Tooth Watch 2012

We have not one, we have TWO teeth budding from Paisley's bottom gums. Here is a pic from Monday next to a pic I took this morning:

Big girl!! She's handled teething pretty well. She does seem more sensitive, though. If I walk by and she thinks I'm going to pick her up, she melts. Normally Paisley will just cry and console herself. Not while teething. She has been waking up in the middle of the night to talk for about 20 minutes. She ends up being at the opposite end of her bed during her solo "conversation". 

Yesterday Mac pulled her hair. This didn't help her new sensitivity. Notice the frazzled hair. :o(

 Look how sweet these babies were during nap :o) I just love them.

 

Feeling better and ready for small group :o)

We went to the GI today, and I get to try introducing Mac and Paisley to dairy! Eeeek! Dr. Devoid said that at 8 months it's a 70/30 ratio of babies with protein intolerance. So I'll give them 2 oz tomorrow, 4 oz the next day, and continue this trend for a week and test their stool on day 7 to check for blood. Let's hope it stays clear, and that Mac and Paisley don't have any adverse reactions. 

Paisley's liver enzymes remain elevated (I posted earlier that they were normal, but the other liver tests were normal- the tests for something seriously wrong). We will go back this month for labs again. If the enzyme levels remain high for the next few labs, we will be having a biopsy. :o(

We have the race this weekend! Big race, a 5K, ha! 

Today's highlight is the birth of Stella Paige McKaig :o)

Welcome, sweet girl! 

-ashley

Weekend Wrap Up

It's a wrap! As predicted, our weekend was busy busy. My mom and Lilly came Friday. We were hanging out in the driveway with our beloved neighbors when they arrived. Our neighbors, Blake and Jessica, have a little boy named Eli. Lilly loves playing with him, and they played together pretty much all weekend. 

Saturday morning we had a neighborhood yard sale, but Goodwill benefited more than we did, ha! Most often I'd rather just give something away than be offended by the price a "yard saler" would bargain. Jordan loves this kind of stuff, and he actually sold cold bottled water. He cracked all of us up as he sold bottle by bottle, then a whole case! 

Saturday afternoon we had 3 birthday parties. We all went to the first party at Pump It Up, and Jordan went to the third (adult) birthday party while the rest of us visited the second birthday celebration. Here are a few pics... Lilly is posing with her party favor from Aubrey's birthday, and Levi and Kai's faces were my favorite at Kai's birthday. I would probably have the same chocolate face had I been able to enjoy one of those delicious cupcakes. Thankfully Kai's mom has been on the same "diet" as me so she made special foods (for those of us with protein intolerant children) to eat :o)

 Annnnnd look what all the festivities did for Mac and Paisley :o)

Any spare time on Saturday and most of Sunday we busted our chops getting the house ready for an open house. Needless to say, last night we were all kaput! We are grateful for Mac and Paisley's Nana and Lilly to come and spend time with us! 

 And guess what?!! PAISLEY HAS A TOOTH!! Jordan and I noticed white buds just under her gums yesterday, and this morning I felt a tooth! It's her bottom right tooth :o) I think by the end of the week she will have 2 teeth popping out of her bottom gums.This is also what she has been up to lately:

She gets on her knees and rocks back and forth. The day is near! And I don't think I'm ready for their mobility! Eeeek! 

Another random note, someone recently asked if Mac and Paisley have been outside the womb longer than inside... well I counted weeks and YES! They turned 36 weeks Friday, and they were born at 35 weeks. I can't believe it!!

Jordan had a class today so he is home early! LOVE these days!!!!

-ashley

TGIF!!

We're wrapping up another week, and we are looking forward to an eventful weekend! This week we've had 2 playdates, tried summer squash and zucchini and blueberries, had a few upsets and blow outs, Mac and Paisley have opened their first (one year) birthday gift, and gotten ready for this weekend! 

On Wednesday we went for a run and had a picnic with our "twin friends" Presley and Kensley and their mom Sheena (who forced me to keep running when I was ready to quit... It was actually a good thing because we ran 45 minutes!)

 

When we got home, we found two big boxes on the front porch... Mac and Paisley's birthday presents! I had planned to order these for their first birthday, and when I saw that they were on sale this weekend, I couldn't pass them up! Plus I had an extra 15% off code and a gift card (thank you, Uncle Scott and Aunt Deb).

Here they are in their new furniture, and they are so proud :o) 

 They weren't crazy about the summer squash and zucchini combination, but when I served the squash by itself, they seemed to enjoy it. Of course I add some rice cereal because in my mind it makes it more like a casserole, and who doesn't love a casserole??! In my opinion, just about any veggie tastes good in a casserole! That's how those of us in the South do it... veggies in a casserole and fruit in a cobbler :o)

Yesterday we tried blueberries. P doesn't look like she enjoyed it, but she did-- promise! She wouldn't smile for anything... And look at Mac's sweet smile.

Yesterday's playdate was with Emory. I love watching a "singleton" with Mac and Paisley. M and P are so used to another baby, but when we are around an only child, it's very fascinating to see them react to one another. Pretty cute :o) Emory's mom, Mary, is behind me being silly so they'll look at us and not each other, ha!

Mary, and I have been friends for about 4 years. We've had SO many fun memories together, and raising our babies is also a special bond we're sharing. We've traveled a lot with Mary and Zack in the past, and we look forward to our future adventures.

 

 As always, THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY! 

-ashley

Making Baby Food

I have become more domestic in motherhood than I ever imagined I'd be. I've never thought of myself as a domestic person, and quite honestly, I had no desire to fall into this category. Besides, it took a lot of work and will. Now that I am feeding a family, it is important to me to provide the best that I can. While it takes time- most quality things do, hence the definition of quality- I have found it to be quite easy and certainly cost effective. 

So here is a step by step- with pictures- process of making baby food. On the menu: sweet potatoes. 

I started with fresh, organic sweet potatoes. (Click here for a list of fruits and vegetables that should be purchased organically.) I soak them in water so they are easier to peel and to get off any stuck on dirt.

I use a pot on the stove that is made for steaming. The pot with holes in the bottom fits into the pot where I put water. 

Then I peel them and cut them into cubed pieces. The potatoes cook much faster when they are sliced.

 

 After the potatoes are cooked/soft, I put them back into a mixing bowl and mash them. Then I puree them with a Cuisinart Smart Stick. Save the water used during steaming because vitamins are in the liquid. You will use the water to help get the puree consistency. More water = more runny/ stage 1... I usually use all of the water and make the consistency pretty thick.

 

I had about 6 potatoes, and this makes plenty for us... here is how we store our fresh food. On the left are my Mumi & Bubi freezer trays. (Green beans are also going in the freezer.) 

On the right are my containers ready for the fridge.

 Each 4 oz jar of Earth's Best baby food is about $.88. I made roughly 25 jars of food for about $10.  

I hope this helps on your venture to make baby foods!!

-ashley

Playing Catch Up

I haven't written since Thursday, and every day I think I want to blog about (whatever we're doing). Here's what we've been up to...

Fridays are my favorite. I love them for several reasons, and the biggest is because the weekend follows. (My mother in law even sends me text on Fridays because she know what a relief it is to have reached the end of the week. Love it.) This Friday was fun, but not as "special" because Jordan had to work Saturday. 

Friday M and P had a playdate with their friend Emory and our friends Mary and Zack. We went to check out the new (and improved) JCPenney store. Apparently the first and third Fridays of the month JCP has the best deals. Paisley got a new sun hat at Gymboree. (It's pictured below.) One high of our little venture was putting Mac in the secondary stroller seat for the first time! He is big stuff. 

 Saturday went like the regular week, and we were excited when Jordan came home from work... always. When he's not home, we try to send him pictures. Here is what he got Saturday:

 Sunday we went to church and I went to a shower later that afternoon to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Ellsa. I took pics of ideas I hope to use at M and P's first birthday party. And yes, I'm already planning :o) Jordan said, "Ashley, their birthday is 4 months away" to which I replied, "And it takes like 6 months so I'm already behind!" Think pinwheels and chevron. ;o)

Sunday night Mac and Paisley's new friend, Collier, and Mac were wearing the same pajamas (from The Children's Place.. love their pjs the most!) so we sent Collier a picture:

We have to include P in the picture sharing.. girls don't like to be left out! 

If you're ever wondering if my kiddos are ever not picture ready... well here's your chance to see them in a different light. In Paisley's picture, I turned around and saw what she had done with her headband. Silly girl. This is why she doesn't sleep in bows or headbands.. or bibs!

 Mac is saving some of his chicken for later. As much as he looks like Jordan, he really resembles him here... without the chicken ;o)

I'm starting a post on their favorite toys! I'm excited to share with you what we spend most of our time playing with these days. 

Before I sign off, I must say that we've hit the stage where I have to pry things out of their hands sometimes... Yesterday Paisley snuck a toy upstairs when I was carrying her to her bed for nap. She wouldn't let it go, and she wasn't a fan of me opening her hand for her. As my college roommate, Katie would say, I kept thinking, oh my, oh my.

-ashley

Happy 8 Months!!

Seriously... 8 months... We are quickly approaching the reality where Mac and Paisley have been born longer than they were in the womb. I can't believe it. Wow. Pinch me! 

I have lots of pictures to share :o) And here are my words to Mac and Paisley on their 8th month.

Mac Man,

You are why I can't wear dangle earrings. You grab and pull everything you can. I laid on the floor between you and your sister the other day imagining I would be covered in kisses. Well that didn't happen... instead you used my face as a drum and Paisley pulled my hair. 

Mac you have started this grunt that I haven't figured out what it always means... usually you do this grunt when you're hungry and have finished what was in your bowl. There's all kinds of other times you do this extended clearing of the throat. As a vocalist, I can't help but think that you're harming your vocal cords.

Boy- oh boy! You bang on everything! You aren't a picky eater at all. You dad accidentally fed you something that wasn't even fresh. Paisley threw it up, but you ate every bit. :o/ Sorry about that. 

Whenever I lie you down to change your diaper or dress you, it's a battle. You are always rolling onto your stomach so you won't miss anything. I roll you back, you roll back, and it becomes a game. Then I tickle you, and you'll stay on your back. 

You've developed this frog leg kick as a means to get places. It doesn't get you far since your belly isn't lifted, but it's a start! 

You have this fake cough that cracks Dad and me up. You know we've got your number, but you just smile and stick out your tongue between coughs. Cutie. 

This month you've said "Ma ma ma ma ma" and "Da da da da da". While it isn't exactly, "mama" and "dada," it's certainly the beginning of your vocabulary... You've also gotten your first ear infection :o(

You chew your pjs and any other shirt you can put in your mouth... You love TV, which I have mixed feelings about... Your favorite shows are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sesame Street, and the Target commercial that sings "Alouette". The only time we watch tv is when I'm listening to The Today Show in the mornings or the last 30 minutes of the day before Daddy gets home. Unless it's pretty outside. Then we go for a walk or visit Jessica or Leslie. 

Just today you taught me that you move faster than I realize! I put down your bowl of food to encourage you to do the sign for "more". You, big man, picked up the bowl and handed it to me instead. I got the message... and more food :o)

We are so in love with you, and it is my prayer that you stay as sweet as you've been since birth. Your personality presents itself more each day. Thank you for being our son. 

Love, "Mama" and "Dada"

Paisley Grace,

Sweet girl, you are all girl! You love dresses and bows and jewelry. You giggle and fluff your dress all the time. You're trying to crawl... you do a bend in half and then get mad when you get stuck. You let out an intense cry until you see someone coming toward you. Silly girl. 

We've discovered that peas and green beans are not your friend. :o( You still love your sweet potatoes and say "mmmmmmm" between each bite. 

You have a high pitched squeal and giggle. You really make me laugh constantly. Your new trick is picking up your foot and dropping it because you've learned it makes a thud. It's mostly an attention getter, of course. 

In the mornings, it's not unusual for me to find you turned completely around in your crib with an arm outside the neck of your pajamas. That's because you are a squirmer! 

This morning you taught me that your hands are faster than mine... While I encouraged you to use sign language, you picked up the bowl and dropped it on the floor. Then that grin appeared. 

You chew on your feet because you're so flexible. We joke that we have a little gymnast on our hands. 

I love that you let me put big fancy bows and flowers in your hair. :o) 

This month you've really chunked up, sweet girl! You're still a dainty one, and those legs creases are increasing. 

You are such a daddy's girl, and he's pretty fond of you too. You love on your brother quite a bit, but he isn't as fond of your affection. It doesn't deter you though.

We love you, sweet P. We love this journey we are on with you, and we are blessed to be your parents. 

Love, Mommy and Daddy

The monthly pictures I take with their onesies... well they were more interested in chewing the shirts than posing for me. 

These are the pictures I took before morning nap. I copied this from Pinterest. Gotta love those ideas :o)

Kisses from P

Birthday playdate with Casey, Mary, Emory and Ashley :o)

 Proud Mama :o)

 Happy 8 months, my sweet babies... who aren't going to be "babies" much longer. 

 

Be Still

Be still... It's what I say to Paisley when she's squirming, and I'm trying to put saline in her nose or medicine in her mouth. She's quite the squirmer. Is that even a word? If not, it should be and have Paisley's picture beside it. 

Paisley woke up early from her morning nap, and I held her as I began a new read: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Today's devotion was about peace. It referred to the story of the Israelites and collecting manna. Basically, God did not allow the Israelites to collect more manna than what they needed for the day. This taught them constant dependence on Him, for the next day they needed Him to provide for them once more.

As I held this wiggling sweetheart, I thought about how often I am the one not being still. Whether it be for time with Him or just embracing the small moments with Mac and Paisley. I mean, they will be EIGHT months old tomorrow!!! What?! Seriously?! Stop it, time!!! I'm pretty sure they'll be leaving for college next week! 

So in this post I just want to encourage you to stop and be still. Look around, and soak in the blessings. I have two blessings sleeping upstairs and one at work who provides for our family and allows me to be home to raise Mac and Paisley. We have good health. Speaking of, Mac and Paisley's extensive lab results came back NORMAL! (Here and here are posts on this.) They've had high liver enzymes every time we've had lab work but not anymore! Hallelujah! 

Have a great Wednesday, and get ready for tomorrow's 8 Month letter to M and P. :o)

-ashley