Hadley's 1st trip!

A few weeks ago we made a trip to Greenville. It was a fun week of lots of help with the kiddos, seeing old and dear friends, and fun play dates for Tucker. Hadley did great on the road and it was nice to change up our routine and be in a different environment for a few days. Enjoy some pictures!

Tucker and Avery (best friend Jordan's little girl)

Sweet Avery meeting Hadley

Aunt Jordan!

4 kids between Jordan and I...hard to believe this is possible when I think about us being friends in middle school!

Aunt Bethie

Content with Uncle Anthony!

Reading with Aunt Lindsey

She started smiling while we were there :)

Meeting Steph!

Dancing to Wii Dance for Kids! He LOVES it and it's extra funny watching Daddy and Uncle Anthony dance along :)

Hadley meeting Baby Walker... Walker is my friend Courtney's little boy and they were born 1 day apart! Clearly Hadley was excited to meet her new friend :)

Fun playdate with Luke and Henry!

and their mamas :)

wearing tights for the first time :)

Getting lots of love from Gigi!

Thankful for family and good friends!

"No" and "Why"

Aah... the two dreaded words we hear a million times a day right now from our little Tucker man! All of a sudden, every explanation warrants another "why" and every suggestion is likely to be followed with "No". UGH....discipline all day long is hard and enough to wear any parent out--especially a tired ones. We are navigating through how to pick our battles, not lose our cool, and to be patient with our little guy even when the patience is running out. He's full force in 2 1/2 year old mode and I hope and pray every day that we can help steer his heart towards great character and integrity. I'm realizing our responsibility as parents more than ever before...

His other favorite 2 phrases this week have been "not yet" and "right quick"--hilarious! He is so funny in conversation and never seems to amaze us with his vocabulary!

This morning our of nowhere he said, "Mom, you're the best." I'll take that over "no" and "why" any day!

If it weren't for...

This in the morning...

This as a snack...

And this for dessert...

I would be in much more of a bad mood over this diet I'm on...

Thankful for companies that make allergen-free foods!

Also, Brad stumbled upon this really cool website that allows you to search any type of food to find out what's really in it...it also gives you allergy info which is very helpful right now! Check it out:

http://www.foodfacts.com

Hadley Weekly!

Hadley is 10 weeks old! This week has really been better-yAy!

We are thankful for a few nights of Hadley sleeping in her bed and not hanging out with us from 8:30-10:30... We're thankful for longer stretches of sleep at night, even a few from 10:30-7:30... And we're thankful for a happier demeanor and less discomfort. It really seems obvious that the diet is working and I guess that's good news and bad news for me :) But, of course, I'm thankful my little girl is more comfortable and that's all that really matters.

She's still giving us smiles and sweet coos... she has a bottle every night but doesn't love it... she loves her bathtime... and she's a healthy girl--seeming to be growing all the time!

We'll go back for a checkup at the end of this week so I'll keep you posted!

Hadley Weekly!

Hadley is 9 1/2 weeks old! And the last time I blogged, she was just 7...things have been a little rough around here :)

As I shared in her 2 month post, things seem to have only gotten harder with her colicky time at night and her general fussiness. The good news is that since I've been doing the elimination diet (no soy, dairy, corn, or wheat) a full week now, we seem to be seeing a difference! I'm not sure if it's totally that or just the fact that she's almost 10 weeks and maybe growing out of some of this... but, we'll take it! The last 3 nights, she's stopped being "fussy" around 10:30 and has slept 6-8 hours each night! WOW, I feel like a different person after such a great rest during the night. I'm very curious about what allergen has been bothering her but I guess we'll have to wait 3 more weeks before I start adding some back in to see.

Hadley is smiling a ton and cooing more and more! It absolutely melts me :) She's focusing more intently on people and objects and this week she even found her thumb! She still loves to sleep on her tummy--with no sleep sack, swaddle, or anything... totally opposite of our Tucker man! She's growing out of some of her 0-3 month clothes and today wore her first 3-6 month outfit! We've enjoyed some nice walks out this week after dinner and she's stayed awake and alert throughout the whole ride! She's holding her head up more while on her belly. She seems to love her mama...love to eat...and love to be held.

We love you Hadley girl!

Her first "jeggings" :)

She is looking so old in all her "big girl" clothes!

Holding her head up pretty well!

These pictures were taken in one of my dresses from 30 years ago!

sweet...sweet...sweet

Where we are...

If you've ever had the feeling of not wanting to share what's going on simply because what you have to share feels pretty discouraging, you understand how I'm feeling as I force myself to record what's going on right now with our sweet girl. We are tired, drained, and just wanting to fix all that seems to be wrong.

After a very difficult few days (this has definitely been the worst week yet with colic, fussiness, and being up until the late hours of the night), we headed to the Dr for Hadley's 2 month check up and I was more than ready to ask "what do we do next"? The Dr (and I agree) really feels like these issues are dietary related because there aren't any other blaring symptoms that would make it seem like an internal issue or something more chronic like reflux. Her symptoms aren't all day long and it makes since that she's relieved in the morning hours since I haven't been eating all night. At that point, I had not been eating any dairy for 2 full weeks... it clearly wasn't the culprit but could still a contributing factor. So, my Dr recommended the dreaded--that I eliminate the next 3 major allergens--soy, corn, and wheat. And so you ask, what will I eat? EXACTLY. For carbs, I'll eat potatoes and rice only, I'll eat meat, and I'll eat my weight in fruits and vegetables probably. Everything processed is out and I can't even go to Starbucks because I can't have soy now :( I'm thankful for this natural approach to hopefully fixing the issue at this point...I really do want to continue breastfeeding and let's be honest, I don't want to pay for the crazy expensive formula it would require to not give Hadley dairy or soy. I am feeling very overwhelmed by this journey I'm embarking on. I'm hoping to spend some time today coming up with a menu and stocking my pantry so that I won't always be wondering what to eat... Since I started this diet a few days ago, I have not felt "full" once. I have a few friends encouraging me that have dealt with breastfeeding and food elimination and I'm so grateful. This is likely to be a lonely journey since no one around me will be saying no to food all the time like I will. If you're still reading this, thank you for listening to my pity party... I do want to be honest about where I am so that I'll remember these not-so-easy days. I had a great conversation with my friend Sharon yesterday, who most of you remember had A LOT of hard days with her Bosten. I'm thankful for the perspective that it won't be like this forever but also to have someone validate all that I'm feeling and struggling with.

Ultimately, if this will help Hadley, I'm up for the challenge. It is very difficult when she is struggling so much at night and in those moments I would do anything to help her. I'm hopeful she'll grow out of these things she seems to be sensitive to but we'll just take it one month or so at a time. For now, I'll eliminate it all and once it's all out of my system (3 or 4 weeks), we'll start adding things slowly back in to see what is irritating her.

You can pray for my spirits...I'm discouraged and overwhelmed, in the midst of being tired. I'm hopeful that it has to get better from here and that soon we'll be enjoying some quieter nights.

Thanks for the listening ears blog friends!

2 months old!

Hadley is 2 months old!

She's 12 lbs, 10 oz (90th percentile) and 21 inches long (50th percentile)

Sip and See

My mom hosted a Sip and See at her house when we were in Greenville last week...it was fun to introduce her to "show her off" to friends of ours! She slept like a champ through most of it and was held by a lot of special women! Enjoy a few pictures...I wish I had one of everyone who was there!

My best friend Jordan and her sweet Aldrie

Sweet friend Caroline!

My mom's friend Jean

My favorite picture of the day! Love these 3!

Tucker Monthly!

Tucker is 29 months old!

I love this age... 28 months was FULL and there never seemed to be a dull moment!

Tucker, we LOVE...

how you sit and stare out the window at the construction across the street...how you scream "brush my teeth" really loud and goofy because you think you're being funny...how you talk to Hadley in a gentle voice...how you love Curious George and watch him so intently...how you count to 11 and kind of sing your ABC's...how much you're a creature of routine, reminding us when things are "out of place"...how you say "forever and ever" when you say you love someone...how you love to kick a soccer ball...how affectionate you are...always wanting to give a"hug and a kiss" right now whenever someone is going bye bye...how you know where all the tractors and diggers are on our local routes around town...how you usually don't mind cleaning up because you don't like a mess...how you started saying "why" and "of course", even though it's out of context sometimes...how you love to snuggle in your bed when you wake up...how you are so focused when you eat--you love food!...how you love your friends and hate it when we have to go home...how you play well by yourself, especially with your tractors and diggers at this stage...how you know all of your trains names'...how you've started to memorize words to songs and randomly sing them to yourself...how you use "praying hands" when we thank God for our food...how you love to go on "special trips" with Daddy and how you run back in the house in a hurry to tell me all about it...how you love to dance and can't even help it when the music comes on...how you hug and kiss when you're sorry...how you love your "dee-dee" and the rest of your sleeping buddies...how tender you are, how observant you are, and how ALL boy you are...

We LOVE all the things that make you YOU right now!

helping Daddy plant seeds for our garden

daddy love

tucker just started "racing" cars and trucks

dancing to WII kids dance...it's hilarious!

"tucker, say soccer goal"

"hold her mommy"

GO DUKE!

Hadley Weekly!

Hadley is 7 weeks old!

Update on our attempts to tackle her fussiness/discomfort...

Toward the beginning of last week, we noticed Hadley was not only experiencing discomfort during her night time "3 hours" but also during the day...there were 2 days in a row that she started being really fussy around 2 pm and it would last until 11 that night! This is when I decided I would cut out dairy--or do whatever I needed to do to help her and help my sanity :) So, on Thursday, I cold turkey cut out all dairy from my diet. It honestly hasn't been too hard on me... I had a few friends that have been through this so they saved me tons of internet time and gave me food suggestions and very helpful tips! Who knew Oreos were the one dairy free treat I could have or that soy milk doesn't taste half bad in a Starbucks treat? :) Probably the hardest thing is butter... it of course makes everything taste better and there are few things cooked at restaurants without it! If I do this for any long term amount of time, I'm sure I'll get more dairy-free savvy and I will be happy to share any tips I learn along the way! This is certainly a really healthy way to be eating so hopefully that will be to my advantage!

As for Hadley, I do think I can tell a little difference since I've cut it out. They say there won't be a dramatic difference until it's been 2 weeks, but I'm happy to see that after 7 days, she's not had as many fussy times during the day. She's also been more "regular" the past few days and she was really struggling in that department last week!

Her colic time is still going strong! It is amazing--literally, at 8:30--most nights, on the dot--she starts crying. We usually lay her down for the night between 7:30-7:45 and she will go to sleep only to wake back up a little bit later. We're trying to learn more of what it takes to sooth her during this time but for the most part, we just get through it!

There have been a few nights this week where she has slept 7 hours! She'll go to sleep around 11 and sleep till 6! I can't believe my baby pretty much slept through the night at 6 weeks but I know it's because she's wide awake from 8:30-11:30, which has to exhaust her! Either way, I'll be thankful for the LONG stretch of sleep...it truly makes me feel like a different person!

Hadley has been more intent on eye contact this week as well and we started to see a few more real smiles! She's starting to make a little noise too... I think the cooing is around the corner!

She enjoyed more Gigi time at our house, which we all loved...especially for another set of hands at 8:30 pm!

We also had a visit from my Uncle Dennis and Aunt Sara--we're so glad you guys got to meet Hadley!

We love you sweet Hadley!

The funniest things...

Tucker is HIL-arius these days, as most 2 year olds seem to be once they're talking non-stop! I have a few funny things I have to record so I don't forget them...and I thought someone else would get a laugh out of them as well!

After skipping his nap one day (but staying in his bed for awhile), I walked into Tucker's room...

Me: Tucker, why didn't you take a nap?

Tucker: Mommy, I sleep fast!

Brad has a full beard these days and Tucker curiously touches it sometimes...

Brad: That's Daddy's beard, Tucker. Who else has a beard?

Tucker: Grandpa

Brad: Do you want a beard Tucker?

Tucker: No, I have cheeks!

When Tucker gets tucked in at night, we always read books. Recently, Grey has been sneaking her way into the situation, snuggling right between Tucker and Brad. A few nights ago while they were all lying together, Tucker looked at Grey and said oh so seriously, "Grey, I love you forever and ever!" (he's never said "forever and ever" before!)

And tonight, I was holding Hadley after getting her up from her nap and Tucker says, "Mommy, hers cute!" "Look at her in her pink dress (which were just pajamas by the way)!" SO SWEET!

I never want to forget these funny conversations with our sweet boy...Ah the innocence as he says whatever is on his mind!