9 Month Check-up

***WARNING - VERY LONG POST!!!***

Last week Sierra had her 9 month check up.  It was a great visit with our wonderful doctor and Sierra is still growing so big and healthy. She did have to get two shots, her Hep B and her 2nd dose of the Flu Shot, but she took it like a champ as always. Thankfully Daddy was there to cuddle with her and calm her down.

Her latest stats:

Weight - 18 pounds, 14 ounces (This is only 1 pound and 3.5 ounces more than she was 3 months ago...I guess this means her weight is stabling out for the time being) She is now at about 50th percentile.

Height - 27.5 inches tall. This is 1 inch taller than she was at 6 months and around 60th percentile.

Here's our little chunky monkey with her two flower band-aids where she got her shots. :(

This is what a 9 month old does at a doctor's office while waiting for the doctor to come in.

And this...

And then some more of this...That is until she tried to eat it and then she got the paper taken away. So sad. :(

Eating - The doctor approved Sierra to start on EVERYTHING SOLID!!!  Of course she told us to stay away from items such as cow's milk, peanuts, and "choking" foods, like large grapes. But everything else is FAIR GAME.  This is bitter sweet for us, just another sign that she is growing up. We have been pretty cautious because Sierra is still behind most kids her age and only sporting 3 teeth, one of which is brand new. The doctor said that as long as we cut things up for her and teach her to "gum" things, she should be fine with eating more table foods.  It didn't take Sierra long to hit it big time. Brian came home from that appointment and gave her pieces of ham for lunch and he was spotted purchasing a large box of goldfish snacks for her and feeding them to her while still shopping in the store! (Pictures to come on that.)  Of course, she still continues to eat her regular "baby food" that we make at home. She now eats and loves (most of it) cheese, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, peas, rice, avocado, applesauce, Gerber puffs, Mum Mums veggie rice cookies, squash, corn, macaroni & cheese, "fishies", ham, green beans, and yogurt (more on that in another post).  

She is still nursing 3-4 times per day and is still very much interested in it. Based on numerous conversations with other nursing mothers, I really thought she would become distracted by now; but she hasn't and everyone in our house is okay with that.  Plus, we still have a pretty good supply of milk in the freezer, so I praise God daily that He calmed all my fears about going to class and not having enough milk, etc. I am happy to say that Sierra is almost 10 months old and we haven't had to spend a dime on formula, thus far. That makes my hubby a happy man and our bank account is very happy about it too! :)  We had a wonderful conversation with the doctor about weaning; as I have had multiple conversations with others and heard numerous opinions about when to stop. I am so thankful for a Pediatrician that is Pro-Breastfeeding and is very encouraging and forthcoming with information about how and when to wean.  I very much enjoy the cuddling and bonding time with Sierra when she is nursing. Now that she is getting so big and active, the rest of the day seems to fly by, but nursing time is just so special; we pray, we sing,I massage her arms and legs, and she loves to point out the features on my face as I name them all.  It is a special time.  I really will be sad when her nursing days are through. But for now, we will just keep on and I am sure Sierra will let me know when she is ready to stop.

Sleeping - She is still a great sleeper. Only problem is, (well it isn't really a problem for me right now, but it might become a problem when the kid has to wake up for school) Sierra loves to sleep in.  I would love to say that she is taking 2 naps during the day right now, but I can't honestly say that. Although, she does take 2 naps when we are traveling and she is up early; but lately, the kiddo sleeps until 10am - 11am and then goes down for a nap between 12pm - 1pm and sleeps till 3pm - 4pm and then is up for the evening and goes to bed around 7pm.  I guess this is a good schedule to be on, except for the sleeping-in so late part. The days that we have Bible Study or play group, she is up much earlier than that, because both of those things start at 10am; however, we are usually out and don't get home much before 12pm, so she is still in bed around 12pm and then the same schedule as above plays out.  I have really decided to not stress about it. She is a GREAT sleeper, she is ALWAYS happy (except when cutting teeth) and therefore, I am not worried. She really can still only handle about 2 hours of wake time in the morning before zoning out again, which is odd to me, but we will just go with the flow for now. Maybe as she continues to get older, she will be able to stretch it out a bit. Only time will tell.

Developments - I have decided that Sierra is much better with her fine motor skills than her large motor skills. No, she is still not crawling or pulling up or going from laying to sitting. BUT, she definitely has her pincer grasp down pat (which the doctor was very impressed by), she is great with her eye-hand coordination, and she waves and claps like a champ.  As most of you know, because Sierra had Transient Tachypnea of a Newborn (TTN) at birth, her Apgar score was very low and she was considered "low tone". Even after the TTN was treated and cleared, she was still discharged as being "low tone". I worried about this, but have sense turned it all over to God, knowing that He has created our little Sierra perfectly in His own image. I did not mention it to the doctor or ask if this was a reason why Sierra is not developing as quickly as other babies when it comes to her gross motor abilities. I am trying to have peace about it all and know that Sierra will develop in God's time. I also appreciate all the women in my life who have

 showered me with kind words and stories of their own children not developing on "societies time schedule." Those words and stories are so encouraging to me.

In other "developmental" news, as I mentioned above, Sierra is now waving "hello" "good-bye" "night-night" and any time she sees her father or her cats. She definitely has a special place in her heart for Daddy and the kitty's! :)  She also is saying "Ma-ma" and "Da-da". She definitely uses the words in context too. When she is really tired especially, she will reach for one of us and say the words or sounds.

She also understands the signs for -night-night, -milk, -eat, -book, -more, and -drink.

We are still working on -kitty, -please, -baby (she LOVES her baby doll) and -thank you.

She just recently started clapping when she wants "more", so I think she is right around the corner from signing "more" - we just have to work on the proper form. Other than that, she is not doing any other signs.

She also does -Soooo big (lifts both arms in the air), and lately she will do -Thiiiiiissssss Much (Stretching both arms out wide) - (From her favorite book right now, I Love You This Much (thanks cousin Rachel).

Here she is, playing with her dolly. She loves to point out the baby's eyes, nose, and mouth. One of her new favorite things to do with Mommy and Daddy too, especially if you name every feature for her.

She LOVES to stand up. Even though she can't pull her self up yet, she is constantly trying to pull up on me and get in a standing position, which she will stay in for a very long time! She is so funny too. She won't try and go anywhere, she will just stand there and wave her arms in excitement; then she will let go and fall on her bum and want to do it all over again! It is too funny!!!

She loves to read her books, play "peek-a-boo" (this can get her laughing hysterically), EAT, play with her toys, and play with Daddy. Gosh, does this girl love her daddy!?!?!?!  The other day, she was playing and saying Da-da, Da-da, Da-da over and over. I said to her, "Do you want to see Daddy? Where is Daddy?" (Brian was still at work at this time). As soon as I said "where is daddy?" Sierra looked up into the kitchen (where Brian comes in when he returns home from work) and she automatically started waving. I had to tell her sweet little face that Daddy wasn't home just yet, but that he would be home soon. It melted my heart.  I have never seen a baby light up as much as Sierra does when Brian comes home from work (or outside, or upstairs). It doesn't matter where he pops in from, she just LOVES her daddy.

Well, I guess I should wrap up. This post is so long already. I am trying to document all this stuff, so that when the next kid comes along, I will be able to look back and see what things Sierra was doing at this age. I am sure Sierra will love to read this someday too.  

The most important thing to note is just how blessed we are by this special girl. She is truly a gift from Heaven above and not a day goes by that we do not thank the Lord for her life and for His blessing to us. Just three short years ago, my life was COMPLETELY different and I thought me getting pregnant, carrying a child, and having a baby were not in God's plans. How wonderful His Mercy, His Grace, and His Love! I praise God for Brian and for Sierra every single day of my life. I truly am Blessed Beyond Measure. 

Here are some more fun pictures I took of our growing girl the other day. Also, stay tuned for some videos and more pictures coming soon (as soon as I have a few more minutes, that is). I am super slammed with school work these days!

Just looking so innocent.

Sitting on Daddy's lap with her dolly, what could be better?

This is the face we get often these days...the face of a very happy girl.

Getting up with a little assistance from mommy.

Standing up so big and tall!

New Tooth

Sierra is sporting a new tooth up on top these days.

She sure is happy it finally popped through!

Pink Flamingo's Anyone?

Just in case any one is in the market for some Pink Flamingo’s, Kmart is the place to go! 

We spotted these friendly “pink” characters at the Kmart in Rochester, New York. Sierra just could not resist them and they were only a “cheap” $69.99 (plus 8% sales tax)!!!  Needless to say, we will only be enjoying them in pictures.

So...Enjoy!

Sleepless Nights @ 9 Months

Last weekend, sleep was hard to come by in this house, especially for a little girl who was cutting a new tooth up top! For the first time since Sierra was 7 weeks old, I had to nurse her in the middle of the night to try and calm her poor (aching) heart (and mouth). As you can imagine, going into her room and finally seeing this...

...was a wonderful sight to see and certainly hard to come by around here lately.

Strawberry Delight

On our way home from (snowy) New York, we stopped by Wegman's (a favorite hometown grocery store) and ate lunch in their cafe. Brian and I ate off the salad bar and Brian was kind enough to share one of his strawberries with little Miss Sierra Rein. This was her first encounter with a strawberry and to just say she enjoyed it, would be understating the truth!

I snapped some pictures with my phone to document the occasion. Sierra is so cute, it is possible that you will enjoy these pictures about as much as she enjoyed the new treat! :)

Now we just can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can go Strawberry picking in the spring!!!

A Big Girl Seat

Along with new head bands, Sierra also got a new "big girl seat" for Christmas from Mimi and Papa Stank.  She is riding in luxury (and more safely - see below) now! :) 

This new seat raises her up higher so she can see out the window at all the exciting things (I think this new found adventure is helping to promote the new adventure in pointing to things as well). This new seat also has more room, more padding, and more options for a comfortable and safe ride, including...brace yourselves, people...a detachable pillow and a cup holder!! :)

And for those of you just dying to know...Yes! Sierra is still rear-facing. By law she has to stay rear-facing until she is 1 year of age AND 20 pounds. However, research has shown that a child who is rear facing is much safer during a frontal collision; Because of this research, we intend to keep Sierra rear-facing for as long as possible.

The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends that children remain rear-facing as long as possible, and note that having a seat this is rear-facing can reduce injuries and deaths. After all, motor vehicle crashes are the #1 overall cause of death for children 14 and under.

For additional resources on this topic (especially if you have a baby that weighs more than an average

 infant) check out these web sites:

American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement for Car Seat

 Safety

Car-Safety.org - Why Rear-Facing is Safest

*One thing I found interesting on the AAP website was this statement, 

"For optimal protection, pediatricians should counsel parents of most children (those who weigh more than 12 lb at 4 months of age) to encourage use of a convertible car safety seat that will accommodate them rear facing at higher weights." 

Sierra's new car seat accommodates children up to 35 pounds rear facing. No one ever "counseled" us on upgrading to a bigger seat for our little "chunky monkey." Praise God that we were not involved in any accidents and we were kept safe.  However, I am alarmed at the number of people that didn't / don't know the facts (us included) and aren't aware of the safety suggestions put out by the experts. 

As always, we believe that God is in control at all times and we continue to pray a hedge of protection around our sweet baby girl; furthermore, we are thankful for God's design and man's ability to create the safest seat possible for our little pumpkin.

HAPPY RIDING!!! :)

Growing up...

A baby girl....Growing up...

Sierra is growing up so big! In fact, today is the day we go for her 9 month check up and find out (measurably) how big she actually is. One huge step in the "growing up" process (at least in my opinion) is the fact that I broke down and bought her some hair accessories the other day.  Call me crazy, and I know everyone has their opinions about little girls and their hair, but I (currently) am refusing to cut Sierra's hair. Honestly, I don't really like "bangs" and I want her hair to grow as uniformly as possible. So, alas, it does not get cut. Well, in an attempt to oblige her father (who also has his opinions), I have not put any pig tails in Sierra's (very long) hair either. Brian is not a huge fan of pig tails and I try to appease him, so (for now) no pig tails on this little girl's head. I know what you are thinking, "these people sure do have a lot of expectations regarding something as petty and mundane as hair." Don't worry, I have thought that myself, but our desires to do what we want with our daughter's beautiful head of hair wins out at this moment.

With all that said, I did finally breakdown and buy some head bands - I must admit, I can't stand the hair in the eyes either. Aside from all the other petty hair stuff, we do want our child to grow up seeing the world around her, not the hair in her face. I am excited that the head bands seem to be working and Sierra does not mind them at all. She kept a head band on for the entire morning the other day, at play group and everything! :) I hope this trend continues, this way, Sierra, Mama, and Da-da all come out winners!

Here are some pictures of the "event"...

Sierra is doing "soooo bigggg" in this picture. Recently she has started to imitate me when I say "soooo bigggg" - Of course I think it is adorable and she just melts my heart every time!

The two pictures above depict a very thoughtful Sierra, watching the cats walk by her and trying to figure out just how she can get herself going so she can chase after them. Neko and Mannix better watch out...it won't be long...

(See her almost pointing too (with her right hand)? Recently she has found her "pointing finger" and is starting to point at many things. I love this stage and am eager to continue naming anything and everything that little finger points to!)

A "Little Hokie"

Mama keeps telling me I am a Buffalo Bills fan and I still haven't quite figured out what that means. Some family members have also been over heard calling me a "Hokie fan". I certainly am stumped on this one too; but I decided it was okay to wear Uncle Mike's hat any way. So, even though I don't know what that word means, although I do hear it in a song that Mama sings to me sometimes, I guess you can go ahead and call me a "little Hokie" - I am okay with that!

A Hat

“Mimi and Papa came to visit and all I got was a chance to where Papa’s hat for a few minutes!!!”

Just kidding, Sierra got a TON of cuddles, bath time, food, and play time with Mimi and Papa on (Friday night and) Saturday! They drove (all the way) to the beach to watch Sierra while Brian slept and I was in Yorktown taking a test that totally turned my brain into mush (here’s hoping I passed cause I don’t know if my brain can handle retaking that stupid test).

Side note – I just have to say that Virginia teachers must be some of the most highly educated and qualified people when it comes to formal education in this nation. The testing and protocols one must go through to get certification is extremely rigorous! So, if you live in the state of Virginia and you have children that are educated by Virginia certified teachers, consider yourself blessed! J End side note.

Sierra had a fabulous time, decided to throw out her afternoon nap and just play, play, play!!! She was so tired out from all the playing and fun with Mimi and Papa that she went to bed at 7 pm and did not make a single noise. Thanks for keeping your eye on Sierra for us. I know Brian would have been fine doing it, but he also really appreciates getting some rest, especially with 36 hours of shift time under his belt in 3 days.  We can’t wait to see you again in 2 weeks!!! J Bring your hat! J

New Record

When the hubby is away and the wife wants to play (and not do homework like she should be doing) the Wii gets turned on and a new record is won!!! 

That’s right folks, I got 8 strikes in a row and a high score on Wii bowling! I might not have made the Dean’s List last semester with my 3.7 GPA, but I am a PRO at Wii Bowling!!! J 

I was so excited (because no one was home to “believe” me after all), so I took a picture!

Ahhh…the little joys in life!

***This is also post #300 on my blog!!!  That in itself is a record and worthy of mentioning!!!***

Our Snow Angel

Due to our unexpected trip to New York for Nana Stank's funeral last week, Brian was able to take a couple extra days off work and we made a trip up to Rochester (only an additional 2.5 hour drive) to visit with his family. It is always nice to visit family; I just wish it had been under better circumstances. Also, most (sane) people don’t really CHOSE to go North during January; however, because we had to go up there for the funeral, Sierra was able to have her first encounter with snow.

The first time she saw it falling from the sky, I think she was really intrigued with what was going on. She was looking all around and I put her hand out and let her catch a few snow flakes on her fingers. Then, the morning that we packed up and left, the snow was really coming down (considering all the plow trucks and salt they have up there, the roads were pretty terrible too). We decided to let Sierra have a “real” encounter with the snow. We dressed her up in her snowsuit (thanks Mimi – that warm suit was a blessing for our urgent trip up North), took her outside, and placed her right down in the snow.  Here is the outcome of that event; considering her look in some of the pictures, I don’t think Sierra EVER wants to actually live in that cold, snowy state; going for visits is about all a Southern girl can handle. 

9 Months

Sierra is 9 months old today! Time just keeps flying past us. Our precious little girl is growing up so fast.  She has her 9 month check-up next week, so I will try and post her latest stats at that time. Until then, it is worthy to note that Sierra is still growing and changing on a daily basis; however, in comparison to other children she is taking her own sweet time when it comes to "growing up". 

We knew parenting was going to be hard, but no one ever told us that we would feel competitive tones when it came to development. We are focusing on turning these feelings over to God; and

 always knowing that we love our child for who she is and the unique ways that God has created her in His image. Praise the Lord that she was created by Him and in Him - alone! I have dear Godly, "mommy" friends that remind me often that it is not a competition and that this fleshly world we live in can be disappointing at times; especially when people intend to say kind things, yet come off sounding like child development is an Olympic competition. It is my new found desire to not sound competitive when talking to other moms about the things that their children are or are not doing. I have asked Brian to hold me accountable to this, for I know I can fall into this sin just as easy as the next mother can. 

I wondered if I should write this post to say all the things that Sierra is not doing; Such as...she is not crawling yet and is definitely not walking, she is still eating pureed food - no table food, she does not drink formula - still breastfeeding, she hasn't gotten any more teeth, she hasn't learned to "sign" anything, and she definitely is not saying any words. 

Mercifully though, God has blessed us with the two most beautiful brown eyes you could ever see, the most precious smile to greet you after nap time, a child who loves to drink her water from her sippy cup, a strong little girl that would much rather stand up than sit down, a child who loves to sing along to any music she hears, a giggle that would melt your heart, a 9 month old that is nursing so well, it doesn't look like she is giving it up any time soon, a sweet chunky

 face that gives open mouth/wet kisses, a darling little hand that waves bye-bye, hello, night-night and every time a kitty walks in front of her path, and a sweet voice that babbles mamamamama and dadadadada, a sound that we adore even if it is spoken out of context. 

We praise God for his blessing in our lives this past 9 months and we are so thankful that He continues to make babies in His own uniqueness; and we pray that this world will someday abandon the "ideals" of development and allow each child to be seen as -"wonderful", just as our Father sees each of us. 

Here are some recent pictures and video of our "wonderful"...

Mixed Emotions

Joy…Sorrow…Confusion…Contentment…Anger…Frustration…Questions… 

It is with great sorrow that I write these words today, letting you, my family and friends, know that my paternal grandmother suffered a severe stroke and heart attack yesterday evening and passed away quietly this morning around 3 am. 

I titled this post, “Mixed Emotions”, for the simple fact that those are exactly what I am feeling today.  As most of you remember, we said goodbye to my paternal grandfather only a short 3 months ago.  The pain of that loss was just settling in for many in my family, especially during this holiday season.  We never anticipated this great loss to come so quickly. 

I think about how hard it has been for my grandmother these past three months, living with out her one true love and dealing with the loneliness that comes with losing a spouse after more than 60 years of marriage. I, as a widow myself, understand the sadness of losing a spouse only after just 6 years of being together, I can not imagine the loss after several decades of being together. However, I don’t think any of us could have predicted that her broken heart would cause us to lose her so quickly. 

My Nana was a quiet woman. She loved to sit in her chair and enjoy her TV shows. In fact, just the other day my dad and I were talking about The Wheel of Fortune and I was telling him how when ever I watch The Wheel of Fortune, I always think about Nana. I remember that she always loved to watch that show! 

She was an Irish-New Yorker! Surly she didn’t take “crap” from anyone and some might consider her rough-around-the-edges, but she had a kind soul. When Daniel was sick, she always made a point to send cards and letters to let us know that she was thinking about us and praying for us. She always sent us gifts as small children and this year she was sure to send Sierra a special card and treat for Christmas. When I talked to her last Friday, I thanked her for the gift she sent to Sierra and told her how thoughtful it was for her to think of Sierra. It stuck in my memory when she said, “I know it wasn’t anything real big, but I wanted to do something.” I responded by saying, “No, it was perfect and very sweet of you to even think about her.” I told her how we were going to place the gift in Sierra’s piggy bank and maybe someday Sierra could use the money to get her ears pierced; very naively, I assumed Nana would be around to see that day. 

My Nana was a fighter! In her long life, she faced so many medical battles and overcame every single one of them. She never allowed multiple cancers, diabetes, or any other medical problems to touch her; instead it was a broken heart that would lead her home. 

My grandparents lived a long life together; traveling many miles up and down the East coast, raising 4 children, loving 8 Grandchildren, and 7 Great-Grandchildren. It was a long journey for both of them and it seems that 3 months was too long for them to be apart. 

True love was reunited in Heaven today and now we are the ones left with the broken hearts.

Happy Birthday Jesus

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” -which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

We pray that you all are blessed by the most perfect gift of all today, the gift of a Savior, born unto us, to save us from our sins and give us eternal life in Heaven. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Wonderful News!

Click HERE to read the wonderful news of the blessing that God has bestowed upon our family! 

We are so thankful that the Lord has heard the desires of my sisters' heart and has blessed her and my brother-in-law!  We covet your prayers for the next 6 months (and beyond) as they begin this new, incredible journey!

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing (Psalm 145:13-16 NIV).

8 Months!

Time flies when you are having fun...

Our precious little girl is 8 months old today!

Oh, how we love her so!!!

Guilt

It happened to me.  I failed as a parent.  The same words that have come out of my mouth “I would never let that happen” are now being eaten up….and they taste horrible!!!  I love my child and I would NEVER intentionally let any harm come to her, but yesterday I failed.  

Sierra fell.  In a matter of seconds, I took my eye off her and over she went, with a loud boom on the floor. Praise God that she is so resilient. I scooped her up and she cried for less than 20 seconds. Meanwhile, my heart is still suffering. I was shaking and crying and I ran in and woke up Brian to tell him. My dear husband is always reassuring, his response – “Don’t worry. She will fall many more times, like when she is older and she falls off her bike.” I appreciate his comforting words, but I still feel like I have let Sierra down as her mother. I didn’t protect her like I should have; because of me, she had to experience pain, even if it was for just a few seconds. 

I pray that God will heal my heart and help me to overcome the guilt that I feel right now.  It makes me wonder, is this how God feels when we, as His dear children, let Him down? If anything, this situation has taught me that 1. I need to work on being a better mother and 2. I really need to work on being a better child of God.  My heart is so heavy with guilt and shame.  I pray that Sierra will forgive me and more importantly that God will forgive me and help me to become better than I am.

Pearly Whites

That's right friends....Sierra has 2 new teeth!!!

She cut her first tooth around the first week in November and her second has been working its way in since about the same time.  It isn't in all the way yet though, but almost!  Teething has been okay so far.  Sierra had a few fussy days, but teething has not interrupted her sleep or her eating habits.  She is tolerating it like a champ!  Here she is showing off her new pearly whites (the first picture is from the day I felt the first tooth cutting through, you might have to click on the image to make it bigger to see anything.  The second two pictures are more recent)...

What else is there better to do with new teeth?  You guessed it...we get to start brushing now! Fun Fun Fun!!!