tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34025966219115996802024-03-04T20:58:25.404-08:00Mehaffeys on the MoveAdventures in AtlantaThe Mehaffeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03460950377366346832noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-5599974419847874302014-03-27T19:20:00.001-07:002014-03-27T19:25:19.368-07:00Testing, testing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWQge5pOL9ZBL2coGlInklbXjtLI6f2K5Vx5uq2xLyNXXGzLHHQxHo-HqkEcjptaMxoM0Dlndn8fLP65HT5oE8OznwRHPyHwuGVhPjZVPRsjSVXDAVB3BG1f9gRMtrEDiPK8wwiLR26Y/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWQge5pOL9ZBL2coGlInklbXjtLI6f2K5Vx5uq2xLyNXXGzLHHQxHo-HqkEcjptaMxoM0Dlndn8fLP65HT5oE8OznwRHPyHwuGVhPjZVPRsjSVXDAVB3BG1f9gRMtrEDiPK8wwiLR26Y/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVABL6COMQp0vMenJClmtutoXtVQrnv5gAKsfHbEgY1wjgxfn7xypzZXfIFjwneMiOPvDAOVWHKZeOWxQxwEpc45u5f9VKBV_SqJhQZ3-WRTaWfp2qYKwxm_owZs1BRg40laVLw7_KCDQ/s1600/IMG_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVABL6COMQp0vMenJClmtutoXtVQrnv5gAKsfHbEgY1wjgxfn7xypzZXfIFjwneMiOPvDAOVWHKZeOWxQxwEpc45u5f9VKBV_SqJhQZ3-WRTaWfp2qYKwxm_owZs1BRg40laVLw7_KCDQ/s320/IMG_1185.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IPcuRpR0ZQfLDfMtINn5hdZSGXxKKwUcDkfpp9IV8xIvzaqzBCuw-ValsnGQV9xpQlkjyZGiYYnUFfnHHYPSxBM-8Zu_-sXLPxiGdbNxnzcy2dh25KGuq1mLPFUwWCBDVgm9y9bYnvI/s1600/IMG_1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IPcuRpR0ZQfLDfMtINn5hdZSGXxKKwUcDkfpp9IV8xIvzaqzBCuw-ValsnGQV9xpQlkjyZGiYYnUFfnHHYPSxBM-8Zu_-sXLPxiGdbNxnzcy2dh25KGuq1mLPFUwWCBDVgm9y9bYnvI/s320/IMG_1287.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWywzvV3cHHUp4e1D-QZrbPvvq12umq5ogCsnTXaBGLgbNCAPz0JnfulUROI3jbBjXnnjm9hgAWBQsN1gcqLn-9F77sGtPrzqPNCPjjoLi4kRvVMi1tS73qY-QKx4UvAJZS_MXRMJrfGc/s1600/IMG_1302.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWywzvV3cHHUp4e1D-QZrbPvvq12umq5ogCsnTXaBGLgbNCAPz0JnfulUROI3jbBjXnnjm9hgAWBQsN1gcqLn-9F77sGtPrzqPNCPjjoLi4kRvVMi1tS73qY-QKx4UvAJZS_MXRMJrfGc/s320/IMG_1302.jpg" /></a>
For anyone who still looks at this forsaken blog, here are some pics of this quirky fam, taken by my brother.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-82041778078035992862013-10-11T13:44:00.002-07:002013-10-11T13:44:12.750-07:00I will surviveThe first year of motherhood almost killed me (and the second year is working on it still) but alas, I am stretching into my new skin. My current life is to funny NOT to write down so I have started to want to again. Sometimes it's funny in the Ha Ha sense, but mostly funny in the way that if I don't write about it I will surely go insane. Somehow putting things in writing and taking an outside look makes it more laughable.
Here was the silliness of today...at the park...
Little girl to me: What are you doing?
Me: Just sitting here, what are you doing?
Girl: Wearing a hat. Do you like it here?
Me: Yes, very much. What is your favorite thing to play on?
Girl: The twirly thing
Me: The tire swing? Oh, you are brave, I don't like those things.
Girl: It is because I am only 4.
Me: Nice
I would say it is a successful day when one is "just sitting here" or "wearing a hat". Wouldn't you? However, if you asked Caiden what he was doing, he would say that he is recovering from a huge bruise and scrape on his forehead because he took a nosedive over the push bike mom bought for him today at a garage sale. First ride and I couldn't even protect him. Nice. Does that score as an unsuccessful day for Caiden or for me?Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-1058440623225336902012-11-05T12:39:00.000-08:002012-11-05T12:39:50.059-08:00RealityI am a new mom. And I can't keep up in general, but especially with luxuries like a blog ;)It feels more like pressure than fun, so I have decided to post pictures on facebook because it's EASY. And my mom can download them which makes me feel good because she stops asking me to email them to her. Which takes more time. Plus my picasa is full and I don't want to pay money each month or take the time to delete pictures so I can upload more on the blog. Therefore, for a while all pictures will be on facebook and all random rants and raves will be here (if there is time for ranting and raving). Ah, motherhood! I love it, but it is a timesucker.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-45613338481097079452012-09-17T17:46:00.000-07:002012-09-17T17:46:03.110-07:00Why is bacon so good? Saying I don't eat pork, but I eat bacon is about the equivalent to saying I am a vegetarian but I eat fish. But the truth is, I don't eat pork, except bacon. Anything that good is worth eating off any animal. Heck, I would eat oppossum bacon if it tasted that good. I don't much like bacon on it's own (too salty, greasy, and guilt inducing), but IN something, now we're talking. Here is a new recipe I tried tonight and I can't get enough of it. It's BLT pasta. Yum! Bob thinks it's a bit on the girly side since it doesn't have a thick sauce (funny how food can be girly, right?)but I argue that since it has bacon it can be considered gender neutral. Here it is. Please try it, you won't be disappointed:
BLT Pasta
6 servings
8 oz bacon
1 box penne pasta
4 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 bag fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 bunch red chard, well cleaned, sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup fresh basil, torn (I used dried)
3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet for 10 min over medium heat until just crispy. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 2 tbsp of the drippings in skillet.
3. Meanwhile cook penne in boiling water for 11 min. Drain.
4. Add 2 tbsp of the olive oil to skillet with bacon drippings. Return to medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Add spinach and chard and cook 4 minutes until wilted. Stir in cherry tomatoes, cook 2 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, toss penne, bacon, spinach mixture, basil, remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, the vinegar, salt and pepper.
Enjoy!Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-11250378346596643882012-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:002012-09-02T09:57:52.279-07:00Caiden in June...a videoHere is a video my brother made when he came to visit back in June:<br />
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/47544003?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/47544003">Caiden Fisher Mehaffey; June 2012</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user11782169">tyler wohlford</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-48859029790910870222012-08-31T07:37:00.003-07:002012-08-31T07:37:59.853-07:00The bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Found Caiden asleep like this the other day. My sweet Caiden, 2 months old and flipping the bird.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-52569718903479554522012-08-31T07:31:00.002-07:002012-08-31T07:31:45.422-07:00Officially oldNo, I didn't have my 30th birthday. Yet. However, I am officially old as of Wednesday because I was diagnosed with shingles. Yes, shingles. They do have a vaccine for it, but you have to be 50 before they give it to you. Which means I have a disease of 50 year olds (not that that's old mom and dad, just older than me). When the doctor walked in she said, "Oh your eyes are so red have you not been sleeping?". I replied, "I have a newborn." All she said was, "Oh." Then she saw my rash and heard my symptoms and in a compassionate voice told me I had shingles. I told her that I thought shingles was for older people and she said it happens when someone's immune system is weak, which is usually in older people, but sometimes in those younger. Apparently taking care of a child weakens your immune system. Who would've thought? Ha!<br />
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Yesterday was awful. I told Bob it was worse than labor (which is an encouragement to my pregnant friends). I only got out of bed to go to the bathroom, to which I crawled. Luckily Bob took off work and stayed with Caiden but it has been hard on all of us. I am taking meds so I feel MUCH better today and have gotten some time with my babe. I know he missed all of my silly songs yesterday so I am having to catch up on them today. I am sure Bob appreciates that too :)<br />
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While we are on the old ailing body topic, I know you have been holding your breath about my mole. It is benign, so no worries there. Next time an update on my digestive system. Just kidding. Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-72767312704065694252012-08-31T07:22:00.003-07:002012-08-31T07:40:50.277-07:00A visit from Grandma and Grauntie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My mom and Aunt came in for a much needed visit about a week ago. The weather was perfect and we had a lot of fun and a lot of rest. They were able to stay with him on my first day of teaching so I didn't have to worry about a thing. Above is us having a picnic at our old apartment complex down by the river. Caiden and his Grauntie Shelly are both enjoying their picnics. Below is Grandma holding sleepy Caiden.<br />
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Grauntie feeding Caiden a bottle after touring and oil and vinegar shop (free samples!)<br />
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On a walk through the nearby woods. <br />
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Halls family on the porch.<br />
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Above is a picture of the adorable blanket Grauntie Shelly made for Caiden.<br />
Thanks for a great visit Grandma and Grauntie!Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-316049254252928922012-08-31T07:12:00.000-07:002012-08-31T07:12:11.588-07:00Cotton eyed Joe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A little while back Caiden started this stomping move with one of his legs so we started singing the cotton eyed Joe song (we have a song for everything). We showed my mom and aunt when they were here and it prompted recorded him doing song and dance. Viewer discretion advised: not sure if this is cute or cruel but it will be good blackmail someday! When Bob showed this to one of his friends he said, "Isn't that child abuse making him listen to that kind of music?" Enjoy...Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-72735504599507655792012-08-31T07:06:00.000-07:002012-08-31T07:36:16.522-07:002 months young<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we text my dad a picture of Caiden the other day, he replied to Bob's phone, "Someone's getting chubby..." and Bob responded, "I didn't think I was gaining that much weight." Of course it is our little one who is doing all the growing. His looks are changing so much and he is getting bigger by the second. At his two month checkup, pictured here with his papa, he weighed 12 lbs 14 oz and was almost 2 ft long (tall?--when does it change from long to tall, when they can stand?).<br />
Some highlights:<br />
*he smiles like crazy<br />
*he likes all sorts of sounds and songs<br />
*more awake time (which can sometimes be a lowlight when he is fussy or we are tired)<br />
*sleeping longer at night<br />
*loves to stand up and bounce around <br />
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It's strange that it has only been 2 months since we brought him home. It seems soo much longer. We can't believe how much we love him. It is a different kind of love than we have ever felt.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-90720753562458309072012-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:002012-08-27T09:20:13.259-07:00Lord, help me to laugh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Lord, help me to laugh (so I don't cry)</em> was the prayer I uttered at 8 a.m. after 2 minutes of using the breast pump to which I had not attached a bottle, leaving a pile of milk on my lap and side. I can attest that mommy brain is real. Last week I cooked an elaborate breakfast for dear friends coming in from out of town only to realize when they were half an hour late, that I had been off by a week. I did the same sort of miscalculation with a conference Bob had, resulting in a friend having to watch Caiden last minute and me having to leave him with someone outside of family earlier than I had planned. Comic relief in these situations, or rather, finding the comedy in them is the only thing that helps me get by.<br />
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Caiden has been waking up only once at night, usually right around 4 a.m. and I have felt somewhat normal again. Last night he decided he wanted to get up at 3, 5, and 6:30 to which I may or may not have said to him in my whiniest voice, "Come ooooon, kid." It didn't help that he often doesn't realize that what he gets his milk from is attached to me and he tries to take it with him when he pulls back hard. BUT when he gives me that oh so genuine smile or makes a laughing noise right at the punchline of my joke (coincidence?--I think not), it melts my frustration and impatience. For the most part. I am glad someone (besides Bob) finds humor in my stupid silly songs that all seem to have the same chorus (Where is Thumpkin and Three Blind Mice) and the ridiculous faces and jokes that I make. <br />
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I think parenting is a good time for me to start taking the journey of laughing at myself. Lord knows there have been and will be MANY opportunities. Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-33790745240203370012012-08-11T15:17:00.000-07:002012-08-11T15:17:06.923-07:00Here Grandparents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been trying to capture more pictures lately of the everyday especially now that Caiden is making more faces and just changing so very much. I know at least his grandparents appreciate seeing all of this and I think I will look back and be glad I took these pictures too. <br />
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It hasn't quite been as hot here lately but usually if we are just home Caiden doesn't wear clothes. He doesn't seem to mind and we thought we would train him early to be a minimalist. Minimalist, not nudist, please don't read that wrong. <br />
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He is so expressive and we are staring to be able to read him better. He is very fun but makes everything take twice as long as it normally would. Without fail, whatever time we decide to eat dinner; he decides it's time for him to eat too. Babies have a knack for knowing when timing is not good and then they want to be held or fed, etc. They sure do teach you good lessons in selflessness. And they learn how to train you as parents. Two nights ago, we swaddled Caiden up good in hopes that he would sleep longer in the night. He sure did--almost 6 hours straight. But I didn't. I was worried that he wasn't waking up. Bob reminded me that was the hope, but I still couldn't go back to sleep. I pulled out books to see if it was normal for a 2 month old to sleep that long. Then I loosened his swaddle so he might wake up. And he did. And ate. Then woke up again later and I wished I had just let him sleep because I was still tired in the morning! And of course, the next night when I gave myself the pep talk over how great it would be to have that many hours in a row of straight sleep, he went back to his old pattern. Oh, that trickster. However, today, Caiden missed his opportunity for poor timing when he slept through us playing tennis with another couple. We just put him in his stroller with a blanket over him and got to play for a while. I joined a team that starts in September so I had to work on getting my groove back. <br />
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Caiden is starting to like baths. And naked time. Maybe he is becoming a nudist--but I won't post pictures of that. We love seeing him wrapped up in his towel. Doesn't get much cuter than this. <br />
Grandma Nadine sent these adorable socks a while back, and while he hasn't needed much clothing, his feet were so cold the other day so I put these on and had to take a picture because they are so cute. <br />
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Later in the day we did put clothes on him when we went out to eat (we do know SOME boundaries) and people mentioned how cute his socks were. Thanks Grandma!<br />
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Since Caiden was a breech baby, he had an ultrasound yesterday to determine if he has hip displacia (spelling?). We will find out the results soon. It was strange to have him being ultrasound-ed instead of me with him in my belly!<br />
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We took a few mug shots of him today hoping to catch a smile, but no such luck. The boy does not perform. Guess we don't have an actor on our hands, which is fine by me.<br />
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Below is midway through a sneeze. Now photographing that takes talent, or luck. Maybe I am getting a little better?<br />
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My blue eyed boy. Counting down the days until they can't change anymore. <br />
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This is what he has to say to so many pictures!<br />
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On a side note, I am turning 30 in November and used to dread it but not so much anymore now that I have Caiden. I did feel old a couple of times this week though. Once I was walking through Target in the baby boy section which turns to toddler then teenager then man clothing and I found myself getting choked up thinking of all the stages Caiden will go through. And hoping that skinny jeans for boys will be totally out by the time he is an adolescent. The second time is when I went to the dermatologist for them to check out a mole. Really, can't believe I am in that stage. Pretty soon I will have a pill box and be drinking prune juice daily. Anyway, the dermatologist had to remove the mole because it wasn't looking too great, and this demoralizing conversation ensued:<br />
Dr: I am just going to remove the mole to be safe and send it off to the lab<br />
Me: But I have had it since childbirth (thinking too, which luckily I didn't say out loud, that I wouldn't get to see it one last time or say goodbye. I truthfully wanted to take a picture, but again, I do have SOME boundaries, or social graces so to speak--although maybe not so much since I am admitting it here anyway)<br />
Dr.: Well, it's kind of nasty. It's not exactly a beauty mark<br />
Me: Ouch (to which I promptly stayed quiet after that)<br />
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Well, a few more months and on to my 30s, which I hear are really great even if they are full of mole removals and all.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-90873429641505610262012-08-06T14:24:00.002-07:002012-08-06T14:24:38.963-07:00Much needed vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our friends invited us last weekend up to a cabin in the North Georgia mountains. It was the retreat and vacation we had been longing for and we were so thankful. <br />
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I should've taken pictures of the inside because it was absolutely gorgeous--3 stories with plenty of room to relax, hang out, and have fun. <br />
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We took walks, ate good food, watched the Olympics and had a wonderful time enjoying each other's company and the beauty around us. <br />
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Bob and his son. <br />
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My sweet Bob took Caiden one morning so I could sleep in and when I woke up I found them hanging outside on the hammock. <br />
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We took Caiden on his first hike of many more to come. He was a trooper. He slept the whole time so he didn't quite get to enjoy it as much as we did. There were two beautiful waterfalls on the hike--my favorite.<br />
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Here we are with the Bellos and their wonderful family. It is fun to have other people with kids because we are just getting the hang of it (not really) and it is neat to watch others parent and play with their kids. They are wonderful parents to their little ones and I am excited because Jess will watch Caiden for a couple of hours on Wednesdays when Bob and I are at work. They also speak Spanish so we got to practice our skills. Jess said she would speak in Spanish to Caiden when he is over there. A bilingual child. Maybe his first word will be madre instead of mama :)<br />
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The second waterfall. <br />
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View from the porch outside our room. It is amazing what God's nature can do for your soul.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-67522169342676068642012-08-06T14:12:00.000-07:002012-08-06T14:12:05.258-07:00Around the house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am not very good at picture taking--meaning, I don't take them frequently. I always have good intentions but when you are just doing normal things it does not cross your mind to take a picture of them. Enter grandma. My mom, being so far away, can only stand it for about a week without an updated picture of Caiden. And while I realize somewhat that he has grown, I don't see how much until I take new pictures. He is starting to allow us to set him down more and has more playful time and smiles. Let the fun (and more work since he is sleeping less) begin!Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-68533043709809668892012-07-24T14:08:00.003-07:002012-07-24T14:08:48.565-07:00Tummy time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This BIG boy just had a checkup and has gained 3 pounds since his birth--weighing in at 9lb 15 oz and is now 21" long. The doctor (did I tell you her name is Dr. Heaven--how sweet is that?) said we should start giving him more tummy time so that he can get stronger head and neck muscles, although this kid has never had a problem with that. He never had that wobbly head that many newborns get. Anyway, he likes tummy time for a few minutes and then is like, "Hey, why did you leave me here like this?" One step at a time...Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-12950345596853159292012-07-24T14:06:00.000-07:002012-07-24T14:06:00.652-07:00A Day in the Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the hardest "job" I have ever had. And the sweet times are the sweetest I have ever had. In no way could I have anticipated the range of emotions that motherhood brings. It highlights my strengths and unfortunately the areas where I am broken. It puts so many things into perspective. Right now I feel exhausted and peaceful. Caiden is asleep on me and despite today being strage for his eating and sleeping patterns, I was able to do things that feel like I am not only "mom". I am excited about the homemade bread that is about to go in the oven to share with friends over dinner. And I can't believe how much longer it took to make for the many breaks I needed to take. <br />
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More than anything, the frustrations I have are at myself. And what God is teaching me through this glorious and difficult season. I am finite. And I hate it. I cannot do or feel or act in all the ways that I want to so very badly. My body is more tired and sluggish than I had anticipated 5 weeks after delivery. I am more work-oriented than I want to admit and parenthood makes me slow down. It makes me realize that I cannot do it all, or even if I do all that I want in a day I have nothing left to give to my husband and child. It makes me look at what is important. And sometimes I am frustrated because if I am honest about what I think is important, it is not always what is good or right. <br />
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It is crazy to think that Caiden will be with us forever. Not always in our home, but with us. Our family is going to be the greatest sense of both community and ministry that we will ever experience and I often don't feel equipped for the task. It is amazing how much I can love this little person who has nothing to give back. It is also amazing how selfish I am and how much I am used to doing what I want when I want.<br />
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My days go by fast, way too fast. And I cannot get done all that is on my to do list. I actually stopped writing to do lists, but I can't seem to stop writing them in my head. I am trying to stay in the present and see what the Lord has for me there--in tiredness, in nursing, in carrying him on my belly (again), in not taking showers until midday, in naps at random hours (8 am nap anyone?). It feels so unnatural to me, this new life, and I am sure there will be a day when I can't remember it otherwise. <br />
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For now, I am thankful. Thankful for my sweet son strapped to me and fresh bread :)Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-78557238550568203372012-07-24T13:52:00.002-07:002012-07-24T13:52:32.192-07:00Happy Birthday Sweet Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We sure had a full weekend--lots of time with people which was both fun and tiring. On Sunday, we were invited to sweet Juliet's 12th birthday party. I fell in love with this girl who was in my class last year. She has some incredible health issues but has allowed God to mold her through her suffering. Some of the things she would share were more powerfully spiritual than many adults that I have met. It is such a pleasure to know her. I looked forward to seeing her each week and the fun shoes that she would wear. Happy birthday sweet girl!Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-70656641769933011192012-07-24T13:48:00.003-07:002012-07-24T13:48:51.492-07:00Baby on Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Andrea (the one holding the baby) had a shower on Saturday. Her babe is due at the end of October and will be another surprise baby. She got lots of practice holding Caiden at her shower. We had lots of yummy food at her shower and it was nice to spend time with one another. I didn't think I was a fan of games at baby showers--the image of candy "poop" in diapers comes to mind--but they played some fun ones including molding play dough into a baby. Kelly had a great creation (top) and Carrie created one that looked like Caiden so I had to have a picture.<br />
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Tis the season for babies (everyone getting closer to the big 3-0) and I just found out that my friends Amy and Erin are both having boys! Friends for Caiden in Africa and California! And on a side note, do you think the "Baby on Board" stickers people have on cars are funny? As if we don't have to be careful with all the crazy adults out there in cars, but when there is a baby on board, we better make sure not to tailgate, cut each other off, run into each other, etc.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-47725686654688138462012-07-17T13:06:00.004-07:002012-07-17T13:06:47.397-07:00Cloth wipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When she heard that we wanted to attempt cloth diapering, my friend Beth gave me a bunch of diapers and cloth wipes. I have bought my own covers and at first thought using cloth wipes would be ridiculous. However, seeing how many wipes get used up so fast, as well as the cost of them, and the fact that I am doing laundry almost every day anyway, I decided to give them a try. I found a wipe solution to make online, mixed it up in a tupperware, and put in the wipes. I have loved them. They are more solid and work better than the flimsy disposable ones and don't make any more laundry for me since I am doing it anyway. If anyone is interested, the solution is simple made from things you have at home anyway:<br />
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1 cup warm water<br />
2 Tbsp baby shampoo/wash (however, I found this to be a bit much and will use less next time)<br />
1 Tbsp olive oil<br />
A few drops essential oil (optional)<br />
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Mix together and put the wipes in to soak, that way they are wet when you pull them out.<br />
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Some wipe solutions are used to spray on the wipe before wiping but I have liked this because it is already done by the time I start using it. Happy wiping :)Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-62574803979801655212012-07-17T12:55:00.000-07:002012-07-17T12:55:11.588-07:00First date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We met some friends through the Bradley birthing class that we took who had their daughter exactly two weeks before Caiden was born. It is really interesting how similar our labors were as well, and we both delivered at the same hospital. This last weekend we got to introduce our little ones to each other for the first time. I got to see baby Reese when she was first born and it was amazing to see how much she had changed over the course of a few weeks and how much Caiden might grow in just a couple more. Overall, I would say their first date was uneventful. Caiden slept through it really until Reese started crying and then he joined in. I guess that is somewhat eventful, maybe an indication that it didn't go to well?<br />
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We are sad because we just found out that the Perrys will be moving to Orlando at the end of the summer, so obviously our getting together won't be very frequent. But for now we have been thankful for their relationship and that they are in the same stage and have the same parenting ideas that we do.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-68036708506401250972012-07-17T12:48:00.001-07:002012-07-17T12:48:30.514-07:00Cow Appreciation Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As our family waited in line at Chick-fil-A with dozens of other people dressed as cows, we laughed at what the general public--including ourselves of course-- will do for a free meal! Once a year, Chick-fil-A, our favorite fast food restaurant since moving to the south (In-n-Out is still incomparable to anything fast food) gives you a free meal for dressing like a cow. If you know Bob and I, we love anything free, and for some reason having a baby allows you to lose inhibitions you MIGHT have felt before. So the three of us printed out the "costumes" from the chick fil a website and off we went. Even Caiden, despite his protests, wore a few spots.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-56712337652865038382012-07-17T12:35:00.001-07:002012-07-17T12:35:18.814-07:00One month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't remember if I brushed my teeth today. I really can't. BUT I have kept sweet Caiden alive (with the help of my spectacular husband) for one month.<br />
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It is difficult to remember what life was like without him although he's only been with us a short time. We love just watching him and all the faces he makes, the way he protests to certain things, and his overall preciousness. Here is some of what we know about Caiden after month one!<br />
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*He likes to sleep, which we are thankful for. It is starting to get harder to put him down at night because he fights going to sleep, but overall we haven't had too difficult time in this area.<br />
*He gets hiccups when he eats too much or when he eats too fast, which is almost every time.<br />
*He can burp like no other. Seriously, sometimes I have thought that he is going to deflate and fly across the room with the belches he procures.<br />
*He is a groaner, as mentioned in a previous post.<br />
*Can babies have sleep apnea? Because if so, he does...He makes the cutest little chirping noises in his sleep and Bob calls him chipmunk. I laugh when I picture a baby wearing one of those CPAP machines for sleep apnea.<br />
*It takes him a while to get used to new things--car rides, being put in a sling, walks in a stroller, but after a while he starts to like them.<br />
*He loves sleeping on anyone's stomach/chest and prefers to be held rather than set down.<br />
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The pictures above document Caiden at month one and the last one is thrown in for good measure, because he is not such an angel all the time. The crying is much cuter in a picture than in person though.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-37022310099217914402012-07-13T08:07:00.001-07:002012-07-13T08:08:50.960-07:00$15 coffee table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bob and I had been looking for a coffee table on craigslist for a while (we never buy new--always start with craigslist first because you can find brand name things for half the cost) but couln't find what we wanted. So I started scavenging at every Goodwill I could come across. And one day I found it! This baby was calling my name at $15. However, because I am afraid of making the wrong decision, I walked away. Then I drove home, decided I wanted it, turned around and went to get it! A coat of my favorite paint for furniture (also the color I painted Caiden's changing table) and voila! the perfect coffee table. I love how it looks like a door or a window and because it was cheap, we aren't afraid of ruining it. Painting furniture has become my new thing because it instantly transforms an old piece into a new one. Confession: I painted A LOT during my pregnancy. The doctor told me it was okay as long as the room was well ventilated. It still felt weird to me, but I did it anyway. Hope there are no lasting effects on sweet Caiden!Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-23872724874537170462012-07-13T07:53:00.002-07:002012-07-13T07:54:02.978-07:00A lesson in patience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is what our house currently looks like. Well, actually it is a little "updated" since then. In these two pictures, there are green shutters (the originals) on top, and black on bottom. Doing work on the house has been moving slowly around here for numerous reasons, but mostly because we have had to put our money elsewhere. I guess having a child does that to you. So the funds we had allocated for painting our house are now in our car and the unexpected takes we had to pay--thanks Uncle Sam! Anyway, lest I complain too much, I am thankful that I have a willing (aka crazy) and able husband who has volunteered himself to be our painter, at least until we can afford to get someone to do the rest of the house. So he has diligently painted the shutters black, the door yellow, and will be moving on to the white trim in the front. It is difficult to tell in this picture, but there are some slats near the yellow door painted a shade of light gray, which is what we have decided on (the goal and dream look is the last picture in this post). <br />
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It has been very difficult for me and a season of learning to let go and not care what others think. There are slats all over the house painted different colors from boards replaced and trial paints. We had no idea we would have to wait this long (and keep waiting) to have our house painted. We have the privilige of being the house on the corner that everyone drives by to get into our subdivision, so everyone sees our progress, or lack thereof, on a regular basis. I really didn't realize how much pride and vanity I had until we bought a home. I have really struggled with what others think of the outside of our house and I have to keep letting go of that. I am excited when neighbors want to come inside because then at least they can see all that we did in there. It's interesting the things God uses to point out sin in your life. This house has really been one of them for me. It has been a great lesson in learning to wait, seeing what is important, and being wise with money. Thankfully, our friends don't care at all and still visit us anyway!<br />
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Isn't this dreamy? Someday I hope...Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3402596621911599680.post-29320063496683940222012-07-13T07:36:00.002-07:002012-07-13T07:36:59.846-07:00Surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, sorry that this video is sideways and it looks a little pixely. If you aren't a parent, it might be gross (heck, it is sort of gross anyway) but I find it hilarious. Bob and I get most of our laughs from watching this little guy, especially when we are burping him. His face is so full of surprise and confusion. We always wonder what his little brain is thinking.Jamie Mehaffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298789698360576980noreply@blogger.com1