"Home James"

As I said to the kids as they went to bed last night, "It is always better when Daddy is home." James was gone for work for three days this week, and we sure are glad that he is home. The days get long without adult reinforcement come evening...especially when there is no chocolate in the house to speak of (well at least not of the gluten-free, dairy-free variety.) James came back and brought chocolate, the dear man.

I'm not sure of the point, but in some meeting that he attended, someone shared a video called "Herding Cats" which we looked up on YouTube. Here it is for your viewing enjoyment:

Axe the Eggs

As I posted previously, I found out that I must go on a permanent gluten-free diet. I also eliminated dairy due to Logan's eczema.

I just got off the phone with my children's pediatrician who had ordered a blood test for Logan at his 9 month visit to test for food allergies. The pediatrician reported that the blood test indicated that Logan is allergic to eggs and milk. There goes my breakfast of choice: I just happen to eat eggs every morning!

I'm going to have to get even more creative with breakfast!

Logan may grow out of his allergies and that certainly is my prayer.

Prismacolor Pinions

Speaking of birds, Evan drew this Yellow-headed blackbird with colored pencil after our walk. I scanned it into Printmaster and he printed out thank you cards with the image and wrote notes to friends and family who gave him birthday gifts. You can visit The Far Side of the Mountain to see a larger version and to read his comments.

Destructo Baby

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Logan demonstrates his crawling and deconstructing abilities.

Ode to the Ergo

I've posted praises for my Ergo baby carrier before and now that it is time for another Works for Me Wednesday, I'll praise it again.

How did I manage to care for three babies without it?

The Ergo is the first baby carrier that I have used that has not strained my neck or back. It is truly an ergonomically correct baby carrier, not only for the baby, but for the mommy (or daddy).

I'm impressed with how content Logan is to sit on my back, sucking on the Ergo strap, playing with a toy, or just observing the activity around him as I help the older kids with schoolwork or get work done around the house.

He gets plenty of time to crawl around, explore and play, but there are certain times when he just needs to be held. The Ergo helps me to meet his needs while still meeting the needs of my older children.

Today I held Logan in the Ergo and walked about the room as I read to my older kids. On Sunday, halfway throught the church service, I put him in the Ergo and he fell asleep while I stood at the back of the sanctuary still able to listen to the sermon. Last Friday, I held Logan in the Ergo for hours, because he was fussy due to teething and I had food to prepare for Evan's birthday party.

I am looking forward to hiking in the mountains this summer without the added weight of a backpack frame!

I purchased my Ergo from this great online store. Works for me!

Go to Sleep Now and Rest

Maybe I'm spoiling him. He is my fourth baby, and I like to hold him as he falls asleep.

Each of my first three babies learned quickly to fall asleep when I put them down in the crib. I remember times when they were so tired they reached for their bed and wanted to be laid down. Naptime or bedtime was rarely difficult...unless the naptime or bedtime did not occur at home. I remember, especially with my first, when my baby could not go to sleep, because he did not have his crib in which to fall asleep.

Logan, on the other hand, can fall asleep in my arms (or on my back in the Ergo) anywhere which makes going out and about with a baby a little bit easier. Of course, sometimes, I do miss just laying the baby down and walking out of the room.

Tonight, I enjoyed rocking Logan who played with my fingers till he drifted off to sleep.

Then I sneezed.

His eyes flew open. He smiled behind his paci. He started making noises that sounded like a cross between a lap dog "woofing" and sniffing. Yet another sound effect to add to the repetoire.

After a while, he drifted off to sleep again.

I carried him upstairs, laid him down in his crib and walked out of the room.

The tendons in my feet cracked...