tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845738225642188422024-03-18T02:03:12.071-05:00Home Sweet HomeA place to share about my house...and all the things in it that make it a home.The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-88845334669301869702014-03-05T12:45:00.003-06:002014-03-05T12:45:57.895-06:00Campaign to End the R-WordToday is an action day to end the use of the word "retarded" (and variations thereof) in all contexts. There seems to be two camps on this subject. Those that don't see the harm, and those that do. I fall into the latter camp. <br /><br />And today, on this action day, I want to lay out the reasons WHY. <br />
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First, a little background. Ava has Angelman Syndrome. You likely know that. You also may know that part of Angelman Syndrome is a cognitive or intellectual disability. Although I am always quick to point out that, without adequate communication, we are not able to measure just how smart she is! But 50 years ago, Ava would have been classified as "mentally retarded." More background: Ava has been called "retarded" by another child before. And one more important piece of information: Ava can hear. Ava can understand. We take the "least dangerous approach" with her. Meaning we assume she understands everything any other typical 4 year old does. Because we honestly do not know. <br />
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Those that use the R-Word defend their use by saying that they don't call intellectually disabled people that word. They use it describing situations or as a way to express someone's ignorance. I understand that. I have also been told that I shouldn't be so sensitive to that word, and that they don't consider Ava to be "retarded." I also understand that. Our friends and family, those that know Ava, may not think of her in reference to that word, <strong><em>but many in the world do</em></strong>. And it is important understand that in order to understand my point of view. <br />
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My reason for not using the "R-Word", and for not allowing it to be used around my daughter, is a very simple one. If someone uses that word around Ava, regardless of subject matter, it is in a negative context. So Ava hears and associates that word with negativity. It is a bad word, a hateful word, a naughty word. Then she is at the park and another child (who has been taught the word) calls her "retarded" because she is different. And suddenly, my child- my beautiful, smart, funny, loving, happy, sassy, amazing child- associates herself with a word that is negative, bad, hateful, and naughty. <br />
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That is why I want to end the word. In all uses. In all contexts. <br />
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I know it is a common word. And if Ava isn't around, and it isn't in our home, I don't say anything to people who use it. As my mother constantly reminds me, I am not the world's police and I cannot right the wrongs of everyone. But I certainly do say something- politely but assertively- when Ava is there to hear. The bottom line is that it is about respect. Respect for a girl, and in fact a whole segment of the population, that is full of love, honesty, charity, and hope. A group of people so willing to forgive, a group of people who work harder and struggle more and yet smile more and love more. What is there not to respect?! Do not fear those who are different. Do not judge or make fun. Embrace and love and know that we are ALL made in HIS image. <br />
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So I issue you a challenge. The next time you hear yourself saying that word. Or thinking that word. STOP. And picture this sweet girl. And then ask yourself- "is that word really the appropriate word?"<br />
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-63962822016607405682014-02-15T15:14:00.001-06:002014-02-15T15:14:48.086-06:00#cureangelmanI have a four year old and fourteen month old post to write, but today I want to write about something of greater importance. Angelman Syndrome. Our (now) four year old Ava has AS, a rare neurogenetic disorder caused by a deletion or mutation of the ube3a gene on the 15th maternal chromosome. <br />
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Got that??? I didn't either at first. I still don't fully understand. Many physicians don't fully understand genetics. But the bottom line is a profound disability. I have been asked- mostly by people who have never met Ava in person- why a cure is so important? Don't we want to keep her the way God made her? Why would we want to change her? And it occurs to me that, if people ask and wonder those things, I am perhaps putting too happy a face on AS. So today I am going to be a little more real about Ava.<br />
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There are what some people call blessings in AS. I like to refer to them as mercies. Yes, Ava is happy. She has a beautiful smile and intoxicating laugh. She loves people- all people- and has never met a stranger. She teaches the world about love and acceptance and God's grace. But all of those mercies hide a dark and harsh reality. <br />
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Ava is nonverbal. Really nonverbal. As in unable to communicate. No sentences. No words. Just squeals and sounds. Take a moment to imagine your mind working fully but not being able to communicate in ANY WAY. How frustrating and sad and difficult that would be- for both you and those who care for you. <br />
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Ava has physical disabilities. Both gross and fine motor delays that are on the moderate to severe spectrum. She has a hard time walking, although we are thankful she is able to walk! She has an ataxic and jerky gate that results in many trips and stumbles. She is unable to walk long distances and will require a wheelchair in the future for certain outings and places. She cannot do most of the fine motor tasks that a child at the age of 18 months is able to do. Her brother is rapidly eclipsing her abilities- something that both breaks and swells my heart. She cannot point, she has difficulty with the "pincher" grasp. She cannot pick up small objects and even when she is able to pick up objects, she is unable to be precise about placing them where she would like them. She has a difficult time feeding herself. Although, like walking, we are so thankful she can feed herself as this is something not all "angels" can do. She has severe motor planning issues and getting her body to do what her mind intends is a major challenge for her. <br />
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Ava has difficulties eating and with oral motor planning. She has improved a great deal in this area, but still struggles swallowing liquids. She only recently started drinking from a straw cup, but still needs a sippy type cup, as her motor planning issues cause her to have a difficult time knowing how much pressure to put on things like a Styrofoam cup. <br />
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Ava has seizures. Complex Epilepsy to be specific. If you have ever been witness to an epileptic seizure, you know how very scary it is. When it is your child, it is truly terrifying. She is on two seizure medications to control these episodes, and thankfully they do a good job. But we still see "breakthrough seizures" when she is sick or during certain tasks, like bathing, eating, and waking up. Mostly these are myoclonic seizures. If she is going to have seizures, we want them to be myoclonics. Many other types of seizures could easily land us in the ER and many angels have passed away due to uncontrollable seizures. Just one of the ways this awful disorder can claim a life.<br />
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Ava has chronic ear infections. AS is known to cause a weakened pulmonary system. Ava doesn't seem to struggle with things like pneumonia like other angels do (Praise the Lord!), but she is chronically congested. This plus any cold she gets leads to a lot of fluid buildup and then ear infections. Because she cannot blow her noise (back to the inability to motor plan) every cold she gets turns into either ear or sinus infections. These lead to fever which leads to seizures. Everything is cyclical with Ava. <br />
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Ava has behavioral issues that are difficult to understand or address. Currently, she is in a "hair pulling" stage. Sometimes she remembers to and is able to be gentle, but most of the time she pulls! And it hurts! She also LOVES water, an especially concerning behavior because she also doesn't care to listen often. She tends to wonder and we have been working on her stopping when we ask her to stop. But she has a mind of her own and will go head first into any situation regardless of the danger- a large body of water, a busy street, a mound of fire ants, a vicious dog...the dangers are overwhelming to me. <br />
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She has severe sensory needs. She needs a lot of input from the world around her, and the result is mouthing of objects (so choking is a constant threat), head swinging, hanging upside down, spinning. Any and all activities that allow her to have sensory input, regardless of the dangers they may pose to her. <br />
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Cognition. Probably the hardest for me to talk about. Not only because it is emotional difficult, but because we simply do not know. Without the ability to communicate either verbally or by using alternative communication, we simply do not know what the cognitive delay is for Ava. IF there is one. It was first thought that angels were severely cognitively delayed. But as communication efforts have increased through things like communication apps, devices, and systems like PECS and PODD, we are learning that at least some angels are extremely bright. In fact, most of what I know about Ava has come from other angels, older than her, who are able to effectively communicate. They have taught us so much about the challenges and sadness of AS. I don't know what is going on in my daughter's head. She shows us her sass and personality on a daily basis, exhibits her intelligence and problem solving skills all the time. But I don't know what her favorite color is. I don't know if she likes her new shirt or if her shoes hurt her feet. I don't know if she hates what I feed her or if she would rather have chicken than turkey. I just don't know, and she cannot tell me. We are working on communication for Ava, but for now, her world is one of silence and mine is one of guesswork and hope. <br />
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Ava has eight prescription medications and three over the counter medications that she takes daily, most 2 times per day. And that is when she is totally "healthy." <br />
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So that is a snapshot of Ava. A snapshot of our lives. So I ask you... if this were your child, your life, would YOU want a cure?! Of course you would. So I ask you all to do me a favor. Today is International Angelman Syndrome Day. And I ask that you please post about Ava and Angelman Syndrome on your social media sites using the hashtag #cureangelman. We are desperately close to an effective treatment- basically a cure- that all that is standing in our way is funding. Please help us raise awareness and funds for our children. Help give Ava a voice. <br />
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Thank you.<br />
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-35530951699525918012014-01-09T21:24:00.002-06:002014-01-09T21:24:56.316-06:00My Sweet AvaI have been writing more about Archer lately because of his monthly updates, and because most of my Ava posts I save for the Defying Disabilities monthly post that I write. But there are several things she has done the past several months that I want to remember.<br />
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She is really growing up and doing some fun things. I am always amazed at her! And honestly, I had an unpleasant encounter this week, and it made me realize just how sad some people are, and how privileged I am, to be her mom. And to understand the value of an individual who happens to have special needs.<br />
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Ava Moment 1: She was in her room, playing with her blinds. She KNOWS this is against the rules, and she knew she was doing something bad. I was busy at the moment, so I just yelled back to her, "Ava! Get out of your blinds!!!" A few seconds later, she slammed her bedroom door! And went right back to playing in the blinds!<br />
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Ava Moment 2: After breakfast, I sent her to her room while I followed after grabbing her clothes out of the laundry basket. When I got to her room, her closet was mostly closed but her little hand was holding the door. I said "Huh. I wonder where Ava went???" With that, she jumped out of her closet, laughed hysterically for a few seconds, then jumped back in!<br />
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<br />Ava Moment 3: Tonight, I took the kids to see their grandpa who just had surgery. Cole was already there with his dad, and it isn't often that I attempt to load both kids at the same time. But it just worked out that way. She waited patiently by the garage door while I set the alarm, then she walked to her door all by herself and tried to open the door! I put her in but noticed that her shirt was wet. So I just sat her in her seat while I strapped her brother into his seat and grabbed a fresh shirt. I explained to her what I was doing, as I could see she was concerned that I wasn't going to buckle her in. But obviously, she wasn't happy with my decision because when I got back she had her seat belt straps over her shoulders!<br />
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Ava Moment 4: This is less a moment than a new skill. Since Thanksgiving, Ava has sat in a regular dining chair, without any adaptations! She is doing so well! And when finished, she gets up, goes into the living room, and closes the gate behind her!!!<br />
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Ava, mommy is so proud of you. And I am so encouraged reading about how close the researchers are to a cure. I cannot wait to hear your voice and have a conversation with you. That is my dream, my #1 on my bucket list. And I pray that it comes true, not just for me, but mostly for you!!!! I love you so very much. And I am blessed to call you my sweet daughter. The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-75441728938326833522014-01-04T20:51:00.001-06:002014-01-04T20:51:20.672-06:00Archer is One Year Old!!! <div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
Actually, Archer is closer to 13 months. But between work, the party and the holidays, I have not had time to sit and write this all down. And when I have had time, I haven't had the energy! </div>
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I will try to do a party post soon. But if you want to see some pictures, and are on instagram, you can search #archerisone ! Now, on to the stats! </div>
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As usual, some things are the same from previous months...</div>
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<strong>Weight</strong></div>
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You are about 23 lbs. You are still really lean for your length! Not too many rolls on you! <br />
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Length</h4>
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. You are in the 95% for your age, and are often mistaken for being older. <br />
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Clothes</h4>
You wear all 18-24 months clothing! I finally cleaned out your closet, and did a little <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/10/archer-is-10-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=VVM6NTM1ODI6MjY1NTpzaG9wcGluZzo5ZTgzNzc4ZWM4MGMzOWE4NjBhYjg1MjgwYmRlOWE5ODp6LTEzODMtMTU0OTM4OnJhY2hlbGFuZGNvbGVicmV3ZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tOjEwNTg0MDo2MjdkYWQyYWZkM2Q2OTdmYzY2N2M5MGIxYzMyMjE4MjozOWI3NjVhZDBmMTY0YWM5OGEzYjNhMTg5NDhmMmU1Zg" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">shopping<img src="http://solidsaving-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: none; height: 10px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; min-width: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super; width: auto;" /></span></a> for you. Hopefully we have what we need for winter! <br />
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Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br />
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I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop. </div>
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Food</h4>
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You are now on organic whole milk, and love it! The transition was really easy for you. You love all sorts of food, and the more flavor something has, the better! You love to eat guacamole, lasagna, spaghetti, ravioli, all fruits, and many veggies! You are also a BIG fan of meat! Any meat we put in front of you, you gobble down! I am so glad you are a good eater!!! </div>
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<strong> Sleep</strong></div>
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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! </div>
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<b>Words </b></div>
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Mama</div>
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Dada</div>
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Bye</div>
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Hi</div>
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Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)</div>
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Uh oh</div>
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Bite (comes out "bi bi") </div>
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Uh oh is your favorite word, and it is so funny when you say it! You have also started saying "mmmmm" when you are eating, and we are working on saying "woah!" I don't know why. I guess I think it would be cute! </div>
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Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-11! </h4>
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* 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). </div>
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* My prediction that you would be a full time walker by your 1st birthday was correct! You walk everywhere now, and are starting to try to run. You get better each day and we are now working on walking in shoes. </div>
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* You are so funny and have a great sense of humor! You love to laugh and play games! </div>
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* You play peek a boo, chase (with Wesley and Daddy mostly), and "monkey see, monkey do" (we do something, like stick our tongue out, then he does it) all the time. </div>
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* You love puzzles and books. </div>
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* 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! </div>
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*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! </div>
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* 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! </div>
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* 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!</div>
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* You now have EIGHT teeth! 4 on top and 4 on bottom. You are working on your molars. They may be in but I am not brave enough to stick my fingers in your mouth. </div>
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* 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! </div>
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* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
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* You give kisses and blow kisses on a regular basis. And you are a BIG flirt!!! </div>
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* You are very shy around new people, but warm up fast, especially if it is a pretty girl! You love to wave and will just keep waving at someone. </div>
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* 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! </div>
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* 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. </div>
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* 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! </div>
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* You climb on everything now. From the couch to sisters bed to your anywhere chair...if you can reach it, it is fair game!!! </div>
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Archer- Happy 1st birthday sweet boy! Mommy loves you so very much, and I am so proud of the boy you are growing into. You are kind and sweet and patient, and so very loving. You are also really funny and happy. You are a great little brother to a very special sister, and I want you to always understand that, even though Daddy and I might have to spend a little more time or effort on Ava, we love you just as much and are just as proud of you!!! You are your own person, and Daddy and I will always love and support you no matter what you do in life- and I know you will do great things with your life! You are smart, sweet, handsome, and precious, and I am so blessed to be your mommy. I love you. We all love you! </div>
<br /> -Mommy, Daddy, and AvaThe Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-36948101156983180002013-11-19T07:09:00.002-06:002013-11-19T07:09:39.077-06:00Archer is 11 Months! <div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>A few days late! But better late than never! </strong></div>
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<strong>Weight</strong></div>
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You are about 23 lbs. You are still really lean for your length! Not too many rolls on you! <div>
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Length</h4>
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. <div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
You wear all 18-24 months clothing! I finally cleaned out your closet, and did a little <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/10/archer-is-10-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=VVM6NTM1ODI6MjY1NTpzaG9wcGluZzo5ZTgzNzc4ZWM4MGMzOWE4NjBhYjg1MjgwYmRlOWE5ODp6LTEzODMtMTU0OTM4OnJhY2hlbGFuZGNvbGVicmV3ZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tOjEwNTg0MDo2MjdkYWQyYWZkM2Q2OTdmYzY2N2M5MGIxYzMyMjE4MjozOWI3NjVhZDBmMTY0YWM5OGEzYjNhMTg5NDhmMmU1Zg" style="border: 0px currentColor; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">shopping<img src="http://solidsaving-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: none; height: 10px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; min-width: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super; width: auto;" /></span></a> for you. Hopefully we have what we need for winter! <div>
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Nicknames</h4>
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!) <div>
I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
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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. </div>
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<strong> Sleep</strong></div>
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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! </div>
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<b>Words </b></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Mama</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Dada</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Bye</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Hi</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Uh oh</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-10! </h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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). </div>
<div>
* 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! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* You stand up on your own all the time. It is no biggie for you. Such a strong baby! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* 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! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
*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! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* 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! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* 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!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* You now have EIGHT teeth! 4 on top and 4 on bottom. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You give kisses now! And you will blow kisses on occasion! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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 <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/10/archer-is-10-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=VVM6MzQzNzE6MTY4NzphbnhpZXR5OjUzMmRhOGZkOTQxNmQwMjNkYzM5NzM0YWU2Zjc5MTYwOnotMTM4My0xNTQ5Mzg6cmFjaGVsYW5kY29sZWJyZXdlci5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb206MDowOjI5ZDllYjJlNjYxMjRiN2FhOWFmZGY1NDMyMjk4Yjg3" style="border: 0px currentColor; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">anxiety<img src="http://solidsaving-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: none; height: 10px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; min-width: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super; width: auto;" /></span></a> is in full swing now, too! Oh boy, that is fun! HA!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div>
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! </div>
<br />
-Mommy, Daddy, and Ava<div>
</div>
The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-9129495004551586192013-10-15T11:09:00.001-05:002013-10-15T11:09:17.954-05:00Archer is 10 Months! <strong>I cannot believe Archer is 10 months old! Seems like yesterday that I was posting his first month update! </strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Weight</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
You are about 22 lbs. You are still really lean for your length! Not too many rolls on you! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
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. <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
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! <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br /> I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop. <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br /><strong> Sleep</strong></div>
<br />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! <br /><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Words (New Catagory!)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mama</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dada</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-9! </h4>
<br /><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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). </div>
<br /> * You took THREE steps!!!!!!!! You love to cruise and push <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=VVM6MzI1ODY6MTMwNDp3YWxrZXIgdG95czo5NDM1ZGM5NzVkOTQwM2ExY2I1YzlhMzNlYWRiNzNmZDp6LTEzODMtMTU0OTM4OnJhY2hlbGFuZGNvbGVicmV3ZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tOjMxNDU1OjY1MTJiNDg4NDUzZmYyMmU1OGMyN2MzZjk5OGE2OTQwOmY2MjZiMTNlOTJlNDRmODc5ZDljNDM3ZDNkYmU2YjJk" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">walker toys</span></a> around. And of course you crawl EVERYWHERE! <br />
<br />
* You learned to stand up without pulling up on something! You just did it one day, out of the blue! So fun! <br /><br /> * You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better. <br /><br /> * 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! <br />
<br />
*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! <br /><br /> * You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!<br /><br /> * 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!<br /><br /> * 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!!! <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You give kisses now! And you will blow kisses on occasion! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<br /> 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! <br /><br /> ~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-39338775465670697312013-09-23T13:01:00.002-05:002013-09-23T13:01:35.505-05:00Pinterest 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!<br />
<br />
It involves this wall in my kitchen: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXI6q4XROG-WvY-tky4An-vokJXq74PRyYnbDclCjvuYR5lKQBTsqnl653fGBee0cL6bVfgF8RrV98-slyN0m2OCig3avaPthehzunJF6bqVJJuwevp_N7pqoL_ilzS9F_4_FUl-MPGQ/s1600/kitchen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXI6q4XROG-WvY-tky4An-vokJXq74PRyYnbDclCjvuYR5lKQBTsqnl653fGBee0cL6bVfgF8RrV98-slyN0m2OCig3avaPthehzunJF6bqVJJuwevp_N7pqoL_ilzS9F_4_FUl-MPGQ/s320/kitchen.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the ugliness. If you can. It was taken prior to me getting my hands on it!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Enter this lovely mess on Pinterest. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3URVZ2yKZpXycubBH7HTLnORKZkX_Op_E7dPHtAAwwHIH7XyM4t22SrbCrO7RSFozRQ07ZoaufJDPb1v7WsmwfiMSmYC0DV_hprAhIYo0ESygsYID_XkquPVV8AiuYAoML3-mi1B-Q-w/s1600/kitchen+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3URVZ2yKZpXycubBH7HTLnORKZkX_Op_E7dPHtAAwwHIH7XyM4t22SrbCrO7RSFozRQ07ZoaufJDPb1v7WsmwfiMSmYC0DV_hprAhIYo0ESygsYID_XkquPVV8AiuYAoML3-mi1B-Q-w/s320/kitchen+plan.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned..... The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-78632588649430439132013-09-16T13:23:00.000-05:002013-09-16T13:23:24.032-05:00Archer is 9 Months! <div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>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!!! </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Weight</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
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! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
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! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
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! <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br /> I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop. <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br /><strong> Sleep</strong></div>
<br />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! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Words (New Catagory!)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mama</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dada</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ava (he tries, but it comes out Awa)<br />
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-8! </h4>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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). </div>
<br /> * You took THREE steps!!!!!!!! You love to cruise and push walker toys around. And of course you crawl EVERYWHERE! <br /><br /> * You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better. <br /><br /> * 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. <br /><br /> * You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!<br /><br /> * 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!<br />
<br />
* 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!!! <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You give kisses now! And you will blow kisses on occasion! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<br /> 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! <br /><br /> ~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-53311370060186762242013-09-09T12:56:00.002-05:002013-09-09T12:56:24.342-05:00Living the Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg121ASPjRE-fnFiOj-Qu_v83C49mQT6vdzUe_8EYF6j3UJ0DwDWuVy6fX7Bovku7WT6PitJwqEayLiR2ROhIIvVQAFk0glgu0sx7ccjCkMw_WvmZtNDfQEXQi2F-tGKIkSpu4Wtur5xuc/s1600/dream+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg121ASPjRE-fnFiOj-Qu_v83C49mQT6vdzUe_8EYF6j3UJ0DwDWuVy6fX7Bovku7WT6PitJwqEayLiR2ROhIIvVQAFk0glgu0sx7ccjCkMw_WvmZtNDfQEXQi2F-tGKIkSpu4Wtur5xuc/s200/dream+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I have a long anticipated and exciting announcement to make...</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>I am now a REALTOR® with </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><a href="http://danaliarkansasrealestate.com/">Danali Real Estate</a> in Little Rock!!! </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPLqqAO98chAMaNu6PCsIiusW0ABMDL82x810-3oTZOr0EXQBvEtHTWtP-R2dEV793bfdANuPwMtRuefatOnfX6ZmZ5k1Afq3byD93NFkwMUnj0s-Nc0jqxMjnWCGvv_y-Yr_TaeRHsk/s1600/danali+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPLqqAO98chAMaNu6PCsIiusW0ABMDL82x810-3oTZOr0EXQBvEtHTWtP-R2dEV793bfdANuPwMtRuefatOnfX6ZmZ5k1Afq3byD93NFkwMUnj0s-Nc0jqxMjnWCGvv_y-Yr_TaeRHsk/s1600/danali+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
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...<br />
<br />
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!<br />
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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. <br /><br />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!<br />
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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)!<br />
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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!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Rachel Brewer</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">REALTOR®</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Danali Real Estate</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">501-416-3474</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">rachelfbrewer@yahoo.com</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-14334374411313367612013-08-20T13:39:00.000-05:002013-08-20T13:39:29.960-05:00Archer is 8 Months!<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
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! </div>
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<strong>Weight</strong></div>
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If I had to guess, I would say you are about 20-22 lbs. We haven't had a <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/07/archer-is-7-months-old.html#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://i.tracksrv.com/click?v=VVM6NDI0MjM6MTg6ZG9jdG9yOjM1ODNhZjY4Mzg4OGU5MmU1MDJiZWQ4ZWM1ODJhZjA2OnotMTM4My0xNTQ5Mzg6cmFjaGVsYW5kY29sZWJyZXdlci5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb206NTQyNTg6YWMwNmFjNDdmN2I4NDY4MTZhMDMyMWEyZDg2NTllYjI6MTM3NzAyMjMzNTk4MQ" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">doctor</span></a> 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! <br />
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Length</h4>
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! <br />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!!! <br />
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Clothes</h4>
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. <br /><br />
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Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br /> I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop. <br /><br />
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Food</h4>
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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. </div>
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<br /><br /><strong> Sleep</strong></div>
<br />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! <br /><br />
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Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-7! </h4>
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* 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). </div>
<br /> * You are mobile!!!! You are crawling everywhere and even cruising some! You love to pull up on everything and it makes me so nervous! <br /><br /> * You are still not a big fan of the carseat, but you are much better. <br /><br /> * You have decided that you hate bathtime. You also hate swimming. Bummer. <br /><br /> * You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!<br /><br /> * 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!<br />
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* 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! <br />
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* 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!!!</div>
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* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
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* We have started baby safe finger foods- mostly puffs and yogurt melts. You do so well at feeding yourself- I am so proud!!! </div>
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* You give kisses now!</div>
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* 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! </div>
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* 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! </div>
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* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw! </div>
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* You are babbling so much now! You are saying mamamama and dadadada, as well as lots of other fun sounds! It is so funny! </div>
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* 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! </div>
<br /> 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! <br /><br /> ~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-9908493478554698562013-07-23T20:52:00.000-05:002013-07-23T20:52:03.250-05:0054 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!***<br />
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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.<br />
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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... <br />
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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. <br />
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CIO just seemed to be the right fit for Archer, for several reasons:<br />
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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. <br />
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2. His Size: At over 20lbs, Archer is plenty big enough to sleep through the night without jeopardizing his health. <br />
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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. <br />
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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! <br />
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-34594345529231537582013-07-14T08:50:00.000-05:002013-07-14T08:50:03.665-05:00Archer is 7 Months Old!!! ***I am now a monthly blogger on <a href="http://blog.defyingdisabilities.org/">Defying Disabilities</a>, 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. <br />
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Archer, here is a snapshot of you at 7 months old...<br /><br />
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<strong>Weight</strong></div>
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! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
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! <br />I don't know how tall you are, but your walker and bouncer are both on the tallest settings! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
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. <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br />
I have heard several family members call him "Archie" lately...that must stop. <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br /><strong> Sleep</strong></div>
<br />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. <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-6! </h4>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You smile and laugh a lot! Especially in the mornings! That seems to be your happiest time of the day.</div>
<br /> * You are so ready to be on the move so you can explore! I can just *see* you wanting to get into everything! <br /><br /> * 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. <br /><br /> * You have decided that you hate bathtime. You also hate swimming. Bummer. <br /><br /> * You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!<br /><br /> * 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. <br /><br /> * 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.<br /><br /> * 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! <br /><br /> * 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! <br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!!!</div>
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</div>
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* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
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</div>
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* 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! </div>
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</div>
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* You give kisses now!</div>
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</div>
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* You have started waving!!! You love to wave and especially at women! You love the ladies- you are a ladies man!!!! </div>
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</div>
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* 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! </div>
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</div>
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* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw! </div>
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</div>
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* You are babbling so much now! You are saying mamamama and dadadada, as well as lots of other fun sounds! It is so funny! </div>
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</div>
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* 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! </div>
<br /> 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! <br /><br /> ~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava)The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-2753839437317224232013-06-13T18:09:00.002-05:002013-06-13T18:09:22.890-05:00Archer 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!).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Weight</strong></div>
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! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
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! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
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! <br /><br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br /><br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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. </div>
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</div>
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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. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br /><strong> Sleep</strong></div>
<br />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! <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-5! </h4>
<br /><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You smile and laugh a lot! </div>
<br /> * You love to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans! <br /><br /> * You have started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice! <br /><br /> * You have decided that you hate bathtime. You also hate swimming. Bummer. <br /><br /> * You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down!<br /><br /> * You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter! <br /><br /> * You are sitting all on your own now! It is so fun and you prefer that to laying down.<br /><br /> * 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! <br /><br /> * 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! <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are super gassy and have really stinky toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are really getting good at grabbing things and love to put things in your mouth!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You give kisses now!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You don't have any teeth yet, but I think one is coming!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You have started waving!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* Everything you do, you prefer to do with your left hand! I think you are going to be a south paw! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are babbling so much now! You are saying mamamama and dadadada, as well as lots of other fun sounds! It is so funny! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<br /> 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! <br /><br /> ~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava) The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-40803669500905990742013-05-15T12:21:00.002-05:002013-05-15T14:31:17.791-05:00Archer is 5 Months Old! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fFPRhm2E1rpYtR0VwwFgjMZXsu7XsKX19JjXrvmS9HPJugbR-Zbm2yLRTgKpAGT5xH-Iz_6l8Y9Av5JyDj_tUIIpTAZCzTB1QmSCGqX9LjwUgfJ2ZqUOk8W_mChLXYgPtCP7T2ofM5g/s1600/2013-05-13+11.21.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fFPRhm2E1rpYtR0VwwFgjMZXsu7XsKX19JjXrvmS9HPJugbR-Zbm2yLRTgKpAGT5xH-Iz_6l8Y9Av5JyDj_tUIIpTAZCzTB1QmSCGqX9LjwUgfJ2ZqUOk8W_mChLXYgPtCP7T2ofM5g/s320/2013-05-13+11.21.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><strong>Archer, you are 5 months old!!!!!</strong></span> </div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
This post is a couple of days late, but little man and his big sister have kept me busy busy busy! </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Weight</h4>
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! <br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
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! <br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
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! <br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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 <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/04/archer-is-4-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_0" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjE4NTc6MTg6cmVmbHV4OjI5OGI1ZDkxNWNhYWY5ZTIyZTZhOTMxYWU0YmUwOGY4OnotMTM4My0xNTQ5Mzg6cmFjaGVsYW5kY29sZWJyZXdlci5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb206MDow" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">reflux</span></a> 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<strong> Sleep</strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong><br /></div>
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. <br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1-4! </h4>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You smile and laugh a lot! </div>
<br />
* You love to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans! <br />
<br />
* You have started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice! <br />
<br />
* You surprisingly enjoy bathtime and it seems to calm you down. <br />
<br />
* You still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down! <br />
<br />
* 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 <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/04/archer-is-4-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MzY0OTI6NjpzZW5zb3J5OjIwMjk1NmNjNzQ4MTA4MWFmN2MzMTE2NGI4ZjI4ZjNkOnotMTM4My0xNTQ5Mzg6cmFjaGVsYW5kY29sZWJyZXdlci5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb206NDA3NDg6OWM2ZTEwMzQ2NGRlZTcxMjE0MTMyYjhmNGQwYTRiZTk" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">sensory</span></a> input. (listen to me, all OTish! HAHA!) <br />
<br />
* You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter! <br />
<br />
* You love to sit up in my lap, look around, and especially look at our faces and the cross wall! <br />
<br />
* 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! <br />
<br />
* You now roll over both ways on a consistent basis! <br />
<br />
* 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. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are super gassy and have really stinky toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are really getting good at grabbing things and love to put things in your mouth!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You give kisses now!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You don't have any teeth yet, but I think one is coming!</div>
<br />
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! <br />
<br />
~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava) <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe1C3ZTmvQf82txLirJvBsIENP8xXFiiBglYFOoZrQzy5X7pCgOxdINT1uP4ZWGY4E8G3UzEtQcFy3fkFXWCoQ__YiuFdrNrTz26Tbt0H_wtMAHfsE7NuyqPOt0_JO0i0vp_9nIUiaWY/s1600/2013-05-13+11.13.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe1C3ZTmvQf82txLirJvBsIENP8xXFiiBglYFOoZrQzy5X7pCgOxdINT1uP4ZWGY4E8G3UzEtQcFy3fkFXWCoQ__YiuFdrNrTz26Tbt0H_wtMAHfsE7NuyqPOt0_JO0i0vp_9nIUiaWY/s320/2013-05-13+11.13.23.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet boy! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ExMfmU7nwUsqHBV7bVCQz4wRrUR1Q76tzNF5Fn7yCipMDQP6HfCa8H61K8iXpa2xGxqCw1TjVz32XMg6fpnuIIDUSXemtThKidpGb5L77ykrLFsABTrTvgd9k7nY_h5G5gvY8uUkbus/s1600/2013-05-13+11.13.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ExMfmU7nwUsqHBV7bVCQz4wRrUR1Q76tzNF5Fn7yCipMDQP6HfCa8H61K8iXpa2xGxqCw1TjVz32XMg6fpnuIIDUSXemtThKidpGb5L77ykrLFsABTrTvgd9k7nY_h5G5gvY8uUkbus/s320/2013-05-13+11.13.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs9Cikm3CMQKdXWXDAXJag_TBHtMaID4Y9aQjbV-R0Emz24YZU9fyuyNqiDf_HrU7pz5i2n-OWvI5s2ImMFzzo3q9_xWOg2chVJSHNJIrcZmoCJhbk8D9YTtuhCniVIs33AjiVwMhqXw/s1600/2013-05-13+11.18.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs9Cikm3CMQKdXWXDAXJag_TBHtMaID4Y9aQjbV-R0Emz24YZU9fyuyNqiDf_HrU7pz5i2n-OWvI5s2ImMFzzo3q9_xWOg2chVJSHNJIrcZmoCJhbk8D9YTtuhCniVIs33AjiVwMhqXw/s320/2013-05-13+11.18.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still a bit of a "round butt!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-13100045442231739872013-04-14T14:36:00.001-05:002013-04-14T14:36:24.136-05:00Crock 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!!! <br />
<br />
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! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Bacon Wrapped Chicken
with Rosemary</b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>
6 boneless, skinless chicken
breasts</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
6 slices of bacon</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
olive oil</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
minced garlic</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
black pepper</div>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
rosemary</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
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.
<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Sloppy Tamale Pie</b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>
1.5
lbs ground beef or turkey</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
carrot, shredded</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
zucchini, shredded or finely diced</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
onion, chopped</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
bell pepper, finely chopped</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
cups frozen corn</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
can olives, sliced</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
packet taco seasoning</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
15oz cans of tomato sauce</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
cornbread
for serving (optional)
</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
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.
<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Enchilada Wraps</b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>
3
skinless boneless chicken breasts</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
onion, chopped</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
16oz can of chili beans</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
cups frozen corn</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
8oz can tomato sauce</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
12oz can of beer or broth</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
10oz cans of rotel, undrained</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
packet of taco seasoning</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
shredded
cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips for serving (optional)
</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
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.
<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Slow Cooker BBQ
SpareRibs</b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>
1-2
lbs of country style pork ribs</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1.5
cups of ketchup</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1.5
tablespoons seasoned salt</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
teaspoon liquid smoke</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
cup brown sugar</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
cup white vinegar</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
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.
<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Chicken Broccoli
Alfredo</b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>
1.5lbs
chicken breasts</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
16oz bag frozen broccoli florets</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
16oz jars Alfredo sauce</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
large green pepper, chopped (optional)</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
4oz can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fettuccine
noodles (for after meal is cooked- DO NOT ADD TO BAG)
</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
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.
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>French Dip Sandwiches</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
2-3
lbs beef chuck roast</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2-3
cans beef consomme (found in the soup aisle)</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
small
can of sliced mushrooms (optional)
</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
6-8
hoagie buns</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
provolone
or mozzarella cheese
</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
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.
<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Maple Dijon Glazed
Chicken</b></div>
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>
1.5lbs
chicken breasts</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
cup Dijon mustard</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
cup maple syrup</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
tablespoons red wine vinegar</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
salt
and pepper to taste</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
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).
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>Chicken and Stuffing
Crock Pot </b></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>*NOT A FREEZER MEAL*</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>
4
thawed chicken breasts</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
6oz
package of Stove Top Stuffing (I use the chicken flavored)</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
cup of sour cream</div>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
can of cream of chicken soup</div>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
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.
<br />
The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-32917976402246461522013-04-13T21:06:00.002-05:002013-04-13T21:06:39.660-05:00Archer is 4 Months<h4 align="left" style="text-align: center;">
Someone is getting hungry, so I am on borrowed time here! So this will be super quick! </h4>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Archer, you are 4 months old!!!!!</span></strong> </div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Weight</h4>
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! <br /><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
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. <br /><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
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. <br /><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
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!) <br /><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br /><strong>
Sleep</strong></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong></div>
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. <br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1 and 2!
</h4>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You smile and laugh a lot! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You love your owl mobile that is on your pack
& <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/02/archer-2-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MzUzNTg6MTMxOnBsYXk6NWY5MTUxZDI2NzdjMjMyNGE4MWE4Y2Q0ZGRkZDk1YmM6ei0xMzgzLTE1NDkzODpyYWNoZWxhbmRjb2xlYnJld2VyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbTozODA5Nzo1NzAwMTdhNTg5ODYzYTA2ZTIzOWZjY2M3MzIzMjQ3NA" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">play</span></a>. That is about the only way I am able to
get a shower these days! <br /><br />* You love to bat at things and love to stare
at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans! <br /><br />* You have
started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice! <br /><br />* You
surprisingly enjoy bathtime and it seems to calm you down. <br /><br />* You still love to be naked! You
just smile and smile when you are stripped down! <br /><br />* 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!) <br /><br />* You are only fussy in the evenings
now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter! <br /><br />* You love
to sit up in my lap, look around, and especially look at our faces and the cross
wall! <br /><br />* 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! <br /><br />* 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! <br /><br />* 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. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are super gassy and have really stinky
toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You can almost sit up on your own, and I think you will be tripod sitting in the next month! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* 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! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You still prefer mommy, but are starting to really like that daddy guy, too! </div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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!
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava) </div>
The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-29337347350827804992013-04-08T20:48:00.000-05:002013-04-08T20:48:10.524-05:00Dear 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! <br />
<br />
*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.<br />
<br />
*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. <br />
<br />
*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. <br />
<br />
*There are a lot of trappings that go into having a baby these days. But you really NEED very little.<br />
<br />
*Don't spend your time comparing your child to your friends' kids. Spend your time enjoying your own! <br />
<br />
*Put your phone down and talk to your baby. <br />
<br />
*Don't worry too much about having 20 of everything in every size. You won't need half. <br />
<br />
*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. <br />
<br />
*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. <br />
<br />
*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. <br />
<br />
*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. <br />
<br />
*Your pediatrician went to medical school, but you carried that little person inside you for 9+ months, and your instincts deserve some credence, too. <br />
<br />
*It is okay to ask for help and take a break. Really. No one will think less of you. <br />
<br />
The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-84893152819287861912013-04-04T10:55:00.003-05:002013-04-04T10:55:50.415-05:00A Bunny & A BedI have been busy with mom stuff lately- fussy sick baby, hosting Easter, etc.- so I am combining two posts in one. So forgive me! <br />
<br />
Item #1: EASTER<br />
<br />
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! <br />
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Item #2: BIG GIRL BED AND ROOM<br />
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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. :) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt_yib-IoVxqY-K3XWG5HU8aQnp0rZtONlX6X9W8TEDkVZG6h0vIFfWOzTOq3udYeykaKTGyplxdrd3LqiKkh8vVJRYaoXIc_jp6sUyLAZG33Pgiq7-vIZqmXvfYTeg3doGtDJcpKChU/s1600/2013-04-02+10.06.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt_yib-IoVxqY-K3XWG5HU8aQnp0rZtONlX6X9W8TEDkVZG6h0vIFfWOzTOq3udYeykaKTGyplxdrd3LqiKkh8vVJRYaoXIc_jp6sUyLAZG33Pgiq7-vIZqmXvfYTeg3doGtDJcpKChU/s320/2013-04-02+10.06.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the bed looks when she is sleeping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZHSQA4HsCx-_0jW0awe1SAciDZaI6ETbuYgNbT4jgHEc9inDgelF-HHcP6h8RCvdRE0iwKKKro6AvKAN5vho66Jk2NMc2d4DJSpLeyaLo_B8XJVlJpxdDnHmrVH4Tl80F8OFnRkaxSA/s1600/2013-04-02+10.09.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZHSQA4HsCx-_0jW0awe1SAciDZaI6ETbuYgNbT4jgHEc9inDgelF-HHcP6h8RCvdRE0iwKKKro6AvKAN5vho66Jk2NMc2d4DJSpLeyaLo_B8XJVlJpxdDnHmrVH4Tl80F8OFnRkaxSA/s320/2013-04-02+10.09.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the bed looks when she is awake. We are going to add crown moulding to it at a later time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5n63a6OghAMLPKIw4x2sKsdMJMgV3i0Gxo3WnSSEyuFZezfdfuzvkXq2q6sBzbjkMdIyjfrvzdsMJAHCew9VIsnsl4UhIHHN5FfgL98eNOwzILl8bfff0Z8Arxes5qz_Y-y8mcsPDdus/s1600/2013-04-02+10.10.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5n63a6OghAMLPKIw4x2sKsdMJMgV3i0Gxo3WnSSEyuFZezfdfuzvkXq2q6sBzbjkMdIyjfrvzdsMJAHCew9VIsnsl4UhIHHN5FfgL98eNOwzILl8bfff0Z8Arxes5qz_Y-y8mcsPDdus/s320/2013-04-02+10.10.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her Pop put her name on it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRwK81yVGNSxU-3YCUlOfWbYa0OgDBKjHJO2OWvGSp80p5rUz2sbLOA5Wuk6vlNs5q49P4SN8GsbtsF_TkUuSWmyQjqAJNJ-DY5KPpusbQf2tuqHvisbihH8tpvoKqNmuTKE5MvIsjww/s1600/2013-04-02+10.10.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRwK81yVGNSxU-3YCUlOfWbYa0OgDBKjHJO2OWvGSp80p5rUz2sbLOA5Wuk6vlNs5q49P4SN8GsbtsF_TkUuSWmyQjqAJNJ-DY5KPpusbQf2tuqHvisbihH8tpvoKqNmuTKE5MvIsjww/s320/2013-04-02+10.10.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STORAGE! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojpkGG_fkY1gStDM1le7lsBHNK0yWt8cYo-k40bekHpjow0WeW8ZjdnEx9EHRm3fWcD0fLSSJ2Ejx7epEjYWne1Qi3sddlC2wQX1V1XLGdWm4FFwwZqTjIDQZ2Nsu394NXLWJNjeTT08/s1600/2013-04-02+10.11.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojpkGG_fkY1gStDM1le7lsBHNK0yWt8cYo-k40bekHpjow0WeW8ZjdnEx9EHRm3fWcD0fLSSJ2Ejx7epEjYWne1Qi3sddlC2wQX1V1XLGdWm4FFwwZqTjIDQZ2Nsu394NXLWJNjeTT08/s320/2013-04-02+10.11.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of the room...</td></tr>
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-54960448763121572442013-03-29T19:34:00.001-05:002013-03-29T19:34:18.029-05:00Ava UpdateI just wanted to thank everyone who has been praying for our sweet girl. She has done really well with the Keppra, and we have not seen any seizure activity since starting it. PRAISE GOD! <br />
<br />
A lot has been happening in her little world, it seems, so I thought I would just give a quick update on some of the things she has been up to lately...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>She has been walking around with her hands behind her back. I don't know where she got that, but it is pretty funny! </li>
<li>She had an Easter Egg hunt at school today, and the teachers said she had a blast! They said she wanted an egg in each hand at all times! </li>
<li>She has several boyfriends at school, and I am told they all like to watch out for her and make sure she stays in line! You tell her, guys! HA! </li>
<li>Her teachers call her Ava-licious. Which I find hysterical! </li>
<li>One of her teachers refers to her as "my baby" which of course makes me just so happy! </li>
<li>One of her classmate's mom just LOVES Ava. I think she would take her home if I let her! </li>
<li>We are starting to introduce potty training. Fun times. I have no idea what I am doing! With typical kids, it is hard enough- but at least there are books and guides and tips! Special Needs kids, especially Angels, are all so vastly different that there really are not many resources- or maybe too many?! It is hard to know where to start! </li>
<li>Archer has really started to notice Ava and laugh and smile at her! Just makes my heart leap to see the love they already have for each other...I need to remember those moments in a few years when they are fighting! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dDIaPCe0UPcHaA341Ug93gAFD7iVNZ1UcWJiqZwKOeKssz2KGh28EdsFafZ9eekFZmRwzuNmaoglwhG5K5p2w4eZB2eX_qbEG7T4u7aJt5nYVGZLqfjuqlJe_57VlwmRvcHp64gZ-xI/s1600/2013-03-29+18.34.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dDIaPCe0UPcHaA341Ug93gAFD7iVNZ1UcWJiqZwKOeKssz2KGh28EdsFafZ9eekFZmRwzuNmaoglwhG5K5p2w4eZB2eX_qbEG7T4u7aJt5nYVGZLqfjuqlJe_57VlwmRvcHp64gZ-xI/s320/2013-03-29+18.34.17.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet girl, with her hands behind her back! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-79021004132598525872013-03-21T09:03:00.000-05:002013-03-21T09:03:07.878-05:00Fear.<em>"For I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">who takes hold of your right hand </span></span><span class="text Isa-41-13">and says to you, Do not fear; </span></em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"><em>I will help<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18465N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> you." </em>-Isaiah 41:13</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">Last night, about 1:00 am, I woke in a panic. I had had a dream that Ava was in the throws of a massive grand mal seizure, and there was nothing I could do about it. I couldn't find her rescue medication, and I couldn't scream so that anyone would hear me. We were in the middle of a crowded room, and I was sitting on the floor watching her seize, feeling painfully helpless, and I just couldn't get out a scream for help. If dreams are insight into our subconscious, it doesn't take an expert to tell what is weighing on me!</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"></span></span><br />
Every since Ava had her tonic-clonic (formerly known as grand mal) seizure last week, I have felt in a constant state of fear and panic. Not immediate, crazy fear and panic. The nagging kind. The kind that keeps you up at night, staring at the monitor to make sure she is still breathing and not convulsing. The kind that creeps into your mind in random moments. The kind that feels like the weight of 1000 boulders. That kind. And honestly, it really sucks!</span><br /></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">Now I pray throughout the day. Just in my head. Not big, formal, long prayers. Just short, conversational prayers. Because really, isn't that what prayer is? A conversation with God?! And I rarely say "Amen." Why? Because it feels like I am saying "goodbye" at the end of a phone call, or ending the conversation with the Lord. And I never want to end the conversation with God! </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">But lately I have been saying "Amen" at the end of my prayers for Ava. If my childhood Sunday School memory serves me, "Amen" means "Let it be." And I want, most especially, my prayers for Ava to "be." I pray for her safety. I pray for her little brain, that it won't seize. I pray for the medication to work. I pray for her protection from those evil seizures that have taken far too many Angel children from this world. And I pray for the rest of our family. I pray for restful sleep for Cole and Archer, I pray for the Lord to take these worries from my shoulders, I pray that He helps me leave them at His feet, instead of constantly taking them back upon myself. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">Last night, laying there in bed after waking up from that dream, I was trying to catch my breath and realized my throat was dry and sore from doing that "silent screaming" in my sleep. I just started crying, and asked God to just take those worries. And He gave me Isaiah 41:13. "...I will help you." </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">"I will help you." We are not alone. When your child's life is in danger, either from an immediate threat or a looming, ever present one, what great comfort that is. He will help us. He will not leave us. He holds our hands. He tells us not to fear. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-13">The key is to have the faith to trust in His word. <br /><br />Lord, may I have that faith.<em> Amen</em>. </span></span>The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-59012722457931171702013-03-19T17:42:00.000-05:002013-03-19T17:42:17.895-05:00Archer's Nursery Tour {video}I decided to do a video nursery tour for Archer's nursery, since I love looking at them on youtube! Sorry I say "as well" WAY too much! You would think someone with a theater and communications degree would be a better speaker! HAHA! <br />
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Enjoy! <br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://youtu.be/jIH_bBqO8Ow">Archer's Video Nursery Tour</a></div>
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-69839626240784982372013-03-15T14:49:00.000-05:002013-03-15T14:49:27.788-05:00Most days...Most days, I honestly forget that we are a "special needs" family. Our life just is what it is- we have never known any differently, and we just go about our business. <br />
<br />
Yesterday was NOT one of those days. I was reminded just how different our lives are than most. Sitting in the ER at ACH, waiting for them to call us into triage, and going over in my mind the medications she takes- in order of relevance, her diagnosis's, and her history, it donned on me just how different being a special needs mom is. <br />
<br />
I don't know why the Lord chose to allow Ava to be born with Angelman Syndrome. I don't really think it is my place to question the "why" of it- although I find myself doing just that from time to time. But I do know that, through His grace, we are able to handle all that comes our way. Even big, bad, scary seizures! <br />
<br />
I pray over Ava each night- pray that the Lord protects her and keeps her safe. Pray that she doesn't have a seizure in her sleep that stops her breathing. Pray that she wakes up each morning the happy beautiful girl I love so much. Those prayers took on a new importance last night, KNOWING that she has tonic-clonic seizures. The enormity of the stress is hard to explain and isn't something I can put into words- just suffice it to say it is not fun. <br />
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I have so much respect for my fellow special needs parents- they are all so strong. Not by choice, but by instinct. And I have learned so much from them. I am just thankful that we are going through this with Ava in a time and place where we have resources to help us navigate this journey. <br />
<br />
So to all of my fellow special needs and Angelman Syndrome parents- thank you for your support, guidance, wisdom, encouragement, and strength! You are all amazing! The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-49594352735350760762013-03-14T15:48:00.001-05:002013-03-14T15:48:04.424-05:00Archer is 3 Months and Ava Has a Seizure<div class="post-body">
Well, we had a very interesting-and scary-morning around here! So I wanted to write a moment about that before I did Mr. Archer's 3 month post. Ava wasn't feeling well this morning, so we kept her home from school and planned a 10:00 doctor's appointment. But at about 9 this morning, as I was about to give her a bath, she had her first clonic-tonic seizure, previously known as grand mal seizures. I had just put her into the water, and she was standing, holding onto the handle. I noticed she was VERY rigid, so I thought maybe the water was hotter or colder than she expected. But when she looked at me, I knew immediately something was wrong. She looked panic stricken, and her pupils were so dilated, you could barely see any blue at all. I immediately followed the seizure protocol- I picked her up, laid her on her side on the bathmat, and tried to stay as calm as I could, while reassuring her it was going to be okay. Cole was in the shower and couldn't hear my yelling for him, so I eventually gave up on that, figuring that my screaming wasn't doing anything to help her stay calm. It lasted about two minutes- I didn't have my phone or a watch, but the radio was on and it lasted through a song (I honestly can't remember which one) and a few commercials. When she came out of it, she was very upset at first, then very lethargic for several minutes. After that, she was just tired and very agitated. <br /><br />We immediately loaded up and took her to the ER at ACH. They gave her a "loading dose" of Keppra, then gave us a prescription for it, along with dystatin (a seizure rescue medication) and an antibiotic for an ear infection that she has. We are not sure if the ear infection/sickness was a contributing factor to the seizure or not, but we are now adding Keppra to our daily medications. That brings our daily meds up to four- two seizure meds, a reflux medication, and an anti-drool medication. She also takes melatonin at night, although I don't consider that a "medicine" per se. <br />
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We got home about 1:00, and we were all so exhausted! We all took a nap- even Archer! Ava is still asleep- she hasn't even had lunch! It was a LONG morning for us all. Especially our sweet girl. Poor baby. <br />
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Speaking of babies...ARCHER turned 3 months yesterday! I can't believe it! He is getting so big! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Weight</h4>
You are about 1 oz shy of weighing 15 lbs now! <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Length</h4>
You are still very long, and are in the higher percentiles for sure! You measured 25" at our nutrition appointment yesterday, but we had a hard time getting you to stretch out. You were 25" at your last check up, so I know you are longer than that now. But even at 25", that puts you in the 75-90%! <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Clothes</h4>
You now wear all 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes, more and more 6-9 month. I went in the attic yesterday and found your sister's old clothes that are more unisex. Lucky you, mommy loved buying Ava jeans! You now have LOTS of blue jeans to wear, which is fun, because they are so cute on you! You wear size 3 diapers now. <br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Nicknames</h4>
Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother,
Chubs, Chunky Monkey, BuddaBall<br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Food</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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. <br /><br /><strong>
Sleep</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
You are sleeping more and
more at night these days, and I LOVE IT! Still not through the night, but I am hopeful! <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fun Stuff- some are the same from months 1 and 2! </h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You smile and laugh a lot! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* You love your owl mobile that is on your pack
& <a href="http://rachelandcolebrewer.blogspot.com/2013/02/archer-2-months.html#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MzUzNTg6MTMxOnBsYXk6NWY5MTUxZDI2NzdjMjMyNGE4MWE4Y2Q0ZGRkZDk1YmM6ei0xMzgzLTE1NDkzODpyYWNoZWxhbmRjb2xlYnJld2VyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbTozODA5Nzo1NzAwMTdhNTg5ODYzYTA2ZTIzOWZjY2M3MzIzMjQ3NA" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Solid Savings"><span style="color: #ea4d4d;">play</span></a>.
That is about the only way I am able to get a shower these days! <br /><br />* You
love to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and
look at lights and fans! <br /><br />* You have started tolerating your carseat better, which has been nice! <br /><br />* You surprisingly enjoy
bathtime and it seems to calm you down. <br /><br />* You have stopped screaming
during clothes changes, and you still love to be naked! You just smile and smile
when you are stripped down! <br /><br />* 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!) <br /><br />* You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be
getting shorter and shorter! <br /><br />* You love to sit up in my lap, look
around, and especially look at our faces and the cross wall! <br /><br />* 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! <br /><br />* You are ALMOST rolling over! Won't be long at all! <br /><br />* 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. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
* You are super gassy and have really stinky toots! But most of the time it doesn't bother you!</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Archer- happy 3 month birthday!!! We love you so
much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you!
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~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava) </div>
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The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-12305447453019168312013-02-14T09:59:00.002-06:002013-02-14T09:59:35.734-06:00Archer- 2 Months<h4 align="left" style="text-align: center;">
Archer is 2 months old! Where has the time gone!? </h4>
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Weight</h4>
We will get your weight on Friday, but I think you are around 14 lbs already! That means you are about 1/2 your sister's weight! <br />
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Length</h4>
We will find out your length on Friday, too. But by my measurement you are about 25" long! TALL BOY! <br />
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Clothes</h4>
You are now wearing 3-6 and some 6-9 month clothing
and size 2 diapers! I don't think it will be long before we have to move up to size three diapers. I think we might go ahead and do that at night, since you are starting to sleep longer at night (KNOCK ON WOOD)!<br />
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Nicknames</h4>
Arch, Bub, Bubs, Bubba, Brother,
Chubs, Chunky Monkey<br />
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Food</h4>
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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 have started introducing some acidic and spicy food back into my diet and so far you have tolerated it pretty well, thank goodness! I look forward to the day I can pig out on texmex again!!! <br /><br /><strong>
Sleep</strong></div>
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You are sleeping more and more at night these days, which is SO nice! Last night, you slept from 11 to 4, then went back down until 6:30 when I got up to get ready to take sister to school. I am starting to feel human again!
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Fun Stuff- some are the same from month 1! </h4>
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* You have really started smiling and cooing in the last week or so! I love it! </div>
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* 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! <br /><br />* You are starting to bat at things and love to stare at yourself in the mirror and look at lights and fans! <br /><br />* You HATE your carseat
until the car is moving, then you usually fall asleep. <br /><br />* You
surprisingly enjoy bathtime and it seems to calm you down. <br /><br />* You have stopped screaming during clothes changes, and you still love to be naked! You just smile and smile when you are stripped down! <br /><br />*
You like to be rocked, bounced, swung- anything movement puts you to sleep. Or
at least calms you down for a bit.<br /><br />* You are only fussy in the evenings now, and those times seem to be getting shorter and shorter! <br /><br />* You love to sit up in my lap, look around, and
especially look at our faces and the cross wall! <br /><br />* You hold your head up
so well and are very strong.<br /><br />* You love to have your back patted and I
can usually get you to sleep that way.<br /><br />* You have started taking a paci some, although you don't keep it for long, it will settle you down. </div>
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Archer- happy 2 month birthday!!! We love you so much and you have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives! We love you! </div>
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~Mommy, Daddy, and Sister (Ava) </div>
The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684573822564218842.post-85351824529184769332013-02-12T14:30:00.000-06:002013-02-12T14:30:22.479-06:00Three and Growing! Y'all. My baby girl turned THREE yesterday! THREE!!!! I can hardly believe it!<br />
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We have had a lot going on- Archer's birth on 12-13-12, and then my in-laws were in a horrible car accident on 12-15-12, and both spent over a month in the hospital. We are just so thankful they survived! But they are both still recovering. So with all of that, plus all of the yuck that has been going around lately, we just decided to celebrate her birthday this summer, when we can enjoy the sun and her favorite thing- WATER! <br />
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But I did want to record just a few fun things that she is doing now! <br />
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*She LOVES her brother, and enjoys rocking him and rubbing his head. <br />
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* She has started crossing her arms. Not sure where she picked that up from, but it is a fun development! <br />
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* She loves school and is excited to go each day! She is in LOVE with Mrs. Karen. Sadly, her regular teacher is on maternity leave so Mrs. Karen is only a sub. I think Ava will really miss her when she is gone.<br />
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* She has started eating SO many new things at school, and it has really opened her eyes to a whole new world! I have always been cautious- too cautious- about what I give her. I am trying to be better about that and want to make sure I don't do the same with Archer. Live and learn! <br />
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* She loves playing outside at school, and usually comes home dirty and happy! One of her first days, she had dirt and mud on her from being outside. Her teachers apologized to me, and I told them that kids should be dirty! That a dirty kid is usually a happy one! <br />
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* I have been putting her hair in pigtails and she looks so big!!! So fun! <br />
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* She is VERY popular at school! The other kids in her class always greet her and I will usually have faculty and staff (that I don't know and that don't work with her) greet her by name each morning! I love that! <br />
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I have a meeting at her school tomorrow for her new IEP. I am nervous since this is the first formal IEP meeting- the first of many! For those that don't know, and IEP is an Individual Education Plan. These are special educational and therapy plans for special needs students. They are very important and can be very stressful and awful from what I hear. I think just about every special needs parent has an IEP horror story after their child is finished with school. But I love her school now and I fully expect to have nothing but good things come from the conference! <br />
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Ava, mommy can't believe how big and mature and sweet you are! I love being your mommy and I am so blessed to have been able to love on you for the last three years, and I look forward to many more! I love you SOOOOO much! <br />
The Brewershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139467976875106250noreply@blogger.com0