We're still here!

I know this phrase is horribly over used, but my how time flies! There's been a lot going on but way too much to just list.

We had a good Halloween and enjoyed showing off our little Yoda. Even though some people mistakenly called him Shrek. But what do they know. :o) He had a good time just the same. Surprisingly he didn't try to get take off his ears!



He enjoyed a little candy with his friend Lucas at the church's fall festival. We also went into Fort Worth to my friend Candi's church festival. He had a really good time there and rode on a "mini hay-ride". It was a riding lawn mower pulling two small trailers with big bean bags. He loved it! :o)







My brother David and his beautiful wife Natalie have welcomed their first baby after 37 long hours of waiting. We couldn't be more thrilled. And Case's parents more exhausted! Daniel can't wait to show Case a few tricks. Hopefully nothing bad.





David Case Needham

November 19, 2009

8:30 p.m.

7 lbs 6 oz

20 inches







My sister Jennifer is blooming more and more. She is expecting her first baby on February 28th. Finally a little girl to add to the group. I teased her that she'll either be a total princess or a tom-boy. Our family is just growing at leaps and bounds. Michael and I have discussed baby number two. But really it hasn't gotten any further than "discussing". All in due time!

My youngest brother John survived Navy boot camp and graduated on November 6th. He's still in the Chicago area but is now in school learning . . . more Navy stuff I guess. How sad that I'm not quite sure. But at any rate we are all very happy that he will be home for the Christmas holidays.

We also can't wait to see some long lost relatives this Christmas. Michael's sister Patty and her family will be joining us this year! We are so excited. It seems like forever since we've seen them and they've never even met Daniel. Just to give you an idea of the time!

Well, that sums it up for me. Just a sec, apparently Daniel has something to add . . .

yhmyhmghmjhtgg lrkduo45todfcxd t t t t t t t t t t t t vrv -pccccctiolk JY

vhctby bn ujn by bnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Okay, daddy has now pulled away baby kicking and screaming. Gotta go! Later! :o)

Ex-haus-tion

–noun
1. the act or process of exhausting.
2. the state of being exhausted.
3. extreme weakness or fatigue.
4. the total consumption of something: the exhaustion of your vacation benefits for the year.
Origin: 1640–50; <>

To say that I'm tired just wasn't enough. I'm exhausted! This last week has been such a trying week. My house has been a sick house! We noticed the week before that Daniel just wasn't himself. With the occasional low grade fever and just wanting to sleep. So when his fever got up to 102.6 on Monday morning on decided it was time to take him to see Dr. Sweet. I prayed all morning, "Please don't let it be flu!" Well, it wasn't flu. It was, however, a list of other things. Some of which all kind of piggy back each other.

1. strep throat
2. viral throat infection
3. double ear infection
4. thrush
5. Hand Foot and Mouth

Two prescriptions and handouts later the doctor says, "At least it's not the flu!" She's right. Thank God for that. But now what?

Well, Tuesday morning I'm giving Michael instructions on how and when to give Daniel is medications. He looks at me with this glazed looked telling me he's not listening to a word I'm saying. In the middle of me asking, "Are you listening?" he darts to the bathroom and commences to puking and diarrhea. So, I call in for a second day and now have two boys to take care. Wednesday morning met me with a lovely slap in the face. It was my turn to be sick. Luckily only once! I was able to power through the rest of the day still caring for two puny, but recovering boys. Michael and I went back to work and Daniel back to school. I prayed that the daycare wouldn't call me and say it was too soon. Especially now that the blisters seem to have migrated from his mouth to his little face in the past two or three days!

In the midst of the crazy week my poor mother is diagnosed with a fungal ear infection that may have made it's way into her lymph node! How does that happen? Why does it seem everyone around me is falling apart? Pray that she feels better soon. She's been in tons of pain and will be going back to the doctor today. Pray that she doesn't require hospitalization but just lots of rest at home.

So, now we are trying to get back on schedule and maintain some form of routine. It's amazing how easy it is to get off and how hard it can be to get back on. A mother and wife's job is truly never ending. (I'm sorry Mom for never recognizing that until now!) I'm almost caught up with laundry and my house doesn't resemble a pig-sty anymore. Well, maybe just a little. But I'm still working on that!

Bring the Rain

I actually had a completely different post planned for this evening but in light of what has taken place will postpone that for now.

For those of you who don't know, Michael is the Corsicana High School Choir director. And that small town has just been rocked with a terrible loss. Michael received word about an hour ago that the father of one of his students was killed in a car accident. In this town like every other small Texas town, sports reign. Which can be very frustrating for a fine arts teacher. But Michael knew that no matter what was going on he could depend on this man to support the choir. Including chaperon the trip to New York earlier this year as well as other functions. Michael cares for all of his students but for some reason really bonded with this family, this man. Sadly, he was also the pastor of one of the local churches. And knowing that is bittersweet. I can't help but remember the verse from Mercy Me's song Bring the Rain.

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Such powerful words in such a difficult time for this family. Please pray for them this weekend while they cope with this rain.






Lord, we come to you on behalf of the Edwards family tonight. We pray that you wrap your arms around his wife tonight and give her comfort and strength. I can't imagine the loss that she is feeling right now. Please hold on tight to his son tonight. Give him the comfort that now only his Daddy God can give him. Every boy needs his daddy and now give him the wisdom to come to you. To know that in all this rain you will give him the peace and understanding that his father is now with his Heavenly Father. Please give this family comfort to know that this man closed his eyes to this world but opened them to your welcoming face! I also pray Lord that you give Michael the words to share with this family. This is such a difficult time to find words. Just speak to his heart and give him comfort as well with the loss of his friend. I can't remember the last time I've seen him so heartbroken. Lord, we don't always understand your ways when we're in the middle of the storm. Sometimes we still don't even after the clouds have gone away. But we know we can always take comfort in knowing that you are here. It's in Your name we ask it all! Amen

My tray runneth over!

Michael and I grew up on Spaghetti-O's (admittedly still eat them) and couldn't wait for the day Daniel could do the same. Last night he tried Michael's favorite. Spaghetti-O's with meatballs. Needless to say he devoured them! He looked like an Oompa loompa when he was done. And the dogs enjoyed cleaning up the mess. We had to take him outside to clean up. Whitetrash, I know. But fun just the same. Just see for yourself!

What did you eat as a child you couldn't wait to give your little one?
















Wait Daddy, there's still some on my tray!

Stick 'em up!

I think I found some between his toes!

I should be on a cleaning product commercial. Can you see that orange ring?

Dinner was good but bathtime is always so much more fun!

"Little boy,

you

remind me

how

so much

depends on

days

made of now."

Anchors away!

Wednesday we said goodbye to my little brother, John. He has joined the navy and on to a new life! We're all so proud of him and will miss him while he's in basic. Please continue to pray for him during the new stage of life. We all know he will be a different person when he comes back. But we couldn't be prouder! We love and miss you John!

Pictures and Video updates

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dear Daniel,

One year ago today, God changed my life forever. Never in my wildest dreams could I have possibly imagined how much. No parent truly realizes the changes and sacrifices they will make for such a precious gift. Daniel, you mean so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. Not a day goes by that I don't look at you and thank God for giving me one more day of your smile. The way you tug on my neck so I'll hold on for one more second. The way you say mama melts my heart with every breath you take. To know that sometimes I'm the only one that can calm your tears delights me. Your little hand at your mouth blowing me kisses. The way you seem to fit in my arms just so when I hold you close. Even on those sleepless nights I can praise God that I have a reason to be exhausted.

One year ago today, I held you for the first time and couldn't believe that God had trusted me with one of his most amazing miracles. The joy, honor and fear of it all washed over me. To know that I was responsible for His creation. To care for you and raise you to trust in our Saviour. To know that you were not only a part of me and your dad, but a part of God. To know that you weren't truly and wholly mine, but God's. To know that my love for the Lord was so much stronger because He blessed me with you. Because He was and is always faithful. Praise be to the one and true God who moves mountains!

One year ago today, I looked in your eyes and saw your father. My love for your daddy is immeasurable. My love for him grows each time I see him kiss your precious head. To see you both asleep in the recliner gives me such peace. Your laughter makes him smile a smile that he saves just for you. I love that smile! When he sweeps you up into his arms I know that he would do anything to help and protect you. And to see him reprimand you reassures me he will also guide you. Not only guide you through this world but down the path of righteousness. Because your daddy loves you more than any man on this earth!

One year ago today, I became your mommy. And I will always and forever be Daniel's Mommy!

I love you Puppy, a whole sky full!

Daniel's world

Daniel has changed so much in the past several months I don't even no where to begin!

He's not walking yet, but has taken a few steps. I am sad to say that I missed his first ones. But the ten other people in the same room got to see him. At least we were with family.My Uncle Roy asked me how long he had been walking and I told him he wasn't.

"Well, he just did!" I couldn't believe I missed his first steps. His MOMMY!

But we were able to get him to take a couple more steps so we could get it on video.

That will come soon.

He has a mouth full of teeth! Okay, I'm exaggerating. But it seems like he's gotten all his teeth over night. He has three working on four on the bottom and the same on top!

Funny thing is he already knows what they're for. He puts them to good use with some of his favorite foods. Or as soon as something is in his hands, it goes right to his mouth.

We've had lots of drool, trouble sleeping, yucky diapers, etc. The list goes on. . .

Needless to say, this last round of teething has been very difficult for all of us!

While Daniel may not be walking, he is cruising on everything possible.

Push toys, furniture, or Mommy and Daddy's hands have all proved to be very helpful in getting around. Of course his crawling skill has tripled! He's faster than ever.

When it comes to eating he's a pro! He of course is a Huffstetler and doesn't struggle with this a bit. He especially loves veggies, which makes his mommy very proud. He also loves yogurt. If you show him the container he goes nuts. And gets upset when we get to the bottom and tell him he's all done. (Like I said, he's a Huffstetler and loves his food!) We introduced the sippy cup at nine months and didn't turn back. It came to a point that he preferred them so the bottles were completely gone before 1o months! He is on whole milk now. While he wasn't on formula for long, that stuff smells horrible and cost a ton. Thanks to Gran she kept us well stocked.

Pacifiers are slowly becoming a thing of the past. I remember before having a baby I swore I would never use them. But I gave Daniel his first before he was a full 24 hours old! :o) I was so disappointed in myself but then he went to sleep! HEAVENLY!! We started "forgetting" it for nap times at school then at home. Now we're down to only in the car or at bedtime. Even then he doesn't use it much. However, if he does find one laying around he puts it straight in. I can't stand to see him playing with a paci in his mouth! I will ask him to hand me his paci and he obliges with no fight. Good boy!

We've been working on teaching him sign language. Just the very basic signs to start out with. (more, all done, milk, etc.) Although his sign isn't always accurate, he's seems to be picking it up. He certainly understands it if we sign it to him! He enjoys watching his Baby Einstein video that shows him the signs. He will watch the video then turn and watch me do the sign. It's really cute! I think the one sign he picked up on faster was "all done". He let's you know when he's had enough.

As far as speech he of course keeps it very basic. He now uses Mama and Dada in the correct context. And has now learned "yuck". It's especially cute when he says it while changing his diaper. I'm pretty sure that's where he picked it up at! :o)

Saturday we celebrated his first birthday a few days early. I can’t believe it was already time for that! We had a wonderful time with everyone that was able to come. We decided to keep it to just the family and had it outdoors since we live in a cozy two bed, one bath home. He had so much fun playing with everyone and playing with all his new toys. His top favorite was a big red ball Krystyna got him. Luckily he didn’t focus on just that and was eventually distracted by some of the noisier toys he received. He really needed some toys more geared to his age. I think he was getting bored with his rattles! :o)

We grilled hot dogs and had cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. His “cake” was a stack of cupcakes that I put together. The single one on top had chocolate icing. He was absolutely adorable! He really wanted to chow down but I guess he just couldn’t wrap his head around how he was going to go about it. It was just so funny. He eventually figured it out and got icing everywhere. I was holding back tears of laughter the entire time.

Well, I think I’ve covered all the bases. I will be posting pictures and video soon. I promise! :o)

We're back from our blog break!

Look what Daniel learned to do while we were gone!

Okay, okay. But I just had to share this video! :o)

Updates about . . . crawling, cruising, teeth, drool, and daycare . . . are coming!

9-month doctor appointment

Holy smokes! Three posts in one week! :o)

His appointment went very well today. Dr. Sweet (yes that's her name and it fits) said that it does look like the diaper rash has turned into a yeast infection and suggested Lotrimin. She also said that it does sound like he has allergies and suggested children's Zyrtec. She's very much about OTC products, which I have grown to appreciate. She is keeping him on the same dose of Zantac. If the cough continues even with the Zyrtec, she will then change the Zantac dose. She said the cough could be allergies, reflux, or both. So she wants to try to hit allergies first for a couple weeks. His ears look great and the tugging is just a developmental thing right now. She said otherwise he's doing what he should be and his stats are where they should be. Except that he has his momma's big 'ol lunchbox head. (My assessment, not hers! ) Lastly, she said we should expect some pearly whites within a few weeks. She could feel some buds on their way and that they may come throught the top first. We shall see! And the biggest surprise for today, NO SHOTS. Daniel is celebrating by crawling all over the house babbling up a storm!

19 lbs. 11 oz. (44%)
28" long (52%)
18" head circ. (69%)

You are 9 months old today my sweet baby!

Busy little bee!

This post has been started and restarted probably a dozen times in the past month. Luckily Blogger keeps your stuff as drafts until you’re ready to post them. I sit down to post something or add to my draft then I feel a little tug at my pants leg telling me I’m needed elsewhere! :o) My computer has also decided to stop working so I’ve had to squeeze in time on Michael’s. I’ve taken lots of pictures and videos for everyone to enjoy so look for an update this week. Sorry to bore you with the long post if you were only looking for pictures.

I would first like to make an announcement. My brother David and his beautiful wife Natalie are expecting their first baby! The whole family is so excited to have another addition. She’s been having a pretty rough time of it right now. That little one is definitely making sure his momma doesn’t forget he/she is there. She has been so sick these 12 weeks. Please keep her in your prayers the remainder of her pregnancy.

This year was my first official Mother’s day and I had a wonderful time. What better way than to spend that day with your little one! Michael fixed my mom and I lunch and then mowed the lawn. I love a freshly mowed lawn. It smells so nice and looks beautiful. Daniel had so much fun playing with me and Gran while Michael mowed. He played outside on the front porch and explored all that it could offer. He even tasted a few leaves now and then. A little dirt never hurt anyone. This baby literally had dirt from head to toe!

He is now crawling forward and cruising on anything he can pull up on. I think one day he decided he was tired of going backward and running into stuff. He just took off as if he’d been doing it for months! Like I said he is pulling himself up on everything and bravely cruising. Occasionally he will pull himself up to his crib rail but for some reason gets stuck. It’s actually pretty funny. I know I’m mean for laughing but he just looks so scared when he gets himself stuck when all he has to do is let go. Because he’s pulling up Super Dad has lowered the crib mattress all the way down. I couldn’t believe how fast that moment came. My mom bought him a cool little walker. He goes backward right now. Why does he have a problem with going forward? :o) He loves pressing all the buttons and listening to the music playing. (He loves musical toys!) Of all the songs it plays for some reason he continuously plays “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Hopefully in the near future he’ll figure out how to go forward. He gets himself stuck a lot going backward. Now if we could just get some teeth! He still has no teeth. He’s had all the symptoms just nothing to show for it. Maybe we’ll be lucky and get a whole bunch at once. Not that I want him in immense pain.

Even without teeth he seems to be doing just fine with his food. He gets very excited at mealtime. I’m still making all of his food at the moment. And he is officially weaned off the breast. This was a gradual process which proved easier for Mommy and Daniel than I thought. I haven’t started introducing meats yet, which I know I should. But we are trying new textures and other new foods. He loves his veggies with just one exception so far. GREEN BEANS! He hates them with a passion. He will kick and scream and clamp his mouth shut. It’s actually quite dramatic with tears and everything. He does love his fruits. I’ve not come across one he doesn’t like so far. Like I said his lack of teeth isn’t holding him back. My mother gave him a whole nectarine this weekend to play with and gum while she made a fruit salad. He surprised us by biting right into it. He of course loved it and destroyed it; eating what he could and sucking out all the juice. Needless to say, he was very messy and sticky. He also enjoys his Gerber puffs and wagon wheels. We think he is picking up on the sign “more”. His rendition of it is really cute and he will sign it when he’s getting hungry too. Even though he stays on a pretty regular feeding schedule it is helpful to know when he’s getting hungry without him screaming.

We’ve been doing pretty good with no more ear infections. (knock on wood!) He does however have a terrible diaper rash that has been coming and going for a couple weeks. Luckily he has his nine month appointment this week so we can ask the doctor what’s going on. I was hoping it wasn’t a yeast infection and have been giving him yogurt to help. But this rash is a stubborn one. His spitting up has been a little heavier of late. I think we may need to start increasing his Zantac. I also believe he has yucky allergies like his mommy and daddy. His poor eyes have been so red and itchy lately. And periodically they’ve been getting lots of “eye boogies”. But like I said his appointment is this week to help answer a lot of our pressing questions. Otherwise I feel like he’s a pretty healthy baby. :o)

He has also become quite the talker, like his parents. He has moved on to two-syllable sounds. His first one was “ma-ma”. I will admit that I was very excited to hear that for the first time. But I know he’s not aware of what he’s saying. But it does melt the heart just the same! He is also saying “bah-bah” and “da-da”. Michael of course grinned ear to ear the first time he heard that. Sometimes when we put him to bed you can hear him babbling away to Slobber, one of his stuffed puppies. I’m enjoying it now while it’s still cute. Remind me when he’s 13 that I couldn’t wait for the days he could talk! LOL :o)

He’s doing great at school/daycare. He loves all his teachers and “friends” and is currently the second oldest in his class. This is a room of about seven kids all under one year old. As much as I wanted to stay home with him, I couldn’t imagine a better place for him. They do so many things with him that I never would have imagined. And sometimes the simplest thing is used as a teaching tool. They’ve finger painted, played with dry oatmeal and explored a newspaper. Another time they “helped” make muffins. And now that he’s crawling he’s exploring the adjoining classroom a lot more often. A few times I’ve gone to pick him up and the teachers laugh saying he went to visit his other friends. I think he’s turning into quite the flirt, like his daddy! It’s a wonderful place and I have had great experiences with everyone he comes in contact with.

I think that’s all the updates I have for now. I’m sure that was more than some of you expected. Look for the pictures and videos. I promise to have them up this week!

Pictures, videos and updates...oh my!

Last weekend we celebrated my aunt's 50th birthday. She sure doesn't look 50!

We had a great time and Daniel was spoiled by everyone there.

Why am I the only one looking at the camera?

Daniel is trying so hard to crawl. You can't see it very well but he has figured out how to get his feet under him. Just not at the same time as his arms. Once he gets his arms up his feet fall and the other way around. But if he has something holding his feet still he get up. Then he starts that rocking motion. It's almost like he's thinking, "Okay, now what?"


He has graduated from the infant tub to the big tub. This has been for some time but now he's able to sit up on his own and actually enjoy bath time. And enjoy it he does. He still drinks the water every chance he gets. And funny enough, he prefers to play with the Cool Whip bowl rather than the other bath toys!



I have been making Daniel's baby food. But apparently not fast enough according to this picture! He's been doing really good with his new menu. He loves his veggies thank goodness. I can't really say what is his favorite. Maybe sweet potatoes or carrots. Bleh! I do not like sweet potatoes. He has also been eating banana, vegging mixes, peas, avocado, and yogurt. We will soon be experimenting with peaches, blueberries and mango.
Slow down son!

Is this not the most adorable picture? He is normally a little fussy after a bath. I think part of it is because he really likes bath time and hates to see it end. Also, no matter how fast I try to dry him off and get him dressed I think he doesn't like being the slightest bit cold.

This first video is obviously bath time. That slapping thing he's doing is what he does when he's very excited. I love the strategically placed washcloth. That's all him!

The toy he's playing with is some kind of music toy from my Nana. He got this for Christmas and just loves it. Could it be the lights or the music? Who knows, but he sure is funny playing with it.

Just a tease!

I know I have no place to tease right now. If I haven't totally lost my few followers. But here is a picture to tide you over. I have lots more to come. I promise to post more before the end of the week. You can hold me to that! Remember that gives me up to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday! :o)

What's taken you so long Mommy?

6 months and counting!

Our baby turned 6 months on February 27th! Where has the time gone? His dedication went great. We had a small intimate group which is just how we had wanted it. All the people who love Daniel were there. And those who couldn't be were there in spirit and in our hearts. It was an eye opener for me to remember that Daniel doesn't really belong to me, but to God. He is truly His. And last weekend we let everyone know. I pray that God will give us the wisdom to raise him in a loving Christian home. And I pray that one day we will see him give his heart to God as we have given ours.

Daniel has been accomplishing so much in his little world. We've really been working and playing hard. And I know his teachers and friends at day care have really been a lot of help. Here is what he's doing right now.
- sitting up

- grabbing objects around him (The tv remote and telephone are popular choices.)
- putting everything in his mouth
- trying solid foods

- attempting to hold his own bottle and spoon
- rolling over and over and over
- scooting around on his belly, backwards (He started out on the blanket playing with his toys.)

- making one syallable sounds (ie. ma, da, ba, bla, pa)
- recognizes both of his names (He goes by James at school and Daniel everywhere else.)
- enjoys bath time (Especially chewing on his washcloth and drinking the bath water. Yuck!)

- LOVES playing in his bounce gym

- plays and sleeps by putting his blanket on his face (Don't worry folks. I constantly check on him and move his blanket once he's done playing and falls asleep. Scary and strange, believe me I know. But it soothes him somehow.)

I can't believe I have a 6 month old! It is just amazing all the changes that have taken place. I look forward to each new thing. All the firsts that we are seeing and will get to see. I'm cherishing them all. Because like we are constantly reminded by everyone . . . it'll be gone in a flash!