More Collages

The other two collages I made yesterday.

  

Finally

Finally I got it finished!!!! When I was pregnant I took weekly pictures so I could make a collage. But I never got to make it. Yesterday Juliana slept really good so I worked on making my collage. It took most of my day yesterday. Some of the pictures didn't turn out so this is what I came up with. Oh and I also made two smaller collages. I will have to post when I have more time.

More Challenges

I was challenged to do the ALS ice bucket challenge hype that is about the world today. I'm thankful that someone thought of me but I will not be doing the challenge. There are several reasons as to why.

First, I'm an advocate for testing in a more humane way. Now I understand it is hard to research illnesses with out having some way of testing and for years that has been on animals. But I do not feel subjecting an innocent animal/creature to testing is the appropriate way.  If it is not humane for humans to be tested then why would it be okay for animals? I guess because we are the superior race... but I would laugh if an alien race came and researched us. It would serve us right for thinking we were the superior race. So instead of giving to the ALS I will be making a donation to a group that helps rescue lab animals.

Second, there are many individuals who do not have access to water. Using it in this manor only shows how much we take things for granted. Now some people would say but you using that water doesn't mean that somebody else is going without. No that is true...whether I use it or not other people would still be without. But instead of spending money on wasting water for this challenge I am going to put aside some money to help dig a well for those in other countries lacking water access. I'll also try to use less water over the course of the next month as a reminder to not take water for granted.

I did accept two other challenges as well. One was from an online friend. It was to donate time, money or supplies to an animal rescue of your choice. And another was from Stray Rescue founder Randy Grim to become the leader of the pack.

So there you have it I'll get off my soap box. And move onto something else.

ISR Lessons

I'm not sure if anyone has ever seen this video. But I've blogged about it before. It is something I think is VERY important. So this summer I've been researching and checking for trainers. But the closest trainer is in Chesterfield, MO. I'm so sad. I really think the Keokuk Y should offer it...even if they only have a trainer come in for several weeks to do it. I'd be the first to sign my child up.

I did submit my name to the "waiting list". Joining the waiting list lets them know if there is enough interest in an area and helps them see a need for a trainer. Hopefully accelerating getting a trainer in the area. Point is maybe if everyone shares the need and signs up then maybe we can get one in the area. That would be GREAT. So click here to join the waiting list.

Or maybe you are interested in being certified yourself and doing classes? The link above also has a way to let them know you are interested in becoming certified. If this is you please let them know so I can get my daughter into a class! I would be forever grateful if you teach my daughter how to properly swim fully clothed... ISR style.

I amazed at their facebook posts of kids swimming fully clothed and underwater at such young ages. 

Here is one example of an ISR trainer in action.

How Life Has Changed

I've seen this before but I think it's cute. Now I know we only have one kid and we are just starting out. But I'm pretty sure this is becoming me. Matt and I really have no time to be cool. Heck we don't even get to hang out with each other. :(  I definitely feel like I sport the mommy do majority of the time.

  

And while I am showing this I figured I would show another fun video that must have been wrote for me. Well when I was pregnant that is!



Despite all the change in our life we would not want it any other way. Like I said before Juliana brightens our lives every day. We just love her!

Seven Months

Our baby is growing way too fast. I'm not sure what is happening. One minute she was this tiny little human and now she is all over the place. Why must time go by so fast...probably to make sure we enjoy every waking moment. It goes by so quickly.

Juliana turned seven months on Wednesday. I had a Halloween costume idea for her but I am beginning to think she should go as Curious George. She always has to see what is going on and is so easily distracted when eating. It's like oh something is happening I can't eat right now. Juliana loves to take on all kinds of adventures and she is quite the dare devil. This past month she has been experimenting with standing by herself. She is getting pretty good at it. Joanne has also told me that she climbed up two steps on Wednesday. Oh man this girl is so fun!

Sorry, about the last photo. It is a bit grainy... I will need to take another one. Actually I need a different camera. Ours sucks and with her moving more it is harder to get one with our camera that is not blurry. I've played with the settings and it seemed to make it worse. Maybe I need one of those books for dummies.

Juliana has been doing all kinds of things. She imitates/mimics what we do, crawls like she is in a race, standing by herself for longer periods of time (as I mentioned earlier) and climbs over barricades to get where she wants. We catch her doing all kinds of adventurous and cute things.

Anyways, I can't wait to do some of the fun things we have planned, these next couple of months, with her. First of all it is my favorite time of the year. So I'm really excited to share that with my little family. I am looking forward to taking walks with Ty, Juliana and Matt before the winter season comes. We have also made plans to go to the Grape Festival, which I have missed the last couple of years. But took off this year to be there with Juliana. I'm excited to take Juliana to the pumpkin patch and my moms Halloween festivities.

Also Matt and I are going to see the Phantom of the Opera on 19th of September for our anniversary. Woohoo! I'm excited! Hopefully I ordered the tickets for the right day. I am always worried about things like that.

Oh yes and I cannot forget the Mutt Strut. We will be doing the Mutt Strut again for the Quincy Humane Society. If you would like to help sponsor Ty and our little family in the Mutt Strut please let me know. We would like to reach at least $250 in donations for the QHS. Thanks in advance!

Sleep Is Overrated...

We have the cutest little girl on the planet, in the universe, whatever she's the cutest. But last night she about made me lose my mind. She is finally resting peaceful so I thought I would type a quick post.

Our little princess has been standing by herself more and more. Testing the water I guess to see what she can do. She impresses me everyday.

Look What Arrived

Oh my gooodness...look what just arrived. My Diploma! Woohoo!

Well actually it arrived yesterday I started the post and meant to publish it but forgot. That's okay because yesterday was the day for packages because my Usborne books came! I was so excited for them to get here! If you didn't order any you missed out! Haha. But really they are great books! So if you like to order some let me know and I can put in touch with the consultant who did my party. You won't be unsatisfied.

Anyways, some of them will be for Christmas gifts so Juliana didn't get to play with all of them...only a couple. But I did take some pictures of what arrived.

Juliana playing with her books. The book she is playing with was not in the group picture because I was so excited about it I told Matt to take it to his brother's house to show his wife. I'm going to have to get more of this series. They are called "That's Not My"... This one was called That's Not My Duck.

In other news, this month is Kids Eat Right month. So remember to focus on teaching your little ones healthy nutrition as well as to be active. Check out www.kidseatright.org for more on what you can do to get more involved.

Click here for a mini-poster that you can use to help teach or remind your child/children healthy lifestyle habits.

Work and Family

As much as I LOVE to work I try to live my live with this in mind...

That the company we work for can easily replace me in a matter of days. But the family I will leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. So instead of pouring myself more into work than in my family would be silly and an unwise investment.

FAMILY = Father And Mother I Love You... so I'm trying to learn to balance everything. To ensure that my kids will always be priority over work. Material items mean nothing I can't take them when I leave here. Only the memories. When I get to the other side it will be about the relationships I've made.

My Mommy Must Haves

Someone asked on facebook what are everyone's must haves for babies. After I messaged her some of mine I got to thinking I've randomly showcased some of the items that have been beneficial to me but I don't have a complete list. So I decided to write a post with some of my favorite items as well as some of the items I've liked but haven't used as much as I thought.

Items We Love/Still Use
1. Swaddle wraps (Although every kid is different Juliana has loved to be swaddled).
2. Shirts with mitts
3. Bassinet (Used in bedroom. Nice to have right by the bed).
4. Angelsound Heart Monitor
5. Boppy
6. Swing (Another item that will vary between kids). 
7. Cloth Diapers
8. 3-n-1 evenflo activity center
9. Breast pump (Will depend. Everyone is different and every experience is different.)
10. Dr. Brown's bottle warmer
11. Dr. Brown's wide mouth bottles (We have about 7.)
12. Baby Trend Carseat/Jogging Stroller Combo (Love how lightweight the stroller is.)
13. Changing Table w/hutch (It is getting harder to put her on the table and change her though. But love it still.)
14. Diaper Bag (The one we found was awesome. One side has a spot for bottles. It has an insulated material to help keep it cool. The other side has a wipe container that you can open without having to get in the bag. LOVE it.)
15. Burp Cloths (We got these plain white ones that have multiple purposes. They are really nice. But I also enjoy using some of the fun cute ones.)
16. Changing Pad and Cover

Great Items But Haven't Used As Much As Thought Or Just Not Lately
1. Moses basket (She doesn't use anymore. But we used this a lot when she was first home and during my maternity leave.)
2. 4moms Infant Tub (Loved how it tells temperature. Used few times when first born but easier to just take a bath with her. As she has bigger and more stable it works better for her.)
3. Gel Cooling Breast Pads (Amazing for pain during my breastfeeding issues. If you experience discomfort I highly recommend these.)
4. First Year's Lanolin Free Nipple Butter (Lanolin is supposed to be really good, which I did use at first. However, I switched when I read up on. The research I read says it is not as organic and natural as people think because pesticides are used on the wool.)
5. Crib (It's easier to have her next to me still for late night feedings.)
6. Bumbo (She likes to be on the go. Matt uses it more than I do.)
7. baby wrap carrier
8. Nursing cover (My sister-in-law as a really neat one. That allows you to see the baby if needed and what not.)

Along with the basic breast pads I used nipple wipes that were nice. I believe they were called First Years natural breast wipes. I've also tried this beaded thing you heat and put on to help with flow and prevent mastitis. But it became annoying to have to heat so I stopped using it.

I also found that having Medela pump wipes to clean your pump when you may be out and not near access to water was nice to have. But majority of time I'm near water.

Other than that be selective on what bath wash/shampoo use (I was selective about based on information that came out about johnson n johnson). My favorite diapers we used, until the cloth ones came in, were pampers or parent's choice. We use dreft he laundry soap, bottle/toy wash and pacifier wipes when we are on the go. Juliana really enjoys her soothie pacifier that is attached to an animal. It is the only one we really have had to use. I've made some of our own baby wipes for changing her. They can be made in a matter of no time but I need to alter the recipe a bit.  I didn't get a wipe warmer and Juliana has been completely fine. In fact up until she decided she rather crawl away she has loved to get changed. Now she just rather be on the move.

Other than that I would have loved to have a Glider. Actually it would have been fun to have a rocker. But I hear that a rocker slides back during rocking so a glider is supposed to be more comfortable and not do that.

With that I think I've included everything. I would add cute pictures of our items in use or of what I have but Juliana wants to play. So if anyone would like to see exactly what I have or if there are any questions just ask. Have a great day!

A Package For Juliana

The other day we got a package for Juliana from our dear friends, Jon and Elsie. We just love them! They drove all the way to our wedding in Canada to be there! How awesome is that!

In Juliana's package was several outfits. They are so cute! Thanks Jon and Elsie. Here is a picture in the one outfit.

Our Silly Little Girl

Juliana figures out how to do the craziest things! Every time we took her out of her Bumbo she would get right back in. Oh how we love this girl! But she keeps us on our toes.

World Breastfeeding Week

This past week was World Breastfeeding week. It ended on August 7th. Breastfeeding is something that takes a lot of work...not gonna lie. It's very time consuming but oh so worth it. I struggled for the first five and half weeks to breastfeed. Juliana did not watch to latch. It made me feel like a failure. I'd try and try but she wouldn't. Whenever I would put her to me she would cry out like she was being tortured. I knew something must be wrong. But I went to several lactation consultants at the hospital and not one of them seemed to be real helpful. It was so frustrating.

On top of it I was trying to pump for Juliana to have something. I'd spend hours and getting nothing. Sometimes I would feel like we were getting somewhere because I would have two or three good days where I would get a good stash of breastmilk. But then back to nothing. That ended up being my pump. We had spent a couple hundred dollars on a pump only to have a cheap thirty dollar pump work.

Then there were times that I got an ounce or more of blood in my milk. It would look like strawberry milk. I had a huge laceration on my nipple that still has not healed normal and I'm sure it will never be the same again. I had excruciating pain, infections and several fevers.

Anyways, point is breastfeeding can have many bumps in the road but knowing the benefits can help you stay focused. 

Having great support is also very helpful. So all family members and friends should offer support. I'm so glad that I had Matt's support. He helped me throughout the whole ordeal. There were several nights, those first weeks, were I would spend hours pumping trying to get something. Then I would give it to him to feed to her and back to pumping I would go. My professor from Kansas State University was also very helpful. She suggested several things as well as many websites to look at (Matt had already looked at many of those sites). But one thing she suggested stuck out to me because I had wanted to take Juliana to the chiropractor before she was even born. I had heard good things about doing so. However, I was not aware of craniosacral therapy that some chiropractors practice. I took her to Absolute Wellness in Burlington, Iowa and within 24 hours she was latching. It was AMAZING! Click here to learn more about  craniosacral theray.

Through ALL of my breastfeeding challenges I would not trade it for anything. It is what is best and I know Juliana will benefit from it all.

I Wonder

Now I know I am not the smartest person out there. But sometimes I wonder how some people survive. Lately I've been wondering how in the world this one particular person will survive life. It is rather sad but can make for some great entertainment. LOL.

Now I know I shouldn't judge and it is not something to laugh about but it is so hard not too. I mean come on really... sometimes I just wonder if they need a psychiatric evaluation.

Where's Juliana?

It's a WONDERFUL day! We got up a bit later than normal. It was so nice to not have to rush off anywhere. We decided that Juliana was needing an adventure because she was all over the place. So we headed out for the park. It was her first time at the park. We played on the swing, merry-go-round, slide and the wooden vehicles.

This morning I took some fun pictures of her having with daddy before we headed out. She smiles all the time! But she really LOVES playing with Matt. I just love it! Juliana is so adorable.

The other day, on my day off, Joanne and the kids came over to swim. Joanne helped me figure out how to change the bouncer to the activity play set. It is a 3 in 1. She doesn't like to sit still anymore so I had been wanting to change it. Joanne was able to get it all straightened out. Then Juliana decided it would be fun to try and eat it before going swimming. She was pulling the bar down and hanging on with her gums.

And one last picture before I head off. 

Last week Juliana was napping. She looked so cute I had to take a picture. My peaceful Sleeping Beauty.

Christmas Shopping

I am so EXCITED! I have the day off tomorrow! Yay for me! I still have things to complete from last week. So that's what I will be doing part of the day tomorrow.

This past Friday I had an Usborne book party online. I really enjoyed it. There are several books I am excited to get for Juliana. Some will be Christmas gifts for her. I can't wait for Christmas. It is my favorite holiday. I'm already starting to put things aside for Christmas. I started at the beginning of the summer getting things and putting them aside. Soon I can start wrapping some.

If anyone wants to order from my online book party click here. It closes tomorrow night (August 4) at 8:00 p.m..