Carpet Dance

Erin's doing this dance thing. It's so super cute!

Pretty sure this is how she gets the bald spot.

Lipless Smiles

Erin is doing this new way of smiling. I know it's my influence, but I try to smile a wide smile her with my teeth showing most of the time, but I know I do a lot of the smiling by pursing my lips together. Erin has picked it up and started doing it these last few days (I'd say 3 days at most). It's so funny, but I'm trying not to smile like that around her any more.

Amazing Liquid Gold!

I get daily emails from whattoexpect.com and this was today's informative article. It was written a couple of years ago, but it's definetly worth a second posting!

whattoexpect.com
12/16/2008 11:30:00 AM

Breast Milk: It's Some Pretty Amazing Stuff!

We've all heard that breast is best. While I believe that formula fed babies thrive and do just fine, I still do my best to give my kids breast milk as long as I can. Zander was the only one of my children that I nursed passed the one year mark. He has never had an ear infection, and to this day he rarely gets sick. I have no idea if it was the breast milk or if he's just very, very lucky.

Breast milk isn't just for feeding babies. Did you know that you can actually use breast milk as a homeopathic remedy for certain things?

Breast milk is an excellent healing agent for sore, cracked nipples. Simply express some milk, rub it on your nipples, and allow it to air dry. Do this often - especially after each feeding.


Breast milk is also known to cure pink eye! Express it into the affected eye. If baby or child won't let you do it while they're awake, do it while they're sleeping. Drip breast milk onto the creases of a closed eye, then open the eye slightly to allow milk to seep into the eye.

Breast milk is also great on cuts and scrapes. Apply to the wound, and allow to air dry. Do this often to prevent germs from growing.


Those are all the things that I have personally used breast milk to treat. However, I have also heard that it can be used to treat stuffy noses, sore throats, ear infections, mosquito bites, diaper rash, eczema, and can even be used as a facial cleaner and is great for removing make up!

I also have a friend who cooks with breast milk instead of cow's milk. Now, I have not been brave enough to try this. I think my husband would freak out if I told him his mashed potatoes were made with breast milk. Of course, the look on his face might be worth it! My friend swears by cooking with breast milk, though, and her family doesn't mind at all!


Who knew that there was so much you could do with breast milk? I find it simply amazing.

These are some of the comments that followed:


astrotq said on 7/25/2009 11:22:00 AM:
haha! yeah i think my husband would flip if i ever slipped breastmilk into his food! he is one of those men that is more horrified than fascinated by my boobs and milk coming out of them, (though he is totally supportive of breastfeeding our baby.) however, he shall have to suffer with his scrapes and mosquito bites, while my daughter and i will be cured, lol!

julesddd said on 8/1/2009 1:20:00 PM:
I donate to a milk bank that uses the milk to treat burn victims. So when I got a sunburn last week, I got the bright idea to use a little of my own milk in addition to the aloe lotion. My burn went away in record time! Add burn treatment to the remedy list.

Kati8009 said on 8/2/2009 12:20:00 PM:
Do you think it would work on poison ivy? I don't know anyone who has it right now but my husband has gotten it pretty bad in the past, might have to see if that works

kelsters99 said on 9/5/2009 12:30:00 PM:
My little boy suffers from a stuffy nose all the time almost since the day he was born (5 months old). How would you use breast milk for that? I have used it for all kinds of things like baby eczema, cuts and scrapes, and sore nipples. Would love to help him with his stuffy nose besides having to suck at what little snot I get when I use the aspirator.

harmsgerm said on 9/8/2009 10:32:00 AM:
There has been some research done linking breastmilk to killing cancer cells. I think the research is fairly new, but if its accurate, I'd add a couple more exclamation points after amazing. :)

ladygarnetoak said on 9/22/2009 1:15:00 PM:
yes it does work on diaper rashes (except for ones caused by yeast), works wonders on teen acne ( i have a 13 yo also) and i used it on my face just to see what it would do and my skin became softer. oh yes the stuff is liquid gold!!!!

missmargarita said on 10/28/2009 9:23:00 PM:
I think breast milk was being used as a cancer treatment in the 80s, but didn't know it was still being used.
I did try putting breast milk in my coffee, but found it pretty yucky (I think the smell was the main cause. It reminded me too much of the smell of her spit).
A few days ago I was clipping my dd's nails while she was awake (silly wabbit) and accidentally knicked a cuticle that seemed like it wouldn't stop bleeding (it eventually did). I remember thinking that if it looked like it might get infected, I'd put some breast milk on it. Thankfully it healed before I got to test my theory. Had it been me who got cut (and I certainly have on more than one occasion, usually when chopping veggies), I wouldn't have paid much attention to it, but she's my baby and I just felt awful to have hurt her, even if it was minor and an accident.
Jules, I think it's wonderful that you donate your milk to help burn victims.

avonfeldt0107 said on 11/2/2009 11:27:00 AM:
how did you get intouch with a breast milk bank? I have it stockpiled. My plan is to keep my son on breastmilk until he is 1, but at the rate we are going, I will have plenty more after that.

kstuhld said on 11/9/2009 12:42:00 PM:
So I went on a date with the hubby and had a couple glasses of wine. I pumped and dumped. If we ever get the opportunity to go out again, do you think I could save the milk for these other purposes or will the alcohol render it useless? Also, how in the world are you ladies getting enough milk to store and donate? I am barely making enough for my little guy to eat. I pump every morning and get maybe and additional ounce or two. Thanks for any feedback.

jkweldon78 said on 11/28/2009 9:33:00 AM:
I agree with everyone that breastmilk is awesome! I have used it in my baby's eye if it gets a little red or weepy and it takes care of it right away. It also definitely works on stuffy noses if you use a dropper to put a few drops in each nostril. Then the aspirator will be more effective. I had never thought to try it on burns or sunburn but I will now! To the person who asked about how to get connected with a milk bank, go to www.breastmilkproject.org and you can find a milk bank in your area. I too have tons of breastmilk stockpiled in my freezer because I always pump before I go to bed at night (my daughter sleeps for 10 to 12 hours overnight and pumping helps me keep from getting engorged). I will be donating it all as soon as I finish the screening process!
Ann2100 said on 11/30/2009 10:08:00 AM:
Wow breast milk is really great. i must try it for those uses

practiceactress said on 12/5/2009 2:50:00 PM:
A good alternative to a milk bank if anyone is interested, is a site called Milkshare.com. It links you to a yahoo group of women who need/want breastmilk for their babies and have either adopted, had surgery, or has a low/no milk supply for some other reason. I had a breast reduction surgery back in 1999 and only make about %50 of my daughter's needs. With the help of Milkshare, I have been able to keep my daughter completely on breastmilk, and I supplement her at the breast with a device from Medela called and SNS (Supplemental Nursing System). We have even been able to get milk in other states while traveling, thanks to this group. So, if you are interested in a more "personal" way of donating, and a less vigorous screening process than a milk bank, definitely check it out. Not enough people know about Milkshare, and it is such an amazing resource. We have a very special relationship with our milk donors... and I think it is nice for them to watch the baby that they are helping to grow get bigger every month. Just thought I would share! :)

Christening Video

Christening

Erin got christened today! We are so proud and happy that we were able to do this. I have to admit, I was the one putting a major push behind it due to fear.

WARNING, PERSONAL BELIEFS BELOW. PLEASE REALIZE THIS IS JUST MY VIEW:
I remember being taught that all babies are born with original sin, so if something were to, God forbid, happen she would go to either pergitory (aka limbo) or hell. I didn't like the idea of that one bit! And I realize that not everyone was taught that. Chris wasn't and he didn't understand why I insisted it had to be a christening and not just a dedication.
You see, original sin goes something like this:

The Council of Trent solemnly expressed the Church's faith concerning original sin. In the previous catechesis we considered that Council's teaching in regard to the personal sin of our first parents. Now we wish to reflect on what the Council said about the consequences of that sin for humanity.

In this regard the Tridentine decree states first of all:

Adam's sin has passed to all his descendants, that is, to all men and women as descendants of our first parents, and their heirs, in human nature already deprived of God's friendship.

The Tridentine decree (cf. DS 1512) explicitly states that Adam's sin tainted not only himself but also all his descendants. Adam forfeited original justice and holiness not only for himself, but also "for us" (nobis etiam).

Therefore he transmitted to the whole human race not only bodily death and other penalties (consequences of sin), but also sin itself as the death of the soul (peccatum quod mors est animae).

Here the Council of Trent uses an observation of St. Paul in the Letter to the Romans. The Synod of Carthage had already referred to it, repeating a teaching already widespread in the Church.

Letter to the Romans the Apostle wrote: "By one man's disobedience all became sinners" (Rom 5:19), and in the preceding verse: "One man's trespass led to condemnation for all men" (Rom 5:18). St. Paul connects the sinful situation of all humanity with the fault of Adam.

The Tridentine decree contains another statement: Adam's sin is transmitted to all his descendants by generation and not merely by way of bad example. The decree states: "This sin of Adam, which by origin is unique and transmitted by generation and not by way of imitation, is present in all as proper to each" (DS 1513).

Therefore original sin is transmitted by way of natural generation. This conviction of the Church is indicated also by the practice of infant baptism, to which the conciliar decree refers. Newborn infants are incapable of committing personal sin, yet in accordance with the Church's centuries-old tradition, they are baptized shortly after birth for the remission of sin. The decree states: "They are truly baptized for the remission of sin, so that what they contracted in generation may be cleansed by regeneration" (DS 1514).

Straight from the Vatican itself

I hope this explains a little better on why I was pushing for the Christening to happen. And please realize, this is my personal belief as I have grown up with Catholic teachings. I understand that others don't believe this view at all. Chris, for example, does not believe in Purgatory (which is somewhat understandable. It is a mainly Catholic device) and believes that because Erin herself has not sinned she would go straight to heaven. Eather way... she's Christened and has been saved.
................................................................................................................................................................

Allright, back on track:
So we had Edwin Gungor preside over the christening, which was great. He was the same man who married Chris and I in the faith (we had already been legally married).

Erin's godmother is Heather Mary Ward, and her godfather is Joshua Adam Rich.

Tim and Patty hosted the lovely "swarre". It was nice and light. People were wearing sandals, no suits, just some jeans and nice shirts. It was a wonderful event and I wouldn't want it any other way. It was good that it was intimate as well. Only a very small crowd joined us, which was perfect. It was our closest people: Clayton, the Balliquoi's (and Liz's sister), and Gail. 14 total (not to cout the 2 buns in the oven or the 4 dogs outside).
We had brisket and bbq chicken (and sides). I made a georgous honey glazed lemon cake that I'm told was very good. I also made shortbread.
We ate before hand, then the Christening happened. It was wonderful. I will have to share the video Clayton took for us soon.
Afterwards some more munching and major swimming! It was good, most everyone (of the young-uns got in), except Liz and her sister.
And Erin recieved some wonderful gifts! (which I will also list soon)
It was a good day, and a great event. We are so very blessed and thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives. For those of you who are too far away to attend such an event; please know you were in our hearts. We miss you and know that you will help us keep Erin's path with God right. Thank you, everyone. We are truely blessed to have family, both near and far, praying and watching out for us. Thank you.

Erin Babbling

Erin babbles away. Just thought I'd share it with everyone who can't be witness of it. She's moved to having her hand in her mouth for her to speak.

Standing the Night

Chris was watching Erin as she faught against sleep one night, and ... POP! She did this! So he quickly called me in to watch (and I grabbed the camera).

First Veggie!

Today Erin ate her first veggie today (which is her first food other than rice). A real step in the solids. I am so proud of her, and am proud of myself because I made the food!

I have been going crazy making fresh foods for her! One of Jen's many gifts inspired me and I've been on a role since. It's so much easier than I thought, too! I just peel/core the item, then cut it into 1 inch "squares", steam it, puree it, then freeze it in an ice tray. After a day I take it out of the freezer tray, put it in individual (snack sized) plastic bags, and then put all of those in a gallon size freezer ziplock bag.

And it's super easy to heat up, just microwave one baggie worth for less than 30 seconds. Make sure it's not too hot, and it's ready to go!

I've made apple sauce, acorn squash, and roasted red bell pepper (which made the house smell delicious!)... so far! I've bought carrots, corn, and butternut squash to make as well and am soooo looking forward to it. It takes about 30 minutes to do everything, which is nice. I try and do it while Erin's awake and talk her through the steps.

But anyway, enough about the preparations: because I made the acorn squash today, she was able to have it fresh... and she loved it! she tried to clean the bowl. As you can see, she gets a bit messy, but it's all good. She loves her veggies!

Erin Says Mama

Erin's been doing this for about a week now. You know how on Father's Day she said Dada? Well, now she says Mama... whenever she gets mad/upset. It's cute. Don't worry I cut out the part where I set the camera down and comforted her. She didn't cry long.

Practice Crawling

Erin practices crawling in her crib.

Doin Laundry

Erin likes to help me do laundry, among other chores. But laundry is her favorite (I'm pretty sure). She loves when I hold her in her Moby wrap and she gets to push the laundry cart around (I steer), and she gets to pull (with some help) and push the drawers open.
While not in the wrap she gets to help sort (before and after) and "fold".

and yes, they are clean.

Yummy Foods: Eating Rice Cereal

This video is of Erin eating all her rice cereal! She just loves it (even licks the bowl clean!).

PPD on Meds

So I'm on meds now, my 3rd day. Just Welbutrion. I'm a little worried about how it'll affect Erin. I'm doing better, but, you know, since I've had it around me I've been doing better.

The only problem is my milk supply... it is extremely low! It hurts so much when she gets to the end of her feeding. Almost like a needle. I'm trying to be good and drink and eat more, but it's really hard. It's hard to remember, and it's hard to get time sometimes to do anything, let alone eat. I don't know. I know my doctor (Sorenson) reccomended Zoloft because it has little/no effect on her. Welbutron's not supposed to be bad for her, but I'm supposed to watch her attitude (if she becomes docile, non attentive, and whatnot). I didn't know that until today, oye. I'm a bit worried. I need to tell her doctor (first thing tomorrow).

---

Sometimes, when Chris puts her to sleep and she's crying so hard and then she suddenly stops... it scares me. Because I know how frustraiting it is, and I know how tightly he holds her. I worry. I get scared.

---

Life is getting better. I'm just worried... and low.

I did get a sudden high, but now I've leveled off, still in a funk... but not as dangerous. Last tuesday I still wanted to run away. I fought the urge badly over a couple of days but now I'm better. I've been talking things over with Chris a lot more. And things are getting better with communication.

5 Months!

Erin is growing up so fast! Today she turned 5 months old! OMG! She's growing up so fast! She's eating cereal, sitting up, and trying so hard to walk (avoiding crawling mainly).

I hope you've enjoyed the pictures so far! There are so many and she's only just 5 months.
Today was much like any other, but Chris was able to stay home a little longer (working a night shift right now) and spend time with her.

Otherwise she got to spend the day at home (we went briefly through the drive through at lunch). A good day overall. Even the girls wished her happy birthday.

Oh, and we made zuchinni bread.

Solids on Cereal

So today we started the cereal, one day shy of her 5 month birthday. It gives me mixed feelings. I'm glad, and I know she's ready for it (probably has been for a while) because all the signs are there. But I'm also sad because it's another step of her growing up so quickly. I'm not ready for this day, but Chris has been hounding me (slightly pressuring me) to let her eat solids. So... today has come. I've let her eat the one rice rusk for the last few days, so she's ready.
I'm sad because Chris wasn't there to witness it, and I didn't take video. I'll have to video her later. It wasn't really a full meal, it was just a taste.

POST NOTE (7/10): Erin only ate a few bites yesterday, and today she ate the whole bowl, daddy was home to witness it after we started... still no video.

On to Solids

Today we started solids!

Well, in a way... There are these things, rice rusks (by Mum-Mum), and she ate them like she tries to eat paper. She only ate a little bit at a time.

The Forth: Fireworks, Franks, and Fun!

This year for the 4th of July we all went to a Tulsa Drillers baseball game, and it was a blast!


But let me start off by starting the weekend where it should be started, on Saturday (the 3rd).

So Saturday came and went, but not without some festivities. Yes, it rained, but that didn't keep us from having fun.

For Starters, Erin and I decided we'd bake some fun cupcakes for the party out at Heather and Claytons. (But I think she liked the box a bit better!) We had a fun time making the cake, and Daddy was home in time to help out, too.

Then Jen and Don came up

... and they brought gifts!




Erin even initiated Don and welcomed him into her life by spitting up on him!

Then it was time to go to Heather and Clayton's for a flamebroiling, fireworks, friends and family.



Clayton made the burgers and dogs, and then it was time for fireworks!










Erin did ... well, she is a baby. She cried, I tried to rock her to sleep but Chris ended up having to take her inside. They were nice and didn't blow off any really loud ones (Thank you for that!).

Now, we're on to the actual Fourth of July! I had sort of made plans without looking at the weather, but it all worked out for the best.
We started our day with church, then came home to play for a little bit while Chris was at work.

Jen, Don, Erin and I went to a local Mexican resteurant for lunch. Chris got off work early and met us afterwards. We were going to go swimming at Tim and Patty's but the day looked stormy, so we decided to chill. We walked around the mall a little bit then went back to Owasso.

It was soon time for the game, whick was awesome fun! It was the Drillers versus San Diego.
In the begining, Patty told Daniel B. that his seats were down front, and that he needed to ask a family to move... turned out his seats were behind everybody. It was pretty funny to watch.
So the famous chicken was there...
with his posse of chicks.
And though he got dressed to the nines for the game...
the players liked to play high-jinks on him.
Uncle Sam was there, too.
It was a good game, in spite of the on-again-off-again rain...
But, luckily, I had brought an umbrella...
Which stood out in the crowd (or lack there of).


We all decided to cower under the awening.
Erin was not liking the game, in spite of her smiles at the camera.

There were a lot of people (sold out game) and it was muggy hot, which made her uncomfortable. But she cozied up to an ice cold bottle of water (not to drink, just to play with).
In the end, the Drillers won 7-5. And then came the fireworks. By the fireworks, Erin was very tired, but she was actually a dream during them. She was curious as she peeked out from my arms and didn't cry until the ride home. It was refreshing how she reacted in contrast to the night before.
Overall, an interesting and fun 4th.