Baby Belly Comparison!!

Must Love Books

I found this pin on Pinterest and LOVE it!

How true!?!  If there is only one thing that we have done well as parents, it is instilling a love of reading in our son.  It makes me so happy to see Connor love and enjoy books.  He loves for you to read to him, and he loves to explore books on his own.  I hope that he always loves to explore and escape to new worlds through the pages of great books,  I hope that he always lights up when we go in a bookstore, and I hope that he pulls his future children onto his lap to enjoy a good book! ;)

 

Happy Reading!!!

First Glimpses of Little Liam! :)

At my high-risk OB appointment this week, the ultrasound tech took some 3-D shots of our sweet little Liam! We were beyond excited to get a first glimpse of his adorable little face!

He had his little hand up by his face! How sweet!

This next pic is so cute! Liam always kicks up a storm when he has to have ultrasounds to check on his anemia.  I'm sure the poking and prodding gets on his nerves. He scrunched up his little face like he was going to cry! I guess the ultrasound tech was annoying him! lol  Poor little guy!



I think my baby boys look sooooooooo much alike based on these ultrasound pics.  I think Connor and Liam have the exact same nose!! Look at these two pics and see if you agree!!

Same nose!!! :)  What do you think???

Connor James is 18 months!

Dear Connor,

That's right, my precious BABY boy is a year and a half old!!!  It seems as if it was yesterday that I first saw your sweet face!

I can't believe this was 18 months ago!!!  I wish I could still cuddle you in my arms like this all the time, but you're too busy exploring! lol

You are an adorable, happy, and spirited little bundle of energy and we are loving every moment of being your parents.  You are such a ray of sunshine in our lives, and we thank God everyday for giving us such a precious gift! Being the energetic toddler you are, you have definitely kept us on our toes in the last month since our previous update!  Here are 18 exciting things we want to remember about you at this age:

1.  You have learned how to whisper!  If daddy is asleep, I whisper to you, "Let's go wake up daddy!"  You grin at me really big and then whisper back, "Daddy!!!"  Then you take of running for the bedroom to wake him up!

2.  You really like your play tents right now.  Santa brought them to you and you've decided they're pretty awesome.  You think its your little fort! You take your blankies, drinks, toys, and books in there and have a good ol' time!

You love it when daddy climbs in the tent with you.  He's really just a big kid, after all! ;)

3.  You think Elmo is pretty much the greatest thing, EVER! I hear you say, "Elmo" at least 50 times a day! lol  You like your "Hokey Pokey Elmo" that dances, and you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE watching Elmo on YouTube.  In fact, you are usually saying, "Elmo" 50 times each day as you point at the computer. he he!

Your favorite Elmo video is the song by Will i am (with Sesame Street) called "What I Am."  Its a great song! :)

4.  You are obsessed with technology.  I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, lol!  You already know how to work my phone, the TV remotes, and are getting pretty good at the Ipad.  You LOVE the Talking Tomcat app on the Ipad!  You like it because he repeats all the noises and things you say to him!

5.  You vocabulary has taken off this month!!!!!!!! You are saying sooooo many words that it would be impossible for me to list them all.  You repeat EVERYTHING!  Some of my favorites are: love you, bath, towel, hey, Elmo, potty, snow and apple. You also went from saying, "da-da" to saying, "daddy!!!"  YOU. ARE. A. SPONGE.  I'm going to have to start writing down each new word right as you say it so I can keep up!  We LOVE watching you learn so much each day! Its been a great experience for all of us!

6.  You have really taken an interest in feeding yourself with utensils! You are doing such a great job too! We're still working on the part where we don't turn the spoon upside down, though! ;)

7.  You've had some wooden puzzles for a while now, but you've just now REALLY taken an interest in them.  You like to put your puzzles together and then clap for yourself! lol  We clap for you too!

8.  You really like boxes. :)

9.  You got to see snow for the "first" time this month!!!  Okay, it isn't the first time you've seen snow, but you were too little last year to actually enjoy it!  One of your new words this month was "Snow," but it sounds more like, "no!" lol  You were so excited that you ran from window to window watching it fall!

10.  You have discovered how to climb up onto the couch.  You push your Pottery Barn chair over to the couch as use it as a step stool to climb up! lol

11.  You have become such a helper! For example, when I say its bath time, you run to your bottom dresser drawer to get your towel and washcloth, and then you bring to us in the bathroom! :) Its pretty cute!

12.  You were sick for a few days this month :(  You had a virus that kept you pretty under the weather.  You had a fever for a few days, which made night time rough! You didn't sleep well, so neither did Momma or Daddy! lol  Here's a sweet pic of our poor sick bubby one day.  You wanted to sit like this by daddy and fell asleep!

13.  You are still being a pretty picky eater, but we are working on that! ;)  You definately let us know what you like and don't like. 

14.  I think Momma and Daddy are FINALLY going to win the battle of the bottle with you! lol  We finally dropped the morning bottle, and all we have left is to get rid of the night time ba-ba! Whoo hoo!  I thought you were planning on taking your ba-ba to kindergarten with you!  THIS.IS.THE.MONTH! Look for a "no more ba-ba" post soon! :)

15.  You are fascinated with shoes! You try to put your little feet in our shoes and walk around! lol

16.  You love to go bye-bye! You don't care where to, either! You just like to get in the car and go! :)  You are quite the little socialite... you love to go visit friends and family!

17.  You have been the king of boo-boos this month! :(  Momma doesn't like it at all! I guess that is what the day in the life of a toddler BOY is like, though!  You have busted your lip several times tripping over toys, and you fell one day while holding your sippy cup, and the spout gave you a little bruise right under your eye!  Let's pray that this next month is boo-boo free!!!

18.  You have started playing more independently.  It is absolutely precious to look over and see my sweet little bubby reading a book to himself! I just want to go cuddle and squeeze you!!

Happy 18 months, Bubby!!!  We love you soooooooooooo much! 

We can't wait to see what you have in store for us next! You are such a blessing in our lives and we love you to the moon and back millions of times!

Love,

Momma and Daddy

Updates on Baby Liam and Pregnancy 2!

Baby Liam is thriving and doing well despite the challenges that have been thrown his way!  He has taken on fifths disease and it looks like he is one resilient little man!  This week at our weekly appointment with the high-risk doctor, they evaluated his anemia and took measurements.  His anemia levels were still in the 1.2 range.  I'll take it!! This is still considered the normal to mild range.  We have at least 3 more weeks to see the high-risk doctor.  Our doctor feels that by then we will be in the clear!!  We have been so appreciative of everyone's prayers for our precious baby boy and we ask that you please continue to keep praying for him!

This week I was 23 weeks at our appointment.  Liam was estimated to weigh 1 lb. 9 oz which would put him in the 65th percentile for his weight!! Looks like he's headed in the same direction as his big brother! Only time will tell if this Momma is going to have another 10 lb. baby! lol


Pregnancy Updates!!!

• Today, January 14th, I'm 24 weeks 2 days! Over half-way there!!! 
• I've officially joined the 20-lb club! That's right, I hit the 20 lb. weight gain mark! Ugggg!  I'm determined to keep weight gain within the recommended 25-35 lbs, though!  It will be hard, but I think I can do it! 
• Acid Reflux has hit me hard this month! (groan!)
• I feel pretty good most days! (Thank goodness!)  Just a little tired here and there.
• "Occasional" cravings for milkshakes! lol
• Liam is on the move! I love feeling his kicks and flips all the time!
• Officially wearing maternity clothes... I still have 2-3 pairs of regular pants I can squeeze into with the belly band, but that probably won't last much longer! lol
• Next "regular" OB appointment is my glucose test! Say a prayer for us that I don't have gestational diabetes! We DO NOT need that on top of everything else!
• "Nesting" mode hits me every now and then! I'm ready to get this house organized for two little ones!!! lol
• Here's the belly pic... FINALLY:

Liam Andrew at 24 weeks :)  We can't wait to meet you baby boy!

Look for more updates on baby Liam and Momma soon!

Baby & Toddler Favorites :)

Lots of friends (especially new moms) ask me what my favorite baby & toddler items, stores, etc. have been.  Well, here they are! I am by no means an expert, but these are the things that I have LOVED for Connor.

Favorite Baby & Toddler Items:

1. Dr. Brown's Bottles

These bottles were the BEST for Connor! Connor had acid reflux when he was really small and was also colicky.  These bottles have a vent system that helps prevent air bubbles, which means fewer upset tummies!  The down side... there are LOTS of parts to wash.  6 parts per bottle to be exact.  I also recommend the wide-mouth bottles for breastfed babies because they position baby's mouth similarly.   Also... the BEST ADVICE someone gave me when I was pregnant with Connor was to buy 1 bottle of a few different brands to see which works best for your baby.  BEST ADVICE EVER! I plan to buy Tommee Tippee, Breastflow, and Dr. Brown's Wide Neck Bottles to see which works best for Liam. :)

2.  Angelcare Deluxe Movement & Sound Monitor


This is by far my FAVORITE baby item.  I'm totally one of those moms who was checking to make sure my newborn was breathing ALL. NIGHT. LONG.  I purchased this when Connor was only 3 days old and I WILL have another one for Liam too!  This is not only a sound monitor, but it also monitors baby's movements.  The sensor pad goes under baby's mattress and it can feel the tiniest movements (breathing)! If the monitor doesn't feel movement for 20 seconds an alarm sounds.  This is totally worth it just for the PEACE OF MIND! lol

3.  Thirty-One Bags

The organizing utility tote makes the PERFECT diaper bag! I have a black one with Connor's name embroidered in red.  I'm LOVING this one (pictured) in the Pin Dots pattern for a combo bag for Connor & Liam.  I want to monogram a large "S" for Shacklett in baby blue on the bag too!  And seriously, where can you get a diaper bag this cute for $25??

I also have the picnic thermal tote in black with Connor's name embroidered in red.  I LOVE it! It is perfect for packing his food/drinks/snacks while Momma is away at work.  I REALLY want this one (pictured) in the Harvest Plaid pattern for my combo bag for Connor & Liam!  I think it would be sooooooo adorable with a big "S" monogrammed in brown!  It also looks super cute with the Pin Dots diaper bag!!! :)

4. Mam Pacifiers

I LOVE these pacifiers.  How adorable are the newborn pacis above??  They are so tiny and perfect for those tiny mouths.  My absolute favorites by Mam, though, are these:

They are the glow-in-the-dark pacis!  They make hunting for pacis at 3 am sooooo much easier! lol

5.  The Safety First Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat
 
Love, love, LOVE this car seat! I did lots of research on seats before I picked one, and I have been sooooooooo happy with this seat! I feel like Connor is very well protected.  On the downside, its big, and takes up a lot of room, but he's totally worth it! ;)

6.  Organic pouch Baby Food

I loved baby food pouches! They were soooooooo much easier than jars and plastic containers.  I tried to make some of Connor's food, but let's face it, that didn't happen very often.  I LOVED the fact that these pouches were made from organic fruits and veggies, and were super easy for on the go!  My favorite brands are Ella's Kitchen and Plum Organics! :)

7. California Baby Products
 
I SWEAR by these products.  I LOVE the Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion, Calming Body Wash & Shampoo, as well as the Calendula Cream! They are a dream!  The best part is that they have absolutely NO harsh ingredients.  Every single ingredient is super safe for baby's sensitive skin! I even use they products myself!

Favorite Stores:

8.  Etsy


I LOVE Etsy! It is such a great website for finding unique, personalized, and adorable baby finds!!! I have bought several things for Connor off of the site. Right now, I'm totally digging these gown and hat sets by Chez Whimsy. I think this would be sooooooooo cute for Liam's hospital pics!!!

9.  Children's Place

I love this store for many reasons! I can always find something adorable (which is hard to do with boys), they always have great deals or coupons, and their clothes just fit Connor "right."  I love the clothes in many other stores, but have trouble with fit sometimes.  I NEVER have issues with clothes from here fitting my little man.  I also swear by their stretchies (pajamas - pictured).  They are super comfortable, affordable, soft, and zip!!! No snaps for this Momma! lol

10.  Pottery Barn Kids


I absolutely LOVE this store! I have found soooooooooooo many great, adorable finds for my boys!  Here's a sneak peek at what Liam's nursery will look like! (pictured).  You'll have to wait to see the rest when its finished! ;) I'm soooooo excited! I think his room is going to be ADORABLE!!! I also happen to be a sucker for a monogram, and they pretty much monogram everything! lol

Favorite Books:

11.  Super Baby Food


 I adore this book: Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron.  She is fantastic!!! Not only does she provide recipes for homemade baby and toddler foods, but she provides an abundance of information pertaining to health and nutrition for babies and toddlers...broken down month by month!  This book has been my "food bible" for Connor!  As a first time mom, I had LOTS of questions and she answered every one! 

12.  The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding


Another Favorite: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the La Leche League.  This is my "Breastfeeding Bible!" lol  I have read tons of books on breastfeeding and this is by far my favorite and the one that I feel is the most helpful!  It answered every question I had and has great resources for additional help!  I was constantly using this as a reference! Love, love, LOVE it!


I'm sure there is a lot more that I could add to my list, but I don't want to keep you here all day! ;)  What are some of your baby/toddler favorites??? I'm always curious to know what ya'll like too!!

New Year's Resolutions :)

In 2012 I resolve to...

Eat healthier.

Stay within the 25-35 lb. weight gain recommendations for pregnancy.

Successfully and exclusively breastfeed Liam. (for at least a year!)

Exercise regularly... 3-4 times per week.

Stick to our budget! :)

Drink the recommended 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Cut out the sodas!!  :(

Learn to say NO when my plate is too full.

Finally add some color to the walls in my house!

Lose the baby weight (after Liam is here, of course!)

Potty train Connor. ;)

Purge my house when needed... no hoarding here!

Go on a date night with the hubby at least ONCE this year! lol

Get out of the "mommy wardrobe" rut.

Actually wear my contacts... some :-P

Enjoy life with 2 beautiful babies!!!

 

What will you do in 2012???