Update on the boys Dec 31 2012

Christian Daniel!

I'm sure you remember my blog post about Christian's therapies a few months ago. Since then, he did meet with the neurologist and they came to the conclusion he has sensual tremors in his hands, and loose or weak muscles in his wrists and hands, feet and ankles, and mouth. They said through proper occupational therapy, he should be just fine. So far therapy is going great. He seems to really enjoy going and I can see his hands becoming more steady each day.

Ian Joel!

Ian has really came a long way in the past couple months. He now eats whole foods like a champ but still nurses several times a day, crawls and pulls up well, has eight teeth, and can say five words! The words he can say are: Mama, Dada, Bubba, Baba, and Bye Bye. I can't wrap my mind around how quickly he's growing. I remember when Christian was Ian's age he was standing well. To think that it's only a matter of time and he'll be walking is crazy! They literally grow right before your eyes.

Christian's Crafts!

What has Christian been up to lately..?Crafting!

Christian has definitely found his new passion. Crafting. It started out with just fine motor and sensory type "games" and then we'd end with a craft. Now he begs to do some sort of art every night. It would be easier just to show you. Enjoy!

Practicing using droppers and syringes (first 2 pics) Wipes box game. He has to use his fingers to pull items out because a clutched fist won't fit back through the hole.(second two pics)

Using fine motor skills putting pipe cleaners in a collander and more silly art with pipe cleaners

Tracing the letter "C" with stars. Showing off his art (planets and C) and the home made magnet (baby food lid painted with pic inside)

What has Ian been up to lately?

Ian Joel as of October 21, 2012

Ian is coming up on 7 months old. I don't even like saying that! SEVEN MONTHS?! That's like more than half way to a year! So what's new with the growing boy..?

He has teeth! 

Four teeth to be exact. He has 1 on top and 3 on bottom. He's been a fussy teether but teething tablets have helped a TON. I'm sure you're all wondering, "Are you going to stop breastfeeding now?" and the simple answer is no. Teeth actually do not make any difference in breastfeeding. Sure they can bite but all babies bite. You teach them not to. Whether it's biting your shoulder when you're burping them or biting at the breast, you teach them not to. If baby's latch is correct (his is), you can't really feel the teeth at all when they're nursing because the tongue covers the bottom teeth. 

He can talk!

Most of my family has already heard this first hand. He can say "Dada" perfectly. He knows who Dada is,too. He always looks right at Joel and starts babbling, "Daaa Daaa, Dada!" Joel is very proud, but he still said "Mama" first! We will be really excited when he starts acknowledging his favorite member of our family, big brother Christian. We're working on a nickname for him since Christian is such a mouth full. 

He's a scooter!

He isn't crawling just yet but he can definitely get to where he needs to be. He scoots on his belly or slides on his booty. Our house is having to be baby proofed. It isn't easy since the majority of choking hazards are Christian's toys. He gets up on his knees and rocks all the time. I'm sure he'll be crawling full speed very soon. We are in no hurry.

He's an eater!

Ok, so this isn't exactly new news but it's still his favorite thing to do. We are practicing baby led weaning, which is where you skip baby foods and just offer pieces of what you eat. You can read more about it by clicking the link. He's a professional eater at this point. He eats meats well, eats all fruits and veggies, and even breads! There isn't much he turns his nose up to. He does not like baby food at all. We thought we'd use it as a filler between breastfeeding and actual meals but he doesn't like it and wants no part of it, not that I blame him! That stuff stinks.

Our little man is growing very,very quickly. On one hand, I'm loving watching his new tricks,but on the other hand I miss him being a fragile little infant. Hug your children tight, they grow entirely too quick. 

Christian's therapy sessions

Update on Christian's Therapy

Christian has a "feeding disorder". You can read about the differences between a feeding disorder and picky eating here. He goes to therapy once a week at Sports Plus Rehab center here in Dyersburg. It is important to understand that his feeding disorder is directly connected to his sensory issues. The reason he isn't accepting of foods is because of the different textures. What we are doing in therapy is teaching him to accept different textures using all of his senses. We first have him just accept seeing the food. After that, he can try touching the food. Eventually he will learn to smell the food and lick the food which eventually leads to eating the food. When he started he would only eat tortilla chips, granola bars, and cereal. Now he eats all of that plus fries, grapes, apples, yogurt, and raisins. He has only been in therapy for 4 months. I think he is making GREAT progress!

So, what's new?

Christian has jittery hands. When he tries to write, color, button, zip, tie, or anything else that requires precision, his hands shake. They now think that he poor hand-eye-coordination as well as poor hand control.  He should be able to draw simple shapes by now, but he can not. They have written an order for him to start  occupational therapy and also have sent a request for him to be evaluated by a neurologist at Lebonheur Children's Medical Center to rule out any neurological issues. While he is there he will also be evaluated by the physical therapist there. We will keep everyone updated with whatever happens and how he progresses.

Guess who's growing?

My boys are growing!

I recently realized how behind I am in blogging! Oops.. I promise I have a good excuse. You see, between school, growing boys, Joel getting a new job and also being in school, daily life, household responsibilities, and of course networking it just honestly slipped my mind! 
Anyway, the reason you're here is not to here me ramble so now I must play catch up. Enjoy! 

Christian being a little boy!

Christian pees on everything! I swear it! 

Christian's series of birthday parties

Christian's turning 3!

Why do I feel the need to celebrate ridiculously for Christian's birthday..? Because he deserves it! Today's date is May 31, 2012. Christian's birthday isn't until June 6. So far, we've had a Chuck E. Cheese party, a swimming/watergun party, and we're still going to Nashville Shores next weekend. Here's some pics so far...

Chuck E Cheese racing game

Chuck E Cheese cake

Yummy (:

Playing in the water

Jump!

Hitting the homemade spiderman pinata his "yaya" (grandmother) made

He was so happy everyone was clapping for him!

Blowing out the candal!

Spraying Daddy

Skin isn't a sin: A breastfeeding memoir

You know what they say...  Breast is best.

When I decided to breastfeed my boys I really didn't know much about it. I quit around the time Christian was four months old. This time, with Ian, I was determined to make it further and to not have to rely strictly on a pump. I've done a lot more research this time and have been attending classes. It has definitely paid off. I wish I had known all of this with Christian. It's so easy! When 3a.m rolls around and Ian wakes, there is no having to go downstairs for a bottle, warming, feeding, washing, and then back to sleep. I simply...feed.
One of my major obstacles was nursing in public. I thought I would hear, "OMG! She's flashing her boobies!!" Nope. I've only heard one negative comment, "That breastfeeding nonsense is for the birds!" Oh, is it? Hmm.Check out THIS link! Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for baby, but mom as well! Just look at me! I've lost 34lbs since Ian was born. I feel amazing! Ian is the happiest baby and Christian is hardly ever sick! Now, I'm not going to get on a long spill about how breast is best. There is no arguing that fact. However, I would like to add a disclaimer* so nobody gets their feelings hurt.

Here's a look into my breastfeeding journey so far:

Breastfeeding just hours after his birth.

Hanging on in his favorite place in the world, Momma's chest.

Feeding Ian at the Memphis Zoo

Feeding Ian at the Zoo

Feeding Ian at Okeena Park

I think that breastfeeding is the most natural, beautiful thing a woman can offer her child. It is, however, a learning experience. I urge you to please seek help if you have trouble breastfeeding. I've hit a couple bumps in the road and even shed some tears but with the support of other breastfeeding mommies, it's now smooth sailing!

Thanks for taking time to read!
--Hollidy Kaye Magadan

*There are certain medications some women have to take that make breastfeeding dangerous, difficult, or even impossible. While breast is certainly best, it is important to understand that it isn't possible for everyone and passing judgement is just as wrong for non-breastfeeding mother, as it is towards breastfeeding mothers. We are all mothers doing what's best!

My boys

"My Son Watching you grow has been the delight of my life. I look at you and wonder what dreams you will dream, what mountains you will climb, what joys you will have. I know there will be tears and struggles as well, but my prayer is that you will grow into the man you are meant to be." 

Christian at the park March 2012

 Christian Daniel

                                   Christian has the best personality of any child you will ever meet. Everyone talks about how funny he is and brags about how smart he is. He's my big boy and I can't imagine how our lives without him in it.

Ian 2 weeks old

 Ian Joel

                Ian is the newest addition to our family,born not quite 3 weeks ago.  He's definitely keeping us on out toes so far. I can't wait to watch him grow, however, I hope he doesn't grow as quickly as Christian did!

Ian and Christian

What a good big brother!

Giving baby brother a kiss

At the hospital a day after Ian was born

My marriage

There is no such thing as a perfect marriage,but with God, there can be many perfect moments. Enjoy them...

The way into a girl's heart? Sharpen her colored pencils.

Joel and I met in art class my freshman year, his sophomore year, in high school. Neither of us had any clue what we were doing, but the class was a requirement to graduate so here we were! The teacher, Ms. Smith, had us randomly seated and I ended up beside this quiet guy I had never met before. I was very outgoing and loud. Joel was very quiet and shy. Hey, opposites attract right? Anyways, Joel and I didn't really speak much until one day I was coloring away and my colored pencil broke. Without saying a word, Joel got up and sharpened it for me. When he got back, I thanked him and went to compliment his artwork but couldn't even figure out what it was! He noticed me looking and then looked at mine and that's when we realized how horrible we were at what we were doing!  I can't remember what he said,exactly, but I remember he made me laugh. My grandmother, Gloria-or as I know her,"Gran Gran"-always told me if you ever find a guy that makes you laugh, hold on to him. Boy was she right! 5 years later, and 2 years of marriage (so far) and he still can make me laugh.

My journey towards Child Abuse Prevention

"Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life." -Confucius

           I have heard many different people say, "God led me to where I needed to be" or, "God just told me this was what I needed to do." What does that mean? Did God come to you in a dream? Are you hearing voices?! Tonight I realized what they meant all those times. God has lead me to Child Abuse Prevention. I admit, I'm in over my head here. I have no clue as to where to start, but I do know one thing.. I believe He will show me.
           I think it all began when a little girl I knew personally became a victim of child abuse. That poor,innocent little girl. How could anyone harm a child?  I then started looking up statistics and they are staggering!

• More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse.
• Approximately 80% of children that die from abuse are under the age of 4.
•  About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
• A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. (about how long it took you to read the previous statistics) However, it is estimated that only 57% of child abuse gets reported. 
• 80% of adults that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.

I'm not sure why,exactly, but God has chosen me to be their voice. So many children suffer in silence and I feel as though it's up to me. I want to spend my entire life helping these children. It may take months, or maybe years but even if one child is saved, IT WILL BE WORTH IT.

"Be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi