Thankful

I decided to list 26 things I am thankful for (since Thanksgiving is on the 26th). Many people have been doing this daily on Facebook, but I wanted to do it my way (imagine that). Before I get to my list though, please say a prayer for Aubrey Bowden and family as she is undergoing surgery today to remove 4 tumors that have popped up. You may remember that Aubrey just recently beat a rare form of cancer, so this news was very heartbreaking. Aubrey is only 22 months old.

I am thankful for...(in no order)
1. Sorority sisters. You may not know every single one but they have your back whenever you need something.
2. My great job. I work with the best people ever and as much as I want to stay home with my girls, I don't mind going back to work in a week.
3. My education. I wouldn't be where I am today without it.
4. Patience. Mine is being tested so I have to remember this one and walk away when needed.
5. My faith. It may not always be perfect, but I believe in God and that he takes care of me every day, even if it doesn't feel like it.
6. My Mom. She has been with me through everything and I wouldn't know what to do without her.
7. Meredith. She is one great kid and a fabulous big sister.
8. Tinsley. She is a gift and has allowed us to grow closer as a family.
9. Bill. Words alone cannot express how much I love him.
10. My pets. They are my furry children, even Bill's crazy two that don't have much to do with me.
11. My house. I have one.
12. Lenora. She is the best friend any girl could ask for.
13. My friends. They can always be counted on, even those that are far away.
14. My family. Helped me grow in so many ways.
15. Bill's family. The best set of in-laws out there. And I get to be called Aunt Stacie because of them.
16. Maternity leave. It has enabled me to be able to bond with both of my girls (maybe too much with Tinsley as I don't know how the child is going to eat when I go back to work since she still won't take a bottle.
17. Afternoon naps. They allow me time to get things done.
18. Sleeping children. Both of my girls sleep through the night so I can too.
19. Facebook. It has allowed my to reconnect with so many people.
20. The Internet. I have gotten lots of valuable information from here, as well as being able to find a laugh when needed.
21. The mountains. I am always at peace there.
22. Our daycare. Wonderful folks that care so much for Meredith and can't wait to welcome Tinsley. When your child could care less that you are there then you know you have found a great place.
23. Word World. Let's me get dinner ready.
24. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Ditto (gotta have a little variety).
25. Good neighbors. They have helped us out in a pinch many times.
26. My health.

Wordless Wednesday - Two Months Old

Bottle Blues

As some of you may know (since I have posted it on Facebook), we cannot get Tinsley to take a bottle. Originally we were going to wait until the end of October to even try to give her one, but then I read somewhere that you shouldn't wait any longer than 5 weeks old to introduce a bottle or your child might refuse it. I read this when Tinsley was 4 weeks old so we gave her a bottle the next week and she didn't give us too much of a problem. Then the night we bought our new car Bill gave her another bottle and she sucked it right down. After that the following week I met a friend for dinner and when I returned a phone call from Bill, discovered Tinsley screaming her head off and poor Bill had been trying to feed her for almost an hour.

Fast forward to today, 4 nipple types later and we still are unsuccessful. This was never a problem with Meredith. Now, granted Meredith had to be supplemented with formula the first week of her life, but she had no problems going back and forth from breast to bottle. My sweet, darling husband tries every day to give her a bottle and she screams her head off, occasionally sucking a little bit, but nothing more.

We have Avent bottles as that is what we used with Meredith. We used an orthodontic nipple from the hospital, but she gags because it is so small. I bought a Soothie bottle from Walmart on Friday because on the few times Tinsley takes a paci, that is the one she takes. She wouldn't take that bottle either. We even tried putting the paci in her mouth then switching and that didn't work. Yesterday I bought one of the expensive Adiri bottles and she wouldn't use that one either.

None of this would be a problem except for the BIG problem, I have to go back to work on December 7, just 4 weeks away. Luckily she will be home with Daddy the first week, but she still needs this skill. I can't be that mom that drops her breastfed kid off at daycare knowing they won't take a bottle.

So I am taking advice, any and all of it out there, to try to get her to take a bottle. We don't really want to buy any more, but I think we are willing to possibly try one more brand. Let me know you thoughts. Should we just suck it up and let her cry in hunger until she takes it?

This momma needs a break!

Halloween 2009

This Halloween we had a wedding to attend. My cousin Leah got married on her favorite day of the year. Our family had a wonderful time at all the festivities, everything was beautiful. So needless to say we did not do the trick-or-treating thing, but that was ok, Meredith did get some candy and the girls did get dressed up. I think Meredith had about 5 wardrobe changes between Friday and Saturday (she was the honorary flower girl). Here are some pictures...