Our kids are growing so quickly!
They eat, exercise, learn and grow every day!
Ryanna is dancing her little heart out every week in her dance class, while she is sprouting a little more height. She is growing her hair out to donate to kids who don't have hair for various reasons. I am so proud of her giving spirit!
Connor eats all the time! He is very tall for his age, and seems to be a conscientious child. He loves gymnastics and to make new friends. He also likes to plan parties and pretend play. He is learning to write his name. How exciting.
Avery is potty-training. He has worn underwear, and decided to keep them clean and dry! What an accomplishment! He's so big!
We had an exciting and scary moment at Bible Study this week.
Connor and Avery had finished eating their lunch, and were playing with some other children, when a stack of heavy round tables fell on top of Connor!!
I ran around to find Connor pinned under a stack of 5 round banquet tables.
The adrenaline in my body allowed me to pull the tables off him, and pick him up before I could even think about it.
I could not believe how easily those tables moved...they were so heavy! I have had to move them one-by-one by myself before, and was amazed at how heavy just one table is!
I am very thankful that my children are healthy, and happy, and that the Lord made adrenaline so this loving mom could turn into Super Mom, even if just for a moment!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bringing Home Baby - 10 Tips for New Moms
Joy, elation, and awe are coupled with uncertainty, new fears, and wonder when a mother brings home her new baby.
Moms may ask themselves questions like:
Do not sweat the small stuff!
Your baby is a gift from God. Enjoy every waking moment, even when it comes in the middle of the night. Those days don't last long, and you will be wishing for the moments back. Create the memories every day, and cherish them!
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
Moms may ask themselves questions like:
"Will I be able to do everything "correctly"?"
"Will my baby love me?"
"Will I be able to provide everything this little bundle needs, when he or she needs it?"
"How will I know what my baby needs?"
In conclusion, my best advice to new moms is:"Will my baby love me?"
"Will I be able to provide everything this little bundle needs, when he or she needs it?"
"How will I know what my baby needs?"
I have brought home three new babies. Each time the thoughts have been the same, since each new baby has its own personality and manner of communication.
The most important thing I learned each time was babies don't need much! They need loving parents who have their child's best interest at heart. You are the BEST parent for your child, God designed you and your baby especially for each other.
Here are My 10 Best Tips for New Moms:
1. Keep it Simple Your baby will not know whether or not you have the latest and greatest in baby nursery furniture, layette, or even diapers. There is no need to go overboard. Baby simply needs the basics of love, food, clothing and shelter. One good set of bottles, a couple of pacifiers, and maybe a dozen outfits in the newborn size are all your baby really needs at first.
2. Stay within your Budget Purchase the best for your baby, within your own family budget. Retailers make it very tempting to purchase all of the adorable baby accessories, and the "highest quality" gear available. Again, baby will not know whether he or she is riding in a $1000 stroller or a $100 stroller. If you can afford an expensive stroller, that is fabulous! Keep in mind, however, that highest price does not necessarily constitute highest quality!
3. Shop Consignment Stores and Sales Your adorable baby will only use the beautiful bassinet you chose for up to nine months. You can purchase used items at a fraction of the original retail cost! Most consignment stores and sales have quality standards that items must be safe and clean. Save yourself some time and money by asking the owners about the items they recommend most.
4. Ask for HELP!! Changing diapers and clothes can be a challenge. Especially when you are sleep-deprived and your baby has not settled into a routine yet. Don't be afraid to call anyone who have offered, "Call if you need anything!" Seriously, a SHOWER is one of those reasons that is worth calling in the support! Your baby will benefit from a snuggle with someone who will cherish the moment almost as much as you will cherish your shower (or nap!)
5. Pamper your Cleaning with Baby Wipes Keep your house clean with baby wipes, which you will have all around the house if you are anything like me! I keep baby wipes not only in my baby's room and diaper bag, but also in my dining room, bathroom, kitchen, family room, and computer room! A quick swipe with a baby wipe can cure the small spills or dust that happen when a new mom is away from her normal cleaning routine.
6. Look at Your Baby Take a moment out of every day, even if it is in the middle of one of your middle-of-the-night feedings, to just look at your baby. Babies change so quickly as they grow. Take in his or her features, and marvel at how wonderfully made your little miracle is!
7. You are the Expert So many people will give you advice while you are expecting, and again after your new blessing comes into the world. Listen politely, and you may even learn a few things. But, remember, you are the expert about your child and your family! You should know that you may not want to apply every piece of advice you receive...and that is OKAY!
8. Sensitive Skin Many babies are born with sensitive skin, especially on their scalps. Do not be alarmed if your baby develops a rash or redness on the skin. Certainly call ask your doctor, but chances are your baby's skin is reacting to some chemical in his or her environment. Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bath soaps, aftershaves, and perfumes are common irritants. Be careful with them, and remember there is a learning curve for each baby! What bothers one child, may please the next!
9. You Cannot Spoil a Baby This is a very common statement, that I heard many times when my babies were small. I loved to snuggle each one of them, and keep them close. I also liked that they could put themselves to sleep in their crib on their own. So, we developed a routine that worked for us. Snuggle, read a book, and sing a song. Then, baby was close to sleep, and would go down easily! You have to do what works for you. It takes a few weeks of consistency to develop a routine and make it into a habit. Keep up the good work.
10. Sleep is your friend Don't worry that the dishes are not done, the laundry is piling up, and you wish you could actually take the time to do your hair and put on some makeup. You will feel and look better if you sleep when the baby is sleeping, especially those first few weeks! You will be able to customize your sleep schedule as your baby grows and gets into a routine...so don't worry about.
The most important thing I learned each time was babies don't need much! They need loving parents who have their child's best interest at heart. You are the BEST parent for your child, God designed you and your baby especially for each other.
Here are My 10 Best Tips for New Moms:
1. Keep it Simple Your baby will not know whether or not you have the latest and greatest in baby nursery furniture, layette, or even diapers. There is no need to go overboard. Baby simply needs the basics of love, food, clothing and shelter. One good set of bottles, a couple of pacifiers, and maybe a dozen outfits in the newborn size are all your baby really needs at first.
2. Stay within your Budget Purchase the best for your baby, within your own family budget. Retailers make it very tempting to purchase all of the adorable baby accessories, and the "highest quality" gear available. Again, baby will not know whether he or she is riding in a $1000 stroller or a $100 stroller. If you can afford an expensive stroller, that is fabulous! Keep in mind, however, that highest price does not necessarily constitute highest quality!
3. Shop Consignment Stores and Sales Your adorable baby will only use the beautiful bassinet you chose for up to nine months. You can purchase used items at a fraction of the original retail cost! Most consignment stores and sales have quality standards that items must be safe and clean. Save yourself some time and money by asking the owners about the items they recommend most.
4. Ask for HELP!! Changing diapers and clothes can be a challenge. Especially when you are sleep-deprived and your baby has not settled into a routine yet. Don't be afraid to call anyone who have offered, "Call if you need anything!" Seriously, a SHOWER is one of those reasons that is worth calling in the support! Your baby will benefit from a snuggle with someone who will cherish the moment almost as much as you will cherish your shower (or nap!)
5. Pamper your Cleaning with Baby Wipes Keep your house clean with baby wipes, which you will have all around the house if you are anything like me! I keep baby wipes not only in my baby's room and diaper bag, but also in my dining room, bathroom, kitchen, family room, and computer room! A quick swipe with a baby wipe can cure the small spills or dust that happen when a new mom is away from her normal cleaning routine.
6. Look at Your Baby Take a moment out of every day, even if it is in the middle of one of your middle-of-the-night feedings, to just look at your baby. Babies change so quickly as they grow. Take in his or her features, and marvel at how wonderfully made your little miracle is!
7. You are the Expert So many people will give you advice while you are expecting, and again after your new blessing comes into the world. Listen politely, and you may even learn a few things. But, remember, you are the expert about your child and your family! You should know that you may not want to apply every piece of advice you receive...and that is OKAY!
8. Sensitive Skin Many babies are born with sensitive skin, especially on their scalps. Do not be alarmed if your baby develops a rash or redness on the skin. Certainly call ask your doctor, but chances are your baby's skin is reacting to some chemical in his or her environment. Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bath soaps, aftershaves, and perfumes are common irritants. Be careful with them, and remember there is a learning curve for each baby! What bothers one child, may please the next!
9. You Cannot Spoil a Baby This is a very common statement, that I heard many times when my babies were small. I loved to snuggle each one of them, and keep them close. I also liked that they could put themselves to sleep in their crib on their own. So, we developed a routine that worked for us. Snuggle, read a book, and sing a song. Then, baby was close to sleep, and would go down easily! You have to do what works for you. It takes a few weeks of consistency to develop a routine and make it into a habit. Keep up the good work.
10. Sleep is your friend Don't worry that the dishes are not done, the laundry is piling up, and you wish you could actually take the time to do your hair and put on some makeup. You will feel and look better if you sleep when the baby is sleeping, especially those first few weeks! You will be able to customize your sleep schedule as your baby grows and gets into a routine...so don't worry about.
Do not sweat the small stuff!
Your baby is a gift from God. Enjoy every waking moment, even when it comes in the middle of the night. Those days don't last long, and you will be wishing for the moments back. Create the memories every day, and cherish them!
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The changes that 1st Grade brings....
With the beginning of First Grade, I have found my schedule changing. It's not bad, it's not good - it's just different.
No more sleeping in until the kids wake themselves up.
I wake up before they do now.
No more hanging around the house until after lunch, and then taking naps.
We are all up and out of the house before 8:00 a.m. every day.
Ryanna gets on the bus bright and early (7:50 a.m.) and the boys walk to the bus stop with me. Then they are ready to get their fun day started!
Each and every morning is full of hustle and bustle:
Before Ryanna leaves on her bus, I have to make sure she is dressed, fed, hair & teeth brushed. I have to make sure she has a lunch and snack to eat at school, and that her daddy has the same for work. My boys also want breakfast somewhere in there...and they need me to help them get dressed as well.
We walk out and take the stroller or wagon down the road and bid farewell to our big first grader as she boards the big yellow bus.
The boys and I have played outside, and taken many walks. Now the weather is beginning to change it's tune toward autumn. As that happens, we have many new activities starting up.
MOPS starts on Tuesday, then Bible Study starts on Thursday.
In a couple of weeks Library Story Time begins for the boys.
We are going to be so very busy.
Oh how I now understand the longing for summer vacation to begin..and the term "lazy summer days" takes on a whole new meaning.
No more sleeping in until the kids wake themselves up.
I wake up before they do now.
No more hanging around the house until after lunch, and then taking naps.
We are all up and out of the house before 8:00 a.m. every day.
Ryanna gets on the bus bright and early (7:50 a.m.) and the boys walk to the bus stop with me. Then they are ready to get their fun day started!
Each and every morning is full of hustle and bustle:
Before Ryanna leaves on her bus, I have to make sure she is dressed, fed, hair & teeth brushed. I have to make sure she has a lunch and snack to eat at school, and that her daddy has the same for work. My boys also want breakfast somewhere in there...and they need me to help them get dressed as well.
We walk out and take the stroller or wagon down the road and bid farewell to our big first grader as she boards the big yellow bus.
The boys and I have played outside, and taken many walks. Now the weather is beginning to change it's tune toward autumn. As that happens, we have many new activities starting up.
MOPS starts on Tuesday, then Bible Study starts on Thursday.
In a couple of weeks Library Story Time begins for the boys.
We are going to be so very busy.
Oh how I now understand the longing for summer vacation to begin..and the term "lazy summer days" takes on a whole new meaning.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sowing the Seeds of Love
On the way home from dinner, Connor (age 3) had a cup full of M&M's as his "Messert".
From the back seat of the mini van Connor started by saying, "Mom, M&M's don't have seeds!"
Wondering where he was going with this line of thought, I agreed with him, that M&M's indeed, have no seeds.
Connor continued, "Mom, we should go to the store, and buy M&M seeds, so we can plant them in our back yard. When they grow, we can make our own baskets, to go pick them up, and eat them. And then, we can buy Doodle Berry seeds, plant those, and grow a Doodle Berry Tree."
Wow! The creativity of a 3-year-old brain! All this came from planting a raspberry bush on the side of our house this spring, and watching "Wow Wow Wubbzy" on television. This particular episode of a television show has sure inspired him to love "Doodle Berries" - as he dubs the Captain Crunch "Ooops All Berries" version! He wants to plant them, like Wubbzy did in the show. I wish it worked that way!
I need to sow more ideas in his cute little head for creative things he can actually grow. We will be planting some little strawberry plants tomorrow. I love this kid, and need to show him more!
From the back seat of the mini van Connor started by saying, "Mom, M&M's don't have seeds!"
Wondering where he was going with this line of thought, I agreed with him, that M&M's indeed, have no seeds.
Connor continued, "Mom, we should go to the store, and buy M&M seeds, so we can plant them in our back yard. When they grow, we can make our own baskets, to go pick them up, and eat them. And then, we can buy Doodle Berry seeds, plant those, and grow a Doodle Berry Tree."
Wow! The creativity of a 3-year-old brain! All this came from planting a raspberry bush on the side of our house this spring, and watching "Wow Wow Wubbzy" on television. This particular episode of a television show has sure inspired him to love "Doodle Berries" - as he dubs the Captain Crunch "Ooops All Berries" version! He wants to plant them, like Wubbzy did in the show. I wish it worked that way!
I need to sow more ideas in his cute little head for creative things he can actually grow. We will be planting some little strawberry plants tomorrow. I love this kid, and need to show him more!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Fall is upon us...summer is disappearing...
I don't know to where the summer has disappeared, but I miss it already!
We have had so many fun family memories this summer, that I know I have not had time to blog about them.
We traveled to Michigan's Adventure amusement park, using the season passes from Grandpa and Grandma Campbell. The kids love the water park, and even the roller coasters!! Ryanna and Connor truly loved all of the kid-sized roller coasters, while Avery is still too short to ride them. He enjoyed the smaller toddler-size rides.
We also had many picnics, and visited the shore of Lake Michigan quite a few times for picnics and swimming. Connor surprised us by adventuring into the water up to his neck during our last visit.
I am going to miss the nice warm weather, and the free time we have spent taking little road trips, and spending family time together.
We have had so many fun family memories this summer, that I know I have not had time to blog about them.
We traveled to Michigan's Adventure amusement park, using the season passes from Grandpa and Grandma Campbell. The kids love the water park, and even the roller coasters!! Ryanna and Connor truly loved all of the kid-sized roller coasters, while Avery is still too short to ride them. He enjoyed the smaller toddler-size rides.
We also had many picnics, and visited the shore of Lake Michigan quite a few times for picnics and swimming. Connor surprised us by adventuring into the water up to his neck during our last visit.
I am going to miss the nice warm weather, and the free time we have spent taking little road trips, and spending family time together.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Teeth and Tumbling
We are so busy in the Miles Mob household!
Avery turned two this past weekend, and is busier than ever. He enjoys reading books, and running around. Avery carries his blanket around with him everywhere, and won't sleep without it!
Connor is taking gymnastics classes, and calls it going to school. He loves it, and is very good at all aspects of tumbling and climbing. He especially loves bouncing on the trampolines and balancing on the balance beam.
Ryanna is determined to lose a tooth before the end of her Kindergarten year. She keeps wiggling one of her teeth - and it is actually moving a little. Ryanna still enjoys her dance class, and keeps busy practicing her recital dances. She will be ballet dancing to "Air", and tap dancing to "La Bamba". We are looking into a couple of different summer camps for her, including the YMCA day camp, and the Theatre Arts Day Camp at GRCT.
Avery turned two this past weekend, and is busier than ever. He enjoys reading books, and running around. Avery carries his blanket around with him everywhere, and won't sleep without it!
Connor is taking gymnastics classes, and calls it going to school. He loves it, and is very good at all aspects of tumbling and climbing. He especially loves bouncing on the trampolines and balancing on the balance beam.
Ryanna is determined to lose a tooth before the end of her Kindergarten year. She keeps wiggling one of her teeth - and it is actually moving a little. Ryanna still enjoys her dance class, and keeps busy practicing her recital dances. She will be ballet dancing to "Air", and tap dancing to "La Bamba". We are looking into a couple of different summer camps for her, including the YMCA day camp, and the Theatre Arts Day Camp at GRCT.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Spring Sicknesses and Blessings! :)
Wow!
The beginning of Spring is already upon us, and the Miles Mob has begun this beautiful season stuck indoors, with fevers, coughs, and runny noses!
Thankfully, the fever has passed, and we are left with a few sniffles, as the weather warms up and the bulbs begin to push their greenery and blooms above the surface of the ground!
Mike has been very busy with work, making conference calls to China from home each week, and possibly planning a trip to China in May. He continues to play Dungeons & Dragons every week too.
Kristen keeps getting phone calls from the U.S. Census Bureau, offering her a full time job for 6-14 weeks. She would love to take the bilingual office clerk position, but the cost of day care for all three children far outweighs the $10.25/hour wage. We are so blessed that we do not need the money to keep our family budget in tact.
Ryanna still loves kindergarten, and is reading books constantly. She loves to write letters to her mom and dad, telling her what she thinks, and how she is feeling. It's enjoyable to see her thoughts pour through as words on a page. Ryanna used to be the shortest of her age group, both at school and dance, but she has grown 3 inches taller in the past year!!! She continues to enjoy her dance lessons, and loves to swim. As of now, she plans to learn to play the guitar and sing for a living. She has requested a guitar, lessons, and to make a cd that people can buy in the stores!
Connor is a sweet young 3-year-old, who wants to be a basketball player, and a painter. For some reason, he only wants to paint portraits of pigs, but we'll see how he progresses. He is taller than almost all 3-year-olds, measuring in the 125% percentile for height. He really enjoys building with blocks, singing, telling stories. He is finally getting the hang of using the toilet like a big boy. We are so proud of him!
Avery will be turning 2-years-old in about a month. He is the personification of a stereotypical two-year-old in many ways. His favorite word is "No" - and everything is "Mine"! For some reason, and we're not sure why, he has taken to screaming to try to get what he wants. It is frustrating for all around, especially mom & dad, since we don't know if something is truly wrong, or if he is screaming for the attention, and trying to manipulate his world in the only way he knows how.
Life here in the Miles house is always an adventure...and we are looking forward to bringing that adventure outdoors, as God's beauty blooms all around this Spring!
The beginning of Spring is already upon us, and the Miles Mob has begun this beautiful season stuck indoors, with fevers, coughs, and runny noses!
Thankfully, the fever has passed, and we are left with a few sniffles, as the weather warms up and the bulbs begin to push their greenery and blooms above the surface of the ground!
Mike has been very busy with work, making conference calls to China from home each week, and possibly planning a trip to China in May. He continues to play Dungeons & Dragons every week too.
Kristen keeps getting phone calls from the U.S. Census Bureau, offering her a full time job for 6-14 weeks. She would love to take the bilingual office clerk position, but the cost of day care for all three children far outweighs the $10.25/hour wage. We are so blessed that we do not need the money to keep our family budget in tact.
Ryanna still loves kindergarten, and is reading books constantly. She loves to write letters to her mom and dad, telling her what she thinks, and how she is feeling. It's enjoyable to see her thoughts pour through as words on a page. Ryanna used to be the shortest of her age group, both at school and dance, but she has grown 3 inches taller in the past year!!! She continues to enjoy her dance lessons, and loves to swim. As of now, she plans to learn to play the guitar and sing for a living. She has requested a guitar, lessons, and to make a cd that people can buy in the stores!
Connor is a sweet young 3-year-old, who wants to be a basketball player, and a painter. For some reason, he only wants to paint portraits of pigs, but we'll see how he progresses. He is taller than almost all 3-year-olds, measuring in the 125% percentile for height. He really enjoys building with blocks, singing, telling stories. He is finally getting the hang of using the toilet like a big boy. We are so proud of him!
Avery will be turning 2-years-old in about a month. He is the personification of a stereotypical two-year-old in many ways. His favorite word is "No" - and everything is "Mine"! For some reason, and we're not sure why, he has taken to screaming to try to get what he wants. It is frustrating for all around, especially mom & dad, since we don't know if something is truly wrong, or if he is screaming for the attention, and trying to manipulate his world in the only way he knows how.
Life here in the Miles house is always an adventure...and we are looking forward to bringing that adventure outdoors, as God's beauty blooms all around this Spring!
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