.....
R: "By the way, I don't know HOW people use those carseats without the base. Every corner I took, the seat flipped over sideways. When we got home Beckett was sitting sideways just smiling at me."
H: "What do you mean? Didn't you stick the seat belt through the seatbelt slots where the arrows point to?"
R: ".....no....I just wrapped it around the seat."
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
11 Months
Dear Beckett,
Holy Moly! You are 11 months old today!! In just one short month, you will be ONE YEAR OLD! I can hardly believe it.
You have grown so much in the last 11 months and you are learning new things every day.
Currently, you show off your smarty pants by:
-talking! you have lots of words that mama understands and even some that daddy understands (if daddy says it's easy to understand, we count it as a real word). Some of your words are: uh-oh-da (Dakota), daddy, mama, Heidi (which you use more often than mama), ill-luh-lee (Hillary), mo (more), yeah, no, hood (good), oh, hiiiii, hewwo (hello), and up.
-signing. You consistently sign 'more' when eating (you are a good little eater) and you've started doing night night (you do the sign for sleep). You try to sign 'all done' but you haven't quite perfected it.
-recognizing animals and making their sounds. Your favorites are dog, goat and pig. You are starting to pick out a few more though.
You are an observer, thinker, and doer. You love watching to see how things are done and I can just see your little mind at work. You'll even point your little pointer finger up to your face like you are thinking hard about it. After thinking about it a bit, you give it a try and often times you figure things out much faster than we'd like you to!
You favorite place is still home (you're a homebody just like mama) but we LOVE going to the Orchard. We have so much fun there. You've been at least once a week since opening day and every time we make a mandatory visit to the goats. You love feeding the goats and 'talking' to them. Your goat sound is more like a growl than a maaaaa but it is so darn cute. You also love to ride the pedal tractors while we are there. They have big ones that daddy can drive and you sit in his lap or stand on the frame and ride along with daddy. You especially love it when he lets you steer. Another favorite of your is watching the tractor at the orchard. You get so excited when you see it coming. We even got to watch the combines at the house this last week. You sat in your wagon while the workers across the street from our house worked in the field. You would get very excited and wave as they came near us and be disappointed and sit quietly waiting as they drove away from us. So much fun!
As far as moving- you are able to get around to pretty much every where you want to be. We have to keep the pantry door closed at all times because you love playing in Dakota's food and water dishes. You mastered climbing the stairs at 9 months old so we have a trunk we keep in front of the basement stairs as a 'baby gate.' You are cruising along the furniture and will go from one piece of furniture or stand up toy to another. You aren't walking but yesterday you started standing by yourself for a couple seconds at a time and today you got gutsy and let go of the couch while trying to walk to something else. We suspect you'll be walking all too soon but for now you have a little blue walker with wheels that you can push around and you love it. Dakota doesn't love it so much though when you try to chase him with it. :)
Before meal time, you like to close and blink your eyes while we pray (you like to check to see if mommy and daddy still have their eyes closed).
Your favorite foods right now are: grapes (cut in 4 sections), sweet potatoes (cubed and boiled), pasta, peas, Cheerios, yogurt, cucumber (cubed), and pretty much anything else put in front of you. Last night you stole the breadstick off of aunt Holly's plate at Olive Garden. You are a great little eater! I hope you'll always be as open to new foods as you are these days.
When meal time is over, you do your chores and clean your tray. It's pretty cute. :) (See video)
You are super busy these days but every once in awhile you'll still make time to stop and cuddle with your mama. You've recently started giving kisses to mama and daddy but you aren't real generous with them to others yet (that's okay!).
You are doing so many fun and cute things these days, I could write and write and write. I just love you to pieces, little guy!! You are the light of me and daddy's days. Love you so much!!! Happy 11 month birthday today little buddy!
Holy Moly! You are 11 months old today!! In just one short month, you will be ONE YEAR OLD! I can hardly believe it.
You have grown so much in the last 11 months and you are learning new things every day.
Currently, you show off your smarty pants by:
-talking! you have lots of words that mama understands and even some that daddy understands (if daddy says it's easy to understand, we count it as a real word). Some of your words are: uh-oh-da (Dakota), daddy, mama, Heidi (which you use more often than mama), ill-luh-lee (Hillary), mo (more), yeah, no, hood (good), oh, hiiiii, hewwo (hello), and up.
-signing. You consistently sign 'more' when eating (you are a good little eater) and you've started doing night night (you do the sign for sleep). You try to sign 'all done' but you haven't quite perfected it.
-recognizing animals and making their sounds. Your favorites are dog, goat and pig. You are starting to pick out a few more though.
You are an observer, thinker, and doer. You love watching to see how things are done and I can just see your little mind at work. You'll even point your little pointer finger up to your face like you are thinking hard about it. After thinking about it a bit, you give it a try and often times you figure things out much faster than we'd like you to!
You favorite place is still home (you're a homebody just like mama) but we LOVE going to the Orchard. We have so much fun there. You've been at least once a week since opening day and every time we make a mandatory visit to the goats. You love feeding the goats and 'talking' to them. Your goat sound is more like a growl than a maaaaa but it is so darn cute. You also love to ride the pedal tractors while we are there. They have big ones that daddy can drive and you sit in his lap or stand on the frame and ride along with daddy. You especially love it when he lets you steer. Another favorite of your is watching the tractor at the orchard. You get so excited when you see it coming. We even got to watch the combines at the house this last week. You sat in your wagon while the workers across the street from our house worked in the field. You would get very excited and wave as they came near us and be disappointed and sit quietly waiting as they drove away from us. So much fun!
As far as moving- you are able to get around to pretty much every where you want to be. We have to keep the pantry door closed at all times because you love playing in Dakota's food and water dishes. You mastered climbing the stairs at 9 months old so we have a trunk we keep in front of the basement stairs as a 'baby gate.' You are cruising along the furniture and will go from one piece of furniture or stand up toy to another. You aren't walking but yesterday you started standing by yourself for a couple seconds at a time and today you got gutsy and let go of the couch while trying to walk to something else. We suspect you'll be walking all too soon but for now you have a little blue walker with wheels that you can push around and you love it. Dakota doesn't love it so much though when you try to chase him with it. :)
Before meal time, you like to close and blink your eyes while we pray (you like to check to see if mommy and daddy still have their eyes closed).
Your favorite foods right now are: grapes (cut in 4 sections), sweet potatoes (cubed and boiled), pasta, peas, Cheerios, yogurt, cucumber (cubed), and pretty much anything else put in front of you. Last night you stole the breadstick off of aunt Holly's plate at Olive Garden. You are a great little eater! I hope you'll always be as open to new foods as you are these days.
When meal time is over, you do your chores and clean your tray. It's pretty cute. :) (See video)
You are super busy these days but every once in awhile you'll still make time to stop and cuddle with your mama. You've recently started giving kisses to mama and daddy but you aren't real generous with them to others yet (that's okay!).
You are doing so many fun and cute things these days, I could write and write and write. I just love you to pieces, little guy!! You are the light of me and daddy's days. Love you so much!!! Happy 11 month birthday today little buddy!
Monday, September 17, 2012
10 months (and a little change)
Dear Beckett,
In less than 2 months, you are going to be ONE year old. I have no idea how that has happened but I do know it's been FAST. Faster than I ever imagined.
I am so blessed to get to spend the days with you. Every night when daddy comes home I get to tell him all the fun and new things you were up to. I cant imagine hearing those things from a babysitter and missing out on them. I feel very blessed that God has given me this time with you.
Last night, daddy and I were laying in bed talking about you (like usual) and we tried to come up with two words that describe you. We thought of all kinds of words; love, sweet, cute, mischievous, laughter, snuggler, explorer, climber, etc, etc, etc but when we decided we had to pick just two we decided on encourager and entertainer.
Encourager. You are such a lover with a kind, sweet, caring heart. It amazes me how evident that already is in you at just 10 months old. You clap/laugh/smile when people do something you like; you give hugs and pat backs when you think someone might be sad. It is the absolute sweetest thing in the world and it melts this mama's heart. If you see Dakota laying on the floor and moping (because it's raining and he didn't get a walk, because the baby- that's you- has his favorite toy, etc) you crawl right over to him and start petting him. At the vet, he was getting shots and you reached right up to pat his head and comfort him. You were saying soothing words to him (though we aren't sure what they were) and I was so proud of you for already being able to empathize. That's something many people mama's age cant even do and it's a quality I hope you never lose. Your little spirit is as big as can be at such a young age. You teach me new things about how to live a better life every day. I just love you to pieces for it.
Entertainer. You've long been known as 'Mr. Smiles' (and it's not a nick-name mama and daddy came up with). You have a reputation for 'never crying' (though you DO sometimes cry) and everyone comments on what a happy boy you are all the time. You love being happy and you're happiest when everyone around you is happy too so you do your best to keep the masses entertained. You delight in getting laughs out of people and giggle at yourself when you know you've done something cute. But my favorite 'Beckett the entertainer' story so far happened in the church nursery this week. Daddy and I came to pick you up after the service and there was a baby (about your age) in an exersaucer. You were standing up next to the exersaucer, holding onto the edge. You kept making silly faces and goo goo ga ga sounds and moving your face in and out from the baby trying to get them to laugh. You were absolutely thrilled to get a chuckle out of that little one. It was enough to get a deep belly giggle out of you, mama and daddy's favorite. We absolutely love your smiles. We love that you are so happy and have such a zest for life. They say laughter adds years to your life. I do believe you are going to keep us around a very, very, very long time sweet boy.
I love you more and more everyday!
Love,
Your Mama
In less than 2 months, you are going to be ONE year old. I have no idea how that has happened but I do know it's been FAST. Faster than I ever imagined.
I am so blessed to get to spend the days with you. Every night when daddy comes home I get to tell him all the fun and new things you were up to. I cant imagine hearing those things from a babysitter and missing out on them. I feel very blessed that God has given me this time with you.
Last night, daddy and I were laying in bed talking about you (like usual) and we tried to come up with two words that describe you. We thought of all kinds of words; love, sweet, cute, mischievous, laughter, snuggler, explorer, climber, etc, etc, etc but when we decided we had to pick just two we decided on encourager and entertainer.
Encourager. You are such a lover with a kind, sweet, caring heart. It amazes me how evident that already is in you at just 10 months old. You clap/laugh/smile when people do something you like; you give hugs and pat backs when you think someone might be sad. It is the absolute sweetest thing in the world and it melts this mama's heart. If you see Dakota laying on the floor and moping (because it's raining and he didn't get a walk, because the baby- that's you- has his favorite toy, etc) you crawl right over to him and start petting him. At the vet, he was getting shots and you reached right up to pat his head and comfort him. You were saying soothing words to him (though we aren't sure what they were) and I was so proud of you for already being able to empathize. That's something many people mama's age cant even do and it's a quality I hope you never lose. Your little spirit is as big as can be at such a young age. You teach me new things about how to live a better life every day. I just love you to pieces for it.
Entertainer. You've long been known as 'Mr. Smiles' (and it's not a nick-name mama and daddy came up with). You have a reputation for 'never crying' (though you DO sometimes cry) and everyone comments on what a happy boy you are all the time. You love being happy and you're happiest when everyone around you is happy too so you do your best to keep the masses entertained. You delight in getting laughs out of people and giggle at yourself when you know you've done something cute. But my favorite 'Beckett the entertainer' story so far happened in the church nursery this week. Daddy and I came to pick you up after the service and there was a baby (about your age) in an exersaucer. You were standing up next to the exersaucer, holding onto the edge. You kept making silly faces and goo goo ga ga sounds and moving your face in and out from the baby trying to get them to laugh. You were absolutely thrilled to get a chuckle out of that little one. It was enough to get a deep belly giggle out of you, mama and daddy's favorite. We absolutely love your smiles. We love that you are so happy and have such a zest for life. They say laughter adds years to your life. I do believe you are going to keep us around a very, very, very long time sweet boy.
I love you more and more everyday!
Love,
Your Mama
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Foods my 9 month old eats
Because I really think more people should be posting ideas about what to feed babies this age.....
foods my 9 month old eats:
-avocado cut into strips (his favorite!)
-banana stricks (squeeze the banana and it splits into three sticks)
-crackers
-toast/bread
-grapes (cut/peeled)
-sweet potato (cooked)
-steamed broccoli
-cooked carrots
-frozen dots of baby food
-melon
-apples (in mesh snacker)
-raisins
-pretty much any soft fruit or cooked veggie (no strawberries or the like though)
-gerber puffs, snacks, arrow root, etc
-and still (mostly for convenience) baby food packs
foods he's not crazy about:
-pancakes
and foods we want to try:
-pasta
-egg yolk
foods we are trying to figure out:
-meat! how do you get more protein into their little diets?
foods my 9 month old eats:
-avocado cut into strips (his favorite!)
-banana stricks (squeeze the banana and it splits into three sticks)
-crackers
-toast/bread
-grapes (cut/peeled)
-sweet potato (cooked)
-steamed broccoli
-cooked carrots
-frozen dots of baby food
-melon
-apples (in mesh snacker)
-raisins
-pretty much any soft fruit or cooked veggie (no strawberries or the like though)
-gerber puffs, snacks, arrow root, etc
-and still (mostly for convenience) baby food packs
foods he's not crazy about:
-pancakes
and foods we want to try:
-pasta
-egg yolk
foods we are trying to figure out:
-meat! how do you get more protein into their little diets?
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Are you there, Hickstionary? It's me, H.
Two days in a row. Amazing, right?
Also amazing (and the reason for two posts in a row) is that I'm completely caught up on editing for {cb}h. That is until this Saturday's wedding. Then I'll be behind for two months again.
Some blog posts currently on my mind:
-nap time
-foods babies eat
-family dynamics after baby
-friendships after baby
-routines vs. schedules
-infant baptism vs. dedication
-decorating and baby proofing
Maybe the real reason I haven't been blogging is because everything I have to blog about would most definitely make me a 'mommy blogger.' And I'm still not sure how I feel about that. (The mommy/blogger together. I love being a mommy and I love blogging. Just not sure about the combination yet...)
Happy Tuesday! Make it a good one!
Monday, August 20, 2012
PS i miss you
Dear Hickstionary,
It's been awhile. I think of you often. I mean sure I have lots of other social media to stay connected with; Pinterest, Twitter (okay so I'm not really a great twit), and Facebook. But let's face it. There are too many stories about a baby that you cant share on those sites. Like breastfeeding stories. Take today for instance. My past 9 month old, who I would like to think has a pretty good grasp on what to do for nursing by now, came up to me for some milk today. He signed that he was hungry and lifted mama's shirt and went in for the.... belly button. Yup. He's 9 months old and is still apparently confused on where milk comes from. He looked up at me like, "It's not working mama." Then smiled an "Aww I'm just kidding mama." And went for the milk. See. Cute story, right? But not exactly one to share with the Facebook world. So it's times like that I think about you. That and when I'm trying to update the baby book and haven't a clue about dates on things. You used to come in handy for those details too. So maybe someday soon I'll be back. Until then, I hope you're doing well.
Fondly,
H
PS i miss you
It's been awhile. I think of you often. I mean sure I have lots of other social media to stay connected with; Pinterest, Twitter (okay so I'm not really a great twit), and Facebook. But let's face it. There are too many stories about a baby that you cant share on those sites. Like breastfeeding stories. Take today for instance. My past 9 month old, who I would like to think has a pretty good grasp on what to do for nursing by now, came up to me for some milk today. He signed that he was hungry and lifted mama's shirt and went in for the.... belly button. Yup. He's 9 months old and is still apparently confused on where milk comes from. He looked up at me like, "It's not working mama." Then smiled an "Aww I'm just kidding mama." And went for the milk. See. Cute story, right? But not exactly one to share with the Facebook world. So it's times like that I think about you. That and when I'm trying to update the baby book and haven't a clue about dates on things. You used to come in handy for those details too. So maybe someday soon I'll be back. Until then, I hope you're doing well.
Fondly,
H
PS i miss you
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Perfect Baby Gift
For future reference- when you're looking for the perfect baby gift it's actually not too difficult:
A basket of size 3 diapers.
Why the basket? We have one stuck in every room of the house.
The contents:
-a couple diapers
-wipes
-toy(s)
-burp cloth
-other random baby stuff that has found its way into a random room
I feel like I could never have too many of these random baskets strategically placed throughout the house.
Why size 3 diapers?
Because that's the size B was (is) in when we had to start buying our Owen diapers. We have plenty leftovers from the smaller sizes and he's been in this size the longest so far.
A basket of size 3 diapers.
Why the basket? We have one stuck in every room of the house.
The contents:
-a couple diapers
-wipes
-toy(s)
-burp cloth
-other random baby stuff that has found its way into a random room
I feel like I could never have too many of these random baskets strategically placed throughout the house.
Why size 3 diapers?
Because that's the size B was (is) in when we had to start buying our Owen diapers. We have plenty leftovers from the smaller sizes and he's been in this size the longest so far.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Perfect Moms
My baby boy started sitting before 5 months. Not perfectly. Definitely wobbly. But sitting. A close family member criticized me for making him 'grow up too fast.' Never mind the fact my sweet baby boy had been doing crunches trying to sit up while laying on the floor.
A family friend asked how many teeth my growing boy had. None. 'None? He's almost 6 months old and doesn't have a single tooth? Surely there's something wrong with him. My baby girl had several teeth by then.' Never mind the pediatricians that assure you it's perfectly normal for babies to not have any teeth by six months.
It's not easy being a mom. You're given this tiny baby that depends on you to meet every need and a hundred set of eyes are watching to make sure you do it perfectly.
Ready to offer criticism if you're doing it wrong. There's criticism if your baby meets a milestone 'too early.' Criticism if he meets one 'too late.' There's criticism if you don't work outside the home to help support your family. Criticism if you work 'too much.'
I've read studies (I'm a study junky) that suggest society feels like its their duty to help raise the next generation and make sure they thrive. That makes sense. But what doesn't make sense is how we think we're helping to make sure that generation thrives while making their mamas feel completely inept.
The thing is parenting is hard. It's hard to parent perfectly. But there's a million ways to be a perfect parent. And my baby is doing a great job of teaching me to be exactly the mama that he needs. Not the one anyone else thinks I 'should be.'
Parenting isn't easy. Let's support each other and stop with the criticizing and comparing.
Have you encouraged a mom lately?
A family friend asked how many teeth my growing boy had. None. 'None? He's almost 6 months old and doesn't have a single tooth? Surely there's something wrong with him. My baby girl had several teeth by then.' Never mind the pediatricians that assure you it's perfectly normal for babies to not have any teeth by six months.
It's not easy being a mom. You're given this tiny baby that depends on you to meet every need and a hundred set of eyes are watching to make sure you do it perfectly.
Ready to offer criticism if you're doing it wrong. There's criticism if your baby meets a milestone 'too early.' Criticism if he meets one 'too late.' There's criticism if you don't work outside the home to help support your family. Criticism if you work 'too much.'
I've read studies (I'm a study junky) that suggest society feels like its their duty to help raise the next generation and make sure they thrive. That makes sense. But what doesn't make sense is how we think we're helping to make sure that generation thrives while making their mamas feel completely inept.
The thing is parenting is hard. It's hard to parent perfectly. But there's a million ways to be a perfect parent. And my baby is doing a great job of teaching me to be exactly the mama that he needs. Not the one anyone else thinks I 'should be.'
Parenting isn't easy. Let's support each other and stop with the criticizing and comparing.
Have you encouraged a mom lately?
Friday, March 2, 2012
I don't want to forget
It's Naptime and Lord knows I should be cleaning or working but I just have to write this down so I don't forget.
I don't want to forget your contagious laughs. You have a chuckle laugh, a deep belly laugh and (one of my favorites) an outright squealing laugh. You laugh with your whole soul at the littlest things that delight you. The world could learn a lot from you.
I don't want to forget your chatter. You can lay there and tell stories forever and you don't care who listens. Daddy says you take that after me.
I don't want to forget your gurgle. It usually happens by accident when it starts but once you get going it thrills you and you just gurgle to make yourself giggle. Yours eyes light up so big.
I don't want to forget those eyes that light up. The way you can carry on a conversation without making a noise. You have the sweetest expressions I've ever seen.
I don't want to forget the way you entertain yourself in your crib while I make breakfast and in your swing while I shower and get ready each day. You tell big stories and giggle and now you reach for toys and play peek a boo by raising your own blankie to hide behind.
I don't want to forget your chubby fingers that you 'chew' on, the extra long lock of hair that covers the back of your neck, the Mohawk you rock, those chubby thighs and I most certainly do not want to forget those chubby cheeks and that gummy smile.
I don't want to forget this feeling. This feeling of love that, at times, knocks me to my knees. Sometimes it's too much for me to comprehend- how a little baby can change a world, how a love can be so deep and so strong. My love for you is never ending. And I thank God for you everyday.
I don't want to forget your contagious laughs. You have a chuckle laugh, a deep belly laugh and (one of my favorites) an outright squealing laugh. You laugh with your whole soul at the littlest things that delight you. The world could learn a lot from you.
I don't want to forget your chatter. You can lay there and tell stories forever and you don't care who listens. Daddy says you take that after me.
I don't want to forget your gurgle. It usually happens by accident when it starts but once you get going it thrills you and you just gurgle to make yourself giggle. Yours eyes light up so big.
I don't want to forget those eyes that light up. The way you can carry on a conversation without making a noise. You have the sweetest expressions I've ever seen.
I don't want to forget the way you entertain yourself in your crib while I make breakfast and in your swing while I shower and get ready each day. You tell big stories and giggle and now you reach for toys and play peek a boo by raising your own blankie to hide behind.
I don't want to forget your chubby fingers that you 'chew' on, the extra long lock of hair that covers the back of your neck, the Mohawk you rock, those chubby thighs and I most certainly do not want to forget those chubby cheeks and that gummy smile.
I don't want to forget this feeling. This feeling of love that, at times, knocks me to my knees. Sometimes it's too much for me to comprehend- how a little baby can change a world, how a love can be so deep and so strong. My love for you is never ending. And I thank God for you everyday.
Labels:
B
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Chicken Wreath Recipe
Full disclosure: this doesn't really make a wreath. And it's not so much of a recipe. And the chicken is from a can so I don't even know if it counts as a chicken recipe. But other than those tiny details, the title of this blogpost is legit.
Back story: once upon a time I decided to make a wreath recipe. R & I were living in a tiny apartment and waiting for the next payday to buy groceries so as I went to gather the necessary ingredients we didn't have them. I pulled out everything from the cupboards and put them together to make this instead. It didn't pass as a wreath and wasn't anywhere close to the recipe but we've been making it ever since. It's been my go to dish since B was born and have had people actually ask for the 'recipe.' It's gotten good enough reviews that I thought it was time to share.
Chicken 'Wreath' (errr... ummm... square)
Crescent rolls
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken, drained
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 large handful (or more) shredded cheddar
-Unroll crescent rolls and place half of the sheet in the bottom of a greased square baking dish.
-Mix remaining ingredients and pour over crescent rolls. (You can add anything else here- peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, vegetables, seasoning, whatever!)
-Place remaining crescent rolls on top.
-Bake 25-30 minutes at 375 or until golden brown.
That's it! If you have more than two hungry people you may want to make a double batch in a 9x13 pan instead. Enjoy!
Back story: once upon a time I decided to make a wreath recipe. R & I were living in a tiny apartment and waiting for the next payday to buy groceries so as I went to gather the necessary ingredients we didn't have them. I pulled out everything from the cupboards and put them together to make this instead. It didn't pass as a wreath and wasn't anywhere close to the recipe but we've been making it ever since. It's been my go to dish since B was born and have had people actually ask for the 'recipe.' It's gotten good enough reviews that I thought it was time to share.
Chicken 'Wreath' (errr... ummm... square)
Crescent rolls
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken, drained
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 large handful (or more) shredded cheddar
-Unroll crescent rolls and place half of the sheet in the bottom of a greased square baking dish.
-Mix remaining ingredients and pour over crescent rolls. (You can add anything else here- peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, vegetables, seasoning, whatever!)
-Place remaining crescent rolls on top.
-Bake 25-30 minutes at 375 or until golden brown.
That's it! If you have more than two hungry people you may want to make a double batch in a 9x13 pan instead. Enjoy!
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food
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