tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44930555445997662292024-03-05T13:43:00.346-08:00katie latelyKatie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-32652437274722815452017-08-04T11:07:00.000-07:002017-08-04T11:09:49.663-07:00He is Good Now<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f7b614ee40491c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">This whole adoption process is much more emotionally draining than I had envisioned. Every time we show a mama our book, we feel completely vulnerable, hopeful, cautious, excited, and terrified. It's up and down, up and down waiting, to hear "she chose someone else," then grieving that "what if" of that baby. Then pick yourself right back up and show another mom your book, in case this is the one. </span></span><br />
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f7b614ee40491c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">It's only been since March, but I still have felt tossed and turned like I was stuck in the current of ocean waves. Coming up for air then getting tossed and beaten around again.
This last no we heard was the hardest one yet. We had instantly both felt connected with this mama when we read the email. Separately we felt in our hearts this was THE one. We weren't waiting on an email to see who she had chosen, we were waiting on a phone call saying she had chosen us. We were so sure. This was our daughter. And then the email came, she had chosen someone else. </span></span><br />
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f7b614ee40491c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Each no we've heard, I've allowed myself an entire day to grieve. I let go of the to do lists and just allow myself the space to feel that sadness and the loss of "what if".
This time I felt it even more. And my wise friend asked me "what are you hearing about yourself when you hear no?" I realized I was hearing that I don't deserve the gift of adoption, of another brave mama choosing me to be the parent of her baby. That it was something I'd have to earn from God and He must not have enough gold stars on my chart yet. I must need to find something that He is waiting for me to do or grasp or give.
And in that moment, I got it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f7b614ee40491c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">That is not who our God is. He isn't a God of achievements or check marks on a list. That is the entire point of the Gospel, of Christ coming down and dying for you and for me, so that we can have complete FREEDOM to live our lives with Him, instead FOR Him.
To sit on the beach and watch the ebb and the flow of the waves, not be tossed by them and gasping for breath, because Christ has rescued us out of that turmoil. To breathe in His grace and stick our toes in the sand and realize: He is good in the whole journey. Not only once you can see how the story ends. Not when the baby is in your arms and you realize how intricately he designed your story all along. But in the waiting, in the no's, the but why's, and not yets. He is good now.</span></span><br />
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f7b614ee40491c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Yesterday, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed (waking up with my 4 year old's feet in my back didn't help), was a little snippy and had a short fuse with the boys. My mom and sister came to pick me up to go cave-ing and hiking. For the record, I'm not a caver. :) Before we left, I went upstairs, kneeled down and asked the Lord to allow me to walk in His freedom through this wait. To find joy in the whole journey and to remember that He has already written our story, we only need to trust Him as we walk it out. So we went through a cave, went for a hike, watched beautiful water falls, and on the way back to the car I realized I hadn't thought about adoption the ENTIRE TIME! Such victory, considering every single moment after we know a mama has our book my stomach is either in a knot or I am praying for her as she makes the decision. </span></span><br />
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f7b614ee40491c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Our God is so sweet and He has already written your story too. Will you walk with me in the freedom we've already received from Christ? Even when you don't know the ending of the story? </span></span>Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-20998368456316431642017-05-09T15:54:00.001-07:002017-05-09T16:00:22.592-07:00Unexpected GriefMy sister in law said it perfectly: <i>“My heart breaks for her and aches for you.”</i> <br />
<br />
When we got the text at noon on Thursday that there was a baby in Florida who was 1 day past her due date, I did what anyone would naturally do. Called my husband, freaked out. Called my mom, freaked out. Read the text and subsequent email 100x looking for any detail I missed the time before. I had done this with each mama we had seen, except this time it was different. <br />
<br />
As I read the email, I was weepy.<br />
<br />
As I called Zach, I was desperate for him to say we could present to this mom. I wanted this baby. I wanted to book the next flight to Florida and snuggle her as soon as she was earthside. <br />
<br />
He said YES! I cried again. I wrote the most honest, heartfelt letter I’ve ever written. Last time it felt unnatural. This time felt right. <br />
<br />
Coincidentally we had stayed home from an all expense paid trip for two to Australia, and instead decided to spend the weekend with our close friends about two hours away who live and work at a Young Life Camp. We decided to still go, regardless of the fact there is no cell service, and spend the time we could with them. Atleast there is wifi and FaceTime at their house. <br />
<br />
We got to camp late at night, put the kids down, and that’s when the anxiety settled in. I had been trying to pray all day and just couldn’t find words. I kept saying “Lord, you know. We trust you.” After the kids were down and all was quiet I started praying for mama, for her decision to choose a family, that she would feel confident in her decision to choose adoption and clarity in which family she wanted to place her baby with. I was praying the Lord would comfort her as she goes through these final days of pregnancy knowing what is coming. <br />
<br />
I started memorizing Romans 15:13. With each word I would forget and go lookup, the Lord was teaching me and bringing me closer to him.<br />
<br />
Hope,<br />
fill, <br />
believe,<br />
power. <br />
<br />
To be honest, I was sure this was our mama. This was our baby. I just knew it. I actually had this post written up until here because I wanted to remember each step and how I felt to live out our story, the one we have prayed for this whole time. I was writing it as I felt it so that I could post something as soon as we knew she was ours. <br />
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I was so anxious for my email to ding because I <b>knew</b> it was going to say she had chosen us, or she wanted to meet us. At camp we don’t have cell service so I thought maybe someone would FaceTime us to tell us the amazing news that we were about to welcome a daughter, and it was time to get on a plane to Florida.<br />
<br />
We headed into camp to grab an ice cream cone from the Sassy. I was actually grateful to leave the house and the wifi so that I could stop hitting 'refresh' every 3 minutes hoping for news. There is zero service down in camp, and I knew I needed the fresh air that comes with being totally disconnected. We let the boys run around & then decided to head up to start dinner.<br />
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I was chopping mushrooms while waiting for water to boil when Zach came around the corner holding his phone. As only Zach can do, he used the same calm voice he always does and said, <i>"the mama has narrowed it down and she is choosing a family that is local."</i><br />
<br />
I had to actually stop and think about what he had just said because that certainly wasn't what I was anticipating hearing. This was our baby! Everything was perfect; Australia, the timing, our suitcases were packed, our friend has a house we can stay in, we are ready! But it's not up to us. And all of a sudden I understood the verse the Lord had laid on my heart. He wasn't giving me this verse for our wait to hear back from this mama. He was giving me this verse for after we heard this wasn't our baby.<br />
<br />
I was and am ok. I had peace in her decision. I knew this just meant this was someone else's baby. I have said that all along, that we would be ok waiting for our baby. I knew that there were other families showing this mama their books and we had been praying for her all weekend because of the magnitude of the decision she was making.<br />
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What I wasn't expecting though, is the sadness. Even as I type this my eyes are welling up with tears yet again. When my sweet friend Jess came inside and just hugged me without saying anything, that is when it hit. Yes, I have a supernatural peace about this. I have joy, so much joy. I trust in Him. I am <i>overflowing</i> with hope, truly. And I am also sad. When we decided to present to this mama (present is the adoption lingo meaning the agency shows her our family's book), that was our <b>yes</b>. In our hearts we were prepared to call this baby our own. And now we lean into the Lord as we grieve that "if" and wait on our "yes."<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Katie<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EctlrhJNAgcuC03eEUBA3tDVO0N7NFBHYQtgYWmQ6WvR3s4xaCYgwiM-0NaBukk0QbZI8rAuYIvRNRWeYaXEV4XUxPxf8UfkTgJBXm0KnRoL8j_IeoTeHFhzpqhMBw6sNWX8tifd3Es/s1600/18193077_10208755260706181_4414651789024260131_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EctlrhJNAgcuC03eEUBA3tDVO0N7NFBHYQtgYWmQ6WvR3s4xaCYgwiM-0NaBukk0QbZI8rAuYIvRNRWeYaXEV4XUxPxf8UfkTgJBXm0KnRoL8j_IeoTeHFhzpqhMBw6sNWX8tifd3Es/s1600/18193077_10208755260706181_4414651789024260131_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: Kari Rae Lewis</td></tr>
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<br />Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-83703219515499909732017-03-21T00:35:00.002-07:002017-03-21T00:35:32.695-07:00For Life Last week, we heard from our case worker that our home study would be approved that weekend. Our consultant sent us our profile book to order. We narrowed down the agencies we were going to apply to. We were ready to send everything in & be "waiting." <br />
<br />
I decided I would write us a letter from ourselves at this point, to read later on in case we get discouraged & to document each step of the process and what we are feeling at this point. I felt like it was a good transition point to take a pause and write things down before the next phase started. Process it and pray over it. <br />
<br />
Until I woke up and there was a birth mom situation in my inbox. What? I wasn't ready! We hadn't even gotten our approved home study, we hadn't sent our applications in, I hadn't written my thoughts down!! That sweet letter I was going to write to the future us as if we were campers at Young Life Camp or something - I hadn't even thought of what to say!<br />
<br />
And then it clicked. The Lord was like, "hey Katie, did I ever say this was going to go how you planned it? Even a little bit?" No, in fact at a women's weekend I went to last fall (at a Young Life Camp, no less) He specifically told me this process was going to teach me patience. Not like we will have this take longer than normal, but more like I am just an INSTANT gratification person, 100% of the time, and this wasn't going to work like that. I was already feeling pressured to keep up with everyone else's timelines. But this is ours. Our adoption. Just typing that brings tears to my eyes. No matter the timeline, we won't miss our baby, the one the Lord already has for us. <br />
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We hired our adoption consultant (sidenote, if you are even thinking about considering adoption, please consider going through a consultant. I literally don't know how people adopt without a <a href="https://coffeecupofthoughts.com/" target="_blank">Casey</a>) in June, we sent our home study paperwork in in January, while other people who hired Casey in August are already bringing their babies home. We're on the slow track, and the Lord is teaching me to be okay with that. Especially since that is not very slow at all compared to the years it can take for an international adoption or even through other agencies in the US. Comparison though. It just robs you of things, and usually without you even catching it! <br />
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So our letter to ourselves is different. Even though we didn't present to the birth moms we saw last week, seeing their stories shook me a little bit. This adoption thing isn't about us, it is not romantic or amazing of us. What it IS, is us being obedient to something the Lord put on both of our hearts a long time ago. No matter the heartbreak it brings, on either side of it.<br />
<br />
<i>Dear Self, this isn't going to go as planned, even the parts you thought you could control. Even still, your baby is out there and because of that, you should not be discouraged or think less of your journey and circumstances. This is it, the adoption you've always dreamed and prayed and hoped for. You're doing it. Be grateful that you can say yes so easily. Soon you'll have a newborn and these months will be a blur and so worth it. </i><br />
<i>Some of the birth mom situations you will see will hurt your heart. Pray for them. Know that each baby you don't present to or don't get matched with is someone else's baby that they are hoping and praying and waiting for! Continue praying for their birth mamas. Also? Give yourself grace. Just because you're not physically pregnant doesn't mean you aren't just as emotional. This is your baby. Feel the feels. Go there. They deserve it. Honor your baby during this time so you can tell them about it in the future, how you waited and longed for them gracefully, diligent in prayer and working every day to better yourself and prepare your heart for what was coming.</i><br />
<i>Mostly, don't lose sight of why you're doing this. Not for you, but for <b>life</b>. For a life that is so very wanted and has a beautiful purpose.</i><br />
<i>Your baby will be in your arms soon. Go on a few dates before then :) Rest in the comfort of knowing your God knows exactly when and where your baby is. And buckle up, because you have no idea what's coming. Oh, and please remember to keep Jesus first. Don't run to friends before kneeling before Him. He is the author of this story and wants you to seek him first. </i><br />
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p.s. We are still waiting on the approved home study that would be to use for sure three Mondays ago. Patience. Once we have it, we can send everything into agencies and officially be a waiting family! Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-30438859857285812252017-02-10T15:20:00.001-08:002017-02-10T15:20:05.683-08:00Our First Home Study Interview Oh hey blog world. It's been awhile. Like, almost three years awhile. I
needed a break from this space because it didn't feel like "me"
anymore.<br />
<br />
I've realized how much writing is an
outlet for me and how it helps me sort through my thoughts. I need this
for me. This blog became something I felt I was doing for other people or to "keep up", so I
stopped. I'm in a much different place now, and I'm excited to start
over. I toyed with starting a whole new blog or just revamping this one, and decided to stay here. This blog tells my story, and I don't want to lose that or forget it.<br />
<br />
So here we are. This "adoption" thing we've always talked about doing is happening. Sometimes I stare at the wall and wonder how we got here. Wonder how our story will go. Mostly I think of our birth mom. Is she devastated to have to choose adoption? Is she relieved to choose adoption? It's weird not knowing. Not knowing her, not knowing her reason for choosing adoption, not knowing where she is, if she's even pregnant yet.<br />
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We had our first home study interview last night. I had worked myself up so far I was a complete ball of anxiety. I texted a friend who was grocery shopping and asked if I could come with just so I could get out of the house. Our nanny helped us get our house in tip top shape but I still was re arranging, dusting, sorting, rearranging more. It's not that I thought she would care what our house looked like, it's that I didn't know what else to do. It isn't a test you can study for. We are who we are, I'm not overly concerned with getting "failed" on our home study, but I was concerned about who would show up to our doorstep at 4pm. Her report is what will be sent with our profile to agencies across the country telling them who we are. I wanted someone who made us feel comfortable so we could be ourselves and really be able to share our hearts with her.<br />
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The Lord totally provided and she was just those things. Kind, gentle, compassionate, and very friendly. She asked us about our families, discipline, what we would hope for in a baby or birth mom and relationship with her, education, etc. A friend of mine wrote a post a year ago announcing their adoption and said she was so tired of talking about herself. I didn't get it then, I sure do now. I could be done talking about myself for a looooong time and be ok.<br />
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Maybe the hardest thing is I don't know how to put it into words. My heart longs for and yearns for a baby. My heart aches for a grieves for the birth mom/parents. It is a strange emotion to be excited for your family while simultaneously so sad for another. But, that is adoption. That is the sanctity of life. They love that child & believe in that life, that <i>wanted</i> life, so much that they place the baby with someone else to love and raise. I can't think of anything more brave.<br />
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Expect more rambling from me as we go through this. We have our 2nd home study interview on Monday, and then we get to choose which agencies we are applying to. Please be praying for discernment and direction with that decision. I want this all written because I want to remember it, I want to remember how I felt and what my prayers were. I also want to share this because I think adoption is beautiful and so needed, and it doesn't have to be scary. I want to share so that maybe you might decide it is right for your family. These babies are so worth it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiOLd2P_ft5huK3z5zqj8cKPjUg7d0J7H7IxWXPLM8uR5NVxDdEdNPHdrDWAq3L-p957ERAaLAxxNriHhobYjpikX2cNeHVBDXUSCgmH95HIP-xtb1wS5sy7i6-p04HDIjJK-ZNkEADU/s1600/bw-9445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiOLd2P_ft5huK3z5zqj8cKPjUg7d0J7H7IxWXPLM8uR5NVxDdEdNPHdrDWAq3L-p957ERAaLAxxNriHhobYjpikX2cNeHVBDXUSCgmH95HIP-xtb1wS5sy7i6-p04HDIjJK-ZNkEADU/s1600/bw-9445.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our announcement photo: October 2016</td></tr>
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<br />Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-5274310252655869612014-02-24T22:35:00.002-08:002017-02-10T15:24:15.572-08:00My Weightloss JourneyOh body image. Such an emotional topic. Let's cut to the chase and say that having a baby is the hardest thing my body has ever been through. I gained a LOT with my pregnancy, had a "surprise" c-section as the doctor called it, and didn't lose a single pound for the 6 months I was able to breastfeed.<br />
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I've been wearing baggy clothes and elastic waisted pants for TOO long. We took some pictures in October and November and I cringed at the sight of myself. My face is so round and my tummy is just icky. But I caught myself in the negative self talk and remembered something my dad always said growing up, <span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I don't want to hear you complaining if you're not doing anything to change the situation."</i></span><br />
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So, I decided to change the situation. I used to eat clean and felt so awesome doing it. I called my friend, <a href="http://blisstobean.blogspot.com/">Jenn</a>, and ordered a 10-day cleanse to kick start clean eating. I lost a couple of pounds, but I wanted more. And I didn't want to work out. It's just not realistic for me except a walk every once in awhile.<br />
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I began taking 2 drops each of Young Living's lemon, peppermint, and grapefruit in a capsule every day. I wasn't very strict about it and usually forgot. I eat kind of clean at home, but we live at a camp & eat there a few times a week too. It's awesome that the cooks at camp usually provide whole, clean foods during meals so I TRY to choose those. I'll be honest though, all self control goes out the window when it comes to those darn gooey peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies. And au gratin potatoes. I just cant help myself. I mean, I DO help myself, to a hefty serving of them ;) <br />
<br />
Well.. even with my abundance of cheat meals, I was consistently losing weight. I went on like 1 walk every 2 weeks and was <i>kind of</i> eating healthy. I didn't think about it until my friend, who has been eating REALLY healthy and not cheating at all said "I think it's those essential oils, otherwise how are you losing this much weight when you always eat the cookies?! I've been watching you!"<br />
<br />
So I decided to do a test while I was in Georgia. I knew we'd be eating lots of treats and Zach's mom's super yummy cooking so I decided to just eat what was there and make sure to take my oil pill every single day. That way, I'd know if I lost weight it would HAVE to be from the oils. I weighed myself when I got home and guess what? 3 pounds. Gone. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You guys. This is not a "diet pill". They are 100% pure essential oils that come straight from nature. Nothing added. Nothing taken away. The only side effects are relief from being outside when the season change, and no more bloating/gas.</span><br />
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Here is a picture from last fall, and a picture my friend took last week. I know it's not a HUGE difference, but it's about 15 lbs, 2 pant sizes, and a whole lot of confidence gained. I could actually button my pre-Bennett jeans. They're low waisted and not cute on me anymore, but I could get them past my hips and buttoned! It just feels good. <br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Please don't ingest just any essential oil! Lots are adulterated with other substances. Even other oil companies who claim to be "pure" are proven not to be. Do your research, be informed, and only ingest Young Living oils.</span>Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-36120410567987196172013-12-13T14:42:00.001-08:002013-12-13T14:45:05.389-08:00Advice for Traveling With a 9-12 Month OldWe've been blessed enough to have flown a lot in Bennett's little life! When he was a newborn, we took a trip to Seattle and then a trip to Georgia and both times I was SO nervous. I thought the world might actually end the night before our trip. Well.. here's a little secret. Traveling with a little baby is REALLY EASY! You put them in the Ergo, they sleep. You fly. They sleep. You feed them, they sleep. You don't need much with you, an extra burp rag or two and an extra outfit. And those nifty scented bags for the dirty diaper. But everyone helps you because your baby is so tiny and precious and they feel bad for you having to brave the airport alone.<br />
<br />
Then we took a break from traveling (also known as summer when you work at a camp) and when it was time to fly again my baby was all grown up into a BIG baby! We flew when Bennett was 9 months, 10 months, and will have another trip tomorrow and he is 11 months! Flying is different when they're bigger so without further ado, I give you: Advice for flying with a big Baby!<br />
<br />
<b>1. Bring your husband if at all possible.</b><br />
Just kidding. No but really, bring him. We've had Zach on three out of eight flights and oh, it's wonderful. It's so much easier to have a 2nd seat for the baby to spread out in, but also help with feeding and diaper changes! And carrying luggage..<br />
<br />
2. <b>Do not be afraid to ask for help!!!!!!</b><br />
Going through security with a baby, stroller, diaper bag (that they have to sort through and swipe your bottles, etc), AND having to remove your shoes, is just NOT easy. Last time, I couldn't figure out how to get my Ergo back on and my shoes back on, and hold B (I didn't have a stroller that time) so I just looked at the TSA guy and said, "Can you hold him for me?". And he did! Made it a lot easier and probably brightened his day a little ;) Now, obviously don't do that if they're super busy or cranky looking. But there was no line and he was just standing there watching me. Also, I always look for someone who looks about my mom's age to sit next to in the terminal and airplane. Works like a charm. They totally want to hold your baby while you re-organize your bag or find your ticket and ID.<br />
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3. <b>Wear your baby.</b><br />
I tried pushing the baby and wearing the diaper bag, and the other way is just easier. If you are taking a stroller & carseat, put the diaper bag in the stroller and push it, and wear the baby. It's easier on your back and it is nice to have both of your hands free. I also feel safer having Bennett on me, like people are less likely to touch him. Please don't touch him, I don't know you or what kind of germies you're carrying around with you. I love our Ergo, and keep my ID, cell phone, and ticket in the zipper pocket on the front of it.<br />
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4. <b>Pack light.</b><br />
I typically check our luggage (thank you Southwest for free checked bags!) and just carry the diaper bag. When I was breastfeeding, it was especially easy. Now that we do bottles, I take 2-3 empty bottles, and a bottle of water to fill them. The little formula container that's pre-measured. An extra outfit for baby. A small thing of wipes, and enough diapers for a change every 2 hours (you just never know!). And a ziploc bag and a target bag. I bring Lysol wipes to wipe down the seat, tray table, etc. Chapstick and hand sanitizer for mama. A flannel receiving blanket to use as a burp cloth or blanket.<br />
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5.<b> Sit in the window.</b><br />
On one airline (Alaska or Delta, can't remember) you have to sit in the window seat because that's where the infant air masks are. Originally, I thought I would have chosen the aisle so I'd have more room. Well it turns out the window really is best. You have a wall to lean against instead of a person, which is great for napping. Also, if it's light out, your baby can look out the window! And if you breastfeed, you can totally cocoon into the window and no one even knows what you're doing. Win-win.<br />
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6. <b>Rough schedule</b><br />
Be easy going when you're traveling. Your baby's routine is going to be completely thrown off. I usually try to change Bennett's diaper RIGHT before boarding, so that if it's a 3 hour flight or less I won't have to change him in the airplane. Well.. unless he poops. Then I just pray it stays in the diaper until I can get outta the seat and into the itty bitty disgusting bathroom they expect you to be able to fit into with a wiggling child. I feed him extra snacks in the morning to hopefully keep him full, and the bottles when he wants them. It hasn't worked out for him to eat as we take-off yet, but he takes a binky so he's fine. One really awesome thing about airplanes is that they're like giant white noise machines! Bennett typically takes REALLY good naps on the plane. I usually get everything settled, feed him, etc, and once we're up in the air I put him back into the ergo, give his binky, and rock back and forth or bounce in my seat until he settles down. Then we both sleep for a long, long time. It's the bomb.<br />
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7. <b>Use the gate check option for your stroller/carseat. </b><br />
The first time I flew, I gate checked my stroller and carseat. It was super easy and nice to have somewhere to put Bennett down in in the terminal. You just fold it up when you get down the tunnel, and then magically it's in that exact same place when you arrive at your destination. Cool, huh? Well the 2nd time I flew, I saw the lady in front of me checking hers at the ticket counter. So I asked the ticket agent and she said, "honestly, I don't recommend doing it this way. It just gets thrown around with the luggage and often times gets damaged." Then I thought about it, if you are supposed to replace carseats even in the tiniest of automobile accidents because of hairline fractures in the plastic, isn't this like way worse? So now we always gatecheck ours. Its safer, and it's nice to have through security. If you're flying alone and trying to get your stroller/carseat/shoes/diaper bag/carrier on the belt through security, please refer to point #2! :)<br />
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8. <b>Dress you and baby in layers. </b><br />
You never know if you're gonna be freezing or having hot flashes. Much easier if you can add or remove layers! Also, slip-on shoes make the security check much easier.<br />
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9. <b>Take a deep breath!</b><br />
You can do this! I have heard many stories of people being rude on planes, but I've never experienced it. People have generally been very helpful and kind! Take a deep breath, give yourself a mental peptalk, and enjoy your travels :) A happy mama = a happy baby!<b><br /></b><br />
<br />Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-58230929636106735272013-12-11T22:36:00.002-08:002013-12-12T09:52:13.817-08:00Being in the Picture & a Photo CanvasHave you guys seen the articles about moms being in the pictures more? I've been reading them since Bennett was born and I think it's really important! There are a few awesome one geared towards new moms, but<a href="http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4351360"> this one</a> is my favorite.<br />
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I did gain more weight than I'd have chosen during pregnancy, and since having Bennett I haven't prioritized getting back "in shape" (I say that loosely because I'm pretty sure I've never been in shape, haha!). All the mama blogs and articles have really helped me accept my post pregnancy, post c-section body. </div>
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We had some newborn photos taken by my amazing friend Breanna, and this fall I REALLY wanted to get family photos done again! Bennett has changed so much this year and I love having family pictures up. We had our photos done just around the corner from the camp we work at :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.signazon.com/">Signazon</a> contacted me at the perfect time! They asked me to choose a product from their website, and I was originally going to choose some business tools for my essential oils team. Then I saw they had photo canvases! I've always wanted one :)<br />
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I love having the blown up family picture to look at! It was so easy to order and <a href="http://www.signazon.com/">Signazon shipped it within 24 hours</a> of placing my order. I am excited to print smaller pictures to put around it!<br />
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<a href="http://s1120.photobucket.com/user/katieharris0703/media/DEC1C0FB-5399-4CF1-B7CC-61B527B3A8FE_zpsxlwvhidv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DEC1C0FB-5399-4CF1-B7CC-61B527B3A8FE_zpsxlwvhidv.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/DEC1C0FB-5399-4CF1-B7CC-61B527B3A8FE_zpsxlwvhidv.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1120.photobucket.com/user/katieharris0703/media/8A5B5BCB-A90C-4370-88C7-95480C62F903_zpsoubh9kyu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 8A5B5BCB-A90C-4370-88C7-95480C62F903_zpsoubh9kyu.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/8A5B5BCB-A90C-4370-88C7-95480C62F903_zpsoubh9kyu.jpg" width="640" /></a>Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-86505676058033601432013-12-05T09:29:00.001-08:002013-12-05T09:51:03.695-08:00The Truth About MeSo lately I've been trying to get myself back in the blogging habit. I really miss it, writing is an amazing outlet and helps me to find my voice when I can't make sense of my thoughts. It's also brought forth some incredible friendships, which has been awesome.<br />
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I bought myself a pretty new blog design, I've made more of an effort to get posts up semi-frequently, and I've been trying to redo my "About Me" section. I need to redo all my pages at the top, because my life is not beauty-full or crafty anymore, but I want to focus on the About Me page. That's where I click first when I visit new blogs so I thought it needed an update.<br />
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The thing is, I can't quite figure out what to write. I've been a mom now for 11 months (tomorrow) and I'm finally coming out of a kind of newborn fog, turned busy summer, turned pouty fall because I felt so sorry for myself.<br />
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I'm finally feeling normal again but motherhood does something to you. It's very humbling but also eye-opening to reality. There is no hiding anything. It's the most <i>real </i>thing I've ever experienced.<br />
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In this very real time in my life, these are the things that come to mind when I try to think of what to write "about me":<br />
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<li>I usually forget to pay my credit card bill. It's a really (<i>really</i>) bad habit, and I have reminders set, see the emails, and still just forget. Luckily I don't put much money on it, otherwise it would get ugly fast. Anyways, I'm working on this. </li>
<li>I'm 25 years old and I still don't know what it's like to just be <i>me</i>. I envy people who are so comfortable in their own skin. I don't know if it stems from moving so much when I was growing up or just a lack of confidence, but I feel like I have to morph into someone else depending who I'm around. Be gentle and sweet around the meek type, be loud and funny around the boisterous type. I hate that. I'm seriously praying and working on it, and also on figuring out just who I am.</li>
<li>I do not look cute very often. I'm a stay at home mom, and not one of the ones who wakes up before the baby, puts on new clothes, and a little bit of make up to freshen up. I wake up after my baby's been crying for long enough, brush my teeth with him in my arms, and usually wear the same ponytail and pajamas I slept in until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. You better warn me before you stop by because I probably haven't put a bra on yet.</li>
<li>I don't think I'm a very good friend. I really love having close friendships, I thrive off that intimacy. I just don't feel like I'm good at being that friend! Love me through it..</li>
<li>I like to be surrounded by people. I love when my house is full of friends, family, acquaintances, etc.</li>
<li>My house is ALWAYS messy. I don't get it. I promise I do pick up and clean. It's just a mess all.the.time.</li>
<li>I'm soooo hard on myself. Like, in all aspects of life. It's hard for me to admit or accept when I am actually doing well at something. A few months ago, I started using Young Living Essential Oils, and subsequently became a distributor. I am having <i>serious </i>financial success with these, yet each month I think, "I'm probably done. Anyone who would want some EOs has already bought them, so this is the month that it ends." Well thank you friends, because this has yet to happen. As hard as it is for me to say, I'm doing really well with this! And honestly, the best part is, these oils are dramatically helping people and their families with their health! *pat myself on the back*</li>
<li>I have learned more about LOVE in the last 11 months than in my entire life. I understand when people say "Jesus can never love you any more or any less than he does. He just loves you." I get it now. I get why my parents did so much for us. You just do. You just love them.</li>
<li>I usually have good intentions. With my words, with my actions, whatever. I have good intentions. My biggest frustration is when people assume I have bad/mean intentions. I don't. </li>
<li>I'm really good at talking about things. Talk about them all the ding dong day. Doing them? Not so much. :)</li>
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And there ya go. I'll wait awhile before re-writing my About Me section so as not to scare anyone away :) Also, I went and paid my credit card before publishing this post. Phew.Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-79348425798621559912013-12-02T15:10:00.001-08:002013-12-02T15:10:43.059-08:00Bennett's First Halloween!<div style="text-align: center;">
Most people don't know this about my hunk of a husband, but he's actually a real live cowboy. He even has a degree in cowboy. Like for reals. </div>
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Anyways, when I saw this little costume I just COULD NOT pass it up! I thought I would do something clever and/or creative but this little moo-cow just takes the cake :)</div>
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and he's off.. this baby is just not into sitting still anymore!!</div>
Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-62566451422501418372013-11-07T19:54:00.000-08:002013-11-07T19:54:17.492-08:00Our OctoberThis October was a whirlwind. It started off with a lovely visit with my inlaws, followed unexpectedly by saying goodbye to my adored grandpa, "papa", and ended with Zach and I making some big decisions and learning a lot about ourselves.<br />
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Bennett with his Nana! We love you Nana :)</div>
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my sweet punkin :)</div>
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Our sweet little family! (yes the sun was in our eyes)</div>
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Bennett was all tuckered out after having fun at Bates Nut Farm.</div>
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Our family! At the most delish restaurant - Point Loma Seafood </div>
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I seriously love this face.</div>
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My grandpa had a heart attack so Bennett and I quick boarded a plane the next day so I could get up there to say goodbye. It was incredibly hard, incredibly emotional, and I really don't have the words to write about it yet. I LOVED my Papa, have some of my favorite memories with him. It really hasn't sunken in that he is gone. </div>
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My beautiful grandparents. I rest in the peace of knowing they are both in heaven - with Jesus - and hopefully hand in hand with one another :)</div>
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Bennett thought that playing the piano was REALLY fun!</div>
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Z & I had some big decisions to make but decided to stay where we are and work on ourselves. We have made personal goals to better ourselves. Mine include getting outside each day, doing devotions each day, and not letting myself believe negative self-talk. So far I'm doing alright with them!</div>
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I also embarked on an oily business journey, which you can definitely expect to hear more about :)</div>
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-59556754991684765392013-11-03T09:06:00.000-08:002013-11-03T09:06:26.735-08:00Our SeptemberSeptember was a busy one! We've had lots of visits from family, which were wonderful. It was still really warm on the mountain, and even warmer in town.<br />
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Oh, and I went to ELLEN!! My lovely friend Julie invited me to go to the premiere with her, and it was amazing.<br />
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Front row!! Which wasn't as cool as we thought, since we were RIGHT next to the audience manager and producers, we weren't really on camera at all. And all the camera were right in front of us so we couldn't see Ellen for a lot of it, BUT that's totally ok because we were still there!!! </div>
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Thanks, Aunt Ellen for the 50" TVs!! </div>
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And this was the one time we were on screen. Julie's excited and my hair and make up look pretty good ;-)</div>
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I love when Zach's parents visit! We get to spend lots of quality time at home, they play with Bennett so I can sleep in, my father in law does projects around our house (score!) and I get to chit chat with my wonderful mother in law. It's the best. This time we went to Carlsbad after church and walked along one of the beaches. It was so pretty!<br />
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My mama and aunt Mimi came to visit for a long weekend. It was so good to have them. So so so good. We went apple picking in Julian, walked around and bought fun gifts, and rode the zipline at camp! And, of course spent the majority of the time just playing with Bennett :) </div>
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And my cute fall wreath that's on our door :)</div>
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September was such a good month. Any time with family is my favorite time!! </div>
Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-8651534006017635512013-11-01T14:57:00.001-07:002013-11-01T15:05:58.014-07:00[Bennett Clark] 9 months<center>
Ahh 9 months old. This was a hard one for me. Maybe because its 3/4 the way to a year, maybe because 9 months just sounds BIG to me. I still feel like you're my newborn baby, and yet all the other babies around us are now smaller and newer than you. We've learned a lot together!<br />
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At your check-up you were 18.5 lbs and 29 inches (I think...). I lost the paper that tells us, but I know you were around 40th percentile for weight -- WOOHOO! -- and 60th for height, and 75th for head circumference. I knew you were smart ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with the doctor's stool while we were waiting for him.</td></tr>
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You eat A LOT, and chew on everything! You eat about half food and half formula now. Every bite you take you say "mmmm" which is adorable. Your favorites are apples, blue berries (which are sadly out of season and hard to find), avocado, and sweet potatoes. You still have not had any meat, simply because I can't do pureed meat and you don't have enough teef for shredded or ground meat yet.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkNBl1eBo8eq6glkPg-euGo1swh-6AT8ry1Nun2i20Kh0mfZk_Wqv2V2ntO1x3XtkPc4Q-j2iKTyCzXnxsGck9MtVhyphenhyphenpD0Om36Wb1DVSO4oqWggyo2cFZemKsCxykjBAvmU6y4iy-1SQ/s1600/IMG_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkNBl1eBo8eq6glkPg-euGo1swh-6AT8ry1Nun2i20Kh0mfZk_Wqv2V2ntO1x3XtkPc4Q-j2iKTyCzXnxsGck9MtVhyphenhyphenpD0Om36Wb1DVSO4oqWggyo2cFZemKsCxykjBAvmU6y4iy-1SQ/s320/IMG_2447.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chewing on the table at chick-fil-a</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you ate two whole pickles without even wincing.</td></tr>
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You drool a lot. Like a leaking faucet. You love your binky. And you're just as sweet as you can be. I love how happy you make people :)</div>
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The best thing ever happened this month, you started saying MAMA!!! I can't even describe how happy it makes me to hear you say it! Over and over again "mamamamamamamamamama" I just love it.</div>
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You are super strong and super fast. You love to look at us and then crawl away really fast while giggling. It's a-dor-a-ble. You also love to be held. When you want up, you crawl over to us, stand up, and start bouncing up and down. Also a-dor-a-ble.<br />
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You got your first haircut this month, and it turned out really cute! However, you didn't make it a very easy photo oppurtunity:<br />
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It's ok. I forgive you.</center>
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Little man, it's an absolute joy to be your mama. I pray that you remain strong-willed, and use it to be an example to others. That you would grow up and love the Lord. You would cling to what's good. You would be strong, courageous, and kind. I love you Bennett baby.</center>
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xoxoo, Mama</center>
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ps. please oh please, just<b> SLEEP</b>!!</center>
Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-86983936716824088512013-11-01T12:29:00.001-07:002013-11-01T13:34:06.481-07:00[Bennett Clark] 8 MonthsIt breaks my heart how behind I've gotten with blogging! Each month I let other things stop me, like not having the right pictures uploaded or needing to laundry and dishes during naptime. Well, the laundry is a-washing and the dishes are a-soaking and I've got lots and lots of pictures to share! (oh blogging... you bring out the cheese in me.)<br />
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I have lists in my phone of all his little accomplishments from 4-6 months and then at 7 months I guess I just thought I'd remember. WRONG. So we'll start at 8 months and go from there.<br />
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Bennett.<br />
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You are the absolute sweetest. You light up the room when you smile. I've heard more than a handful of people tell me you should be in modeling. More than a handful of people say, "I usually don't like babies but I am so fond of him!" You truly are a little charmer. You are an easy-going, full of joy, cuddly, busy-body, always hungry, ultra ticklish little guy. You don't miss a beat, you're very observant like your mommy and daddy.<br />
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You LOVE to play with your kitties! They are so patient with you, too. You like to grab their tails and you think they're playing a game of keep away with you, but I think they're actually trying to wave you away. Regardless, you get the best belly laugh when you're playing with them!<br />
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We've come up with a way to corral you into the living room by moving the ottoman to block the way out, and we call it baby jail. You know. If someone isn't in jail with you you do.not. like it. It's pretty convenient though, and all your toys are in here! You are obsessed with stealing the remotes, cell phones, and papers off of the couch though. We have given you your own remote, but you're a smart little guy who knows that's not the one we are using :) Your favorite toy is a wooden spoon.<br />
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You are a super fast, strong crawler, and love to be standing up (while holding on to someone or something). You can even walk along the couches, too! I cannot believe how big you are getting, and <b>soo</b> quickly. Just a few months ago we were celebrating that you grab something you were looking at, and now you are walking around the furniture. I love to watch you grow and develop but I miss your tiny sleepy snuggles!<br />
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You got your first two teeth this month! There is no better way to describe that process than H-E-L-L. When it was naptime, you would stand in your crib and scream for up to an hour before I would give up and just lay down with you so you would sleep. Same thing at night, you would cry and cry and cry and finally we'd bring you in our bed and let you sleep there. When I <i>finally</i> realized why my angel baby was acting this way, and got you some Advil in your system, it helped immensely! Then two little teefs popped out in the bottom of your mouth, and as if you weren't cute enough already, you got 10x cuter. Didn't even know that was possible.<br />
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Your daddy loves playing with you when he is home, and you LIGHT UP when he comes through the door! It's my favorite to watch!<br />
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We love you so much little man. Now please let us sleep at night?<br />
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xox, Mama<br />
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-37340440242072178212013-09-28T14:36:00.000-07:002013-09-28T14:56:06.560-07:00Refine my HeartSometimes I ask God to refine my heart, or to make me more like him. What does that even mean? It sounds like a simple prayer. Lately I've been learning that it isn't so simple. A few weeks ago I texted two friends that I felt like I was completely falling apart. One responded, "that's ok, sometimes you have to be broken in order to know how to put the pieces back together correctly" and the other responded, "because God wants us to be more like him and he has to break us to refine us. i wish the answer was easier and simpler." (yes, i have some pretty cool friends)<br />
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I do struggle with depression and I have this awful notion that I have to be "good enough." In lots of aspects of my life I don't feel good enough (I've written about this before). When I feel broken or sad or like a mess, my first instinct is to curl up on the couch and feel sorry for myself. which usually helps nothing.<br />
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It's in these times that lies from Satan creep in. and it's in these times that I let them. I let myself believe them. and then it makes it worse. its an awful tornado of lies, belief, sadness, despair, and hopelessness. I know during these cycles the Holy Spirit tries to whisper to me, but with all the "noise" surrounding me, I don't hear it. When I fill my life with gossip, negativity, and fleshly desires, there is no room for the Holy Spirit to be heard. It's in these times that i need God most, that I tend to push him away most.<br />
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all these pregnancy and post-pregnancy hormones make life difficult to deal with sometimes, especially since I tend to have depression anyways. My depression shows up in irritability and laziness for the most part. and then when I've been lazy for awhile, I start believing the lie of I'm not <i>good enough</i> again. If I were good enough, I'd get up off the couch and be a <i>better </i>mom, wife, friend, etc.<br />
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So what am I missing here? I'm missing the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, friends. I googled, "what is grace" and google say<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">s:<b><i> the free and unmerited favor of God. </i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Free.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unmerited</span>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Mind blowing, really, that Jesus offers us FREE, UNMERITED favor and we miss it, forget it, don't let it in. Let Him in. Back to my original point (sorry.. been awhile since I blogged, I'm long winded), I have been asking God to refine my heart. And he has been, because He is a God who answers prayers. This refining, though? It's painful. I'm learning a lot about myself that I don't particularly care for. I'm glad that my eyes are being opened to these things though, so I can change them. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">I'm going through a bible study called Stuck - which is amazing by the way - and this week's lesson is about being broken. In the video, she narrates the lesson while you watch a potter form clay on a wheel. It was in that instance that it clicked. In the bible, we are compared to clay so often but it just didn't click til then. I am asking God to <i>refine</i> me and make me <i>new</i>. In order to do that, he needs to break me down and put me back together correctly, JUST like a potter with clay. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">But what I need to remember, is that when I'm broken, I'm not STUCK laying in a heap of pieces. As I </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">learn and grow, I'm being formed again, more like Christ, in his likeness. He is making me new, better, and in my mind I think "shinier and prettier".. but maybe that's just because I like glitter.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">So as I pray these words, "Lord, refine me", I am learning more and more of what that really means, and also what it looks like. I might not be pretty in the meantime but I'm so excited for how he is so </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 15px;">carefully molding me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> after you have suffered a little while, </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1 Peter 5:10</i></span></span></div>
Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-81586695547399772032013-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T08:00:00.934-07:00Home OrganizationI had the pleasure of working with <i>the</i> Julie Minton of <a href="http://www.simplybeautifulbyjulie.com/">Simply Beautiful</a>. My husband and I moved into our house when I was 8 months pregnant, and although our baby is now 7 months old, we just never took the time to fully move in. Julie came into our house and helped us make it our home. She was such a pleasure to work with, and really made the experience fun (never thought I would say that about cleaning and organizing!).<br />
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In our bedroom, we had unpacked boxes and piles of clothes that didn't fit, shoes, scarves, and belts spilling out of the closet, and a layer of dust covering all the clutter on our dressers. In just a few hours, Julie had completely redone our closet, with only adding a couple of shoe racks and a basket for hats. It is now pleasing to look at rather than being a stressful to do list! She worked with what we had and created a nice reading nook in a corner of our bedroom that was previously full of boxes.<br />
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Downstairs was covered in a mess of mail, baby items, and unfinished projects. Julie helped us to come up with better storage options to keep our things off the floor, a more aesthetic design for our bookshelves, and an awesome way to organize mail as it comes in. We were able to add a few decorative pieces because Julie used what we had for storage, my budget allowed for more fun items.<br />
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Not only was I left with a beautiful home, Julie was a joy to work with throughout. She was encouraging, supportive, never laughed at my horrible messes, and could tell when I was getting overwhelmed with everything. She took her time to make sure we were completely happy with the end results. She was very respectful of our (small) budget, and made sure we were able to accomplish everything we wanted to with the amount I gave her.<br />
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If you are looking for a little help with organization, decorating, rearranging, etc, I cannot recommend Julie enough! You won't be disappointed :)Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-59548999518699597002013-08-06T21:34:00.000-07:002013-08-06T21:47:30.635-07:00Bennett Clark [7 months]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the perfect picture for this age! He is constantly flapping his arms around and so smiley!</td></tr>
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This baby is on the move! He wants so badly to crawl, and gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth. Someone yesterday called it "revving his engine". He is a roley poley and can barrel roll across the room if he wants something. He loves kicking his legs at all times, and when he gets excited he waves his arms up and down and laughs! He reaches for everything with his whole body, and gets frustrated when he can't reach! He prefers to be standing more than sitting, so he spends a lot of play time in the exersaucer and Johnny Jump-Up :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bennett's first beach trip. Swamis, Encinitas.</td></tr>
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Bennett can say "dada," "mama," and "baba" (he came up with this on his own). He has quieter days, and days where he talks non stop. Those are my favorite :) He has the sweetest little voice. I absolutely love when I'm driving and the car is quiet and then out of no where I'll hear a high pitched squeal or coo or a low grunt (such a boy). My heart hurts with joy at his noises!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling at his noises (pretend you can hear them)<br />
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Bennett is so easy going and independent. I have heard multiple times, "Does that baby ever cry?" and "you have such an easy baby!" I do consider us truly blessed, and I give all the glory to God for that. We prayed for his temperament while I was pregnant and the Lord answered our prayers so faithfully! He loves to play by himself or with other people, and if he is alone for awhile and someone comes to play with him, he will shriek with excitement! When we go to camp for meals, he generally just sits in his stroller and watches everyone. Such a good baby :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GBC beach day. Moonlight Beach.</td></tr>
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He still loves his binky! We have to make sure not to leave the house without one. At bedtime and naps, he gets a Wubbanub, so cool. He has a giraffe that his daddy named, "Ralphie". We are cloth diapering on days we're home, but if we are out and about all day I find it much easier to use disposables.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B & mama on my 25th birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome guys.</td></tr>
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Bennett is a great little eater. He hasn't disliked anything yet, but his favorite food is definitely apples! He gets so excited. I've started signing "more" and "all done" but he just stares at me and giggles when I do it :) He eats food 2-3 times a day, and I'm pretty sure it's one of his favorite things.</div>
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His other favorite things are baths, naps, and kitties!</div>
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Hadley pretends she doesn't like Bennett, but she always ends up next to him.. :) He gets SO excited when she walks up to him!</div>
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Mini Dada :) With his yellow polo, khaki shorts, and the remote :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Booty in the air! Cutest ever!</td></tr>
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And the most adorable giggling Bennett video:</div>
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<i>Sweet Bennett, you have taught me more about love, joy, patience, laughter, and perseverance than I ever thought there was to know. You make me a better person, because I want to be the best I can for you. You make me feel happiness I never knew existed, and fear that the greatest gift I've ever received (you) will somehow be taken from me. You make my heart burst little man. I love you so much!</i></div>
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<i>xoxo, your mama.</i></div>
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-33028617820047926832013-05-17T05:49:00.001-07:002013-05-17T05:49:09.608-07:00B's first rice cereal<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3KeX7kF-fSaSppeREOmni7P63P4XRnl_DjC1FP06g2VrHLtdkTtZpyNZnEdwu_oQxul_B0WJqrdOlJq1g-oN1JWanzK4JBQzpLqRnEwieJyivXuClYkYAj0TyO8g801zT1heh72_YaQ/s640/blogger-image--878756151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3KeX7kF-fSaSppeREOmni7P63P4XRnl_DjC1FP06g2VrHLtdkTtZpyNZnEdwu_oQxul_B0WJqrdOlJq1g-oN1JWanzK4JBQzpLqRnEwieJyivXuClYkYAj0TyO8g801zT1heh72_YaQ/s640/blogger-image--878756151.jpg"></a></div>"FEED ME!"<div><br></div><div>We decided to try some rice cereal with Bennett. He is still eating every two hours around the clock, and I'm hoping this will help him stay full a little longer. Especially when it's dark out :)</div><div><br></div><div>We bought organic, non genetically modified rice cereal from Sprouts and mixed it with some breastmilk. I didn't notice his tummy being upset at all which I'm thankful for!</div><div><br></div><div>He got rice cereal twice today and depending on how our days are going and whether or not he stretches his eating time out then I will decide how often he'll continue to eat it. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGHfsllJgE2vZfh8UdGctQ-jNDQMhviTuocWZs6zEkrTeUyNiIZpADbhozzfowk8kradCqJsmYNIiWIr-atEiN-OrNAbuh64nVDdBFwc-TTD6JMBKHp-8f-S9h5Agdkgteoi7s5kLPyQ/s640/blogger-image-1504244864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGHfsllJgE2vZfh8UdGctQ-jNDQMhviTuocWZs6zEkrTeUyNiIZpADbhozzfowk8kradCqJsmYNIiWIr-atEiN-OrNAbuh64nVDdBFwc-TTD6JMBKHp-8f-S9h5Agdkgteoi7s5kLPyQ/s640/blogger-image-1504244864.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68OQi5HKWVucaAiOUhp-KUnMDePM2rHXfiXLTizgoZ6Jh1XTOozv29Ui1_c1fZa_cXomgk441bZYfiy_KJz_3azCcwN91hxQpAULwFTZuV6o-Tel5YkSYv7vjmpM6RY6Psdfo0TZJbWE/s640/blogger-image-1494078371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68OQi5HKWVucaAiOUhp-KUnMDePM2rHXfiXLTizgoZ6Jh1XTOozv29Ui1_c1fZa_cXomgk441bZYfiy_KJz_3azCcwN91hxQpAULwFTZuV6o-Tel5YkSYv7vjmpM6RY6Psdfo0TZJbWE/s640/blogger-image-1494078371.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGdhkZCGjyBDBsVkeciHSSJeGrLrtlm8KNK5URDTO0pj2Z2qntoQ8GG51arDg0d-POMV5Ou9_x6p3zPgSXajb6Yap1iQzdNMD9kMnsJj2ahSFoR_sgIHxACpSW52ftMgrXdqQSSCBNpg/s640/blogger-image-1769594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGdhkZCGjyBDBsVkeciHSSJeGrLrtlm8KNK5URDTO0pj2Z2qntoQ8GG51arDg0d-POMV5Ou9_x6p3zPgSXajb6Yap1iQzdNMD9kMnsJj2ahSFoR_sgIHxACpSW52ftMgrXdqQSSCBNpg/s640/blogger-image-1769594.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stay tuned for his 4 month post.. Only two weeks late ;)</div>Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-70248233602402420162013-04-15T11:11:00.001-07:002013-04-15T11:17:47.600-07:00Bennett Clark [two/three months]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sweet Baby Boy, <br />
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I will probably say this every month but I can't believe you're 3 months already! You have grown so much and I am beyond in love with you. <br />
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I didn't make a two month post, because I got pretty emotional after seeing your pediatrician. You were so little he didn't want to give you your shots, and we had to start supplementing with formula. I didn't realize how attached to breastfeeding I would be until I was told I couldn't. I started pumping and making your bottles half formula and half breast milk for a week, and you gained 6 oz. It was so hard for me to admit we had a problem, but through prayer and some sweet encouragement from friends (thank you girls if you're reading) we got back to our norm, and you gained 2 pounds this month! You are also completely off of the nipple shield which means we don't have to supplement with formula anymore :)<br />
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Your grandpa making you laugh. This will happen the rest of your life -- he's a funny guy! (just ask him hehe)</div>
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Your cousin Madison. She was so confident and comfortable holding you! Even when you got fussy.</div>
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Your sweet cousin Scotty :)</div>
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When you were six weeks old, we flew to Seattle and stayed with your Mima and Papa Gi. You were so good on the plane that when we stood up to get off, the man in front of us was surprised to see a baby! You got to meet all my family and friends, and of course they all loved you. You also got spoiled with presents! Every morning my dad would hold you and talk to you until you smiled, he said it made is whole day better. See the kind of affect you already have on people? I pray you will always use kindness and joy first.<br />
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This is the closest cousin Will would come to you ;) I bet when we see him at Thanksgiving you two will play!</div>
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Cousin Logan giving you kisses.</div>
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You and Buddy. He sure does love you.</div>
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Nana and you at the park. You are lucky to have a Nana like her!</div>
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We flew home and two days later flew to Atlanta with your daddy and stayed with Buddy & Nana. Your Aunt Melissa got to meet you and you immediately were smiling and talking to her! You also met your cousins Logan & Will, who weren't overly interested in you. I can't wait until you're bigger and you three get to play together! Cousins are very special friends, and even though you were tiny I still cherished the time with them. <br />
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Over the last two months you have really grown. You smile all the time! And you are soooo close to laughing. I think you're just waiting until your buddy & nana come this week so they can hear it too! You are quite the talker. You talk talk talk talk until you're so tired all you can do is cry for us to put you to sleep. You also are so strong! You prefer standing up, and can completely support yourself except you're so wiggly :) if we sit you down against something, you try so hard to sit-up on your own, I think you will be before we know it. <br />
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You and your Mima in La Jolla</div>
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Playing airplane with Papa Gi!</div>
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One of your favorite things right now (besides your mama) is your activity mat. You kick your legs like crazy when we put you on it. You don't reach for the toys yet, but you love to stare at the mirror. You used to hate tummy time and scream every time we tried, now you don't mind as much. Sometimes you just lay flat and stare around the room, and other times you try to roll over. You have rolled over once this week! You can't seem to do it again yet, but you will!<br />
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Playing with your Daddy.</div>
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You love binkies and baths! You recently figured out you could play in the bath. You kick kick kick and smile when you're in there. It's the cutest thing!<br />
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This week you started sleeping in your own room. You had decided you wanted to eat every hour through the night, so we decided to try your room and see if that helped.. It has! You now wait 2-3 hours between feedings which helps mama out a lot. It was hard for me at first, I missed you sleeping next to our bed, but I know it's the right thing for all of us! <br />
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Such a big boy wearing a North Face jacket and Chuck Taylor shoes!</div>
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I love how you love me. When you see me, your eyes light up and you scrunch your body up as if saying "I love you so much it takes my whole self to tell you!" We have a lot of fun together and I cherish each day I have with you, getting to love you and watch you grow. Although we have some hard days, when you look at me and smile - just for that moment - everything in the world is right.<br />
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I love you so much, Bennett.<br />
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xoxo, Mama<br />
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<a href="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Months%202-3/29437DEB-A871-4006-8893-3F9FE4E5FCC3-2578-000001C3DF92C0EF_zps436c1575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Months%202-3/29437DEB-A871-4006-8893-3F9FE4E5FCC3-2578-000001C3DF92C0EF_zps436c1575.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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"Who needs a binky when I have my hand?"</div>
<br />Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-61713803857162813482013-04-02T19:38:00.001-07:002013-04-02T23:16:25.949-07:00No More ExcusesMommy hood is hard. Exhausting, really. Completely worth it and fulfilling, but hard. I have been very dissatisfied with my post-baby body but I just haven't done anything about it. I did a Jillian Michael video one time, went on about two walks but that's it in the month since I've been cleared to exercise. <br />
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My dad always told me not to complain about something if I wasn't going to do anything about it. I keep hearing his voice in my head as I complain about my clothes not fitting and my round stomach. <br />
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I've heard of the Couch to 5k program before but always felt I was "above" that level. (I wasn't, FYI) For a month now I've been talking about starting it but wanted someone to do it with me - excuse #1. Then I would think about starting but come up with more reasons I couldn't that day.. I didn't sleep well the night before, Bennett wanted to be held, I already showered that morning, we live on a busy road, he doesn't fit in the jogging stroller yet, it's too hot, too cold, etc etc etc. <br />
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So when I hung out with Meg (henning love) on Saturday I asked her to hold me accountable to starting this week! When she texted me this morning I knew I didn't want to give her an excuse. Yes I barely got sleep last night but oh well, that's life right now. So Bennett and I got ready and we headed outdoors. He loves going for walks and it puts him right to sleep! I downloaded an app with a woman's voice who tells you when to walk/jog. I named her Meg :) and, it was actually WAY harder than it should have been but I'm proud to say I didn't cheat! Yes my legs felt like 1000 lb weights and my lungs were burning but that just shows me why I really need to get my booty off the couch. I've never been this out of shape! So far I'm off to a solid start and I'm excited to keep going with this program. I think the best part is that it's do-able even for someone who is out of shape and has never been a runner.<br />
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Ill keep you updated on my journey :) I'm down 20 total lbs since pregnancy or 6 since delivery. I have a goal in mind that is 5 lbs less than my pre-pregnancy weight but 5 lbs more than wedding weight. So a little further than my comfort weight but not the pressure of a wedding haha! I have about 38 lbs to go. Sorry that paragraph sounds like a story problem in 11th grade math :)<br />
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Ps. B turns 3 months old on Saturday!! Where is time going?! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKS97iCpIZcTl7M2H02v8qZr6eG51hhymxde2xs7MCdZzCC5f0vr9XJFXyZysWTHC_OCx2gJb8AoYTMKn3k4r0o0jnTGty0wsGLdqykuwcbuM2c_ba0UhUfGdNzjV_rAQL9Y4ZoQEKZE/s640/blogger-image--975861069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKS97iCpIZcTl7M2H02v8qZr6eG51hhymxde2xs7MCdZzCC5f0vr9XJFXyZysWTHC_OCx2gJb8AoYTMKn3k4r0o0jnTGty0wsGLdqykuwcbuM2c_ba0UhUfGdNzjV_rAQL9Y4ZoQEKZE/s640/blogger-image--975861069.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ryA_W64l5IvrGzmqEB5Ui9NBrM1E_inXcdoNnUBUMTrM8am_g9mw0KTsrQmwudO0ggZlwfMQ90PzQFNKZ9t7CrZ8_qVeAy2ZUMwXyhtAouTpR5cmUdWGnVM8rUXF2AFmFqgHL6-z254/s640/blogger-image-1296624260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ryA_W64l5IvrGzmqEB5Ui9NBrM1E_inXcdoNnUBUMTrM8am_g9mw0KTsrQmwudO0ggZlwfMQ90PzQFNKZ9t7CrZ8_qVeAy2ZUMwXyhtAouTpR5cmUdWGnVM8rUXF2AFmFqgHL6-z254/s640/blogger-image-1296624260.jpg" /></a></div>Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-51422823911420870262013-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-01T07:00:06.029-07:00 Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Easter from the Harris family! </div>
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We had a wonderful day going to a church we love being a part of, and enjoying a meal with friends on the mountain.</div>
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So thankful that Jesus rose for us this day so many years ago! <i><b>He is Risen!</b></i></div>
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-16067546050508526182013-02-07T20:46:00.001-08:002013-02-07T20:46:32.822-08:00Bennett Clark [One Month]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Month%201/IMG_1621_zps081984e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Month%201/IMG_1621_zps081984e5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My sweet Bennett,</div>
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I cannot believe you are already a month old. I waited so long for you and now the days are just flying by. </div>
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You've already changed so much. It makes me sad and excited at the same time, sad that each day goes by so quickly but excited to see the little boy you grow into!</div>
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You're very alert right after you eat, and you love to look around the room or at people. You also love to hear your voice! Sometimes when I leave you alone I'll hear you talking to yourself and it makes my heart melt :) When I talk to you a lot you try to respond! </div>
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<a href="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Month%201/2weeks_zpsf549c271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Month%201/2weeks_zpsf549c271.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Around 3 1/2 to 4 weeks you started <b>really</b> smiling a lot. Before that, you'd occasionally smile but I think you didn't know you were. Now we can get you to smile and coo if we talk to you and look in your eyes, it's so fun! You are such a happy baby!</div>
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You are so good to us, little man. You sleep lots at night, and you rarely fuss during the day. Unless, of course, your binky falls out, then we hear you! But it takes a lot for you to cry, usually you start off with a cute combination of grunts, pouts, and whines. We are so thankful that you're so content. We prayed you would be easy-going, healthy, and happy and boy did God answer our prayers. </div>
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Baby you've taught me a new kind of love. I miss you when I'm not holding you, but I love to see how happy you make other people when they get to hold you! I could stare at you all day, and sometimes I do. </div>
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You love going to camp and seeing all your friends there, and I'm getting used to everyone touching you (even though I <i>hate</i> germs). You are totally content in your carseat, which we also prayed for since we live so far away! You don't even mind going up the windy mountain road. You love being swaddled, but you are a master at getting your hands out the top. It's pretty adorable how you just wriggle and grunt until you get them out! You don't like your feet being touched, but sometimes Daddy and I touch them just to see you wrinkle them all up.</div>
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You love your binky, being held, and nursing. You are perfectly content being in the Moby or Ergo carrier, so we always have those around. We also always have a clean binky handy because you <i>need</i> it, or atleast thats what it seems like you're telling us! When you want it, you scrunch up your nose and breathe in and out really fast while turning your head side to side. It's the cutest thing ever. You have eaten like a pro since day 1, and we are so thankful for that. Again, we prayed you'd be a good nurser and that I'd have plenty of milk and baby, we're doin' it! We haven't had any issues with nursing and we owe God all the glory for that. I love the bond we have and how I can comfort you so easily.</div>
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<a href="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Month%201/1month_zps02952abc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l488/katieharris0703/Bennett%20Month%201/1month_zps02952abc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You're currently asleep next to me, in your Rock n Play that sits next to our bed. You sleep very contently in there, and only a few times a week do you come in our bed with us. That's proof how much your daddy loves you, because before you were born he swore you'd never be in the bed with us. Just this week we decided to try to schedule you a little more, on a 3 hour rotation. So far you're doing ok with it, although I'm pretty lax on the time. It's too hard for me to wake you up when you're sleeping, you're just so angelic.</div>
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We get to FaceTime with both grandparents a few times a week. They love getting to see you! It's especially fun now that you smile and talk. </div>
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Some of your nicknames are Little Man, Peanut, Mister, Punkin.. but mostly I call you "baby" or "sweet boy".</div>
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I'm just so glad you're mine, little B. You made me a mommy and I'm doing the best I know how. We're learning together, but I love it. I love figuring you out and the way I know how to console you. You're the sweetest little boy I know, and each day I fall more in love with you even when I think I couldn't love you more. I love you so much, baby.</div>
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xoxo, Mama</div>
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-13983162093157512102013-01-16T15:42:00.002-08:002013-01-16T15:51:35.835-08:00Bennett: The First 10 Days<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/AVvXsEgH7bwzxjLyTKlN7YnZjnEG9PsMPeJ_yATimJ80xaGxRaSyFC_Fr-Mx29L2Zv2aI3uuCdL2RHSUz51kZn0mA8CSlsZf9fslb09_-anfhQqnpUGP0hjvvEaRmBiD4Q2i3l1AWOZqCgTuRfI/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7bwzxjLyTKlN7YnZjnEG9PsMPeJ_yATimJ80xaGxRaSyFC_Fr-Mx29L2Zv2aI3uuCdL2RHSUz51kZn0mA8CSlsZf9fslb09_-anfhQqnpUGP0hjvvEaRmBiD4Q2i3l1AWOZqCgTuRfI/s400/image.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.bloomingimages.net</td></tr>
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Bennett Clark Harris</div>
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January 6, 2013 | 6:39 am</div>
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6 lbs 14 oz | 20 inches</div>
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Wow. I cannot believe my little man is already 10 days old. I feel like each day before he was born took so long, and now time is flying by. I am planning on sharing my birth story as soon as I find time to write it out ;) It's a little different with my new full time job caring for him! </div>
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Being a mom has already completely changed me. Mostly in the selfish department.. there just isn't time to be selfish anymore. He <i>needs </i>me 24/7. He can't take care of himself at all, so I have to be there for him. I'm learning to eat when he's asleep otherwise I don't end up eating lunch until 4pm when I feel ready to pass out. </div>
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It's a cool feeling though, being able to provide for his every need. My body has 100% nurtured him from conception into the world and is continuing to produce food and sustenance for him each day. It's truly amazing how God designed this process! </div>
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Mr Bennett has already changed since the day he was born. The first 3 or 4 days he snorted constantly, which made me giggle all day and night. I loved his little piggy noises! Now I get one or two snorts a day. I hope he keeps doing it though, its so cute! He was skin and bones when he came out, nothing to pinch on his legs, arms, or cheeks. I could feel every rib when I held him. He is starting to fill out and yesterday I even saw the beginnings of a roll on his thigh. I'm so thankful he is getting nutrition from all that eating he's been doing. </div>
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He reacts to sounds and touch; if he hears someone enter the room his eyes will wander that way in curiosity, and when he hears mine or Zach's voice he will look right at us. It's truly amazing. If I touch the right side of his face he will scrunch up his nose and wink that eye, same with the left side. It's adorable.</div>
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I'm already completely in love with him. People say it's a different kind of love but I didn't understand. From the day he was born I can't stop staring at him. Every part of his face, hands, feet, everything.. is just perfect to me. I love every silly face he makes. I hurt when he cries, I want to give him everything he ever needs and make it so he never feels pain or sadness. I can't even describe how my heart feels when he smiles, even if I know he doesn't know he's smiling. This tiny tiny human has already stolen my heart. I can't wait to see how much more I fall in love with him as he continues to grow.</div>
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We were lucky enough that all four grandparents could be there the day he was born. Zach's parents stayed for four days and mine for a week, it was amazing to have their support, love, and help! My grandpa drove up for a day to meet Bennett. That was so special to me.<br />
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<b>Bennett-isms I want to remember:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>his tiny snorts when he is hungry</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>the way he sucks in his bottom lip</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>his waking up face where he stretches out his neck like a turtle, raises his eyebrows, and purses his lips</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>his little singing noises he makes when he eats</b></li>
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Here's our first week and a half through photos...I think I've taken over 200 since he was born!</div>
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Getting ready to start pre-induction medicine. Had to snap a before photo :) I was so impressed and amazed and blessed by how well Zach took care of me the whole time.</div>
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Zach showing me what he looks like in the recovery room</div>
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My first time holding him without the nurse's help. Amazed that the baby in my arms was inside my tummy just minutes before this.</div>
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Our first family photo, as we were leaving the hospital {day 3}</div>
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Bennett in his coming home outfit. Looks like a teeny tiny old man :)</div>
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Poor baby was not ready for the cold wind on his face! </div>
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Bennett's first doctor's appointment, he did amazing! Was up 9 oz from the hospital, which made mama happy. He had lost 14 oz in two days while we were there, so I was pretty concerned he wasn't getting enough food. I felt much better after seeing he had gained some back. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(ps this pediatrician was AMAZING. If you live in North San Diego County, he is in 4S ranch and I'd love to pass his info along)</span></i></div>
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My side of the family: Zach, me, Mom, Cara (my sister), Papa, Dad, mr B.</div>
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Mima rocking him. She was the best at putting him to sleep!</div>
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My papa and Bennett! I'm so thankful he was able to come up and meet him when he was just 5 days old.</div>
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All wrapped up in the Rock n Play. That thing is AMAZING, infact that's where he is right now. Been asleep for three hours now in it!</div>
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This was Bennett at Target the other night. He was SO alert, looking all around as we walked through.</div>
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I could seriously watch him sleep for hours. He is so peaceful and precious. </div>
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We had on matching jammies and I didn't even realize it til Zach pointed it out :)</div>
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I took this a few minutes ago, I washed his hair this morning and I love how fuzzy it is when it's fresh. Looks like a little chicky :) Also note the double swaddle (swaddleme first, then muslin). So far I'm loving it.</div>
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In the hospital we figured out Bennett really likes to suck.. here's my dad consoling him.</div>
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deep in thought ;-)</div>
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Auntie Cara :)</div>
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Passed out on Grandpa</div>
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I just had to have a picture of this the other night. I had just fed him, was burping him and the little guy just fell asleep all wrapped up in a ball. I think he wanted back in my tummy with how tiny he wrapped up!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">www.bloomingimages.net</span></div>
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My sweet friend Breanna came to visit last weekend and took some newborn photos for us. I've only seen a few but I'm already amazed by them. I looooove this picture of Bennett and me. I still just can't believe I'm a mama :)</div>
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-51911743671433393122013-01-04T23:37:00.000-08:002013-01-04T23:37:01.635-08:00Last Day as a Party of TwoWell, it's 11:30 pm and I'm feeling funny! This isn't how I pictured it nor what I had hoped for, but here's what's happened the last couple of days and why I'm ok with it.<br />
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Wednesday I went in for my weekly prenatal checkup and was devastated when I hadn't dilated at all. The midwife called the hospital to schedule an induction for this weekend, and literally sounded like she was scheduling a hair appointment. So nonchalant. I broke down in tears, not sure about induction, overwhelmed by the unintentional pressure from family to have him this week, wondering if I was doing the right thing for our baby. She told me to keep the appointment but to think about it until then, and if I decided I wanted to wait a little longer that would be totally fine, they'd just do a non stress test that day instead of induction. So I'm scheduled for tomorrow Saturday at 4pm.<br />
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I have been asking for prayer and praying non stop since then that I would go into labor on my own. I trust that God already knows every detail of my birth story and I trust in Him. I just needed some sort of reassurance to keep the Saturday appt or to hold off until going into labor naturally.<br />
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This afternoon I had a "post date" appointment for fluid level testing and monitoring. When the RN started the ultrasound, she couldn't find any water (amniotic fluid) at all, only after searching for it around my uterus did she find the bare minimum amount. While she was looking she mentioned I may not be going home and instead be induced right then if there was no water left for the baby. After she found the fluid, she hooked me up to the monitor and said if he was moving well then I'd be fine to head home, especially since I already had an induction scheduled for tomorrow. The baby was very active and had a few periods of excitement (they want to see his heart rate spike a few times while I'm there) so she sent me home.<br />
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Knowing he is healthy but also running out of amniotic fluid was exactly what I needed to reassure me to keep the induction for tomorrow. Bennett has had a nice long time in there & now it's time for him to come out. I know a lot of people don't agree with being induced, but this is what I feel is right for me & my baby this time.<br />
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At first I was disappointed I won't have the experience of timing contractions, getting to call family and say "it's time!", frantically loading the car and leaving. But overall, I'm so thankful. We do live an hour from the hospital and now I am not worried about whether or not we'll make it in time. I'm thankful to know we're getting him out in a healthy timeline and that I wasn't induced too early. And like I said before, God has known our story the entire time and its my job to trust Him and his timing.<br />
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Hopefully I get some good rest tonight & I look forward to introducing our little guy to you all, very soon!! I appreciate your prayers for a healthy baby & delivery :)Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-45315841166295448412012-12-31T11:12:00.000-08:002012-12-31T11:12:20.801-08:00Bumpdate at 40 Weeks 3 Days<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Y'all.. I so didn't want to be blogging today! I want to be IN LABOR! I have been saying since the beginning "I think it would be so fun to have a New Year's Eve birthday!" .. yeah, shouldn't have done that. Having a date in your head is comparable to self torture when said day comes & there is no sign of baby coming. I know each day he is still in the belly is good and all. I know that. It's just a little difficult to be ok with!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been sick for two weeks now. I thought it was just a cold and kept waiting for it to get better, but instead I kept getting worse. I finally went to the doctor on Friday and it turns out I have an upper respiratory infection & I needed antibiotics! I feel a million times better already, just trying to get back to 100% though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a funny story .. I'm one of those people where nothing is ever simple and things turn out crazy so I figure I'll share for the sake of a good laugh :) I had to stop in my OBGYN office Friday morning to show my TB test was negative. When I got there, I asked if I could quickly see a doctor because I've had this cough for two weeks and nothing is helping. (I thought that would be easier than trying to sit through urgent care, etc.) The MA told me to take Robitussin, I said "I've been taking that for two weeks...". Then she went in the back for five minutes, came back out and told me to take Benedryl and use cough drops, to which I replied I've been also using those for two weeks. I need something else. Apparently no doctors were in the office yet, so she told me to just go to Labor & Delivery at the hospital and someone there should be able to help me. I said, "the hospital? like where I'm going to deliver?" she said "yep! Since you're due tomorrow just go there and they'll help you." So off I went. Well imagine the look on the receptionist's face when I check into Labor & Delivery for a cough. I think it was all she could do to hold back laughter. Its not my fault that's where the OB office sent me though!! Well, I really should have just gone to urgent care, but I was trying to listen to the medical assistant's advice. Once you check into L&D, they're required to monitor the baby for 30 minutes. So here I am, in a birthing room none-the-less, hooked up to two monitors to hear Bennett's heartbeat, all the while everyone who comes in the room says, "sooo... you're here for a cough??" I just kept repeating "My OB office sent me here!!" Ugh. I was so embarrassed. Oh well. Got my antibiotics and I'm on the road to recovery. Now when I check in for labor I get to be<i> the girl who was here last week for a cough</i>. Lucky me :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom flew in yesterday morning, she and my sister are up here with me waiting for labor. We got about 2-3 inches of snow over the weekend, which means our roads are a sheet of ice. So we're "snowed in" ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, been watching Lie To Me on Netflix, anyone else watch it? I love psychology and this show is so good the way he figures out truth and lies just based on body language and facial expression! Not sure how scientifically accurate it is, but fascinating none-the-less!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some snapshots from the last couple days..</span></div>
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Zach put together the Rock n Play. I ordered it on a whim because everywhere I look I read how awesome they are. I hope he likes it!</div>
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My mom made these adorable booties for baby Bennett. I want his feet in them now! She made him a matching hat at Thanksgiving. He's gonna be so cute and snuggly!</div>
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This girl. Giving the stare of death. Personally, I think this means she gets the midnight diaper duty. Dontcha think??</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How Far Along:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> 40 weeks, 3 days.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Size of the Baby:</b> He got measured at 38 weeks and was looking about 6lbs 9oz, which is 27th percentile. And I've heard they always guess bigger, so he's gonna be a teeny little guy! I'm ok with that :)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stretch marks:</b> Yeah, on my stomach and hips. Hard for me to see.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sleep:</strong> Well, I've been sick for two weeks so that's not helping. Otherwise I've been sleeping well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> Well it was two weeks ago, but seeing him on the ultrasound was so cool. We could see what he looks like! It's amazing there's a full size human baby inside of me. Mindblowing, seriously!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Mov</span>ement:</b> Lots of movement, lots of hiccups, and it feels like he is trying to climb out the top sometimes. When he does that, I push down really hard on my stomach - trying to tell him, "wrong way baby!"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Gender: boy!</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Belly Button in or out:</strong> It's still just flat! Looks like it won't be a popper.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>General Thoughts:</strong> Trying to be patient. I know he's healthy and getting everything he needs right now. It's hard to wait though :) I'm antsy to meet him, and also to not be pregnant anymore! I'm covered in hives all over my stomach and arms, which I'm told will go away shortly after delivery, so the itching isn't helping my patience level. I know I need to appreciate these last few days of freedom. But honestly, I've been growing this baby for 10 months and I'm ready to hold him and care for him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Labor Signs:</b> None. NONE! Grrrrr</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wedding ring on or off:</b> off :( </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What I miss:</b> I so miss wearing my wedding rings. Not wearing them for three months has made me fall in love with them again though! I'm looking forward to wearing them again. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What I am looking forward to:</b> Wine! Holding Bennett in my arms, baby snuggles, seeing Zach become a dad and watching my dad meet Bennett for the first time. I can't wait to see both of their faces.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Nursery:</b> Adorable. Quickly becoming my favorite room in the house. I'm so excited about how cute it turned out! And after receiving the Silhouette Cameo for Christmas, I can't wait to add more details!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Emotions: Cray cray. That's all!</strong></span><div style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">get this baby outta me!!!!!!!!</span></strong></span></div>
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Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493055544599766229.post-67181085074425631342012-12-23T14:44:00.000-08:002012-12-23T14:44:17.224-08:00Hey, I Like Free Glasses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75rlVIn6f-v_7wKtLl0fi_jV0wsK5SJEUJigWpC2zpeDxUXG_FiinpO0ZCLns0LSUHqVLgMRAkowpSR6VoJx_NusOrCuHApLHRmRvpjFnmnKkVBq9j0LIiTKRbAP6aQHd-sVtf9IMoQs/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75rlVIn6f-v_7wKtLl0fi_jV0wsK5SJEUJigWpC2zpeDxUXG_FiinpO0ZCLns0LSUHqVLgMRAkowpSR6VoJx_NusOrCuHApLHRmRvpjFnmnKkVBq9j0LIiTKRbAP6aQHd-sVtf9IMoQs/s640/IMG_1549.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've worn glasses for so long, and this year I realized I always buy the same style of frame. When <a href="http://firmoo.com/">Firmoo</a> contacted me about receiving a free pair, I decided to try something new! </div>
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Firmoo's website has tons of styles to choose from, and you can search by size, material, shape, etc. I had fun browsing through all their frames and even using their virtual try-on feature which was super easy. </div>
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Do you like the <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/eyeglasses-p-1014.html">frames I chose</a>? My face is SO puffy right now, so I'm excited to see what they look like on my non-water-retaining face ;-) Now that I'm on maternity leave, I have been wearing my glasses a lot more (opposed to putting in my contacts) and I have been really happy with these ones! </div>
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Here's the coolest part, YOU can get a free pair of glasses too, all you have to pay is shipping! Firmoo has an awesome First Pair Free program for all new customers. Zach actually ordered two pairs from them a few months ago using this program, and got two frames with prescription lenses including for his astigmatism, and only ended up paying around $60. Their frames are so reasonably priced that he decided to order two, and we only had to pay for one. Cool, huh?</div>
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Head over to <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html">Firmoo</a> and browse their selection of frames, choose some for yourself, and easily type in your prescription -- that's all you have to do! My glasses arrived very quickly, came in a sturdy case, and even had a cleaning cloth enclosed. My only issue was that my pupilary distance is lower than they make frames for, but the glasses still fit and work fine. </div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*all opinions are my own. I was compensated with a free pair of glasses for writing this post*</span></i></div>
Katie {katie lately}http://www.blogger.com/profile/04413705426908989233noreply@blogger.com4