Little Cowboys

Tonight Jacob and Owen got to be dressed like their favorite cowboy. Woody, from Toy Story.


Our littlest Cowboy Woody wouldn't stand still.




Cowboys Jacob and Owen Woody

Its Woody

Thanks Mommaw for the super cute jammies. The boys enjoyed getting the package in the mail and loved that they looked like their favorite cowboy....WOODY.

Poor Jacob and Owen have been a little under the weather this week. So please excuse the red cheeks and redness under the nose.

Cowboy Woody aka Owen

Thanks to Mommaw and Poppaw for our super cute Woody jammies.

Finally a nice day in Iowa

We finally had a nice sunny day in Iowa. It was short lived as the next day brought us 3-4 inches of snow. The boys enjoyed being out in the warmer weather. We all took a nice little walk to the park as Jacob rode his "motorcycle".

The Easter Bunny

During Mommaw and Poppaw's visit we went to see the Easter Bunny.
Both boys hopped right up on his lap without tears, also without smiles.



(Easter Bunny 2009)
I was looking at old pictures tonight and couldn't believe how much the boys have grown in the past year. Owen was less than a month old.

Looking back

Looking back one year ago at pictures.
Owen was not yet 1 month old and Jacob was adoring his new little brother.

This was St. Pattys day last year, notice the boys enjoying outside with short sleeves, not this year....its too chilly.

27 weeks...3rd Trimester

How far along? 27 weeks finally in the 3rd trimester
Total weight gain: 8
Sleep: It could be better, but lately the boys haven't been sleeping well until early morning when its time for me to be up anyways
Best moment this week: Mom and Dad being here for a few days, and the wonderful time we had with them.
Movement: Carter is very very active, moving a lot in the evening
Food cravings: Yogurt, fresh fruits
Gender: boy… confirmed once again at our ultrasound last friday
What I miss: not having heartburn :(
What I am looking forward to: Carter's arrival which will be in less than 10 weeks.

From Baby-Gaga on week 27:

Your not-so-tiny-anymore brilliant baby(about 2 pounds and 14.5 inches long!) is slowly rotating in preparation to “head out.” Obviously, this doesn’t happen overnight, but when you start to feel an unfamiliar pressure on your cervix, you’ll know you’ve got a fully flipped baby locked and loaded for the countdown to their birthday! Even now, at the beginning of the third trimester, their little lungs are already capable of breathing air while the pulmonary vascular system can provide sufficient gas exchange and the central nervous system can generally regulate rhythmic breathing as well as their basal body temperature. For what it’s worth, at this point in a healthy pregnancy a premature child (with intensive care) could easily win on the show: “Survivor: The Early Years.”

Carter's First Blanket

I just have to share ...
Aunt Monica made Carter the most beautiful blanket ever.
I just love the colors and can't wait to wrap Carter up in this beautiful blanket.

Thanks Aunt Monica, I love the blanket and you too.

Owen loves...

Owen LOVES to climb. He loves to "help" do the dishes.
This is Owen responding YES, as we ask..."do you think you should be in there?"

Besides his pacifier, Owen LOVES to cuddle. He will sleep longer if he is cuddling with someone.
Daddy doesn't mind, especially when Daddy is tired too.

Owen LOVES to play. Mommaw and Poppaw bought the boys their 1st six-shooters. Owen LOVES playing with big brother.

Owen LOVES to climb. He loves climbing up on the toddler bed, and tempting fate by jumping up and down. In this picture you can see he is attempting not listening to Mommy as she tells him to sit down.
Also as mentioned before Owen LOVES his pacifier, and unlike his cousin Kloe....he likes to suck on it upside down...not sure why...but he does.

Cover of Field and Stream

This past week Mommaw and Poppaw came to visit us, we have lots of pictures to share with everyone as we had just a wonderful time with them here. One day we went to Bass Pro Shop as they were having a "fishing day".
Jacob got to pose to be on Field and Stream.
We tried to get Owen to stand to take picture; however, he didn't cooperate.

The funny thing about this picture was the moment after. To capture this picture Jacob had
to just stand, pretending to hold a fish. As he was walking away he looks up at Mommaw Debbie and says "Oh no my fish got away".
It was a pretty funny moment.

Belly at 6 1/2 months

Review and Giveaway!

Recently I came across a blog that was hosting a giveaway for Dr. Carey's Baby Care kit. I entered the giveaway, didn't win; however received notice that Dr. Carey would like for me to review the kit. I agreed and Dr. Carey sent me his Baby Care Kit out immediately.

Who exactly is Dr. Carey? Is exactly what I asked myself, as did Andrew.

Dr. Carey Chronis a parent himself, is a long-standing board certified pediatrician with a private practice in Ventura, California. Besides his medical expertise, Dr. Carey possesses an extensive publishing background. He self-published a comprehensive review series for medical students and has written articles for Ventura Parent Magazine. He serves as a guest speaker for numerous expectant parent classes.


Dr. Carey’s Baby Care kit brings a 96-page book of over 120 colorful pictures, common sense explanations and essential baby care items to help you navigate that magical first year. With almost everything needed to ease the worries of moms and dads, this parenthood toolbox brings the doctor to your home! With Dr. Carey’s caring direction, you will remain worry-free during these important first months of your baby’s life.

The kit includes:
Dr. Carey's Baby Care Book
Dr. Carey's Baby Blanket
Diaper Rash Ointment
A Hawaii Medical Gumdrop Pacifier
A squirt bottle, ready for homemade saline solution
A digital thermometer
A Nose Suction Bulb

The kit comes in a nice package that Dr. Carey suggests you use as a memorabilia box for baby’s stuff! This would make an awesome gift for new parents at a baby shower or birth


As a mother of 2 little boys and another one due in June I find the Baby Care book as an essential piece of the kit. The care book is a doctor’s original baby care guide for that important first year. Over 120 pictures in 96 pages covers everything one would expect from a doctor’s visit. You would think that after having your first child you would remember everything. Well, quickly those things you read fade or maybe its the “worrisome parent” in us all that makes us want to call the doctor every day to make sure our newborn is okay. After Owen arrived I found myself re-reading things I KNOW I read before and after Jacob arrived...and I am sure I will probably be doing the same when Carter arrives. Questions like...What color should his poo be? (Don't laugh, you will or have done this!) Is this diaper rash? The biggest thing though I always looked up those first months was “Is he developing right? Is he at the right milestones?” Dr. Carey's book had all of these questions that I have asked myself over and over again in this book, to which I found very clearly written and easy to understand.

After reviewing the kit myself it definetely is a must have for when your baby arrives home. It also makes an awesome gift, perfect for first time parents!

You can buy Dr. Carey’s Baby Care Kit here for $49.95 or… WIN one here!

Mandatory entry- Head over to Dr. Carey's site , look around, and tell me here in a comment what item in the kit you use/used most with your little one OR what item you think you'll need the most!

PLEASE leave an email so I can reach you .

Additional Entries! (Please leave one comment PER entry!)
-Become a Fan Dr. Carey on Facebook
-Follow Dr. Carey on Twitter (http://twitter.com/DrCareyBabyCare)
-Follow our family on Twitter (http://twitter.com/thewoodyfamily)

This giveaway will end on March 13th at 11:59pm CST!

Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to return my email or a new winner will be chosen!

Thanks & Good Luck :)

Any trouble leaving a comment please email me: amjwoody@gmail.com

Shelly

26 weeks = 6 1/2 months already

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain: 6...but the belly is sure getting bigger

Sleep: lately, not so good. The boys are resting well, I'm in no pain or discomfort just can't shut the brain off.

Best moment this week: Being nominated by a dear friend here for Mom of the Month. Her kind words just touched my heart, and so thankful that we met. (Stay tuned for more info later this month for more details and the write up in the local Mom's Magazine)

Movement: Carter moves around a lot in the early morning and late evenings.

Food cravings: Yogurt, any kind but more so Vanilla Yogurt with strawberries

Gender: BOY!!

What I miss: eating something and not getting heart burn

What I am looking forward to: Mom and Dad arrive tomorrow night (Wed night) and looking forward to a fun filled rest of the week-weekend with them. On Friday we have an ultrasound to see Carter. We are ALL excited. Can't wait to see how much he has grown.

From babygaga regarding the growth of baby Carter:
At long last, your little swimmer can see the womb! Your miracle’s little eyelids have finally separated (they were fused closed previously) and they’re probably having their first moments of sight as you read this (or maybe it already happened while you were brushing your teeth or watching Oprah or something). In addition to seeing their little studio in your belly, they’ve recently acquired the ability to say “yes” and “no” in rudimentary sign language as they can now move their head back and forth. This is also the time where your little super star’s head hair is starting to grow! A cute little cowlick or two may be springing into position right now, getting ready for years of cute-but-stubborn bed-head. Also, their toenails have grown in and you little raisin continues to slowly pile up fat beneath their still-loose skin. Most importantly, brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace, increasing their (genius-level?) brain activity and will continue to function at accelerated levels for the first seven to eight years of childhood!

Psalm 127:3

Psalm 127:1 - 5

1: Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

2: In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

3:Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

4: Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.


5: Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

There is a lot of great stuff in each verse, but the key part that struck us was: "Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him" (Ps 127:3). When reading more into this we came across Rev. Adrian Dieleman. He preached a message regarding the Psalm and made several points that really made us focus more on this verse as we raise Jacob, Owen and Carter.

Children are a "heritage." The term heritage is a translation of the Hebrew word that means "property, possession that which is shared/assigned." Children are the Lord's possessions, the Lord's property and He assigns them to or shares them with parents. From God's point-of-view there is no such thing as an "accidental birth" "surprise pregnancy" or an "unwanted child." Each one belongs to Him and is assigned by Him to parents.

Children are a "reward." The term reward conveys the idea of appreciation, of pleasure, of joy. Children are never to be viewed as a sign of God's displeasure, as His punishment for sin. To the contrary children bring joy into our lives. Their zest, their laughter, their excitement, their unique way of viewing things adds to the fullness of life.

Recently we came across a prayer that was penned by General Douglas MacArthur in the early days of World War II as a spiritual legacy to his son Arthur. It was made public after the General died in 1964.

Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, brave enough to face himself when he is afraid,

Build me a son,
whose wishes will not take the place of deeds...Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenges. Let him learn to stand in the storm;let him learn compassion for those who fall.

Build me a son,
whose heart is clear, whose goals will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others; who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray,
enough of a sense of humor so that he may always be serious yet never take himself too seriously...

Then, I, his father will dare to whisper,"I have not lived in vain."

Powerful sentiments! This father is passing this prayer along to his sons, and making a commitment to pray the prayer everyday. God willing, such a commitment will not only make a difference in the lives of our sons, but in the lives of those they are privileged to touch! Though most of us are not nearly so eloquent, we suspect that all Christian parents have uttered a similar prayer. Mindful of the great responsibility that God has given those of us with children, we pray fervently that God would help us as we strive to train our children in the ways of the Lord.

25 weeks...

How far along? 25 weeks
Total weight gain: 5
Sleep: for the most part sleep is getting better
Best moment this week: Daddy, Jacob and Owen surprised me with flowers & chocolate
Movement: Early morning and late night movements...seeming to rest during the day
Food cravings: Vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit
Gender: BOY!!
What I miss: not having heart burn.
What I am looking forward to: Mom and Dad coming to visit next week. Ultrasound on next Friday. ....SPRING

From Baby-gaga about baby's growth

Your little grower’s physical proportions are evening out at this point and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and lots and lots of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child is born premature now they’ll be more likely to survive without too much trauma as their lungs began to produce “surfactant” last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now’s a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back. All that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. Keep up the fabulous work mama! This week they’ll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during their birth. Their head and feet are slowly rotating so that the head is pointed down towards the birth canal. Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask)—just (still!) 14 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human.

A letter to Carter

Dear Carter,

I am so very excited to meet you. You are such a little blessing bub. I love to watch my belly wiggle and shake as you move around. I love to feeling everyday, it never gets old. I often wonder what you are doing in there. Daddy and I joke you are building something.

God is so amazing and has blessed our little family so much. Mommy just can't get over what a little miracle you are Carter. Mommy and Daddy love you, Carter.

Jacob loves to sing to you. Do you like his songs? He thinks you really like it when he sings to you. He can feel you kicking and that is why he thinks you do. Owen has learned how to do "raspberries" He thinks its particularly funny to do these on Mommy's belly. Can you hear your brothers talk to you?

I wonder what you look like. Will you look more like me, or more like your daddy? Will you look like Jacob or Owen at birth? Do you have lots of hair? The "old wives tale" says if Mommy has heart burn then you do, if that's true...then you may have TONS of hair. Is it blonde, red or brown? I wonder if you will be long or short or skinny or chubby.

Your brothers are ready for you to come out now and play with them. Jacob is very anxious for your arrival. We have started a countdown until that day.

Next week we have an ultrasound. I am so anxious to see you again, and see how much you have grown in the past few months. Mommaw Debbie and Poppaw Mike along with Daddy and your brothers will be at the ultrasound as well. They are all excited to see you too.

Carter soon you will be here, and so many love you. Daddy and Mommy can't wait to hold you in their arms and rock you. Lets continue to stay healthy baby.

We love you.

Love,
Mommy