8 Months!

Slightly late...but better than never, right?!

Miss Reese is 8 months old! And it's September...where has time gone?!?

Our little buttercup is on the move. She has been scooting around for almost 2 months, and is on the verge of deciding that crawling might be faster!
~She loves to eat her oatmeal and bananas...and thinks that any time we are eating, that she needs to taste it too (today she had some ice cream and thought it was delicious!)
~Loves to play with whatever Madden has...usually cars.
~Gives the best kisses! Baby kisses are my favorite!
~Laughs at "the other baby" in the mirror
~Has a mouthful of teeth: 4 on top and 3 on the bottom!!!
~Says "dada" all the time, has said "mama" a few times and "bubba" once for Madden
~Wearing size 3 diapers
~Mostly 12 months clothes
~She is my little gym rat--loves to be with me at practice (not like she has a choice!)

There is so much more to say about Miss Reese, but I will leave it to the pics!

 

 

 

 

 

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DIY: Seatbelt Pillow

Readers, Please forgive me...it has been almost 4 months since my last post. (I'm not Catholic, but I felt the need to "confess'! :)) I must admit...when I have time to blog I end up cruising around Pinterest :/

So, here's a peek into one of several Pinterest inspired projects I am doing!

The seatbelt Pillow!

We recently purchased a new carseat for Mr. Madden! He is such a big boy in it! However, it doesn't recline as much as his old one, so I decided he NEEDED this seatbelt pillow to add some comfort. :)
My inspiration came from Super Jenn, and it was just the right reason to drag the hubs and kiddos to Hobby Lobby!

Supplies needed: an old pillowcase, poly-fil, fabric of your choice**, scissors, snaps, sew-on velcro, sewing machine!

** The fabric I chose was probably the hardest to work with. (I don't know what it is called, but it is super soft--which is why I originally chose to buy it) Super Jenn used fleece for hers. I think you could use whatever fabric you desire.

***WARNING*** I am by no means "suzy-sews-a-lot". Therefore, follow these instructions at your own risk. My sewing terminology may be flawed. Sorry. I am not liable for any of your own mistakes!

Step 1: cut pillowcase (I cut about 5 1/2" wide and 26 1/2" long) and to be totally honest, I kind of just eye-balled everything :) except for cutting a straight line!

Step 2: Sew up the sides and bottom and stuff with poly-fil or fluff or whatever you want inside, then sew pillow shut.

Step 3: measure fabric to fit around pillow- leaving room for pressing and sewing down your cut edges-to avoid fraying.
Step 4: Sew up long sides and one end.

Step 5: Sew on snaps or better yet spend the money to buy the snap pliers at the store (much less of a headache!) I, however, am a glutten for punishment and sewed them on by hand!

you can barely see them but there are 2 snaps sewn on the edge- I folded the edge inwards so in theory the snaps will be hidden!

  Stuff the pillow inside your cute new case and TA-DAAA!!! a long. skinny. pillow. hmmm....

well, you guessed it...I missed a step! Somewhere between steps 3 &4 I was supposed to sew on four tabs of fabric that would hold the velcro which would enable this fabulous pillow to wrap around the seatbelt! DUH! Please, check out the right way/more complete instructions!
 So, because I absolutely REFUSE to rip the seams and start over, I will most likely, painstakingly, sew on more snaps. bummer. 

Overall, I am pleased with the outcome. And, if I do say so myself, it's pretty darn cute! (Big TAP on my amatuer seamstress back!)

Check back for more of my "Pinnochio Project DIY: Bringing Pinterest to Life" (clever, huh?!) Pin It

The BIG 2!!!

How old are you, Madden?--This many???

I'm 2!!!!!

Don't judge, I had to use the flash. But these two pics are perfect! Today, my sweet baby boy turned two. Well...to get technical, it is 8:28 pm right now, and he wasn't born until 11:28pm, May 9, 2010 (Mother's Day), after 25 hours of labor!!! I can still remember pretty much every part of that day. Those 25 hours were totally worth it, and the best mother's day present ever!

We celebrated his birthday last Saturday, with a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

 I made his cake- a Cars theme--his favorite! It took me 3 days, but I was so happy with how it came out! 

 

  We went to the Dr. today for Madden's 2 year check-up. He had to get 1 shot but he did great! 

Weight: 29lbs (50th-75th%)

Height: 35 1/2 in. (90th-95th%)

Head: 49cm

We transitioned to a big boy bed about a month ago. He did awesome! My mom claims that he is not normal, because he stays in his bed and waits for us to come get him! He never tried to climb out of his crib, so I didn't know what he would do when we switched, but he has been an angel! 

We are also paci-free! (for about a week, now) This, also, was a pretty easy transition. He only used it at nap and bedtime, so I wasn't really planning on taking it at the moment, however, I went to give him a paci one night and saw that it had bite marks on it! He had almost bit it in half!!! So I offered him a different one. He didn't want it, so I said, "ok, no more paci!". He cried for maybe a minute, then fell asleep! Thus, bye-bye to the paci! 

Such a big boy now!

He LoVeS to play outside! 

He is a pro at using the IPAD! My mom has all sorts of learning games on it for him!

He Loves to eat beans! Any kind! 

He loves Reese (and all her toys)!

His laugh is infectious! 

His smile will melt your heart!

I am so blessed that God chose me to be his mommy! I pray that Matthew and I lead him and teach him to be the man God has made him to be. That we will be the example of love, commitment, and respect for him. And that he will know and have an intense relationship with the Lord! 

He is my sweet, adorable, crazy, hilarious, energetic, wonderful little boy...and he's TWO!!! Happy birthday Madden Valentine! I LOVE YOU!

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4 Months!

4 months have gone by...REALLY?!?

Miss Reese had her 4 month checkup this morning, and is a rock star!
Stats:
   Length: 26.5 inches (97%)
   Weight: 15 lbs. (75%)
   Head: 40 cm (50%)

-size 2 diapers
-3-6 month clothes..although at the moment she is wearing a 6-9 mo. sleeper!
-Loves to smile at her daddy
-laughs
-was currently sleeping through the night..however, she's a smart girl and has decided that making mommy get up at night to pay attention to her is way more fun...this all ends tonight! I am a CIO (cry it out) advocate. Don't hate me...she will be just fine.
-I'm sure there is more I am forgetting...sorry!

On another note-- Madden is about to be 2!!! What?! I think I'm still in shock about that. But to cope, we are going to have a Cinco de Mayo FIESTA! Filled with fajitas, margaritas, cascarones, and a pool for the kiddos! Party post to follow!

Here's a sneak peek from Reese's 4 month photo shoot...

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Time Out!

The soon to be dreaded words for Mr. Madden. We started time-outs this week. I have only had to do it twice...so far. The first time was a couple days ago. He was not a fan. He fought me and tried to escape--it was quite the struggle. He is very strong. The second time was this morning. Not as much of a struggle, and much shorter than the first!
Overall, I would say it has been a success! It actually works too! This almost 2 year's old fits are coming to a quick end. Hopefully. Pin It

Just the right words...Part 1

Peacefully you are sleeping
Silently you dream
And I cannot help but feeling blessed
While watching you

Your eyes
My eyes
Your smile
My smile
Your love
My gain
Your hurt
My pain
Your laugh
My joy
Every time, it's mine
You are my child

I will always protect you
Oh and I will even let you go
I'll spend the sweetest time holding you
And will let you grow

Your eyes
My eyes
Your smile
My smile
Your love
My gain
Your hurt
My pain
Your laugh
My joy
Every time, it's mine
You are my child

Don't ever be afraid
Don't ever be afraid
Cause I am here
And if you start to fear
Just close your eyes
And hear me say

Your love
My gain
Your hurt
My pain
Your laugh
My joy
Every time, it's mine
You are my child
-Plumb

As my babies are napping, I am listening to Pandora and this song comes on.

How perfect.  Pin It

Time Flies...

...when you're raising babies. Or should I say 'rearing'? In the words of my 5th/6th grade teacher Mrs. Bollinger, "You raise chickens. You rear children." Anyway...2 months have flown by!

Miss Reese had her 2 mo. check-up on Friday, as well as her first round of shots :(
She is exactly 12 lbs. and a whopping 23.5 inches! Which puts her in the 75th% for both! She handled her first shots like a pro and only screamed for a few seconds. Big brother Madden was there for moral support :)

Other stats:
~Still in size 1 diapers
~Size 3 mo. clothes
~She makes the cutest noises: coos, grunts, and she will even sing with you!
~Her curly hair is still there and growing!
~She looks super cute in tights :)
~Madden LOVES her...for now! ;) If you ask him if he loves his sissy, he gives a BIG nod 'yes'.
~She has had one major blowout, which of course happened not at home, but while we were at Alamo Cafe! It was a 6 wipey-change clothes-kind of mess! (Only a mommy would smile while typing that!)
~She is a sleeping BEAUTY!

Grandmommy and I took pics of her and since I don't have time to post those here, you can check a few of them out on her website www.reparker.shutterfly.com

more on rearing these babies later! Pin It

One Month!

Miss Reese is ONE month old (and 2 days)!!!

Interesting facts:
~She is approx. 9lbs 10oz. and 21 1/2 in. She gains about an ounce a day! Although I'm not sure how, seeing as she spits up what seems like everything she just ate, at almost every "meal". :/
~She has a brand new cousin: Harleigh Katheryne, born yesterday Jan. 23, who weighs 9lbs 7oz and is 22 in.!!! I guess the race is on! :)
~Wearing size 1 diapers
~Still wears 0-3 mo. clothes! Although I put her in a 3-6 month sleep and play outfit the other day, and it fit (length wise)! ahh!
~Slept in her cradle last night for the first time and did great! She usually sleeps in her moses basket, on the bed, next to me.
~Sleeps on her belly, just like big brother Madden used to!
~Is an awesome sleeper. I would tell you how awesome but I don't want to jinx it! :)
~Holds her head up fairly well
~Burps like her momma, toots like daddy :)
~Hates a wet/dirty diaper, unless she is asleep. Then apparently it doesn't bother her all that much!
~Loves to be held up on my shoulder, not cradled like a baby. (Madden was the same way--my children like to think they are older than they are!)
~Not a huge fan of tummy time

There is so much more to this little buttercup! She is just wonderful, and Madden loves her to pieces! He gives her kisses everyday, puts her paci in her mouth when it falls out and if he finds one sitting around, he thinks it is necessary to give it to her! He loves to look at her and is going to be the best big brother ever!

I love my 2 babies more than anything! 

Here are a few pics from her One Month Photo shoot! Enjoy!

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Jumbled Mess

Everyday, I go to my blog with every intention of typing something..anything...and well, nothing. nada. zilch.
And even now as I sit here typing, I can't piece together what it is that I want to post! Trust me, with a toddler and a newborn, I have the material!
AhHa...something has wiggled out of my brain!

People always ask "Who does she look like? You or Matthew?" My response "Madden!". The first time I saw her that's all I could think, "Oh my goodness! She looks just like her brother!"

Madden

Reese

 

 

 

HA! It's crazy to me how much she looks like Madden! They have the same facial expressions, the shape of their legs are the same, they have the same cute button nose...I think it's wonderful! Some differences: 1.While Reese has the "Hickman lips" she likes to suck in her bottom one, but when she gets mad it definitely comes out!
2. She has beautiful curly hair!
3. She spits up way more than Madden did :(
4. Her feet are perfectly tiny! Madden had monster feet and super long arms!

It's hard to believe she will 4 weeks old on Thursday! Time seems to fly when I read that, but in reality, it feels like we're in slow motion! Not sure if that makes sense, but I also don't know any other way to put it! :/
Brain mush has now taken over, so to avoid confusing all of you with my own stream of consciousness, I will end with some more pics from Miss Reese's photoshoot! :)

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Happy New Year! Reese's Birth Story

Reese Elizabeth Parker

She is here and today, 10 days old! Reese was born on December 22 @ 1:03pm. Her entrance to the world was definitely grand to say the least!
Let's back track to my 38 week Dr. appointment...

Tuesday, December 13 (which also happened to be my birthday :)) My doctor asked me if I wanted her to put me on the list to be induced the next week. I immediately said "No" and that she [Reese] can come whenever she decided to. I went home and talked to my mom about it, and then really started thinking about the idea of inducing. I did some research on the computer, talked to Matthew about it, and was still leaning towards no induction. However, I did not rule it out completely. I have several friends who were induced and had no problems at all, and the only negative things from my research were women who were not planning on epidurals or any other drugs. I, on the other hand, was definitely getting an epidural, so the concerns these other women had did not pertain to me!

After much thought and discussion, the idea began to be appealing. Reasons being: 1) With Madden, although he started to come on his own, the only way he actually came was because the Dr. induced me (broke my water and started pitocin)
2) I would for sure get the epidural when I wanted it because I would already be admitted to the hospital!--unlike 16 hours into labor with Madden
3) MY Dr. would actually be there!
The main reason for us deciding to induce is #1--my labor, once induced, was very quick and painless (thank you epidural!) and necessary when all was said and done!
So I called my Dr. and let her know we did in fact want to be induced and on the list we went! :)
With the date set, I had my next appointment the following Monday, Matthew came with me so that we could talk to the Dr. more about the induction and decide if we were really sure. As it turned out I was already 4cm dilated! I wasn't 4 cm with Madden until about 20 hours into it! This made me feel even better about our decision--I had read that if you induce and are not dilated, you could run the risk of having to have a c- section.
Thursday, December 22, 5:30 am- Matthew, Mom, and I head to the hospital. The Doctor came in, checked me, started the pitocin, broke my water, and said Reese should be here by lunchtime!
Noon came around and I had not made any progress. I was laying there listening to her heartbeat on the monitor and all the sudden it was not beeping as fast. I asked Matthew to look at the screen and tell me what her heart rate was, he said it had dropped and was around 85 bpm. All at once, about 8 nurses came into the room, and immediately started moving me around and gave me all sorts of shots and stopped the pitocin, trying to get her heart rate back up. It eventually came back up. At this point I was starting to cry and worrying about Reese. The nurses began talking, saying the Dr. is on her way and to prep me for a c-section. I started crying. "This is not how it was supposed to all happen!" was all I could think! My Dr. came in and assured me it would be ok, but that because the baby's heart rate dropped so low and I wasn't progressing like I should have been, that there was something wrong and she needed to get her out.
They quickly prepped me for surgery and gave Matthew some scrubs. The anesthesiologist talked me through what was about to happen, and it actually helped a lot, knowing what to expect.
It turns out the cord was wrapped around her neck and shoulder. Which is why her heart rate dropped and also why I wasn't progressing anymore--every time I had a contraction and her head should have been moving down, the cord wouldn't let her--the Doctor described it like she was on a bungee  cord!
It wasn't the ideal situation, but necessary. As I think about it more and more, I am thankful that we had decided to induce. What if we hadn't and the cord was still around her neck? There are so many What ifs? But by God's grace Reese is here, perfectly healthy, beautiful and wonderful!
After a couple days in the hospital, we were all able to go home late Christmas Eve.

Great Grandmother holding Reese- 3 days old!

My grandparents, Aunt Becky and Uncle Gene, Cousin Geoff, Emilie, Graham and Lucy, along with Jenn, Kat, and Matt were all at the house for Christmas Day celebrations! I spent most of the day laying down :( Recovery from a c-section is long and painful. I am just now starting to feel a little better and able to move around more.

Best Christmas Present Ever!

New Year's Eve 2011: My parent's celebrated 39 years of marriage! They truly are an amazing example of love and commitment. We were able to celebrate with them at dinner, and then being the crazy party animals that we are--went home! Where we put Madden to sleep, watched a movie, and fell asleep before midnight :)
Madden is slowly but surely warming up to Reese. He gave her a kiss this morning on the forehead! He is such a great big brother! I can't wait till I can pick him up again!! Only about 5 more weeks :( That is probably the hardest part of recovery--I can't pick up my sweet boy.

Madden meets Reese

Madden with Reese at home--So sweet! 

Well now that I have written a novel, I have to feed Reese!!!! Matthew and I are so blessed! Happy New Year! Pin It