Sitting, sippy cups, and success

Forgive me for not having this post up by Friday once again.  This week seemed to fly by and here it is Sunday!  We had a great week! One of the things I am most excited about this past week was that we made it through the entire Tuesday morning session in the nursery! I stopped by half way to check on him and he was smiling and playing.  The teachers said Miles sits and listens to the Bible story with big wide eyes.  One of the women was telling me that she read a study saying that children as young as 6 months old can understand the meaning of some words.  I am glad that some of those words he is hearing are about Jesus! I was so proud of him!

 We started the week off with a fun play date at Kandice and Colton's house.  The boys had so much fun rolling around on the ground together.  Miles decided that Braxton's Sophie Giraffe looked a lot like his and he wanted her back.  Oh my.  The boys are all growing so fast and getting their little personalities! I know I have said it a million times, but these girls and their little boys have been such a blessing to us!

Naps have improved this week and he has taken several 2-2 1/2 hour naps in the afternoon.  It makes him feel so much better, I hope it continues.  He has almost mastered sitting and loves to sit and play!

I spent one day this week making Miles' food.  I hit up a sale at Sunflower Farmers Market and got lots of organic veggies and fruits.  I had to take a picture of all the goodies on the counter...don't you wish we all ate this healthy!  It was a little time consuming, but fairly easy, and I made probably 2 months of food for under $30!  He is now eating apples, pears, bananas, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, and avocado. 

Bryan finished up his orthopedic rotation and was able to get to know some of the physicians that may someday hold a little of his fate.  He starts on internal medicine next week.  We hear the hours are longer and it is a 2 month looong rotation. In the meantime, I officially began my provisional year for the OKC Junior League this week.  I am looking forward to meeting the women and getting involved in some volunteer opportunities here in the city.

We are loving life here but missing our families!  Miles is growing so fast...hint, hint.

Have a great week! Love you all! xoxo

The week of Love.

This past week included Valentine's Day and in addition to the obvious love we have for each other, we found other loves...Miles loves food, Bryan loves orthopedic surgery, and Lora loves her new job!

(Miles with his Valentine from Grandma and Poppy Smith)

Although Bryan and I were sick (I had mastitis this week and Bryan had a sinus infection), Miles got his six month shots, and we had an unexpected plumbing repair, we all found something to be happy about this week!  Bryan is currently on his orthopedic surgical rotation and it has solidified his decision that he wants to pursue ortho.  He has been bouncing off the walls with details of his day, reciting me surgical procedures (smile and nod...), and was even happy about spending his Saturday 'on call' in case something 'cool' came in.  And me, I know you are all grabbing your chests, I love my new job!  I love the environment, my coworkers, and I finally started seeing patients this week.  As many of you know, I have had a love-hate relationship with physical therapy, but I am hopeful I have found my fit!

Now Miles.  Oh that kid loves some food!  Our first food was avocado, which may sound odd to you, but he didn't mind it, it is a 'super food' which provides him some of the 'good fat' and nutrients his little body needs, and it is super convenient to cut open and serve.  It took him a day to get used to the texture, but now he gobbles it up! 

Next we tried sweet potatoes. I am going to attempt to make most of Miles' food here at home, and it was so easy to bake, blend, and feed him this other 'super food.'  He definitely liked the sweeter taste and loves to get his little hands in that bowl.

We make a mess, but I figure that is what being a kid is all about!  Bath time is a must after eating!

It is so fun to see Miles eating like a big boy, but gives me a little twinge of sadness that he is growing so fast! His doctor's appointment went great and she was pleased with his progress.  He is 27 inches long and weighs 17 lbs 2 oz, which puts him in the 50th percentile for weight.  I was sick so Bryan had to take him this time.  Miles was so brave and did great. (Hmm, wonder if I was the one being the chicken? Probably.)

We are all feeling great this weekend and it has been great so far! I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Please sir, can I have some more?

This week was the first full week of our new 'normal'.  I was back at work Monday and Thursday, Bryan was busy with his pediatric rotation and Shelf exam Friday, Bryan was my 'guest lecturer' in my class I teach, and we continued to attempt bible study on Tuesday mornings.

Last weekend I hosted a brunch here at the house for our play group.  Since we have all returned to work it is hard to get everyone together. The boys took turns playing in Miles' car and bouncer.  Eli (next to Miles) underwent a major surgery recently and he is doing so great! It was so great to have all the gang back together!

My job is going great so far! I love walking to work on campus in the hustle and bustle of a big university! Bryan and I even got to meet for lunch one day since he works one building away.  I haven't started seeing patients yet because of all the computer training I've had to do, but I am already loving my office, coworkers, and schedule!  Miles is continuing to do great with Amy here at home.  He smiles when he sees her and is staying on his schedule perfectly.  I continue to be so grateful she is in our lives!!


Tuesday nights I teach a therapeutic exercise class at the physical therapy assistant program and this week we were learning 'specials tests.' These tests are used to determine the integrity of joints, muscles, ligaments, etc. and I had my very own 'soon to be orthopedic surgeon' come and teach.  He did wonderful and I was so proud of him! The students loved him and also loved the fact we were done an hour earlier than normal. haha.  We had a new babysitter stay with Miles while we were away (Amy had class) and she was also wonderful! She said he was 'a little angel' for her...hmmm? 

We could tell Miles was growing this week because he just wasn't getting satisfied with what momma was makin!  It took a night of supplementing with stored milk to get us back on track and now he is getting more than enough, my body got the hint!!  We are starting him on solid foods this weekend, I think we are all ready! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until 6 months...and that is THIS WEEK! Can you believe he is half a year old? It has been the most wonderful months of our lives.

Miles has started sitting pretty well on his own.  He still throws himself backwards so I can never catch a good picture.  He really has no desire to attempt crawling yet and I am not pushing this one. I am more than happy for him to remain in one place for a little bit longer!  I keep looking around at my floors and cringe thinking how often I am going to have to mop to bear letting him crawl around on them!  Anyone want to volunteer for that one?

Bryan finished his pediatric rotation this week and starts orthopedic surgery on Monday.  He is so excited and I know he will do great!  We attended a OU Health professions fundraiser last night and his classmates were so complimentary of Bryan.  I know he will be such a great doctor!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and week.  Our Valentines plans involve a baby and a meal at home and I couldn't be happier!  Next week we will have pictures of our eating experiment!  Here is a picture of Wilder and his eating experience last weekend at breakfast!! Love you all! xoxo

It's off to work I go!

This week was eventful and full!  We traveled to Arkansas last weekend to visit my parents and grandparents.  Bryan wasn't able to come, but it gave him some time to study for his upcoming test.  I hate leaving him, as cliche' as it sounds it is like leaving your other half.  But I knew I was about to get busy and we wanted to make one more trip before I went back to work. Miles and I headed out early Saturday morning and had a pretty good car ride.  Around the Arkansas border Miles started to let me know he was bored, or hungry, or whatever he was.  I pulled over at the welcome center, crawled in the backseat and he gave me the biggest smile ever.  I gave him a pep talk and away we went.  I was fully anticipating feeding him along the way and although this was a perfect spot, he looked like he could make it.  As soon as we got back on the interstate, the tears began.  'It's ok' I thought, there were more stops coming up.  EVERY exit Miles would calm and smile and the minute we would pass the chance to stop, he'd fuss again!  It was a game to him I figured and pressed on.  Needless to say, we made it the whole trip with only that one stop.  He was lights out the minute we got off the exit to my parents.  Ahhh, fun times.

We had a great visit and my grandparents were able to drive down to visit on Sunday.  We even took Miles to the church nursery on Sunday morning! I was so proud of him, he did great and met a lot of new people.  We came home to OKC Monday morning and both had a nice relaxing, napping day. Bryan was on call so he didn't get to see Miles before bedtime, I know he was disappointed, but Miles was tired from his travels.

Tuesday morning bible study continues to be hectic and challenging for Miles.  I am able to nurse him halfway through and that gets him through the morning.  Even with me there though, the cries and yells of other children distract and sometimes upset him.  It's hard to endure, but I know it is good for Miles to get used to new sounds and people.  We get better every week!  The bible study itself is wonderful and I pray God will continue to acclimate Miles so we can both continue with the program.

Tuesday nights I am an adjunct professor for the physical therapy assistant program so I had to leave Miles with Bryan.  Bryan hadn't seen Miles since Saturday morning so he was more than happy to have him to himself.  They went for a walk, played outside, and had a eventful night together.  That night I think Bryan was happier than he had been in a long time!  It is so wonderful to have such a loving husband and father!

Wednesday Miles and I ran errands and went to the park with Elizabeth and Wilder.  We laid blankets out, brought snacks and toys for the boys, and enjoyed the sun.  Fortunately Miles is still stationary but we had fun watching my pregnant friend run around after her toddler!  My time is coming soon I am sure!

(I am sure she was saying something very important!)

Thursday was the big day and I headed to my new job at OU. The clinic I am working in is called 'Women's Bladder and Pelvic Health.'  It is comprised of 3 Urogynecologists and now 2 physical therapists.  It was so hard to leave Miles, but I am sooo happy with my decision to join this clinic!  It will challenge me as well as provide me opportunities to be in the academic environment and hopefully do some research down the road. 

Miles went willingly into the arms of our nanny, Amy, and they seemed to have a wonderful day!  I had amazing peace leaving yesterday morning and knew it was an answered prayer.  It was so sweet to come home to Miles and I showered him with hugs and kisses!! I missed him but know it will be good for both of us to have some time apart!  He doesn't look like he was too upset does he--

We are looking forward to a weekend at home!  Tomorrow we are finally getting together with our play/mommy group again after everyone has started back to work!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and we love you all! xoxo

Don't mind my pink socks and house shoes in this video...It is worth watching!! Sorry the video is all over the place, but I could listen to this a million times!!

Maternity leave/vacation/6 month hiatus draws to a close

We had a great last full week of being home together! We did a little better in bible study, but I think we just have to get used to it!  It continues to be so nice here so we are taking lots of walks and going to the park with friends.  We spent the morning with Amy, our nanny, on Thursday and he went peacefully down for a nap and took a bottle from her (yeah!!)! I return to work next Thursday so it was so nice they got along so well.  I am sad to be leaving him at all, but I am happy to have such a wonderful girl staying with him.  I will keep everyone updated on how my first day goes!

We did a lot of running around this week and this was a common theme...Miles loves to sleep in the car! The hat had fallen down over his eyes and I pulled over to fix it, but he didn't seem to have a problem with it. Maybe it was blocking the sun?

We haven't had any teeth break through yet, but he continues to drool, chew, and have his mouth open constantly!  He still loves this Sophie the Giraffe!

Miles and I are spending the weekend in Arkansas. I thought this picture was appropriate:) I will have more pictures and stories next week! Love you all! Have a great week! xoxo

We've Had Better

I debated titles this week that demonstrated the chaos of this past few days.  Then after contemplating how lucky and blessed we really are, I decided to go simply with 'we've had better.'  The week got off to a great start, Bryan was off Sunday and Monday and we had a great time visiting friends, spending some quality time together, and enjoying a very well-behaved baby! 

(Oh, and our swing motor came in!)



I even went so far to post on Facebook that we were having the 'best weekend ever' which is a pretty bold statement.  It was just so nice to be together and I couldn't remember a time I had been happier!

As I type this I know in my heart that the events that took place this week are not that bad.  I know that.  But in the moment they seem huge and I'd like Miles to read this one day and remember how much his mother really does love him! Haha.

I got confirmation last week that they were able to find a place for Miles in my BSF Bible study nursery.  I was elated and planned our schedule very carefully so Miles wouldn't be hungry or cranky during the two hours I would be there Tuesday morning.  We ate at 8:00 which put him not due to eat again until around 11:00, right when I'd be finished. The only thing they would need to do is put him down for a nap at 10:00.  Oh right, a nap.  He usually loves going down for those...geez.  As I sat in the worship center surrounded by probably 200 women I watched the nursery coordinator slowly make her way to the front of the room.  I watched the speaker carefully pronounce my name..."L-O-R-A S-M-I-T-H you're needed in the nursery."  What?! So I thought I would wait a few seconds so heads weren't turning to see who this unlucky mother was.  "Lora Smith, ARE YOU IN HERE??" Yep.  Right here, slinking out the back.  Needless to say, Miles was asleep before we got to the car.  There's always next week.  I'll make next week feeding time, that should be easier.  Right?!

(This was when we got home, he was really sorry!)

That night I decided I would go to the gym to get away and work off some much needed emotions and baby weight.  I prepared a bottle and gave Bryan the 'good luck' pat and away I went.  One hour later and feeling emotionally and physically lighter I walked in to a crying mess.  Miles has now decided he won't take a bottle.  From Bryan, from me, from anyone.  Great.  We've tried several more times to no avail.  Challenge for next week extended.

Now this couldn't be my loving, sweet, innocent baby from the past weekend right? I am sure you, as was I, are thinking 'something must be causing these tantrums'?  Insert finger to bottom gums and get your proof.  In addition to producing enough drool to fill a bathtub, Miles has been placing just about anything in his mouth that comes within 2 inches of him (except a bottle, see above).  I am not sure if this warrants such dramatic theatrics, but I am sure it doesn't help.

So, the week has continued to provide challenges: an early return from visiting with friends, a few more feedings at night, and a tantrum that just might have scared our nanny away for good.  But, he continues to laugh and smile and hold my heart more each day.  We have had mostly great moments peppered with these few incidents.  We have a few things to work on this week, and I will let you know our progress! Love you all! xoxo

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18