Proud As (Orange) Punch

For Kids & Cats II

This photo is not posed! This where I found her when I came out of the house!

Springtime Fun

Heather Needs...

Have you seen the latest blog list? It's actually pretty hilarious. My list can be seen here.

For Kids & Cats

Seems the cats like James' toys almost as much (or more) than he does! Lately he has really been taking notice of them, and reaches out to touch (actually more like grab) them as they walk by. They are in serious trouble once he is mobile!

I am in the works of trying to set up a Blogger Brunch. I am thinking that the date will be Saturday, June 2 - so postmark your calendars!

Oh, Could It Be?

Last night was one of the best we've had in weeks! I am crossing my fingers, knocking on wood, and of course, PRAYING that this might be the start to a better sleeping trend. James took a long 2 1/2 hour nap from 4:00pm - 6:30pm yesterday evening. We finally woke him up, because we were worried that he might sleep too long! We kept him up until 9:00pm (he usually goes down between 7:30 and 8:00). I gave him some oat cereal, and a 6 oz. bottle. We've also been giving him Ovol during each feeding, starting at bedtime, as he seems really gassy at night. He finished off the bottle, and went down to sleep at 9:30pm. He woke again at midnight, fussed a little bit, and then went back to sleep without any help. The next time he woke up was at 3:00am. Ryan fed him, and then he slept until 6:30am. He stayed happy and talked to himself in his crib until I went in there at 7:00 to get him. I was greeted with the cutest toothless grin. It was great!

I've also been able to live my dream a little bit this morning. After James was born I wanted to become a labour & delivery nurse. We can't afford the schooling right now, and I'm not actually sure that I want to be a nurse officially. However, this morning I was able to go over to my neighbour Rebekah's place and play nurse! It was so fun to help her out with Isaiah! I made her some breakfast, burped Isaiah (or tried to at least), changed his diaper and just tried to be encouraging. It was so great - I loved it! Hopefully I won't overwhelm her by wanting to be there to help all the time. Hahaha!

I've also been contemplating organizing a Ladies Blogger Brunch. If I did so, would you come, or be interested in coming?

Five Months

Happy five months Jamesy babes!

James' fifth month of life has been one with many ups and downs - but a lot more ups! He has been super happy, smiling at almost everyone who comes up to him to say, "Wow, what a cute baby!". He giggles a lot, and laughs when we make funny noises and 'clucking' sounds. He has been loving the Jolly Jumper (see video below), and his Excer-Saucer. He is trying hard to crawl when he is on his tummy, I don't think it will be long now! His favourite solid food so far appears to be pears, but he has also enjoyed prunes, apples, squash, sweet potatoes, peas and a few other treats that I have let him try. He still loves being in the carseat and stroller, and usually falls asleep. His favourite songs are "I'm Singing in the Rain" and "My God Is So Big". He wakes up almost every morning happy, and usually stays that way throughout the day. He has been a little cranky lately, and I'm not sure, but I think I see two lower teeth coming through. James also loves to be undressed, and thinks it's very funny when I check on his "muscles". We just can't get enough of him, he is so fun. God is amazing - isn't He? I thank Him every day for my beautiful little boy. Can't wait to see what month number six will bring!

By the way, do you live near an Ikea? If so, click here.

Two Down, One to Go

What is it going to be Amber?

Can't Get Enough of Him

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A New Neighbour

How can I stay in a slump when there is a new baby to celebrate?!

CONGRATS TREVOR & REBEKAH!

In A Slump

I'm in one of those slumps today where I feel like I'm the world's worst person. You know that feeling of just being down on yourself?

"I have no friends."

"I'm so lonely."

"God must be so disappointed in me."

Deep down, I know none of it is true. However, it sort of feels true today and I could just sit here and cry. I feel let down. I feel tired... exhausted actually. I feel overwhelmed. I feel like nothing anyone does is good enough.

"Why won't James sleep through the night?"

"Why does it feel like I never stop working?"

"Why doesn't someone call to encourage me?"

I'm just in a serious slump. When I feel this way, I do something that a friend of mine recently described as "retail therapy". When I'm upset I buy things (usually for James). It is just a little bandaid that usually gives me a day or two of happiness, but then the novelty of the purchase wears off, and I'm back to my grouchy self again. This time the slump really seems to be sticking around. I've tried doing things for others, because that also usually makes me feel better. It did - but only temporarily. I just kind of feel lonely, and a little bit lost. Distant from God. I believe that sometimes God allows us to feel distance from Him when He is trying to remind us of what He does for us. I hate having to be reminded, and it makes me feel like I am probably disappointing Him. *sigh* Sorry, this is such a depressing post. I guess I'm just putting my self out there, as I like people to know how I am honestly feeling. Today I'm feeling like this. I'm sure when the sun comes up tomorrow I'll feel better. That usually helps. It seems like nighttime, and being tired sort of magnifies every problem into something HUGE! How do you get yourself out of your slumps?

Saturday Sunshine

James: The Jolly Jumper

James is getting to be SO MUCH FUN! He loves his Excer-Saucer, and now the Jolly Jumper too. I can't wait until it gets warmer outside, and we can have fun in grandma and grandpa's pool. Woohoo! Please ignore how stupid I sound in the video clip - I guess it's just my baby talk, but I sound ridiculous.

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Proud Mama

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share PhotosI did not cheat, by the way, by putting him on his side. He did that on his own!

Wanna Hear Me Sing?

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A Tearful Thought

Today Ryan and I attended Springs Church with his parents. It was a good service, with the usual loud, exciting worship, flashing lights and fanfare. James went to their Nursery babysitting service, which was a little nerve-wracking for me - but it was a nice break, and he did stunningly well.

Pastor Leon Fontaine is a very dynamic speaker, and I usually enjoy his messages. Today, being Easter, he gave an analogy that brought me immediately to tears. He talked about taking his young son out onto a bridge a few years ago at Springtime. The water was high, fast and cold and there were large flows of ice making their way down the river. As any father would do, he warned his son to stay close - knowing well the dangers of falling into the icy water. Being a typical boy, his son ran ahead, put his hands on the railing of the bridge and flung his little body up over the edge to take a peek below. Pastor Leon said his heart nearly left his body, and of course, scolded his son soundly for not being obedient, and reminding him of all the things that could have happened. He then said, "My brain continued to work - even though I didn't want it to - and I thought to myself 'What if he had fallen in? Would I jump in after him, knowing well that I would not be able to save him, but simply so that he would not die alone? As any father would, I knew that I would jump in with him'." He compared this to the fact that we would likely not jump in for the sake of stranger, and yet this is what Jesus did for us. It was Jesus' sacrificial love that is beyond compare. I couldn't help but to be ashamed at myself for not readily accepting a love like that. I seem to fight it so often, thinking I am not worthy. But then I think of how I would jump into that icy water to be with my son, and realize that God loves me so much more so than that. I hope this Easter you are reminded of how much you are loved, not only by your family, husband, wife, children, friends... but by God Himself. He would jump into the icy water for you, just to be with you. He was beaten, killed, and rose again - just for you. If you were the only person on Earth, He would do it again. That is a love beyond compare, a gift given to you. You are worthy of that gift. You deserve it. Take it, accept it, live it, and share it.

Tough Couple of Days

The last few days have been a little tough around here. It all started on Tuesday, when I went to my first "Mommyrobics" class. It starts at 9:30am in the city, and that totally screws up James' nap schedule. The class was a lot of fun though. I am doing it with my friend Jeryn, and I'm looking forward to the next one this coming Tuesday.

Then, on Wednesday James got his 4 month immunizations. He did pretty well with the needles, but he was quite cranky for the rest of the day - not that I blame him! The next morning he was scheduled to see the Dr. for his 4 month check-up. James usually wakes up pretty happy, and he is content for most of the morning. That particular morning though, he woke up unhappy. Ryan had just stepped out the door to go to work, and then all hell broke loose! James just started to scream, and scream, and scream! This was EXTREMELY unusual for him. He was also pulling at his ear, and because he has had a cold for the last week, I wondered if it had developed into an ear infection. I was glad that we were going to be seeing the Dr. However, the screaming didn't let up, and after 45 minutes I called my mom for help. I couldn't hear anything that she said over the phone, but it was enough to know that she was on her way immediately! By the time she got to my place (5 minutes), James had finally calmed down - but was hiccuping, coughing and making that heart-breaking breathing noise after crying hard. My mom also assumed he likely had an ear infection, but his raspy breathing had her concerned that it might be pneumonia. We tried to keep him very still, covered him in a big blanket and she held him in her lap while I drove us back to her house (pulling a 'Britney Spears'). She came with us to the Dr. appointment, and thankfully James remained in a relatively good mood after that big outburst. The Dr. checked him all out. His ears were fine, lungs were clear, throat was fine... basically there was no real explanation for his huge screamfest, except for the possibility that he was really having discomfort from the needles. The Dr. gave him a dose of infant Motrin, and said to keep giving it to him for as long as he seemed irritable. He fell asleep on the way home, and slept for almost 4 hours!

On Friday we had a family gathering, and I don't know what your kids are like, but it seems like all the passing around and attention seems to make James a little upset. So, he was cranky all day Friday too, and his schedule was again totally messed up. On the bright side, he hasn't been doing too bad at night lately, despite all the schedule trouble. He still gets up at least once between midnight and 7:00am, but it's manageable. Anyway... after the gathering he seemed to be in a bit of a funk, and that has lasted most of the day today too. I am looking forward to the weekend of gatherings and going out to be over so I can get him back on his usual schedule on Monday! Poor little guy, it's been a tough couple of days for him!

My New Look

After hours of experimental copying, pasting, and previewing I have finally created a new blog look for myself! It was fun to fiddle around with the HTML stuff - I learned quite a lot. I hope you like the new "me".

Four Month Check-Up

JAMES KENNEDY

Age: Four and a half months

Height: 24 inches

Weight: 15lbs 1oz.

Occupation: Drooler, Pooper, Screamer, Smiler

Loves: Toes and Singing

Hates: Bananas

My Little Nut

This Is It!

This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Art Bookbindery, "Empowering Writers to Self Publish."



Original date of post: May 16, 2006

This post is dedicated to the little life that was lost, and celebrating the new life that has been given! We love you James!

Well, guess what everyone?! If I make it to tomorrow (which I suspect I will), I will officially have come farther in this pregnancy than the last one! PRAISE GOD! I am so excited, mostly because things are going so well, and I've started to feel much better in the last week. I am not nearly as tired, and the nausea is pretty much completely gone. Some days it still feels like I am expecting something to go badly, but most days now I am positive and looking forward to the future with this new little life. My tummy is definately showing now - I'll have to take a picture soon.

Just five months ago, at this point in my pregnancy, I called the doctor because I was having some strange symptoms. I just thought it would be some kind of infection, and she's put me on some meds and I'd be good to go. She examined me, and felt there was a serious problem. I was given an immediate ultrasound appointment, which Ryan and I went to that evening. The news was grim. We watched little Baby Plett's motionless body on the screen, and then the technician confirmed, "I'm sorry, but it looks like the baby has died some time ago". I'll never forget that horrible feeling that washed over me. My throat ached as I held back my sobs. The technician left us alone, and the tears flowed.

Looking back, I'd have to say that was the most heart-wrenching time of my life. I was so hurt, so angry, and all I wanted was to have that baby back. It amazes me how God has used that experience to get me to the point where I am now. Just five short months, and I think I am changed, hopefully for the better. How amazing that He took care of us, even when we were cursing Him for allowing our baby to be taken. How incredible, that even through great loss comes great gain. What a miracle, that He has blessed us again with a new life. God is good. I pray His blessings on each of you today, no matter what you are going through - I promise you that you can get through it if you rely on God. All you have to do is ask Him, and He'll carry your load. You can leave all your baggage at the foot of the Cross. He'll take it for you. Don't try to carry it all on your own - you were never intended or created to carry such burdens.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

~ 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV) ~

Tough Love

For the last few nights (Friday and Saturday night) James has been waking up around 5:30-6:00am and is WIDE awake. Ryan has had this shift the last few nights, and he has just been getting up with James and letting him play awhile. Well, I decided I would take that shift last night - and I DON'T have the energy or patience for playtime at 5:30am! First, I gave him his bottle hoping he would fall asleep, but no luck. I swaddled him tight and walked and rocked him for about 15 minutes, this usually does the trick for his naps - but to no avail. I was beginning to feel that awful angry feeling start to burn in my heart, so I decided I'd better just put him down in his crib and take a breather. I put him down, wrapped up tight, gave him his soother and left the room. He wasn't crying, just making his happy "play with me" sounds. I went and laid in my bed (which is, literally, like 3 feet away from his bedroom door). He started to whine, so I went in and said, "James, time to sleep" and put his soother back in, and went back to bed. He was still talking to himself, and I couldn't sleep so - horror of horrors - I closed my bedroom door. I waited for the crying - but there really wasn't any. He whined again a little bit, but soon - silence. He slept for another 3 1/2 hours, until 9:00am. Hmmmmm... I think I may try this again tonight. I was never one for crying it out, but he really never started to cry. If he had really beed wailing, I totally would have caved in. Here's praying that it works again tonight...

On a totally different topic, while I was doing the walking and rocking this morning to put James down for a nap, I whacked his little nogan against the stair railing! Poor little guy, he was sooooooo sad - but it helped him to fall asleep quickly after all that crying. I felt like such an idiot. That story is for Jamie so that she doesn't feel so bad about Keziah falling off the couch.

Bumbos, Rolling and a Brief Rant

James and his new buddy Soren in their matching Bumbo seats.

James just rolled over today on his own! Yay James! He rolled two times, from on his tummy to his back. I was so excited, I jumped up and down and cheered him on. He had such a proud smile on his face. Soon I'm going to have to start child-proofing the house...

I also just need to say that for those of you who are wondering why your kids aren't sleeping through the night, and you are only getting up ONE time between 12:00am and 8:00am... well, let me just give you a brief run-down of James' nighttime "schedule". He goes down, usually right after a bottle, at 8:00pm, then he is up to eat at 11:00pm, then 2:00am, then 5:00am (lately he wants to play at this time, and is wide awake), and then up for the day at 8:00am. No more complaining from anyone about sleep until I figure out what to do about James! Hahaha!