Cabbage

Did you know that cabbage has multiple purposes?

I've learned something new about cabbage, but before I tell you what it is I'll explain something first. I hope this isn't TMI for you, but seeing as though all my readers are majority (or all) girls I think it will be okay.

Nursing...

With Sophia I was not a huge fan of it, but did it anyway. I couldn't do it for very long because I went back to work early. I knew that I was going to nurse with Kenton because it's better for him, yadda, yadda. This time around I actually really enjoyed it. I felt very bonded with him and felt very important that I was the only one who could give him this nourishment. A couple weeks ago Kenton started going backwards with his sleep (waking up every hour, etc), so I was wondering if I was giving him enough. Talking with my mom made me realize that maybe my body was not making enough for Kenton because of the "stress" or "worry" I have been dealing with him. I don't necessarily feel stressed, but maybe that's how my body is handling it. So I started the hunt for the bottle and formula (sad face inserted here).

So what does cabbage do?

Cabbage can be used to help with engorgement and stop the production of milk. I don't have enough milk to fill him up, so it is the end of breast feeding for me (I keep telling myself that it will be okay!) Yes, I am sitting here with cabbage in my bra to let my body know that it can be done making it. I will never look at cabbage the same, haha!

P.S. Kenton slept 5 hours straight last night, so I think he's a much happier and fuller boy with formula!

My Kids

Mr. Kenton is starting to get stronger...

He is enjoying sitting up...

He is also scooting and wiggling around...I have to be careful where I leave him laying now. I can't leave him on his bouncer chair without using the buckle. He moves quick too!
I can't get enough of brother and sister pictures...What's even cuter is that Sophia asks to hold him all the time and asks me to take a picture:)

Sister was playing cowgirl and included brother too...yee-haw!

I love my kids and love being their mom:)

Kenton's Challenge

It's been a hard couple last days because we have been worrying about Kenton's eyes. First let me give you some background. There is an eye condition that runs in my family called, Nystagmus, which is involuntary eye movement from side to side, which effects eye sight. The women are the carriers and it skips every other generation. My great grandpa and his 3 brothers had it and my uncle had it. Well, because it skips generations my brothers didn't have it. I'm a carrier and we found out today that Kenton has either "congenitive motor nystagmus" or "congenitive night blindness" (which is in the nystagmus family). Either one he has, the treatment is the same (glasses, surgery, etc).

About a month before I was due with Kenton my mom and dad talked to me about this condition and told me the possibility that Kenton would get it. They said that I would be able to tell right away if he had it. As a newborn, Kenton's eyes did not act abnormal, so I thought phew, he didn't have it. At his 2 month check up I expressed my concern to his pediatrician about his lack of locking in on objects or people. He would respond to them, but not follow them. Kenton was not making eye contact. She said that it could be still developmental, but to watch it. A couple weeks later I noticed still no locking in and noticed more eye movement from side to side. For example when people see his eyes they say, "Wow, look at him, he's trying to take it all in!" Basically it looks like he's over stimulated. Feeling that "mama" feeling, I called his pediatrician and explained what was happening. She referred me to a pediatric opthomologist. We got an appointment and of course had my dad come with me (my dad is an optomotrist for those of you who don't know).

So...today was the appointment (thanks to others cancelling and letting me get in early). The opthomologist did different eye exercises with Kenton. Some Kenton responded to, some he did not. He also dilated his eyes and told us that his eyes developed correctly and are healthy, which is a great thing. He also said that Kenton is seeing (I knew that though) but probably not as good as other babies his age. How much less, we don't know due to his age. He referred us to a doctor in Portland to do a "ERG-Electric retinal graph" on him. No one in this area does it on young babies. This test can possibly show us nothing, but it could also show us something. The way I see it, the test results are a starter point. It can be used to compare as he gets older to see if changes or what changes take place. Once we go, have the tests, and results, we will meet with our opthomologist to see the next steps. Being proactive parents, TJ and I wanted to know what we could do to help Kenton right now. Is there any exercises we could be doing? But, unfortunately there is not because he is so young. Do you see a trend??? It's hard to find things out on babies! But it's also hard for me to do nothing! I guess my job right now is to do more research because I am still learning about it.

Also, the thing to do right now is to love him and not treat him any different! I know he sees and responds to people he knows! His smile, babble, and giggle has me hooked. I have friends that are dealing with FAR WORSE things with their children, so I can't help think, "Emily, if this is all he has to deal with, then you can't complain!" BUT, he's my baby. I want him to be healthy. I don't want him to have to struggle in life. TJ reminded me that Kenton chose this life. He knew what we was going to go through, which is why I pray that he will have a strong personality. TJ and I are his parents. We are positive people and will do what we can to help his succeed.

(p.s.-I can't help HATE my genes right now!)

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day. I love that TJ makes me feel special and tells me that he is so lucky that I am the mother of his kids (he tells me other days too). TJ and Sophia made me breakfast in bed and brought flowers with it too. We were late to church because of it, but it was worth it. They also surprised me with diamond stud earrings! I usually have an idea what my gifts are, but this time I was totally shocked...so shocked that I just can't wear them yet. I know that sounds crazy!

I feel extremely blessed to be a mom. I know what love feels like, but never knew how much I could love someone the second I saw them. It's a love that I would never exchange for anything. I love Sophia and Kenton so much and I'm learning that I am one protective mama, so don't mess with my kids, ha!

And of course, I can't forget my mom. I think I love being a mom so much because I have the greatest example of what a mom should be like.. a wonderful one! My mom is loving, involved in our lives, willing to help out with anything, and makes things fun! I owe my "mom" qualities to her! Mom...I love you! I also can't forget TJ's mom. I am also lucky to have her in my life. I especially like her jokes, hahaha (TJ will roll his eyes at the comment;).

3 Months Old

Kenton is 3 months old already!

He found his hands!

His newest tricks are: eating his hands, clasping his hands together, and belly laughing.

He is a lover of: his mommy, eating every 3 hours at night, being in the Baby Bjorn, smiling when talked to, and having a conversation:)

He Hates: the car.

(I put a video of him belly laughing and talking with me on facebook because it wasn't working on blogger, so check them out there...If you're having a bad day I guarantee they will make you smile...pretty dang cute!)

Little Swimmer

Proud moment:

Sophia passed her Preschool level swim lessons and graduated to ADVANCED PRESCHOOL! Oh yeah! She has a new teacher and is still excited about it so we are keeping her in to get more practice.

Easter Day

The night before Easter we had a lesson on the true reason we celebrate Easter. My sis-n-law had a great kid movie that showed/explained the resurrection, which engaged Sophia and prompted her to ask questions! I love how she is trying to understand everything.

Now on to the Easter bunny stuff...Sophia woke up at 7:30 and came into my room. The first thing she said was, "Can we go down stairs to see if the Easter Bunny ate all the carrots?" And sure enough he did, except for some nibbles!

The Easter Bunny got Sophia Tangled and some other goodies and he almost forgot that I had another kid, hahaha. Notice the 1 toy in his basket (I know Kenton isn't aware, but Sophia would have wondered why he didn't get anything)!
This was Kenton being part of the Easter egg hunt at our house. The Easter Bunny hid an egg on his swing:)

Nama and Grandpa's House:

It's tradition in the morning to gather on my parent's bed and wait to see what the Easter bunny brought. It's so fun to experience "firsts" with Kenton. His first time on the bed! Doesn't he look so excited?!

Now the famous hallway picture. Sophia and Tyler are in the ready position and Kenton wanted a ride. Ready, set, go and they all ran down the hallway!

My family grew up with macrame (sp?) baskets and my mom made Kenton, Sophia, and TJ one this year to match! Grandma and Grandpa spoiled us once again.

All of our baskets with our loot. Notice Sophia checked hers out immediately! I think my mom is suggesting we get to work in our yard with the gardening stuff, ha! It needs it bad though!

We had an Easter egg hunt at my parents house too. They hide real eggs and the kids found all 36 eggs. We always put our names on 1 egg, so here is Sophia's egg.

And Kenton's egg

Once again...A very cute bunny!

After church we headed over to TJ's brother's house to celebrate with his Nana and family. It was nice to see everyone and eat yummy food. I had to get some pictures of our outfits. Our family one is at the top of our blog. Here are my boys with their matching ties. I love making ties because it's one thing I can sew all by myself:)

Sophia wanted to hold brother standing up...yah I couldn't let go all the way yet...

Isn't she lovely? She picked out the dress with her daddy and did a great job:)

We had a wonderful Easter with family and friends. I am very blessed to know that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that he was resurrected so that one day I can live with him again.

Pre-Easter Events

Ms. Shelby, Sophia's preschool teacher invited Sophia to come to their Easter egg hunt (Sophia isn't going there now since I'm on maternity leave). Each kid had a partner and Jackson was buddied up with Sophia. They held hands and waited for Ms. Shelby to say, "GO!" She was tricking them by saying, "Ready set...Bananas!" Once "GO" was said, they were off. Sophia was trying to follow the directions of staying with her buddy, but Jackson was off and running, so Sophia started crying. I explained that it was okay to let go of hands and find eggs. What can I say, she's a rule follower....at least at school, ha! She got over it real quick.

And she's off to find 12 eggs!
Checkin out their loot

After the hunt was play time!

Red light, Green light Easter bunny style

Next was EGG-STRAVAGANZA on Saturday on the base. And can I tell you that I loved, loved how nice it was! I didn't want the day to end! I even put a sun hat on my little white boy and he was adorable!

They had a table where kids could get a small Easter basket and fill it with all sort of goodies.

Check out how many eggs! Thank goodness the egg hunts were organized by age group, but it was still crazy. It was the parents who I wanted to attack because they were pushy, so I told TJ to take her on the hunt because I might take somebody out, ha!

Waiting for her time to go! And once again...it was so nice that we wore SUNGLASSES! It's the small things that excite me:)

Phew! She made it out alive! I think she was proud of the what she got.

Here is something she picked out at the table! Cutest bunny ever!

Next was... EGG DYING! Of course she dyed her eggs pink and purple.

She was the first one at the table ready to dye and the last one to leave.

Lots of fun...Ready for Easter!

Sunday Best

We all know TJ loves to get dressed up for church and I have to admit, he always looks good, so Kenton will have no choice but to look good on Sundays too. This is one of my favorite outfits Kenton got (thank you Aunt Sarah).

My little preppy boy!

Gotta Love Girls

I walked upstairs and look what I found...

A ROCK STAR!!!

SWIM LESSONS

Sophia is in swim lessons! She has them twice a week for a half hour. We talked a lot about it so she knew what to expect, but I got a little worried when there was a boy screaming in her class. I was thinking, "GET THAT FREAKIN' BOY OUT OF THERE!" I didn't want Sophia to get nervous because of him. She had a nervous face for a couple minutes, but she pulled through...PHEW. She did everything her teacher asked! TJ and I were so proud. He turned to me and said, "This is why I'm a parent..for moments like these!"

BUBBLE TIME FLOATING ON HER BACK

SHE DID IT! Proud and cold girl after her lessons. Lesson #2 she went under the water and handled it good. She has been on a swim high all week. She woke up this morning asking if she had swim lessons. I told her no and she was bummed. I think we have a fish in the making...THAT'S MY GIRL!

P.S. We got her a "Speedo" swim suit and a towel robe to get her excited too. I think it worked.

2 Months Old

Our baby is 2 months old!

Kenton is starting to:

SMILE when played with

(he likes head shoulders knees and toes and clapping his hands together)

He is starting to Talk/Babble

Sister is also becoming quite the mommy. She loves to hold him. Kenton started fussing, so she asked me to give her his binky. She put it in his mouth and starting rocking and singing to him. And guess what? He stopped fussing. She is good!

His hair is brown and strawberry blonde and has big curls. And is eyes are still BLUE! Both his hair and eye color can still change, but I hope not.

He is starting to fill out and get little leg rolls

He is starting to cheer for the Huskies and wearing 3 and 3-6 month clothes

He is starting to bear weight on his legs. He stands up really straight and good when I'm trying to burp him. Notice the little man jammies he's wearing too...

Sister had to jump in on the picture. I bet he will be taller than her one day...

Other things he loves and not pictured are:

- His mommy (momma's boy all the way right now)

- Zantac medicine for his acid reflex

(ok..he hates taking it, but we love how it helps his tummy).

- His pillow in his bed that slants him up. He is sleeping anywhere between 3-7 hour stretches at night, which is WAY more do-able than the 20 minutes he used to do.

- Being swaddled at night time

- And eating

Other things he hates and not pictured are:

- His car seat and car rides

- Big burps

- His car seat and car rides (yes I mentioned this twice because he REALLY hates it)

- Being held high and then put down quickly (he still startles a lot)