tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29984056293560826282024-03-15T18:09:31.762-07:00One Day At A TimeA blog about faith, family, marriage and photography Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.comBlogger775125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-74888550502904717122018-05-25T12:22:00.001-07:002018-05-25T16:33:18.007-07:00The Giving Life<br />
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I went to my daughter's school this morning to participate in their yearly Memorial Day Ceremony. I had never attended one of these ceremonies before at her school and truthfully I imagined it very differently and much more low key than how it actually was. Mostly, I wanted to be there because I wanted to support Daisy and her class while they sang "My Country Tis of Thee," and I wanted to support any veterans that might be there and stand for those that I currently know who are serving. I cherish the few opportunities that I have had to go to my daughter's school and participate in something with her and her class. Those are some of my favorite days as a Momma.<br />
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When I walked into the school with Bruin this morning, I was so surprised to see how many parents had turned up for this event. The lobby was packed with people waiting in line to sign in. The school was buzzing with energy and all of the kids around me were a blur of patriotic attire, stripes and stars. It was dazzling. </div>
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I walked outside and found a table to sit at and then took a minute to take in the setting around me. The middle school orchestra was visiting and had set up outside and it was rather grand actually. They were dressed sharp and they were sitting straight and still. There was a small stage set up at the front and there was patriotic decorations sprinkled all around. There were signs honoring the fallen of 2018 in our community and there were flags standing tall and proud. It was beautiful.</div>
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Then the kids began to pour out of all of the doors from every angle and in a moment the ground in front of us was flooded in red white and blue. It was a site to be seen. I was captivated by the level of attention to detail and the air of respect that I felt in that space. The kids stayed so quiet and patient even in the baking heat. I wanted to hug all of them for their patience and maturity for this special occasion. </div>
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The ceremony began and different people spoke and beautiful songs were played by the orchestra. Daisy's class sang their sweet patriotic melody and I loved it so much. At one point a group of old airplanes flew over in beautiful formation. It was spectacular!! I was not expecting that at all. Of course Bruin loved that part too. I was enjoying it all but, it was when the Police Captain of our town spoke that the ceremony began to take on a different tone for me. </div>
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See, I am reading this book right now called Daring Greatly by Brene Brown with my Bible study gals. This book has really rocked me on so many levels and I am not entirely sure what to do with all that it is digging up in me. The entire book is about the power of vulnerability and how vulnerability is essential for personal health and freedom. I believe it. Unfortunately, we live in a world that doesn't value it much anymore. The truth is that when someone is vulnerable and shares their heart, their story and their truth in love it is powerful...maybe not to everyone but, this doesn't change the fact that it is powerful and lives are touched and changed by that level of vulnerability. Vulnerability is brave and inspiring and helps set people free. </div>
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This Police Captain had also served in the military and he shared that he has lost good friends in battle...he spoke with a slight quiver in his voice, almost undetectable but, I heard it. I heard the pain of loss in his words. This captain confessed that the losses made it so that he had no desire to celebrate Memorial day with a happy BBQ or a beach outing. In his pain he has faced Memorial day more quietly, laying low at home. At least that is what I thought I heard...now I wish that I could let him fact check my story but, I think this is the gist of it. He said that it wasn't until he started participating in the school ceremony three years ago that something in his heart began to change...and mind you this is after many years....something changed as he watched young people full of life and joy celebrating life and freedom and honoring others with this celebration. His heart began to soften and he began to see the okay side of letting others celebrate however they choose. And honestly I almost balled my eyes out right then and there and if you know me you know that I never cry. Why did I almost ball my eyes out?</div>
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Because this tough man in leadership who has no doubt experienced unfathomable tragedy was being vulnerable in front of his entire community. That takes tremendous courage. Vulnerability is nearly impossible for most people in this day and age...especially for men. As painful and as difficult as it can be to be vulnerable, it is only through vulnerability that we can allow our hearts to become softened, humbled, healed and changed and also how we can minister to those around us. Our vulnerability is a powerful and encouraging voice in a broken world. Vulnerability says, "I feel that way too. You are not alone. We can get through this together!" </div>
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Instead of living his entire life hardened by pain and loss...which would actually be understandable, he is bravely allowing his heart to be softened and as a result his perspective and heart is changing towards the people around him and towards life. That is courageous. That is brave. That is also heroism. </div>
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I want more of that in my own life. I want more of that for all of the many people that I see struggling with so many different struggles in life. More shouldering of one another's burdens. More empathy. More patience. More love. More freedom. More hope. </div>
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This man's words changed how I see Memorial Day. </div>
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Then another young man in his early twenties stood up and began to talk. He shared about how when he was just 15 years old, his brother was killed in combat. Fifteen years old and his life was forever scarred and altered. Forever changed. The death of someone we love does that. A violent ripping of our hearts and then our lifelong efforts to work through our "new normal." I found myself holding my breath as he spoke. I imagined his loss. It's as if I could almost feel it for a moment as he shared so candidly. Here I am sitting here on this beautiful sunny day with a few of my own troubles and distractions and suddenly I just want to weep in the presence of a young man who lost his brother to battle. A brother who sacrificed his life and a family who sacrificed a son and a brother. This young man before me was a tangible reminder and powerful symbol of the losses all around us. I felt it, I couldn't escape it and I didn't want to. The pain. The loss. The great and ultimate sacrifices that have been made for my freedom. I felt it more palpably than I ever have before. </div>
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I have attended plenty of Memorial Day ceremonies. I have watched countless videos over the years. I know people who have lost loved ones. I have shed tears and felt their loss and I have thanked God for my freedom on countless occasions. I am grateful to live in a wonderful land of freedom and that has always felt like enough....in some ways it is but, then suddenly I find myself here....Why has it taken me 35 years to have this strange awakening....I am not even sure what this awakening is. </div>
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This young man said that he was so angry for a long time after his brother was killed. He said that all of the other men in his brother's team got to come home to their families. His brother was the only one who didn't come home. He wrestled with the whys for a long time. Why was his brother the one and the only one? Why did he have to die at all? We all wrestle with the whys of life sometimes don't we. He shared that Christmas used to be his favorite holiday because like any kid he loved all of the gifts that he got. But, this brave young man shared that Memorial Day is now his favorite holiday because it is a day that we honor giving and those who gave it all and that is what life is really all about. He shared how powerful it is to live life for what we give and not for what we get. He is only 21 and has already lost SO much more than many of us and yet out of his pain and loss he is able to see and understand what so many of us have not learned yet. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A giving life is the greatest life of all. </span></b> </div>
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<i><b>"For it is in giving that we receive."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Francis of Assisi </b></i></div>
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At this point I wanted to lay in a fetal ball on the grass in front of the entire school and weep. </div>
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Life hurts so much for so many of us. It just does. Maybe not all the time but, at some point it will. Yes, it ebbs and flows thank God or none of us would survive this journey but, hurt is inescapable. There are a lot of people hurting and a lot of people remembering a passed on loved one this weekend And when I see people who have lost so much rise up courageously and share what priceless lessons they have learned and continue to learn and how their perspectives on life have changed through their incredible pain, I am rocked. I am humbled. I am touched and I want to be more like them. </div>
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The Giving Life:</div>
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For all the soldiers both men and women who have laid down their lives for another</div>
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For all who serve: Police, Military, Fire Department etc.</div>
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For all the teachers who give their hearts away to their students </div>
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For all the Mother's and Father's who serve and pour out their hearts for their children</div>
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For all the Father's and Mother's who provide for their families come Hell or High water</div>
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For all the counselors who save lives and speak hope into hopeless people</div>
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For all the social workers who rescue others from harm</div>
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For all of the families that fight the good fight to persevere in difficult times</div>
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For all of the activists past and present who march and fight for equality</div>
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For all of the doctor's and nurses who save lives and help heal the hurting</div>
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For all who have lost so much but, face each day with courage and resolve</div>
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For all of those who have been broken and who live life with a heavy heart still yet, choose to fight strong and keep making this world a better place....</div>
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For all that my Jesus gladly did, said and offered to secure my spiritual freedom</div>
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This list could go on and on of those who live a Giving Life... </div>
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For all that all of you do....freedom rings and you all make that possible. </div>
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I am proud to live in a land of so much freedom...and I would be proud to live anywhere that freedom and love is the pursuit of all people</div>
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For any who are hurting this Memorial day weekend, you are not alone. We will come alongside you if you let us. For those who wrestle with how to celebrate this holiday and feel angry towards those who do, you are not alone. We will walk with you in your wrestling and in your anger. For those who so celebrate with BBQ's and family Beach trips, we celebrate with you and we thank God for the happy faces on the children all around us who live in freedom. What a priceless gift. May we never take for granted the priceless blood of so many that our freedom is built on. </div>
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So today I must give a big, heartfelt thank you to my daughter's school, to all who organized this special event and to all of the brave souls who shared with courage today. My eyes are more open and my heart is a little softer toward all. May God Bless America always. </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-2233115959091596172018-04-17T20:01:00.003-07:002018-04-18T03:47:46.593-07:00My Journey With Hashimoto's Disease<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC2lNFB6MlAVEKrkS9GSzGRAqDVvndFpXtO7gcmJ1p5uI2dU9n1xSprvDWzV90-tkNOhMOmhf9azYjgQDFk_ZWrIFiR5MikWL_nOzO521nu-ZYZGkBwv8C8ObNVxko4SVr9EsPhv3WbRN/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC2lNFB6MlAVEKrkS9GSzGRAqDVvndFpXtO7gcmJ1p5uI2dU9n1xSprvDWzV90-tkNOhMOmhf9azYjgQDFk_ZWrIFiR5MikWL_nOzO521nu-ZYZGkBwv8C8ObNVxko4SVr9EsPhv3WbRN/s320/IMG_4032.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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photo by: Christina Decamp Photography</div>
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Well, I feel like it is time, (drumroll) time to share with those around me, a little bit more of what I have been battling quietly for some time. I tend to share my stories best in writing so here goes...</div>
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Some of you already know that I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease about three years ago. I had been battling the symptoms of a thyroid disease since my pregnancy with my first kiddo, nearly 8 years prior in 2009. I didn't know what I was dealing with at that point and I didn't know what to do, so I ignored the signs and symptoms. I always felt super run down, sluggish and very foggy brained. This was after my kiddo was sleeping through the night. I got a full night sleep and I ate healthy enough and yet I still felt awful. Those were my symptoms back then when the problem was new and my thyroid was just beginning to go off the rails. Maybe if I would have addressed the situation then it wouldn't have gotten as bad as it has...maybe. </div>
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Another problem that I have is that I am the absolute worst at advocating for myself. I will advocate and champion for my friends and family all day long. I will encourage people to go to the doctor and schedule appointments for them and research their conditions. I will listen for countless hours to people talk about their struggles and walk alongside them through it but, when it comes to me...I like to ignore things and hope that they will just go away...that is, until they don't. </div>
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A few years ago I went to the doctor for my annual well check appointment and while there they asked me how I was feeling overall. At their prompting, I shared a bit of my daily normal (which wasn't great at all but, it was normal to me) and they were shocked that I hadn't come in sooner. I was shocked that they were shocked. All Mom's are tired all the time. All Moms have brain fog. I figured I was just dealing with the common side effects of motherhood that most moms struggle with. </div>
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They tested me immediately for a few auto immune diseases and the tests quickly revealed that my thyroid levels were drastically off. So, at this point my journey with Hashimoto's Disease officially began. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzRz-xl_OK7vgna7qINJqVhBa49cP93tUloK6KAM1SduIJBSNQH7-Jy0aK1DVG_3caso9zRnsBCFehoHZQLXXEVgI-iesZL0gemTiWx3WyyLZnZZL-nzAwahr7ed7OzGttMtsEtm0YZ81/s1600/IMG_4035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzRz-xl_OK7vgna7qINJqVhBa49cP93tUloK6KAM1SduIJBSNQH7-Jy0aK1DVG_3caso9zRnsBCFehoHZQLXXEVgI-iesZL0gemTiWx3WyyLZnZZL-nzAwahr7ed7OzGttMtsEtm0YZ81/s320/IMG_4035.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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At the time I was a little shocked to have a disease label slapped on me but, on the other hand I was happy that something had been discovered. Now all I had to do was begin taking a medicine and my energy should return, my vitiligo might slow down or even go away for good, the severe eczema on my arms might also go away, I might not have to take a nap every day of my life to function and the brain fog might lift. That was exciting! I had something to focus on and something to work toward. Answers feel good! Knowing what direction to go in life feels good. And the hope of getting better feels amazing! </div>
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And on that note: this is why my heart goes out to the millions who suffer with a chronic disease who do not get better and who battle through pain every day. Those who have been told that there is nothing else that can be done. You are heroes. I hope you know that. Life is so hard when suffering is a part of every moment of it. </div>
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For those of you who are not familiar with Hashimoto's Disease, here is a brief synopsis from the Mayo Clinic website:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Hashimoto's disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam's apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body's functions."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The good news is that usually if you are diagnosed with a Thyroid disease of some kind the doctor's will work with you to figure out what type of medicine and what dose your body needs to stabilize. Once you are stabilized on medicine your body will return to normal and you should fee good again. So please don't be alarmed. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have not had any success with medicine yet but, I believe that is because we have not properly gotten to the root of the real issue with my thyroid and that is the quest that I am still on at the moment. </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Symptoms of Hypo and Hashimoto Disease Include:</span></div>
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<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Severe Fatigue and sluggishness</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Increased sensitivity to cold</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Constipation, food processing issues, IBS </li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Pale, dry skin</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">A puffy face</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Brittle nails</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Hair loss</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Enlargement of the tongue, swelling of the neck and lymph nodes</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Unexplained weight gain</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Joint pain and stiffness, arthritis like symptoms</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Muscle weakness, muscle aches </li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding </li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Depression and anxiety</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 12px;">Memory lapses, severe brain fog</li>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">By the time I had the initial appointment a few years ago my thyroid had been going down hill for at least five years. As a result my symptoms were continually getting worse. I had all of these symptoms and have continued to battle them for the past 3 years. My hair was falling out in small handfuls everyday. My nails were always chipped and falling off. My brain fog was so bad that after a car accident when my son was still an infant, I couldn't even recall what exactly had happened. I would drive places and forget why I went there...it happened all the time. My vitiligo (loss of pigmentation all over body) was beginning to spread more rapidly. What once started as a single quarter sized circle on my upper thigh, had turned into spots on my face, fingers legs and neck. I was taking a nap every single day for at least two years...just to function. A nap was a survival essential. I was battling arthritis like symptoms in my thumbs and big toes. Constant aches all over my body. A sluggishness that makes picking up your feet feel like a chore. The most annoying and unpleasant of the symptoms for me has been the strangle hold around my neck. It makes breathing and swallowing more labor some. I also began losing my voice on a regular basis after attending any loud function. My vocal chords simply couldn't handle the added pressure being place on them by my swelling thyroid and lymph nodes. The laryngitis issues, and strained vocal chords have gotten increasingly severe as the years have gone on and I am presently battling it on a daily basis. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I went to the doctor every 2-3 months for two years and each time they came back and told me that my numbers were not getting better. So of course they kept upping my medicine level as that is what any good medical doctor should do. Friends of mine who also have Hashimoto's Disease encouraged me and told me it would get better (and I still believe it will!) once the proper dose gets figured out. After about a year of different doses, I started taking 75 mg of armour thyroid and finally began to feel a return of my energy, brain clarity, purpose, motivation, happiness...etc..for about a week. It was AMAZING!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my body didn't like taking that particular medicine at that dose level. I started to have severe heart palpitations, burning and tingling down my right arm and cramps in my elbow. My chest started burning and felt like something heavy was standing on my heart. I was bending over the counter in pain all day to catch my breath. Later that night, I told my husband what was going on (took me a full day to finally tell him) and I suggested that I thought I might be having a stroke or something. He wanted to call an ambulance. I said that was too much work and sounded stressful and I would rather die and if it was my time then I was ready. Poor hubby. I am serious...I am not good at advocating for myself I told you. I just don't know how to take care of me I guess? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The next morning I had my regular doctor's appointment and the Dr. asked if I was having chest pains or palpitations from the medicine and I said, yes tons. He look startled, (as any normal person except myself would) and immediately cut off the medicine at that dose, told me to take a few days off and lowered my dose until we could find a new medicine. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The challenge with trying to get your thyroid dialed in is that for as long as you are not stabilized...you will continue to feel like junk. Taking a little bit of thyroid medicine is no better than taking none at all. IT DOES NOT work like that with a thyroid. Until you get to the right dose that brings your body into a place of stabilizing...you will feel very off and all the symptoms will continue. So every time the doctor would change a dose or experiment with a new medicine my body would go bazerk for a few weeks while it tried to figure out what to do with the new hormones flooding my system. I would get extra periods every time a new dose was prescribed and I would feel irritable on top of all of the pre-existing symptoms which continue to worsen as they go untreated. The thyroid is an organ and if it is attacked long enough it will fail. It is best to take care of it and treat it as quickly as possible to minimize the damage that you can cause it. If I could go back, I would have looked into my health much sooner. Yes, I do believe I am learning something. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So, after the issues I had with the last medicine I was switched over to a compound version of the drug so that I could choose my specific dose level and remove the fillers that most generic drugs use. That seemed promising at first. Sadly, after 9 months of going this route, the compound medicine has not improved my thyroid levels at all. Each appointment the Dr. has bumped me up a little higher and a little higher and now I am at the level similar to that of a person who has no thyroid at all...quite possibly because my thyroid has been damaged for so long that it is in fact not functioning at all. We will soon find that out, at least that is my hope. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> And for the record, I realize that there are plenty of people who have had their thyroids removed (people that I know who have graves disease or who have had thyroid cancer) and are now taking medicine for life to keep their body balanced. I know that isn't the end of the world to have a thyroid removed but, it is also not ideal and I would really like to prevent going that route for as long as possible. In fact, I would love to do all that I can with my diet and lifestyle choices in hopes that I could take far less medication than I currently am. That would be the best case scenario! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">In my effort to improve my situation I decided to eat gluten free for almost a year and a half. That was HORRIBLE at first lemme tell yah. I was depressed about it initially because I love pasta and bread so much. Fluffy and soft foods make me happy. The gluten-free alternative is simply not the same and takes a bit of time to adjust to. I ate my share of spaghetti squash, zoodles, gluten-free bread and pizza etc. I stopped eating out almost everywhere and I pretty much stopped eating everything that I loved. I was determined to do whatever I could to help my body. When you feel that terrible you really should be determined to do whatever it takes right? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">One thing I have learned repeatedly in life is to give myself grace to work through something difficult. It takes time to process a big change. It takes time to process our feelings about our health and our limitations. It takes time to accept what you are facing. I was so upset about my dietary restrictions for the first few months. I was angry. I hate cooking and I had no idea how to eat or what to do. I grieved every time someone ate a donut in front of me. I grieved when my family went to Olive Garden (a favorite pasta destination of mine). I grieved when I couldn't bite into the soft crust of a delicious take out pizza. I felt sad and angry for a couple of months and it was hard to share that with the world. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The world likes happy, resilient people who show very little sign of weakness. Whelp, I am not that girl, so I have to hide from the world and work through things privately. Another thing I am learning to challenge. Hello world! It's me. The girl with big feelings and a big heart. Hiding is also killing me so I am coming out for a while. And that is the truth isn't it...for all of us...Maybe hiding isn't helping after all. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Hiding certainly doesn't make anyone feel better...but, so many people are hiding right now. Hiding insecurities. Hiding shame. Hiding addictions. Hiding pain. Hiding heartache. Hiding loneliness. Hiding. I see you friend. You are not alone. Let's be brave together. Let's come out of hiding. Let's do the nitty gritty work of being vulnerable so that we can experience more freedom and healing together. No more hiding. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">After a few months of eating gluten-free, I am happy to report that I was no longer bitter. I had accepted my diet and my health issues for what they were and I was okay with my restrictions because I was hopeful that I would improve! Give yourself the grace for the messy times of working through feelings. We are so hard on ourselves and we often expect such quick resolutions...but, the truth is that sometimes it takes time to work through feelings. Give yourself time to process what you are facing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So this little note is to all of my passionate prayer warrior friends reading this who are wondering if I have prayed or prayed enough or sought God enough..Yes friends, I have been praying since day one. I have had family and friends praying for me and laying hands on me and praying some more. My petitions to Heaven will never cease. And I say this in the utmost love, sweet, wonderful Christian prayer-warrior friends...please be kind to the sick and withhold your judgement towards those suffering with chronic illnesses. If you have not personally battled a chronic illness it is quite understandable that you might not have the understanding yet or even the empathy to come alongside a person who is battling daily. That is ok. It takes a special kind of person to come alongside someone who is suffering for a long time and to not grow weary walking with them in it. To be able to love someone at their worst...well, that is truly where I have seen Christ the most clearly in people. Love is patient, love is kind and it can take a lot of patience and kindness to support a hurting person.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Last week I had an appointment with my endocrinologist. My friend's were hopeful and my hubby was hopeful. I didn't feel any different physically so I wasn't sure what to think. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">My numbers came back...I was just as off as ever on this new dose...no improvement whatsoever. So discouraging. Took the wind out of my sails let me tell yah. That is when the doctor explained that he is not sure why my thyroid is not stabilizing and he is bumping me up to about the max that I can go on my medicine. I asked him if he could refer me to a dietary specialist and he did and I left with my heart feeling heavy. Three years into my thyroid journey and I find myself in the same place as when it all started, only now my symptoms are much, much worse. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">A few days later, I gathered with my Bible study friends we prayed again and sweet Angie laid her hand on my neck and prayed for healing and I was comforted and filled with hope again. I am so thankful for my friends. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And through it all, you need to know that I KNOW that God's got me. This is hard and feeling lousy every day has been exhausting but, I am filled with hope and that anchors me and keeps me stable. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">If you are battling a chronic illness of any kind, I hope and pray that you have a wonderful support system. Your body might be getting beat up every day but if you are surrounded by people who build you up with encouragement and hope it can make a world of difference. Encouragement and speaking life and hope into a weary person goes a long way. I am passionate about encouragement because I know how badly so many of us need it! Be a light. Be willing to get in the mud to help a friend out. It's actually a beautiful place to be...in the mud...because real love can get messy and it should be messy sometimes because that is what this beautiful life is all about. Messy is part of what makes things beautiful. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I began reading a book about re-booting the immune system and found it to be quite interesting. I had been thinking about going dairy free for some time and while reading this book I decided to go for it. I have always had a strange phlegm reaction to any and all dairy. I have never liked milk, sour cream, yogurt or ice cream for that very reason. Little did I know that clearing my throat every time I consume dairy is a tell tale sign of a food intolerance ...but, I love cheese and I eat a lot of it so I have ignored that sign all of my life. Maybe at the very least I am learning to stop ignoring what my body is telling me....maybe. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">As of four days ago, I am dairy-free and gluten-free. Yes, it is a bummer but, this hasn't hit me nearly as hard as going gluten free did because I think I've been there done that. Now, I am just doing what needs to be done and trying to not overthink it too much. I am however; struggling with meals as I so dislike cooking and since I don't have any energy (thanks thyroid) it is hard to muster up the energy for something that I hate. This kind of diet requires a tremendous amount of meal planning and a whole lot more cooking...life suddenly got more annoying. So if you have any EASY recipes that actually taste good I am all ears. Also any favorite snacks or appetizers. Again, I repeat, EASY is the key word for me and food. If it is not easy I will not prepare it. For those of you that hate cleaning you can understand..I love cleaning...hate cooking. Just the way that I was wired. Please share your favorite websites, cooks, food products that you love that are dairy free etc. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I do have a praise report. After being dairy free for 4 days I have already noticed a significant decline in the amount of phlegm in my throat. I am use to clearing my throat dozens of time in an hour. That constant clearing also contributed to why my throat was often sore and scratchy...all that clearing takes a toll on the throat and vocal chords. I am not choking on phlegm anymore either. I use to more or less choke on the phlegm in my throat all day long...hence the constant need to clear my throat. As I sit here typing my throat feels completely clear. I cannot believe it actually. I have not experienced this ever in my entire life...so I am still being cautious about jumping to a conclusion. I will report again in a month or two and let you all know if the result continues to be the same. But, wow! This could be a huge improvement in the making. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I am also in the process of leaving my current endocrinologist and scheduling an appointment with a new endocrine specialist and one of the best in the area. I am hoping that a new set of eyes on my situation might shed more light on things. I am very hopeful. I am very tired and tired of feeling lousy but so hopeful. I will also keep you posted on things after I meet with the new specialist. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">This past weekend I went to a really fun museum with my kiddo and some of our good friends. I felt my throat and voice fading as the day went on and the soreness was extra intense. By bedtime I had a splitting headache, zero voice and sores deep down in my throat...as if I had torn the skin from overexerting it so much. Crazy I know but, that is what I am battling with a thyroid so diseased and so unstable. It has been three days since the museum outing and talking still hurts and my neck is crazy swollen in a strangle hold. I have been avoiding people and talking situations so that I can rest my vocal chords and hopefully bring down the inflammation a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">This latest bout with laryngitis is what brings me to my keyboard keys today. My keys are giving me a voice. I love talking and I love talking to people and listening to them. I love communication and the gift that it is. It is strange that my voice is under attack. It is strange to be pursuing silence when all I want to do is talk. But, it brought me to my blog and I haven't been able to blog in almost two years...not of anything of any importance. So maybe that is something to smile about. I have missed having something to write about and it seems that now I have something to say. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Let's face it. It sucks to be sick. It is a bummer to not feel great every day and still try so hard to find the energy to be a good mom, wife and friend. It is embarrassing to be </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">that person. </i>What I mean by that person, is the person</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> that it seems so many people want to avoid because sickness makes people uncomfortable...and I think the reason for this is simply that so many of us really don't know how to help each other or what to say. That is understandable. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The lows and hurts in life teach us compassion and build our empathy for others. The painful losses teach us how to comfort others in their losses. The sicknesses and journeys that we each take in our sickness teach us how to come alongside others who get sick. This is really what life is all about. The purpose of life...the meaning of life....is helping each other out. We are here to reach out and lift up those around us because we have learned what it is to walk in those shoes....and if you haven't yet learned something, don't worry your time will come. And that is not a threat..just a gentle truth. Life is a great teacher. With each day that passes we should all be learning to become a little more selfless and a little more serving and giving because we get it...because we have learned that we are all in this together. I am here for you and you are here for me and together we rise so much stronger. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">If you know someone who struggles with a chronic illness or depression etc. pray with them often. Encourage them spiritually to not grow weary in their battle because trust me, it is exhausting. Ask how you can help them. Maybe offer a meal once in a while and do it even if they say they don't need it because....they really do. Offer to watch their kids or suggest they take a nap while you clean up for them. Listen. Just let them talk and try to withhold your desire to fix them or tell them what is actually wrong with them according to you. Listen some more. People who are struggling need ears...and willing ears are hard to find these days. Be an ear. I am here to listen to you because I care about you. Tell me about your day? How are you feeling? What is it like to battle with ....disease everyday? What is your next step? Is there anything I can do? Validate them. That must be so difficult. I can only imagine. You are doing an amazing job in spite of how awful you feel. Check in periodically. Rally around that person. Tell them how proud you are of them for fighting so hard everyday. Tell them that they inspire you. Tell them that you are here for them always. Build that person up with kindness and hope. Heaven knows they need it! You may not understand what they are battling and that is understandable. You can look up their condition. Read up on what they are facing and inform yourself. It might be eye opening and might increase your compassion. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, I have a wonderful support system but, I know many who do not....especially men because more often than not they do not reach out the way that women do. If you know a man who struggles...reach in and be there for him. Don't assume that because a person is smiling that they are ok...that is just silly honestly. Seek to know the heart of a person...not just the outer expression that you are seeing. The heart often tells a very different story. People are like books...the outside is just the cover...open the book, take some time and read it and you might actually learn a few things. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">If you have known me for any length of time you know that Jesus is my rock. Jesus is my anchor. He is my hope and my light and my strength. Some people are battling something right now who really do feel utterly alone so I want to assure you that Jesus is with you right now. You are not alone. I promise you that. Talk to him. Tell him all about how you are feeling. He wants to hear from you. He cares for you and he will never leave you. Jesus is the light that never goes out, even when all around seems so dark. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">On that note: God Bless you all and have a great night! </span></div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-31368356490895577492017-10-20T18:40:00.004-07:002017-10-22T04:48:49.607-07:00From Rust to Glory...Again and AgainThis is actually a test post and a writing prompt as I haven't blogged in a lifetime and since I just installed a new template I needed to see how it all worked. I still need to tweak a few things but, I am not sure that I even care at the moment. I don't know that I will ever plug back in to writing in this community but, for now I am actually thrilled with the anonymity since no one even thinks to check my blog anymore! LOL. <br />
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My fingers are rusty. Like tools that have been left out in the yard and weathered one too many rainstorms. Sometimes it feels like if you neglect a gift for long enough then the gift is ruined beyond repair, like those tools warping in the rain. Are my fingers rusted beyond repair? Is there any hope of their restoration? Is the connection that once blazed between my soul and my typing hands severed for good?<br />
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I suppose the connection might be lost forever, the gift utterly destroyed, if I didn't believe in the redemptive work of my Father in Heaven. As His priceless daughter, I have come to understand that it is never too late and no one is ever too far gone, no gift is ever so rusty that the Father can't gently polish it and repair it to make it even better than new. No gift is so neglected by life's demands, or hurts, or trials, or even the simple chaos of parenthood that God can not redeem it in HIS timing to shine like the sun once again for HIS glory. </div>
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My rusty fingers and disjointed connections will fire up again if I am willing to do the hard work of surrendering my stubborn heart to the words that God wants to speak through me. If I am willing to sit in the quiet and wait for His voice so that I can then plunk out the stories in my heart with bravery and courage. If I am willing to step outside of my safe and protected little world and risk a little comfort for something greater than myself. </div>
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Sometimes all it takes is a simple,<br />
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"Here I am Lord. I am willing. Use me."<br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-58250805946272724762017-03-13T11:44:00.000-07:002017-03-13T11:44:01.134-07:00To Every Parent With a Spirited Child<div>
If you have a spirited kiddo. I just want you to know...I LUV YAH AND YOU ARE AWESOME. </div>
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Before my son was born, patience came more naturally to me and so many of my friends would comment on how "patient I was all the time." Not trying to brag...it's just a fact...excuse me, <i><b>it was a fact.</b></i><div>
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I cherished every second of motherhood with my only kiddo and I delighted in my role as a stay at home mom. I probably only raised my voice once at my daughter in five years. She was an easy kiddo overall. She was always smiling and so content to observe everything. She made me feel so loved (which I realize isn't her job but, it was an extra treat!)because I was always able to calm her down, cheer her up and make her feel better in any given situation. She required literally slim to no physical discipline because all I had to say was a gentle, "no, no," and she would move on to something else. She has been my best buddy, literally since the moment she was born. Ahhhhh, the good ol' days. <div>
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Then my son was born...and don't freak out on me people. I ADORE my son and I LOVE having a son. Bruin is SO unbelievably cute and incredibly funny. He is a great sleeper and the sweetest snuggle buddy that there ever was. I will brag more about him later but, for now I need to vent/complain/be real/be crazy. </div>
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My son, my son. </div>
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He is spirited and passionate and extremely LOUD. </div>
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He was pretty mellow for the first 6 weeks of his life and then he took a sharp turn and just started crying 88.9% of every day. </div>
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We tried everything that good parents try to rule out all of the possible causes. Hungry? Nope. Poopy? Nope. Tired? Nope. Too hot? Nope. Too cold? Nope. We were told that maybe he was just a colicky kid. That actually gave us a sense of peace because now we had light in the tunnel. </div>
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It was SO mentally draining to not be able to cheer up my son. The constant crying depleted me in every way and I often felt like my child didn't even like me or need me. That wasn't true of course but, it felt that way and it hurt so much. It was a very discouraging season (well, technically it is still ongoing but, not quite as hard I guess.) I didn't want to go anywhere because I didn't want to have to talk over a screaming child or shop with a screaming child etc. That's not fun at all. On the other hand, sometimes he surprised me and enjoyed himself at a play date etc. and that was such a HUGE treat. But, the unpredictable nature of his mood, made it so hard to want to go anywhere. </div>
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A year passed and I realized that I wasn't dealing with colic at all...I had just been given the great honor of raising a spirited child. </div>
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I couldn't help but, think back on all of the times that I saw a mom (or friend) struggling with her screaming child in every store I had ever been in. I used to feel bad for the child (and the mother of course too but, mostly the sad child). I wondered if the mother just didn't understand her child very well or maybe she wasn't a very patient mother. It actually hurt my heart to hear children screaming because I had never really experienced that kind of screaming before. I wanted to go hug those kiddos and help calm them down because hugs and sweet words worked perfectly with my daughter. </div>
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Surely, those things worked for all children! </div>
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I thought my patience and gentleness were a big part of the reason why my daughter was so sweet and easy. </div>
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Psh. Not at all. Ok. Well, maybe like 5% of the reason. I deserve a little credit I guess. </div>
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When my son sets his mind to something, there is nothing on Earth that will deter him from what he wants. I suppose that would be okay if we only had to deal with one thing like that every day but, the thing about strong-willed kiddos is...that is every moment of their life. </div>
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Diaper changes = hiding and avoiding and when caught, screaming, flailing and nashing of teeth. </div>
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Getting dressed = clothes too tight, too small, too scratchy, too cold, too hot, too blue, too white, too cute, too clean. </div>
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Hats = forget about it. never ever ever....getting back together. </div>
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Gloves in subzero temperatures = throwing them on the ground and screaming NOOOOO. Oh you can keep trying to put them on and keep demanding that they stay on but, CHILD WILL WIN. You just give up and let their hands freeze. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY.</div>
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Grocery shopping = 10.2 seconds of calm before said strong willed child scans the store and finds something to ask for and then screams the entire duration of the trip because you say no. They will also ask through snot and tears for the item at least 1.4 million more times before you get to the cash register and ask if they sell a pill to euthanize yourself. </div>
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I bring snacks, toys and cell phones to the store as well but, when a spirited kiddo wants something it's all over. Goodnight. </div>
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Oh and P.S. They will also scream the entire way home from the store in the car. </div>
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Wiping dirty noses = lots and lots and lots of screaming. Sounds like someone is being chopped into tiny pieces every time.</div>
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Meal Time = a slow painful death. They stare at the food you lovingly prepared for them and then pick it up and throw it. You discipline in love and they careth not...and do it all over again. You even try to make their favorite food...or a special meal just for them and even still they decide that at that given moment...it is not their favorite meal after all and you have yet again FAILED. </div>
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I eat most meals in somber silence trying desperately to crawl away in my mind to some happier place. </div>
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Getting in the car = sounds simple enough. WRONG. I never knew how stiff the human body could become while still alive. A two year old child can simply refuse to bend into the sitting position required by most car seats. You can even put most of your shoulder wait gently against their body and they will still be stronger than you and don't forget, they will be pulling your hair whilst you attempt to bend them. </div>
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Buying your child a toy = Of course you love your strong willed child so occasionally you want to buy them something fun. JUST DON'T. The color and size will be wrong. They will want to open the box immediately and will refuse to wait to get to the register. Then they will ask for "MORE," and throw the goodie on the ground because it is just not GOOD ENOUGH. You will then go and buy yourself a goodie to ease your suffering. </div>
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Strong willed kids are not bad children. They are not poorly raised children. They are not brats. They can be very WELL LOVED and yet they are simply spirited. That is all. </div>
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I've changed drastically between child one and child two. I've even learned that each of my children require a completely different parenting style from me. That has been and will continue to be a tough skill to learn and implement. </div>
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Daisy is quick to learn and obey. She requires a gentle tone and very little follow through. She has a heart that loves to please and usually obey. </div>
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Bruin requires a much firmer tone and follow through...every. single. time. He still needs lots of love and positive affirmation too of course. He is a super sensitive little guy. But, I quickly realized that the way I parent Daisy was not working with Bruin. Bruin's nature is to resist direction at all costs. LOL. Gosh, I love him. </div>
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I have learned so much about people and life from my two children. I have a million times more compassion for Mothers with strong willed kiddos. I've also learned that as parents we must be willing to adjust ourselves and our parenting styles to bring out the best in each of our kiddos. That is what love does. It's hard and it hurts sometimes but, it's wise. I've learned that I can create two humans in my stomach and they can look pretty dang similar on the outside but, be NOTHING alike on the inside. I can love them both just as passionately but, they will still be vastly different people. </div>
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To Every Parent with a Strong Willed Child, I send you my love, encouragement, support and zero judgement. Carry on Momma. Keep loving your spirited kiddo with all your heart and I will do the same. It won't be long before we will get to enjoy seeing what awesome little leaders these kiddos turn out to be. God will take care of the rest! </div>
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Peace. Love. </div>
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Casey </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-56721791164420147412017-01-01T12:22:00.000-08:002017-01-01T12:38:33.700-08:00New Years ThoughtsI haven't blogged in so long. I go back and forth on the idea of shutting this blog down for good but, evidently I am not quite ready to part with this little creative space that was such a comfort to me for so many years. <br />
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I have had so many thoughts bouncing around in my head lately as we approached this new year. I am hoping that I will be able to articulate at least a few of them here today to share with you all. </div>
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Life is such a roller coaster isn't it. It's such an adventure of mountain peaks, falls from that mountain peak, climbs back up and valleys...sometimes long, hard valleys. We would be foolish to think that we will always stay up on the mountain tops of life but, on the other hand it is also wise to cherish the mountain top seasons. We also have to find the strength in God to survive in the valley. To walk through it no matter how long it might take. Seasons are a part of life. </div>
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I would say that I am in one of those climbing seasons. A season that I can't quite call a mountain top but, I am overjoyed to say that I am no longer in a valley...today:). I'm climbing...going wherever God leads me and feeling quite sure that I'm climbing out of something long and hard and into something new and much lighter. Today, I am not weighted down as much by heartache, sorrow, brokenness or financial burden as I was for so many years. I say today, because we never know what tomorrow will bring right. I celebrate this simple moment right now. Right now I am soaking up January 1st, 2017 to the best of my ability. This quieter moment carved out of my time here on Earth, that isn't so full of pain that every moment feels like drowning. I know those moments so well. </div>
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Throughout this year I saw a lot of friends walk through valley seasons. So many were dealt the blow of a very dear loved one passing on. A friend of mine just lost her husband days before Christmas to cancer. Another friend of mine just told me that she was just diagnosed with brain cancer a few weeks ago...please keep her in your prayers! Cancer took far too many lives as it so often does. I saw friends struggle with various hardships and challenges. So many marriages came to a heartbreaking end. Some friends battled health issues and chronic debilitating pain, depression, infertility heartache. And then on a broader scale I just observed the world and all the suffering in it. It's a lot of hurt. I know that hurt. Or at least I have tasted it. More importantly, Jesus knows that hurt better than anyone. </div>
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In stark contrast, I celebrated the mountain top seasons with many friends. I celebrated the miracle of life with many friends and family members as they shared pregnancy announcements or gave birth to one of the greatest gifts life can bring...a precious child. I celebrated birthdays, weddings, marital victories (praise you Jesus!), my own sister's cancer free report at the end of 2016 (Hallelujah!!). I celebrated that my own home life and marriage have come so far over the past few years. I celebrated that I was even in a place in life that I could enjoy celebrating a little bit this past year. That last revelation made my heart leap with gratitude over and over again. </div>
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For so many years celebrating felt so hollow and contrived. For so many years I was too weak to put on the mask and pretend like life is always a picnic but, I did it anyways. Every time I put that mask on to please the people I felt myself dying more and more inside In this superficial, social media driven culture that we live in, we quickly realize that going through hard times publicly is unpopular and a downer to other people. It makes people uncomfortable when someone airs their "dirty laundry," and it seems to send a silent message, "steer clear of that person! They have problems and their life is a mess. They are too emotional. They are depressed. They are a kill joy." So people hide their trouble. People suffer in silence. They pretend on the outside and break quietly on the inside.</div>
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Oh but, if you only know how close Jesus is to the broken, the lonely and the lost. He...is...so....close to you. He takes that mask that you have put on every day to please the people and he throws it in the fire and he pulls you into His arms and holds you as you weep. He holds you as you cry, for days, weeks and even years. He never lets go when life gets ugly. He understands that losing a child....or a loved one unexpectedly is not something that you just get over in a day. He knows that you might struggle with a loss for the rest of your Earthly days. He knows that watching a loved one battle cancer for years and years is not an easy load to carry. He knows that longing ache for a child doesn't get easier with each passing year. He knows the pain of loneliness as you wait for a love to share your life with. He knows that some seasons in life are long and hard and He isn't turned off by your pain. He is walking with you in it. He did walk in it...Up the hill of calvary and on to the splintered, nail-pierced cross. He is with you, always. </div>
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I may not be in the valley today but, I still know the pain of it so well I can taste it. I saw the valley pain on the faces of so many friends and loved ones this year. I don't ever want to get to a point that I have lost the ability to walk in the valley with a friend because I am too wrapped up on my mountain top bubble. Can we enjoy the mountain top seasons and still walk in the valley with the broken? Can we stop being so afraid of pain that we run from those whose lives are riddled with it? </div>
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As I approached the new year I asked the Lord what word He had for me this year. I often feel like the Lord puts a word on my heart at the start of each new year. This word often comes to me after prayer and Bible reading. One year my word was rest. This was at a time that my hubby was still very sick and battling through late stage lymes disease, medical bills were sky high and life was just very, very hard. I had literally zero strength left but, as a Christian I felt guilty if I wasn't still constantly doing something, serving and saying yes to everything. BUT God, told me to rest and told me to learn to say no. It was a hard word to submit to that year but, it just might have saved my feeble sanity. Rest....when, God says it, listen to him. He knows best. </div>
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A couple of years later I was given the word organization. Maybe some of us think of a neat and tidy house but, that was only the surface of what the word meant for me. I was meant to focus on taking back my broken life and organizing it one piece at a time. That did translate into a house wide purge, a better system for planning and keeping track of information as well as getting order back in my marriage and spiritual life. If your life is feeling especially chaotic or out of control then maybe organization might be a good word for you! </div>
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Early in December I was reading my Bible and I read a passage out of Hebrews Chapter 12 verses 1-3. I've probably read this passage a dozen times or more but, this time the words jumped off the page, grabbed my shoulders and shook me while saying, "are you listening? I'm talking to you here!" It wasn't exactly like that but, then again it sort of was. For those who have the ears to hear...the Bible is so alive it's scary (scary awesome) sometimes. Watch out. God is always talking and I guarantee He has something that He wants to say that is just for you. </div>
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Now, keep in mind that this passage was meant for me in that moment. It may be that it is not meant for anyone else right in this moment but, I am sharing anyways...well, because I want to. </div>
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Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, <b>let us throw</b> <b>off everything that hinders</b> and the sin that so easily entangles. And <b>let us run with</b> <b>perseverance the race marked out for us</b>. <span style="color: red;">Fixing our eyes on Jesus</span>, the author and perfecter of our faith. <b>For the joy set before him He endured the cross,</b> scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." </div>
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It wasn't the entire passage that jumped out at me initially but, the simple, "let us throw off everything that hinders," part of the verse. That was it. </div>
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I sat there a little stunned by how much the words resonated with me and then read the passage over and over again. Then I started asking God why He let the passage jump out at me. What did He want me to do with the words that I was hearing as if for the first time? </div>
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I am coming out of a long season of pain and valley and I'm in the climb again. What helps us to climb again? Throwing off the things that are holding us down. I quite literally COULD NOT throw anything off last year, or the year before, or the year before that...and so on. God understands that we can't always flip a switch on our pain and climb. Sometimes walking in the pain is an inescapable part of our life process and journey. Many of us are completely re-shaped and re-made by the pain of the valley. God also knows the EXACT moment at which YOU ARE READY to climb out and up. He is with us, every single step of the way. </div>
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I had a lot of fun reflecting on these verses. What is hindering me from experiencing more joy? What is hindering me from sharing all of the things that God puts on my heart? What am I afraid of? </div>
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The truth kind of embarrassed me because, I didn't even see it. </div>
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<b>I'm way too afraid of people and what people think of me. </b> </div>
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Whaaaaa...honestly, it isn't something that I have ever thought of as a problem. I am a friendly, social person and I love people. I don't really have issues with people on the personal level of interaction. If you meet me...watch out, because I will befriend you...all of you. lol....kidding not kidding...</div>
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On the other hand, there is public speaking . It is literally my biggest fear....I think I just got nauseated thinking about it. Uggg...But even that didn't feel like everything that I was supposed to get out of this revelation. </div>
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I also have so many friends and family members who do not believe in Jesus and thus I am always trying to find a loving balance (and failing miserably) between respecting all of our differences but, also enjoying the freedom to be me, someone who loves Jesus and whose identity is quite literally woven in Him. I love talking about my faith and what God is doing but, I also don't want people to think that I am trying to force Him on them. That is never my motive. I just love telling stories, writing, sharing and being a Christ-follower. I don't expect everyone to agree with my faith and I hope people that know me best know that my intention is to share love and my motivation is to be encouraging to others. </div>
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I also get embarrassed that I analyze life so much and that I can be so sensitive to the pain of others. It would be great to be a super silly, light-hearted person but, I am not sure if I will ever be that person nor that I was meant to be. I am able to love on certain people because of how God made me and in the same manner you were made the way you are to love on and bless other people. And if we all walk freely in who we are in Him, we just might make a real heck of a difference in this world. What a beautiful, beautiful thing. </div>
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FREEDOM.</div>
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That is my word for 2017. Freedom. </div>
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The first step is seeing the words when God gives them, then receiving them in our hearts and then declaring and claiming them in our lives. </div>
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I wrote all of this because my heart's desire will always be to make sure that people in the valley know just how loved they are by God....and by me. </div>
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You may be in a new valley. If so, I pray that you would ask God to hold you close and give you strength for each and every pain filled day. He is with you! He loves you! He hears you! I pray that your valley season is not long and I pray that you hold tightly to the truth that you can walk through this in Him and with Him. One day at a time you can walk this hard walk through to the other side. And don't forget to put on your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) every day, because the battle is for real. </div>
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Maybe you have been in a valley for some time. If so, I pray that you begin to see a new light shining off in the distance. I pray that your time to climb out is coming soon. Glory to God I pray it's coming soon. Keep marching. Keep pressing on. He is with you! He loves you! He hears you! </div>
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And then I felt this on my heart...loud and clear. </div>
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God's people CAN DO HARD THINGS. What do I mean by that? Well, it was a reminder to me that I serve an all powerful, all knowing, supernatural God. I think that so many Christians are discouraged (as I was for SO dang long) and need to be reminded that just like the little engine who could and who said, "I think I can, I think I can...," In Christ, WE CAN and we need to KNOW in our spirit that we can. In Christ, we are loved just as we are. In Christ, we are never alone. In Christ, we have all that we need. In Christ we are conquerors. In Christ, We are able to face tomorrow because WE KNOW who holds tomorrow and all that ETERNITY holds for us. In Christ, we can walk through the valley and trust that He can see what we cannot. </div>
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I was so sick over Christmas break but, my Momma who I have not seen in a year and a half was here with me. My Momma is amazing. She is the reason I know Jesus and she is such a great counselor and friend. She made breakfast for all of us each morning; she played with the kiddos a lot to keep them out of my hair, she folded laundry, she emptied the dishwasher, she gave me back messages and foot messages...she loved on me in my sickness and you know what...it was the most wonderful Christmas in spite of having the flu. </div>
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I reflected on that for a while too. Having someone so comforting and loving around in my suffering made it not just bearable but, possible and I even enjoyed my time a little bit too. It was a little Christmas miracle. </div>
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And so to, we have CHRIST to comfort and love on us in our suffering always. Maybe sometimes we need to be more intentional about inviting him to sit next to us on the couch for a chat. Or inviting him to hold us while we weep. Maybe we need to invite Him to speak to us by reading our Bibles or spending time with Him in prayer. Maybe we push Him away more than we realize? Maybe we choose just about everything but, Him to fill our void when we are hurting and we wonder why we don't feel His presence more. I've sure been there and I'm sure I will be there again someday as life is so full of circles. </div>
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The good news is...that is what we are all here for! To encourage one another on in our races and to remind each other of all the things that we so easily forget when times get hard. </div>
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For some, 2017 is looking like a year full of excitement and possibility! For others it is just another year of trial and heartache. Wherever you are at, God is with you and His love for you is infinitely deeper than your deepest valley and infinitely higher than your highest mountain top. </div>
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I pray that regardless of what resolutions you may have made or not made, that you feel God moving in your life this year more powerfully than the last. That you recognize His great love for you more clearly than past years. That we would all grow and throw off the things that hinder us and the sin that entangles us and run our races with perseverance. </div>
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Because Christ endured the Cross WITH JOY for us because HE KNEW what the outcome was. He knew that he could take the torture, the pain and even conquer death because it was worth what He could give us in return....eternal life and a Heavenly paradise. </div>
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"How great is the love that the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God!"</div>
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Much love to you all. Whatever steps you take this year, take them with Him. xo</div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-26160057090993426452016-12-06T10:24:00.000-08:002017-03-13T10:24:17.366-07:00Bruin is TWO! <h2 style="text-align: center;">
Happy 2nd Birthday to our super adorable, sensitive, silly, feisty and sweet little Bru Bear! </h2>
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<b>You are so very loved my little Prince. </b></div>
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<b>His second birthday party was Mickey Mouse theme. And since Bruin has watched more Mickey Mouse Clubhouse than any other show, it seemed fitting for him to be holding Mickey in his 2 year portraits:). He loves "Miggeeeeee!" </b></div>
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I took these pictures of Bruin (and some with he and Daisy) about a week before his 2nd birthday. He has actually gotten surprisingly good at sitting for a few seconds and saying cheese with the promise of a lollipop afterwards. <br />
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Below: He has figured out that he has gotten a drum set. The poppy flew out of his mouth a moment later when he squealed with delight. HE WAS SO HAPPY!! We decided to leave the other presents for later because we wanted him to take the time to enjoy the drum set. We opened the remaining presents on his actual birthday. So many people have told me that I am so brave to allow a drum set into my house...lol, I want to say a few things to that point. One: These are not as loud as a real drum and they are super cheap. They might last a few months at best...lol so I won't have to listen to it all that long. Two: They don't play them all the time and most of the time I am just so happy when my kids leave me alone for three seconds so I can tolerate the noise for a little bit here and there. Three: I am brave...and a little crazy so you are accurate. lol <br />
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Bruin is the sweetest cuddle bug. I am thankful for a baby that is so affectionate. It's not all the time and it really is only on his terms but, it's THE BEST. He loves to lay his head on my shoulder at least a hundred times a day. He gives lots of hugs and kisses. He loves to sit right next to me on the couch or in my bed and he likes to lean on my arm. I would definitely say that one of Bruin's love languages is affection. </div>
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His vocabulary is growing daily but, he is definitely taking his time with talking and even comprehension which of course can be very frustrating because he is always frustrated and I can't communicate with him...sigh. Here are some of the words that I do hear him say frequently: Mum, Day Day (Daisy), no, star, uh huh, candee, migee (Mickey), noz (nose), ug (hug), heah (head), duck, bungee (bunkee), popeee, car, tuck (truck), show, light, chair, eye, tee (teeth), brush, dink (drink), chee (cheese), hiiii, byyyy, doggie, kiiy (kitty), bug, shew (shoes), hai (hair), hewp (help). <br />
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PS the irony of this cake is that by Bruin's birthday both my husband and I were eating gluten free so neither of us could eat any. I had already ordered and paid for it before hand so there was no point in cancelling it. Daisy doesn't like cupcakes so she didn't want one...soooo...we had 24 cupcakes just for Bruin and he ate half of one...talk about a waste. But, a very cute waste! </div>
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Bruin wears size 2T or 24 months in just about everything but, 2T is still on the bigger side for him. He wears a size 6.5 shoe but, I have been getting him 7 lately. Size 5 diapers. </div>
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Bruin is a very picky eater. I can tell that his sensory issues effect his ability to tolerate textures and really hinder his adventurous spirit when it comes to food. </div>
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He has been enjoying a bowl of cereal with a tiny bit of milk for breakfast the past couple of weeks. His favorite thing to eat on planet earth is applesauce squeezers. He absolutely must start each morning with one and he probably inhales about 3 a day. He likes cheese sticks and sandwich slices. He likes, bread, plain pancakes, hashbrowns, mac n' cheese and most all pasta, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit (grapes, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, bananas, basically he loves all fruit). He likes a little bit of sushi (not nearly as much as Daisy), some pizza if he is in the mood, chicken pieces, Daddy's grilled meats, crackers and anything sweet. Bruin is definitely my sweet tooth kiddo. He is obsessed with cake! It is his favorite treat to eat but, he is happy with anything sweet. He mostly drinks very diluted apple juice. He doesn't like to drink he milk in the morning anymore for some reason and he refuses water most of the time unless it is in sister's school water bottle. </div>
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He loves watching various shows on my cell phone off and on when I let him. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse but, he also loves the youtube kids ap. He will usually watch shows about cars, trucks or sing along songs. He also loves Goldie and Bear and Little Einsteins. I also have a few Wiggles DVD's in my van and he enjoys watching those as well. </div>
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Bruin loves shoes and he quickly learned how to get his own shoes and ask us to put them on him ("shoe, shoe!" whenever he wants to go anywhere. </div>
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He loves taking his nap everyday. Bruin is the type of kid who pretty much lets you know that he wants to go to sleep. He often grabs his blanket and puts his own pacifier in his mouth. He will put his blanket on my shoulder and ask me to pick him up. Then he lays his head on my shoulder and points to his room. It cracks me up and melts me all at once. Daisy has never once in her life ever wanted to go to bed so to have a kiddo who is the exact opposite is a crack up. When I lay him on his pillow pal he has his eyes closed almost instantly. He is never wild and amped up at nap time. He is ready for it. :) He doesn't nap long unfortunately. Daisy used to take a three hour nap ever day for nearly 3 years. Yes, I was spoiled. Bruin is more of an hour to hour and a half napper. On the other hand he likes to go to bed at 7 sharp! And he sleeps solid most every night until 6:30 AM. And if you are wondering I have attempted to adjust his bedtime in hopes that he might sleep just a hair later in the morning but, it makes no difference. Early rising is in his blood. Sigh. I am very thankful that he is a great sleep overall. No complaints here. </div>
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Bruin loves when I pull up a couple of chairs to the kitchen sink. He climbs up and plays with the dishes, water and soap. He could probably play there for an hour each time if I let him but, I usually have to stand next to him because the chair gets super wet and slippery and he falls a lot. But, he loves it so we try to do this activity once every few days. </div>
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He loves to help us cook or bake! I don't love doing this with him yet but, I try to find things for him to do when I can. He is great at helping me load the washer or dryer or empty the dishwasher. He is at that helping stage. He wants to help with everything which makes everything that much more difficult. LOL. It is also SUPER cute too. </div>
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He loves to throw things both when he is being silly and when he is angry. I've been hit in the face once or twice by a very big toy and it was not fun lemme tell yah. But, I am hoping we can channel that energy into a fast ball pitch here pretty soon. </div>
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Bruin loves being outside, going on walks, exploring, driving Daisy's jeep, or riding her scooter (I push him around). He loves going to new places and seeing new things. </div>
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He seems the most unhappy and bored when we are home all day...which is a bummer because that used to be my favorite thing before he was born. LOL. Now, I try to get out once a day to burn some of Bruin's energy and to help me stay sane. Otherwise, he cries 100X more if we stay home all day. I'm not gonna lie....he is a tough cookie most days. But, I love em to pieces. </div>
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Bruin loves animals and he knows must about every farm animal and the sound that they make. I need to record his sounds on a video very soon! Daisy was always scared of dogs as a toddler and even now but, Bruin loves dogs and cats. Bruin and his Daddy are twins when it comes to their passion and their love for animals. lol </div>
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He loves to wake up in the morning and come in to my bed and watch shows for around 30 minutes. I am so thankful for this down time before starting the day. At night Bruin likes us to read him two books and then he knows it's time to turn off the like, get rocked and we sing a song to him and then he is ready for bed. He likes his routines and seems to feel secure in them.<br />
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I love this little guy so much even if he does wear my brain ragged more often than not with all of his whining and crying. lol. If you have a whiney child, let's just say that I understand you a whole lot more now than I did with my first child. Peace and love! lol<br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-82828833904504024042016-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:002016-07-13T10:32:29.618-07:00Hello<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm thankful for a recent picture of me and the kiddos. I was taking pictures of Bruin for his 1.5 year session and asked my hubby to snap a quick picture of me and the kids. Such a treat. I'm also thankful that we were all smiling and no one was faking a thing. Woohoo! It was a good day! </div>
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Today I am answering 50 Questions that are circling the blogsphere for fun. </div>
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<b>50 Questions </b></div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 1em 0px; padding-left: 2em;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Are you a morning or night person?</b> Neither. I have never, ever, ever enjoyed getting up early and I have never, ever enjoyed staying up much later than 11. Even as a child I avoided sleep overs because I never had the energy to stay up and chat all hours of the night with the other girls. I am a 9-7 person, I guess. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Do you prefer, sweet or salty foods?</b> More often than not I am a salty food lover however; there are certain times of the month that a girl just needs her sweets. Hint, hint. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Ninjas or pirates?</b> Ninjas duh. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Ninjas vs pirates, discuss</b>. When I think of Pirates I just think of dirty old men that steal and pillage. Except for Jake and the Never land Pirates. He's cute and sweet. Anyways, Ninjas are more like super heroes. C'mon they are cool. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Autobots or Decepticons?</b> I'm all about dem Autobots...Love me some Optimist Prime and Bumblebee....</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What was your favorite childhood television program?</b> I loved a lot of different shows. I enjoyed McGee and Me, Adventures in Odyseey, Anne of Avonlea (the TV show) and Little House on the Prairie. Yes, I'm proud to say that I loved each and every one of those shows. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Are you a collector of anything?</b> When I was a child I collected a lot more things than I do now. I loved Collecting Lisa Frank products, pencils, doll clothes and pretty rocks. Now as an adult I try not to collect because, I hate clutter but, I do enjoy coffee cups, books, jewelry and journals.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you could be any animal, what would you be?</b> A bird. I want to soar high up in the sky with the wind under my wings and then dive like an arrow just for the thrill of it. I'm sure I would get eaten by a larger animal or shot by a hunter pretty quickly (LOL) but, I'd enjoy the ride while it lasted. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you could have any superpower, what would it be?</b> I have never been able to answer this because I couldn't settle for just one power. I want to be Superman...so all of his powers would be awesome thank you.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What is usually your first thought when you wake up?</b> "Ok, whew another day. Here we go. Help me sweet JESUS to be a blessing to my kids and husband and whoever you put in my path today." </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What do you usually think about right before falling asleep?</b> I think about way too many things. It might be about whatever show I just finished watching on TV, it might be about politics and how much it grieves me....or the state of our world today. I might be thinking about my kids and wondering how they are doing or my hubby or our marriage. The last thing I try to think on is a prayer, so that I can let it all go and then go to sleep. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's your favorite color?</b> I like different colors for different purposes. I like wearing blue, aqua, black and white a lot. I like decorating with blue, green, brown, yellow and white. I also love bright colors for accents around the house. I love the soft pink in my daughter's room and the soft sea blue/green in my son's room. My current least favorite color is orange but, next year it could be my favorite. I am always changing my mind about color. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's your favorite animal?</b> I would probably have a pet cat if I wanted a pet to take care of which I don't currently. I also enjoy the birds outside tremendously. I am definitely a bird lover. I really enjoy ALL animals but, I am not a big fan of caring for household pets. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets?</b> Only in the Heavenly realm. Angels are very real as is God and I'm not sure what they look like but, that would definitely qualify as life outside of this planet. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Do you believe in ghosts?</b> No, but, again angels and the spirit world is something I don't understand. Perhaps people have mistaken angels for ghosts! </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Ever been addicted to a video/computer game?</b> I have never been a game junkie but, I have played many, many games in my days. I loved super mario world and cart as a kid and currently we play Zelda and Wii sports. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you were given 1 million dollars, what do you spend it on?</b> The boring answer...I would invest it and live off interest most likely. I know how quickly money goes so I try to be cautious when I have it. But, okay for the sake of blowing cash I would buy a bigger home with a beautiful pool in the backyard. I'd like a ski boat and the hubby would want a sweet bass fishing boat and a big fancy truck or jeep. I'd try to convince my family to move near me by offering to by them a house. I'd love to donate money to different charities that I support and then I'd use the rest to travel the world with my little fam bam. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Have any bad habits?</b> I think my bad habits are more internal...in my head. I am pretty hard on myself as a Christian, a mother and a person. I am ever learning how to extend myself the same grace that I try to extend to others. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Which bad habits, if any, drive you crazy? </b>Honestly, the bad habits that drive me crazy are people criticizing each other so ruthlessly and thinking they have all their own stuff together....c'mon y'all. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>List 3 of your best personality traits</b>: I love to encourage people and remind people how amazing they really are because I know how much we all need to hear that every single day. I am a pretty patient person. I love people...all people, very much. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>List 3 of your worst personality traits</b>: I'm overly sensitive. I can read too much into something someone says or does which gets my brain on a hamster wheel. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Have any celebrity crushes?</b> Nope. Of course I am not blind to the fact that there are lots of attractive people in the world but, I aim not to crush on anyone but, the one I've got. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>List 1 thing you wish you could change about yourself:</b> Just one thing? Ummm....I would love to be less afraid of public speaking. My fear has held me back from so many opportunities. I would also love to have longer legs...just being real...I could have listed 10 body things I'd love to change but, I'll just leave it with the legs. I must add though that the older I get, the less and LESS I care about my body image...it's just getting older, saggier and grayer so I gotta embrace it for what it is. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Any tattoos or piercings?</b> No tattoos. I'm not opposed to them at all but, I don't think I ever want to get one. I have two ear piercings in each ear and that is all. I like simple. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's the first thing you notice in the opposite sex?</b> Face. Are the eyes kind and welcoming and immediately after I notice quickly if they have a warm or cold personality.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Whats your dream date?</b> A good dinner out and a movie. That's it. Again, I like keeping life simple. Now if the date was out of this country and in Europe that would be awesome. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What personality traits do you look for in a partner?</b> I was drawn to my husband's extroverted personality, his persistent nature, his adventure spirit and his humor. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What personality traits do you dislike in other people?</b> Judgemental. Why do so many people criticize others for the pettiest things when they themselves have so much junk to work on in their own life. Focus on growing yourself and loving others as they are...period. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Do you see yourself getting married in the next 5 years?</b> done. check. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>Are you mostly a clean or messy person? </b> Clean! I prefer a clean house, clean clothes and a good shower. I don't mind if other people have messy homes etc. but, as for me and my house...we keep it clean. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?</b> Ideally I would like to move to a different place ever 3 years or so. I would live in Hawaii for a few years, then Europe, then different states in the US, then Italy, then Greece and so on. That would be so awesome! Unfortunately, jobs and income don't really allow for that. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?</b> Maui, Hawaii, Europe, Greece, Italy, Africa, Mexico and pretty much all the islands. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>List 5 goals on your life's to-do list:</b> Finish college and get my degree in Psychology. Write my book. Take my kiddos on a missions trip. Travel to a few dream destinations. Strive to live a content life regardless of my circumstances. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Name 1 regret you have:</b> not being more confident when I was younger. I had to grow up to build it! </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid:</b> Someone else cooking the meals every night:) </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Name 1 thing you love about being an adult:</b> So much. The freedom to make my own choices. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's your favorite song of the moment?</b> I have been listening to David Crowder and Third Day lately. I don't have a particular song that stands out as a favorite. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's your favorite song of all time?</b> I could never have a favorite for that long...</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?</b> I have two small kids who kick my butt all day...Soooo, I like to put them to bed and then recover from the long day by sitting on the couch eating a treat and watching a show with my hubby. Bliss. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What's your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? </b>Church with the fam and then a family nap/rest after and lastly a yummy dinner together. Maybe a swim at our community pool. Low key. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Have any hidden talents? </b> I can touch my tongue to the tip of my nose with ease;)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>You're about to walk the green mile, what do you have as your last meal?</b> Sushi, strawberry short cake and a Pepsi. lol </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>What would be your dream job?</b> What I do...stay at home Mom. If I didn't have littles at home I would love to be a traveling motivational speaker, or faith focused teacher for women groups and churches (assuming public speaking didn't terrify me...)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Which would you rather have, 100 million dollars or true love?</b> The only true love I know of comes from knowing Jesus...money, meh...I can live without it. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?</b> Just one...world peace:)...that would basically mean that the rapture has happened and we are now in Heaven. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Ever wish you were born the opposite sex? </b>Not that I can recall</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Name 1 thing not many people know about you:</b> Oh gosh I don't know...I am not a fan of chick flicks or country music...doesn't mean I can't stand them but, I will choose something else if given an option. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to?</b> I have no idea.....I could sit here all day trying to think of another name I would like. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Do you believe in the afterlife?</b> I hope that anyone who knows me...knows my answer to this already. 100% yes...Heaven and Hell are both fo reals. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>On the topic of abortion, how do you feel about cookies?</b> This is a very interesting question....ummmm....I am pro-life y'all and not ashamed of it one bit BUT, my strong feelings on this issue do not in any way lessen my love for pro-choicers or women who have had an abortion. I love y'all and I would never think less of you because we don't see eye to eye on this...but, I am gonna fight to protect those who do not have a voice to fight for themselves. And cookies....I LOVE THEM...fresh baked cookies are a weakness of mine. I'll take them over ice cream ANY DAY! </li>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-88118165292074955352016-06-06T10:15:00.000-07:002016-08-03T10:23:56.789-07:00Bruin is 1.5 (Happy Half Birthday Buddy!)<div style="text-align: center;">
(I'm posting this two months late because that is my blogging average now. lol.)<br />
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One and a half is already here! I'll be serving this kid a cupcake with two candles on it in a blink!</div>
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We took the little guy to a local lake for his 1.5 year session. It was a really beautiful day but, it was quite warm and sticky so I had low expectations. Bruin isn't the kind of kiddo to sit and smile for a camera but, I got lucky! I brought his teddy along and he loved that we were somewhere new and that he got to sit on a special stool. He gave us some of his sweetest smiles and facial expressions. I melted. And then he took off down the deck. Happy boy = Happy Momma. <br />
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I sure do adore this little boy. </div>
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Bruin weighed 24.5 pounds at his 18 month checkup. He was >? (need to retrieve data!) inches long. He is growing great!</div>
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Bruin's favorite things to do: </div>
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Dance. This boy loves dancing. Anytime Bruin hears a tune playing on a TV, tablet or cell phone, he immediately throws one arm up in the air and starts waving it around. He also has this one foot stomp motion that goes along with the hand swaying in the air. When I am holding him he will bounce to the music in my arms. If he is walking around he usually dances around in a circle while shaking his booty. It's the cutest thing ever!! I love having a dancing kiddo. </div>
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Watch shows. One of the very first words Bruin learned to speak was, "show." He points up at the TV and softly says, "shoooowww." When we are in the car he points at the DVD player and says the same thing. He likes to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Psalty's Praise, Wiggles and Mother Goose Club. Basically any musical show is his favorite. No other shows keeps his attention. He loves to eat a little snack on the living room floor while watching a show. </div>
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Play outside. He loves exploring the weeds, grass, rocks and dirt. He is a typical boy and I love it. Yesterday, during Daisy's tennis lesson, I took Bruin to an abandoned dirt lot full of gravel and weeds. He had the best time throwing rocks, pulling weeds (yes, both of my children love pulling weeds because I LOVE pulling weeds. LOL), and playing in the dirt. He doesn't like having pebbles or dirt on his hands though so he would then wipe his dirty hands on my shorts. It cracked me up. He also likes to kick a ball around in the backyard and climbing up and down on his little slide over and over and over again. </div>
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He loves to brush his teeth. We pulled the stool out of the closet for him to use and now he climbs up and grabs his own tooth brush and toothpaste. Then he brushes his teeth or plays in the sink for a little bit. It passes time and it is teaching him a useful skill. Win. Win. </div>
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He finally enjoys taking baths. I had no idea a kid could despise bath time as long as Bruin did. He would take a bath but, he never enjoyed it and mostly he whined to get out the entire time. Now when I ask him if he'd like to take a bath he gets excited and walks to the bathroom and stands beside the tub and waits. He loves to sit right up next to the spout with his big pitcher and cup and he collects the water as it pours and then pours it back and forth from cup to pitcher. He loves pouring things out. He also loves to have me put a dab of shampoo, lotion or soap on his hand. He loves just staring at it on his hand. I have repeatedly showed him how to rub it on his other arm or to wash it off. Then he grunts for more. Good times. </div>
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We went to the great wolf lodge recently and Bruin was far too overstimulated by the noise and the splashing water everywhere. He likes things to be quieter and more mellow at this point. I'm not sure if it is an actual sensory issue or if Bruin is just a sensitive kiddo which is could be the case. We also tried playing in the sprinkler in the backyard but, he didn't like the suddenness of the water getting him each time it came back around. We went to the pool a week ago and it was freezing still. Of course he hated it. He must get that from his mom. Sorry buddy. He sat on the step with me and seemed to enjoy that well enough. We are going to try and go back to the pool when it warms up a bit and see if he likes it more then. Hope so!</div>
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Bruin likes to do new things and he likes variety. If I keep him occupied and constantly change up the activities then he is happiest but, I find that exhausting. I created a sensory bin for him last week and it was probably the happiest I have seen him in a long time. He sat for an hour and played with the beans and cups! He likes to be challenged. I have noticed how quickly Bruin picks up on things. If I show him how to do a task like put all the marbles in a cup and then put the lid on and shake it, he can instantly repeat the task. So, pray that God gives me energy to come up with new and creative things to do with this little guy to help him thrive and to keep him busy! lol </div>
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Bruin is just starting to get to the point that he will "play," a little bit with Daisy. He loves to follow her into her room and get into her stuff. It blows my mind how patient and tolerant she is of him. I think she just really enjoys having a sibling and she loves having someone to play with even a little bit. Recently the two of them discovered that they could take the shelf out of the oven in her kitchen set. Then they took turns sitting in the pretend oven and closing the door on each other and waving through the window. Sounds rather odd to type that out but, it was ridiculously cute to watch and don't worry, I don't leave either of them alone for fear that Daisy might keep Bruin in the oven a little longer than necessary. He'd survive but, meh, I'm not gonna chance it;). Daisy is unbelievably gentle with Bruin. She is a very affectionate kiddo, so he gets loves of cuddles, hugs and kisses from big sis. He also gets back messages. Daisy is on a kick that she loves to give us a message. It feels nothing like a message but, shhhh don't tell her that. We just love that she has such a kind heart and she is trying to do a nice thing. </div>
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He prefers being held 98% of the day. I truly think that he is miserable a lot of the time and I think being held is the most comfortable place for him to be. I don't know if his fussiness is because he has a low pain tolerance level and teething drives him crazy or if he is a sensory kiddo who is bothered easily by the stimulus around him. He does get ear infections a lot due to teething and I know from experience how horrific ear infections can be. Two weeks ago he actually ruptured his ear drum. I feel terrible because I had no idea he was battling an ear infection prior to that because he cries all the time already so it's so hard to know what is bothering him on any given day. I had been giving him motrin for his teething at night so I hope that helped a little bit. We got him on an antibiotic and he seemed happier after a few days but, then he returned to his rather fussy self and again, I wonder if he is hurting or just not the happiest baby in the world. It's so hard to know. He will occasionally have a really happy day and I kid you not those are some of my happiest days in the past year and a half as well. When I see him having a good day, smiling, laughing and enjoying himself I feel like I've been handed a thousand bucks. I hope for more and more and more days like that for this cute little boy of mine. I do so love him...so, so, so, so much. </div>
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Bruin loves his stuffed animals. He is soothed by them. We often take one on a car ride and he has a few in his crib to snuggle with at night. He gives them big squeeze hugs and his face lights up with a big smile whenever we hand him one. The best. </div>
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He wears size 18-24 month clothes from Old Navy and mostly 18 month everywhere else. To be honest 18 month can still be a bit big but, 12 months is definitely too snug now. He wears size 5 shoes with some room to grow. Size 5 Target diapers. </div>
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He still goes to bed at around 7 and sleeps until around 6:30 most days. I can usually get him to hang in his crib until 7 but, that is his absolute max. He is not a sleep in type of kid. Bummer dude. And if you are wondering, we have tried keeping him up later in hopes of getting a more restful morning in but, nope...he rises at the same time no matter what time he goes to bed at night. That being said, I am pretty intentional about keeping him on this schedule because I desperately need the down time before bed to decompress a little bit. Bru naps from around 12 ish until around 2:30 depending on the day. We pick Daisy up from the bus at 3:30 which is why I don't push for a later start to his afternoon nap at this point. </div>
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Bruin loves to eat but, he is rather picky. I have a hard time getting him to eat meat of any kind and vegetables are almost always a big fat no. I have gotten him to eat canned green beans as long as I remember to give him a fork to feed himself. He will also eat chicken nuggets in small pieces so long as I remember to give him lots of ketchup to dip the pieces in. He loves ketchup and "dip-dip," as we call it. He will dip anything in ketchup if given the opportunity. When he is done dipping his food he usually picks up the plate and sticks his entire face in the ketchup in attempt to get a good lick. Hilarious. Bruin loves to eat fruit. His current favorites are strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, grapes, and mandarin oranges (from the can). He also loves hawiaan sweet bread rolls. He enjoys holding an entire sandwich by himself and eating it. He like pb&j and a cheese sandwich. He is not a fan of sandwich meat. He will also eat just about anything that I am eating, even if it is something that he wouldn't eat if I set it on his tray. Simply because I am eating it, he must also eat it by default. Kids are so funny. He did not ,however; like the avocado that I was eating last night. He shuddered violently after getting a tiny bite. So, no to avocado evidently. lol He loves sweets! He can eat anything with sugar all day long. Daisy was never my sweets kiddo. She was super picky about cake and donuts etc. Bruin will devour anything sweet...anything. </div>
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We set his teddy off down the trail and had him go "fetch" it for us so that he had something fun to do. He loved this game and we got some great candid shots and expressions in the process. My favorite kind of photography.<br />
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Bruin definitely has a bit of separation anxiety at this point and he is also a total Momma's boy. More often than not a kiddo who spends a lot of time with a stay at home mom is going to have a season of attachment. That is where we are at. I went through this for about 1.5 years with Daisy but, I forsee this phase lasting longer with Bruin because he is far more emotional than Daisy was. If I walk out of the room and even leave Bruin with Daddy he has a full blown hysterical melt down and it takes him a while to move on. He hates going to the church nursery and he cries off and on the entire time. I dread going to church because the entire rest of the day gets thrown off because of his rough morning at church but, we survive I suppose. It makes things harder for sure but, it is a phase and someday this too will pass. Plus, I can't complain that my son adores me and loves to snuggle his momma. That is priceless and worth it all!<br />
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We adore Bruin's eyes. Both the color and the shape. His eyes are shaped like little almond, tear drops. Oh how this little boy melts me.<br />
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Happy 1.5 birthday buddy! You are growing up so fast, I can hardly believe it. You are the cutest little guy and you have Mommy wrapped around your finger...even if you are the biggest handful ever. Love you my little prince.<br />
xoxo,<br />
Mommy. </div>
Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-65127930228022618852016-05-07T17:50:00.001-07:002016-05-07T17:50:17.460-07:00My Mother's Day Blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
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These are definitely my new favorite pictures of my kiddos. I LOVED the way the light was pouring in all around this spot but, at the same time I loved that I had a nice shade patch for the kids to walk around in. And Bruin even looked at the camera like twice! What a great Mother's Day gift to me! hehe<br />
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Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing Moms both in our family, in our circle of friends and in all the world!! Thank you for all that you do to love on your kids and families! Every drop of love that you pour out makes this world a better place. God Bless you for all that you do. I am blessed to know so many strong, giving, loving and selfless women. I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful day being celebrated. xoxo
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Being a momma is such incredibly hard work. It's bone weary, gray hair and wrinkle inducing, brain frying hard. Every Momma would agree to this and they would probably also point out that I am being far to gentle in my description here. lol. <br />
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But I also think that every Momma would agree that motherhood's rewards are made up of priceless treasures that money could never buy. <br />
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The gifts that these little people pour into our weary hearts is so rewarding. Every time they smile. Every time they snuggle up to us. Every time they scribble us a little note or love letter. Every time they get hurt and run to us because they know that we are the only ones who will kiss the boo boos just right. Every time they wrap their little arms around our necks as we swoop them off to bed. Every time they point at something new and stare with such an expression of wonderment. Every time they show love to each other and we get to see a tiny glimpse of our hard work paying off. Every time they breathe and we simply appreciate the fact that they are okay. Every time they sing on stage with their class. Every mother/child tea in preschool. Every thoughtful gift and every slobbery kiss. Every time they call us on the phone when we are away. Every time they come to us for advice and encouragement. Every time they say, "you are the best mom in the wold world." <br />
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What a gift these little wild ones are. <br />
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What a sweet gift motherhood is. <br />
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(Below: Daisy is not smiling her usual over the top smile here but, I promise she was actually having a lot of fun with Bruin;) </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-50177744424793270622016-04-21T17:17:00.000-07:002016-04-21T17:19:52.907-07:00Daisy is SIX!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Our little girl is six!<br />
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How is it that when our kids are just one day older than they were the day before it feels like so much more time has passed?? </div>
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Daisy woke up on her birthday extra early and walked out to see all the decorations I had put up the night before in the dining room and in her bedroom. She was beaming. She kept putting her hands on top of her head and standing up really straight and saying, "Mom, I am totally taller now that I am six, than I was when I was five." I can barely handle that much cuteness!!! She was so excited to go to school and be taller...I did try to gently explain to her that while she does grow a bit taller every day, that she might not have grown that much taller since yesterday. She seemed to accept that explanation and we moved on to presents and her special birthday breakfast of chocolate chip waffles with strawberries and whip cream. I don't think she liked it very much because she hardly touched it. This girl cracks me up. </div>
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It is often said that our kids shouldn't be our friends because we are supposed to be their parent first. Well, while I agree with that to an extent and I do want my daughter to respect my authority, I also believe that we are laying the foundation for our friendship each and every day. I want to be friends with my daughter when she is an adult and the only way I see that happening is if she knows that I see her as a friend now as well. I'm not sure if I am making any sense but, that is the best way I can explain it. I love planting seeds in our friendship garden by going on dates with my daughter and chatting with her at night about all the odd and random things that float through her brain. I love taking her with me and involving her in the things that are important to me so that she will learn that she is also important to me. </div>
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Anyways, I'm very grateful that God gave us Daisy. She is not a perfect kiddo by any means but, she is an awesome kiddo. She has a beautiful, kind and big, heart. She is an amazing big sister to Bruin and she has been a joy to parent. Exhausting (wink)...but, an absolute joy.</div>
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And by the way, I adore this picture of my big girl. </div>
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Daisy has grown up so much over the past year. It's probably a mixture of a lot of things but, definitely the big contributors were her promotion to big sister and her first year in public school.</div>
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Right before my eyes Daisy has transformed from the princess and tea party obsessed little girl to the older but, still very little girl who wants to be a teacher, an artist or a decorator and she is obsessed with Transformers right now...WHAaaaa? lol Works for me. I love them too. </div>
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She spends much of her time collecting office supplies and stapling pieces of paper together so that she can create books. She is a girl after her Momma's own heart for sure. </div>
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She often tells me where decorations or furniture should be moved or what colors I should paint the walls in the different rooms in our house. She definitely has an eye for design! </div>
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She recently started an art wall gallery in her room. It was all her idea. She just taped one of her drawings to her wall one day and now she has probably over 15 drawings taped to the wall and they are really impressive drawings! I love that she is creating her own space in her room and that she is enjoying her room so much. She also has a CD player in her room and I passed on a bunch of my Christian music CD's. I actually have most the CD's from my teen years still to this day so it is a treat to share them with Daisy. She loves listening to Mandisa's Overcomer album and Brit Nicole's Gold album. She also got a Veggie Tales sound track recently from Lulu and she listened to it over and over again for days. It blesses my heart so much to hear my daughter belting out worship songs while she hangs in her room. </div>
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She loves playing games on our tablet. At this present moment her favorite games are Shopkins and Pet Buddies. I would say that Pet Buddies is her favorite game of all time and it is a game that I would have loved as a little girl. You get to buy clothes and furniture and decorate rooms and dress your pets. It's basically like a really souped up version of the paper dolls that I played with as a little girl. This kid is so lucky! lol</div>
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Her favorite shows are the Rescue Bots, Transformers cartoon, Miles (on Disney), Inspector Gadget the cartoon, Wiggles with Bruin...(I think she has a kindergarten crush on Anthony and Sam because she told me that she wants to have two boys so that she can name them by the same names! I think it's adorable:). She also watches plenty of all of the Disney cartoons like Sophia, Doc etc. because we have the ap. on the tablet.</div>
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Joey and I enjoy watching Fixer Upper together and Daisy has taken notice of this. We only watch it after she goes to bed but, we talk about it a lot. A few days ago she asked if she could watch Fixer Upper on the Tablet. I think she was curious about all the fuss we make over it. She sat through 20 minutes of it and I could tell that she was a bit bored but, she was so determined to watch something that her Mom and Dad watch because she wanted to be able to talk about the show with us. Isn't it amazing how much kids want to be so much like their mom and dad...for a brief while. I am glad that Fixer Upper is a fun and harmless show and I thought it was the cutest thing that she wanted to watch it. She hasn't asked to watch it again since though...hahaha. </div>
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I am thinking about starting a series like Little House on the Praire with Daisy sometime soon. She has never watched much of anything other than cartoons up to this point in her life and while she doesn't seem to mind just watching Disney cartoons, I think something like LHOTP could be something that might intrigue her and teach her about what life used to be like. Plus, I love that the family has strong faith. Those types of shows are practically non-existent now days. I also watched Little House on the Prairie as a kiddo. I've been waiting for the day that I could watch it with one of my own kiddos...how am I this old?? oye. </div>
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Daisy's favorite colors are pink, purple, aqua, gold and red. She said she likes red because it is a Christmas color and that makes it pretty....she has never liked red until this year. But, I would definitely say that she is still very much a pink girl overall. Having a girly girl like Daisy has been so much fun. I have gotten such a wonderful dose of dress up, sparkles, dolls, princesses and sweetness. I wouldn't want it any other way.</div>
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We signed her up for tennis lessons a little over a month ago and she is loving it so far. It seems like a perfect sport for her personality so I hope we can keep up with it. I told her that I would sign up for a class as well so that I can learn the basics and then we can practice together! She asked if she could go to my practices and cheer for me. I was tempted to say no because I wasn't sure if she was supposed to go with me but, then I realized what do I care. My kid wants to cheer for me, heck yes she can join. So, if tennis eventually becomes a family activity that would be so fun! Even Bruin has taken an early interest in the rackets and balls. Who knows...maybe he will want to take lessons and then he and his sister can play together in a few more years. We have been trying to go to the tennis courts as a family once a week in the evening. It's been so fun to get some energy out together and Daisy has already improved dramatically since she started two months ago. It's amazing how quickly kids pick up on something! </div>
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Sidenote: Bruin was in between tears at this moment. He was mad that we tied his balloon to his hand and he was just plain fussy...definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed. This was a picture session fail in every way. Daisy's balloon slipped 30 feet up into a tree shortly after this sweet picture was taken and she was completely heart broken. She couldn't stop crying and then it started to rain....what the heck. Still I am always so grateful if we are able to catch even a couple of decent pics and we did. At least this picture looks like they are both happy to be there...Daisy of course always glows on camera:). hehe. Love our babies!</div>
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Daisy will wrap up kindergarten in about 2 months and will start first grade immediately after since she is in year round school. And if you are wondering...yes, I LOVE year round school. I grew up in traditional school with the 3 month Summer and more often than not, while I enjoyed being out of school...I was SO bored. 3 months is too long of a break but, that is totally my opinion. Plus, I love having several shorter breaks throughout the year. This allows us to plan seasonal activities or vacations that we can do together as a family. </div>
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It blows me away that she will be in first grade already. Why oh why does time move so fast??? She learned SO SO much this past year in Kinder. She started the year not knowing how to read and not really having much interest in letters or spelling. Now she can read most level one, easy reader books and she has drastically improved her spelling. She is also doing addition and subtraction math problems! I am in awe of how quickly she picks up on things and how excited she is about learning. It's so fun to see all the papers that she brings home from school because each week I can see her progression and improvement. I'm proud of this girl. I will say that I think the length of a school day for a five year old is ridiculous. Just being honest. When I was a wee one we only had a half day for Kindergarten. Daisy is so fried by the time she gets home from school. Hyper but, fried. She gets more hyper as she gets more tired. Does anyone else have a kiddo like that? I also must complain about the fact that kids get so much less recess time now than they used to. Oy. That being said, I really try hard to not put as much emphasis on homework or studying when Daisy is home because I see how badly she needs to decompress from all of the learning. Of course I care very much about turning in assignments and encouraging Daisy to learn but, I strive to give Daisy some relief when she is home. Balance....so hard to figure out. </div>
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She is very much a night owl and has literally been that way since she was born. She would be happy to stay up until midnight every night if I let her...but, I never do. Poor girl. Life is rough. ;) I try to get Daisy to bed at night by 8 and now that she is a little older I got her a reading light and I let her read books (which she is really beginning to enjoy!) or chat with her dolls for another 30-60 minutes. She does not wind down easily and never has but, once she is out, she is out and she sleeps like a rock. She never remembers getting up to go to the bathroom nor does she remember the times she has fallen out of bed in the middle of the night and hit her head on her step stool..... Very solid sleeper. Lucky girl. </div>
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She generally wakes up around 7 these days. Sigh. Before Bruin was born, Daisy would sleep in until 9. I miss those days SO SO SO much. I've come to realize that Daisy doesn't like to miss out on anything and I think that she hears Bruin get up at 6:30 and her little mind just kicks in to high gear. "Brother's up, so I'm getting up!" lol</div>
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Daisy is a fairly picky eater but, she has become a bit better about at least trying things. She hates most all vegetables but, I can get her to eat steamed and seasoned broccoli and cut and peeled cucumbers with Italian dressing on them once in a blue moon. She doesn't like anything spicy. Her favorite dinner, hands down, is sushi. So, I can't really complain. As long as she likes sushi...we'll be aok. LOL. She also likes sandwiches without crust but, I have been working very hard to help her kick this bad habit. She loves tacos and rice. Tonight we ate a taco salad casserole and she kept saying, "yum, yum, yum, this is so delicious Mom!" I was grinning ear to ear. Most rewarding meal I've ever prepared:). She also enjoys small variety of fruit such as strawberries, watermelon, canned mandarin oranges and sometimes sliced apples and applesauce. She loves to make fruit smoothies with me. She also loves crackers, chips and carbs. She is a carb kid. She also loves candy. I would say that she likes candy more than baked treats. More often than not she will eat the frosting off a donut and leave the rest. Or eat the frosting off of the cake but, leave the rest. She loves chocolate and has recently started enjoying minty things like York Peppermint patties and mint chocolate chip ice cream. She is also a big, BIG fan of popcorn. We had root beer floats to celebrate her birthday. She seems to like things like that.</div>
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She doesn't care a whole lot about what she wears each day. She would rather I pick it out for her most of the time. I would like her to take more of an interest in what she wears but, on the other hand it has been fun to be able to pick out outfits for a little girl for so long. She does somewhat, prefer skirts and dresses these days. Evidently, one of her friends at school wears a lot of dresses and Daisy definitely takes note of what her friends wear. It's almost like she goes through little phases of caring for a few days and then not caring for a month. lol. The other night she put on a dress, her white heals, a necklace and sweater and she walked out of her room to show it off for me and Daddy. I adore those moments. The moments when I get to see my little girl enjoying being a little girl.</div>
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Daisy is quite petite and lean. She is only wearing a size 10.5 shoe and has been for over a year! I think we are finally almost an 11...almost. She still fits in most 5/6 tops and bottoms. Most size 6 pants are still way too long for her. But, she is definitely a six in leggings and pajamas. She isn't very tall at this point which surprises me only because Joey and I aren't short. I'm wondering if she might be like her Dad and have a growth spurt much later on. Who knows. We don't talk about her height but, she must notice that other kids seem a bit taller because she has commented on it from time to time. She has no idea how lucky she is. I would have loved to be a good 2-4 inches shorter! lol. </div>
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Daisy's favorite toy is shopkins. She loves collecting the little pieces and we also have two shopkins games. She loves playing the "go shopping", Shopkins game which is basically go fish.</div>
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She asked me to decorate the house with shopkins party supplies for her sixth birthday. I got a few things online and I decorated the dining room while she was at school on her birthday. She was completely elated when she walked in the door after school with her friend and saw all of the decorations. It was priceless. Daisy is so fun to spoil because she is so thankful for every little thing. Makes it such a treat to love on her. HAHA. <br />
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We decided not to have a party this year which felt SO SO SO wonderful. Instead, we had two of her friend's that all know each other, over for a simple play date and pizza. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to nix a party this year. I have officially burned myself out on parties and I would be happy to never have another one!! hahaha. I feel bad saying that but, whew. They are a lot of work. Anyways, I will try and do whatever my kids want but, nonetheless it is a treat to do something so simple this year. Daisy also mentioned that she would love to go to the great wolf lodge next year for her birthday and you know what...I would do that over a party any day so yeah!</div>
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Daisy is So great with Bruin. She is truly the most patient and gentle sister I have ever seen. She just wants to play with him all the time and she is literally counting down the days until he is old enough to engage her a little bit more, throw the ball back to her etc. She doesn't like when Bruin cries and she does everything she can to calm him down and cheer him up. He is so stinking lucky to have a big sis like her. She gives him loads of hugs and kisses and though he probably doesn't want that I know deep down he knows that she adores him. I love that Daisy seems so much more complete with a sibling. She is never lonely when he is around. It really is the sweetest thing. Now, don't get me wrong. Bruin screams bloody murder a lot every day and it is usually because he wants everything that Daisy has. His fussiness has always driven me crazy but, that is life with more than one kiddo. lol.</div>
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Can you just take a moment to be as annoyed as I was that the ONLY direction this balloon wanted to go was.....arg....the wrong way. I am not exaggerating..95% of the pictures are like this. Thankfully, I got like 2 good ones with the stupid balloon behaving...before it ran away into the tree. Good riddance. ;)</div>
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Daisy has taken an interest in art lately. She loves to go in her room and doodle in her notebooks with markers and crayons. She is quite creative! A few nights ago she drew a really detailed giraffe and she also created several bubble letters for the first time. I was really impressed that she taught herself how to draw bubble letters. She looked at a three dimensional letter D book that she had sitting on her desk and she drew it how she felt she saw it. I love that! She also loves to write notes and messages. It's so fun to watch her discover new passions. She is a very creative kiddo.</div>
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We got her a desk for her birthday per her request. Daddy set it up while she was at school (thank you hubby because I would never be able to pull something like that off!) and she came home to it. I also got her a bunch of pens, highlighters and notepads. She was THRILLED. Like she squealed SO loud with delight and ran around hugging us and saying :thank you, thank you over and over." Totally warmed our Mom and Dad hearts. She has been hanging out in there a little bit every night since her birthday.<br />
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I love going on Mommy-daughter dates with Daisy. We get out about once a month now on average. I wish it was more often but, that is the best we can do at this point. We usually do something simple like get a shake at Sonic, go roller skating, or we go window shopping together. It really doesn't matter what we do. I love hanging out with Daisy. She is so fun to be around and we have such great conversations and laughs when the two of us get a little quality time in. Quality time is definitely Daisy's love language. I can tell when she is needing it and that is usually when I make the date happen. This past weekend we walked around in Michaels for an hour together. I let her lead the way and look at whatever she wanted. I also let her pick out a journal book cut into the shape of a D. It was so fun to see what caught her eye and to listen to her explain how she would decorate with the different things she liked. I'm very grateful for the daughter and friend that God has given me in Daisy. She is such a gift.</div>
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Daisy and Daddy have been having a lot of fun playing Wii sports together lately. For a while they played Zelda until they beat it and then I suggested that they play something that allowed Daisy to be a bit more active and that led to Wii sports. It seems that video games will be one of there things and I am glad that they have something special that they like to do together. They also love to be wild together, wrestle and goof off. More often than not Daddy brings the crazy out of Daisy. LOL. I'm also glad that she has a fun and wild Daddy because that is so not me and I'm glad someone else can give her that energy! Tonight they worked on a Palace Pets lego set that Daisy got for her birthday from a friend and now as I am typing Daisy is reading a book to Daddy in bed. I'm thankful that Joey makes an effort to engage our kids when he has the time. I know he is also planting priceless seeds in his daughter's heart. Her first boyfriend/love...is her Daddy. </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-71650873857211572712016-03-07T07:24:00.003-08:002016-03-07T07:25:41.336-08:00Human Perspective vs. God's perspective. I'm in the process of reading through the New Testament again. I got the Beautiful Word Journal Bible recently and I LOVE it. I think I can say this has been the most me Bible that I have ever had because it is full of color, journal art and sidebars for me to write my thoughts as I go. It's pretty and fun:)<br />
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When I was a kid I remember vividly that the last thing on Earth I wanted to voluntarily read was the Bible. It was SO boring to me. I really enjoyed reading through the Comic Bible and the Kids Study Bible but, I didn't carve out time to sit and study on a regular basis. I couldn't have imagined then that the Bible would be my favorite book today or that I would look forward to every study session. <br />
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One of my favorite things about reading the Bible with the intention of learning something new is just that...there is always something new to be found. The words in the Bible never get old. Each time I read, I find that I learn something that I never knew before. <br />
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Sometimes I will read a chapter and then just sit back, blown away by the depth that I have missed so many times before. I will wonder how I never understood what that passage really meant until now and I will recall the Bible verses, "he who has eyes let him see and he who has ears let him hear." I don't think our eyes are always open to see everything all at once. Learning about who God is and what His words mean is a process of understanding and growing that continues for a lifetime. <br />
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This time as I read my Bible, I am taking my time and trying to really think on every verse with more intention than I did the last time I read through. The last time I did a Bible read through I was more concerned with quickly reading through to accomplish my goal than I was concerned about actually learning a whole lot...probably not the brightest goal I have had but, I was young lass. <br />
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While reading today, I found myself really mulling around a short passage in Matthew chapter 16. Jesus is beginning to prepare his disciple dude friends for his imminent Crucifixion. He tells them that he is about to suffer many things at the hands of the leaders, priests and teachers of the law. (v. 21). He tells them that these people are going to kill him but, on the third day he will be raised back to life. </div>
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Can you imagine your bestie telling you that someone is about to kidnap/capture/arrest them and then brutally torture and murder them? </div>
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Yah, I can't either. </div>
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But, that is exactly what Jesus just dropped on his bros. </div>
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A bomb shell. </div>
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I think many of us would respond the same way as Peter does...</div>
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"Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!" (v. 22) </div>
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We would all say that to a loved one right? In our own words of course.<br />
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I would probably say something more like, "Heck no! I'm not going to stand by and let anyone hurt you. They will have to come through me first. This is insanity!!"</div>
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I would do anything in my power to protect a friend or family member who was being threatened by someone else. Or to look at this from another angle, I would do anything in my power to prevent anyone I love from ever having to feel pain of any kind. If I could prevent someone from suffering somehow, I would do it. Wouldn't you? The last thing we ever want is to see anyone struggle. That is what we humans do for each other. We generally don't stand aside as our friends are being abused or mistreated. We stand up for them. We fight for them. We defend and protect them. </div>
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But, Jesus doesn't want Peter's protection or his involvement and not only that, Jesus has some strong words for him. </div>
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"Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." (v.23)</div>
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Um. Mega Ouch. </div>
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My feelings would be hurt. He just called me Satan?! :( Sad face.<br />
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But, here's the thing, Jesus sees everything and Jesus knows everything. He sees the past, present and the future. <br />
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We see the past and we see a portion of the present (with our limited understanding and wisdom) but, we certainly can't forsee the future, despite our best efforts to. <br />
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Jesus sees through the lens of eternity whereas, we often see only through the lens of our present troubles, struggles or circumstances. <br />
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Jesus knew that He would have to suffer many horrible things in order to fulfill something so much greater and bigger than His present suffering. <br />
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In this situation, the greater thing was the salvation of the entire world. <br />
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So yah, that was a big deal.<br />
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A deal that we could not see or understand with our human eyes and logic. <br />
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Peter could only see and feel the present moment. He may have been feeling anger. He may have been feeling fear. Ultimately, he didn't want his friend to have to suffer or die. <br />
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He couldn't recognize that the pain and suffering that Jesus was going to endure might be something that he would have to allow his friend to endure in order to bring about something GREAT for eternity. <br />
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How often are we like more like Peter and less like Jesus when it comes to how we respond and deal with the pain, suffering, trial and struggle in our lives and in the lives of those around us?<br />
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Like allllllll the time right. <br />
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Yes. Me too. <br />
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When I found out that the pain my sister had been having in her knee for some time was a tumor I instantly felt anxious. My entire family began praying and believing for the tumor to be benign or praying for God to remove the tumor completely. We believed for healing for my sister. We were filled with hope because prayer is encouraging and believing for healing and waiting for it with anticipation is exciting. <br />
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My mom called me a few days later to tell me that the results had come back and my sister's tumor was not benign and in fact was a very aggressive form of bone cancer, called osteosarcoma. <br />
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There was a lot of shock initially because the news of cancer is such a bombshell.<br />
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I know far too many people whose lives have been cut short because of cancer.<br />
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The shock begins to fade as the reality of the diagnosis sets in and then anger crept in. <br />
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We prayed for a healing. We believed for a miracle. I know God is able!! Why are you allowing this to go on God? Why would you do this to my baby sister? I'm mad at you God...please don't strike me dead for being so honest, but, I am mad at you. This isn't fair. <br />
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I absolutely felt like Peter. No. No. No. This is not happening. I will not allow it. <br />
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And you know what, the truth is that I can't explain exactly why God allows so many people to suffer and die "before their time." <br />
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I do however; believe that scripture is very clear that God is not the one who afflicts. He hasn't given my sister cancer but, he hasn't healed her yet either. <br />
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I also believe that scripture makes it EXTREMELY clear that pain and suffering is most definitely a part of life here on this Earth and no one can escape it. I also believe that scripture makes it clear that we grow and learn so much as a result of our hardships here on this Earth. Make no mistake, we can grow poorly or grow beautifully. I suppose that outcome is up to us. I believe that scripture makes it clear that the suffering itself is not good but, what can come out of it can be. My sister having cancer is not good. My sister suffering is not good. But, God is good and he can bring something good out of this horrible thing. He DOES bring good out of horrible things. That is who God is. <br />
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I also know that I am not God. As much as I try to have an eternal mindset and understand the things of God, I am certain that I only see a microscopic piece of the big picture. I don't know what good things God is planting, growing and moving at this very moment. I don't know whose lives are being impacted by my sister's strength and bravery as she fights this awful disease. <br />
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So instead of beating my chest for healing for my sister every minute of every day, I am believing that God will heal her in His timing. I can rest in that truth. <br />
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I don't know what He is doing but, I trust Him. <br />
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Instead, I am focusing my energy on trusting God in this season and trusting that I cannot see it all. I am trusting that he loves my sister dearly and that he is holding her, ministering to her weary spirit and growing her beautifully even in this not good thing we call cancer. God is good. <br />
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My Mom and I love talking about our Bible readings together. We love talking about faith together. She is my favorite counselor and mentor. One thing she has said to me on many occasions is, "that's great Case and I understand what you are saying but, where is that in the Bible." In other words, I understand that you are frustrated about what you are going through and you have every right to be but, can you back up that attitude with scripture. Can you back up that belief with scripture? Can you back up that choice with scripture?<br />
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Sometimes we are so sure that we have the things of God on our minds. We can totally convince ourselves that God would agree with us and support our thoughts, choices, actions etc. but, more often than not we are acting like Peter. We think we know what's best but, we really don't have a clue about what's going on in the big picture. <br />
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God doesn't see life the way we do. He has a different perspective and as Christians that is the perspective that we are supposed to desire. An eternal perspective. The bigger picture type of perspective. This world is not our home type of perspective. Denying yourself and taking up your cross every day type of perspective.<br />
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There will be so many times in our lives when we will have to face something really, really tough and we will always have a choice to walk through those seasons; with a big picture perspective or with near-sighted vision. <br />
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The truth is that the big picture perspective often requires more of us. It's a narrow path with a really tiny gate and it's easy to miss it. It's so much easier and even more natural to our flesh to opt for that wide path with the giant gate right next door but, it leads to destruction as scripture says. The big picture, eternal perspective often requires us to endure and press on. It often requires us to say no to the fire escape and walk through the fire. <br />
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Ouch. <br />
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Why?<br />
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Because, put simply, the things of God are not like the things of this world and in all honesty we will never fully understand the ways of God while on this Earth. We do know by reading scripture that the things of God are SO SO much bigger than we can ever fully grasp here on this Earth. <br />
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I know that can sound so cheap to someone who is going through something horrible right now.<br />
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I know this can also sound like crazy talk to someone who doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus.<br />
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I understand.<br />
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It's really not something you can understand until you walk it and even then it is a never ending journey of faith but, can I just say that once you put on these eternal glasses, life will look a lot different.<br />
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So the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, in the middle of a storm or confused about what to do regarding your circumstances, take the time to really pray about your situation and wait on God for answers. You know what? You might have to wait a while so ask God for patience while you are at it. <br />
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I have been given some of the most life changing answers because of the storms I have endured in my life and others I am still waiting on but, I know someday it will all become crystal clear. <br />
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Take the time to search out scripture for answers and guidance. This will always strengthen your vision and through that time of study God will give you direction. <br />
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Press on mighty warrior. Press on. <br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-74631335675735014122016-02-10T16:56:00.002-08:002016-02-10T18:07:55.424-08:00Random Musings On Life Through the Lens of A People-Loving Introvert<div>
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I am an introvert.<br />
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I have come to realize that introvert is a broad category and within that category are lots and lots of different types of people. Duh. You already knew that. You smarty pants you. </div>
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I am this type of introvert:<br />
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My sanity and energy is only replenished when I am alone. I would literally die without a BIG pinch of alone time every single day. I would DIE. <br />
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No, I am not being dramatic.<br />
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Alone time usually consists of me doing some very relaxing activity like reading my bible, staring at a wall, watching a show, talking to myself, browsing on my cell phone, taking a 20 minute cat nap, or curling up in the fetal position on the floor. Don't laugh...you know you do it to...okay, you can laugh;). <br />
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Alone time must be in my home. Not at a coffee shop. Not as a guest in someone else's house. Not at a store without kids. Alone, in my home. <br />
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My home is my sanctuary. <br />
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My home is the only place that I feel completely relaxed and free to be me. It is my escape. I could even go so far as to say that alone time in my home is a vacation for me. I am genuinely refreshed best in that time and space. <br />
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If I am a dead battery, then my home is the charger and the longer that I am away from my charger, the lower my battery level gets. <br />
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I love quiet spaces....They don't have to be silent..just not loud. I don't want to hear any screaming kids, blasting music or TV, nor chatty people or wild hubby...just me and a mellow room = Bliss. <br />
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I never enjoyed sleep overs as a kid (though I did get through a fair amount) because I never enjoyed chatting with a friend until late in the evening. I was always too tired to keep that up...probably because all of the high pitched talking and excessive giggling had completely fried my mother board.<br />
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I struggle with sharing a space with anyone other than my immediate family for too long. Like I really do not enjoy it. <br />
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Some introverts do just fine sharing their space with others during a family reunion trip at a resort or at the beach or maybe during the holidays etc. Good for them. No me gusta. <br />
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I can handle a couple of days or maybe three at best and then I begin short circuiting. It actually feels very much like I am running on a week without sleep after a few days of non-stop visitors and noise.<br />
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My brain and body begin shutting down. Literally. <br />
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What is the problem? Well, the problem is that I am unable to get the alone time that I desperately need to recharge when I am in the constant company of others. My routine gets tossed out the window during long social events and I really rely on a routine for sanity. <br />
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If you are already judging me at this point then you are an extrovert and you will never understand so just move along (wink). <br />
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I do not require a girl's night out each week to keep my stuff together. I get my stuff together when you all go out and leave me at home...alone. <br />
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LOL.<br />
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On the other hand, I LOVE my friends. LOVE. LOVE. Love each and every one of them. I love communicating (something that many introverts hate). I love keeping in touch. I love e-mailing, texting, voxing, facebooking, instagramming. I care about my friends more than words can express. <br />
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It is only BECAUSE I love my friends so much that I will pull together every scrap of social energy that I have left after a long day of play dates and battling opinionated little humans, to meet up for coffee or whatever we decide on.<br />
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In other words, I will sacrifice my beloved evening alone time....my time of refreshment, for my friends, because I care about relationships and I recognize that they do require investment in order to thrive. <br />
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And I do LOVE those outings when they do happen because I love the people I am gathering with. It is good for the soul to have girl time and I understand the great value of finding social balance in life...even for an introvert. <br />
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I may have to push myself much harder than an extrovert to get together with friends but, the friendships that have been built out of these efforts are priceless to me. <br />
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I have been blessed with some of the most amazing girl friends a gal could ask for. Friends that I have known since I was a child, friends from school, church, my new state and even new friends that I have made through social media. <br />
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Building quality relationships isn't always easy for an introvert...or maybe it isn't always easy for extroverts as well....I dunno. Extroverts, thoughts?<br />
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It is hard work sometimes and it is certainly not always an easy path to navigate with women because we are all so guarded more often than not but, it is so rewarding for me to invest in people this way. <br />
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We are all quite similar behind all the masks that we hide behind. We all just want to be loved and accepted for who we are. Right? <br />
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My greatest joy in life is encouraging others...and that is an interesting thing to derive joy from when you are an introvert who loves being alone. <br />
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Encouragement is the gift that God has given me and it is the one thing in life that when I give it away I too am blessed tremendously as well. <br />
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Basically, I am an introvert who loves being alone but, I love investing in people just as much.<br />
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Definitely an interesting tug of war at times. <br />
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I often have four or five play dates a week. That is a lot for an introvert like me but, I love helping my kids to build friendships and I love being able to build mine at the same time. I also prefer keeping busy with my kiddos than attempting to get through each long day on my own at home. That is far harder for me.<br />
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I feel much more social during the day than I do at night, so play dates are a great way to meet up with my friends and entertain my kids at the same time. <br />
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But, even after a three-ish hour play date I am completely and utterly wiped out. Yes, the play dates are worth it and yes, I enjoy them but, three solid hours of conversation makes me so sleepy. If I hit that crashing point, my brain will just abruptly stop producing logical conversation. It becomes a tremendous struggle to stay present. My eyes might even feel a bit glossed over and my brain feels like it is in a daze. I'm so done.<br />
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And yes, it can be such a bummer to be an introvert when these types of things happen.<br />
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Talking on the phone....well, I love it and I hate it. I only talk on the phone regularly with a handful of people....like, five. Talking on the phone is a social activity and once again it takes energy away from an introvert like me. <br />
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Why is talking on the phone depleting for an introvert? Who knows. Well, I do have some theories but, it would take too long to go into that now...It just is. So there.<br />
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A good friend of mine asked me if I would ever consider renting a beach house with a group of friends for a week. I said...no, probably not. I told her that I could handle a couple of nights but, that would be all and I would be whipped after two nights. It wasn't easy to admit that to my friend but, I have learned that it is better to be honest up front than to make excuses later. <br />
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I could rent a beach house next door to my friend's beach house and survive that much better than sharing a space with them day in, day out, for a week. Because I would have a space to retreat to....and I would pull away and recharge, if it all became too much. <br />
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I know how weird/strange/crazy/odd this all might sound to anyone who is not like this. <br />
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Like really is it so hard to share a house on a beautiful beach with friends for a week? <br />
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Yes. Yes, it is.<br />
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Boom.<br />
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Hosting people in my home...<br />
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For some introverts, the very thought of hosting a gathering can induce a panic attack. <br />
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Not the case for me. <br />
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I actually love inviting people into my home on occasion but, I do need to plan and prepare for it. Although, I don't think that hospitality comes entirely natural to me, I have really enjoyed the learning process over the years. I am a slow learner but, I am getting there. <br />
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I take note of what other women do when I am in their homes that makes me feel more welcome and then I try to incorporate more of that into my routine with my own company. <br />
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I used to host gatherings quite frequently in my home before kids. Again, I think this is because I love people and I love bringing people together. I love building relationships with anyone and everyone.<br />
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I am the type of person who strikes up conversation with any random person in a store, in a line, at school, in the bathroom, while on a walk, etc. Whenever I have the time, I will linger and chat or listen if a stranger wants to. <br />
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After having kids, I lost A LOT of my drive to host. It is a good amount of work to clean a home, prepare a meal or snacks and then entertain company and then clean the home again after it is over. Now that more of my energy is directed towards my kiddos I have much less energy to host. <br />
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I have a feeling that I will be hosting a lot more once our kiddos are a little bit older. <br />
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I have also noticed that I need more alone time now that I have children. I needed far less before having kids. <br />
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Kids take a lot out of me...they extract every social/mental drop out of my system each and every day. <br />
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Make no mistake, I LOVE being a mom and I LOVE being a stay at home mom. It is a priceless gift that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. But, it's the toughest job I have ever held without a doubt. Amen. Amen.<br />
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When my kids are grown and I have an empty home once again, my introvert needs will change to reflect that season because I will be getting a lot more alone time every day. I might even take that friend up on the week long beach trip then because I could handle it much better without kiddos. <br />
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We are always changing. <br />
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I like to leave lots of room for change.<br />
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This is just where I am at right now and where I have been for the past 6 years or so more or less. <br />
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Introverts, how much of this can you relate to? I LOVE you! You might be a nut that takes me a little longer to crack but, your hearts are so beautiful. I love that I can relate so well to you!<br />
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And extroverts, I LOVE you. Your energy is infectious. Your zest for life is inspiring and you motivate me to get out of my shell. I will never be able to keep up with you but, I love watching you GO! <br />
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hahaha. <br />
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Life is beautiful. You are all beautiful!<br />
And on that note,<br />
good night.<br />
xoxo<br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-61375571375219355212015-12-06T18:03:00.000-08:002016-01-06T17:45:32.431-08:00Our Sweet Boy is ONE! Our little guy is one!<br />
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I'm still processing it all to be honest. I think the first year with a child is such a whirlwind of adjusting, sleepless nights, learning, juggling, bonding, diaper changes, spit up, blow outs, nursing, melt downs (Mommy;), exhaustion, teething, doctor appointments, cuddles and so on...you can barely blink and it's gone! <br />
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Bruin has already been taking steps for over a month. Full blown walking is on it's way any day now. We are about to embark on another wild year of adventures and discoveries!<br />
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He had 11 teeth on his first birthday. ELEVEN. Heaven help me I hope this next year is a little easier. He is a little over a week away from being 13 months old and he currently has 12 teeth and is cutting 2 incisors! Holy cow.<br />
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Bruin has been such a fun and also a very noisy addition to our family. He keeps us going from the moment he rises until he lays his sweet little head down to sleep. He loves to be held most of the day and he loves to eat. I would say those are probably his two favorite things at this point. He also loves to see new things, places and people. He loves to grunt and make lots of silly faces and sounds. He gives the best kisses, cuddles and giggles but, only on his terms and only when he feels like it. He also loves to sleep though he has never been great at taking long naps but, he sure needs them (30 minutes and all!). Bruin adores his big sister in his own way and he tries to follow her everywhere. He is constantly screaming for her to give him whatever she has and he gets so made if she doesn't. He will clench his fists, under bite his jaw and turn bright red while he screams. He is intense...that is putting it lightly. lol. He says "da da" or "daaahhdeeey" so sweetly every time he sees his Daddy and he screams "Muh Muh," whenever he wants to eat or be held by me. lol He says "duh" (duck) every time he sees a duck in the bath or in his animal books. He also says Day for Daisy and Huh for hi:). For some reason the name duck has been the easiest for him to pick up on. <br />
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He is standing up on his own without pulling up on anything! That impressed all of us because Daisy didn't do that for a really long time and I think she was even walking well before she got the hang of standing up without pulling up on something. Bruin figured it out about a week after turning one. He just kept trying to stand up in the middle of the room over and over and over again until he finally got it and then he wouldn't stop doing it. He has been standing up like this ever since but, the scary thing for me is that he still teeters a ton and face plants often. I hate watching him tip forward toward the floor, face first, with a pacifier in his mouth...so I feel like I have to follow him everywhere to keep him from busting his lips open every day. It's that uber exhausting..."try to keep your kid from seriously injuring themselves every second of the day" phase of parenting. I'm whipped....At 13 months he is full blown walking..toddling really but, still he doesn't want to crawl at all anymore. He is SO determined!<br />
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My son fell asleep in my arms while I was nursing him tonight. That has probably only happened all of 3 times this year so you can imagine how much I cherish these moments when they happen. I try all day to keep this little guy happy and it's not an easy task but, the fact that he feels safe, comfortable and secure in my arms, enough to finally let his wild energy go and fall asleep with me makes it all right in the world again. As I held him in my arms I gazed at his sweet eyelashes and his freshly washed bath hair. I began to pray that God would help me to become the Mommy that I need to be to bring out the best in him. I have quickly learned that my children are completely different (of course) and that as a result I may need to adapt my parenting and love languages to meet each of them where they are at...or at least try. I need God to show me how to do this because I know it won't be easy! <br />
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This was when he started going bald and we called it the "old man," stage. lol. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi9H2GPXBBMlvpQzNKq6AMvOhAHrmD1yZ6rjYfBMotv8F5mlbzpC8GDuB17oNx6yEY0yBNOBTSWjEl3Uom0M5xdNUf-0cr5IQuqZXtCT8znc7o8jdeWt6YqxKmoVDOLcafvQSnYeQq1Pl/s1600/IMG_2170blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi9H2GPXBBMlvpQzNKq6AMvOhAHrmD1yZ6rjYfBMotv8F5mlbzpC8GDuB17oNx6yEY0yBNOBTSWjEl3Uom0M5xdNUf-0cr5IQuqZXtCT8znc7o8jdeWt6YqxKmoVDOLcafvQSnYeQq1Pl/s1600/IMG_2170blog.jpg" /></a>
We were doing some serious teething at this point and this was also about the time when things became super challenging just about every day with our little guy. Bruin has been such a tough baby in so many ways. He has cried so many days despite every effort in my strength to cheer him up and the days often are weeks. I feel like we have probably had about 90% fussy, irritable days and 10% cheerful over the past year. I feel bad saying that but, I also want to document what it has really been like so that I can hopefully look back and praise God when this season passes. Or maybe Bruin will have a tough baby someday and he can reflect on this and understand better where that passion came from (hehe). I am a sensitive momma and when my babies cry endlessly it breaks my heart and my spirit unfortunately. I went through a few month phase where I felt like he didn't even like me. I was always able to soothe Daisy and cheer her up when she was an infant. With Bruin I have tried so hard to adapt to his personality and to "figure him out," but, he is just much more fiery and much harder to console. I have been trying to figure out how to come to terms with this because it doesn't make it any easier to handle all the days of endless fussing. On the other hand I have to give my poor guy some credit because he currently has 12 teeth fully in and is currently cutting at least 3? His teething has been non-stop, brutal and I can only imagine how irritating that has been for him. He has had quite a few low grade fevers and quite a few earaches as well due to teething so I guess he probably has a few reasons to be fussy. That is why I am praying that once he gets through this rough teething phase that he might cheer up a bit! In Jesus name I pray. Fussy or not, his sweet smiles, bright eyes, chubby cheeks, arms and pouty lips have captured my heart since day one. He may be tough but, goodness I love him to itty bitty pieces. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvkFcHCxLmdxbtN7q8AGq3RwpptmKUOBia3IT9IH_3SHzSVAxk1thc4v_i5pzqX43wYoCS6irtqIjkxdiJHVWVdO4_GG5MwR-Cc90Nz23GXQp-dWEKe5XS55Gr-3C8UzStee7wWo5Knqv/s1600/IMG_2579blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvkFcHCxLmdxbtN7q8AGq3RwpptmKUOBia3IT9IH_3SHzSVAxk1thc4v_i5pzqX43wYoCS6irtqIjkxdiJHVWVdO4_GG5MwR-Cc90Nz23GXQp-dWEKe5XS55Gr-3C8UzStee7wWo5Knqv/s1600/IMG_2579blog.jpg" /></a>
I knew I didn't get around to snapping of shot of him each month...just couldn't remember which month it was until now...guess I wasn't feeling so hot on month five! hahaha
Soooo, on to month six! I enjoyed snapping these shots of Bruin with his half birthday hat on:). I love this picture:). The birthday hat was a last minute idea to capture the "half birthday," and I'm glad I did it. I see this picture popping up on our slideshows in years to come. I was planning to take Bruin's monthly picture in this IKEA chair in his room but, by month six I realized that there was no way in heck he was going to stand for the patient chair pictures any longer. So I started moving the pictures outside as often as I could after this. But the chair shots were cute while they lasted:). And a sidenote: I LOVE having this IKEA chair in Bruin's room. I got a glider rocker for Daisy and though I enjoyed the rocking motion it didn't recline much and I always felt like I was sitting up to upright. This chair has a slight lean in the back and I just like the simplicity of it. The arms aren't padded so a nursing pillow helped in the early months but, now I just rest my elbow on the arm rest and it's fine. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EkGOAzWUA7A4xgS-QcK2k2AQGYKTMdGcMDOlODUlJGhPnAuRfgQzgoie8ThxoYuupWLPU9dbvcdb5n401YUcZB1lsPVll4xcKD4IJescoJ6B2G4Y8zIDKLauQULx18Dn_9oDKOYoS5Ne/s1600/IMG_3102blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EkGOAzWUA7A4xgS-QcK2k2AQGYKTMdGcMDOlODUlJGhPnAuRfgQzgoie8ThxoYuupWLPU9dbvcdb5n401YUcZB1lsPVll4xcKD4IJescoJ6B2G4Y8zIDKLauQULx18Dn_9oDKOYoS5Ne/s1600/IMG_3102blog.jpg" /></a>
yah, forget about it...
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see those teefers...poor miserable boo boo bear. they were taking FOREVER to come in...probably about 3 months at least. Finally they came through but, then the next 10 came in so it's been pretty much non-stop! Sorry buddy you didn't get that gene from your momma! lol<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mID597OmHwlDgRuCzYQMolo_WAG7nb6zv8LArhDXPzoQmMYotMo0Q-nLXoLJLZl10_1f9KlTLTO4cDu84ugXw17k60QXTrkWdu7y3Tes9ydZ8oT7lT-i4HLV8h4JjHGwQbNnrZ-rrX-l/s1600/IMG_3089blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mID597OmHwlDgRuCzYQMolo_WAG7nb6zv8LArhDXPzoQmMYotMo0Q-nLXoLJLZl10_1f9KlTLTO4cDu84ugXw17k60QXTrkWdu7y3Tes9ydZ8oT7lT-i4HLV8h4JjHGwQbNnrZ-rrX-l/s1600/IMG_3089blog.jpg" /></a>
this was a fun session. Bruin was able to sit up while propped up against something and he just looked like such a big boy in his outfit. Plus he was really starting to give us so many facial expressions by seven months and his hair was really starting to come back in:). It has been so fuzzy and all over the place...so different than Daisy's hair. I have a few of these pictures on the wall in our home. Love this little boy to pieces. The outfit was given to us by a friend and it was one that I couldn't wait for him to wear:). You have great taste Chaissons:). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cBNd4XCNGpjPf1Gw6C7njjExUogoIMTPsxTlPv_Ur16xdQcTfqFpD8F75oZDuP3kEJ3eiPKTOpGzTBs6g3mX_FzpkYLF8bDhAg2jb8vjbdW4-YCKzFJSxFunNzC5-8rM1-x_20_pChbw/s1600/IMG_3143blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cBNd4XCNGpjPf1Gw6C7njjExUogoIMTPsxTlPv_Ur16xdQcTfqFpD8F75oZDuP3kEJ3eiPKTOpGzTBs6g3mX_FzpkYLF8bDhAg2jb8vjbdW4-YCKzFJSxFunNzC5-8rM1-x_20_pChbw/s1600/IMG_3143blog.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg_oC-IygeRAVSwYksLyrpTzCjEWMXKCguAucQYV2T6YzvGEudXKyxGQZsk_OmW-17SfYOM6GDmb4ulYcFmvoiRNLfJuPXB3GbSqTdmuFsuLV4A_whim1qZoHczKj5CCLDdhW_1h2M_pu/s1600/IMG_3126blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg_oC-IygeRAVSwYksLyrpTzCjEWMXKCguAucQYV2T6YzvGEudXKyxGQZsk_OmW-17SfYOM6GDmb4ulYcFmvoiRNLfJuPXB3GbSqTdmuFsuLV4A_whim1qZoHczKj5CCLDdhW_1h2M_pu/s1600/IMG_3126blog.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1TgassAKGxdHsergSvzEEQTcoIC9SS34JfhzPX1-v5bOQWt1W8SWhO8B64VUOPmmbarBcV3M8B0sFmoSYrI2ukVlMRxIC3QCg5M-Pmj9gBikn12fAdPzwC68ihxDcJdtFQOhbV6E6WiI/s1600/IMG_3110blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1TgassAKGxdHsergSvzEEQTcoIC9SS34JfhzPX1-v5bOQWt1W8SWhO8B64VUOPmmbarBcV3M8B0sFmoSYrI2ukVlMRxIC3QCg5M-Pmj9gBikn12fAdPzwC68ihxDcJdtFQOhbV6E6WiI/s1600/IMG_3110blog.jpg" /></a>
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and then there was 8 months:) I tried snapping some pictures outside but, the lighting was horrible so I brought Bruin inside and sat him in entry way. Well, he wasn't much of a sit still kiddo anymore at this point...but, I managed to snap a few and kept him from smacking his face on the hardwood floors. Mission Accomplished. He was also teething four additional teeth at this point. They just kept coming in SO FAST!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvAljbyDpu8KXAIkDxj7ecQTguHNHZvlhL0OVHMfSiYqAIpLQnI7TRXGU1dMFXfBnyXHhALBx8UThVKbJq_NOlIrHbwUIJowK8g2CosSDQkldgUR4LJAKimmTCNmxkyMFdsD2kAgTkeCi/s1600/IMG_3282blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvAljbyDpu8KXAIkDxj7ecQTguHNHZvlhL0OVHMfSiYqAIpLQnI7TRXGU1dMFXfBnyXHhALBx8UThVKbJq_NOlIrHbwUIJowK8g2CosSDQkldgUR4LJAKimmTCNmxkyMFdsD2kAgTkeCi/s1600/IMG_3282blog.jpg" /></a>
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Nine months!! I didn't think I took pics this month but, I just found these in a folder that wasn't labeled...way to be unorganized mom...gotta work on that...maybe when the kids grow up I'll have time for organization! </div>
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I digress, Bruin loved having his teddy bear around and he seemed to really enjoy being outside, playing with the leaves and sitting in the sunshine while we all hooted and cheered for him to smile. He is becoming just as much of a ham as his sister:). You will notice that he was happy as a clam until big sister put her arm around him...He has never been a fan of people squeezing him and especially not a fan of sister trying to put an arm around him. Not sure why but, he goes downhill from there...and so did big sis. LOL It was pretty funny though if I do say so and we quickly swooped them both up and took a walk to make it all better again. hehehe. sibling love. <br />
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Ten months! It was October so a pumpkin seemed fitting! Plus the pumpkin really helped to keep Bruin in one place long enough to snap a few pictures before he tried to crawl away. I really do love the stage of the "sitting baby." It doesn't last nearly long enough though! lol. At this point Bruin was crawling all over the place and was getting into everything. Forget about all the awesome toys laying around. All he wants is to get into our pantry, freezer, bathroom toilets, trash can or anything else messy or gross. Also, he was standing up on everything and falling just as often. We tried to watch him like a hawk because we really didn't want him splitting his noggin' open on one of our cabinet corners or other sharp cornered object. It was a bit tiresome to keep him safe but, it's what you do for these little loves! I do so love soaking up life through the eyes of a little one again. Everything is new and exciting for them and it reminds me to see things in a new light again myself. Sometimes we need the powerful reminder to appreciate the little things a bit more. Thanks buddy for teaching your Momma! </div>
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then I remembered that dang monthly sticker....hurry put it on and let's snap a few more before he notices and rips it off:). Hand him a leaf! Hand him a pine needle! Jump around like a monkey:).
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oh how I love when he gets this giant happy grin on his face. I can't help but, talk in that high pitched baby voice and squeal with delight when I see it:). "Oh wittle baby boy I wuv you soooo much. You are so so cute wittle bubbus! Do you know how much your mama wuvs you buddy? So so so so much!" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL-5f9u0PAFFrlZahzSxAjHwD34DmmgNBU-4vV90bhtP-M_nM-WquQJOgrVdyzvy2Y9S4eziaczbxhbnQVUgWTDpy_zG4uFg9dAoLtnJGpWORCZG42CK-HcVYQnDq5SXnweL3Tv3w8GZH/s1600/IMG_3867blog.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL-5f9u0PAFFrlZahzSxAjHwD34DmmgNBU-4vV90bhtP-M_nM-WquQJOgrVdyzvy2Y9S4eziaczbxhbnQVUgWTDpy_zG4uFg9dAoLtnJGpWORCZG42CK-HcVYQnDq5SXnweL3Tv3w8GZH/s1600/IMG_3867blog.jpg" /></a></div>
And then there was 11 months...probably my most favorite of all the monthly picture sessions...just loved his expressions, his outfit and it was such a lovely day outside. I felt like this session sums up his personality quite well:).<br />
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<br />
<br />
Bruin's 12 month session was an<br />
epic<br />
fail.<br />
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I was so busy with his birthday party planning, Christmas shopping and oh gee, just life in general that I just didn't have time to get around to it. I even had a really cute idea up my sleeve but, oh well...<br />
I know that some of you may think it's silly to be upset about such a thing but, after having done so many previous months I should have pushed myself to finish up the year with a bang. Regret...but, hopefully this will be something that I will regret very little at the end of my life...I realize it is a drop in the bigger picture. lol<br />
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I did however do a cake smash session with Bruin and it was so much fun! I will share those pictures hopefully soon...I never got around to doing a cake smash with Daisy so I was pretty proud of myself for tackling it with Bruin. As always, motherhood and life in general is all about giving ourselves lots of grace. So, I guess I will work on that some more! We win some we lose some.<br />
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<b><u>A quick stat update:</u></b><br />
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I am still nursing Bruin at this point. I have also been adding some whole milk into his daily diet but, he hasn't taken to it nearly as well as Daisy did. He sips a little bit but, mostly holds out for his next nursing session. I was really hoping to be close to done by now but, Bruin is calling very different shots. I am curious to see how this will go down. <br />
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Bruin wears size 12 months mostly and sometimes 12-18 months in shirts and jammies. He wears size 4 diapers ( I just started buying the Target brand because they are great after year 1 and so much cheaper!) and about a size 4 shoe but, he hasn't worn shoes..just the mocs that I got him from a company I follow on facebook called Simple Addiction (awesome name huh...lol). They basically look like the super expensive Freshly picked mocs only they cost $12 so I couldn't pass them up. I have absolutely loved them. If I ever have another kiddo I will buy them again for sure. <br />
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Bruin goes to bed at 7 pretty punctually every night and wakes up around 6ish. Usually I can stretch him to 6:45 or 7 but, he fusses a bit more often than not. Whenever I am about to go into his room and get him I talk into the monitor and say, "I'm coming buddy. I'll be right there." I might take another five minutes to get to him but, he always calms down and snuggles in his blankets while he waits. I never make him wait long after saying that and I love that he seems to understand that I am coming. <br />
He naps around 9 or 9:30 and sleeps for maybe 40 minutes to an hour usually and then again naps in the afternoon around 1 or 1:30 for another hour. He has never been the longest napper but, sometimes he surprises me and takes a longer nap...once ever few weeks. <br />
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Bruin does not like being home. When we are home all he wants to do is cry or be held. SO I HOLD HIM A LOT. My back and arms are burning all the time but, if it makes him happy it is worth it to me. I also go out almost every single day just to help break up the day. His fussing can drive me batty but, when we go out he often does so much better...up to a certain point. I always try to time our outings so that I can get back home for his naps because it makes such a difference with his moods. <br />
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He eats just about whatever we eat, just in smaller pieces of course. He has had steak, chicken, sushi, etc. He loves almost everything. He seems to resist carrots...throws them on the floor every time. Not sure that I can blame him. I'm not a big fan myself. And peaches are hit and miss. He does choke on occasion because he stuff too much food in his mouth and doesn't chew before trying to swallow so I never leave him unattended when he is eating in case I need to stick a finger in his mouth and swoop something out. He does really well overall though. <br />
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Bruin loves stuffed animals. We got him a giant teddy bear for Christmas and it sits in a chair in his room. He cuddles "teddy," kisses, and waves hi to him all day long. It is the cutest thing ever. He has about 6 stuffed animals and he waves hi to all of them. I adore his little wave...hopefully I can get it on video before he moves on. <br />
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Bruin likes baths but, only if I give them to him. He cries when Daddy gives him a bath. Sorry Daddy. I have to keep his baths really short and I've learned how to get through the hair washing part which really bothers him. <br />
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He is a major, major momma's boy. I am sure this is simply because I am with him all day long and I nurse him. Daisy was the same way for quite some time but, she has since become so much more of a Daddy's girl. Bruin cries a lot with Daddy if I leave him with him for too long and he tries to find me in the house if I am not in the room. This phase makes things a bit harder for all of us but, we are all trying to make the most of it. I realize it is a super short season. And I have to give my hubby props for not getting upset about it. He handles it like a champ really. <br />
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Bruin tolerates the car but, only for super short drives. After that it's lots of screaming. I look forward to when he will watch a show in the car with big sis and we will get a tiny piece of silence:). YESSSS!<br />
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He is currently still in his infant car seat but, not for much longer. His transitional car seat should arrive any day now. So by 13 months he will be moving on up. Big boy!<br />
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He is walking a ton right now...not consistently but, a ton...more steps than crawling. He is so proud of himself when he does it too. MELTS ME!!<br />
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I could never kiss his face or cheeks, or the crook of his neck, or his shoulders or his hands or his feet enough. I'm one of the few people who he tolerates that from so I feel pretty lucky:).<br />
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So have I learned anything new after a year with this adorable little boy? <br />
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Sure, lots of things! <br />
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Boys are much rougher than girls...his idea of playing is usually decking me in the face and then laughing. <br />
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Bruin loves Daisy but, he isn't very sweet with her. He will occasionally give her kisses when she asks him for them and he loves to give high fives but, that is where it stops. Daisy is very affectionate with him...lots of kisses and hugs that he does not want. He lets her know that he wants space by screaming at her and then hitting her in the face. His face is also quite expressive. He doesn't hit her and laugh, he hits her and then looks at her with a shrewd expression that means business. He's definitely not the nurturer in the family. lol. <br />
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Good times. <br />
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Private parts are not all that private when you are a boy (and it's hilarious)....TMI? sorry...TMI is just how I roll.<br />
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I can never feed this kid ENOUGH. He eats ALL day LONG. And I am quite sure that it will never end because I'm married to a fella just like him. <br />
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Boys are SO SO CUTE. I love dressing him and I love having more boy toys around the house. It has been so fun!<br />
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Life with two kids has been dramatically harder for me to adjust to than life with one kiddo..but,...big, big but, it has truly been worth it all of course. Daisy has completely changed as a result of having a sibling and seeing her grow up as much as she has this past year has been incredible. I have literally watched her bloom into a much more independent lady overnight...it's hurt my heart a bit to see how quickly the change took place but, it's also a very sweet thing at the same time. You get me right?<br />
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I've learned that life with four is far more entertaining and adventurous than I ever could have imagined in the best way possible. <br />
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My son is NON-STOP. He has helped me lose all of my pregnancy weight...no gym membership required. He kicks my hiney better than any zumba or yoga class ever could. LOL.<br />
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Even though the days are so so long sometimes, the years fly by. My greatest desire with my kiddos is to be as present as possible. Tomorrow is never promised but, today while I am here I hope to love on the ones I love as fully as I can. <br />
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So thankful that God has given me two precious kiddos to raise and love on. What a gift children are! <br />
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Happy First Birthday my sweet little boy! Your Momma loves everything about you and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the years to come. <br />
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<br />Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-85899365544258480602015-11-06T18:30:00.000-08:002016-01-06T18:33:58.125-08:00Bruin is Eleven MonthsWears size 4 diapers. Actually just moved up to 4 last week. Much better because 3 was getting quite snug and leaking a little too often!<br />
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Wears size 3 or 4 shoes which is crazy to me. I got a few pairs of Mocs from a site when they were having a sale and they have been perfect for Bruin. I like them so much more than the slip ons I had when Daisy was a baby. These are easy to put on and take off, they are comfy and they are flexible so he can learn to walk in them easily. I adore the Freshly Picked Mocs but, I am too cheap to spend $60 on a pair of baby shoes...I scored mine for $11.95. That I couldn't pass up! Thank you wonderful people who make cute and affordable knock offs:). </div>
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Wears size 12 months in just about everything now. Sometimes I buy footie jammies and other pajamas, in size 18 months because 12 months will be too small in a month at best. </div>
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This boy LOVES to eat. I cannot emphasize that enough. Daisy liked to eat as well as a baby but, Bruin eats so much more than she ever did. Sounds very much like a boy right. I feel like our entire day revolves around snacks and meals...and lots of them. lol. He eats just about anything and everything. Last night we ate sushi and he ate an entire raw sushi roll and tons of rice. He loved the salmon. He likes salty and sweet foods. He has definitely caught on to flavor and he isn't fond of bland food any longer. I can get away with an apple or banana baby food but, that is about all I give him now. For breakfast he usually eats an applesauce, some baby yogurt bites or breat/biscuits/hashbrowns and some bites of my cereal if I am having some. He usually has a snack of crackers or something like that around 10 and then he is ready for lunch by 12 or earlier. For lunch I give him any combination of things such as: green beans, cheese, veggie sticks, sandwich meat, chicken nuggets, bread rolls, black beans, cut up oranges from the jar or peaches, fish sticks, banana pieces, yams, meatballs, etc. He clears his tray every time! Dinner is pretty much like lunch only I will give him some of whatever we are eating for dinner. He loves variety and if we are eating you can bet that he will cry and whine for a bite of whatever we are having. </div>
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I have also been giving him a his own sippy cup of water for a month or two now and he has gotten a lot better and tipping his cup up to get water sips. He doesn't seem to love it though and I hope he grows to love it more soon because I don't plan to nurse a whole lot longer. Of course he will also be drinking whole milk so maybe he will like that more than water:). </div>
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While I am on the subject of nursing; I am still nursing which is great because I was hoping to nurse at least a full year or a bit more. I think I was done nursing Daisy by 15 months and she pretty much weaned herself. Bruin is SO much more atatched to nursing. He only takes one side which has been a bit annoying lol. Some days he wants to nurse every hour and I think it really is because my supply is so low now but, other days if he is happy and distracted he can go four hours...that is extremely rare though. He no longer needs to be nursed at night which is so wonderful lemme tell yah. I think I was nursing him at night at some point until he was 8 or 9 months old. Then we got to one feeding at around 5 AM and now he is up by 6 or 6:30 to nurse and start the day. </div>
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He sleeps from 7 PM until 6 AM. It was 7 AM until the time change totally screwed us up and he hasn't slept in until 7 since then...arg. He naps from around 9:30 until around 10:00-11...totally depends on the day and it is usually the shortest nap. Afternoon nap is usually from around 1:30 until 2:15 or 3. In all honesty though most days he naps 30-40 minutes tops and since he is go go go all day long it proves to be a very long day with this little guy. </div>
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Bruin has four of the basic bottom teeth in and strangely enough he skipped a few and cut a molar. It just came through this week after a brutal two month long effort. He has four teeth on top fully in and three more coming in. This kid hasn't has a break from teething since he was 3 months old and as a result I haven't had a break from the endless crying in just as long. Teething has been really rough for this little guy. Daisy was fussy when she teethed but, not nearly as much. Bruin has literally worn out every ounce of my sanity for days and months on end...just being honest. The crying would start shortly after waking up and carry on for a good portion of the day. It has been depressing at times because with all that crying my heart simply didn't get as excited about each day...again, just being honest. I had anxiety when he would wake up from his naps and the first thing he would do is scream into the monitor. My head was throbbing most days from all the crying and I even got frequent headaches which is not normal for me. I'm not recording this to rub it in Bruin's face when he is older because he has a valid reason to be unhappy and I know it will pass but, I am sharing this to encourage some other Momma who is worn so terribly thin by all the screaming of her little one, that it will get better in time. </div>
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We've had two better than usual days recently. I am chalking it up to the fact that his molar is in and thus we are getting a tiny break before the next storm. Of course I would love if this is the new norm but, I am not betting on it. But, these two happier days with my son have been so healing. I desperately needed to laugh, cuddle, smile, kiss and enjoy his company a bit more and we have gotten lots of that. Bruin enjoyed exploring the house a bit more on his own and laughed so much at his big sister. It has been a treat and has reminded me that I am not crazy and yah, it really has been that bad...because this is a whole lot easier! My head feels clearer and my heart feels light once again. Thank you Jesus for a little reprieve for both me and my son. </div>
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I have a whole lot more compassion for all of the folks who have traveled this road before me! </div>
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One of the things that has helped me to get through this more exhausting season with my precious son is praying for him and myself. With all of the crying, I found myself worrying. Worrying is so draining! "<i>What is wrong with him? I'm doing everything I can and it doesn't seem to help him. I feel like a failure with this little guy. I want to cherish this sweet season but, my brain is screaming hurry up time..I'm ready for a new season! He cries so much that I can't tend to his big sister like I want to. I feel like I am neglecting her but, what other options do I have here? I wish my Mommy was here!" </i>I have spent so many moments on my knees in prayer while my son was napping. I cried out my worries, my fears and my weariness to God and each time, I kid you not, my mind and body were flooded with a restful feeling. I have spent so many moments praying for God to comfort my son, give his mind peace and his body relief from any pain he has been feeling and I know God has answered those prayers. Prayer is so wonderful. God is so good. </div>
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When Bruin is happy and pain free, he is the most charming, heart melting, little prince. You may recall that I couldn't imagine what it would be like to have a son and of course now I can't imagine not having a son. I adore my son. I love his squishy cheeks, his priceless giggle, his chubby body, his sweet brown eyes (I'm a sucker for those brown eyes!), his fluffy blonde hair that is growing like a weed, his adorable sounds and noises, his sleepy eyes that turn a bit red around the rims when he gets too tired, his shrill scream that is reserved especially for his big sister, the way he lays his head on my shoulder when he is scared, excited or tired, the way he puts his fingers in my mouth when he is nursing, the way he flaps his legs wildly when I am holding him and he gets excited, the way he throws toys with incredible force, the sweetest bye bye wave that he gives Daddy each morning and the dozens of facial expressions that he gives me every day. I am completely smitten...even if he has been a tough cookie for most of his short life. (hehe)</div>
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Bruin prefers playing with anything that is not a toy. He likes to get into the fridge and freezer. He plays in the pantry and in the bathroom drawers. He wants to get into the shower so badly but, that is one space that is a no play zone. He has found my bookshelves and I have allowed him to destroy one of the shelves in hopes that it would get the books out of his system and so far it has worked! Score. He likes to see new places but, mostly he likes to get out and explore the leaves, the dirt, sticks, bugs etc. he loves crawling around or pulling himself up on low walls. Last night we went to Grandad's 80th birthday dinner and I spent about 20 minutes sitting outside with Bruin on the wet wall while he stood and played with every tiny leaf he could find. He got quite dirty and it just seemed fitting for a little boy to be playing in nature and getting dirty:). I enjoyed letting him explore and loved watching his little face as he observed everything around him. Priceless. </div>
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Bruin would fall and get hurt a lot at this point if I didn't somewhat monitor him and what he pulls up on. He pulls up and then often loses his grip in either his hands or feet and smacks his face really hard on whatever service is around him. Carpet is no big deal but, there are so many deadly corners and hard pieces of furniture. This is one of those high maintenance phases with a kiddo. Gotta watch them like a hawk and mostly just to keep them alive! lol. Bruin loves standing and has preferred it to crawling since he was quite little. Now he pulls himself up and stands without holding on to anything for a couple of minutes. His balance has gotten so much better. I would say that he will be walking sometime in the next month or two but, you never know. Babies can be so funny about when they start walking. He loves walking around slowly while pushing either his giraffe with wheels or Daisy's old pink car. He is getting better and better at it. I love how proud he gets of himself when we clap for him and he turns to look back and get our approval. Love this little boy so much. <br />
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Bruin loves to grunt and if I grunt back he will go back and forth making the sounds with me. I've always adored this because he sounds like a little bear cub.<br />
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It took a long time for Bruin to appreciate physical touch like people touching his hands (he is still not a big fan but, he tolerates it much better) or giving kisses. Now when I ask for a kiss he holds perfectly still and waits for it. I think he likes kisses even if he doesn't quite get it yet:). I need to get a little video of him "giving kisses," but, it's more like getting kisses. lol<br />
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Bruin is very attached to me which is to be expected when he is with me 24/7. He tolerates Daddy for short outings but, before too long he wants his momma and he starts getting fussy for Daddy. For anyone else he would be in meltdown mode the entire time I was away. Daisy was the same way so I was pretty much expecting this. Another phase in the endless sea of phases with kiddos. <br />
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I try to get out of the house for a little bit after each morning nap as that is Bruin's best window. I run errands with him or go to play dates and he does really well from around 11-1. Then he is ready for lunch and bed. I took him to Target today to get some birthday presents for friends and he did really well so long as I kept shoving baby puff crackers in his mouth. He ate half of the container of puffs before I left the store. We were probably there for about 20 or 30 minutes tops. I thought I would be embarrassed to let my kiddo eat a snack in the store when I was a Mom but, I am the biggest fan. Whatever makes the kid happy and keeps them quiet, DO IT. Simplify and minimize stress....<br />
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Bruin loves when I hold him facing forward and we run around the house chasing after Daisy. He squeals with delight and his legs kick wildly. He also loves when Daddy comes up for a tickle while I am holding Bruin. Bruin burries his face in my shirt and giggles and tugs on his ears while Daddy tickles his sides. He always tugs on his ears when he is getting a tickle. <br />
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Going to church has been difficult with Bruin. his nap is smack dab in the middle of the first service and if he doesn't it the entire day becomes even more difficult and to top it off I have to sit in the nursery with him because he cries too much at this point and it is just easier for me to stay in and help. It just proves to be a very long day. It will get a bit easier when he no longer needs the early morning nap but, that won't be a for a while. So for the time being we make it when we can otherwise we watch a sermon online at home.<br />
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I have been SO busy with this little guy that this is yet another unfinished post but, once again I want to post what I have so that when I print this blog I will have the monthly updates...incomplete or not:). </div>
Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-88470377229723878172015-11-01T07:28:00.001-08:002015-11-01T07:28:31.645-08:00Halloween 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
Some years seem like they fly more quickly than others. This was one of those lightning speed flying years for me. I can't believe it is the holiday season again already. I can't believe that my son is almost a year old or that my daughter will soon be six. I also can't believe that she chose to dress up as something other than a princess this year!! A little bittersweet to be honest but, I couldn't be happier with her costume choice. She was the perfect Dorothy! It was a treat to snap some pictures of her this year because she actually wanted me to and she was having so much fun role playing as her character. If I would have thought this photo op. through I might have even put some yellow paper squares down on the grass for her to walk on:). </div>
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I got Daisy's costume on Amazon because Target was sold out and I of course had to get Toto...well, actually I didn't have to get him but, I did and even though he was the most disheveled dog I have ever seen...Daisy didn't seem to notice. Win. </div>
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And, if I had thought the costumes through I would have probably picked out a little lion costume for Bruin so that he could have complemented Daisy's costume. And maybe, if I wasn't so dang busy as I always am this time of year, I would have picked out a costume for me and the hubby as well. I love when families pull off theme costumes! Oh well, maybe next year;). </div>
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Have you seen the new Legends of Oz cartoon? We watched the movie on netflixs and we all enjoyed it. I felt like the movie did a good job of reintroducing this generation of kids to Dorothy with an entirely new story. Daisy has never actually seen the original Wizard of Oz. I haven't wanted her to see it quite yet. For now, the cartoon is perfect and evidently it sparked her interest enough to want to choose to be Dorothy:)!</div>
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Granddad and Beej joined us as they do each year for Halloween as did Auntie Jess, Uncle Seth and cousin Avery which was such a treat. I love having family around on holidays. It makes the celebration that much more complete. I'm sure that many of you can relate. We have a lot of family that live far away and we miss them terribly on every special occasion but, I am so thankful that we have some of our family here. </div>
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We made our traditional Martinez/Bailey burritos with fresh salsa for dinner. Have you noticed that families often cook a lot of food from the same genre? We eat just about anything in our house but, I think we probably eat more Mexican food dinners than anything else! lol. </div>
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We headed out around 6:15 with our neighbors and family and the treatin fun began. </div>
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Bruin starts to wig out like clock work at 7 so that definitely motivated us to get out early so that we could enjoy a little treat time before he got too tired. He did great for about an hour and I was very thankful for that. He seemed to enjoy looking at all the people walking around in strange outfits. lol. I also stuck some snacks in his cup holder and that helped to keep him happy for a while. He was so serious all night but, boy was he the cutest little serious bear! Then, at seven just as I expected he started to get a little fussy so I took him home and Daddy and Daisy treated a few more houses before calling it a night. It all worked out. Score. </div>
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Daisy was in Heaven all day long. She couldn't wait to get into her costume and she had the biggest smile on her face all afternoon long. She is my holiday kid and my celebration Queen. Daisy will find any reason to celebrate something and her joy in the process is so infectious. </div>
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She walked up to a few doors to treat with her cousin Avery. She was trying to teach her how to treat and the two of them were so cute, holding hands together. It was pretty funny because Avery would have been happy to walk into people's homes or run around in the street. She seemed to be in explorer mode! lol. And wasn't she the cutest little bumblebee! Love my niece to pieces and I was so happy that the cousins got to treat together.</div>
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Bruin mostly sat in his stroller the entire time but, towards the end he had enough and auntie held him for a bit as did my neighbor:). lol. All in all it was a very fun night with family and friends.</div>
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When Daisy got home she dumped her candy out on the floor and did what she does best, organized it. She loves to organize and categorize things...also, much like her Mommy. lol. She picked out a ring pop as her treat of choice and then a bag of chips and a bag of popcorn. I realized she must be pretty hungry if she was more interested in food treats than all of the candy in front of her. She even threw her ring pop away before it was finished so that she could eat string cheese instead. I swear we don't starve her but, evidently all that treating made her hungry! lol. She has also never been a huge sweets kid. She likes candy but, she never seems to need much to be satisfied. </div>
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Right before we turned off the porch lights, Daisy got to pass out some candy for the first time and she said she enjoyed that just as much as trick or' treating. I enjoyed watching her! She sat in the doorway on a little chair and waited excitedly for a new group of kids to come to the door. "Mom, this is the most fun day ever," she said with the hugest smile on her face. Oh how I love that little girl. </div>
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When we sat the kiddos down for some pictures before going out, we all got a kick out of the way that Avery and Bruin kept staring at each other. He was probably trying to figure out what was coming out of her head and she was mesmerized by the "baby." Bruin never cracked a single smile. He kept the same serious face all night long..which is pretty typical for him but, that is the kind of thing that adds to the humor with kids. So glad that we took the time to snap a few pictures and proud of the kiddos for tolerating it:)! </div>
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I can tell that Daisy is still adjusting (totally understandable) to life as an older sibling and also being the oldest kid in the family's small group of kids. I notice her little attempts here and there to get the adults attention when the babies are naturally stealing the show. All a part of life of course and all a part of growing up but, as the Momma it tugs on my heart strings a little. She was after all my baby for nearly 5 years and I too was the baby of my family for over 6 years before my sisters came along. A season of life that I actually still remember quite well. She is such an awesome big sister though and most of the time she has that big smile on her face. I can't wait to see what God has in store for these kiddos in the years to come. </div>
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Holidays are so much fun with kids that is for sure. </div>
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Hope you all had a fun Halloween! </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-43147716958825764422015-10-06T18:29:00.000-07:002016-01-06T18:30:34.739-08:0010 Months and countingI never got around to finishing this post but, I am going to go ahead and post what I had written...for memory keeping sake. <br />
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wears size 12 months in pretty much everything but 12 mo. pants are still a hair too big.<br />
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eats just about everything we eat! Bruin eats so much more than Daisy did at this age mostly because he doesn't like baby food much at all. </div>
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breakfast is usually a large baby food bananas...he still likes those, or an unsweetened applesauce and some sort of breakfast puff or cereal for him to grab in his exersaucer while we rush around getting Daisy ready for school. I also nurse him at some point each morning. He still prefers nursing to all other food and he can demand it often when he is teething or sick. Sometimes he nurses every 2 hours but, I think this is more because I am not producing nearly as much milk these days and he doesn't nurse long enough to build up my supply. Oh well. It is what it is and it works well enough. </div>
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Lunch is usually a piece of string cheese or sliced cheddar cheese broken in to bite sized pieces, some sort of veggie if I have any on hand...he loves canned green beans! I also give him veggie straws or some other type of cracker broken in to bite sized pieces. He can eat a ton! Probably about as much as I would eat for lunch. lol. He loves dinner rolls in pieces, sandwich meat, small pieces of chicken, turkey or even steak. He also likes pastas and so far he has devoured mac n' cheese and my italian dressing veggie noodles. </div>
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Tonight he had veggie noodles, green beans, tiny pieces of cucumber, olive and bread. He ate and ate. I pretty much keep feeding him until he stops. He loves to eat and he is little less grumpy when his tummy is full to the brim. I also nursed him. </div>
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I usually let him snack a little bit during the day on light baby puffs or cheerios and that is about it. He also uses a sippy cup to drink water on occasion. He likes drinking out of it but, he only sort of gets that he has to tip his head back to drink it every time. </div>
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He naps generally around 9:30 each morning and his naps are usually 30-45 minutes long. On a special day he will nap about an hour and a half which is such a treat but, because he is inconsistent I never know what to do with myself when he is asleep! lol. He takes an afternoon nap but, it isn't quite as punctual as the morning nap. The afternoon nap depends on how he is feeling on any given day. Usually sometime between 1 and 2 though. This nap is also about 45 minutes long. He goes to bed at 7 and he is for the most part always eager to go to bed by 7. I use a sound machine and he also takes a pacifier at bedtime. He loves his blankets to snuggle and he is literally out within 10 minutes of being put down. I don't have to do much of anything other than brush his cheek and gently pat his back while saying, "night night buddy," softly and then walking out the door. </div>
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He has been waking up anywhere between 5 and 6:30 to nurse most mornings still. I haven't tried to break him of this habit like I did all of the others in the past because I like that I can nurse him and then know that he will generally stay asleep until 7 or 7:30. If I don't nurse him he will be up at 6 or 6:30 for good so that is the trade off...I like that extra 30 minutes to an hour of sleep! </div>
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He doesn't like to play with any of his toys and never has really. He will tolerate them for a few minutes if he has no other option but, he would much rather crawl to mischief. He heads for the fireplace or the dishwasher, or the bathroom toilet or the bookshelf...pretty much every chance he gets. That or he tries to pull himself up on chairs that will topple over on him or wooden ottomans that will split his face open when he stumbles head first on to them. He is super wobbly and very uncoordinated still at this point but, the problem is that he has no fear. Even though he pulls up on everything, he just lets go when he's over it and lets himself fall into whatever. So this season is definitely more tiring than others with a wee one. I do feel like all that I do most days is try to keep him alive. lol. </div>
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He has just started transitioning to the propped up crawl this week and last. Prior to this he was mostly pulling really hard with his arms and pushing hard with his legs and toes...I guess it is more of an army crawl but, it was highly ineffective because he had to drag his face along the floor and he got tired so fast. I am happy to see that he is finally figuring out how to crawl correctly because it is making him happier and it doesn't wear him out as fast. </div>
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I was surprised at how long it took Bruin to get to this point with his crawling but, a lot of that has to do with not only his stubborness but, his awareness. He has been much slower to process his surroundings, people, stimulus etc. I am only beginning to feel like he is making connections to people, fully connecting to his name...up until a few weeks ago he wouldn't even look most of the time if his name was called. </div>
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Bruin has finally started to give me kisses when I ask for them and I can't tell you how big of a deal this has been. I have been hoping to see some developmental progress because the doctor had said that he was a tad delayed/behind based on the overview checkup for 9 months. It was a hard appointment, at least that day was hard. I was also thinking that he might have a mild sensory issue but, at this point we are going to just wait and observe and pray:). </div>
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He is definitely doing things at his own pace though that is for sure and there is nothing wrong with that. I think if he was my first kiddo I might be more concerned but, since I have already been here and done this so to speak I know that every child develops at such a different pace and for the most part all kiddos get there when they get there. <br />
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He sure is a cutie pie. Love his boyish expressions and the sweet kisses that he has learned to give us. Love my little guy so much. </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-1059133666691129302015-08-13T15:08:00.001-07:002015-08-13T15:08:53.407-07:00Comparison Shot of Daisy and Bruin<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not really a comparison shot but, it was my attempt at one. Bruin is 8 months old here and Daisy was 6 months. I had wanted to take this picture with Bruin when he was six months but, it just never worked out. It was September in Daisy's pic and August for Bruins. I still have the same jammy pants...which is cool for a comparison shot but, maybe that also means that I really need to invest in some new pj's? hehe. I also have a similar haircut...five.five years later...maybe another area that a little change is in order? Nah...it's a functional mom cut and super easy to throw into a ponytail so it stays for now. </div>
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Anyways, you all keep saying that my children look so much alike. I just don't see it so I took these pictures to prove just how different they look. That was total sarcasm. Yes, folks they look alike...I know, I know, I KNOW. Bwahaha. After all the same two people did make both of them...;)</div>
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This was a fun activity and I'm hoping to snap a couple more comparison shots of the kiddos before Bruin gets too much bigger. </div>
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<br />Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-21967273643846962162015-08-07T18:23:00.004-07:002015-08-07T18:23:57.749-07:008 Months Old - Bruin<div style="text-align: center;">
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One of the things that I enjoy about having two kids is that I am now able to see, so very clearly that kids are SO different and that no matter what we do as parents..our kid's personalities are going to play a large role in how things pan out in our homes and in their lives. Yes, we can train our children to do so many things but, some kids train more easily than others...that is just a fact. If I only ever had Daisy, who has been a relatively mild tempered and mannered kiddo...I might think that all of my children might be similar in temperament. Now that I have had two darling kiddos, and one who is much stronger willed, I can relate to all of my friends who have a more fiery and passionate kiddo. lol. <br />
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So many of my parenting tactics have shifted to adjust for Bruin's personality. So many of my opinions about how to do things have and are continue to change daily. So many of the things that I said I would never do...I do and it is quite liberating actually. Freedom!<br />
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Each of our children are inevitably going to be different and unique and I think as a result that we tend to parent a tad differently so that we can bring out the best in each of our kids. As parents we love each of our kids the same and just as deeply but, I can see that some kids have different love languages and need to be shown love and discipline in different forms. It's been a fun and crazy adventure these past 8 months and as long as I am a blogger you will get a front row seat to all the Martinez family, parenting drama so stay tuned!! HAHA<br />
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And now on to Bruin's little 8 month details....<br />
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*He has four teeth in and two more in the miserable works:) bottom and top two are in.</div>
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*For some reason he has gone on a bit of a baby food strike. He has no desire to eat anything that we have tried to give him over the past week or two. He might eat a few bites before turning his head and refusing and then crying. He does love the little puff crackers and little bites of anything we are eating...that I am okay with him trying...like a tiny piece of bread or cracker etc. Not sure what his deal is regarding baby food. We have tried all of the level one foods and he liked them all at one time. He is not a fan of rice cereal mixed with his fruits or veggies so we had to give that up a while ago. I'm thinking that we are going to ditch baby food somewhat and move on to big people foods that are baby friendly. <br />
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*his pointer finger and thumb grip has just started to improve in the past couple of weeks. He now loves to pick up food. I would say picking up pieces of food is Bruin's absolute favorite thing to do. Sounds like a typical guy after all:). </div>
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*He takes about 3 naps a day at this point. First around 9ish, second around 12:30ish (totally depends day to day) and the last one is usually around 3 or 4. Most of his naps are 30-45 minutes long max. SO SO SO hope that they get longer someday and I'm thinking that they will in time. Every once in a while he will nap for an hour plus but, it has been extremely rare at this point. We have a sound machine in his room and I usually keep a fan on low as it gets hot in his room. The sound machine has been a huge blessing! Wish I had used it with Daisy.<br />
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*He goes to bed easily around 7 or 7:30 every night. It's great actually. This kid has always wanted to go to bed early. It's in his DNA. Daisy never wanted to go to bed...Bruin begs for it pretty much. I don't have to rock him or do much of a special routine. I just give him a pacifier and give him a satin edged blankie to snuggle with. He might move around for a minute or two after I say good night and kiss his cheeks but, then he is out. </div>
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*He wakes up for good anywhere between 5:30 and 7 AM. His average is 6:15. UGGGGG. I'm trying to teach him to hang out in his crib for 15 minutes or so but, he is not always up for it. </div>
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*He has only started improving in his night time sleeping in the past 2 weeks because he started rolling on his tummy and at first he hated it but, something clicked and he started loving and even preferring it. The first few nights he would scream after a couple of hours of tummy sleeping and I would have to roll him on his back but, with each passing night he would sleep a little bit longer. <br />
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*He still wakes up about four or five times a night just to move into a new position. Only requires me to go in about 2 times...3 on a rougher night. I often give him a pacifier at around 2 AM and I still nurse him every morning at around 3 or 4 and then he goes right back to sleep until 6ish. I'm hoping to drop one of these wake ups asap but, I am SO SO happy with this progress. I was getting up 6-8 times a night with him for 7+ months and for screaming that would never stop....yah, I don't miss that at all. The other funny thing is that I still wake up at all the old times that he woke up...and I'm like wide awake checking on him in the monitor even though he is sound asleep. I'm up at 12, 2, 3, 4ish, 5:30 and then dead when he wakes up. lol. I hope I can get my sleeping groove back soon! lol<br />
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(the pictures of Bruin in the checked blue shirt are from his 7 month session. I never got around to blogging any of them them:) Isn't he just the cutest little man.<br />
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*He wears size 12 months in just about all clothing but, it still has a good amount of room. Pants are too long in 12 months but, by fall/winter should be perfect.<br />
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*Hates being diaper changed our outfit changed. He cries or tries desperately to get away. It's my least favorite thing to do with Bruin....lol<br />
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*He wears size 3 diapers still.<br />
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*His eyes are still changing color but, they appear to look more brown with each passing day. I do so love my brown eyed family...but, I admit it weird to be the only person with light eyes in my family!<br />
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*I don't know how this has happened but, it looks like Bruin has the same reddish tint to his hair that Daisy had/has. It's mostly visible in the sun. Joey and I get a kick out of the fact that both our kids have a hair color that neither of us have had.<br />
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*He still hates tummy time but, we can get him to tolerate it for a few minutes off and on all day now which has really helped strengthen his back/arms etc and is hopefully going to help him crawl sooner than later. <br />
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*He likes baths but, he is pretty much over it after 5 minutes. At that point he starts reaching for me and crying. Sigh.<br />
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*He rolls both ways but, gets stuck a lot on his arm when he is on his stomach and trying to roll to his back and then he gets mad. He gets mad a lot. lol<br />
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*He loves taking sips of water out of my glass. He's really good at it too. Always gives me a big smile whenever I let him. I love it!<br />
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*Loves being outside if he is walking in a stroller or being held. He seems to like the wind in his hair and I can already tell that he will love watching garbage trucks, mail men etc. working out front. He is fascinated when they drive by. <br />
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*He nurses about 4-5 times a day. Because he isn't eating solids very well I have had to continue nursing him every 3 hours most days. I look forward to when we can consistently stretch him to 4 hours! <br />
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*He does smile often through out the day but, it's unpredictable and not easy to make him smile on cue. He has to be in the mood and we never know when that will be. I sure do adore his toothy grin to pieces when I get to see it. <br />
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*likes short car rides and loves looking out the window. 30 minutes seems to be his happy max.<br />
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*Prefers sitting up to any other position and does not want to be put in any seat, chair, bouncer etc. He already tried flipping all of his chairs and bouncy seats a few months ago. He still falls back or forwards and is a bit wobbly if he wants to reach for something so I cannot let him sit on a hard surface unattended.<br />
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*Just started putting him in the seat in grocery carts last week. He liked it! I hope that it might make shopping a little easier with him.<br />
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*Is starting to pull up...(very wobbly still) on furniture, people etc. He requires adult support to stay standing but, he loves to walk around the house that way too. <br />
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*He shrieks/screams/yells/bites.....pretty much allllllllll day long and he looks like that (below) when he is shrieking!) I wouldn't exactly describe Bruin as a happy baby but, he can also giggle like there is no tomorrow. I LOVE when he laughs because he can go on and on and on.<br />
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(this pic is obviously blurry but, that's what life with Bruin has felt like...a wild, non-stop blur...thus picture is perfect!) lol<br />
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*He laughs more at Daisy than anyone else. He loves when she jumps up and down and says boo. I'm really happy that they have this laughing bond because he pretty much shrieks at everything else she does with him all day. lol<br />
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*He has started trying to crawl...just barely popping his bum up and pushing his legs as hard as he can and then he screams. I would say we are a couple of weeks or more out still but, he sure wants to crawl badly. <br />
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*He likes his pacifier and his satin edged blanket just like his big sister did. He can go without the pacifier much longer than DAisy and I think it might even be easier to wean him off of it but, we'll see when that time comes.<br />
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*When I ask for kisses and lean in he generally wants to bite my face. So sweet and loving. hehe<br />
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*I would say that he is starting to get mild stranger anxiety...very mild. Nothing like Daisy. He prefers being in my arms to anywhere else understandably because he is with me 24/7 but, I am thankful that he will let other people holding him for a few minutes!<br />
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Daisy is SO SO patient and kind with Bruin. She tolerates his shrieking so well and she is always trying to make him happy. He has the best big sister that he could ask for:)<br />
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*If you put your head or hair near him, he will yank on it hard. HE loves that.<br />
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*Loves sitting outside on the patio with Daddy most mornings while Mommy gets her quick AM shower. It's their bonding ritual and it is very sweet.<br />
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*I haven't left him in our church nursery yet. Can you believe it? Well, I have my reasons but, a big one is I want him to be able to sit up well or even crawl before leaving him there. I often end up hanging out in the nursery with him at church on Sundays and I have enjoyed chatting with the other workers and helping out with the kiddos when I can. <br />
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*Loves when Daddy or mommy play the guitar on the floor near him. He likes to put the guitar in his mouth and grab the neck while we play. Who knows...maybe someday he will play!<br />
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*likes stroller walks around the block<br />
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This pic below is probably one of my favorite pictures of Bruin and Daisy to date. Snapped it after church on a bright Sunday afternoon. Bruin never smiles really big for pictures but, I can see the smile in his eyes and I love how his hands are both up. Daisy is always sweet as pie during picture time. These kiddos are such a blessing.<br />
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I can't believe that we will be celebrating this little guy's first birthday in just a few months. I know it will be here in a blink. <br />
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Bruin Henley, I love you dearly little boy of mine. I love that God knew that I needed a son because you are so precious in every way and I am quite tickled that I now get to play with super heroes and dinosaurs for a change! I love everything about you...even the fire in your spirit that keeps me on my toes every day...because I know that all of who you are is going to give God glory as you grow and learn more about Him. I pray a blessing of strength, health and joy in your life and I pray that you grow to serve and love on others with all your heart. You are a delight my darling.<br />
xoxo<br />
Mommy. <br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-29010324388813303422015-08-06T18:26:00.000-07:002016-01-06T18:27:05.917-08:00Bruin and the HoodieJust a chance to share a few cute pictures of Bruin in his first hoodie:). I have pictures like this of Daisy when she was about this age so I wanted to share these for future fun comparison shots. <br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-31572805387941186762015-07-24T07:22:00.002-07:002015-07-24T07:29:05.186-07:00Let's All Just Be Offended About Stuff<div>
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I wonder if this will be a period of time that will be looked back on and labeled, "the period of time in which everyone was offended by everything."</div>
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I'm offended by that. (wink)</div>
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I love Facebook and instagram! I haven't jumped on the twitter band wagon yet and I'm not sure that I ever will since I already have to exercise tremendous self-control to stay off of all of the electronic devices around me. I don't need another reason to pick up my phone to "check on something," and an hour later forget why I even picked up the phone. I don't want another excuse to open my laptop, hop on the ipad (or an ipad mini), or turn on the t.v. and stream something through Playstation or the Wii. </div>
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I love keeping up with friends both old and new. I love feeling like I haven't totally lost touch with everyone that I am unable to see as often as I'd like; such as my family that live out of state. </div>
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I enjoy watching all of the ridiculous and funny videos posted on Facebook. There was a video circulating of Australians trying out American beer for example. Have you seen that one yet? Pretty funny but, seriously, I probably could have done something much more productive with those 4 minutes of my life....naaaahhh. I take that back. That was time well spent. </div>
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Social media is great. Really! It has opened so many doors for communication that we didn't have before and it networks people all over the world. It can be such a blessing. </div>
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The one aspect of social media that I am not quite as fond of is the hyper sensitivity and offense that everyone takes over everything now. Or maybe it is the fact that everyone has such a strong opinion about everything and in the process of having these strong opinions on social media we forget to treat each other with respect. We forget to be loving. We forget to be empathetic. We forget to be forgiving. We forget to be patient. We forget that those tiny little squares of a face next to a name on Facebook or instagram are a real person, with a real soul and with real feelings.</div>
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Or more honestly, perhaps we really don't care? </div>
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I don't like when Facebook and other social media outlets become a war zone of words and hatred. </div>
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Yuckity-yuck-yuck.</div>
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I also don't like when people blast the world with their strong opinions and then belittle everyone who doesn't share in their opinion. Can we agree to disagree sometimes? Can we not just respect that we are not always going to see eye to eye on everything? </div>
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Let me give one large example which requires me to bring up the very touchy subject of gay marriage...can't believe I am going here...but, just for a tiny second, simply to prove a point I shall boldly go where...well, anyways.</div>
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Honestly, I was overwhelmed, heartbroken and even angered by all that I read on Facebook the week that gay marriage was approved for all of the states. I never posted anything opposing or supporting the news one way or another but, I did read a great deal. A quarter of the folks that I'm friends with were viciously attacking gays and gay rights community and the victory that they were celebrating and another quarter of the folks I am friends with were viciously attacking Christians and the community who are not in support of the gay marriage victory. It was hostile. It was ugly. It was hurtful and down right brutal. Am I right? </div>
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Another quarter were actually quite civil about the whole thing...and to those of you on either side who were civil. I APPLAUD YOU. It takes self-control, patience, kindness, understanding and love to be respectful in the midst of a hot issue but, you all prove that it is in fact possible! </div>
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Yes, we can love each other and not always agree. We really can..trust me! </div>
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I love my daughter to pieces and yet we disagree with each other a dozen times a day. It's absolutely exhausting but, it CAN BE DONE. :) </div>
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I think opinions are great! God made us to think creatively and independently but, he didn't create us to control or manipulate others to think exactly like we do. He didn't create us to attack and condemn each other. He didn't create us to hate. </div>
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When we feel hatred or disgust towards another human being (and I'm not even talking about a murderer or rapist or someone like that...maybe just someone who doesn't cover their mouth when they cough, GASP and you de-friend them on facebook.)...we need to realize that we are in fact part of the big problem that our world has today. </div>
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God created us to love one another. He created us to think less about ourselves and our feelings and our emotions and more about the needs and hearts of others. </div>
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And if you do not believe in God I can understand that you might have your own moral code but, I'm guessing that you still want to be loved, do you not? I'm betting that you still want others to treat you with respect am I right? </div>
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Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is a pretty widely accepted philosophy. </div>
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All of this is not to say that engaging in healthy debate is wrong or inappropriate. Not at all! Debate can be very productive and educational for listeners. I love listening to and participating in a good debate on Facebook! I love hearing what y'all have to say and what y'all think about things and you all know that I too share my heart and thoughts on subjects as well. I'm right there with yah!</div>
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I would say that it is a fine line and more often than not, even a healthy debate turns into something completely corrupt and hostile before it has concluded. Not always of course...but, often. </div>
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We don't need to call each other names do we? </div>
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Kids would get put in a really long time out for the kind of stuff that most grown ups participate in online. Maybe we grown ups need to remember to take a time out when we are feeling frustrated or too hot-tempered to control our words. Just walk away from the keys. Just step away from the hot topic post that is making your eye twitch. Step away from it all and cool off and get some fresh perspective before responding in anger. Think before you speak. </div>
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Maybe consider asking God to give you a loving heart for even the most difficult people in your life. Trust me, I can attest that this is not easy territory to walk in. #dailystruggle</div>
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I saw a handful of people who shared that they were taking a break from Facebook because it was too painful to read all that was being posted. </div>
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Good for you. I took a little break too. I prayed. I cooled off and then when I wasn't overwhelmed by it all I returned...though it only took like 5 seconds to feel that heat rise when I got back into social media. lol I'm guilty too of course. </div>
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Anyways, I couldn't help but, blog about this today. It was one of those posts that has been itching on my finger tips for SO LONG. I know that this post isn't going to change anything...okay well, that was a bit pessimistic but, what I mean is that very few people read my blog. </div>
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Sometimes I write simply because I publish my blog and I save these posts for my kids. </div>
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I hope that my kids will know the kind of grown up that I try to be. I hope that my kids will not only read my words someday but, be able to say that I tried my best to be a loving example in action and truth. I hope that they can someday say that I taught them how to treat others both those that we agree with and those that we disagree with. I will surely fail at times and some of you will witness my failings but, I will seek forgiveness and try again. I want to be a kinder and more loving person today than I was yesterday and tomorrow I hope that I can be a kinder and more loving person than I was today. </div>
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I love you all. I really do....each and every opinionated one of you:) hehe</div>
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And now that I have poured these jumbled thoughts onto a page, I am going to close this laptop and take a little break and visit a friend. </div>
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Adios. </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-56522336753109959502015-07-07T06:57:00.000-07:002015-09-21T06:20:57.305-07:00Her First Week Of Kindergarten - Recap<div style="text-align: center;">
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Daisy was in preschool for two years so we were familiar with a school routine but, there is just something so much larger about the kindergarten transition...at least for me there is. (sidenote: Daisy picked out her outfit for the first day of school. I had new outfits she could have chosen from but, instead she chose a consignment dress we had gotten that had Daisies on it. She said, "Mom, if I wear this dress then everyone will know that my name is Daisy!" I melted. I just adore the things that kids say and think. So, she picked her dress and her hair bow. It actually goes against my nature to let my kiddo pick everything out on her first day of school...usually, I like to have some say at least but, it felt good to let my little girl who was venturing out into a big world, make some bigger decisions for herself. I was SO proud of her and thought she looked darling. I don't know how long my kiddo will tolerate dresses on school days so I am eating this up!)<br />
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Daisy wasn't excited about starting Kindergarten but, she wasn't scared of it either. She told me that she missed her preschool buddies and the familiarity of her past school routine. She also told me quite a often told me she wanted to go back to her old school. Completely understandable. She isn't the type of kiddo that charges into new things, rather, she quietly takes things in, observes, processes and slowly warms up...usually warms up. She is also an introvert in the sense that she recharges with quiet time so I knew that long school day from 8:30-4:15 was going to be a big transition for her. </div>
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She is a lot like her momma what can I say. </div>
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She actually did get pretty excited on the first day of school which was a pleasant surprise. I created a little checklist for her on a small white board that she got to carry around with her all morning. It gave her a list of tasks that she had to complete before she could watch TV or play video games. On day four of school she never picked the white board up once. The novelty had already worn off. She knew the routine already so she didn't want to use it anymore...that was fast!) lol.<br />
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And yes, my daughter LOVES playing video games! I can barely keep her away from them. When we originally got her Super Mario Cart she was barely interested but, when Daddy got Super Mario world her interest grew and she has gotten SO good...way better than me. It's a trip. lol It's also a really special thing that she and Daddy do together and that motivates her to get better. <br />
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But, back to the checklist...that first morning Daisy proudly checked off each thing on her checklist after she finished the task. She had a smile on her face all morning. She really was quite giddy! I never had to battle with her once that entire morning which was a rare treat. The second day of school was a different story...lol. </div>
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Then as we drove to school she got quiet which is what she does when she is feeling anxious. I tried to chat with her a little bit, but mostly she wanted to look out the window and think. She stayed quiet for the remainder of the morning and through drop off as well. </div>
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In the hall as we walked to her classroom I felt the strongest nudge from the holy spirit (if you are not familiar with the holy spirit...shoot me an e-mail and we can talk:) to pray with my daughter...right there in the middle of that super busy hallway. Daisy was so nervous, I was feeling nervous for her and we both needed some strength from Jesus that morning. I'm not wildly extroverted or terribly bold so kneeling publicly to pray like that doesn't exactly come easily to me but, it really did that morning and that was another confirmation that God was all over it. She held my hand so tight and bowed her sweet head with me and I prayed for bravery and courage for her. I know Jesus was close to her and that lots of prayers were covering her that first day. That gave me so much strength and peace. </div>
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I can't tell you how thankful I am that I can kneel and pray in my daughter's public school! I do not take that freedom for granted. I love that no one gave me an evil eye or told me to go pray in private etc. I don't have to be afraid of going to jail for the rest of my life or being shot for my faith. Guys, we are SO SO blessed in this country to have that kind of religious freedom when so many around the world do not. I pray that we get to have that kind of freedom for a long, long time in Jesus name. <br />
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By praying with my daughter, I got to invite Jesus into my daughter's school. I got to encourage my daughter through faith and I got to teach her to seek Jesus publicly when she needs his help. I was able to show her that no matter where we go, Jesus wants to be there with us and we don't have to hide our faith! What an awesome thing this was. I didn't know that my hubby snapped this picture and when he texted it to me after we got home, I finally started crying. It kind of opened the flood gates that I had been trying so hard to hold back. </div>
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Back to our first day of school recap...</div>
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We were the second family to walk her to the classroom door. Only 6 kids were attending class the first day which was so nice. In my opinion, her school day is far, far too long and I am at least thankful that they give the kids one less crowded and crazy day to transition a little at least. </div>
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Daisy sat next to a cute little boy who was also quite nervous. They both began coloring the activity page in front of them silently. I asked them a few questions and tried to get a little conversation started between the two of them to break a little ice but, of course the jitters were too strong. <br />
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Honestly, I remember feeling the same way on my first day of school in every grade I attended...all the way through college! First day jitters...excited and nervous all at once. </div>
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Then another little gal walked in with her parents. A lively, bold, carefree, extremely extroverted child who clearly had no jitters whatsoever. (Can someone please tell me what that is like?) "Hi Ms. S!!" She yelled into the room. She threw her backpack by the wall and then yelled, "bye mom, bye dad." Everyone was laughing because her ease on the first day was surprising and so cute. Then she came up to Daisy and said with a burst of energy, "Do you want to be my bestest friend today?" </div>
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I mean how adorable is that. </div>
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She put Daisy at ease a bit and that helped my aching heart so much. Daisy told me after school that they hung out a little bit at recess also so that made me feel better too. I don't think they have hung out since but, I am thankful for the friends that God places in our lives to help us along each and every day. God is good. </div>
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It was hard to leave her that morning. If I didn't have a baby who was squirming in his carrier, I probably would have dragged my departure out a bit more. I wanted to sit in a corner and observe and be there for moral support. I wished I had an invisibility cloak so I could linger without judgement. lol</div>
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Yup, I'm that Momma...the one who longs to help my kiddo every step of the way but, who recognizes that I can't and that it isn't always best. But, dang it sucks sometimes to have to let them face those big mountains all alone. Thankfully, I know she isn't alone...she has Jesus with her always and that gives me so much comfort. </div>
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Her teacher is a really sweet lady and I know with a little more time that Daisy will grow to really like her. Daisy did get scolded for the first time yesterday which was day 3 (I was like, wow that didn't take long) and boy did it ruin her entire day. She said she was coloring a picture and she didn't hear the teacher say that they were only supposed to color the tree. She said she was trying so hard to make the teacher proud by staying in the lines as best she could and she thought she had to color the entire picture. The teacher sternly and loudly reprimanded Daisy for disobeying and she was absolutely crushed and embarrassed which is typical of her personality.<br />
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She was crying pretty hard last night when she finally opened up and shared the story with me. I'm not sure if she was worried that I would be mad at her and that is why she waited all day to tell me or if she actually forgot about the whole thing for a little while. lol. Either way, she was very upset when it finally came out. She said her teacher doesn't like her and that she didn't want to go back to school.<br />
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I tried my best to use the opportunity to teach her that mommy and daddy have to discipline her but, we still love her like crazy and it is no different with her teacher. I told her that even Jesus disciplines me and it isn't fun but, it is to teach me something good and He loves me more than anyone in the whole. Love and discipline can work together, I explained to the best of my ability...She's five....she didn't really get it but, she was listening so that's a plus. The lovely learning train has really started taking off for my kiddo:). lol </div>
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I picked Daisy up in carpool that first day because she asked me to and because I wanted to make her first day a little easier for both of us. I had a good 30 cars in front of me or so. Daisy isn't used to a carpool that long so by the time I got to her I could tell that she was crumbling. She was clearly tired, emotional and worn out. She pretty much looked exactly how I felt and how I used to feel after putting in an 8 hour day of work...it never really gets easier even for grown ups does it? lol </div>
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She got in the car and had the blankest expression on her face. I asked her how her day was...really not expecting much chatter but, I got complete silence. I asked her a couple more light questions and she just stared off. Poor worn out thing. I know my kiddo needs to decompress from overwhelming things so I pulled down the DVD screen and put on her cartoon...and let her watch her books on tape for about 20 minutes. When we got to Target and I could tell that she was not in good shape at all. I opened her door and asked if she needed a hug. She did. I picked her up and she burst into tears and just kept sobbing and sobbing. A good cry always feels good and sometimes it's just the release a little person needs after such a huge first day away from the safety of home and Mom and little bro. </div>
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It broke my heart but, I held it together as we Moms always try to do. </div>
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When she was done crying I asked if she felt better and she said that she did and she genuinely perked up a bit after that. I told her she could pick out our ice cream flavor for that night's dessert in the store and she was happy about that. She also got a palace pet to add to her collection. I don't always spoil my daughter but, on a hard day I sometimes can't help it...:). </div>
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As the evening went on I gleaned a little more about her day here and there. She liked reading books in her center. She played with her extroverted pal and was thankful that she had a friend. She loved the house keeping center. She had a hearing test and that was interesting. The cafeteria was neat but, she didn't know anyone that she was sitting with so it wasn't as much fun as she was hoping. She never mentioned the play ground which I thought for sure I would hear about. She also mentioned the bathroom and that the seats are her size. lol. </div>
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That night in bed after her first day of school she asked if she had to go to school the next day. I said nope, not for another week kiddo. She was thrilled and never asked about school after that. Oye.</div>
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At this point in her life, she LOVES being home with us. She loves being with her brother and doing whatever we do. She has a vivid imagination and she could tell stories and come up with creative things to do all day long at home. She loves relaxing in her chair. She likes space. She likes quiet sometimes. She loves cuddling and hugs and kisses. She is so helpful at home and almost always has such a great attitude at home. She is a home body...again like her Momma...and her Momma's momma....and her Momma's, Momma's Momma. lol....Perhaps learned...perhaps genetics or perhaps a bit of both. Regardless, it's just who she is. And I love who she is.<br />
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A few days ago was her first day riding the bus and her second day of school. Technically, it was her first day of official class as all of the kids attended together for the first time. I was far more anxious about my kiddo taking the bus than I was about walking her to her classroom door the previous week. </div>
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I think a big reason for my nervousness is that I never rode a bus as a kid, nor did any of my friends growing up. Most of us walked as school was super close and that's just how we did it in California. Because I am not familiar with the bus experience it is hard for me to be comfortable with it. I'm sure you can understand that. Also, my kid is five. Dang, it blows me away how young our babies are when we send them out. Growing up, my kindergarten days were either 9-12 or 12-3. We never, ever had a full day at that age. It is CRAY CRAY to me that a baby-five-year-old has to be in class that long. Lame. Most grown ups are wiped out after an 8 hour work day so why would we expect any different from our kids? Sorry, rant over. </div>
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Anyways, Daisy was nervous and a bit quiet again this morning but, she was also more chipper today than she was last week. On her first bus day she had a good friend that will not only ride the bus with her but, also be in her class. I am so thankful that she has a friend to make this adjustment with. I know how much braver I feel when I have a friend with me in new places. </div>
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The two girls faces lit up when they saw each other this morning and then they held hands all the way to the bus stop. I gave Daisy a few hugs and kisses and told her that I couldn't wait to see her after school and hear about her day. Her little hands were shaking...it made my strong heart crumble and I felt my tear ducts giving out on me...but, I stuffed it down again. </div>
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She marched on the bus so bravely with her pals. I held my phone up in the air to snap a picture but, it refused to unlock and thus not a picture to show for it...first time ever that my iphone has ticked me off. lol </div>
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I guess it wasn't a moment meant to be captured. I did snap a picture of her getting off the bus in the afternoon:). </div>
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Once she boarded the bus, I saw her squeezed on the front bench with two of her pals and she had a big smile on her face. I waved over and over and blew her kisses and she did the same. Then I saw her looking for Daddy and she couldn't find him in the crowd. I hollered for him (he was in the back with Bruin in his stroller. I was so thankful that he was taking care of the baby so I could focus more on Daisy..that was a big blessing) and they saw each other and her smile got even bigger. </div>
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Boy, my kiddo has become a major Daddy's girl since the birth of our son. It is pretty sweet if I do say so and I know a certain Daddy who is just fine with this little change. He eats it up. </div>
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Then as the bus drove away and my heart dropped...really, boom, crash.<br />
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I almost never cry in front of people and I seldom cry at all so I stuffed the emotions down and walked home with a friend and chatted a little bit.</div>
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Then I came inside, put some worship music on and began looking through the pictures that I had snapped at the bus stop before the bus came. Looking at the pictures of my baby girl walking away from us with her friend and being so brave as she walked towards that bus when I knew how scared she really was got the water works going. Ugggg....It was a rough few hours I'm not gonna lie. I worried about her. I wondered how she was doing. I wondered why on Earth the clock hadn't moved in three hours...I swear it said 9 AM an hour ago?? The day dragged on and on but, I got through it and I tried to keep myself busy.</div>
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I Couldn't wait to pick her up. The bus rolled up and I saw her cute face in the dark tinted windows up front. She was grinning wide. She marched off the bus and came straight into my arms and gave me the longest hug that my sweet friend captured that moment for me. I'm so thankful for all my awesome friends and hubby who capture these special moments for me unprompted. I'm a blessed gal. </div>
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I could tell that she was tired but, she was in a totally different mood than her first day of school. She was chipper, silly and quite hyper. She wanted to walk home with her friends and she was chatting with a Mom on our way down the street. It felt great to see her in a better mood. I was so encouraged. </div>
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When we got home we had planned to take Daisy out to her favorite ice cream place for "first day of riding the bus," treat day. She seemed excited. Then she got very into washing Daddy's truck with him. She got in her bathing suit and sprayed water everywhere. She had a blast hosing her hair and all the plants. When I asked if she wanted to go get ice cream she said, "I just want to eat ice cream at home and keep washing Daddy's truck." </div>
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Yup, that's my home body girl. </div>
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Love you to bits Daisy. </div>
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So, we stayed home and had ice cream from our freezer instead. She also ate a ton of dinner so I think her big day worked up an appetite. </div>
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I heard a little more about her day at bedtime. That is often when she is the most talkative and as exhausted as I am at bedtime, I try really hard to be available for chatter at this time of day. It seems to be when kids are more relaxed and able to process their thoughts. It seems to be when they feel safe to share things. Is it that way for any of you with your kiddos?<br />
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She liked riding the bus a lot. She liked the play ground and the cafeteria but, everything else was SO BORING MOM. She did however mention that they were told a story about letter land where the magic letters live and she loved that. Then she said, "but mom, I already know all the letters. This is going to be so boring." She knows the letters but, not how to write them all so she actually has a lot to learn...tough life kiddo. Let the many years of boring, learning begin. lol.</div>
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She also forgot where her snack was in her back pack so she didn't have one when she needed it and that made me feel bad. I suppose that might have been why she was so hungry after school today. hehe</div>
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Overall, I would say that her very first bus day to school was a decent one! Yay! And I am so, so thankful for all the prayers, encouragement and loving support for me (my hubby too) and our sweet girl as she begins this new chapter in her life.<br />
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Day 3 was a bit harder for a few reasons, one: she was scolded by the teacher as I mentioned above, two: she once again forgot about her snack so she was quite hungry and three: she experienced a tiny bit of friend rejection when she asked a girl if she could play with her at recess and the girl said no because she already had friends. So, Daisy was playing alone for a while and she doesn't like that. Later however; that same girl came up to Daisy and asked to play because her friends left and Daisy was happy to play with her. I hope that she continues to make regular buddies as the school year goes on. She also lost her art project that she was so excited to show me, somewhere on the bus. She was really sad about that and I think that was the icing on the cake of her rough day. Our sweet neighbor photo copied the piece (her youngest is in Daisy's class) and had her older daughter walk it up to our house. Thanks so much Lori!<br />
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Today is day 4. I'm just as eager to get her from the bus today as I was on day 1 and and can't wait to hear about her day today. I'm thankful that Daisy is such a chatter box because it really pays off in times like these. lol. That kid loves to tell me every little detail of her life. Again, much like her Momma as you can tell by the length of this blog post:). </div>
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It's hard letting go. I had no idea just how hard! I also know that the letting go is a gradual process and I will have so many more moments of feeling this same bittersweet tug as I watch my daughter's wings unfurl more and more with each passing year. Sixth grade graduation, middle school graduation, high school graduation, college graduation (if that is her thing:), a wedding someday perhaps....sigh. </div>
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"Little by little one travels far." </div>
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Love that quote. Thankfully, we don't have to take huge steps all in one day (because that would kill this Momma's heart!) but, with God's help, little by little we let our kids go and grow. </div>
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And lastly here are a few pics of Daisy that I took around Valentine's Day but, never got around to sharing. Love them all!<br />
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The truth is this probably isn't even half of the facial expressions that this kid has in her data base. Daisy has made so many faces since she was a baby. All I did was set her in front of the camera and asked her to smile. This is what I usually get instead of a traditional "smile." The top smile picture was the very last expression she gave me, right before I snapped my camera off:). </div>
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Thanks for being such a ham, you sweet and silly daughter of mine. Love you so much.</div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-35661756518294354982015-06-18T06:34:00.001-07:002015-06-18T06:34:34.439-07:00Bruin is 6 Months <div style="text-align: center;">
Our little guy is six months old!<br />
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(actually he will be seven months in two weeks but...we'll just pretend I posted this on time:).<br />
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Happy Half Birthday buddy!!</div>
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I was excited for him today but, he evidently wasn't feeling the special-ness (my new word) of the day:). No smiles for our six month picture sesh. lol. Surprisingly, he didn't mind the party hat at all. He just really, really wanted my camera and was pretty much mad at me for not giving it to him, for most of the two minutes that I snapped pictures of him. He's a feisty little guy I tell yah. </div>
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He rolls from his back to his tummy every chance he gets and then he proceeds to cry almost instantly when he is on his tummy. He still HATES tummy time unfortunately. He would probably be crawling already if he tolerated it more. Instead of propping himself up on his arms he does the super man thing and gets tired instantly. He shrieks like crazy for me to turn him back over or pick him up. <br />
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He is NOISY. For the first few months he was a pretty quiet and I would even have considered him a somewhat mellow baby. We wondered if he would ever make noise. By about four months he was quickly becoming noisier. Now he is just plain loud and a bit wild all day long. So very boy doncha think:)!<br />
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I dont think the early teething has helped us much either! Two teeth and counting at this point!</div>
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<i><b> (these pics were taken a month or so ago and both teeth have come up a lot more since then). </b></i></div>
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I caught him trying to pull himself up and somewhat appeared to be trying to climb out of his infant rocker...might be time to move on from that chair?. eek. He will also flail backwards in his bumbo and I think he could pop himself out of it if I wasn't watching. He's strong and determined.<br />
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He loves to stick his feet in his mouth when he is laying on his back. I love that I caught him sticking both feet in his mouth in this shot. He's got skills. </div>
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He loves bath time and has become a wild splash monkey. <br />
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He likes walks around the block in the jogger stroller though I haven't done this with him nearly as much as I did with Daisy. Not sure why really other than it is now quite hot and I haven't wanted to go out in the heat with him. <br />
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He likes short car rides...maybe for about 30 minutes tops or so and usually he will fall asleep at some point for another 30 minutes. That being said, short outings with Bruin are typically quite pleasant. Longer outings can be a bit challenging but, I can tell that he prefers getting out and seeing new things to being in the house all day...somewhat the opposite of big sis.<br />
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He doesn't like the exersaucer at all...he tolerates it for maybe five minutes...Daisy loved that thing! She could sit in it for 45 minutes at a time. He also has never cared for his play mat...another thing that Daisy loved. Bruin chooses to roll over under it and then cry for me to come and get him...every single time.<br />
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He loves when he catches a glimpse of Daddy walking by. As soon as he sees him his eyes are glued and he loves smiling at him and then turning his head away bashfully and then turning it back and smiling again. Over and over. It's darling. He does really well with Dad and that is awesome because Daisy needed me all the time at this point.<br />
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He loves eating and I still nurse him every 3 hours or so. We have tried feeding him solids a few times over the past two weeks and though he seems to enjoy it overall, he still doesn't know how to swallow and most of it is spit back out. He also threw up just about everything we fed him shortly after eating each time which gave me the impression that his tummy may not be ready yet either. I can tell he is very interested in our drinks and our food so we will keep trying but, we are in no hurry and it hasn't been a consistent thing at all. I gave him rice cereal mixed with squash the first time. Rice cereal mixed with peas the second time and rice cereal mixed with peaches the third time...or something like that. I think it was all of one tablespoon of food in total so a very tiny bit.<br />
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<b><i>revising this:</i></b> Just gave him rice cereal with peaches two weeks ago (6 months old) and he devoured it all. He was grunting for the next bite the entire time. It was so cute. He didn't spit any out either so his tongue has figured out what to do! Amazing what a difference a week can make! He did spit up about 30 minutes later but, I think it's because he was too full. We shall see.<br />
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And now he is eating bananas mixed with rice cereal once a day and he LOVES it! Still spits up usually because of his reflux but, he wants to eat all food in sight. He's going to be a big eater I think:). <br />
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He is not sitting up on his own yet and though he likes to sit up probably more than anything else while being supported, he hasn't seemed to realize that he can start doing it on his own. Just a matter of time. At this point he gets stiff and flings himself back. Silly boy. On a side note: you may notice a circular hole/dent on the back of Bruin's noggin...well, that is his birth story scar. I will have to share that with you when/if I ever get around to sharing my birth story. His first officially battle wound and he wasn't even out of the womb yet. Tough guy! ;) <br />
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He loves to stand up with someone supporting him under his arms. He bounces up and down a lot. I know he is eager to get moving but, I am in no hurry. lol<br />
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Also, can I just say that I love his fuzzy hair. I'm surprised at how quickly it has grown back in and it appears that he is going to have brown hair like his Daddy. </div>
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He loves standing and bouncing while someone supports him under his arms. I LOVE the chunky rolls on his legs and when he stands up, his knees are to die for. Love me some baby chunk!!<br />
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He LOVES being held. It is his favorite thing of all at this point. He squirms like crazy though so it isn't always easy to hold him but, he will otherwise stay pretty content as long as we move around a bit with him. He likes to face out also so we will sometimes stick him in the bjorn carrier but, I think he might be getting to wide and heavy for it! It gets a little tight on his tummy now. I think I may look into a sling side carrier.<br />
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He likes my hair. He likes to play with it, pull on it and hold it while he nurses. It makes him laugh when I brush his face with it and he gets excited and tries to grab it when I have it up on top of my head in a bun. Pretty cute actually. <br />
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(this picture below was staged to make it look like we were far more miserable than we actually were...for the record:). No, I do not enjoy grocery shopping with kids at all but, this particular outing my hubby was with us and we were doing okay. I thought it would be a fun time to capture a picture of what it is usually like for me as a mom to shop without help:).<br />
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He has grown quite fond of his pacifiers. This is my doing really. He didn't care for them much but, now he is tolerates them a lot more because, I kept encouraging them day in day out...now he requires them for naps and bed time and this is partially why he wakes up several times a night I'm sure. Way to go me!<br />
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He also loves his soft blankets just like his sister did...also my doing but, I have found that babies like having objects to soothe themselves and I am all for that. As he gets older he will be able to relax and soothe himself in the car, or in bed etc. with his blankets or pacifier and won't require as much from me. So, the way I see it is it may be hard the first year when I have to put a pacifier back in his mouth repeatedly but, soon enough he will be able to put it in his own mouth and hopefully...fingers crossed, I will get some sleep. <br />
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He is bored of all of his toys...all of them. He wants new things to play with every day so I usually give him empty water bottles, TV remote, or tupperware bowls or lids...anything that I can think of to keep his interest so I can get a chore done without him screaming at me:). lol <br />
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His naps are pretty consistent...short and consistent. He wants his first nap around 9 and it is usually 30-45 minutes tops...second nap is around 12, then 3 ish and then his last nap is hit or miss but, when it works out he likes another short nap around 4:30 or 5. Every nap is about 30 minutes but, 45 is a good day.....I look forward to when he narrows it down to two longer naps a day...or perhaps this is wishful thinking. <br />
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He loves going to bed for the night by 7. Daisy was never like that but, Bruin wants to, scratch that, needs to be, put down for bed at 7. It's pretty nice actually. I swaddle him in my cheap Wal Mart velcro swaddle and he loves it. (though he has learned to get both arms out after a couple of hours. Now, he does this every night so we will be ditching the swaddle all together any day now). I lay a blanket next to his cheek and he literally closes his eyes while I am wrapping him. He also has his pacifier at this point. I kiss his cheek and say, "It's night night time buddy. Mommy loves you." He rolls his cute little brown eyes back in his head...he loves when I kiss his cheeks and tell him goodnight. It's probably my favorite part of our day just because he loves it so much. Unfortunately, we pretty much go down hill from there. BIG sigh. <br />
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Since the day Bruin was born he hasn't been a great sleeper and he has never once been a consistent sleeper. His absolute best stretch ever in 6 months was 7:30-2 AM and he has only done that a grand total of 3 TIMES. He is killing me...slowly and painfully. hehe but, not. <br />
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Generally he will go to sleep at 7 or so and then wake up around 9 for a pacifier but, sometimes he will go back to sleep on his own after a few short minutes of fussing...just depends on the night. The problem is that sometimes he just wants the comfort of nursing so he will scream for 30 minutes every single time regardless of a pacifier being stuck back in his mouth. I don't nurse him at this time anymore but, he will continue to scream. He is strong willed and stubborn...and LOUD! And yes, I love him to pieces and he is lucky that I am such a patient mommy. hahaha. <br />
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Eventually he goes back to sleep and will proceed to wake up somewhere around these times each and every night: 11:30, 2ish (I usually nurse around this wake up),3ish, 4, 5:30 and generally he wants to be up for good every day by 6ish....it's been a LONG six months in regards to sleep...or lack there of. Just being honest. And also being honest, judge all you want. I am probably responsible for some of this I am sure. He relies on a pacifier to sleep...strike one. He wasn't swaddled from birth, strike two</div>
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(swaddled from 2.5 months on but, it wasn't soon enough!), he has acid reflux, BIG STRIKE 3, and he has been cutting two teeth since birth...strike FOUR...I was already out at three...so yah. Whatch gonna do. Some things I may have done wrong but, some issues just seem to be out of my control like the reflux and teeth. Hoping that as he nears one, that some of these issues will settle down and improve his sleeping habits. I've also tried CIO a bit...and after hours of listening to him scream I just can't handle it. Even as tired as I am, I am not ready for it.<br />
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I started him on a reflux medication a week or so ago and it hasn't really improved our sleeping (AT ALL) but, it has decreased our projectile spitting up during the day, night, lessened the colic during some random days and I haven't heard him coughing at night since he started the meds. I hope he is feeling better too! I'm sure he was pretty miserable up to this point and I just didn't realize what was going on so I am happy that we are now doing something to help him.<br />
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I know that his early teething and cutting of his first two teeth has been just as big of a hindrance. He is MISERABLE a lot of the time. He rubs his face all day long, drools, cries, bites things etc. Poor boo boo. <br />
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He wears size 9 months and 12 months clothing but, mostly 12 months in everything except shorts and pants. I think Daisy was wearing strictly 9 months at this age so he is a tad larger. He wears size 3 diapers. We haven't worn shoes yet so I couldn't tell you what size his cute little piggies are at this point. I got him a couple of pairs of baby mocs from an online sale a while ago. Can't wait for him to wear them this winter:). <br />
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He has a check up in a couple of days so I will have to update his weight but, at his reflux appointment a few weeks ago he was 17 pounds 12 ounces. Healthy, happy baby boy! At his six month checkup he was 18 pounds 2 ounces! And that was considered average weight for his age! lol. He is also very long! I'm forgetting now what he was but, they were surprised by how long he is. Maybe he will be my tall kiddo? <br />
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He doesn't appear to have separation anxiety yet which has been SO nice! Daisy had SA from the time she was 3 weeks old...I'm not kidding. Somehow she just knew who had her and if it wasn't me all she would do is cry. Bru doesn't seem to care too much though he will look for me if someone else holds him lately. We will see how things go in this area. <br />
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Bruin looks mostly like his Daddy and I think most people would agree but, what I hear all the time is, "he looks JUST LIKE DAISY." Yes, I know. He is going to have brown eyes as well. So, I guess I've had another kiddo who doesn't really resemble me much at all. Daisy sort of has my hair and color...maybe. lol Evidently Dad has some strong genes because they both look like Daddy:). <br />
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Bruin is just so boy. He throws things, shrieks loudly all the time, gets mad, kicks and swings strong, is determined and so energetic. <br />
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What I adore most about Bruin is that I can get him to laugh probably better than anyone...at this point. We have our special mommy-son bond and I love it. I know how to get him to calm down, to giggle and to go to sleep. Those are the priceless joys that I get to enjoy for all of the hours I spend tending to him, walking around the house with him and entertaining him:). I love making him smile. I love seeing his eyes turn up in happiness. I love the way he brushes my face with his chubby hand when I lean my face into his. I love the way he tugs on my hair (even when it hurts). I really do love having a son. It's so different and so awesome to see a sister and a brother interact. I love having more blue, green, red, grey and orange in the house. I love the boy toys. It's fun! <br />
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It's SO much messier, more exhausting some days and so much nosier...<br />
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But, it's worth it. It really is. <br />
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Happy six months my darling son. Your mommy is simply smitten with you. I pray that you continue to grow in strength and full of the love of Christ. May the Lord guide you and mold your heart all the days of your blessed life. You are loved. You are treasured. <br />
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xoxo,<br />
Mommy</div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-11350994675987890842015-05-12T17:49:00.000-07:002015-05-12T17:49:24.450-07:00The Initial Adustment to Life With Two<div style="text-align: center;">
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I am sure that the adjustment from one to two kids is different for every Mom and probably easier for some than others. I think that I am adjusting in some ways better than I expected so yeah me, on the other hand, the more challenging areas for me have been much tougher than I imagined. </div>
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I realize that for all of you who have two or more kiddos already, that this is old news and I know that someday it will be for me also. This post is more for the Mom who is on Google searching for information on starting her journey with two kids as she is pregnant with her second and curious about the upcoming transition. This post is also for the mom who just had her second kiddo (like me) and she is wondering if anyone else can relate to what she is going through. Maybe she feels like pulling her hair out or crying all day...I was in that place the first couple of months and especially after the hubby went back to work:). Maybe we have some things in common. I hope it is encouraging just to know that you are not alone in this transition! </div>
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I wrote this post originally when my son was only about a month old and now I am rewriting it when he is 4.5 moths old because so much has changed already. Overall I would say that the changes have been mostly positive so that is encouraging I hope. This season is just one of the MANY seasons in life that I have come to realize takes time to adjust to, fall in to, accept, understand and find peace in. No one feels warm immediately upon being thrown into a cold pool but, if you swim around a lot and for a while, you begin to adjust to the temperature. So, that being said, prepare to give this season a good amount of time and soon enough you will warm up to it all. That's not to say that it will all be easy but, just that you will feel more confident in your routine because you will know how to best manage your day with your newest addition with the aide of time and through trial and error. </div>
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In all honesty, I was feeling super overwhelmed the first 2 months after my son was born. A big reason for that was that I had an unplanned c-section and a really rough recovery. I wasn't able to do much for the first 2 months and that was awful for me. After delivering my daughter, (my first born) I was up and cleaning house the day I came home from the hospital. Not that I had to do housecleaning but, I wanted to, I could and it felt great! I had so much energy after having my daughter and I never dealt with any postpartum blues etc. After having my son, I didn't know how I would ever get out of the house with the two kids alone at first and it really gave me a great deal of anxiety when an appointment came up or if someone wanted me to go somewhere. But, with each outing my confidence grew and though it isn't easy (not easy at all...sorry but, it just isn't as easy as life with one kiddo...not even close, lol.) to shop with 2 kids, I can do it now.<br />
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www.mommytracked.com</div>
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The one thing that I want to encourage all Moms adjusting to a new little one is please give yourself time and try not to cave in to the pressure to go-go-go, if you don't feel quite ready yet. Your busy life will resume when it is meant to, that I can assure you. If I had listened to everyone that was telling me that I needed to get out right away and that it was "what was best for me," I would have been even more of a wreck. Please accept grace and rest in it. Rest whenever you can and take it easy. There is plenty of time for rushing later. Adding another little human to your family can be very exhausting and you will need all the r&r that you can get! </div>
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I actually survived 7 days alone with my husband out of town on a business trip when my son was 3 months old and my daughter came down with a severe stomach virus the day after he left. Horrible timing and I think I did over 25 loads of laundry that week. Seriously, I felt like SUPER WOMAN after that time on my own with the two kiddos. It was craziness. One of the most exhausting weeks ever! </div>
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That may have even been the week that I realized I was so much stronger than I thought I was and so much more capable then I ever knew. When we Mom's need to rise to the occasion, we do just that, We rise. </div>
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The first few months with a baby are all about figuring that tiny person out, learning their personality, their schedule and getting settled. Figuring all that stuff out takes time. Learning what a baby likes and doesn't like, takes time and just when you think you've got them figured out they go and cut a tooth or grow an inch and get all grumpy again. Tis the way of life with a wee one. As you already know from your first round...patience is probably one of the most important tools in every aspect of parenting. </div>
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Now at almost five months my kiddo has pretty much created his own sleep/nap routine all on his own. It feels good to know what he needs to be happier and more content. I am able to plan my days with a lot more ease...more or less. It's never going to be a perfect science with a baby of course but, it really does begin to fall in to place a bit with time. Thank you sweet Jesus for that! </div>
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<b>1. The Emotional Adjustment</b></div>
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Simply put, learning to let go of what was and how to adjust to what is...is not as easy as you think!</div>
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For at least a few months after my son was born I was struggling a lot in this area.</div>
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I missed all of the quality time that I got to spend with my daughter before Bruin was born. I missed the energy that I had just for her. I can't emphasize that enough. I had nearly 5 years with just her and I knew having another kiddo would be a big change but, I didn't realize how much I would miss all of the one on one time I had with my her. My heart actually ached deeply for her. It was depressing...not gonna lie. I held it together on the outside but, inside I felt a lot of sadness...I'm sure that my postpartum blues and the traumatic delivery weren't helping things for me. What made it even harder was that my daughter had a bit of a tough time adjusting to the changes that came along with her baby brother for about 3 weeks as well. Now five months in things are a lot better overall but, I still miss being able to do more with my daughter. We baked, crafted, cuddled in bed on Saturday mornings, went shopping together etc. I can do some of these things with her of course but, not nearly as often and certainly not every day. I am still learning to adjust in this area but, we have come a long way in five months so I am thankful for that. </div>
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I miss sleeping through the night and waking up refreshed and in a generally good mood. I missed feeling okay physically. The c-section was a doozy for me and really took me out of commission for close to 3 months. That was SO unexpected and thus it was so much harder for me to adjust to because I wasn't remotely prepared for it. I used to hold my daughter often and carry her a lot but, after the c-section I couldn't and it actually broke my heart because it was just another thing that distanced us when I wanted to feel closer. I didn't have the energy to tuck her in at night so Daddy took over and I missed that too. I wasn't able to drive her to school in the morning because I wasn't allowed to drive on the meds for a few weeks so Daddy took over the morning drives. I missed that as well. <i style="font-weight: bold;"> There was just so much change in such a short amount of time and though I can adjust to moderate levels of change, this was more than I was able to process all at once I guess? </i><br />
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This is another area that some people adjust to faster than others I'm sure. I'm a slow adjuster...what can I say.<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i></div>
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<b>FACT #1: Being exhausted can make even simple life challenges harder for anyone to handle. Fact #2 Infants are EXHAUSTING!! I've decided that it doesn't matter how "good" your newborn/infant might be...a baby is still a baby and a baby is just plain hard (good?) work any way you slice it. </b><br />
<b>I'm so so so so so so so so so so tired.....zzzzzz....</b></div>
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<i>Then there are the new levels of guilt. Am I spending enough time with my baby? Does he feel loved? Does my daughter (my older kiddo) think that I love the baby more than her? I didn't do tummy time today..or this week? Have I failed as a parent, why yes I have...how sad! haha What can I do with my extremely limited time and energy to make my daughter feel extra special today? She said she doesn't like me like ten times today right, I probably deserve that. My house is a mess! I feel like a crazy person when I look at this disaster!! I wonder if my husband thinks that all I do is watch soap operas all day?? Sigh. Will I ever be able to make my husband a dinner again? Why is it so hard to take a shower..or get dressed? My toe nail polish is so chipped...I guess I'll need to wear shoes all summer...sigh. I'm so tired but, I need to pretend that I have energy so that people won't worry about me. My infant son hasn't taken a bath in 7 days...Lord have mercy, social services will probably be knocking on my door tonight! My daughter ate a doughnut for breakfast...and dinner. Why can't I get it together?</i><br />
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Just say <b>NO</b> to mom guilt! It's a nasty little trick of the enemy to break a Mom's spirit and joy. Whenever those little guilt trip thoughts pop up in my head, I quickly battle them off with a prayer of truth about who I am in Christ. It's not to say that this is always an immediate fix but, it is a great habit to get in to. It's a practice of battling the negativity that guilt creates with the positivity that Christ fills us up with. And for me it is something that I MUST practice daily...lemme tell yah.</div>
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It was also hard to see my daughter feeling angry, sad or even mildly jealous after her brother came home. She did an amazing job of holding it together and she never took it out on him which surprised me. She took it out on me and Daddy mostly which is understandable. She was more defiant. She slammed her door more. She seemed a bit cold and distant on occasion and she was very vocal about her dislike for us when she was mad. It hurt a lot but, I reminded myself that it wasn't personal and that it was just her way of adjusting to things being so different. She missed me too!</div>
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The key for us was to continually love on her as much and as often as we could. We also involved her in diaper changes, baths etc...though she seems to have quickly bored of those things and no longer seems interested in participating. I also made a point to include her in the baby chats I was having with my son. I would also tell Bruin to wait his "turn" if Daisy was talking. This helped her to feel like she was important and that the baby didn't always come before her. Still, this area has been a work in progress and there have been days where Daisy has whined and said, "you like Bruin more than me," which especially stings when it comes on the heels of playing a game with her for an hour while he napped instead of squeezing in a nap for myself. There really is no way of getting around it I suppose. She is so much older so she thinks more and observes more. If your kids are closer in age and younger they may not even be all that interested in the new baby you have brought home. They may not even notice the attention you have to give your wee one. Daisy is 100% engaged and aware of my every move. She is my little shadow and mini-me. She is always hungry for my undivided attention. </div>
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I will say that after almost 5 months, Daisy seems to be much more comfortable with our routine and I would say that overall she appears to feel content in her new relationship as big sister and no longer an only child. We definitely have moments where I catch her staring at me when I am talking to Bruin while he sits in my lap and I see the need in her eyes for validation. I try to affirm her as often as I can but, we win some days, we lose some days. At least I can say we have improved in this area A TON in five months. Once again, it took time for her to accept the changes but, she slowly got on board.</div>
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I have also made a point to go on a few dates when I can with my daughter. We both LOVE our dates together. We've gone to ice cream a few times or just to grab groceries alone together. I also took her with me to the salon when I got my hair done. She had never been to a salon and I gave her a tour and let her sit in my lap and talk with the stylists. She had a great time! Then we went next door to grab lunch and we laughed our heads off together. I give her my undivided attention during these special outings and I can tell that it really makes her feel extra special. In fact when I went to Mother's Day Tea at Daisy's school she had written that her dates with me were her favorite thing to do with me. That really blessed me to hear. It also makes me feel better to get this quality time in with her...honestly I'm not sure who it helps more. I come away from those outings feeling very connected to my daughter and I can tell that she feels the same. I hope we will get more of these special dates once I am done nursing. Sometimes I think that we need to be purposeful about dating our kids in the same way we need to try and date our spouses when we can. It's amazing how much a little break from the routine can freshen a connection and strengthen a bond between child or spouse! </div>
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Other areas of transition:</div>
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<b>Sleep - OMG</b></div>
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Hey, maybe your baby will sleep great! Maybe your baby will sleep through the night from day one. Maybe all of your kids will sleep awesome and you will have the life I can only dream about...well, actually I won't be able to dream about it BECAUSE I NEVER SLEEP...and if you do happen to be so lucky then please...just please...don't tell me about it. And I don't even think we should be friends. Your peppiness will drain me and your glorious stories of awesome sleeping babies will depress me. HAHA...totally kidding but, seriously. I'm SO TIRED. Sigh. I've tried all the tricks and taken all the boat loads of advice. Nope. He still likes to get up at least 6-8 times a night or so and he generally likes to nurse 4 of those times at least. I know that he will get there but, it is going to take time by the looks of it. That being said I have had to adjust to extremely inconsistent nights but, consistently about 3 hours of broken sleep tops on average. It's ROUGH. I like to sleep. Scratch that, I LOVE to sleep and getting 45 minutes at a time is just not my thing. Still, the body has an incredible way of adapting and mine has managed to adapt overall but, it doesn't change the fact that I do feel very run down most of the time. </div>
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I dream while I am awake about what it will be like to hopefully feel more rested again when I wake up someday. lol. I am trying to wean my little guy from wanting to nurse so much at night but, it ends up being a very long middle of the night scream fest every night so I'm fried. Being tired effects EVERYTHING else in the next day. Patience is hard enough to maintain as a parent on a good night's sleep but, without sleep...holy moly it becomes a supernatural thing I tell yeah. Entertaining my highly energetic five year old all day every day, while also tending to my fussy 4 month old is exhausting but, I have found that if I keep busy I actually get through the day better. It's when I get too stationary at home that I start to realize just how tired I am and my mood wants to go downhill from there. So, I tend to be a busy bee until bedtime. I think I have gotten 3 naps since my son was born!! JUST 3 and they weren't any longer than 20 minutes at best. Yes that is craziness. I'm shocked just reading that. Now that my daughter is past the napping phase I no longer have the luxury of napping when my baby naps. I miss that a lot.</div>
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Because I am unable to get a nap, I force myself to go to bed early which is not fun or easy. I so badly want to stay up late and get some quiet time or spouse time in before bed but, if I do that I risk losing the only 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep that I might get all night. Most nights I have to close my eyes by 9 at the latest. <br />
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If you are like me and you need a lot of sleep, then this may also be a tricky area of transition for you.</div>
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Having two kids is definitely more tiring than having one...for me. But, if your baby sleeps great this won't be as much of an issue for you. Yay! </div>
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<b>Getting Two Kids <i>and Myself</i> Ready to go Out...Fuggedaboutit.</b></div>
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We really had the whole one kid thing down pretty well for the most part. We had a great routine and we were generally on time for things....yah, I just want everyone who ever invites us to anything to know right now, <b>that's never going to happen again. HA!</b> For the record, I love being on time for things and it is important to me...but, I've decided to let that expectation go. Gone. Buh-bye.</div>
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Why is it so hard to get out of the dang house with kids? Oh yah, because every single time I touch the door knob to leave I remember something else that I have forgotten...the sippy cup, the water bottle, the diaper bag, the pacifier, my sweater, my glasses, the keys, her baby doll, the lunch box, his blanket, the toys, my bible, my purse, my shoes, her snack and so on. And if it isn't one of those endless things it's the kids needing something. "I have to go potty! Did you get my bag? Can you bring me some animal crackers? Or maybe just as I get all of my ducks in a row my baby spits up on my shirt for the fifth time that morning and I simply cannot wear it with that many layers of stench. Then I have to change and that can be a whole other long and drawn out process these days because I pretty much loathe everything in my wardrobe. This post partum body isn't quite rocking the skinny pants or the form fitted tees yet. lol Or maybe you hear the sound of a lovely poop explosion in your infants drawers and you see it rapidly leaking out of his onesie and onto your blouse...yup, all the time. So yah, with each kiddo we have added to our family, our punctuality has gone more and more down the toilet. Sorry friends! Having low expectations in this area is a good thing!</div>
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I try to plan short outings and I try to plan for them to be difficult, so that I am not surprised or upset when things go awry. Bruin often starts crying in the middle of my short shopping trip and I have to take him out of the carseat or stroller and hold him with one arm, while pushing the stroller with my hip or one free arm. It's tricky but, I've managed. Sometimes I will stick him in the sling/bjorn but he isn't a big fan yet so that doesn't always solve the screaming problem. I have about a one hour window of good outing time before I have to stop and tend to the baby for a diaper change, feeding, or position change. It's not nearly as easy with two as it was with one...not even close but, I am thankful that Daisy is older and pretty independent at this point. That has been a blessing.</div>
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I love when I am in the middle of my grocery trip with a full cart and a sleeping baby lodged between groceries in the cart and suddenly, Daisy grabs her legs and with wide eyes, "Mom I have to go pee really bad!!!" EVERY TIME. Then I have to haul booty to the bathroom on the other side of the store and help her go potty while leaving my cart somewhere and taking Bruin and his carseat out of the cart...which wakes him up and inevitably starts him crying earlier. Especially when the toilet flushes or someone puts there hands under those jet engine hand driers...gahhhhhhh....can't you see my baby is sleeping people??? It's fun I tell yah. BUT, it's life and we mom's all manage to get through it. I still have my red super mom cape on back order but, I can't wait for it to arrive. I plan on wearing it everyday. </div>
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<b>Nursing </b></div>
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I don't mind nursing overall. I'm thankful that I am able to nurse as it saves money and is often easier than having to prepare a bottle...each time my son wakes up at night for instance, and it really is a sweet bonding experience. On the other hand, It was a lot easier to nurse my daughter overall because I was working from home at the time and I could just sit in a chair and nurse her when needed. No problem.</div>
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Now that I am out on the go a lot more it has become a lot harder for me to enjoy nursing. I am not a Mom who will ever be comfortable busting my top off in public to nurse or even nursing in a group of people with a cover for that matter. My babies tend to kick the cover off and leave me all like, "hello world, take a look at my boobs!" Not my idea of a good time but, to each his own. I know plenty of mommys who are super comfortable nursing publicly. Power to yah Moms! </div>
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I like nursing in quiet rooms or in private spaces. That's just the way I am. I have found that the back seat of my van has become my nursing station when I am on the go and it is working out well overall. Still, it's hard to plan outings around a 2.5 to 3 hour nursing schedule. If I was bottle feeding I could just pop a bottle in my kiddos mouth while I was shopping and it would probably make things easier but, I am just not ready to do that yet. I have appointments to be at and I have to pick my daughter up from school and I can't always arrange those things around a nursing schedule so it's tough. Sometimes I have to feed my kiddo early all day just to make it to appointments without him screaming during my checkup or while we wait in carpool for 30 minutes. All that to say that because I do like my privacy, nursing is harder now that I am on the go all the time but, I am managing and for that I am pretty dang proud of myself! Not sure how long I will nurse, or maybe my son will call that shot and wean off but, for now I will keep chugging. lol</div>
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Also because I exclusively nurse, this has put a temporary end to my girl's nights, or solo outings or even easy date nights. I pretty much have my little guy glued to me until I stop nursing or until I also do bottles. This isn't an easy sacrifice for me but, again, it's temporary. In the overall big picture...I'm very thankful that I am able to nurse and if I get to nurse for a year or close to it I won't regret it. And let's face it...it's a helpful weight loss tool after pregnancy! I'm very thankful for that as I gained a lot of weight with Bruin. </div>
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I am not sure if Bruin is our last kiddo or not but, in case he is I really want to savor this time with him to the best of my ability even if it is an added challenge. I won't ever get this time back! </div>
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<b>Slim to none - "free or quiet time" </b></div>
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Obviously, once a kiddo comes into the picture for a family, free time becomes almost non-existent for a Mother unless that kiddo is napping. Daisy has been in preschool for the past two years so I could count on a couple of hours each morning to get things done or just have some quiet time which I truly treasured. I LOVE quiet time. Quiet time in my peaceful home is what fuels my introvert spirit. Now I have zero quiet time...unless you count those middle of the night nursing sessions...which are pretty quiet but, my brain isn't functioning enough to appreciate the "free time." The baby is awake when my older kiddo is at school and takes his naps when she is home and when she is home she is a non-stop ball of energy. That being said, if you are like me and enjoy those quiet nap or school breaks with your one kiddo it might be wise to expect that you may not have those breaks with two kiddos...at least not for a little while until you get a good routine going and figure out how to carve that time into your new system. I think this has been a tough area for me to adjust to. I'm looking forward to when Bruin takes a more consistent and hopefully longer morning nap and hopefully it will happen while Daisy is at school so I can once again enjoy a little quiet time!</div>
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With one kiddo, I got in the habit of cleaning the house and grocery shopping when my daughter was at school. I get SO much more done when I am not cleaning up old messes while attempting to clean up the new ones that are being made! lol I love having a somewhat clean home. My brain feels more peaceful when my home is less cluttered and messy. Obviously with kids I have had to learn to tolerate my home with more messes but, it hasn't been easy for me. This is an area that I am sure is easier for some women than others depending on your level of need for tidiness.<br />
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I am continuing to accept that I won't ever be on top of it all anymore. There will never be an end to the laundry, dishes, bills to pay, errands to run, packages to ship, school demands to meet, etc. It seems to be more about learning to find the peace in the chaos these days. Something that will take me a life time to balance I'm sure.</div>
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<b>So SO SO much busier:</b></div>
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It is so hard to find the time to do much of anything it seems like. Laundry takes me three days and while I am working hard on that the rest of the universe is usually falling apart around me. Then, when I finally finish laundry I spend a day doing bills...because I get interrupted like every 1.5 minutes. Everything takes so much longer. More appointments, more shuttling around in the car everyday, more rushing. I put my lunch in the microwave (cuz that is all I have time for) and then the baby starts screaming or blows out his diaper or wakes up from his nap. Then I forget about the lunch all together and wonder why I am starving three hours later.</div>
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Yup, life is busy and with each kiddo added, it gets a little busier. More adjusting required. I'm trying to figure out how to come to terms with the fact that there is only one me and that the household tasks will never be done. I have to do what I can do and let the rest lie. I have to learn to let it all wait so that I can be present with my kids as well. Being present is very important to me.</div>
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<b>Marriage Quality time? What's that Pshh?</b> - Nursing around the clock makes it hard to get away with a hubby as does not having a reliable sitter. Sleeping zero hours a night also means that I pretty much need to go to bed when the kids go to bed at night. I have no choice really. I literally fall into a delirious heap most days as soon as the kiddos are both in bed. I am a true zombie at this point. My hubby has been super gracious and understanding. We have managed to watch some shows in the evening here and there but, I pretty much have to crash by 9 at the latest if I want to survive the next day. I definitely look forward to the day that I get a little more consistent sleep so that I can stay up more often with my hubby and have more quality time. This is one of those areas of adjustment that is temporary and requires a lot of give and take. We experienced this for about the first year of life with our daughter and as a result we haven't been surprised by our exhaustion this time around.</div>
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<b>HUBBY HELPS!</b></div>
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So, these are just a handful of the changes that we have worked through over the past five months. There are other areas but, these are the things that influenced me the most. I will say that my hubby has continued to take my daughter to school in the morning and I am SO SO thankful for that. Her school is on the way to his work and it is about a 20-30 minute drive each way for us. It lands smack dab during Bruin's first early morning nap. I would have to take him out of his crib to run out the door each morning as so many moms do. I am so glad that I don't have to do that! My hubby has also taken on a grocery trip once a week and any extra little errand trips that pop up at the last minute. I write the list and meal plan as best I can and he shops and it's another area that he has stepped up in that has been HUGE and SO appreciated. I think this has been a big change in our marriage as well...more give and take and more sharing of responsibilities. Team work is essential in family life that is for sure!</div>
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<b>It's ALL WORTH IT, of course! </b></div>
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I have absolutely loved watching Daisy step into her role as big sister with so much love and grace. She is so gentle and nurturing with her big brother. It's as if she has always been a big sister and I can hardly imagine her any other way now. She seems so much older...as if a few short months have made her more independent and mature. Makes me a little sad to see her "growing up overnight" so to speak but, it was time I suppose. She no longer thinks just about herself but, instead she is always thinking about her life with a brother in it. She talks about her future plans and her brother is always a part of her dreams. I love that! Now my daughter has a somebody and that makes me so happy.</div>
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I've also notice that Daisy has naturally fallen into an understanding of our routine. She gets that I have to nurse and change Bruin. She is more patient now and she asks a little less of me because she knows that she would have to wait for what she wants if I am busy. She is learning to do more for herself and I am not having to teach her. Our new circumstances are teaching her all on their own which is a blessing. </div>
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Daisy is also very helpful. She gets Bruin pacifiers when he cries, blankets when he is cold, turns on fans for him to look at. I marvel at her thoughtfulness actually. She loves to be near her brother and to hold and kiss him. She is rarely rough though it can happen on occasion and I just have to remind her to be gentle. I will say that the novelty of a baby has worn off. Daisy was obsessed with babies before Bruin was born and like most other children who have siblings, I am realizing that she is less fascinated and enthralled with the whole baby thing now. She now wants to do other things and play on her own. I'm a little sad to see the intensity of her love for babies fading but, I guess it's also a natural and healthy thing. It's a bit more in balance now I suppose.<br />
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I realized today that I hold Daisy SO much less than I did before Bruin was born. She used to whine and ask me to hold her all the time when she was an only kiddo. Evidently she just learned all on her own that she can't be held as often anymore and she even seems to find it a bit strange when I want to pick her up now. See, so much change in such a short amount of time! Tugs on the ol' heart strings. </div>
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I love having a son. I never thought I would have a son but, I do and it's so awesome. I'm enjoying blue...we have SO much pink over here. I'm enjoying the boy toys and the boy conversations. I love the balance that my son has brought into our lives. I'm so thankful for him. He is noisy and strong! Boys are so different and I am enjoying the adventure of a little man in the making. Having two kids has made life much more complicated and so much more beautiful...so messy and beautiful. There is just something about the things in life that are often challenging...they are often the best things too. Kids are like that for sure. </div>
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It's also awesome to see my husband hanging out with his son. Pretty cool to see a Daddy and his little boy. I can only imagine the adventures they will go on together someday very soon. My two fishermen perhaps? Every time Bruin sees Daddy or hears his voice even from another room he crams his neck around until he finds him. When he makes eye contact with Daddy his face lights up and he quickly turns his head the other way in his bashfullness. He does this over and over again. It is SO cute. I think we have a little Daddy's boy on our hands. </div>
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So, overall the transition was a tough one for me and continues to be a challenge in some ways because my baby doesn't sleep much and I am so worn out most days. More importantly though, I love that my family has grown to four and I love that my daughter has a sibling to grow up with. I love that we have more laughter, more adventure and more surprises ahead of us in life. This chapter has been hard, but it's worth it! It was the desire of my heart for so long to have another kiddo and now he is here. God is faithful. </div>
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I would love to hear your thoughts on life with two kiddos and how the adjustment was for you. What were the challenges you faced and how did you work through them? </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-28847482058102045832015-04-27T13:36:00.000-07:002015-04-27T13:36:38.457-07:00Happy Monday!It's really hard to capture this little guy's smiles on camera because he doesn't smile a ton and because it takes a lot of work and perfect timing to make these smiles happen. If I recall, this smile was a result of Daddy walking up behind me while I squealed and danced like a buffoon all for nothing.<br />
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All it took was Daddy saying hi and Bruin busts out the biggest smile. He melts me....
I have so many pictures of this little guy that I would love to share but, zero time to upload, edit, resize and write about them all. So perhaps I will throw a few random ones up once in a while just to say that I tried! haha.
Isn't he edible. Yum.
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And though big sister is totally not interested in the photo op. she was sharing the Curious George show on my cell phone quite nicely. She adores her little bro to bits and she is happy as a clam so long as he is next to her. <br />
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I'm so, so glad that they have each other. BFF's.<br />
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998405629356082628.post-88651842117449079802015-04-09T17:44:00.002-07:002015-04-09T17:44:29.204-07:00My Little Girl is Five! <div style="text-align: center;">
My little girl is five! And I am proud to say that I am getting this posted before she turns six. Big accomplishment over here these days...however; this did take me three months to complete. Sigh.<br />
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I really do love this age. I love the conversations, the imagination, the silliness, the jokes, the fact that we can do so much more together now like play games, go on dates, go on bike rides, go to the movies, get our nails done, sing songs together etc. Daisy is such a spunky, hyper, silly, loving, thoughtful, sensitive little girl. She does still desire a ton of attention (er quality time...only child for nearly five years) and that can be a bit exhausting BUT, it's safe to say that I am never lonely when she is around. hehe. </div>
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Daisy was so excited to turn five. She thinks that she gets to drive a car when she turns ten and move out soon after into her pink house so I think she is counting down the years? lol. I use to do the same thing as a little girl. I loved the idea of growing up when I was little. It seemed fun and exciting. I think it's great that Daisy is looking forward to the life ahead of her. We had a little party this year for Daisy at a park on the weekend and then on her actual birthday we ordered take out sushi. She seemed to really enjoy her festivities. Since having another kiddo, life has gotten exponentially busier for me and it has been much trickier to be as present as I used to be but, I am trying my best to soak up every innocent moment I have left with my little girl. I love her sparkly brown eyes, the dimply cheeks, the crinkle in her nose when she smiles really big, the way she often toots when she laughs too hard (she is going to hate me for this in 10 years:), how she just can't seem to figure out how to put her shoes on the right feet though she tries so hard every time. I love the way she loves on her baby brother. It literally melts me. I love her resilient spirit and her passion for the things she loves. Not a day goes by that this little girl doesn't give me a nice big belly laugh. She is the best! God has used her to open my eyes to so many things and I am better because of her. </div>
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Thank you Jesus for my sweet little girl! </div>
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<u><b>Now on to the long winded Five year old Stat report...</b></u></div>
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At five years old Daisy is still just as in to princesses as she was at 2, 3 and 4 years old. Princesses, princess pets, baby dolls, cooking and imaginary play are a few of Daisy's favorite things at the moment. She is incredibly creative and will often come up with very elaborate ideas for an activity. Her ideas and activities are usually very messy now days (and I thought babies were messy!) but, I try to let her roll with whatever she comes up with as it seems to be her gift. For example: she likes to get our cups, pots and dishes out when she cooks with her pretend food. She will literally cover the entire floor in dishes and play for 20 or 30 minutes and then I have to wash everything. She will get pads of paper and a pen and ask me and Joey what we would like to order and she asks us to write our information down. Then she delivers food to us...over and over again. It's really cute though. I hope she grows up to LOVE cooking. I will happily surrender that task to her! haha Other times she will throw every pillow in the house on the living room floor and find every blanket that she can in order to build herself a fort. Lately she has taken a liking to typing on Joey's Ipad keyboard. She writes stories by keying furiously on the keyboard. When her note page is full of letters she feels very satisfied that she has written a great story and then she asks us to mail it to our family or to post it on facebook...which we usually don't. These things are priceless to us but, I am not sure that everyone on Facebook would agree:). Regardless, I really love her creativity and I look forward to when Bruin is old enough that he can play with Daisy a bit more in some of her many imaginary activities.<br />
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Isn't she just the cutest little princess you ever did see?<br />
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Below this picture: she is having a birthday party for one of her baby dolls. A hot dog bun was our "cake." lol</div>
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<u>SHOWS</u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1_mThZU7v2QMaHrrZUPkU7IdVJ2x3NkHn1cXq4bNyaDlBFw6eB0NSXQWS7F2WROz9RayIQV1WsebVwpv7Be-9wVIk6wTtW8PD5gMOA_gsWf9sykp-micS-dnF7vILX6v8IF-DDvMUK7g/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1_mThZU7v2QMaHrrZUPkU7IdVJ2x3NkHn1cXq4bNyaDlBFw6eB0NSXQWS7F2WROz9RayIQV1WsebVwpv7Be-9wVIk6wTtW8PD5gMOA_gsWf9sykp-micS-dnF7vILX6v8IF-DDvMUK7g/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a>She watches a fair amount of TV and Netflixs. I have a PBS kids and Disney ap on my phone and these days she prefers my phone over the TV because she likes to have control over what she watches. She is really into a show called ODD squad right now. It's so cute to see how fascinated she is with this show. She also loves the Disney show Octonauts. Some of the other shows in her rotation: all the older Mickey Mouse Disney movies from my childhood, Peep and the Big wide World, The Little Princess, Oscar the Lizard, Wild Kratts, Bernard and Curious George. I'm surprised that she still enjoys Curious George as much as she does. I love it:). Daisy gets to watch a couple of short shows in the morning while she eats breakfast and gets ready for school. We have had this routine since she was two years old, so it will be hard to change it someday if we ever need to. She sits in her own recliner sipping juice out of her cup and snacking on breakfast while watching whatever happens to be on. It's been a nice and relaxing routine and she enjoys the consistency so it's all good. The only reason she isn't watching different shows is because I am still trying to keep a tight lid on what she gets to see. She has such a wild imagination the less she is exposed to the better...for now. :) </div>
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<u>SIZE</u><br />
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Daisy wears size 5/6 in the older girl section (not 5T) and in some things she is wearing a 6. She is usually 5/6 in shirts and dresses but a 5 in pants and shorts. She wears size 10 or 10.5 shoe. Just tonight as she walked out of her bedroom for the third time after being put to bed, I cuddled her and held her foot in my hand. Her feet seemed so small until Bruin was born and now of course her feet seem so big. She has the cutest little feetsies though. I love shopping for Daisy and I am lucky that she doesn't really care at all what she wears because I get to have fun picking out her outfits most days. I don't have a big budget to shop for her or get fancy things which would be SO MUCH FUN...but, it is a good thing I suppose, because if I could I would probably go a little overboard. Instead we generally shop at our local consignment shops and enjoy the clothes we are gifted from friends and family. My favorite places to shop on special occasions are Baby Gap, Old Navy, Target, Children's Place and Gymboree. I enjoy shopping and dressing my kids so much more than shopping and dressing myself. I know a lot of you Moms out there can relate:)</div>
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<u>COLORS</u><br />
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Pink is still her favorite color but, she also LOVES purple, aqua and gold. She is in this phase where she very strongly dislikes red, blue, green, black and white...yellow isn't a favorite either but, she will sometimes call it gold if she feels like it. She doesn't like playing with toys in the house that are these colors and she is not a fan of wearing these colors. I can still convince her to ignore those colors in her clothes most of the time but, for example she refused to wear green on St. Patrick's day and she almost refused to go to school if I was going to make her wear green. I decided she won and we wore something with aqua and hoped it was a compromise:). haha This chapter of super strong opinions about things is a rather new territory for me with Daisy. She has never been one to care much at all about what she is wearing or what she is given etc. I enjoyed the less opinionated season while it lasted. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>FOOD</u></div>
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Daisy has become super duper picky about what she eats over the past 6 months or so. She used to be willing to eat and try so much more. That all changed and I have no idea why accept that she is five and I suppose that is pretty typical for this age. She pretty much refuses to eat all vegetables except steamed broccoli and even that I have to really encourage her to eat now. It was her favorite for years. I'm sad that she won't eat veggies but, I hope I can get her to again in the future. She eats, mac n' cheese, chicken nuggets, burritos, nachos, tachos, sushi (but, now picky about that too!), corn dogs, chili, turkey and cheese sandwiches but, with no crust and pb and honey sandwiches. The only fruit she likes is strawberries and watermelon. She will sometimes eat cantelope and pears but, that is about all. She loves chips and crackers and eating cereal dry. She loves apple juice but, does not care for milk. She likes pancakes, cheese, applesauce squeezers, and plain rice. That is about it. It's exhausting trying to feed her to be honest. I want her to eat so I try to serve her what she wants but, I also don't like serving different things for every meal. She has also started chewing food for a really long time and she struggles with swallowing if the texture bothers her. We have definitely found a few bites of food spit out in the toilet later in the evening. Sigh. Typical kid issues. </div>
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<u>MUSIC</u><br />
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She loves music and she has quite a few worship songs memorized from all of her car drives with Daddy and on her radio in her room. I love that she enjoys worship music as much as we do. She has a tendency to get the words wrong but, she presses right along and inserts her own words when needed. That is EXACTLY what I did as a kid! She loves the song God's Not Dead by Newsboys, anything by Phillip Philips, Mandisa, Mercy Me Shake and a song on the show ODD Squad. It's so cute to watch her sing along with all her might.<br />
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I leave my acoustic guitar out in the living room so that Daisy can pick it up if she ever wants to play. She was also spoiled with a pink guitar of her own for her birthday this year (thank you Lulu and Papa!) and now it too sits by the fireplace so she can pick it up and play it whenever she has an urge. That's what started me on my musical journey as a teenager. My mom had a classical guitar and I would pick it up and strum it here and there and I taught myself a few chords. We also had a piano growing up. Though I wouldn't consider myself a very musically gifted person (AT ALL), I really do enjoy playing instruments (poorly) and writing simple songs when I am alone. I would love if I could pass that joy on to Daisy. </div>
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<u>DANCE</u><br />
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She loves to dance...on her own terms. She doesn't really want anyone telling her how to dance which is why I am not sure if she would really even enjoy a dance class at this point. She isn't the most coordinated when it comes to following an instructor (also like her mommy) but, she loves to boogie to her own beat. We have a lot of family dance parties around our house. Fun times!</div>
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<u>SCHOOL</u><br />
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She currently goes to preschool five days a week from 9-1. Overall she really enjoys it and she has learned so much from preschool over the past two years. Like most kids, I would say that her favorite thing about school is playing on the playground with her friends at break time. lol. She also loves the special event days and party days. They had a beach day recently and she was SO excited about it. So cute to see her excited about school as a lot of the time she does want to stay home with me instead of going in the morning. I think she enjoys it once she is there though and I think it has also really helped her socially. She is still learning how to play with other kids and not just direct them but, she has come a long way. She has made some really special friends and we will be sad not to see them more often once Kindergarten starts up in July. We only have another two months left of preschool. I seriously cannot believe that my little girl is old enough to start elementary school. I'm in denial over here. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>PERSONALITY</u><br />
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Daisy is a home body and she LOVES being home with me and Bruin. I think if she had a choice she would stay home with me every day and skip school, church, even play dates or whatever. She just likes hanging out with her Mom, Dad and bro. Home is her happy place and as much as I want my daughter to be more extroverted than I am, I think it is pretty sweet that she enjoys being home with her family as much as she does. Now, I realize this will soon pass...or most likely will. Perhaps that is why I do not rue snow days or vacation days quite as much as some...because as exhausting as those days can be, I love having my little girl around. She is my little buddy. Daisy likes to be the one in charge. Typical of the eldest child I would say. She likes to tell other people how to play the game or activity and she finds other people's ideas rather boring most of the time. lol She doesn't like to lose when we play a game. This is somewhat our fault as we often let her win as a little kid and now she thinks it should always be this way. We have some training to do over here but, she will get there in time. Daisy is very sensitive to praise or lack there of. I definitely think that words of affirmation is one of her love languages. </div>
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The other day after an adult friend/family member left our house Daisy asked me why they don't like her. I asked her why she thought that and she said because they didn't talk to her but, they smiled at and talked to Bruin. I of course told her that they do like her but, that not all grown ups remember to talk to little kids when they visit. I am beginning to realize how much she values adult conversation and participation. She tends to feel left out and even unloved if she is not included. Tis the way of life when you are the only kid in all of the families for nearly 5 years. Adults become your friends! </div>
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Daisy is extremely observant even when she seems to be distracted..she is always taking things in around her. She comments on hairstyles, eye colors, outfits, shoes, the way people talk, the cars that people drive etc. She is a stubborn kiddo when she doesn't want to do something. I've been trying to teach her the basics of reading and site words for two years..we have gotten no where but, I know that all of sudden when her desire really kicks in, she will learn it overnight. That is just how she is. <br />
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She is very nurturing to her baby dolls, her cousin and her brother. She is gentle, thoughtful and very helpful. A little mommy in the making for sure. She kisses boo boos and says the sweetest things when people are sad, mad or hurt. She really does have an incredibly loving heart. I thank Jesus for that! </div>
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She is super silly/goofy too. She would rather make goofy faces than pose pretty for a picture 99% of the time. She loves making people laugh and will do the silliest things to try and draw laughing attention to herself sometimes. She is a ham:). She is also so so so girly. She loves everything a girly girl would love. Gliter, sparkles, princesses, pink, purple, dolls, frills, dress up etc. And on the other hand the kid can kick and hit a ball like no ones business. She can run fast, climb high and she has a very adventurous streak in her...as proven by the roller coaster at Disney land that she rode and loved. So, I would say very girly with a nice dose of athleticism. </div>
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Daisy has a lot of friends and I would say the ones that she is the closest to are the ones that we play date with the most usually after school. She does still struggle with the concept of letting other kids call the shots or playing what other kids want to play. She likes to direct the activities and otherwise she is quite content to play by herself or wander around alone at a park. She is social for sure but, she also values personal space. She hasn't yet made a friend on her own that has really stuck other than the friends that I regularly expose her to at church, school and our outside play dates. </div>
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Today in between household chores and tending to Bruin, Daisy and I played a few games of Frozen- Chutes and Ladders, we colored a picture or four, ate pretend food over and over again, played guitars, watched a show and like always and she talked my ear off. It's absolutely exhausting and absolutely wonderful all at once. Things have changed a bit around here since little brother came along. I just don't have as much time or energy to give to Daisy as I once did. It's been a challenge transitioning for both of us I would say but, when I do have time and energy, I absolutely love spending it with my girl.<br />
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She loves hanging out with her Dad and he often spoils her. He recently bought a little toy helicopter and Daisy asks him to fly it almost every day. Then she yells out, "pretend that it is chasing me Daddy, pretend that it is chasing me," and she runs around squealing with the brightest smile as he "chases" her with the helicopter. Daddy is the one who wrestles, plays video games, tickles, is technically more fun than I will ever be (I can be rather boring when compared to Daddy). Daddy takes Daisy on jeep rides at night when I have to tend to Bruin. He plays hide and seek and reads her bedtime stories. Daisy loves her Daddy to pieces and I think one of her favorite things to do is visit him at his office on her way home from school. She loves to draw pictures at his desk and tape them to the wall and she loves to make pretend calls and act like she is working. She asks to go to his work ALL time. Pretty stinking cute if I do say so. She is much more rough with him too. She spanks him just for the heck of it. Tickles him whenever she gets the chance and tries to tackle him at random. They just have that kind of bond. Father/daughter silliness. </div>
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Daisy has had an imaginary sister named Kezia, for at least a year now. She talks about her from time to time and all the things she is doing or how old she is but, she never talks to her or seems to engage the idea when she is alone. It seems to be more of a thing for her to talk about with me and Joey than anything else. Perhaps she really hopes for a sister someday or perhaps it's just a little phase. I humor her and play along. I think it's sweet and harmless.<br />
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<u>NURTURER</u></div>
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Daisy is an amazing big sister and cousin. I'm not just saying that because I am her mom:). She is endlessly giving Bruin his pacifier when he cries, giving him a toy, covering him with a blanket if she is worried that he might be cold, turning on the fan to give him something to look at, asking if he can come and lay on her bed so she can cook him pretend food. She helps me with almost every diaper change. She gets so excited to see him every day when I pick her up from school. She kisses him constantly and holds him as often as I will allow. She is an awesome big sister and Bruin ADORES Daisy. He is always cramming his neck and arching his back to get a look at her wherever she might be. It's so cute. I really pray that I can help foster this love as much as possible as they grow. Daisy also adores her cousin Avery and has a tremendous attention span for playing with her. Avery is only one and Daisy is five so I am surprised that she can play with her as long as she does but, she loves when they get to be together. She is already counting down the days until they can have their first sleep over. Too cute! Love that she is so nurturing and gentle with other babies and kids. This is one of my favorite qualities about Daisy! </div>
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<u>GATHERER</u><br />
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She still loves to gather rocks, leaves, flowers and other random treasures when we are in the yard or at a park. She hands then all to me and asks me to keep them safe. She often stores little trinkets in the drawer of her step stool until I find them months later and sneak them into the trash. shhhh.... </div>
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Not a day goes by that my hubby and I don't look at each other and say, "she's so awesome," with a big smile on our faces. Yes, she's a super high energy kiddo that chats our ears until they are literally raw some days but...she really is so fun and adventurous. She has added so much joy and amusement to our lives. </div>
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Daisy Love, we adore you and thank God for every day that we get to watch you grow. May God bless you all the days of your sweet life. xoxo Happy five baby girl. </div>
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Casey Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979686059026867887noreply@blogger.com1