We've been busy!

First came packing for our move!

November 12th was closing day for our new home!

Then came Thanksgiving

I was there too!

Isn't my family pretty?

Adelaide spent a good portion of Thanksgiving upside down!

We went to Dickens of a Christmas on the McKinney Square (just a walk away from our new home)

Adelaide loves our new home and Mommy's thread collection

Mitch and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary on the 15th of December!

Mitch surprised me by having the top of our wedding cake remade!!!!

Our friends, the Hawks, came down from Pittsburgh!

We went hiking at Turner Falls

Adelaide was so cute during our hike!

We went to the Dallas World Aquarium!

And to the Fort Worth Stockyards where we saw horses and longhorns

Adelaide was arrested for stealing cattle....

Then we went to TCU for Brandi to talk with some professors in similar research areas!

Christmas was not super fun because Adelaide and Mitch were super sick! Adelaide tried to be a trooper though...

 Adelaide is over 9 months old and getting VERY close to walking! She has now spent more time outside than inside. She goes back and forth (in my mind) from looking like a big girl and looking like my baby girl :)

I have a smart baby

The more time I spend around other people the more that I realize that Addy doesn't do things that other babies her age do. She has been sitting confidently for months now and has been pulling up on things for several weeks. She tries to stand without holding anything and can for several seconds now. She walks around the room holding onto different furniture and buckets I have everywhere for this specific purpose. She feeds herself with a spoon. She is only 6 1/2 months old.

I didn't think it was too out of the norm but everywhere we go people say things like "How old is she?" (my response) "That is amazing." "She is a super baby." "My baby didn't do that until x months"

Why am I saying all of this?

My husband, of course, is brilliant. Not just anyone has their MS from a top tier university at the age of 23, not everyone wakes up thinking of neat ways to determine if a number is divisible by 13. A great thing about Mitch is that he knows he is brilliant and has no problem telling people that he is when they ask "So are you like smart or something?" (you would be surprised how often that exact question is asked)

Adelaide (8 weeks) at Mitchell's Carnegie Mellon graduation with his professor

I also have accomplished a lot academically. I started college at 16 and graduate a month and a half after I turned 20 with my BS in Mathematics with a 4.0 and highest honors for my thesis on the Fibonacci Numbers. I, on the other hand, have a lot of trouble saying "yes" to the above stated question. I tend to say things like "I suppose so," or something along those lines. Not that I don't realize I am bright but I guess I don't really know what to do with that information.

For much of Mitchell's early education he was heavily challenged and encouraged due in large part to his mother's great advocacy for him. Teachers recognized his great potential and found ways to encourage him, like a field trip in kindergarten to dissect a sheep's eye and a middle school teacher having him memorize 50+ digits of pi.

My parents both worked in public education and trusted the system that, for the most part, worked very well (my sister and I were at a wonderful elementary school.) When I got bored in class, though, I tended to act out by talking, being loud, or goofy. My teachers must not have found that very endearing. I didn't receive much of the same encouragement that Mitchell did. I, instead, got a lot of "sit still and be quiet" or "your card is on yellow for the third time this week" or "don't correct me during the lesson, come see me after class." I rebelled against almost every teacher that I ever had (including writing up a petition against the art teacher for her unfair grading rubric and wearing my hair in crazy ways to perturb her on purpose) My grades never suffered but even during our Gifted and Talented class time I was always bored.

It wasn't until 8th grade that I even realized that I was bright and not just a little bright but actually pretty darn bright. I had two teachers that year call me out and challenge me to greatness beyond the goals that I had set for myself and what other teachers had expected of me.

        *my sister was much cuter and sweeter and didn't have any of the same goofing off issues; our school and teachers were great for her!*

All this to say that I don't want Adelaide to go through what I did and with more and more schools getting away from what the individual students need and heading towards teaching "the tests" (I am not blaming teachers I am blaming the system that is put in place by the government officials and interns that have no idea what the classrooms really look like) I know that I am going to have to be her biggest, first, and loudest advocate.

Adelaide's 1st Library book "Black on White" by Tara Hoban

I have already started compiling all kinds of things to challenge my little smartie pants, now and into the future. We go to the library every Monday and are excited that our new house is within walking distance. I started a bookmark tab on my computer of fun, age-appropriate kids games (mensaforkids.org and pbskids.org) I am making plans for the room that will be our "homeschool/enrichment" room. I am reading books on raising high IQ kids. I am researching different homeschool curriculum because even if we decide to put her in a public school she will need a lot of enrichment.

The 4th bedroom in our new home that will be the office/homeschool/enrichment room

Adelaide exploring her world by playing on a pot with one of her favorite toys, a flashlight

The biggest thing that I am learning is that gifted kids aren't just faster normal kids. Gifted kids are fundamentally different from the way they think and process to the way they develop and interact with others.

Cultural enrichment: Adelaide's 1st Pow Wow. Cherokee princess

I have a really hard time saying, "Yes I am smart," "Yes, my daughter is quite advanced." I don't know if it is all those Bible lessons on humility or what. I need to remember that this is not an issue of pride but rather one of speaking the truth to myself and to Adelaide.

 I hope this didn't come across as pompous. It is so important for parents to be their children's education advocate whether their child is profoundly advanced, advanced, average, below average, special needs, learning disabled or any combination of the above.

6 months

Adelaide is now 6 months old, as of the 27th!

What a wonderful time! Never have I slept less, showered less, brushed my hair less. Never have I been happier, giggled more, smiled more, been more optimistic, been this blessed!

She is amazing and brilliant!

My favorite things that Adelaide does now:
-her stinker pot face (crinkle your nose tilt your head back and show your teeth/gums)
-giggles (at daddy, at the dog, at anything)
-loves touching and exploring plants and nature
-crawling anywhere
-pulling up on everything
-napping!
-downward dog (the yoga pose, while attempting to stand up)
-how bashful she gets around people and throws her little head into me to "hide"
-how much she loves her puppy!
-the way she "helps" me with household chores :)

Last night I got out a tambourine for her to play with. She holds it in one hand and uses the other to flick the jingle-y parts (are those the "tambos?")

Photoshopping spree....

I have been trying my hand at more and more Photoshop stuff since my daughter is a camera magnet. This photo is to complete a series that my mother gave me at my baby shower: my grandmother at around 5 months, my mother at around 5 months, me at a similar age, and a blank place for my darling.

Before

Obviously the background needs to be fixed and the colors were a little dull plus I wanted to brighten her two teeth to bring attention to the cuteness of the teeth. Also, the dress is light pink but got washed out with the flash.

After

If I was super expert I would have fixed her hair better but with it being so wispy I couldn't figure it out.

Sick momma....

Today is my first day sick as a momma...

Sick....

My throat is soar and my nose is running like crazy.

I made myself some chicken noodle soup and drank some blood orange kombucha because I didn't have orange juice.

Mitch came home at lunch to take the dog out and run to Kroger's to get me some actual orange juice.

Addy may be a little under the weather too because she has already taken two naps today.

Tips:
-burp cloths absorb a lot of snot
-dress comfortably (read as: Cassidy is dressed like a slob)
-Netfix has Disney movies
-drink lots of water
-gargle with hot salt water

I plan on taking a bath later... dream big, I always say.

Growing so fast and a caption contest!

It probably sounds cliche but Addy is growing so fast! I think that as long as there are people that love kiddos and love seeing them grow you will always hear "She is growing so fast," "Time is flying by," and "I can't believe he was ever that little."

Adelaide is now 5 months old and has TWO teeth. She had a hard time getting her first one in but after about two weeks of fussiness she was okay. The second came in without us even noticing much.

5 months old Aug 27

She loves moving anywhere she can and this morning that "anywhere" was all the way into the kitchen to knock over Theo's water bowl.

Her favorite things right now are magazines, books, her bear toy, teething rings, and cups.

Being awesome in her high chair

Happy girl at the park

Daddy trying to make baby smile!

CAPTION CONTEST!

My sweet little girl looks like such a goober in this pic! Can you come up with an awesome caption?

What should this say?

New Mommy Survival Guide of Stuff and Non-Stuff!

Diapers, nursing pads, nursing bras, blankets, clothing, carriers, sleeping, etc.......

So now that I am a *slightly* seasoned mommy. I figured I would weigh in on all that worked and all that didn't work!

1. Cloth Diapers!
Overall I love them! You may remember this post that I did about what we had before baby was born.

So here is how it all road tested!

Newborn diapers: What we had: Lil Joeys by Rumparoos, Kissaluvs Size 0, Bummis Infant Prefolds, Thirsties Duos Wraps Size 1, x-small Fuzzibunz

Best: We loved, loved, loved the Kissaluvs Size 0. They were easy, absorbent, and folded down under her cord. We partnered these with the Thirsties covers (I prefer the snaps to the aplix.) These NEVER leaked!

Runners Up: x-small Fuzzibunz (we only had one) great fit and cute. Bummis Infant Prefolds they were very absorbent but not as easy to get onto a newborn that didn't much care for diaper changes. The Lil Joeys were hubby proof, which was good, but little Miss Fat Girl couldn't wear these past two weeks

x-small Fuzzibunz on 1 month Adelaide

Thirsties cover on our Princess of Fashion

Diapers for past after the cord fell off: FuzziBunz One Size, FuzziBunz Perfect Size small and gDiapers (we continued to wear the Kissaluvs until she outgrew them and we still wear the Bummis and Thirsties)

Best: FuzziBunz One Size! These are SO adjustable. Here they are on itty bitty Adelaide. They did fit but I didn't like how close they came up on her umbilical cord. Sometimes these do wick moisture from the leg holes so do make sure these are on correctly. At night we like to use a Bummis with a Thirsties cover, like I said these have NEVER leaked or blew out. Since she now likes diaper changes it is not near as difficult to get a prefold and cover on Puddle Duck

Two week old Adelaide in a One Size FuzziBunz

Runner Up: Perfect size FuzziBunz. Cute and good fit but I don't like that there is only one snap on each waist side instead of two

Adelaide at 3 months in a Perfect Size FuzziBunz small

Worst: gDiapers... these always leaked for us. I know that many people like them but they just didn't work for Adelaide. The cloth inserts would blow out and leak and one of the disposable inserts actually opened on Adelaide's skin! We got rid of these.

Swim diaper: We only have one but we love it. Charlie Banana size small.

Adelaide in her Charlie Banana swim diaper , her first time in the pool!

Overall:

• FuzziBunz One Size are great once you get the fit right. Easy to use and dependable
• Kissaluvs are the BEST newborn diaper EVER
• We actually bought more of the Bummis inserts and Thirsties covers because we loved them so much and they are so affordable

If I had to restart my stash from scratch for a new baby I would buy:

• 12 kissaluvs size 0
• 6 infant Bummis prefolds
• 4 Thirsties Duo Covers size 1
• 12 FuzziBunz One Size (crushed berry and spearmint are my favorite colors)
• 12 baby Bummis prefolds
• 4 Thirsties Duo covers size 2
• 1 Charlie Banana swim diaper (though I have heard great things about the Bummis swim diaper)
• 2 Snappis (to hold on the prefolds)

Also, we adore all of our Planet Wise wet bags and pail liners! We have never had an issue with any leaks. I highly suggest their products. The medium size wet bag is perfect for the diaper bag for a day outing.

2. Nursing Pads

I thought that these were something that you used for just a little while and then didn't need anymore. That was certainly not the case for me. I started leaking at 7 months pregnant and just this morning leaked through my shirt (Adelaide is 4.5 months old)

I bought some plain flannel circles, Bamboobies, and my girl friend passed on her Knickernappies nursing pads to me. I know there are disposables but I didn't like the idea of chemicals all up "in my business"

Best: Hands down it is the Knickernappies! Large and super absorbent. Don't stick to skin either which is super important for sore nipples.

Runner up:  Bamboobies these were much more expensive than the Knickernappies and not as thirsty though they do get bonus points for being super cute. They came in a set with light pink, hot pink and black hearts.

Worst: plain flannel circles... who thought something as exciting as plain flannel circles would score so poorly....

Circle=Knickernappis Nursing Pad     Heart=Bamboobies Nursing Pad

3. Nursing bras

Being a little bit *cough* busty *cough* I had some trouble finding bras that worked for me. I found three brands that are great for larger cup sizes Cake Lingerie, Elomi, and Bella Materna

Best: Bella Materna, pretty, made in the US, pretty, supportive, and did I mention pretty!

Runners up: Cake Lingerie are cute but they look a little funny under cloths. I use my Cake Lingerie Cheesecake bra as my night time bra and that works great for us (us being me and the girls.) Elomi is super supportive plus you can order them online from Nordstrom and then return them in the store and get fitting help (which I did) the only negative is that they aren't as cute and have a difficult to use release for the cup to open (read as: crying newborn+exhausted mommy+this clasp=crying mommy+ hungry baby)

Also, check out Glamour Mom Busty Nursing Tanks! Awesome and long!

4. Baby blankets

You will be given oodles of these! OODLES But the best one for swaddling, cuddling, wrapping up in, nursing under, etc. is definitely the Aden + Anais swaddlers and a big plus is that you can buy these ANYWHERE (Target, Happy Baby Company, Amazon etc.) in all kinds of pretty patterns. They are a little pricey compared to plain swaddlers but I believe they are worth it. Adelaide still swaddles every night and these are generously sized so they keep my miniature behemoth in her burrito.

Still swaddled, despite TERRIBLE MOMMY KISSES!

5. Clothing

For the early days pajamas are great. The sleep sacks are good but do ride up. I actually would advise something with legs. We love Hanna Andersson pajamas (they sell them at Costco for around $13 where as they retail at the HA store for about $30) The zipper is easy to navigate at night and they are super soft.

In Texas, during the summer, we usually put her in a cute T or tank with a coordinating cloth diaper when we are just hanging out at home. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

For cute out and about clothes check out Little Peanut by Peek. They are pricey but I found both of Adelaide's Little Peanut dresses on sale!

6. Carriers

We have several: Moby style, ring sling, Baby Bjorn, and a mei tei style

Moby style is great for a newborn because she is really, really, really secure in there but it is just too hot in Texas to use it in the summer time. I will use it again this winter

My ring sling was made by my wonderful friend. Check out her blog. Great for little bitty and great now that she is bigger too.

Adelaide at a month and a half asleep in her sling (pardon the mess, we were one week from our move to TX)

Adelaide on the airplane in the ring sling

Baby Bjorn is easy to use but not as easy on my back. Mitchell really likes it though. Adelaide can ride facing in or out.

Mitchell wearing Adelaide in the Baby Bjorn

 Mei tei style carrier. Good for little and good for big. I like this style a lot and it is very easy on my back. Can be worn in front or on my back though I haven't worn her that way yet.

Adelaide and Mommy on the Fort Worth Zoo Train

7. Sleeping

We loved our Arms Reach Cosleeper. Very handy having her close by. And when she would sleep on me I could store things, like my Boppy pillow, there.

Adelaide at 1 month in the wonderful cosleeper!

8. Etc.

Must haves (for me at least):

• Boppy pillow, great for the busty and those that are long torsoed (I am not the latter)
• Chewbeads teething jewelry. You can see it on my wrist in the Zoo Train pic above. I use it to remember which side I nursed on last and Adelaide loves to NOM it!
• Non-dangly earrings. Babies, even little bitty babies, pull on things
• Quilts for baby to play on
• Milksavers I didn't have one but I wish that I did. You leak SOOO much milk in the early weeks 

Things I didn't need/use:

• pump (until very recently I didn't even have one, don't buy one ahead of time unless you need to start building up a huge reservoir. Now I have a Medela manual pump)
• itty bitty socks... they just fall off. I highly suggested footed pants or pajamas

Any questions?

Anything I missed?