Look At My New Sun Hat

I ordered this cute sun hat for Bella a few weeks ago off of Etsy.com. It's perfect for her bald little head and you can even change the flower on it...how fun is that! If you have never been to this site I encourage you to check it out. It consists of all things handmade, including: jewelry, baby bows, dish towels, pottery, clothing, paper products, banners, housewares, and furniture, just to name a few. Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/ Have fun browsing!





(For this specific sun hat visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyBabyBowtique?page=1)

One Down, Six to Go

(Elijah on Tuesday, before he went in to get his cavity filled.)

Back in March Elijah had his very first dentist appointment. We took him in thinking it would be just a routine appointment with a cleaning, x-rays, and the ever so loved "new" toothbrush. Well, much to our surprise it was MUCH more than that.

The dentist held up the x-rays and so kindly explained to us that Elijah had EIGHT cavities...yes...EIGHT!!! *gulp* So much for the routine appointment! Now, before you start thinking that I am a horrible parent and wonder why I didn't brush his teeth, let me explain:) I promise you that I have been brushing this little boy's teeth since he had them...you know, with that little silicone brush you put on the end of your finger? Well, what I wasn't doing was flossing! I'll admit..I don't even floss my own teeth everyday...or I didn't! The dentist said the cavities started between the teeth, and Elijah has very crowded baby teeth, making them even more susceptible to cavities. The dentist could already tell us that he will most likely need braces when his adult teeth come in...this came as no surprise as his daddy and and I both have crowded teeth. In addition, Elijah would not drink cow's milk as a toddler and still won't. So, to help increase his calcium intake, we gave him calcium fortified OJ...yes, I think the sugary OJ helped contribute to these forbidden cavities. And, okay, I'll admit again (confession time), I did let the little guy have a lot of suckers from the ages of about 18 mos to 3. Hey, he liked them, it kept him content, and I was able to get a lot of shopping done!;) I learned my lesson the hard way...at the expense of his teeth and our check book...we will do things differently with Bella!!!:) Now we are ALL flossing everyday, brushing his teeth 3 times a day and using a flouride rinse.

It was determined that of the eight cavities, seven needed work. Yesterday was the first of five appointments. We were going in thinking Elijah was going to have to get a silver crown. Thankfully, he was able to get by with just a filling...yay! This was less invasive and about $350.00 less expensive...double plus!!!

Elijah was so very brave. He was very scared, but got through it. He squeezed both of my hands through out the 45 minute procedure and cried silent tears. *sniff* He was very glad to be finished and was rewarded with a milkshake and a new book...hey, that's a pretty dramatic thing for a little guy to go through...especially the first time! Hopefully he will do just as well for the next four procedures.

Here are a few pictures of his experience, he was breathing in nitrous oxide to help keep him calm.

11 Months Old

Miss Bella turned 11 months old on Monday...can you believe it?!! She now has 4 teeth, 2 on top and 2 on bottom. Elijah says she looks like a "beeber," aka..beaver..LOL! Oh, sibling love...we will have to teach him the power of his words and what not to say about his baby sister...good thing she doesn't understand him yet!! She weighs approximately 23 pounds, and has given her momma some toned biceps...hey, I'm not complaining! She wants to walk soooo badly. She does a great job cruising around furniture and holding on with just one hand. Last week she began pushing her stroller around by herself. Sometimes it gets ahead of her and she tumbles down, but overall she is doing great. She might even be walking before her first birthday...we will see. She waves and says "bye, bye." She also says, "Hi, Da!" She only says "Hi"to Daddy...a daddy's girl in the making! She loves her big brother and loves to follow him, play with his toys and tackle him on the floor. She is even trying to say his name. It comes out sounding like, "Li-jah." I still nurse her during the day and then give her one formula bottle at night. She loves cheerios and water from her sippy cup. However, she has not been thrilled about table food. She spits it right back out. So, we have been sticking to good 'ol baby food and we will keep trying on the other. In the meantime, Mommy is in the early stages of planning her first birthday party! It should be very pink and princessy...hee!

So here I am...finally! I have been wanting to do a blog for quite some time now and I finally did it. I created this one back in September, but have never published a post!!! Carpe Diem...Sieze the Day...today just seemed like the day to do it...so here it is.

I'm hoping to share updates and pictures of my life for my friends and family spread across the country whom I don't get to see in person very often. In addition, I will be creating posts regarding marriage, motherhood and homemaking. I would also like to share thoughts and discoveries about Jesus Christ. It is my hearts desire to become more like Jesus Christ, to radiate his love, bring a smile to his face, and bring others along with me in the process:)

So to begin, I need to get you all caught up on what has been taking place in our home over the winter months. I have lots of pictures to share!!! I'll begin with Elijah and Bella's photo shoot taken at the end of March by one of our friends, Jen. Visit her great work here: http://jendonhardtphotography.weebly.com/ .

In the mean time, enjoy the slideshow of the kids I put together using Smilebox.

Love you all!

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