiologist if I could hold his hand. *lol poor guy*...but he said yes and I felt better- maybe I wouldn't botch the surgery after all! The anes. was great. He wasn't telling me what they were doing, but he was telling me what sensations to expect throughout the surgery. Everything felt exactly as he said.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">After what seemed like forever (but was actually 5 minutes), I heard the doctor say to Keith "do you want to see the baby being born?" Keith said yes, so they told him to stand up. Later, Keith told me that he saw them pull the baby out, and he was blue-- dark blue. Keith thought something was wrong, and apparently the look on his face gave him away because the nurses immediately reassured him that's how he was supposed to look. The doctor unwrapped the umbilical cord from around the baby's neck- it was wound three times! Then his skin started to fill with color, and he started to cry. The doctor held the baby up over the curtain for me to see. I can't even begin to describe how deeply seeing his little face for the first time affected me! I was awestruck that I was actually seeing the precious little life that my body protected for nine whole months! The tears just flowed, and in an instant, everything about my life changed. I was captivated! I knew Keith was too-- I could hear him over by the nurses, after he cut the cord, watching as they cleaned him off and swaddled him. He was shouting to me, through sobs and laughter "he looks good babe! you should see him!"Keith brought the baby over by my head where I got to study him a little longer. Amazing. He was so beautiful! And a spitting image of a Strenk, I must say. He looked like his mommy on that first day. Even if he grows to look like his daddy, that's fine with me- as long as I had that first day. And that is the story about how Noah Joseph Collier entered the world. It was on December 17th at 5:03 PM. He weighed 7lbs, 9 oz, and was 19.5 inches long.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Yes, Noah was a name that Keith and I had talked about using since before we got pregnant, ironically. :) When we told my dad what the baby's name was, he started to cry. :)<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">My mom, Nick, my dad, Dawn, and Keith's dad all awaited the news. Keith went out to where they were and just started sobbing- he couldn't talk. They were all waiting for him to say something-anything! He was overjoyed. My dad cried, Keith's dad cried...they all went to meet Noah while I was finishing up in the O.R.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">All in all, it was a very scary, very emotional day. But in the end, I'm just thankful that my baby was delivered safely, and that they didn't try to force him out. It could've been so harmful to him! Whenever I get discouraged about having to have another c-section and not being able to deliver vaginally, I just remind myself of the happy, healthy little treasure I have, and it humbles me.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Having Noah around has been amazing! For the first few days all I wanted to do was hold him and look at him! Even getting up at night isn't bad. It feels bad when I first hear his cry, but then when I go to pick him up, and I see his sweet little face, and his eyes are searching for me eagerly, my heart mealts and I'm so thankful I am given the blessing of taking care of him! We're getting used to the routine...the diaper changing, the outfit changing..nursing...it's coming together. :) Nursing is SO HARD and trying at first, but I'm thankful that I've stuck it out- it's getting easier and less painful. It was best described as "toe-curling pain". That couldn't be further from the truth! I've had tons of help at home from mom- bless her heart! She was here for the past two weeks, cooking and cleaning and helping with Noah at night. It's been such a blessing to have her around! I'm so glad she wants to be involved in his life. Nick was also hanging out for the past couple weeks, and my dad came and went as he could. It was a great Christmas! I remember having such a feeling of contentment as we sat around the tree sipping coffee and opening gifts. I held the greatest gift in my arms, and I was able to share the day with my family. It was perfect!<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">As for getting things done around the house goes...today was my first day "on my own". Keith was at work and mom and Nick left yesterday. Everything I do revolves around Noah, now. In the morning, I wake up, get Noah ready for the day, and nurse him, hoping that he'll be content long enough for me to get dressed. This morning after nursing he sat content in his boppy for an hour while I got myself ready for the day and started a load of laundry. He really is a good baby- only cries for a reason, and is otherwise very content! He's good at night too. The first night, he was up all night. He wouldn't sleep unless I held him, so I guess the better way to say it is that I was up all night. The second night was a bit better, and after that night, I decided keeping him in the bassinett (instead of crib) would be easier. Getting up a lot at night and walking around was getting to be painful for me- I'd wake up really sore the next day. For the most part, he'll be up for a few hours but then sleeps between feedings (of which there are three). I'm hoping we continue with that pattern and he starts to sleep for longer stretches at night.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">So this is the beginning!!! I'm LOVING motherhood and I adore my son! Keith is loving fatherhood and is just as in love with him as I am! I look forward to recording all the exciting stages of his life in this blog for you to read, and for us to look back on together, one day.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Amazed. I'm so amazed.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div></div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-80525661309046609002007-12-14T11:15:00.000-05:002008-01-03T22:43:23.045-05:0039 Weeks: The beginning of the end<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsRdWFZjfXs0r-C2JxN0k2fmO5ryen3mGjzPTkpqFGQBqtI0S85JRxMWDdqYM7xtYW2DaSUDe3CEtMEaGY6txGAmgBW9GGH9ivotcghN40fd9L9H4dFQo_eDChid1_8siRafdJBM9DSk/s1600-h/12-23-07+012+baw.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151461922009180946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsRdWFZjfXs0r-C2JxN0k2fmO5ryen3mGjzPTkpqFGQBqtI0S85JRxMWDdqYM7xtYW2DaSUDe3CEtMEaGY6txGAmgBW9GGH9ivotcghN40fd9L9H4dFQo_eDChid1_8siRafdJBM9DSk/s400/12-23-07+012+baw.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">39 weeks tomorrow, and only 10 days of the pregnancy remaining! I was all anxious and hoping I would deliver early, but being in the midst of today, and realizing that I only have 10 days left (unless I go later), and realizing those 10 days will fly has made me let go of those anxieties and try to enjoy these last precious days of feeling my little peanut inside my belly, and sleeping in. I think I’ll miss the sensations of him moving- a constant reassurance of his wellbeing. But I cannot wait to meet him!! I know I’m naïve to the changes that will happen in my life, but I intend to take it day-by-day and learn as much as I can.<br /><br />Wednesday, I had a bloody show. If this is TMI for you, stop reading here, but it is basically lots of blood-tinged mucous that indicates that your cervix is dilating and effacing. It can signal that labor is days/weeks away. Again, like every other “sign”, it is hardly definitive. If nothing else, it’s a sign that we’re progressing in the right direction, and at this point, that’s all I can hope for! I actually had to go to the hospital yesterday. I had a bit of spotting, and the day before I heard that mysterious ‘pop’ once again. Afraid the two could be related I called the doctor, who told me to get it checked out. I was on the monitor for a while and the baby was not showing signs of stress. They were also monitoring my contractions; yes, I was having them. I’ve been having them all this time, and simply mistook the feeling for the baby stretching. In all actuality, that sensation comes from the uterus contracting around the baby, thus hugging him and making it feel like he was stretching. I saw Dr. Hamilton while I was in the hospital and she said that if I wanted her to, she could check me internally to see about progress. When I told her that I’d rather not endure the discomfort, if she doesn’t think it’s necessary, she said that was a good choice on my part, as her checking could encourage more bleeding. She said the bleeding could very well be a sign of my cervix dilating, and “who knows- labor could be this weekend!”. She said the situation is favorable, and the baby is the lowest she’s ever seen, so it’s definitely a possibility! I would like for her to be the one to deliver, and she is on call this weekend.On a different note, today is the last day of work! YAAAAAAY! I cannot WAIT—I’m pretty uncomfortable today, with pressure from the baby being low. I’m sitting here practically spread eagle so my belly has somewhere to go! Oh this is all so exciting! J<br /><br />A sweet man just came into the office and left me with an encouraging blessing, “May God bless you and give you such an incredible birth that you will remember that God did it”. </span></div>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-46548001554931312782007-12-09T23:20:00.001-05:002007-12-10T08:56:44.270-05:0038 weeks<span style="font-size:130%;">This picture brings us to about 38 weeks. We went to a wedding for some good friends of ours. Keith was in the Bridal party. It was fun...except for the 'trying to find a dress' part. That was quite a process. I had actually borrowed a dress from a friend at work and when I actually went to try it on, I very closely resembled a sausage. It was more the pattern than the way it fit- black and grey with leaf-like print. *cringe*It looked much better on the hanger than it did on me. So I tried on like 3 others that I had, but none fit! I didn't realize that I had gotten so big almost overnight...or at least that's how it feels. So I resorted to the only thing that looked remotely slimming, even though it was made for summer, and it was freezing outside. I also wore heels. I have no idea what I was thinking- I didn't wear them for most of the night. All in all, it was fun.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I went to my appointment last week and they did not do an internal exam. They usually start those at 38 weeks (which would be this week) to monitor progress. The only reason they did an exam at the last one was because they were already "there" to give me a group b strep test. Being 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced the first time was definitely encouraging, so I'm hoping that the progress from last week as well as this week will come as a nice surprise! I've been trying to focus upon the little changes I notice, in my body, wondering if everything that I feel, which is remotely different, is a sign that the baby is coming. I've been having a lot more indigestion, unfortunately, waves of nausea here and there, and continuous swelling in my legs, feet, and ankles. I've been sleeping less...or peeing and changing positions more...can't decide which. And most importantly, I've been trying to enjoy sleeping in on the weekends, knowing it will end soon! This week is my last at THP, so that very thought is giving me renewed energy on this dreary Monday morning. I hope it holds me over all week! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Keith's 28th birthday is today! He thinks that the baby coming on his birthday would be the absolute best gift ever! I wouldn't mind going into labor tonight but hope that he doesn't actually come until tomorrow (if that's the case), because I have plans to take Keith out to dinner with 4 of our friends. It should be fun! Not crazy and over the top, but a budget-friendly way to celebrate. After all, who could resist the Cheesecake factory? Mmmmm-delicious! I also went on a cleaning frenzy last night. He mentioned how having the house clean makes him feel less stressed and more comfortable, so I thought that would be a nice birthday gift. He looked at me suspiciously after finding out that I cleaned out the fridge and wiped down the shelves and asked me if I was 'nesting' or if I was doing this for him. I told him it was definitely for him. I had a 2 hour nap that afternoon, and figured if I have the energy, I might as well take advantage of it!! One less thing to do next week when I'm off!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A good question came up this weekend, in talking with some friends about the holidays. They asked what we would do if the baby hadn't yet shown up by Christmas...and the answer is that I really don't know! My aunt is hosting Christmas at her house in Southampton (about 45 away from our house- 1 hour from the hospital). I don't know if it's wise to go there, and risk going into labor and having to rush to the hospital, or if we should stick close to home. Hopefully the baby will have come by then, and it won't even be an issue. But If he hasn't, i'm not sure what to do! If I just go into labor, it's no biggie and we would have plenty of time to get to the hospital. But if my water breaks, that's a different story. There's not as much time to get there. Maybe this will be another decision that is made for me.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My 38 week appointment is tomorrow. If I hear anything interesting, I will definitely let everyone know!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOI6_HBwYQLHezU80g3rEin8LOZeuXOoJ-6yje4C26YnqJMVbIbblTiOKjnh9hCCaUocCljrsKlKvIZ9ZcNqQv1QJ6iV5yoVk6CZiTtYPribvEfi3w6oEjcRsPvk7JiEwUNOWiLxPbYg/s1600-h/38+weeks+%281+of+1%29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142194528442515394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOI6_HBwYQLHezU80g3rEin8LOZeuXOoJ-6yje4C26YnqJMVbIbblTiOKjnh9hCCaUocCljrsKlKvIZ9ZcNqQv1QJ6iV5yoVk6CZiTtYPribvEfi3w6oEjcRsPvk7JiEwUNOWiLxPbYg/s400/38+weeks+%281+of+1%29.jpg" border="0" /></a>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-11143157055061757132007-11-28T13:26:00.000-05:002007-11-28T13:27:24.233-05:0036 Week Appointment<span style="font-size:130%;">I had my 36 week appointment last night. The results? *Drum roll*: 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced. Dilation means nothing without contractions, but I know effacement makes dilation easier. It doesn’t tell me when the baby will come, but I should dilate more easily when I do go into labor. So things are looking up! When she went to examine my cervix, she said “WOAH! His head is really low!!!” I guess that’s a good sign as well, hopefully meaning that I will be able to have a vaginal delivery without complications. J He’s being very well behaved! Regarding the popping noise, she still has no idea what it was but said that as long as he is still moving as much as he has before, he is fine. And he is DEFINITELY still moving as much as before, the little squirt! After I went to my appointment, the doctor sent me to the hospital to be monitored and tested for preeclampsia. Apparently my blood pressure was still a little high and when I told her about the dizziness and headache, and near passing out, she told me it’s prob. nothing, but it’s good to take precaution. They had me on the monitor, drew blood, and checked me blood pressure 3 times, and sure enough, everything was fine! All in all, it was good news!<br /><br />I’m so excited for him to come! I don’t want to rush his delivery. The only time I’m anxious for him to come is when I’m sitting in my desk chair and very uncomfortable because of how cramped he is and how I can’t change positions to get comfortable. So I’ve decided to look at my last day of work as the light at the end of the tunnel rather than his due date. Once I’m able to be home, chances are it will be easier to get comfortable, and the rest of the pregnancy will be smooth sailing! 16 days until I’m finished at work, and I’ll only actually be working for 12 of them! </span>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907210316538085857.post-75159624928299559952007-11-26T08:59:00.000-05:002007-11-26T09:04:48.630-05:00Week 37<span style="font-size:130%;">Your little one is now about six pounds in weight and measures slightly more than 20 inches in length. Growth will slow down now, so your baby will be able to fit the narrow passageway to the outside and so he or she can store up the energy needed for delivery. (www.whattoexpect.com)<br /><br />Well folks, it’s week 37 that we’re working on now! On Friday I will be full term!!!! How crazy is that? We’ve successfully made it through a great and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. Paul and Julie and the kids were over (mom’s brother and his family, for those of you who don’t know) and Joanne, Bill, and the girls (dad’s sister and his family). It was fun to all be together. We did have one strange happening, over the weekend, however. Keith and I went home for the day to take a break, get stuff done at home, and relax. We planned to go back to mom's that night. Well, we were sitting on the couch watching a movie. The baby was kicking pretty hard (like normal) and I didn't think anything of it. But then after one of his kicks I heard a pop from inside my stomach!! It sounded like someone was cracking their knuckle. I looked at Keith and said 'did you hear that??' he said 'yeah what was it??' he thought I cracked my knee or something. But i hadn't moved. Just after that the baby's movement stopped and when he did move they were very small movements. So I freaked out (of course) and called the doc. Hamilton was the one to get back to me, and she said that movement changing was normal but the pop sound was not, so I should go in to the hosp to get checked out. At first I thought my water broke-- that seemed like the only possibility. But I wasn't leaking and there was no gush. So we went to the hospital and they put the baby on a heart monitor and me on a contraction monitor for 20 minutes. The nurse said everything looked normal, so she sent me home! But she couldn't tell me what the pop was- she had never heard of it before. I hope the baby is ok!! He's moving like normal and everything, but it was just all so weird. Fortunately my appointment on Tuesday is with Hamilton- the same doctor who called me back. You’d better believe I have some questions lined up!!<br />In nursery news….Drum roll please…it’s finished!!! Thanks to my wonderful husband, that is. We brought home a glider my mom re-covered the cushion for, and on Sunday, Keith put together the bookcase he was refinishing. It looks awesome! I did all the little finishing touches: put books and stuffed animals, a memory box, a piggy bank, and some baby books (the ones you actually record in) on the shelves. I also hung the quilt-square wall hangings near the glider and over the crib, and it looks SO CUTE! Keith hung the quilt over the changing table to add to the wall. It definitely looks like a nursery now! Every time I walk by it, I have to stop and peek inside. I’m so excited! I have every intention of putting pictures up, but have been really bad with it. I’ve just forgotten, time and again. I have pictures from one of my showers, but I look very…oompa loompa-like (only slightly taller)…so maybe I’ll take some neck-down pictures for the sake of belly recording. He is kicking and moving more than ever now! You always see those pictures of babies folded in half, in the womb. It is not so for little Collier. He has his head down, his feet stretched to one side, and his bottom on the other side. He likes to do this thing where he kicks off my stomach on the one side, causing his butt to bounce off the other, which makes his feet hit again after the butt bounce. Evidently this is fun because he did it for a good 15 minutes straight, last week. I think he thinks he still has tons of room to move around…no one has told him that he’s getting bigger and he really shouldn’t do these things. Sometimes he moves around so much and kicks so hard that even my tummy rubbing, which normally stops him, isn’t enough. But when daddy talks, he listens. Keith will come over (when I’m at the end of my rope) and talk to him, while putting his hands on whatever body parts are jutting out, and he calms right down! Once he is calm, Keith will move his hands, and the baby will start right back up. Sometimes we have to repeat the process 2 or 3 times to get him fully calm. Conversely, this method also works when I get a little nervous about how little he is moving. If I go through long, quiet periods, it can make me nervous, because he’s obviously an active little guy. So I ask Keith to come over and wake him up, for peace of mind. Keith just has to come over and talk to him a bit, and he wakes right up. It’s good to know that he knows daddy’s voice. We’re both getting really excited to meet him, and to be parents!Keith put together the stroller (RV), car seat, and pack-n-play over the past two weekends. We have spent a great deal of time trying to figure these contraptions out. There is nothing “pack” about the “pack n play” though…it’s harder to collapse than it looks. Keith and I were viewing it as something we could easily use every weekend if we wanted to up and go to mom and dad’s, but something tells me after one or two trips, that will be nixed from the option list and it will be reserved for longer trips only. It will be very handy to have downstairs for the first couple of weeks, however. Who knows- maybe we’ll get it down to a science and take it everywhere (?).<br /><br />I picked out two outfits to bring to the hospital to bring the baby home in, yesterday. One was lighter, so we can use it if we’re allowed to put the ‘bundle me’ car seat blanket in (sometimes hospitals don’t let you put anything in but baby). The other one is heavy and fleecy with built in feet. We both kind of stood there for a minute trying to envision how much of the outfits he will take up. I’ve heard opinions across the board of what his size will be, but I can’t help but envision a little peanut (though average sized for a newborn) who doesn’t quite fit into everything just yet. Anyway, what else I packed…I’ll have to bring his new hat and mittens from the Ricard family, to keep him nice and toasty. I also plan to bring the baby book from Claude to fill in, in between contractions. J It will give me something fun to do. The weekend’s experience with the last minute hospital run pretty much ‘warned’ Keith and I that the baby could come at any time, now! I should make a list of items I want to bring, today, so that if I have to pack in a hurry, I can. Keith and I both think the baby will be coming earlier than his due date. Between how crowded he is in my short torso, and how active he is, he’s bound to trigger earlier labor. When it comes down to it, we will take him when he is ready to come. I am anxious to move past the “I’m an elephant” stage of life, and stop looking like a sausage in whatever I wear, but not so much so that I would want my baby’s health to be compromised in any way. I’ll wait as long as I have to.<br />A funny aside—my dad has taken to calling the baby Noah. He is convinced that’s what his name should be “because his bedroom is nautical”. So at family gatherings (ie: Thanksgiving) he refers to the baby as Noah in front of family, and as a result, everyone thinks his name will be Noah. Everyone ‘awww’s’ and comments on how cute it is. But when Keith and I tell them that we have not yet decided on a name, and Noah is simply dad’s whim, they all seem disappointed and some even suggest using Noah as a middle name if we haven’t found one already. Time will tell. I do intend to blog about what the names are that we have chosen (both of them) after the baby is born.<br /><br />That’s about it for now…I’ll keep everyone posted! </span>BabyCollierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776228584688331217noreply@blogger.com1