Nolan is a Rollin'

That's right! Even though Nolan has rolled over from his tummy to back a few times before, today he really figured out how to do it. I've put him on his tummy over 8 times and each time he rolls over. I think the key for him is to use his baby back arch to propel himself. What a thrilling thing to watch. Enjoy the video!

Great Article

This article was posted by someone at the Diaper Jungle, a forum that focuses on cloth diapering and parenting. I think it is a great piece. As a new mom, I am definitely trying to do my best to raise a healthy and happy son. At times though, things can get overwhelming...clothes to fold, diapers to wash, dishes to wash, baby to wash, spit up to wipe, and so on. However, as this article reminds us, without the extra work that children require, we would also not have the blessings that they bring us. Enjoy!

FROM THE NEWSLETTER @ TEACH MAGAZINE http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001jYqn93s1IRBpEjsX5YFIOw%3D%3D I'm a mom like you; I get behind in my housework, wonder what is for dinner tonight when I am the one who is supposed to know, don't want to do what I am supposed to do, and sometimes wonder if public school might be a better option than me. In Proverbs 14:4, you will find a pivotal verse on attitudes, and this verse always makes me smile.

This verse is one I am sure God included for moms who get worn out and wonder how they are going to keep going: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest."

Or, as the poetic King James Version puts it:

"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean."

So, when we are frustrated and think, "I have taught them a million times to put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher," or "What in the world is he doing with every piece of my silverware in the bedroom? I shouldn't even have to tell him ..." So, when we think like this God is saying, "Chin up, Honey. If you didn't have any children you wouldn't have any mess."

He is reminding us that without oxen there is no manure and I guess you could say the same about children and dirty diapers. We don't want to complain about our blessings. The messes are a result and a part of the blessing!

Have you been thinking negative thoughts, complaining about things that aren't working, things that are hurting, things that need fixing, problems that need solving, or jobs that need doing? Maybe you've forgotten that the reason you've got a problem is because you've got a gift from God!

You've been given blessings, opportunities, years, people who love you, people who look to you, people who need you, and you've been given work to do.

On days when my list of problems and pressures is multiplying, I need to read Psalm 16:5-6 to help me restore my "big picture" perspective.

"Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

You decide where you want to focus and what you're going to let determine your attitude. You can complain about the manure or you can be glad you've got an ox. You can gripe about the glitches or you can give thanks for the gifts. You can be negative because there's a mess or you can be positive because that mess is the result of progress. And, as any highway construction people know, you can't have progress without having a mess.

Where's your attitude coming from right now? Is it coming from your load or your Lord? Your burdens or your blessings? The mess from the wrapping paper or the gift from God that was wrapped in it? Take a step back. Look past the garbage that's right in front of you and look at the goodness of God that's all around you!

5 Months Old!

5 Months

My little boy is 5 months old today! I can't believe he's been with us for that long already. At thje dog park with Frank and Nolan this evening, I was talking and singing songs to Nolan. Then, remembering his 5 month milestone, I thought of similar walks that I took just before Nolan was born. Like today, I used to talk to Nolan on my walks when I was pregnant with him. I would tell him how much I loved him and how excited I was to meet him. I would rub my belly as I walked and I'd think about how heavy this little thing inside of me was!! Nolan was feeling heavy today too, I had to adjust my carrier a few times to relieve my back. The difference today was that I had a little boy with me who would make noises along the way. He was looking around and watching all the other dogs playing and running around him. He's still my little baby though...with about 20 minutes left of our walk, he fell asleep and his head started drooping forward. I put my arm around him and held him tight for the rest of our time at the park.

Ryan was feeding Nolan his avacadoes tonight, and he was very impressed with how well he was eating. I guess the last time Ryan tried feeding him avacadoes, Nolan was making faces and hardly opening his mouth at all. See, veggies are growing on him already!!

One of my favorite parts about nursing Nolan at the moment, is when he reaches his hand up and grabs my face. Usually he doesn't grab too hard, but it's so nice to feel his soft little hand on my face. A coworker of mine who has a son in college told me today that one of the things she misses most about her son being little is the physical contact. Yes, she does get to hug him still, but she doesn't get to cuddle like she did when he was a baby. I'm definitely enjoying all of the time I get to cuddle with Nolan. I know Ryan is too, because he's always telling me how much he loves to hold Nolan and kiss his cheeks. He says he's even a little glad when Nolan cries in his crib at night, because then he gets to pick him up and hold him for a little while. Isn't that sweet?!

Sitting in his Bumbo, waiting for smashed bananas

Still so small!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Twins Fan!

Ryan and Nolan

Today Ryan, Nolan and I went to a Twins game. This was a day of many firsts for Nolan. His first game, his first time hearing the National Anthem, first 7th inning stretch...the list could go on. We met Diedrich, Ellen, Thomas, Thomas' friend, my coworker Mary and her son Brennen there at the game. Nolan seemed pretty interested in all the people and things going on around him at first. Well, maybe I should say he was a little overwhelmed because the minute I tried to give him to Mary to hold, he started crying and wanted to go back to me. It must have just been too much for the little guy to take in. After that he kept himself amused for the first 4 innings by chewing on anything and everything...his hands, his Nuk, his rattle, our fingers and my shirt. Finally, when we were about out of things for him to chew on, he fell asleep in my arms! How a person can sleep through all that noise is beyond me, but Nolan slept for over an hour! By the time he woke up, there was just a little bit left of the game! All in all it was a great day at the ball park for us. As always, it's great seeing family and friends too :)




My Little Napper



Diedrich and Ellen



Diedrich, Nolan and me

A Great Day At Home

Yesterday was such a wonderful day at home with Nolan. We started off by heading to the grocery store bright and early. Once we got home, it was time for Nolan's breakfast of bananas and rice cereal. He just loves bananas!! He actually leans forward and opens his mouth wide to eat more. He also loves grabbing the spoon and shoving it in his mouth, getting his fingers, his PJs, my clothes, my face and hair sticky in the process. We have so much fun with this!

Nolan sat on the couch yesterday for at least 4 minutes with hardly any support. He was looking around and smiling...what a cutie! Then, just to see if he could do it, I sat Nolan down on the carpet and he stayed sitting for over 30 seconds before he toppled over. I'm not sure it counts as actually sitting yet, but he sure is close!

Another fun thing that we did was sitting on the back steps in the shade, since the weather was so gorgeous yesterday. We sang songs, played little games and watched Frank as he chewed sticks. Nolan just loves Frank. He tries to grab him as Frank walks by and I've caught him smiling at Frank several times already.

Once Ryan and Kirstin got home, we ate quick dinner of turkey tacos and then headed off to the Minnehaha Dog Park with Frank. I carried Nolan in the carrier facing me. As Kirstin said, it's just such a joy to look down at such a sweet face that is also looking up at me :)