big girl

We are working on getting Bristol to learn to sit up all by herself. She likes to do things on her own time schedule. She rules the roost and will let you know otherwise. Lately, she has been so active and I love it! She loves her activity bouncer even though her feet are still nowhere near touching the ground. We still have to wrap a blanket around her to stabilize her, otherwise she will lean forward.

I just love my little monkey and I love getting to experience all her new tricks. I can't wait till she masters sitting up, it will be a whole new world for her. :)

The Lord is good to me....

And so I thank the Lord. For giving me the things I need. The sun, the rain and the apple seeds. Oh the Lord is good to me. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamen.

I love that little preschool song. So simple and oh so true. I sing this song to Bristol 56 times a day and she loves it. I love that she loves it. In fact, I sing her all the preschool songs I sang to my sweet babies last year. I love knowing that she is learning these songs and by the time she gets to CCA, she will be a pro at them :) Back to the song. It's such a sweet, simple song and I find myself singing the song many times during the day, even when I'm not singing it to Bristol. The Lord is good to me and many times I have to ask why? Why is he good to me? I am a sinner. I sin everyday and yet, he gives me things I need, want and sometimes don't need and don't want. He is a mighty giver and a big lover. He loves me, despite all my imperfections. He is good to me, despite my sinning actions. Thank you God for loving me for me. Thank you Lord for blessing me with so many things that I don't deserve but you bless me anyway.

Speaking of blessings, I'd love to share some recent blessings. I have been blessed to be part of a play group consisting of sweet new moms and sweet precious babies. I love being a part of a group like this because it's an outlet for Bristol and I. These babies will all grow up together and there is something so wonderful about that. I moved several times when I was younger and so I never had the same friends, I was always having to make new ones. Knowing that Bristol will know these friends for a long time makes my heart smile. This group is such a blessing in our lives right now. Another blessing is that Brandon and I recently joined a first family ( small group) at our church. My parents have been in the same first family since we started going to FCCC 17 plus years ago. I grew up going to first family and when Brandon and I got married, I wanted to be part of a group badly. I had prayed and prayed but nothing came our way. Recently, we were asked to be part of a new first family and boy, was that an answered prayer. We love our group and look forward to each get together we have. Another blessing that has just come our way is that we joined our churches slow pitch softball team. This might sound silly but softball and sports has always been a huge part of my life and Brandon's. We were playing on a team before we had Bristol and we quite because there was too much drama and I couldn't handle it anymore, so Brandon and I decided to not play anymore. We knew a season was coming up and we asked one of the guys in our first family about the team and he asked if we wanted to play. OF COURSE, YES! Sign me up! So now, every Friday, we will be playing 2 games and I am oh so happy about it. We are excited to get to spend this time together doing something we really enjoy.

There isn't much else going on in the Barron House. Same ole' same ole'.

Until next time...

Kellianne Barron Photography

I love photography. I always have. I took a photography class my sophomore year of high school and loved it. We had a dark room and it was the most fun I have had at school. I got to take my own photos, take them out of the old fashion 35mm roll, and develop them in the dark room. I actually won a couple contests with some photos I took in high school.

I was always the girl who had her camera with her. Remember the days of disposable cameras? I remember every summer, as camp(s) rolled around, I would bring at least 2-3 disposable cameras so I could get as many pictures I could. I loved taking them to wal-mart to get them developed to see what moments were captured. I have multiple photo albums, memory boxes and old pictures in boxes. I'll never forget when I got my first camera. It was a black minolta which took 35mm film. I thought I was so cool because I had my very own camera. After that camera, I got my first digital camera, it was a Nikon 3.5 megapixels. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. You're telling me I could take a picture and see it RIGHT after it was snapped? Holy Cow! I thought it was amazing! Since then, I have had several other cameras. When I took the photography class in high school, my parent's bought me a Canon Rebel 35mm film camera. I used this for a long time until it died. That was a sad day.

About 2-3 years ago, Brandon bought me a Canon DSLR. I had been wanting one of these for SOOOOOO long. I would get on the computer and search for cameras. I was obsessed with finding the right camera at the right price. Ever since then, that camera has never left my side. I have 3 lens' for that camera, which my 50mm is by far the best lens for the best price. I use this lens for everything. The pictures you see on my blog are taken with my 50mm lens. It creates crisp and clear shots. But it also can give those blurry background shots as well. Over time, I have learned more and more about photography, but I know there is SO much more to learn. It is my dream to upgrade my camera, but it's quite expensive. One day, one day I will get the camera of my dreams. Right now, my Canon is just fine. It takes great pictures.

Since having Bristol, my interest in photography has sky-rocketed. How could I not take pictures of my sweet Bristol? So many people have told me that I need to start my own business. You see, I have wanted to do that for a long time but I felt that I needed to improve my skills, learn more about my camera and educate myself on editing photos. Brandon's cousins wife asked me to take their family pictures for their Christmas cards. Of course I said yes. I knew it would be fun and it would give me more experience. Well, the pictures turned out great! I posted them on facebook and got an overwhelming response by friends asking me if I have my own business. Other people asked me to take their photos and I got more responses from friends asking me to take their photos. So I threw together a price for a sitting fee, cd of pictures, etc. Since Christmas, I haven't taken anymore pictures but that's ok. I haven't really gotten together a "business plan" yet or done much "advertising". I am not on facebook anymore which was a big way to advertise.

As time goes on, I keep thinking that this is something I want to do - all the time. I love it. I love capturing moments for people I know. I love seeing them smile when they see their pictures. I love knowing that these pictures are special to the families. Photography tells a story and I want to be part of that story.

Did I mention that take photos at Cornerstone Christian Academy? It's a part time gig and I love it. I set my own schedule, get to bring Bristol and most of all, I get to see the amazing people I used to work worth along with my sweet precious babies. It's really such a blessing that I was offered to do this this year.

I'm that my little biz will continue to grow, especially as I can advertise more.
I would like to say this. If you want or need pictures taken, please consider me. :) I would love to capture your special moments with your sweet family. I am very reasonable too, ha! On a serious note, I will spend as much time as I can to make sure that you get the pictures you want and how you want them.

Contact me at Kms03b@yahoo.com if you are interested!

6 months of sweetness

I have a 6 month old baby? What? How? When did this happen? Bristol turned 6 months old today, February 15th. I know I have said it every month, but time sure does fly by. It kind of makes me sad to think how fast time as gone. But on the other hand, I thank the Lord above for allowing me to stay home with my lil "brittle". I am not sure what I would of done if I had to put her in a daycare of some sort.

So yeah, Miss Bristol is 6 months old.

Here are her stats...

13.08 lbs - in the 10th percentile
25.(something) inches long - in the 33rd percentile

We still have a little bit on our hands and I love that she is soooo tiny.

I took these pictures on Monday for Valentine's Day and her 6 month photo shoot. I love photographing my sweet girl. It really is one of my favorite things to do. I took these pictures in her bedroom and in the guest bedroom upstairs. Each month it's more fun to capture sweet moments of Bristol. She changes everyday and I love getting to freeze a moment in time get it on camera.

Bristol's eyes get bluer everyday. I love it. I love her. She still has no teeth but I know ANY DAY now, they are going to pop through. She has been fussy lately and I know its because of those darn teeth. Bristol sleeps pretty good. She is sleeping in her crib sans swaddle. I find her sleeping on her right side a lot, it's precious. I've caught her many times on the monitor rolling on her side, just precious. Although sleep has gotten better, there have been some rough nights but I know that's because your mouth is hurting you. Falling asleep on your own has become a lot easier. I can put you in your crib and you will fall asleep within a few minutes. Crying is to a minimum (other than right now, you are screaming so loud). You are quick to find your paci when it has fallen out. It's so sweet to watch you figure things out like that. Self-soothing has become a breeze for you.

Bristol my dear, you absolutely love butternut squash. It's your favorite. I introduced baked apple sauce to you today and you really enjoyed it. You kept ooooing and ahhhing while you ate it. I love making your food. I find such job in knowing that you love it and that I made it. I was disapointed when I had to stop breastfeeding you so this is kind of my way of bonding again with you. We haven't taken you to the church nursery yet. You still go to "big" church with us. I am not sure when I am ready to send you to the nursery, you do so well the whole hour.

No sitting up yet. In fact, you struggle with that. Next week is a big week for you. We start physical therapy. Your torticollis isn't getting any better and momma knew that therapy is what you need, not just momma doing your exercises with you. I am excited to get you started to strengthen your neck, back, arms and tummy. This is going to help you a lot! You were such an angel baby on your VERY FIRST road trip this past weekend. Although you weren't 6 months old, I must document it. I didn't get many pictures of you on the trip because it was a VERY busy, jammed pack day and a 1/2. But needless to say, you truly proved that you are growing up. The car ride was amazing, filled with a few naps, watching mickey mouse, talking and smiling. You held up during graduation like a champ. When we went shopping at the outlet mall, you slept THE.ENTIRE.TIME. A total of 3 hours. You have never slept that long in your stroller, ever! I was so impressed, so was daddy, omi and grandaddy. We now know that you are a great traveler and we can't wait to take another trip with you.

I am looking forward to what this month has in store for you and I. You're my little sidekick and I wouldn't have it any other way. We are quite attached to each other. I can't be away from you more than a couple hours. Well, I can, but my heart hurts when I am. You are on my mind 24/7. You are the most precious gift that I could have ever received.

I love you sweet Bristol Elaine, to the heavens and back. Forever.

my little foodie

Bristol LOVES food. She loves her bottle ( always has ) and now LOVES solid food. I first started with oatmeal and she liked it. I mixed it with formula so if she didn't like it, I would have been surprised. Once she got the hang of the oatmeal, I introduced avocado. She wasn't too sure about it. She would eat it but make a sour puss face once it hit her mouth. Avocado is hard to keep fresh, so I just decided to finish the rest myself, haha. I haven't made it since then. I'm not willing to buy the lemon and make a lemon wash to keep the avocado fresh. Bad mom award goes to me.

Following avocado, I made butternut squash. The minute it hit her mouth she fell in love. She would grab the spoon out of my hand so she could feed herself. Of course, the squash got everywhere. When she would finish, she would scream and cry for more. Bristol would throw a serious fit. Obvisouly, she wanted more so I gave her more. No more tears. ( I ran to the store today to buy more squash so I could have a lot in the freezer. Butternut squash is a winter veggie, so I would hate to not have some when I needed it) I've also made carrots. She hasn't tried them yet but I'm thinking she will like them.

Today, I made more butternut squash and baked apples. I wanted to try another fruit and thought apples would be the best bet. My dr. told me to steer away from banana's because they cause constipation. This momma does not want to go down that road again with Bristol. Been there, done that. I bought 2 gala apples in hopes that Bristol would like them. I really enjoy making her food and love knowing that there are NO additives in this food. It's not from a shelf, a bag or from the freezer section of the store. It's completely fresh and sometimes organic
(depends on the price and selection). It's also very gratifying when I see Bristol really enjoy something I made.

I get all my recipes ( which right now, are SUPER basic) from this amazing website. I am so glad I came across it while researching baby food. I highly recommend going there and checking out what they say and have to offer to momma's who make their child's food. I am so happy I am going this route. It's another way for me to feel closer to Bristol. Annnnnd it's SOOO much cheaper than buying prepared food from the store. And more healthy. :)

I took pictures from today's baking session. Here is what to do…

1. Core apples and leave peel on (without the peel, the apple will turn to mush)
2. Place a wee bit of butter (8 months + if baby is ready for or has had dairy) on the inside of the cored apple (8 months+ - sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the apple if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)
3. Place in a shallow baking or roasting pan with a bit of water – about an inch or 2 of water
4. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until tender; be sure to check on the water level.
5. Once baked, allow to cool and then slip off the skin if needed. You may either cut apple into little bits and serve as a finger food or mash as directed above in the Apples/Applesauce recipe.

After everything was finished, I actually ate the apple peels. They are sooooooo deliciously. The peel is very good for you and I swear, I thought I was eating apple pie.

facebook

It was a couple of weeks ago that a thought popped into my head " get off facebook". No, not just log out but officially get rid of my account. I've thought this a couple times before but never took it seriously. The thought kept coming into my head randomly throughout my days. I knew that was a sign, so I got the courage ( yeah, it took some courage and strength) to deactivate my account.

I found myself on facebook wayyyyyy toooooooo much. It never took me away from taking care of Bristol but it took me away from getting things done around the house like dishes, laundry, cleaning bottles and most of all, school work. I'm going to be honest here, I was addicted. I used facebook for several different reasons. 1. to keep in touch with family 2. keep in touch with friends i don't get to see often 3. an outlet for advice from my momma friends 4. to stalk people
(in a non creepy way)

Do I miss facebook? Sometimes. I really do feel better without it but there are times when I want to see whatever everyone is up to. But really, since not being on it anymore, I have gotten a lot of stuff done and it feels good. I'm sure I will get back on, just not sure when.

I'm glad I made this decision. Brandon almost fell over when I told him about it, haha.

Also, not being on facebook has allowed me to blog more and that makes me happy.

growing up

Bristol will be 6 months old next week. I am not quite sure where time as gone? If you know, please inform me. I am struggling to grasp that my baby will be a half a year old. Wow.

Bristol is growing up every day. She discovers new things everyday. I love watching her explore something new all the time. I decided to take a stab at eating stage 1 baby food. We started with oatmeal a couple weeks ago. She really did a good job with learning how to swallow and holding her spoon. I could put the oatmeal on the spoon, hand her the spoon and she will feed herself. Of course, I don't let her do this because that's "my job" :) After a couple weeks of oatmeal, I decided to venture out and make some baby food for miss priss. I originally didn't want to start her on "solids" until she was 6 months old. But I notice every time Brandon or I would be getting eating, she was very interested, would grab for it, especially if there was a spoon.

I went to HEB today and bought organic carrots, butternut sqaush, avacado and sweet potatoes. I steamed the carrots and then pureed them and now they are in storage cups in the freezer. I also baked the squash, pureed it and stored it in the freezer for future use. I wanted to try avacado first so I cut it open and scraped the "meat" out and mashed it up. I took some pictures to document this monumental event. She really did a great job! When we started, she wasn't so sure about it, then she decided she REALLY liked it and kept whining for more then all of a sudden, she would make this sour puss face and start to gag. I couldn't help but giggle because she was just liking it a minute ago. We will try it again tomorrow. I'm hoping she does great when trying other foods and they sit well in her tummy.

If any of you have any good recipes or recommendations for anything baby food related, I'd love to hear from you!!!

ferberizing and carless

Ferberzing? What's that you ask?

Dr. Richard Ferber wrote a book called " Solve your Child's Sleep Problems" and I have been reading it over the last few days. It took me awhile to actually go out and buy the book ( which by the way, I will almost never go and buy a BRAND NEW book anymore. I've gone to half price books, which are gently used books. I've saved so much money by going there) I would either forget or procrastinate, I'm sure you know how that goes, if not, then bless you because my mind sure doesn't work the way it used to after having Bristol.

I skimmed over a couple chapters and FINALLY came to the "good stuff". The "good stuff" is how to get my sweet Bristol to sleep in her crib without being swaddled. I tried the good ole " cry it out and never go check on your child" method. Broke.my.heart. I'm not saying anything bad about parent's who have done that, you just have more GUTS than I do. After Bristol cried for about an hour and a half last week on a Wednesday night, I decided I couldn't do the old fashion approach. So that's when I ventured to 1/2 priced books and bought "the book". Best $6.80 I have spent in a long time.

I'm just going to cut to the chase here, The past 3-4 nights that I have been implementing the ferber method, my sweet child has slept through the night sans swaddle, swing and late night feeding. MIRACLE? i think so. What have I done? Well, I put her in her crib awake at night. After 5 mins, if she is crying, I go in and check on her. I don't pick her up but I will rub her head and such for 2-3 mins, then I leave again. The next "check in" will be 10 mins later from the last time I checked in. So on and so forth. I increase the check in time by 5 mins each time. This approach is so much easier on myself and Bristol.

Now that my sweet baby is doing better with sleep, we have another problem in the Barron household. My car (brandon drives it to work) is under the weather. I've had some major issues with it over the past year or so. Quick story, I took my car to get an oil change september of 2010 and about 2 weeks later, all the oil poured our of my car onto my drive way. The oil filter had completey came off. I did not know this and I drove it and while on my way to work I thought my car was going to blow up. I turned back around and went home and that's when I found ALL the oil on my drive way. The place that did it FINALLY came around ( after numerous phone calls, threats, paperwork, phone calls and more phone calls) and had to put a whole new engine in my car. Yeah, crazy I know. So now something is leaking again. UGH! We so don't have the money to fix my car. Say a prayer that it's a MINOR tee-tiny fix. I love this car and it's been so good. In fact, I miss driving her.

Well, I'm off to do some school work. Fun right?

a boog sucker and sleep.

Bristol is sick for the second time in her short 5 1/2 month life. It's a cold and it breaks my heart. She has been very congested with a side of runny nose. Oh yeah and a little cough. So pitiful. This cold has also caused her to spit up A LOT. She usually NEVER spits up so I have had to be careful after feeding her because she could spew at any time. The congestion is causing her to spit up and I am ready for that to be gone.

I went to Whole Foods today to buy one of those NoseFrida things. It's a weird way to suck the boogs out of noses. I've been using the blue bulb sucker thingy from the hospital along with saline solution to help with her congestion. I find it to be pretty "harsh" when sucking the boogs out. I sure has heck wouldn't want something shoved up my nose so that's when I decided to try the NoseFrida. It has a tube and one end you put against the baby's nose and the other end you suck. Sounds gross right? It's not. I promise. Nothing is put in the baby's nose which I like and the boogs will never hit your mouth. There is a filter in there that will stop the boogs from getting in your mouth. Ok, I think I'm making this sound 10 times worse than what it really is. I've already tried it with Bristol and I really like it. It was worth the $16.99. Shh, don't tell Brandon.

Along with being sick, she is also teething which has caused her a lot of pain lately. The dr. said her gums aren't swollen nor can she see any teeth but that doesn't mean she isn't in pain. Bristol has been chewing on everything in sight and I'm sure thats how she got sick. Oh well, gotta get sick to build up your immune system right? I'm definitely not one of those moms who goes crazy when her child is sick. It's gonna happen.
Funny story --- Last year, when I was a preschool teacher, I had this one parent who would freak out when ANY of the kids in my class was sick. If she was dropping off her child and she heard another child cough, sneeze or see a runny nose - the mom would literally say " OH GOSH! COVER YOUR MOUTH, WIPE YOUR NOSE! WASH YOUR HANDS! " And then immediately tell her child to steer clear from the sick kids. I always got a good laugh out of that. She would keep your child home if the child only had "the sniffles". Yeah, I'm so not that mom. BTW- not that that mom is crazy or weird..... I just know that getting sick is a part of life and sometimes you can't prevent it.

Now I'm rambling, yeah that's nothing new.

I started this post earlier this afternoon and it's now 10:22pm. I don't want to jinx it but Bristol is sleeping IN HER CRIB. We are doing the Dr. Ferber method.

I.WILL.STAY.STRONG. This is on replay in my head. Send prayers Bristol's way, so that her little body can get some much needed rest. Also, that this is a smooth transition for her.

Blessings to you all!
Enjoy your weekend!

5 months

Bristol Elaine, mommy loves you to the heavens and back. I never thought I could have a love for you like I do. You make my heart smile each and everyday I get to spend with you. You become more fun everyday with discovering new tricks. You continue to amaze me with how much you change on a daily basis. I am so blessed to be able to get to spend the first year of your life at home with you. You are my little sidekick and go with me everywhere. I enjoy your company and love knowing that I can make one quick look in the backseat and see your sweet sweet face. It feels like yesterday that you were born. How did we make it to 5 months already?

Mommy loves taking your monthly picture in your onesie and tutu ( which they still fit because you are a little peanut). Sometimes you wear a bow in the picture and sometimes you wear a flower. We like to change it up :) I could take pictures of you every second of the day so I can capture each and every move you make but if I did that we would get nothing done during the day and Daddy wouldn't be to happy with a dirty house.

Bristol, you love to chew or suck on anything. Those teeth are going to come in any day now. You have been teething since 4 months old and I can tell its made you fussy and upset, but rightfully so my dear. Your paci is still your friend. You prefer to have your paci when your tired, fussy or right after a bottle. Speaking of bottles, you love to hold your own which makes me so sad because that's supposed to be my job. In fact, when mommy is drinking a water bottle, you think it's yours. You try and grab it and when you can't get a hold of it you get upset. Mommy just laughs because you're so silly.

We started to give you oatmeal this month. We did this because everytime we were eating you seemed very interested in what was going on. Mommy got out your highchair and of course you are soo tiny and can barely see over the tray. Mommy and daddy got a kick out of that. You didn't mind oatmeal. You loved holding your spoon and wanted to feed yourself. You are quite the independent one ( I'm still trying to accept that ). Mommy is going to start you on more stage 1 foods once you turn 6 months. I am also going to take a stab at making your food. I'm very excited about that. It will be a new adventure for the both of us. I love adventures with you. :)

You rolled over for the first time this month. Mommy and Daddy couldn't believe it. We've been trying to get you to roll over for awhile now and when you actually did it, it was so easy for you. You only do it when YOU feel like it, which is typical Bristol fashion. We are also practicing you sitting up by yourself. You haven't mastered that yet but I know you soon. I think it's because you are soooo tiny. Well, I just keep telling myself that anyway. You have enjoyed playing on your playmat and grabbing the little birdies and other toys that dangle above you. You can roll over 1/2 way from your back to your side but you always roll right back. I get a kick out of that.

Bath time is still your favorite and it always has been since we brought you home from the hospital. We love to kick your legs and talk to mommy as I bathe you. I can't wait till you can sit up in the tub, it will make bath time even more fun. You also love your changing pad in your bedroom. There is just something about it that makes you happy. Bristol, you haven't always liked your carseat but you have made great strides over the last month or so. You don't fight getting in it as much as you used to, praise the lord. That was very stressful for mommy. We can take care rides without crying fests which also makes mommy happy. You LOVE to be in the baby bjorn when we go shopping or head up to school to take pictures. You're quite nosy and want to see what is going on around you.

You got your second cold of your life this past week. It breaks my heart to see you sick. I wish I could take your sickeness away. You've loved to cuddle and snuggle with me which I've loved.

Your eyes seem to get more and more blue everyday. You have long fingers, long arms and long toes. Your ears aren't even and I love that about you. I call you pug nose pete because your nose is just too cute. We can't decide if your hair is red, strawberry blonde, blonde or brown. Really, it looks a different color everyday. Some people say you look just like your mommy and some people say you look just like you daddy. WE say you are a good combination of both of us. You're absolutely beautiful. And no, I'm not just saying that because you are my baby. You were featured in the Sugar Land Magazine in the Sugar Land Sweeties page. We sure were proud when we heard the news. We have about 16 copies of the magazine :) I always say that God outdid himself when he created you. He chose daddy and I to be your parents and we couldn't be more blessed.

I'm looking forward to seeing what month 6 has in store for you ( and us ).
I love you Bristol Elaine, forever and ever. To the heavens and back.

short and sweet

this post is going to be super short. as i type this, my sweet little baby girl is screaming and crying in her crib. why? because we are doing the cry it out method.

my dr. said i need to break her from swaddling ( completely agree ) and break her from her swing
( which i also agree). She said this " it's ok to let her cry for 1-2 hours" and I responded with " like 1-2 hours consecutively???? of course she looked at me like i was an idiot and said " yeah, it's not hurting them".

ok ok.... i get it. i need to bow up and realize that she can't be swaddled forever and certainly can't sleep in her swing forever. it pains me to hear her cry. i want to run up there so fast to get her and calm her down. buuuuuuut, bristol my dear, you gotta learn to fall asleep on your own sans swaddle and swing. i love you my little one but we gotta do this.

the end.