4D Ultrasound From Stork Vision!

     When I found out my second child would be another boy, I'll admit, I was a little bummed. Although I knew I'd love my little baby no matter what, I thought I was ready to buy some bows. But as my tiny little human grew, so did the idea of having two little guys in my life. I started to get excited for my best buds having lightsaber fights.

     My son Leo, is all boy. But in the two years that I've had him, he's made me realize just how sweet little boys can be. He's the best kisser, we call some of his smooches "cute aggression kisses" and the way he says mama just melts my heart. And the thing that brings me more joy than anything on this earth is the thought of me introducing Leo to his little brother, Levi, this September. 

     Leo has always had a soft spot for babies. Just the other day, I caught him wrapping up a toy plastic hot dog in a blanket and kissing it tenderly. So when we first decided to have another baby, I was a little thrown off when it took us a little bit of time to conceive. I'm well aware my wait was nothing compared to a lot of people who struggle with infertility, but I'll admit, it started to get to me. Every time Leo would oogle over a little baby, my heart would ache to give him one. So when I finally got that positive, we were elated! The day I finally decided on a name for our 2nd was when Leo came up to me and pointed to my tummy and said "Levi". His daddy and I had talked about the name, but when I heard it come out of my sweet little boy's mouth, I was sold. 

     I won't pretend that Leo knows exactly what's going on when it comes to Mommy growing a baby. We ask him where Levi is and he used to point to his tummy, but now he lifts his own shirt up and wiggles his own little belly. It's hilarious. But I can't decide if he actually knows what's up. I've shown him videos, read books, etc. but I wasn't sure until a few days ago, and now I think he really gets it. 

     We decided to go to Stork Vision and get a 4D ultrasound. Did you know that Stork Vision exists? I didn't! I had only heard of Fetal Fotos. This place is a hidden gem in West Jordan, UT. (Although, if you're reading this from out of state, I believe they have franchises around the country) I have driven by it so many times and never seen it. I was so excited because of course I had seen ultrasounds of my baby, but his daddy hadn't because he was always working and couldn't get off due to a new job, and Leo wasn't allowed because he's a child. My doctors office has rules about not bringing children with you to your ultrasound appointments. And of course I had only seen the regular 2D images. 

    When we walked in the door of Stork Vision, I immediately knew I was in for a treat. DARLING decor and so comfortable compared to a doctor's office. She even had a soft blanket for my legs so I was super comfy. And Leo's face was priceless! We were lucky enough to get it on tape and I love seeing his little face light up when he see's his baby on the big screen in front of him. 

     Since we went, Leo touches my belly, kisses it, and he asks Levi if he wants Cheetos. It's just so fun because I really think he finally knows what's going on. I would HIGHLY recommend getting this done, especially in your third trimester, just because you can't get this experience anywhere else. Especially if you have other kids and want to share it. And I know that it's going to be that much more special when I get to show Leo his baby brother in September! I can't wait!

Watch Leo see Levi in the video below!  

Stork Vision 4D Ultrasound

I think I might be cloning them, what do you think? 

How To Fall In Love: Mind, Heart, & Soul

To My Future (Young Adult) Children, 

       Because of recent events in my life and the events in the lives of those around me, I've been inspired to write you this letter. Really, it could be a letter to anyone who wants random advise from a random woman, without any college degree in marriage studies, but, because you are my children, I feel it is my duty to teach you the things that I've learned, although I'm sure you'll do what you want when you get old enough. I write this letter only as a guideline for your happiness, and your happiness is my happiness. 
In your life, there will come a time when you will date. And when I say date, I mean when you are looking for the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. The person you will marry. At times, it will feel like you will never find that person, just remember, that there are millions of people who are in your same shoes. Even the person you end up with is probably in those same shoes. It will come if you put yourselves out there. You will not die alone with all your cats. Focus on your self and making yourself a better person. That is when you will find them. 
   When you are looking for "The One" I strongly advise you to follow three steps, but the most important part is that you follow these steps in order. All of these steps will come, but I truly believe that I have figured out the formula to true love, if you follow this formula in order. 

Step 1: First use your MIND.

   Ask yourself, would this person make a good spouse? Now I know this is hard to do. Your first thought, which is only natural, is to think about if they're attractive. Please, please forget about this step at the moment. It will come, it's important, but not yet! 
An example of using your mind is this: can they provide me with the life I want? Do their values coincide with mine? If they have a major flaw now, they will have that flaw when they are your spouse. People don't change. Or at least you have to plan on them not changing. How important are different things like having children, religion, politics, to them? Are their beliefs the same as your beliefs? If not, how important is it to you that you have differing opinions? Is that something you could live with? And remember, not only are they the right person for you, but are you the right person for them? 
   If all of these questions seem answered, now move on to step two.

Step 2: Second, use your HEART. 

   Now when I say use your heart, I don't mean fall in love. Falling in love is the conclusion of this formula. When I say use your heart, I mean, can you love them like you love a sibling or a friend? Can you laugh with them? Do you want to spend time with them? Where are they on your priority list? Do you want to help them? Do you want to call them and tell them something that happened to you? Do you hurt when they hurt? . . . If all of these questions seem answered, move on to step three. 

Step 3: Lastly, use your SOUL.

   And now we come back to that one that most people seem so caught up on: Attraction. Please remember this is very important. You are not shallow if you are not attracted to them. It's just the way it is. But I can't tell you how important this is that you take this step last. I also can't tell you how odd it is that people's appearances can change to you, even if their actual appearance hasn't changed. It's so strange how you can see someone who is average looking, but once you realize they have qualities you admire, all of the sudden they appear to become more attractive. You don't want to pass up someone special just because they don't look like they came out of a magazine, but you also need to realize that if that attraction isn't there even after steps one and two, it's okay to just be that persons friend. It might be hard to let them go, you might not want to break their heart, but you are human. Just do your best to not lead them on. And if you are the one being led on, just remember step 1. 

   Step three is titled "soul" for a reason. When you decide to give yourself to someone, that's exactly what you're doing. You are giving them a part of your soul. Sex is not something to be taken lightly, like the world makes it appear. If you give a piece of your soul to someone, make sure you get it back. I believe marriage is the only way to do this. And I know you have your agency, I'm not sure what you'll believe at this point in your life, but I promise you, you won't regret saving yourself for that person. I promise you. When I married your dad, I was scared, because sex was now something that was permitted in the eyes of all those I knew, and in the eyes of God. When you're about to marry someone, it's often tempting if you're trying to wait. And then all of the sudden, that day is there. And it's okay. But I'll admit, it was very scary. It can be scary giving someone a part of your soul. But when it's the right person, it is a beautiful thing. It is a good thing, because if they're the right person, they haven't taken a piece of your soul, they've replaced it with their own. 
   Once you have completed all the steps, in order, you will know. You'll know you're in love. You might even not realize it until you're in it. Or maybe it'll take you a long time, just remember, like I said before, the reason I say these things isn't because I want to control you and be your nagging mother, it's because I want you to have the world. I want you to be smart, enjoy life, and be genuinely happy. Because you are mine, and you always will be, and I love you. 

                                  Love Always,

                                            Mom

16 Products Every Baby Should Have

As I lay in bed at 2:15 AM and feed my sweet two month old baby boy, I can't help being thankful for the little things. I love his little profile and his little nose pointed upward toward his projected dancing lights. I love his little sounds that escape past his little binky, and I love his little body all wrapped up like a tight cocoon in his blanket his grandma made him. I am so blessed. Not only am I blessed to have him, but I'm also blessed with so many luxuries that make caring for a baby a cinch. Which is why I'm going to officially start to be a "mommy blogger". The reason for this is not because I wish to convey my perfection like a lot of mommy bloggers, because I'm far from perfection. The reason is because I wish I could've known about some of these things sooner! I'm sure I'll come it to find out more things I wish I would've known sooner, but for now, I'd like to help out new moms know what makes my life raising my angel so easy, other than his good temperament! So here's my list!

16 PRODUCTS EVERY BABY SHOULD HAVE, (In No Particular Order) And Why: 

Soothie Pacifier:

We call it a binky! Of course this one is not for everyone, some babies won't take a pacifier, or some won't take this brand, but for us, this is a must have at all times! I have come to accept the fact that my baby won't take all the cute mustache, polkadot, or colorful pacifiers. He only wants his ugly Soothie, but he LOVES it! I think most babies do, actually prefer this brand. This is what they give them in the hospital and this is what they're usually used to. We never leave the house without one! Good thing I found yellow on Amazon to curb my hunger for a cute binky! Dear Soothie(TM): Please make more boy colors. Love, Hollie. 

WubbaNub:

This is a product I used to think was bizarre. For some reason I couldn't get passed the stuffed animal hanging past the baby's pacifier, but I gave in just a couple days ago and thought I'd try it out for a number of reasons. The pacifier he loves certainly knows how to bounce. It can actually get quite frustrating. This way, I can always find it in the middle of the night, rather than combing through blankets. It's also easy for his searching mouth to find when it slips out. Before, I was using a burp cloth to hold it in. It will also be nice when he gets a little older as a comfort to hold onto the stuffed animal and help him self-soothe:

Boppy and Bobby Cover: 

Here is another product I thought was bizarre, but gave into because everyone raved about it. Why not just use a pillow, right? Wrong! I'm obsessed! I have one upstairs and one downstairs. I had it from the beginning and really loved it in the hospital when I was learning to nurse. It's just one of those things you have to try to believe. I use it for feedings, he lays in it while he plays with me, Daddy, Grandma and everyone! I know I'm bad, because the warning label says not to, but I even have him sleep in it. He feels like he's being held and I like the comfort of knowing he's not choking on spit up because he's tilted a little. I think he might be getting to the age where we might make the transition from the bassinet to the crib and I'm afraid of the transition to no Boppy. The cover is also nice when he spits up or something gets on it. Just chuck it in the washing machine. LOVE this product! 

Any Dish Drying Mat: 

Weird right! I invented this, just for the record, and this has nothing to do with your dishes. I keep it next to his bassinet for two reasons. The number one reason is for nursing mothers. I found out the hard way by washing sheets after every night, and laying a blanket on top of a lake of spilled breast milk to get some sleep. There had to be a better solution! If you're perfect, the solution is to just wake up and sit up and feed your baby. If you're even more perfect, you sit in the nursery and rock them while your feeding them. If you're like me and not perfect at all, you sometimes/all the time do it in bed and you do it with a dish drying mat under you. (I'm sure I'm a beautiful sight to my husband in the mornings with my boobs flopped out as the baby and I sleep.) . . . Something I thought I'd use and never do is my changing pad. Maybe this will change when he's in his own room, but for now I like to sit on the bed and use my dish drying mat. And all I have to do to clean it is chuck it in the washer too!

Pre Folded Cloth Diapers: 

Not for the reason you're thinking. For burp cloths! I love them! My mom bought me a ten pack of white ones and I dyed them bright blue for fun. I also love the crochet edge homemade ones I got a couple of. I actually didn't get any burp cloths at either of my showers. Luckily my husbands aunt had my mom bring a homemade one to the hospital because I didn't realize I would need them. They're always a great baby gift, and you can never have too many! 

Any Sound Machine:

Because he's used to the sound machine, I have an angel baby. He can sleep through screaming cousins, vacuuming, doorbells and just about anything because he's grown accustomed to the sound of the sound machine. We also are a TV family (again, not perfect) and I think the sound of that has also helped keep him be a sleeper. Another thing I love about some baby sound machines is the projector lights on them. He loves to look at it and I love that it functions as a night light to see him better. My husband and I actually use the machine that we're used to (I had to run out and buy one when we were first married to drown out the sounds of his snores) and I use just the projector part on the baby one we were gifted. His pediatrician also mentioned that it's good for him because it's a cue that it's bed time. 

Little Remedies Saline Spray & Bulb Syringe: 

I can't do it. I can't give in to the NoseFrida craze. It grosses me out too much. And I didn't realize how nice the saline sprays are. They're nice because they are the perfect size for baby's nose but also because it loosens up the boogies that prevent baby from breathing and feeding. I prefer the smaller white bulb syringe than the larger blue ones like they give you in the hospital, but that's just me. Props to those of you who suck your baby's boogers through a straw, but I'll stick to my bulb syringe. I know, I know, there's a filter. I still can't do it. 

Little Remedies Gripe Water:

Those annoying hiccups are cured in seconds! Every single time, they have cured his hiccups, and that's actually it's intended use. I'll also give it to him in the case of a tummy ache, which is it's other intended use. Love it! Be sure to let your little one get used to the cold for a second before you just go shooting it down his or her throat.

Baby Magic Lotion:

Everyone loves baby lotion. But I love this brand! It smells good and it has a formula that works great on his dry skin, whereas the Johnson and Johnson brand doesn't work as well for that. It really is the best. The only problem is that it's sometimes hard to find. I know Walmart is pretty good at carrying it, but I don't think that Target does. 

Pampers Saddlers: 

When I ran out of Huggies when he was new, I was sad I had to use my Pampers. Boy was I missing out!! In Huggies he'd get leaks all the time, I kinda just thought it was part of having a newborn, but as soon as I used Pampers, no more leaks! There's also this cool netting stuff in them that catches everything really nicely. I've heard that Huggies are better for when they get older, but I'll just have to see when I get there I guess. Right now I'm loving the Kirkland brand size 1-2, actually. I think I might even like them better than Target's brand. But as far as newborn goes, defiantly go with Pampers. I believe they don't even offer newborn size in the bulk brands, but I could be wrong on that one. And once again, props to you hipsters who use cloth diapers. Not for me. And while I'm on the subject, props to you people who have a natural childbirth. Drugs are for me. . . I guess especially in the case of a c-section.

Huggies Wipe Case 

(This Particular one)

It's the only one I've found that doesn't dry out your wipes, it's easy to push and they come out nicely, and you can refill it with whatever wipes you want! Not to mention it's super cute! I have one upstairs, downstairs, and in the diaper bag. Here's a tip though. Make sure you keep a wipe pulled out and under the flip top to create a bow like effect. This causes the case to pop open more easily. After awhile you don't have to do this, but you will at first. I was sad when I thought it didn't work at first, but then I discovered this helped. 

Battery Powered Swing:

Need I explain why? 

Two Car Seat Bases: 

It so nice not having to trade the base from car to car. Simply find your brand on Amazon and order just the base part. 

Breast Pump (If you're nursing):

My milk came in while I was in the hospital. Thank heavens! I loved all the help through the learning process. But once it did come in, I was so engorged that he couldn't latch back on. The nurses said it was like trying to suck on a bowling ball. I tried everything, massaging, a hot shower, finally I had the idea to ask for a pump. That's all it took! He latched on again right away once there was a little room for him! . . A lot of people don't realize that most insurance companies will cover a pump. I love mine and I didn't pay a dime! And it works great (The brand I think most insurance companies cover is purely yours, which is pictured above.). I'm lucky I don't have to work, but even though I don't have to pump, I enjoy the luxury of him taking a bottle while we're out, rather than fumbling around under my hooter hider (which is another nice thing to have). People don't mind you feeding your baby at a restaurant with a bottle, but they'd feel awkward knowing what you were doing under a blanket. Major props to those of you who could give a crap what other people think. I for one am too uncomfortable, although I wish I wasn't. It's ridiculous that it's socially unacceptable to feed our babies. But whatever I guess. 

Avent Rounded Top Bottles And Any Bottle Brush:

There's sooooo many kinds if bottles but this is the only one I've found that doesn't leak. And it's important that it's the rounded Avent. There's two kinds, as pictured below, but it's important to get the ones on the left. I don't know why, but they just don't leak like the other ones do. I think if he took a bottle more often I'd like the Playtex Drop Ins, but the one I did have leaked and it's not too hard for me to wash a bottle every once in awhile, which is really easy with the bottle cleaner I finally gave in and bought. I felt like a tight wad when I realized that the two bucks I finally spent on one at Walmart was actually worth it. Especially with the nipple cleaner built into it. 

And last but certainly not least. . . 

Bumbo Seat:

It's just cool, okay? It's another one of those things I can't explain, you just have to try it. My little baby is barely holding his bobbing head up and it's so fun to see his little head so strong and proud. It'll be a blast when he can fully hold his head up. I'd say that's when it's ready for use, as soon as they can hold up their head. You don't need to worry about them being able to sit up on their own. That's the beauty if it, really. Otherwise you'd just have them sit up. Be sure to watch them well, however, because when they grow out of it, they can arch their back and fall out of it. As with all of these products, use your head and your own discretion. 

Now that it's four-freaking-thirty in the morning, I'm done with my "mommy blog". Probably you're like me and too lazy to read crap like this, which is why I tried to keep it in heading format. But I guess if you're reading this, that wasn't too important to you, thanks for hanging in there with me. I can't wait to try more things the older he gets! Please let me know if there's any other must haves! 

My Letter to President Obama

Friday, November 15th 2013

My Letter To President Obama

Dear Mr. President,

            I believe this letter may simply be cathartic for me. I highly doubt that I’ll

ever receive answers to my questions, and I’m not even sure that there are answers.

I can’t decide if the words I write are my search for an outlet for my frustrations, or

to talk myself into having hope.

Hope. It was a word used frequently in your campaign for president. It is a

sacred word with sacred meaning for many Americans. For some, it’s all we have.

Recently I read a quote online, which you stated, Mr. President. You said,

“Hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it. Hope is the belief that destiny will not be written for us, but by us, by the men and women who are not content to settle for the world as it is, who have the courage to remake the world as it should be.”

            Mr. President, I want you to know that I have hope. I have so much hope, that

I hope this letter will somehow reach your hands, and I want you to know, that the

government of the United States of America is crushing my hope, and as you are my

president, you have a hand in all of this. I have many roadblocks that stand in my

path. I would love to hope that something better awaits me, and I believe it does,

however I can not help but believe that as I try the hardest I can, as I try to move

mountains, as I try to write my own destiny, it is not always within my power to do

anything about it, especially when my rights are no longer rights, but laws, and

politics, and arguments.

            I am a twenty-five year old woman, and I love my life. I’m not as educated as I

could be, I’m not good at debates, and I don’t understand 99% of what goes on in

Washington. Some would read this letter and believe that I am incapable of writing

it. Some would think that I’m not smart enough to argue my points, and that could

very likely be the case. I only understand what affects me, and there is a lot of

affecting me going on right now in Washington.

            The day I married my husband was the best day of my life. I didn’t realize

that I could have an even better day on the day I realized that he was going to be a

daddy. I’m currently almost six months into my first pregnancy and we can’t wait to

meet our little Leo.

            Although I may seem pessimistic in my words about our government, I do

believe everything will work out in the end. I know that God blessed us with this

little baby because he knew we’d make it. But I can’t say I’m not worried. My

husband is faced with choosing a health insurance company from work in the next

couple of days that we simply can not afford. We are not poor. We work to maintain

our bills and would probably be considered middle class. But when it comes to the

“affordable” health care act and medical insurance and hospital bills, middle class is

not enough. I find it insane that I sometimes wish we made less money so that we

could qualify for government assistance. As an American, I feel disgusted with

myself for wishing this, because I believe that my opportunity’s should be exactly

that, they should be opportunities. They shouldn’t be burdens. Due to the changes in

healthcare that are happening in Washington, my husbands premiums have shot

through the roof, and we have no idea how we’re going to stay afloat. We live

paycheck to paycheck right now, and after we pay for insurance, our income will be

half a paycheck. The other day I cried all the way home from the grocery store,

because I was on an empty gas tank and didn’t know if I’d make it home. Normally,

that wouldn’t happen, but because of hospital bills and doctor’s bills, the amount of

money in our checking account is limited.

As I mentioned before, I don’t really know why I’m writing this letter. I think

maybe because I have a weight being shoved on my heart each time I think about us

having to make a decision. How can we make a decision, when the choices available

to us are not within our grasp? How can I not ignore the enormity of the task ahead

or the roadblocks that stand in my path when the roadblocks are not physically

possible for me to move? How can I have hope and the courage to reach for it and

to work for it and to fight for it when every ounce of my work is not good enough?

What am I supposed to do? How can I remake the world, as it should be, if my

government is standing between my world and me? I literally scratched a piece of

junk mail the other day and considered going to collect my “winnings”, that’s how

desperate I am. I keep waiting for some miracle, when usually I make my own

miracles. I plead with you, Mr. President, to help me come up with a solution. I knew

it was going to be a tough financial road, but you and your ideas have provided me

with a financial roadblock.

            Thankfully, I have my family and God to get me through this emotional

rollercoaster. I have faith that everything will work itself out. I have so many

blessings and so many things that others do not, and I understand that I should not

be complaining. But I also know that I should be proud to be an American and proud

that I have the privileges of living in this country. Please, Mr. President, provide me

with more opportunities and solutions than worries and blockades. Help me to

understand all this and make sense of it all in plain English, rather than political

jargon.

            I want my son to know how much he was wanted on this earth, and how

much we want to give him all that we can. Please let me give him the privilege of

being proud to be an American.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Future Mother, Hollie