16 Months

Savannah turned 16 months old last week. I can hardly believe it! She is so sweet, I could just eat her up with a spoon! Her little personality is really starting to shine. She is a such a ham. I have never done monthly updates on Savannah or Aaden, but thought I'd give an update (mainly for me to look back on). What's been going on with little sister... *Wearing 18 month clothes. Can wear some 18-24 month. *Size 4 diaper. *Weights about 22-23 lbs. *Tiny, tiny feet! She wears a size 3 shoe. I think we'll be moving to size 4 soon,though. *Would eat all day long if we let her. Normally I give her some applesauce in the morning when she wakes up to hold her off until she gets to school and then eats breakfast there. She isn't picky at all. Normally eats all of her breakfast, lunch, and snack at school. Her afternoon teacher has had to give her as many as 2 1/2 nutrigrain bars for snack. The girl loves her food. *Says Da Da, Ma Ma, bro bro (brother), Di Di, Paw (Pee Paw), doggy, woof woof, bye bye, hey, Ella (friend at school). *Takes 1 nap during the nap. Normally from 12-2. Goes to sleep between 6:15- 7:00 P.M. and sleeps until about 6:30 or 7:00. Loves her sleep like her Mommy, Daddy, and brother! *Loves playing outside. Her favorite toy is Aaden's push lawn mower. *Loves playing with Aaden and thinks he's so funny! Doesn't like when he tries to pick her up. We love you so much, Savannah!

The Pre-K Diet

We have been busy, busy at the Marsh house. I know I have said this before, but when both parents have full time jobs- one of them being night shift, things can get just a little hairy. To top it off, we have all been sick. I know it's hard for a family to stay well with 2 little ones at school picking up nasty germs. Such is life, I suppose! ....................................................................................... We have had some problems with Aaden throwing temper tantrums at school as well as at home. Not to sound crazy, but he has always been a ball of fire. He lives with a passion that I know will benefit him one day. A passion that I have been praying he will turn into passion for his Savior and to lead others to Christ when he gets a little older. However, at 4 years old, this character quality is looked down upon. ...................................................................................... In utter frustration one night, I began googling "temper tantrums in 4 year olds". Apparently alot of parents still have problems just like we do. That same night as I was doing my usual "blog stalking", I happened upon a blog that I had read many times before, but had not visited in a while. She mentioned that they had seen behavioral issues in their daughter and found that she was very sensitive to preservatives, sugar, and food dyes. Once eliminated or reduced from her diet, her temper tantrums were fewer and she was more receptive to discipline. ...................................................................................... It was like a lightbulb went off in my head. Aaden's diet is not good. He is the pickest of all picky eaters. He hates any vegetable. Ever since he has started his new school, we have been responsible for feeding him breakfast before we drop him off. Every morning his request is....drumroll.....pancakes. Yes friends, mommy of the year award won't go to me this year. We are (basically) following the Feingold Plan for him and limiting sugar, no foods with dyes, and natural ingredients. ..................................................................................... We started him on this new diet and almost immediately saw an improvement. His teacher said he had a great week last week. Now instead of pancakes, he either eats a biscuit with natural grape jelly or cheese toast on wheat bread. He likes water, so drinks aren't really an issue. Believe me when I say that I understand that this won't get rid of every tantrum, but so far we have seen amazing results. ....................................................................................... We also scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician just to talk to him and tell him that he had been acting out and even being aggressive with us and he assured us it was normal. Even though he is 4, he is still very immature. He said if he was still acting out when he was 6 or so, then we'd talk again. He also told us that some of the brightest kids are the most "difficult" behaviorally . Honestly, I was afraid he'd take one look at him and write "ADHD" under his diagnosis. I hate labeling kids. That wasn't the case. He was very impressed with how Aaden talked to him and answered his questions appropriately. ....................................................................................... So I guess this will be a new normal for us, and that's just fine by me. We all want what's best for our children. Even if that means saying NO to sugar and things that aren't good for him. If you will, say a little prayer that somehow his tiny 4 year old brain could understand a little and be receptive to his new foods. I'll do an update again in a few weeks.

Christmas Cards

It's already that time of the year again.  If  your Wal-Mart & Lowe's is like ours, they have already begun putting their Christmas decorations out.  I think it gets earlier and earlier every year.  It's about that time to start thinking about Christmas cards, too! We have always used Shutterfly for our prints and photo books.  In fact, they send me emails and promotions all the time.  I just recently made a photo book for Savannah's first birthday party for FREE!  Their quality is excellent and you can't beat their prices.   You can visit their Special Offers page at www.shutterfly.com/special-offers

They have released their 2012 Christmas Cards and it's going to be tough picking out my favorite.  Here are a few samples...








See?  I told you so!  They are so cute!  I can't wait to order ours...

*This is a sponsored post by Shutterfly*

GGOOOAAALLLLL!!

 

 

Blogging Rut

I have been meaning to sit down and write a blog post, but you know life just gets crazy busy with two full time working parents and two busy kiddos.  I promise I'll have a blog soon (for my 2 readers...Ha!).

Right now we are deep in helping Aaden be successful at school.  Which includes helping him write his name, learn his shapes, and learn how to clean up.  Boy, he can be stubborn!  He also has his first soccer practice tonight.  My camera battery is on the charger as we speak so that I can use my "good" camera tonight to document his stellar soccer moves!  The boy is 100% totally atheletic.  Would NOT be surprised for him to play a sport on into high school.

Savannah is finishing up a round of antibiotics for strep.  Poor baby girl.  I hate seeing her so sick.  She is feeling much better, though.  She had her 15 month well baby check up Tuesday and weighed 23 lbs 12 oz.  I honestly can't remember what they said her length was...oops!  She is walking all over the place and is getting so big!  She is as sweet as pie and loves her brother. 

So this will have to do for now.  I'll be back soon with pics of our boy in action!  Happy Thursday!

A Mother's Prayer on the First Day of School

Here we are again, Lord.  Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and the lunch accounts are full.

And I know You’ll walk with them, Lord.  You always do.  But a mom still has to ask.

Will you walk with them?  Will you whisper to them what they need to hear, when I’m not there to whisper it?

Will you please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?

Will you make their minds strong and ready to learn?  Will you help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity?  Will you bless them for their efforts?

Will you love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren’t full, the ones who feel alone?  Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them? 

Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and every day, trusting them to Your care.

Amen.

First day of Pre-K

Take 1....

Take 2...

Take 3....