Summer Schedule

While our summer is still business as usual with work and daycare for both (Eli at Sacred Heart and Aliyah still at Barb's), they will be picked up around 3:30 and be home a bit earlier than when Eli gets off the bus from school. 

I came across the idea of a summer schedule on Pinterest and adapted it for us with a different theme for each day of the week.

Make Something Monday - Try out new recipes from a cookbook

Take a Trip Tuesday - Either locally or out of town (although out of town trips will be reserved for Sundays when we have more time) 

Wet and Wild Wednesday - Play with water toys outside or go to the swimming pool in DeWitt

Thinking Thursday - Continue reading mini phonics books/books from library and complete pages in workbooks

Family Fun Friday - Spend time together as a family enjoying a new or a favorite activity

Super Supper Saturday - Go out for supper together

Spread kindness Sunday - Perform a random act of kindness 

Tuesday Trip Ideas:

-Little Bear Park

-Hurstville Interpretive Center

-Niabi Zoo

-Monkey Joe's

-John Deere Pavilion 

-National Mississippi River Museum 

Also on our summer activity list:

-Bible school 

-Adventure Camp (Hurstville)

-Library summer reading program

-T-Ball

Random acts of kindness list:

-Deliver handmade notes/treats to:

-YMCA workers

-Hurstville workers

-Hospital employees

-Police officers

-Nursing home residents

-Send "just because notes" to family

-Put together a donation (diapers, wipes, sleeper, book) for a resident at Mary's Inn Maternity Home

-Draw and color pictures for jail inmates

-Leave a "Momma, you're doin' great" sign with a message on a changing table in the bathroom at a restaurant 

-Leave handmade bookmarks in library books for other kids to find

-Leave an inspirational quote on the windshield of a car

-Give out bubbles to kids at a park

-Leave behind quarters on a vending machine

"Hearts at Home"

Leading up to last weekend (that I had been waiting for the past 6 months when I first registered), I was explaining to Eli where I would be going and that they would be staying at my mom and dad's for the weekend.  I mentioned to him I was going to a motherhood conference to learn how to be a better mother.  Without hesitation and quite innocently, he looked at me and replied, "But you already are a good mother."  Tears - instantly (running down my fresh spray tan).  When you hear those words from your own kid, they melt your heart in a way that coming from anyone else would not be the same.

A couple of years ago I went to the "Inspire Motherhood" conference in Davenport, which was on a much smaller scale than this national conference with fewer attendees but still featured a couple of main speakers, workshops you choose, a lunch, and booths with vendors.  Last weekend, I attended the "Hearts at Home" conference in Peoria.  I decided to go by myself for a mini-getaway.  

Two added features of this conference included a comedian (which at times I was laughing so much it turned into tears - this lady was a genuinely funny without even trying to be in such a relatable way) along with a Christian musician that performed in between the various sessions.  

The last conference I went to included mothers telling about their own personal parenthood journeys, which I found very inspiring and motivating, which is why I signed up for this one in Peoria.  However, I found this conference to offer more advice, tips, and techniques that can be applied in order to foster more loving relationships with your spouse and kids. 

The first main speaker's talk revolved around kindness.  She mentioned that if we focus on the good we see in others rather than the annoying habits we are more likely to change our perspective and see them in a new light, which in turn can help bring about change in our attitude toward them.  

The four workshops I signed up for included instilling lasting morals and values, eliminating the notion of a "perfect" marriage, managing an anxious brain as a parent, and my favorite one where I learned the most - effective discipline that reaches the heart of a child.

The session on discipline included some thoughts that I really needed to hear and take to heart, especially as I find myself yelling to get attention and then regretting it later.  This is one of my worst parenting habits.  Like the speakers mentioned, this type of strategy may get results in the short term but does not satisfy long-term goals, such as the ultimate goal of parenting:  Creating responsible and respectful children who grow up to be responsible and respectful adults.  I was also reminded in this session about the connection between the two words disciple and discipline, which share a common root and meaning.  Viewing discipline as a way to help good disciples grow can change our perspective on how we raise kids.  

There are still times when I'm not quite sure what other strategy might be used in lieu of yelling, such as when your kid dunks their shirt into the bathtub full of water to show you how it "changes the color" of the shirt (of course it's going to become a shade darker when it is now sopping wet) and then takes it back out as it is dripping everywhere - yes, that really happened.  

Rather than rushing into a situation full steam ahead, the speakers suggested the opposite approach.  If we turn our tone into one that is more calm, controlled, and softer, we are more likely to receive in return a favorable response from kids.  Giving them choices, acknowledging their feelings, and empathizing with them are also ways to help them feel that we are disciplining in a way that helps them as we guide them to make better choices.  

The one-word theme of the conference weekend was "Breathe" reminding mothers if we take a break from time to time and give ourselves a chance to just breathe, we will be able to refuel.  When I went to mass the day after I attended this conference, the priest gave a homily with that same one-word theme - "breathe" relating the readings to how the Holy Spirit breathed through the apostles and how as a priest he often hears a big breath/sigh let out at the end of a confession - a sign of a release and letting go of sins and a chance to begin anew.  I found it more than just a coincidence that this same one-word theme surfaced these two different places last weekend.  

Bucket List Update

In reference to my past post of my 2017 bucket list (http://ianmollymcdonald.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017.html) I wanted to include an update:

Moriah the Medium:  I saw Moriah the Medium locally at a theater here where she did readings for people in the audience on stage and I became intrigued.  We set up a private group reading at her office in Dubuque.  I went with my mom, sisters, and Great Aunt Victoria. 

The relatives who have passed on that first came through were those of an older generation but familiar to Victoria and my mom that they connected to; Victoria was actually speechless at the beginning (and that doesn't seem to happen very often:)  Then, the personalities of my Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Winter were described perfectly by Moriah.

While my memory of everything that was said that day is now a bit fuzzy as time has gone on, there were a few distinct things that were said I clearly remember:

-Moriah mentioned Victoria might be dating by the end of the year - the name "Victor" was mentioned which is ironic since that is also the name of my Great Grandpa.

-My mom had recently been laid off from her job and she was really hoping to be called back to work.  My Grandma Winter came through and Moriah mentioned that there was a necklace with a locket on it in my grandma's dresser drawer and that my mom should wear it and she would be getting her job back.  Mom found the necklace with a locket in the dresser drawer in Grandma's house and kept it with her.  She was later on called back to start working again.

-Emma was identified as a "Crystal Child."  (You can Google it.)  Only Emma!

-It was also mentioned that someone is expecting or will be expecting soon - Jamie? - and she might be having a boy (which she at one time mentioned she would be really excited to have a boy) and not only 1 but maybe even 2 or Irish twins named Horace and Wilbur.  The girl's name Jamie had originally picked out was Charlotte which seems connected to the name Wilbur from Charlotte's Web. 

-Grandma Winter also was coming through when Moriah mentioned the word "typewriter" which could relate to my transcription job.  She also questioned if someone was going back to school and that I should go back to get my Master's in reading, which is what I would have chosen if I would have furthered my education.  She mentioned that we keep all our greeting cards, which we do - I didn't realize Megan and Jamie did too until Moriah said that and they had agreed; I thought I was the only one in my family, which is even weird for me to hang on to them since that is one thing a lot of people toss.  I tend to get rid of things that are not very useful or meaningful quite quickly too, but I do still strangely hang on to all the cards we receive.




Family trip to Adventureland:  I think this might be postponed for at least another year as the summer is right around the corner and Aliyah would still be too young to really get much out of it.  As of last summer, Eli did not want to go on any rides at the fair and I don't foresee that changing any time soon, so I'm not sure he'd be too excited about an amusement park.  I think we will stick to our short day trips as usual.  I think maybe deep down I just wanted to relive out my youth again as our annual family trip to Adventureland was always a highlight of the summer.



Make-up by a professional:  I had never had this done before and wanted to try it out and see if I might look totally different - well, that it did but I think it aged me (and not so much for the better...).  I am really not a fan of foundation or lipstick.  I think I will stick to relying on my own skills and keep it to a minimum.

Georgetown Cupcake order:  These were the cupcakes featured on the TLC series "DC Cupcakes."  You can order them online and have them shipped!  I must say they are worth every pretty penny from the extensive packaging (including an ice pack to keep them fresh) to the unmatched flavor.  They use premium ingredients and no preservatives.  I have never tasted a cupcake/frosting combination like this before!  (Okay, so I was already in 2 cupcakes deep before I took the picture.)

Our favorite local band, Reddoor:  We initially had a double date night set up (we thought) with AJ and his girlfriend.  In true AJ fashion, he apparently was told about this too far in advance because he seemed to have forgotten about it and by the time we asked him about it again, his girlfriend already had other plans that night.  Maybe next time...




Increase our date nights:  We are still working on this...It seems when it gets to the end of the week we are both tired and we have both become quite the homebodies these days.  We do usually go out to eat as a family on Saturday nights but we still need to make more of an attempt to find time for just the two of us.



Be on the lookout for a country music concert:  I noticed Luke Bryan was going to be in Moline, but the concert was on a Thursday night.  Weeknight events do not really entice me, but then I noticed that show must have sold out fast because they added another concert the following night on Friday.  We have already seen him a couple of times, and he puts on a great show, but since we are not really much for being a night owl these days, it still wasn't really on my radar.  When this concert is just beginning to start, I am usually getting ready for bed.  I guess we just can't keep up with the young crowd anymore.



Spray tan:  The first time I tried a spray tan was before Easter weekend as a trial for the summer.  I think it's safe to say it was noticed.  I will definitely be choosing this as an alternative to the self-tanning lotion I've tried before, which is very time consuming.  A spray tan is quick, easy, and I think more natural-looking than the self-tanner, provides more even coverage and fades more naturally after about a week.  The morning after I had this done for the first time I was downtown running errands with an extra little strut in my step in my newfound self-confidence now that my usually fair skin had more color to it.  As an extra bonus I found it even seems to bring the illusion of brighter teeth to your appearance. 



Attend the "Hearts at Home" conference:  Last weekend I went by myself to Peoria to this motherhood conference.  Details are in a separate post.




Not mentioned on the original post regarding my bucket list to-dos but something I have mentioned to my sisters is on my ultimate list for sometime down the road - a trip with them - either a cruise or some sort of vacation at a far away destination, just the 3 of us.  

A Few Projects

We have completed a few more house projects lately.  The last major update was probably the new septic system that had to be installed not too long after we moved in; since then, we have had a few other updates done starting with the wiring/electric work being redone upstairs and the outlets being replaced.  We also put in new entry doors on the garage.  

My favorite recent update is the new shower in the upstairs bathroom.  This is something that is used on a daily basis, so it is so nice to have this replaced.  What we thought was going to be a simple shower/tub replacement of course turned into a much bigger project than anticipated with replacing the previous tiling around the shower with drywall but then the guys working on the project realized the new tub, which was a standard size would be a bit bigger than the old one so the storage area to the left had to be completely rebuilt.  They ended up tearing this area out down to the studs, realized there was no insulation in that wall, added that in, and then ended up taking quite a bit longer to finish since it was a bigger project than initially thought, but we were very happy with the final outcome.  (P.S. Sliding glass shower doors = impossible to keep clean - go with a curtain.)

Before:

After:

The windows on the front porch were the last set to be replaced in the house so they are all updated now.  We also added new doors.  This area was nice to get updated too since this is where we wait for the bus in the mornings. 

I wanted to add in a picture of the fresh mulch that was just added this spring.  (By the way, Ian, I see what you did with the mini trench/border there - good job:)  I love that bright orange-colored mulch!  Even simple changes to landscaping can add so much curb appeal.  Our perennials are just starting to sprout - mostly hostas and lilies.  They fill in more as the spring and summer seasons go on so it is not quite as bare. 

I was thinking about a month ago we should probably look into getting the furnace and central air replaced since it is in the 25-30 year range on age before something happens.  Thankfully, we do have an alternative heat and air conditioning source since the furnace went on the fritz about 2 weeks ago and will be replaced this coming week along with a new air system.  Yet another lesson learned as a homeowner - don't wait until something is beyond repair to replace.

Lastly, something I have been thinking about is having the shutters painted.  They are a shade of blue now but some have started to fade, so they may have to be painted eventually anyway.  I really like the deep plum color, as long as it will still coordinate with the color of our siding.

Quiet Busy Bags - Church Edition

I have been finding it more of a challenge lately to keep both kids entertained and engaged without escaping (once Aliyah learned to walk she was all about going on an adventure - anywhere) in church.  I quickly banished my former thoughts and judgments of other parents attempting to keep control of their kids in church when I realized I am "that parent" at moments.  We attend mass on a regular basis together and have been since they have been born, so they should know the expectations.  What happened to "just knowing" (from what I remember of my own childhood) how to behave and keeping still and staying quiet in places like this?!  

I was thinking about how I previously created toddler busy bags with different activities in each for Eli when he was younger - things he could do on his own independently without a lot of guidance that would keep him busy and quiet.  I came across a few ideas of quiet busy bags/activities for church.

For Eli, I created a 2-sided folded sheet using clip art of various pictures of things that can be found in church (I even came across pictures of our priest and deacon I added in).  When you find each item, you are supposed to circle it, like an "I Spy" version of things to be found in church.  The first time I tried this with Eli, he had everything circled before mass even started so that sort of backfired.  

I also came across the website catholicmom.com that is a great resource.  By visiting the site, clicking on the "Kids" link and then "Sunday Gospel Activities" each week there are activities that correlate to that weekend's mass readings including coloring pages, crossword puzzles, word searches, etc.  I have also found the gospel story summarized in kid-friendly language the most useful tool to help point out certain words/phrases to listen for as it is read during mass along with giving some background information about the story in a way kids can relate to and understand.  Eli is at an age where he can start to understand more of what is going on during mass and he is still required to kneel/stand when appropriate and work on his worksheets at other times.  He knows he needs to pray when we first get there and he will always lean over and whisper, "I'm done" afterwards:)  Speaking of prayers, I compiled a template that I hung up by his bed to help him with his bedtime prayers:

Dear God,  

Thank you for __________________.

I'm glad you helped me __________________.

I love you because ______________________.

Please help me______________________.

Watch over ___________________.

Amen

One night when Eli was going to bed, he mentioned he already said his prayers for the day at nap time during school so he wouldn't need to that day at bedtime - he must be taking it seriously:)

With Ian's help with the holes in the top of the container, we created a mini pom-pom shape sorter for Lia to use during church to keep her busy.  It doesn't make any noise, so it keeps her quiet.  I also pulled out an assortment of some of our more interactive books.

Color Theme Basket

I'd like to introduce you to my new favorite store in town:  The Dollar Tree.  

This is my favorite dollar store.  They have a wide variety of useful items that are practical and of good quality for this type of store.  It is well organized and is a true dollar store - everything is really $1.  

My new favorite hobby is creating a color theme basket and The Dollar Tree is the perfect store for finding a variety of items all of the same color and the basket making supplies you need.  I came across this idea first on Pinterest using the color orange with the saying "Orange you glad it's almost summer?!" as gift baskets for Eli's teacher and classroom aide for Teacher Appreciation Week.  

I filled the basket above with a variety of orange items and assembled them in an orange basket including the decorative ribbon, orange crinkle, and tissue paper.

Energy

I find my most productive hours of my day are in the early morning hours.  As the day goes on, my energy starts to fade and wane.  With a sedentary job, I find it a challenge at times to maintain the energy I need to stay awake and alert.  When my eyes are getting too heavy, I log out for 20 minutes and take a short nap at the computer if I need to and then I am ready to go again.  

I would occasionally drink pop for the caffeine and then switched to diet to still have the caffeine content without the calories.  I recently found another alternative to pop with a high caffeine content - flavored water.  This "Great Value" brand from Walmart contains packets that come in an assortment of various fruity flavors.  One packet gets added to 16 ounces of water and I much prefer the taste of this to pop.  Each 16 oz water/1 packet is equivalent to the caffeine content in about 2 cans of pop.  

Quite a while ago my mom introduced me to no bake energy bites, a healthy snack that I have found really can fill you up for a while and appeals to cravings for both something sweet and savory along with adding in a variety of textures using simple ingredients. 

Here's the recipe:
1 cup oatmeal
2/3 cup coconut
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/3 cup honey 
1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir all ingredients together.  Chill for 1/2 hour in the refrigerator.  Roll into balls.  Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.  Lasts up to 1 week. 

My Favorite Things - Edition 1

TOP 5 CHILDREN'S BOOKS

A tie for number 5:  

Indestructible books for babies created by Amy Pixton - various titles

These books are made from a type of paper material that cannot be chewed through, drooled through, or ripped and can be washed.  They are safe for babies and a perfect way to introduce them to books at such a young age when they love to put everything in their mouths. 

Alphablock  by:  Christopher Franceschelli

Each letter of the alphabet is created in the shape of that letter for each page with picture clues before each page is turned as to what starts with that letter on the next page. 

4.  Boogie Monster by:  Josie Bissett

This is a fun book that rhymes - my favorite type to read aloud.

3.  Guess How Much I Love You by:  Sam McBratney

This is a favorite that truly reflects the boundless type of love between a parent and child.

2.  Let Me Hold You Longer by:  Karen Kingsbury

This was the first children's book that I have come across that created an emotional response from me, ever tears the first time I read it.  It shifts the focus of memories and milestones from the first time something happens to the last, such as the last time the child is fed a bottle and the last time they are tucked into bed and the last time you help them with homework as they grow up.  It stirs up the thought of spending more time if you realized it was the last time you would be doing that task.  This story follows a mother/son from birth at the beginning of the book to the end when he heads off to college.

1.  On the Night You Were Born by:  Nancy Tillman

This was given to us as a gift when Eli was born.  I love this story that truly celebrates a birth and it is quite fitting as Eli was even born at night - that night when I first became a mother.  My favorite quote from this story is, "Life will never be the same."  There is a powerful message in the story as well with the emphasis on each child being unique, special, and important.  

As a side note relating to books, Aunt Cari first introduced chapter books to Eli in her Easter gift to him this year.  If I would have known sooner how reading aloud a chapter book at bedtime would motivate him to move through his nighttime routine about 10 times faster so we can start reading, I would have started reading these types of books to him a long time ago!  Maybe he feels more grown up now reading a "chapter" book together.  

My Favorite Things - Edition 2

TOP 5 CHILDREN'S TOYS

5.  Foam letters/numbers for the bathtub - These have kept both kids entertained.  They are really helpful when first learning the letters and numbers since you have their undivided attention and they stay in 1 spot.  They can be used to learn how to spell their name, simple words, using invented spelling to sound out words, putting in order or sorting in various ways.  

4.  "Melissa and Doug" stacking blocks - These are also a great learning tool again for letters and letter sounds along with colors as part of language skills and then the motor skills in stacking them up.

3.  "Hot Dots Jr." - This is great for school readiness.  These cards encompass a huge assortment of skills including letters, numbers, colors, shapes, etc.  They are used by touching the tip of the special pen to the black dot next to your answer/choice for each question.  It lights up green if you are correct or red if you need to try again.  These can by used for guided instruction and also at an independent level since it is self-correcting.

2.  Sand/water table - This seems to work best as either a sand table or a water table but not both simultaneously even though it is designed that way.  It comes with an umbrella for shade and a cover when not in use.  It is great for multiple kids to play together at once and all ages.  It is one of those toys that can really grow with them.  Eli was given the sand table for his first birthday, so we used the same idea for Emma as her first birthday gift.  

1.  "ThinkFun Roll and Play" game - This is designed to be one of the first games for a toddler.  Eli first learned some of the basic skills from this game.  It comes with a soft colored cube that is rolled and the colors correspond to matching colored cards of 6 different categories (feelings, parts of the body, sounds of animals, numbers, colors, and actions).  

My Favorite Things - Edition 3

TOP 5 NEWBORN GIFT IDEAS

5.  Diapers and wipes - This seems to be one of the most practical gift ideas for a newborn.  In the past, I have been given larger sizes to have on hand when the time comes that they are needed.  I have found size 4 and size 6 are used the longest amount of time. I prefer the Parent's Choice brand for both diapers and wipes and this is the same brand I chose for formula too due to the lower cost compared to other brands but still maintaining a standard of quality.  

4.  Size 0 to 3 month sleepers - I know a lot of people tend to follow the advice of giving clothes that are sizes for later on, not for the newborn stage but then you can end up with few 0-3 month size sleepers, which is what babies tend to wear mostly anyway.  Year-round, regardless of the season in which the baby is born, I think they are most comfy in sleepers since they spend most of their time sleeping at the beginning anyway.  My favorite ones are the ones with zippers since they are so much easier to change (why are snaps even an option?!).  

3.  Vibrating bouncer seat - Both kids enjoyed this and it kept them content when I was busy in the kitchen or typing at the computer. 

 2.  Personalized name blocks - These were Etsy finds and my favorite part of the nursery decor to match the jungle theme.  

1.  Monthly onesie stickers - There are so many options of these now to pick from as they have grown in popularity to document changes throughout the first year.

My Favorite Things - Edition 4

TOP 5 BEAUTY BUYS

Now I know this is a strange topic for a post coming from me since I'm not much into fashion or beauty but if I do want to do something with myself, I like to focus on my eyes and hair.

5.  Mary Kay eye shadow - I have found this to be the longest lasting eye shadow that does not form a crease on the eyelid as the day goes on; I like to use colors with either a slight shimmer or a matte look to them.  I usually use 2 coordinating colors together. 

4.  Maybelline eyeliner - This liquid eyeliner I have found is the easiest to use and is long-lasting.  I don't know how to use those pencils!  I like this one because it is waterproof.  Before finishing off with mascara, I find that adding eyeliner makes the most dramatic effect to an appearance. 

3.  Mary Kay eye primer - This helps to extend the wear of eye shadow and this tube lasts seemingly forever since only a very small amount is used each time.

2.  Redken hairspray - Forceful 23 - These last 2 products I would consider a bit of a splurge but I am very loyal to them.  The Redken brand uses different numbers on their products; it seems the higher the number the better the hold for the product.  I love the hairspray since it provides a long hold but doesn't look too stiff or "crunchy."  

1.  Redken Rough Paste 12 - This is my all-time favorite hair product and I have been using it for years.  It is perfect for short hairstyles.  It allows me to style mine using my hands only after a blow dry - no straightener, curling iron, comb to tease, etc.  It adds volume without a greasy or wet look. 

Seasons of Life

When I was first posed the question, "What season of life are you in?" I was attending a mini teacher retreat during one of my first few years of teaching.  My answer then was spring - I saw myself as a budding young teacher just beginning to branch out into the teaching profession/vocation where I was transforming my childhood dream into reality.  I was also establishing roots in a new community.  

Just as we experience different seasons throughout our life figuratively, motherhood comes with a change of seasons and stages as well.  I would now reply to that same question by stating I feel I am in a season of summer or a high point in my life where we are flourishing.  We are settled now into our marriage.  We will celebrate our 8-year anniversary this September.  We know now what makes each other tick.  The honeymoon/newlywed spring season has transformed into this new stage whereby we have grown as a newly married couple to parents.  

Just as our personalities of husband and wife complement each other, I feel our parenting styles are complementary as well.  While I would consider myself to be the stricter, more structured and orderly parent who enjoys likewise more structured activities and enjoying time together with a purpose like reading or doing projects, I see Ian as more of the free spirited, affectionate, playful, and more spontaneous parent, more willing to engage in free play.  I think our kids benefit from the balance of both styles.  

We have survived the newborn/baby stage together x2; now I feel we can not only survive but thrive and enjoy this next stage in life with the growing independence of our kids.  Eli is now school age and integrating into society while learning about the "real world."  Lia is a toddler who loves to explore and has adjusted to full-time daycare.  Ian and I both find ourselves in careers we love; we love the freedom and flexibility of our self-employed status, Ian now working more full time with his dad farming (which I can see Eli following in his footsteps) along with still working in sales for CPS and I am still considered an independent contractor for the same transcription company, able to determine my own hours while working from home.  

Just as seasons come and go, so too do the stages of motherhood and there is no one else I'd rather share in the changing of the seasons with than my own little family:)

What season of life are you in?

Reminiscing

Soundtrack:  "When God Made You"  - NewSong

50 Reasons

Originally, this list of 50 Reasons why I love my parents was going to be a birthday gift for them on their 50th birthdays, which were in the same year (they are only a month apart) - the year we were married - so that milestone has passed, but these thoughts were still lingering in my head so I wanted to share them in a post:

50 Reasons Why I Love my Mom and Dad

50.  Provided a safe, structured environment where we were raised while in the country
49.  Gift of siblings - we were able to grow even closer as we got older
48.  Signing us up for the summer reading program at the library
47.  Pass to the pool each summer
46.  Allowing me to take piano lessons - I still remember my first keyboard
45.  Celebrating our birthdays (my favorite memories were at Happy Joe's and the one year you had ordered a special cake designed like a carousel)
44.  Easter traditions - hiding not only eggs but our baskets too
43.  Magical time at Christmas - favorite gifts were always stationery sets and the Lisa Frank sticker collection along with our "big" gifts always covered by blankets and the year I got a desk
42.  Letting us each pick a treat at Pronto for helping outside on Saturday mornings
41.  Fostering my childhood dream of becoming a teacher by letting me transform a room upstairs into my "classroom" where I would play school
40.  Sending us to a Catholic grade school
39.  Taking us to Pizza Hut to redeem our Book-It certificates for a personal pan pizza
38.  Proudly displaying our report cards on the refrigerator 
37.  Accepting us for who we are, especially me during those awkward preteen/teen years
36.  Our annual summer trip to Adventureland and taking the traditional "Molly the Trolley" picture and then staying in the Adventureland Hotel - even poolside one year
35.  Allowing me to get braces so I can have a smile I am proud of today and taking me to all the countless followup appointments 
34.  Always maintaining high expectations
33.  Recognizing the value and importance of education
32.  Getting us a trampoline one summer in lieu of a trip
31.  An unlimited amount of patience with me while learning to drive as it just was not quite coming naturally to me...
30.  Having snacks ready for us after school
29.  Eating meals as a family on a daily basis
28.  Raising THREE GIRLS and embracing the 3 very different personalities 
27.  Allowing us to make mistakes and learn from them
26.  Strict discipline - it was enough for us to not want to disappoint you
25.  Allowing me to get my first job and take on more responsibility while in high school
24.  Sending care packages to me during finals week in college
23.  Visiting me at Clarke on a regular basis
22.  Supporting me throughout my college journey
21.  Telling me you were proud of me on my college graduation day 
20.  Helping me find my first apartment 
19.  Being supportive of my change in careers
18.  Being an example of a true dedication to the marriage vocation
17.  Welcoming Ian into the family with open arms 
16.  Helping us create a wedding day that we will always remember
15.  Sending messages telling us how much you love us and are proud of us after our family gatherings
14.  Watching Eli on a weekly basis throughout his first years
13.  Keeping the kids on weekends occasionally 
12.  Fostering an endless, genuine, loving relationship with your grandchildren
11.  Making the kids feel special when they come over with treats and special trips (fishing or McDonald's)
10.  Creating delicious meals for holidays 
9.  Calling me on my birthday 
8.  Supportive of us as parents
7.  Loving your grandchildren as your own
6.  Instilling in us values and morals we can pass on to our own kids
5.  Example of hardworking
4.  Example of faith-filled life, attending mass together as a family on a weekly basis
3.  Example of your unconditional love and forgiveness through your actions 
2.  Selfless attitudes - always willing to do anything for anybody
1.  Giving us the gift of life

"Fed is Best"

After reading this article, it spurred another post for me:

http://www.scarymommy.com/new-study-shows-cognitive-benefits-of-breastfeeding-are-negligible-by-age-five/?utm_source=FBOnsite

I think most doctors and nurses would encourage mothers that nursing babies is best for them.  I remember the first container of formula I bought even mentioned that same idea in capital letters right on the package.  I have a lot of respect for those who do nurse and their commitment.

For me though, choosing to formula feed was something I decided even before I was pregnant.  Nursing did not really cross my radar as quite frankly it was not something I was comfortable with but more practically there seemed to be too many variables with babies latching on and producing enough supply and I wanted to be able to visually see how many ounces they were getting at each feeding.

I found myself surprised that during the entire prenatal care and even after delivery and the followup visits with a newborn none of the nurses or doctors ever questioned my motive of choosing formula.  For our kids, they thrived on formula, stayed on track with growth/development and took to it right away with no apparent adverse reactions.  (Although with Aliyah while still in the hospital right after she was born they thought she might have issues with the milk-based formula since she was spitting up a lot.  Then, she was switched to soy and that didn't seem to make much of a difference, so she was switched back to the milk based and did fine with that and the spitting up resolved once we were settled in back home.)  They both made a smooth transition to whole milk at 1 year. 

As babies, they both eventually began taking larger quantities at a time, ate less often and both started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks.  I'm not sure how much the formula had to do with that or if we just lucked out with good sleepers since they both still sleep about 12 hours per night, Eli sometimes more like 11 hours.  

Whether a baby's nutrition comes from the mother or formula, as the saying goes, "Fed is best."