GWENDOLYN

My wonderful friend, Kelly, posted about baby names and invited people to share how they came up with their kids' names.

Of course, any time someone asks you to talk about your kid...it's a welcome request. I mean, usually I just talk about Gwen, uninvited, and hope someone will listen!!! What can I say...she is awesome, and people should know about it!

Anyway, at the beginning, Bic and I were pretty into having a boy. I really wanted one...until about after the first trimester...then, my desire to have a girl became increasingly stronger to the point that, when we went for the 19week ultrasound...I REALLY wanted a girl! God is good!

But, we had easily picked out three boys names...

Augustine Mark (Auggie)

Maximus David (Max)

Charlemagne (Charley...well, I like this one...husband is not so sure)

Anyway, I didn't want to give up my desire for an epic, out-of-the ordinary name, just because we were having a girl. Although, I'm also a sucker for strong, grounded names like Rebekah and Elizabeth.

We were watching, for the second time, The Importance of Being Earnest (a play by Oscar Wilde, turned into a movie). One of the character's names is Gwendolyn (well, Gwendolen). It sounded interesting, so we stuck it in our cap. Then I looked it up and there are a lot of similarities between the Jennifer and Gwendolyn names. They are Welsh. They mean something having to do with white (I don't remember, the meaning was pretty meaningless). Also, the Jennifer comes from Guinevere...anyway, they are close in origin and meaning...and that's fun!

It's kind of a name with attitude...and we think it fits our little Angel very well!

Great Bib for Baby

I always look into product reviews...I like to know what people have to say before I buy...and usually I just want to find the thing that works best (or better than most).

And, since I clearly think my opinion is pretty valuable ;), I thought I would pass along my own review... I really like this bib. At first I didn't buy it because it seemed a little bulky and expensive, so I left it in the store...but later (when we really got into the baby food) I ran back to get something that would work well, be durable, portable, easy to clean and help contain the mess as much as possible. I love this Kiddopotamus one! It's awesome! I can even roll it up and put it in the diaper bag and it's extremely durable (and BPA-free, in case that's something you look for in a bib).

Yes, I DO Know the Muffin Man...for Goodness Sake!

Yeah, so the Muffin Man is just fine... as are all those black birds that were baked in some pie. But Gwendolyn and I need a little JESUS around here!!! I think my 8 month old is a little bored with Derek Webb and Rich Mullins!

I'm looking for some fun, baby and kid Jesus music, and I know there are a ton of you out there who probably have some great suggestions! Just help point me in the right direction, if you will!

Also, if anyone knows of a kids album of Hymns...that would be awesome!

THIS is the Day That the Lord Has Made!

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:10

I often have trouble with the "taking one day at a time" thing. I do not enjoy the ultimate time-line of ONE day. One day is short and the next, uncertain, day follows so closely behind it...and you have to start all over again.

I could go on to examine why I might be someone who doesn't like this...but, inevitably, that would just leave us unraveling the less healthy side to me and concluding that the Lord will surely continue to change me into someone who more closely resembles Himself. So, we'll move on...

Gwendolyn and I (and Dave The Dog) went on a walk this morning. It was 7:30am, which would normally be unbearable this time of year in Tucson. But, it was really over-cast this morning and there was no fiery sun to cook us today. I was loving it and really enjoying the time and thinking, "I wish it could be like this every morning so that I don't have to try and get out at 6am" (which I've been very unsuccessful at).

That's when these words in 2 Peter came to me...these words and the words of the song: This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made (which I sing to Gwendolyn when she is being really whiney).

We don't even know if we have tomorrow. For all I know, THIS is the last day on earth that I have, or the last day I have with my husband or child.

Now, I know that Jesus Christ died and was raised again, so that what waits for me at the end of this world is more wonderful than anything I will ever experience...but I want to enjoy my life while I am in it and live like there is a perfect God in charge of it.

THIS is the day that the Lord has Made! His blessings are abundant TODAY! I would be wise to gobble them up and Enjoy them...for today!

My Baby Is Annoying Me

I don't FEEL like being a mom right now. I FEEL like getting in the car and going to the grocery store by myself and leaving her to wine, alone. I'm pretty upset that she had a terrible nap at the very time I needed her to have a good nap so that we could have a good day doing what we need to do. We have no milk, meat, eggs, tomatoes and laundry detergent (amongst other things) and I need to go to the store. I just want to cry thinking about her little, obstinate body all contorted and arched as I try and put her in her car seat. SO annoying. I should have left her in that crib to cry all by herself. She needed more sleep. I'm always regretful at the decision to go get her. ALWAYS! Seriously, I'm not sure if I feel any love for her right now. I'm going to feed her and put her back to bed. I am going to shut her door and let her cry until she falls asleep. I wish I had purchased ear plugs.

LOTS of pictures of Us and our Crazy Angel

Organic??????

• As I continue in my search to find out more about what I am feeding my family and WHY I would choose one thing over the other, I am continually coming across more information.




• I'll pass things along and you can read or NOT read, as you wish!
  The following article is titled:
  
  
  

  "Major Confusion Between Organic and Healthy"

  and comes from the MERCOLA.com website (thanks mom!). I am not necessarily endorsing this website or their many products, because I don't know enough about them...and they do sell an awful lot of stuff...which makes me hesitant. I am also not suggesting that this particular article is the best one on its topic.



• In fact, this kind of article, with the same subject, is prevalent in the discussion of "whole foods". Enjoy!




• http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/03/26/organic-foods-part-one.aspx

Here's Something Fun...

So, I ran across this Great Cloth Diaper Hunt Competition starting on April 15th. Sounds totally cool with lots of prizes, and somebody's got to win! I never win anything...but I'm totally doing it anyway (I've got the time!). Just thought I'd pass it on!

Two More Days to VOTE for Aaron

• Just a quick reminder... there are two days left to vote!

• Thanks again!
• 1. Go to http://www.seethebestyoucansee.com
• 2. Enter your name and email address.
• 3. Click on ackelley video and VOTE.

Make sure you click on the little video selection that says ackelley. THANKS!

No Turning Back

Well, here you have it...It's all over. There is no way out for us. All 24 diapers are pre-washing at the very moment I am writing this blog...leaving me with no return ability. AHHHHHHHHHH! From now on, the Bickertons are Cloth Diaper-ers. Until death or potty training do us part! Good Grief!

The process of choosing and purchasing aforementioned cloth diapers and all the accessories has certainly been a long one. That's just because I obsessed over it like I do everything else. And, there are a lot of options and a lot of reasons for doing one thing or the other. Then, there are a lot of things you need to know about the products you do eventually settle on.

• Now, it doesn't have to be that difficult, of course. I've read a lot of comments and blogs from different people who have an array of different kinds of cloth diapers in their "stash" and are always trying new things. These same people are also trying different laundry detergents, accessories, diaper colors and washing methods until they find the one they like best.





• These are the same people who have been a wealth of information for me as I've gone about my diaper inquisition. But, I really didn't want to do it that way. It would totally stress me out. I just wanted to decide on something and call it a day.





• So, I thought I would jot down what I decided and, why, for those of you who have expressed interest or curiosity. For those of you who think I am totally crazy...well, you are absolutely right. But, I'm having a grand old time at it!




• Diaper Brand: OKAY...the BumGenius brand has a pretty good wrap (no leaking, convenient, ease of use, one size option, good fit, etc.) and a friend had already told me about them. I got one to test out and decided I agreed with the masses (although plenty of people love other brands, too).




• Diaper Style: There were three options that I was looking at: the one size pocket diaper , the all-in-one and the one-size organic. I had wanted organic, but there is some question as to whether or not they do well with leaking and the natural cotton keeps baby's skin pretty wet, while the synthetic keeps the wetness away from the skin. Also, I wouldn't be able to add any extra stuffing and I really think that Gwendolyn is a HEAVY peeing one.




• With the all-in-ones, it's really like you are using a disposable. It's just one piece and there is nothing you need to stuff into the diaper, though you do have an option to put extra padding in for night-time if you want. But, with the all-in-ones, you have to buy different sizes. Although the all-in-one would have been my first choice, I felt like i would have had to buy these diapers four different times. It wasn't worth it to me. Once I got further into this process I decided I was all IN. I want these diapers to last and I didn't want to spend any more money on them, until absolutely necessary.




• Ultimately, I wanted a diaper that worked VERY well and saved me tons of money. I guess, for me and Bic, these priorities just trumped the other desires like organic fibers and all-in-one ease. So, the one size pocket diaper won out.

• Cloth Diaper Accessories: I had recently stopped using Kirkland Baby Wipes because, apparently, they are among the most toxic. Also, Gwendolyn's diaper rash really got better after I stopped using them. I figured...while I've totally gone off the deep end...on the diaper end, why don't I keep going! I am going to use cloth wipes. I just put them in my empty baby wipe box and pour water over them. There are tons of cool wipe solution recipes out there...but, with these diapers, you are not supposed to use anything oily b/c it messes with the absorbency. Some people still use a drop or two of tea tree oil or something...but I think I'm going to keep waiting to get a non-oily, non-soapy recipe. I've been using water on her butt for a month now...and we are doing just fine. I figure if the cloth wipe thing gets to be a real problem...i can always go back to water and paper towels.




• I also am using the diaper sprayer. I need to hook it up tonight. some people scrape the poop into the toilet (when it's solid). I liked the idea of spraying it off, and many swear by this little gadget.




• Last, but certainly not least, is the detergent. It actually really does matter what you use. Detergents with any additives or brighteners can totally mess your absorbency up and you'll wind up having to do a lot of crap to get them back to where they work. I chose Allen's Naturally detergent because it's supposed to be one of the best for use with cloth diapers...and like I said, I'm not in the mood for trial and error.

You'll see, below, that I've hung suspension rods (shower curtain rods) under the shelf in my laundry room. There are two (one behind the other). I've decided that my diapers, apart from the padding that goes in them, will be hung to dry. In Arizona, it's about a 5 hour (or less) process. It will extend the life of these diapers and that makes me happy.

• So, I started out trying to find something with a little less chemicals than the disposable diapers and now, even with choosing the synthetic cloth, I am totally pumped up about the life change. I'm excited to not buy anymore diaper products. I am excited to have comfy, cozy diapers that work awesome. I even really like the idea that I will have less garbage. Who knew?


• What's even cooler is the fact that my husband is totally into it too. I think he gets excited for all the same reasons. Without his interest and support, I'm sure this would be a no-go. Okay, I think I've gone on about as long as I possibly can...for now!
  

Hunter Needs Cool STUFF

PRECIOUS

• Okay, my awesome nephew, Hunter, is the coolest kid on the block and with his new baby brother, Levi, on the way...Hunter is in the market for some cool big-boy bunk beds and a bangin' futon.

COOL CAT

• Now, Hunter's got one HOT, crazy momma. After suffering defeat in the last Craigslist bunk-bed war, my sister-in-law found the address of her opponent and showed up threatening his first born child!
• Now, I may be a little off on the details, but let's just say that things are getting pretty serious. Last call I made to the house, my brother had been painting the new baby's nursery into the wee hours of the night and was not allowed to sleep until the job was done. Like I said...maybe I'm a little off on the details...but it goes something like that.
• So, I'm calling on all of you to help stop the madness. If ANYONE hears ANYTHING about someone in Tucson or Phoenix who is selling one such cool bunk-bed or bangin' futon...please let me know!!!!
• You can contact me or have them email me: mrsbic@comcast.net

Fun Help For A Friend!

• Hey EVERYONE...My friend is a finalist to get lasik eye surgery in a Phoenix Suns Fan Competition. The finalists will be selected based on fan voting! His name is Aaron and his very kind and wonderful wife is Jean. They are expecting a baby girl this summer.
• Will you follow these 3 easy steps and VOTE for him???!!!!!!
  
  
• 1. Go to http://www.nba.com/suns/fans/vision_challenge.html
  2. Enter your name and email address.
  3. Click on ackelley's video and VOTE.
  
  
• I think you can vote once EVERY DAY until April 10th.
  
  
• THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
  

She Was Bothering Me...

So I put her outside.

All is well!

...Perhaps I should put a padlock on the back gate.

Calling For Help!

• Okay, I realize that my post-baby body is going to be different. My hips have probably moved and my boobs could, very possibly, stay bigger than they were before. I also realize that my stomach muscles are probably even more lax than before baby...and they were pretty lax to begin with! However, what you see here is a beautiful woman, blessed with many wonderful features from the Lord, who is also sporting extra weight and unnecessary fat.
• March 2009
  

I do not expect to come up with long, lean legs (not in the genes!) and little perky breasts...that's what surgery is for :) !!!

• However, I know I can lose the extra weight and tone up. I need cut out the sugar, take my walks and do my Pilates at home...this is not intense training...I CAN do it!
  October 2007

• I realize that I will probably just be getting pregnant again at the end of the year...but with the next baby...I want the BEFORE picture of me in a bikini to be from May 2009 (not still from October 2007)!!!!

Who will ask me about my progress??? Accountability is Key for me. I don't like being embarrassed by my lack of discipline.

Gwendolyn's 6 Month Photo Shoot

Enjoy the fun photos of our beautiful little silly one...

Peas, Please!

Today was Gwendolyn's first taste of real food! I don't know if she actually swallowed any of the pureed peas her Daddy fed her...but it was fun, non-the-less.

And, nearly as important as this step in her baby-hood is MY culinary accomplishment. I am VERY proud of my peas! It's fun to make the food and I am excited to do more. I love the way it looks and it's cool that I know exactly what is going into the food. I have no idea how it tastes, because I HATE peas...but look how pretty!!!

It's a VERY easy process, but you wouldn't know it if you were in my kitchen this morning. I actually burned a whole pot...apparently I don't know how to use a simple steaming basket. I broke the Magic Bullet...but now I get to go shopping at Costco for another food processor!

I have a couple of mom friends, Mandy and Sarah, who each make their own baby food and have sworn by it's simplicity and their enjoyment of the process. They both love the Cooking for Baby cookbook from Williams-Sonoma...and now I know why. It's so pretty and nice and helpful...and fun! It's not necessarily an organic cookbook...but the purpose is to encourage wholesome, less processed cooking for baby.

Yeah, Aunt Amy!

Gwendolyn and I took a day trip to Phoenix to visit Aunt Amy. Gwendolyn loved being with her, as did her Mom. Amy is a beautiful musician with a voice like an angel. She loves others with Christ's love and she's one of those people who just make you feel good about yourself. Plus, she's a ton of FUN and really HOT!

• Looking Back...

• My college roommates (below: at my baby shower) are my dear friends. God has used them in my life to show me how to really love, how to walk a life of repentance and honesty and how to PARTY! I love them!

Jenni, Jenná, Amy, Jen

Colic

Colic is, arguably, an over-diagnosed condition and, frankly, a word that is attached to just about any baby who cries a lot. There is question as to whether or not "colic" even exists. However, when you have a newborn who cries and screams all the time and, persistently, for at least 3 hours in the evening every day, for weeks at a time...you'll use any word you can to try and express to others the devastation of the reality you are living in.

--And, it's not just us moms who suffer from post-partum depression or "baby blues" with these "colicky" babies...although it doesn't help the situation!

--At our home, we are out of the "colic" stage - Praise God!!! But, I ran across this short article in Babytalk Magazine that sounded so very familiar. There is nothing earth-shattering or even liberating, in this short article...as is the nature and reality of the "colic" situation, but I thought it could be a comfort to someone else. Read, if of interest, or pass along!

http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Health/Can-Colic-Be-Cured

Cloth Diapers...Continued

• Today, I plan to order my cloth diapers. I am excited about it and it's fun hearing how other people I know are using them. I never thought I would even consider it! It's cool to me how much more of a flexible person I am becoming since Gwendolyn arrived. In general, I feel I'm just becoming more of the person who God made me to be...someone who knows Him more, enjoys my blessings more and actually wants to love others more.
  
  Side note on the whole "better person" thing...I think it's important to comment on what could appear to be a new-found appreciation for "nobility" or "good" actions.
  
  
• I believe the Bible to be the ultimate word on Truth and this is how GOOD the Bible says I am:
• "...None is righteous, no, not one, no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12:
• "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is no one who calls on Your name... Isaiah 64:6,7
  
  
• It is only through the unmerited favor that God has shown me that I am even able to put my faith and trust in Him and through His death and resurrection that I have been made perfect and through my identification in Him that I am whole and GOOD.



• My new interest in Cloth Diapers and Organic foods and cutting back on using 100 paper towels in one day, has no bearing, whatsoever, on the question of my "goodness".



• What's more...I've got to say, my reasoning for wanting to switch to Cloth doesn't even have a whole heck of a lot to do with what is good for our planet...although, I feel I am growing in my desire to be purposeful with my consumption.



• Also, I would be dishonest if I said I was doing it to be wiser with money...although I think this is a very good goal and something I definitely want to get better at.


• The truth is...The start-up costs are SIGNIFICANT. We will be spending over $400 for 24 diapers and also purchasing a few accessories (diaper sprayer for toilet, etc.). These very convenient diapers are the most expensive way to cloth diaper...there are other options and you can mix and match with cheaper ones. Let's not forget that I will be doing an extra wash every two days, for the diapers, alone.



• So, yes, in the long run, this WILL save us a good deal of money, especially taking good care of the diapers and expecting many to last to the next kid. Also, it's nice to not be throwing 8-10 diapers in the trash every day. But, ultimately, for me and my husband, it's about the possible health effects that the absorbent chemicals in the disposable diapers may have on our baby. Also, they are totally CUTE! Of course, my baby looks like a sumo wrestler at night when I stuff it with an extra pad for more absorbency!



• I hope this non-conclusive, only slightly-researched information has helped anyone who is curious about the subject! I know that I have really enjoyed getting info and opinions from friends and strangers who have gone before me in this task.
  

Cloth Diapers...Continued

• Okay, so Gwen and I ordered a diaper to test out (money back guarantee)! They're not kidding when they say, "This is not your Grandmother's (or Mother's) cloth diaper." It's so cute and so soft and comfy...I wish I was wearing it! Wait, I take that back...I don't want to be diapers!
• Anyway...there certainly is a whole cloth diapering routine with washing and wearing and even how you set things up at the changing station...but I'm totally excited about it! I just hope I'm not delusional and this isn't some honeymoon stage that will come crashing down on me and one day I'll be sitting in a pile of poopy diapers thinking, "What have I DONE!!!!"
• I will be continuing to talk about these things in my next blog, but for now I just thought you ought to see my little diaper model. I just can't believe I get to be home with this smiling fat one and see every one of her little looks! What a blessing!

Bumbling Thoughts On Baby Bottoms

- I haven't been Blogging, because I've been "researching". I am mulling over many things (fun things). Some of these things have to do with Cloth Diapers, Organic Food, Toxic Crib Mattresses and Cow Buying (more explanation later).

- Anyway, I'm interested in sharing my thoughts, not just because I like to hear myself talk (type)...although that's always a plus...but because I am always faced with the question "Is this crazy...have I totally lost my mind?" Call it "insecurity" (which it probably is), but it's always nice to find out what other (real) people are saying and nice to get healthy views to evaluate. Also, especially in times of need, It's nice to know you are not alone and that you really have not lost your mind.

- Of course, I must admit, I always feel weird when others think of, express or figure out something before I do. Call it "pride" (which it definitely is), but it's a nice reminder that I need others and that, contrary to what I originally had thought, God did not make me the smartest woman in the world.

- So, first topic...cloth diapers...very interesting. I was going to write a bunch of background on why I've been thinking about the topic and am considering switching (which I will do), but I think Jenny Clark did a great job at that on her blog, and since she's the one who got me really concentrating on the topic (not by coercion, but by sheer curiosity and an already existing question about it, in my mind), I thought her blog might be a nice place to start.

- I look forward to continuing the topic, but for now I invite you to view Jenny's comments and a nice graphic of the diaper in question, by clicking on the title to this blog (or on the link below).

- Oh, by the way...the whole Infant Potty Training thing is all her. I will be NO help on the subject. Not that I think she's strange or anything for wanting to do it...I just, personally, plan to have her flown in to potty train my infant!

* http://www.michaelandjennyclark.com/?p=255#comment-1443

Nursing

I haven't written an update about nursing because it's not a fun topic for me, these days. You may remember a previous blog about how poorly things were going and how Gwendolyn was hungry and not getting enough to eat and that's when I started supplementing with formula.

Well, I spent weeks trying to build up my milk supply by a feeding process of nursing until she was frustrated, then giving a bottle, then pumping for 15 minutes. I did it much of the time...but not every time. I also tried drinking lots of water...but at the end of the day, somehow, I never had reached my intended amount. I planned to take vitamins and an herbal supplement that might help with milk supply...but started to forget after the first couple of days.

-- Nursing was really important to me...but somehow I did a half-ass
(pardon my french) job at the fight to continue it. Why?
-- Maybe it's because I felt like I was failing and it
almost felt better to let it slip away instead of continue to spend enormous
amounts of time, energy and emotional concentration on something that I felt
wasn't actually going to get better.
-- Maybe it's because when I gave Gwendolyn a bottle, she was happy and
full and she slept better and played better and stopped crying.
-- Maybe it's because the nursing process was so stressful for me and Gwendolyn when she would be frustrated with what she was getting from me
and start squirming and shrieking for more milk. When I gave her the bottle...it
felt like a relief.

Anyway...Gwendolyn turned 5 months on Saturday. I've been in this crazy feeding cycle for the last month and a half. Every day there is less breast milk and more formula...which is to be expected with a supply and demand system like nursing. I'll probably still continue to try and nurse her at each feeding before giving the bottle (for the next few weeks)...but I've no longer been pumping after each feeding. I think letting it slip away gradually has been easier to take, for me.

I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me 3 months of almost exclusively breastfeeding. I am so thankful that he allowed me to get through the extreme pain I had in the beginning and gave me the gift of really getting the hang of the nursing thing and the opportunity to even feel like I knew what I was doing, even in public. That feeling of really "getting it" lasted about 3 weeks before things started going south...but it was very meaningful to me.

I'm so thankful to the Lord for answering my prayer..."Lord, I pray that I would be able to nurse my baby and that she would be able to get all she needs from my milk...and if this is not your will, I pray that you would enable me to trust you."

Well, as I've mentioned, the nursing thing is NOT going well and will be ceasing soon. But, my faithful God has answered my prayer...I do feel less upset and anxious about this than I ever dreamed I would have, at the beginning. I am able to trust Him with the feeding of my daughter. I praise Him for that!

Aunt Beka Is TOO Funny!

It's a little dark...I'm still learning how to use my simple technology!

Thank You, Aunt Terry!

--Last weekend was wonderful. My Aunt Terry (along with my Uncle Frank and beautiful cousin, Natalie) came to visit from Long Island. It was such a blessing to have her here and to be able to be loud and have fun with her. I can't imagine that it was much of a vacation for her since she spent the entire time buying and preparing food for us, but we loved every minute of having her here. Gwendolyn Loves her Aunt Terry, too!

It takes 3 us us to get this I love NY shirt on Gwendolyn

You can't tell from this picture...but Gwen thought Natalie was the COOLEST!

--Aunt Terry has always been around for weddings, birthdays, babies. She's a permanent staple in my life and I feel so blessed to have her. She's the kind of Aunt and Friend that I want to be when I grow up! When I was a kid we would drive from Ohio to NY every year and camp out in her den and throw snowballs with our cousins. Let's not forget the trips to the city on the Long Island Railroad with my Dad, the best Manhattan tour guide there is.

--Now, we are across the country from each other...but it doesn't feel like it. We'll be back to NY soon, Aunt Terry! Hopefully this Christmas!

--Also, I totally credit my Aunt for changing Gwendolyn around. It was the week that she got here that Gwendolyn really started going to other people and not flipping out if she stayed up a little too long. Now she's very loud (in a good way) and sticking her tongue out and moving her little, fat body all the time. It's like she's pissed off she can't run, yet. Diaper changes have become a whole new challenge...but I love this stage!

Oh, SNAP!

- My beautiful and brilliant baby sister, Rose, was kind enough to bring it to my attention that ALL, yes, ALL of the things I was thankful for in my previous blog are related to my baby. This has only proven what I had already suspected - that my entire life revolves around A BABY.
- So...to my gorgeous, young, single, childless Rose...I say, "Take this precious time of life and eat it up! Allow yourself to be reminded of what is truly real to you and where your joy comes from. Take this life and let it sing! Kick up your beautiful heels and RED HOT legs and DANCE! Love hard and dream BIG. Check that the source of your conviction is TRUE and be ferocious in it!"
- Most of all...keep emailing, texting and visiting your big sister who is prisoner in her home with a crazy baby and all the crazy baby's things! I am thankful for all your love and attention. I miss you when I don't see you, I pray for you most every day and I am proud of you.
- Some day, you will be in my shoes - older, barely wiser, needing to lose 15 pounds, playing on the floor with the most beautiful piece of attitude you've ever seen- and, even though it will be exactly where you want to be...you will smile to yourself and think, "How the H-E-double hockey sticks did I get here!!!!"

It's Good To Be With Daddy

Tax season is just about in full bloom around here...but Sundays are our family time with Daddy (also known as "Bic" or "Honey"). Gwendolyn gets a big smile on her face when she sees him walk by or hears his voice. Of course, she still prefers Mommy (mommy's pretty cool) but you can tell she feels special when her daddy plays with her.

They do LOOK like the same person, after all.

- We had a wonderful morning of sleeping in (after I got up at 5 and 7 to feed her...I think it's another growth spurt). I even got help from my husband at the 5 o'clock diaper change...her first diaper rash...not a happy baby!

- We had bagels and coffee at Brueggers, stopped by my parents and sat outside enjoying the weather...Gwendolyn screamed until we took her out of her pack-n-play to be with us. My Dad thinks it's because she missed him. Then strolled around the Total Wine and More store and did a fun wine tasting.

- In the evening we played with our little fat one and I actually got pictures of the two of them. Then, Bic and I ate yummy fish and watched The Rock (we totally forgot that the Oscars were even on).

- It was a fun day and I am thankful for it. Thank you, Lord!

Praise the Lord for THINGS

I want to be thankful for ALL that the Lord wills in my life. I want to "rejoice in the Lord, Always," no matter the circumstance. And, I know, with the Holy Spirit as my guide, I will continue to get better at rejoicing in Him, even in the hardest of times.

But, right now I'm having a BALL rejoicing in the bountiful collection of things I have that make life so easy and convenient!

I'm thankful for...

• formula (so my baby can be full and fat)



• the little container with different compartments that hold the formula
  


• the expensive bottles with all the parts that might help a gassy baby
  


• bottle drying racks, bottle coolers and heaters


• all the toys that shake, rattle and swing


• pretty burp cloths


• disposable diapers :)


• microwaves, dishwashers and washing machines!


• toy loans from older cousins (thanks, Hunter!)


• big cars to hold all the STUFF


• little green BUMBO seats that cost way to much and are sooo fun


• the tray that goes on the bumbo seat that costs extra

There is soooooo much more, but I am going to hold that thought...lest I start getting calls about my extravagant life style. Instead, here are some less-than-riveting videos of my little Love.

Gwendolyn loves her baby doll from Grandma and Grandpa Bickerton...but she doesn't feel like talking about it!

Movin' On Up...in the toy world

Praise The Lord!

-I was in Target today - which is strange since I am normally a Walmart-er. Anyway, I was carrying my precious baby girl and quickly looking for the item I went in to get. From a few Isles down I heard unmistakable cry of a newborn. The crying was Incessant and was still kept at a steady pace by the time I had reached the check-out.

-I was so overcome with Joy and Gratitude as I held close my silent 4 1/2 month old! I was so thankful to the Lord that things have gotten so much better! I just kept hugging her as waves of relief continued to roll off my shoulders!

-Yeah! Thank you, Lord!!!

Gwendolyn prefers to be a big girl in her cart!

Our Little Mischievous One

On the Road Again

For FREE:

1 Hairless Dog

He is very adorable (as you can tell from the picture). But, on most days, he will make you just want to scream, out of annoyance.

For RENT:

1 Cry Baby

Again, completely adorable. But, on most days, she will make you just want to scream!

• Keep in mind, this is a temporary exchange. I will be wanting to get her back. I am looking forward to watching her grow into something other than a Crying Baby. You know, like, a Crying Toddler.

I have decided that we WILL be walking. I don't care if Gwendolyn cries every day until she can no longer fit into her stroller - WE WILL WALK. I have also decided that I WILL find, and charge, my I-pod so that I do not have to listen to her. I'll leave that privilege for the rest of my neighborhood.

Still haven't found the collar for this dog. I had to take a really long walk today to avoid and go around where there were people walking, because...

• (A) I don't want my dog to attack the people
• (B) I don't want the people to turn me in for not leashing my dog
• (C) I don't want to have to answer questions from the people about why my dog has no hair.

Oh look - here we are at the end of the walk and the little Gwendolyn has not died from such torture. Perhaps I will keep her after all. I'm starting to love this little pout.

Three Days...Feels more like TEN

- We didn't start our walk until 10:30 today. The marvelous and HOT Tucson sun reminded me of cute little skirts and tank tops...not to mention the bikinis (we'll see). Needless to say...this thought reminded me why I needed to make it to four days.

-Gwendolyn's still not a huge fan of the work0ut regime. But, she's awfully cute, is she not?

Gwendolyn's Cousins

Some pictures from when Gwendolyn's cousins came to visit. Gwen and Lila are 7 weeks apart and about half a pound different! Lila is soooooooooooo adorable and incredibly sweet and smiley!

Nanny and Gwendolyn, Me and Lila

Gwendolyn looking at Aunt Laura - Little Lila sleeping away!

Gwendolyn Loves her Big Cousin, Jacob

Truth be told...besides her Mommy and Daddy, Gwendolyn has little patience for anyone but Nanny...

"Please take me home, Mommy...you know I can't be away from my house for too long

before I start to lose my mind."

- Gwendolyn Bickerton