It's like a square

Please bear with me while I brag on my child. I know I shouldn't do this in public, but I just have to. Monkey and I were "drawing" shapes together. Mostly, I was attempting to get a baseline to see how well she could trace shapes so that I could see where we had to go. Anyway, I drew out a square, circle, triangle, and a diamond. She traces the other shapes as best she can and we get to the diamond. As she's tracing it, she says "Diamond. It's like a square."

heeheee...... MooMoo, we may have another little Math girl.

Nine Month Checkup

We had a good 9 month checkup this morning, Praise the Lord! No shots, just a CBC, primarily to check iron levels. (normal protocol for this checkup) Which, according to the doctor, look wonderful and she says he doesn't need to worry with vitamins right now. Yay!
He has grown 1/2 inch and 1/2 pound since his 6 month checkup. Head circumference up by 3/4 cm. Total weight is now 22 lbs 4oz.
She okay'd our giving him an antihistamine every night in the effort to control the eczema. But, suggested that we not stick with benedryl exclusively, because of the negative sleeping effects that it could have. Benedryl every once in a while makes him sleepy - every night could actually make him wake up more often. Hello!!!!! Maybe that explains the horrid sleeping that we've been having lately.
So, even though the Zyrtec makes him a little spit-uppy the next day, we'll swap back and forth between it, the benedryl, and possibly this other thing that she prescribed this morning as another option for us.
The doc seemed to be totally fine with the idea of his having the medicine every night, so that's good. Because I think it's the key ingredient to the skin control right now. I just really dislike giving him medicine every day. But even I have to admit that the difference between bright red dry skin and creamy, only slightly spotted, soft skin is worth the medicine.
I remember that eczema itch, because I was in Junior High school when I developed it. And I remember willingly scratching my skin to sores, because the pain of the sores was easier to take the feeling of the itching. (Sorry for the mental image there!!! Yucko!)

You know, I can not tell you how grateful Jmk and I are for the blessing of these healthy babies. We scheduled Monkey's 3 year old checkup to coincide with Tooter's 1 year checkup, and it occurred to me that Monkey hasn't been to see the doctor since her 2 year old checkup. What a blessing!!! Granted, she did have strep in the past year, but that was after having visited the doctor's office for a regular checkup. So.... we still think she may have picked the strep bug up from there!

Bottom line, our children are healthy - and we probably don't truly appreciate how MUCH of a blessing from God that it actually is. But we do praise HIM for it!

Tooth Numero Sept

Yeah, yeah, yeah, language mixing going on.
ANYway, we have another toofer in. Well, Chunk has another toofer. Up top, #7 by that chart that I posted back in July. So, that makes 7 teeth, with no other teeth close to eruption as far as I can tell. Although, even though this new tooth has finally broken thru, he's still biting and doing the whiny/pulling on his mouth thing. Which makes me wonder - are some babies' gums sore the entire time the tooth is growing down into place? How bad does it hurt? Is it like braces getting adjusted sore? Or just a constant dull ache kind of sore?
Wouldn't it be nice if we could magically know the answers to the whole teething thing?

Warning! Mary Kay Advertising!!!

I wanted to give you fair warning that this post is one big product advertisement. But, man oh man, I just have to do it. MK has come out with a new Tinted Moisturizer! It is absolutely wonderful. SUCH a timely product. Let me tell you about it.... It acts like a moisturizer in the way it feels, behaves, and goes on. But, it has the sheerest of coverage. You don't feel it, you barely see it on your skin. It doesn't settle into little lines, it soaks into them. AND, it gives you an SPF 20 protective factor!
But, the coolest thing that I was noticing is this glow thing that my skin was radiating immediately. Then, Jaime (who is also a consultant), came over and SHE had the glow too! We figure that the moisturizer contains some kind of luminesence property maybe? Or maybe it is the products that create the UVA and UVB sun protection that give the dewey glow? (Can you tell that it is a brand new product and we're just now learning about it?) Anyway, it gives such a pretty look to your skin. It gives it a healthy look that immediately takes a few years off. And when you add the Dual Coverage Pressed Powder on top of it, then you have some actual coverage that will really even out your skin.
But you don't feel ANYthing on your skin. And you still only see more flawless skin.

Now, this whole thing will make you want to have really good skin care underneath it all. Because you will see YOUR skin. Just a better version of it. And you will still need some concealer for the inevitable bumps and such that occur. But that's SO not a big deal!

I still use my regular moisturizer under it, because it is formulated for Combo/Oily skin, and I need that extra oil control. So, for me, the Tinted Moisturzer is sort of like my new foundation. But, for a lot of y'all, it could become your only moisturizer, saving you a step in the morning!

What a product. Y'all are going to LOVE it. I don't have samples of it right now, but hopefully those will come out soon.

YAY MK!!!

Blush and Baaashful

Just a head's up to those who will be coming to see Monkey when she turns 3 next month: I have been informed that we are:
1) Having a Princess party. Men - leave your Y chromosome at the door. You won't be needing it.
2) Having Pink cake with Pink icing. (I'll just use some pink food coloring - no sneaky strawberry cake or anything like that. Don't worry).
3) "Everybody" is coming. "Everybody" includes Beast, Bugs Bunny, Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, and Belle.

I promise not to make the boys wear pink boas and tiaras. I, however, am not responsible for what Monkey may insist upon. Just don't say you haven't been warned.

Creamy skin!

Chunk is looking SO much better these days. Praise the Lord, we finally found the magic bullet of benedryl, Dove soap, vaseline, and prescription cream (mometesone furorate) to help with his eczema. We still have to be vigilant about the weather that he is in, and we can't let him get too out of his routine, because we'll see it on his skin. BUT, it looks like the vast majority of the eczema is allergy related, and is thus responding to a nightly dose of antihistamine. I have always been so leery of over-medicating the children that I probably missed the forest for the trees on this one. Thankfully, the Lord answered prayers that allowed me to be reasonable! Now that we have a handle on the skin, we may be able to ease off of the nightly meds. BUT, we'll see. For now, we're sticking to it. Because he is no longer waking up scratching himself from his head to his feet.

HowEVER, he is still waking up often during the night. His internal clock is so haywire from the months of poor sleep that he can't help it. I'm hoping that because he was such a good sleeper when he was first born that he will be able to retrain himself. We shall see!

For now, I'm just so grateful that he is feeling better. Happy babies make for happy parents.

The Man Who Built The Boat

So, someone stops by yesterday to pick something up, and as is Monkey's custom, she offers all sorts of information - asked for and otherwise. Nancy happens to see Tooter and comments on how big he has gotten. Then Monkey, of course, tells her his name. To which, Nancy says "Oh! Like the man who built the boat!" Monkey's reply? "Um - Robert".
lol..... Uncle Robert - your legacy is secure. :-)

Baaa Baaaa Musing

Did you know that sheep respond to their shepherd's voice and his voice alone. Put several different herds in one area, and each herd will only respond to their own shepherd. Sheep WILL respond to their Shepherd, as well. Thought for today - cattle must be driven, but sheep must be led.

Maiden Voyage

Jaime's pics were excellent - and they're already posted!
Here you go!

My brother built a boat.

I am not kidding! My camera batteries are so dead that I couldn't even get the pictures off of them to post anything for you to see. But I will as soon as they recharge! Wow. A honest to goodness canoe. Jmk and I both paddled around the Rez for a little bit this afternoon.

A boat. In his garage. It was so cool.

Yardwork. Blech.

I'm on a mission to get our front beds cleaned up and mulched properly. It's a piece meal job, because 1) it's really hot outside and 2) I have to do it in spurts so that Noah doesn't spend any, or very little, time in the heat because of his skin. But, folks, let's face it. I am NOT my mom. She could work outside in the yard all day long, and be perfectly happy. Now, while I don't mind the work part, I come back inside sneezy and covered in little red bumps because my over-achieving immune system thinks it has to bully up on every little speck of nature that hits my skin. HowEVER, the results of yardwork are so rewarding. Getting an area cleaned up and attractive to look at is a pleasure. Taking something from uncontrolled to pleasant creates this relaxed, peaceful feeling. You know, the world around one's pretty things outside takes over in a blink of an eye.... flower beds around the house will be nothing but weeds in a week's time if proper care isn't taken first. Good weeding, laying down the black weed cloth stuff, covering it in mulch. It's work, it requires some sacrifice of time and energy, and it requires some investment of both money and sweat. It's a lot like our lives. The Holy Spirit may clean out our heart, but unless we keep our life, mind, and heart clean, weeded, and mulched, the weeds of the world WILL come back in. In fact, I bet I'll still have to go out there and weed those beds from time to time, even WITH all the work that I put into it. Walking with Christ is not a couch potato sport. It is an active, daily pursuit. This certainly isn't the first time this analogy has made, mind you. But it's the first time that it has really hit home, because I'm in the middle of the job. Maybe yardwork isn't so blech after all.

Bathtub Medicine

MooMoo and SueSue, avert your eyes. This story involves Tooter in pain, and I know it's gonna get to you!
So, last night, Tooter is having his bath. Monkey hasn't even gotten in the tub yet, and he starts screaming. Well, this screaming thing has been going on a couple of weeks now, and I don't really turn my head. Daddy is sitting at the side of the tub, though, and all he says is "oh my gosh". Well, I'm picking clothes up off of the floor of the bathroom, so I don't look. I just assume the "oh my gosh" refers to the incredible decibels that Tooter produces. Not so.
Daddy says "no - blood".
I look, and Chunk has blood around his mouth. He hasn't bumped his head, nothing weird has happend... just blood everywhere.
I look at his nose and lips, and don't see the source, and then I put my finger to his upper gumline and come back with a red finger. Source found.
That other front tooth is also thru the gumline. But, I don't think it was time for it to be showing.
All I can guess is that maybe he broke the gum tissue with his bottom teeth, exposing the tooth, and causing the blood.
POOR BABY!!!!
I grabbed a washcloth and wet it with cold water and held it to his teeth until the blood stopped. The screaming, however, went on for another 10 minutes. He has never hit those octives before. His poor little eyes had that panicky, mommy-fix-this-hurt look to them. And when he finally calmed down enough to go to sleep, he was back up in less than an hour needing to be held.

This never happened to Monkey, so I totally didn't expect it at all. Didn't know this kind of thing could happen, really. In fact, neither Daddy nor I are actually SURE that we know what happened. But, he seems to be feeling better today, somewhat. Just don't touch his gumline. I tried this morning to see what I could see, and was promptly reminded that the area is sore.

I'm telling you.... as much as I joke, sometimes it really IS hard being a baby.

Layla is published!

Well, she has been for awhile... but this is her latest. :-)

Website Update

The Family Website has been updated with pics from July! Because this blog is quite public, and we are dealing with small children, we're not going to post the address here. BUT, if you're reading this, and you want the website address, just leave us a comment, and we'll email it back to you!

New Toofer

Tooth #8 (based on that other chart) has finally broken thru the gumline! Man.... these dratted teeth are taking forEVER. Although, I think the eczema is the true culprit for the bad sleep at night. MooMoo found these wonderful little teething tablets that I think really help Tooter. Sort of an immediate relief thing that lasts longer than the the Orajel type products. So, we're better on the teeth. And the skin thing will just be what we will pray that he grows out of!

PRAYER REQUEST

User ID: come
Password: home
www.ashleightotis.net
This was sent to me by a friend in Birmingham, AL. Please pray for this little baby.

Oh So Flabulous

No no, that's not a typo. That's what I am. :-) No, I'm not being self-deprecatory for the sake of appearance. I Am Flabulous. Babies do a number on one's physical state. We can all agree to that. Exercise is the key to NOT being Flabulous. However, have you ever tried to exercise inside with an almost 3 year old and an 8 month old? lol..... I know walking outside would be easier, but because of the weather, the children are melting by the time the walk is finished, and they are in the stroller! It's almost mean. SO, this morning, I decide to do something about my flabulousness, and I pull out an exercise DVD. A 20 minute one..... I'm not delusional enough to think that I can use my NYC Ballet DVD that is almost an hour long. I figure - 20 minutes. I can do this! The Children will allow this time for me. They will magically know that Mommy is Improving Herself, and will be extremely supportive of this by allowing me to go uninterrupted for 20 minutes.
Ahem.
Well, 5 minutes into it, Monkey needs an exercise ball too. Mommy finds a suitable ball. Tooter Pooter (aka Chunk) thinks I'm being funny and is watching me with a grin on his face.
7 minutes, now Monkey needs some dumbbells also. Tooter has decided he needs to come and see why I'm lying on the floor.
11 minutes. Monkey is quite irritated that her exercise ball isn't cooperating, Tooter has wondered off and is banging on a pot from the kitchen.
14 minutes. Monkey has decided that one of her baby strollers is going to be her exercise ball. Tooter has wandered back and is trying to use my knee to stand up.
17 minutes. Monkey has had a minor meltdown because the strol...., I mean exercise ball, isn't "copper-ating" with her. Tooter is now irritated because Mommy has made him sit down while she goes and handles the aforementioned melt down.
19 1/2 minutes. Monkey is crying because Mommy has removed said un-cooperative stroller from the room, Tooter is blowing slurburts on Mommy's tummy.
20 minutes. DVD is finished. Monkey wants to watch Bugs Bunny, Tooter is ready for his nap, and Mommy is wondering if she even got 5 minutes of exercise.
Viva La Flabulousness!

Of course that's hair

This morning, Monkey was getting frustrated because there was a hair in her mouth, and she couldn't find it to get it out of there so it would quit bugging her. So, she says "Mommy help!" Enter Mommy. Who, in my brilliance, said "I don't see the hair. Where is it?"
To which she responded "Hair is right here on your head". (Accompanied by a look of "um - Mom, ya feelin' alright?")
lol....

Just noticed that our Happy BDay Post to SueSue showed up as Aug. 1. Weird. I actually posted it on her birthday which was Aug. 2. BUT, I think I started the post the day before. I see now that the day you start the draft of the post is the posting date that you will see on screen. Ahhh - the intricacies of blogging. Or whatever.
We all met SueSue and PopPop at Chick-fil-A-And-Play for lunch and had a fabulous time. One word of warning. Avoid the new milkshakes. They are incredibly delicious, and you'll finish the whole thing before you know what has happened. And, my WORD, the sugar rush. Good gravy.... I don't know what is in those things, but my ears are still ringing a bit this morning!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUESUE!

I think most Mother-in-law jokes are pretty funny. I understand them, in theory, I guess. But, thing is, I have never experienced a typical "mother-in-law" moment. I am SO blessed to have an MIL that I really love. She makes you feel special and she is always there to lend a hand no matter what. She never judges you and is always so understanding. She is never short on laughter and she loves her family with all her heart.
And my children light up whenever they hear her voice.
She is truly a blessing to us!

We love you so much SueSue - have a wonderful, happy day today!!!

Humbled

Monkeytoes discovered some Halls cough drops in my purse, and for whatever reason, found them yummy and interesting. However, I obviously don't need her walking around with a cough drop in her mouth all day long. So, I put the kebosh on having any more of them. She asks why, and I tell her that she only needs those if her throat hurts.

Of course, 2 seconds later, she tells me that "my throat DOES hurt, Mommy".

I know she wasn't trying to be bad, she just figured out quickly what might be the "right" thing to say in order to get what she wants. It was then that I realized that I had just been given my first noticeable opportunity to explain what it means to tell the truth, and how important it is to do that. I have no idea if I said the right thing or not, or if it even registered with her. What DID hit home with me was the responsibility that God entrusts with parents to raise these little people. I mean, I've given lip service to that before, but it really hit home yesterday, for some reason. I'm still mulling that over. It's a huge thing.