The Diaper change battle that is. I know so many parents experience the same issues I do.

Lets lay out the scenario: You have a not so pleasant diaper on your hands and all your child wants to do is kick, add in the occasional scream (okay likely more than occasional) and twist their bodies in ways you never thought humanly possible. You're there holding their legs hoping that one foot doesn't come loose and go crashing down on the mess that lays before you. Because as a parent your mind is 3 steps ahead of this scenario. If that foot falls it not only means a rogue leg that could cause unruly havoc but it means yes there's now a mess on your child's body. You don't put the clean diaper under just yet there's a slight chance that too could become a victim of becoming dirty way before it's time. Which then means a bath at the  and if you're in a hurry to go somewhere and or DON"T have any kind of a faucet handy you would rather not have to do a wet wipes ' bath. Also, see that blanket beside her just within her reach? Well that now becomes an accomplice just asking to get dirty as well.So we hold onto those tiny legs, trying to entertain our child, by silly faces, their favorite show and maybe just maybe you'll be lucky and it's time for them to have a bottle. In my case I'm guilty of giving her two ounces if I know it's going to be one of those changes.

I have to admit since this phase started I've tried to be armed. I take things I know she will find entertaining and I try to bribe her with them. Only to then hope that it keeps her attention for as long as the change takes place. Normally it takes 3 different distractions to finish a change.

We've also had some fun battles with applying the desitin. For some reason it's become a fun game for Anastasia to as I'm applying, move, kick and giggle while she does it. Well that's great sweetie but you now have desitin between your toes and on your thighs. Not it's intended destination dear not to mention a bit of a pain to take off.

So changing has become this strategic game of put in reach what you want her to get and remove ALL other temptation. Don't move it a few feet away this will cause your child to twist in the ways I mentioned before to try and reach it, whatever the cost may be, whatever the cost.... Also, what you do want her to play with you have to make sure it's not in a place that will cause her to move too much. It's all about the balance ;) . We'll call it a rather hilarious dance to an outsider watching as we prepare, execute and sometimes cry at our failed changing attempts. 

But the battle continues and I find myself getting more and more creative. My ever moving child I will win this war ;)

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Not so thrilled about her costume but she tolerated it :)

It's true what they say about life just flying by after you have children. I'm stunned that we're coming up on Anastasia's first birthday. I've been so busy getting things together, embroidering her birthday shirt and making rock candy (that's been fun ;) and another post for after her birthday).



I look at her and see how much she's grown, and I'm truly amazed. I mean I realized kids grew up, but I've come to really appreciate just how much growing they do especially in the first year of life. Having a little girl walking around, playing peek a boo on cue (hiding her body behind an object then popping out, her intelligence is amazing. It's those little things I never fully appreciated as someone looking at other peoples kids. I now understand the excitement behind a child's first word, or for any word after that. The excitement that they're picking up and properly using baby sign, or how she knows to put the ball in the hold. Little things but I beam and smile so huge.

Her personality is really shining through. Stubborn, intelligent, inquisitive, beautiful, tender, funny and very very expressive.

Waving and giving the Vulcan Salute

Daddy joining in on the fun <3

I do get a little emotional but that emotions are replaced by not longing to have that year back but an excitement and anticipation of what's to come. I can never stop my baby girl from growing up. All I can do is fully take in those moments, every moment that matters to us. Document it in some way but live in the moment and enjoy. I feel so satisfied like we've done that and more. I don't regret anything.

Some do wonder how I feel about being a working mom and missing out on things. I don't feel I have. I don't regret our decision to put her in daycare. I feel it's helped her grow and socialize in ways we can't give her even if it was just her and I at home. I feel so complete, content and happy with the choices we've made over this year. All of the big life changes from having her to buying our first home. We met our five year plan and man did I think that wasn't going to happen (well 5.5 year plan I suppose ;) )

Since our move into our house Anastasia has become mobile. Perhaps great timing on her part so we wouldn't have to baby proof two homes. Not so great because there is lots and I mean lots that she can get into right now. But boxes seem to overall keep her relatively entertained. Funny how sometimes all the toys in the world don't do it, give a child a box and you've given them the world.

I sensed she was going to start crawling soon so I started to buy some baby proof items. One of the big ones on my list that I honestly didn't think of before seeing some very sad and unfortunate stories about children is Furniture Anchors. When my parents had us they never had these and looking back it feels like a huge duh moment for me. As much as I hate those type of stories I'm at least glad that some lessons for other parents come out of it. I implore you to get these, they don't cost a lot and when you compare it to your child's life it's truly a priceless investment. The ones we bought were Saftey 1st Furniture Wall straps . They've had amazing reviews and I hope that installing them is just a precaution and that they won't ever have to be 'tested'. Not to worry though they have been tested and do a phenomenal job.

Another item we bought was 2 baby gates. We bought Regalo Easy Step baby gate we like it for 2 reasons it lets us know Anastasia isn't going to be in harm near the stairwell and our pets can be better monitored by keeping them upstairs or down depending on our needs. It was fairly easy for Paul to setup, we screwed the gates into the wall for more stability especially since it's near the stairs. We don't want her to put all her weight on the gate and go tumbling down. So far I really really love the gates :)

And the tried and true cabinet locks. I'm thinking we'll have to get a fridge lock as well. haven't had the issue but I have a feeling it's coming. Also some wall plug covers. I know there are other things we are missing likely but for now this is what we've installed ourselves.

Please feel free to share what you've done to baby proof your house and items you found to be useful.

Half a year and spring is finally here!


New things your doing / Like:
The biggest milestone you reached this month is trying solids for the first time. You loved your sweet potatoes and now you're onto peas. If I had to guess by your facial expressions and eagerness to eat you favor the sweet potatoes over the peas.

Rolling. You are 99.9% of the way there as Grammy would put it! Ever so close, your arm is the one thing that gets in the way from going back to belly. You've successfully turned over a few times but nothing yet that shows it's a consistent movement for you.

Books. You really love the sight of books, fabric, board or paper. You know that they must be opened and it's so cute seeing you look at pages. I like to think  you're reading them, okay that's really reaching :P hahaha. My studious little girl.

You Dislike:
Teething and so does mommy and daddy. Also you don't like it if you're not swaddled at night. (uhh oh) So we'll be trying to transition you from that comfort to no swaddling at night. I anticipate a few sleepless nights but we'll get there!

Highlights:
You met your little cousin Julia for the first time. She was such a little peanut in comparison to you. You loved trying to grab her face.

We went on a trip to the zoo in Binghamton. What a fun time that was. It was special to see how much your eyes lit up at all these animals. A goat even tried to say 'hello' :)

Misc Thoughts:
Spring is here and we can finally get you out of those long sleeve onesies and into shorts/skirts.

I know I can’t be the only mother guilty of this.

Baby milestone comparison.

Gets me every time. When Anastasia seems a head of the game I admittedly kind of puff up like a proud peacock. We all like to think our children are geniuses, maybe not the next Albert Einstein but that they’re advanced. I don’t know why parenting does this to us. When she isn’t reaching a milestone when others are I get worried something is wrong, or that I’m not doing something right to help her in reaching the milestones.

 We are beyond excited when our children are ahead of the game, and worry like the dickens if they aren’t reaching milestones other babies are.

 I’m so so guilty of this it isn’t even funny. There are times I almost feel guilty for feeling that way as I hope I never project that ‘impatient’ nature onto my daughter of wanting her to reach goals.

Some milestones just come, others you do have to work with them on. I do find it’s more of a pouty lip moment when progress still isn’t made after working with them.

With Anastasia my biggest milestone comparison was neck control. A few of her baby friends had amazing neck control where they were able to sit in a seat with back support and not need any kind of neck support. The other right now has been rolling over. She’s so flippen close and I’m convinced it would have been 2 weeks ago that she mastered it but whenever she starts going from back to belly, her bottom arm just stops her. It’s so adorable to see. When she has gone back to belly I just light up so much. But it’s not to a consistent point. She’s getting there though.

It’s truly a hard lesson to learn as a parent. That there’s nothing wrong with our child and we need to chill a bit in the expectation department. Just because Joey and Sally Sue is around the same age and does things my daughter doesn’t, doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong. Often at times I forget to realize she does things they can’t. This is a topic on parenting I never really realized would be such a tough mental hurdle for me to overcome. One day at a time I suppose.
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 As many know my beautiful baby girl has had a bump on the side of her head called a Lipoma, since she was a month old. I discussed it in a previous post Lipoma . Since then we've been keeping an eye on things. It's painfully obvious that the bump is infact growing with her and for me it's at an uncomfortable rate. When your child grows before your eyes we don't normally notice the little changes as much as a person who hasn't seen them in a while would. So when I was looking at a photo of her Eating her first solids (yet another post for another day promise!) I noticed how much it stood out. I riffled through my phone gallery to find a photo of her a month and a half ago to do a comparison. My heart went in my throat when I saw just how much it had grown. Part of me is upset that I didn't notice it grew this much sooner. We will bring this photo with us to her Pediatrician and see what she suggests. I'm not entirely impressed with her given the last time we saw her she said "It looks like it's shrunk." Umm okay you haven't seen her in two months, you see a ton of children each day and your going to say to me you looks like it shrunk? What do you have to compare it to? Using my handy collage option on my phone I've put the two photos side by side. I'm hoping she'll see just how it has not shrunk.

Please be sure to check out my updates regarding her bump. Anastasia since originally being diagnosed with a Lipoma has been re-evaluated by a pediatric surgeon and with the assistance of an ultrasound they were able to definitively say it was not a Lipoma but she has a Hemangioma. 

Lipoma on her head

As stated in the previous post I was hoping we'd manage to get away with postponing any possible surgery talk until she was two. The fact that it's grown as much as it has leaves me thinking it's unrealistic and likely to happen before she's one. I spoke with one of our Nurse Practitioners and I showed her this photo. She agreed with my hunches that we need to move forward. We still have to go see her doctor mind you but this is what will likely happen. Get a CT scan done to see if there's any tumor below the bone and get a better feel for it overall, also to see if there's any blood source feeding it. After that they'll see if it's attached to any bone structures. If there is any just under her skull bone they will want to remove that before her skull fuses together and the tumor causes further issues (ie pressure on her brain)

I've spoken with others who have had this and there's a resonating answer of it's an easy procedure. I greatly appreciate those stories. But many of them did not involve the skull and were well into their toddler hood before removal was done :( There's something about my baby going under the knife at this age that just leaves me feeling upset. Likely more dramatic in my mind, mind you but it just saddens me that it didn't just shrink, go away and never bother us again. I don't want her in pain and I don't want this to become a bigger problem given it's placement on her head and the bigger it gets the more there is to remove, meaning more scar tissue. I'm really hoping that I can look back on this post and give my past self a virtual pat on the back saying "Everything went just fine, it wasn't as bad as you thought it would be."

We'll know more details and what the doctor thinks come next week. I don't want her to have to have surgery this young, but I also don't want this to continue to grow, I can't see the benefit of allowing that. I'll keep you updated when we know what's going to happen.

Anastasia over the past week has gotten into a phase where all she wants to do is sit up or her other favorite activity laying completely flat. She doesn't like the 'almost' sitting up where she's slightly reclined, no that sends her into a tizzy. It must be completely upright and has to know what's going on. Darling, you're more like your mother than you realize right now, hahaha!

It's gotten to a point that her all time favorite activity, bathing has been ruined by this need to sit up. Luckily with this we've discovered she's really good to go in the neck stability department so we've been putting her into her bumbo seat. Which she loves when she gets to play with her monkey and Giraffe Lamaze toys (love those toys as they have so much versatility to them for babies). This also prompted a rush trip to the store to buy a jumper for her. While she can't even reach the floor yet she loves her play tables. We got the Little Einsteins jumperoo as it seemed to have really good reviews. I haven't used it enough to say one way or the other, but it is clear she loves it, of course she does, she's sitting up according to her standards ;)

I should also dub her the drool monster of the year, causing more outfit changes than when she had her horrible spit up episodes. Which by the way we switched her formula to Enfamil A.R and what a difference it's made! Minimal spit up and we have a happier little girl who poops far softer than she was before. This was a change we made on our own as I felt it would be best and I'm very glad we did that instead of waiting to see the doctor. We do use the aid of Karo Syrup (per our pediatrician's advice) when we notice she just is having issues but that's a rare occurrence and I really don't want to have to use it if I don't have to.

Grandma has been watching her for the past week as her godmother has been put on bed rest. I must say Grammy just LOVES spending this time with her. We have the webcam on that streams so I'm able to peek in during work to see how they're both doing. Well lets be honest it's so I can get a dose of seeing my daughter if even for a moment :) Love watching them go from the play mat, to the swing, to the jumperoo, to her rock n play,  then back in grammy's arms. I must say I'm glad to see that she's enjoying everything we have for her. I was worried an item would go to waste but really it hasn't. 

Her demanding to situp has just given me a glimpse of her character. The first few months of her life it's hard to get a gauge on who she was and is. Now we're really starting to see her personality she's stubborn, extremely active and very happy. She gets excited about certain things and her entire body shows it from her pursed lips, to her big eyes and feveriously kicking legs.

On another happy note, Anastasia and I won a blog giveaway a few weeks ago. We're so excited to receive what we won. A very very amazing blanket from GooseWaddle that I'll do a review on once we get the items. Thank you to Ashley over at ....Every Little Beautiful Piece   for hosting the giveaway. Please check out her blog! Thanks again, Ashley. We really appreciated the opportunity to participate in your giveaway.

Every day around 4 o'clock at work I start to get antsy. I just want to see my daughter and hold her tight. It's the absolute highlight of my day besides the giant morning smiles I get. It's been a really nice change from the normal waking and crying she used to do (will still do from time to time). Being able to see her smiling face in the morning just makes me light up and giggle.

I find at the end of the work day I'm pining to get out the door. Before I had her I'd look for ways to stay 30 minutes more or I'd simply loose track of time. Now when Paul tells me it's time to go I feel (literally) heart flutters and then I always get this vision of her doing one of her laughs and or smiles and it jsut makes me kick my butt into gear even faster. It never gets old, I never tire of being a mother. She makes being a mother so rewarding in so many ways. Sure she cries and yes she gets fussy but those smiles are so rewarding. After she comes down from her fussy times.

At times I even will find myself laughing when she cries. Not at her mind you but at the situation. I never thought in a million years that's how I'd handle her crying but honestly it keeps me from getting overwhelmed and stressed. Often at times it also seems to help her come down from whatever is bothering her/has her in a snit.

Today I'm just feeling abundantly blessed and wanted to share those blessed feelings with you.

 

3 Months today! 13lbs and 3 oz! (333 :) )

You're doing/like:
You're starting to really interact with people. You coo in response to our talking and love to just go back and forth like that for a good 10 minutes. You're starting to blow bubbles with your lips  and it's so darn adorable. You're crying far less and smiling a lot. At your Aunt Savannahs you are infatuated with the fish in the fish tank. You're also starting to reach for items as you see them and grasp them. This is especially true with the Lamaze birdy toy Grandma and Grandpa B got you.You really love watching TV we know right now you don't understand what's on the screen but it grabs your undivided attention.

You Dislike: The booger sucker and having your food taken away too early when we need to burp you. you are not happy when this happens.

Highlights: This month was filled with firsts for you, some fun and some not so fun. You had your first round of shots at the doctor. You got 3 needles and one liquid medication. The three shots you were such a trooper. While you did cry when the needles were put in your thighs as soon as you started eating you were completely okay.

You also got to meet your Aunt Erika and Uncle Orrin when we had our Barnhart Christmas celebration. They were tickled to meet and hold you. They already miss you while they're in Boston.

 On Jan 26th we took you to the ice rink for your first 'skate' around the rink. This is your mothers all time favorite thing to do. Your Aunt Savannah and Uncle Mark came along with Abe for his first time on skates.You enjoyed about 4 laps around the rink at different times. Each time you started out crying and immediately hushed and enjoyed the laps. <3 When you weren't in my arms Aunt Savannah sat with you while we skated.

We also did your 3 month photo session as mom just can't get enough for your beautiful face.

Misc Thoughts: Do you understand what I'm saying what I talk to you and you burst out laughing or are you internally thinking "Gee mommy is one screw loose away from going into the loony bin."?

One, Two and Three Months

This past weekend I decided to make some leg warmers. This inspiration came from buying a few that were free but had to pay shipping. After looking at them I realized "Amanda you really could have made these yourself for less than what you paid for shipping." Doh! Oh well, sometimes it's okay to pay for convince when you have a child.

But the creative bug in me just really wanted to feel accomplished in making something. So I set out and grabbed a few different tutorials then just winged it from there. Most of them were the same where you take knee high socks and cut the foot part off (I bought my knee highs at Target, they have a great selection of patterns and I only paid $2.50 per pair). Then where the rest of the foot is (not the leg part) you cut that straight piece of fabric. Then you're left with something like this. That little bit of fabric you cut from the foot will become your foot cuff. I trimmed mine down so that it would hug her ankle just a little.

this is what your left with, after everything is cut

Anastasia modeling a pair

Then I sewed the cuff on. (harder than I realized as the tube shape was too small to slip on my machine. So a lot of fabric working was done. There was probably an easier way to sew it (like a thread and needle) but I made due :) The nice thing about this craft is you can really do it if you don't have a sewing machine at all.

Overall I loved how they turned out. Anastasia has worn them a few times and doesn't seem to have an issue. She has some room to grow into them.The convenience of these are really nice. Sometimes I really don't want to use leggings on her as I find the bands can sometimes be to tight around her belly. So I can slip these on her without worrying. Also what's really nice is I can slide these on under her on piece dresses (the ones with the onesies attached) and the look so cute.

Anastasia bundled up after another frigid week

As you may not know I love and have always loved hockey. It's second to breathing for me and it's been very hard for these past 3 years to have not been able to play hockey. But a short second is that I at least am able to get on the ice and do some laps at our local rink Public Skate. I really wanted to try and get out while I was pregnant but time just went by to fast and it seemed like every weekend we were busy or I was just plain to tired to go.

Yesterday was the first time in a year that I went back on the ice. What a bitter sweet moment that was. As in my arms was a sweet little angel looking up at me in awe at this new sensation and movement. Having her with me, skating just was a moment I can't entirely put into words. In that moment everything felt complete. Even more so when Paul skated next to us (albeit a bit choppy but he's learning and doing so well). To have her be apart of something that has been such a huge influence in my life was truly something special. Hockey has taken me many places in life, it's allowed me to play for my province, go to University on a full scholarship and without that I would never have met Paul and started on my career path. It has a hand in pretty much every important life event. Minus having my daughter of course ;) But without hockey again Paul and I wouldn't be together.

A treasured 1st for Anastasia. First lap around an ice rink.

I hope that in life she finds something she's just as passionate about. It's okay if it's not hockey, that's my passion not hers. But I do hope she finds something that can just make every pain, sorrow, every worry of the day just melt away and fade in the background like hockey and skating has done for me for a great many years. The ice rink is my home and it always welcomes me back with wide open arms.

So a few of these posts will be more of a catch up

On December 10th our girl turned a month old and did that ever come so fast. Now nearing her second month I'm still in disbilief that she's here.
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You're still such a tiny little baby. As we've gotten to know you over this first month of your life we learned so much about you but also about ourselves.

This month you started and like: You are building such strong neck muscles. Since the day you were born you were so alert but you just love looking at peoples faces. Tummy time is a bit of an unsure thing for you sometimes you'll cry other times your interested in figuring out how to lift that little head of yours.

You LOVE Lights! Any kind of lighting you're drawn to especially the Christmas tree. When you're crying mom and dad would bring you by the Christmas tree and you'd just stare curiously at the lights. It was such a beautiful sight to see. (mommy really thinks a huge reason why you are so alert is because of the foam goggles you had to wear when you were born and had Jaundice. Since then you've just wanted to be connected to your surroundings, soaking everything in. As mentioned before

Food, like any newborn you love to eat and at times spit it up. Mommy likes this bonding time we have together. You're a great feeder and never gave your mother any issues. 

You dislike: Getting changed. Anything to do with long sleeves and getting your tiny arms through you get very impatient and upset.

Highlights: Well you were born ;) You had jaundice but after a full day and a half of treatments we were able to get you released from the hosptial. 2 weeks after you were born there was thanksgiving. Because of how young you were we just stayed home and snuggled with you. The Barnhart Family sure did miss seeing you though. Grandmie and Grandpa B came by the following weekend and we enjoyed some turkey.

Misc thoughts / info:
You're already an inch and a half taller and a pound heavier from the day you were born. Now at 8lb 10oz and 21.5 inches tall. When you cry it breaks our hearts. You are sleeping a good 6 hours at night giving your mom and dad a really good nights rest, we thank you for that.

We think you're just excited to be a month old as your mom and dad are. How do we know that you may be asking? Take a look at this photo.