First Night Away.....

Tomorrow is the night....

The night that every new mom and dad dreads.....

The first night away from the baby.

Noah will be staying with grandma while we attend a wedding in Fort Worth and celebrate our own 2nd wedding anniversary a week early.

~Deep Breath~ Oooommmmm.......

Friday Follow

Welcome to the April 30 Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

• * Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky here. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
• * Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.
• * Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the 3 slots prior to yours.
• * Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like
• * Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
• * Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

As hostesses, we realize the time required to participate in Friday Follow. Due to the overwhelming number of entries each week, we understand everyone, including ourselves, may not be able to follow every blog. To keep it fun, follow what you can at your own pace. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued participation!

Super Mario Bros. Crossover

Were you one of those kids that just LOVED Super Mario Bros.?

What if I told you that you could now play it with other Nintendo characters such as Link or Mega Man?

A good friend of ours, Justin, keyed us in to this jewel of a program!

Have fun!

SUPER MARIO BROS. CROSSOVER

The Dot to Dots......

Have you ever wondered what God's plan is for you?

Wouldn't it be nice if he would provide us with a grand overview of our lives so that we would know what to expect?

In reading "Once Upon a Time" by Jody Capehart, I came across this chapter and I thought that it appropriately explained God's reasoning.

Excerpt from "Once Upon a Time" by Jody Capehart

Before a child connects a dot to dot picture, he only sees the dots. Our lives are a lot like that. We want God to give us the big picture so we can understand what all these seemingly endless, meaningless dots mean. In fact, I have asked God on many occasions to send me a memo about what in the world He is doing with my life. But He knows answering prayers like that would not develop my faith. He only allows us to get tot he next dot. Then, when looking back, we begin to see what picture He is making with our lives. God only asks that we look to Him for guidance to get to the next dot.

I can say that there were many times in my life when I thought that the light would never be found and I wondered why God was challenging me with those trials. Of course, now I do see the light and his plans for me. But if I would not have gone through those tough times in my life, I would not be where I am now......and that would be a very sad thing!

Book Review: Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time -

What to Do When the Fairy Tale

Doesn't Come True

By: Jody Capehart

ISBN: 1-56476-338-2

What happens when your life doesn't turn out like the fairy tale you dreamed it would be as a little girl?

Talk about a life worth talking about! This is a true life story of Jody Capehart who lives right here in the great city of Dallas.

After enduring much hardship in her life, including her pregnancy through a divorce, her faith in God pulls her through. Filled with inspirational story after story, Jody uses a lot of humor combined with scripture to make riveting conclusions that we can implement in our own lives.

If you need a book that can uplift and inspire you, while making you laugh, this is that book.

She provides hope and encouragement through these simply short chapters.....what a great book!

Jody is a ramped up woman, constantly on the go, an educator and great resource for parents of children with ADD.

She founded three Christian schools in Dallas, taught at each and was the principal as well! She currently is teaching Charm classes for young women.

I am extremely blessed to be able to attend a Women's Conference this weekend in which she will be speaking. I am very very excited.

I will make sure to let everyone know what it was like, but...in the meantime....pick up this book. You won't regret it!

Makin' Friends

As many of you know, I have been taking Noah to Mother Goose time at the library for several weeks now. Recently, we made a new friend - Melodie and her son Beau.

For the last couple of weeks, we have visited for lunch prior to the library and then had fun at Mother Goose time.

Here are the boys together......Oh! Did I mention.....Beau was born the day after Noah at the same exact hospital! Small world :)

Looks like they are going to be great friends!

Raspberries

Noah has started imitating some of the faces that we make....

This is one of them....

TH-FFFFT!

Healthy Recipe: A Mid East Feast: Falafel

Since I've stayed at home with Noah, I've been trying to use this opportunity to try new meal ideas. In addition, I've been trying to keep them somewhat healthy. In Parents magazine, several months ago, they mentioned that eating one vegetarian meal a week was beneficial to the heart.

Then in the March 2010 issue, they provided a recipe for Falafels. This crunchy falafel is a great burger alternative and packs a healthy protein punch.

Ingredients:

One (1) 15 oz can garbanzo beans

1/4 c. shredded carrots

Three (3) tbsp. sesame tahini, divided

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/3 c. plain low fat yogurt

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tomato

Eight (8) mini whole wheat pita pockets

2 tbsp. all purpose flour

1 & 1/2 tsp. pre chopped garlic

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 tbsp. olive oil or spray

* Preheat oven t 425 degrees

* Rinse and drain garbanzo beans and mash together with carrots, flour, 2 tbsp. Tahini, 1 tbsp. water, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper (Note: It is OK to have bits of beans in mash)

* Grease a cookie sheet with olive oil or spray and shape mixture into 16 patties about the size of a half dollar.

* Place on cookie sheet and brush with more olive oil.

* Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy - turning once.

* While baking, mix yogurt, remaining tahini and lemon juice in small bowl. Add water by the tablespoon if sauce is stiff.

* Stuff falafel, tomato (even lettuce) into pitas. Serve with yogurt sauce on side as dipper, along with fresh veggies such as cucumber and red or green peppers.

NOTE: I prefer simply using a ranch dip rather than the yogurt dip, but that was a personal preference.

Enjoy!

Our First Trip to the Zoo....and other Activities

This weekend was jam packed!

Jonathan took off Thursday and golfed.

He took off Friday and we went nonstop all day!

We started at the pediatrician - Still trying to find a proper course of action for Noah's asthma and allergies.

Then we went to my old company, Outstanding Productions, and attended a luncheon for Jeff - my old boss - for his birthday! We had a great time.

Afterwards, we decided that it was such a pretty day - that we would take the short drive down to the Dallas Zoo!

Not only was this Noah's first trip to the zoo.....but our first trip to the zoo together as a couple as well as a family!

This is how we started our day - very happy!

Mom and Dad were happy too, because when we were arriving.....all the school groups were leaving! There was hardly ANYONE in the park! It was great!

Since it wasn't in the original plans to go to the zoo, we didn't have a hat for Noah.....so we bought him one.....

The Dallas Zoo was great! It even had a Children's Zoo with a water area that taught about conservation, as well as farmyard animals.....well.....I'm not sure I've ever seen Pygmy goats on a farm!

Playing in the Water

Sitting in the Caterpillar

This was the best goat out there!

Noah was very interested in the animals!

We made it all the way to the amphibians before we started to get fussy

Noah and Mommy

The Albino Alligator

Can you see his paw moving? He was swinging at us! LOL!

And this guy was digging and trying to get out to us!

And after the amphibian exhibit.........

ZONKED OUT!

(I've got to get a more supportive wrap!)

So after Noah fell asleep, Jonathan and I were able to relax and enjoy some more of the zoo:

Bless his heart - He was so hot......

There were 5 of these monster tortoises!

These birds made the coolest nests.....

Aren't they? The nest is in the interior!

I can't wait until the new elephant / giraffe exhibit opens!!!!! It was really neat to finally see Jenny face to face - If you don't know her story....it's amazing! Click here.

What a great day as a family!!!!!

Then on Saturday, we headed out to Southlake for the Art in the Square. I expected a little more, but it was great fun for Noah.....(and Mommy and Daddy)

These windcatchers were probably the coolest things out there!!!!!

Hope and Encouragement

I subscribe to Dayspring emails and received this encouraging message today.

I thought I would share!

Encouragement for Your Future

Your future is full of...

HOPE because God is working on your behalf.
In all things God works for the good of those who love Him. ROMANS 8:28

JOY because God has a plan for you.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "...plans to give you hope and a future." JEREMIAH 29:11

PEACE because God will be wherever you go.
I am with you always. MATTHEW 28:20

LOVE because God deeply cares for you.
How wide and long and deep and high is the love of Christ. EPHESIANS 3:18

STRENGTH because God gives you everything you need.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. PHILLIPIANS 4:13

CONFIDENCE because God made you who you are.
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. GENESIS 1:31

COURAGE because God can do more than you can imagine!
With God all things are possible. MATTHEW 19:26

The Accidental "Cry It Out" Session

Oh my gosh!

I feel like the worst mother ever!

So, as my followers remember, Noah is now officially sleeping in his crib.

I, therefore, sleep with the baby monitor on my bedside.

Last night, Noah starting rustling around at about 12:15 p.m., so as directed, I set my little timer for 15 minutes and turned the monitor down. After 15 minutes, I usually get up to check and see how he is doing.

Well.....last night, I never turned the timer on - I pressed the wrong button (not knowing) and subsequently turned the monitor down.

I fell back asleep and then I jolted awake, not knowing the time, assuming that he had fallen back asleep........ OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! It was 5:00 a.m.!!!!

I rushed into the baby's room and lo and behold, he was awake and smiling!

How long had he cried? Who knows.....but as Jonathan put it.....he survived....he's alive and he was happy!

Wow......

What a night!

Houston.....We have Crawfish!!! Over.....

As long awaited.....the Houston trip blog!

Jonathan, Noah and I went down to the Woodlands to visit my Dad for the first time since he moved there last year.

On the way down Hwy 45, there was miles upon miles of wildflowers! Thank you Lady Bird Johnson! It was beautiful and we took a bunch of pictures.

Noah did well for his first road trip....only waking up because I woke him up for the bluebonnet pictures and to eat :)

We spent the first night at home and enjoyed Dad's backyard! So many trees.....Noah had fun hanging out with Papa!

We attended a local Crawfish festival.....mmmmm......Crawfish! That is one thing I do miss about living in New Orleans.....the crawfish boils were amazing!

We walked around.....

in the Baby Bjorn

and the Stroller

Saw the most ghetto Crawfish eating table - Yes - this is a piece of wood being held up by sawhorses!!!

Ate some Crawfish

And some Fried Oreos...mmmmm......

Ate some more with Papa.......

On the car ride out, once again, Daddy was able to make Noah giggle!

We were tuckered out after that!

Afterwards, we convinced (dragged) Jonathan to go into a couple of thrift stores with us.....and lo and behold he found something to play with!

The next day, we attended church with my Dad. It was beautiful!

Man - It was bright!

All in all, we had great food and great fun with family!

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl Who Chased the Moon

The third book in her collection, The Girl who Chased the Moon, by Sarah Addison Allen is another home run!

A great summer read, this book encompasses love, mystery and magic! The relationships between the characters are intertwined meticulously and entices you to continue turning the pages.

A story about an orphaned teenager goes to live with her grandfather who she has never met. Much to her surprise that he soars well over 8 feet tall....and that is only the beginning. From strange lights in the woods at night, to families that refuse to venture out after dark, to people that can "see" the smells of cakes being baked, to wallpaper that changes with the mood.....the characters in this book are far from ordinary.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun and fast read! I have truly enjoyed all three of her books and can't wait until the fourth!

Arghhh..... That was funny!

Tonight at dinner, and after a long exhausting day, Jonathan was feeding Noah.

As is just like my husband, he pulls out a funny voice......tonight was a Pirate....Shiver me Timbers!

Noah thought that this was the funniest thing in the world and we have NEVER seen him laugh so hard!

Gluten Free Recipe Blog

I have a dear friend whose boys (and she) have a sensitivity to wheat.

So, she decided to start this blog and I thought that I'd share the love.

Please pass it around to anyone you think that would benefit!

EASILY GLUTEN FREE BLOG

:)

Have a great day!

Melanie

Pesky Squirrel

If everyone remembers back in December, Jonathan's truck was chewed through by, what we believe to be .... a pesky squirrel.

He lives in the tree in our backyard and is always around.

Well, Mr. Squirrel strikes again......just not so expensive this time.

With the Spring bug about, I not only planted all of those beautiful flowers, but also bought birdseed to feed the birds through the birdfeeder.......

I placed it on a shelf outside of the kitchen window......

This is what I found later that day.....

And the culprit making his getaway......

And We're Sitting UP!

For the last couple of weeks, Noah has taken a big step and is getting better and better at sitting up! YEAH!!!

5 Months Old and Getting so big!

Today, April 16, 2010....

Our little man turned 5 months old!

Our two biggest accomplishments this last week is that we learned how to roll over!

And secondly, tonight is Noah's first night to sleep in his own room.....oh....my....goodness! I am a little sad and freaked out! Tears are definitely being held at bay. I know its the best for him and for us....and it is simply a progression of growing up :( but I am that Mom that just can't let go.

We weighed Noah the other day and he weighs 17 lbs 2 oz! Wow! What a big boy he has become!

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk?? ANXIETY!!!

You know the saying........Don't cry over spilled milk?

I understand this to a degree - why is there a point in getting upset about a trivial occurrence such as spilling milk?

But (especially to all those nursing moms) what if that is YOUR milk? Your liquid gold?

This post is not about actually spilling that milk (even though I've done that and it turned my stomach upside down!)....it is about the concept......when your milk is not enough to suffice.

Noah STILL does not sleep well......and everyone has advice to give.............everything from swaddling him at night to letting him cry it out. In addition, he seems to be hungry - A LOT! I was wondering if my almost 5 month old - 17 lb. little man was ready for solid foods.

So, I did what every first time mom would do - call the pediatrician.

In talking to the pediatrician via the nurse, they came to a couple of conclusions:

1) No - He is not to have solid food until 6 months - stick with milk and cereal

2) I do not produce enough milk in one sitting to fill him up - he needs AT LEAST 3-4 oz of milk at each sitting - I can only produce - maybe 2 oz. ----- and that is with extra pumping and Fenugreek!

3) He is eating WAY too frequently. He wants to eat about every 2 hours - 24/7........I've now become aware that its a combination of hunger and comfort.

SO - this was our solution.....

* Noah is supposed to eat cereal 3 times a day now. Mind you he eats about 6 oz. of cereal/milk.

* When he nurses, I have to have a bottle ready. Feed and then supplement.

So, in a nutshell. I have to use everything that I can pump out, what I have frozen..........and then I have to start formula, because I won't be able to produce enough for him.... :(

I must tell you that I was in tears in Jonathan's arms last night. Each to their own - breast or bottle, but I was adamant in solely breastfeeding. No formula. God's funny sense of humor, right? First I want a natural delivery - then Noah comes a month early - then I have to have a c-section.....now this!

Granted - I went 5 months solely breast milk.....I did well......AND I intend on continuing to nurse as much as possible.

OK - Point number two......

* Starting this weekend, he is moving to his own room! OMG. Talk about Mommy Anxiety!

* Once in his room, I have to go to the "cry it out" for 15 minutes throughout the night.

Oh! I am not ready for this.