tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57136850755309116612024-03-17T01:50:50.491-04:00Learning to Be 31Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.comBlogger321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-83592120488036862122019-04-04T20:45:00.003-04:002019-04-04T20:45:50.351-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 12+ Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well...I think I put off writing this for long enough. Little man is already 14 months!! But this is it. This is the last update that goes on the blog.<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
At the year mark he still hadn't quite hit 20 pounds! He was still 19 1/4. And 29 inches long, just a bit shorter than his sister at this point. He definitely is my little peanut. 💙 Now, with clothes on, he weighs a full 22 pounds (but full disclosure, that was also after being somewhat constipated for almost a week...so I'm guessing he's lost a bit of that 😆).<br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
First, because it's relevant - my new favorite thing: he twirls or plays with his hair when he gets sleepy. It's super precious. And I know I'll probably some day forget... <br />
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With the occasional odd ball night, I think we've finally found our sweet spot. An earlier bed time and adding a bottle (in addition to nursing), seem to have done the trick. We start the bedtime process at 7 and he's usually in bed by 7:30. Sleeps until 7 most(ish) days but sometimes wakes as early as 6:30. The daylight savings switch actually helped the sleep in until 7, which we welcomed with open arms!!<br />
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However, it seemed like the minute he started sleeping better, Aelah ended up going through a nightmare phase. I've only very recently started sleeping through the night again since sometime when I was pregnant. My mental health has definitely noticed a difference. And I am 100% serious about that. I <i>needed</i> my sleep.<br />
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
New things every day! He has definitely discovered a love of climbing. He'll rearrange furniture to climb up so he can reach things...which is not a fun phase for his parents... And he LOVES to click his tongue. He laughs on occasion. He has to be <i>very</i> sleepy and you have to tickle him in just the right place or scare him in just the right way.... but it's fun!<br />
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And he officially started walking right before turning 13 months!<br />
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I love watching his little personality shine through. He can play shy pretty well, hiding his little face. Which he also does when he is in trouble. He laughs when he is being defiant and gives you a crooked little sideways grin, which makes it next to impossible to discipline well. He is definitely a mini-Justin! <br />
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Now for pictures!! (Star Wars first birthday pics included.) 😉<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always into things he shouldn't be....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And again...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took 2 people to change that diaper!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Much. Energy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before first hair cut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After first hair cut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because puns are life</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aelah bug!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some veggies and making goofy faces...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVING his birthday gift!</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-87715278432614697802018-12-30T21:52:00.004-05:002018-12-30T21:52:59.259-05:00Obadiah Ryker: 11 MonthsWell this past month <i>flew</i> by! But it has been fun seeing Christmas through the eyes of TWO children. Christmas with 2 is definitely different. Aelah didn't understand why Obi didn't want to open presents, after all it is SO exciting!! He did enjoy the first gift or so at each gathering. But after that he was done. More interested in getting into things he shouldn't....<br />
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Getting this picture has definitely become much more difficult!<br />
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But we only have ONE more!! I've been slowly planning his birthday party (a little late) and I'm sooooo excited! The nerd in me is coming out and we are definitely doing a Star Wars party, because.........Obi!! hehe.<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
Slowly. hehe. I swear he's just a little peanut. Aelah was so chunky. Comparatively, Obi is just a skinny little thing. But it's crazy because he eats SOOOO much!! I actually think he eats more than Aelah at <i>some</i> meals. Not always, but definitely some. <br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
Better. Still sleeping through the night. And 6am wake up time has been pushed back to 6:30. With an occasional day of sleeping in...which usually seem to fall on the days I <i>have </i>to get up. And the <i>extra</i> early days seem to fall on the days I <i>could</i> sleep in. haha. It's so hard to not compare my babies. It's just hard looking back. Aelah slept through the night SO soon and if she got up before 8, she nursed and went back to sleep. And silly me thought it was my super-mom skills. Ha!!<br />
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
His personality is <i>really</i> starting to show. And I love it! When he is fussy there is usually a reason and he does his best to communicate via growling and screaming. haha. He has been drinking water from a sippy cup and sometimes that fixes the issue. Or he might just be tired. A few times lately, I ask if he wants to go 'night, night' and he will start waving and say "nigh nigh." He also says "bye, bye" as soon as we put him in the car seat. "papa" and "ae-ah" (Aelah) have also been said, but not with consistency. He has taken a few steps here and there. 4 is the most at one time I think. He doesn't seem to want to try much - too slow. He would rather just crawl. It's way faster after all. ;)<br />
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And now for some more adorable pics:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly, the only time he really tried to mess with the lights...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loved his present from Santa - it actually held his attention for more than 3 minutes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripping the wrapping off in a BIG way!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday travels mean one sleepy little man....</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-3925719396479958142018-11-27T22:18:00.000-05:002018-11-27T22:18:04.830-05:00Obadiah Ryker: 10 MonthsWhat a whirlwind the past month has been. We have all been sick off and on. One of us gets better, another gets sick (including a mild case of mastitis - ugh!). We just seem to be stuck in an awful cycle. I'm hoping it's behind us and that we'll be able to enjoy the Christmas season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy oh boy....3 months!!</td></tr>
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And two more...because I just can't stand the cuteness!!<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
I think this little guy went through a growth spurt lately. We moved to 9 month clothing finally and it seems like, in a weeks time, some of it is already too small. Plus, he has been eating like CRAZY! This kid loves food. Some nights, I am certain he eats more than his sister. I keep thinking "growth spurt" but maybe this is just our new normal...<br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
Still pretty decent. But Daylight Savings really didn't help us out any. I had *just* got him sleeping until 7 (which gives me an hour or so of time by myself in the mornings) and now I'm lucky if he sleeps past 6. But there are some days, so I think we're getting back into a good rhythm.<br />
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
He is definitely aware of saying "Mom-Mom" and "Da-da" and he tries to communicate so much more these days (with a little less yelling). It's fun! Constantly mimicking noises is pretty entertaining. We are loving this current stage.<br />
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Enjoy a few pics from the past month:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2c1ayQ2j7o71SQbzG4HG7pD_BiTUX6Y2L0pZCWa_cWPo1VOK4O-EOTfs2U4UZQX14F5cRJntC1RdCBxTpXG1zPTyKQeups2Yei2Izvk6e4602yvCR7CAW9-EjvkzpsnBC1bJGxo8JPQ/s1600/10+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2c1ayQ2j7o71SQbzG4HG7pD_BiTUX6Y2L0pZCWa_cWPo1VOK4O-EOTfs2U4UZQX14F5cRJntC1RdCBxTpXG1zPTyKQeups2Yei2Izvk6e4602yvCR7CAW9-EjvkzpsnBC1bJGxo8JPQ/s400/10+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little guy was sick for awhile. But Momma sure enjoyed the extra snuggles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome little guy!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family - and a smiling handsome little man.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGbVnIshGZaDokk2LwcAXVUeq-37qzHHuRJJCwfvBSPEBUO5TI7ppQQyIgZYZLl2JmaStviIjwNriudas1d1JirLwqHNnlSvyDY0Xc1agQmNcbBQXTr2d0MwBgkvCDgiMJwwTmCh-Aec/s1600/10+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGbVnIshGZaDokk2LwcAXVUeq-37qzHHuRJJCwfvBSPEBUO5TI7ppQQyIgZYZLl2JmaStviIjwNriudas1d1JirLwqHNnlSvyDY0Xc1agQmNcbBQXTr2d0MwBgkvCDgiMJwwTmCh-Aec/s400/10+7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He doesn't sleep well when he is away from his crib. But Gigi and Mimi both have the magic touch. <3</td></tr>
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Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-1144006055700988152018-11-09T12:58:00.000-05:002018-11-09T12:58:07.467-05:00Obadiah Ryker: 9 MonthsThis past month has been a whirlwind! In fact, I barely even realized Obi had hit 9 months until a week late... They say "don't blink" and with the first, that's so true...but I feel like with baby #2, it has gone even faster.<br />
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This little guy is getting his own personality for sure. He doesn't laugh easily but smiles more often than not. He's pretty calm unless there is food around (then - watch out!). And he is constantly on the go and getting into things he shouldn't. I did get him to laugh a bit a couple of weeks ago with a fake cough (odd, right?) but I have yet to get a repeat occurrence. He does get excited and thinks that things are funny - but it has to be pretty stinkin' hilarious to get him to actually laugh.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh hey Mom, whatcha' doin'?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then that silly grin comes out!</td></tr>
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<b>How am I gro</b><b>wing?</b><br />
At his doctor's appointment he officially came in just one once shy of 18 lbs! And a full 29 inches long. Aelah was a pound heavier and a half inch shorter at this point. It's funny how different they are. But I love my tiny, skinny man. <3<br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
Sooooo much better. I think we've finally found our groove. It's funny - he was still up and down regularly. Ended up getting stitches, fussed pretty bad the first couple of nights after that. Then, as if he always had, started sleeping straight through the night. It has been...glorious!<br />
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Stitches? Yep! Big sister accidentally shut his finger in her closet door when they were playing. Yikes! It was quite traumatic for all of us but he seems to be healing well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After returning home from the hospital.</td></tr>
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
TEETH!! Two on the bottom and two on the top. Definitely a whole new world for eating. Speaking of eating, we have officially hit that phase where nursing is just not enough. I used to be able to get by with <i>just</i> nursing if we needed to. Now, if he doesn't have a decent lunch he turns into a bear before dinner. Babies are for sure where the definition of "hangry" came from. We haven't found much he <i>doesn't</i> like...hot sauce and <i>maybe</i> pickles...<br />
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And he is most definitely saying "mommom" and "daddad" but, unlike his sister, he for sure said mom first!! ;)<br />
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Make sure to scroll through the pictures to find out just who <i>exactly</i> this little man looks like...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">💓</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His handsome little hat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely a climber</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sissy was playing - so we thought he should join in the filter fun too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops! This picture of DADDY slid in here...but you can hardly tell a difference...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh14nFKTpQv4rGFnPQ-k3WtRmy48KLxQhvHILXpQOdcn4qJvR6OokvduOjt1369SJd_GZDqWI1FrQefHdzgUtn0vCDMzakDk8L4wo_uzYt7T0lwKkbHcH64Vcyb8ZTAMR2MnYOvCTMkqM/s1600/9+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh14nFKTpQv4rGFnPQ-k3WtRmy48KLxQhvHILXpQOdcn4qJvR6OokvduOjt1369SJd_GZDqWI1FrQefHdzgUtn0vCDMzakDk8L4wo_uzYt7T0lwKkbHcH64Vcyb8ZTAMR2MnYOvCTMkqM/s320/9+7.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always lookin' for Momma!</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-24274332197875180822018-10-06T21:04:00.000-04:002018-10-06T21:04:18.023-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 8 MonthsThis boy. He cracks me up! He has the best sideways grin and, I swear, he already knows when he's doing things he shouldn't be. Because that grin comes out at the most convenient times. haha. I think I'm still in denial that we are 3/4 of the way to one whole year! How is that even possible?!? I know the whole "don't blink" thing - but, wow, does it go soooooo much faster with the second child!<br />
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He loooooooves food! We kind of break all of the rules. He very rarely has anything mashed and the only baby food he has ever had is in a pouch. We are ALL about "food before one is just for fun." It's more about the experience. So he gets pieces of what we are eating (and we are <i>very</i> cautious...I promise). His favorites are cheerios, mashed potatoes, and meatballs.<br />
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And he still doesn't laugh easily. This kid is killin' me!<br />
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Confession? I still don't have a single picture of him developed. 😕 It's been on my to-do list for literally months at this point. Best mom of the year award right here. haha.<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
Just about a week before he turned 8 months, we had a doctors appointment. He still hasn't reached 18 lbs and that cracks me up! I feel like he is such a little peanut. 17 lbs 10 oz, which is <i>very</i> close to what Aelah weighed at 6 months!! <br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
Better. Not perfect. But much better. I can't pin it to any one thing we did. But after allowing him to cry it out for short amounts of time and gradually cutting out night feeds, we can usually go about 10 hours. AND, thanks to a friend who has a baby about the same age, we started putting dilluted Lavender oil on his feet at night. I tried it because I was desperate (and I do love oils) and now, if I forget, he usually wakes around 1 or 2. I thought it was a fluke, but the trend seems to have proven itself. And as I type this I realize I forgot to do that tonight.... Oye....<br />
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<b>What's New?</b><br />
He has two teeth! They both came through at once (also a part of our sleeping problem I think). And he's pulling up on things and trying to stand on his own (!!!). I love seeing how fast he learns. No wonder he has trouble sleeping with all that brain development going on!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time IN a lake!! He loved splashing but kept trying to eat the sand and seaweed - yuck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is a pretty good little shopper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My happy little guy. And he is happiest when he is playing with his sissy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More "play time" as she tried to get him to sleep in our bed....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Story time!!</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-82300879004045675732018-09-04T21:08:00.001-04:002018-09-04T21:08:07.261-04:00Obadiah Ryker - 7 MonthsWow, what a month can do!! I was so worried this kid was "behind" a month ago. We have come leaps and bounds over the past few weeks. I don't think I will ever stop being amazed at how quickly babies change and develop. He is like a whole new person now, definitely coming into his own.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unreal. Can I just rewind for a few minutes??</td></tr>
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
I don't have any measurements this time around. But he is definitely growing. Onsies and pants are all of a sudden too short and some outfits just don't fit the same. Plus, I think his hair has come in quite a bit since last time.<br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
They say things get worse before they get better, right?? One night, a day or two before he was officially 7 months, I woke up with him at 3:15 and never went back to sleep. To be fair - he fell asleep at 5:45...but his sister woke up at 6. I dealt with her and talked her back into bed by a quarter after, only to have him wake for the day at 6:30. <br />
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It. Was. Rough.<br />
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So, hard core sleep training began very shortly after that. And it worked well because I ended up work two days back-to-back, leaving me almost 5 days of being home in a row, which really helped I think. Consistency is key... We'll see how it all pans out next month I suppose. ;)<br />
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
He's crawling!! Well...scootching... He figured it out just about a month ago now. One morning he just woke up and decided he would go after his sister's toys. He hasn't slowed down since. With all of the scootching and crawling around, he finally did master sitting up well too. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very first day of all the excitement!!</td></tr>
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He also figured out how to blow raspberries and I think he might be giving kisses...but I can't quite decide how intentional his slobbering all over my face is. haha. Every day is something new - it's quite an adventure right now!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture holds a lot of weight. This picture represents the days I started really feeling normal again. I struggled a bit with Post-Partum Depression. Nothing major, but enough that it was hard to love this little guy (or anyone else for that matter). I resented him for how I felt, for how numb I was. But sometime in this past month, it started to get better. I could see the light. And even when he was upset, I could just enjoy him, appreciate him, and <i>love</i> him. And it felt so good! Right before I took this picture, he fought sleep big time. And when he finally fell asleep I didn't want to put him down, I didn't want to run away, I didn't feel exasperated or exhausted. I felt peace. It was a turning point. I still have bad days...but I'm definitely on the other side of the battle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the rain! He was amazed!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating Mexican - yummmmmm!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bending as far as he could to see Papa preaching...cracked me up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting up like a big man!!</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-43328143856403659352018-08-02T21:15:00.000-04:002018-08-02T21:15:35.976-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 6 MonthsComparison is awful. I'm going to be real here for a moment (judge away if you like). I keep catching myself comparing Obi to where Aelah was at this point. In fact, I read her 6 month blog and started to worry a bit. Am I not being attentive as I was with her? Is it because I'm not as intentional? Is he doomed to be behind because he is child #2 and my hands are a bit more full than they were when I had Aelah? Am I not giving him enough attention?<br /><br />But I have to remind myself that they are different kids and just because they don't meet milestones at the same time, doesn't mean ANYthing! So I refocus on what he IS doing, pray to rid myself of worry, and love my baby boy!<br />
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Yay for 6 months!! I still cannot believe we are here! I wish the baby stage would last longer (excluding the whole not sleeping part) - he is so mobile and so wiggly...he is hard to snuggle or hold much anymore. My baby is almost mobile! He is trying so hard to figure out how to move forward. He does manage to go everywhere by simply rolling though. haha. Life is a whole lot more interesting now that he doesn't stay contained to one place.<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b></div>
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Like crazy! In two months he almost gained 3 pounds and 3 inches. Still not quite to 17 lbs, he is 16 lbs and 14 oz (38th percentile) and is tall - 27 3/4 inches long (90th percentile). My tiny little man. <3</div>
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b></div>
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Meh. Definite regression. He hit a growth spurt where he was eating every couple hours. Ever since then he has been off. Every time we have 2 or 3 nights of solid sleep (at least 6 hours), I think we're getting somewhere...then the next night is worse. And I don't have the patience or energy I did the first time around. Why doesn't anyone tell you how hard sleep training is when you have more than one kid?? haha. We'll get there eventually. I'm holding out hope! And, besides, it's better than two months ago. Progress is progress, right??</div>
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<b>What's new?</b></div>
He is trying SO hard to crawl. And officially sitting on his own for short amounts of time. Plus we've started Baby Led Solids at meal times - kind of skipping purees. He usually gets a stick or chunk of whatever we are eating. Big enough to gnaw on. It's more about the experience and less about eating. Breastmilk will still be his number one form of nutrition for awhile. We went this route with Aelah and I've never regretted it. WAY easier than spoon feeding, a *little* less messy (at this point anyways), and it's <i>supposed</i> to help make kids less picky with other various benefits. He LOVES it. But it also means that I cannot eat ANY thing without him getting pretty angry. haha. Momma MUST share. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His first ER visit. Fever spiked to 103. Though we didn't know it until a few days later, it was Hand, Foot, and Mouth. By the end of the week, we all had it. It. Was. Rough. But Obi handled it with style - barely knew he was sick after this...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rainbow baby. <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time at Vacation Bible School - snuggling with Mimi!</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-86073448661818807032018-06-27T22:17:00.002-04:002018-06-27T22:17:27.248-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 5 MonthsI can't say too much happened during the past month. It flew by for Momma - been struggling with finding a work/life/kids balance. And it is rough! But little man just keeps on making me smile.<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
I don't have any measurements this time around. BUT, I am *fairly* positive we just had a recent growth spurt. All of the sudden some of his outfits are pretty snug! <br />
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
He is officially laughing! And at the most random things. I've *almost* gotten a laugh while playing with him on the changing table or during tummy time. But two times he has had the most genuine belly laughs: First, at a friends house. They have a golden retriever named Levi who Obi apparently thinks is hilarious. We were eating outside and Levi started barking at something and Obi just started laughing and laughing. That persisted throughout the night. Levi got right in his face and barked a couple of times - Obi would startled and then laugh.<br />
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It. Was. Adorable. But NOTHING could get him to laugh like that again....<br />
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And then, just yesterday, his sister got him to laugh while splashing him. It didn't last long though. After the first few splashes, he was pretty much over it.<br />
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AND he loves trying to sit up. He is going to have a crazy six-pack. ; )<br />
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
What can I say? This whole sleep thing is like a roller-coaster. One minute I think we've got it down and the next, we're up and down all over again. The last two weeks he was up two or three times a night. And it has been killing me. BUT, fingers crossed, the past 3 or 4 nights have been much better. Sometimes he is up only once. Other times, it is twice, but he goes back to sleep very quickly one of those times. <br />
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A lot of people have suggested starting solids or rice cereal. But, with Aelah, I had read a <i>ton</i> on the subject. Without a lot of the knowledge at this point, I do remember that starting either of those things doesn't necessarily help with sleep. AND, we are firm advocates of waiting to introduce <i>anything</i> but breast milk until after 6 months due to the gut being immature. But that point isn't too far away. Once he is able to sit on his own, we plan to start introducing a few solids via baby led weaning (aka baby led solids). Not a ton of purees and mostly a bit of what we eat. After all, "food before one is just for fun." However, I am definitely anxious to see if it does help his sleep or not.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye-balling my pizza during a picnic outside!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only one looking at the camera.... <3</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-25289675077931233272018-06-11T20:12:00.000-04:002018-06-11T20:12:15.163-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 4 MonthsSo much has happened in this past month!! Little man is becoming his own little person. He is talking more and more, entertaining himself for short bits of time, standing (with assistance) as much as he can, and changing every single day.<div>
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He also got to meet his family in Michigan! 6 more aunts and uncles and 7 cousins...he was surely loved. And Aelah loved showing off her baby brother. We did learn, however, that he doesn't like to travel. Sleeping in the car is a no-go for this guy. Maybe, and I mean, maybe we would get a 45 minute stretch (at home he'll sleep almost 3 hours)...and then he was pretty fussy while he was awake. We turned an 8 hour trip into 12 - with about two hours of that being intentional "stop and stretch" time. Definitely a couple of long days - but glad he got to meet the rest of his family.</div>
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<b>How am I growing?</b></div>
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He's definitely a small little guy. And we love that about him. Some of his 3-6 month stuff is still too big! His official measurements for this month are 14 lbs 2 oz (33rd percentile) and 25.5 inches (68th percentile). Under weight and a <i>little</i> tall. At this point, Aelah was in 6-9 month clothing and weighed over a pound more than he does now! Here's a comparison photo. For everyone who thinks he looks like Aelah...I think you might be right....</div>
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<b>What's New?</b></div>
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He rolled for the first time (back to front) just days after turning 3 months and not shortly after that he rolled the other way (belly to back) but he forgets he can do that from time to time. Belly time is still the worst - if we make it two minutes without a melt down we're doing great! We also dedicated Obi to the Lord this month. It was a great day - perfect weather for a patio lunch after church and time with all of our favorite people (missing just a few).</div>
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b></div>
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We definitely hit the 3-4 month sleep regression shortly after turning 3 months. It was rough. I felt like everything we had accomplished had gone out the window. He was no longer able to self-soothe and was waking more often than ever. After a crash-course refresher, I was reminded that it's right about this time that sleep cycles actually start to occur. It isn't all deep sleep all the time. Plus there's a ton of development. And, apparently, Aelah did the same thing about this time. So, instead of what I thought I should do - make bedtime later, I actually did the opposite and made bedtime earlier. It worked! Bed between 6:30 and 7, up once to eat, and then wakes for the day between 6:30 and 7. Plus two solid naps during the day. It isn't always perfect. But we're finding some sort of rhythm. And I'm glad for that.</div>
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Now for some pics!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At his Great Aunt Linda's wedding...looking dapper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby feet!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easily my favorite picture right now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set for a pool day with his cousins!</td></tr>
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Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-35553858198426593332018-05-01T10:57:00.001-04:002018-05-01T10:57:21.393-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 3 Months<div>
<i>For those that follow this blog, I'm only posting my personal updates here from now on. To follow my other ramblings and such head <a href="http://www.voyagetogether.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and subscribe.</i></div>
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He is already a quarter of a year old!! Unreal. He definitely brings joy to his momma and lack of sleep. haha. But every moment is worth it. When he gives me his crooked sideways grin I forget all about the four times we were up through the night or that he isn't napping well. That grin makes me melt. It is absolutely perfect!<div>
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And he LOVES his sister so very much! As soon as she starts talking, his eyes and head are moving to find her. And once he spots her, that grin breaks out as big as it can be. <3</div>
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<b>How am I growing?</b></div>
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No doctor's appointment this month, so, unofficially, he weighs about 13 pounds. And I just don't have the patience to try to measure his length right now. haha. But he's right on target moving into his 3-6 month clothes. </div>
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<b>What's new?</b></div>
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He is talking and talking and talking. It was a little bit before but now he'll have a full "conversation" with you and it's just so fun! Aelah loves to tell us what he's saying and it cracks me up. He also rolled over for the first time the day after he officially turned 3 months! Only once so far, but it happened! And it won't take long from here....</div>
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<b>How am I sleeping?</b></div>
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I wish I could say better. Every once in awhile we'll get two nights in a row where he sleeps for long stretches and I think we've finally made it but we've never gotten to three nights. I'm hoping it comes soon. Nap time is also a fight of late. He has been breaking out of his sleep sack lately and since he is close to rolling, I snagged a Zipadee Zip locally to try out. Today was our first go round and it seems to be worse than normal... We'll keep up with self-soothing and trying to lay him down awake. Hoping we get into a better routine soon.</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/AVvXsEgpzGeedsLp-QXfljzbR48MoKgSwNjoWOShDrAiQweuh3eApFsLnRIhCdHJ7CDfJTn9tp2vRF9STAqz4ux2jKVEJBEvBmCvuGp5co5CmGrLekPTZEAF-K-WTd9ZZPE9m9BpoAWNr6nd5L0/s1600/3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzGeedsLp-QXfljzbR48MoKgSwNjoWOShDrAiQweuh3eApFsLnRIhCdHJ7CDfJTn9tp2vRF9STAqz4ux2jKVEJBEvBmCvuGp5co5CmGrLekPTZEAF-K-WTd9ZZPE9m9BpoAWNr6nd5L0/s320/3-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with Papa at Easter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEqlIX__w0AtIhgZptezCVZG2j0BeekKBd1QabEhHLCzRL-YmoFOL0b6RXwDCfz9e0RymMxCm5HomjIGphcNcwUCueSR0JmzPCJXb55eefL5IBNI_-qbYdYKtC6oyhe8VGa2OIZtWwjk/s1600/3-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEqlIX__w0AtIhgZptezCVZG2j0BeekKBd1QabEhHLCzRL-YmoFOL0b6RXwDCfz9e0RymMxCm5HomjIGphcNcwUCueSR0JmzPCJXb55eefL5IBNI_-qbYdYKtC6oyhe8VGa2OIZtWwjk/s320/3-2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgxZqO3w_nuoeeS4V2tQDUQGpzmEooBsfK31DW68l_l3amFfzfb1IyiF6-2KjcywcVAoXZc6DSL8gGo5RUhZmfGGhItVskt19SFNla04AbOlNIIjuhrfyF05oYy6b4rn2OB5tQ7IwWZc/s1600/3-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgxZqO3w_nuoeeS4V2tQDUQGpzmEooBsfK31DW68l_l3amFfzfb1IyiF6-2KjcywcVAoXZc6DSL8gGo5RUhZmfGGhItVskt19SFNla04AbOlNIIjuhrfyF05oYy6b4rn2OB5tQ7IwWZc/s320/3-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day spending time on the back porch!</td></tr>
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Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-30979577230251760612018-03-27T13:08:00.001-04:002018-03-27T13:08:29.144-04:00Obadiah Ryker: 2 MonthsI don't think I will ever get used to how fast babies grow. It just flies!! When one day he fits in a sleeper and the next day he doesn't...quite literally... Unreal. I want to soak up every minute. But I know from experience that I will forget more than I remember. No matter how hard I try. So I take pictures and try to live in the moment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSPr3aEY_u2JGoKCqDXesWyvvuhSUbO4F5dhkgHywdi__p3ZazNTC0-jXJEXCRzyeScCxf1S9cqD07KX422s0L_-Zzap3lxGBkDbiXgjHdoi-LXVpDS2GPmLTQl3qyz7WfqoN22dENX4/s1600/2+month.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSPr3aEY_u2JGoKCqDXesWyvvuhSUbO4F5dhkgHywdi__p3ZazNTC0-jXJEXCRzyeScCxf1S9cqD07KX422s0L_-Zzap3lxGBkDbiXgjHdoi-LXVpDS2GPmLTQl3qyz7WfqoN22dENX4/s400/2+month.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Aelah is loving being a sister. She gets upset when they have to be apart (which is not all that often) and does her best to try and calm him every time he cries. Though, more often than not, I think she makes it worse - she just loves him a little <i>too</i> much. But I love watching the two of them. I hope they always love each other.<br />
<br />
Anyways - here's the update!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
He's growing like crazy!! And I fear a growth spurt is happening right now. He went from eating every 3 hours to eating every 2. He is officially 12 lbs, 4 oz and 24 inches long. That puts him in the 65th percentile for weight and 98th for height! Definitely going to be tall! And even though he was smaller at birth (by a whole pound) - he already weighs more than his sister did at this point. Growing good!<br />
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<b>What's new?</b><br />
Lots and lots of smiles! And coos. This little guy is really finding his voice! And he has the BEST little sideways grin. My heart melts.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
Not too bad. We usually go from 3-4 hours between feedings. But the other night he had a 6.5 hour stretch! Which would be great. Except I woke up at the usual time and didn't sleep because I thought for sure he would wake up any minute. Ha! We have been trying to lay him down awake so he isn't dependent on nursing and/or rocking. I turn on his white noise (which automatically turns off after 15 minutes) and warm up a corn/rice bag that I lay beside him for a little extra warmth. IF I need to, I turn on the 3 minute vibration on the bassinet...but I'm currently trying to break that habit as well. After all, the crib won't vibrate! We may start a bit of sleep training in the near future if we need to...letting him cry it out for short intervals at a time. It worked great for Aelah! Especially because she would fuss and cry just as much if she was being held or rocked... Anxious to see how the next month goes. Interrupted sleep is starting to wear on this momma!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGa8bb3szVhQyveSxkx_1EKPTzR2qByB-5QR2y07XXzHzELilsbqUA884S0VzIDIwbHmkrsYqE1clg6Ax1_h6GY3QwUlJ99pHfQxzlH9PEVEkTX4gHtDJGygeOjHsL4unNzWWXQC0IVs/s1600/2+months+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGa8bb3szVhQyveSxkx_1EKPTzR2qByB-5QR2y07XXzHzELilsbqUA884S0VzIDIwbHmkrsYqE1clg6Ax1_h6GY3QwUlJ99pHfQxzlH9PEVEkTX4gHtDJGygeOjHsL4unNzWWXQC0IVs/s320/2+months+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy went to bed early this night. Him and I were up all alone. It was a sweet time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXchhw5Zz_Wes3OOhqYXVQIOHiajqXypCkYRD5HhRpNS2TSED5-L2qHBpuhAtxGEy5JgfQmoojdxOzjmSQMJJxmJOX_ILUq_TWyip-JY1PfGBgrcNTAJZHzOrnKmxhPYvi0DszBgiRvU/s1600/2+months+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXchhw5Zz_Wes3OOhqYXVQIOHiajqXypCkYRD5HhRpNS2TSED5-L2qHBpuhAtxGEy5JgfQmoojdxOzjmSQMJJxmJOX_ILUq_TWyip-JY1PfGBgrcNTAJZHzOrnKmxhPYvi0DszBgiRvU/s320/2+months+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is so very loved by his big sister. <3</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiP9HPZ9mpPhRGJcgC4S0fAGPSiEMMBwJddeUTvzBxnwBlKw1ofd99HKG1mAMWTYq7aSBv7I6jjCLSjQzYEZrQZTUwTODvolNdew-mkTV326fffHXAdZgwMdC6IlM7PQ16dPWcy7Zc_l98/s1600/2+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9HPZ9mpPhRGJcgC4S0fAGPSiEMMBwJddeUTvzBxnwBlKw1ofd99HKG1mAMWTYq7aSBv7I6jjCLSjQzYEZrQZTUwTODvolNdew-mkTV326fffHXAdZgwMdC6IlM7PQ16dPWcy7Zc_l98/s320/2+months.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He LOVES going to work with Momma! So many snuggles and people to love on him. However, I think these days will be few and far between now... Time to get into a normal routine for all of us. :(</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-58514762852944268472018-02-25T15:58:00.002-05:002018-02-25T16:00:03.164-05:00Obadiah Ryker: 1 MonthNope. Not happening. My little man is not already 1 month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IXFLvEnNOxSWCN2M2rO2umuQHV7g1NYIXnqXLthAzKzIdx71XLdA45HA4iuYBbCuUQ9BajPhP9vPn7voj4yUfa8ThDztYm86WzvzZSNMVqZh7z44gktxv11fQPZdFzMzJenUUO-Svfg/s1600/1+month.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IXFLvEnNOxSWCN2M2rO2umuQHV7g1NYIXnqXLthAzKzIdx71XLdA45HA4iuYBbCuUQ9BajPhP9vPn7voj4yUfa8ThDztYm86WzvzZSNMVqZh7z44gktxv11fQPZdFzMzJenUUO-Svfg/s400/1+month.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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But here we are.<br />
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It's been a fun month. And a challenging one.<br />
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I have been peed on more times than I can count. Which is amusing, because after years of being a teacher in the infant room in two different day cares, I was only ever peed on once. I blame this on sleep deprivation. Ha!<br />
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There are things I have done with Obi that I swore I would never do. Sleep has been a bit difficult. Little man is a bit gassy and he doesn't sleep well unless he is being held. We end up doing half the night in the bassinet and half the night he ends up on my chest. I've never been comfortable with co-sleeping, though I know many are. I'm just too paranoid. But, for now, it is helping us both to sleep - which is important. Especially when there is a toddler depending on me the next day. Little by little we will get into a routine I'm more comfortable with.<br />
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His big sister loves him to pieces. Smothers him a bit. But LOVES to help. And she absolutely loves to show him off when he meets new people.<br />
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<b>How am I growing?</b><br />
Our little guy has gained almost 3 full pounds in 1 month! He's now 9 lbs 10oz (38th percentile) and 22 inches long (90th percentile). He is tall. But that's expected. And his little skinny legs are already chunking up!<br />
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<b>What's New?</b><br />
Lifting his head is a new favorite. If he's awake, he wants to see what's going on.<br />
<br />
<b>How am I sleeping?</b><br />
Already talked about this one. He does sleep most of the day yet. Awake first thing in the morning for awhile. And again in the evening (7ish) consistently. Through the day just depends on what takes place. <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/AVvXsEjCYHo_R1yJRghyqr7IXOnoZwyfWPzCF7O4_SqIjQS0IFsnUoX0MRPASYoVmYc4ahrNk26HzmFpgXz5hoPJGSc-YB6PcqySj5p7SFiGmrP-rLxQ8AQl12hbokNDps5EQxw0JeClmJ52ArE/s1600/1+mth+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYHo_R1yJRghyqr7IXOnoZwyfWPzCF7O4_SqIjQS0IFsnUoX0MRPASYoVmYc4ahrNk26HzmFpgXz5hoPJGSc-YB6PcqySj5p7SFiGmrP-rLxQ8AQl12hbokNDps5EQxw0JeClmJ52ArE/s320/1+mth+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She LOVES to "read" him stories.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bvmpaWbgnHrL8YCRFtinGlYbVCM0PUWR69O2IWM1dTl-Z9-PzJoCtzNJbLaAvMvJYfQ-CbH18daRPfXN7LA41_yRWgrHSMqCwGRg9-SLAkUgAYCL2P0r2iGHLv8EHwZTnQ_tm885bnA/s1600/1+mth+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bvmpaWbgnHrL8YCRFtinGlYbVCM0PUWR69O2IWM1dTl-Z9-PzJoCtzNJbLaAvMvJYfQ-CbH18daRPfXN7LA41_yRWgrHSMqCwGRg9-SLAkUgAYCL2P0r2iGHLv8EHwZTnQ_tm885bnA/s320/1+mth+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His foot must have been stuck this way in utero. Although it bends normally, when he is sleepy it often rests this way. A little thing - but something I want to remember. <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRIW9mQvPgI54B-PJ7kRHLZkk_7sTNAJ1UKlIofUOfpDSlGrFQqOXoJytIQOw3KOP4N4nWLlgVyVcRlycvQvmk8Vflv2fmaRwGvKrL7fwaYy6HU0TbIrG-x3322wSU30UtU00YbCfeAY/s1600/1+mth+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRIW9mQvPgI54B-PJ7kRHLZkk_7sTNAJ1UKlIofUOfpDSlGrFQqOXoJytIQOw3KOP4N4nWLlgVyVcRlycvQvmk8Vflv2fmaRwGvKrL7fwaYy6HU0TbIrG-x3322wSU30UtU00YbCfeAY/s320/1+mth+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While he loves showers, bath time is NOT a favorite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZFcKIsT4zvzyh-roMD3fICp_3wy0TZO-J5HXoLkRnrhnYDqY9K3WG5tShWS5hPdu6R9vYQ0Dr3dCfAHSZnRsKT_D5C24hrKWlbu0s6nsQBvLebPaEsdHHI_1N4ePrYmr9amm7Cfgpws/s1600/1+mth+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZFcKIsT4zvzyh-roMD3fICp_3wy0TZO-J5HXoLkRnrhnYDqY9K3WG5tShWS5hPdu6R9vYQ0Dr3dCfAHSZnRsKT_D5C24hrKWlbu0s6nsQBvLebPaEsdHHI_1N4ePrYmr9amm7Cfgpws/s320/1+mth+6.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite little outfits.</td></tr>
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-37293801397605178882018-02-21T21:40:00.001-05:002018-02-21T21:44:00.750-05:00Behind the Name: Obadiah RykerIs there anything more difficult than picking a name for a child? Not only is it difficult to find something you both agree on, but you are literally defining someone's life. What if that child grows up to hate their name? What if you didn't think of a horrible nickname that, inevitably, someone else discovers in Jr. High...<br />
<br />
We went through a very extensive list this time around. And it was tough. Aelah's name has so much meaning and significance (check it out <a href="http://learningtobe31.blogspot.com/2014/11/aelah-grace-whats-in-name.html">here</a>). So I wanted something with meaning for our son as well. There were a few times that we thought about just giving him a name because we liked the way it sounded. But then I would hear something about the definition of a name bearing so much importance...especially Biblically. So we decided that his name should definitely mean <i>something</i>.<br />
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After nixing all but two names on our list, we had narrowed it down to two. He was stuck on one and I was stuck on a different one. And neither of us would budge. I had decided that I would just wait until delivery day. Then there was no way he could tell me no. ;)<br />
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But I decided to take the high road and started making a new list. I stumbled across "Obi" which is of African origin and means "heart" or "center of." I suggested it. Knowing Justin would have some objections to the association with Star Wars. He did at first. But then he asked me a couple of nights later what I thought of the name Obadiah. So I started doing my research: "servant or follower of the Lord" - loved it! And, in 1 Kings, Obadiah is known for fearing the Lord and saving others. It was perfect. We have been in a season lately where we are learning what it truly means to serve, follow, and fear the Lord.<br />
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And I have already been calling him my little "Obi-wan." :)<br />
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The middle name? Both Justin and my dad have the middle name "Richard." It tends to be used as a negative connotation for both of them...yeah.... A few seasons ago on Dancing with the Stars, we were rooting for Ryker Lynch. And we both LOVED the name. In fact, it was in the running for a first name. But, apparently, it is currently in the top 100 baby names. But when I looked up the meaning and origin, I knew it HAD to be his middle name - it is the Dutch version of Richard!<br />
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As the nurse at the hospital said, "That's a big name for such a tiny guy to grow into!" And I'm certain he will live up to it! <br />
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<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-4091524218388314092018-02-05T18:08:00.003-05:002018-02-05T18:08:47.031-05:00Obi's Birth Story<div class="MsoNormal">
This story isn’t quite the one I thought I would be
writing. But it is one I am proud of and
thankful for, despite the imperfections.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Early on in our pregnancy they discovered a slight
abnormality with my placenta – a condition called circumvallate placenta. I won’t even try to explain it as I don’t
fully understand it myself. I know it’s
a pretty rare condition and most of the time it goes undiagnosed. But basically it put me at a slightly higher
risk for things such as impeded fetal growth, placental abruption, other
similar issues, and, worst case, still birth (most often when the condition goes monitored).
We met with a specialist in Pittsburgh who wasn’t concerned at all, put
our minds at ease, and told us she figured we would have a very normal
pregnancy and she wouldn’t need to see us again. To be on the safe side, she recommended
having a growth scan at our usual office every 4 weeks.
Which was fine with me – just more opportunities to see our little
Peanut!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we diligently went to the scans every 4 weeks and
everything was going great. After an odd
growth jump at 36 weeks, they decided to schedule me for one additional scan at
39 weeks, just to check on things if he hadn’t arrived yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
38 weeks – I’m 3cm dilated.
I left the office relatively anxious – I was 2cm when I checked into the
hospital with our first and she was here 6 hours later (her birth story is <a href="http://learningtobe31.blogspot.com/2014/10/baby-stuff-our-birth-story.html">here</a>). I was relatively sure I wouldn’t even make it
to our 39 week appointment. Contractions
came off and on for the next week, but no active labor, no trips to the
hospital, no baby yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I head into our 39 week appointment anxious to see if
things had progressed any further. I
went for my scan first and then I was called back to see the midwife, as usual. As she comes in she asks, “Are you ready to have this
baby?” “Yes!” I mean, of course. What woman at 39 weeks is going to say no to
that question?!? But she stops and looks
at me, “No, I mean, are you ready to have this baby tomorrow? Because he needs to come.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to our scans, his growth wasn’t looking so
great. His belly hadn’t grown at all in
3 weeks. And his growth was a bit
asymmetrical – the belly in the 20<sup>th</sup> percentile with his head in the
80<sup>th</sup>. While it wasn’t
extremely urgent, they decided it would be better for him to be out than in so
we could be sure he was getting proper nutrition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was heartbroken.
Induction was not a part of the plan.
Our birth plan is all natural. No
drugs. No intervention. Aelah’s birth had been such a beautiful
experience. And we had picked a
different hospital that was more natural-friendly this time around. So I had high hopes. But I knew induction made things a bit more
difficult. Pitocin = more pain. And that it also put us at a higher risk for
intervention. But, ready or not, it was
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We went in the next morning ready for anything. I was willing to discuss pain meds, but only
if it got bad enough. I was prepared for
a <i>very</i> long day. Pitocin started a little before 7am. Shortly after, they broke my water. It was a slow start. I walked the halls for awhile, sat on a birthing
ball, rocked – the contractions were getting stronger and closer together. They actually didn’t have to increase the
Pitocin as much because things were progressing pretty quickly. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first time they came back to check my progress, a nurse
relatively new to the maternity wing checked me – “oh! I think she’s at 9cm,” I
was ecstatic…until my midwife rechecked – only 4-5. Oye.
Only half way. But it started to
get pretty intense from that point forward.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started to hyperventilate because of the pain. I wasn’t breathing quite right. Shallow breaths and using my lungs instead of
my diaphragm (something that also happened with my daughter…but at the pushing
stage). My hands went tingly and then
tensed to the point that I couldn’t move them.
It was really distracting and I couldn’t focus on getting through each
contraction, making it all worse. At
this point, I had a moment of panic and kept telling my husband and my mom that
I couldn’t do it. I was going to need
those drugs! But, the good coaches they
were, they kept telling me that I could, that I was almost there – the whole
time, helping me refocus on my breathing and rubbing my hands and back. I switched positions in this process and
eventually got a hold on my breathing and started to feel my hands again. That made dealing with the pain a WHOLE lot
easier!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As push time came
closer, they did end up having to give me oxygen – but that also helped my
breathing, which helped the pain. In
this transition one of the nurses offered me Statol a few times to help me
relax. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I
kept saying no. But I knew if they
checked me again and I wasn’t much further, something was going to be
necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They left us alone for awhile and a contraction hit so hard
and so sudden, I knew something was different.
I should have had the nurse come check right then.
But I waited through a couple more horrid push contractions before I
told them I knew it was time. They checked and I was given the clear. Of course,
at that point, I had to wait for the doctor to show. Our midwife had been in at one point, so I
asked if she was going to be coming – but she was over at the office, which is
right across the street. They told me
they could get her. But I knew the
doctor was already there. There was NO
way I was going to wait with everything in my body telling me to push. There is no pain like the pain of keeping
your body from doing what it wants to do in that moment. I was writhing as we waited for the doc –
literally lifting myself off the bed with each contraction. I think it was actually only 3 contractions
before I was able to push – but it felt like eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I never opened my eyes through that whole process. I heard the doctor tell me I could push. And I did.
While screaming. Twice. Not very productive. I got out of my head, focused on breathing
correctly, and the next few pushes were much better. I still can’t figure it out, my midwife
thinks it may be how his head presented – but the pain of pushing was three
times as bad as it was with my daughter.
I hadn’t wanted an episiotomy (had one with my daughter, 3<sup>rd</sup>
degree) but I was about to tell the doctor to just cut me if she needed to when she
told me she was going to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I had Aelah, she came head, shoulders, knees, and toes
– all at once. The relief from that push
was incredible. And I felt that same
relief with the next push. I was done,
he was here! Except I wasn’t. It was only his head. And, again, what felt like eternity, but was
only one or two pushes later, he was on my belly. He was here now!! I could breathe again, it was all over. And in that moment, almost all of that
morning had already been forgotten. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was meconium present when they broke my water, so they
had to take him pretty directly (he stayed in the same room). I got my few stitches while they looked him
over. It was a process. I was trying to focus on him, but I was still
in a lot of pain and trying to reorient myself after the whole experience. Before I knew it, he was back in my
arms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hospital we were at encourages “the Golden Hour” of skin
to skin AND a good first latch in that time – so he was all mine for a whole
hour. Within minutes of getting him
back, he started trying to eat his hands.
It took me a moment to realize he was hungry – he latched right
away! Nursed twice in that first
uninterrupted hour.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was beautiful. He
was born at 11am, which meant labor was just barely over 4 hours. Absolutely incredible when you stop to think
about it. It wasn’t the “perfect”
experience. But it is ours. And I will treasure it forever. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But given the choice, I definitely would not opt for an
induction again. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😉</span> And I have mad respect for all of you who
have suffered with Pitocin for an entire day…or more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-84423176635745328292018-01-22T21:20:00.000-05:002018-01-22T21:20:18.722-05:00My Dear SonMy Dear Son,<br />
<br />
I never dreamed I would be writing this. To know that I am days away from being a mom to a boy!! Yikes!! <br />
<br />
I wrote a letter to your sister a long time before she was born. And I wanted to do the same for you...but time kept slipping away. I'm so glad I got to do this before your arrival.<br />
<br />
You are already so loved, so cherished. From the moment we knew you existed you have been loved. It has never wavered and it never will. You fill a place in our hearts we didn't even know was empty. <br />
<br />
I cannot wait to hold you, to count your fingers and toes, to see what color your hair is. I can't wait to see your Daddy learn what it means to father a son. It will be a new adventure for sure! And one we are so excited (and a wee bit terrified) about. I cannot wait to see your sister love you even more. She already talks to you ever day, rubbing my belly and giggling as she tells me just exactly what you say. She is so excited to have a brother! <br />
<br />
And while I know you two won't always get along perfectly, I pray you will always have each other's backs. I pray you know what it means to treat each other with respect, honor, and love. <br />
<br />
As you move right now, I am reminded that our whole world is about to change. You take us from 3 to 4. You keep the score even, 2 boys, 2 girls. You moved Mom and Dad's room across the house. And you brought a bit of healing to a wounded Momma's heart - my rainbow baby. <br />
<br />
I pray for you often already, although probably not near enough. I pray you always serve the Lord, and like your sister's name, that you would find your place in Him. I pray your heart is strong and that it always points you in the right direction. That as you make each choice in life, you listen to the Lord, and think of His kingdom first. I pray that your daddy and I set that drive within you, that you first see it modeled in us. My biggest hope is that because of the relationship we have with the Lord that you would be desperate for the same - desperate to know Him and serve Him, to do His will and further His kingdom. I pray that you love people like He wants us to - relentlessly and without expectation - know you will get hurt in the process, but jumping in anyways. I hope you give more than we do, love more than we do, and change the world in bigger ways. My child, I already pray for the wife you may meet one day - that she will be loved by you like your father loves me. And I pray she will love you back, even more than I do - if that's ever possible. <br />
<br />
This and so much more goes through my mind constantly. There will be times I want to move the world for you and know that I can't. I will have to watch you struggle, and stumble, and sometimes fall - knowing that it is for your best. But I will always be there for a hug, or a shoulder, or just a listening ear. <br />
<br />
I love you to the moon and back and then some, my sweet, sweet, son.<br />
<br />
<br />Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-53695782862909767062016-03-22T21:59:00.002-04:002016-03-22T21:59:53.939-04:00Why Easter is my Favorite Holiday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ45GnMRPWPFH68uKti-LJpd4Th-bpHpqqNFtAqcVBDdrWJSsAxvnRrB7rJht-df74-n3aNV5v-QGsw-ID47FNrIeITyf06m-t2UMjO8sfVpA8PM4N0shderbemmgICkfe7ABhMRc1UY/s1600/Easter+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Easter, Church, Family, Tradition, Sader Meal, Communion, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Crucifixion, Reverence, Worship, One Body" border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ45GnMRPWPFH68uKti-LJpd4Th-bpHpqqNFtAqcVBDdrWJSsAxvnRrB7rJht-df74-n3aNV5v-QGsw-ID47FNrIeITyf06m-t2UMjO8sfVpA8PM4N0shderbemmgICkfe7ABhMRc1UY/s640/Easter+Header.jpg" title="Why Easter is my Favorite Holiday" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Easter. No gifts for adults. No pumpkin pie. No twinkle lights upon the tree.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And yet, it is my absolute favorite holiday. As Easter approaches, my heart fills with the joy that Christmas magic brings to children each year. Though the week will be extremely busy, I anxiously anticipate Holy Week for a couple of reasons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see, first, it is the one time of the year where I feel like the church <i>really</i> acts like the family they should be. Our focus turns to the One who<i> should</i> have our focus constantly and we are reminded of the reason we all gather in the first place - because of the love of Christ. Second, because of that focus, there is a beautiful reverence we sometimes lack throughout the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, Christmas does the same thing on a certain level. However, do to the demands of the world, everyone is busy, rushing around like ants at a picnic. During Christmas, church is <i>usually </i>reserved for Christmas Eve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For some churches, this may also be true at Easter - a lot of rushing around for a big service on Easter Sunday. But our church does things differently this time of year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It starts Maundy Thursday as we gather for the Sader Meal and foot washing. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of foot washing. However, it serves a significant purpose - a reminder of how we are to be a servant for all, just as Christ has been for us. My favorite part of the evening is the Sader Meal - a brief glimpse at the history and tradition that our Savior personally participated in!! Though we have been attending this service for years (both now and at the church I grew up in) - I still love talking about the significance that each piece of the meal represents. <i>Everything</i> they did was intentional. When did we lose that!?! I am so excited to share this tradition with Little Miss when she is a bit older, to teach her how significant the reverence of the night is as we conclude with a candle light service.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3Bzq3583EeIR51ZR7r371ZDQfOnD_Ow9WyUoPwB9n1LRVtwlYuPs-7BzhwyqmnyHwogGhinjhzBCLDB860oFbvpR6zSFJvZB1ZGTNEJ6J_MdzOBg7pyAKQoaovRZipSHOQ3dA1ZrU6A/s1600/Communion.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Easter, Church, Family, Tradition, Sader Meal, Communion, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Crucifixion, Reverence, Worship, One Body" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3Bzq3583EeIR51ZR7r371ZDQfOnD_Ow9WyUoPwB9n1LRVtwlYuPs-7BzhwyqmnyHwogGhinjhzBCLDB860oFbvpR6zSFJvZB1ZGTNEJ6J_MdzOBg7pyAKQoaovRZipSHOQ3dA1ZrU6A/s400/Communion.jpg" title="Communion During Sader Meal" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then Good Friday arrives. This night holds special significance for me personally. Our church goes to a production of the Easter story each year....an hour north at the church I grew up in, the church where I accepted Christ as my Savior and was first welcomed, wholeheartedly, into the family of God. It is the one time of the year that I have two of my church families together in one place. And my heart soars because of that. It reminds me that one day we will <i>all</i> be together again, in one place, worshipping the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he retelling of the Easter story never gets old for me either. Though I have seen and participated in the same play for years and years....and years....it still reminds me of the sacrifice Christ made for us - that because of His scars I am free!!! And as Little Miss grows, I cannot wait to tell her about all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, about why I was brought to tears on that very stage, and about how THIS story is HER story - that Christ went through all of that (and more) so that SHE could have freedom and eternal life with Him. This year, I imagine the animals will be the highlight. And she will love the children and the singing. But as each year passes, she will understand more and more.</span><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1cokv6GoBl1lqXxOoCUZXVp9JLCppgOMrENSRqKsKRwnTAYNiDaqnJebb8s7JKlm9c6sBk4eH4fknISCnmhKohS3KX2MMhtCK91RkhA6-jctyuFO-mGF4bQgOCfGPkatu3IZyw8cuw4/s1600/Thorns.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Easter, Church, Family, Tradition, Sader Meal, Communion, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Crucifixion, Reverence, Worship, One Body" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1cokv6GoBl1lqXxOoCUZXVp9JLCppgOMrENSRqKsKRwnTAYNiDaqnJebb8s7JKlm9c6sBk4eH4fknISCnmhKohS3KX2MMhtCK91RkhA6-jctyuFO-mGF4bQgOCfGPkatu3IZyw8cuw4/s400/Thorns.jpg" title="The Greatest Story Ever Told" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And last, but not least, comes Easter Sunday. We have two services with breakfast between. Since each service is different, we attend both - we never want to miss an opportunity to worship the Lord as one body. I am glad, however, that the first service is no longer <i>at</i> sunrise. That means I get plenty of beauty sleep <i>and </i>I get to enjoy extra time in the house of the Lord. There is just something different in the air on Easter morning - maybe it is just my heart. But there is a reverence, a joy, a heightened awareness of the Spirit that all too often goes unnoticed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I guess in conclusion, Easter is my favorite because it gives me a glimpse of what it will be like one glorious day. The Church will come together as a whole - united as one. We will forever and always be reverent and joyful in the light of His glory and grace. And we will never forget, even for a moment, the Greatest Story Ever Told, we will never forget just how much He loves us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Easter comes around each year, I feel like we remember all of that, if only for a moment. We worship together as one, there is reverence and awe and recognition of <i>who He is</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wouldn't it be great if every Sunday were like that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The choice is mine. </span>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-7041670699508021472016-03-20T15:46:00.001-04:002016-03-20T15:46:09.357-04:00We Have Been Married for FIVE Years!!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been married for FIVE years!</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/300685_2280082649092_5681391_n.jpg?oh=9cfdaf15b759e198f6793e1731f3b415&oe=574A39F9" style="height: 520px; width: 335px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is absolutely unreal.</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/248659_2004041508236_1445308_n.jpg?oh=2be3d715f68dff813a226b2dfcbac37e&oe=5751CE64" style="height: 537px; width: 226px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday morning at breakfast we were talking about how different our life looks now. And how it probably isn't exactly what we imagined 5 years ago. On the not-meeting-par side of things, I definitely thought we would have more money. And neither of us ever imagined we would live in a town smaller than where we grew up. I probably thought we would have at least one more kid but I'm sure Hubby thought we wouldn't even have Miss A yet. haha. I saw myself not working at all (possibly volunteering, but not working). On that note, I NEVER, EVER thought I would be teaching sex ed (yikes!). And I definitely pictured a house with pictures on the walls (currently, the only room we have decorated is the nursery...and it is <i>super</i> cute!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But there are so many things that are better than we could have ever imagined. Having all of my family in one place (one house in fact) is super unexpected (especially the addition of a sister-in-law). We both love the jobs that we have - especially because I'm getting paid to work at a place where I very easily could have ended up volunteering! I never thought I would enjoy talking to junior high and high school students about sexual integrity - but every time I leave that classroom, I am glowing from the inside out. God somehow managed to allow me to have my dream job (behind the scenes at a non-profit) AND allowed me to be a *mostly* stay-at-home mom. But more importantly, we absolutely love being parents - more than I ever thought possible. I think that is the biggest unexpected curve ball - how much you love your kids. Even if I had known 5 years ago that she would be a reality today, I couldn't have anticipated the joy that overflows from my heart as I kiss her goodnight. 5 years ago, I could have never dreamt up the journey that brought Hubby and I here today. I have seen us both grow in phenomenal ways - usually by looking back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God brought us together. He brought us here. I'm sure he had a good laugh at our 5 year "plans." What He gave us was so much better than what we ever asked for, so much better than we ever imagined. I can't wait to see where the next 5 years takes us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So with that being said....here's a fun guess:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 5 years we will have at least 2 more kids (<i>maybe</i> more).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will have finished our bedroom suite and painted every wall in this house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be homeschooling Miss A. Or unschooling. <i>Maybe.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My walls will be decorated.....maybe......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We still won't get the whole "parenting" thing but we will love it and have fun in the middle of the mess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justin and I will be growing even more. Closer together, closer to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside of those hypothetical ponderings - only God can know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I can't wait to see what He has in store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, so beyond good.</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12523022_10207735352169348_6351080433963473596_n.jpg?oh=0256a42841400c9ad6cf69946d38c87d&oe=5791E7F8" style="height: 520px; width: 520px;" /></div>
Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-29187738262835682222015-10-27T21:22:00.001-04:002015-10-27T21:30:30.196-04:00Hands-Free Pumping Bra!<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPc1120c3b9eb52733df1d81c0e13f6967" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who has breastfed for any amount of time, knows that any contraption to make it easier is a life saver! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I saw this hands free pumping bra, I was ecstatic!! Pumping and being able to use <i>both </i>hands at the same time?!? </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVXSEDRrd4yzA6eXX3k8y_lbhyYw1jYtfyfcANV_0RXbPEOFlUcjcN4KrJh52YW3-jRGyWR0QogmDExfe1TIHp3JBaELciVK0Fm9noWXmf2Upc_pFCfrGFF59wH9SaSBLavjuAdolgLA/s1600/Bra+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Gift, Perfect, Nursing, Breastfeeding, Baby Shower, Push Present, Birthday, Christmas, 1st Baby, 2nd Baby, 3rd Baby, Children, Pumping, Working Mom, Stay at Home Mom, SAHM, WAHM, Hands Free, Bra, Nursing Bra, Pumping Bra, Handsfree Pumping" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVXSEDRrd4yzA6eXX3k8y_lbhyYw1jYtfyfcANV_0RXbPEOFlUcjcN4KrJh52YW3-jRGyWR0QogmDExfe1TIHp3JBaELciVK0Fm9noWXmf2Upc_pFCfrGFF59wH9SaSBLavjuAdolgLA/s320/Bra+1.jpg" title="BeliBea Nourish Bra" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The perfect nursing bra! (Photo credit goes to BeliBea)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have cut our nursing down to just one session in the morning and one in the evening. Mostly, it was because I was sick of pumping while I was at work or away from Baby Girl for any amount of time. Maybe, <i>just maybe</i> I wouldn't have stopped as soon if pumping wasn't a pain in the behind. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bra, from </span><a href="http://www.belibea.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BeliBea</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> could have made a world of a difference for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The BeliBea motto is this: "Nursing mothers demand a new maternity bra that is comfortable but affordable, flexible and durable, simple yet clever - this is the bra line for nursing mothers everywhere."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I believe it!! This is my go-to bra. It is extremely comfortable, offers great support (without wires), and it doesn't have a weird shape that shows when I'm wearing my everyday clothes. Always concealed. Always comfy. Plus, there is enough padding that no one knows when I'm cold....if you catch my drift. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Affordable, I suppose, is a matter of opinion. The Nourish bra runs $49.95, which is way more than i want to spend on a bra (I am pretty cheap). <u>However</u>, I know, first-hand, that you get what you pay for. I found nursing bras for under $10 at a bargain store. They are stretched out, tattered, misshapen, and the elastics are shot! I won't be able to use them for my next child. I will have to go through the whole process again. Nourish from BeliBea is so well made, I have no doubt that it will last me through my next couple of kiddos. Even if I wear it every single day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what about that hands free pumping thing?? Does it really work?? Unfortunately, I do not have the right type of pump for this bra to help. Again, this is because I'm cheap. Since I wasn't planning on work much, I got the cheapest pump I could find. The pump attaches directly to the breast shield, no tubing or anything else. Let me show you why this is a problem:</span><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/AVvXsEhA3QaN-C9MaGaL7g1eTpuqYZHUCwcrKRmDI45id0PzfwJWr9UpZxvgRxPineszCKB4XPhwkuPa1DWPk0IQfPIfNIVK76rHekQR5w3IdLZBTz_9MPaUVJCuzNZcNVEPweEKC9-cgYYu6ts/s1600/So+Far.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Gift, Perfect, Nursing, Breastfeeding, Baby Shower, Push Present, Medela, Freemie, Birthday, Christmas, 1st Baby, 2nd Baby, 3rd Baby, Children, Pumping, Working Mom, Stay at Home Mom, SAHM, WAHM, Hands Free, Bra, Nursing Bra, Pumping Bra, Handsfree Pumping" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3QaN-C9MaGaL7g1eTpuqYZHUCwcrKRmDI45id0PzfwJWr9UpZxvgRxPineszCKB4XPhwkuPa1DWPk0IQfPIfNIVK76rHekQR5w3IdLZBTz_9MPaUVJCuzNZcNVEPweEKC9-cgYYu6ts/s400/So+Far.jpg" title="Hands Free Pumping" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bra naturally pulled the shield against my chest....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDFdWEUutsP0H3pnClSyqSd_M9LX9VFR2oovaf-WLjgcrTmggi8_1K2c4pvjp2XXy3EWxdZH9wM6chmRjDO75anqheZKQWtY-Yt21wLiJlIbIweyVBpjW2bM13dtJgEc1hJBxvh_Sl0A/s1600/No+Bueno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Gift, Perfect, Nursing, Breastfeeding, Baby Shower, Push Present, Birthday, Christmas, 1st Baby, 2nd Baby, 3rd Baby, Children, Pumping, Working Mom, Stay at Home Mom, SAHM, WAHM, Hands Free, Bra, Nursing Bra, Pumping Bra, Handsfree Pumping" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDFdWEUutsP0H3pnClSyqSd_M9LX9VFR2oovaf-WLjgcrTmggi8_1K2c4pvjp2XXy3EWxdZH9wM6chmRjDO75anqheZKQWtY-Yt21wLiJlIbIweyVBpjW2bM13dtJgEc1hJBxvh_Sl0A/s400/No+Bueno.jpg" title="Not Perfect" width="301" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until I attached the actual pump....then it instantly pulled away as the pump was too heavy (this picture was taken at the same angle...and you can see a whole lot more of my tank top since it was pulling forward). I still had to use one hand to keep it in place.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hoping with the next baby I will able to buy (or maybe win) a better pump. In which case, this bra will be perfect. One great feature is that there are two separate clasps and dual panels - you remove the first layer for hands-free pumping and the second layer to nurse.</span><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/AVvXsEhyqa9GWTQaC4eV8Cz_bFPUPI9OEoruzxX81TnNAN8Yo94Ev6ydFp4DDWT6yOvjw4lfRBV9ysvpYz4OA-feDW8mDK_UBaPBEFTxPLP5x0ximEyiQMXkDyg_fXozZ_g5HYI3URZjDZ8SXRw/s1600/Clasps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Gift, Perfect, Nursing, Breastfeeding, Baby Shower, Push Present, Medela, Freemie, Birthday, Christmas, 1st Baby, 2nd Baby, 3rd Baby, Children, Pumping, Working Mom, Stay at Home Mom, SAHM, WAHM, Hands Free, Bra, Nursing Bra, Pumping Bra, Handsfree Pumping" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqa9GWTQaC4eV8Cz_bFPUPI9OEoruzxX81TnNAN8Yo94Ev6ydFp4DDWT6yOvjw4lfRBV9ysvpYz4OA-feDW8mDK_UBaPBEFTxPLP5x0ximEyiQMXkDyg_fXozZ_g5HYI3URZjDZ8SXRw/s400/Clasps.jpg" title="Dual Panels, Two Clasps" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two clasps</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, it is STILL MY FAVORITE NURSING BRA!! Seriously....I want to wear it every day. It may be my favorite bra in general...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BeliBea Nourish would make a fantastic gift - think Baby Showers, Push Present, New Mom, 2nd Kid, 3rd Kid, Birthday, Christmas, etc. ;) If you know a mom who is currently breastfeeding - she will LOVE this gift, I promise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to checkout BeliBea's <a href="http://www.belibea.com/">website</a>. And follow them on your favorite social media:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/belibea">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/belibeabra">Twitter</a></span></div>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMc1120c3b9eb52733df1d81c0e13f6967" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-62805196631729159362015-10-15T12:52:00.000-04:002015-10-15T12:52:37.307-04:00Responding to God's Call<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God has placed a calling on YOUR life. Every single person is a part of God's plan to further the kingdom. Every. Single. Person. Yes, that means you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God didn't call you to just sit in a church pew every Sunday. He didn't call you to pray a couple of times a week. He didn't call you to sit on a board at your church. He didn't call you to make sure your bible sits out on the coffee table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While all of those things are good and may be a <i>part</i> of the call He has placed on your life....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God has called YOU to go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That calling looks different for every person. But that is the ultimate goal of the calling that has been placed upon each of our lives - to make disciples, to further the kingdom. By entering into a relationship with Christ, you are accepting your responsibility in furthering the kingdom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now that you are aware that you have been called to make disciples of every nation, how will you respond?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's turn to Genesis 12 for some inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In chapter 11, we are first introduced to Abram (aka Abraham), briefly, through a genealogy. The very first verse of chapter 12, we see that God has called Abram:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>1 Now the Lord said to Abram,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>'Go forth from your country,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And from your relatives</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And from your father's house,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>To the land which I will show you;</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>4 So Abram went forth as the Lord has spoken to him....</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord spoke and Abram obeyed. Plain and simple. Obedience is the best way to respond to God's call. You could try and avoid what the Lord has called you to, as Jonah did (see the Book of Jonah), or you can obey. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Lord said to...Go forth....So Abram went forth...."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you respond to God's call like that? Are you willing to leave where you are (comfort zone, physical location, emotional state, etc.) in order to follow the plan God has for you? Or are you dragging your feet?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I know that You have called me to go and make disciples Lord, but that is waaaaay out of my comfort zone. Give me a couple of years and then maybe I will be ready. I need time to prepare myself. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I know I told You I would be ready in a couple of years, but I'm just so busy right now. With my new job and two kids, I barely have time for myself let alone the chance to go out and talk to other people. Just wait for work to slow down.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yeah, I'm working part time now. But I'm just not ready to go, Lord. Isn't coming to church on Sunday good enough for You? I read my Bible and pray. I even tithe and help out at dinners! Maybe another time.... There are other people more equipped than I am. If anyone knew what I had done in my past.... Lord, call someone else. This isn't for me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sound familiar? What if Abram had responded that way?? He may never have become Abraham. And Abraham is the father of Israel!! An entire nation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Responding to God's call does not just affect you, it affects generations to come! <b>You are living a story that will outlast you! </b>In verse 7, the Lord tells Abram, who is childless at the time, that he will give this land (Canaan) to his descendants. God is not just looking out for this generation but also for the next and the next and....well, you get the picture. You must think bigger than yourself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x43x5_NfED0iPyZZb1lIGvcJOOgmvPuW2VBLiUf1mH5OoBsb01dAd2U3vt56nfNuapzb3lVyoOL1xaK-Jmpjnq2MyN56os20xfjuDM2TWj1Ep7l2E5ngBSSe1vsZFjqyR4-VZfyb0J4/s1600/Story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abraham, Abram, Genesis 12, Bible, Scripture, Devotion, Daily, Call, Follow, Obey, Sin, Lie, Qualified, Good enough" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x43x5_NfED0iPyZZb1lIGvcJOOgmvPuW2VBLiUf1mH5OoBsb01dAd2U3vt56nfNuapzb3lVyoOL1xaK-Jmpjnq2MyN56os20xfjuDM2TWj1Ep7l2E5ngBSSe1vsZFjqyR4-VZfyb0J4/s400/Story.jpg" title="You are living a story that will outlast you! Don't forget it!" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But maybe you aren't qualified. Maybe you don't fit "the bill." You have some horrible sin in your past that people would hold against you. You can't make disciples! You have never read a theology book. And you certainly don't want to speak in public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever heard the phrase, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called"?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abram, most certainly was not perfect. In fact, in the very same chapter we see him diligently obey God's call to "go," we also see him sin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>11 It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, 'See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live, 13 Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abram <b>lied</b> to Pharaoh about his wife!! She was taken into Pharaoh's house (Admittedly, Sarai is just as much to blame here...)! Abram messed up. And this is seen <u>immediately</u> <i>after</i> he responded to God's call in obedience. This is so very intentional! God wants us to see that <b>we do not have to be perfect to follow the Lord's leading.</b> He still used Abram, and He will still use you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's back up for a moment. Do you remember when I said that your response to God's call isn't just about you? It affects other people and generations to come. Sin is the exact same way. It does not just affect you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>17 But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. 18 Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, 'What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?'</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of Abram (and Sarai's) lie, the Lord struck <i>Pharaoh's </i>house with plagues! Abram's sin immediately had an effect on other people. And I think it is safe to assume that some people could have died from this plague, which means that generations there after were affected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes our response to God's call, when it is not obedience, is sin. James 4:17 reads, "<i>Therefore, to one who knows the right things to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." </i>If you know the right thing to do and you <i>don't do it</i>, it is a sin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that sin doesn't just affect you. It affects the people around you and generations to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How will you respond to God's call today?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you ignore Him? Pretend like you didn't hear? Make up an excuse as to why you shouldn't respond?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or will you obey?</span>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-35071188837499793122015-10-08T20:31:00.000-04:002015-10-08T20:31:02.258-04:004 Must Know Cloth Diaper Resources<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you know, we have been cloth diapering for almost a year now. My, how time flies!! I wouldn't trade a minute of it. We bought disposables for one week while on vacation this summer and I am SO glad we don't have to spend that kind of money all the time. I would be working just to pay for diapers!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It isn't always breezy though. Initially, it can be very difficult to figure out what diapers you should use. Plus, the up front cost can be a bit much. And then there's the laundry...which <i>can</i> be a bit difficult to figure out (though it doesn't have to be a difficult process).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSllQmRu9Dv84-aMgs17_gSKHfI2M7FeaVVe36GU_3VC5B7KtSm3kt5d0XyIDjn_vMyxzmnEGCQ5LyXTMI3IprHztxTzqQAq39dBhCgdKe_eXOulM3fun4Z2d44bTm2gb9NElMrmUA7bs/s1600/4+Resources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSllQmRu9Dv84-aMgs17_gSKHfI2M7FeaVVe36GU_3VC5B7KtSm3kt5d0XyIDjn_vMyxzmnEGCQ5LyXTMI3IprHztxTzqQAq39dBhCgdKe_eXOulM3fun4Z2d44bTm2gb9NElMrmUA7bs/s320/4+Resources.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So on this crazy fun journey of cloth diapering, I have come across a few different resources that I couldn't live without. They are listed below in no particular order. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. For ANY questions or help trouble shooting I highly recommend the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChangeDiapers/">Change Diapers Facebook Group</a>. It is a wonderful group full of drama-free ladies. I have turned to them with questions multiple times and always gotten the answer(s) I need. They also share cloth diaper giveaways which means potential FREE diapers!! Maria Moser, blogger of <a href="http://change-diapers.com/">Change Diapers</a> runs the group. She is one awesome lady, and her blog is also a great resource!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://www.paddedtushstats.com/">Padded Tush Stats</a> (PTS) is an awesome resource in itself - great for checking out reviews and stats on a TON of different diapers. But, the thing I absolutely love about PTS is their <a href="http://www.paddedtushstats.com/retailer-database/">Cloth Diaper Retailer Database</a>. Do you need a specific insert but want to make sure you are getting the best deal? You can search for retailers that carry that brand AND designate what you want the shipping cost to be! I always spend time looking for the best deal and this cuts my time in half....or more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Having issues with stink? Is your laundry routine not working? Fluff Love University has a fantastic <a href="http://www.fluffloveuniversity.com/troubleshooting/">troubleshoot guide</a>. It saved me from having to strip my diapers. When we decided to cloth diaper, I got a few different detergents to see which I liked best. Turns out one of those is REALLY not a good idea (Charlie's) and another was just plain not getting my diapers clean (Nellie's). But I wouldn't have realized they were the issue for my stink without the help of Fluff Love University. Now my original detergent is on its way in the mail (Country Save). Looking back, I'm not sure how I didn't realize that switching detergents was the problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Looking for a great deal? Or do you need to get rid of some of your diapers? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/700341993443882/">.99 Cloth Diaper Auctions</a> is a group on Facebook that is quickly becoming my new favorite! We need newborn diapers and training pants so I've been keeping my eye out on there. While I haven't found anything we <i>needed</i> yet, there have been a TON of great deals on things that I <i>wanted</i> but had to resist. This is a great place to go if you are just starting out and need to build a stash. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to try a few different diapers at minimal cost. AND, I have every intention of selling my diapers on here...especially because we don't have any big brands (BumGenius, Grovia, etc).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So those are my 4 <i>must know</i> cloth diapering resources.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What resource would you add to the list??</span></div>
Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-55260697350867789312015-10-01T21:10:00.003-04:002015-10-01T21:10:33.651-04:00Aelah Grace: 11 Months<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a little late, as usual. Aelah turned 11 months about 12 days ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11 months!! I can't believe it. Nope. I'm in denial. My BABY will NOT be a toddler in less than a month. Not happening. Rewind. Stop time. Someone <i>do something!</i> Hit. The. Brakes!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKD5nRBQx4cO2OuN5NNCxDIl8wfmaCT-WOHIuWU7fm4dE0XXErxdeQIKeTNE5UrWsvnm4vCPooEIgGhPanWI8wQ2licTwP8Uy_jWNJXvaJ2eUiaEIu6F4thBJqh7hW-jHgHE9NwP96OE/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKD5nRBQx4cO2OuN5NNCxDIl8wfmaCT-WOHIuWU7fm4dE0XXErxdeQIKeTNE5UrWsvnm4vCPooEIgGhPanWI8wQ2licTwP8Uy_jWNJXvaJ2eUiaEIu6F4thBJqh7hW-jHgHE9NwP96OE/s640/Title.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11 months is hard mom!! Really....I just want to play with this sticker and you won't let me... Not cool.</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How am I growing?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMUZcdIJ3R96wC0Je2c2_1js2l8hTYzR8LKb29cO5fC3pigJZK1Raz8vdOdYMqUNjY3qDJ84LWyHu-e6xH03Rx3e2O9giz9cVfK7oXMz_f0koqHorol3NsIsFJGEFEjAc5TTggL6lzJc/s1600/Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMUZcdIJ3R96wC0Je2c2_1js2l8hTYzR8LKb29cO5fC3pigJZK1Raz8vdOdYMqUNjY3qDJ84LWyHu-e6xH03Rx3e2O9giz9cVfK7oXMz_f0koqHorol3NsIsFJGEFEjAc5TTggL6lzJc/s400/Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stayed laying for .05 seconds....but I got a somewhat decent shot!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the chub is gone. :( </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She just never stops moving. lol. But she is also getting taller! All of the sudden she can grab things off the top of my desk...or out of the trash can. Yikes! Every day is a new adventure!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How am I sleeping?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pretty good. No big changes. Though getting teeth means she is up a little earlier or in the middle of the night once or twice.... But it doesn't stick, thankfully...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How am I eating?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great! She never stops. haha. Always snacking and always wanting more. She brings me her empty snack cup and if she sees a snack pouch, you better watch out! She will go bananas!! And while it sounds cute....this girl is serious when it comes to food. See food. Eat it. That's her motto.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What else is new?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is just a new person every single day. She <i>loves</i> to read, waves at everyone, says "hi" and "hey" and dances like there is no tomorrow. She cracks me up! I never know what to expect anymore!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite pics from the past month:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CY2O2sjzlv-3zxqp7GW5HEHa48mzBRpLFPv7M58R_gpvQ5tWbdIoUXLzHY5hD4J11hHbteK3gUa2thtfx5QLatEUqYtzB8Zr8fi79DLhxcfZRjWlP6sBPQ1Si0Dc1ZYICPfmmsoO-SA/s1600/Fixing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CY2O2sjzlv-3zxqp7GW5HEHa48mzBRpLFPv7M58R_gpvQ5tWbdIoUXLzHY5hD4J11hHbteK3gUa2thtfx5QLatEUqYtzB8Zr8fi79DLhxcfZRjWlP6sBPQ1Si0Dc1ZYICPfmmsoO-SA/s640/Fixing.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was helping Uncle Luke fix things......</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxcuGDQTvWhELhCaYpfJtY4oaLdRn1ZCODi-5BskRy8hMuIOeEgBBs1BIUA1VWJvPIqo9wqnVSafXTLAwOWRczvRLt31sSA_w8rIk6YBVwzyA8zb4igEJX2MyGtu1oxv2l5AVJpDPx48/s1600/Pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxcuGDQTvWhELhCaYpfJtY4oaLdRn1ZCODi-5BskRy8hMuIOeEgBBs1BIUA1VWJvPIqo9wqnVSafXTLAwOWRczvRLt31sSA_w8rIk6YBVwzyA8zb4igEJX2MyGtu1oxv2l5AVJpDPx48/s400/Pirates.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our "Gigi is babysitting again!" outfit. Great Grandma LOVES the Pirates. After a miraculously short bout with cancer, Gigi was finally back to hang out. So we wore a special outfit just for her. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ8KQWtFpeMGGy7UzH2tMly-wXC5J5Vtz7bzoo2lvwk-zlXE7YuThrxDPnwW6ziF-reU7sgI2mnPzHwHvCxe792-oid9-vcc0-oybW_YO48nBC9H6WQ-Hf9C3G_Hc8kEzPQUcVNxC3ac/s1600/Princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ8KQWtFpeMGGy7UzH2tMly-wXC5J5Vtz7bzoo2lvwk-zlXE7YuThrxDPnwW6ziF-reU7sgI2mnPzHwHvCxe792-oid9-vcc0-oybW_YO48nBC9H6WQ-Hf9C3G_Hc8kEzPQUcVNxC3ac/s400/Princess.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What. a. Doll.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-493239657686230022015-08-28T22:02:00.000-04:002015-08-28T22:02:51.041-04:00Aelah Grace: 10 Months<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/AVvXsEhR-6hHMD382IK4Dk7qeiXW8YoQGLRuKM8MT8UUZQBppLbRHUBamD9ZrqLiGjLcfGPhXnfbdVPXWpBDwBAj8C45twZpYIyKacee4py-nycYqWtxSjKqj-UZs2DbawB7Xd0VwXlonO1Q0Po/s1600/10+Open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-6hHMD382IK4Dk7qeiXW8YoQGLRuKM8MT8UUZQBppLbRHUBamD9ZrqLiGjLcfGPhXnfbdVPXWpBDwBAj8C45twZpYIyKacee4py-nycYqWtxSjKqj-UZs2DbawB7Xd0VwXlonO1Q0Po/s400/10+Open.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh that face...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What in the world happened to my baby!?! Did I blink?? I'm officially starting to understand how parents say it goes so fast. Didn't I </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> bring her home from the hospital? And it never slows down does it? I am really trying to treasure little moments but my, oh, my...they are still flyin' by!</span><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/AVvXsEjeN7khW5BMbKnax5RbInUYs1Z98gyKpHY3oZ_dREabfsSI2akwvSO8tmEqdTzq_stFxMUdrcQ1cbNNdiHQYGlT3wEtLP4o0zCbzZfbA8maPnEHn3mEgSuanPMvdrvHo_5SAF-K997RlCI/s1600/10+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN7khW5BMbKnax5RbInUYs1Z98gyKpHY3oZ_dREabfsSI2akwvSO8tmEqdTzq_stFxMUdrcQ1cbNNdiHQYGlT3wEtLP4o0zCbzZfbA8maPnEHn3mEgSuanPMvdrvHo_5SAF-K997RlCI/s400/10+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laying in the basket may be a thing of the past. lol.</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How am I growing?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is probably losing weight because she is not slowing down. Every single day she just moves faster and faster! haha. I have to admit, it is so much fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How am I sleeping?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't complain. She actually bumped her bed time up a half an hour on her own. So instead of going to bed at 8:30, she is usually ready around 8. She wakes between 6 and 7 to eat and I wake her up at 7:30 for the day. Naps are anywhere from 1 hour to almost 3 hours and 2 or 3 times a day. As far as sleep goes, we are blessed for sure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How am I eating?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like a champ. I'm still tremendously glad we decided to do Baby Led Weaning. She eats everything and anything we give her - spicy, sour, green, orange....you name it! It is a bit messier though...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r4_vazAbAwiAwgWyZ5yceBQ17C8JycZw2hxHI-qLAOWa_e2hrNL3As5PmAju8QNsnUzBDkucd2uVkJ9Ksmn7T1Aoah-xClT8AxJZeCaKlf1HoqLfiByoqHWrgwXJRelvRU4Ugww4s-c/s1600/10+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r4_vazAbAwiAwgWyZ5yceBQ17C8JycZw2hxHI-qLAOWa_e2hrNL3As5PmAju8QNsnUzBDkucd2uVkJ9Ksmn7T1Aoah-xClT8AxJZeCaKlf1HoqLfiByoqHWrgwXJRelvRU4Ugww4s-c/s400/10+Food.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She LOVES black beans....especially when we have black bean tacos and they are cooked and mashed a bit with salsa. But, yeah....messy...</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What else is new?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is truly amazing how much they change in such a little time isn't it?!? She <i>finally</i> got her first tooth while we are on vacation in Michigan (the first week of August, so about 9 1/2 months). But, the biggest thing is that she started walking!! A week before she turned 10 months, she just woke up in the morning and decided today was the day. She went from taking 3 or 4 steps towards a person to walking across the room to get what she wanted over night. It has been so fun to watch her learn!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8svxrP0NTC6941Gvucnqpac21oG7idVqJWWCGhtFO84dUficNlI-5S_iuQ_J9uKDNs8WPjP-xPg5dLRMX4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are my favorite pictures from this past month:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ddFANwEr6cWTmW_VR7EG40JUzv3UhpaIqXjWTOcZyZbNvETNx60V034G3Gb-4CSBLQ111fBalmN_GqXcAWqBlY5HzffFgq93G1FbfIcpciJYkiLZP5WVFKN9gOp1LqeWroSnXiEfd3E/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ddFANwEr6cWTmW_VR7EG40JUzv3UhpaIqXjWTOcZyZbNvETNx60V034G3Gb-4CSBLQ111fBalmN_GqXcAWqBlY5HzffFgq93G1FbfIcpciJYkiLZP5WVFKN9gOp1LqeWroSnXiEfd3E/s400/IMG_1004.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love how she puts her arm on the side. So sweet. <3</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYssnZzN5lw3KRj2oKT1TlkDcIjdlO5yaD6kl0FUk-Tp1TypUdIEqy4XdTalof7zETNG7rmNTg4-L6MYeS69k5VucJR4boE8b-oAbKjACV9CSEvqIKKDfCuYz8NWIj_mFljqc81Opci-s/s1600/10+Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYssnZzN5lw3KRj2oKT1TlkDcIjdlO5yaD6kl0FUk-Tp1TypUdIEqy4XdTalof7zETNG7rmNTg4-L6MYeS69k5VucJR4boE8b-oAbKjACV9CSEvqIKKDfCuYz8NWIj_mFljqc81Opci-s/s400/10+Parade.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her first parade!</span></td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEguSUwO7HP5pm4MFlK7TzFeKPbPPOrcqL8jsNin9U2YrTEPEpxlKT_Cz5ig-HXYZnTFRxZbo3rAdLzI28GDio-HZqObuC0RTHlE8BkN-VD2eiu7Hvrc8jAQtR20vCGih__eopzYlqVjr0w/s1600/10+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSUwO7HP5pm4MFlK7TzFeKPbPPOrcqL8jsNin9U2YrTEPEpxlKT_Cz5ig-HXYZnTFRxZbo3rAdLzI28GDio-HZqObuC0RTHlE8BkN-VD2eiu7Hvrc8jAQtR20vCGih__eopzYlqVjr0w/s400/10+Family.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quite possibly my favorite picture ever! She was laughing about something on America's Got Talent, her hair is everywhere....too much! :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2Fo3MHZ0n3e4wrlDatq8N0YRyEIWMG4otg8VXqazWsjK16uUQx9NDjgZMaD6vYvq2MbDE7vn7wEzTB3YsDWVYqfdvTQfqt6Em5zWpQWvXn4IPPHIFPINtf0wPbMPf0-0ukFzqbvzvUo/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2Fo3MHZ0n3e4wrlDatq8N0YRyEIWMG4otg8VXqazWsjK16uUQx9NDjgZMaD6vYvq2MbDE7vn7wEzTB3YsDWVYqfdvTQfqt6Em5zWpQWvXn4IPPHIFPINtf0wPbMPf0-0ukFzqbvzvUo/s400/IMG_0972.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snuggles with Daddy. It is the only word I think she is really aware of at this point. I tell her Daddy is going to be home soon and she gets so excited and says "Da!" Any time I say 'Daddy' that is the typical response.</span></td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgn3rLB_QYR7Qw_nOr0TT3OQdIUX1HMH6Xgs2EBnX9GrmfHviXhU6lTbaFOBCymog5iX8sRPVX7_2Kfx-tDmfM9Y2Aat7_xqeQIm7xCznpmagNrTnoWisi8z6XuTQE8M-DfHwT6yCT2GWw/s1600/10+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3rLB_QYR7Qw_nOr0TT3OQdIUX1HMH6Xgs2EBnX9GrmfHviXhU6lTbaFOBCymog5iX8sRPVX7_2Kfx-tDmfM9Y2Aat7_xqeQIm7xCznpmagNrTnoWisi8z6XuTQE8M-DfHwT6yCT2GWw/s400/10+Lake.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She loved hanging out in the lake at Uncle Jason's and Aunt Nicole's house in Michigan!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-89573715904899385812015-08-24T10:25:00.003-04:002015-10-15T07:24:54.356-04:00Cloth Diaper Giveaway & WAHM Review: Tailored by Erica *CLOSED*<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey all!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been quite awhile since I have done a review. But I am super excited to be introducing you to another fabulous work at home mom, Erica from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailoredbyErica">Tailored by Erica</a>. She has two boys (2 years and 6 months) and together, with her husband, they live on her grandma's farm! How fun is that!?! She has been sewing since she was 9 years old and got her first sewing machine for her 10th birthday! She even made her own prom gowns. One was John Deere and the other was camouflage! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That theme has carried over into her cloth diaper shop! She sells newborn and one size diapers. Currently all of the ones on Etsy are camo or bandanna print! Since Hubby and I are a little bit country, I was pretty excited when Erica asked if would do a review.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r8nQ1SZnX6aCarIvOquFie5aY_C9eg31-yOQkXaUI00ojiXEvA6_ntC9ntk-llZ8V_pKDKOeFs2qpEcZyT9fBv33BLEOCuDXSXAXOAgcuzSyqEpvrt8ij6trSCYnXpv8I9mhs5cXowo/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r8nQ1SZnX6aCarIvOquFie5aY_C9eg31-yOQkXaUI00ojiXEvA6_ntC9ntk-llZ8V_pKDKOeFs2qpEcZyT9fBv33BLEOCuDXSXAXOAgcuzSyqEpvrt8ij6trSCYnXpv8I9mhs5cXowo/s320/Title.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cloth Diapers with a country flair!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For review purposes, she sent me a camouflage one size pocket diaper. And as a thank you, she also sent a newborn cover in the bandanna print. Super sweet, right? It is the cutest little thing....</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYzzWXZBxwFTPY_bhMmcs5qUISB5ACflTlLpo2prn-58WTdjNcdZH4I_XftWNd1AOHx8wBmYZWb3eNq0oyx9kICra-QRLbBhVE47DqlXUlObWSQbKM860rOK-ZaZPMCV3kPQmEHzOfQk/s1600/NB+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYzzWXZBxwFTPY_bhMmcs5qUISB5ACflTlLpo2prn-58WTdjNcdZH4I_XftWNd1AOHx8wBmYZWb3eNq0oyx9kICra-QRLbBhVE47DqlXUlObWSQbKM860rOK-ZaZPMCV3kPQmEHzOfQk/s400/NB+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So tiny and precious. :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The camo diaper is pretty neat! My brother, who very rarely has anything to say about material items, told me he really liked my new diaper. So I knew it was a big hit with him!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYWGqF0bDfxvrPLJHI7a_swd00BPQL3i1T6URTyzC_Hvd5jKt_4NQtSZl0-XwkYgKS2QuBsTCYklrj08__Rh_fZdA6pX6w3VSsKLY86cRLgFATvcysvFTyFGBdk2JlzVD5noj9wZyeVQ/s1600/Camo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYWGqF0bDfxvrPLJHI7a_swd00BPQL3i1T6URTyzC_Hvd5jKt_4NQtSZl0-XwkYgKS2QuBsTCYklrj08__Rh_fZdA6pX6w3VSsKLY86cRLgFATvcysvFTyFGBdk2JlzVD5noj9wZyeVQ/s400/Camo+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smallest Setting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEj9BnqQqPjOsTBAnDKdrTUH_ffoAxy8Mr6gQmbiuwPVVe7hJdXg82fT7IYAZnfVibtazAjXlOqgrzpa1zhv5r37EHCTrmG96HkO1mgO_HhnkzCKqTsuIMVh2LyVIzr906VcV5LR1J86tPc/s1600/Largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BnqQqPjOsTBAnDKdrTUH_ffoAxy8Mr6gQmbiuwPVVe7hJdXg82fT7IYAZnfVibtazAjXlOqgrzpa1zhv5r37EHCTrmG96HkO1mgO_HhnkzCKqTsuIMVh2LyVIzr906VcV5LR1J86tPc/s400/Largest.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Largest Setting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is definitely room to grow! I will, say, however, the the smallest setting seems a bit big for a one size (OS) diaper. We have it on the smallest setting right now. Aelah is 10 months old and almost 19 lbs. Admittedly, however, she is a bit skinny since she is so long for her age. But I don't think this would have fit her (without leakage) very long before now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UPDATE: Erica let me know after posting this that she is already in the process of adjusting her OS design so that it will fit smaller. Guess I should have checked with her on that first. :/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<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/AVvXsEgvSzp8zz29HTnyOCoHAz3oVdPHwJCCNg60E6FRhwE76WQVg1MntUgW6oFCIyrMKE6BXW2DjsWbUrGdzjJlpTy6FtG2jwSVsNQU6Eld8NArxoTpvkzsAzezBn9SO741KXCe4rBHbOKRTzk/s1600/Bum+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSzp8zz29HTnyOCoHAz3oVdPHwJCCNg60E6FRhwE76WQVg1MntUgW6oFCIyrMKE6BXW2DjsWbUrGdzjJlpTy6FtG2jwSVsNQU6Eld8NArxoTpvkzsAzezBn9SO741KXCe4rBHbOKRTzk/s400/Bum+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the fit on her right now...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, honestly, that would be my only complaint. Outside of that, this diaper is awesome! Why?</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is unique...definitely haven't seen very many camo diapers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It doesn't leak at night!! Stuffed with a double microfiber insert and a bamboo booster...which is what we put in my other tried and true pockets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has an adorable ruffle on the butt for some added girly-ness! </span></li>
</ul>
<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/AVvXsEjw9WUYCbjZDPgFnNVxPHvDM7hmgOwsSbHMeCYiR9eFjPV-gXiD__mbIu0UiI0CJgoT2TI6ZKPsWK6helaxgFe7sAUSXg5oz4Y0f8yw7OicHHHZNi_TpO_Wh8f1uhsFgkd1mv-zK77wKOA/s1600/Camo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9WUYCbjZDPgFnNVxPHvDM7hmgOwsSbHMeCYiR9eFjPV-gXiD__mbIu0UiI0CJgoT2TI6ZKPsWK6helaxgFe7sAUSXg5oz4Y0f8yw7OicHHHZNi_TpO_Wh8f1uhsFgkd1mv-zK77wKOA/s400/Camo+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lace is good. :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inside is made of a very soft almost mesh type material. It keep baby's bottom dry and actually doesn't stain very easily. UPDATE: While this fabric is fantastic, Erica has switched to a stay-dry cottom velour for the inside of her diapers. Apparently, it is very similar to bumGenius 4.0.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<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/AVvXsEi9RPcmzWUVtQbG9WFC-aYxFyLgAkVYXdw7jWqeekJs5hLdeqO4tWTCqQguTQorID7FY56DG2S_JVMzF7zLbYp3fTsChqbzGUQFIwjYnA66Ho_1xjjU_-GQcnqHgEFYeekv4NUewaomy3Q/s1600/Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RPcmzWUVtQbG9WFC-aYxFyLgAkVYXdw7jWqeekJs5hLdeqO4tWTCqQguTQorID7FY56DG2S_JVMzF7zLbYp3fTsChqbzGUQFIwjYnA66Ho_1xjjU_-GQcnqHgEFYeekv4NUewaomy3Q/s400/Inside.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looks run of the line here....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhhmuGrAWZjIISidzdzKc2psCBJC6CAe4gd99uz3SFAqFjR8ear2EJBirK5eBy050ZMTJZqSANy1ZV-jsClaA_iRdLC8TClCXdSlKU27p0T06d97w3949hFo8xp38jrxWx2Ypze63REjXc/s1600/Mesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmuGrAWZjIISidzdzKc2psCBJC6CAe4gd99uz3SFAqFjR8ear2EJBirK5eBy050ZMTJZqSANy1ZV-jsClaA_iRdLC8TClCXdSlKU27p0T06d97w3949hFo8xp38jrxWx2Ypze63REjXc/s400/Mesh.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But up close, it is a bit different. Almost like Gro Via shells....but a bit softer...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are affordable!! You can snag a one size pocket for just $14! And her newborn diapers are only $10!</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love being able to add a diaper to my stash that I know we will be reaching for often! This is a <span style="font-size: large;">5-Star keeper</span>!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<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/AVvXsEgNNkRYkJdzv8I_0ruCnMzUvt6-2tHAa5iIqRlBkrHbeuOALnIsIgUb426Sbexl16E2-Yt8VTiLJkq1d-wSSyn6eZ9yHR-Y205dfRkqNSqcCjOLRMB9YMrh89S3Hv5fr0hpO1GQ7lEgXB0/s1600/Bum+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNkRYkJdzv8I_0ruCnMzUvt6-2tHAa5iIqRlBkrHbeuOALnIsIgUb426Sbexl16E2-Yt8VTiLJkq1d-wSSyn6eZ9yHR-Y205dfRkqNSqcCjOLRMB9YMrh89S3Hv5fr0hpO1GQ7lEgXB0/s400/Bum+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruffle Butt!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjbWE08_saWXDjL3TYTQSnlT-FfaqKNwD_rXXdxLEqIUXTfpNkEi_XeQLu6WDp-eH8QjNIyvMA8gixy1aRYFd4P7TWp95R9ycKf7bPnW8GfSbzSIz8eZOvzPoSf45fjuB-AcgxzmFAwD1M/s1600/Bum+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWE08_saWXDjL3TYTQSnlT-FfaqKNwD_rXXdxLEqIUXTfpNkEi_XeQLu6WDp-eH8QjNIyvMA8gixy1aRYFd4P7TWp95R9ycKf7bPnW8GfSbzSIz8eZOvzPoSf45fjuB-AcgxzmFAwD1M/s400/Bum+1.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO cute!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEh4oIOa_xAn3Jzgfeq5f0HZSE1uH_2rNxFiZ4tis5BW8naZZn2elh6uNyINt4d-Y0NFOZuKCJ4wZpoKKFfgUl-ntY1nC-gw5l2W5GBF__TNvlkZCIJdnMZ8C-FHX0dmo5Eq-ZfOKSBxeIk/s1600/Bum+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oIOa_xAn3Jzgfeq5f0HZSE1uH_2rNxFiZ4tis5BW8naZZn2elh6uNyINt4d-Y0NFOZuKCJ4wZpoKKFfgUl-ntY1nC-gw5l2W5GBF__TNvlkZCIJdnMZ8C-FHX0dmo5Eq-ZfOKSBxeIk/s400/Bum+4.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kissable!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**Additional Note - inserts are not included when purchasing from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailoredbyErica">Tailored by Erica</a>. However, you can purchase each diaper as a pocket OR cover and the newborn diapers include an AIO (All in One) option. I love having options! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a thank you to Erica for this review and giveaway - be sure to follow her on one of the following social media outlets. Thanks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailoredbyErica">Etsy</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/tailoredbyerica"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instagram</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Buy: Head over to the Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailoredbyErica">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Win: Enter to win the diaper of your choice (must be in stock on Etsy) by using the Giveaway Tool below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="pgtContainpgt" id="pgt61670930265pgt">
<a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=61670930265" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">Entry</a><script src="//giveawaytools2.com/wid/embed.php?sk=61670930265" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=61670930265" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">-Form</a></div>
Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-4783094653836619212015-08-11T21:30:00.004-04:002015-08-11T21:30:59.493-04:00Aelah Grace: 9 Months<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/AVvXsEjCMNGQPqkT18GoiyuM1gSdkXYf2eeUg33r1oUDI-tqVeLNlL5s1Dy4FhHDmpT-cbdSg4VVxzq9jpm3DtsnH9xBiF-cDwmz_6omgTQPwYI_y7vbclfHOKNMUUGVPz4clpzDKNDXasa08_E/s1600/9+Pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMNGQPqkT18GoiyuM1gSdkXYf2eeUg33r1oUDI-tqVeLNlL5s1Dy4FhHDmpT-cbdSg4VVxzq9jpm3DtsnH9xBiF-cDwmz_6omgTQPwYI_y7vbclfHOKNMUUGVPz4clpzDKNDXasa08_E/s400/9+Pose.jpg" width="346" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is something else this girl....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nine Months. Can you believe it?? My baby is slowly becoming a toddler.... Not cool. At all. I have to admit, it is a lot of fun. And on the other hand, it is super difficult. She is constantly on the go. If she is awake, my productivity is cut by 80% easily!! haha. We just have to learn how to master this new normal!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, yes, I realize this is almost a month late. haha. Hoping to have our 10 month post up next week...on time! ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<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/AVvXsEhT718X05eVmsl2EIEt8sRPU7AzVVS0Z0tCHE5weB4KqZm9uc_TZhC1NKVeEXMfB8VMmskd6Be8_xk_ZI0SM79BDNgVCu2p1jGtphNdastH0ZBzKW7P504XKUvZuGAgVEcx_egUELgtiRs/s1600/9+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT718X05eVmsl2EIEt8sRPU7AzVVS0Z0tCHE5weB4KqZm9uc_TZhC1NKVeEXMfB8VMmskd6Be8_xk_ZI0SM79BDNgVCu2p1jGtphNdastH0ZBzKW7P504XKUvZuGAgVEcx_egUELgtiRs/s400/9+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little Miss Busy Body</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How am I growing?</b><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<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/AVvXsEhIsYhe96lbzFlsUwuUHrYIeNfgvjf9iPm8q5Cwe6K62gYLvqAIJDVTfDd_ghNkjbON9QAyTht81GovBmEC82fIGH0GELU-g5L_Ceu9tbUQghyALAwp3XW86gQ74EBNiz9iLCQY8dGBo1k/s1600/9+Compare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsYhe96lbzFlsUwuUHrYIeNfgvjf9iPm8q5Cwe6K62gYLvqAIJDVTfDd_ghNkjbON9QAyTht81GovBmEC82fIGH0GELU-g5L_Ceu9tbUQghyALAwp3XW86gQ74EBNiz9iLCQY8dGBo1k/s640/9+Compare.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where did my baby go!?!?!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, she is officially 18 lbs, 12 oz. And 28 and a half inches long! She is in the 50th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Since she was weighed and measured last (around 6 months) she has gained 1 lb and 6 oz....I really think she gained more than that and then lost within the last month since she has become so much more mobile. Her legs are getting skinnier! :( She has grown an inch and a half since then as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How am I sleeping?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marvelously! There are still nights now and then that she will wake up and fuss a bit but only once in the past month have I had to get out of bed before 6am. It was a weird night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How am I eating?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boy does she love her food! I haven't noticed a difference in nursing....unless I'm not around. Then she wants less milk and more actual food. Which I know isn't abnormal. Her favorites currently are pasta, yogurt, dried sugar snap peas, meatballs, and pretzels with hummus.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eM-FZ5kvBPGaeO-l-o0yAaZTbbhyphenhyphen3rhSbIjlQ4i4FRSl_iY3_P5WyaCkT2YGNyMWXgNddZrKM4IETJusO9_4tMtDVj6vRzIjcOdhDuoJsUlpW6xZm_YvF_uxvt5VpvO6eTBIQwACZn8/s1600/9+Lemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eM-FZ5kvBPGaeO-l-o0yAaZTbbhyphenhyphen3rhSbIjlQ4i4FRSl_iY3_P5WyaCkT2YGNyMWXgNddZrKM4IETJusO9_4tMtDVj6vRzIjcOdhDuoJsUlpW6xZm_YvF_uxvt5VpvO6eTBIQwACZn8/s400/9+Lemon.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She even loves lemons!!</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What else is new?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She has mastered crawling, much to my dismay. Every two minutes she in into something else. I keep reminding myself that this is how she learns and that curiosity is a good thing. But I also find myself wishing that we had a smaller living space or somewhere that I could corral her a bit better. A large open floor plan is not practical for mobile infants! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First steps were taken about a week ago at this point I think. Just a couple here and there. Though yesterday she braved four at once which is the most I've ever seen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attitude is in full force. When she isn't happy she will let you know! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waving hello, goodbye, and goodnight is a lot of fun! And actually, because she started waving before bed time, it is now a nice clue that she is ready for a nap. If no one walked in the door and she comes over to me and waves, it generally means she is sleepy. I also love that when I come home from work she waves with both hands because she is so excited to see me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No teeth yet. I keep thinking they are coming....but still nothing. Hopefully soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my favorite pics from the month:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsKea-DIDqFiTP_ZQh2CRv8A3V9LxUsVTJ2utW8e92vbMjWMteLNhJODkQZV5MbDewFCRbjV9hGD2jiRNzkzj8QnUl5j3JxDsdlWGD17Sz6qz_OCrT33RGn-8n8RYwxwt6uCl2x6zTJM/s1600/9+Gorgeous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsKea-DIDqFiTP_ZQh2CRv8A3V9LxUsVTJ2utW8e92vbMjWMteLNhJODkQZV5MbDewFCRbjV9hGD2jiRNzkzj8QnUl5j3JxDsdlWGD17Sz6qz_OCrT33RGn-8n8RYwxwt6uCl2x6zTJM/s400/9+Gorgeous.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This picture is absolutely stunning. Props to my mom!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CR-TpsvCjudcRhA1fVyRJAhl3RbEjdTdNVAJtVnFBkXyKO8PXBVwiRxxx7lNFBzsgVd0DgfFc5jMDF1aCQHAiEfH9xkgNYl5H_-HFcovn2xD0VomkD20kpzL7KJ_Yh9zTb5AcCjkyXc/s1600/9+Pushing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CR-TpsvCjudcRhA1fVyRJAhl3RbEjdTdNVAJtVnFBkXyKO8PXBVwiRxxx7lNFBzsgVd0DgfFc5jMDF1aCQHAiEfH9xkgNYl5H_-HFcovn2xD0VomkD20kpzL7KJ_Yh9zTb5AcCjkyXc/s400/9+Pushing.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is actually a still from a video I took...she was SO intense about pushing that walker!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMwiPtYlnpZswkblIF5JWpu0WwHyIM4s48A5x6MorYN276z3qEmZ2uJqMa1B-t2wnPBcVoXZ8rnXKLWdcjnjkyifQ3enWpRsDdkYl68YyKzdfcq1bpavBq9sHg7UC6eL157vanV0r_FM/s1600/9+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMwiPtYlnpZswkblIF5JWpu0WwHyIM4s48A5x6MorYN276z3qEmZ2uJqMa1B-t2wnPBcVoXZ8rnXKLWdcjnjkyifQ3enWpRsDdkYl68YyKzdfcq1bpavBq9sHg7UC6eL157vanV0r_FM/s400/9+Bath.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She loves bath time too!! Look at that silly grin!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5xrWJzKe0CZiYVk9AZlmKEdrTMp1_ppVxwhO9_V2fFxaGsp_SUQmtERM1a7fdWJ-NlrnkCmChSjDeKGkkp9OBA6kcJYRnZ2CsfWm8d9-wBlSM9DduTcq3_rKPWO2oNa8jJObtfgKxGo/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5xrWJzKe0CZiYVk9AZlmKEdrTMp1_ppVxwhO9_V2fFxaGsp_SUQmtERM1a7fdWJ-NlrnkCmChSjDeKGkkp9OBA6kcJYRnZ2CsfWm8d9-wBlSM9DduTcq3_rKPWO2oNa8jJObtfgKxGo/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Investigating Daddy's ukulele...she loves all things musical!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713685075530911661.post-84652611274662372502015-07-20T09:36:00.000-04:002015-07-20T09:36:03.712-04:00Once Upon a Time...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to tell you a story....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once upon a time in a land far away there lived a very stubborn nation. They had lived a tough life under the tyranny of others. But, thanks to the grace of God, they escaped from that tyranny and began their life anew. Thankfully, God placed in their hands a guide to His will for their life. They only had to follow it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But...being a stubborn nation, they ignored what God wanted for them and let their hearts stray. God sent blessing after blessing their way and still they would not follow His will. He sent punishment their way and, still, they would not follow His will. So He gave them over to their stubborn, hardened hearts. They would not enter His rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who do you think I am speaking of here?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Possibly Israel. Possibly the United States. The truth is, it could be either one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like Israel, we were given a chance to follow the will of God. He even gave us instructions by giving us His word (aka the Bible). Yet, we harden our hearts and turn from His ways day after day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 95:7b-10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7b</span> Today, if you would hear His voice,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">8</span> Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">9</span> "When your fathers tested Me,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>They tried Me, though they had seen My work.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">10</span> For forty years I loathed that generation,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And said they are a people who err in their heart,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And they do not know My ways.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">11</span> Therefore I swore in My anger,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Truly they shall not enter into My rest."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While our nation was not literally at Meribah or Massah, we have been in <i>contention </i>with God and we have tempted, or tested Him, which is the meaning of those two words (Strong's <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H4809&t=NASB">H4809</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H4532&t=NASB">H4532</a>). If any nation has followed after its own heart and neglected the word of God that was at their fingertips, it is ours! We are just like Israel: "They knew God's ways well enough; but they did not like them; and would not walk in them" (<a href="http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/view.cgi?bk=18&ch=95">Clarke</a>). What are God's ways? How do we know them? The Israelites had the 10 commandments. We have the Bible. He has given us a road map to follow His will!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just like the Israelites: "It mattered not whether He blessed or punished. They were impervious to both" (<a href="http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/teb/view.cgi?bk=18&ch=95">Expositor's</a>). It seems that no matter what happens to this country: fortune or famine, peace or terrorism, we never turn to God. And this is why: "They strayed in heart; therefore they had an ever-increasing ignorance of the right road. For the averted heart and the blind understanding produce each other" (<a href="http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/teb/view.cgi?bk=18&ch=95">Expositor's</a>). If that doesn't explain our country, I don't know what does. The heart of the nation, the hearts of the people have gone astray. Because of that, they can no longer see what is right...even when it is in the palm of their hands! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We must be so very careful to keep our hearts in the Lord's will. For once we begin to stray, it becomes more and more difficult to understand His way. We are tempted and misled and eventually are hearts are hardened and "the seed sown on the rock never brought any fruit to perfection" (<a href="http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc3.Ps.xcvi.html">Henry</a>).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbRR7Hvq2kgui5ktOYr1jSqnnrDbb7R9vwGhCRX2BCoK07vGWOC_xHaY7hR6mY2THmesa4TrFV1hmEhaTHw_47vmjzWlBlleZ9iR3rf1O2p1wqSuk3TNNo75J9z6wGgRvcZBLVCHbS8c/s1600/Rocky+Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="God's Word, the Bible, Scripture, Daily, Devotion, Psalm, Seeds, Sower, Rock, Fruit, Israel, United States, America, Harden Heart, Sin, Church" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbRR7Hvq2kgui5ktOYr1jSqnnrDbb7R9vwGhCRX2BCoK07vGWOC_xHaY7hR6mY2THmesa4TrFV1hmEhaTHw_47vmjzWlBlleZ9iR3rf1O2p1wqSuk3TNNo75J9z6wGgRvcZBLVCHbS8c/s400/Rocky+Quote.png" title="The Seed Sown on the Rock..." width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Church, our job today, is to steady our hearts. Our job is to give our hearts entirely to the Lord so that they do not harden and we are able to produce fruit. For when we produce fruit, we encourage others to do the same. And soon, one fruit tree becomes an orchard and then the orchard becomes an entire forest. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ12xdjyxy4rvpeK4jAPc4FKSQBbLVukBmtDccU9bAVf1Tn8BMufUZYvgUN6bbpS-EtyIlNHv9WPQNhud0LVjzTZIei01bgthGbVFu_kegppTg0o_WO6-4IOGOVaPk8BVwzTnQJGa6P8/s1600/Fruit+Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="God's Word, the Bible, Scripture, Daily, Devotion, Psalm, Seeds, Sower, Rock, Fruit, Israel, United States, America, Harden Heart, Sin, Church" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ12xdjyxy4rvpeK4jAPc4FKSQBbLVukBmtDccU9bAVf1Tn8BMufUZYvgUN6bbpS-EtyIlNHv9WPQNhud0LVjzTZIei01bgthGbVFu_kegppTg0o_WO6-4IOGOVaPk8BVwzTnQJGa6P8/s400/Fruit+Quote.png" title="Produce Fruit" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be the light in the darkness. Be the fruit tree in this famished land so that one day, the Lord can harvest a forest full of fruit!</span>Bri Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00357624336110479386noreply@blogger.com1