Archer is 11 Months!

A few days late! But better late than never!

 

Weight

 

You are about 23 lbs. You are still really lean for your length! Not too many rolls on you!

 

Length

You are still TALL TALL TALL! You are almost as tall as your sister! It is so funny! You are about the height of a 15-18 month old I think.

 

Clothes

You wear all 18-24 months clothing! I finally cleaned out your closet, and did a little shopping for you. Hopefully we have what we need for winter!

 

 

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)

I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop.

 

 

Food

We had to give up nursing- mommy's milk just couldn't keep up. You now take 8-12 oz of formula at a meal, and eat table food and some baby foods, although we really tried to move on from baby foods. I do give you the baby food "meals" that have meat in them because I am still scared to give you meat. We do skin turkey dogs (thanks to mommy's friend Kristin for that idea!) and you seem to love that! You are a big eater and are not too picky. Yet.

 

                                                                              Sleep

You pretty much go down at night without much fuss. You are taking two naps a day, and in general sleep really well. You very rarely get up at night. And honestly, it is about time! HA!

 

 

 

Words

• Mama
• Dada
• Bye
• Hi
• Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)
• Uh oh

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-10!

* You smile and laugh a lot! Especially in the mornings! That seems to be your happiest time of the day, after you have had your "coffee" (aka milk).

* You walk and cruise everywhere almost! You still crawl when you want to get somewhere fast, but you walk so much now!!! I think you will be a full time walker by your 1st birthday!

 

* You stand up on your own all the time. It is no biggie for you. Such a strong baby!

 

 * You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better.

 

* You have finally decided that you love bathtime! And even enjoy it with sister in there with you! So we are back to double bathtime, and it is so fun! Messy, but fun! She loves to shampoo your hair for you, and you are such a sweet brother and let her!

 

*You are fascinated with hairbrushes! You love to carry them with you and you even try to brush mine and sister's hair! It is so sweet!

 

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down! And you try to bolt from me when I am changing your diaper!

 

 * You are pretty much only fussy when something is wrong or  you are not getting your way, or you are tired. At least now we can identify WHY you are fussing. That makes things a lot better!

 

* You now have EIGHT teeth! 4 on top and 4 on bottom.

 

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!! Y'all have started interacting more and more, and it melts my heart to watch!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* You give kisses now! And you will blow kisses on occasion!

 

* You are still waving- albeit a very awkward, uncoordinated wave- at everyone you see! You are starting to get a little shy, though, and sometimes bury your head in my shoulder when someone talks to you. You get that from Daddy. Your separation anxiety is in full swing now, too! Oh boy, that is fun! HA!

 

* You still love to clap and you have even taught your sister how to clap again! She had lost that skill but has picked it back up from you! You are such a good brother!

 

* You have now started doing more with your right hand. So I don't know how your handedness will go? Time will tell! I don't care either way, but it is fun to watch you develop preferences.

 

* You still LOVE Billy, and he loves you! He doesn't like it when you cry at night, and he will get mommy up to see about you every time!

Archer- Happy 11 Months, sweet baby boy!!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! It is hard to believe that you are almost a big one year old! Mommy is working hard to plan your first birthday party, and while I know you won't remember it when you are big, I hope you look back at the photos and see all of the hard work we did and know just how much we love you and wanted to celebrate your being in our lives. We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

-Mommy, Daddy, and Ava

 

Archer is 10 Months!

I cannot believe Archer is 10 months old! Seems like yesterday that I was posting his first month update!  

 

Weight

 

You are about 22 lbs. You are still really lean for your length! Not too many rolls on you!

Length

You are still TALL TALL TALL! You are almost as tall as your sister! It is so funny! You have outgrown most of your "sit in" toys like your walker and jumper.

Clothes

You wear all 12-18 month clothes now, and even some 18-24 month stuff! I finally cleaned out your closet, and did a little shopping for you. Hopefully we have what we need for winter!

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)
I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop.

Food

You still love to feed yourself and are really good at table food! We pretty much feed you only table food, but you still nurse. We have started supplementing with formula because you drink about 8-12 ounces per meal, and mommy just cannot keep up!

                                                                              Sleep

You pretty much go down at night without much fuss. You are taking two naps a day, and in general sleep really well. You very rarely get up at night. And honestly, it is about time! HA!

Words (New Catagory!)

Mama

Dada

Bye

Hi

Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-9!

* You smile and laugh a lot! Especially in the mornings! That seems to be your happiest time of the day, after you have had your "coffee" (aka milk).

* You took THREE steps!!!!!!!! You love to cruise and push walker toys around. And of course you crawl EVERYWHERE!

* You learned to stand up without pulling up on something! You just did it one day, out of the blue! So fun!

 * You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better.

* You have finally decided that you love bathtime! And even enjoy it with sister in there with you! So we are back to double bathtime, and it is so fun! Messy, but fun! She loves to shampoo your hair for you, and you are such a sweet brother and let her!

*You are fascinated with hairbrushes! You love to carry them with you and you even try to brush mine and sister's hair! It is so sweet!

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

 * You are pretty much only fussy when something is wrong or  you are not getting your way, or you are tired. At least now we can identify WHY you are fussing. That makes things a lot better!

* You now have SEVEN teeth! You have more teeth at 9 months than your sister did at 12! You have at least one more on the way. And you also have learned to use them!!!

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!! Y'all have started interacting more and more, and it melts my heart to watch!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* You give kisses now! And you will blow kisses on occasion!

 

* You are still waving- albeit a very awkward, uncoordinated wave- at everyone you see! You are starting to get a little shy, though, and sometimes bury your head in my shoulder when someone talks to you. You get that from Daddy. Your separation anxiety is in full swing now, too! Oh boy, that is fun! HA!

 

* You still love to clap and you have even taught your sister how to clap again! She had lost that skill but has picked it back up from you! You are such a good brother!

 

* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw!

 

* You still LOVE Billy, and he loves you! He doesn't like it when you cry at night, and he will get mommy up to see about you every time!

Archer- Happy 10 Months, sweet baby boy!!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

Pinterest Hits the Brewer's Again!

I pin. A lot. A whole lot. But very few things I actually try. And these days, it is usually food. I have grand dreams of doing everything I pin, but alas, life usually gets in the way! But I happened upon a pin the other day that was just too perfect to pass up. And I am determined to do it. SOON. I haven't yet. But y'all hold me accountable. I will do this!

It involves this wall in my kitchen:

Please ignore the ugliness. If you can. It was taken prior to me getting my hands on it!

Your eye is really drawn to that wall in the kitchen because of the layout of the home. And it always bothered me that it was so plain. But I didn't know what to do with it. I have some art hanging to the left , the fridge is now to the right, and my "Jesus and germs" sign is above the pantry door. So I felt like I needed something to add interest but not anything to make it cluttered.

Enter this lovely mess on Pinterest. 

Stay tuned.....

Archer is 9 Months!

I am not sure what is harder to believe- that Archer is 9 months old or that in just a few months he will be a YEAR old! We are ***rapidly*** approaching the toddler phase with him! Ava was in the baby phase for SUCH a long time, so his development rate has just astounded me!!! 

 

Weight

 

You are still around 20 lbs. You were 19lbs 15oz this morning at the doctor, which put you in the 39% for boys your age! But your growth curve looks perfect! You are just a lean boy!

Length

You are still TALL TALL TALL! You measured at 31" this morning, putting you in the 99% for length (again!). You are just a tall boy and have HUGE feet!!! Poor boy, everyone thinks that you are older than you really are! I think I will be the mom that carries a birth certificate around with me to prove your age to the opposing teams!

Clothes

You wear all 9-12 month clothes now, and even some 18 month stuff! You are totally out of anything smaller than 9 months, but I still haven't cleaned out your closet. I am not ready for you to grow up!  It is getting harder and harder to keep you in clothes! You have been wearing hats and sunglasses too, since we are spending more time outside (which you love!). Your socks are 12-18 month socks- you have HUGE feet! I bought you some footed PJs the other day, and got them in 18 months because I figured that they would  fit when it was cold enough for them. We had a random cold night the other night, and you wore some to bed. They were a shade baggy on you but mostly fit, and especially fit in the feet! In fact, the feet were almost snug! HA!

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)
I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop.

Food

You LOVE to feed yourself and we have started trying out table foods! You love banana, peas, and squash. We are going to try some pasta and other veggies and fruits, and your doctor even said we could start introducing a little meat! You love to eat and still nurse 4-5 times a day (or take a bottle if mommy is working).

                                                                              Sleep

You pretty much go down at night without much fuss. But you still wake once in the night, more out of habit I think. We are going to work on breaking you of that habit, too. Mommy is ready to sleep through the night! But you are so much better than you were!

Words (New Catagory!)

Mama

Dada

Bye

Hi

Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-8!

* You smile and laugh a lot! Especially in the mornings! That seems to be your happiest time of the day, after you have had your "coffee" (aka milk).

* You took THREE steps!!!!!!!! You love to cruise and push walker toys around. And of course you crawl EVERYWHERE!

* You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better.

* I think we have determined that you don't just all out HATE bathtime, you just hate it when you have to share a tub with Ava. So no more double bathtime for now. 

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

 * You are pretty much only fussy when something is wrong or  you are not getting your way, or you are tired. At least now we can identify WHY you are fussing. That makes things a lot better!

* You now have SEVEN teeth! You have more teeth at 9 months than your sister did at 12! You have at least one more on the way. And you also have learned to use them!!!

 

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* You give kisses now! And you will blow kisses on occasion!

 

* You are still waving- albeit a very awkward, uncoordinated wave- at everyone you see! You are starting to get a little shy, though, and sometimes bury your head in my shoulder when someone talks to you. You get that from Daddy. Your separation anxiety is in full swing now, too! Oh boy, that is fun! HA!

 

* You still love to clap and you have even taught your sister how to clap again! She had lost that skill but has picked it back up from you! You are such a good brother!

 

* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw!

 

* You love our new dog, Billy! He is a big Australian Shepard who is crazy about you and Ava, too! The three of you just love to lay on the floor and play. He is so good with you and has really fostered your love of dogs. I think the two of you will be best friends!

Archer- Happy 9 Months, sweet baby boy!!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

Living the Dream

I have a long anticipated and exciting announcement to make...

I am now a REALTOR® with 

Danali Real Estate in Little Rock!!! 

Many of my close friends and family know this already. But I am sure some are saying "whoa, what?!?!" So let me rewind a bit...

Around the time of Archer's birth, we had a lot of things happen (medically) in our family. And it got Cole and I talking about our lives, what we wanted, and what our long term goals were. And it made us shift those goals a bit. We decided it was time for me to do something I was intending on doing at some point anyway, but circumstances made it possible for us to move up our plans. So I went to Real Estate School! I have always "studied" real estate, since I have always loved houses and floor plans. But I was amazed at just how much went into getting your real estate license!

I completed the course, passed my exam, and began work with Danali Real Estate in Little Rock a few months ago. We are a small, boutique concierge firm that focuses on customer service and quality over quantity. My principal broker, Danny Been, was also my instructor for school and I think knows just about everything there is to know about real estate! I have learned so much from him and I honestly feel as though I have found my calling in life.

When I was a kid, I didn't watch cartoons at 9:00 am on Saturday mornings. I watched the McKay & Co. Home Showcase. Barb Beatty and Linda Berry were my heroes! I actually got to talk to Linda Berry in the office the other day, and she got a kick out of me telling her that! I was totally star-struck!

My background of marketing, sales, and design is proving to be the perfect mix and an invaluable resource for me, and I am so excited to assist my clients and they navigate one of the most exciting (and sometimes emotional and uncertain) times in their lives. My ultimate goal is to make sure that they are taken care of, and I love going to bed at night knowing that I have done everything in my power to sell their home or find them the home of their dreams (and budget)!

So if you or anyone you know is looking for a hardworking, honest, committed REALTOR® in the central Arkansas area, please feel free to contact me! I love nothing more than helping clients with their Real Estate needs!!!

Rachel Brewer

REALTOR®

Danali Real Estate

501-416-3474

rachelfbrewer@yahoo.com

 

 

Archer is 8 Months!

I cannot believe my boy is already 8 months old! Time needs to slow down just a bit! I am trying to savor every second of this time I can, because I know it goes so fast! I am a bit behind- things have been wild around here lately! But here is a snapshot of my boy at 8 months!

 

 

 

 

Weight

 

If I had to guess, I would say you are about 20-22 lbs. We haven't had a doctor or nutrition appointment since your 6 month birthday, and you were almost 19lbs then. And now you are really scarfing down solids! You are still very lean- only a few rolls! I just don't have chubby babies!

Length

At your last doctors appointment (6 month checkup) you were 29", which put you in the 99% for length! You continue to get longer and longer, and I have a feeling you are going to be a tall boy!
I don't know how tall you are, but your walker and bouncer are both on the tallest settings! I took you to the doctor the other day (poor boy, you had a cold!) and another mom in the waiting room was shocked that you had just turned 8 months because you were as tall as her 2 year old!!!

Clothes

You wear all 9-12 month clothes now, and even some 18 month stuff! You are totally out of anything smaller than 9 months, but I still haven't cleaned out your closet. I am not ready for you to grow up!  It is getting harder and harder to keep you in clothes! You have been wearing hats and sunglasses too, since we are spending more time outside (which you love!). Your socks are 12-18 month socks- you have HUGE feet! We have stopped using footed PJs for you because your feet are just too big for them! Thankfully I have been able to find some two piece PJs for you, although most nights you are happy to just wear a onesie to bed.

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)
I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop.

Food

You are now eating "solids" 3 times a day! But you still nurse about 4-6 times a day, too. Or take a bottle. You are getting better at taking a bottle (just not from me) and thanks to your new sleeping habits, I have been able to get a good stock of pumped milk stored up.  You love pretty much everything we have given you~ squash, carrots, banana, sweet potato, pear, apple, green beans... You are still not too hot on avocado or asparagus. But that will change! We are still working on those and I am determined that you will at least like avocado! It is so good for you!!! You are getting better and better at drinking water from a sippy cup and I think you are enjoying it! You have even started sneaking your sister's when she is not looking, so I am sure you have gotten some juice on accident at this point. We still only give you water, and you seem to be liking it more.

                                                                              Sleep

I am so happy to report that you have become a MUCH better sleeper! Still not wonderful, but oh so much better! We put you to bed at 7-7:30, and you still cry for about 15-30 minutes (sometimes less) and sleep until anywhere from 4-7. If you wake at 4-6, I nurse you and get you back to bed. Otherwise you are up for the day. We also have you on a pretty good nap schedule. You nap twice a day, once in the mid-morning (around 10) and once in the mid-afternoon (around 1-3ish). It is SO much better! I feel like a human again, and having you in your own bed has done wonders for my back! I am not sleeping on a sliver of the bed anymore!

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-7!

* You smile and laugh a lot! Especially in the mornings! That seems to be your happiest time of the day, after you have had your "coffee" (aka milk).

* You are mobile!!!! You are crawling everywhere and even cruising some! You love to pull up on everything and it makes me so nervous!

* You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better.

* You  have decided that you hate bathtime. You also hate swimming. Bummer.

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

 * You are pretty much only fussy when something is wrong or  you are not getting your way, or you are tired. At least now we can identify WHY you are fussing. That makes things a lot better!

* You  chew on your paci more than suck, but that is because you are teething! You have two teeth all the way in and your top two middle teeth came in right around your birthday! You also have 3 more working their way in!

 

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* We have started baby safe finger foods- mostly puffs and yogurt melts. You do so well at feeding yourself- I am so proud!!!

 

* You give kisses now!

 

* You are still waving- albeit a very awkward, uncoordinated wave- at everyone you see! You are starting to get a little shy, though, and sometimes bury your head in my shoulder when someone talks to you. You get that from Daddy. Your separation anxiety is in full swing now, too! Oh boy, that is fun! HA!

 

* You still love to clap and you have even taught your sister how to clap again! She had lost that skill but has picked it back up from you! You are such a good brother!

 

* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw!

 

* You are babbling so much now! You are saying mamamama and dadadada, as well as lots of other fun sounds! It is so funny!

 

* You have really taken an interest in Hugo and Wesley, and just laugh and squeal when you spot them! It is the highlight of your day if you get to touch one of them! When you are upset, they can make you happy when no one else- even mommy- can! You are going to be an animal lover, and I love that!

Archer- Happy 8 Months, sweet baby boy!!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

54 Minutes

***This post is mostly for my memories, and to share with Archer someday when he is a daddy and dealing with his child's sleep training!***

We started our sleep training journey with Archer tonight. He is 7 months now and we felt it was time. Past time, really. We have been co-sleeping (or "attachment parenting" for those hip, well-read parents) since he was born. It was more a survival technique than a choice. Around the time of his birth, we had a lot happen in our family that was emotionally and physically exhausting. We had some serious health issues with some family members just prior to his birth, then two days after his birth, Cole's mom and step-dad were in a near fatal car accident. Then Christmas. Then Ava started school shortly after the new year. Things were just chaotic and life was in a bit of an upheaval. So we let him co-sleep and nurse on demand. And nursing became his sleep prop. For those who aren't down with the lingo, a "sleep prop" is exactly what it sounds like- something they need to sleep. So needless to say, the past 7 months (and really, before that, too, since I was huge and pregnant) have not been the best for sleep.

Archer is a sweet happy baby. Unless he is not getting his way. And let me tell you, being in his crib is NOT his way! The boy hates his crib! But we just decided that was tough. He was going to have to learn to sleep there. We had been researching several sleep methods. I had read a few books when Ava was a baby but never really "followed" any one method. She turned out to be my easy baby! We talked to friends, polled facebook, read reviews...

In the end, there are really two main types of sleep training- Cry It Out (CIO) and Limited Cry ("No Cry"). The difference is obvious. One involves a lot of tears, the other not as many. There are a lot of parents who SWEAR by one method or another. Me? I think each child is different and therefore there probably isn't one method that works for every kid. I think you just have to know your child well enough to know what will work for them. When it came to Archer, we decided that a CIO method would work best. After polling facebook, a friend turned me onto Sleep Sense. It was the most concise and logical I have come across- after all, when you haven't had a full night's sleep in over 7 months, who has the energy to read a big fat book!?!?! Sleep Sense, much like nearly ALL sleep training methods, advocates a calming, quiet bedtime routine. Since Archer HATES bath time with a passion, our bedtime routine for him is this: diaper change, massage with lavender baby lotion, pjs, reading time, nursing/rocking, laying down while still awake but drowsy.

CIO just seemed to be the right fit for Archer, for several reasons:

1. His Age: At 7 months, Archer is in the prime age range for CIO according to sleep sense. His separation anxiety isn't in full swing yet, and he is old enough to self-soothe and learn to be content in his crib.

2. His Size: At over 20lbs, Archer is plenty big enough to sleep through the night without jeopardizing his health.

3. His Personality: Archer is stubborn. I mean STUBBORN. It is bad. And I have no idea where he gets it (wink wink). Because of this, I knew that any method that had a parent attempting to sit with the baby or rub backs, etc. would only make him angry. I know that with Archer (unlike Ava), the band aid is best being ripped off. Ava likes things slow. She liked to know that mommy was there and had me rub her back or shush her back to sleep. Archer- that kind of thing just makes him "dog slobberin' mad." So I knew that the Sleep Sense method of a good bedtime routine then CIO would be the best fit.

And so far, so good. It took him 54 minutes. He cried almost solid for 54 minutes before falling asleep. The average for the program is 45 minutes on the first night, so we didn't do too badly. My money was on 1 hour 35 minutes. So he did a LOT better than I expected!

Archer is 7 Months Old!!!

***I am now a monthly blogger on Defying Disabilities, so I am writing about Ava there now mostly. Check it out! It is a great blog!!!  My sweet boy is now 7 months. Well, technically, 7 months and one day! HAHA! Yesterday was a little bit of a busy day, and I honestly didn't even realize that it was his monthly birthday. Time flies when you are having fun. Or sleep deprived. Time flies then, too.

Archer, here is a snapshot of you at 7 months old...

Weight

If I had to guess, I would say you are about 20-22 lbs. We haven't had a doctor or nutrition appointment since your last month birthday, and you were almost 19lbs then. And now you are really scarfing down solids, and rolls are really starting to show!

Length

At your last doctors appointment (6 month checkup) you were 29", which put you in the 99% for length! You continue to get longer and longer, and I have a feeling you are going to be a tall boy!
I don't know how tall you are, but your walker and bouncer are both on the tallest settings!

Clothes

You now wear all 9-12 month clothes now, although there are a few 6 month things that are big enough for you still. It is getting harder and harder to keep you in clothes! You have been wearing hats and sunglasses too, since we are spending more time outside (which you love!). Your socks are 12-18 month socks- you have HUGE feet! We have stopped using footed PJs for you because your feet are just too big for them! Thankfully I have been able to find some two piece PJs for you, although most nights you are happy to just wear a onesie to bed.

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)
I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop.

Food

You are now eating "solids" 3 times a day! But you still nurse about 6-8 times a day, too. Or take a bottle. You are getting better at taking a bottle (just not from me) and we have had to give you formula a few times because you just don't leave much milk for me to pump! You love pretty much everything we have given you~ squash, carrots, banana, sweet potato, pear, apple, green beans... You are still not too hot on avocado or asparagus. But that will change! We are still working on those and I am determined that you will at least like avocado! It is so good for you!!! We have also started working on sippy cups. But I am not sure you are really ready. You mostly chew on them. I did find one that is more like a bottle nipple so we are trying it out. We just give you water in it right now, but I think when you start taking juice from them, you might be a little more motivated to work at it. I don't think you are a big fan of water- something else we will work on!

                                                                              Sleep

We are struggling with sleep right now. You refuse to sleep in your own bed and you don't fall asleep on your own. You have to be rocked to sleep, usually while nursing. You also all but refuse a paci at night and fight sleep so hard! We have been working on it and I would like to have you sleeping through the night in your own bed by 9 months. Thankfully, your crying doesn't seem to bother Ava as she sleeps in the next room, so we are able to let you cry it out some.

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-6!

* You smile and laugh a lot! Especially in the mornings! That seems to be your happiest time of the day.

* You are so ready to be on the move so you can explore! I can just *see* you wanting to get into everything!

* We moved you to your convertible car seat, and you like it better once you are in it, but the process of putting you in your carseat is still a fight.

* You  have decided that you hate bathtime. You also hate swimming. Bummer.

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

 * Your fussy times come and go throughout the day, but are now connected with something obvious- being tired, wanting to be held, etc. So that is nice because I know how to help you or I know that you are just crying because you didn't get your way.

* You love to sit but you would much rather be standing up! You can pull up to a stand on your toys and sometimes the couch.

* You are SOOOO CLOSE to crawling! Any day now you will figure it out! You can still spin and roll all over the place. I also think you are a bit of a "scooter" when sitting!

* You  chew on your paci more than suck, but that is because you are teething! You have one tooth already and another one quickly coming!

 

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* You can now put things in your mouth with ease, and I think when it is time for finger food, you will have no problems at all!

 

* You give kisses now!

 

* You have started waving!!! You love to wave and especially at women! You love the ladies- you are a ladies man!!!!

 

* You can clap!!! You just started doing it one day! You will clap when we say "yay Archer!" It is really cute! But you also clap sometimes during a temper tantrum, which is also funny!  

 

* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw!

 

* You are babbling so much now! You are saying mamamama and dadadada, as well as lots of other fun sounds! It is so funny!

 

* You have really taken an interest in Hugo and Wesley, and just laugh and squeal when you spot them! It is the highlight of your day if you get to touch one of them! When you are upset, they can make you happy when no one else- even mommy- can! You are going to be an animal lover, and I love that!

Archer- happy 7 month birthday!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

Archer is 6 Months!!!

I cannot believe it. I cannot believe that my baby boy is already 1/2 a year old. The last 6 months have been a wild ride, and I have loved every second of having my sweet boy around! Even the long hard nights and restless days. Watching him grow and develop has been such a joy. As a second time mom, I think I appreciate things a bit more because I fully understand just how short these times are. But also as a special needs mom, I know not to take any moment or any milestone, no matter how small, for granted. I have to watch myself and balance that with not spoiling him rotten!!! Although I will say that- be it because he is my second or just typical- I do not have the same overly protective, almost obsessive need to be with him every second. Sadly, he didn't get that memo! He is a MAMA'S BOY!!!! And I just love it! I will add pictures later (when my camera charges so I can take them!).

Weight

You are just over 18 lbs and growing like a weed! . And you love to eat so I know that you will continue to gain!

Length

You are still very long, and are in the higher percentiles for sure! You are over 28" now, and we will find out your percentile at the doctor's office. But you are a tall boy for sure. In fact, a lady at Kroger yesterday didn't believe me that you were only 6 months. She kept asking me if I was sure of your age! HAHA!

Clothes

You now wear all 6-9 and 9-12 month clothes now. It is getting harder and harder to keep you in clothes! You have been wearing hats and sunglasses too, since we are spending more time outside (which you love!). Your socks are 12-18 month socks- you have HUGE feet!

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)

Food

You are exclusively breastfed, and will take a bottle if you have to (of breast milk). But you won't take it from me at all! You love to eat and are eating every 3-4 hours usually. Although sometimes you still want to eat every 1-2 (I think that is when you are going through a growth spurt). You nurse for about 10-20 minutes on one side at a feeding, and it seems to work pretty well for us! I can now pretty much eat anything I want, and you are now off your reflux medicine and doing well! You have started going about 5 or 6 hours each night, which has been nice! You eat around 10-11, then not again until 3 or 4. 

 

We have also started solids. We started with avocado. You are not a fan. Yet. But we are pushing forward and hope that you will learn to love it. It is so good for you and your development.

                                                                              Sleep

You are sleeping more and more at night these days, and I LOVE IT! Still not through the night, but I am hopeful! You still don't like taking naps, but I am trying to solidify your routine, so I think that will help. You are STILL co-sleeping with mommy and daddy, but that is about to change. You hate your bed and laying down alone, but we are going to try some different methods and work out one that works for us. You need to learn to love your bed. Stinker! :) You are a morning kid like mommy used to be. Emphasis on past tense. It is okay to sleep in on weekends, buddy!

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-5!

* You smile and laugh a lot!

* You love to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans!

* You have started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice!

* You  have decided that you hate bathtime. You also hate swimming. Bummer.

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

* You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter!

* You are sitting all on your own now! It is so fun and you prefer that to laying down.

* You can now spin around when on your belly, and you are starting to get up on all 4's. I think you will be crawling by this time next month!

* You have started taking a paci on a regular basis. It still isn't "needed" for you, but you will take it and enjoy it some, too. You really like that you can put it in your mouth all by yourself!

* You are super gassy and have really stinky toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!

  

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* You are really getting good at grabbing things and love to put things in your mouth!

 

* You give kisses now!

 

* You don't have any teeth yet, but I think one is coming!

 

* You have started waving!!!

 

* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw!

 

* You are babbling so much now! You are saying mamamama and dadadada, as well as lots of other fun sounds! It is so funny!

 

* You have really taken an interest in Hugo and Wesley, and just laugh and squeal when you spot them! It is the highlight of your day if you get to touch one of them!

Archer- happy 6 month birthday!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

Archer is 5 Months Old!

Archer, you are 5 months old!!!!!

 This post is a couple of days late, but little man and his big sister have kept me busy busy busy!

Weight

You are about somewhere around 17lbs. And you love to eat so I know that you will continue to gain! We are planning on starting cereal in a few weeks (closer to your 6 month mark) and I know that you will love that!

Length

You are still very long, and are in the higher percentiles for sure! You are over 27" at this point, and the last time you were measured, you were in the 97%!!! Tall boy!

Clothes

You now wear all 6-9 and 9-12 month clothes now. It is getting harder and harder to keep you in clothes! You have been wearing hats and sunglasses too, since we are spending more time outside (which you love!). Your socks are 12-18 month socks- you have HUGE feet!

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)

Food

You are exclusively breastfed, and will take a bottle if you have to (of breast milk). But you won't take it from me at all! You love to eat and are eating every 3-4 hours usually. Although sometimes you still want to eat every 1-2 (I think that is when you are going through a growth spurt). You nurse for about 10-20 minutes on one side at a feeding, and it seems to work pretty well for us! I can now pretty much eat anything I want, and you handle it well thanks to your reflux medicine! You have started going about 5 or 6 hours each night, which has been nice! You eat around 10-11, then not again until 3 or 4. You have started really studying us when we eat and just a few days ago you started smacking your lips when you see food! I think when we start solids, you will be ready!  

                                                                              Sleep

You are sleeping more and more at night these days, and I LOVE IT! Still not through the night, but I am hopeful! You still don't like taking naps, but I am trying to solidify your routine, so I think that will help.

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-4!

* You smile and laugh a lot!

* You love to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans!

* You have started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice!

* You surprisingly enjoy bathtime and it seems to calm you down.

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

* You are more content to just be held without having to be moving. I think now that you are seeing more and noticing more, the movement isn't as important for your sensory input. (listen to me, all OTish! HAHA!)

* You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter!

* You love to sit up in my lap, look around, and especially look at our faces and the cross wall!

* You hold your head up so well and are very strong. You are really starting to enjoy tummy time as long as you have a mirror or book to look at!

* You now roll over both ways on a consistent basis!

* You have started taking a paci on a regular basis. It still isn't "needed" for you, but you will take it and enjoy it some, too.

* You are super gassy and have really stinky toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!

 

* You can now sit up on your own!!!! This morning, you went from inclined laying to sitting up, and you were so proud of yourself! We were proud of you, too!

 

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close! Although you do love to pull her hair!!!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

 

* You are really getting good at grabbing things and love to put things in your mouth!

 

* You give kisses now!

 

* You don't have any teeth yet, but I think one is coming!

Archer- happy 5 month birthday!!! You are getting to be such a big, happy, fun, and outgoing boy! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you, and we thank the Lord each day for you! I pray that your daddy and I can honor God and raise you into the man He wants you to be!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

Sweet boy!

 

Still a bit of a "round butt!"

Crock Pot Meals

Before Archer was born, I made several crock pot freezer meals. It took the better part of one day (including shopping) but was really worth it!!! We started with about 20 meals total, and have whittled them down to our favorites! So I wanted to share those with you! I have several friends who were asking about these recipes, so here you go!!!

By the way, I used frozen chicken for these recipes. You are going to freeze them anyway, and bags of frozen chicken at Sam's Club is MUCH cheaper than buying all of the chicken fresh!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices of bacon
• olive oil
• minced garlic
• black pepper
• rosemary

Directions:
Brush chicken with oil, season with pepper and a generous amount of rosemary and minced garlic. Wrap in bacon. Put into gallon bag and freeze. Put in refrigerator 24 hours prior to eating. Cook in oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes OR cook in crock pot on low for 5-6 hours or high 3-4 hours.

Sloppy Tamale Pie

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded or finely diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 can olives, sliced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 15oz cans of tomato sauce
• cornbread for serving (optional)

Directions:
Brown ground beef or turkey, carrot, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper until done. Drain and cool. Add to a gallon bag with remaining ingredients. Freeze. Thaw and cook in crockpot on low 5-6 hours or high 3-4 hours. Serve “sloppy joe style” over cornbread.

Enchilada Wraps

Ingredients:

• 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 16oz can of chili beans
• 1 15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce
• 1 12oz can of beer or broth
• 2 10oz cans of rotel, undrained
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips for serving (optional)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients into gallon bag. Freeze. Thaw and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-5 hours. Shred chicken after cooking and serve with optional garnishes.

Slow Cooker BBQ SpareRibs

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs of country style pork ribs
• 1.5 cups of ketchup
• 1.5 tablespoons seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white vinegar

Directions:
Place pork in gallon bag. Mix remaining ingredients together in a bowl and pour over pork. Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-7 hours.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 1.5lbs chicken breasts
• 1 16oz bag frozen broccoli florets
• 2 16oz jars Alfredo sauce
• 1 large green pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 4oz can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
• Fettuccine noodles (for after meal is cooked- DO NOT ADD TO BAG)

Put all ingredients in gallon bag and mix together. Freeze. Thaw for 24 hours in refrigerator. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with fettuccine noodles.

French Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2-3 cans beef consomme (found in the soup aisle)
• small can of sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 6-8 hoagie buns
• provolone or mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Place roast in bag with consomme and mushrooms, freeze. Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours. Cook on low 8-11 hours or high 5-7 hours. Remove roast from crock pot and save extra juice for dipping. Shred meat and serve on buns with cheese.

Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1.5lbs chicken breasts
• 1 cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Place all ingredients in gallon bag and freeze. Thaw for 24 hours in refrigerator. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours. Sprinkle with fresh or dried rosemary for serving (optional).

Chicken and Stuffing Crock Pot

*NOT A FREEZER MEAL*

Ingredients:

• 4 thawed chicken breasts
• 6oz package of Stove Top Stuffing (I use the chicken flavored)
• ½ cup of sour cream
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup

Directions:
Put chicken in crock pot. Pour stuffing mix over the chicken. Mix sour cream, soup, and ¼ cup of water in small bowl, then add to crock pot. Cook on low 4 hours.

Archer is 4 Months

Someone is getting hungry, so I am on borrowed time here! So this will be super quick!

 

Archer, you are 4 months old!!!!!

 

Weight

You are about somewhere around 15lbs 7oz. You have lost a little weight recently because you had an ear infection and the antibiotic upset your tummy a bit. But I have no doubt you will gain it back!

Length

You are still very long, and are in the higher percentiles for sure! You measured 26" at our nutrition appointment yesterday, but we had a hard time getting you to stretch out. But even at 26", that puts you in the 75-90%! I will try to update your weight and length after your 4 month check up on monday.

Clothes

You now wear all 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes, more and more 6-9 month. Some 12 month stuff is starting to fit if it runs small. You have really big feet and wear 12 month socks. You wear size 3 diapers now.

Nicknames

Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother, Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall, Chubbers, Archie-Boy (I am the only one who is allowed to call him that...he will NOT be called "Archie" if I can help it!)

Food

You are exclusively breastfed, and will take a bottle if you have to (of breast milk). But you won't take it from me at all! You love to eat and are eating every 3-4 hours usually. Although sometimes you still want to eat every 1-2 (I think that is when you are going through a growth spurt). You nurse for about 10-20 minutes on one side at a feeding, and it seems to work pretty well for us! I can now pretty much eat anything I want, and you handle it well thanks to your reflux medicine! You have started going about 5 or 6 hours each night, which has been nice! You eat around 10-11, then not again until 3 or 4.

                                                                              Sleep

You are sleeping more and more at night these days, and I LOVE IT! Still not through the night, but I am hopeful! The last couple of weeks you have regressed some, and you still don't like taking naps. But I am going to try to solidify your routine soon, so I think that will help.

Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1 and 2!

* You smile and laugh a lot!

* You love your owl mobile that is on your pack & play. That is about the only way I am able to get a shower these days!

* You love to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans!

* You have started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice!

* You surprisingly enjoy bathtime and it seems to calm you down.

* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!

* You are more content to just be held without having to be moving. I think now that you are seeing more and noticing more, the movement isn't as important for your sensory input. (listen to me, all OTish! HAHA!)

* You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter!

* You love to sit up in my lap, look around, and especially look at our faces and the cross wall!

* You hold your head up so well and are very strong. You are really starting to enjoy tummy time as long as you have a mirror or book to look at!

* You rolled over from your back to your tummy the other night! Then you decided you hated it so you rolled back over! It was so fun!

* You have started taking a paci on a regular basis. It still isn't "needed" for you, but you will take it and enjoy it some, too.

* You are super gassy and have really stinky toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!

 

* You can almost sit up on your own, and I think you will be tripod sitting in the next month!

 

* You lift your head and shoulders to try to sit up, especially if you are on an inclined surface like your carseat or nap nanny. You are SO STRONG!

 

* You are very tolerant of your sister, and have really started watching and smiling at her. I think the two of you are going to be very close!

 

* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too!

Archer- happy 4 month birthday!!! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you!

~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)

Dear My First Time Mommy Self...

I am not a parenting expert (and really, what does that mean anyway!?). I don't claim to be the best mommy in the world- I count days where my kids are clean, fed, and not in PJs a success. And Lord knows I have more questions than answers about being a mom. But there are some things that I wish I could go back and tell myself before having Ava. So I wanted to share them- for myself, and for my first time mom friends. I hope this offers some encouragement to your new life!

*It doesn't matter if you have a sitter, you will never leave your child (mentally, at least). But don't dwell on that too much- it will only add to the exhaustion.

*Getting frustrated is normal and expected. And it is okay. Put the baby down in a safe place (screaming and all) and walk outside. Take a little break. IT IS OKAY.

*Take the Newborn Care Class lecture about not shaking the baby seriously. Because, no matter how "educated" or "above that" you think you are, you will be tempted. It will be 3 am after 5 hours of screaming and no sleep. But you will be tempted.

*There are a lot of trappings that go into having a baby these days. But you really NEED very little.

*Don't spend your time comparing your child to your friends' kids. Spend your time enjoying your own!

*Put your phone down and talk to your baby.

*Don't worry too much about having 20 of everything in every size. You won't need half.

*Breastfeeding doesn't make you a great parent. Formula feeding doesn't make you a bad parent. Those who will tell you otherwise...don't listen to them. Do what is best for you and your baby.

*Just because dad/grandma/aunt does something differently than you do doesn't mean that they are doing it wrong. Most of the time, anyway.

*Don't worry about what people think about you when it comes to the well being of your child. They will get over it- baby comes first.

*Your living room will have toys. Your car will have crumbs. Your clothes will get poop and puke on them. And it will all be okay.

*Your pediatrician went to medical school, but you carried that little person inside you for 9+ months, and your instincts deserve some credence, too.

*It is okay to ask for help and take a break. Really. No one will think less of you.

A Bunny & A Bed

I have been busy with mom stuff lately- fussy sick baby, hosting Easter, etc.- so I am combining two posts in one. So forgive me!

Item #1: EASTER

We had a wonderful Easter, and I am so thankful for so many things! We actually got to attend church! Church has been a difficult thing for a while now, simply because Ava is older and stronger, and there really isn't a place for her at our church. But we love our church and didn't really want to find a new church home. My sister and her family, as well as several of our friends, go to our church, and it is where Ava is baptized. It is also the first church Cole and I joined as a married couple. We just really love it and want to stay. I have been talking to our WONDERFUL children & youth minister for a while now about the possibility of starting a special needs ministry at our church. A few weeks ago, we met with Emily (our children's minister) and her friend Ally (who is an OT student and the daughter of one of my friends from my old work). Ally is starting the special needs program at our church as part of her OT program requirements, and she graciously agreed to keep Ava in the nursery at church on Easter for us! It felt SO good to be IN church again! I forgot how much I missed it! I had to sit out front and watch the service on the tv for the first little bit, because Archer was NOT a fan of the music! But he nursed and slept through the service, and made googly eyes and flirted with the women behind us! So I think it was a hit with him too! And Ava, of course, had a blast!

 

 

 

Item #2: BIG GIRL BED AND ROOM

When I found out I was pregnant with Archer, we had already been talking to my dad about building Ava a big girl enclosed bed. The commercial ones were just ugly and I was worried about having her in a bed enclosed with netting for several reasons. But when we found out the crib was going to be needed, and we had a deadline, the project went into high gear. But the fact that it is an original design, has some special and complicated hardware, and is massive slowed the project way down. Not to mention the fact that my dad has a full time job and there were some family illnesses mixed in to the timeline. But a few weeks ago, the bed came together-literally- and Ava has been enjoying her completed big girl room- WITH BED- since then! She absolutely loves it, and I almost think she would sleep in it without it being enclosed! Almost. :)

 

How the bed looks when she is sleeping.

How the bed looks when she is awake. We are going to add crown moulding to it at a later time.

Her Pop put her name on it!

STORAGE!

The rest of the room...