Technology

      Has been stressing me out today. For some reason, my computer and cell phone hasn't been able to use the internet since yesterday. It said it was connected to the internet, but had a dsn server problem. I got both my laptop and phone working. We have 4 tablets, an iPad, and Shawn's phone that also use wifi. If they have issues, I might throw them before this day is over.
     Colt and Cora got up at 6:20 this morning... Silly toddlers! I'm trying to adjust their sleep schedule and for them to get used to mommy not being in the room. When we first switched them to toddler beds, they were out of control. I'm talking pull the curtain rods down and smack each other with them out of control.  So, I would stay in their room until they fell asleep. Lately, they've been falling asleep later and later. They want to stay awake for mommy's attention. I'm talking almost 10pm.  Mommy is attempting to get them to fall asleep on their own. MY GOODNESS! Cora is a horrible influence. I told them I was tired and going to bed. I've really been outside the door listening to them and watching the baby monitor that's turned down to make sure they stay in bed.  Night one they didn't go to sleep until almost 10. Night 2 they were asleep around 9:30. Night 3 they were asleep around 9:15. Last night, night 4, they were asleep around 9. It's working, we're getting there. I also read to wake them up after an hour at nap time. They were napping 2.5 hours to compensate. It's going to take time. It stresses me out until then. I think things are always harder on mommy. LOL! Have a great day!
Sam

frown emoti

May the Fourth Be with You

    I cannot believe how quickly time is going. How are my children all as old as they are? I know there is nothing I can do to slow time down, so I'm trying to soak up every second of it. Zac turned 12 in January. It's crazy to think he's going to be a teenager in less than a year. He's in middle school. What happened to that kindergartner? Abby turned 11 in February. She's getting so grown up. She's so helpful and dependable. I tell her all of the time that she's going to be a great wife and mother one day. She loves hearing that. Colt and Cora are 4 months away from 3. They are so tall. They weigh 32 pounds. I was a tiny child and weighed 35 pounds when I started kindergarten. They are going to be the size I was at 5 when they're 3.

     All 4 of my kids are big eaters, but I can't complain. They all eat healthy, for the most part. I cook a lot, but I love doing so. I love knowing my family is eating healthy foods from our garden and from local raised meat. Mentioning, we have an order in for half a cow. The cow goes in to the butcher on the 31st. It's local raised Carroll County beef.

     This year we planted a raised strawberry bed and a raised asparagus bed. We have about 8 asparagus growing at the moment. The strawberries are blooming, so we'll have some in June. I'm sure the kids will eat them before the reach the house. That's okay with me! I cannot wait for both the strawberries and the asparagus to take over the beds and become abundant. We also planted a couple of apple trees. They are also blooming. We should have apples this year, too.

     We haven't planted much of our regular garden, yet. So far we just have onions planted. I see some green tops peaking through. I have plenty more onions that my great grandma gave to me. I cannot wait to plant green beans. I am hoping to grow MANY green beans.  All 4 of my kids are big green bean eaters. I fix 2 quarts and there are usually no leftovers. I would like to plant more peas. We eat a lot of those, too.

     My toddlers are playing with toy cell phones at the moment. They are making me use my mouse as a phone as I type this. They are too stinking cute! I feel s blessed and thankful every day for the life I have been given. There were times in the first 5 years of our marriage that  I struggled with feeling content when we struggled with infertility. Our hearts wanted children so much. Then, God blessed us with 4 children in 3 and a half years. While going through infertility, I knew that having children would be amazing. It's even better than I could ever imagine. My heart is full. I won't lie, there are times I wish I could have another baby. I think I feel that way for a couple of reasons. First, I think because I only had one viable pregnancy. (This is silly, but I struggle with what to say there. I've been pregnant twice, but I miscarried our first, so I can't just say, "pregnancy". I can't say pregnancy to term, either, because 36 weeks 6 days isn't full term. Close, but not quite. So, I guess the way to classify it is "viable pregnancy".

      My husband and children make me so happy. They keep me busy, but oh so happy. My heart goes out to the millions of infertile couples around the world. Shawn and I were talking the other day about how we saved every dime we could to pay for infertility treatments. I would never get a pedicure, manicure, purchase any unneeded clothes, spend money on eating out often, etc. We knew that if we were going to pay for treatments, we needed to cut corners anywhere possible. I am so thankful we did what it took. Our lives are so full and happy. I pray for the infertile couples in the world. I pray you find a way to pay for the ridiculous cost of fertility treatments, even if you have to cut out fun/frivolous activities like we did.

God Bless!

Sam

Cora dancing to Taylor Swifts Shake it Off

Diaper Rash

With teething, we've been fighting some diaper rash lately.  I wanted to share what I've learned.  The websites are listed at the bottom since I did not come up with these on my own:

Diaper Rash Remedies

Diaper rash is an inflammation of the skin. You can prevent the diaper rash of your baby by following these remedies.  These are natural homemade remedies which naturally help to prevent the problem.

1 Baking Soda

Baking soda helps to neutralize the acids which cause the diaper rash. It will also dries out the area and keeps it clean and dry to prevent the infection.

Process:

·         If your baby’s bottom is raw then you try this to get relief from the rash and also it makes the skin smooth and soft.

·         Take 2 teaspoons of baking soda and add this to the bath tub of warm water

·         Then give a sitz bath to your baby for about 10 minutes.

·         Do this bath for 3 times a day to get relief from the diaper rash and rawness of their skin.

2 Maalox

Maalox will helps to cure the diaper rash by cooling and neutralizing the acids on the irritated skin.

Process:

·         Take a cotton ball and dip in this liquid

·         Apply this to your baby bottom and let it pat dry

·         After it completely dried, you can wear a loose diaper and cloths.

3 Vinegar

Urine (either stale or fresh) contains alkaline which will burn the skin in the same way as acid. This vinegar solution gives relief from the diaper rashes by preventing it completely.

Process:

·         Try the vinegar solution to wash your child diapers by adding half cup of vinegar to the rinse water;

·         If you are using disposables then wipe your baby’s bottom with vinegar solution (1 part of vinegar mixed with 8 parts of water) to get relief from the irritation and diaper rash.

·         Repeating regularly will helps you to get relief from the diaper rash.

4 Coconut Oil

Same as olive oil, coconut oil will also works best in preventing the diaper rashes. Coconut oil is an excellent treatment for treating yeast, bacterial and other fungal rashes.

Process:

·         Wash your baby’s bottom after change of each diaper with some water and warm wet paper towel.

·         Dry it for few minutes

·         Apply some coconut oil and spread it completely as it forms a layer between the skin and the diaper to prevent the rashes caused by the diaper.

5 Oatmeal

Oatmeal helps to protect your baby’s skin by reducing their diaper rashes. It also acts as a soothing agent.

Process:

·         Take a teaspoon or two of dried oatmeal and add this to your baby’s bath

·         Give your baby a bath of 5 – 7 minutes

·         After taking the bath, leave it to get dry completely

·         Then wear a loose fitting diaper and clothes.

·         You can also put some butt cream which was suggested by the doctor before wearing the diaper

·         Make sure that the cream applied will also be dried before wearing.

6 Cranberry Juice

Urine that soaks in the diaper region will results in the high pH, which irritates the skin and causes diaper rash. Using this cranberry juice will helps to prevent the diaper rashes as the constituents in this juice prevents the bacteria from sticking to the bladder to prevent the infection and cures the diaper rashes.

Process:

·         Give 2 – 3 ounces of this juice to your older infants.

·         Regularly repeating this remedy will give relief from the diaper rashes.

7 Olive Oil

Olive oil when applied will acts as a barrier between the skin and the feces or urine.

Process:

·         Take a teaspoon or two of olive oil and mix it well in a teaspoon of water

·         Whisk it to form a creamy texture as it emulsify and spreads easily

·         Apply this to your baby’s bottom and allow it to dry for few minutes

·         You can also add this to vitamin E or lavender oil.

8 Plantain Oil

Plantain oil helps to treat the diaper rash that is caused by the allergic reaction as it contains anti allergic properties. It also soothes and relieves the inflammation associated with a rash.

Process:

·         Take few drops of plantain oil and apply to your infant bottom where the rash appeared

·         It will give relief from the inflammation and also helps to cure the rash quickly.

·         Leave it to dry for few minutes and wear the loose fitted diaper and clothes.

9 Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly acts as a barrier to your baby’s skin and fetes or urine and helps in preventing or reducing the diaper rashes. Vitamin E heals the skin quickly.

Process:

·         Take a handful of this petroleum jelly and mix it well with few drops of vitamin E oil

·         Allow your baby’s skin to dry completely then apply this jelly solution as a thin layer

·         Gently rub the rash area and allow it to dry few minutes.

·         Then wear diaper and clothes.

10 Breast Milk

Most of the people believe that breast milk will cure the diaper rashes. Breast milk contains natural antibodies which help in treating the diaper rashes.

Process:

1.      Pour some breast milk on your baby’s dry, clean bottom skin

2.      Let it dry for few minutes and after dried completely, wear the loose diaper and the cloths.

3.      Repeat it regularly to get rid of the diaper rash problem.

11 Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract acts as a skin cleanser and have the property of fighting against the germs to get relief from the diaper rash and also to have a good health.

Process:

·         As it is too powerful you can’t apply it directly on your baby’s skin.

·         Dilute 5 drops of this extract with 4 ounces of water

·         Wash your baby’s bottom with this grape fruit seed extract solution whenever you change the diapers to get rid of the diaper rashes quickly.

·         Regularly following this process will helps a lot in preventing the diaper rashes.

12  Triple paste - a nice mixture containing zinc oxide, petrolatum, lanolin, beeswax and cornstarch. Good for severe diaper rashes and especially good for those kids with sensitive skin since it contains no fragrances. However, triple paste should NOT be used when a yeast rash is present, as the cornstarch can feed the yeast.

13  Lanolin Ointment- good for sore bottoms, all natural. Babies who are allergic to wool may react.

14  Bag Balm- excellent healing ointment for sore and raw bottoms.

For Stubborn Diaper Rash:

3 parts zinc oxide (40% Desitin Overnight, not the low-level 10% kind)
1 part 1% hydrocortisone cream
corn starch to thicken it into a thick paste

Equal parts:

Maalox Antacid

Clotrimazole

A&D Ointment

Equal Parts:

Aquaphor (sooths and protects)

Clotrimazole

Zinc

http://homeremediesforlife.com/diaper-rash/

http://www.pediatricdoc.com/section.cfm?sec=27&nid=706

We Love You, Mike!

http://www.soller-baker.com/sitemaker/sites/SOLLER1/obit.cgi?user=1285756Leap#.U0hX6pZfXmE.facebook

On Monday February 11th, 2013, we found out we were having twins.  I was 6 weeks 5 days pregnant.  On Wednesday February 13th, 2013 , Mike found out he had cancer.  He told me he wanted to live long enough to hold the twins.  He did more than that.  He made it until they were almost 7 months old.  We love you and will see you again one day.  It's not 'goodbye', it's 'see you later'.  We will miss you until then.  I loved you teasing me as I got fatter and fatter every week.  You kept telling me the doorknob was getting closer and closer.  I almost reached it with my belly.  Alright, I was getting a little touchy about my size by then end.  After all,  I looked like a whale.  I loved you teasing me about taking Zofran so I could tolerate dairy enough to eat a big thing of nachos covered in banana peppers from the ball park.  Someone recently called you genuine.  They are right about that.  That's who you are.  You love children and I know you will help take care of our first baby in Heaven.  You will be missed until we see you again.

Another weekend

"Hi, sissy!  I love you."

In what position do you sleep?

Cora loves using her brother as a pillow.

"You hold it mom while I lounge."

Solid Food Debate

Boy oh boy is that a debate.  People can get very heated about it too.  I'm going off of my mommy gut and my pediatrician's advice.  At 4 months of age, we introduced our babies to solid foods.  I'll tell you why at the end.

Also, I'm not a big fan of the website kellymom.com.  For instance:

Signs that indicate baby is developmentally ready for solids include:

• Baby can sit up well without support.
• Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.
• Baby is ready and willing to chew.
• Baby is developing a “pincer” grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand (palmar grasp) does not substitute for pincer grasp development.
• Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth.

And

The American Academy of Pediatrics/World Health Organization recommendations for starting solids at 6 months or later has no exceptions for babies who weigh more. The research that I’ve seen on the health benefits of starting solids at 6 months and later holds for all babies, no matter what their weight.

I also see this floating around online:

This isn't exactly true.  6 months is not the magic number.  Your baby's tummy doesn't say, "I'm 6 months now so I'm ready for solid foods."  The WHO says solid foods should be introduced at "AROUND 6 months of age."

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/starting-solid-foods-during-infancy-beyond-the-basics

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommend that complementary foods be introduced around six months of age."

The AAP's website also says this:

https://www2.aap.org/breastfeeding/faqsBreastfeeding.html

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/02/22/peds.2011-3552

"The AAP recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months of life."

John's Hopkins and WebMD say 4-6 months:

http://m.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/feeding_guide_for_the_first_year_90,P02209/

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-nutrition-9/starting-solid-food

These websites say:

Here are some signs that your child is ready to try solids:

• She can sit up (with support) and can hold her head and neck up well.
• Her birth weight has doubled.
• She’s interested in what you’re eating and may even try to grab food from your plate.
• She can keep food in her mouth rather than letting it dribble out.
• She shows signs of being hungry for more than she’s getting by clamoring for more when her bottle is empty or wanting to nurse more often.

Kelly Mom says they have to be sitting up without support, but other's say with support.

Also from WebMD:

The pendulum has swung back and forth a lot on when to start solids,” says Jennifer Shu, MD, a pediatrician in Atlanta and co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality and Food Fights: Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor, and a Bottle of Ketchup. 

“We now know that 4 to 6 months seems to be the best time, when the baby’s digestive system can handle solids and they don’t impact allergies for the worse,” Shu tells WebMD. “If you wait until your baby’s much older than 6 months, she may reject the texture.”

Then you get those that say you should introduce solids closer to 4 months.

http://www.komonews.com/living/health/Doctors-recommend-feeding-babies-solid-foods-sooner--196051151.html

"While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) previously recommended parents wait until their children are 6 months old before introducing them to solid foods, new research suggests babies may benefit from trying their first foods sooner."

http://childrenshospitalblog.org/what-are-the-healthiest-options-for-my-babys-first-solid-foods/

"Similarly, studies of Celiac Disease have shown that the disease occurs less frequently in children who first eat wheat between 4 and 7 months, than in those given wheat for the first time after 7 months.

"Based on these studies and many others like them, the AAAI now recommends that:

• Solid foods are introduced early, no later than 4 to 6 months."

https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/prevention-of-allergies-and-asthma-in-children.aspx

"The introduction of solid foods should not be delayed beyond 4 to 6 months of age. Delaying the introduction of potentially allergenic foods, even in infants at risk for food allergy, has not been clearly shown to be beneficial."

We went ahead and introduced solid foods at 4 months after research and talking with our pediatrician.  Our babies were interested in food at 4 months.  They were reaching in my plate and smacking their lips.  They would pretend to chew.  They had great head control and could sit up assisted.  They could sit up in their Bumbo seats with no problem.  Now at 6 months both babies sit up unassisted.  I also want to prevent food allergies if possible.  I went with the AAAAI's, Johns Hopkins', and WebMD's advice.  Especially with the  American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) advice.

They used to also say no dairy and no eggs before a year old. My babies love cheese and will introduced to eggs soon.  The only food that should be avoided is honey because of spores that can cause botulism.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324662404578334423524696016

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/prevent-kids-food-allergies-start-peanuts-eggs-sooner

According to the CDC: 

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/foodallergies/

• Children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have asthma or other allergic conditions than those without food allergies.1
• The prevalence of food allergies among children increased 18% during 1997–2007, and allergic reactions to foods have become the most common cause of anaphylaxis in community health settings.1,6

You are free to have your own opinions and you will get a lot of advice.  Shawn and I felt like this was best for our family.

I'd like to see where this stands in 10 years.

Have a great day!

~Sam