Sunday, September 28, 2008

Welcome!

Hi, All!

Welcome to my blog! We'll see how this goes. The goals are -

1) not frustrate Kate when she's older because I kept no electronic journal of her life. I'm assuming in the future this would be equivalent to not having a photo album. so, this is a gift to her and those who want to see what she's up to.
2) share what i'm learning about being a mom so I don't forget it for next time and in case any other mom cares.
3) share anything interesting or funny

That's it! Expect a post weekly. I started uploading stuff earlier this month from when Kate was born, so feel free to check it all out, or not.
Love y'all!
Krissy

***By the way - if you have a blog and I haven't listed it on the side, comment and let me know the address! Thanks!

JOY

I'm going to be studying JOY and sharing what I learn. Why? Because I want more joy, and I bet I'm not the only one. Plus, I think it's something Brett and I know about ---people have said it's a gift we share. Also, I think some joy has been stolen from people lately, and I'd like that to stop.

First thing I've learned about Joy - it's about Resonance with God's heart. One of the clearest examples of Joy that I've found in the Bible is the story of the Lost Son. When he comes back, his dad throws a bash. The dad's joy is a reflection of his resonance with God's joy in the son's repentance. I think we all experience joy from the things that God is joyful about. A few examples for me - Kate's smile, being on water, having dinner with Brett, playing my guitar.

More to come...
4 MONTHS

Kate just had her 4 month check-up and she is doing great! 15 lbs and 25" - 75% percentile. She had a fungal infection (which was not a big deal - Lotrimin is clearing it right up), but I felt really bad I didn't know what it was. But, that's why you go to the doctor. She got her shots and here's a good tip - give Tylenol BEFORE the shots. She cried so much less this time than at 2 months. So, I cried a lot less too :) She's so much fun -

WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT...
Nikki came to the rescue! I LOVE that Nikki lives in Cincinnati. She means so much to me, and I'm so glad that she's close. When our power went out for a week, Nikki was a champ and let us stay at her house the ENTIRE time. It's generous to let people stay at your place, let alone a newborn. To top it off, she let Kate borrow her teddy bear.

Can you imagine back in the days before TV? I asked my grandma what they did, and she said they played games, cards, puzzles, etc. I think people were probably more connected to one another then - doing things together vs. just being in the same place.

VACATION IS THE BEST

We had such a great vacation at Norris Lake. We have wonderful, generous friends who invite us down and there is nothing better than being on the water. I think the point of working is so you can go on vacation :)



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BABY BUCKEYE

Kate can go to college anywhere she wants, but we sure are proud when she's in her scarlet and gray.


Her friend Cana, the Buckeye Babies, ready for game day




The Buckeyes are #1

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Beauty of Spontaneity

Recently my friend Kelly told me I’m the most spontaneous person she knows; I think that is a huge compliment. Motherhood makes it more difficult to be spontaneous, and she was asking me how I was adjusting. It certainly hasn’t been as easy, but I have continued to hold onto the value of not letting life pass me by simply because I have previous “plans” (or lack thereof.) Maybe I learned this from my grandma…

This past Thursday, my 87 year old grandma received an offer to fly on a jet on Saturday to Washington D.C. She, along with 10 other veterans, would be visiting the World War II memorial. My grandma has seen the memorial before, but she would not let this opportunity pass her by. So, just 2 days after she received the invitation, she would board the jet and headed to D.C.

I think this is AWESOME! When life comes your way, you don’t make excuses. Even if they are very reasonable excuses, like “I don’t walk as well as I used to.” No, when life comes your way, you say ‘I’m in.” Maybe that’s why at 87 her mind is as sharp as ever, because she continues to run after life (okay, walk slowly, but you get the point.) I hope her sense of adventure and love of life are always part of who I am.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

APOLOGIZING IS UNDERRATED

Recently, I messed up. Afterwards, I went back and forth between feeling guilty and feeling like it wasn't really my fault. Overall, it was a small thing, but I couldn't get it out of my head. That is, until I apologized. And then - WOW, a weight was lifted. It doesn't even matter if the person accepts the apology; confessing that you've screwed up is freeing. It's funny that before you do it pride tells you it will be bad if you apologize. But once you do it, you are free.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

DADDY'S GIRL

Even though Kate slept through most of her first buckeye game, both daddy and baby had a wonderful day.

"Daddy Kisses" with the Honey Bunny

3 MONTHS - WHAT I KNOW ABOUT KATE

She is JOYFUL


PRECIOUS


TALKATIVE
PEACEFUL



RELAXED

A LITTLE POOH BEAR

FAMILY IS A BLESSING

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family. Kate went for a visit and everyone was so excited to see her. It was great, and I know not everyone has what we have, so I feel very blessed.



G. NANA IS GREAT

My grandmother is an amazing woman. She is 87 years old and as sharp as ever. She was a captain in the army and a director of nursing at a hospital. She still provides care to those around her; it's one of the ways she shows love. Here's a picture of her brushing Kate's hair with a brush she received at HER baby shower for my dad from her Aunt. She gave it to me to take care of Kate. Caring for people is loving them, and it's one of my grandma's many gifts.
I also love this picture of Kate telling her a joke....
THE GRAYSONS
Our college friend Pete (Brett's old roommate) got married this month to Amelia. We had so much fun at the wedding; my parents came to Michigan and watched Kate. This was our first time meeting Amelia - she met Pete in NYC where they both now live. Pete's brother said it well in his toast - while we don't know Amelia well, we know Pete is happier with her, so she's alright by us.
Staying in touch is hard, but we need to do better. Frankly, it's hard even with people in Cincinnati. Brett and I are both bad at pursuing people in friendships. We must get better at getting together with people - our friends are too important to us.
I'D RECOMMEND...

My friend Dora, pictured here, does not have children yet and she has decided she is going to be an "apprentice" with moms she knows and respects. What a great idea - learn about the job before you actually do it. She has asked me to write down things that are important so I don't forget them. So, as I think of it, I'll share things I think are important related to Motherhood.

This is not in order of importance, but in this post I'll share a few "must have" items (in my opinion, of course) -

1.) Specially made swaddling blankets, specifically "Halo" for newborns and "Miracle blanket" for ~6 weeks until swaddling is no longer needed. WHY is this important? Swaddling is when you wrap a baby up tight, replicating the womb. It helps them calm down and go to SLEEP. More on sleep in future posts - this is one of my hobbies and core values, so of course I'm instilling this in my daughter.

Specifically these blankets make swaddling easier. The Halo blanket (pictured here) is great when the baby is first born and needs to get in and out of the blanket often (since newborns sleep most of the day and night.) This blanket has a zipper so you can swaddle without waking the baby. When they are bigger and can wiggle their way out of the swaddle, the miracle blanket is great. Once the baby can wiggle out of the miracle blanket, I think it's time to call it quits on the swaddle (which for us was somewhere around 10 weeks I think.) But until that time, it was THE BEST!!

2. Decorative car seat cover. Sure, it might not seem that important, but for those who appreciate beauty, consider this an accessory you will have everyday. I get compliments on this thing everywhere I go. http://www.mylittlechild.com/ has lots of options for $50-$100. I value beauty - it makes me feel good. I know God values it too - consider sunsets for a moment. Invest in this.



3. An infant bath tub. This cost $10 and was so worth it. See how much fun she's having (versus the toddler tub below which was supposed to work for infants but doesn't.) Key issue with the one she's screaming in - you couldn't fill it with water so she's freezing. That's no fun. This blue one is on an incline so she sits in water and only needs to be steadied. Do it.


4. Bouncer Seat. Period - this is the best toy. This one from Fisher Price was $30 and has a more subdued pattern than the rainforest design. But no matter what is looks like, it is the BEST. She loves talking to her pals Leroy, Jethro, and Bob (green elephant, giraffe, and blue elephant respectively. Kate told my dad their names.) You must have one of these.
Other things to consider -

Bumbo. Good for neck muscles. Isn't she funny and mature in this little chair?



An activity mat. Kate and her good friend Cana are enjoying the Gymini Tiny Love Activity Mat. Here's why this is great - Brett and I think it's fun, so WE want to play with it so we spend more time playing with Kate. I'd recommend this for all toys - get ones that look like fun to you!



2 MONTHS - WHAT A CUTIE!

In 2 months, I've learned a few things about Kate - she is PRECIOUS

HARDWORKING
PEACEFUL
A GIFT FROM GOD
GRANDPARENTS ARE THE BEST
They love to snuggle

And play

They get down on the floorAnd chat
And make me laugh!



FIRST TRIP TO THE POOL
Just chillin on my towel, gettin ready to go in
It's a little cold, but I still like it
Mom and I love the water

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

5 WEEKS

At her one month check-up, Kate was 10 lbs and 23 inches. Her Moses basket is too small for her now!

Uncle Brady and Auntie Em came for a visit



I have baby acne, mom! Don't take my picture!



I LOVE the car! Who's up for a nap?



Doug, Debbie & Tyler Allen came down for a visit