Poll Results: Do You/Would You Make Your Baby Food?

I must say I was surprised. I did not expect that many people made or plan to make their own baby food. And here I thought I was doing a "new age thing." LOL. I actually thought about doing it and then dismissed it as too much work. However, after talking with a PT I work with who makes her own and after deciding I was going to buy organic jarred if nothing else, as well as reading this amazing site (www.wholesomebabyfood.com) I decided, "I can do this!" I started with sweet potato (I had never even cooked that for myself before!) and it was so easy. Pictures of the process are above. Notice the detailed notes I took on this process in the first photo...lol.

Anyway, here is what Cole thought of Mommy's homemade baby food....




Hmmmm.....do you think he likes it?

You're A Mom Monday...

My shirt says what?! I think that is what Cole is thinking in this picture :)

So here it is again. You know you're a Mom when...

1. You get peed on during your lunch break and don't think twice about going back to work with those same clothes on (I did wash with a wet paper towel...I am not that unsanitary!)

2. Your mouth get drooled into and you aren't grossed out by it.

3. There is a hand in your mouth almost constantly and it isn't yours!

4. You enjoy playing with baby toys just as much as the baby they are made for!

5. Naps for you are a thing of the past....sigh.

We Did it Buddy!

You had such a hard time latching. Mommy had to teach you to open wide and keep your tongue down and forward. You got it though. Then Mommy had an overactive letdown. We used a shield. Then Mommy had supply issues. Mommy had to pump after each feed for a while. Then your gums bothered you when your teeth were coming in. Now you don't hve the patience to breasfeed at times. Despite it all, we made it to 6 months. We have to supplement probably about 50% but Mommy is still happy you still breasfeed and we did the best we could to get here. Now it is up to you Buddy. Mommy wants to continue. You seem less than interested lately. I will let you decide. 6 months was my longshot goal when it all started and we had so much trouble. We made it. The rest is icing on the cake to me at this point. Thanks for working so hard Buddy. Mommy is so proud of you.

Happy Half Birthday Buddy!

Cole Michael,

It seems like just yesterday you were in my belly. Mommy honestly was so excited to meet you but was also not ready to let you go either. It makes me sad to think I almost have forgotten how it felt to be pregnant.

Then you were born (after Mommy had a talk with you about how if you didn't come soon the OB was going to make you come.) Mommy was in love with you well before you were born but when you were born, I don't know how it was possible but I loved you even more.



And here you are now. 6 months have passed. I admit, those first 3 months were hard on Mommy and Daddy. You cried a lot and Mommy and Daddy got very little sleep. But just like everyone said, 3 months came and you started to get better. Now look at you. Lots of people say you look a lot older than you are. You had your 6 month check up and got two shots on Monday. You cried a little but by the time we left the office you were showing your brave face. They measured you 3 times because they couldn't believe it. You were 28 inches long...91st percentile and 2 inches longer than your 4 month appt! You are only 16.5 lbs. and that puts you in only the 30th percentile for weight but you are just so long and thin! Mommy and Daddy aren't very tall but daddy says he was tall for his peers until high school hit. Hopefully you take after your Great Uncles, two of them are over 6 ft. (Boys like to be tall, I know.)

Some things about you right now....

- You sleep through the night pretty well. You go to bed around 6 or 7 after feeding, a bath if it is bath day, and story and you might stir a little but you either put yourself back to sleep or a quick pat on the butt or a rub of the head from Mommy or Daddy does the trick until 5:30 or 6 a.m. You also often can be found awake in your crib when Mommy checks on you at like 4 A.M. but you stay contently there and put yourself back to sleep. Good boy.

- You are a mover! You have rolled over since 3 months old. You move all over your crib. We never know where we might find you tucked. Since birth you have always liked to have your head pressed against something so often you will have yourself wedged somehow that makes this possible.

- You love to stand. You even walk while holding our hands. It makes you so happy.

- You have a ticklish spot right under your ribs.

- You love to eat! Mommy makes your baby food and you lately eat 3 cubes at night plus your rice cereal and breasfeed with supplementing too! I think you are having your 6 month growth spurt.

- You recently love to play peek-a-boo with us hiding under a blanket or you.

- You like the dancing frog and bunny we have. (Daddy is starting to get tired of them because you want them to play over and over again....Mommy lets you.)

- You sit up on your own for 5 minutes or so. Mommy had to make you learn to do this. You had no interest and really dont now either.

- You recently have started to sleep on your side a lot.

- You LOVE Mr. Cow your humidifier. We say hi to him each morning and good night each night. You touch him and smile at him each time.

- You still love your Lion Lovey.

- You love your springy frog on your carseat and recently you often take hold of him when you get in the car seat and don't let go till I take you out. You have even fallen asleep holding him!

- You have no interest in talking (you used to love to when you were little.) Mommy is working on this too! I am a speech therapist you know!

- You love to be on Daddy's shoulders and you love when he holds you above his head and rubs your belly on your head.

- You have started to like to look at things from different angles often tilting your head or hanging upside down.

- You have just started to have "stranger danger."

- You reach your arms out to be picked up or held.

- You recently like to fall asleep to music.

- You love your mobile. We play it each morning while Mommy picks out your clothes and dresses you in your crib.

- You are still a major drooler and love to have your hands in your mouth; lately your first two fingers are a favorite!

- You have your two bottom front teeth!

- You are the reason I get out bed each morning (both figuratively and literally!)

Happy Half Birth Day Buddy. Mommy and Daddy already love you more than you will ever realize.

Tuesdays For Trent

What causes Crohn's?

We do not yet know what causes this disease. Studies indicate that the inflammation in IBD involves a complex interaction of factors: the genes the person has inherited, the immune system, and something in the environment. Foreign substances (antigens) in the environment may be the direct cause of the inflammation, or they may stimulate the body's defenses to produce an inflammation that continues without control. Researchers believe that once the IBD patient's immune system is "turned on," it does not know how to properly "turn off" at the right time. As a result, inflammation damages the intestine and causes the symptoms of IBD. That is why the main goal of medical therapy is to help patients regulate their immune system better.

Who Gets Crohn's?

Males and females appear to be affected equally. Crohn's disease may occur in people of all ages, but it is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults, affecting mainly those between 15 and 35. However, Crohn's disease can also occur in people who are 70 or older and in young children as well. In fact, 10 percent of those affected -- or an estimated 100,000 -- are youngsters under the age of 18.

IBD tends to run in families, so we know that genes definitely play a role. Studies have shown that about 20 to 25 percent of patients may have a close relative with either Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. If a person has a relative with the disease, his or her risk is about 10 times greater than that of the general population. If that relative happens to be a brother or sister, the risk is 30 times greater.

Recently, an important breakthrough was achieved when the first gene for Crohn's disease was identified by a team of IBD investigators. (This is what your donations help us discover!) The researchers were able to pick out an abnormal mutation or alteration in a gene known as NOD2/CARD 15. (My brother has this gene mutation.) This mutation, which limits the ability to recognize bacteria as harmful, occurs twice as frequently in Crohn's patients as in the general population. There is no way to predict which, if any, family members will develop Crohn's disease. The data further suggest that more than one gene may be involved. Thanks to new technologies, researchers are closing in on the additional genes that may be involved in IBD.

Don't forget to donate!

You're A Mom Monday...

Here it is back for a second round...

You know your a Mom When...

- You wake at 4 a.m. and instead of rolling over to get more much needed sleep you jump out of bed to go check on your little man.

- You go to make some phone calls before realizing it is only 7:30 a.m. but since you have been up since before 6 a.m. it feels much later.

- You don't remember the last time you bought clothes larger than size 9-12 months.

- You take the day off of work for your son's shots...just in case he needs his Mommy a little extra that day.

- You thoroughly inspect (and yes, even touch!)the poop of someone else.

- You have been peed on more times than you can count and still laugh along with the one who peed on you every time it happens.

Okay, more next Monday. Now add yours!

Bunny Sighting!

Here is Cole opening his first Easter basket from Mommy and Daddy.

Here is the Easter basket I put together for him.


And now....for the bunny sighting....





I bet the Easter bunny that comes to your house isn't this cute!

Note- Thanks to William's Mommy for telling me where to find the cute bunny ears! :)

Thanks Mommy and Daddy!

Here's me on Daddy's shoulders...I just love it up here!

Anyway, I am posting to tell you all I was thrilled to see Mommy and Daddy finally donated to my page! It is about time! I am doing really well with my donations but more are still needed! Mommy tells me money is tight for a lot of people right now but I said if they could just skip a cup of coffee or a donut they could afford just a dollar or two. She said I have a point so I am reminding everyone...don't forget to donate! It is for my Uncle; I love him so much and want him to have many more years with me! Donate now! Those of you have, thanks so much!

PS- Rumor has it Karen that you said Mommy is playing dirty by using me for walk donations. I am walking to you know! I think you are just jealous I am doing so well :) Plus, Mommy said she got the idea from the kids you have registered on your website :)

(Note- I know tone can't be read in a blog so I hope you know I am totally joking with you Karen!)

Poll Results: Follow Vaccination Recommendations?

So I have neglected this poll and I think the reason why is it makes me mad lately. Cole is behind on his shots and not because of me. He missed his second Hep B and has been behind since (missed his 4 months completely.) I love his MD (or at least I did) but they never called me to tell me that he wouldn't be getting his shots at his 4 month appt. so I gave him Tylenol and got there and they said he wouldn't get them cause the vaccines didn't come in. They also never told me he missed his 2 month Hep B, I noticed it on his sheet (after requesting sheets of his vaccines since I never got one.) I let ALL this slide only to have to call at 5 months and say...where is his vaccines! They supposedly got some in and we went in and got those. He goes Monday for his 6 month appt. and will get the 2 he still hasn't gotten (Hep B and pneumoccocal) plus some others that he should get at 6 months. He again will be behind because I wont let them give him too many at once. I expressed my concern and they assure me this wont happen anymore. The state stopped paying for vaccines for those with insurance and in doing so said their vaccines had to be ordered and stored seperate from insurance vaccines. Apparently this caused my office to get behind. I called a pedi office (Cole goes to my family practitioner) and they offered to do his vaccines and get him caught up but my office said they would do them at his 6 month and he was okay to be behind. I don't care (well I do but you know what I mean) if he is okay health wise to be behind I don't want him getting 8 shots for catch-up but I also don't want him to keep staying behind. I am a Mom who does her research so I also know that some vaccines have to be spaced at certain intervals apart so I have that to worry about too. Sigh...I don't know what to do. On top of it all, I get a message from some orthopedic office today (I have cyst in my wrist that really bothers me) apparently I have an appt. with them Monday at 10 when I have Cole's appt. at 11:20. They did not say what office they were so I can't call them back. I assuming my MD's office made the appt. for me and neglected to tell me about it. Sigh...I am just fumming right now. Can you tell...I haven't put any structure in this post. LOL. Breath Jenn Breath.

Note: I know many of you are saying switch MDs. However I have switched for myself so many times and I really liked this one. Also the pedi around here is good but dealing with him with my clients has been a pain so didn't want to go there. I am thinking I just need to let the MD know I am dissatisifed when I see him Monday. I did this once before when I had an issue with the office and he really seemed to listen so we shall see. I hate to change because overall I have had a good experience until all of this. What do you all think?

Ha ha ha...I rambled so much I almost forgot the poll results! LOL. Many of you said follow the recommendations. I was surprised. There has been such a push about Autism, etc. I thought more would say to set your own schedule. I talked to a pedi who said my town is one of the worst at following the recommendations...interesting huh? I debated not following recommendations and spacing them more. However, I thought research has gone into the recommendations and I would go with them. However, I guess now against my will I am not following them! Everything happens for a reason. I am supposed to spread them out...sigh....

Okay, I am done. I have vented. and I am so tense and pissed (sorry for the language) I am not even going to edit (this is a big deal to me if you know me at all...lol.) In fact, I am so mad this post doesn't even get a picture!

Tuesdays For Trent

Facts About Crohn's or Colitis....

1 in every 200 people suffers daily.

1.4 million people live a life that is a roller coaster ride of active and remitting digestive disease.

The threat of long-term hospital stays and multiple life altering surgeries is ever present.

There is no known cause but they have found a genetic marker (my brother has it and it is what ultimately led to his diagnosis after MANY tests as well.)

There is no cure.

Crohn's and Colitis can kill the person affected. I will never forget reading an article in a local paper about a girl who died of the disease. She had been hospitalized for months before succumbing to it...I read this not long after my brother was diagnosed...it scared the hell out of me.

Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the body from the mouth to the colon (my brother was hospitalized with it in his throat causing him to have severe difficulty swallowing.) Colitis affects the colon only...it does not travel like Crohn's.

In Crohn's disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and there can be normal healthy bowel in between patches of diseased bowel. In contrast, ulcerative colitis affects only the superficial layers (the mucosa) of the colon in a more even and continuous distribution, which starts at the level of the anus.

Both diseases do have one strong feature in common. They are marked by an abnormal response by the body's immune system. The immune system is composed of various cells and proteins. Normally, these protect the body from infection. In people with Crohn's disease, however, the immune system reacts inappropriately. Researchers believe that the immune system mistakes microbes, such as bacteria that is normally found in the intestines, for foreign or invading substances, and launches an attack. In the process, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation. These cells then generate harmful products that ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel injury. When this happens, the patient experiences the symptoms of IBD.

Are you bored yet? If so, I don't apologize. This is something too important to me. Crohn's is not well known and my dream is that one day before I head for my heavenly home I will see a walk and the outpouring of support for this devastating disease to the level I see the March of Dimes and Breast Cancer ones I attend. I will be heard.

More facts in next weeks "Tuesdays for Trent" post.

You're A Mom Monday...

So after this morning I am starting another weekly post for a while...."You Know your A Mom Monday"....feel free to add your own in my comments section. And of course...I had to add a picture of Cole :)

You Know You Are a Mom When....

1. You find yourself wiping spit and drool off your little one's face and either wiping it on yourself or rubbing your hands together to them it when you don't have something nearby to dry your hands and not thinking twice about it.

2. You pick your kids nose because that booger is bothering you SO much.

3. You buy Pampers and upon opening your purchase look frantically for the Pamper's Points and are thoroughly disappointed when that item didn't have them! WHAT?!

4. You wake up at 4:45 AM to find your baby soaked from armpit to thigh on one side of his body from another diaper that wouldn't hold and you think for just a moment...he is asleep, he can wait another hour. (How horrible!)

5. You can change a diaper, bed, and pjs at 4:45 AM without batting an eyelash and while juggling your baby.

That's all for now...more next Monday! Share yours!

My Cuteness Got Me a Donation!

My Aunt Janet (who I cannot wait to meet in August) said I was so cute she donated to me instead of Mommy for the walk. Wahoo! I am on a role! If anyone else can't resist my adorable face, don't forget to click on the link on the sidebar to donate under my name instead of Mommy's...who by the way STILL has not donated to me! Thanks again Aunt Janet, Doug, Stephen, Alexis and Connor!

Hey Everyone!

Just taking a little time out from some play with Daddy to let you know that I got my first online donation for my walk for Uncle Trent! I am so excited! It came from Gramma and Grampa...thanks to you both! Love ya so much! Mommy and Daddy haven't even donated any money to me yet. I was going to take money out of my savings account to help Uncle Trent but Mommy said to keep it for college (whatever that is.) She said she would put some money in for me. Still waiting on that Mommy! Don't forget to donate everyone! (And donate to me not Mommy- Don't tell her I said that!)

Donate To My Page!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that in case you didn't notice I had Mommy put up a donation page for me. I love my Uncle Trent and I am going to walk too (or stroll in my stroller!) So I told her I want to raise money too so she registered me (do you think I will be the youngest registered walker?) and I now have my own page! Check it out and while you do, donate!

I leave you with these pictures of my curly hair. Yes my hair is like Mommy's it is wavy and this is what a day with heavy moisture in the air did to it!
Mom says I have a devilish look in my eyes in this one...I don't know what she is talking about! >:)





And here is a slight side view of my hair. I am going for the mature, sophisticated pose here. What do you think? Does it look better curly or straight? Mommy says she cursed her curly hair and just started embracing it in the last few years so I am not sure what I will do with mine yet. Mommy also says if Daddy's hair gets long enough his has a wave to it. I guess I was bound to get wavy hair!

Let The Donations Begin!

Look at the top of my side bar and you will see the link to my personal donation page for the Crohn's and Colitis Walk on May 30th in Portland. Please donate, it is tax deductible and even a dollar is much appreciated and helps! As you know (see previous post) this is a cause dear to my heart and I would love your support. Last year I walked it while just under 5 months pregnant with Cole and this year I will walk it with Cole in a stroller at just over 5 months! :)