And that was just one nostril.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sleep - Travis
I am blessed: I used to work for a company that would often fly me to different cities for conventions. Plane flights are one of my favorite things. If I was Oprah doing a favorite things episode a 6 hour plan flight that landed right where you started would be one of the prizes. The push pull girnd of security, the "let's get on with it" at the gate, the hustle and squeezing of stowing your bag and getting buckled into your seat. And then, the engines fire up, I shift just a little in my seat, and before you know it the guy sitting beside me is waking me up saying we landed and need to de-plane.
I don't know how I recieved this ability but it's not just planes: but also cars, sofas, floors, etc.. The first time Lindsay took me back to her house to meet her parents, we had gone on a hike and got to her house around 4. She went upstairs to wash the hike off and when her parents got home there I was asleep on their living room floor.
I want my son to have this ability. If I could go out and buy it I would cut back to two meals a day to save up for it. So I have this unspoken theory that babies should be put to sleep in a myriad of different ways. Unspoken because as long as a theory is not voiced no one can argue or disprove or even dissaprove of it. I guess that's a little fear or insecurity of mine not speaking this. One of the Coveys writes that the gift God gave man that he didn't give the animals is self-awareness. The ability to see ourselves from the outside in a way.
Most books will tell you that you should establish a set routine and follow it every single time you want your baby to sleep. But what do books know about raising kids. Most books are awful parents. Case in point, Take a look at nearly any sequel and see if it as good as the original. The prosecution rests.
All this is to say that I think it's a good idea to put Henry to sleep in multiple ways. Sometimes I find us getting into a rut and Henry has been doing his darndest to convince us that there is no silver bullet. One night (and you can go back through our posts to find which night) Lindsay and I tried a particular sleep method: an extravagant concoction of feeding substance and method, bathing timing and duration, and special swaddling and lighting etc., and it worked. That night Henry slept for 7 hours WooHoo. Since then we have sacrificed many or our evenings trying to duplicate, down to the breath, all that we did that night. And we have been relativly successful.
Until recently. Oh, he has still been sleeping 7ish hours, one night he woke up at 4:30 but that is not common, but each evening has become more and more difficult as we attempt to recreate that first night, almost completly against his will. See Henry doens't like that sequence very much. It makes him overtired and very cranky.
Last night we didn't have the option of performing our usual "contortions of sleep." In fact we really didn't do anything more than we do at 1 in the afternoon when he needs to sleep. And the little angel slept 8 hours for the first time.
We put him down in his crib at 11 last night and didn't hear a peep until he woke us up at 7 this morning. Nothing we did. He just slept. Thank God.
I don't know how I recieved this ability but it's not just planes: but also cars, sofas, floors, etc.. The first time Lindsay took me back to her house to meet her parents, we had gone on a hike and got to her house around 4. She went upstairs to wash the hike off and when her parents got home there I was asleep on their living room floor.
I want my son to have this ability. If I could go out and buy it I would cut back to two meals a day to save up for it. So I have this unspoken theory that babies should be put to sleep in a myriad of different ways. Unspoken because as long as a theory is not voiced no one can argue or disprove or even dissaprove of it. I guess that's a little fear or insecurity of mine not speaking this. One of the Coveys writes that the gift God gave man that he didn't give the animals is self-awareness. The ability to see ourselves from the outside in a way.
Most books will tell you that you should establish a set routine and follow it every single time you want your baby to sleep. But what do books know about raising kids. Most books are awful parents. Case in point, Take a look at nearly any sequel and see if it as good as the original. The prosecution rests.
All this is to say that I think it's a good idea to put Henry to sleep in multiple ways. Sometimes I find us getting into a rut and Henry has been doing his darndest to convince us that there is no silver bullet. One night (and you can go back through our posts to find which night) Lindsay and I tried a particular sleep method: an extravagant concoction of feeding substance and method, bathing timing and duration, and special swaddling and lighting etc., and it worked. That night Henry slept for 7 hours WooHoo. Since then we have sacrificed many or our evenings trying to duplicate, down to the breath, all that we did that night. And we have been relativly successful.
Until recently. Oh, he has still been sleeping 7ish hours, one night he woke up at 4:30 but that is not common, but each evening has become more and more difficult as we attempt to recreate that first night, almost completly against his will. See Henry doens't like that sequence very much. It makes him overtired and very cranky.
Last night we didn't have the option of performing our usual "contortions of sleep." In fact we really didn't do anything more than we do at 1 in the afternoon when he needs to sleep. And the little angel slept 8 hours for the first time.
We put him down in his crib at 11 last night and didn't hear a peep until he woke us up at 7 this morning. Nothing we did. He just slept. Thank God.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Henry laughs so much... - Travis
That he has rubbed his feet raw. Look closely for the red marks on his feet.
We have internet. - Travis
Yesterday Lindsay picked up the modem that finally got in and installed our internet all by herself while I was at work. So here I am. But some of you still don't know how I got here so let me tell the story. This will be the short form.
I'll start by letting you know that God is good. On Zack's birthday I called him and told him that I thought 26 would be a big year for us (we are 1 month and 1 day apart in age so we experience 26 at roughly the same time). Later that night my boss showed up unexpectedly and told me he had to "Let me go." Let me go (intentional pun) back a bit. When I moved to Chattanooga and became a store manager I entered a $12,500 contract. That is they gave me the money (which we used as a down payment on our house) and I signed a contract saying that if I quit within 2 years I would give the money back. Now as much as I admire this company I have wanted to quit for a while. Lindsay has said wistfully, "If we could only come up with $12,500 we could do something else." I love the company, the people who run it, and their product, but the problem with 100% commission, for those of you who haven't lived that way, is that you are only paid 100% commission. Which for three years was absolutely no problem for me. In fact we thrived. Then through no ones fault I agreed to open a new store in a new city right in the middle of the worst economic time of my life.
Back to the story it's not hard to find. Ninjas.......... Anyway this economic dip meant that every week I was being paid - Minimum Wage. Do the math and you'll find that it is hard to support a wife and son on that type of paycheck, in fact I think Morgan Spurlock did an entire documentary to prove it. So for the last couple months we have been flailing to survive but unable to make any move because of the $12,500 bounty on my head.
All this was resolved in God's perfect way by my Boss walking into the store that night and "Letting me go." See he knew my situation and because I didn't quit but instead he cut me loose I don't have to pay them any of the $12,500. I want to take a second and let you know how God has used this great company so that any of you who think, "After all he's done for them they could at least have given him a warning and not surprise him like that." First of all while I was surprised (sort of), God wasn't. Secondly as upright and full of integrity as I like to think I am, I also know that I am human. So I don't bury my head in self-righteousness and claim that I would have worked just as hard knowing I would soon leave.
When Lindsay and I got married God drew us to Denver. It was almost, in our minds, as simple as, "We want to live in mountains but not in our home town....so Denver." Even as we were leaving I said things like, "I want to raise my family in Franklin." And when I started retail, "I'll only work nights and weekends until my children are old enough to have activities for me to attend." Once we got there instead of setting us up with a fast-pace high-pressure job. God got me a job as a furniture salesman which meant that while I worked weekends I had Wednesday Thursday Friday off with Lindsay. (If you have ever been skiing in Colorado you know how advantageous it is to have week days off instead of weekends.) Also if you are newly wed and can make it only working 4 days a week I highly recomend it. While we didn't become independently wealthy. They paid us enough to live and, while it isn't very useful just now, taught me a valuable skill. Then when God wanted us to start having kids, this company paid us $4,000 to move closer to our family and then gave me the $12,500 bonus. Really all in all I have nothing to complain about.
So that night I went home to Lindsay and we decided that we had no reason to stay in Chattanooga, really in the summer it is the hottest place I have ever lived. So we thought for a while and narrowed it to Asheville and Franklin. We thought we should decide in a biblical manner so we got a quarter prayed over it and "cast lots." It was heads so we started immediately making plans to move to Franklin. (When I told this story to Justin he was surprised that heads = Franklin. If any of you had the same feeling of surprise please post a comment, for some reason I find that thought terribly interesting.) We got on the computer and found out that a software company in Franklin that I used to work for was hiring all we had to fret over was having two house payments. A few quick phone calls uncovered Gods plan for that. He had given Lindsay's Grandparents an extra house and saw too it that no one else was living there at that time.
As I told Stuart this story I was able to say that it was the best situation you could possibly be in that resulted in being unemployed and living with your in-laws. Since then I have become employed, and we have moved into this little house that Lindsay has converted into a wonderful home. Some people look down on the term "Homemaker" and while I wouldn't say it was her occupation it is none the less a very accurate description.
I apologize for the length of this post I know you don't come here to read essay's but instead to get quick updates and pictures of Henry. But some of you were asking and this in a round about way does effect Henry. From his point of view the horribly long drive he had to make to see his grandparents is now three minutes and he gets to do it a lot more often.
I'll start by letting you know that God is good. On Zack's birthday I called him and told him that I thought 26 would be a big year for us (we are 1 month and 1 day apart in age so we experience 26 at roughly the same time). Later that night my boss showed up unexpectedly and told me he had to "Let me go." Let me go (intentional pun) back a bit. When I moved to Chattanooga and became a store manager I entered a $12,500 contract. That is they gave me the money (which we used as a down payment on our house) and I signed a contract saying that if I quit within 2 years I would give the money back. Now as much as I admire this company I have wanted to quit for a while. Lindsay has said wistfully, "If we could only come up with $12,500 we could do something else." I love the company, the people who run it, and their product, but the problem with 100% commission, for those of you who haven't lived that way, is that you are only paid 100% commission. Which for three years was absolutely no problem for me. In fact we thrived. Then through no ones fault I agreed to open a new store in a new city right in the middle of the worst economic time of my life.
There is a strange self-love that makes things that are happening to you seem more dramatic than they are. Everyone wants to be in the extreme case. Many people, for their own validation of living through tough times, want this to be, "The Worst Economic Crisis Since the Great Depression." And I even heard one analyst suggest that this was worse. Recognizing this, I shy away from such grand claims and would be remiss if I didn't point out that some people would claim that "The Crash of '87" was as bad financially as this and that was in my lifetime. I was just too young at the time to truly experience it.
Back to the story it's not hard to find. Ninjas.......... Anyway this economic dip meant that every week I was being paid - Minimum Wage. Do the math and you'll find that it is hard to support a wife and son on that type of paycheck, in fact I think Morgan Spurlock did an entire documentary to prove it. So for the last couple months we have been flailing to survive but unable to make any move because of the $12,500 bounty on my head.
All this was resolved in God's perfect way by my Boss walking into the store that night and "Letting me go." See he knew my situation and because I didn't quit but instead he cut me loose I don't have to pay them any of the $12,500. I want to take a second and let you know how God has used this great company so that any of you who think, "After all he's done for them they could at least have given him a warning and not surprise him like that." First of all while I was surprised (sort of), God wasn't. Secondly as upright and full of integrity as I like to think I am, I also know that I am human. So I don't bury my head in self-righteousness and claim that I would have worked just as hard knowing I would soon leave.
When Lindsay and I got married God drew us to Denver. It was almost, in our minds, as simple as, "We want to live in mountains but not in our home town....so Denver." Even as we were leaving I said things like, "I want to raise my family in Franklin." And when I started retail, "I'll only work nights and weekends until my children are old enough to have activities for me to attend." Once we got there instead of setting us up with a fast-pace high-pressure job. God got me a job as a furniture salesman which meant that while I worked weekends I had Wednesday Thursday Friday off with Lindsay. (If you have ever been skiing in Colorado you know how advantageous it is to have week days off instead of weekends.) Also if you are newly wed and can make it only working 4 days a week I highly recomend it. While we didn't become independently wealthy. They paid us enough to live and, while it isn't very useful just now, taught me a valuable skill. Then when God wanted us to start having kids, this company paid us $4,000 to move closer to our family and then gave me the $12,500 bonus. Really all in all I have nothing to complain about.
So that night I went home to Lindsay and we decided that we had no reason to stay in Chattanooga, really in the summer it is the hottest place I have ever lived. So we thought for a while and narrowed it to Asheville and Franklin. We thought we should decide in a biblical manner so we got a quarter prayed over it and "cast lots." It was heads so we started immediately making plans to move to Franklin. (When I told this story to Justin he was surprised that heads = Franklin. If any of you had the same feeling of surprise please post a comment, for some reason I find that thought terribly interesting.) We got on the computer and found out that a software company in Franklin that I used to work for was hiring all we had to fret over was having two house payments. A few quick phone calls uncovered Gods plan for that. He had given Lindsay's Grandparents an extra house and saw too it that no one else was living there at that time.
As I told Stuart this story I was able to say that it was the best situation you could possibly be in that resulted in being unemployed and living with your in-laws. Since then I have become employed, and we have moved into this little house that Lindsay has converted into a wonderful home. Some people look down on the term "Homemaker" and while I wouldn't say it was her occupation it is none the less a very accurate description.
I apologize for the length of this post I know you don't come here to read essay's but instead to get quick updates and pictures of Henry. But some of you were asking and this in a round about way does effect Henry. From his point of view the horribly long drive he had to make to see his grandparents is now three minutes and he gets to do it a lot more often.
Monday, December 1, 2008
So So Sorry
We have yet to get internet at our house so the only time I can post is when I'm at mom's house and her internet is super super slow...so wait a little longer and don't give up on us..we should be up and running later this week. Happy Holidays!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
WOW
Henry slept through the night last night!!! Praise the Lord! Yesterday, I bought a Snuggle Me blanket and swaddled him really well. We put him down at 10pm and he didn't wake until 6am. 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep!! The downside was that I woke up in a puddle. I'll put up with leaking if it means more sleep. GO HENRY!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
He did good last night - Travis
Last night Henry ate at 10:30, then didn't wake up until 5 this morning. That is a new PR for him. At 5 he ate and then went right back to sleep. He got up again at 7:30 and Lindsay fed him. Now he and I are trying to stay quiet in the living room so she can get even more sleep. (We spoil her.)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Praying Parent
Travis and I have come to the realization that being a parent turns you into a prayer warrior. Having a newborn, and all the stress that comes with it, is just too much to take on yourself. You need God's strength and patience just to make it through the day, even the hour.
I hadn't noticed how out of touch with God I had become. Travis and I had both become plain lazy about praying together and going to church. It seemed like we kept making excuses. Now all we can talk about is how amazing God's love is. About how He can bring you through any storm and create a rainbow at the end. He will never forsake. He answers all prayers - in His time, not yours.
Parenting is the epitome of selflessness. To be a good parent, you must give up all of your WANTS so that your child's NEEDS can be met. The ultimate act of selflessness was God's plan for our salvation. What an amazing Father. What an amazing parent.
I hadn't noticed how out of touch with God I had become. Travis and I had both become plain lazy about praying together and going to church. It seemed like we kept making excuses. Now all we can talk about is how amazing God's love is. About how He can bring you through any storm and create a rainbow at the end. He will never forsake. He answers all prayers - in His time, not yours.
Parenting is the epitome of selflessness. To be a good parent, you must give up all of your WANTS so that your child's NEEDS can be met. The ultimate act of selflessness was God's plan for our salvation. What an amazing Father. What an amazing parent.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My Man
I must brag on my Travis. Few women are as lucky as I am to have a husband who plans a relaxing evening for his wife AND offers to take care of the baby.
A couple of weeks ago, the doctor gave me some Ambien and prescribed a night of complete rest. She gave me 10 tablets so that I could use it 10 weeks in a row if I wanted. Well last night was one of the nights. For a week, I pumped enough milk so that Travis could give Henry his 3AM and 6:30AM feedings. I knew about this part - but what I didn't know about was the hot bath and massage that Travis had planned. I haven't felt that relaxed since the baby was born and I got a full 9 hours of sleep (minus the two times I had to get up to pump for my own comfort).
I woke up this morning rested and more in love with him. I made him chocolate-chip pancakes for lunch to re-pay the favor. For me, it's massages and sleep. For him, it's syrup covered desserts.
A couple of weeks ago, the doctor gave me some Ambien and prescribed a night of complete rest. She gave me 10 tablets so that I could use it 10 weeks in a row if I wanted. Well last night was one of the nights. For a week, I pumped enough milk so that Travis could give Henry his 3AM and 6:30AM feedings. I knew about this part - but what I didn't know about was the hot bath and massage that Travis had planned. I haven't felt that relaxed since the baby was born and I got a full 9 hours of sleep (minus the two times I had to get up to pump for my own comfort).
I woke up this morning rested and more in love with him. I made him chocolate-chip pancakes for lunch to re-pay the favor. For me, it's massages and sleep. For him, it's syrup covered desserts.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
THANK YOU!!
Look at what my lovely ladies at Curves sent me today!
Thank you so much! I miss you guys alot and can't wait to come visit as soon as we can.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Like a different child
Up until last Saturday, Travis and I were under the belief that Henry was, in fact, a demon child. The kid cried inconsolably for a good two weeks and just about drove us crazy. We did alot of bouncing, used the vacuum cleaner, and decided it was worth the $3.80/gallon in gas to keep him pacified. I just knew I had a colicky baby and that the next 3 months would be hell.
Then something happened... my son is an angel!
The thing is - I have no idea what the change was.
I cut almost all of the dairy out of my diet. We put him on a schedule that is working out beautifully (Read Baby Wise or Baby Whisperer). Or it could just be that God is giving us a big break and Henry is growing out of his discontent state.
Whatever the reason may be, I am thankful that I am actually starting to ENJOY my child. Henry is now content after his feedings and he is starting to take in his surroundings. I can actually put him down on his belly or in his swing for 45 minutes and he doesn't fuss. He is a pleasure to be around. Mom swears he smiled at her twice. He really only cries when he is hungry or tired.
Day by day, this is getting easier. Just like everyone said it would. Now if he would just start sleeping through the night :)
Then something happened... my son is an angel!
The thing is - I have no idea what the change was.
I cut almost all of the dairy out of my diet. We put him on a schedule that is working out beautifully (Read Baby Wise or Baby Whisperer). Or it could just be that God is giving us a big break and Henry is growing out of his discontent state.
Whatever the reason may be, I am thankful that I am actually starting to ENJOY my child. Henry is now content after his feedings and he is starting to take in his surroundings. I can actually put him down on his belly or in his swing for 45 minutes and he doesn't fuss. He is a pleasure to be around. Mom swears he smiled at her twice. He really only cries when he is hungry or tired.
Day by day, this is getting easier. Just like everyone said it would. Now if he would just start sleeping through the night :)
Friday, October 3, 2008
This Morning's Activity - Travis
In this morning's activities we worked on tracking movement with our eyes.
I think he is wondering why all the animals are going around backwards.
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