Walker's Dedication

Walker had a busy weekend.  Sunday, he got dedicated at Fellowship Bible Church.  This was very important to Marcus and Me and a big day for our family.  Fellowship Bible Church defines Parent/Child Dedication as the parental willingness to partner with God and the Church to raise your child. This dedication is a public expression that parents will raise their child in a godly home, with the support of the church. The scriptural root for this type of dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 "I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."  Since the day I found out I was pregnant I have asked God for his guidance in raising Walker and to help me be the best mother and wife that I can be.  Yesterday, was our way of proclaiming this publicly and asking for support from our family and church on this journey. 

We were so blessed with all of the people that came to celebrate this day with us.  Walker's Great-Grandparents on the Necessary and Walker side came.  My parents and Marcus's parents, along with Camille, Derek, and Alexia were able to come.  The other guests were Sandy, Jetty, Nancy (my other "moms" :) ), Scott & Brenna, Aaron & Christy, Cortney & Kelly, Zack & Ashley (my cousin and his wife), Joel & Alexis, and Dany (Walker's awesome baby sitter).  It was amazing to be up on stage with Walker and look into the audience at all of the wonderful people that are involved in our lives and showing their support for us.  I almost cried many times throughout the day when I would just stop and look at the love and support that surrounds Walker. 

After the church service we had everyone back to our house for lunch.  I thought having it our house would help with Walker being in a better mood and not having to stress about being at a restaurant.  We ordered Fred's Hickory Inn for the food and it was delicious!!!!  My mom brought some petit fours from Rick's Bakery (my favorite!) and I made some lemon cupcakes.  All in all, I think it was a very wonderful day.  During the week last week I worked on some decorations for the party with my great crafting machine the Silhouette.  

the banner I made

I cut out vinyl to put on the vases

it's hard to see but it has "jNw" and a cross on it

the yummy petit fours

my lemon cupcakes.  I used the silhouette to cut out cupcake holders and put different pictures as the toppers

this was on a table and is a prayer tree that I made.  i had each guest write down a prayer that they will promise to pray for Walker.  one day Walker can look back at these and see all of the love that surrounded him.

my first attempt at a tissue paper wreath

happy with his new bible

We took one large group picture but it wasn't with my camera.  I will have to post it up some other time, but I definitely think it will be a picture that Walker and I will treasure. 

The other busy part of Walker's weekend was getting to stay over at our neighbor's house while Marcus and I went to see a band play.  He loved getting some good cuddle time with Alexis (my neighbor...I know it can get confusing).  Joel and Alexis are the best neighbors ever.  They babysat Walker on their anniversary!  I didn't know it was their anniversary when I asked, but they assured me that they didn't have plans and had already celebrated.  It was great to be able to walk next door and get Walker when he was already asleep.  Saturday we went out to my parent's house and played on the lake with their Sunday school class.  Walker made friends with all of the other little kids.  Luckily, today we are just planning on taking it easy, doing some laundry, and relaxing.

End of Bottle Strike 2011 (sort of)

Well, you can all rest easy now, the bottle strike of 2011 is over.  My five month old and I have managed to come to a compromise.  He gets his milk from a "big boy cup", aka a sippy cup.  It has worked great.  We started with diluted prune juice (yuck) in the cup first to help with his digestion.  It was a total mess and I think a lot of it ended up on the towel rather than in his mouth, but at least he wasn't fighting it.  I then found this wonderful sippy cup for 3+ months.  It has a top like a bottle nipple but you can bite it like a sippy cup.  This was so much easier for him and he didn't have to suck on it if he didn't want to.  This sippy cups also comes with an interchangeable top so when he is a little better at controlling the amount he wants out I can put in the 6+ month regular sippy cup top. 

Yummy

Anyway, he has been getting 6 or more oz out of his big boy cup, and we were even able to go on a date night with another couple while he stayed with a baby sitter.  It was nice to be able to leave for more than two hours and not worry about him.  However, it is crazy how much I miss him and think about him even when I am only gone for a little bit and I know he is sleeping.

We have also started solid foods.  I wanted to wait until Walker was 6 months before starting any solids because I have heard this is best.  But, Walker had started to wake up much more at night (like 12:30. 2:30, 4:30, 6:30...no fun) so I wondered if maybe he was hungry.  He has always liked to eat :)  I started with avocado when he as 5 months and one week old.  He LOVED it.  It was super easy to make.  You just mush up the avocado and I added some breast milk for a familiar taste and a thinner consistency.  On day two of the avocado he had major diarrhea (I think it was the avocado, but you never know because it had been 6 days since his last dirty diaper, so it might have been coincidence). 

I think he likes it

I expected it to be messier

I decided to wait a little bit on the solids because maybe his stomach wasn't ready and we were going out of town (see Little Rock post).  He continued waking up a lot during the night to eat, so when we got back I made some sweet potato for him and this has been a huge hit.  I froze it in an ice cube tray and then put the cubes in individual baggies once they were frozen.  It has been so simple to just warm up one cube for his meal.  Then, I tried some oatmeal cereal for his brunch meal so he could have the sweet potatoes closer to bedtime and I knew that he was not having any bad reactions to them.  I used oatmeal instead of rice because it is supposed to be easier on his digestion.  He tolerates the oatmeal, but does not like it that much.  I might try mixing it with some pears next week and see how that goes over.  Today I am making a batch of butternut squash, so I will let you know how that goes.  Oh, I should add that he is sleeping much better now that he is getting "dinner".  It might just be a coincidence, but I'll take it. 

Waiting for his dinner (I promise I put clothes on my kid)

On a much sadder note, I had to throw out 495 oz of expired breast milk last night :(  You might not fully understand how awful this is until you have worked hard to save this up and know how precious each little drop is (many moms call it liquid gold to give you an idea).  I SO wish that I would have donated it somewhere but I didn't realize how much I had that expired.  I was very frustrated with myself for not checking the dates before, but honestly I forgot all about the milk (in the freezer in the garage) once Walker stopped taking the bottle.  I am now back to working on building up another emergency stash so I will definitely remember about donating it before it goes bad.

Latest crafts and desserts

I have continued with my weekly goal of a craft and new baked good pretty well.  However, last week I did two crafts instead of baking...it seems that when I bake no one eats it and it just goes to waste.  That makes it sound like it is bad, but I promise that they taste good, we just don't eat pies and things like that around here very often. 

I have been playing around on pinterest (check it out if you haven't) a lot lately and saw a "taggy" blanket.  I decided to give it a try with some left over ribbons from the diaper cake at my baby shower and some left over fabric.  I think for my first time it turned out ok.  Walker loves it already, which is all that matters. 

I also baked a turtle cheesecake, which was delicious and I ended up giving to my dad because we were going out of town and I didn't want it to go to waste. 

Last week I worked on party decorations for Walker's dedication this weekend.  I will post pictures of them after the party.  And this week, I have already made another taggy blanket, a bib, and burp cloth for a friend, and two pillow covers for my living room.  I still have a few more things I want to make for the celebration this weekend, so I don't think I will be doing much baking...except for the cupcakes from a box, which doesn't really count.

My Vacation to Little Rock

Is it sad that these days Little Rock classifies as a vacation?  Probably, but nonetheless that is how things are :)  I was just happy to get out of the house and spend some time with my mom while she worked.

We left Sunday afternoon and returned Tuesday evening, so it was a short trip.  Two nights was the longest Marcus had been away from Walker and he was ready for us to be home.

All ready for the trip

We decided to take my dad's Yukon because my car was getting new tires on Wednesday and we didn't want to risk taking it to Little Rock on the old ones.  We also needed a large vehicle because where ever Walker goes, so does tons of stuff.  Even though it was just two nights I think we had enough stuff for 10.  I brought the baby bath tub, johnny jumper, vibrating chair, and play mat.  All of that, along with diapers for 3 days, a pack and play, and clothes means two suitcases and a packed trunk.

We headed out and made it to Winslow when...blow out (not the diaper kind)...my dad's brand new tire decided to explode.  I have never experienced a blow out before and was very thankful my mom was driving.  She handled it perfectly.  We googled a towing and service company in Winslow and they came out to fix it.  What did people do before cell phones and Internet???  There was no way that I could have changed that tire.  This added about an hour and a half onto our trip, so I was a little worried about how Walker would do.  He ended up doing really great except the last 15 minutes.  Again, the Internet came to the rescue.  I never let him watch TV, but I found a baby Einstein video on you tube and it was like he was hypnotized.  He would be screaming and then stop to watch the video, then as soon as it was over he would scream again.  Luckily, we weren't far from the hotel. 

The tire

The hotel was so nice.  It was a Holiday Inn Suites Express.  The rooms had an extra seating area that was perfect for the pack and play and I set up the "diaper station" on a table.  Walker and I spent time in the indoor pool (he LOVES the water) and at the mall.  He was so good on the trip and in the hotel.  I loved spending time with him without feeling like I should be doing 10 other things like dishes, housework, errands, etc.  It was also great to be with my mom and have her be with Walker and me. 

Closet Update

My friend Morgan came up to visit me this weekend.  It was so great to catch up and have her meet Walker.  It had been way too long since we talked or saw each other.  While she was over I asked her to go through my closet and tell me "what is ugly and I should never wear again" :)  She was much kinder than that, but did pick out many things (lots that I would have never guessed) that I should not wear or replace because they looked old.  She explained to me what colors I should and should not wear (gray, which is basically my wardrobe...how come no one ever told me this before?).  It felt great to have those items out of the way and a few simple tips on how to wear the things I did have.  She even helped me pick out an outfit for church that I loved. 

I totally recommend that you give her a call and have her come check out your closet.  She can put together outfits for you out of what you have (and take pictures so you can remember...Clueless movie anyone ;) ), or she can go shopping for you and bring back possible items or staples that will help you build your wardrobe in no time.  You never have to worry again about what to wear, and actually end up saving a ton of money because you are getting the most bang for you buck out of your clothes, plus you know what types of things to buy in the future.  No more buying something and never wearing it, or trying to wear the latest trend but not sure if you have it just right...

Check her out on Facebook:
Morgan Jessup
The Key to Your Closet

Pillows and cookies

I am still working on sprucing up the living room.  I figured the next step would be some slipcovers for the couches.  I had some leftover fabric and found a website that showed how to make an envelope slipcover.  I was able to make two of these one evening.  They were so easy.  I am excited to make four more with fabric that will tie together our couches with the new rug. 

before

after

I also made some homemade oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies.  I am trying to eat lots of oats to help with feedings for Walker, and combining this with chocolate is perfect.  I had the best excuse to eat as many cookies as I wanted.  This time I used my Betty Crocker cook book and was really pleased with the way they turned out.  (I forgot to take a picture, but I promise I didn't burn them :) ).

Speaking of cookies, I have found a little bit of heaven and thought I should share it.  It is the new triple double Oreo.  I have always been a huge Oreo fan, eating them nightly during my college days in the sorority house.  I think the only time that I didn't eat them regularly was when I was pregnant and trying to watch my sweets.  When I showed Marcus my glorious find, the first thing he asked was, "how many calories are there in one cookie" (such a girl ;) ).  This thought never crossed my mind, but he checked and...holy cow, there are 100 calories per cookie, yikes.  However, even with that knowledge I only ate 3 that evening.  Imagine how many I would have had if I didn't know how awful they are for you.  Everyone has to have their vice right? 

AMAZING.  Just imagine the twisting and dunking possibilities.

Happy 5 month birthday

Baby Walker is 5 months old.  I am not sure at what point I am not allowed to say "baby Walker."  He is already getting so big!  I am thankful that he is growing and healthy, but I sometimes miss the cuddly little (he was never that little) baby days.  As I type this I know that I will say that about every stage, about how I miss when he wasn't crawling, how I miss rocking him to sleep, how I miss our nap times...etc.  You are just going to have to bear with me as I adjust :)

Our theme for your August pictures was "back to school." 

July has been a great month.  We were not too busy, which helped to relax and also get into a nice routine.  You experienced your first 4th of July.  We went out to Grandpa and Grandma Necessary's for dinner and fireworks.  You met your cousin Jocelyn from Louisiana for the first time also.  You were not even phased by the fireworks.  Normally you jump around loud noises, but it was almost like you didn't even realize they were going off.  You have played in the pool more and continue to go to the nursery on Sunday mornings.  The standard comments that I get when I pick you up are, "how much does he weigh," "I just love his cheeks," and "he is so cuddly."  They love you there. 

You had your first boat ride this month.  You loved when the boat was moving, but did not like having to wear your life jacket.  I hope that you continue to love the boat and will come wakeboarding and skiing with me all the time. 

G-mama had her high school friends out to her house.  You and I went to spend the night out there while dad went to Kansas City.  You were loved on by many women and were so happy with all of the attention. 

You love playing peek-a-boo

This month has also been the hottest July in history, breaking tons of records with many of the days over 100.  We have spent most of our time inside because it is just too crazy hot to try and do much.  Any time we are outside you get red in the face and really hot, so I try to keep our plans with things inside. 

I always try to have you in a hat when we go outside

Most days you are just in a diaper because it is cooler and easier (with all of your spit up :) )

You are so much more aware of things now.  You will reach and grab for anything that gets your attention.  You are great at standing and playing in your jumper.  You make many coos and squeals.  I love it when you giggle because you are getting a great belly laugh.  My favorite is when you start to laugh and then laugh more because you find your laugh funny. 

You love to try and grab our phones.  When you finally get it, you put it straight in your mouth.

Checking stuff out at the mall

You love looking at yourself in the mirror

Plenty of toys to entertain you

I am so so so blessed to continue to spend so much time with you and see you grow and change.  Most days I wish I could slow you down some so I can enjoy this stage for longer, but I am also looking forward to watching you grow and learning your personality. 

One of our many conversations

You like to sit outside and look at the trees

July:
-first 4th of July
-slept through the night for the first time (the night dad put you too bed too)
-decided you didn't want to take a bottle anymore
-went to the lake and on the boat
-sat in a high chair at a restaurant
-talking and interacting more

  

And on the 11th day...

WARNING: Post contains gross and graphic material.  Must have strong stomach and sense of humor to read.

And on the 11th day, I did not rest, but rather enjoyed the wonders of a poopy diaper.  Let me start from the beginning...

11 days ago was Walker's last poop.  He usually goes every 3 or 4 days, sometimes 5.  But this time, the poop never came.  I kept waiting and waiting, but still no poop.  I googled (because this is just as good as your family doctor) to see what could be wrong or what I could do to help progress things along.  I didn't find much, except that exclusively breastfed babies don't get constipated.  So, I decided to wait a little longer and call the doctor on Monday if we were still without poop.  Monday morning there was no poop, but still a happy baby that was sleeping, eating, and passing gas (very, very stinky gas).  The nurse at the doctor's office advised me to use an infant suppository today and then to give him diluted prune juice on a daily basis in the future.

So, Walker and I set out to get the suppositories.  I don't know if you have done this, but I would not recommend it.  Standing in the "digestive health" isle comparing suppositories is not pleasant.  I received lots of sympathetic and weird looks.  But I guess when you have a kid you endure things you would otherwise rather avoid.  Also, it's not like I just did this once.  I had to go to multiple locations and make multiple phone calls to locate these suppositories.  It turns out that infant suppositories are on back order everywhere.  I never would have guessed. 

Anyway, we get home with the suppositories (and a bag of candy corn to help soothe my stress) and I am reading the directions.  I am not feeling very confident in my ability to do this.  I seriously debate calling one of my nursing friends to come over and do it for me.  But, I gather up the courage, eat some candy corn without using my hands (talent), roll my naked son over, and take care of business.  And literally two minutes later we had poop, a lot of poop.  At one point I was changing his second diaper, when there came more poop.  I think Walker must have lost 5 pounds. 

"You are going to do WHAT with that!?!"

I am so glad that that is over, and so thankful that it worked.  Walker didn't seem phased by any of it, thank goodness.  I will be trying prune juice to help keep us from having to do this again in the future...however we are still having the bottle strike of 2011 so I am not sure how I will get him to take the prune juice...

Last week's baking and craft

So last week makes week 2 of my new plan (to complete one craft and bake one new thing a week).  For my baked good I chose Key Lime Pie from the same Better Homes cookbook as the Apple pie.  Overall, I think it came out ok.  I found it way to tart for my tastes, but others said it was good.  I enjoyed making the meringue for the top and working on my crust skills.

I went over to my friend's house to work on crafting.  We had a craft/watch our babies day.  During nap time she worked on her craft and I worked on mine.  I decided to re-do our lamps in the living room.  These lamps were given to us when we got married by Marcus's grandparents.  I am trying to no spend a lot of money (not really working much anymore) and just update them a little.  I found some cheap lampshades that I covered with fabric and then spray painted the base to match our living room.  They are way different from what I would normally buy, but I think I like them.  I am excited to see what other ways I can come up with to update our living room.

Before

new shade with a covered shade

all finished

This week I plan on making pillow covers for a couple of throw pillows and doing some more sewing for a few gifts.  I am not sure what I will bake yet...maybe something chocolate :)