Looking into a Mirror

As each day goes by that I spend with my child, I start to realize how funny God is! I am very  much a planner and stick by my plans. I get VERY frustrated when those plans are altered! Well, before Tanner was born I had already "planned" in my mind that Tanner would share his parents looks, get my book sense, and his father's personality. He was going to be a sweet child that cuddled and let mommy read books all day long!I realize that it was ridiculous of me to think and "plan" that. Like I said God is funny. Needless to say, sometimes I feel like I am  looking into the mirror! He is very smart, almost too smart. My son has figured out how to cheat at hide and go seek, how to fool mommy that he wasn't doing anything, and how to win anyone he meets over with his precious smile. I also have noticed that he has picked up some of my not so great characteristics. He is very much like me as a child! This baby at 11 months can be more stubborn than anyone I have ever met. When he has made up his mind, there is no changing it! While he can be an absolute cuddle bunny when he wants, he is straight up ALL BOY! Like I was, he can keep up with any kid, no matter the size. When he plays, he plays hard and nonstop! Nothing scares this child. He thinks it is funny to try to dive off our bed! So as I said before, God is funny. He first made sure I knew that His plans were the only ones that mattered and then second gave my child every characteristic that used to drive my parents crazy. Mom used to say "I hope your child is just like you when you were little;" she would be glad to know that I look into a mirror everyday and see me as a child staring back!

While sometimes Tanner can be just like his mama, he is very much like his father! He has his dad's tender heart when he pulls me close to give a big tight hug. My sweet baby has his father's love of golf. He loves to play and watch it.  He has his dad's common sense when he figures out something after being showed only once!

I would not change my child for the world. I love the little person he is becoming! Every little detail and characteristic was given to him by God to make the wonderful baby that he is. I love that we explore each new day learning something different together!

Loving Those Teeth

Tanner has recently cut his FOURTH tooth! I am so very glad that it has finally came through! He has such a time cutting them for some reason. Well, considering that he has four teeth, it was time we started brushing them. I was not looking forward to this challenge and didn't think it would come so soon. He does not like me to look at his teeth, much less brush them. So grudgingly I break out the toothbrush to get started. As he is laying on the changing table I explain to him what I am about to do (as if he understands!) I go to start brushing and he actually OPENS his mouth for me. The more I brush around on his teeth and gums, the more he likes it! This makes me thrilled to death. So now every time I get out the tooth brush to get started, he gets excited and kicks and laughs. Such a sweetie pie! It is definitely the little things that count in life and make your day!

Enjoying These Moments

 http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fglennon-melton%2Fdont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html%3Fref%3Dfb&h=qAQHWfPUWAQGnnHtfhnz5Sldb8QYODjnpFlhc6J33MdzHTA

I read  the above article today that my friend (Stephanie Ann Coleman) posted. It was a great article. It basically stated that so many times when new moms are out and about they are often told to "enjoy every moment" and "they don't stay that little forever." While these statements are very true, it is also not realistic. When you have small children not every moment is enjoyable or even manageable for that matter!
     I totally agree with the article! Sometimes as a parent it isn't easy (believe it or not) and you are tired, ill, and just worn slap out! There are days when you are glad bedtime is finally here. There are meals where you want to pull hair out. Then you have the moments that you sit there and just hold them close while they are sleeping, laugh as they discover a new trick, or listen as they talk about nothing very important. THOSE are the moments that make all others just fade away. THOSE are the moments that you "enjoy and cherish forever!" It doesn't matter what struggles I may face from day to day raising a child, at the end of the day there NOTHING better than being called Mommy! To me that is one of the best descriptors I could ever have! I strongly suggest you read the article above, it is wonderful!

It Has Been a While!!

Okay, so I realize that it has been a few months (4 months to be exact!!) I feel like a horrible mom! A lot has happened in 4 months! Tanner is now crawling, has four teeth, eating all kinds of homemade baby food, and is into everything!  Instead of trying to go back and fill in the blanks, I am just going to pick up from today!
      Today Tanner has his 9 month check up! He had a great report. He weighed 20 pounds and 28.5 inches long. He is in the 75% for height and 25% for weight. My sweet baby is on target for all of his "goals." Great news!
       While at the doctor today, I guess I experienced my first real "frustration" with other parents! We get to the office, sign in, and go sit in the waiting room. While we are there, there are two other families with their children. One of their kids is EVERYWHERE! Going into stranger's purses, taking people's drinks, and then come up and decided to put his hands in Tanner's face trying to touch him and get Tanner's hat. Well, being the mom I am, I nicely said, "Ohhhh don't touch." I guess being a teacher, I don't mind correcting other's kids if they don't! Well, during all of this, the mother just sits there and says "He is always like this at the doctor's office!" I wanted to to tell her that just because he always does this, doesn't mean it is acceptable!! Ugh! Control your kids!
    Some parents in society don't realize how hard they make it for us to raise our own children with discipline. It is so frustrating when you try to instill good behaviors and morals in your child, but then they see others who can do what ever! How do you explain to them that some kids are not taught how to behave in public! I am not saying they have to sit perfectly still and quiet, but at least respect other's space and belongings.  How hard is that to teach! I guess that is where us teachers come into play, and we just teach it in the classroom!
        I apologize if I stepped on someones toes or offended you, but this is how I feel about the situation.

Back to School

It is that time of year! The summer has come to an end (for teachers and students) and we are back to the groove of things, I guess. This past week  I started back to work. Instead of being at Putnam teaching first; I was offered a position at a local school East Newton teaching Special Ed. The school is only five minutes from Tanner, so of course I accepted! So far I have enjoyed the school and the people there; they are wonderful! Everything is going good....EXCEPT.....have to leave my child! This, I do not like...at all.
         I know I was very fortunate to have had the chance to stay home with him his first four months of life, I still don't like the fact of not spending all day with him. I realize he is in a wonderful place and could not be taken care of by anyone better than my mother in law. It is still not the same though. I am still adjusting to the change in schedule( I do not do so well with change.) Getting home earlier in the day is so wonderful and I am blessed to be able to have a job that I can do so, but leaving him smiling in his bed is horrible! I see that perfect little smile all the way to school and throughout the day. Looking back I can remember saying I could NEVER be a stay at home mom. If this child has proven anything since he has been born, he has proved that parents definitely eat their words! I would not mind staying home with Tanner every day if I could!
           I kept telling myself all week, that this wasn't so bad. Leaving Tanner wasn't going to make me too miserable. Well, I lied to myself! Friday it finally hit me. I don't know if it is the change in my job mixed with missing him during the day, but I honestly have to say that I struggled to keep a happy face! I am still adjusting to EVERYTHING! It is going to be harder than I thought!  I can't wait to go and pick him up and see his sweet smile and feel his love! Being away makes me appreciate being his mom so much more!

Tanner's Update

Well we went to Emory yesterday (July 15). Before I continue, I would like to say that we LOVED Emory. They are wonderful. The times we have been, we have been in and out in under an hour! The doctor (Dr. Bulut) remembered Tanner and it was only our second visit. The nurse was wonderful. We even arrived late and they took us straight back! Randall even said that if they were a Pediatrician, we would be switching even though they are 40 mins away.
    Tanner gained 2 whopping pounds and grew and inch since the last time we went. I knew he went through a growth spurt, but I dint realize that much! Although he is still spitting up, he is finally gaining weight! YAY! He is now in the 25% for weight and 75% for his height.  before he was in 10% for weight.So he is obviously going to be tall and lanky like his dad was! He has to continue to take the prevacid until he is a year old and his sphincter muscle matures. We do not have to go back unless another problem arises, which we have faith it won't!! Tanner is such a flirt. He had the nurses stopping to talk to him and see his smile. While seeing the doctor he laughed and played the entire time! He definitely likes to entertain like his father!
   I would like to end this post saying that we do give God all the praise for this! Only by His grace were we able to endure the many hours of worry and doctor's visits. He is the Almighty Healer like no other. When doctors are not optimistic...we know that God can intervene and change ALL things!!
      

Put a Smile on Your Face!

So as you all know, Tanner was not the happiest or most satisfied baby during his first month due to his reflux. Now that he is on his medicine, he is doing so much better! I look forward to getting him up in the morning because he always greets me with the biggest smile! I keep saying I am going to record him to show how he is the most silly and happy baby in the morning.  He just gives me a big wide grin that says "you know you love me!" Part of our routine is getting him up, feeding him, and then letting him lay with us for a few minutes until we get going. He loves this because he has mommy and daddy's undivided attention! I don't know what it is, but the child loves morning time.  I am not sure WHERE he got that from, because if you know me, you know I am NOT a morning person. He laughs, giggles, and plays all morning. He also already likes to watch his morning cartoons (I know, bad us!) It is something about his chipper mood that makes me feel like all is right in the world. I can be so tired, but as soon as he smiles it makes everything okay. Randall joked with me when we first came home from the hospital and I was still on pain medicine because of the incision. He could not understand how before I was pregnant Tylenol would knock me out for hours, but now could take two pain pills and jump up in a second and be so happy! I guess it is the mystery of motherhood. I am definitely NOT looking forward to going back to work and missing those silly playful mornings with my sweet baby! I am so jealous that Randall will still get to have those. At least I will have the weekend!