2.25.2011

Zyler & Ahlia: Photos Compared:: Newborn

As we near Ahlia's first birthday, we will be taking a look at Zyler and Ahlia's baby pictures. Enjoy this "series!" 

Newborn

Zyler

















Ahlia
















2.24.2011

Potty "Training" Woes

So Zyler is nearing 37 months... Still no willingness to use the potty with any regularity and without much coercion. Any potty talk I instigate, he tells me, "Mommy, I don't want to be a big boy!!" We've changed his sheets 3 times in less than a week... One day he went through 3 pair of pants due to full (high quality) diapers.

We've tried just about every "trick" in the book in the "traditional" potty training sense... He is just going to have to use the potty when he decides he is good and ready.

I know it will be all behind us in the blink of an eye, but while we are living this challenge, it is beyond frustrating!

Vent over. :) I'm crossing fingers that he'll be one of those "fully" trained in about a week, with #1s and #2s (mostly) in the potty. Here's hoping!

What potty training "nightmares" can you share?

2.18.2011

Live Healthier

I don't typically make New Year's "resolutions," but I do have a goal to exercise more, and eat healthier. I thought I'd pass along this free resource I found, if you may be trying to do the same in your family. The "Nutrition Diva," Monica Reinagel, has a podcast that I listen to every week. Now she is offering a free e-book through Amazon or iTunes titled Nutrition Diva's 5 Secrets for Aging Well. Now, as a busy mom of 2 3 and under, I haven't actually found the time yet to read this book, but I look forward to it and highly value Monica's recommendations. :) Check her out.

2.15.2011

The Birthing Place

For all moms, moms-to-be, and family members of these women... Allow me to introduce to you The Birthing Place: Birth and Wellness Center of Charlottesville! Our family was so grateful to Janna Grapperhaus, the owner and midwife of this new natural birth center, for her true compassion, care, wisdom, integrity, skill, and knowledge throughout my stressful pregnancy and amazing birth. Thank you again, Janna, for everything. We are so happy for you as you open this birth center that our local community is in such need of. May God's blessings continue to find you!

Happy Birthday, Jason!

Happy birthday to an amazing husband and wonderful father! Here's to a happy and blessed year! WE LOVE YOU!

Jason's mother went into labor around 7 PM on Valentine's Day eating a steak dinner at a restaurant. At the hospital, her doctor was sure it was a girl due to the heart rate. When Jason was born after 1 AM, she asked her OB, "how do you like my girl???" :-)

2.14.2011

A "Busy" Week

So, I was thinking that my mother may have been conceived the week of of Valentine's day. Perhaps even on that day of love? Her birthday is November 18. This article from CNN discusses that the ideal day to conceive a baby so that it will be born on 11-11-11 is February 18. Given this unique date this year, I wonder how much more "action" is happening among couples trying to conceive this week in comparison to other Valentine's Day weeks. ;) My concern then becomes, how many moms might request to be induced on 11-11-11, at their and their baby's health risk. Hopefully, not too many doctors will comply if there is not a true medical reason.

Happy Valentine's Day. I spent it with my three sweeties!


2.10.2011

3+ Years Too Late...

For our family, anyway. But not for millions of other fortunate families!

Finally, breast pumps and other lactation aides are medically deductible or can be reimbursed under flexible spending accounts! Hooray for progress. Read more.

A Blog Combo

Now there's a combo I bet you thought you hadn't thought of!

I had considered it for some time and finally decided to import my miscarriage and pregnancy blog into this family blog.

My goal is to convert many of the features from that site into this one.

A Blog Renewal...

Happy 2011! I haven't forgotten this blog... Is anyone still reading? Time slips away and all of a sudden Zyler is 3, we've had Ahlia who is now 10 months, and we are forgetting their milestones! Am I a bad Mommy for not having scrapbooks and journal entries for each cute thing they do every week or even every month?

So, here is my public resolution to try to do better at documenting their celebrations and disappointments... oh.how.soon.we.forget. :-/

From Ahlia's First Year