Christmas 2012 Pt1

We left for GA on December 19th, and were there until the 31st.  I love seeing our family and friends, but was very ready to come back to KY by the end of the trip.  I felt like all we did was drive around and see people the whole time we were there, and we didn't even see everyone. James and I are going back in February for 2 weeks, and I plan on staying with my parents and letting people that want to see us come to us. I'm not driving all over the state!

On the 22nd we had James' Christmas pictures taken. He did so well for them. I love how they turned out. Amber Lopez Photography does such a good job!

 

 

On the 23rd we had two celebrations to go to.  First was a get together with Josh's mom's side of the family.  We ate lunch with them and visited for about 2 hours, and then had to head to Cartersville for Brawner family Christmas. 

 

We always enjoy Brawner family Christmas. This year was the first time my grandparents have lived in GA in a long time. So two of my grandfathers kids were there with their kids.  It was a full house to say the least.  We do a "yankee swap" which is always interesting. I ended up with a Chick-fil-a calendar and a $10 gift card that came with it! Josh got a silver jewelry box.  Other items that were in the mix were a box of light bulbs, meet the parents on dvd, scratch off lottery tickets, jewelry, candles. The rules are that we aren't supposed to spend more than $15, so most people just wrap something that they already own.  We took a bottle of wine, and some stuff from bath and body works that I got for Christmas last year. 

 

 

 

Christmas part 2 coming up next



Blogger Day of Silence

Heartbroken

As I sit here watching James on the video monitor I can't help but think of the families that lost their babies in the school shooting this morning.  I will never understand how anyone can take the life of an innocent child. I am confident that those children are now safe in the arms of Jesus, and that brings comfort. I am also confident that the person who did this is burning in hell. I pray that the families who lost children and loved ones will feel the prayers of our nation.

Hug your babies a little tighter and a little longer today. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Tell your children often just how much you love them. Kiss them even when they tell you not to.

Dear Lord please place your hand on the families who have lost their children today. Give them peace, allow them to feel your presence and know that you are with them. Lord please place a hedge of protection around them and guide them as they try to understand everything that happened today. Please be with the children who were in the school and may have witnessed the events. Lord please give their parents the strength and the right words to say to them, so that they can cope with the events.  Lord please bless the families and ease their pain.

Amen

James update

James had his 6 month appointment today.  We are running a few weeks behind on them, but since he won't get shots at his 9 month we should be able to get back on track then.  The last time I gave an update on James he had lost weight. I took him to the doctor on Nov 19th, for a weight check and he was up to 15lbs 4oz, from 14lbs 3oz. He had gained 1lb in 2 weeks.  Well today he weighed 15lbs 3oz, and is 26in long.  His head was 17inches. 

The doctor is not concerned that anything is wrong with James, and thankfully is very supportive of me continuing to nurse him.  He has recommended that I start giving him fruits or veggies after each time I nurse him. He has me nursing him every 3 hours, and I have been giving him fruit or veggies twice a day.

A typical day for James has been:
7am- nurse, oatmeal and fruit or veggies. Nap at 8:30-10
10am- nurse. Nap at 11:30-1
1pm- nurse, 2 veggies. Nap 2-4
4pm- nurse. Sometimes nap around 5-6 if other naps have been short and he's tired
7pm- nurse, go to bed for night

Now the doc wants me to add the fruit or veggies after each nursing session, and also offer him oatmeal at least once more during the day.  I have to take him back in Jan to check his weight, and see what the next step is if he hasn't gained any. 

I'm not concerned that anything is wrong with him. The doctor confirmed that he is meeting milestones for babies of is age, and is very alert and active. He did say that he might have to send us to Cincinnati Children's Hospital to see a nutrition specialist if he doesn't gain weight. 

I've been taking a prenatal vitamin, and also taking Gaia Lactate Support. I know that James is getting milk, I constantly hear him swallowing. He never comes off the breast crying like he isn't getting anything. I think that if I could get him to nurse for longer it would be very good for him. I will have to figure out how to make him stay on longer.  Any advice on getting a baby to nurse longer is welcome!

Moving

We are moving at the beginning of Jan to a new apartment. Our rent is going up at the beginning of the year, and we are paying way too much for this 2 bedroom place.  We found a brand new apartment complex that is much cheaper than where we are now.  I probably won't be posting much until we get done with the move. I have so much to accomplish before we travel for Christmas and the day after we get back will be time to move!  I am excited to move to a new place, but I also hate moving.

Visiting Santa!!

Joshua and I took James to the mall on Thursday to see Santa! We were prepared to pay $20 for the cheapest package they offered. When we walked up no one was in line! I was surprised when they asked if we wanted to visit, have them take pictures, or us take pictures with our own camera. Thankfully I had my DSLR in the trunk of the car. I sent Joshua back out to get it, and I then took the pictures. They aren't professional quality, but they were free and that is awesome! 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Month Pics

I forgot to post the monthly pictures I always take!