What CAN I eat?

First of all, I have to say that I am dedicated to breastfeeding my children for 1 year (then they're cut off so I can take a vacation :) Well, my dreams of breastfeeding Elizabeth that long were almost crushed this past week as I heard devastating news about her health. She tested positive to allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, and cats. The doctor straight out told me that I MUST stop nursing because the diet that I would need to follow is "virtually impossible." As he continued to tell me which formulas she will need to eat, I could feel the tears welling in my eyes. I didn't let it out until he closed the door, and left my baby girl and I alone in the small room. All I want is the absolute best for her, but I was NOT ready to give up nursing when I know that my milk is the best thing for her (minus all the allergens). How could this be happening? I cried at the thought that the last nursing session with her was when she was being pricked in the arm for an allergy test. I cried all the way home, calling a good friend who talked so supportively to me. Then my sadness became ANGER. That doctor didn't even give me the option to continue nursing. Don't give me that "virtually impossible" sh*t! It IS possible, if I truly want to remain dedicated to nursing. I began researching, and then went shopping to find some foods that I can eat (very limited). I have been eating this "elemental diet" for 3 days now with so much enthusiasm that I am doing this for my sweet baby girl's health, and I will continue this as long as I can in order to give her the BEST. I'm hoping that all these natural foods I consume will make me really skinny, too :) Never tell me that I can't do something because I will at least try to prove you wrong (moral of the story).

Keep out of reach of children

Those warning labels on items were written for MY child specifically, I'm convinced. What hasn't Matthew gotten into these last few days? After our deodorant fiasco, we found the little guy sneaking in our room & putting huge globs of vaseline on his face (when he was supposed to be falling alseep). Tonight he tried to "wash" his hands with Victoria Secret's "Berry Kiss" lotion, and (prepare yourself) he took a bite out of a Christmas ornament...Yes, you read that right - a Christmas ornament. It was inside their bins of toys inside their bedroom closet (Joseph collects all sorts of random things). Guess he thought it might be tasty? The only thing that made me go in there was the "crunch, crunch" I heard coming from the closet. I was terrifed that he was cutting his mouth, throat or (worse) his intestinal lining with that material. I just yelled "SPIT, SPIT IT OUT!" We then rinsed out his mouth. I pray that his poop comes out okay (as gross as that sounds). I have cleaned out most of the potentially harmful medications and such from our medicine cabinet because I am so fearful that he will eat something that could make him VERY sick or die. What's next - the paint off the wall? HELP??!!!!

You can just see the mischief in his sweet, little face. You gotta love him!










JennerRose Photography
www.jennerrose.com

Dry mouth & fresh breath

Never thought I'd have "that 2 year old." You know - the one that gets into absolutely everything? Well, my middle child (we're beginning to think it may just be "middle child" syndrome) decided to enter into my bathroom in the middle of the night, but NOT to go potty. Out of curiosity the child took a nice bite out of my DEODORANT! Apparently, he proceeded to put the lid back on and leave it on the counter close to where he found it. He went back to bed after his exploration session with a ring of "white" around his mouth. Now, that gives new meaning to the sayings "dry mouth" and "fresh breath." I didn't discover this bite until I actually went to use the deodorant this morning - yuck! He told me he spit it out, but God knows where? If he swallowed it, praise God that he did not get VERY sick...it says to call poison control. So, to all of you who leave the deodorant on the bathroom counter and have small children - heed this warning - LOCK UP YOUR DEODORANT so it does not become a (not so) tasty treat. :)

Won't eat toast, but...

he'll eat Cheetohs? Matthew has the nasty stomach flu now, and I've been offering him 7-up, toast, chicken noodle soup, water, Pedialyte, gummy snacks (for the diarhhea), crackers, popsicles...but to no avail, he wanted Cheetohs tonight. That should make for some great vomit, eh? There is nothing worse than watching your most vibrant, energetic child lay listless on the bed or couch. He is such a trouper, though. He doesn't cry or cling. He just lays there, and says yes or no to everything I offer. I pray for healing in my littlest man (and to keep the others healthy). But I do have to say that is it awfully quiet and calm in this house without the "old" Matthew - kinda nice :)

He's growing up so fast

Joseph rode his bike with no training wheels today. He is so excited about his new skill. It didn't take much of me holding on to him until I "let go," and then I realized how symbolic that moment truly was. I want to keep him as my "baby" forever, but I am swelling with pride to see him accomplish new skills. Being a mom is full of heart (and heartbreak) - if we are so blessed, we raise these babies into full-grown adults only to have to let go of them. WARNING: emotional times ahead!

Baptism

Our beautiful baby girl was baptized into our church on Sunday. She looked so pretty in her christening gown and bonnet (bought by my mom, her grandma)! I pray that she looks to her faith in times of need. God has blessed me so completely in my life, and I am humbled by His greatness. Elizabeth will have the Lord watching over her always. I pray that she knows just how much she is loved by Jesus as well as her family.

Mommy with Elizabeth

"talking" with her big sis and godmother

Bye, Bye Binky!

Matthew finally did it (with some encouragement from mom) - he gave his binkies to the "binky fairy." To those of you who have children with pacifier addiction, this is a BIG deal. He fell fast asleep without any binkies. I thought it would be harder, but it wasn't...no crying at all. I am also not allowing him to nap anymore because he was not falling asleep until 9 or 10 after I put him in bed at 7. These transitional times are harder on the parents than the children, I believe. We spend so much time treating our children like babies long after they have become "big girls/boys." A part of me is sad to let go of this stage of his life. I always call him my "baby boy." From this moment on, he will transform into my "big boy." How fast they grow!

10 month old Matthew, having fun with binky and Daddy

I may be a little biased, but...

JennerRose Photography

http://www.jennerrose.com/

Joseph is an amazing 4 1/2 year old boy! I went to his parent/teacher conference today, and found out many special qualities about my oldest son (not that I didn't know he was special :>) Number one, he is academically ready for kindergarten. Number two, he is ambidextrous - uses both right and left hand interchangeably to cut, write, etc. Only 25% of children his age have this trait. Interesting, eh? Number three, he has extreme empathy for others. If another child is crying, he will approach him/her and ask what is wrong and how he can make him/her feel better. How sweet is that! Number four, he is a strong leader. Supposedly, every day at school he organizes and assigns roles for the ENTIRE preschool class to play "monsters." Let's hope this quality will lead him to a successful career later in life. I could go on, but I don't want to sound too conceded (like I don't already?).

Ok - done bragging...

I just want to add something that he said today, so I don't forget (we call this a Josephism).

Joseph: I want to have my next birthday party at Chuck E.Cheese, and I'm going to invite

all the kids that don't have anything.

Mom: That sounds nice, honey. Why do you want to do that?

Joseph: Then I'll have goodie bags for them to have, and they won't be sad....(short pause) and

they can bring me a present, if they want, but they don't have to.

Mom: (Laughing while driving.) Sounds like a plan.

Guess it pays to show generosity to your children. We helped several needy families this past Christmas by giving them toys to give to their children.

Happy New Year

I wish you all a very blessed, happy, healthy 2009 year! May all of you experience life's greatness this year. God bless!