Army Crawl

This is how Ri gets places now. I think it's funny how her arm gets all tangled underneath her.  :)

Smartest Baby Ever

If this is any indication of her hand/eye coordination, I think we're on the right track.  :)

Sweet Lil Sleeper

I thought this was a different, cute angle of Ri sleeping in her carseat.  :)

Say Please!

We've been workin on sign language with Ri for a few months. Tonight, we kept working with her at the table and she really seemed to actually do (her own version of) the sign for "please"...too many times to really think it was all coincidence.

She doesn't do it until the very end of the video - we were working through what appeared to be "demanding" for a good bit . It's like she's scratching herself across her chest. I know it may seem so slight but the fact that she did it so many times tonight really makes me think she may actually be beginning to catch on!

So yeah...not to brag but I pretty much have the smartest baby ever.

Swinging!

This was her first experience in a swing. I think it's safe to say she enjoyed herself.  :)

My mom said I was potty trained using "swing time" as a reward. I wonder if we can do the same with Ri.

Cheeser

I was tryin to catch Mur Mur doin his sign language for "please". But as soon as I turned the camera on, he turned into Mr. Cheeser. Love him!!

Whenever somebody has food, he will do his please sign so much you'd think he was going to rub a hole right in his shirt! It makes me laugh.

If you look closely, he also does the sign for "more". His is a little different that it's supposed to be. It's when he takes his pointer finger on one hand and hits his other hand open-palmed.

I'm hoping to teach Ri sign language too. :)

Growing Up

Ok, I don't think you understand how big of a deal this is for me That's right, me.  Not Ri.

If you know me at all, you know I'm horrible with change.  My mom is horrible with change. My grandmother is horrible with change.  I guess you could say it runs in the family.  Or maybe it's just a girl thing.  Regardless, I am.

I blogged a while ago about how I hadn't given Ri any solids yet when she was 7 months old. Then when she turned 8 months, I thought, "Shoot, this is going so well let's go for 9 months!"

Then the other day, I was eating a fresh cucumber from our garden in front of Ri.  She reached out for it.  So I let her suck on it a lil bit.  She made a funny face and that was the end.

A few days later, I let her taste the cucumber again.  She never swallowed or chewed any of it, just tasted.

Then today, my mom and I were out to lunch and we had a salad with fruit in it and some bread.  I like her taste the bread like I did the cucumber.  Then my mom suggested I let her try a piece of a strawberry.

Instead of just letting her taste it once and taking it away, I actually held it there and let her explore it - both with her mouth and with her hands.  And then, she actually swallowed a small piece.  I'll be honest, all my mind could think was, "There goes her baby-ness - quick, get it outta her mouth before she grows up right before your eyes!" But she loved it!  Every time tried to take it away, she'd grab my hand again.

Yes, she's growing up.  She's getting bigger.  And no, I can't "keep her stupid" (as my dad likes to say) forever.  Oh how my heart wishes I could!  Feeding times have become our time - just us. And as much as we struggled in the beginning, it's SO simple now.  Honestly, I don't even really mind that she won't take a bottle (yes I've tried it in a sippy cup and she doesn't care for that either). I know that limits me as far as where I can go and for how long. But in the long run, it's such a small part of her life that she'll need me like she does now;  and I guess that's part of the reason why I'm having a hard time making the transition.

This is just the beginning of the end.  But I think I'm starting to be ok with that. Although I'm still not going to make solids a huge priority.  After all, her main source of nutrients should be coming from me until she's at least a year old anyway.  But perhaps now, every once and a while, I'll let her explore the fascinating world of solids...slowly, oh ever so gradually, but surely. She's growin up, and so is Mommy.

Fun With Balloons

She was havin a good ol time!

Remembering

Last time I walked down this path, I was headed to the ER. We were camping at Lake Jocassee. I was pregnant with Peanut.

When I went to use the restroom, I thought I'd lost my baby. Our ER visit confirmed everything seemed to be fine. But a month later, we found out everything wasn't fine.

It's hard not to remember when I see certain things here...especially when I made a trip to that same bathroom. I avoided the same stall.

But then God is so gracious. As hard as that summer was two years ago; this summer, I have a sweet girl smiling and splashing in the water.

I'm thinking of you, Peanut...and lovin on your sister!

Ri's Elephant Impression...and some random squeals too

She's been doin this scream-type thing inside her mouth lately. It makes me laugh. I like to think she's imitating an elephant but I think it might just be random baby noises.

Sly

I just love her facial expression in this picture.  :)

She's holding a travel toothbrush holder (50 cents at CVS on clearance!)...it's her new favorite toy!

Preview

Here's a quick preview of Ri's room makeover...I spent the day with my friend Nikki - and her sweet kids - today and almost everything is ready!

I made Ri's valance...ruffle and all (with lots of help from Nikki).  I'm pretty proud of myself.

Thanks SOOO much Nikki for your help!  I couldn't have done it without you!!

More pics to come soon!! 

Buckle Up!

My car has a reminder beep when the seatbelt isn't fastened on the driver or passenger side seats. As much as I'd like to claim I was overly concerned about Suka's well-being, it just so happens she weighs enough to activate the reminder beep.

*For those of you who may be concerned, we were not in motion when this was taken.*

Homemade vs Commercial

It's no secret. I coupon. Because I coupon, I am able to find things at a much cheaper price. However, what if I could save money AND clean with products that don't have crazy ingredients I can't pronounce?  I'm interested...and I love this post: 

http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/05/homemade-vs-couponing-household-supplies/

**Don't miss out on the fabulous links at the end...lots of great info and recipes for homemade cleaners**
I'm not saying you'll never see another Mr Clean product in my house (could I really get rid of ol faithful...aka Magic Eraser?!). I'm just sayin, if it's just as cost-effective and there's an added benefit for my family, why not? I'm not gonna go and throw out everything in my house I already have. I just plan to slowly change one item at a time.

That's all.

Puttin things in perspective

I just read a blog about a young girl who went to be with Jesus a few days ago. She was abandoned in Serbia after her parents found out she had a heart condition. A couple from Texas adopted her.

I can't help but sit here in a puddle of tears and gratitude. My sweet baby is sleeping soundly in the next room, not in a hospital bed. Our days are spent reading and playing, not fighting to overcome illness.

Now experiencing the incredible love of a mother, my heart aches for mommies who see their children in pain, struggling to live, and even watch as they take their last breath.

Thankful doesn't quite sum up how I feel right now. And hopefully, in those moments I find myself ready to complain, I'll remember little girls like Chrissie.  

http://allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/ 

Healthy Food and Living

I have a new favorite grocery store: Earth Fare!  As many of you know, I'm very much into couponing and have been able to save a lot of money doing so.  If stores don't take coupons (Aldi) or have a difficult coupon policy (Ingles), I don't shop there.

Recently, I started talking to a few women at my church (one who I told she needs to start a blog bc she's a wealth of great info...but she has 7 kids and no time for that so I decided I'd pass on the info she shares with me) who eat as organically as possible and have found ways to get good deals on healthier food. I mean, who doesn't wanna eat healthy foods? But I always figured it'd break the bank to do so I didn't even try. But after talking with them, I realized eating and living healthier was very doable. It all kinda started for me after Ri had a very common baby girl problem and the doctor prescribed a hormonal cream that was going to cost over $100. I knew there must be another alternative...possibly more natural and definitely cheaper. Turns out, there was - coconut oil!  That stuff is great for a lot of things but I used it for Ri and still use it occasionally at diaper changes instead of the other well-known diaper creams...works great!  I also use it on her thumb since she sucks it so much and it can get kinda raw...just a couple applications and it clears up!

I'm not, by any means, going to refuse to eat or drink anything that's not 100% certified organic or, as one lady so properly put it, "allow organic and natural things to become an idol". But if there are opportunites to eat healthier and live healthier, I'll take them!

If you have an Earth Fare near you, sign up to get their coupons via email - they're awesome...like buy organic ketchup for $1.50 and get 2 free handmade hamburger patties or buy $5 worth of items and get a free fresh pineapple. They're also currently doing a promotion to raid your pantry for unhealthy items and exchange them for healtheir choices for free - even if your item is opened and almost gone!   They also have coupons in the store near the front sometimes. Their website also sometimes has additional coupons available.  Just today, Septtro and I both got a free half wrap, chips, and soup, exchanged 2 bottles of salad dressing, cereal, and peanut butter for organic, and got 8 handmade black and blue hamburgers all for just over $10!   You can print more than one copy of their coupon and have someone else use it (Septtro in my case) or go back to the store again before the sale ends.

Also, if you're interested in healthier living in general on a budget, check out these websites (I haven't been able to look at them all myself yet) :

www.kitchenstewardship.com

www.thenourishinggourmet.com

www.passionatehomemaking.com

www.keeperofthehome.org

One last website that's great for a lot of Mommy questions is (forum-type format): www.welltellme.com

If you are aware of any other ways to eat or live healthier - without breakin the bank - please let me know!

Da-da

Ri has been saying this ALL day today - to her father's delight. :) She's said Momma over and over before but she's really starting to be more intentional about Dada.

Toofers

I'm sure gonna miss her gummy smile but havin those two lil teeth is pretty stinkin cute too.

A Year Ago...

Dear Ri,

A year ago today, we found out you were a girl!  I knew it all along. :) 

At first, I was really nervous about having a girl because I'm not very girly myself. I was unsure how I felt about the color pink invading my house; along with frills, bows, and baby dolls.  But even before you came into this world, I began to transform.  I began to embrace my own girly side even more (slightly, but more so than before...although I still think make-up is a pain in the hiny so still none for me most of the time).

Anyway, I just want you to know you are free to be girly; free to wear pink, free to play dress up, free to hate dirt, and yes, even free to do ballet if that's what your heart desires.

I love you sweet baby girl and I'm so very thankful to call you my daughter!

Momma's Day

This is my first Mothers Day. Actually, I kinda feel like it's my second - Ri was just inside my tummy last year instead of outside.

I had a lot of emotions this morning...waking up to my handsome husband and beautiful daughter: daughter, I still can't believe I have a daughter. I still can't believe God chose me to be her mom. She's such a joy!

I am overwhelmed at God's goodness and grace. And I am so very thankful that His plan is perfect.

I look forward to many more Mothers Days...and Lord-willing, more children to celebrate.

Happy Mothers Day to all of you as well!

Solids??

I am still exclusively breastfeeding Rilynn.  She just turned 7 months old.  She doesn't seem to be in need of anything else right now (no waking up at night or crying after nursing) and I quite like the availability of how she gets her meals now.  I guess I just picture starting solids as a constant cooking, mashing, blending, mixing of all these ingredients Septtro and I aren't eating and it stresses me out...big pain in the hiny.  Although I'm well aware that I'm very good at blowing things way out of proportion.  But then I started to feel guilty because I thought, "I'm holding her back!"  The pediatricians all say start solids at 6 months. But part of me just doesn't get what's so magical about 6 months and solids. I mean, what if they're doing just fine with nursing still?

So then I came across this article: http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/04/feeding-babies-a-relaxed-common-sense-approach.html 

I think I'm gonna try that....AND, just take one day at a time and see how things go.

Tummy Time

This is the third time I've found her flipped over onto her tummy. I suppose sleeping this way would help her thumb stay in her mouth better.  :) 

I'll be curious to see if she continues to sleep on her tummy regularly.

What I'm Learning

- having a baby is A LOT more sanctifying than I ever imagined in so many more ways than I ever imagined

- you can never have enough baby wipes in the diaper bag

- everybody has an opinion on how kids should be raised.  I need to trust in God's sovereignty and the wisdom He gives me on decisions I make for my baby

- all babies are different

- babies are confusing

- Facebook, email, and blogs can be great for sharing Ri with friends and family...but also can take precious time away from what (or I should say, who) matters most

- Not everybody is as proud of Ri for rolling over as I am

- Mommy needs time to herself at least once a week

- emotions still linger long after the newborn stage

- once babies get to the grabby stage, give them a toy or something ELSE to grab during diaper changes

- even when I'm sitting right beside Ri, it's still possible for her to fall and bump her head

- I'm not in control...as much as I try to be

- being a stay-at-home mom isn't much like I imagined but there's nothing else I'd rather do

- ALWAYS plan for getting out of the house to take at least 10 minutes longer than expected

- I will probably cry when Ri turns a year old

- it's hard for me to feel connected at church and with God during this season of my life

- the mistakes I make as a parent are covered by God's grace

- being a parent is awesome....and there's much, much more to learn!

Here I Am...sorta

I am STILL trying to get my mobile blog back up and running from my new phone. Sometimes I really think these "smart phones" could be just a tad smarter.

Ahhhhh Spring!!!

Homemade Wipes

I've been making my own baby wipes for about 5 months now (thanks to my cousin, Katie, for tellin me about it!) and I LOVE it! Not only do I use them for diaper changes, but also to wipe her off before bed if I don't get around to a bath or even as a nice, soft tissue for my delicate nose. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner! It really comes out to be A LOT cheaper than store-bought and I like that I know exactly what's in them. Here's how I make them:

I found a 2-pack of MainStay brand plastic containers at Walmart for about $3 to store them in (any air-tight container will work).

1. Cut a paper towel (no cheap ones - I like Viva and Brawny) roll in half with knife or tool of your choice

2. Mix 1 1/2 cups of water with 2 Tblsp baby wash and 1 Tblsp baby oil

3. Pour solution over paper towels

4. Let solution soak through (might want to flip container upsidedown for a few minutes)

5. Pull out cardboard piece from middle, pull wipes from middle and presto!

Rollin Rollin Rollin!

This past Wednesday, Ri finally figured out she's in control of making herself roll over - the connection has been made!

She hasn't been much interested in rolling over...before Wednesday it had been a couple weeks and before that it had been almost a month. She's yet to roll from her back to her tummy - it's always tummy to back (I think because she prefers her back). She'll go all the way to her side from her back, but not all the way.

Anyway, it seems her mobile days are soon approaching!

Wiiiii!!!

My mom got a Wii...and then Wii Fit Plus right before we came down to the beach. Our family is, shall we say, a tad bit competitive. So when one person gets 1st place, someone else must try to defend their title.

It just so happens we had to put the Wii upstairs in our room due to lack of room or proper jacks elsewhere so Septtro and I have a slight advantage. Hehe.

Can you guess which Wii Fit game Septtro is doing? :)

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Emmory has a very important announcement!

That's right people!! Mur Mur is gonna be a big brother!! My new niece or nephew is due November 4th! Woo Hoo!!!

Look What My Nephew Can Do!!

This is oh so very exciting! He took his first steps yesterday. :) Yay Mur Mur!!

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Tongue Tied

Rilynn has discovered her tongue and it's quite hilarious. I took this video while we were on a walk. Septtro was sticking his tongue out at her and she was doing it back.

It's so fun to watch her become more and more aware of the world around her!

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Oh So True!

The Important Things

Sometimes, while trying to do all of the things I feel are so important day after day, I forget my little girl is growing up so quickly.

Sometimes it's time for me to let the laundry pile up some more, allow more dust to collect on my living room table, tend to my couponing scenarios later and, this time, not put her in front of her toys...but cuddle with my sweet baby girl.

Sometimes I need to slow down and enjoy every bit of her that I can - her smiles, her smirks, her chocolatey hair, her big brown eyes, her laughs. She's what's important. And oh how thankful I am to be her mom.

Don't Count Your Chickens...

Yep, we have chickens now. Septtro has been wanting them for a very long time now so I finally decided we should give it a shot. We got them Sunday afternoon and already had two eggs yesterday (haven't checked today). We'll be getting a rooster soon.

I must say, the idea is growing on me. I know Ri will have fun feeding them and collecting the eggs when she's older.

Suka is obsessed with them. Whenever I let her outside, she immediately runs over there and stays there. I'm not sure if it's because she wants to be their friend or if she wants to eat them - but I don't intend to try to find out so we're gonna make Suka keep her distance when we finally let them wander around the yard for a while when we're out there with them.

Two of the chickens are 5 months old - just like Ri - and two of them are 10 months old - just like Mur, my nephew. Septtro said we could name two of them after the babies and those two would receive a 'pardon'. :) What do you think we should name them?

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Visiting Great Grammy

We went to visit my mom's mom this afternoon. It was a really good visit - Ri was pretty happy and gave lots of smiles and laughs.

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Poor Puppy

Suka has always been my baby. And I was actually naive enough to think my feelings and affections wouldn't change after Rilynn was born. I still love her. She's an awesome dog. But she's definitely no longer my baby.

Now she's just another toy for Ri. At least she's tolerant and good-natured. I'm thinking if somebody was grabbing my fat rolls like that, I'd be a lil more upset than Suka appears to be.

My New Favorite Picture

Take two hundred and three...action!

I keep tryin to capture Ri talking but whenever I get the camera out and ready, she pretty much stops. On this particular try, she did, however, give me a nice surprise. :)

A Bit Overstimulated

This was about a month ago and I'm just now getting around to posting (thanks to not having Internet at home). I just thought it was too funny not to share! :)

We were at my parent's house and it was later in the evening. Before I was able to record the video, she was laughing and cooing like crazy....not so much after a while though.

Introducing.....

My sweet niece is here! Brynnen Mana'ia Sene was born on February 6th! That's her Uncle Tito holding her. We haven't been able to see her yet but should be able to sometime in the beginning of March. I can't wait to meet her!! And Ri is pretty excited about meeting her new cousin too!

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Sweet Rolls

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Open Drawer Policy

This picture is not staged. This is what I do. I leave drawers open; sometimes cabinets too but mostly drawers. I'm not quite sure why.

Day to Remember

Today was definitely filled with many emotions. I'm writing this as I sit in my aunt and uncle's house in Pennsylvania. We flew up yesterday - and buried my grandpa today. We leave tomorrow. I can't believe he's really gone. But what a joy to know that he is no longer in pain! He's not suffering. He's not worrying. He's not afraid. He's in the presence of God - and reunited with my Grandma once again.

Today is also a very special anniversary date. Exactly a year ago today, I found out I was pregnant with Rilynn. I remember it so vividly. I had taken a pregnancy test the week before. Here is my post from that day. And here is the post from a year ago today. Oh God's grace!! Oh His goodness!

Tears of joy and sorrow over the loss of my grandpa - sad he's gone but joyful to know where he is now.

Tears of joy and sorrow over remembrance of the loss of my previous baby but joy in remembering the day we found out He created a new life - one that's peacefully sleeping in the room down the hall.

My heart hurts - yet is full. As we sang today at the funeral, "It is well with my soul"

Dear Mommy's Blogger friends:

Hi everybody! It's me - Ri. I like my thumb. It's very yummy. Sometimes Suka sniffs my head. Just wait until I can pull her ears. And....oh...um....anyway, I just wanted everybody to know that Mommy misses being able to catch up with everybody on their blogs like she used to. We don't have Internet at home and when we go to Grammy's house, there's already so much email and such to go through.

Anyway, I think she'd like it if she knew you all knew she still thinks about you all a lot and just because she may not get around to reading your blogs as much or commenting on posts, you're still her buddies.

Maybe soon we'll get Internet somehow.

Mommy sends her love.

Coos and smiles,
Rilynn

Real Muffin Tops

My mom and Shawna and I got together to bake muffins - LOTS of muffins. I wanted to have somethin quick to eat in the morning because I was averaging an 11:00 breakfast time. I think I should be set for a while. :)

We have cranberry oatmeal, cranberry orange, banana oat, and coffe chocolate chip muffins.

I can't wait to try them all!

Cooking with Tears

This happens EVERY time I cut an onion. I know there are ways to help this not happen, but I always seem to want the quickest way and the quickest way always ends in tears.

I've even gotten creative and worn sunglasses while chopping in hopes that it would shield my precious eyes. The only thing that did was make it harder to see. And I think I might have scared Suka a little.

I'm thinking this is a good excuse for me to ask Septtro to be the official onion chopper of the house. :)

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Attention Hog

I was trying to capture some cute moments of Ri the other day - but Suka thought she deserved some attention too. :)

Water Logged

Water has become my new drink of choice. I have always had water with meals, but it's reached a new level. I can't get enough. Septtro got me that blue water bottle for Christmas because even when running errands or while at church, I need water.

Don't misunderstand...I'm not severely dehydrated now do I have diabetes. I just now drink water ALL the time now - partly, I believe, because I was told to drink a lot of fluids while nursing and I'm paranoid about my milk supply.

I even drink water with my Oreos. I know - gross...but healthier right?

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Tummy Time is Exhausting!

Baby's First Bowl Week

Ri sure does love her television...especially football - which is good considering her daddy is a football coach. She seriously sits like this for 30-45 minutes; couch potato or just a sports fanatic? I guess only time will tell. :)