Eat Something! (said in a Jewish motherly voice)

Around Thanksgiving this year, we started Nash on solids.  Let me just say that there is no need to feel like you ever have mastered something in motherhood. As soon as you feel as though you have a grasp on something, they change and grow and whatever you just learned is completely obsolete. It's like trying to stay ahead of technology; it's never going to happen. He seemed to enjoy rice cereal ok, but I feel like it's just a filler and really want to raise an adventurous eater. After all, Isaac and I are foodies of sorts and want our son to enjoy a wide variety.  I decided, before he was born, that it would be very important for me to make his baby food. I am a great cook and I was sure that whatever I made him he would gobble up with a large smile on his face. I am still waiting for the big smile after he eats.  The one stand by that I know he will eat without crying, twisting away and contorting his face are pears. This little man loves his pears. Thankfully, we get a lot of pears this time of year in our Bountiful Basket and have been able to keep him satisfied with that. I keep trying new combinations, but after so many looks from your infant child that seem to say "What are you trying to do Mother?! Poison me?!" I get a little discouraged and go back to the stand by of pears and rice cereal.
Last week we were in the grocery store and I forgot to pack him any solid food. He was STARVING and creating quite a scene. I ran to the baby food isle and found a package of Plum Organics baby food, threw off the top and squirted a little into his mouth. He ate the entire thing before we got to the checkstand to pay for it.  All these weeks of trying to make the most delicious baby food and my son prefers packaged goo to my delightful cooking.  It makes me think of the time Nic and I would beg my mom to please buy the Chips Ahoy cookies instead of homemade chocolate chip cookies.  As a mother it just breaks your heart and you secretly want to kill Nabisco and all the packaged food companies for poisoning your darling child's system with the added sugar and sodium and brain with marketing ploys.
As of now, Nash is beginning to eat better and his taste buds seem to be expanding past pears.  I just keep trying to cram healthful things down his throat in hopes that one day we find the magic combination that makes his face say "Wow Mom! That was the best thing I have ever had. Can I have another tablespoon of it?"

A Christmas miracle! (of sorts)

For the first time EVER, I asked all my family and friends to not get me any gifts this year, and to please just donate some money to my "buy Isaac a Nook Tablet" fund. You see, I am a huge Android geek, and I also love reading. The new B&N Nook Tablet is pretty much the perfect gift for me, but since $250 is out of the normal gift price range i figured I would just ask people to throw me a few bones and get it for myself around Christmas, and BAM Merry Christmas to me. Lia and I went to the Christmas party for my new job with InfuseMed, and there was a gift exchange. First move, I steal Brian Regan (the comedian) tickets, and they are almost immediately stolen from me, leaving me with the opportunity to pick a  new gift or steal again. I pick a huge box, I assume to be a TV, and I'm right. I pick this box, because, well- I figure someone will at some point want it, and steal it, leaving me open to steal yet again. I figured right, and the TV was gone, and I'm up. I go up, shake a few boxes and select a smallish one that's heavier than the ones I am certain are gift cards, and open it it up front in view of everyone. I am pretty sure the expression on my face was a mix of "I just pooped my pants" and "holy crap, no way". In my hands was the very thing I have been pining for since I heard the rumors of its existence, a brand new Nook Tablet. A bunch of people started asking me, "hey what's that" and "what is that anyway" and I calmly sat down, and put the Nook down between my feet on the floor. Anyone who talked to me or asked me about it, I quickly shushed, or threatened to stab, and after 20+ more people, and a lot of really cool other gifts I cared little about, I was still holding it at the end of the game. Largely overlooked and forgotten due to how I handled it, or attention drawn away by bigger shinier gifts, I left the party with a brand new Nook in hand. I am pretty much a kid on Christmas morning already, and It was only Dec 2nd. Anyway, It was pretty much a miracle to me, and I'll have stars in my eyes for at least the rest of the month!

Lia says I'm just like Ralphie with his Red Ryder, only it's way less likely I'll shoot my eye out :)

Grammy is hilarious

Nash Is Eating Solids

Nash is 6 Months Old!

Well, folks, we made through the first 6 months of Nash's life.  I still can't believe how fast time is going and every day it seems that he finds something new he can do.  It has definitely been the month of major milestones and achievements! Here is this months list of favorites:

1. He thinks that baby in the mirror is freaking hilarious

2. He thinks Daddy is freaking hilarious

3. He thinks Tia is freaking hilarious

4. He is sitting up all on his own, a whole new world!

5. He talks and talks and talks

6. When someone he loves comes close to his face, he softly touches their face with one or two hands. So sweet.

7. He started eating solid food. (It was a challenge the first few days, but I think we are getting the hang of it)

8. His little personality is really starting to emerge.  He lets us know what he likes and what he doesn't. If he loves it he smiles and talks and laughs, if he doesn't he makes his body flat (planks) and does a Gremlin growl cry.

9. He is sleeping mostly through the night.

10. He is just such a happy baby. Everything makes his smile and laugh.

Stats: 14 lb 14 oz, 26 inches long

MAMA

Today, Nash has been King of Cat Naps. Again.
So, I went in to attempt to soon him back to slumber. As I leaned over the edge of the crib he looked up at him with the saddest little pout lip and said "Mama" and that's it. Unmistakable two syllable word that makes any mom's heart skip a beat and think that nothing could make her more happy than this moment.
I am sure that he has no idea what he said, but it wasn't a bamble of nonsense. It was just "Mama" and hands down the sweetest thing these ears have ever heard. I can't wait to hear more.

Also, he makes me want 10 babies.

5 Months Old!

Nash is 5 months old! Man, how time flies when you're having fun.  He is growing by leaps and bounds and I feel like most of the 4th month he wasn't doing much of anything different, then, BAM! He is doing all kinds of stuff.  Some of the things I love from this month are:
1. He can recognize my voice on that box thing Grammy always talks on. He tries to grab it and get to me when I am at work.
2. Grabs anything within reach.
3. Lights are the newest fascination.
4. When we come home from work, he laughs and smiles as if to say "Oh THERE you are! I have been waiting for you all day!"
5. He smiles at all the pretty girls. Only the girls and the look on his face says "Hey there pretty baby."
6. He is rolling side to side front to back.
7. He is just such a happy boy.
Can't wait to see what the next month has in store.

Patience Is A Virtue

I have always heard that once you have children you gain more patience.
I have decided this is definitely false information. I believe you still maintain the same amount of patience that you had before, only now that you have a child, the pie is divvied up differently and less evenly.
My patience, for instance, is divided as seen on the chart below.

As you can see pretty much everyone and everything (except Nash) can send me to the edge and back. Patience has never been my strong suit and now it's magnified that I have little to spare. This is something I am working on improving, but in the mean time, watch out.

Autumn Means Butternut Squash Soup

Autumn is definitely my favorite time of year. All of the colors, smells and unbeatable weather make it difficult not to love.  I always know Autumn is in full swing when I whip up the first batch of butternut squash soup.  I make the most amazing B-Nut Soup (as Isaac has lovingly dubbed it) I have looked high and low for a recipe that can beat mine in ease and taste and have yet to find one. This quick and delightful supper can be made in about 15 mins and served with some crusty bread-HEAVEN!

Gingered Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1 Tbsp ginger (fresh is best, powered works too)
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 ripe pears or apples, peeled, cored and chopped
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and Pepper

How to make:
Saute' the chopped onion in a little Olive Oil (butter if you prefer) and the ginger in a large stock pot. Add the chopped butternut squash, pears (or apples) and the chicken broth with a little S & P sprinkled in. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium for about 15 mins or until the squash is tender. Cool about 5 mins then puree' (See the best immersion blender on the list of "Things I couldn't live without)

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread. Voila'! Delicious dinner in no time and for very little fat and calories, too.

Lucky Undies

(Actual photo of Isaac)

We received very exciting news last night and I was reminded of why I love Isaac so much.
Isaac was offered a new job!! This has been a prayer that we have been diligently praying for several months.  It's 10 minutes from home, pays well, has excellent benefits and is more inline with what he wants to be doing long term.  Praise the Lord!
Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, Isaac asked me if I knew why he had been offered the job. Of course I responded with "Because they saw how incredibly talented you are and just couldn't resist your charm?" He replied with "No. It's because I wore my lucky boxers in my interview and I wore them today. Which is why I got the offer today." I smiled and just replied "Oh yeah? You think that's it, huh?" He responded "Definitely. Look how great they make my butt look." He flips around and flexes for me. "Plus, they cradle my package like the hands of angels."
I am so grateful for him, his wit, and of course, his boxers.

Like Momma Like Son

The last few weeks Nash has been sucking his fists, fingers, just about anything he can get in his mouth. I went in to check on him during his nap yesterday only to find that this little guy found his bowling ball grip.

Everyone knows that I made the bowling ball grip hip and cool in the daycare. I have to admit I was a little elated at the fact that he is sporting the same finger sucking.  I guess he really is a momma's boy.

Swear Jar

I have a swearing problem. We both do. I have to admit, I do love a good swear. 

There are times when Shoot, Dang, Son of Bucket, Fetch and Heck just don't cut it.  In my life, it's most of the time.  Perhaps, it's the fact that I was raised in Utah county for the latter part of my adolescence (pun intended) and it just sounds so Utah, or it could be that I get a little satisfaction from giving the "brothers and sisters" the butt cringe when I curse at Wal-Mart.  Whatever the reason, there are two things I know: 

1. I don't want my kid to look like the one photographed above

2. I don't want our kid to sound like us

Therefore, the only thing I can come up with to fix this behavior is a friendly competition.  Isaac and I are usually in some form of a wager (which I almost always win.) And so begins our new Swear Jar.

This is how it will work; since it makes no cents (yes I meant to do that) to have us put money in a jar because we share money. We decided to have two jars and fill them with noodles for every swear that is uttered. Whoever fills the jar the fasted is the loser. The loser has to read a book of the winner's choice.

When I win, Isaac will read The Help. If, by some random act of Nature (God wouldn't let me lose) Isaac wins, I will have to read The Hobbit.

It's starts tomorrow and may the cleanest mouth win.

Nash is 4 Months Old!

Time is flying by so quickly. Every month goes by in the blink of an eye.
Nash is growing fast and is so much fun! I will admit that I think everything he does is amazing and I am certain there is no other child as smart and talented as him. Yep, this is one proud momma.
Here is this month's list of things I love:
1. He laughs at Tia
2. That handsome boy in the mirror always receives the shy smile
3. When he is tired he is such a cuddle bug
4. Giggles, giggles, giggles
5. He sucks his two middle fingers AKA the bowling ball grip, just like his momma did
6. Hoot Hoot is the only thing that can comfort him when he goes to sleep
7. He finally gets Peek-A-Boo
8. He's a shy flirt to the cute girls on the block.

Stats:
24.25 inches, 13 lbs

I'm Ok with It

I have been a mom for 3 and 1/2 months and a perfectionist for 26 years.
Two things that don't mix: Perfectionism and life after a child.
As much as I tried to cling to my old ways of life, it simply is no longer possible.  This is what I came up with; I am ok with it.
I am ok that we will probably never have enough money, time, or sleep, but we will always have an abundance of love.
I am ok that my dishes sit on a dirty sink with a half unloaded dishwasher for 4 days, because we have a delicious meal nearly every night and Isaac usually makes it and really what is sexier than a man who cooks?!
I am ok with my saggy, stretch marked, resembles a cat who has had too many litters belly, because it has grown the cutest, most precious baby and hopefully will hold a few more.
I am ok with going to bed at 9 PM and bailing on going out with friends because my baby needs to be in bed by 7:30.
I am ok that spending quality time with Baby Daddy is catching up on our DVR'd TV shows that we missed because we are just too busy to watch it when it's on.
I am ok with my new perfume of spit up and baby lotion, because it means I was snuggling Nash all day.

And most of all, I am ok with not being super mom and pretending I have everything under control, because who wants to be friends with a perfectionist anyway?

Nash rolls over!

Nash rolls over! Video courtesy of Grammy, you can also see it on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/isaacgerke. Isn't he cute?

Nash is 3 Months Old!

Hard to believe it's already been a quarter of a a year since Baby Nash joined our family.  He is the joy of our lives.
My accountant told me that he couldn't remember his life before his children were born and I asked how long he had been married before; 6 years!  I thought to myself, how can you forget the first 6 years you were married to someone?  Now, I can understand.  It seems strange that Nash has just recently become apart of our life.  It's as though life only began once he emerged into the world.
He is growing like a weed and everyday there is a new cute thing he does. So here is this month's list of things I love about this little guy:
1. He started to giggle! It started out just in his sleep, which was darling, but now he will giggle when we giggle.
2. He loves to smile at that super handsome boy in the mirror.
3. 8 PM Bedtime, that he made for himself. That's right folks, he made this time.
4. Getting a diaper change is the highlight of his day.
5. Sleeping preference: hand in cleavage.
6. He discovered his tongue.
7. Chubby leg rolls.

Nash's Baby Dedication

Today, we had Nash's baby dedication.
First off, he looked so dang cute.  It was a really special day for our little family.  I have thought about our baby's dedication long before we decided to start having kids.  It's a very important step as a couple, parents, and a family.
A baby dedication's purpose to is to honor and acknowledge that "our children are a trust from the Lord. Children are given in love from the Lord, always belong to Him and are to be nurtured in their love and knowledge of Him. For this reason we as parents dedicate ourselves to love and disciple our children to follow our Lord Jesus and dedicate our children to Him who has entrusted them to us."
We also commit to showing Nash a Godly marriage and providing him with a home full of love.  
These are two very tall orders, but just as we promised before loved ones and God that we would always love, honor and cherish one another; we promised to love, honor and cherish our new son and raise him in the ways of the Lord.

It was so wonderful to be surrounded by our family and friends and take this step to mature Nash's spirituality together.  We thank God every day for the blessing of this baby boy.

A Girl Has Needs

Before I became a parent I took very good care of myself. Regular hair appointments, pedicures, new clothes, nails, perfume, regular exercise.............you get the picture.

However, with the birth of my wonderful son, you could say that I let myself slip a little. In fact, I didn't wear a stitch of makeup until he was 6 weeks old.

Yesterday, I got a pedicure with my darling 10 month pregnant girlfriend. I left the nail salon with a glowing smile, coral pink toes, and perfectly manicured cuticles. It felt FABULOUS! I came home and put on some earrings. Then I thought "Why not?!" and I spritzed some of my favorite perfume, put on a nice blouse and for a moment was released from the world of spit up and dirty diapers. I felt like a woman W-O-M-A-N! Therefore, I have complied a list of what every girl needs, whether she is single, married, mom, or empty nester.

1. A pedicure in the summer time

2. A perfume that fits you so well, it doesn't really smell like perfume. (If you don't know what I am talking about, please head to the nearest Nordstrom and begin spritzing yourself with fragrance to find out what I mean.)

3. A blouse that makes you feel amazing, even if you still wear maternity pants.

4. An Ipod loaded with songs that makes you want to twirl about.

5. At least one pair of Fan-freaking-tastic earrings, or a bracelet or a necklace.

6. Mascara that makes your eyelashes look, at least, 3 times as long as they really are.

And last, but probably the most important, a place to walk into with your head held high and a sass in your step that says "Of course you can check me out. I am sexy, smart and incredible."

My place happened to be Wal-Mart because I was out of diapers, but hey I am pretty sure Trevor the Checker appreciated a beautiful woman at his checkstand.

And the Nicknames Are Here

Isaac and I have lovingly nicknamed each other and Nash. This actually did not just happen. This has been going on since we found out we were pregnant. Isaac is Baby Daddy (very high class) and I am Lil' Momma. I am assuming Isaac dubbed me this because I am a small person. Little did he know the whale I would become from all the water retention, thankfully he didn't nickname me at the end of my pregnancy.

Anyway.

Our handsome little Nash is The Boy. I know, it's super original. I think that Isaac came up with this and began calling him The Boy as soon as we found out, that indeed, he was a boy.

In the beginning, he was The Bean. Now, The Boy.

So, there you have it Baby Daddy, Lil Momma and The Boy................Ironically, Tia isn't The Dog, she is Pup Pup.

Nash is 2 months old!

Nash is now 2 months old and time is flying by. We are enjoying each new phase and seeing Nash grow and explore his new world. Here are a few of my favorites from this last month.

1. The smile is finally here!
2. He is a very dramatic sneezer. AHHHHHHOHHHHHH Acho!
3. He is a morning person

4. The fan! He loves the ceiling fan that goes round and round

5. Coos and little giggles

6. Those legs can kick, kick, kick super fast

7. He is on a schedule! He eats at 7, 10, 1, 4, 7, 10 and 4 am for a late night snack.

His Stats: 11 lbs 8 oz, 22.5 inches

The Breast Pump: Friend or Foe?

So, I am breast feeding Nash. This was a significant struggle in the beginning. I felt super prepared for birth, thanks to my Hypnobabies class, however no one thought to fill me in on what I was in for with breastfeeding.

One thing that I purchased was a Avent Duo Electric Breast Pump to help bring my milk in and since I plan to return to work before I wean my kid, this would be a necessary item.

The first time I pumped I thought to myself "Well if I didn't feel like a feeding machine before, I definitely feel like heifer now." This thing is a double pump so you attach it to both boobs and it tries to, not just retrieve your milk, but suck the ever living life out of you. I am pretty sure a breast pump could suck milk from anything with nipples, not just a lactating mother.

Now, after a few weeks of nursing, I feel as though I have the hang of it. I actually (GASP) enjoy it. Even though I thought every mother who said she enjoyed breastfeeding was the most delusional liar I had ever met. However, pumping was still a loathsome task. It just flat out hurt and felt a little degrading. I know every mother who does pump will say "Just think of your baby." Well, all I could think of was "OMG it's only been 1 minute and 38 seconds?!" So here are a few tips that I have found to make pumping bearable:

1. Use a little olive oil on your nips before you put the suckers on. Two reasons why this is effective; A. Your baby doesn't have a dry mouth, it's full of natural lube to make nursing easier B. Olive oil is a natural healing oil and will help with chaps nips.

2. Turn on the TV. I like to watch Food Network and by the time the host is on to the second dish, I am finished and have two full bottles.

3. RELAX. This is probably the most important, but tips one and two help me achieve this.

Now, that I have found the secret recipe for pleasant pumping, I can pump once or twice a day without any hesitation or the butt cringe of "OMG NOT AGAIN!!"

So, in answer to my original question Friend or Foe, for me, it's a love hate relationship. It allows for me to not have to be available to nurse (fun for a night out, not fun for a way to go back to work) It allows Baby Daddy some bonding time. It takes time away from doing something else because I have to do this.

I guess I am grateful that I have the option. So, today, it's a friend. But ask me again tomorrow, I may have a different answer.

Nash's Nursery

I had every intention of having Nash's nursery all ready for him by June 17. However, he had other plans of arriving 3 and 1/2 weeks early, so I didn't exactly get it all completed in the time I wanted to.

Now, two months later it is all complete! And I have to say, it is freakin' cute.

Sometimes, I surprise myself with my sense of style and design.

First, I started with the great colors of blue, green and orange. Then I found this fantastic fabric that had all these cute owls on it and thought that would be a really fun nursery. I really didn't know that owls were all the rage. I am sure that everyone copied me though and I was the first one to think of the owl theme. With those fabrics my very talented grandmother hand quilted his darling quilt. I mean seriously, hand stitched every inch of it and I love that he doesn't have bed in a bag bedding like most other babies.

I am so glad we bought the crib first and that the rest of the motif happened to look fantastic with it. Isaac refinished his dresser that his dad had made for him when he was born 25 years ago. I was a little skeptical at how it would look, but after a lot of hours and love, it turned out really cute.

The art work my grammy made for him. We saw these really fabulous prints on Etsy that she used as inspiration and created these wonderful mixed media pieces for his room. So darling.

I had purchased a changing table and then thought that it was a stupid piece of furniture. I mean, he would use it a maximum of 3 years. I figure after a few months we will change a diaper anywhere we need to, so really, how much use was it going to get? Then I had the brilliant idea of this bookcase from Ikea. Super cute and versatile, I could use it for a changing table, storage, decor (because of the darling green storage bins) and once he is out of diapers, it will still get a lot of use. Sometimes my genius is astounding.

The large tree with the two little owls is a decal, believe it or not! My co-workers from my last job purchased it for me as a shower gift. I am so grateful because it was more $$$ than I wanted to spend, but it was just SO perfect.

The little decor items have a story too. The fabulous orange tree on his dresser his Auntie Shante (she is one of my dearest friends) found it for his baby shower. I begged her to give it to me until she finally gave in and did! She also was kind enough to set up a lot of Nash's room while I was in the hospital birthing him. Aren't great friends worth a million?! Anyway, the little owl that is in the tree is from his Great Grandma who hand made it along with the darling owl hat. The owl hat he wore in his first photos that turned out darling.

Finally, the mobile. My mom and I had this great idea to make this mobile we saw on Etsy. We just finished it two weeks ago. Still haven't hung it yet, but as soon as he is in his crib, it will be hung.

Well, I would love to know what everyone thinks of the room.