tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44962923031022226172024-02-19T22:58:01.830-08:00My Bowl of CherriesCherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-75591877528791074622015-12-16T12:26:00.002-08:002015-12-16T12:33:06.777-08:00Miriam Grace // A Homebirth Story<div style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">
This pregnancy was tough. Pregnancy sickness hit me like a rock at exactly 6 weeks. It was draining, deep, and overwhelming…. There was a couple weeks where i was completely couch ridden. I felt pathetic. How in the world was i going to take care of a newborn baby, if i can barely survive this phase? Once it began to let up a bit, around 22 weeks, it left me feeling just sad and exhausted. It had been a rough winter, and i was desperate for the sun, and outdoors. I was an emotional boat, just riding the waves of my 2nd trimester, and wanting to get through it. Once my 3rd trimester hit, i was feeling refreshed, re-energized and my nesting kicked in. I had about 2 good weeks and then the nausea came back. </div>
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I felt a lot of guilt that i wasn’t enjoying my pregnancy. I was constantly trying to will myself into happiness. I had absolutely loved my first 2 pregnancies, and even amidst the sickness, never wished for it to be over. This 3rd pregnancy, I was grateful and thankful to be caring and growing a life inside of me, but was also filled with a longing for the end to come quickly. </div>
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My estimated “due date” was Saturday, the 5th of September. It was Labor Day weekend, and i inwardly hoped for things to get moving along. We walked to our local coffee shop every morning, watched the parades, fireworks and went to the Carnival. I pretty much spent the whole weekend on my feet, walking and enjoying the time with my family of 4. </div>
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I had a birth photography client due anytime, and i was lucky enough to be able to capture her little one coming earth side in the wee hours of Monday morning, Labor Day. It was beautiful and left me feeling so eager to meet my own! </div>
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That evening we went out to dinner and at one point i mentioned to my husband, Dan, that if my Braxton Hicks Contractions got any stronger that it was sure to be labor. That evening when we got home, i made many trips to the bathroom and felt like my body was clearing itself out. I cuddled with my boys in bed and fell asleep. </div>
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On Tuesday, at about 4AM, i woke up to some light contractions. I went to the bathroom and noticed i had some bloody show. My adrenaline kicked in and i knew i wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, so i started walking around the house and picking up here and there. Hoping the movement would intensify things. The contractions were between 6-7 mins apart and lasting about 50 seconds. I notified my Midwife at 5:40AM.</div>
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I was doing the dishes when my husband came out at 6AM for work. I told him to Call In, because i was in labor. He took over the dishes, and i went back to bed. </div>
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I woke back up at 9AM and my contractions had nearly stopped. I had about 1 or 2 an hour. Dan went back to work at Noon and i was disappointed. </div>
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The boys and i went about our day as usual. The contractions slowly came back, and i was having more and more every hour. By the time i was preparing dinner, around 5PM, i was having to stop what i was doing and squat down and take cleansing breaths. </div>
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I was in the Kitchen and Isaiah, my oldest, came in and rubbed my back at one point and asked what i was doing. I remember jokingly thinking “I’ll take that epidural now”, and just desiring the comfort of my husband being home from work.</div>
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He came home at 6:30pm and the night went as it normally does. Dinner, bedtime reading, and cuddling the boys to sleep. As soon as the boys drifted off, i let out a sigh of relief. Laying down in bed was uncomfortable and the contractions made me squirm. </div>
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I went out to the living room and sat in my rocking chair. </div>
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I texted my Birth Photographer at 10:30Pm, to give her a heads up. Contractions were still only 7-10 minutes apart. </div>
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Dan went to bed around 11Pm. </div>
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As the night went on i sat with my knees on a pillow on the floor and rested my head on the couch. During each contraction i would pick up my legs to squat, as that was the most comfortable position. There were a few times that i would crawl up onto the couch and lay on my left side, but every time a contraction came i would regret it and go back to squatting. </div>
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At 2:45AM, Wednesday morning, i texted my Midwife. I told her the contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart, and were feeling pretty intense. She asked if i would like for her to come out, and i said yes. I went into the bedroom and woke up Dan. I needed him by my side. He sat on the coffee table and rubbed my back in between contractions. Every time a contraction would come, i would gently push his hands off of me. I couldn’t stand being touched. But i needed it when a break would come. He caught on quickly. I asked him for a wash cloth for my forehead and i had bites of a banana, and drank my water and Red Raspberry leaf tea throughout. </div>
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At 4am my Midwife, and her 2 lovely apprentices arrived. I texted my Birth Photographer to come. </div>
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They set up the supplies and made themselves comfortable on the other side of the room. It was dark, light music was playing in the background and my husband was working on getting the hose hooked up for the Birthing Pool. </div>
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My 2 previous Homebirths were land births, but i decided to have a pool set up this time to labor in if i wanted to. I couldn’t picture myself actually giving birth in the pool though. </div>
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It felt like it was taking forever to get the pool filled. I was so ready to get into the water and was hoping for a bit of relief. I was tired of leaning over the couch. </div>
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Just as i was taking off my dress to get into the pool i heard my Birth Photographer pull up to our house. It was 5:30am. </div>
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The water felt good, and warm and comforting and the pool itself was so soft. My midwife said that if my contractions slowed at all that it would be best to get back out. She went and sat back down. and with my thoughts anticipating hours left of labor i soaked up the comfort of the water. </div>
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My first contraction in the water came and i was surprised at the intensity of it and that my body was beginning to bear down. The water was pretty low, and i had to squat deeply for it to come above my hips. I had a 2nd contraction just like it. I told my Midwife that i felt “pushy”. While all 3 of them got up and came around the pool i had another big contraction and my water broke. </div>
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I was leaning forward over the pool and my Midwife asked what position i wanted to deliver in, so i turned around to a sitting position. </div>
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Between each contraction my mind swirled with thoughts.</div>
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I was conscious of how little light there was in the room. They had moved a small lamp near the pool, but i felt bad that there wasn’t much more light for the photographer. I thought of the windows that were all open, and how the commotion might be disturbing our neighbors. I thought of how i was lightly moaning and breathing heavily during these contractions, which was louder than my previous births. I thought of my Mom, and told my husband to let her know to come, as well as my Mother-in-Law. It was all happening so fast. I told Dan to go wake up our oldest, and he carried him out. My shy boy was overwhelmed with all that was going on, and went back into our bedroom. </div>
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I don’t remember how many more contractions i had, but with every one, my many thoughts would quickly disappear and i would fall into myself, and focus on breathing and pushing. I could feel the head crowning, and at that point my pushes became weaker, as i knew how much more pain was to come. My hand shook as i touched the top of my babies head for the first time. I pushed the head out and i let out a laugh of relief. It was almost over! I questioned my Midwife about how much time should go by, and asked if everything was alright. She assured me the baby was fine, and to wait until the next contraction. I tell you, it felt like an eternity. </div>
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The next one came and i pushed the body out and my Midwife immediately brought the baby up out of the water, and onto my chest. And oh, i cried! I will never forget how absolutely overwhelmed and full my heart felt at that moment. My baby was in my arms, it was warm and wet and finally in my arms. I consciously told myself to embrace all the emotions that came. It was 6:04am. </div>
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Then i blurted out, “Wait! What are you?” I lifted her away from me, and exclaimed, “It’s a girl!” and burst back into tears. I could hear the laughter and sniffling around me and i was so happy. </div>
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I delivered the placenta, my Mother-in-law ran in the door, Dan brought Isaiah out again, and then he cut the cord. While he went back to the bedroom to get Ezra, I started to breastfeed and she latched on wonderfully. Then he brought out Ezra. I’ll never forget the look on Ezra’s face when he saw her. He completely lit up. He was a big brother and i could see the love all over his face. We named her Miriam Grace.</div>
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After about a half hour i was ready to get out of the pool. I transferred her to Dan and my Midwife helped me out and to the bathroom. Then escorted me to the couch. I sat down and nursed her. She was weighed and measured next to me and then i latched her back on. I called my mom and told her the news. I cried at the realization that she had missed it. She had been there for my previous 2 Homebirths.</div>
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I chatted with my Midwife and by 7:30am everyone had said their goodbyes and we were able to cuddle alone on the couch as a family of 5. I took a photo and sent out a couple announcement texts. The sun had come up and the tiredness had hit me, so Dan helped Miriam and i to the bedroom and her and i fell fast asleep. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQctuhuwNiBkpmAw7e4honekh_JFJqtguG9Osfjcfi7m2AMA4CuHpQ_AAGzNHBYW0w_WaHuI3FFNYYDUNCTbWtIY01I62ov6-bTHAmpY1FKSZ2ddUmPeYDkuXxLsKFEAUgJ1fshKmiDISX/s1600/20150908_115511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQctuhuwNiBkpmAw7e4honekh_JFJqtguG9Osfjcfi7m2AMA4CuHpQ_AAGzNHBYW0w_WaHuI3FFNYYDUNCTbWtIY01I62ov6-bTHAmpY1FKSZ2ddUmPeYDkuXxLsKFEAUgJ1fshKmiDISX/s320/20150908_115511.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right before Hubby left for work. Can you see the disappointment on my face? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dress i labored in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3QrZmT3skQC0FEr-xDQl3rt0nMgPFeOL2hImwyE-iNqhY273aJ-sazXP71kTYaOCEIeyShSyM3-Ck92VzLPxiAQT3IfA3NU54Vt7LftT3JaaNEjEQMgCY8SgDHheph7h46hcWGu0e9hC/s1600/20150908_190800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3QrZmT3skQC0FEr-xDQl3rt0nMgPFeOL2hImwyE-iNqhY273aJ-sazXP71kTYaOCEIeyShSyM3-Ck92VzLPxiAQT3IfA3NU54Vt7LftT3JaaNEjEQMgCY8SgDHheph7h46hcWGu0e9hC/s320/20150908_190800.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying in bed before going out to the living room to labor.</td></tr>
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The following pictures were taken by my Birth Photographer, Sarah Pyper from Hello Darling</div>
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Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-36364434107177557172014-09-09T18:28:00.001-07:002014-10-30T10:34:02.687-07:00On-Call<div dir="ltr">
This summer I had the opportunity to be on-call to photograph for 4 births. All 4 babies are now earth side and each are healthy, thriving and very much loved. <br />
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This blog post is on my thoughts and feelings of what being on-call meant for myself and my family. <br />
But first, a little overview of how those births played out....<br /></div>
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The 1st was a planned Homebirth of dear friends of ours. She had experienced a difficult pregnancy and at 35 weeks went into the hospital due to contractions. She texted me that night around 3:00am to let me know what was going on. I told her I was there for her if she needed anything or still wanted me to photograph the birth for her. I definitely respected the fact that this was a difficult time for them and I gave them their space. Their sweet boy spent 10 days in the NICU, but is now home and healthy and so so stinkin cute! <br /></div>
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The 2nd birth I was on call for was for a friend who was having her 4th baby. Her babies have always come very early and she too went into labor at 35 weeks. Her labor was incredibly short and fast! It lasted only an hour. She notified me that she was in labor when her contractions were only 1 minute apart and they were heading for the hospital. She had the baby 20 minutes after they had arrived. There was no way I would have made it in time. Their baby boy spent 4 days in the NICU but is now at home, healthy and they are all doing well. <br /></div>
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The 3rd birth was for a couple who was planning a homebirth. Her labor was very long, spanning across 4 days. When she let me know that she was in labor I made my way over to their house. At that point her contractions were 5 minutes apart and not lasting very long. I stayed available to them throughout the next couple days. Her water broke around 1am and she progressed very quickly after that. At that point they did not contact me to come. Thankfully their Midwife was able to make it with only 20 minutes to spare! <br /></div>
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At this point in my new endeavor of birth photography I was feeling very defeated. Birth photography has been something I have been praying about for a very long time. This past Spring I felt very pulled towards making myself available to this opportunity and I felt much reassurance when each of the 4 women asked me to photograph their births. Not only reassurance but I felt overwhelmingly blessed to have been asked into such intimate moments of those growing families. Each stage of pregnancy, labor and birth all amaze me. I stand in awe of the way God has made a woman's body. I earnestly believe it is something to be captured and treasured. <br />
So when 3 of the 4 births had not played out how *I* had foreseen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and sadness of what I could have provided for each of those families. <br /></div>
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The 4th birth was for friends who were planning a homebirth for their 4th baby. She was anticipating to be overdue. Her due date came and went and she reached 42 weeks and 6 days. Around 12:30am she let me know that her water had broken and that her labor was slowly progressing. I made my way over to their house around 2:30am. They had a full house, I mean, 16 people in all! She was powerful and steadfast and let her body work. Her husband poured compassion and tenderness onto her like nobody's business. It was beautiful to capture. I did my best to stay out of the way, quiet and respectful. There were moments when I couldn't help but get choked up with emotion, but I continued to focus on what I was there for. It was an amazing experience to be a part of and to be able to capture those images for them to cherish was priceless.<br /></div>
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With all that being said, and my thankfulness poured out, I thought I would share what being on-call meant for me and my family. It was a challenge at times and it has left me with the utmost respect for those who live an on-call lifestyle. I know there are many careers that depend upon those who are willing to be on-call, but my first, personal thoughts go to Midwives and Doulas. They give up a lot for their clients and they have to be ready at a minutes notice, around the clock. </div>
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Being On-call:<br />
~ Always having my phone charged and volume on in order to hear any texts/calls received. (my cell is normally on silent)<br />
~ Never being away from my phone for too long. <br />
~ Having my camera battery charged and my camera bag ready.<br />
~ Having my childrens' cloth diaper bag ready to go.<br />
~ Having our only vehicle available. Which meant driving my husband to work at 5:30am every. single. morning. whew!<br />
~Having childcare available if my husband was at work. <br />
~ Being freshly showered.... what can i say, I'm a SAHM. ;-)<br />
~ Having a clean house/food in the fridge. The length of a labor is unpredictable. <br />
~ Not traveling too far out of town. <br />
~ Being willing to leave any current event....birthdays/holidays.<br />
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I'm sure there are more, but these are the lessons I have learned and come to appreciate in my newness of birth photography. I am so so grateful despite only having 1 birth work out so far.<br />
With every challenge there are lessons to be learned, and I love to learn, so bring it on. ;-)<br />
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Enjoy a few pictures from that last birth!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This particular moment was so moving to me. Children just love so well.</td></tr>
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Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-90702480326675032522014-05-22T09:45:00.001-07:002014-05-22T12:13:50.991-07:00Essential Oils! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Essential Oils.... let's just say that they have become essential in my life.</div>
I have been using Essential Oils for almost 5 years now and the more i have learned about them and tested them out, the more i appreciate the value of them in our family life.<br />
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In short, Essential oils are a highly concentrated pure oil. There are endless uses for them! From treating Migraines, the Flu, and infections....to cleaning your home, disinfecting the air, and simply scenting your living space.<br />
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I would love to talk to more friends about the benefits my family has received from essential oils and the power of healing i have felt through them. They have been life enhancing for me.<br />
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On top of that, i absolutely love love love when i hear of how others have been positively effected by essential oils. Especially those who don't believe in the healing power of them.<br />
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One of the first facts that drew me into trying them out was that the Bible refers to the use of Essential oils 188 times. It is so neat to know that i am using the same "medicine" that was used in the time of Jesus....on Jesus, by Jesus!<br />
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There are many different brands of Essential oils, some have a higher quality than others. Which is why i buy from Young Living. They sell only Pure, Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gXSsD14p8PsqONi7f7pWVDR2cnRiqfjCNMnFBrfI9aBm7W4srJPhRyLD3isRfM0uVFb2qsvX1ZbP2Mm2v1KKG3QjzoiuA2r88q8E1F09kK6pH_4H2z_ZX5RB9ePzRDYF-C_1H-xMEW_L/s1600/DSC_0015+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gXSsD14p8PsqONi7f7pWVDR2cnRiqfjCNMnFBrfI9aBm7W4srJPhRyLD3isRfM0uVFb2qsvX1ZbP2Mm2v1KKG3QjzoiuA2r88q8E1F09kK6pH_4H2z_ZX5RB9ePzRDYF-C_1H-xMEW_L/s1600/DSC_0015+(4).JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a>Here is an article of why Young Living is a great company:<br />
http://www.oilyjoy.com/young-living-vs-other-eos/<br />
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I use Essential oils every day, and throughout our day. I diffuse it using the diffuser shown in the picture to the right. For example, I will diffuse Joy in the morning, peace & calming during nap time and homeschool time. Purification or Thieves oil if someone is struggling with a sickness or if we have had guests in our home.<br />
I use Frankincense on scars, blemishes or healed cuts. I will use Lavender if we are dealing with anxiety or headaches. I rub Theives oil or Peace & calming on my kiddos feet at bedtime. I will use PanAway on tense or tight muscles. I will rub Valor on my feet before a chiropractic appointment. I will put Lemon, Theives or Purification in my cleaning supplies.<br />
These examples are just skimming the surface of how i use them, and how they can be used. Those are only a FEW of the Essential Oils that are available!<br />
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If you are interested in giving them a try, right now is the perfect time! You can buy the Young Living Starter Kit for only $80! That is an amazing price.<br />
You will be getting 11 oils, a diffuser, a roller applicator, samples, lots of information, and the gift of health! <br />
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(Do i sound a little excited about this?!)<br />
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If you have any questions about it, i would LOVE to hear from you and help you discover the benefits specifically for your life through using these oils.<br />
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Rememeber, you are getting everything pictured above, for only $80. This will only last until the end of the month. This is a great step in being proactive about your health and healing.<br />
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<br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-5618200607748328682013-12-20T21:52:00.003-08:002013-12-20T22:18:42.550-08:00Blessings And Struggles<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> We have been living in our new house for just over 2 months now. It was surprising to me how quickly we all adjusted. I feel as though i have barely even thought of our old house. Isaiah will mention it every once in a while; referring to an event that took place there, or the possibility of one of his toys being left there, when he cannot find what he is looking for. Nothing to heartbreaking....<br />We were able to spend quite a bit of time here before moving in, which in turn, made the entrance of all our possessions feel quite natural. Unpacking has also been very easy and quick. I still have some cupboards and closet spaces that i would like to rearrange or organize, but that will happen....when it happens.<br />I am loving the colors that we chose to paint the walls with, and they have been one of the most helpful tools in keeping this stay-at-home-mom from getting cabin fever. Our living area is so bright and cheery and spacious compared to our last house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /> I can't even begin to express how much of a blessing this house is, and will be to us, as a family. I love to have friends and family over, but never felt as comfortable doing that at our last house as i do here. The layout is much more open and we are even able to have our table fully extended with plenty of room all around. Dan and i are eager to live more in community with those around us, and to learn how to make people feel more "at home" in our house. We have been entering into some amazing relationships with people in our area (finally), and i look forward to having an "open door" to them. It feels so nice to be grounding ourselves here, in this community. We have lived in Belding for over 6 years now, and have had the hopes of leaving, but God has certainly changed our hearts on that matter!</span><br />
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<br />The most difficult part about this move has been our health. Oh man, has it been frustrating! I try incredibly hard, to do what i can, to keep my family healthy and nourished. I have spent much time researching, reading and acquiring information, on what it is that would best keep MY family in tip-top shape. So it has come as a big hammer on the head when we have spent the last 2 months fighting sickness. It has literally been one thing after another. Just when one of us is recovering from a cold, another gets the flu...etc..! We have experienced so many <i>different</i> types of sickness' in such a short period of time. Ezra seems to be getting the worst of everything, followed by me. I keep hearing that it is fairly normal to get sick after moving into a new house. It is a new environment and your body doesn't have the chance for a rest, like you would get when you return home to your own germs. Not to mention the time of year we are in. It makes sense to me, but doesn't make it any better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do blame myself for a lot of it though. During the move, we completely failed when it came to eating healthy meals. It was all quick and easy junk, amid our busy schedule. We spent many late nights prepping and painting as soon as Dan would get home from work. As anyone who has moved would know, its a tough job, i don't need to explain it. Something i know for next time, is that i will be most definitely making meals ahead of time that i can easily heat up in the oven or put in the crock-pot. Lovely hindsight.<br /><br />Another challenge, that i had to face last month, was my Dad having a heart attack. I experienced so many emotions that week, which were all very hard to process. Inwardly and outwardly i was a wreck. I spent quite a few days whipping tears away, and casting all my burdens upon HIM. The Sunday following his hospitalization we had communion at church. It was incredibly comforting, emotional and timely. I am so thankful for HIS Peace that surpasses my understanding and HIS mercy in sustaining life.<br />My Dad is doing well, if you are wondering, and adjusting to the changes he has experienced.<br /><br />Sorry that this post may seem a little all over the place.... i do have the excuse of having just recovered from the flu, myself. As well as the fact that i just typed this out with one hand, as i have a sick little guy sleeping on me at the moment.<br /><br />Until next time....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-44831629920062320052013-09-26T08:44:00.003-07:002013-09-26T08:46:11.698-07:00Beginnings of Homeschool!One of the exciting adventures we are embarking on, this Fall, is the beginnings of Homeschool!<br />
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Dan and i came to the easy agreement that we wanted to Homeschool our children. I feel as if i began the process of teaching Isaiah's little spongy brain the moment he was born. As for technicalities, now that he is 4, he has started Preschool like many of his other peers. So far the transition is unfolding very seamlessly for Isaiah.<br />
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A couple years ago i started becoming familiar with a group of Homeschool families in our area. Since then it has grown increasingly! This year we joined the Homeschool Cooperative that meets once a week for classes as well as the Soccer team. It is absolutely perfect for us.<br />
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There have been a lot of changes going on this past year for our family and i was unsure how Isaiah would handle yet another unknown. I did my best at explaining to him what to expect. <br />
We got him a backpack and he picked out a lunch box. He was ready to go! ..... but the first morning of, i realized...<b>i wasn't</b>. I was a complete bundle of nerves. I hadn't slept a wink, my heart was beating out of my chest and i felt sick to my stomach. I stopped to get gas on the way, as well as to pray and gather myself. I didn't want Isaiah to pick up on my anxiety, and i think i did a pretty good job at hiding it from him. I realized that my biggest fear was that <i>he</i> would feel the same ways that <i>i</i> did when i was his age. <br />
I want him to be confident, not hindered. <br />
Fearless, not afraid. <br />
Strong, not intimidated. <br />
Bold, not ashamed.<br />
To know that even if he is in a room full of strangers, that he has his friend, Jesus, by his side.<br />
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It was pouring rain that first morning. All my fears were washed away as we ran from our car into the school building. I stepped inside in complete peace!<br />
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All the families gathered in one room and we each took turns introducing ourselves. <br />
(Side note, Isaiah has come into the habit of putting his hand up by his face whenever he is feeling insecure or embarrassed, and so i expected to see that when it came to his turn for introduction.)<br />
Instead, he stood up, with his hands by his sides, clearly and loudly shared his name, age, and when asked about his favorite experience of summer, he said "Kipper the Cat". I was SO proud!<br />
Later, during recess, he was playing on the playground and some of the older boys were very rigorously jumping across the "moving bridge". This in turn was making the younger kids scared and hold on for their dear little lives. Isaiah gently and confidently spoke up to one of the older boys and said "Hey, can you stop doing that, your making them scared" (pointing at a boy) "Look at his face, your making him sad." The boy replied that it was <i>just</i> his brother. I then pipped up, "Well than if he is your brother you<i> really</i> need to stop and help him out."<br />
Isaiah is learning to "Love his neighbors as himself" and i wanted to shout "Way to go!" but....<br />
I have learned that one of the many roles of motherhood is trying to contain your external cheering section at times that it wouldn't be the most appropriate. Isaiah and i share a little "wink and thumbs up" combo system for those moments.<br />
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The best part of these weekly Homeschool gatherings is the pure joy all over Isaiah's face on our way home. He absolutely loves it and has had a blast so far. This week i was helping out in the nursery and was tending to Ezra. Isaiah went to class alone. Every time i would peek in on him, he just seemed so happy. Afterwards, when were getting ready to leave, one of the fellow moms said that Isaiah was the best listener in the whole class, and had done great.<br />
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To say that it is going well is an understatement. I am seeing him completely blossom and soak it all up. What an answer to my prayers. God is blessing him so much through this change and i absolutely love that i get to witness it all.<br />
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Here are a few pictures from his first day....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mouth full of Almonds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry, but i loved his little confident walk!</td></tr>
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<br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-71526739187773343772013-09-23T20:02:00.000-07:002013-09-23T20:10:59.381-07:00A Home Inside.The boys just crashed after a busy day and i have a few moments to myself. I have been dying to write in my blog the last couple weeks <strike>or months,</strike> but we, as a family, are coming off of a very busy Summer and headed into the Fall with a full schedule. Pretty much all of my hobbies have been put in the back seat since Ezra's birth.<br />
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Anyways, Speaking of putting things in our back seat... We Are Moving!<br />
I never thought the day would come, but in a few short weeks we will be saying goodbye to our first house of 6 years.<br />
So many emotions have been running through my heart as i have slowly packed up boxes of all. our. stuff.<br />
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This house held our first home.<br />
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My husband bought this fixer-upper 6 years ago this past July, and spent endless hours preparing it for his Bride. As a Wedding gift to me, he finished our bedroom first. Red, hard wood floors and candles...you get the picture. He wouldn't let me see it until we returned from our Honeymoon. Lets just say, I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
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We spent the first week back home....remodeling our kitchen. ;-)<br />
We spent the first year of our marriage learning how to be Husband and Wife in our house. (and failing over and over again).<br />
We spent the second year watching my belly grow as God was knitting our baby in my womb. Later that year I gave birth to Isaiah Paul in our living room.<br />
We spent the third year learning all about parenthood. The long nights, endless nursing sessions, exhausted bickering, and indescribable joy filled our house.<br />
We spent the fourth year celebrating yet another child entering our house. I also gave birth to Ezra Jude in our living room.<br />
We spent the fifth year learning to parent 2 boys. Practicing patience. Watching our oldest grow and our youngest fit in.<br />
We spent our sixth year full of endless questions, exciting changes, lessons learned.<br />
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It has been a full 6 years for us.... full of love, joy, heartache, anxiety, peace, forgiveness, messiness, hard work, confusion, laughter, disappointment, impatience.....oh, i could go on forever.<br />
Simply put, these walls have been a house for us. They have not been a home. Our home lies within 4 beating hearts that are all intimately intertwined by the grace of God.<br />
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I am in love with our home, and i am taking it with us. Which is why i know i wont find it very hard to say goodbye to our house.<br />
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<br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-41593313965562996572012-11-18T13:00:00.000-08:002012-11-18T15:17:22.550-08:00Ezra Judes Home Birth<b>Wednesday:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't know if it had been the emotions that i had been experiencing all day or the fact that i had just had some "Special" time with my husband, but at exactly 10:30pm i had my first contraction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the dim light of a candle i laid in bed watching the clock on my phone for almost 2 hours in a suppressed excitement. I was ending my 8th day of being "overdue" and didn't want to get my hopes up in case the contractions stopped. Thankfully they didn't... but little did i know they would continue for the next 36 hours. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I decided i would go downstairs since i was certain that this was going to be a faster labor than my first (30hrs). I had plenty of things to keep me occupied and out of bed. I wanted every contraction to count and so standing upward and walking around was my main prerogative. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Around 12:30am i gave in and texted my mom who called me right away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Afterward i called my Midwife to just let her know that i was having contractions. She said to call her back whenever i wanted her to come out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At 2:30am i snuck up to our bedroom and gently woke Dan up to let him know that i was having contractions and that my mom was on her way over. I told him to go back to sleep though, because he would need his rest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My mom came over around 3am and slept on our lounge chair while i tried to rest on our couch. </span><br />
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<b>Thursday:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dan and Isaiah groggily came downstairs around 8am. Isaiah and i curled up together while he ate a banana and Dan recorded me telling him that we were going to meet the baby soon. It was a sweet morning, so relaxed. We took our last couple pictures of just the 3 of us. We ate breakfast and hung around the house just waiting for my contractions to continue to pick up. As i hadn't gotten much sleep the night before my mom thought it best if they leave me alone to sleep for a while. They went on a long 2 hour hike and stopped at the store and i was able to curl up on the couch and finally sleep. It felt so good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After they got back home i got up and realized that i probably should have gone on the walk with them. My contractions had slowed WAY down, and weren't hardly uncomfortable at all. I was pretty bummed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thankfully my best friend Mandy was on her way over to keep me company for a while before she had to head out of town. It was a pleasant break from my frustration and it was nice to have her there with me. We decided that her, Isaiah and i would take a small walk down to the river near our house since i was in need of some exercise. I had a couple contractions while we were walking, but nothing very strong. When we got back home she asked if she could give me a foot massage. Since i had recently gotten a pedicure i agreed. haha! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is where things seemed to change for the better for me. I noticed halfway thru her massage that my contractions were getting much stronger. Nothing to make me uncomfortable in my sitting position, but finally picking up. I kept my excitement to myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After we said our sad goodbyes we all hung around the house a bit more and waited for my Father-in-law to arrive. He was over for about an hour and after he left we sat down to eat dinner. I gave Isaiah a bath and he watched in amusement while i danced around the bathroom during my contractions, i was SO ready to get things moving faster. Afterward he and i went upstairs to snuggle. After laying there for a couple minutes i knew i wouldn't last long. During each contraction i kept awkwardly standing up out of bed while Isaiah was trying to fall asleep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I HAVE to be moving during my contractions. It helps me so much to rock my hips side to side, or front to back, or to squat. I prefer not to lay still. I gave up trying to lay there with Isaiah and asked Dan to take over. I layed down on the couch while my mom crocheted and Dan eventually came downstairs as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was pretty tired at this point and just wanted a little bit of sleep. Every time a contraction came i would change from laying down on the couch to leaning my elbows on the arm rest so that i was in an upright position. </span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Friday:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After a while of that frustrating "back and forth game" i asked Dan to call his Mom and let her know she could come over. It was about 12:30am and i decided i should update my Midwife Sara as well. She said that her and her apprentice, Jodi would make their way out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I asked Dan to lay on the lounge chair so that i could at least have his hand available. Its amazing how the hand of a husband can lend so much support to a laboring women even if he is completely asleep. I was so thankful to have him there with me. During this time i did the majority of my squatting as it felt the most comfortable (Gravity is your best friend during labor!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My Mother-in-law, Julie, arrived who was shortly followed by my Midwife. I was so happy to see Sara and Jodi as it was another reminder that i was making my way through this long labor. They brought a few things in, Jodi listened to the babies heartbeat and then they sat on the floor on the other side of the room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reflecting back on this part of my labor i just have to smile. It was perfect, and just how labor should be: Peaceful. The lights were all out, my mom and and Julie were asleep in the living room, Dan was asleep and Sara and Jodi were crocheting. We were all just patiently waiting. No interruptions, no checking, no monitors beeping, no uncomfortable gowns..... just me, just us, simply in our own home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sara said that they were going to go drive around to find some coffee and to let her know if anything happens. After they left i decided to walk around the house. I couldn't help but notice the full moon that was SO bright. There was something about it that gave me a sense of peace every time i walked past the back door and saw it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I asked Dan to wake up and try to massage my lower back during the contractions as i was beginning to have a lot of back labor. I had been squatting most of the night and resumed that position. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Around 6:30am my mom and Julie started to get up and at 7am i heard the pitter-patter of Isaiah's little feet upstairs. By 8am i was beginning to wonder if my Midwife had found coffee in our small little town and sure enough, when i texted her, she said that they had just been sitting outside in her car. I told her that i was beginning to feel a little pushy and she asked if i wanted her to come inside. She was incredibly respectful of my own ability to think for myself.... no commands, no suggestions, no interruptions to check how many centimeters i was dilated, only praise for how well i was doing. <br />Isaiah made his way over to me and gave me his usual morning snuggles. Then he spent the rest of the morning playing quietly with Grandma Julie. <br />My Midwife, Sara, came in and Jodi listened to the babies heartbeat. They made themselves comfortable on the couches and were crocheting again. I loved it. When i asked my Midwife if i should change anything i was doing she said that i was doing great, and should do whatever my body feels most comfortable doing. She said that she was having a hard time gauging where i was at because i was so quiet. The following day she told me that she had only 1 other client that was as quiet as i was during my labor. I am a silent laborer, that is how i stay calm and relaxed. I focus a lot on my breathing so that i don't get carried away with the pain.<br />Around 9:15am Isaiah joined me again and helped daddy rub my back during a few contractions and helped me drink some water. He is such a lover, his daddy has taught him well. <br />Jodi listened to the heartbeat again as i think we could all tell, at least i could, that i was nearing the end. I never kept track of how long i was in labor, it just didn't enter my mind. I do remember wondering if it would ever be over though. <br />I felt like i needed to go pee, so Dan and i went into the bathroom together. I had a strong contraction and then made my way over to the toilet. Almost as soon as i was sitting down i had another strong contraction and my water broke. It was so powerful that i let out a big moan and i honestly thought that the babies head had come out! Dan and i looked at each other and then very slowly the bathroom door opened and Sara asked if i was doing ok. She asked if i wanted to stay there or move back into the living room and so Dan and Sara helped me waddle to the couch where i sat down. I don't remember this, but Jodi said that when i sat down that i told them it was time for me to push. Between the time my water broke and our babies entrance into the world was 15 minutes. It all happened so fast after such a long labor. Feeling the intensity of pushing out your baby is something i cannot explain. I could feel every little movement forward and every little regression as well. Its incredibly painful....and yet.... its not. I was the 1st to feel the top of his head and it was an amazing feeling knowing that i was so close to holding our blessing in my arms. Sara handed me a few cloths with Arnica oil on them to help in the process of not tearing. (Which i am happy to say was successful). First his head came out, with his little hand tucked up by his chin, which he slipped back inside. My mom and husband called for Julie and Isaiah to come downstairs. As they came racing down the stairs i had another contraction and i pushed the rest of his body out. The cord was draped across his chest and as Sara helped me pull him towards me she moved it out of the way. I felt so relieved that after such a long labor he was finally in my arms AND so shocked that my baby was a 'HE'! I was more than certain that we were going to have a girl. My confidence led me to purchasing a few girl outfits just in case ;-) I also had the reassurance of many others telling me the same thing. Never the less, i was thrilled to have another boy on our hands! We had the name Ezra picked out, but hadn't completely decided on a middle name.... Ezra Jude seemed like the perfect fit for him. A healthy 7lbs 3oz. and 21inches long. It took me a while to take it all in....in fact it took a couple days to really process the whole event in my mind. It was such an incredibly empowering experience and i am so thankful that i had such loving people around me. When you know you are loved and being compassionately cared for it makes it that much easier to love another in return. </span><br />
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<i>Dan, you are the best partner i could ever ask for. You are so sweet,
so tender, and yet know exactly how to make me laugh when i need it
most. Its overwhelming to share these brown eyed boys with you.</i><br />
<i>I
can't express enough how blessed i am to have been able to share those
priceless moments with Isaiah and both of his Grandmas. It was all the
more beautiful to have each of you there with me. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Thank
you Sara and Jodi for expressing to me the meaning of Midwifery.
Compassion never left your eyes and yet you both gave me the space to
draw strength and confidence from within and the One who made me. You
truly know what it means to respect a women in labor and i will be
forever thankful to you for it. You are both amazing! </i></div>
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<br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-7611956783135761842012-07-19T23:21:00.000-07:002012-07-19T23:29:47.457-07:00To my 3 year old.What a beautiful morning it was the day that you were born. Peaceful, happy and exciting. You brought tears of joy to your daddy and i the moment we first saw you. Thinking about those first moments still brings tears of joy to my face. There are few people in this world that i am In Love With, and you, my Isaiah Paul, are one of them. <br />
If i could give you one word that embodies your character it would be 'passion'. <br />
You play with a passion. <br />
You run with a passion.<br />
You dance and sing with a passion. <br />
You talk with a passion. <br />
You hug and kiss with passion. <br />
You love with a passion. <br />
Your an "all or nothing" kind of boy. <br />
People remark a lot on how you always seem to never be without a smile, and although you are not perfect, you certainly radiate happiness. Even if i am having a horrible and impatient day, you somehow remain steadfast. <br />
I love that you wear your heart on your sleeve but yet show much self control when i know it is in you to be impulsive. You are a leader, but you know when to follow. You are independent yet still rely so comfortably on me. You are a listener and you take the time to think about what others are saying. You are so aware of the world around you. You are unique and it saddens me when others don't see you as i do. <br />
<br />
This past year has been full of changes and excitement: <br />
You pretty much taught yourself how to go diaper free right after you turned 2 which left me a very happy mama. <br />
<br />
You learned how to become a big brother. It all started with helping our Midwife check the babies heartbeat while it was growing inside my tummy and helping me through my labor. You were there with us when we welcomed baby Ezra into our home and right away you assigned him is very own car. <br />
You learned how to share a mommy and daddy that was all your own with a new baby and have done an amazing job so far. You are so sweet with Ezra that it absolutely melts my heart. I love to spy on you when your in the room alone with him and he begins to whimper. You get real close and say in a soft high pitched voice "Its okay Ezwa, don't cry Ezwa. Be happy, don't worry." You are so patient. I love seeing the endearment on your face when you are talking to Ezra. You are such a good big brother. <br />
<br />
You are in LOVE with Cars. You are Obsessed with cars!! You play with cars every day, all day long. You love watching anything having to do with cars. You bring the cars to the potty, in the car, to the store, on our walks.... you sleep with cars. You talk about cars, fast cars, big cars, little cars. You will be in the middle of a sentence and see a car and exclaim, "Fast Car!" I have no idea what your going to be when you grow up, but i wont be one bit surprised if it has to do with cars. <br />
<br />
You are learning about God. Its amazing to hear you talk to God and ask me if we can pray. Your still trying to figure Him out and have asked where He is, but you still continue to talk to Him. I can't wait for the day that you realize all that He has done for You! <br />
<br />
You are 3.... 2 is gone. Although i fight the urge to ball my eyes out every single time i think about it, and although i know my heart is going to break with every birthday that comes and goes it will also be filled with so much of your contagious joy, because i am incredibly blessed to be your mother. <br /><br />I love you Isaiah Paul.... "So Much".<br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-65604453427748540792012-06-28T13:38:00.001-07:002012-06-28T13:38:14.902-07:00FMGMy friend Katie asked me if i would like to go to the Fredrick Meijer Gardens with her and her 2 boys. They have a membership and free guest pass. She generously drove out to Belding to pick us up. I always appreciate it SO much when people drive all the way out to us, especially to pick us up just to go in the opposite direction!<br />
<br />
Anyways, we had so much fun with them. Playdates really benefit Isaiah and i'm always feeling guilty about not getting him out of the house more to play with other children his age. Its hard with only one car and living 30 minutes to an hour away from all our friends. <br />
Her boys are going to be 2 and 4 very soon, so Isaiah is right in the middle of them. <br />It was a relaxing morning with them and Katie and i were able to chat and follow them around. <br />Dan and i are considering getting a membership, because its just a great place for families year round. <br />
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Enjoy the Pictures!</div>
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<br />Thanks for reading!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-47773081781353194642012-06-21T09:45:00.000-07:002012-06-21T10:15:40.734-07:00Summer GoalsOn Tuesday around 5pm i decided to take a drive out to the beach with my 2 boys. It was a hot day, high 90's and after working for my mom all weekend i felt like getting out and doing something fun. <br />
Isaiah was already in his swimsuit and i had a few diapers and my Moby Wrap, pretty much all we need to have a fun filled evening. <br />
I stopped to grab a bite of food for the road and Isaiah slept on the car ride there. He woke up as soon as we were turning the bend that opens up to the great view of the lake. He was thrilled! <br />
We had so much fun splashing in the waves and kicking sand at each others legs. He ran around in circles for what seemed like forever. Since it was a spur of the moment decision to go out there i didn't have a camera with me, or even my phone. Bummer. <br />
This is the 2nd time we have been out there this summer which makes me SO happy! I love the summer, warm weather and sunny skies, its just the best in my opinion! It got me to thinking about my summer goals.....<br />
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~ Have a smashing fun 3rd Birthday party for Isaiah! (in the works)<br />
~ Go on a childless date with my Husband<br />
~ Go to the beach at least 5 times<br />
~ Go Blueberry picking (i went last summer and i'm pretty sure Isaiah ate just as many as i picked, that was fun the following day LOL)<br />
~ Go Strawberry picking<br />
~ Have a garage sale (already in the works)<br />~ complete 3 different crafts<br />
~ Go to the Zoo<br />
~ Go to Fredrick Meijer Gardens<br />
~ Go on a road trip<br />
~ Run a 5K .... possibly 2. <br />
~ Blog about all of the above! <br />
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Hopefully i can accomplish most of those. Its going to be a busy summer as it is another summer of weddings for us! I am so, so excited. I just love watching the ones i love most get married. What a happy time of life! <br />
Dan was in a wedding last month. My sister is getting married on July 4th. Dan is the Best Man in our friend Toms wedding in August. My childhood friend, Michelle, is getting married at the end of August as well. Her twin sister, Erika, is also getting married 3 weeks later. I am a Bridesmaid in both of their weddings. I feel so honored! I am so excited to celebrate with all of them! <br />
whew!<br />
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At the end of summer i will come back and see if i've accomplished all my goals. Writing them down usually keeps me a bit more accountable. If you are at all interested in joining me while i do any of those activities feel free! The more the merrier! <br />
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Thanks for reading! :-)Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-62494267985822874882012-06-12T19:30:00.000-07:002012-06-12T19:30:09.003-07:00The Difference.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can you tell who is who?Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-52561989807768558172012-05-16T15:25:00.001-07:002012-05-16T17:08:16.910-07:00My Hands are Full, and so is My Heart.I can't believe Ezra is going to be 6 weeks this Friday! That beautiful morning feels like forever ago, and at the same time like it was yesterday. <br />
He is already starting to grow out of his Newborn clothes and cloth diapers at a whopping 9.5lbs! <br />
<br />
God has blessed me with him and already been challenging my patience with him. <i>So far</i> i feel like i have remained strong in parenting 2 little ones. It seems the question everyone is asking me these days is: "Is he sleeping through the night yet?" I always giggle inside, because in my mind i don't expect a newborn to sleep through the night. I know people are always just concerned that the mother is getting enough sleep herself.... but that too makes me giggle. Motherhood = sleep deprived. Amazingly enough, Ezra has been sleeping like a champ! From his first night on he hasn't woken up more than 1 or 2 times during the night. He even sleeps in for me. I had prepared myself for at least a year of sleeplessness. Mr. Big Brother was not easy when it came to sleep. Around 1 1/2 he naturally began to sleep thru the night on his own. I was so grateful. Co-sleeping has worked wonders for our family and has proven itself to me again with Ezra. <br />
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During the <b>day</b> is another story. <br />
I am still trying to figure out if Ezra is colicky or just a very high-need infant. <br />
The first 2 to 3 weeks were absolutely bliss and i was under the illusion that i had a miracle baby. He Never cried.... not even when he was hungry, needed a diaper change, or tired. He just never cried. I almost worried about him at some points. <br />
BUT then it was almost as if he woke up one morning and decided that he would rather just cry all day long. He literally does cry all day. If he is not sleeping or in my Moby wrap then he is crying. That is both an understatement and an overstatement. He does have his few moments of contentment and smiles, but otherwise he is overall pretty cranky in my opinion. <br />
My mom suggested that i take him to my chiropractor. She said it worked wonders for one of her colicky babies. I think i'll give it a try.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty particular about my home. There have been very few times in the past couple years that my home has gotten out of hand. Neat freakish-ness runs in my family... and i will blame it on them. It is more of a burden than anything.... so don't wish it upon yourself.<br />
On that note: It has been very hard to get anything done when i am carrying Ezra all day. I really can't put him down, both because <i>I </i>don't want to and <i>he</i> doesn't want me to. Carrying him in my Moby wrap is the only way i can get around, and even that has its limits. I mean, i can't bring it in the shower with me. :-)<br />
My husband is an amazing Daddy and tries to help me out..... but the only thing that is worse than holding my crying baby, is watching while someone else is holding my crying baby. Dan has mostly taken Isaiah duty these days. I am amazed at the relentlessness that he has when he gets home from work. Isaiah greets him at the door and after he has changed and washed his hands he plays with Isaiah until bedtime. I do have to say that i miss Isaiah though. I noticed an ache in my heart soon after Ezra was born and i realized it was because i could no longer focus my everything on my one and only. I knew it was coming, and that i would have to balance my time between the 2, but i wasn't prepared for the <i>feeling</i> that came along with it. <br />
<br />
As far as tiredness and energy goes i feel great. The days following Ezra's birth didn't feel any different to me. I didn't even feel like i had birthed a baby. I was barely tired and even went outside the next day. When my midwife came for a visit the following day she was surprised that i was even up and walking around. I thought that i would be sore from squatting and 36 hours of contractions, but wasn't. It was so nice and i blame it all on a little secret of mine. AND if you are really curious as to what that is.... then you can shoot me a message on Facebook, or email me. :-)<br />
<br />
So that's it, that's us and that is my life as of right now. <br />
As far as my birth story goes, i am still working on it.... actually i haven't even started. That is certainly one of the hardest things to write for me. It is so personal, intimate, monumental, and endearing to me. I will write it though, and it will be sooner than later! <br />
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Thanks for reading! <br />
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<br />Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-74128994277676245302012-03-21T10:14:00.000-07:002012-03-21T10:14:22.916-07:00Anticipation! (9 days "late')<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This has definitely been 9 days of anticipation! I love being pregnant, BUT i am so ready to meet our little one! Every time i feel it moving around, which is quite often, i just long to be holding it in my arms. I want to meet this beautiful creation that God has made inside of me! <br />
<br />
I talked with my Midwife yesterday and she reassured me that i am doing fine. Originally my calculated due date was March 27th. I have always measured farther along though and my due date was calculated for the 12th. Although i measured at 40 weeks at my last visit with my Midwife i still have a lot of leeway with my due date. So being 9 days over really is of no concern. I am almost positive though that if i was having my baby at the hospital and had a doctor that they would be pushing me to induce....grrr! Thank goodness for Homebirth! (thank goodness for hospitals, when Needed) <br />
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I am feeling really good except for my feet. The soles of my feet are starting to get really tired from carrying so much weight.... and improper footwear which i blame on this warm weather. I have been going on walks every day since my due date. Sometimes a couple times a day. My midwife also suggested that i eat Eggplant to possibly get things going. We had Eggplant Parmesan last night for dinner and last night around 3:30am i am almost positive that i woke up to a contraction. I went to the bathroom and went back to bed and felt nothing else. Last week the same thing happened the night after i wrote my pregnancy update. I felt a couple contractions throughout the night, but they were gone by morning. Maybe i'm just dreaming..... <br />
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I think the pressure from everyone was really starting to get to me this past weekend and i felt myself getting pretty emotional. I spent Monday and Tuesday at my moms which i am so thankful for. It really helped to get my mind off of everything and just relax with Isaiah and enjoy the beautiful weather with my nieces and nephews. I think i would be going crazy if it wasn't for this weather!! <br />
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So maybe THIS will be my last pregnancy update!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedcf5eq_3qrir516h5x5IpjWhlPYYbkggVK4BscTI8cJWjRRcWaU1t3qtA2yXnAd7NThiyAV-PLbP85Pt7E1bIJoUBukys65uo3ZqOAFmnKW_aMoIMfyVZfD2n_sG9bZDCRhoLbUgiU9o/s1600/Photo+on+2012-03-14+at+14.19+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedcf5eq_3qrir516h5x5IpjWhlPYYbkggVK4BscTI8cJWjRRcWaU1t3qtA2yXnAd7NThiyAV-PLbP85Pt7E1bIJoUBukys65uo3ZqOAFmnKW_aMoIMfyVZfD2n_sG9bZDCRhoLbUgiU9o/s400/Photo+on+2012-03-14+at+14.19+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-22633373158950657672012-03-13T20:20:00.002-07:002012-03-13T20:22:45.612-07:00Last Pregnancy update....maybe.As of the 12th (yesterday), i am now 40 weeks pregnant. I cannot believe that i have been pregnant for the last 9 months. On one hand it feels like forever and in another light it has gone by so fast.<br />
I had a Midwife visit yesterday and it was great. They all have been great, but it was so exciting knowing that it could be my last visit. At my previous visit the baby was in a bit of an awkward position that would have led to a lot of back labor, which is no fun. This time (yesterday) within seconds of me lifting up my shirt for my Midwife to check the baby she exclaimed "Wow, <strike>she's</strike> moved!". I loved it! I love how in tune and connected Midwives become to their clients and babies. It really is amazing to watch. <br />
The babies head is engaged and in a great position to be born. I measured exactly 40 weeks and everything looks great. It left me feeling so at ease and ready to meet my new little one.....boy or girl :-)<br />
My mom and i went out to get a Mani/Pedi, which was her Birthday gift to me. My midwife told me that she just had 2 clients who had both gone into labor right after getting a Pedicure, so i thought it might be a good night to finally go out and do it.... obviously it didn't work, but i do have pretty toes and nails just in time for some amazing weather! Today Isaiah and i spent most of the day outside. We played in the yard and then went for a long walk down to the park and back. I've definitely had a lot of Braxton-Hicks, especially when i am doing something active..... but nothing more, and that is okay with me. I am a firm believer in letting the baby come on its own when it is good and ready. <br />
I have been replaying Isaiah's Birth in my head over and over and i have been so curious as to how this next birth will play out differently. Last time it was so intimate.... just me, my husband, my Midwife and my mom. This time Isaiah, my Mother in law, my friend Mandy, and Doula Jodi will also be here with us..... 8 people in our tiny house. I know that it will still be very intimate, just in a different way. <br />
I am so excited to watch how Isaiah reacts to everything. He may be a little confused with all the people at our house at once, but i think he really will understand what is going on. He seems to get that the baby is coming out of my belly soon and that we will get to hold it and take care of it as a family. <br />
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So instead of listening to my body and putting myself to bed i am up typing this and thinking about the 2 baskets of clothes standing a couple feet in front of me that need to be folded.....the dust that i saw earlier on the bookshelf upstairs.... the car seat that needs to be put in the car.... oh i could go on. <br />
That is definitely one thing that is an adjustment with having a Homebirth verses a hospital birth. Normally most visitors will come see you at the hospital before you are discharged to go home. With a Homebirth people are coming to your home to see you and the baby and if your a neat freak like me than it is definitely something you have to choose to relax about. Most people don't really know how to react to a Homebirth... its really quit simple. You come to see the baby and the family. You offer your warm regards. Then you happily go on your way and let the mother and family get some rest. Just like you would if they were at the hospital. :-) <br />
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I think it is time for me to say goodnight, and hopefully next time i post it will be about our second Birth story!Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-38147916765132272212012-02-22T13:05:00.003-08:002014-07-28T04:40:35.371-07:00Circumcision.... my thoughts.One thing that has weighed heavily on my mind throughout this 2nd pregnancy is circumcision. With Isaiah, our first, we chose to have him circumcised. It was something that I was very hesitant to do, but was convinced otherwise. After a very peaceful Homebirth we met with a family doctor and went through <a href="http://marsalesefamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/snip-snip.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> very traumatizing experience. I know there will be a day that I will have to apologize to Isaiah for what I allowed to happen to him. <br />
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Thinking back on that experience, I still get very worked up about it. It is something that i DO NOT want to have to make the choice for any more of my future son(s)! If they choose to have it done themselves then that is fine, and their choice, not mine. <br />
Even though I am the parent, I still do not feel like I have the right to permanently remove a part of my sons body that contains over 20,000 sexually receptive nerve endings. It is the most sexually sensitive part of the penis. It is an absolutely un-needed procedure that is done across America for reasons such as "looking like dad" or "looking like the other boys in the locker room so he doesn't get teased". I'm sorry but that is such a Hitler argument, if you know what I mean. Lets say my daughter has very small breasts and she gets teased about it in highschool... does that mean I take her out to get breast implants so that she can look like everyone else. Lets say that my husband goes bald or blind at some point.... does that mean my sons must shave their heads and gouge out their eyes to be like their father??!<br />
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I remember, after the first part of Isaiah's circumcision we went to a wedding a day or 2 later. He was only 3 weeks old at that point. I took him out to the car to change his diaper and was shocked to see that he had bled through his not only his gauze, but also his diaper, onesie AND pants! At least <a href="http://www.examiner.com/family-health-in-washington-dc/new-study-estimates-neonatal-circumcision-death-rate-higher-than-suffocation-and-auto-accidents" target="_blank">117 baby boys</a> die from complications of circumcision each year.... that is more than SIDS and Auto accidents combined for males alone.<br />
My son <i>could</i> have been one of them.... <br />
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Most people, that know me, know that I am pretty crunchy when it comes to health. We don't Vaccinate, we don't use antibiotics, we cloth diaper, breastfeed, Homebirth, eat as Organic/Raw/sugarless as possible. We use only natural or organic body products and cleaning supplies, etc. etc. etc.<br />
When Isaiah had his circumcision in the hospital he received an IV, antibiotics, anesthesia, Morphine, a catheter, sugar water... etc. I am not even going to get into what kind of effects that had on his body. <br />
<br />Now I am sure you are wondering about some cold hard facts surrounding circumcision. Could it really be that bad?<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgoTRMKrJo4" target="_blank">THIS</a> is a clip of Marilyn Milos, R.N., executive director and founder of NOCIRC, discusses normal sexual function of the penis and foreskin and its loss due to circumcision.<br />
<a href="http://www.moralogous.com/2012/02/20/its-so-much-worse-for-an-adult/" target="_blank">THIS</a> is an article on why it is worse for an infant verses an adult male to go through circumcision. <br />
A very informative <a href="http://vimeo.com/m/26130057" target="_blank">VIDEO</a> given by a research professional. <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/7wIew1NFQSE" target="_blank">HERE</a> is a more humorous video on why not to circumcise. <br />
If your still not convinced <a href="http://youtu.be/bXVFFI76ff0" target="_blank">WATCH</a> the actual procedure of a circumcised infant. I can't. <br />
Also, check out www.thewholenetwork.org<br /><br />
Maybe you have another argument....<br />
Yes, Jesus, Himself, was circumcised but He paid the price for us as Christians and we no longer have to live by the Jewish covenant law. <br />
<i>Gal. 3:13 ~ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.</i><br />
<i>Gal. 5:6 ~ For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. </i><br />
<i>1 Cor. 7:19 ~ Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping Gods commands is what counts. </i><br />
<i>Acts 15:28, 29 ~ It seemed good to the <b>Holy Spirit </b>and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. </i><br />
<i>Romans 2:29 ~ A man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the HEART, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. </i><br />
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So those are my thoughts and beliefs on the subject, and i feel much better getting it out. Thanks for taking the time to read about my heart and life. I am by no means trying to be controversial, but am simply sharing something that I feel very passionate about. Like every parent, I am trying to do my best in raising my children, and this is me doing my best.<br /><br />"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."<br />-Maya AnglouCherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-73948206204377217962012-01-24T18:58:00.000-08:002012-01-24T18:58:17.395-08:00A Rough Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Today was strange to say the least. <br />
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Isaiah is normally a very responsive child when it comes to correction or discipline. If he is doing something that i don't approve of i will ask him to come to me and look me in the eyes. I then tell him what he did, why i don't want him to continue and to please stop. If he did something wrong towards myself or someone else i will ask him to apologize. If he is just doing something that i would rather him not do, i will ask him to say "okay, mama". I very rarely have to ask him him twice and he has always seemed very content with my correction. <br />
Today i parented a very different child. I don't know what got into him or why he was being so stubborn, but it seemed like he didn't want to listen to me at all. I didn't give in and let him carry on or continue with a negative attitude.... because i just don't ever want him to see that i am going to give up when it comes to fighting for his heart. I ended some of our "battles" in prayer because i had no idea what else to do. <br />
I was SO ready for 6 o'clock to come around so that i could put him to bed and i don't usually feel that way, especially on a night that i know my husband will be getting home quite late. It was a struggle to get Isaiah to settle down for bed, but finally we read some books together and he was content. Then somehow he got all worked up again over something... i honestly don't know what and he decided he didn't want to share the pillows with me. Finally i just laid down and he swung backwards and the back of his head collided with my nose. That's when i burst into tears......<br />
I didn't even know what was happening. It honestly took me a second to realize that i was balling my eyes out in front of my son. I sat up and just held my head in my hands as the tears seemed to endlessly flow. I glanced up and saw that Isaiah was sitting there in the dark watching his Mama as he had never seen her before. I felt absolutely horrible, but at the same time i couldn't stop. It was an entire day of worry, confusion and question all coming out at once. <br />
Finally, Isaiah.... my sweet Isaiah, put his head into my shoulder as if he wanted to cry too. Then we both laid down and he wrapped his little arms around my neck so tightly and it was silent for a while. Then he put his head up and looked at my face and asked "Are you sad?".... <br />
"Yes, yes i am sad." I gave him a kiss and told him i loved him. <br />
Then he fell asleep. <br />
<br />
I laid there for a while feeling awful about the day, and how it had ended. I was searching for an excuse for Isaiah's actions so that i could continue to give myself a pat on the back for being a good parent. I try to always stay patient and gentle with Isaiah. I never yell at him or disrespect him. But ya know what?? I am not perfect either. I could try to do all that i can to be an example to Isaiah but he is not in my hands. His heart, and his mind are not in my hands. Even tonight when i was crying out for his heart, i was not alone. There is someone so much greater than I that is constantly fighting for his soul. Yes, Isaiah behaves. Yes, he is sweet. Yes, he is happy.....But no, he does not always behave. He is not always sweet, and he is not always happy. Why? Because he is human and a sinner just like me, and just like you. It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch my own child make mistakes and choose to be obstinate. It leaves me feeling helpless and like i am a horrible parent but....it doesn't matter if i am known as a good parent, i would rather God be known as a great God.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUqdwFvo5Ery4c3wYZrtcg5T5YRf09wCeTNLBXiBowrzMd39AHPB5xOKl53Mjgz9f-C7Bklkj8R1YDPg743pWG6OBcU8uyjeDnijSfvMHk4zhOnwq64a2yjPJ7SyTNO-I8vW7wn7yJ4ud/s1600/Photo+on+2012-01-04+at+12.29+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUqdwFvo5Ery4c3wYZrtcg5T5YRf09wCeTNLBXiBowrzMd39AHPB5xOKl53Mjgz9f-C7Bklkj8R1YDPg743pWG6OBcU8uyjeDnijSfvMHk4zhOnwq64a2yjPJ7SyTNO-I8vW7wn7yJ4ud/s320/Photo+on+2012-01-04+at+12.29+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-76203644051707329412012-01-04T11:41:00.000-08:002012-01-04T17:46:46.459-08:00Waiting on a Desire.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The 2 years before we got pregnant with our 2nd baby wasn't all joy and happiness. I don't cry very often, i have always been more of a suppressor when it came to letting my tears flow. There was an evening about a year and a half ago that i found myself bearing it all to my mom and good friend, Jerika. I remember people asking me very quickly after Isaiah's birth if we wanted more kids, when we were going to have more (etc. ) and it seemed to be a constant question up until we <i>did</i> get pregnant. <br />
<br />
Growing up my desire was always to be a Mom someday and a stay at home mom at that. I didn't know when that would be, and when Dan and i got married we intended to wait at least a couple years. Like almost all things in life, they don't go as planned, and God blessed us with an amazing son at <b>His</b> choice of perfect timing. We hadn't done much to prevent having a baby, and so a part of me was a little bit surprised that it had taken a year, but didn't think much of it at the time. I was too Thrilled that we were going to be parents for the first time! <br />
After Isaiah's birth i knew i wanted to do it all over again, and wouldn't have minded a bit if i had gotten pregnant right away. In fact i wanted to, but knew that financially we were certainly not ready. I felt so blessed to just have one, that it was easy to find contentment for a while. Then a while turned into a year which is about the time that it hit me of how much i desired to have another child. A couple months later and i couldn't stop thinking about it. It felt like something was missing. It was such an empty feeling. Every single month was a disappointment to me. I would feel my body start to change and i would work so hard at suppressing the hopes of being pregnant and a couple days later i would have my "monthly visit". It was almost as if i was mourning the absence of a child. I felt like i was crying all the time, it was ridiculous. <br />
The only thing that helped me was continually telling God how much i wanted a baby and asking Him to give me contentment until His perfect timing. I knew that He was waiting for the perfect time and it frustrated me so much that i didn't know when that was going to be. I would get myself worked up thinking it might be another couple years, or wondering if there was something not working right in my body, or Dans. <br />
I am not the most patient person, as anyone who knows me would tell you. There have been many times that God has tried to teach me patience and this was definitely one of those times! It was SO hard though, and even now as i am trying to find the right words to explain how i felt i feel like i am not doing it justice. I guess why i wanted to write a post about that time in my life is because i know way too many women and couples who have struggled to get pregnant, but for them it went far past a constant desire or worry into doctor offices and procedures. I know women right now who are waiting to get pregnant or are finally pregnant after waiting a few years for it to happen. I just want to encourage anyone who may be feeling the way that i did and remind you that God has his perfect timing. I can see in numerous ways how this next child of ours IS perfect timing and a part of me feels so foolish for the times i spent sad or discontent.....<i>including the 7 weeks of being pregnant and not knowing it.</i> <br />
God has a plan for each of us and although wanting a child or another child can feel so lonely at times, God promises to give us the desires of our hearts. That may sound so shallow to some people, but it was the only thing that got me through that time. <br />
You are not alone. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsQNa_MocvDL5pCLerlfBy2rPGhEVDO7FXW6MWTsLilsvgtw1c1DTNrMydOjNOVPKNHOBT5T4ZkLtmz8wFjOMyBU2CRHyi8q6pGoCNtNhbjBh3nqEqkaVMwU1W69E2W1jepu3S0Cc3yL/s1600/5890_120902807395_505367395_2829173_4720357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsQNa_MocvDL5pCLerlfBy2rPGhEVDO7FXW6MWTsLilsvgtw1c1DTNrMydOjNOVPKNHOBT5T4ZkLtmz8wFjOMyBU2CRHyi8q6pGoCNtNhbjBh3nqEqkaVMwU1W69E2W1jepu3S0Cc3yL/s320/5890_120902807395_505367395_2829173_4720357_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-41837779987719469452011-12-02T16:00:00.000-08:002011-12-02T16:00:05.666-08:00A Belly Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7QJQZvKm0BieEHdB47ByeA6D7x6gqHbCvsdyfdg9KGwoXweLhUNpMxTZGRijBhiesmQoenyf-hTDy_S7EYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<br />
This video makes me melt. I love that Isaiah is just so sweet, and i am so excited to see how he handles becoming an older brother. I know there will be difficult times where i will feel torn between our newborn needing me and Isaiah, but i'll just take one day at a time. A part of me is sad that my days with giving Isaiah my full attention will come to an end, but i am also so curious to watch how he will grow in the time after the baby is born. He is such a big helper and is learning so quickly that i am confident that if he regresses at all, that it wont be for very long. <br />
</div>On another note, Isaiah has been a champ at potty training! He not only has been cloth diaper free during the day since he turned 2, but has been staying dry at night for about a month now. Thanksgiving weekend i decided it was about time to go without cloth diapers at night. He has been dry ever since! It is going to be so nice to have a little diaper break for the next couple months.Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-86949512396586160782011-12-02T10:15:00.000-08:002011-12-02T11:13:01.221-08:00I am Thankful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZFYKjG67OMorJ1XwHidF3hzcYWN5fFoTLIS3pJU6hbzx_6rooozIG3ofZTNjdapV1DMPZF1s__4CViAMcaE8C1hZ_305HhUJ_ZmfE3IVyDn5EFxMJZbOe1PL-p_JUSc3gfy6MNzUBTo8/s1600/392209_10150424786033433_811728432_8447887_1950393731_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZFYKjG67OMorJ1XwHidF3hzcYWN5fFoTLIS3pJU6hbzx_6rooozIG3ofZTNjdapV1DMPZF1s__4CViAMcaE8C1hZ_305HhUJ_ZmfE3IVyDn5EFxMJZbOe1PL-p_JUSc3gfy6MNzUBTo8/s320/392209_10150424786033433_811728432_8447887_1950393731_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All my siblings but 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanksgiving weekend.... it was SO enjoyable, but went by so quickly! My brother Matt from Hawaii, surprised us all with a visit. My sister and and Niece were also able to make it for the weekend. My Grandparents and Uncle and Aunt and cousins were there as well.<br />
Matt and my mom made a 'Turduckin'..... which is a chicken stuffed into a duck which was stuffed into a Turkey. Hard work, but i highly recommend it, it was delicious! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5R8hd-z0mziTLoIG-29hO8EJegOTiK5RWyqiYKg-ce_G_h08wPYPpiyuZScKcS_y8CF5iJgFkAw3oLXehOv9uY5NjwcK8M5Ln2frgiZ3BhcDiR1Z1tm6vj_CljyrsmQwMTUoHRb-YtBs/s1600/100_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5R8hd-z0mziTLoIG-29hO8EJegOTiK5RWyqiYKg-ce_G_h08wPYPpiyuZScKcS_y8CF5iJgFkAw3oLXehOv9uY5NjwcK8M5Ln2frgiZ3BhcDiR1Z1tm6vj_CljyrsmQwMTUoHRb-YtBs/s320/100_0055.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7R8-vNEykeGNN7-7xRXmD3g4Kaeb1PJBL_fHiHJS-RqvQCWtz_WEBZ2VVtbJVCJii-P5WC20MDvuZQxjBBNL0bma6oTOTddAX5IbRKARJwc8sk6NBQRoKsNXY7AxDRPsAaTgEZ0P6o-5/s1600/PumpkinRoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7R8-vNEykeGNN7-7xRXmD3g4Kaeb1PJBL_fHiHJS-RqvQCWtz_WEBZ2VVtbJVCJii-P5WC20MDvuZQxjBBNL0bma6oTOTddAX5IbRKARJwc8sk6NBQRoKsNXY7AxDRPsAaTgEZ0P6o-5/s200/PumpkinRoll.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkOfDSQdiQbG9EXeFBK6Mxo0WHs8FxyyW00wSxVecYTeSnXf8k0ZsZxvawha7m0aK_CRsaVWaW1_teCFYHxB0sRPhvhERHpUBGww5FV51mFkudGg41-SJWORO9vB8FvhZ3SyXhQ9hfJUa/s1600/Pilgrim-Hat-Cookies_recipemain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkOfDSQdiQbG9EXeFBK6Mxo0WHs8FxyyW00wSxVecYTeSnXf8k0ZsZxvawha7m0aK_CRsaVWaW1_teCFYHxB0sRPhvhERHpUBGww5FV51mFkudGg41-SJWORO9vB8FvhZ3SyXhQ9hfJUa/s200/Pilgrim-Hat-Cookies_recipemain.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbDlxqpdkN4Ve1kgEopJmjJb7RdZEWSvSZ3QCxo7EX_87MyW_jDoMCzB5C2q4Ke1JiOVVNGuFycrIRUcTZe-KW1y8YBul0i-cLOF1RvzIOwINw3stWgbxdVdCE3x4-eGK3IQdnxe33eQL/s1600/100_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbDlxqpdkN4Ve1kgEopJmjJb7RdZEWSvSZ3QCxo7EX_87MyW_jDoMCzB5C2q4Ke1JiOVVNGuFycrIRUcTZe-KW1y8YBul0i-cLOF1RvzIOwINw3stWgbxdVdCE3x4-eGK3IQdnxe33eQL/s320/100_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDInhnIch9wHl_D8UakNYK9Z0LvbXpleY1mlQ_xxsp2SIctUO4WiwTnPCgLQvBvP6WxQv1rDIr2KEYebnaHW3NXWw9WtiGnE2Uasgk963w7OZspzF8mOGX5hSFyw2of5Z87rjMzidD87W/s1600/100_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDInhnIch9wHl_D8UakNYK9Z0LvbXpleY1mlQ_xxsp2SIctUO4WiwTnPCgLQvBvP6WxQv1rDIr2KEYebnaHW3NXWw9WtiGnE2Uasgk963w7OZspzF8mOGX5hSFyw2of5Z87rjMzidD87W/s320/100_0070.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I made Green Bean Casserole, Pumpkin Rolls and Pilgrim Hats. They were so good that they were eaten up before i could get my camera out to take a picture.... a little bummed about that. I have a tradition that i started 2 years ago of making some kind of unique dessert or treat for each holiday, its just so much fun! <br />
<br />
I also spent the week before hand working on a Thankful Tree for my moms centerpiece. It turned out so gorgeous, the picture just doesn't do it justice. <br />
Friday we spent some time with my dads side of the family, which was long overdue. <br />
<br />
A few things that i am thankful for:<br />
* Dan- he has been working SO hard for us since he transitioned into his new job a few months ago. 14 hour days are becoming pretty normal around here for him. I really miss him though, and wish that we had <strike>more</strike> time to spend as husband and wife. At the same time i am not taking for granted the fact that God has really blessed us with this opportunity for a bit more income during this season. <br />
<br />
*Isaiah- He keeps me inspired and laughing throughout the day. The faces that he makes just crack me up, he has quite the unique and goofy personality. Through him, i have learned patience, peace and so much about myself. <br />
<br />
*Baby #2- i think its obvious how thankful i am for another gift of life. <br />
<br />
*Our car- Dan recently had a few things fixed on it and i was just thrilled. I don't take it for granted at all that we have nice transportation. <br />
<br />
Many, many more things, but i could go on forever. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to revel in how much God has blessed you as well. If you have more than you could ever hold in your arms, than you have something to be thankful for. <br />
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I am now off to decorate my house for Christmas time. I am officially a day late! We just need more snow now!!Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-74269892137342362482011-11-04T14:01:00.000-07:002011-11-04T14:01:38.069-07:00<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have pretty much failed at keeping up with my blog the last couple months, even after making a lame promise that i would. I have definitely missed blogging, but i'm not going to beat myself up over it. It happens. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not going to do any kind of catch up because that might take forever... i'm just going to talk about the things on my mind right now. </span><br />
<br />
***Isaiah has a cold today, and was up most of the night coughing, and has been wheezing all day. I am fine with colds, but when he starts wheezing is when i get nervous. Especially without having a car or insurance. <br />
<br />
***Lately i have finished and started a couple craft projects. Some of them are for Christmas gifts so i'm not going to say much about them, and some are all for me :-) I just finished a wreath for our front door that i am in love with! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>***By writing in my blog right now i am completely avoiding doing the dishes, the only chore that i absolutely despise with a passion. I even have a shirt that says: <br />
<i>"I only have a kitchen because it came with the house!" </i><br />
But when i'm done writing...............<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">***I am really disappointed that i didn't have a garage sale this year. Next year! <br />
<br />
***Being pregnant is one of the most amazing experiences EVER! I realized the other day when talking with my mom that i am half through this pregnancy and i began to cry. It is going so fast and i know i am going to miss it after our little one is born.<br />
<br />
***BUT at the same time i cannot wait to hold my baby in my arms for the first time and continue to get to know the wonderful little creation that God has placed in our lives. I can't wait to look into its eyes and give it its very own name. I am so excited to experience birth again! <br />
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*** I am finally embracing the cold weather, and am looking forward to the holidays more than ever!<br />
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***My husband and i just celebrated our 4th Anniversary and it was wonderful. Simple, but wonderful. He brought me a bouquet of flowers. My favorite yet! Its a beautiful combination of deep yellows and pinks. We went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Zeytins. It was so yummy! I realized that our 3 favorite restaurants are all very similar. Little Africa, Mediterranean Grill and Zeytins. I wish i could eat food like that every day!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF62bWmNDbqFV2K9-asUYT1ofhyHDHGt7OZwhA_g3uf3ayK8aj0mzzpuedPVdtTB1LpkWBcDJhFtLkGKDGWZur3lj_ET9WJ9NEMhwdKBZCNGzTmfnT2FVcSokak6OWNFdLw7GznIq2Fmd7/s1600/100_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF62bWmNDbqFV2K9-asUYT1ofhyHDHGt7OZwhA_g3uf3ayK8aj0mzzpuedPVdtTB1LpkWBcDJhFtLkGKDGWZur3lj_ET9WJ9NEMhwdKBZCNGzTmfnT2FVcSokak6OWNFdLw7GznIq2Fmd7/s320/100_0026.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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***For Holloween Isaiah was a Monkey and he was supposed to wear this red velvet vest with it to match the crown, but he didn't want to. I am way to crunchy of a Mama though because he didn't eat any candy! I am going to put it off for as long as i can, and hopefully he wont care for it in the future. Riiiiight. <br />
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***Lastly, we have had fun doing all sorts of fun activities since the fall weather set in. The look of pure joy on his face in this picture almost makes me want to cry. I love it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUVgo4mOZpOjUe7KfmyE0zowdPGaR45kHnGMjM_ENCI6en3I1Qqz9uo_bAcZ5pKdk_ENoRhLZ2RQ7o3xqI3nZRoL-mWG8kQyRNGMjvkqqEDvy_RC-kSpav6e426VqJkc2NDl4_yqQvpkR/s1600/100_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUVgo4mOZpOjUe7KfmyE0zowdPGaR45kHnGMjM_ENCI6en3I1Qqz9uo_bAcZ5pKdk_ENoRhLZ2RQ7o3xqI3nZRoL-mWG8kQyRNGMjvkqqEDvy_RC-kSpav6e426VqJkc2NDl4_yqQvpkR/s400/100_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Until next time!! haha</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF62bWmNDbqFV2K9-asUYT1ofhyHDHGt7OZwhA_g3uf3ayK8aj0mzzpuedPVdtTB1LpkWBcDJhFtLkGKDGWZur3lj_ET9WJ9NEMhwdKBZCNGzTmfnT2FVcSokak6OWNFdLw7GznIq2Fmd7/s1600/100_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-70485753105134025602011-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:002011-08-17T14:47:36.722-07:00Monkey BoyI have a 2 year old....as of last month. Leading up to Isaiah's birthday i was full of emotion. I couldn't believe i was going to be a mama of a 2 year old... because of course, that makes ME 2 years older. The last 2 years have been full of wonderful moments made with our sweet little guy. He is constantly making me chuckle, hold my breath, let it go, and shake my head at all the unique little mannerisms that he has somehow acquired. <br />
I have never felt afraid to have a two year old, it just seems silly to be apprehensive of an age... i would rather hold onto confidence as a parent. Isaiah has definitely tried to push his limits with me and strain for independence which i look at as a positive thing. I would rather him do it now than later.... (which he probably will do it later anyways.) <br />
He is definitely changing into a little boy... full of excitement, energy, fearlessness and silliness. He loves to throw things, jump off things, run, and yell very loudly. My job is to allow those things.... but to teach him when it is appropriate. For a while i thought he was going to err on the side of caution and be an introvert, but to my surprise he is changing into quite the opposite. I loved him then, and i love him now... Mama's love is so unwavering. <br />
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So for Isaiah's birthday, it was hot. We decided to grab some dinner and drive up to the little theatre nearby and watch the new POOH movie. It was so adorable, and he sat still and barely blinked his poor little eyes! Afterward i took him to the park to play for a while. <br />
The following Saturday we had a birthday party for him under the pavilion in the park with both sides of our family. It was a Monkey theme with bananas everywhere and a very cute cake. He loved all the presents he got, and definitely all of the family that surrounded him. It was a successful day with no rain! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TAtcrsH1YYlkf32i02XTVEBsw85LvFQOBL6IK6Mcihr4bLHtCT6Pk00_r0HVq7yYDQ8RzX3_4xLw5aYZF4qui-4Hr337U9glaqaEaDZ3glT69_RHlnGWfSJLiFenbC9AW6o_ssTHdELT/s1600/280648_1740419845129_1677680981_1252964_3968612_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TAtcrsH1YYlkf32i02XTVEBsw85LvFQOBL6IK6Mcihr4bLHtCT6Pk00_r0HVq7yYDQ8RzX3_4xLw5aYZF4qui-4Hr337U9glaqaEaDZ3glT69_RHlnGWfSJLiFenbC9AW6o_ssTHdELT/s320/280648_1740419845129_1677680981_1252964_3968612_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His reaction to opening a present with a toy monkey inside!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uCVp4zOrxeVwhxxInq6scnrUNZYo53xpXl-e4p3I4tirHsrfE4hHTUYCMv4oPja2Z9HF5SyFuz8XgyYkVMXoDHdZzTcM2eCeazfdQpw4g6850Xbg_IRTBc0Y_FK3Y2BaEQsiehhPYIDO/s1600/280648_1740419725126_1677680981_1252961_7684550_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uCVp4zOrxeVwhxxInq6scnrUNZYo53xpXl-e4p3I4tirHsrfE4hHTUYCMv4oPja2Z9HF5SyFuz8XgyYkVMXoDHdZzTcM2eCeazfdQpw4g6850Xbg_IRTBc0Y_FK3Y2BaEQsiehhPYIDO/s320/280648_1740419725126_1677680981_1252961_7684550_o.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves this wheel barrow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQddbuUG2Fchj2cY9IPQeJ8sFRiTO_bYlpDT7niII7bTL9D_XgUBwd56f4LMrp0X9ZPpjPHk0XNrvdt1Z6wZQZXKzBx1oHRlvYPWVYGc_07qGI7aeg1ktT64mGYRAnQtD3zjlvkRMVQMAu/s1600/278593_1740437325566_1677680981_1253050_5359450_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQddbuUG2Fchj2cY9IPQeJ8sFRiTO_bYlpDT7niII7bTL9D_XgUBwd56f4LMrp0X9ZPpjPHk0XNrvdt1Z6wZQZXKzBx1oHRlvYPWVYGc_07qGI7aeg1ktT64mGYRAnQtD3zjlvkRMVQMAu/s320/278593_1740437325566_1677680981_1253050_5359450_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing bubbles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHnNVaaHRNr37oEKUnPLjSyqF6ztBqWQBA_hWNDOmr34oj9CD60B4e4j8mnsE-SCD-PR-4tjKZC4xmHHhG2WITYseFw-Fm-CDwZ4v1Sxbkcj6RvjnEBDUwvOBNCzbZy7POwWevhpoDGpv/s1600/271366_1740408484845_1677680981_1252948_5288213_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHnNVaaHRNr37oEKUnPLjSyqF6ztBqWQBA_hWNDOmr34oj9CD60B4e4j8mnsE-SCD-PR-4tjKZC4xmHHhG2WITYseFw-Fm-CDwZ4v1Sxbkcj6RvjnEBDUwvOBNCzbZy7POwWevhpoDGpv/s320/271366_1740408484845_1677680981_1252948_5288213_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHnNVaaHRNr37oEKUnPLjSyqF6ztBqWQBA_hWNDOmr34oj9CD60B4e4j8mnsE-SCD-PR-4tjKZC4xmHHhG2WITYseFw-Fm-CDwZ4v1Sxbkcj6RvjnEBDUwvOBNCzbZy7POwWevhpoDGpv/s1600/271366_1740408484845_1677680981_1252948_5288213_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbWkoHhujEB39cEN-u7vUamRFejfsVkKJXIiBiIB47c-Rlw6cU8XHl4jaDrfdZnv9DKKoAFnJ2MIzP4xD6WAgOjNtMoLCQo24ZRhQwguCM_BQXbAwXvi_FduQxEDEGwkcVEpZvCTmI2kM/s1600/271366_1740408444844_1677680981_1252947_6751130_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbWkoHhujEB39cEN-u7vUamRFejfsVkKJXIiBiIB47c-Rlw6cU8XHl4jaDrfdZnv9DKKoAFnJ2MIzP4xD6WAgOjNtMoLCQo24ZRhQwguCM_BQXbAwXvi_FduQxEDEGwkcVEpZvCTmI2kM/s320/271366_1740408444844_1677680981_1252947_6751130_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTMRyty_-5XSYPWnVTDGQkdKGvxZyOYc4thDcJ4ItzQZM2KLZIvfINe6-hevBrvfHuqorkP_JZtcO04-zXpnVsi0euYaKUoqB2IBLDQuQEGZIJdatIDkZKpCEvIdxqqG28fCDTjot8HYT/s1600/271366_1740408404843_1677680981_1252946_5476015_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTMRyty_-5XSYPWnVTDGQkdKGvxZyOYc4thDcJ4ItzQZM2KLZIvfINe6-hevBrvfHuqorkP_JZtcO04-zXpnVsi0euYaKUoqB2IBLDQuQEGZIJdatIDkZKpCEvIdxqqG28fCDTjot8HYT/s320/271366_1740408404843_1677680981_1252946_5476015_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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To read why else the #2 has been so big in our house.... stay tuned for my next post! <br />
<span id="goog_1591552881"></span><span id="goog_1591552882"></span>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-34760618166909338132011-08-10T13:03:00.000-07:002011-08-17T14:47:02.037-07:00Peepy da Potty!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"Peepy da Potty!" </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"Poopy da Potty!"</b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes... those are currently the most popular words coming out of my little guys mouth. If you say it the right way it could be a pretty cool song.... or a chant. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyways! Isaiah is doing great as far as potty training is going. He had been seeming so interested in going to the bathroom, and pretend playing that he was going potty. I have never allowed him to even be near the toilet, and so he would seem a little hesitant any time i would set him up on the seat. So a couple weeks before his birthday i went and bought <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2580939">This Potty Chair</a>. I am so glad i didn't get any random potty. The seat is so comfy and i really like that it has the lid. Plus it can be transferred to the toilet very easily, not to mention it takes a snap to clean it! (i personally love Safety 1st products) </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enough with my Mommy Review!!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He loves it and caught on so quickly that i can't even keep up with him. He will randomly pause his activities throughout the day and say "Peepy da potty" or "Poopy da potty!" He will run to the bathroom and before i can even get there he already has his undies pulled down and is sitting patiently on his Throne of Elimination. lol </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm so proud of my little guy, he catches on to things so quickly and i love that he does things because he finds the simple joys in them, not because he is going to get something in return or because he HAS to do it. He is learning so fast and i love challenging him to learn new words and explore new activities. Being a Mama of a 2 year old is so much fun.... and i will come stomp on your foot if i hear anyone say something along the lines of "good luck with those terrible twos". Sometimes i feel like its the parents who allow the 2's to be so terrible.... because they certainly don't have to be.</div><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To read why else the #2 has been so big in our house.... stay tuned for my next post! </div>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-26677209458897379792011-08-10T12:28:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:28:09.249-07:00The summer of Weddings!The number 2 has been pretty big in our house lately. <br />
Why? You might ask....<br />
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Well first off i was in 2 very eventful weddings this summer. <br />
I can't even say how exciting it was to celebrate with both of my friends Mandy and Jerika on their wedding days. <br />
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Mandy had a beautiful and intimate chapel wedding where i had the blessing of being able to stand next to her as her Matron of Honor. We stylishly made our way downtown to the St. Cecelia ballroom that seemed to be overflowing with flowers and love! After the toasts, we danced the night away until they whisked off on a horse and carriage. My heart was absolutely bursting with joy for her! <br />
side note: i gave myself a very big pat on the back for (<strike>hopefully</strike>) being the best MOH ever! lol<br />
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Jerika had a lovely ceremony in a large church where she was definitely ready to kiss her groom. ;-P<br />
She had a simple cake reception (yum) and then we moved on to a more intimate outdoor reception. Jerika is from the Dominican Republic, so she had a lot of her culture tied into the celebration, such as the food and dancing. It was so fun to watch everyone shaking their hips DR style. Especially my husband! <br />
It was so fun to watch 2 very much in love couples kiss their lives away (in a good way)<br />
AND now i have 2 beautiful purple bridesmaid dresses... which just happen to be my favorite color.<br />
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Thank you both from every corner of my heart for asking me to share in your Wedding day!<br />
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To read why else the #2 has been so big in our house.... stay tuned for my next post!Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-26375471193206333292011-08-10T11:55:00.000-07:002011-08-10T11:55:17.914-07:00I promise!I can't believe it has been almost 3 months since the last time i have blogged... how sad. At least it is to me. I feel like the need to blog is always in the back of my head. New ideas and happenings spring up that i would love to share. I wish i could say it is all because i just can't find the time, which is partially true, but i really just get distracted as soon as i sit down to type something up. I absolutely love following other blogs, and find it so much easier to sit and read about another persons life, then to type out my own. I need to make the promise to myself that i will blog once a week from here on out. I love to do it, and i know that i am allowing some of my inner creativity out when i do. <br />
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So here i go.... I Promise! <br />
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Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4496292303102222617.post-48802553689702204742011-05-20T09:14:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:14:12.043-07:00A Non-dairy MamaMothers Day was my last day to indulge in anything that had dairy in it, and indulge i did. With a large chocolate malt to be exact. <br />
Choosing to go non-dairy has been a long time coming. Since Isaiah was born i've wondered if he had any allergy to something, and his doctor seemed to think he was, but was giving me no direction. I have had slight eczema since as long as i can remember behind my arms that will come and go every now and then. Isaiah has had the same since he was born, but has never gone away.... until now! Its been a little over a week now and both of our eczema has cleared up, and our skin seems softer all over. To my surprise it has been so easy to find alternatives to dairy products that we were eating before, and i really don't feel like it has been a big change to our meals. Over the last couple years i have learned so much about health and eating a whole, and balanced diet. I feel so good when i choose to eat healthy and organic food verses eating GMO'd, chemically enhanced and food full of antibiotics. Good not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. I feel pride and confidence when i make the decision to feed my family and myself meals that will not only impact their state of health, but their health in the future. God has given us only one body on this earth, and has told us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength" and i truly believe that means taking care of our bodies the best we can. <br />
Anyways, obviously eating healthy and organically is something i am passionate about, but its about more than just me. <br />
I was recently connected with a local Mama via Eats on Feets on Facebook. She has been in need of a non-dairy milk donor for her 7 month old. My heart lept at the idea of being able to help her out. I have wanted to donate milk ...for a while now... but i really didn't know how to go about it and didn't want to just give it up to any random hospital. We are talking about my liquid gold here. It may sound funny to someone who has never nursed before... or maybe even to someone who has, but i don't take for granted my ability to nurse my son. It is amazing to me that God created us women to be able to beautifully feed our children something that is SO GOOD for them! <br />
Anyways, this local women and i have been chatting back and forth and i am hoping to connect with her in the near future to give her some of my milk. Her daughter has been through a lot, and in turn it has been a difficult year for her parents, but i have only seen pure faith and trust in God in this women. <br />
So like i said it isn't just about me, or Isaiah, but about a sweet little girl who is in need of non-dairy milk to help heal her body, and i am so excited to be apart of that! <br />
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Here are some pics of my 3rd Mama's Day, i'm so proud to be a Mama.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcRpbPDuB8EKw6mABebO9rRuW3t8nuH-KuIzzVW0Fv8FHOBRZ-Mos3sxTfGekcsdjHglBjJFMrNqPBQwxGgj4Dy-DNIIvQFZOfzlGlkAxyUFW9wZPYL4bDUnrC1xynZqd3-KTHNW2lbfq/s1600/DSCN0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcRpbPDuB8EKw6mABebO9rRuW3t8nuH-KuIzzVW0Fv8FHOBRZ-Mos3sxTfGekcsdjHglBjJFMrNqPBQwxGgj4Dy-DNIIvQFZOfzlGlkAxyUFW9wZPYL4bDUnrC1xynZqd3-KTHNW2lbfq/s400/DSCN0771.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mama, and my best friend. ♥</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnoo_xxOeN1xlIVXrdChI8dUuCxEZ0sATXzH_qKW22n0qSU1_fnTGUz2FMv17rrYEGX2Fiiok2nmfK628HrXdXa6s-FQi3VcEyD5odExuVIpcEpix-5-xZssY_2eoAE3xnmUqV85du6Cz/s1600/DSCN0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnoo_xxOeN1xlIVXrdChI8dUuCxEZ0sATXzH_qKW22n0qSU1_fnTGUz2FMv17rrYEGX2Fiiok2nmfK628HrXdXa6s-FQi3VcEyD5odExuVIpcEpix-5-xZssY_2eoAE3xnmUqV85du6Cz/s320/DSCN0758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very inspiring mama in my life!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJyBuIgZv0Q1d1CCJdUuR3htCDuuNWranKcQXC9_r6gLmVYVWsyoeKo9tndWVyEGcomZWbtUGcBq_g8OeXxFrV9KUfFmB7-6V2ljlmNuRr7LYNHbRfdDniJmc-iZ0zyKAiB5b4BuhZ3hW/s1600/DSCN0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJyBuIgZv0Q1d1CCJdUuR3htCDuuNWranKcQXC9_r6gLmVYVWsyoeKo9tndWVyEGcomZWbtUGcBq_g8OeXxFrV9KUfFmB7-6V2ljlmNuRr7LYNHbRfdDniJmc-iZ0zyKAiB5b4BuhZ3hW/s320/DSCN0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only picture of my baby and i :-( He had just woken up from his nap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrdyipBNY-_85z3q7oHZ4KmsHxjttSMuLBVui2JpasQeVOUWE1MCPmveNKL9iLulqFWKS1PkPVvQWA_f7Bx0koW9Tb2x-UcUpsj_sjPq6dAgLeLaVF04gpxMxNsIWa9-CxKMbQX-yzhNG/s1600/DSCN0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrdyipBNY-_85z3q7oHZ4KmsHxjttSMuLBVui2JpasQeVOUWE1MCPmveNKL9iLulqFWKS1PkPVvQWA_f7Bx0koW9Tb2x-UcUpsj_sjPq6dAgLeLaVF04gpxMxNsIWa9-CxKMbQX-yzhNG/s400/DSCN0764.JPG" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hubby is a real daddy: sporting the baby bottle haha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9taGAhUoKKkHMdE8HVMIxfu21G2Zwu1mud-9QWiQwzWxr345qM_DA0Y1oZ_Ylun3s9Py17sqyzKq88hl8u_yoYqvqRjpH9ZlmFGig7Nd7WPJbhIfXu9aVm7giOyAjk4qVr5oyCgP2DXH/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9taGAhUoKKkHMdE8HVMIxfu21G2Zwu1mud-9QWiQwzWxr345qM_DA0Y1oZ_Ylun3s9Py17sqyzKq88hl8u_yoYqvqRjpH9ZlmFGig7Nd7WPJbhIfXu9aVm7giOyAjk4qVr5oyCgP2DXH/s400/DSCN0736.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaiah with his Auntie Christy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFGhMYwEXcHwF6rSVoPQd5WqgMxXi_X6LBxEkwhAuC_x7YZhpiLR9omWmLf7_iLpPoHQO5niISKMCKVsQ-V4viYBiu3IhWvV06GZKldIZ8Jo9WbKzzkFhLnsjIJEyH4w-vqCy1ldzwVhG/s1600/DSCN0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFGhMYwEXcHwF6rSVoPQd5WqgMxXi_X6LBxEkwhAuC_x7YZhpiLR9omWmLf7_iLpPoHQO5niISKMCKVsQ-V4viYBiu3IhWvV06GZKldIZ8Jo9WbKzzkFhLnsjIJEyH4w-vqCy1ldzwVhG/s320/DSCN0772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twirling with my Niece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cherithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16530177665568844204noreply@blogger.com0