Product Reviews

I have been thinking about doing this post for a few days; but have held because I know these reviews won't apply to all my readers. However, since I have readers that are in the same boat as my me...first time mommy...I know it can be helpful to hear what others have tried, why they have tried and what did or.didn't work for them!
1. Graco Nautilus
(click on the above, for more info)
We recently switched Klayton to a front facing car seat. The board of pediatrics recommends waiting until a child is two. I asked my doctor and she said while its best its not always safest. For example Klayton was already hanging over his infant carseat and she said being rear facing in an accident could injure his little legs ve ry badly. She told us wait until hes one and 20 lbs then switch him to front facing. However, this mommy was a little apprehensive putting him in a big old carseat. So, we looked and looked! Finally deciding on this one:

I liked this one because of all the extra padding that surrounds him and as he grows the padding that cushions my tiny boy can be removed! We also chose this one because the back rest is able to extend upward to accommodate a growing boy as well as eventually be removed when he only needs the booster seat. Joseph really liked the idea of the cupholder in the arm rest as well as the "secret" compartments in the arm rest that could hide toys or snacks for Klayton! Another thing I like is the ability to tighten the shoulder straps with a simple tug on the front base of the car seat. I dont know if its just Klayton but his straps always seem to become very loose, when he was in his infant car seat at least.
2. Nuby No-spill flipn'sip:

Oh the battle of bottle verse sippy cup! This battle was no fun; but we managed to find victory in this straw cup! The straw is bendable so it curves to whatever direction Klayton wants it to go and has a flip lid for straw access that I think Klayton will figure out in no time! According to my husband this is an excellent cup with poor design because unfortunately it will not fit in our new car seat cupholder because the handles come from the bottom.

Singing Happy Birthday

Birthday Party

October 21st was a big day for Klayton! Not only did he turn one; but he got to switch to a front facing carseat! Yay!

Apparently, its very comfy!

The day started by taking Klayton to get his 1 year pictures taken. Being one is serious stuff, so he didn't crack alot of smiles; but we managed to get some cute pictures!
After pictures we took Klayton to get his free cupcake from Barnes and Noble! Earlier in the year we signed Klayton up for their kids club, so I thought it was pretty cute when they sent Klayton an email with the coupon! Unfortunately, he wasn't to impressed with the cupcake.

It was finally time for the party at 2! Since were not home, I held a party at my inlaws for Klayton and had quite a bit of extended family come!


We sang Happy Birthday to Klayton and he didn't quite know what to think!


He wanted nothing to do with his smash cake, so I shared my cookie with him!


And, then what every kid looks forward to...presents! Every kid but Klayton!

He kept trying to crawl away from opening the presents! We did manage to get him to stick around for a few presents!

Overall, Klayton had a great birthday and was very spoiled!

Unforgettable

A moment of cuddles, I dont ever want to forget.

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The Details

A true fashion photo dump...picture details of the decorations for Klaytons first birthday! I will post with pictures his birthday later on! Enjoy the details!
Party theme: You Are My Sunshine

! Year

Klayton you are One:



This month:
*We started brushing your teeth.
*Weaned you off formula, you drink strictly milk.
*Introduced chocolate milk and Sunny D
*Left you in the nursery for Sunday School
*Moved you to a front facing carseat.
*Went to Conneticut and Massachusset.



You:

*Wear size 3 diapers
*Wear a size 3 shoe
*I have put you in 12 month clothes, pants run a little big at times-especially in the waist. Sometimes your shirts are a little long or wide.
*You like to drink juice boxes; but were still battling the straw cup verse the bottle.
*Love to be rocked and rock yourself. Its funny because you are not always sitting in a rock chair; but your still rocking!
*You are beginning to do better with chewing before swallowing.
*Love dogs, they make you smile and laugh. Thankfully, so far the dogs have put with your tugs and pokes.
*Still working on what looks like tooth number 9 and 10.
*Are beginning to test your boundaries, I think you are going to be walking unassisted in no time.
*You have started to grind your teeth in-between bites of food. Will have to break that habit.
*Clap your hands all the time!
*Love to look and play with yourself in the mirror! So funny!
*Are very curious, if its within your reach you are grabbing it and checking it out.
*Help me when I dress you. You know where your arms go when I put your shirt on...what a big helper you are!
*Becoming very vocal. Sometimes you are quite the chatter box at night, we love talking with you-you have a lot to say!
*Are a typical boy and hog the remote control.
*Enjoy being read to, I think you will have the same love for books that daddy and I have.
*Are the fastest crawler I know!
*Are still having clingy, I want my mommy moments...and I love it!
*Have become such the observer, you don't miss a thing!
*Love frozen yogurt and for that matter any yogurt!
*Love to sit behind the steering wheel and pretend to drive!
*Have become a little piggy at meal time.
*Like to play with lips, noses and hair.
*Have discovered the art of head butting.
* Like to be hung upside down.
*Love watching tv.
*Enjoy playing with other kids...and are already possessive of your toys. If someone has your toy you notice and want it back. We are going to teach you about the word sharing.



Dear Klayton,
I can't believe you are one, seriously where did the time go? I have loved every minute of this year and wish I could freeze time and keep this time as it is! But, as I said before growing is the necessity of life. So, I look forward to the years ahead and watching you grow and develop your personality.
I will continue though to freeze time for just a moment when you snuggle in close so that my memories can remain vivid as the years go on and so that I can truly enjoy each moment I have with you!
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mama

Happy Birthday

My memories of this day last year, are still very vivid and fresh as if it were yesterday.
The way Joseph took our final turn to the hospital, making mean grip the door handle; but I didn't mind-he needed his moment. I remember how the grapes at lunch were not as tasty as they first looked...the blueberry muffin that seemed to make my throat even drier unable to be quenched with Sprite.
I remember begging my nurse to let me use the whirlpool for 10 minutes...I only sat for 3 full minutes of relaxation because my water began to break. I learned that it doesn't always happen in a gush...mine was a trickle.
At 5:45 p.m I started pushing. At one point I contracted for 15 minutes straight. My contractions were stopped and restarted sometime later. I don't have an accurate recollection of time restraints. I would ask my doctor, "how much longer of this?" Her repetitive reply, 15 minutes to which I would look at the clock.to time it and two minutes later I was asking, how much longer.
My most treasured memory of the night came at 7:45 p.m, weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz., my ray of sunshine! I remember hearing my mom exclaim, "oh, Kendra hes precious!" Without my glasses, I was unable to focus; but he was quickly brought to me and his cries ceased, I shared my love with him and sang our song, "You a are my sunshine".
Happy First Birthday Klayton! I'm so glad God saw fit to let me be your mommy!
(sorry, no picture-posting from my phone and it's not cooperating)

Birthday Week...Nicknames

Nicknames you have or have had:
-Baby Cakes
-Baby Love
-Chunky Monkey
-Klayton Man
-Little Lug
-Piglet
-Party Man
-Handsome
(sorry, no picture tonight...blogger isn't cooperating)

Birthday Week...Favorite Memory

There are so many memories, it's hard to choose just one! One of my most vivid and favorite memories is the day of your birth...the first moments with you.

As soon as I delivered you, I remember hearing my mom say, "oh Kendra, he's precious". But, I didn't have my glasses on and couldn't seem to focus. I heard your cries though...I remember as soon as they placed you in my arms you stopped crying. You knew I was your mommy! I was in awe of our instant bond...I told you that I love you and sang our song, You Are My Sunshine. And, you have definitely brightened my life!

Birthday Week...What I Love About You

12 Things, in no particular order that I love about you, Klayton:

1. The way you "dance" when you hear us making your bottle. Your mouth opens wide before we even offer the bottle...you hold out your hands beaconing us to hurry.
2. Your moments of being shy. When you pull out the "shy card" it usually means that you are going to snuggle into me-get as close as you can to me. I love those moments that I get to squeeze you a little tighter.
3. I love that you love to be rocked or being able to rock yourself-even if you are not in a rocking chair! Sometimes when you are being rocked, you will start to rock your body as if to say, "faster...faster".
4. I love that you have a ticklish spot right below your ribs!
5. That in the mornings you wake up with bed head! It's so adorable...
6. How you are the most easy going baby that I've ever met! And, I'm not the only one who thinks this...I am constantly hearing this from people we meet on the road. People are always surprised about your "lack" of "fussing" and always raving about your sweet spirit. I pray you never lose that sweetness.
7. I love how it never fails that if we have a can or bottle of Coke, you want it! We think it's the red label that gets your attention-maybe your favorite color is red!
8. I love that you already a typical boy and by that I mean, you are my little remote hog! If the remote is within reach, you have it and at times have turned channels or turned the tv off on us!
9. Yesterday you waved at me as I walked away from you and daddy to the rest area. Usually you wave after a person has already passed.
10. The way you love squash and peaches! I give you one spoonful and before I can even get another spoonful your mouth is open and ready as you lean forward for more. I can't feed you your favorite food fast enough!
11. The way you laugh! You laugh at some of the weirdest things! I love your laugh, it seems to roll from your belly.
12. I love that you are my babycakes! I love you, I loved my first moments with you and I've loved everything in-between then and now! I love you!

Birthday Week

Welcome to Klayton's Birthday Week! This week, its ALL about him...

Words that Describe Klayton: *Flexible *Easy Going *Happy *Serious *Stubborn *Persistant *Content *Curious

Scentsy

I am just putting this out there...do I have any Sioux Fall area readers that would be willing to host a party for me if I start selling it? It would be a great way to earn free product to give away at Christmas! Please message me if you are willing to help launch my business.
Texas friends...I am going to be down that way late January to April. Any readers there willing to host a party? Please message me if interested!
Thanks!

Birth story...Reminiscing

**Next week Klayton turns one. I have been reminiscing alot about the last year and decided to repost his birth story.**

Monday, October 18th I had my 40-week check up was really hoping to have made some progress that would indicate an impending labor! Unfortunately, no progress had been made and now the question, when do I get induced? Do I get induced? Originally the plan was that if I hadn’t delivered by the 25th, that I would be induced then. However, after talking to my doctor she thought the latest I should be induced would be the week of the 25th and maybe it would be best to try and do it before then. So, it was decided, October 21st would be the day.

Thursday morning came bright and early, considering I didn’t get a lot of sleep-neither did Joseph. Joseph’s lack of sleep was out of utter excitement that he would be getting his baby boy and while yes I was excited, my lack of sleep was out of anxiety and disbelief. Anxiety that I would be pushing a baby out of me! Disbelief that I would no longer be carrying a baby in my belly; but in my arms!
We arrived to the hospital at 6:45 in the morning to register and get our hospital bands. Everyone was very excited, both sides of our families came along with us and were taking pictures of us like crazy and everyone thinks I ‘m picture happy; but on this day they were all just as bad! After being registered, I was taken to my room to get settled in and ready for induction. I was supposed to be induced at 7 a.m; but there were checks that had to be done before I could be given the pill. My vitals were checked and my doctor arrived to see if I had made any progress since Monday-I was now dilated at a 2 and thinned to 50%. After the check, my doctor gave the go ahead that induction could begin and the pill was ordered and administered at five minutes to nine. My doctor left and the walking began, I was told the more I walked the faster the pill would make its way into my system and produce gradual contractions. Everyone joined in the walking with me; they took turns walking the labor and delivery floor with me. Let me tell you, I probably lost the 10 lbs I had previously gained the week before, just by walking that day! The walking paid off and my body started to contract enough that when my doctor arrived at 12:30 to check my progress I was dilated to a 3, I wasn’t thinned any more; but I was definitely softer. So, at 12:50 I was administered another dose of the pill, this time it was half a dose and I walked some more! Around 3:00, I started to feel slightly uncomfortable and asked to use the whirlpool. My nurse, Candice didn’t know if this was a good idea because I was still only at a three and sometimes the use of the whirlpool would stunt labor when it was only just beginning. But, I begged her to let me use the whirlpool for 15-20 minutes because I was beginning to get quite the backache…with some hesitation she agreed. While in the whirlpool, I was still feeling discomforted and didn’t understand why the backache would not go away. Suddenly, it felt like I was going to the bathroom and I couldn’t stop myself! I looked at Joseph and said, “I just went to the bathroom!” His reply, “gross!” We then decided it was time to get out, I stood up and didn’t think much of anything until I heard Joseph telling Candice that when I stood up he thought there was something that was not right, more “stuff” had come out of me. Candice informed us that she thought my water must have broken and so she had me come back to the bed, where I got the sensation that I was going to the bathroom again! Oh my! Candice checked me and I was dilated to a 4, this was at 4:00 and by 4:45 I was dilated to a 6! Labor started to quickly progress and my doctor was called! Originally, Dr. Klein wasn’t going to come back until 5 or 5:30 to break my water; but now the question was did she come now or later? At 5:00 I was checked again and in 15 minutes time I had went from a 6 to an 8 and was 100% thinned. Dr. Klein decided it was time to come! During this time, my back labor was getting stronger and it was decided to attempt the whirlpool once again, yay! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy the tub for very long. I had been in the tub for about 5 minutes, when Candice came in and told me that even though it would be uncomfortable that I needed to quickly be moved back to the bed, so they could find Klayton’s heartbeat. They had been unable to locate his heartbeat for what had been to long. So, with the help of Candice and Joseph I was put back to bed. Then it was a flurry of commotion, nurses were everywhere and they turned the monitors away from me. A monitor had to be placed inside of me, on his head to monitor my contractions and his heart rate more clearly. I later learned that the monitors had been turned away from me because every time I would contract, his heart rate would dip down into the 30’s-a very dangerous place to be and it was very important that I relax. This had continued for a while, when my doctor arrived it was determined that Klayton could no longer handle the rate that my contractions were coming, I was having continuous contractions with no relief in-between. They gave me a shot to slow my contractions. Klayton’s heart rate still had to be monitored very carefully. After delivery my doctor informed me that the cord had been wrapped once around his neck and twice around his belly and every time I would contract the cord would tighten and put him in distress. During this time of distress, I called for the epidural; but they couldn’t give it to me at that moment because all their attention had to be on Klayton, I understood and tried not to think about my baby being in distress-I just had to take the grace from God that I had been praying for since the day we found out I was pregnant for delivery. Later, I was asked if I realized the severity of the situation because I didn’t freak out. I just knew that the best thing I could do for my baby was to relax. When they were done dealing with Klayton I once again asked for the epidural, my doctor told me that it would be best not to because it could possibly stunt labor and I needed to get Klayton out of my belly. So, pain medication was out of the question. I started pushing at 5:45 and shortly after they gave me pitocin to get my contractions moving again because now my contractions weren’t moving fast enough. I was able to get 2 pushes to every contraction, they were hoping for 3; but it was hard to get the energy through the pain. Around 7:30, my doctor wanted Klayton out or they were going to have to do the vacuum to help get him out. The delivery was taking longer than they wanted just because I couldn’t push as much as they wanted me to. So, I started pushing and it was only with God that I was able to start pushing three at a time! With the encouragement of my doctor and Joseph that I really needed to give them one more good push, Klayton was born at 7:45! My doctor wiped Klayton up, my mom cut the umbilical cord and he was placed in my arms. My doctor quickly whispered in my ear, that I did amazing and that it was very important that I had pushed Klayton out when I did-he wouldn’t of been able to handle the contractions for very much longer. During labor and delivery the contractions/pain were very intense, they say back labor tends to be worse…but suddenly when I saw my baby for the 1st time the pain drifted away and when I think back to it the pain doesn’t seem to be as intense as I remembered it to be at that time! I wish I could describe the moment, the feeling of having my baby boy placed in my arms, seeing him for the first time; but I can’t. All I know is, I would do it again and I would even do it again without pain medication! I think the first words I said to Klayton was, “I love you” and then I started singing, ‘You Are My Sunshine’, I sang that song to him every night when he was in my belly. Something else I also remember is that, he instantly calmed down when he was placed in my arms for the first time-he knew I was his mama!
What no one told me was, that even though I was exhausted I didn’t want to sleep Thursday night! I just wanted to stare at my baby boy all night long, not missing a moment! I love my Klayton Matthew more than I ever knew I could love someone! It was strange when I reached for my belly to feel him move and realize I no longer have to carry him inside of me, I get to carry him in my arms! I thank the Lord for what He has added to my life; Klayton is the child I prayed for!

Walking

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He was doing some well...until that crash!

A Good Day

*I should acknowledge that my post last night was not because Klayton was refusing to sleep, rather him wanting his way and wanting to win! I don't think I was clear on that in my post.*


Today was a pretty good day. We are currently in Litchfield, New Hampshire where we are getting ready to finish up a missions conference.



The ladies hosted a tea/brunch and I was able to be their guest speaker! I really do enjoy speaking to ladies. I spoke about their theme, Here Am I; Send Me-my focus was on surrender and willingness. We cannot be truly surrendered without follow through and often as ladies our spirit will easily surrender; but then when it doesn't go our way or the way we like it, we take it back!
At the end of the tea, the ladies presented me with a sweet gift basket with lots of nice goodies. But, what I loved most about the basket was the book for Klayton! It means so much to me when people think of Klayton...it makes my heart happy. Also, during our time here the couple we are staying with have really bonded with Klayton. Klayton loves to sit in their lap, on the "rocking recliner" and "help" rock it or just sit in their arms and relax.
Tonight there was a dinner at the church, catered by Cracker Barrel-it was really yummy! Ugh, I'm really supposed to be dieting and its getting more and more difficult to do when I am being served such good food and with vanilla Coke being served. I really wish the midwest would get with it and start selling Vanilla Coke... On the other hand if they did that I would really have to exercise even more...ha!

Frustrated Mommy Who WILL Win

I am sitting here listening to Klayton scream/cry and I am frustrated. Its hard letting him scream it out; but he is being stubborn and I need to be more stubborn. This is the part of parenting that really gets to me and makes me want to cry right along with him. I feel like a meanie letting him cry and not comforting him and I feel like even more of a meanie every time he calls out, "mama".
I also feel bad that I am so frustrated at him, like I'm not being a good mommy because I am frustrated. Later I will find myself apologizing to Klayton for acting frustrated; but I will not apologize for being more stubborn...I am mommy and I am in charge-not him.
Do you ever feel like its hard to separate being mommy and being tough from being mommy and being soft? I feel like that quite often. I think its hard for me to be tough on nights like this because we are guests in someones home and it requires me to stay in my room to deal with Klayton because I don't feel that they should have to listen to our battle. Other times I feel like this when I am in front of others and then I start second guessing myself, "do they think I am being to harsh?" And other questions flood my mind, especially when they start suggesting things or telling me how they did it, etc.
Yes, I realize that I need to be open to advice; but why it bothers me so is when I do something or tell them how I do it, etc and they choose to still act like they are his parent or do it the way they think best frustrates me. I make mistakes, made them and will continue to make them as his mommy...I will learn from them...I will apologize for them. So, I guess I am saying go ahead and make your judgements...its okay. Okay, I guess its not always okay with me, ha-especially when I am second guessing myself or feeling bad. However, when I deal with Klayton or the way I decide to do things with him the way I do is because my husband and I have decided together how we believe God wants us to raise him.

Last Year at This Time

So, here I am last year at the beginning of October...ready to pop and thinking I was going to go early! Ha!

Its crazy to think, that the baby I was carrying will be 1 in just a couple of weeks! Last year, I was just enjoying my final weeks of pregnancy, feeling his little kicks in my belly and now I am working at introducing a straw cup, watching him learn to walk...

Beach Bum

Yep, its October! And, yes we went to the "beach" yesterday...it was in the 70s! We went to Mount Baldhead, walked 303 steps up to view Lake Michigan. Then we walked down the sand dune to the lake. Since summer swimming days are long gone, the beach was very quiet with a few people walking the shore line. Klayton loved playing in the sand! He loved picking up the sand and holding the grains...got some more cute pics of him to post another time! Klayton even stepped foot into the lake as the tide rolled in...the water was actually quite refreshing! I'm so glad he had fun in the sun...it made almost dying of a heart attack worth it!

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