tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87123881196167728702024-03-13T09:59:44.386-05:00A Light That ShinesMaddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-73436116790682785642017-08-07T13:42:00.005-05:002017-08-07T13:42:37.561-05:00Silas' Birth Story Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
Alright, here's part 2...</div>
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We made it into the room and I got situated on a birth ball.
The contractions were strong, but I kept focusing on taking big breaths in my
nose and then pushing them out my mouth. My nurse asked me some questions about
my birth plan. Our basic answer was—I wanted to go medication free, didn’t want
to be asked pain level, and wanted to move around and not be in bed.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwm7H6e36VTdd3CZ2BkAD4vNHs4l40xheFk8ia51xL4VWMtdwa7g8GvWnvkhCPjjZDZF7Le3-nJWeoBcP5yFM1m__9C6JiSgWx-zRFsVD5fiHvd0OJsi0i_Gpp-xK9ZoJEP-FtZudGN0lU/s1600/IMG_9851.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/AVvXsEgwm7H6e36VTdd3CZ2BkAD4vNHs4l40xheFk8ia51xL4VWMtdwa7g8GvWnvkhCPjjZDZF7Le3-nJWeoBcP5yFM1m__9C6JiSgWx-zRFsVD5fiHvd0OJsi0i_Gpp-xK9ZoJEP-FtZudGN0lU/s320/IMG_9851.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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After laboring for a while I leaned forward and laid my head
down on some pillows on the bed. I was tired and could tell I needed some
energy to get through the next stage. Amazingly I had a long stretch with no
contractions and actually got a little rest. I really have no idea how long
this was, it probably was only 5 minutes but it was exactly what I needed.
During this time I could feel Silas moving around. My body was clearly working
hard to get everything in place for delivery. On the next contraction my water
broke. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Side note: this is super weird feeling. My water broke
in the tub with Walt so I never really experienced it.)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The nurse let my midwife know my water had broke and she
came in to talk to me, she let me know I probably was not going to get all the
antibiotics in before delivery. I really wanted to get in a tub to help with
the pain, so they were trying to get one cleaned for me. But Silas had other
plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had one extremely strong contraction, to the point of
where I was questioning whether or not I could keep going. And then I felt the
pressure and knew Silas was coming. I told the nurse “He’s coming!” and she
calmly said, “Yes I’m sure he is.” She called for a cart and then for Lindsey
(the midwife) but Lindsey was already walking in the room.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5C2yio7vKc0_9DAY_T8-9wr8rL13dVrcWKFLa7JKdJwND60MDYvB5Ua7JiVNfwACaiboEUcRA6S1FKGhzkvI7ZGkaIcFNZqVDrmP8WdmE4KD0ClCKWKOZk3vHOqaFI57OqJHTnSQebmU/s1600/IMG_9854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5C2yio7vKc0_9DAY_T8-9wr8rL13dVrcWKFLa7JKdJwND60MDYvB5Ua7JiVNfwACaiboEUcRA6S1FKGhzkvI7ZGkaIcFNZqVDrmP8WdmE4KD0ClCKWKOZk3vHOqaFI57OqJHTnSQebmU/s320/IMG_9854.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure this was my "He's coming!" face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At this point I was still sitting on the ball, still wearing
the shorts I wore to the hospital. They had me stand up, lean forward over the
bed, and had Kyle hold my arms because my legs were pretty shaky at this point.
The next contraction his head came out and then they had me make low noises to
help get the rest of his body out. And he was here! Born at 4:35 pm, just 5 hours after my labor started!<o:p></o:p></div>
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They placed him on the bed in front of me, I remember asking
if he was okay because he wasn’t making any noises. But they said he was fine
and told me to keep talking to him. So I put my face up against his and kept
talking to him and he started making noises. Apparently we were both a little
in shock with how quick he came. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjIwRCC8iP4dHq3tid0bTOdzh1NcCyotjPrTYnn7WZfQiL7PjqPBib2E_OdqXQiHgtPD5yXOYwcg6egFVP1EYOm3EQpqA9ex-0iFtb8dPbxn79eZ9_zrRQi6hKNKJtH9Yk_bVh_HLkI8o/s1600/IMG_9872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjIwRCC8iP4dHq3tid0bTOdzh1NcCyotjPrTYnn7WZfQiL7PjqPBib2E_OdqXQiHgtPD5yXOYwcg6egFVP1EYOm3EQpqA9ex-0iFtb8dPbxn79eZ9_zrRQi6hKNKJtH9Yk_bVh_HLkI8o/s320/IMG_9872.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that proud daddy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhxZH34k_AL8Vc714zHpGzU7ox_moPe354hoi8ed9Err1thatidqZo9rXj4Su0eAWhNu1gxO8DnCtpqPK3XDb70pMqotF8ZP8kWJn64VUJAil3_4ES0NHlm3VA-Vb20MCZtqFuaPoiMQ3/s1600/IMG_9873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhxZH34k_AL8Vc714zHpGzU7ox_moPe354hoi8ed9Err1thatidqZo9rXj4Su0eAWhNu1gxO8DnCtpqPK3XDb70pMqotF8ZP8kWJn64VUJAil3_4ES0NHlm3VA-Vb20MCZtqFuaPoiMQ3/s320/IMG_9873.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally meeting my little boy </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVcbluPiUv-rWSdztDakwvvA4kFGf84dYTg4709jA-zB4EXD08ychXxG9z6xx36vQu4glrPK0HmtJLNu96ZqIIwegBKt2BdIDcObR4d1yRYbjLolNgmBuupRG4GW9geJGi1SpLYl6MqU/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVcbluPiUv-rWSdztDakwvvA4kFGf84dYTg4709jA-zB4EXD08ychXxG9z6xx36vQu4glrPK0HmtJLNu96ZqIIwegBKt2BdIDcObR4d1yRYbjLolNgmBuupRG4GW9geJGi1SpLYl6MqU/s320/IMG_9875.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Kyle got to cut the umbilical cord and then we snuggled up with little Silas in bed.</div>
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After about 20 minutes they weighed and measured him. He was 8 pounds 5 ounces and 21 inches long, a pretty big boy! <o:p></o:p><br />
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My parents brought Walt up to meet his little brother after we had gotten situated in our room. He was excited to meet baby Si as he affectionately calls him.</div>
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Everything about Silas' labor and delivery was fast, and yet he is the sleepiest and most chill baby I've ever been around. Especially the first few days, he is getting more alert and has his fussy periods but overall he is a happy baby.<br />
<br />
The whole process was perfect, which is strange to say about birth but that's the only word I can use to describe it. As some of you know we went through a miscarriage last year and pregnancy after miscarriage is hard. It's hard to let yourself get excited again or to get attached. It's a complicated mix of emotions of grief and joy. In all honesty, for a long time during this pregnancy I didn't think I would get to hold this baby. I didn't allow myself to dream about him or think about his birth. I didn't write out a birth plan or weigh the options of each decision. Partly because we had spent so much time going over those things before Walt and I was still confident in our decisions but also because it was scary to plan. If I just got to hold him I was going to be grateful. He has brought joy into our family that we didn't realize was missing, just like Walt brought us joy during our sadness. We picked the name Silas Jackson, because Jackson means "God is gracious." Despite all of the trials we have gone through to get to this point, God has remained steadfast and unchanging, He is indeed gracious.<br />
<br />
All of our pictures are thanks to my amazing and selfless friend Caysi, who made it a priority to be by our side during this birth just like she was with Walt and just like she was when we lost our little baby last year. I am forever grateful for these pictures, for her presence during labor, and for her friendship every day. </div>
Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-1683280693836714422017-08-05T16:24:00.001-05:002017-08-05T16:28:26.549-05:00Silas' Birth Story Part 1Okay, so I love reading birth stories and wrote Walt's down with no intention of posting it but ended up sharing it <a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2015/06/walts-birth-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2015/06/walts-birth-story-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I love having them so that I can look back and read them (I have a horrible memory but never want to forget those details) Anyways, I wanted to do the same for Silas.<br />
<br />
*Disclaimer--It's a birth story. If you don't want to read about all things birth, then stop here.*<br />
<br />
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My pregnancy this time around was very different than with
Walt. It’s hard to be pregnant and keep up with a very active 2 year old. I was
sore and tired at the end of the day. I also had lots of weird stomach
problems. I think Silas was laying right on my stomach or something so I had a
hard time eating during the second half of my pregnancy. In fact, I only gained
5 pounds between 20 weeks and delivery. I just couldn’t eat a lot and ended up
with a really bad stomach bug once and it took me a long time to recover. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Despite having a much lower weight gain than with Walt, my
stomach measured big the entire time. So I knew I was growing a big, healthy
Nieman boy again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out that belly!</td></tr>
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I had Braxton Hicks for months and months this time around,
my stomach would get rock hard and be crazy shapes. For the most part they were
painless, just annoying, and would get worse if I hadn’t had enough water that
day. Texas heat and pregnancy is no joke, coconut water was a lifesaver though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Starting around the
13<sup>th</sup> or 14<sup>th</sup> of July I started having real contractions
at night. They were definitely not Braxton Hicks, they were uncomfortable and
they would get closer together and then just die off. They happened EVERY
night, around the same time usually 1 am-3am. You know the perfect time to
disrupt all sleep. I found out this is called Prodmodal Labor, and it pretty
much sucks. It’s real contractions but it doesn’t turn into active labor,
instead it just stops and starts over a period of time. Mine lasted about a
week and a half. The up side of these contractions is because they are “real”
they are actually doing something. At my 38 week appointment I was dilated to 3
cm. Despite being exhausted, I knew there was a purpose to these contractions
and that we were getting close to meeting our little boy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had a midwife appointment on Thursday, July 20<sup>th</sup>
in the morning. I had been contracting a lot the day before and we decided that
Kyle would come with me to the appointment and that we should probably have all
of our stuff ready just in case. Walt went over to my mom’s house for the
morning and we headed to my appointment. I woke up with back pain that morning
and noticed some strong contractions, which didn’t usually happen during the
day. But didn’t get my hopes up because of all the times things had stopped. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My appointment went well—I was dilated to 4cm (which is what
I was when I was admitted to the hospital with Walt) She was pretty amazed that
I wasn’t in active labor. We made the decision to have her strip my membranes,
I won’t go into details, but it is just a gentle way to try and encourage labor
to start. We left the appointment encouraged, my midwife thought things would
happen in the next few days but obviously couldn’t guarantee anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Since Walt was having fun Kyle and I decided to go out to
breakfast together, so we headed to Paris Coffee Shop for a little breakfast
date. I was still having some back pain but no contractions and we headed home
after breakfast. I asked my mom if it would be okay if I came to pick up Walt closer
to nap time so I could rest for a bit. Kyle headed to work, and I did a few
things around the house and then laid down around 11:15 to take a nap. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set my alarm for noon and tried to fall
asleep but my back was really hurting. I got my heating pad and laid on that
and then the contractions started. It was 11:30 and they came fast and strong.
I think they were 3 minutes apart and lasted about a minute. I text my mom to
let her know I probably wouldn’t be able to pick up Walt and then I text Kyle and
told him he probably needed to head back home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Kyle got home around 11:45 and the contractions had stayed
consistent and very strong. Kyle realized how close together they were and
asked me if we needed to go right to the hospital, but I wanted to wait a
little bit longer and try to take a bath. When I was in labor with Walt the
water helped so much and I just wanted to make sure this was the real deal, and
figured the water would calm things down if it wasn’t or at least give me a
chance to rest for a little bit. The contractions slowed down a little—but they
were still 4 or 5 minutes apart and starting to last longer. The bath helped me
rest a little, after I got out I just stood next to our bed and the
contractions just kept coming. Around 1 pm we made the decision to head to the
hospital. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My contractions spaced out on the drive to the hospital and
when we pulled into the parking garage I thought maybe we should just head back
home. (We had a “false alarm” with Walt and got sent home from the hospital and
I really didn’t want that to happen again) But Kyle had still been timing my
contractions and knew they were still coming just closer to 6 minutes, and were
strong. So we headed inside, I walked from the parking garage all the way to
Maternal Observation, still convinced this wasn’t the real thing. They got me
into a room and the nurse started asking me questions and hooking me up to be
monitored. I don’t think she thought I was in active labor either cause things
had slowed down and I could answer all of her questions. After laying there for
a little bit the contractions started back up and they were very strong. She
checked me and I was dilated to 5.5 cm—I think she was pretty surprised at that
considering how calm I had been. She went to let the midwife on call know and
left me hooked up to the monitors. I hate having to lie still during
contractions and was so uncomfortable, so I was very grateful when she came
back in and told me I was being admitted and she would unhook me and let me
move around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She said it would be about 20 minutes before they could get
me into a labor room, which was disappointing but gave me something to focus on
besides the contractions. Kyle put some music on and we talked some and I
focused on breathing in during my contractions. She went ahead and hooked me up
to an IV and got my antibiotics started because I was GBS positive and needed
antibiotics for the baby during labor. They came in to let me know that the
room was ready and asked if I wanted a wheelchair but I wanted to walk. We had
to stop three times on the way to the room so I could breathe through
contractions.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Part 2 coming soon...<br />
<br />
And this little cutie makes his entrance (fast)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFk-plv1bh08Spa2ST53-BnHOEPbbQR41sXoZGz3RDVtrCiQCxiy3P0GcwYgm9OhA6bnX_d5k4w9ilSGd8Ue9rWrtZ60TfmumvzF3d6piqBB0NkiEBZHDentnCfImP9EItBqTI2UCwJ41/s1600/IMG_9944+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFk-plv1bh08Spa2ST53-BnHOEPbbQR41sXoZGz3RDVtrCiQCxiy3P0GcwYgm9OhA6bnX_d5k4w9ilSGd8Ue9rWrtZ60TfmumvzF3d6piqBB0NkiEBZHDentnCfImP9EItBqTI2UCwJ41/s320/IMG_9944+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-29366682776495688272016-09-06T22:00:00.003-05:002016-09-06T22:01:38.516-05:00Summer Bucket List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the beginning of the summer we came up with a Summer Bucket List. We value family time, some weeks get very busy especially during the summer since that is a busy time in youth ministry. The list gave us ideas and helped us to be intentional about the time we had together. I don't think summer is officially over, especially since we live in Texas and it's still super hot out, but I've retired our list and moved on to fall. Thought I would do a recap of the things we accomplished on our list. </div>
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We had a busy summer, filled with travel and adventures along with some very difficult times. But we ended up checking all but one thing off of our list!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKApBSNP9erjBv9CDWaNMN-q5GHdT4zkzzj7BTJOIBJzEqpLeYPtZowadOHPEjSmtCWgq_f7SUyKSkPg9ikJr38262iSJkqtuGB0q_0puruc_DocVW2T2WYySaMYu0DnQGv1FQJQQ9rWbW/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKApBSNP9erjBv9CDWaNMN-q5GHdT4zkzzj7BTJOIBJzEqpLeYPtZowadOHPEjSmtCWgq_f7SUyKSkPg9ikJr38262iSJkqtuGB0q_0puruc_DocVW2T2WYySaMYu0DnQGv1FQJQQ9rWbW/s320/IMG_0700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We didn't make it to the Farmer's Market, so we just moved that on to our Fall Bucket List. Really, it's a better fall activity anyways!<br />
<br />
<b>Zoo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu-PlzFKqaC_44o3-xaYWL_d1M-oTX7107HY7wogKXKCMVSSvIrZVw0QG0NfScFuG9_eKL27LUmiDcXHVE7crNLoq6G3bZDjFaAvRPdCz3XMrbkb5y0eHI0sw4qd1diYqOEKoZlMy-SdF/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu-PlzFKqaC_44o3-xaYWL_d1M-oTX7107HY7wogKXKCMVSSvIrZVw0QG0NfScFuG9_eKL27LUmiDcXHVE7crNLoq6G3bZDjFaAvRPdCz3XMrbkb5y0eHI0sw4qd1diYqOEKoZlMy-SdF/s320/IMG_0733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We went to the Nashville Zoo when we were there visiting my brother. It was a really nice zoo! They have an awesome playground and even a nice area just for toddlers that Walt loved. And he got to pet a kangaroo, how special is that! We had a great time, it was hot out but we had a blast!<br />
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<b>Splash Pad</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNq3LtZZkxA_8297drk-EzApECpQcH7a2B1rieRbDc-SsdJ6qmJXctcljo87nuWnpVGHXYd29LGH4bpZs0au3MUNneUJxBZyq8hMFhDTFBo8hNfd_36WrziEgrXHHTwl9HTZGM2nh6sOr/s1600/IMG_0821+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNq3LtZZkxA_8297drk-EzApECpQcH7a2B1rieRbDc-SsdJ6qmJXctcljo87nuWnpVGHXYd29LGH4bpZs0au3MUNneUJxBZyq8hMFhDTFBo8hNfd_36WrziEgrXHHTwl9HTZGM2nh6sOr/s320/IMG_0821+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have quite a few splash pads near by, which is awesome. W was so cute playing at this one. We had the whole place to ourselves and he was a little unsure of the water at first but then he loved it. I brought his swimsuit with us but didn't put it on him, so he ended up soaked and in a regular diaper that was down to his knees by the end. But it was a fun time!<br />
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<b>Build a Fort</b><br />
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This was a father-son playtime, and they had a blast! I came home from Starbucks and this was the state of the family room. W used a flashlight and they ate snacks in their fort. They loved it and had a blast building it!<br />
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<b>Make S'mores</b><br />
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This was our last thing to check off of our Bucket List, it just happened last night! The mosquitos have been so bad and it's still hot out even at night so we kept putting it off. We had our bonfire at 6:30 and it was still light out, but W goes to bed pretty early. He loved helping Kyle hold the skewer, and of course, he LOVED the S'more. He was covered in chocolate by the end and we all smelled like a campfire by the end, but the s'mores were delicious.<br />
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<b>Baseball Game</b><br />
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Well we didn't make it to a major league game, but we did make it to two of daddy's softball games and that more than counts! Walt loved running around and really wanted to climb up into the score box. He also loved watching daddy hit the ball. Sweet boy<br />
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<b>Catch Lightning Bugs</b><br />
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Well not technically a picture of us catching lightning bugs cause I forgot to take one, but it was this night. We were out in Nashville and had just gotten done taking family pictures when we found a bunch of them and got to chase them around. I grew up in Illinois and there were tons of lightning bugs. I remember catching bunches of them after dinner during the summer. We don't have many of them in Texas so it was fun to find them while we were gone.<br />
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<b>Ice Cream Truck</b><br />
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Clearly W wasn't interested in the ice cream at all... ha! Kyle had an ice cream truck come on a Wednesday night for the students, so it worked out perfectly. W loves hanging out with the big kids, he mostly just stares at them and freezes if any of them try to talk to him or give him a high five. But when we go to leave he cries and cries. Grateful that he gets to grow up with so many good role models around.<br />
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<b>Go to the Library</b><br />
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I'm kind of embarrassed at how long this took for us to accomplish. And I wasn't even at this trip, but we went through some personal and difficult things at the end of summer so it's understandable. Kyle and Walt headed out on an adventure and ended up at the library. W loves books, but he also loves to pull all of them off the shelf so it didn't last long.<br />
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Our Fall Bucket list is coming soon...<br />
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Any ideas for what I should put on it?Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-69503474815916255872016-05-20T15:38:00.001-05:002016-05-20T16:49:50.474-05:00Stitch Fix #2I decided to sign up for another Stitch Fix box. I did my first one back in January, you can see that blog post <a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2016/01/stitch-fix-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I waited a few months to do another one because life has been kind of crazy and I have basically lived in yoga capris and t-shirts. But I decided it was time to do another one because it's almost my birthday, almost summer, and I had some credits from people signing up from my <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3344351" target="_blank">affiliate link</a> (thanks guys!!) I tend to stick in the grey range so I requested some color and different patterns. Take a look and see what you think, help me decide what to keep! And then <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3344351" target="_blank">sign up</a> and request a box for yourself! There is a $20 styling fee, but that goes toward any item you purchase.<br />
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Here's what I got:<br />
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<b>Le Lis: Parsons Lace Back Tank</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrZyVYOtdj-3fWFZe8Y5LYndFiMskv8Zaw7-aKLbJjjMsJ0JWawU2ovUGEvZQn2-4AVbIlkRQC4QKKnMlE_X_gvtC0HGQ4lqKXmQi3OMsdImPpKRcISOM9ZnsC4vsvw0xxB5h_YzNqZms/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrZyVYOtdj-3fWFZe8Y5LYndFiMskv8Zaw7-aKLbJjjMsJ0JWawU2ovUGEvZQn2-4AVbIlkRQC4QKKnMlE_X_gvtC0HGQ4lqKXmQi3OMsdImPpKRcISOM9ZnsC4vsvw0xxB5h_YzNqZms/s640/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You think I could've hidden the tag a bit better...ha!</td></tr>
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<b>Details: </b>I like the lace on the back and the fact that it's not super see through. It's really soft material and I love the navy. I did have to dig through my drawer to find a strapless bra to take this picture haha. I have a shirt that is very similar to this so I won't be keeping this one<br />
<b>Verdict: </b>Pass<br />
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<b>Pixley: Ivy Split Neck Print Blouse</b><br />
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<b>Details: </b>I don't think I own a pink shirt. This one is super cute, it has little flowers on it. It fits really nice and I like the color on me. It's 100% polyester, which might make it a little warm for summer. I'm still deciding on this one. What do you think?<br />
<b>Verdict:</b> Undecided<br />
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<b>Nimue Zipper Detail Top</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkFXSfFDOG0vbU759uQDCaOtqFRX3cWRvBnLAdOhNNpt4mJWJUeLlPFHgp4XiXn_GkGC33NqKLSX53ITEAzNNkIvCMq8rWWMfhyMot05Q7pcrzGG27m2XlLzr89zkOuHBWwWRjETASeYM/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkFXSfFDOG0vbU759uQDCaOtqFRX3cWRvBnLAdOhNNpt4mJWJUeLlPFHgp4XiXn_GkGC33NqKLSX53ITEAzNNkIvCMq8rWWMfhyMot05Q7pcrzGG27m2XlLzr89zkOuHBWwWRjETASeYM/s640/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>
I would never have picked up this shirt at a store. I like the colors and the stripes. But I'm not a fan of the shape of it. It's really flowy at the bottom and kind of short. Also a zipper in the front with a one year old boy who loves zippers... not a good plan.<br />
<b>Verdict: Pass</b><br />
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<b>Joey Skinny Jean</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqjNh5spHQVNP5p6zv72pKWjimapF_yEF2hrCSx8FNkAefgXAp8fMSZAesz7f6DGeIbitir8Rn9n56u88OrTohAmnEc1CoEbR6PcVz8tbuyvr9dGy81PbKrJ5yJDHZqIJ2G86GemKg_n_/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqjNh5spHQVNP5p6zv72pKWjimapF_yEF2hrCSx8FNkAefgXAp8fMSZAesz7f6DGeIbitir8Rn9n56u88OrTohAmnEc1CoEbR6PcVz8tbuyvr9dGy81PbKrJ5yJDHZqIJ2G86GemKg_n_/s640/FullSizeRender+%25289%2529.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
These are the same brand as the jeans in my last box that I kept and love, love, love. They are my go-to jeans. I am not a fan of the front pockets on these jeans so I knew I was going to pass on them before I even tried them on. But I still tried them on cause Stitch Fix says try everything on! And I do love the way this brand of jeans fits me but the pockets are just not for me.<br />
<b>Verdict: Pass</b><br />
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<b>Papermoon: Waters Knit Maxi Dress</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqG4m5i90m9-BKh9SMic9kRTQ0vPyvPkgzemlSV2YAwVqJ2Ue3zzDWu-4s8-Avyz_m5_KbdlE72tAqZPUyE3dzl4i_kMp0vgFNclhdQqSOKrxZ7sTIyz1K9N2ZqVvEDkRQ6Raw6YixHYj/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqG4m5i90m9-BKh9SMic9kRTQ0vPyvPkgzemlSV2YAwVqJ2Ue3zzDWu-4s8-Avyz_m5_KbdlE72tAqZPUyE3dzl4i_kMp0vgFNclhdQqSOKrxZ7sTIyz1K9N2ZqVvEDkRQ6Raw6YixHYj/s640/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
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<b>Details: </b>This dress is so soft and so pretty. I never try on maxi dresses because I'm so short. It's a bit long on me but I love it! The pattern is pretty and it's flattering but not revealing. The top is high enough that I don't have to worry about bending over or a little boy pulling on it too hard. I think this is my favorite item from the box.<br />
<b>Verdict: </b>Keep<br />
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What would you keep if you were me? Let me know!<br />
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I'll leave you with a cute pic of me and Walt ;)<br />
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-30826249432019167472016-04-24T13:10:00.002-05:002016-04-24T13:10:31.940-05:0011 Month FavoritesAh! We are only one month away from one year! I'm not ready. This year has flown by, for the most part those sleepless nights definitely didn't fly by ha! I'm not ready for my baby to be one but I love, love, love watching him learn new things every day. He is so fun to interact with and is developing such a cute personality and sense of humor. He remembers things that have made me laugh and will do them again and again. He loves giving kisses and chasing after big kids. He has no fear and loves to explore (he keeps me busy for sure!). He's a great eater, some of his favorites are: eggs (he can eat a 2 egg omelet easy), grilled turkey and cheese sandwich, mozzarella cheese, and sweet potatoes (I cut them up and bake them as fries to make them easy for him to grab). Maybe I'll do a food post soon. But for now here are our 11 Month Favorites...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7uhS27oAAyBDNcicqFtuO0I26VcLRE4aGxkg3bLdlirq8URWL9SDdEtfAG94eFVdHiw41qsRiEJTIoiC2ijIq91fbiDPV2vTvbSutJmQhBLxpcjEO7Y7_nmE9Dfz-HDK_l3QRK6uY4T3/s1600/11-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7uhS27oAAyBDNcicqFtuO0I26VcLRE4aGxkg3bLdlirq8URWL9SDdEtfAG94eFVdHiw41qsRiEJTIoiC2ijIq91fbiDPV2vTvbSutJmQhBLxpcjEO7Y7_nmE9Dfz-HDK_l3QRK6uY4T3/s400/11-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.carters.com/carters-kid-boy-pajamas/VM_361G034.html?dwvar_VM__361G034_color=Color&cgid=carters-kid-boy-pajamas&dwvar_VM__361G034_size=4#start=18&cgid=carters-kid-boy-pajamas" target="_blank">Carter's 2-Piece PJs</a>-- Nothing says "big boy" like growing out of sleepers and switching to regular pajamas! But the switch has been awesome and W has been regularly sleeping through the night. Not sure why, maybe he's just hot natured (like his daddy) or doesn't like his feet covered (like his mommy) Either way these have been awesome.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Magnetic-Locking-System/dp/B004GCJMLG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1461193292&sr=8-1&keywords=magnetic+cabinet+locks" target="_blank">Magnetic Cabinet Locks</a>--Hands down best purchase of the past month. As I've mentioned (many times) W loves exploring and that usually means the kitchen. Once he figured out how to open the cabinets it was game over. I could not keep him out of the kitchen if I tried. I ended up putting up a gate and he just sat in front of it and cried and cried. So we needed locks. And strong locks because he is a strong boy. Unlike the normal push top ones these don't open at all when they are locked, meaning little fingers can't get through and grab things or get pinched. We keep the magnet on the fridge and just grab it when we need to get into a cabinet. You can also flip a switch on them and keep them unlocked if you're putting away dishes or cooking which is really helpful.</div>
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<a href="http://www.radioflyer.com/build-a-trike.html" target="_blank">Radio Flyer Trike</a> My brother got this for W for Christmas, it's awesome. It "grows" with your kiddo so it works from 9 months-5 years which is great! We mostly take it on shorter walks because it's harder to push than the jogger but W loves going in it--he can see more and likes to grab the handle bar. Ours has a big basket on the bottom and a "parent pocket" up top to store things.</div>
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<a href="http://www.tupperware.com/shape-o-toy-4657.html" target="_blank">Shape-O Toy</a> Right now W pretty much just likes shaking this or watching Kyle and I stack the shapes and then he knocks them down. But eventually it will help him learn shapes and matching. It's a quiet toy and very sturdy. It's made by Tupperware and has Lifetime Limited Warrantee. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babyganics-Mineral-Based-Baby-Sunscreen-Lotion/dp/B00HYV2F7E/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1461260084&sr=8-1&keywords=babyganics+sunscreen" target="_blank">Babyganics Sunscreen</a> Neither Kyle or I have very fair skin but W does so we have to be very diligent about putting sunscreen on him. The tops of his feet got burned on a walk in the middle of January... I like this sunscreen because it is meant for babies and is safe for their skin (over the age of 6 months) It's easy to apply and works really well. </div>
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And just cause I can't pass up an opportunity to share a good picture of W...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtZL7GbP20HiJCTLT00nK9x2AxRjBO49rEhHFC4UhcQItUfnn8YS-5LQNW0Ruv1tHGRkAOk3K_uGJ3J0YiAROR7BTcy4fw0P8W_xvshmlEXzBX9QJXLE9Lm6FWd1_vYNXWHLndViVv_yJ/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtZL7GbP20HiJCTLT00nK9x2AxRjBO49rEhHFC4UhcQItUfnn8YS-5LQNW0Ruv1tHGRkAOk3K_uGJ3J0YiAROR7BTcy4fw0P8W_xvshmlEXzBX9QJXLE9Lm6FWd1_vYNXWHLndViVv_yJ/s320/IMG_7555.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring at the park, this boy loves to be outside!</td></tr>
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Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-40345029928057676532016-04-08T21:26:00.001-05:002016-04-08T21:38:45.081-05:0010 Month Favorites<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Of course it's late cause that's life with a busy boy, but here it is...</div>
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This month flew by! Every day is a new adventure with this little boy. He <em>loves</em> to explore and is on the move all day long. He loves climbing, pulling up on everything, pushing chairs/stools/highchairs, pulling down dish towels, and trying to get Buddy's food. It's amazing to see him learn new things--he has started saying "mama" "dada" and "baba" which we think is Buddy, but only when he wants to. We started signs with him awhile ago and haven't been very consistent with any besides "light" because he loves lights, and he knows the sign for it now! It's adorable! And motivation to be more consistent with others--you know things that would actually be helpful, since "light" is just fun.</div>
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Anyways, here are our favorite things for this month:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPf5v1wNwWpnaXPBBDBaNp7PwXwMHml9lBoYR4N9JCqcV8fpypBhsYRFEdLfnKpsHvEhas9JOFUYYc1oGBxrxT4zb4ToQ1yno2KSoVi66b-lLV3-5RpuNw3InjKD1ynhBP3CHjSUioil7/s1600/10-Month-Faves+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPf5v1wNwWpnaXPBBDBaNp7PwXwMHml9lBoYR4N9JCqcV8fpypBhsYRFEdLfnKpsHvEhas9JOFUYYc1oGBxrxT4zb4ToQ1yno2KSoVi66b-lLV3-5RpuNw3InjKD1ynhBP3CHjSUioil7/s400/10-Month-Faves+%25281%2529.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Bear-Slide-Priddy-Martin/dp/B00GSCR5CU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460169331&sr=8-2&keywords=brown+bear+slide+and+find" target="_blank">Brown Bear, Brown Bear Slide and Find Book</a></strong>--We try and read several books every day, usually before nap time and this one is a regular. W loves looking at the animals and seeing the door slide on each page. He also loves Polar Bear, Polar Bear.</div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30283578/" target="_blank">IKEA Wagon</a></strong>--I had the Lion Walker on last month's favorite things but W has really loved this lately. He got it for Christmas and he was still too little for it so it ended up in his closet until about a week ago. I got it out for him and he just took off! He moves so fast and it's a good height for him to hold on to. I try to put toys in the basket part for him to push around but he stops and takes them out and then keeps walking...silly boy!</div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Contender-Convertible-Seat-Glacier/dp/B00PTL2BE8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1460169442&sr=1-1&keywords=graco+contender+65" target="_blank">Graco Contender</a></strong>--I spent far too long looking through carseat descriptions and reviews. But finally decided on this one and I'm really happy with it. W seems to like sitting up a little higher and being able to see out the window, the seat is really comfy, it has a built-in cup holder, and isn't gigantic like some of the other options. It doesn't turn into a booster so we will have to buy another seat in a few years but I'm okay with that. Kyle installed it and had some problems but ended up getting it really secure and would probably be easier the next time around.</div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mega-Bloks-Builders-Building-80-Piece/dp/B007GE75HY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1460169466&sr=1-1&keywords=mega+bloks" target="_blank">Mega Bloks</a></strong>--Another Christmas gift that W is loving! He got a big bag of all different Mega blocks, including a base for a car. He likes to pull all of the blocks out of the bag and play with the car base. He also likes to knock down anything that Kyle and I build. It's a fun little game ;)</div>
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<strong>Huggies Little Movers Plus</strong>--Diapers, diapers, diapers... They are a necessity for any baby and yet they are all so different. We started out using Pampers Swaddlers and they were good, it was nice to have the indicator line when he was little. But as he started moving more they just didn't hold up. We used Pampers Cruisers and liked those, but then I saw these at Costco on sale so I couldn't pass them up. They are awesome! (Something I never thought I would say about diapers) They have an extra grip strap which helps the diaper stay nice and snug, even when you have a boy that doesn't stop moving. I also like how the back of the diaper is stretchy so it fits really well.</div>
Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-57040050882316864972016-03-07T20:53:00.001-06:002016-03-07T20:53:20.107-06:009 Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUmYzhmg-Y8b_RkHDwR_pFV1Pg__jo1POZNI2NQh_hfFW5FHEtWiAUhI-22EKfhB9zg9Lcj6HYxutvVOkO1YVyp23zBzeMZyIzfax07ZLrPglp3GHa8eiusZvEnvs9lrQ3G9a11CDvap-/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUmYzhmg-Y8b_RkHDwR_pFV1Pg__jo1POZNI2NQh_hfFW5FHEtWiAUhI-22EKfhB9zg9Lcj6HYxutvVOkO1YVyp23zBzeMZyIzfax07ZLrPglp3GHa8eiusZvEnvs9lrQ3G9a11CDvap-/s320/IMG_0376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our sweet little boy is 9 months old, how is that even possible?! He is such an adventurer, keeping up with him is a full workout. He loves to pull up on things, climb through small spaces, find things that aren't toys, make loud noises, and explore. He's started sleeping much better, which is a huge blessing. I feel like an actual human being again, I can have full conversations and most of the time remember words. We give Walt mashed up avocado before bed and I think that's helped him sleep better, and honestly it seems like he just realized <i>hey sleep is pretty awesome</i>. I mean I've been trying to tell him that for months now but he's a pretty <strike>stubborn</strike> determined little boy.<br />
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Anyways, here are our 9 Month Favorites...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HQ9nQXA7eAbJsbaAGgyYmhjtu955-YFXnd7jTuYzzD8tH5nHl7NjZWyWn-rpbqz851e8Y71xpMebm7C3rYhfN55KjeIonPsmJFPA5EpX9Awt0D2hyphenhyphenHTazmQHlZSqQ1nEGapFlqwvc4LQ/s1600/nine-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HQ9nQXA7eAbJsbaAGgyYmhjtu955-YFXnd7jTuYzzD8tH5nHl7NjZWyWn-rpbqz851e8Y71xpMebm7C3rYhfN55KjeIonPsmJFPA5EpX9Awt0D2hyphenhyphenHTazmQHlZSqQ1nEGapFlqwvc4LQ/s400/nine-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nuby-Stage-Baby-Oral-System/dp/B00NL5ARRW/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457404302&sr=8-2&keywords=nuby+toothbrush" target="_blank">Nuby Toothbrushes</a> This is a set of 4 toothbrushes that go along with the different stages of teething. We've used the finger brush on his gums, and the first rubber toothbrush. He likes to put it in his mouth and chew on it, I guess that's teaching him to brush his teeth right? </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Y9854-Musical-Lion-Walker/dp/B00BNQEVWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457404343&sr=8-1&keywords=lion+walker" target="_blank">Fisher-Price Lion Walker</a> This is a pretty popular toy, and I can see why! W loves looking at himself in the little mirror on the front and pushes it around the room. This is a great toy for the "learning to walk" stage. It plays music and has lots of fun things for them to play with. Just a fair warning--if you forget to turn it off it will just randomly start playing music, it has scared me pretty badly a few times. ha!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PY2RFL6/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1457404384&sr=1&keywords=halo+sleepsack" target="_blank">Halo Wearable Blanket</a> We used a sleepsack for a while, it was in my <a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2016/01/7-month-favorites.html" target="_blank">7 Month Favorites</a> but it was starting to get too small. I bought a large in this one which is really for babies over a year but W is a big boy and I'm glad I got a bigger size. He wears this at night over his pjs, it's like having a blanket on and feels nice and snuggly but not overly warm.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neat-Solutions-Neat-Ware-Topper-60-Count/dp/B002FKE4UU/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1457404420&sr=1-3&keywords=placemat" target="_blank">Table Toppers</a> These are the best things ever invented. Okay that might be an exaggeration but they are awesome. They are great for little ones who want to feed themselves but can't be trusted with a plate. A picture is really the best way to describe them...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSnM0ZiMKxwnbcbiTnQIAUqq3_eleiYFtgUBDM-7qGyFV60beYqoYNrYFfLbt4q_c5zcwDde4JGw5Nu5mP8RSiEicvRkESZ6Gm8X_mb_njwgHXDAPtspU8We3sfAmIC66RIwSjJt29hJZ/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSnM0ZiMKxwnbcbiTnQIAUqq3_eleiYFtgUBDM-7qGyFV60beYqoYNrYFfLbt4q_c5zcwDde4JGw5Nu5mP8RSiEicvRkESZ6Gm8X_mb_njwgHXDAPtspU8We3sfAmIC66RIwSjJt29hJZ/s320/IMG_0417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus look how adorable he is...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Bath-Spout-Cover/dp/B001WAJVZM/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1457404452&sr=1-1&keywords=skip+hop+whale" target="_blank">Skip Hop Bath Spout Cover</a> We gave up the baby bath tub this month and started doing baths in the normal tub. This goes over the water faucet and keeps it safe for little heads that might bump into it. </div>
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-44792513026345625192016-02-11T20:15:00.000-06:002016-02-11T20:15:16.391-06:008 Month FavoritesThis is a few weeks late and time is just flying by! Our little boy is growing like crazy! Pretty sure he's going through a growth spurt--he is eating so much! He's crawling, both army crawl and hands/knees, pulling up on everything, walking along the couch, chasing after our puppy and loves to be outside. He keeps me on my toes but I love being a mom and I'm so grateful to be at home with him.<br />
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Here are our favorite things from the past month...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhF8er7Ry-pb9hMRKbiJ-99J3LYDvX330SjwgebfYXMzmfiw8K6CcxlawPfq67g7vffVSZhVAHH2D8a1BOBfhhaLsBDU8bLOe_39wPFl5Ogk3vYdEUMZbS1kPbIebKTAmE6SzlAv6TvKH/s1600/8-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhF8er7Ry-pb9hMRKbiJ-99J3LYDvX330SjwgebfYXMzmfiw8K6CcxlawPfq67g7vffVSZhVAHH2D8a1BOBfhhaLsBDU8bLOe_39wPFl5Ogk3vYdEUMZbS1kPbIebKTAmE6SzlAv6TvKH/s400/8-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Healthy-Care-Booster-Green/dp/B004C43JJ4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1455242296&sr=8-8&keywords=fisher+price+chair" target="_blank">Fisher Price Booster Chair</a> We bought this right before Christmas and it's been really helpful. We take it with us when we go over to people's houses for dinner and it straps on to any size chair. It has two straps, one in the back and one on the bottom so it is very secure. The back folds down so it is pretty compact to store, always a plus with ALL.the.stuff. that comes with having a baby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.myrobeez.com/" target="_blank">Robeez Shoes</a> Walt will not leave his socks on, like the second I put them on they come off. This was my solution to that problem and it really has helped a ton! They have a soft sole and are really easy to put on which is a huge plus cause all those super cutesy shoes are a pain in the butt to put on. He can still crawl around in them and they have helped keep his socks on! They have all different designs but I went with the tennis shoe looking ones to go with the most outfits. It looks like they are having a sale right now!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/VTech-Turn-and-Learn-Driver/dp/B00Y53V80E/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1455242697&sr=1-1&keywords=turn+and+learn+driver" target="_blank">VTech Turn and Learn Driver</a> My parents got Walt this for Christmas and he loves playing with it! It has all different sounds and music, which is nice cause some of the toys play the same song over and over <span style="font-size: x-small;">and over and over</span>... The "key turn" is the volume and I wish it had a lower setting or was in a spot where the kids couldn't turn it up but that seems to be a common theme with the VTech and Fisher Price toys.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Take-Spill-Proof-Straw/dp/B0054YZDWC/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1455242853&sr=1-1&keywords=take+toss+cups" target="_blank">Straw Cups</a> Walt learned how to use a straw and really like trying to drink out of any that he can find. I bought these cups for him and they have worked out really well! They are spill proof (for the most part) which is awesome. Just a friendly note--don't have the straw in the lid when you put the lid on the cup or the liquid will go EVERYWHERE. Something about the seal making it spill proof, believe me it's a mess. haha! We are still working on drinking water, every time he tries it seems like it chokes him I guess he's not use to the consistency? I've been making him smoothies lately and he drinks those out of these cups like a champ.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Play-Portable-Playard/dp/B00KBGTRAC/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1455243042&sr=1-3&keywords=play+yard" target="_blank">Portable Playard</a> I never thought I would be that mom who buys a playpen for her kid, but I did and I am so glad that I did. Seriously I chase him all over the house all day long, and he is so fast. I use this mostly when I have to go to the bathroom or get something done in the kitchen. Most of the time he does awesome in it, he actually plays with his toys instead of just moving all over and trying to find his next adventure. It's collapsible, light weight, and doesn't take up much space. Reminds me of the foldable chairs you would take to a soccer game, but it opens up to be a good size. The bottom is real thin but you can put down a blanket easily. They also sell one with a sun shade but I didn't spend the extra money on it.<br />
<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-28787621732238357742016-01-15T14:48:00.000-06:002016-01-15T16:53:10.155-06:00Stitch Fix #1I've been wanting to try Stitch Fix for awhile and finally decided to give it a go. If you've never heard of Stitch Fix it's a personal styling company. You fill out a survey and questions based on your personal style preferences and make notes of any specific pieces you are looking for and you get a box with five items picked out especially for you. I am the worst at picking out clothes for myself. I never go shopping and if I do I buy something in the grey/comfy family.<br />
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If you decide to give Stitch Fix a try, here's my <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3344351" target="_blank">referral link</a>.<br />
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I'm still deciding which pieces I want to keep, and would love some feedback!<br />
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<b>Rada 3/4 Sleeve Knit Top</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj-KiCVHtXU8J_xzYw5dlZ7HBdEQX-5Ec1PfncOmbB2_bZBmvE8ixUySydu_QM1AhwbFaBK_yQL-Uy_Gff-0qTAvZSG08rm0_oOCEvl4fbj6JTrQ0FoGcJmKe24U-EPuNRLc9H_qJmzt6/s1600/stripe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj-KiCVHtXU8J_xzYw5dlZ7HBdEQX-5Ec1PfncOmbB2_bZBmvE8ixUySydu_QM1AhwbFaBK_yQL-Uy_Gff-0qTAvZSG08rm0_oOCEvl4fbj6JTrQ0FoGcJmKe24U-EPuNRLc9H_qJmzt6/s640/stripe.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
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This is probably my favorite shirt in the box. It's comfy and can be dressed up or dressed down which is important in my book.<br />
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<b>Rosa Tab Sleeve V-Neck Blouse</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iwhVU280AKm_ArpeHDedMtAVzpYY1qONk_8oCDauRiJnjWWEXrQntgK7CVPdkQGN-QnI8rlSLtI96Si1EapHqnq8UlfNE6o9duaXFd2SmWC61_ZlOjTdRh8vM8EnWp5dVjCFfpyhWk7h/s1600/red.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iwhVU280AKm_ArpeHDedMtAVzpYY1qONk_8oCDauRiJnjWWEXrQntgK7CVPdkQGN-QnI8rlSLtI96Si1EapHqnq8UlfNE6o9duaXFd2SmWC61_ZlOjTdRh8vM8EnWp5dVjCFfpyhWk7h/s640/red.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
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I don't think I've ever owned a red shirt, or at least not a nice red shirt. Overall I like the fit, it's just very similar to the other three shirts so I'm not sure which one I like best. I don't think I need all three.</div>
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<b>Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgmiY6lR2JZgHVB997P-vtMFfYwQ5q7hl2GnczD8bTlm4sRyKwaOHmMZ2lZIUxXT2evbIMC5Z6zkk2Wtj8Opvho_jZVnMzzAsmFmwYT73LPvnGlrXDMx1TvgsruPm5VAbI8c9QDiJOCyJ/s1600/green+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgmiY6lR2JZgHVB997P-vtMFfYwQ5q7hl2GnczD8bTlm4sRyKwaOHmMZ2lZIUxXT2evbIMC5Z6zkk2Wtj8Opvho_jZVnMzzAsmFmwYT73LPvnGlrXDMx1TvgsruPm5VAbI8c9QDiJOCyJ/s640/green+front.JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBoGQt2VVse0LqH_G5Jzyu71ynz1qmZ1ly55Os4UPJGXV6pk5tJNNE-mgu0ozAhGMOLZvYrj59JVmjtdcMEEO4rPassswH3Z1xNj9y9eIqR1wCA08XBezwth0D5z5SfSSbPdzgWKeUpNj/s1600/green+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBoGQt2VVse0LqH_G5Jzyu71ynz1qmZ1ly55Os4UPJGXV6pk5tJNNE-mgu0ozAhGMOLZvYrj59JVmjtdcMEEO4rPassswH3Z1xNj9y9eIqR1wCA08XBezwth0D5z5SfSSbPdzgWKeUpNj/s640/green+side.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
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I think this one might be my favorite of the solid long shirts. I like the green and I like the buttons in the front.</div>
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<b>Sylvester Split Neck Blouse</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmZ2jSQYxO6EIyfeJqk1YRiMob-FJOo1NpeWyOQ-CkQPyd_QpLy1OHHm0gIH4fkQRtcUyEEy2GkZHFjPF4Igx_1eiCC99e30bXfXsmciAAFJH-13rb12YOT45DS8gQyLlHnw5xjBG6sjP/s1600/purple+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmZ2jSQYxO6EIyfeJqk1YRiMob-FJOo1NpeWyOQ-CkQPyd_QpLy1OHHm0gIH4fkQRtcUyEEy2GkZHFjPF4Igx_1eiCC99e30bXfXsmciAAFJH-13rb12YOT45DS8gQyLlHnw5xjBG6sjP/s640/purple+front.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqbmNs_wUR0MfM_Z7yQ-U5cQzLgzE_OWjcQE_52ZZHfgq-4u-kEEA3gQ2rKHuAiji32Bs4xxS_ufIrsiTfcW-hbJDvW9qXUHM0GnaMmb3IhNNNPdPF6dIduP7ckoDhp0aLn6ESo4WGR2J/s1600/purple+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqbmNs_wUR0MfM_Z7yQ-U5cQzLgzE_OWjcQE_52ZZHfgq-4u-kEEA3gQ2rKHuAiji32Bs4xxS_ufIrsiTfcW-hbJDvW9qXUHM0GnaMmb3IhNNNPdPF6dIduP7ckoDhp0aLn6ESo4WGR2J/s640/purple+side.JPG" width="235" /></a></div>
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I think this is my least favorite item in the box. I'm not a huge fan of the neck line. But it did grow on me the longer I had it on.</div>
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<b>Dark Skinny Jeans</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x0G7Lo_9p6tu-Q_9O11UBdDJQBStTzfvHA8YgKXDr-HqlpG5hUG7K8TBakQ-CMHti-Vaz8b4DgwE9NWhZe6RhTQfMavsAx5bOdxdv5IfNV7oRWFJW1izIO1J5nGp9-i2JagMqqq_RN7U/s1600/jeans+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x0G7Lo_9p6tu-Q_9O11UBdDJQBStTzfvHA8YgKXDr-HqlpG5hUG7K8TBakQ-CMHti-Vaz8b4DgwE9NWhZe6RhTQfMavsAx5bOdxdv5IfNV7oRWFJW1izIO1J5nGp9-i2JagMqqq_RN7U/s640/jeans+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShkYoEw1haBIdUblZng8w4OGi_9vrd4ml2jsExZrtND6_i3oYEjUcAfMhH6L2yuvdRZVL8xOBf9jkoqJIUAr6sG8wUPylGP9CYfxWmbACDuUmGkMjdpa5sjy4S2RxRTlYZEYP2JYZnfwD/s1600/jeans+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShkYoEw1haBIdUblZng8w4OGi_9vrd4ml2jsExZrtND6_i3oYEjUcAfMhH6L2yuvdRZVL8xOBf9jkoqJIUAr6sG8wUPylGP9CYfxWmbACDuUmGkMjdpa5sjy4S2RxRTlYZEYP2JYZnfwD/s640/jeans+edited.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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I wasn't expecting to like these jeans when I saw them. They are ankle length and they have a zipper on the outside calf. But they fit really good and that's not an easy thing to find when you are super short. They are also a little edgy and something I would've never picked out for myself. (You can't really see the zipper in these pictures but they are a really dark blue and the zipper is just on the outside at the bottom.)</div>
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What do you think I should keep?</div>
Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-6943485236738743362016-01-05T10:33:00.005-06:002016-01-05T10:39:41.185-06:007 Month FavoritesWell this is a few weeks late but we have been enjoying family time with Kyle off work. Now it's back to the everyday and that means writing this blog! Here are our favorite things from the past month...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOzmRfkrQ6PGivLjSOAUnsD9B1bisazImPp4gDa39yR9gRW1UHdQ2ULc-N2lQeQQQPcvkHdrvq8bAmpk_5QkPUh-VDInIyzZ_Xjr3lDsAhV9CU1CZbOmuRC2dJzQhCFQBJxB6lcR79wOi/s1600/7-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOzmRfkrQ6PGivLjSOAUnsD9B1bisazImPp4gDa39yR9gRW1UHdQ2ULc-N2lQeQQQPcvkHdrvq8bAmpk_5QkPUh-VDInIyzZ_Xjr3lDsAhV9CU1CZbOmuRC2dJzQhCFQBJxB6lcR79wOi/s400/7-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.coveredgoods.com/" target="_blank">Covered Goods Nursing Cover</a> Seriously this might be my top favorite of all time. Breastfeeding comes with challenges, but we have been lucky enough to be able to keep it up for this long. The biggest challenge for me is breastfeeding in public--I am not here to start any kind of debate but when my baby needs to eat, he needs to eat and I don't want to sit in the car, or bathroom, or other room every time that happens. It's easy to feel like you're missing out on everything when you have to leave the room and I was starting to feel that way. Then I found this cover (seriously that sounds overdramatic, but it's so true). I had been following their Instagram account for awhile and was putting it on my Christmas list but ended up buying it for myself and I'm so glad I did! I love, love, love it. Unlike other nursing scarves this one is stretchy and very soft. It covers really easily, the top is a little smaller than the bottom so it covers easily, which is perfect when you have a wiggly 7 month old who likes to throw his hands up in the air and squirm when he nurses. Okay, I think I've made my point...but seriously it's awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Laugh-Learn-Clickn-Remote/dp/B00CQHZ0ZK/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1452010691&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+remote" target="_blank">Laugh & Learn Remote</a> We had a play date with some friends a few weeks ago and Walt found this toy and pretty much played with it the whole time. Good thing Santa heard that he liked it and brought it in his stocking... Walt loves playing with things that aren't toys (cell phones, shoes, remotes, etc.) So this fits the bill. My only negative about it would be that the volume is on the front and can be controlled by the kiddo, and it get's loud! Think we will be doing a tissue and masking tape trick on the back like my parents used to do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Carters-Fleece-Sleepsack-Vehicles/dp/B017UPF5HA/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1452010912&sr=1-1&keywords=just+one+you+sleep+sack" target="_blank">Carter's Sleep Sack</a> There are a bunch of different sleep sack options, this is the one that we have been using. It's cold outside, and even though we keep the heat higher than before we had Walt it still gets chilly inside. This acts like a blanket for Walt at night, but without the dangers of an actual blanket.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vulli-Sophie-the-Giraffe-Teether/dp/B000IDSLOG/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1452011049&sr=1-1&keywords=sophie+giraffe" target="_blank">Sophie the Giraffe</a> I really don't know what it is about Sophie that makes all the babies love it but all the hype has rung true for us. We keep this in the diaper bag and it comes in handy when we are out and about and Walt gets fussy or his teeth start hurting. Seriously guys teething is the worst and anything that helps is worth having.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dekor-Diaper-Plus-Disposal-System/dp/B00005V6C8/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1452010557&sr=1-2&keywords=dekor+diaper+pail" target="_blank">Dekor Diaper Disposal</a> We started solid food a few months ago and let's just say a good diaper pail is a must haha. I really like this one. It keeps the smell out of the room and is easy to change when it gets full.<br />
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An extra bonus...<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81WxLY065bL._SX522_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81WxLY065bL._SX522_.jpg" height="200" width="186" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Triple-Paste-Medicated-Ointment-16-Ounce/dp/B000GCL2B8/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1452011708&sr=1-1&keywords=triple+paste" target="_blank">Triple Paste Diaper Cream</a> We've never really had any issues with diaper rash, but that all changed right before Christmas time. We tried two other diaper rash creams without any changes, in fact it got worse with them. It was bad, like screaming every time we had to change his diaper bad. Kyle found this at the store and it worked within hours. Worth a bonus mention!<br />
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-43508461843548894132015-12-02T11:31:00.000-06:002015-12-02T11:31:30.229-06:006 Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Six months, half of a year, hard to even believe. I can't think about it too long or I'll get sad because he's growing so fast. As much as I want him to slow down and stay little for forever I love seeing his personality grow each day.</div>
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This month has been one of the hardest because W hasn't been sleeping well and things are much harder when we aren't sleeping. When I say not sleeping well I mean waking up every two hours and taking an hour to fall back asleep, then not going down for naps during the day. In the afternoon I often drive around waiting for him to fall asleep and then I hook his car seat into the stroller and walk around the park. At least if I'm not getting sleep I can at least get a little exercise and fresh air. I think it had to do with teething because his first tooth finally broke through last week. The past two days have been much better so I'm hoping that we are headed in the right direction. I love being a mom, not getting sleep is difficult though and it makes me grumpy and start to isolate cause it's hard to think about going places. I'm grateful for my hubby who comes home on his lunch break and tells me to get out of the house, and wakes up in the middle of the night and walks around the house with W until he falls asleep. Here's to all the other mamas and daddies out there who aren't sleeping, may you find time to rest, accept help from those around you, and stock up on some coffee!</div>
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Anyways, let's get to the favorites...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wugSPlDzrgUdHpAeooqVWD1tzDEThbw7ymYaGgXJg1YMitNxkRxQD3ASZ1jx7V-WkVeumT_ayd9EMZ8KtjZr9soFoeK12Q3jjdY9rszQPY_Rpehy2caw8ynX8FL7HQH2jVPcysjYiLpH/s1600/six-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wugSPlDzrgUdHpAeooqVWD1tzDEThbw7ymYaGgXJg1YMitNxkRxQD3ASZ1jx7V-WkVeumT_ayd9EMZ8KtjZr9soFoeK12Q3jjdY9rszQPY_Rpehy2caw8ynX8FL7HQH2jVPcysjYiLpH/s400/six-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FGL9X0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001FGL9X0&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh04-20&linkId=MHAAOMHLMBNRSWOQ" target="_blank">Wubba Nub Dog</a> W has never taken a pacifier well (kind of like the whole bottle situation) but this past month he's loved this little guy. He chews on the pacifier part, I think it feels good on his sore gums, and he loves the tag. Basically he doesn't use it like it's meant for but he still loves it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JU946RU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JU946RU&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh04-20&linkId=IYH7OCQSZJ7XFGHJ" target="_blank">Oball Activity Center</a> There are tons of activity and exersaucers, but I really like this one. It's compact and has a lot to play with. It has a few buttons that play music and is the same brand as the ball in the <a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2015/09/four-month-favorites.html" target="_blank">Four Month Favorites</a>. They are easy to grab and W loves all the different things he can play with.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006YBHE6M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006YBHE6M&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh04-20&linkId=7KPEJKGA45ZAGDDS" target="_blank">Einstein Aquarium</a> I went out and bought this one day after W had been up all night and Kyle was out of town. It was kind of an act of desperation, I was willing to try anything. It's not a magic pill but it does help sometimes. It comes with a remote so we can turn it on and off without going into his room. He has also figured out how to hit the starfish and turn it on and off, which is funny. It hooks on the side of the crib and runs on batteries. We have had it for over a month and use it at least once a day and I just replaced the batteries this week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I6IGG1A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I6IGG1A&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh04-20&linkId=2QO6GSGTFXPT4PYK" target="_blank">Ergo 360</a> Kyle has been using this to carry Walt around the house during his sleepless nights/days. He likes how easy it is to put on and it feels like a backpack. There are four different ways you can wear it, we do the front inward facing right now. I like using a wrap, like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SP2LWW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005SP2LWW&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh04-20&linkId=AA3CCDMBJPEAOATQ" target="_blank">Boba</a>, more I think just cause I'm smaller and the wrap helps W snuggle in closer. I'm sure as he gets bigger I will start using this more. It's much easier on your back to put him in a carrier or wrap, and he usually falls asleep while you move around. The difficult part comes in trying to transfer him from the carrier or wrap to the crib.<br />
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<u><a href="https://www.starbucks.com/shop/card/egift" target="_blank">Starbucks</a></u> I was trying to think what else should be on my list of favorites for this month and all I could think of was coffee.coffee.coffee. Like I said in the beginning we haven't been getting much sleep and coffee really does help. <i>Just not too much coffee cause otherwise you miss out on possible naps.</i> Starbucks gift cards made my Christmas list for this reason haha, I love coffee and I brew it at home but there is something special about going to get a coffee when you're having a bad day. If you have a mommy friend who has a little one <i>especially one who isn't sleeping</i>, maybe send them a Starbucks card. My sister-in-law sent me one and it brought tears to my eyes. Not for the coffee, but because it was sweet of her to think of me and send an encouraging note. Love my family.<br />
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-29884462263175347362015-10-28T11:08:00.000-05:002015-10-28T11:28:34.725-05:005 Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx86EXHXuo6qu6BzSdg7M7LbgoxOTLF9AhcAvbBPXCvq1i9T7arAkoNYLrezUvlKLOrYhjIjYExgFsnZq11xdgiW1H2GWK8_jAESrhxLpkm_-4IDS-W6iydewvDKNxT26p0In53iV_Z-oP/s1600/5-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx86EXHXuo6qu6BzSdg7M7LbgoxOTLF9AhcAvbBPXCvq1i9T7arAkoNYLrezUvlKLOrYhjIjYExgFsnZq11xdgiW1H2GWK8_jAESrhxLpkm_-4IDS-W6iydewvDKNxT26p0In53iV_Z-oP/s400/5-month-faves.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AHMCKA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004AHMCKA&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=KACPWBEWTALSCVU4" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Sassy Wonder Wheel</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is an awesome high chair toy. The bottom is has a suction pad on it so it sticks to the tray and has lots of fun parts that can keep a baby occupied. Walt plays with it while I get his food ready or while I'm cleaning up dinner. He loves spinning the wheel; I was impressed with how well he could do this from the very first time he played with it. He usually gets it unstuck from his tray and tries to chew on the suction pad, but maybe that's just him haha...</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BZO1PE0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BZO1PE0&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=QA2OJ5RGM5VG42I6" target="_blank">Phil & Teds Highchair</a> We started solid foods this
month. Originally we had planned on waiting until Walt was 5 months old but he
was waking up every two hours at night to nurse so we decided it might help,
and I think it did. This high chair is awesome. It's easy to use and cleans up
well. The only down side is the legs stick out kind of far and I'm always
worried about tripping over them. But otherwise it's awesome and it also can be
turned into a lower chair for an older child.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJFFzYvq3E7QaXCIpO0bq6MkuZxN55kCptLt2tIWrzm8vR84d39MOJIeZVbyUzE95Y6QjwWmsh1UJ09RenXD-c1OGPodQ0fx3V0-uZ1lnfgsQKkZ7DrmObyiEQ00oeV1yX2rRNfc9tKSo/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJFFzYvq3E7QaXCIpO0bq6MkuZxN55kCptLt2tIWrzm8vR84d39MOJIeZVbyUzE95Y6QjwWmsh1UJ09RenXD-c1OGPodQ0fx3V0-uZ1lnfgsQKkZ7DrmObyiEQ00oeV1yX2rRNfc9tKSo/s200/IMG_3667.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly in his highchair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVpWT86p_mw5riwbqbNRnUdAueCGstqwYvvYhveJuK0_y-qc9pTIyyPtocXHKG2vKj8rjPX_rk0E_jFG7mBqmMKa67lIHvMsnK1_DyfhZgZFx0bjwLK1Dvr3mYkHGdkSkSu89WSO9qJbM/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVpWT86p_mw5riwbqbNRnUdAueCGstqwYvvYhveJuK0_y-qc9pTIyyPtocXHKG2vKj8rjPX_rk0E_jFG7mBqmMKa67lIHvMsnK1_DyfhZgZFx0bjwLK1Dvr3mYkHGdkSkSu89WSO9qJbM/s200/IMG_3804.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In his highchair playing with the wheel</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I2MRLU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000I2MRLU&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=UFLXAXVB7M2A2PZD" target="_blank">Mortimer the Moose</a> This is the toy we usually
bring on walks with us. It has a clip at the top so I just hook it on the
stroller straps so it doesn't fall out (I lost a burp rag one day and had to
retrace my path to find it) Walt likes to chew on the antlers and loves how
soft it is. There are also rings to play with and the feet make a crunchy noise
so it can keep him occupied while I get a good walk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZP3E8A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FZP3E8A&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=AXUXGJ54IBY7YG6K" target="_blank">Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller</a><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span>We own three strollers,
which is probably crazy but they all have been useful. This one is my favorite.
It's easy to push and the shade cover is awesome cause it can move down to the
front tray, helping block the sun. The front wheel can be locked (meaning it
won't turn) if you are jogging, but we have found that even at a quick walk it
needs to be locked or the whole stroller starts shaking. We took this to the
state fair last month and it worked out great!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvw0VZLm1QSGa1z7pFU0DVfcDUvPYXHHv-SKgiVSfaCuVAEjHSbPClH0HFe85-qwT05cQJV2TJg4RpQGdFKrY9RFD8iXM1JQ7xWjmFCp6-biLcCWZo-i3HyQ1zizsmWMAaRocW5xHUD2E/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvw0VZLm1QSGa1z7pFU0DVfcDUvPYXHHv-SKgiVSfaCuVAEjHSbPClH0HFe85-qwT05cQJV2TJg4RpQGdFKrY9RFD8iXM1JQ7xWjmFCp6-biLcCWZo-i3HyQ1zizsmWMAaRocW5xHUD2E/s200/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just back from a walk in the jogger stroller with Mortimer the moose<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085DJ71M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0085DJ71M&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=43UEETFSRWTR3MGJ" target="_blank">aden + anais bamboo swaddle</a> I know these have been on my
favorites already (I think it was <span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2015/07/one-month-favorites.html" target="_blank">Month One</a></span>)
but they are worth repeating. These blankets are awesome! They are super soft,
way softer than traditional swaddle blankets from aden + anais (which are also
great!) I keep one in the car at all times, when Walt is getting fussy I hand
it to him and he will rub it on his face and usually fall asleep. They are
magical! Plus they have really pretty prints. The one I linked to is a
different set of prints the ones we have and I told Kyle I was tempted to buy them,
but we already have two packs so he didn't go for that idea. They are a bit
pricier than usual swaddles but they are worth the price in my book! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiuXQea-gxXViJKlSN0p7s_gNIEgc0XHz-O0t6Um6sYBr3VRt2OdqbFM94C0pYxWMs0csyvWD9t0ji_IM4qugXHnXOTkJZxlIStklt-yxuPkgvHfxRzvgEsHr1oCOWcsIalNw7z3N5gJd/s1600/IMG_3209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiuXQea-gxXViJKlSN0p7s_gNIEgc0XHz-O0t6Um6sYBr3VRt2OdqbFM94C0pYxWMs0csyvWD9t0ji_IM4qugXHnXOTkJZxlIStklt-yxuPkgvHfxRzvgEsHr1oCOWcsIalNw7z3N5gJd/s200/IMG_3209.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the jogger stroller with another one of the blankets</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82Cf3xhuMAAuqERLwVbh_XGgA4SXV4Rlh7jSD9T9V0uSL5cVnzKEWSQ_T77Vh_wLc0DdVDyUK6pSTOx0J4ACN-tTBodrhh0pKBsTABnIGJBmIuDj0gZXxGcHo83i0uYZxnTNOBzRBWxjh/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82Cf3xhuMAAuqERLwVbh_XGgA4SXV4Rlh7jSD9T9V0uSL5cVnzKEWSQ_T77Vh_wLc0DdVDyUK6pSTOx0J4ACN-tTBodrhh0pKBsTABnIGJBmIuDj0gZXxGcHo83i0uYZxnTNOBzRBWxjh/s200/IMG_3794.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asleep in the car with his blanket and Mortimer<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WJLKQM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WJLKQM&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=FHASXR7A4KVEOIRG" target="_blank">Graco Bumper Jumper</a> Walt loves standing and this
gives our arms a little break! He loves the independence of moving around and
the little toys on the straps keep him very entertained. It’s really easy to
put up and can be put on any doorframe.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6px;">A Light That Shines is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</span>Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-44285531609032756292015-09-22T10:43:00.000-05:002015-09-22T10:43:28.636-05:00Four Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's amazing how much changes in a month! Walt has been playing a lot more this month and is becoming curious, especially about our dog Buddy and any kind of electronics. We've had to really be intentional about turning the TV off cause he will turn his neck like an owl to watch it. One Sunday at church the man next to us had his phone out and Walt was just staring at it the whole time (until he got hungry and decided he was done with sitting in service). Anyways, here are our favorites for this month...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbfq-IIjMhmVMiLAJuRgtgd-n8r-J9wzxtfhTkrrjN2bb2WDw24jYcPE0Lu9OHTq3F8zoQWXAFqzWp5sgLMlIIYcYcUH-5Ofb5WQXQ2NtlOtv68Nd4iD3z3fs5W1j7orYDEfcIfWUUHH5/s1600/4-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbfq-IIjMhmVMiLAJuRgtgd-n8r-J9wzxtfhTkrrjN2bb2WDw24jYcPE0Lu9OHTq3F8zoQWXAFqzWp5sgLMlIIYcYcUH-5Ofb5WQXQ2NtlOtv68Nd4iD3z3fs5W1j7orYDEfcIfWUUHH5/s400/4-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J40DY0A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J40DY0A&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=7AY7X6HNQNAUXNQK">Munchkin LATCH Transition Cup</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00J40DY0A" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Walt still won't take a bottle but we've had <i>some</i> luck with this transition cup. It's soft like a bottle nipple but shaped more like a sippy cup. He loves the handles on it and wants to hold it himself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074TT4AC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0074TT4AC&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=WCM5DOZHYOS6WSEH">Oball Rattle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0074TT4AC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Like I said, Walt has started actually playing with toys which has been so fun to watch. He loves this ball cause it's really easy to hold. He does get frustrated cause he wants to put it in his mouth and can't because of the shape. He also will get it hooked on his finger and end up throwing it across the room. It's a great toy for at home but I wouldn't take it in the stroller cause it would be easily lost<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHRH07U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HHRH07U&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=S6KT6E5F7DAJN3IS">Wide View Digital Color Video Baby Monitor</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HHRH07U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> He's been doing great sleeping in his crib and this monitor makes it easy to feel comfortable with him in his own room. It has a bar across the top that goes from green to red depending on the noise level. Plus the camera works really well and allows you to check on him without having to walk in his room a million times (and risk waking him up when you trip over something)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HA0FB8Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HA0FB8Y&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=6XMEL57VVUWIWY6P">Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HA0FB8Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> This is by far the best purchase we've bought lately. Walt loves standing up and sitting up, which is awesome but makes it difficult for me to get things done. This chair is awesome cause it lets him sit up and lets me move around. I've actually been able to make dinner lately because of this chair! It also has two hooks on it and comes with two little toys but you can switch them out. Bonus-the fabric material comes off very easily and washes nicely. Which we had to do two days in a row...<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IR4F3LM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IR4F3LM&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=P2JIRD2V4O3PKQL7">Spiral Activity Toy</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IR4F3LM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> This is a soft toy that works well for on the go! We hook it on the stroller when we go on walks and on the side of his carseat for longer drives. It also is nice to pull out over at other people's houses to keep him entertained without having a bunch of toys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBTvju_zLOBvZ46dNQJVl7ReHk4wUQ-lMxizTcziT4aEu33AMcJ-8TGpthcig9rBeV1qbvsOo6YusNqcg4PIiIrX-S-QkT1sI6auTiVOi0vLlhzh0UloFy3lD_jqj-VOcuuegk8KAv5Jc/s1600/12010528_10204947859326178_8693999467291941761_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBTvju_zLOBvZ46dNQJVl7ReHk4wUQ-lMxizTcziT4aEu33AMcJ-8TGpthcig9rBeV1qbvsOo6YusNqcg4PIiIrX-S-QkT1sI6auTiVOi0vLlhzh0UloFy3lD_jqj-VOcuuegk8KAv5Jc/s320/12010528_10204947859326178_8693999467291941761_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 4 months sweet boy!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6000003814697px;">A Light That Shines is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</span>Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-6855455165890219152015-09-01T18:36:00.002-05:002015-09-01T18:36:40.882-05:00Three Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Walt turned three months a few weeks ago, hard to believe how fast the time has gone by! I had to pack up a bunch of his clothes yesterday, which was quite sad. He's developing such a cute personality though and I love getting to hang out with him during the day! Here are our three month favorites...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbccwrL4yklRq3KXI9OCJcRe6vGmND0T3tRp36FPxVVeQ_ZvaAN1KfcAH8yxxUt9SChpl9MKMwe4MQrQHjGbMCPtS4QbynxYolWrN4_eLv1-QJOyxCKNH4TaC0yl-D-efV5w0mSn-J5SN5/s1600/3-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbccwrL4yklRq3KXI9OCJcRe6vGmND0T3tRp36FPxVVeQ_ZvaAN1KfcAH8yxxUt9SChpl9MKMwe4MQrQHjGbMCPtS4QbynxYolWrN4_eLv1-QJOyxCKNH4TaC0yl-D-efV5w0mSn-J5SN5/s400/3-month-faves.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310708257/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310708257&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=NKBLAK7KGIT5JSME">The Jesus Storybook Bible</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310708257" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> We have developed a bedtime routine of bath (every other night), diaper change, pjs, and then I feed Walt while Kyle reads a story out of here. I love how each of the stories points to Jesus and the pictures are wonderful. It will be special to keep reading this especially as he gets older and we can talk about the story when we are done. He loves books and I'm glad we've started reading the Bible to him at an early age.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HMGBJCS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HMGBJCS&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=S3W7P2ZEWQKMGLG4">Boppy Pillow </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HMGBJCS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I used this to nurse every now and then but Walt loves to be propped up on here. It lets him sit up a little bit and he likes to look around. He usually tells his best stories while propped up on the boppy. You can also use it for tummy time but we haven't done that as much cause he does really well with tummy time on the floor.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NACVQHQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NACVQHQ&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=JR3ZLWBQPKFHQDSH">Carters Lamb Blanket</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00NACVQHQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I grabbed this out of the toy box on a whim this month and Walt loves it! He grabs it and rubs it on his face. We call it his <i>lovie</i> and it has become a car ride staple. We did forget it at my parents' house one night, thankfully he isn't at an age where he needs it just yet. I think we will buy a second one as a back up!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O20OCVC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00O20OCVC&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=IAQHUY6LRMD27VWN">Summer Umbrella Stroller</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00O20OCVC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> We had been using the travel system stroller that we borrowed from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law for our carseat but Walt started getting really warm and didn't like how he couldn't look around. We tried out this umbrella stroller and he really enjoyed it! He looks around at everything when we go on walks and is so content. It helps at night when it's too early for bed but he's getting fussy. One afternoon I took him and Buddy on a walk and it started raining, quite an adventure to try and get home but Walt didn't seem to mind at all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XL658K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007XL658K&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=FVYNNTTBKB76ZBIM">SwaddleMe</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007XL658K" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> As I mentioned in my last post I mostly do a "super swaddle" when Walt is going in his crib (which is all the time now!) But not everyone has the swaddle technique down, so this is a nice back up option. There is velcro on it so it keeps his arms down and works well, although he has managed to get his arms out a few times.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6000003814697px;">A Light That Shines is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</span>Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-71918012808798532782015-08-25T10:28:00.000-05:002015-08-26T09:51:46.294-05:00Things I've Learned About Being a Mom<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJF8MXMqNjqwZB1N1pps577aw_YA28yHO76U_JSOYpbBP3fruoglrVSydVV3VxNkFSNDx9bnRR2V-iatgZ96MgF_4Dt74vL2rXZYOmeyy9iYVFzuaaeZb9g-mx7o-9C8Ww0iVTTpBy7Ne/s1600/2015-08-18+08.07.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJF8MXMqNjqwZB1N1pps577aw_YA28yHO76U_JSOYpbBP3fruoglrVSydVV3VxNkFSNDx9bnRR2V-iatgZ96MgF_4Dt74vL2rXZYOmeyy9iYVFzuaaeZb9g-mx7o-9C8Ww0iVTTpBy7Ne/s320/2015-08-18+08.07.06.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Things I’ve learned in the past 3 months of being a mom…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sleep is a treasure, hard to find and very
valuable<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You can never have too many burp rags, keep one
in every room that you might possibly be in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The first time you go to the pediatrician’s
office you will be a mess. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Germs, other
kids, unsure of what to do</i> And your baby will have a blow out in the
waiting room at some point. Ours was the 2 month appointment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Babies don’t just fall asleep when they are
tired. Seriously, I thought when Walt’s tired he will just fall asleep so I
didn’t keep track of how long he had been awake. I’m sure some babies do just
fall asleep, mine does not. He wants to go and move and talk all day long, and
if he’s awake for too long he gets super cranky. Now I write down when he woke up so after an hour or so I can get him ready for a nap. I swaddle him, put him in his crib and let him babble until
he falls asleep. He’s happy, mommy’s happy, life is good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Never give up on the swaddle. For the first
month probably we were just convinced that there was no way to swaddle Walt
that would keep his arms in so we just didn’t do it. Then I started again and
it is magical. I do what we call a “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiDbS0Fxtm4&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">super swaddle</a>” for naptime and a regular
swaddle at night. The other night he was screaming and I swaddled him and then he was
perfectly calm. Seriously, magic. Don’t give up, just keep trying and it will
be worth it</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It’s hard to learn how to be a mom and a wife<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learning how to wear Walt in a wrap decreased my
stress level of taking him places. It’s so much easier than lugging the car
seat around and he usually ends up falling asleep.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhevGuuNXOtsZIZfMHMdksoJbHBypZdX4jo7Ozp6RvvMVgRCQUJr79GsqzzFzmqSHPIsp5RqEEtrveosTgQvgDOgszNXAbzS5s9Ctm-qEoeM6i9Fs33ac4hRup6L5u1lt1YPWYqK1PRRP/s1600/2015-07-21+12.18.49-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhevGuuNXOtsZIZfMHMdksoJbHBypZdX4jo7Ozp6RvvMVgRCQUJr79GsqzzFzmqSHPIsp5RqEEtrveosTgQvgDOgszNXAbzS5s9Ctm-qEoeM6i9Fs33ac4hRup6L5u1lt1YPWYqK1PRRP/s200/2015-07-21+12.18.49-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You will talk about poop with your spouse more
than you ever thought possible<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Every baby has unique challenges, just because
one baby seems “easier” than yours doesn’t mean that’s true. Don’t compare, especially not based on social media.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your phone will be FILLED with pictures of your
baby. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Create a photo stream (if you have an iphone)
and invite your family members to join, that way they can see pictures of your
little one every day but you don’t have to flood social media with pictures<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It’s important to learn how to ask for help</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Postpartum hormones are no joke, mixed with very
little sleep and any level of frustration can be pretty bad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Breastfeeding makes you hungry all day long, I
make a variation of these <a href="http://teentoddlernewborn.com/2013/06/17/no-bake-lactation-bites-recipe/" target="_blank">protein bites</a> about once a week and keep them in the
fridge so I can grab a few when I don’t have time to make anything<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take naps when the baby sleeps, leave the dishes
and laundry until you wake up if the baby is still sleeping after your nap you
can do those things. You will regret not taking a nap. I still try and lay down
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for your little one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Figure out what helps you manage your stress and
find a way to make it happen. For me it’s working out and I go to the gym at
7am three times a week and Kyle hangs out with Walt. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You will be so proud of your little one for
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up his head or almost rolling over or letting out a big burp<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No matter how little sleep you’ve gotten or how
many diapers you’ve changed in the past 30 minutes when you get a tiny little
smile or sweet look you will forget all of that and just be so in love.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwBfAWH6y7VJB1ZzfZdahMKgrUiyQA4234UNQ4XPTC5l74TvYx2rY0tcAZWXEryDycfDmqO6fDBOdRXH0WVdYsaBmwbrGXxxbGWOieZzX1_sIeGSZkWSXzgAxx2xu5mVxqYGMTrfX3a2s/s1600/2015-08-08+19.53.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwBfAWH6y7VJB1ZzfZdahMKgrUiyQA4234UNQ4XPTC5l74TvYx2rY0tcAZWXEryDycfDmqO6fDBOdRXH0WVdYsaBmwbrGXxxbGWOieZzX1_sIeGSZkWSXzgAxx2xu5mVxqYGMTrfX3a2s/s320/2015-08-08+19.53.42.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking so cute in a baseball hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpIEf65nF-qTc7hnDZFHsfmIO1Vldr8BbXOBYxNSJywlnBzaTuoJxBATzSFhDnn2zv4aQHaH1HInigJeN_h3eK0hNhFsZoq_h5TuKhUuALMQoIOkgyD5OsKa679dTHeT6HgxEddupCeS1/s1600/2015-08-18+09.45.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpIEf65nF-qTc7hnDZFHsfmIO1Vldr8BbXOBYxNSJywlnBzaTuoJxBATzSFhDnn2zv4aQHaH1HInigJeN_h3eK0hNhFsZoq_h5TuKhUuALMQoIOkgyD5OsKa679dTHeT6HgxEddupCeS1/s320/2015-08-18+09.45.04.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretches in his onesie that is really too small...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-72497352885100473262015-07-30T22:12:00.000-05:002015-07-30T22:12:21.341-05:00Two Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Walt turned 2 months old last week and had his appointment this week. Our little boy is growing so fast! He grew almost 3 inches in a month, which is crazy and explains why his clothes are getting too small! He's moved up to size 2 diapers and is starting to out grow his 0-3 month clothes. He is such a sweet boy, very curious and will definitely be an explorer once he can start moving! </div>
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Here are our favorite things from the past month...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBRWYlgrDT-s0iD7Z6qZY368mX_xJ3mSEQsIjckZ2Riy5oXctF3HJXgN6Vx4pWdkRvgiaLpBdP6sC-xXtma63Gsbcs1cm30YT8BZTlb-pcr4Q3J1Zel3WS_EUFumABRsPDm9yCjjU5EDs/s1600/two-month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBRWYlgrDT-s0iD7Z6qZY368mX_xJ3mSEQsIjckZ2Riy5oXctF3HJXgN6Vx4pWdkRvgiaLpBdP6sC-xXtma63Gsbcs1cm30YT8BZTlb-pcr4Q3J1Zel3WS_EUFumABRsPDm9yCjjU5EDs/s400/two-month-faves.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006STJTR2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006STJTR2&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=VNTH3ZSH2JSVT7TO">Skip Hop Activity Gym</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006STJTR2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> We have the farm version of this which has been discontinued, but this one is super cute too! We call ours "Walt's Farm" and he loves it! He will lay there and punch and kick to try and find the animals. We also hung this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I2MRLU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000I2MRLU&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=ENAYZCFR6LW4DQJJ">Moose</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000I2MRLU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on it and he loves kicking it and gets fussy if he can't reach it with his feet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091E31KM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0091E31KM&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=W2TJBVD3SDHAUT45">SoundSpa Portable</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0091E31KM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> This is a heaven send! It's a noise machine, we just use the white noise feature but it also has different noises like a heartbeat and summer noise. You can either plug it in or put batteries in it. I love how compact it is and it also gets pretty loud which helps block out noises when you finally get your little one to fall asleep.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399226907/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399226907&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=MIR2RPQXIPHXLZP4">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399226907" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> We started reading books to Walt pretty early on. I want him to love to read and was just excited to read to him. This is definitely his favorite book. He loves looking at the pictures especially the big butterfly at the end!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TUTXNG0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TUTXNG0&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=EIOX64LLZZQZY4CQ">Carter's Baby Boy Rompers</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00TUTXNG0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I am not a big fan of putting shorts or pants on Walt, they just fit him funny and are kind of a pain when you are changing diapers so often! But these are awesome, they look super cute and a little nicer than just a plain onesie!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4J2C1S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J4J2C1S&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=J247FANSGB2YVDKV">Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00J4J2C1S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> There are so many diaper bag choices but I love the one we went with. My sister-in-law helped me register, which was so helpful, and she recommended getting a "non girly" bag so Kyle wouldn't mind carrying it around. This bag is awesome, it comes with a thin changing mat, both pockets in the front close with a magnet, and there is a pocket perfectly sized and placed for easy access to your phone.<br />
<br />
Speaking of diaper bags, I think my next post will be about what I keep in my diaper bag and helpful tips for always being prepared (Sounds cheesy but nothings worse than running out of diapers and praying little man doesn't have a blowout before you get home!)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6000003814697px;">A Light That Shines is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</span>Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-28361167656086923202015-07-13T10:33:00.006-05:002015-07-13T10:33:58.030-05:00One Month Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started this post a few weeks ago but I never got around to posting it. Figured I should get it done before little man turns 2 months next week! </div>
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There are a few things that have been life savers during this first month and I wanted to share them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hTn37LAnCSLoFFS3COkRN7aRa1RZLpLR7EsCbQdZDWG1pQtrG24ja_oWaX4_OHJef-sWYgg49Id742TNFI74M3KUjo5RrWA3kckVwhyYCPK_BAYFA60FMDyjSROpZA4f-3sl9JZI7uWg/s1600/1month-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hTn37LAnCSLoFFS3COkRN7aRa1RZLpLR7EsCbQdZDWG1pQtrG24ja_oWaX4_OHJef-sWYgg49Id742TNFI74M3KUjo5RrWA3kckVwhyYCPK_BAYFA60FMDyjSROpZA4f-3sl9JZI7uWg/s640/1month-faves.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEI6MMU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DEI6MMU&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=4MAOCTOGULSYLEEM">Fisher-Price Rock N Play Sleeper</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DEI6MMU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> This came as a huge recommendation from my sister-in-law, and I am so thankful for it. This is where Walt sleeps at night and during most of his naps (unless he falls asleep on me and I just enjoy the snuggles). The incline is nice especially if your baby has any form of reflux. The shape of it helps snuggle him plus there is a vibration feature that you can turn on. It's very light weight and we just move it from room to room depending on where we are, we've also packed it up and taken it over to my parents' house when they were watching him. Highly recommend!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1ZOUM4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E1ZOUM4&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=2HGQOW6UYWGMCMLN">Robe</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E1ZOUM4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I have a nice robe from Gap which they don't make anymore but it has been so helpful during late night nursing sessions. Postpartum hormones make body temperature go all over the place. I would wake up sweaty and then get freezing while I was nursing. The robe is nice to be able to just throw on over my nursing tank when I get up and is still easy to nurse in.<br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/baby-feeding-tracker-sprout/id551449489?mt=8" target="_blank">Sprout Feeding App</a> This app is amazing especially during all the sleep deprivation. It has features for breast feeding or bottle feeding and helps you remember when the last time you fed was and which side the baby fed on first so you can alternate.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TSDMH8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003TSDMH8&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=GX5VTLVMMBXN4S6V">My Brest Friend Original Pillow</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003TSDMH8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I registered for this and a Boppy pillow and I was lucky enough to receive both of them. They have both been useful in the past month, but the Brest Friend was so nice to have at the beginning when I was learning how to breastfeed. At first it feels like you need four hands to be able to get the right latch, hold him in place, grab the burp rag, etc. This provides a sturdy surface and holds the baby at the right angle to nurse. It also has a nice pocket which I keep a baby nail file in (since that's the only time I can trim Walt's nails)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005X0M9RY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005X0M9RY&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=CPV66PGGNI55EE5T">Gerber Prefold Cloth Diapers</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005X0M9RY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> We never used these as diapers but they make awesome burp cloths and changing pad protectors. They are easy to wash and nice and soft!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NJCACVS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NJCACVS&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=ADDPQ2JB6XSIRRVX">Aden + Anais Bamboo Swaddle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00NJCACVS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> These blankets are so soft and lightweight. Walt is a master at getting out of swaddles and he's pretty warm natured so these work awesome. I love how soft they are and I know we will use them for many years to come. I actually bought a second pack a few weeks after Walt was born to have extras when the others were dirty which happens so often haha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-cotton-cami-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-13793418" target="_blank">Nursing Tanks</a> These are awesome when you are breastfeeding! I have a few and a wear them almost every day. They fit really well work good under t-shirts without being too tight or bulky.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OH7ZCG4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OH7ZCG4&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=LNJJRGRLOAAEXVJT">Trader Joe's Coconut Coconut Oil</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OH7ZCG4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I used this all during my pregnancy to prevent stretch marks and now I use it after I breastfeed. It helps prevent dry and cracked nipples plus it has antibacterial properties.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EGGQB6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001EGGQB6&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=NMPC4WWYLAWQYHG6">Thermos Water Bottle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EGGQB6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I actually use the water bottle I got from the hospital but I also try and keep this one full at a different part of the house. Nursing makes me so thirsty and it's important to drink enough in order to keep milk supply and energy up.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.6000003814697px;">A Light That Shines is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</span>Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-22755097483772757842015-06-17T13:20:00.001-05:002015-06-17T13:20:27.227-05:00Pregnancy FavoritesI was pretty lucky to have a relatively easy and uneventful pregnancy. That being said, even the easiest pregnancy still comes with it's aches and pains and difficulties. I wanted to put together a list of my pregnancy favorites, the things that really helped me make it through those nine (let's be honest it's ten) months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rFQ0IKeGgI0IyE0vHphjLZHdHT_2XPGjcXEIfnZom7o5hI1cAxE2Zm7wJDwZKvNcR3FVTSwc_SC1hxtNETcRJ7F_DSldTYpfs1XHu_1q9fLEiNcWCp2tuxd0uZDON2csf1e1UozItRmR/s1600/Pregnancy-faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rFQ0IKeGgI0IyE0vHphjLZHdHT_2XPGjcXEIfnZom7o5hI1cAxE2Zm7wJDwZKvNcR3FVTSwc_SC1hxtNETcRJ7F_DSldTYpfs1XHu_1q9fLEiNcWCp2tuxd0uZDON2csf1e1UozItRmR/s640/Pregnancy-faves.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CXDWT6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005CXDWT6&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=IC32ZMV77OMOWQGO">Altoids Smalls Mints</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005CXDWT6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I never had really bad morning sickness, but I would get queasy at times especially around certain smells. These mints are perfect cause they aren't too big but they are strong enough to cover mask a smell. I would keep a container of them in my purse at all times.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PK7RV0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005PK7RV0&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=24XUR6WH3M2E3KMN">Crane Humidifier</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005PK7RV0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> About a month into my pregnancy I went out to Colorado to visit with family, after I got back my nose was so dry and I kept getting nose bleeds. We registered for this humidifier for Walt but I ended up using it a lot during my pregnancy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IQDWY20/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IQDWY20&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=5LRYZCHTJNKHVIA6">Champion Fitness Ball</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IQDWY20" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> This was a recommendation from our Birth Boot Camp class, more on that to come. They make all different sizes of fitness balls, I went with the 55 cm cause I'm pretty short (5'2"). I sat on this a lot toward the end of my pregnancy. It made me sit up straighter and apparently helps the baby get into position. The night I went into labor I had been sitting and bouncing on it for about 2 hours, so maybe it helped!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OH7ZCG4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OH7ZCG4&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=62YQ7EAQGY6LTXW3">Trader Joe's Coconut Coconut Oil</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OH7ZCG4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I've become a little obsessed with coconut oil--I use it on all different kinds of things. At the beginning of my pregnancy I was using cocoa butter to prevent stretch marks but I wasn't really a fan of the smell. I decided to start using coconut oil instead and I didn't end up with any stretch marks on my stomach. (Also a good thing to have around if you're breastfeeding cause it can help prevent and treat cracked and dry nipples)<br />
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<a href="http://birthbootcamp.com/" target="_blank">Birth Boot Camp</a> About 15 weeks into my pregnancy my midwife asked if we had thought about taking any kind of birth classes. It was something I had thought of but just hadn't researched much. This was her recommendation and I'm so thankful we decided to take it. It was a little bit of an investment but was very informative! I strongly recommend the in person classes, we had to watch one online cause we were both busy and missed the in person class and it just wasn't as engaging or helpful. This class definitely helped both Kyle and I know what to expect and learn different pain management techniques in order to have a natural birth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003156OHY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003156OHY&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=7Y7OWY4X3OX6A6LM">Aveeno Calming Body Wash</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003156OHY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> During my second trimester I started taking baths, it really helped at the end of the day when I was achy and every muscle in my body hurt. I poured a little bit of this body wash in the bath as it was filling and it made light bubbles and made the whole bathroom smell really nice. Plus it leaves your skin soft and not itchy like some bubble baths do-nothing is worse than getting out of the bath and feeling like you need to take a shower.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032AM8IM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032AM8IM&linkCode=as2&tag=alithsh-20&linkId=VG3ZGOCXAGL2MCBV">Earth Mama Angel Baby Third Trimester Tea</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=alithsh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0032AM8IM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I bought this pretty late into my third trimester. It is a Red Raspberry Leaf Tea which is supposed to help prepare your uterus for labor as well as prevent early and late term labor (not sure how it can do both haha). Make sure you check with your doctor before you drink it. By this point in time I was super warm all the time so the idea of drinking warm tea sounded miserable. Instead I would brew it and then pour it over ice. It doesn't taste like raspberries, but has a nice early/floral taste to it. I have no idea if it worked but I do know that Walt was born the day before his due date and my labor was only 11 hours, so maybe it did help!<br />
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Other favorites that can't be bought:<br />
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Going for walks--I went to the gym a few times a week until about 30ish weeks. Then I started taking Buddy for a walk almost every day instead. I really think the walks helped my body prepare for labor and move Walt into the right position. There were days that I just wanted to lay on the couch but I went anyways, and then laid on the couch...<br />
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Rest--Which leads into this point. Rest! I had such a hard time with this, I wanted to be up and moving and getting things done. But my body was tired and I would get grumpy and sore if I pushed myself too hard. Learn how to take naps now, it will be helpful once your baby gets here and you sleep in 2 hour increments.<br />
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Avoid comparison and give yourself grace--I loved following other pregnant moms on instagram and reading their blogs. Too often, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, I found myself comparing every little detail. <i>They look like they haven't gained as much weight as I have </i>or <i>she's still going to the gym everyday, how come I'm not</i>. I had to realize that every pregnancy is different and I needed to listen to my body instead of focusing on others. I also had to put my scale away because it was causing me unnecessary stress. In all fairness, I would sneak it out about once a week and weigh myself just to make sure nothing crazy was going on but no more daily weigh-ins for me. Trust your body, give yourself grace, and avoid comparisons.<br />
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What things did you love during your pregnancy?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A Light That Shines is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</span><br />
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Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-19848154279100806152015-06-10T12:57:00.000-05:002015-06-10T12:57:24.759-05:00Walt's Birth Story Part 2**Same warning: This is a birth post and while I don't go into graphic detail, if you're not interested in birth maybe don't keep reading**<br />
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Also, some of these details are a little fuzzy to me cause I was in my own world for most of the labor, I zoned out and just focused on getting through each contraction. In fact Kyle said, "I don't know how you're going to write Part 2 cause your eyes were closed for like 6 hours." haha! Maybe we can convince him to write his version of Part 2 as well...<br />
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Alright so I left off with us getting to the hospital, which was around 5:30 am May 21st. We made it up to Labor and Delivery and had to get buzzed in cause it was after hours. The buzzer wasn't working, it was almost like someone left it off the hook cause we could hear the nurses talking but no one was answering us. Let's just say a lady in labor standing waiting for a door to open does not go over well. I was about to open the door and let the alarm go off when they finally buzzed us in. The hallway that the door opens to is like 500 feet (probably an over exaggeration) long and I was dreading this walk. I had already been down the hallway earlier that week and my contractions were way more intense by this point. Thankfully two nurses came down the hallway to meet us with a wheelchair.<br />
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We got into a room and they had me lay down on the bed, which I was not excited about cause I had a hard time with the contractions while laying down. I laid on my side and grabbed onto the bed every time I had a contraction which seemed to help some. They hooked me up to monitors to make sure Walt was doing okay and then asked a bunch of questions. I honestly don't remember if I answered any of them or if Kyle just answered all of them for me. I was in my own little world by this point and not up for talking. The only thing I liked about being hooked up to the monitors was that the nurses could tell when I was having a contraction and when it peaked and helped me breathe through it. Walt hated the monitor though and started moving like crazy which made the contractions worse.<br />
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Throughout my pregnancy I had really bad heartburn, thankfully I had been able to control it by taking Zantac twice a day. But it was not working at this point and I had horrible heartburn. Breathing through contractions is already hard but when your throat feels like it's on fire it's nearly impossible. I asked the nurses if there was anything they could do and they said they would check with the midwife. They also checked to see how dilated I was, I was at 4 cm, which was awesome to hear cause I had been at 1 cm the whole time we were at the hospital on Monday. The nurse came back after talking to the midwife and said "You're having a baby today! You're admitted!" I was excited and nervous all at the same time--it was really happening!<br />
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I asked to get out of bed at this point, they let me and brought me a "birth ball" to sit on (which is really just an exercise ball mixed with an office chair for stability) I sat on this while they took like six vials of blood and got me hooked up with an IV port cause I had to get antibiotics during labor. They also gave me heartburn medicine through the IV and it helped immediately, I was so thankful for that!<br />
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My contractions were getting stronger at this point (I feel like I'm going to just keep saying this, there is no other way to describe it...) I tried sitting on the ball but it wasn't comfortable. I needed to find a spot where I could rest in between contractions. Kyle moved things around on the bed and raised part of it and put a stack of pillows so I could rest my head. I was also feeling dizzy at this point, I think it was from all the blood they took. Right around this time the nurses switched shifts and Gina came in, she was amazing. She brought me some grape juice, which helped the dizziness go away. I'm not a big juice drinker but I probably drank a gallon of grape juice during labor haha! I kept laboring and things got more intense--the contractions were stronger and closer together. I asked to be checked again and I was at 6-7cm.<br />
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At this point I asked if I could go into the tub so they moved us into the "big tub" room. I don't remember moving into this room or how all of our stuff got into that room, but somehow it did! I sat on the toilet while they filled up the tub, and then moved into the water. Caysi showed up to take pictures, so thankful she was there even though I never said anything to her. (Again, in my own world and wasn't up for talking) Everything felt so much better once I got in the water. I felt like I could rest between the contractions and the pain wasn't as intense. I kept laboring and my water broke at while I was in the tub which was a very crazy feeling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4u6eY8dRul3Re7a5oAiu1WKSUuC8_w2ceyD1-mKQDA4tdNdLbo4p7CW5M3mczszsSvVMbFif7v_AAskEbtYAn0q2CcCVljXFg0pI9cAWOnmivJvEINOlxUTRHnUoAynTUlESgkO7eMzC/s1600/belly.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4u6eY8dRul3Re7a5oAiu1WKSUuC8_w2ceyD1-mKQDA4tdNdLbo4p7CW5M3mczszsSvVMbFif7v_AAskEbtYAn0q2CcCVljXFg0pI9cAWOnmivJvEINOlxUTRHnUoAynTUlESgkO7eMzC/s320/belly.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that you can see my very pregnant belly in this picture</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5dUdY_Crh4MJMviiKmEOX8wd86dNDKbjboKq6c4IlXGkwh-dfMPgKAMb1s2UnOXPjMlIhy4mosPM_5xN17pxqfSfNxYkzN4hQJg7GcgtBWrYCi6nZBdQbr4xKZSCZxxzcN5QXA-VIlzI/s1600/kyle+2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5dUdY_Crh4MJMviiKmEOX8wd86dNDKbjboKq6c4IlXGkwh-dfMPgKAMb1s2UnOXPjMlIhy4mosPM_5xN17pxqfSfNxYkzN4hQJg7GcgtBWrYCi6nZBdQbr4xKZSCZxxzcN5QXA-VIlzI/s320/kyle+2.webp" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember getting really hot at one point, probably from the water and the fact that I had this huge plastic glove on my left hand to keep my IV port from getting wet. Caysi started fanning me, which helped so much and they got the AC turned down. I also convinced the nurse to take the glove off, since the port was getting more wet from all the sweat inside the glove. I think that was the most I talked during labor. The midwife and her student came into check how I was doing, they checked me and I was still at 6-7cm. They tried to get me to change positions in the water but I <strike>couldn't</strike> wasn't very cooperative. They finally convinced me I should get out of the tub for awhile and find a different position to labor. I was not happy about getting out of the water, the contractions were so close together and much more painful out of the water. I started to get discouraged, it seemed like things weren't moving along anymore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM6tRrdF3FPOHpA8mmMOLAd5tOm2oCubhRBjRuCEN4F5aS15o6GGX7hpqOtxx82o9fyQJXHTHjEVrviZiUq7ngeuhDwJKrRhd2QHy1bXSyh0-7b3RH77gRVo2tmLUv_8deDq3KVWFCKQa/s1600/kyle.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM6tRrdF3FPOHpA8mmMOLAd5tOm2oCubhRBjRuCEN4F5aS15o6GGX7hpqOtxx82o9fyQJXHTHjEVrviZiUq7ngeuhDwJKrRhd2QHy1bXSyh0-7b3RH77gRVo2tmLUv_8deDq3KVWFCKQa/s320/kyle.webp" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ended up back on the toilet leaning back and Gina kept telling me I needed to lean forward but I just couldn't. I sat in the shower for awhile and Kyle sprayed me with water. I knew he saw my frustration and I remember looking at him and knowing he felt like he couldn't do anything to help. I think we both let out some tears and felt discouraged for different reasons. He never doubted my strength but I know he wanted to take away my frustration but couldn't. I felt like I was hitting a wall, I said "I don't think I can do this" and I heard Caysi say "that means you're close!" And I remembered from our Birth Boot Camp that I was probably in transition and getting really close. I tried to refocus and decided to listen to the advice Gina was giving and go out to the bed.<br />
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I ended up standing next to the bed and leaning forward. I have no idea how long I was in this position but I know the contractions started changing at this point. I had the urge to push but I knew it wasn't time yet. Kyle kept telling me to do "horse lips" which is basically just pushing your lips out and letting your breath out that way. This keeps you from pushing with your exhale. Between this and making low groans I kept myself from pushing on most of the contractions. During the whole time Kyle was making sure I was drinking water and grape juice and never left my side. Several times I told Kyle, "I feel like he is coming...I just want to push." He kept me calm and reminded me not to push just yet. Gina came to check me at some point, she probably heard my noises get louder and more intense. (I had a sore throat for two days after labor from all the grunting and low noises I made) She checked me and said something like "You have no cervix left and he's at the +1 station" I remember being confused and asked her "How dilated am I?" and she replied, "You're at a 10! You're ready to go!" I wanted to cry out of excitement, I was finally there! This was happening and my little boy was going to be in my arms so soon!<br />
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They got me back in the tub because that was where I wanted to deliver. It felt so good to be in the water again. Gina called the midwife and let her know what was going on. I remember having a really strong contraction and Kyle said "don't push just yet." And just then I heard Candis (the midwife) say "If you need to push, you push!" She had just walked in and that was the best thing I could've heard. She coached me through how to push and told me I was going to have to push through the pain that was going to come.<br />
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The pushing was hard but it felt like it had a purpose and my body wanted to push. I felt like I was just going along with what my body was trying to do on its own. I had to switch positions for a little while, I moved to my knees and leaned up against the side of the tub I think this helped him move down a little more. Then I went back to sitting with my back against the tub which allowed me to rest between contractions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln17dx_xI7aiKLgihDL16gTZ02UfCbsaBj13X8KAJhOHpATrS5g5DbYu_xCqHh-6-rtD1FtNKnObg6GV2MqQeLSweOv2UIgGSEb_oe60ILJaugHffDL04O_n7OdIusr8UwOkopm7pN_qR/s1600/side+of+tub.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln17dx_xI7aiKLgihDL16gTZ02UfCbsaBj13X8KAJhOHpATrS5g5DbYu_xCqHh-6-rtD1FtNKnObg6GV2MqQeLSweOv2UIgGSEb_oe60ILJaugHffDL04O_n7OdIusr8UwOkopm7pN_qR/s320/side+of+tub.webp" width="320" /></a></div>
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Everyone was really encouraging and they kept telling me how good I was doing. At one point they started talking about how they could see his head, and I remember how excited Kyle was. Candis told me I could reach down during the next contraction and feel his head, I did this and it was so crazy. It gave me all the motivation in the world--my boy was so close to coming in the world and he just needed me to stay focused a little longer. The pushing got really intense at this point, I think it's what they describe as the "ring of fire". Basically everything is getting stretched beyond any point of comfort. It took extra focus and determination to push past this pain.<br />
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Finally during one of the big pushes they told me his head was out! They had me do shorter pushes to get his shoulders through and the next thing I knew my son was on my chest. I immediately started crying, he was here! All the pain and frustration was gone, my little boy was here. I came out of my "zone" and remember looking at Kyle and seeing the joy in his eyes. We were both so overwhelmed with love for this boy. The nurse hit the call button and announced "We have a baby boy born at noon!" They delivered my placenta and once the cord stopped pulsing asked Kyle if he wanted to cut the umbilical cord. He did and I just kept staring at my little boy. He was just so perfect. Candis commented on his size--the midwives had thought he would be close to 7 pounds, but clearly he was bigger than that. She said something like "where were you hiding that boy?!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwV2Z9ISMbE73TpOosShTVsS3H9uZxB9KPlov_v6HQYEh1jNgaUc06tjzQB9tuTvWdhJkE353bMEP3QVzYCfuXLb1FNIEV9S2_EPKOOGub03ZKjF4FNr8ookH10ibKerypib3uyYVYEUv/s1600/fave.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwV2Z9ISMbE73TpOosShTVsS3H9uZxB9KPlov_v6HQYEh1jNgaUc06tjzQB9tuTvWdhJkE353bMEP3QVzYCfuXLb1FNIEV9S2_EPKOOGub03ZKjF4FNr8ookH10ibKerypib3uyYVYEUv/s320/fave.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the emotion of this picture, one of the happiest moments of my life captured</td></tr>
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The process of getting me out of the tub and back to the bed was going to take a little bit so they asked Kyle to do skin to skin with Walt. Kyle was so excited to hold his son and had been waiting for this moment. He held him for awhile while I got cleaned up and a few stitches.<br />
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They delayed newborn procedures to let Kyle and Walt have skin to skin and then I was able to hold Walt for awhile while they finished up stitching and pushing on my stomach (seriously worse part ever...) Walter was 8 lb 9 oz and 20.5 inches long. Big boy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN1nrW6Si-s-9ax62JU0J09iQmsQkgjHK6CD6XEoaqi3_FbPblXuoJPkjVuu5r6i0wFQ6hTQ21qHUhacrAXxizea2GrRhfJQPU-aLEwB_lMe-ftBFWRoNgyTtCSOsxyXpaV8ujByubj8U/s1600/Kyle+and+Walt.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN1nrW6Si-s-9ax62JU0J09iQmsQkgjHK6CD6XEoaqi3_FbPblXuoJPkjVuu5r6i0wFQ6hTQ21qHUhacrAXxizea2GrRhfJQPU-aLEwB_lMe-ftBFWRoNgyTtCSOsxyXpaV8ujByubj8U/s320/Kyle+and+Walt.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boy and his daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwSaaCR1iE5CQt0eVD91FODZ5K4Qqd2W5utfTp2jHeSJwvXa1JyeMY7jHfd8goDzLQnpOcqTJnGyY4kiomN8tPS60RPKwNja7XgtorU9Yh3plGvUE9HYv6QyZMh_D5hVVBP0BWuWuT3bg/s1600/feet.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwSaaCR1iE5CQt0eVD91FODZ5K4Qqd2W5utfTp2jHeSJwvXa1JyeMY7jHfd8goDzLQnpOcqTJnGyY4kiomN8tPS60RPKwNja7XgtorU9Yh3plGvUE9HYv6QyZMh_D5hVVBP0BWuWuT3bg/s320/feet.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable feet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcasTj4L6fYr-vU9eHChulIOdIYIvFvlEKzfHvaKDgaCHYjeXbk_TcIiZ4IEDsNOBxl7mQZgGrYjMftvDCp9ngUsvAAXL4Uq_BGk7rdC0N6U5uFC09trbFWtJaULzyTsxewQZQ9Y71a9S/s1600/me+and+walt.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcasTj4L6fYr-vU9eHChulIOdIYIvFvlEKzfHvaKDgaCHYjeXbk_TcIiZ4IEDsNOBxl7mQZgGrYjMftvDCp9ngUsvAAXL4Uq_BGk7rdC0N6U5uFC09trbFWtJaULzyTsxewQZQ9Y71a9S/s320/me+and+walt.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in mommy's arms</td></tr>
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Overall, I was in labor for about 11 hours. Labored at the hospital for 6 of those hours and pushed for about an hour total. I wanted a natural birth and I was so thankful the nurses and staff never questioned me. No one ever asked me what my level of pain was, no one ever offered me an epidural or warned me that it was my last chance to get one, and all the nurses and midwives were so encouraging every step of the way. I know natural birth is not for everyone, and everyone should be able to birth they way they chose. I was grateful for the support I was given in my choice because I know that is not always the case.<br />
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Kyle was the most incredible husband during this whole process. As you can see in the pictures, he never took his eyes off of me. He was there for all 11 hours and made sure I was staying hydrated and kept telling me how amazing I was doing. When I look through these pictures I see the love he has for me, and the love he has for Walt. He is selfless, supporting, and the best husband and best friend I could ever ask for. He knew exactly what I needed and even though I barely opened my eyes for 6 hours, I always knew he was there. He was praying for me and never once doubted my strength. He kept telling me how proud he was of me and that our boy would be here soon.<br />
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These pictures are one of the most amazing gifts I've ever been given. I asked Caysi if she would be interested in taking pictures during labor for me, realizing this was asking a lot of her (she's 6 months pregnant) She not only agreed but was so excited to be a part of Walt's birth. I never acknowledged her during birth because I was in my own world but I knew she was there and I knew she was praying for me and encouraging Kyle. She reminded him to eat and drink cause he was so fully focused on me. There is no way I could ever repay her for all she did and most importantly for the memories she captured.<br />
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During the last part of my pregnancy I put the hashtag #waitingonwalt on my pregnancy pictures. Well we waited on Walt and he came at exactly the time he was ready to come. He is one special little boy and we love him more than we ever thought possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We waited on you, you came in the perfect time, and now you are forever part of us</td></tr>
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-72102945975828264872015-06-09T10:19:00.000-05:002015-06-09T10:19:23.495-05:00Walt's Birth Story Part 1**Fair warning: This is a birth post and while I'm not going to go into graphic detail, if you're not interested in birth maybe don't keep reading**<br />
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During my pregnancy I started following people on Instagram who were also pregnant and I read a lot of birth stories. I never really thought I would be one to post about birth, but it was such a special event and taught me a lot about myself, my body, my husband and his strength, and faith.<br />
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On Monday (May 18) I had my weekly Midwife appointment. I had been having fairly strong contractions on and off for about a week at this point and was at the extremely uncomfortable stage. I spent a lot of time walking that day--mostly around the house cause it was rainy and humid outside. That night the contractions got more consistent, Kyle and I went to Walmart cause I wanted to walk around some more. The contractions were about 5 minutes apart and lasting a minute, which was what everyone said was time to go to the hospital. We decided around 12:30am to head to the hospital...long story short I was not making any progress after an hour of walking around the hospital and since I wanted a natural birth we decided to head home. I'm so glad that wasn't the night, I ended up with a horrible headache and almost threw up in the car on the way home. There was no way I could've gone through labor in that condition. I took some tylenol and Benadryl (at the midwife's suggestion) and went to bed.<br />
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Tuesday was spent mostly resting, but Tuesday night the contractions picked up again. I took a Benadryl and went to bed. Wednesday is a busy day for Kyle, he came home at lunch time and took a nap (probably the best decision ever!) and I was feeling good, convinced labor wasn't going to happen for a week or so. I ended up taking a nap around 5pm, woke up and Kyle needed me to run something up to the church for him before the youth services started. I came back home and took Buddy on a walk and then sat on my exercise ball and watched TV for most of the night. I had some contractions, but that had been happening for over a week at this point and I thought nothing of them.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzvxjo6S4DRqhiwOdqo2xc7FLUTED9JIC_79orCk-HgsTkDpIKf5FFrSxFXJRbosxgBP33Ss6T3XGpp8tian5mVCF9dw7-SPTDQhzM5GZdHmoAWI4OgGMI1_ScSUcOUoVrF-1rnw6ISNX/s1600/2015-05-20+09.44.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzvxjo6S4DRqhiwOdqo2xc7FLUTED9JIC_79orCk-HgsTkDpIKf5FFrSxFXJRbosxgBP33Ss6T3XGpp8tian5mVCF9dw7-SPTDQhzM5GZdHmoAWI4OgGMI1_ScSUcOUoVrF-1rnw6ISNX/s320/2015-05-20+09.44.59.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Wednesday, little did I know this would be my last "bump picture"</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCAnImOXj3bwukx7vN7YLAmO-WMuNXm3fe2ZWpoytV0G4-H4tFRDz9lptpedSMp_v7deZ7Q46RhYjOMtYoRDSoqYJvXvSvHodNr_O-P50MxMUaZke7lhuMvOkO8ZYSSPmFfDY5iECQWSs/s1600/2015-05-20+15.10.27-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCAnImOXj3bwukx7vN7YLAmO-WMuNXm3fe2ZWpoytV0G4-H4tFRDz9lptpedSMp_v7deZ7Q46RhYjOMtYoRDSoqYJvXvSvHodNr_O-P50MxMUaZke7lhuMvOkO8ZYSSPmFfDY5iECQWSs/s320/2015-05-20+15.10.27-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Buddy was super snuggly all day, even sat hugging my belly, think he knew Walt was coming</td></tr>
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Kyle got home from church and we played a few rounds of Mario Kart on the Wii (yes we are super cool) and then I went into a weird "I need to clean everything right now" mode. Kyle, being super sweet, sent me to bed and said he would take care of cleaning things up. I went to bed around 10:30 and just couldn't get comfortable. I took a Benadryl but still couldn't fall asleep. My contractions had picked up and I felt like I had to pee every time I had one, so I was in the bathroom like every 10 minutes. Finally I just went out and watched some TV and Kyle came out there with me. After about 20 minutes I told him he should go to bed, thinking something might come of these contractions and he would need the rest. After he went to bed I sat on the exercise ball and tried to find something to watch that would distract me--I settled on Friends but barely made it half way through an episode before the contractions started getting a lot stronger.<br />
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I decided to go take a bath and see if that would calm things down (really not wanted to have another false labor trip to the hospital). I sat in the bath and listened to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/struggle-pretty/id860285900" target="_blank">Penny & Sparrow's Struggle Pretty</a> album. The contractions stayed pretty consistent in the bath but I still wasn't convinced I was in labor. Kyle had woken up and came in to check on me, I told him I wasn't sure if this was the real thing but I would let him know and told him to go back to sleep. (He later told me he knew I was in labor at that point and couldn't fall back asleep) Not too long after that I had three contractions back to back, maybe 10 seconds in between each one. That's when I knew this was happening. I got out of the bath and told Kyle "this is real, I'm in labor." And then I sat on the toilet which sounds strange but it was one of the only places I felt comfortable during contractions.<br />
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Kyle brought me water and helped me breath through the contractions. He put a call in to the on-call midwife to check with her what we should be looking for before we head to the hospital. She called him back and he talked to her for awhile and told her what was going on. Then she asked to talk to me, I had two contractions while I was on the phone with her. She said she would let the nurses know we would probably be in soon, but that I could stay home and labor there longer if I felt comfortable with that. I wanted to be at home still, the contractions were intense but not unbearable. I tried to move back to the exercise ball but it wasn't comfortable. I ended up leaning on it and Kyle used a scarf to lift on my stomach with each contraction. I went back to the toilet for a bit while Kyle started getting all of our bags moved close to the door. Around 5 I decided it was time to head to the hospital, the contractions were getting very intense and I wasn't looking forward to car ride and the last thing I wanted was to sit in traffic. Kyle opened the garage door to load the bags and it was POURING, he came and asked me if I wanted to wait for the storm to pass before we headed out. I think I gave him my "are you joking?" stare and said "no, we are going now."<br />
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So we headed to the hospital. I don't remember much about that drive--I stared out the window and focused on breathing through each contraction. The rain died down a little on the trip out there. We pulled up to the Labor & Delivery area and it started pouring even harder than it was before. Running while in labor isn't really an option, but I walked quickly with the umbrella and made it inside right as another contraction hit and I had to stop to make it through.<br />
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Part 2 to follow cause I have to go take care of this cutie...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Spoiler alert, he's enters the world in Part 2 and I fall in love</td></tr>
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-80756088278007517242014-09-06T19:28:00.000-05:002014-09-06T19:30:43.722-05:00Coffee Mug RacksI love coffee, I don't think that is any secret. I also love coffee mugs, I have a pretty good collection of them. In our rent house I had a coffee hutch that worked out great, unfortunately the hutch doesn't fit in the kitchen at our new house. I found this great black buffet table from Target to put my coffee maker on and our microwave. You can see it in the final picture, but not the full piece.<br />
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I was still searching for a place for all my coffee mugs. I didn't want them to be in a cabinet cause I love having them out <span style="font-size: x-small;">and we don't have any extra cabinet space. </span>After searching Pinterest, my usual problem solving routine, I found a really awesome option on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158800193/silver-painted-reclaimed-wood-mug-holder?ref=market" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
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While I love the concept, I need way more than four hooks and the price is pretty steep. So I set out to make one on my own. I wanted mine to be horizontal and have lots of hooks on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn1nmWTOFlBtPkWV6XA88Mjq3v28LzU6u3bW9GpbJyvDf8U-pj56tusNs4wo_FFFVM4WxeR_hyphenhyphenPhGc0RRmOx3FqfXojW7pmuMNaur0e2O44iI5IHJkYuS2zTymAVzava_e7JEsaRRsxM0/s1600/2014-09-06+14.12.01-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn1nmWTOFlBtPkWV6XA88Mjq3v28LzU6u3bW9GpbJyvDf8U-pj56tusNs4wo_FFFVM4WxeR_hyphenhyphenPhGc0RRmOx3FqfXojW7pmuMNaur0e2O44iI5IHJkYuS2zTymAVzava_e7JEsaRRsxM0/s1600/2014-09-06+14.12.01-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Found Furring wood at Lowe's and had them cut it into two 38" pieces. I wanted it to look more distressed so I used the crazy looking letter opener in the corner to make some notches in the wood. Then I sanded down the edges and started staining.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tKoA1o4_057qi3t4c7-dp5Wa8hdpJTTWtv77gQ1Hc64X-oC9m1wXpF5clKrSV2o82CuuKIVvrblckCcX2UIuoaLV6HIK7eJNkXacLPLJKpUzJVNihZu-WxNlxacfeX7A5uwW6s7_HGSP/s1600/2014-09-06+14.13.28-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tKoA1o4_057qi3t4c7-dp5Wa8hdpJTTWtv77gQ1Hc64X-oC9m1wXpF5clKrSV2o82CuuKIVvrblckCcX2UIuoaLV6HIK7eJNkXacLPLJKpUzJVNihZu-WxNlxacfeX7A5uwW6s7_HGSP/s1600/2014-09-06+14.13.28-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love grey, it's my favorite color when decorating. I would paint the whole house grey if it didn't cost an arm and a leg to paint. I guess we are sticking with the tan for now, but anyways--I found this grey stain and loved it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg0U89MMGMsDbQPQdScaoKFFiq_8f1E57kSIIc8uPQlycIU-3MX0-6iu9ntufzHLsCdZYv8f990_Pz_L7lJY-b_IJPlsP3dVH1KGEQhqt27cyL4BYn0wB66hqP_HceNUjbUgnqII0Kxkv/s1600/2014-09-06+14.23.08-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg0U89MMGMsDbQPQdScaoKFFiq_8f1E57kSIIc8uPQlycIU-3MX0-6iu9ntufzHLsCdZYv8f990_Pz_L7lJY-b_IJPlsP3dVH1KGEQhqt27cyL4BYn0wB66hqP_HceNUjbUgnqII0Kxkv/s1600/2014-09-06+14.23.08-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used very little stain in order to still see the wood grain through it. I basically dipped the brush and then got as much off of it as I could before I lightly brushed it on the wood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGl3nuIWg7a8l5p4_JByt7hlXbeKvmtQW79iFdOVMa0hlM_nx_24NQ-luZmERTrcyjbn-TerT0gk2aWVdKT_S3Mbr_Kc4o6z1obJY0uqQN3dOW96uxc2viK8A5mrvE60d_MHQLNKv5Klc/s1600/2014-09-06+17.04.30-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGl3nuIWg7a8l5p4_JByt7hlXbeKvmtQW79iFdOVMa0hlM_nx_24NQ-luZmERTrcyjbn-TerT0gk2aWVdKT_S3Mbr_Kc4o6z1obJY0uqQN3dOW96uxc2viK8A5mrvE60d_MHQLNKv5Klc/s1600/2014-09-06+17.04.30-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I tried to evenly space the hooks and make them even so I made a pretty low grade jig. The hooks weren't all even or at the same level but I think they turned out great.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YSPBcIup-iWftsfaUKLXvn6b7SetiYf367AiBMPfyRlFXhUnQ3t-7wW0v1CC70Ufo66LAwPApBy8t1kMpVTwwpWV581YI2-1zsIgHnShEPakafTNgGQXjUefgl_3Jyj6Tmp4INzI-ikq/s1600/2014-09-06+17.05.59-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YSPBcIup-iWftsfaUKLXvn6b7SetiYf367AiBMPfyRlFXhUnQ3t-7wW0v1CC70Ufo66LAwPApBy8t1kMpVTwwpWV581YI2-1zsIgHnShEPakafTNgGQXjUefgl_3Jyj6Tmp4INzI-ikq/s1600/2014-09-06+17.05.59-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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This electric screwdriver helped me out a lot! We have no extra batteries at the house right now and it was definitely dying by the end but it made it through and I was thankful for that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlL9l36Y7KsHP4O-Kgj5JbWcIq6zFz0hyphenhyphena1st5C49VnPSyD8PZQmn53oM_Ye4CSPtLzovsMgtaMLwr_NSKg3YMprKzkHHcX3sUAIYGsHWnuOTIYcev7hQr_8W5OokmO_bAVmip_I3K-8p/s1600/2014-09-06+16.39.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlL9l36Y7KsHP4O-Kgj5JbWcIq6zFz0hyphenhyphena1st5C49VnPSyD8PZQmn53oM_Ye4CSPtLzovsMgtaMLwr_NSKg3YMprKzkHHcX3sUAIYGsHWnuOTIYcev7hQr_8W5OokmO_bAVmip_I3K-8p/s1600/2014-09-06+16.39.11.jpg" height="120" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the finished product! I think it turned out great! The hooks ended up being about 3.5" apart. I have quite a few small mugs so it worked good, but if you only have regular sized mugs you probably want to go around 4" apart.<br />
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The second one rack went a lot faster than the first cause I had figured it out already. Kyle added the Lego barista mini fig to the bottom rack for fun. I love having all my mugs out on display, lots of them were gifts and it's fun to be able to look at them everyday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wpgmj4khUrAYreSeo3X071wXOiKI9ZQ3B7xFUOdDGPr3mPl6bUj8hnEez6iEg5f1XhUVJ0_7jTDEuUBAuoGapo4_xvlouo4S9oMmYPXiLKhq4277RDVRo4MPdw5ek3o6yQHimwbg1-35/s1600/2014-09-06+17.34.57-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wpgmj4khUrAYreSeo3X071wXOiKI9ZQ3B7xFUOdDGPr3mPl6bUj8hnEez6iEg5f1XhUVJ0_7jTDEuUBAuoGapo4_xvlouo4S9oMmYPXiLKhq4277RDVRo4MPdw5ek3o6yQHimwbg1-35/s1600/2014-09-06+17.34.57-2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is the finished product. I used 10 hooks on each rack, so there are a total of 20 hooks. And...I still have more mugs, I told you I have a lot! We <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Kyle and my dad)</span> are going to move the light switch around the corner and then I will make one more rack to go below those. Then I should have all my coffee mugs out!<br />
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Our house already feels like home, and it's been fun to think of little projects. We have a lot more things we want to do but I was really excited about getting these coffee mug racks done!<br />
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-61725963318610822532014-07-05T09:32:00.001-05:002014-07-05T09:32:44.205-05:00Friday AdventuresI skipped a few weeks of doing Friday Adventures, but I guess that happens!<br />
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Kyle had to go into work for a little while in the morning so I got some stuff done around the house and watched a couple episodes of Chuck on Nexflix--it's my new favorite! I also looked through dessert possibilities before settling on Strawberry Shortcake, seemed very patriotic!<br />
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Once Kyle got home we headed out, we went to Target just for fun, then to Petsmart to get Buddy a few little presents cause his birthday is coming up soon, and then we were planning on going to Walmart. Apparently Walmart on the 4th of July is a madhouse, so we skipped out on that idea pretty quickly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patriotic outfits in the Lego aisle at Target</td></tr>
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We also got some fun treats at Sonic for happy hour. When we got home I needed a quick nap, so I laid down for a bit. Kyle came to wake me up and then Buddy decided he could fit right between us...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4Ru_PiZzJSzCMoa-v6XpzRThfOoxAvkydp7tN0Ac-PT5UDQhLDXHgRQCHn50rvGAWxDGt53rMYo_HwhMxuWG7aS1CfIizK7FyeMsE-C6K9HFmJzuea3sm7S-P2XCgfAqt9gHYcbbgYTD/s1600/2014-07-04+15.25.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4Ru_PiZzJSzCMoa-v6XpzRThfOoxAvkydp7tN0Ac-PT5UDQhLDXHgRQCHn50rvGAWxDGt53rMYo_HwhMxuWG7aS1CfIizK7FyeMsE-C6K9HFmJzuea3sm7S-P2XCgfAqt9gHYcbbgYTD/s1600/2014-07-04+15.25.42.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Pic</td></tr>
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We headed over to my parents to grill out for dinner. Buddy really hates car rides, but he loves going to see his friend Jo (and my parents) so he's been doing better in the car lately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNkPKcACLuR5EI3DcR8QxNFT26wYvVGYdmguc8S9fDP-S-bcbYBbIQeBFr301Bw7HQaCyjnqZtY3pfsTl4BZmEMibz5e-ZaZamVE7IaCCWW-jmEtimTsIoa8G__hMJ74gtNi6bTDtei8y/s1600/2014-07-04+15.42.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNkPKcACLuR5EI3DcR8QxNFT26wYvVGYdmguc8S9fDP-S-bcbYBbIQeBFr301Bw7HQaCyjnqZtY3pfsTl4BZmEMibz5e-ZaZamVE7IaCCWW-jmEtimTsIoa8G__hMJ74gtNi6bTDtei8y/s1600/2014-07-04+15.42.37.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He actually looks happy to be in the car, not sure that's true</td></tr>
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We hung out at my parents, ran to Kroger (which was much less crazy than Walmart) and I made the shortcakes for dessert.<br />
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We had burgers and hot dogs for dinner, very American! I didn't take any pics of dinner, probably cause I was hungry! After dinner we drove past the house my parents put an offer on, it's a really nice neighborhood! My brother was being crazy at this point, note the looks on our faces...<br />
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Then back home for dessert! It was delicious, I love Strawberry Shortcake--especially with this kind of shortcake biscuit instead of the spongy store bought cakes.<br />
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Hope your Friday was great! I have to brave Walmart today since I chickened out yesterday...making another dessert today so I'm sure there will be pictures on <a href="https://twitter.com/MaddieCakesTX" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/maddienieman" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so make sure to follow me there to see them! And if you missed my last post about Maddie Cakes, check it <a href="http://alightthatshines.blogspot.com/2014/07/maddie-cakes.html" target="_blank">out</a>! Send me an <a href="mailto:maddiecakestx@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> if you want to order some goodies!<br />
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MMaddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-42412142969458983642014-07-02T16:40:00.003-05:002014-07-02T16:40:44.520-05:00Maddie CakesI've always loved to bake and my newest adventure involves baking. Introducing Maddie Cakes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlCk3prQ4MpIRbwQadtAiUvgkDUymcst5XhCyTfiIKPrJApOJEvmfCRGStQPRJ6i0_5DUQvRxL8gICIxMQCX2EaGfzph5HqdVRqXx9j2pq7kP4j0e_ePSrw65UWQh89bllOhyphenhyphenGx_3W2pZ/s1600/2014-06-28+19.58.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlCk3prQ4MpIRbwQadtAiUvgkDUymcst5XhCyTfiIKPrJApOJEvmfCRGStQPRJ6i0_5DUQvRxL8gICIxMQCX2EaGfzph5HqdVRqXx9j2pq7kP4j0e_ePSrw65UWQh89bllOhyphenhyphenGx_3W2pZ/s1600/2014-06-28+19.58.50.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been making treats and goodies for family and friends for a long time. Lately I've gotten into making cake balls and they have turned out really well. For my birthday Kyle designed my logo and business cards, he's so talented! We are working on putting a website together, but for now if you are interested in ordering some goodies send me an <a href="mailto:maddiecakestx@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi Colored Pastel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkIWzIF_f7L1Vl8LvPd6F1JybX-wo6THw70bE6H2hLKynXhxJ2SfrJgok4o2rei1ol5Ow-wPPGTyLTNiSZY2lE4UrMq9YWmSbM8PvnSddW4nPaPOaKhW_n2TMw-c8lC0vz1IDFVR0aAbd/s1600/cakeballs-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkIWzIF_f7L1Vl8LvPd6F1JybX-wo6THw70bE6H2hLKynXhxJ2SfrJgok4o2rei1ol5Ow-wPPGTyLTNiSZY2lE4UrMq9YWmSbM8PvnSddW4nPaPOaKhW_n2TMw-c8lC0vz1IDFVR0aAbd/s1600/cakeballs-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red, White & Blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1deuAEAcExRZSO_BoschE_yNIfnj3VuTRB5mYZe5qEIm1x-LryKsEYFnzVID1aL6Zb69IHzwyYodyS_M1EAW63ts2ef6hrY66ntfK7TSIvoMu7QpFvclXrwgaGMO4YrECn3DkOcYQM3HX/s1600/cakeballs-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1deuAEAcExRZSO_BoschE_yNIfnj3VuTRB5mYZe5qEIm1x-LryKsEYFnzVID1aL6Zb69IHzwyYodyS_M1EAW63ts2ef6hrY66ntfK7TSIvoMu7QpFvclXrwgaGMO4YrECn3DkOcYQM3HX/s1600/cakeballs-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Cake Covered in White Chocolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJFf9YyiUpS8rBVJL6_5NeT9BSxq2dW367ih3rJGvULMa9FlXVzlgX8RCQRqMb8u6d3pUw0ixNnAaUX4IXsgXD7wkgqmlamYaGT5Fveoyuu8ScvZQvM6BPtBmylNqb-CsrNK4Y4_r0Vxe/s1600/cakeballs-4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJFf9YyiUpS8rBVJL6_5NeT9BSxq2dW367ih3rJGvULMa9FlXVzlgX8RCQRqMb8u6d3pUw0ixNnAaUX4IXsgXD7wkgqmlamYaGT5Fveoyuu8ScvZQvM6BPtBmylNqb-CsrNK4Y4_r0Vxe/s1600/cakeballs-4b.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Yellow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAhkLYsZ6OhkkObXTYkYe1ju1xLxdpJfjR7BuLIeTJ_qq-1rJtpsZdP_DFUY3MH_p0BxHRFvlpg_6bkaoK3gEPozyttp6UMhjMcB6v2PPhOImGXGSU0o8T_FcsOQwAAbIK6qOw9ZJXBSc/s1600/cakeballs-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAhkLYsZ6OhkkObXTYkYe1ju1xLxdpJfjR7BuLIeTJ_qq-1rJtpsZdP_DFUY3MH_p0BxHRFvlpg_6bkaoK3gEPozyttp6UMhjMcB6v2PPhOImGXGSU0o8T_FcsOQwAAbIK6qOw9ZJXBSc/s1600/cakeballs-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Brown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PGOCxWr9xFYXApM58jZdbS6Kfahq3mfhpZ-8faHal3vd1BHzvIaLpQwlHstGpDSpmzjxZ5IguIAt1HoASLHrWKEWbUftMqM6bbBwxeQjW6qr_9ipMtT0SFd4UXTmuqgWUcFAZ0Lao4Wn/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PGOCxWr9xFYXApM58jZdbS6Kfahq3mfhpZ-8faHal3vd1BHzvIaLpQwlHstGpDSpmzjxZ5IguIAt1HoASLHrWKEWbUftMqM6bbBwxeQjW6qr_9ipMtT0SFd4UXTmuqgWUcFAZ0Lao4Wn/s1600/cookies.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2q3LyuPpyeG5k96kcuAA_nSteRVkcOmoXRJcXsYS1UiG1W1ENR0fSLS9OCHJ4jUiHb2tg7KCKLBGGlEKD4gwp2pJmoOmvEQgrDJwjKW7IPQAZk6VpwKur7w7Ee8Iw6nMKpGflGfkmwQf/s1600/mini-loaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2q3LyuPpyeG5k96kcuAA_nSteRVkcOmoXRJcXsYS1UiG1W1ENR0fSLS9OCHJ4jUiHb2tg7KCKLBGGlEKD4gwp2pJmoOmvEQgrDJwjKW7IPQAZk6VpwKur7w7Ee8Iw6nMKpGflGfkmwQf/s1600/mini-loaves.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Banana Bread Loaves</td></tr>
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<br />Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-14568535974758999492014-06-14T10:01:00.000-05:002014-06-14T10:01:26.769-05:00Friday Adventures--involving flying!Two weeks in a row of my Friday Adventures post being done on time, that's a pretty good streak! Last week my dad took Kyle up flying and he asked me if I wanted to go this week so that's exactly what happened!<br />
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Kyle and I headed over to Hick's Airfield to meet my parents. My mom gave my dad flying lessons for his birthday a few years ago and she agreed that if he got his license she would go up with him. (Side note: my mom hates flying) She stayed true to her word and flew from Northwest airport in Roanoke to Hick's Airfield and met us for breakfast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozh4z06pv2zl959sxl4IyYNGDU5yA5Li9_T70Ald-4fW1jv5iA7PE7JU7-X6hL53bgsftTFjVeLWg1431amwZeGRjSKHX_Py5rqgu7EHOQzPWiYF9F_GZ_HTTWtW52sfU2xszQuOKzNiD/s1600/2014-06-13+08.19.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozh4z06pv2zl959sxl4IyYNGDU5yA5Li9_T70Ald-4fW1jv5iA7PE7JU7-X6hL53bgsftTFjVeLWg1431amwZeGRjSKHX_Py5rqgu7EHOQzPWiYF9F_GZ_HTTWtW52sfU2xszQuOKzNiD/s1600/2014-06-13+08.19.15.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Kyle to run in the church and pick something up</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfwkq6KO-MAQmokQmkA9x-FPEeq2PVm4VlaDe1KpnwrBwp40dnyaaUTph1pBkvncCGv5_6SqXPsI10dIzrarwwdyXyJmDJdTAQNP7HPGGTQQl2kD86Wchq7nLugA46YYeddYluPxk4Dsc/s1600/2014-06-13+08.44.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfwkq6KO-MAQmokQmkA9x-FPEeq2PVm4VlaDe1KpnwrBwp40dnyaaUTph1pBkvncCGv5_6SqXPsI10dIzrarwwdyXyJmDJdTAQNP7HPGGTQQl2kD86Wchq7nLugA46YYeddYluPxk4Dsc/s1600/2014-06-13+08.44.40.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking our coffee at the Beacon Cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPptyONeqb77SSE21M87uKD1_A_2EM-PVCP51aAukLK5q172NJDIW-O-w-d7LsP4CzxAKWswHnMHh97gM_qaiif03BWnFRNh4Wq5E0rZu6VqRvsrvMpz6HlnoNRoKVBYdiBBHGpXuZCTR/s1600/2014-06-13+08.45.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPptyONeqb77SSE21M87uKD1_A_2EM-PVCP51aAukLK5q172NJDIW-O-w-d7LsP4CzxAKWswHnMHh97gM_qaiif03BWnFRNh4Wq5E0rZu6VqRvsrvMpz6HlnoNRoKVBYdiBBHGpXuZCTR/s1600/2014-06-13+08.45.51.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty awesome to be waiting for my parents to <i>fly</i> in for breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3HGgLJ4zLTugwtbh3WlFFuT32M7_bfiVQAxCVTFAIIssnC-aTZDuIZRKKWfDx7M47rexIcoyspqpRLda2xI6HpNqNezp6EL-nafRG4PxqL3u3Iv0MJ8XcK2RLkKIyWHt5o4R0QiU2rHi/s1600/2014-06-13+08.57.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3HGgLJ4zLTugwtbh3WlFFuT32M7_bfiVQAxCVTFAIIssnC-aTZDuIZRKKWfDx7M47rexIcoyspqpRLda2xI6HpNqNezp6EL-nafRG4PxqL3u3Iv0MJ8XcK2RLkKIyWHt5o4R0QiU2rHi/s1600/2014-06-13+08.57.43.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad was flying</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjj05Qoqmxw0kzBRjYMhqzLo8EcjNrL08WAsF4R5vyPG51B4_l5Er2PqN9b6sIdSUMOqUfdu9phONcmAMmbDYIEPVqB3d0zze3CsCtArXqNsPQFWPUnHFxAZkFKJ-oWaTvYOp9v4fIpSk/s1600/2014-06-13+09.03.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjj05Qoqmxw0kzBRjYMhqzLo8EcjNrL08WAsF4R5vyPG51B4_l5Er2PqN9b6sIdSUMOqUfdu9phONcmAMmbDYIEPVqB3d0zze3CsCtArXqNsPQFWPUnHFxAZkFKJ-oWaTvYOp9v4fIpSk/s1600/2014-06-13+09.03.56.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how cute they are!</td></tr>
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We ate at the <a href="http://www.thebeaconcafe.com/" target="_blank">Beacon Cafe</a>, which was delicious! It's right off the runway and we sat outside so we could watch the planes take off and land. I didn't take any pictures of my food sadly, but it was awesome! I got the breakfast tacos, Kyle had the pecan pancakes, Dad had the old fashion pancakes, and mom had the classic breakfast.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-1CrozrPNSjtWapVTX19_nOnLDgac8fII-KDpv1GivKVJkcm6dPDd22-NMIklMO7-p3FBMuacTho5y2LTSeB83TJkSI2Zx15eHLRMkX0WoypOBEMi6xUcApyrYRR7VQUJE6pp5PxH11w/s1600/2014-06-14+09.44.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-1CrozrPNSjtWapVTX19_nOnLDgac8fII-KDpv1GivKVJkcm6dPDd22-NMIklMO7-p3FBMuacTho5y2LTSeB83TJkSI2Zx15eHLRMkX0WoypOBEMi6xUcApyrYRR7VQUJE6pp5PxH11w/s1600/2014-06-14+09.44.45.png" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the breakfast menu</td></tr>
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After breakfast dad took me flying--it was very awesome! We headed to Decatur to fill up the plane and then had to return the plane to Northwest, so my mom and Kyle drove to Roanoke to meet us. I think my mom was quite relieved to not have to fly again. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAaxCBtq-_xkzjIwUUIMt0FTaFKDRnc9aCeA2FInL6_wlnrZwlKfr8HxGSeYpOSiihuM2MdcOZZMVk_3mz0mIYfeVMA_Ni8iDlpBmbknCPSfOxLmX1ZeeOQgQCqyb67IVFfrAY3VLGwNm/s1600/2014-06-13+09.52.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAaxCBtq-_xkzjIwUUIMt0FTaFKDRnc9aCeA2FInL6_wlnrZwlKfr8HxGSeYpOSiihuM2MdcOZZMVk_3mz0mIYfeVMA_Ni8iDlpBmbknCPSfOxLmX1ZeeOQgQCqyb67IVFfrAY3VLGwNm/s1600/2014-06-13+09.52.42.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie with the plane while dad was doing pre-flight checks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlVXguR0RNdSHltUbsek5mZQpZ1r51qCCF4dtN6258Es4shyphenhyphenOFCWBpl4cdT7_dadNLw0OSXCDph2HSn6dX7-V0Mp9urfsXA0Ltpr6RYfwvcnUK9Q6YWDOXIWdh4JPv6PUI-5yq2jjFPbG/s1600/2014-06-13+10.12.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlVXguR0RNdSHltUbsek5mZQpZ1r51qCCF4dtN6258Es4shyphenhyphenOFCWBpl4cdT7_dadNLw0OSXCDph2HSn6dX7-V0Mp9urfsXA0Ltpr6RYfwvcnUK9Q6YWDOXIWdh4JPv6PUI-5yq2jjFPbG/s1600/2014-06-13+10.12.55.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think we were over Rhome when I took this picture</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpbaxP1g2qbGeJNsoPor2JHtvXk6ZIrrgu7_e-cCGXAlp2aCDjes0GvqElPJfx4VqGRmYNtqgqgS_IS0ZCw7DKmzTK5AJ6PxKmF6Ij0MNPOxTFjB1oSrZUq7eD0wEmF45gSKHI5tC2hLt/s1600/2014-06-13+10.13.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpbaxP1g2qbGeJNsoPor2JHtvXk6ZIrrgu7_e-cCGXAlp2aCDjes0GvqElPJfx4VqGRmYNtqgqgS_IS0ZCw7DKmzTK5AJ6PxKmF6Ij0MNPOxTFjB1oSrZUq7eD0wEmF45gSKHI5tC2hLt/s1600/2014-06-13+10.13.01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the controls, there are so many!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKWxogWOhqquuPN62fUFVHQ4TTovr53gMyB981PI0xL5DqqrPmsbJ1QzI-fbfei-Y1gJnTb-UpPinUQcnHrKbxeOwiMtXI8oeMC5puMCu8EPvNpJtDB4gmY_5n-EYvXqDDWHiWAXZM2B_/s1600/2014-06-13+10.44.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKWxogWOhqquuPN62fUFVHQ4TTovr53gMyB981PI0xL5DqqrPmsbJ1QzI-fbfei-Y1gJnTb-UpPinUQcnHrKbxeOwiMtXI8oeMC5puMCu8EPvNpJtDB4gmY_5n-EYvXqDDWHiWAXZM2B_/s1600/2014-06-13+10.44.35.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Decatur Airport Terminal</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh_tVRlhDXWtBwcoBPzNi2mAPiomPOe-1tsoO1KdB-tXcss1c40kBBGA0nCAbA12Ioai-jR4VD57tWVnJD5RMcu5bvKtA1k9wuIWVQjrto4sMS9clVmn_Spspt4C_xGStnYEMKPPBqfCl/s1600/2014-06-13+10.49.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh_tVRlhDXWtBwcoBPzNi2mAPiomPOe-1tsoO1KdB-tXcss1c40kBBGA0nCAbA12Ioai-jR4VD57tWVnJD5RMcu5bvKtA1k9wuIWVQjrto4sMS9clVmn_Spspt4C_xGStnYEMKPPBqfCl/s1600/2014-06-13+10.49.39.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's impossible to take a good picture with those headphones on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzl4WoZnwNaisbkUHTAna7Yn3kfJFqkA6iK46fXzJLQulVYraCGe2SukuKDEBrMkGdRyv0KiYxtMOVjJ2XHUPN9U0kKAomoTJeVuZjoZJQTvsfOiGrNtGCwWS0B7pOV5xuN4adsj_-P29/s1600/2014-06-13+11.11.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzl4WoZnwNaisbkUHTAna7Yn3kfJFqkA6iK46fXzJLQulVYraCGe2SukuKDEBrMkGdRyv0KiYxtMOVjJ2XHUPN9U0kKAomoTJeVuZjoZJQTvsfOiGrNtGCwWS0B7pOV5xuN4adsj_-P29/s1600/2014-06-13+11.11.02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Motor Speedway in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VDZ3RoqIWeM1ozy3JsTEaSvrpzfFol0Qa0DcB4R279y_PImjVdNiRTEGqKSdh0kKmdoNkZqYMTS5v_cWasHeV5IuBWXGG034DPhZQ1UFVBQyDpDIiT7e5U5DBjzR62gUGTJCNwgUSKLO/s1600/2014-06-13+11.11.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VDZ3RoqIWeM1ozy3JsTEaSvrpzfFol0Qa0DcB4R279y_PImjVdNiRTEGqKSdh0kKmdoNkZqYMTS5v_cWasHeV5IuBWXGG034DPhZQ1UFVBQyDpDIiT7e5U5DBjzR62gUGTJCNwgUSKLO/s1600/2014-06-13+11.11.12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad was concentrating</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1f740C8BmAeDV_nPXCRNFTADWxK5TIAZbl9vXBp3rSmuC2c6yymUfWX1hB_F_3PwxE0siSncdFe1bJV_OaXEAhv_OBw6txG_TgND7W0aH5oUFLO_BcRgmJv0GqTZfqy4Rz39zx319iT2/s1600/2014-06-13+11.15.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1f740C8BmAeDV_nPXCRNFTADWxK5TIAZbl9vXBp3rSmuC2c6yymUfWX1hB_F_3PwxE0siSncdFe1bJV_OaXEAhv_OBw6txG_TgND7W0aH5oUFLO_BcRgmJv0GqTZfqy4Rz39zx319iT2/s1600/2014-06-13+11.15.44.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I waited til we were safely on the ground before taking a pic with the pilot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpM1NXavpXqCBm-wf3CFhbmJhPzAddr9fq6AJxXzP4OPh1RYzwtrmLz4fO97LWDtdx-iAzqsF-AJUdbjUIMitlnWR44OSJ7kc8xHZzm0btrwoEyo7KuWKTvxtH3DnyJ-CLbxP2zrEL5HB/s1600/2014-06-13+11.17.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpM1NXavpXqCBm-wf3CFhbmJhPzAddr9fq6AJxXzP4OPh1RYzwtrmLz4fO97LWDtdx-iAzqsF-AJUdbjUIMitlnWR44OSJ7kc8xHZzm0btrwoEyo7KuWKTvxtH3DnyJ-CLbxP2zrEL5HB/s1600/2014-06-13+11.17.13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kyle in front of the plane</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh-Zz4MRp06WCW1GZle1Lr7EqyGX_cyvZmi07zk_jUZ-X0Zs7RNgNqeWHBI9tcfNM3oNUJMOq4MgKxnnP3tOYd4AFjm7NcIvyJhp6a7MncGzb7bNTB_UaQ3Ctl774ZjbUNqb0fE-NFLXL/s1600/2014-06-13+11.21.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh-Zz4MRp06WCW1GZle1Lr7EqyGX_cyvZmi07zk_jUZ-X0Zs7RNgNqeWHBI9tcfNM3oNUJMOq4MgKxnnP3tOYd4AFjm7NcIvyJhp6a7MncGzb7bNTB_UaQ3Ctl774ZjbUNqb0fE-NFLXL/s1600/2014-06-13+11.21.31.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and me in front of the plane he flew!</td></tr>
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Kyle is doing a 30-hour famine with the student ministry, something World Vision has organized over the years. You can read about the details <a href="http://30hourfamine.org/?cons_id=0&ts=1402757551&signature=56f45ea4468b22601b0f814d893b48b3" target="_blank">here</a>. He couldn't eat after 12:30, so even though we had a late breakfast, and he wasn't really hungry, we had to get him a snack before the cut off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJJuldN2pir3K3t-UMr0P2o3EkFDmX2rbzuPj54tE3N3QZ4xSXy4Mw6yLHldtapv-yCQDmOguODfGCKx_2_qyRuOyNAztLyP9UMlelpriwkxe3CIKnS88NPF4_XLeU8H-InzzNgaFB2La/s1600/2014-06-13+12.08.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJJuldN2pir3K3t-UMr0P2o3EkFDmX2rbzuPj54tE3N3QZ4xSXy4Mw6yLHldtapv-yCQDmOguODfGCKx_2_qyRuOyNAztLyP9UMlelpriwkxe3CIKnS88NPF4_XLeU8H-InzzNgaFB2La/s1600/2014-06-13+12.08.44.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled chicken wrap from Wendy's was the final decision</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lunch was a green smoothie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle and Buddy spent some time playing after we got home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UB3E0LYmPO4swHofzUsNZNLe2FupJF3HyLsyzLv7tmmPsvhLVI_lu1PB9c1FIcQcWK8WhlpWBHtCxZcJQZ4j9GVMlGeVQk2kY7sfj_gNpYm5dgDC6HKRYerQOkPnprupOXCtlV1SbJne/s1600/2014-06-13+14.49.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UB3E0LYmPO4swHofzUsNZNLe2FupJF3HyLsyzLv7tmmPsvhLVI_lu1PB9c1FIcQcWK8WhlpWBHtCxZcJQZ4j9GVMlGeVQk2kY7sfj_gNpYm5dgDC6HKRYerQOkPnprupOXCtlV1SbJne/s1600/2014-06-13+14.49.56.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Kyle headed out, Bud rested while I read</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-EO7kBR5i8RyrN2MDHogJSV17d9AlbmE3NIO-aZLMchHQ730b-2hGt6xSDh-25SAHC-dlnZlvR7fxThSShmFEqEedkC2E4DqvgkwkTRibzlUPokqzb3SjHSWiBews6-GCH4t3uU401wB/s1600/2014-06-13+16.17.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-EO7kBR5i8RyrN2MDHogJSV17d9AlbmE3NIO-aZLMchHQ730b-2hGt6xSDh-25SAHC-dlnZlvR7fxThSShmFEqEedkC2E4DqvgkwkTRibzlUPokqzb3SjHSWiBews6-GCH4t3uU401wB/s1600/2014-06-13+16.17.28.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then we both rested, can you see how long his legs are stretched out?</td></tr>
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The rest of the night was pretty low-key. Kyle was gone so Bud and I hung out--I did laundry and planned out meals for next week. Then we went to the park for a nice walk, and I had a mug brownie when I got back. If you've never tried a mug brownie here is a <a href="http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/two-minute-mug-brownie/" target="_blank">link</a> to the recipe I use. I usually half the recipe, cause it makes plenty and it definitely needs ice cream.<br />
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Maddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8712388119616772870.post-41968683035045562892014-06-07T09:21:00.002-05:002014-06-07T09:21:47.136-05:00Friday Adventures (on time this week!)This week has been much less busy than the past few. Our Friday was much more relaxed which is what both of us needed, but it was still filled with adventures!<br />
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We woke up and pretty much headed out the door. As I mentioned last week, my dad got his pilot's license and Kyle has always said that he wanted to go flying with him once he got his license. So they had flight time scheduled for Friday morning. Bud and I headed over to my parents house with him so that we could hang out for the day. (And so I could lay by a pool that wasn't filled with elementary school kids on their first day of summer break)<br />
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I brought some coffee and breakfast with me, since I didn't get a chance to eat before we left. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(We both overslept)</span><br />
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Dad showed Kyle the route they were planning on taking and told him about the restrictions different airports have. They were both so excited to go out!<br />
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While the boys were gone I headed to the gym, cause I miss the Keller 24 hour fitness so much. It's just better than the one by us. Then I ran to Tom Thumb to grab stuff to make dinner. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Another luxury we don't have...no Tom Thumbs or Kroger in this area!)</span><br />
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Did a little bit of time on the elliptical, this was my run on the treadmill (I did walk for some of it) and then I went and did some more leg work outs.<br />
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I ran to the store, all sweaty, I'm sure people think I'm gross when I do that but I really don't care. Then went back to my parents house to start some BBQ Pork. I cooked a lot when we lived at my parents house for a few months, and I think they miss my cooking.<br />
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My brother and his friend are doing a cleanse for some reason, so while I was making the pork I got to hear all of their funny comments. I sent them to my mom in a message...<br />
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Let's just say it's not a very strict cleanse, cause I'm pretty sure he ate pizza the night before and he ate some of the pork for dinner...<br />
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My view for the rest of the afternoon, so relaxing! I did put sunscreen on but forgot to reapply so I got a little burned but not too bad<br />
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Bud and I rested a little bit in the afternoon, Kyle took a full out nap after he got back from flying. They had an awesome time, dad let Kyle fly for awhile and he loved it. I think I'm the next one to go up with dad!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXgFsy-AL92pybILPHKcj32nqYAfHa5cod46AViqjlrRoTLwEt3_Vs0mHOA-928KR24MBN4VQO2Hv6reMChMT0wmm8U1oLfPb0yl0_4rmAxcQ5_1A_4W1Zhp13Z6deg1UIhQZKF5qS_Rq/s1600/2014-06-06+17.41.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXgFsy-AL92pybILPHKcj32nqYAfHa5cod46AViqjlrRoTLwEt3_Vs0mHOA-928KR24MBN4VQO2Hv6reMChMT0wmm8U1oLfPb0yl0_4rmAxcQ5_1A_4W1Zhp13Z6deg1UIhQZKF5qS_Rq/s1600/2014-06-06+17.41.07.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we had some BBQ Pork for dinner. It's a super easy recipe--I buy a Pork Shoulder, cut up an onion, a can of beef broth, half a can of Dr. Pepper, and a little bit of BBQ sauce in the slow cooker for about six hours and then shred it. We had it as tacos but it makes good sandwiches too!<br />
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Hope you had a great Friday and have a great weekend! I'm sitting here drinking my coffee and eating a donut. I'm also wishing donuts didn't have so many calories and that my body didn't freak out to extra sugar or I would be getting a second one. Hey, we all have to splurge every now and then right!!<br />
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MMaddie Niemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489775839314455784noreply@blogger.com0