Wednesday, December 30, 2009
100 Days Old
Did I mention Zachary turned 100 days old on December 26th? Well, he did. That means today he is 104 days old today.
"Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"
Just in case you wanted it, here is "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" with a new verse I composed.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Eyes, ear, mouth, and nose.
Arms, fingers, legs, and chest,
Legs and chest,
Legs and chest.
Arms, fingers, legs and chest,
Bum, belly, and all the rest!
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Eyes, ear, mouth, and nose.
Arms, fingers, legs, and chest,
Legs and chest,
Legs and chest.
Arms, fingers, legs and chest,
Bum, belly, and all the rest!
Purposely Grabbing Things
A big thing happened today: Zachary purposely grabbed things. I've noticed him swatting at his hanging toys before--even purposely hitting them. And I've seen him grab them. But, this morning I saw him purposely grab some of them.
This afternoon, I held his toy keys up in front of him and he grabbed them! He reached out with his right hand (while his left hand and arm were kind of flailing around) and he grasped the key ring. Then he did it again, and again, and again. We did it for a half hour.
He also knocked toys over that I put for him to reach. I know they are too big for him to hold, so my intention was that he would hit them. And he did!
It was pretty exciting for me.
Something else that was great about this today was that his Grandma Hales was here to witness the whole thing. She was just as pleased as I was.
YAY ZACHARY!
This afternoon, I held his toy keys up in front of him and he grabbed them! He reached out with his right hand (while his left hand and arm were kind of flailing around) and he grasped the key ring. Then he did it again, and again, and again. We did it for a half hour.
He also knocked toys over that I put for him to reach. I know they are too big for him to hold, so my intention was that he would hit them. And he did!
It was pretty exciting for me.
Something else that was great about this today was that his Grandma Hales was here to witness the whole thing. She was just as pleased as I was.
YAY ZACHARY!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas 2009
Like we did in 2008, Mark and I celebrated Christmas at our home before sharing the love with the family. We began our evening festivities with the paper placemats. I didn't make a shape with mine like last year, but I did add some festive ribbon.
Mark had mentioned in 2008 that his family had started a tradition of ribs for Christmas dinner--though it may not have lasted as a tradition. Since he's mentioned it quite a few times, I took the hint. When making our Christmas dinner menu, ribs was the main course. We also included Duchess dill potatoes, homemade rolls, celery and cheese, cranberry salad, and a pumpkin roll. It was quite a tasty dinner.
We watched The Nativity Story. And then we went to bed.
Christmas morning we woke up when Zachary woke up for breakfast. We opened presents.
My favorite thing was my new camera!
My old Sony point-and-shoot has truly given out. And, the "new" Canon point-and-shoot we got for our wedding is kaputz too. Just look at this picture from Christmas eve--taken with the camera on a tripod. I'm not sure how a point-and-shoot stops focusing, but both cameras have stopped. So my new one, a Nikon, is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
After opening presents, cleaning up a bit, and packing, we headed to Ferron. My brother, Jarom, and his family also came to Ferron Christmas day.
Saturday we went tubing over at Uncle Carl's farm. I played with my new camera there. I still have a lot to learn to be a better photographer, but simply having a good camera makes for much, much better pictures.
We stayed in Ferron until Monday afternoon. Tuesday afternoon, Mark's mom came to spend a few days with us. We had fun together.
Here are some favorite pictures from Ferron and from Mom Hales' stay.
Mark had mentioned in 2008 that his family had started a tradition of ribs for Christmas dinner--though it may not have lasted as a tradition. Since he's mentioned it quite a few times, I took the hint. When making our Christmas dinner menu, ribs was the main course. We also included Duchess dill potatoes, homemade rolls, celery and cheese, cranberry salad, and a pumpkin roll. It was quite a tasty dinner.
We watched The Nativity Story. And then we went to bed.
Christmas morning we woke up when Zachary woke up for breakfast. We opened presents.
My favorite thing was my new camera!
My old Sony point-and-shoot has truly given out. And, the "new" Canon point-and-shoot we got for our wedding is kaputz too. Just look at this picture from Christmas eve--taken with the camera on a tripod. I'm not sure how a point-and-shoot stops focusing, but both cameras have stopped. So my new one, a Nikon, is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
After opening presents, cleaning up a bit, and packing, we headed to Ferron. My brother, Jarom, and his family also came to Ferron Christmas day.
Saturday we went tubing over at Uncle Carl's farm. I played with my new camera there. I still have a lot to learn to be a better photographer, but simply having a good camera makes for much, much better pictures.
We stayed in Ferron until Monday afternoon. Tuesday afternoon, Mark's mom came to spend a few days with us. We had fun together.
Here are some favorite pictures from Ferron and from Mom Hales' stay.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Letter to Zachary
December 25, 2009Dear Zachary
On Christmas this year, I would like to write you this letter to tell you how much I love you. I am so proud to be your father. I have waited a long time to be a father and it was worth the wait for you to be my son.
I remember the day you were born. I was the first person in the family to hold you. I also gave you your first bath. I was nervous but you got clean.
I love to come home to see you. I love to hold you and play with you. I love to sing to you songs and read to you stories. It makes me so happy to see you learn and grow each day. I love it when you talk to me.
I am looking forward to all things that we can do together as father and son. I want to teach you to read, to throw a ball, and to ride a bike. I promise to always be there for you to teach you, to love you, and help you.
Sometimes you get frustrated with me when you have gone a long without seeing Mom. That is ok, sometimes I get a little frustrated when I go a long time without seeing her too because I also need her. I waited a long time to have her in my life. Make sure you wait to find the right woman to marry because it will be worth it.
I want you to know that I have a testimony of the gospel. We have a Heavenly Father who loves you and loves me. He has provided us a way to return to him through the Atonement of the Savior, Jesus Christ. He has promised us that if we try to make the right choices and repent of our sins when we make mistakes, we will live with him again. I was so proud to give you a blessing at church. I hope you treasure those instructions and guidance from your Heavenly Father and earthly father throughout your life.
At this Christmas time you will be given a lot of gifts. I have given you a gift before you were born by loving your mother and marrying her in the Manti Temple. A picture of this temple will always be in our home to remind us of that eternal gift. By being married in the temple, we are sealed together as a family and sealed to your grandparents and extended family.
Again, I want to tell you I love you and that I am so glad you are my son. I hope you have a merry Christmas and that your next year will be full of fun and excitement.
Love,
Your Dad
Thursday, December 24, 2009
I Believe in Santa
I believe in Santa.
When I was in sixth grade is when I finally learned the "truth." But, I still believe.
Yes--SIXTH grade. How did I find out? Well, during recess, a bunch of girls were talking about when they learned the truth. I just sat back and listened. Ah, the "truth."
I wasn't too devasted. I mean, I was almost 12. I was a little disappointed though. But, it made sense. I hadn't always got as much loot as other people--cousins, for instance. And, the previous Christmas I got a pair of dress boots that were clearly from DI. (Which, now I would love to wear, but that year I was a brat and I wouldn't. I think Mom still has them and wears them occassionally.)
Why did I believe that long? For at least two reasons.
First, I'd always got what I wanted for Christmas. I'd never had miles long lists of what I wanted. My parents always did great with Christmas.
Second, Santa came to my house. Really. I mean--REALLY. Santa came to my house while I was awake. My whole family was awake and there. We all saw Santa--and his helper. Our floor was covered by the presents Santa brought.
Now that I look back, I realize that Santa came the year my dad was laid off from the coal mine, the year our family was really struggling financially. My guess is, the two Santas didn't know the other one was going to be at our house. But, me being six years old, I would have never known that.
Because of the first two reasons, I TOTALLY agreed with all those "documentaries" explaining how Santa was real. Of course he was real! I'd seen him ON CHRISTMAS EVE!
I still believe. I love Santa. I want to be more like him.
P.S. That picture is of me sitting on my dad's lap. I mean--Santa's lap. 1983.
Friday, December 18, 2009
So Cute This Morning
Zachary was SO cute this morning. I heard him starting at 5:20. He started talking. He was happy talking--not "I'm hungry--come get me!" talking. But rather, "I'm bored, I think I'll make up a song" talking. He was so dang cute.
Mark happened to not be in bed with me (he got up early this morning for some reason). After a few minutes of Zachary talking, I heard Mark go in there to see what was up. And then Zachary got even more excited. It was so cute to hear them talking to each other.
I didn't get up until 7:20 to feed him. And he was so happy to have me come get him. So cute this morning.......
Mark happened to not be in bed with me (he got up early this morning for some reason). After a few minutes of Zachary talking, I heard Mark go in there to see what was up. And then Zachary got even more excited. It was so cute to hear them talking to each other.
I didn't get up until 7:20 to feed him. And he was so happy to have me come get him. So cute this morning.......
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Three Months
Dear Zachary, 
You are three months (13 weeks) old today. I just laid you down for a little nap. I’ve been thinking about this little letter for a couple days now and I wanted to write it down.
Laying you down for a nap has become a little bit of a routine now. I can tell when you get tired: you cry with your eyes closed. When that happens, you don’t want to be comforted. I think it’s because you want to stay awake. But, my secret weapon is to wrap you tight in your blanket and then just hold you for about a minute. Works every time. (Unless your dad is trying to calm you down. For some reason you won’t let him calm you.)
You laugh for us quite a bit. We sing songs. We dance. We practice standing (you're getting pretty good!). We play peek-a-boo. We blow raspberries at each other. Sometimes we stare deeply into each other’s eyes. Other times you won’t look at me to save your life.
You like to suck on things now—like your fists, your bib, your sleeves, and burp rags. You don’t quite hold things yet so you’re not putting anything hard in your mouth.
Your spitting up has calmed down quite a bit. I don’t worry about it like I used to. I think your body has adjusted.
You are ticklish on your chest, on your belly, under your armpits, the bottoms of your feet, and your thighs. But, they don’t always make you laugh—they make you squirm. I think you haven’t quite figured out yet that if you laugh, it will make it more fun.
You love your dad. But, you love me more. I keep telling you that you’ll love your dad more in a little while. You look at me confused when I say that. But, it’s true. You will love him so much more. He is so happy to hold you and take care of you. He even burps you and changes your diapers just to spend time with you. And he’s looking forward to the time when you want piggy back rides and other fun things from him. He’s such a good dad to you. You’re very lucky to have him.
Your hair is growing all funny. There are really short hairs in the front and really long hairs in the back. I call it your natural mullet. You also have a cowlick that makes a fun line on your hairline.
The bump at the top left side of your head is almost gone. The bump at the back of your head is gone. So, you almost have a beautiful baby head. Almost. I think most people don't even notice it. I do, just because I know how bad it used to be.
You grew out of your 0-3 month clothes a month ago, when you were 2 months old. I honestly can’t tell you how much you weigh now. The scale we bought tells us something different every time we step on it. But, when we measured your length two weeks ago you were 25.25 inches. You’ve probably grown another half inch or more since then.
You love your baths now. Love them. You splash a lot and you think it’s funny. I think it’s funny too.
Because of our morning routine, you usually are happy-go-lucky during and after your bath until I put your shirt on. Then you tell me you are starving and you need me to hurry.
Lately you stop whatever you’re doing (laughing, smiling, crying) to look at the camera when we pull it out. In fact, the other night, you were crying so much and it was so dang cute, I had your dad try to get some pictures of you with your pouty lip. But, every time he held the camera up, you stopped and stared. It was your “Blue Steel” pose. (That’s a reference to a show called Zoolander.) I tried to get some cute pictures of you today too to document your three-month birthday, but you wouldn’t hold your smile for anything when you saw me hold the camera. You’re such a little stinker.
You have slept through the night for the last nine nights in a row now. That’s from 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. It’s been great. And I love that you wake up happy. Both your dad and I love going in your room and peeking in your crib to see you there just talking to yourself. Usually you give us a big old grin.
If you had your way, someone would be walking around carrying you all the time. But, my back is no good. And your dad gets tired too. So, sometimes we have to put you down even though you cry about it. Sorry.
I’m so happy you came to us. My decision to quit working to be your full-time mom hasn’t made me worried or feel bad or anything. I waited a long time to be your mom. I’m not about to let someone else have that opportunity.
Happy Three Month Birthday!
Love, Your Mom
P.S. Here is the song that your dad and I made up about two of the monkeys in your room.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
He is your friend.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
Has a tail on his end.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
His fur is brown.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
He thinks you’re a clown!
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
His friend is Lyle.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
He loves your smile!
P.P.S. Here is a poem (with the actions) your dad made up. It usually makes you smile.
Flap, flap, flap your arms!
And shake, shake, shake your legs!
And scratch, scratch, scratch your bum—
And tickle…your tummy-tum-tum!
P.P.P.S. All these pictures were taken today.
You are three months (13 weeks) old today. I just laid you down for a little nap. I’ve been thinking about this little letter for a couple days now and I wanted to write it down.
Laying you down for a nap has become a little bit of a routine now. I can tell when you get tired: you cry with your eyes closed. When that happens, you don’t want to be comforted. I think it’s because you want to stay awake. But, my secret weapon is to wrap you tight in your blanket and then just hold you for about a minute. Works every time. (Unless your dad is trying to calm you down. For some reason you won’t let him calm you.)
You laugh for us quite a bit. We sing songs. We dance. We practice standing (you're getting pretty good!). We play peek-a-boo. We blow raspberries at each other. Sometimes we stare deeply into each other’s eyes. Other times you won’t look at me to save your life.
You like to suck on things now—like your fists, your bib, your sleeves, and burp rags. You don’t quite hold things yet so you’re not putting anything hard in your mouth.
Your spitting up has calmed down quite a bit. I don’t worry about it like I used to. I think your body has adjusted.
You are ticklish on your chest, on your belly, under your armpits, the bottoms of your feet, and your thighs. But, they don’t always make you laugh—they make you squirm. I think you haven’t quite figured out yet that if you laugh, it will make it more fun.
You love your dad. But, you love me more. I keep telling you that you’ll love your dad more in a little while. You look at me confused when I say that. But, it’s true. You will love him so much more. He is so happy to hold you and take care of you. He even burps you and changes your diapers just to spend time with you. And he’s looking forward to the time when you want piggy back rides and other fun things from him. He’s such a good dad to you. You’re very lucky to have him.
Your hair is growing all funny. There are really short hairs in the front and really long hairs in the back. I call it your natural mullet. You also have a cowlick that makes a fun line on your hairline.
The bump at the top left side of your head is almost gone. The bump at the back of your head is gone. So, you almost have a beautiful baby head. Almost. I think most people don't even notice it. I do, just because I know how bad it used to be.
You grew out of your 0-3 month clothes a month ago, when you were 2 months old. I honestly can’t tell you how much you weigh now. The scale we bought tells us something different every time we step on it. But, when we measured your length two weeks ago you were 25.25 inches. You’ve probably grown another half inch or more since then.
You love your baths now. Love them. You splash a lot and you think it’s funny. I think it’s funny too.
Because of our morning routine, you usually are happy-go-lucky during and after your bath until I put your shirt on. Then you tell me you are starving and you need me to hurry.
Lately you stop whatever you’re doing (laughing, smiling, crying) to look at the camera when we pull it out. In fact, the other night, you were crying so much and it was so dang cute, I had your dad try to get some pictures of you with your pouty lip. But, every time he held the camera up, you stopped and stared. It was your “Blue Steel” pose. (That’s a reference to a show called Zoolander.) I tried to get some cute pictures of you today too to document your three-month birthday, but you wouldn’t hold your smile for anything when you saw me hold the camera. You’re such a little stinker.
You have slept through the night for the last nine nights in a row now. That’s from 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. It’s been great. And I love that you wake up happy. Both your dad and I love going in your room and peeking in your crib to see you there just talking to yourself. Usually you give us a big old grin.
If you had your way, someone would be walking around carrying you all the time. But, my back is no good. And your dad gets tired too. So, sometimes we have to put you down even though you cry about it. Sorry.
I’m so happy you came to us. My decision to quit working to be your full-time mom hasn’t made me worried or feel bad or anything. I waited a long time to be your mom. I’m not about to let someone else have that opportunity.
Happy Three Month Birthday!
Love, Your Mom
P.S. Here is the song that your dad and I made up about two of the monkeys in your room.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
He is your friend.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
Has a tail on his end.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
His fur is brown.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
He thinks you’re a clown!
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
His friend is Lyle.
Chimbo the Monkey
Chimbo the Monkey
He loves your smile!
P.P.S. Here is a poem (with the actions) your dad made up. It usually makes you smile.
Flap, flap, flap your arms!
And shake, shake, shake your legs!
And scratch, scratch, scratch your bum—
And tickle…your tummy-tum-tum!
P.P.P.S. All these pictures were taken today.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Announcing a Family Holiday!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen! Family and Friends!
Today, with glad hearts, we announce the Mark Hales Family Holiday: Cornflakes and Snowflakes!!!
This annual holiday will fall on the third Saturday of every January, with the inaugural celebration on January 16, 2010.
We encourage everyone to celebrate this holiday wherever you may be. For those residing near our place of residence, you will be invited to attend our celebration.
Cornflakes and Snowflakes is a day where cooking is welcome, though certainly not required (as you can eat cereal and snow all day, to your little heart's desire). It is a day of family and friends. It is a day of fun and laughter. It is a holiday.
If you would like to be invited to our festivities, the following rules will apply.
1 – You must participate. We will be doing silly things. We will be eating. And we will be laughing. No Grumpy Gus will be allowed. No Boring Betty.
2 – You will be asked to bring things to use. These items will likely include cereal boxes.
3 – If you are bringing your children (which is encouraged), you will be responsible for them. They must participate. If they throw up, you will clean it up. If they poop, you will clean it up. If they run around, you will be responsible to tie them to a chair. If they need love, everyone (including you) will provide it.
4 – You are not allowed to put anyone down. No insults. Those who cannot abide by this rule will be asked to leave.
Further information will be forthcoming. But, again, if you would like to attend, please let me know. Also, I would like your email address and/or your mailing address so I can sent you an Evite and/or a mailed invitation.
Finally, if you have any ideas for family activities and games that go with a cereal and/or winter theme, we’d love to hear them.
Thanks!
***
How Cornflakes and Snowflakes Came into Existence
When Mark and I first got married, one of the “newly-wed” emails I got from The Knot or something suggested creating a holiday to celebrate. I broached Mark with this idea. He liked it.
We got to thinking…and thinking…and thinking…. Nothing came to mind. We didn’t know what type of holiday we wanted. We didn’t know when to have our holiday. So, we kind of just let the idea simmer on the back burner.
A few weeks ago, when I attended one of my stake young women meetings, Mark happened to go with me. It was with the stake youth council to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming regional dance our stake will host. Mark voiced this brilliant theme: Cornflakes and Snowflakes.
The voting came down to this and to a black and white theme. Due to the Stake YW President’s persuasion, the black and white theme won over.
But Mark was so proud of his idea (and I was too—because there’s so much fun stuff you can do with it), that we knew we had finally found our holiday. We also knew that it had to be in the winter because part of it is “snowflakes.” Since my birthday is in January, I didn’t want it TOO close to my birthday. And since December and February are pretty much packed with Christmas and Valentine’s Day celebrations, it had to be in the mid to late part of January. Thus, the third Saturday in January was agreed upon.
We are currently planning silly games and activities that kids and adults can do together that are based around cereal and winter ideas. If you have any ideas, we’d love to hear them.
Today, with glad hearts, we announce the Mark Hales Family Holiday: Cornflakes and Snowflakes!!!
This annual holiday will fall on the third Saturday of every January, with the inaugural celebration on January 16, 2010.
We encourage everyone to celebrate this holiday wherever you may be. For those residing near our place of residence, you will be invited to attend our celebration.
Cornflakes and Snowflakes is a day where cooking is welcome, though certainly not required (as you can eat cereal and snow all day, to your little heart's desire). It is a day of family and friends. It is a day of fun and laughter. It is a holiday.
If you would like to be invited to our festivities, the following rules will apply.
1 – You must participate. We will be doing silly things. We will be eating. And we will be laughing. No Grumpy Gus will be allowed. No Boring Betty.
2 – You will be asked to bring things to use. These items will likely include cereal boxes.
3 – If you are bringing your children (which is encouraged), you will be responsible for them. They must participate. If they throw up, you will clean it up. If they poop, you will clean it up. If they run around, you will be responsible to tie them to a chair. If they need love, everyone (including you) will provide it.
4 – You are not allowed to put anyone down. No insults. Those who cannot abide by this rule will be asked to leave.
Further information will be forthcoming. But, again, if you would like to attend, please let me know. Also, I would like your email address and/or your mailing address so I can sent you an Evite and/or a mailed invitation.
Finally, if you have any ideas for family activities and games that go with a cereal and/or winter theme, we’d love to hear them.
Thanks!
***
How Cornflakes and Snowflakes Came into Existence
When Mark and I first got married, one of the “newly-wed” emails I got from The Knot or something suggested creating a holiday to celebrate. I broached Mark with this idea. He liked it.
We got to thinking…and thinking…and thinking…. Nothing came to mind. We didn’t know what type of holiday we wanted. We didn’t know when to have our holiday. So, we kind of just let the idea simmer on the back burner.
A few weeks ago, when I attended one of my stake young women meetings, Mark happened to go with me. It was with the stake youth council to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming regional dance our stake will host. Mark voiced this brilliant theme: Cornflakes and Snowflakes.
The voting came down to this and to a black and white theme. Due to the Stake YW President’s persuasion, the black and white theme won over.
But Mark was so proud of his idea (and I was too—because there’s so much fun stuff you can do with it), that we knew we had finally found our holiday. We also knew that it had to be in the winter because part of it is “snowflakes.” Since my birthday is in January, I didn’t want it TOO close to my birthday. And since December and February are pretty much packed with Christmas and Valentine’s Day celebrations, it had to be in the mid to late part of January. Thus, the third Saturday in January was agreed upon.
We are currently planning silly games and activities that kids and adults can do together that are based around cereal and winter ideas. If you have any ideas, we’d love to hear them.
Friday, December 11, 2009
My attempt to put Zachary asleep
So, our ward was assigned to help clean the Jordan River Temple last night. Andrea, because she is so wonderful, volunteered to help. The hours of need were from 10:00 p.m. until about 2:00 a.m. This didn't seem like a problem because during that time Zachary should be asleep. Should is the key word.
Zachary normally goes to bed between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. So, before Andrea left, she fed him gave him to me to burp. I have helped put Zachary to sleep most nights, but this was my time to do it alone. Zachary apparently needs his mother and he screamed and cried for 1.5 hours as I tried to hold him or or put him to sleep.
I followed the pattern of Andrea and swaddled him up and put him to bed. He started to cry but I just waited to see if he would fall asleep. He didn't and I picked him up. Then only time he wouldn't cry was when I held him while I was standing. I couldn't sit. I couldn't lay him on the couch. A few times I got him to laugh. One time he was good while he laid on floor in our dark room while I wrapped Andrea's presents.
I finally put him back in bed after 11:00 p.m. and he screamed for 15 more minutes until he fell asleep. Andrea came home after 1:00 p.m. and I had just gotten into bed.
I told Andrea she can't leave anymore at bed time. I know Andrea felt bad for both Zachary and me. but I also knows she likes that Zachary needs her.
Zachary normally goes to bed between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. So, before Andrea left, she fed him gave him to me to burp. I have helped put Zachary to sleep most nights, but this was my time to do it alone. Zachary apparently needs his mother and he screamed and cried for 1.5 hours as I tried to hold him or or put him to sleep.
I followed the pattern of Andrea and swaddled him up and put him to bed. He started to cry but I just waited to see if he would fall asleep. He didn't and I picked him up. Then only time he wouldn't cry was when I held him while I was standing. I couldn't sit. I couldn't lay him on the couch. A few times I got him to laugh. One time he was good while he laid on floor in our dark room while I wrapped Andrea's presents.
I finally put him back in bed after 11:00 p.m. and he screamed for 15 more minutes until he fell asleep. Andrea came home after 1:00 p.m. and I had just gotten into bed.
I told Andrea she can't leave anymore at bed time. I know Andrea felt bad for both Zachary and me. but I also knows she likes that Zachary needs her.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I Quit!
Yesterday morning we had an Academic Affairs staff Christmas party. It was very nice. Lucille hosted it at her home in Holliday.
They have an "ugly" Christmas tree and asked us to bring an ugly Christmas ornament to add to their collection. I took two big plastic ball ornaments. They were from Victoria Secret and had perfumes in them originally. But, I put some scrap red and green ribbon in one and I glued wiggly eyes on the second. The eye-ball won! The prize was a bottle of their homemade apple juice--which is sooooooo delicious.
After the party was over, I went directly to the office to turn in my official resignation letter. I am no longer employed by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education as of December 28. Woot! I will now officially be a stay-at-home mother! I couldn't be happier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I QUIT!
They have an "ugly" Christmas tree and asked us to bring an ugly Christmas ornament to add to their collection. I took two big plastic ball ornaments. They were from Victoria Secret and had perfumes in them originally. But, I put some scrap red and green ribbon in one and I glued wiggly eyes on the second. The eye-ball won! The prize was a bottle of their homemade apple juice--which is sooooooo delicious.
After the party was over, I went directly to the office to turn in my official resignation letter. I am no longer employed by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education as of December 28. Woot! I will now officially be a stay-at-home mother! I couldn't be happier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I QUIT!
Monday, December 07, 2009
We've Got a Flirt on Our Hands
Yesterday at church, Zachary began his career as a flirt. I mean, he's been really good about being passed around to all the ladies (and even some of the men) in our ward. But, yesterday he flirted with a baby girl!
It was soooooooooo hard to pay attention to the lesson in Relief Society when the flirting was going on. My friend, Shalise, has a daughter who is two months older than Zachary. They sat down by us right after the announcements were over. Shalise got her daughter out of the car seat and she held her on her lap. Zachary and the baby girl were facing each other.
They made eye contact. They made baby sounds to each other. And they even laughed at each other a couple times. Oh...my...word. It was so cute. Shalise and I were snickering, as well as the two rows of ladies behind us. It was one precious, precious moment.
Zachary had a shirt on that said, "I'm Charming." Apparently.
Mark couldn't be more proud.
It was soooooooooo hard to pay attention to the lesson in Relief Society when the flirting was going on. My friend, Shalise, has a daughter who is two months older than Zachary. They sat down by us right after the announcements were over. Shalise got her daughter out of the car seat and she held her on her lap. Zachary and the baby girl were facing each other.
They made eye contact. They made baby sounds to each other. And they even laughed at each other a couple times. Oh...my...word. It was so cute. Shalise and I were snickering, as well as the two rows of ladies behind us. It was one precious, precious moment.
Zachary had a shirt on that said, "I'm Charming." Apparently.
Mark couldn't be more proud.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Splish Splash!
As mentioned in the previous post about products, this week I decided to stop using the "bather" and just put Zachary in the tub. (The picture above is from a few weeks ago, from the morning of Zachary's blessing.)
On Thursday, the third day of no bather, Zachary went to town splishing and splashing! He had so much fun! He was talking and swatting and kicking. He was smiling and cooing. He was so happy--until he remembered he was very hungry. Then he started crying.
But, we had so much fun. I love when Zachary finds something to be happy about. It makes me so happy too. We've had fun with the bath every day since then too. But, Thursday was the best. The best!
P.S. Saturday morning was the first day Mark flew solo with giving Zachary a bath. I'm so proud of both my boys! :-D
Product Reviews
Cloth Diapers: Covers
Booroi Side Snap Diaper Cover: Definitely NOT my favorite. Definitely my least favorite. It seems like it tends to saturate, like it isn't waterproof. It's supposed to be waterproof though. And it seems to add more bulk to the front of the diaper--not something the poor kid needs.
Thirsties Diaper Cover: I like these. Though now that Thirsties has created the Duo Wrap, I like those better. This brand seems to maintain its waterproofing even through the night. It's the actual diaper that can't maintain Zach's night wetting. I would say, as with the Duo Wrap, that the velcro could wear out before the rest of the cover wears out. Zachary has pretty much grown out of the Extra Small size. I bought two of these.
Thirsties Duo Wrap: This basically the same thing as the previous review. Except the size changes will be nice. I bought two of the small size and they don't really seem like they will work all the way up to the 18 pounds it says it's supposed to. So, I just recently bought a bigger size in case he grows out of the first size soon. P.S. Today, Sunday, December 6, Zachary had his first real blow out with a cloth diaper. It happened at church. It was a lot of yuck. But, considering he's been in cloth diapers for most of his life and this was his first blow out, I'd say not bad. He was sporting the Duo Wrap when it happened.
Bummis Super Whisper Wrap: I like these. They are even more simple than the Thirsties. But, I would say they are about the same quality. The one thing that I would say about these is that the poopy doesn't wipe off the cover as easily as the Thirsties--BUT they have less gusseting, so they are flatter and easier to wipe off. Either way, if Zachary gets too poopy, we just throw the cover in the diaper pail and call it quits until the next washing. I bought two of these.
Cloth Diapers: Prefolds
Chinese Prefolds: These are white. These are more coarse than the Indians. There is a really good comparison of the two types of prefolds on CottonBabies.com. I bought 16 of these. I like them less than the Indians. They seem thicker than the Indians, but I think it's just because they are coarser and they "quilt" more when washed. I could be wrong though. I don't plan on buying any of the bigger ones.
Indian Prefolds: I like these. They are a tan color. They seem softer. And they seem like they are easier to put on Zachary's little bum. They're not really--I just want to say that. I bought eight of these. I also just recently (on Black Friday) bought 20 of the next size.
Disposable Diapers: Luvs
The first week of Zachary's life he was in disposables. Since then, he's been a cloth-diaper-wearer. Until the week we went home to Ferron for Thanksgiving. We went down on Tuesday and came back on Saturday. We had a blow out every single day--except one, when we had TWO blow outs. I was quite, quite surprised. Quite disappointed too.
Summer Infant Mother's Touch Large Comfort Bather - Sea Dot
I thought that I needed this. I totally didn't. When I was pregnant, I went shopping one day with my friend. We were looking at bath stuff. She said that her sister uses one of these and swears by it. I thought, "Yah, yah! That makes sense." Turns out, I really don't need one. In fact, just this week I decided that I don't really want to use it any more. I told my friend my opinion and she said, "Oh yah, makes sense. My sister is kind of...high maintenance." Ha! The "instructions" say not to pool the water in the tub when using this thing. Um--not pool water in the tub? Well that's not a fun bath!
Booroi Side Snap Diaper Cover: Definitely NOT my favorite. Definitely my least favorite. It seems like it tends to saturate, like it isn't waterproof. It's supposed to be waterproof though. And it seems to add more bulk to the front of the diaper--not something the poor kid needs.
Thirsties Diaper Cover: I like these. Though now that Thirsties has created the Duo Wrap, I like those better. This brand seems to maintain its waterproofing even through the night. It's the actual diaper that can't maintain Zach's night wetting. I would say, as with the Duo Wrap, that the velcro could wear out before the rest of the cover wears out. Zachary has pretty much grown out of the Extra Small size. I bought two of these.
Thirsties Duo Wrap: This basically the same thing as the previous review. Except the size changes will be nice. I bought two of the small size and they don't really seem like they will work all the way up to the 18 pounds it says it's supposed to. So, I just recently bought a bigger size in case he grows out of the first size soon. P.S. Today, Sunday, December 6, Zachary had his first real blow out with a cloth diaper. It happened at church. It was a lot of yuck. But, considering he's been in cloth diapers for most of his life and this was his first blow out, I'd say not bad. He was sporting the Duo Wrap when it happened.
Bummis Super Whisper Wrap: I like these. They are even more simple than the Thirsties. But, I would say they are about the same quality. The one thing that I would say about these is that the poopy doesn't wipe off the cover as easily as the Thirsties--BUT they have less gusseting, so they are flatter and easier to wipe off. Either way, if Zachary gets too poopy, we just throw the cover in the diaper pail and call it quits until the next washing. I bought two of these.
Cloth Diapers: Prefolds
Chinese Prefolds: These are white. These are more coarse than the Indians. There is a really good comparison of the two types of prefolds on CottonBabies.com. I bought 16 of these. I like them less than the Indians. They seem thicker than the Indians, but I think it's just because they are coarser and they "quilt" more when washed. I could be wrong though. I don't plan on buying any of the bigger ones.
Indian Prefolds: I like these. They are a tan color. They seem softer. And they seem like they are easier to put on Zachary's little bum. They're not really--I just want to say that. I bought eight of these. I also just recently (on Black Friday) bought 20 of the next size.
Disposable Diapers: Luvs
The first week of Zachary's life he was in disposables. Since then, he's been a cloth-diaper-wearer. Until the week we went home to Ferron for Thanksgiving. We went down on Tuesday and came back on Saturday. We had a blow out every single day--except one, when we had TWO blow outs. I was quite, quite surprised. Quite disappointed too.
Summer Infant Mother's Touch Large Comfort Bather - Sea Dot
I thought that I needed this. I totally didn't. When I was pregnant, I went shopping one day with my friend. We were looking at bath stuff. She said that her sister uses one of these and swears by it. I thought, "Yah, yah! That makes sense." Turns out, I really don't need one. In fact, just this week I decided that I don't really want to use it any more. I told my friend my opinion and she said, "Oh yah, makes sense. My sister is kind of...high maintenance." Ha! The "instructions" say not to pool the water in the tub when using this thing. Um--not pool water in the tub? Well that's not a fun bath!
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