tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84930982898121737242024-03-05T12:02:54.728-06:00Texas Health MomsMegan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.comBlogger895125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-14688345094094672632014-01-30T11:00:00.000-06:002014-01-30T11:00:05.621-06:00Take Me Back To The Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband recently sent me this picture that he had come across.<br />
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Instantly it took me back to 2001 when I met the love of my life. Wow, has it really been 13 years ago that we met? Looking at that picture I was thinking that was a whole life ago. It certainly seems that way.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We have changed physically and aged; I didn’t think so until I really looked at this picture. We have also changed in who we are apart and who we are together, changed in our parenting styles over the past seven years and many other areas.<br />
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Over the past 13 years we have done a lot… Clint graduated college, we got married, lived in apartment, bought a house, I graduated college, sold a house and bought another one, had a baby, Clint graduated with his masters, moved again into our current home, and had another baby. In between all of this we lived a busy life and loved our little family!<br />
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All of that to say, taking my mind back to a little less than 13 years ago when this picture was taken made me think of the time my husband and I fell in love with each other. God has had His hand over every single step of our marriage and family. I cannot imagine not “doing life” with Clint and what a blessing the past 13 years have been.<br />
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Take some time out of your day and look back a few years, where have you been? Where are you headed?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">Stephanie Abernathy is a Mom of two in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who works at <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/heb">Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford</a>. </span>Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-31861798768079122932014-01-29T11:00:00.000-06:002014-01-29T11:00:02.873-06:00Organizing tips from a party of six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This post is a continuation of the journey of the Benson family to adopt two children. Read more of their journey through fostering and adoption <a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-six-of-us.html#sthash.5VdqpbQ2.dpuf">here</a>. </i><br />
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It was within the first week of David and Graces’ arrival when the reality of having a family of six hit me smack in the face!<br />
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I found myself facing mounds of laundry that I swear was multiplying on its own and covering the hallway that led to my laundry room. To make things worse, I found myself facing an empty refrigerator which had been raided by four growing children and I didn’t have the courage or strength to tow four hungry children through Kroger. Not to mention the house was in total disarray and the thought of CPS or the State popping up to just check in didn’t help my nerves much.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It doesn’t take much to increase my anxiety level. I knew I had to get control of my ship before it continued to sink with a house fully of stinky laundry and an empty refrigerator.<br />
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I look back now and wish I could have had a crash course on how to handle an instant family of six which happened overnight and the twister that apparently touched down in my house. I knew I couldn’t stay up until 2 a.m. every night like I did trying to get things in order and then be able to function at work. It was time I had my crewmen (kids) help and I needed a steady course!<br />
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A few tips that I have learned along the way which has helped our ship stay afloat (thus far!)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each kid has a chore appropriate to their age that they do every day. This allows each child to contribute to the family and earn an allowance. Each child tithes 10 percent to church each Sunday for the allowance and is taught to save their money for that special toy they want.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have designated laundry day for each kid. This is the day where they literally dump their entire laundry basket into the washing machine. This means no more sorting and resorting.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Grocery shopping is done late at night when everyone is in bed sleeping. I find this time actually somewhat relaxing (I know that sounds sad!) where I can walk the aisle of Kroger at 10:30 p.m. and not feel like I am on the TV episode of the Supermarket Sweep.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Each kid has a shower/bath time (morning or evening). This has eliminated cold showers!<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reading is so important to us and we want our children to have the many benefits of reading. However, the time between arriving from school and bedtime can be hectic. Each night, they go to bed at 8 pm sharp and they all read for 30 minutes. This time also helps them unwind from a busy day.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Creating a weekly menu has helped me plan ahead and help reduce the stress of figuring out what is going to be prepared for our next meal. It has also stopped the constant question, what are we eating that I often listen to which was starting to sound like a broken record. Each child has the chance to help plan out a meal each week. Once we have our meals planned, it’s written and placed where everyone can see what meals are planned for the week.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last but not least, assigned seats in the car. This has avoided so many conflicts because they can argue over the simplest things such as who sits by the window or who is in the back row.<br />
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We find ourselves constantly readjusting our sails so to speak because nothing is perfect. As simple as a chore chart sounds, we adjusted it about five times and there were times I thought I had lost my battle with chore chart. <br />
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In the end, I have learned that I can live with a few dishes in the sink, a couple mounds of laundry, and a few dust bunnies and it’s OK.<br />
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Christy Benson is the director of Clinical Informatics Analysis & Measurement for </div>
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<a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>, Mom to two boys, and Foster Mom.</div>
Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-4890132275988897112014-01-28T11:00:00.000-06:002014-01-28T11:00:03.339-06:00“No birthday cake for me, thank you”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After recently celebrating my daughter’s one-year birthday, I am realizing all over again that my children are growing up faster than I’d like. I’m also noticing that my youngest is becoming a finicky eater, just like her big sister.<br />
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For Talia’s birthday, we had colorful cupcakes, along with ice cream as a back-up dessert. While serenading the little lady, she looked at us like we were crazy, not even cracking a smile the entire time. I thought she’d dive right into her birthday cupcake when I placed it on her tray, but that was not the case. She frowned, and then looked at me with displeasure in her big, beautiful eyes.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Through a bit of research, I came across an article by Dr. William Sears that describes the first three years of a child’s life as a prime opportunity to cultivate lifelong, healthy eating habits. He explained that while babies are born with a natural preference for sweets, such as breast milk and milk, the majority of their taste preferences are learned by way of the parents.<br />
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With that being said, both of my daughters love to eat fruits and vegetables. My oldest, for some reason, will also request grits for breakfast and dinner sometimes. On occasion, I’ll comply, but I always add some vegetables to her meal at dinner. When she’s given the opportunity to decide what she can eat, she’s a very happy camper.<br />
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But I digress.<br />
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My baby girl refused to eat her birthday cupcake. I had to literally place a few crumbs onto her spoon just to get her to even try it. While her big sister happily took a few licks of icing off of her cupcake (she refuses to eat the cake portion), I instead gave the birthday girl a few teaspoons of ice cream. Only then did she crack a smile and give me an appreciative hug.<br />
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Even though I found it interesting that she refused to eat her cupcake, I wasn’t the least bit disappointed. Baby girl is above average in weight and height for her age group, so if she prefers healthy foods, I’m behind her all the way. If both of my daughters maintain healthy eating habits going forward, I will be overjoyed.<br />
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But helping them learn what foods are good for their little bodies will be a responsibility for me and my husband. So far, they’re making it relatively easy. On the other hand, I know that they are like little sponges – always watching what we do and say. So if I have to hide my pecan pie or cookies & cream ice cream and eat in the dark like a little rat, then so be it. It’s a sacrifice I will have to make. Or maybe my husband and I need to eliminate a few sweets from our own diets. We’ll think about it, but for now, we’ll just focus on cultivating and maintaining healthy eating habits for our little girls. I think that’s enough for right now.<br />
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Chandra Caradine is a Sr. Public Relations Specialist for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" style="color: #2187bb;">Texas Health Resources</a>, and Mom to two girls.</div>
<br />Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-3235578437928733272014-01-27T11:00:00.000-06:002014-01-27T11:00:00.466-06:00One on One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love a little one on one with my big kids. And I don’t mean basketball. I mean getting a little time just me and one of them at a time. I find out more and different things about what’s going on in their lives and their minds than when all five of us are together, or even when it’s just me with all the kids.<br />
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My big guys are rather reserved in nature (they come by it honestly, from their Daddy), especially in big groups, and often around each other. They are brothers, you know, with a healthy amount of sibling rivalry between them. But when you get them one-on-one, especially in a moving vehicle? Chatterbox city! And the topic isn’t always sports (don’t mistake me, that often comes up, but they also know they’ll get more out of a sports talk with their Dad than with me).<br />
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<a name='more'></a>My Bear (10 years old) will sing to the radio with me, tell me all about the way cool stuff they did in science that day, ask about something he learned in social studies (sometimes it’s a real question, sometimes he’s quizzing me, to see how much more he knows than his good ol’ stepmom – and he often knows more than me!) or, admittedly my favorite – talk art with me. He’ll tell me about the latest cool art project in school or tell me about his latest drawings. I know I’m biased, but Bear’s clearly a budding genius cartoonist and/or illustrator.<br />
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With Bubba (13 years old), the talk lately is about band. He doesn’t use the words “favorite class” about any subject in school (that wouldn’t be cool, after all, even if only the stepmom hears it), but the way he talks about band, I can tell it’s one of his favorites. We talk about the pieces they’re playing in band, what he’s working on in his private lesson, and how much he enjoys being the first chair trombone (well, okay, that’s MY translation of the way he talks about band, he doesn’t quite brag on himself that way). Again, I know I’m biased, but Bubba’s clearly a talented musician, and if it ever becomes his passion, I have no doubt that he’ll be unstoppable.<br />
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I love these conversations with the boys. I try to just open my ears and listen, to really hear the things they’re telling me with such enthusiasm that I’m often glad they can’t see me grinning ear-to-ear in the driver’s seat. I feel I’m getting a true glimpse into the individuals they’re becoming. I can learn more in a short drive home from dinner at the local burger joint than I might get in a week of shoulder shrugs or “nuthin’ special” when I ask how their day was or what they learned in school. I can heap on the genuine praise they need and deserve without fear of embarrassing them in front of their friends or brothers. It’s in these talks that I feel a deeper connection is made; when we remember that we really do understand each other, and that maybe I’m not always the mean, warty stepmom. (Okay, that last one is a joke, mostly.)<br />
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Where do you find you have your best, most natural conversations with your kids? Is it different when you get one-on-one time with them?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">Julie Daneman is wife to Bryan, Stepmom to Jacob and Caleb, and Mommy to Sam. They are a boisterous, loving, happy interfaith family. </span><br />
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Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-2668218548066222852014-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:002014-01-25T08:00:03.256-06:00Letter to my four-month-old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dear sweet girl,<br />
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How is it possible you are already four months old? The time is flying by. It seems like each day now brings a new milestone. In one day recently you both officially rolled over and had your first giggle. I say officially because it doesn’t truly count for the record books until both your Dad and I see it.<br />
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Now you’re grasping for toys, holding your head up like a champ, starting to “talk,” wiggling to sit up whenever you’re held and not too tired or eating. I can practically see your brain synapses firing as you are learning at an incredible rate. You glance around the room categorizing each thing and studying new objects. Things are starting to go into your mouth aside from that pesky thumb you found several weeks ago. It is thrilling to watch and yet I worry, can I keep up?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I want to show you so many things. I want to teach you how to better roll over, and how to sit up and read you many, many books. You’ve already got the sticking your tongue out thing down, which I’ll probably regret teaching you, but you were so cute smiling at me like a crazy Mommy whenever I did it that I couldn’t resist.<br />
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We’re working on talking to each other in the first of what I hope will be many long chats. And while you might not understand our chats now, I’m hoping that I’m laying the groundwork for you to be the beautiful inside and out creature that you are and that you can avoid many of the self-confidence related traps that lurk in the tween and teen years. We talk about being smart and making good choices. And I try to work in the occasional life lesson, even when your daddy is laughing because I’m weaving in messages about watching out for hippos if you’re on safari while getting you to follow your much cuter than they are in real life pink hippo rattle. Life is short and I want to cram in all the lessons I can as I think of them. Plus all the books suggest talking helps your grow in so many ways.<br />
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It’s just the first step in a long line of things that we’ll teach you. But I’m trying not to look too far down the road. I want to soak up every minute of every stage that I can along the way so for now talking and leading you to the next milestones are my main focus. Thank you for being our happy baby and for all you are teaching us too about life.<br />
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Love, Your Mommy<br />
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Jennifer Erickson is a Sr. Communications Specialist at <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/">Texas Health Resources</a>.Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-64435241377438100452014-01-24T12:58:00.000-06:002014-01-24T12:58:34.593-06:00Facing tough questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This post is a continuation of the journey of the Benson family to adopt two children. Read more of their journey through fostering and adoption <a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-six-of-us.html#sthash.5VdqpbQ2.dpuf">here</a>. </i><br />
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I had the biggest over the top visions and dreamy plans in my head of what we were going to do<a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-six-of-us.html"> when we all arrived home</a> and how their whole arrival would be. I mean, they were completely unrealistic but I like to live in my own little dream world sometimes. <br />
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As soon as we got home, David and Grace raced up the stairs so fast they never saw the welcome home sign or any other part of the house to be frank. They saw stairs and literally sprouted wings in search of their very own bedroom. Over the years, David and Grace never had a bed or even their own bedroom. This was huge for them! We didn’t share any details about their room before we arrived. We kept this little detail a secret from them; we wanted them to have some element of surprise when we arrived home.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Grace entered her overpowering pink bedroom and she quickly started looking at her new clothes, hair bows and going through the drawers to see what was in her room. Our son, David, found the Legos we had and sat down and made every Lego set we had in his room. He has an amazing talent to build Legos so intensely and so fast.<br />
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We spent the day doing lots of family activities together to help us in the bonding process as a family. We cooked dinner together and I learned that spaghetti is a common dinner item we can all eat but veggies are a different story.<br />
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After dinner, Grace gave me my first makeover as she called it. I was covered in pink and purple necklaces and about 4 plastic rings that couldn’t fit over my knuckles. After I was covered in princess jewelry, the nail polish came out. Grace decided to paint my nails every color of the rainbow. She even decided to add a bit of sparkle and glitter to them for a little more pizzazz. I wore the nail polish as long as I could. However, given that I had an important meeting at the office on Monday, the polish had to go Sunday night. I am sure it would have been a great conversation starter but it doesn’t exactly scream professional.<br />
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I had some wonderful conversations with my daughter who opened up so honestly. Grace had the courage to share two things that had been bothering her. She was able to gather her courage and share with me that she was worried that we didn’t look alike. Grace was struggling with why she doesn’t look like me. As her Mom, I have blonde hair and blue eyes. Our daughter has long brown hair and deep brown eyes. I shared with her that our outside appearances may not be alike but our hearts are the same and we share many other similarities. I reminded her how families do not always look alike. Families can be unique and beautiful and families are more than just the blood or DNA they may share because it’s much deeper than anything superficial and families are always therefore each other. I promised her I would never leave her and I would always be here through the good and the bad no matter if my hair was purple and my eyes were orange.<br />
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Just when I thought I got off one tough conversation, she then asked me, “Did you adopt your other children?” I shared with her we didn’t adopt them. She said, “Then why do you want to adopt me and my brother”? Such a great question she had for me and one that came straight from her heart. I explained to her that Mommy and Daddy prayed for years to have another child and when the time was right, God safely placed her and her brother into our lives. Now that we finally found each other, we will never be separated. I shared with her she was chosen, we chose her and her brother. They are wanted and they are worthy.<br />
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Christy Benson is the director of Clinical Informatics Analysis & Measurement for </div>
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<a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>, Mom to two boys, and Foster Mom.</div>
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Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-77403482956611830302014-01-10T12:05:00.001-06:002014-01-10T12:05:46.161-06:00Just the six of us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our kitchen table was covered in markers, crayons, and a huge brightly colored poster board that I believe could glow in the dark because it’s so blinding. Our youngest biological son was prepared to make the best welcome home sign for his new siblings with a little help from me with his spelling.<br />
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As we sat down at and created a welcome home sign we talked about what we might do when we arrived at their foster home. I explained to him again that we were adopting them, and it’s not like foster care which we had done for years. This time, they’d never leave and they would have our same last name in six months. He was so excited and said he finally had a sister that he could share his afterschool snack with at aftercare like the other children who have siblings. This was his highlight, somebody to share his snacks with!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We also talked to our oldest biological son again and shared the importance of him being the big brother and how his younger siblings will be looking up to him as a good role model. His concern was where David would sit on the school bus. I assured him there was room on the bus. He also shared that he was worried that I wouldn’t have time for him. I assured him we would still have regular “Mommy and me” dates and my heart is big enough to love all four children (and Daddy) 100 percent.<br />
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The next day at 7:00 a.m. we were piling up in our already too small Tahoe and heading two hours south to pick up David and Grace and bring them back for their first overnight visit. Our children were excited to be driving out onto the ranch. Just the drive on the ranch was enough excitement for him.<br />
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When we arrived at their foster home, our biological children met their siblings and they instantly acted as though they had always been together, all four of them! The letters and photos I had given David and Grace helped them form a relationship with their siblings before we met. David and Grace knew what their new siblings looked like, knew what their likes and dislikes were and they found common interest as many children share such as Legos and action figures.<br />
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David and Grace had two small yellow bags and one box that held all of their prized possessions they had during their time in foster care which was seven extremely long years. As they carefully placed their items in the car, we all pilled in and left. I knew I would have to give them back to their foster mom because this was only a one-night stay. We had to take it slow and not rush too quickly. I tried not to focus on the fact they’d have to go back the next day and focus on the fun times we were about to have together.<br />
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As we left the ranch and made our two-hour journey back home, we finally had all of our children in the car. I remember looking in my rearview mirror at all four of my children and then glancing at my husband with huge tears in my eyes and said “ This is what we waited for, over two years later, it has come true.”<br />
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<i>Read more of Christy's posts about her foster parenting journey <a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/search/label/foster%20parenting" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>
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Christy Benson is the director of Clinical Informatics Analysis & Measurement for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>, Mom to two boys, and Foster Mom.</div>
Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-65474956091204442342013-12-31T13:18:00.000-06:002013-12-31T13:51:55.275-06:00Treasuring each moment without going insane<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTkKDO_uhysGishoKHtoLyzKZShQ5YJC7Mlcjye-taHczBtivcFw3o2xiZEEzbWDRny1d6phvRhb_xSrYX_wzyuOw60-y6UpnoBGSktSIj0pK66dS4gVaCJAEoYunm5H0mU6vGrr3TMUU/s1600/Aleshia_Jan_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTkKDO_uhysGishoKHtoLyzKZShQ5YJC7Mlcjye-taHczBtivcFw3o2xiZEEzbWDRny1d6phvRhb_xSrYX_wzyuOw60-y6UpnoBGSktSIj0pK66dS4gVaCJAEoYunm5H0mU6vGrr3TMUU/s400/Aleshia_Jan_blog.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time at a water park.</td></tr>
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Right now my sons are 5 and 2 and sometimes I feel like all I hear is how I’m supposed to treasure each moment. <br />
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I know I’ll probably lose Mommy points for saying it, but it’s become somewhat of a sore spot. Don’t get me wrong – I try, but when I’m really concentrating on it, I start to get overwhelmed. How am I supposed to treasure each moment when life is moving so fast? As a working Mom, there’s a lot of scheduling to contend with and small milestones feel like they’re flying by: kindergarten Christmas program, a second birthday, Christmas morning, playing in the ice (they thought it was snow and at one point I just gave up and let them play in it.) So there I am, snapping pictures and trying to burn the images into my memory – all the while treasuring. Each. Moment. <br />
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It’s just too much.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Believe me, I’ve asked parents of older children for advice, but the gist is that “Things just didn’t move as fast when I was raising my kids” or “We just had photo albums in my day; we didn’t scrapbook” or, one of the best ones – “We had a Polaroid and we hung the pictures up on the fridge.”<br />
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But the thing is, they’re right! Twenty years ago, there was no Shutterfly and ordering an online photo book or scrapbooking to commemorate a milestone would have been crazy talk. So when I couldn’t get advice on what to do, I decided to take advice on when to do it. <br />
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And the answer is later.<br />
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If I can’t scrapbook and document the milestones the way I want to right now, I can certainly tuck away items and photos for one day when I have more time. So, below are a few ways I’m currently coping. Hopefully, as you head into this next year, you can use a few ideas from below – and if you have ways you’re coping, I would be happy to hear them!<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Save everything.</b> These days I take the pictures, hold on to the movie stubs or event memorabilia and put them in a labeled box so I can scrapbook later. I label everything I can and sometimes I just stick a note in there for myself of something funny one of my children said – so I can remember it on that magical day when I have time to scrapbook.<br /> </li>
<li><b>Post on social media.</b> Half the fun of child rearing is remembering crazy things your children did – and I’ve found that when you post on Facebook, Twitter, a blog, etc., your family and friends will remind you of things you’ve posted about your children. It’s a great way to mark some milestones.<br /> </li>
<li><b>Remember to put the camera down sometimes.</b> I’m the first person to say you need to take as many pictures as you can, but not at the cost of interrupting the moment. When it comes down to it, I take photos so I can remember and so my children can remember, but it’s not always about the picture. Sometimes it’s just about the bond you’re creating with your child – the feeling of happiness and relaxation that you’re instilling, teaching, showing them. And you don’t need a camera for that.</li>
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Aleshia Howe is a Mom to two boys and a senior communications specialist at <a href="http://www.texasheatlh.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>.Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-20043868682179184982013-12-30T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-30T10:00:00.100-06:00Meeting our children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It felt like a first date even though I haven’t had a first date since I first started dating my husband 20 years ago. I guess looking back on it now; it was our first date and also the prelude to a few more “first dates”. <br />
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My husband and I were both shuffling around in the bathroom trying to figure out what we were going to wear, discussing what would we say, and chatting about what questions may be asked. <br />
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I really didn’t give it much thought as silly as it may sound but I could tell my husband wanted to make a good first impression. He wanted to make a good impression when m<a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/2013/11/seventeen.html">eeting David and Grace for the first time</a>.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We had less than 24 hours to show up at their group home and meet them. It was Grace’s desire to be home and be adopted by Christmas. This was something that both agencies were not sure could happen. Therefore, we had to speed things up to make sure there was a Christmas miracle!<br />
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We left our home early Monday morning and drove two hours to their home. We arrived an embarrassingly 30 minutes early because I was worried about traffic or getting behind a slow tractor as we made our way to the ranch where they were. We waited 30 minutes at the end of the dirt road that would lead us to their house. While we waited for their case workers to appear, I found myself checking email, making Facebook updates and taking some beautiful pictures of the country side while waiting. We had to wait for all of the caseworkers to appear so they could introduce us as “Mom and Dad” to our children and also watch our interactions.<br />
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When we arrived, we went into their home and our children were sitting on the couch waiting for us so quietly and patiently. I am sure they were just as nervous as we were. After all, they didn’t know us and didn’t know if they could trust us since so many adults in their lives have failed them over the years. <br />
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Grace was the first one to run up to me and give me a huge handful of waded up paper that was clipped together with a tiny clothespin. Since she learned of her new adoptive family, she drew pictures of all six family members and wrote us all hand written letters. She was so very proud and wanted me to read each piece of paper.<br />
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Our son was a bit more anxious and he came over to say hello and then immediately wanted to show us the Legos he has been working on. He had such pride in the Legos he had made which were stored in a small shoebox in his room. After staying for about an hour, they felt comfortable to spend the day with us.<br />
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We spent eight hours together on our “first date” eating cheese pizza, getting milk shakes (with no cherry on top!) and bowling for the first time. We learned quite a bit about each other on our first date. My husband taught my son to bowl for the first time and I was able to braid my daughter’s hair for the first time.<br />
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We knew our next “first date” together would be a double whammy. <br />
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The next time we’d see our David and Grace would be in five long days. Even though we talk every night at 8:00pm, it felt like eternity. On our 17th wedding anniversary our newly adoptive children David and Grace would be introduced to our biological children and it would be our first overnight visit at their new home with their forever family. <br />
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<i>Read more of Christy's posts about her foster parenting journey <a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/search/label/foster%20parenting" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>
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Christy Benson is the director of Clinical Informatics Analysis & Measurement for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>, Mom to two boys, and Foster Mom.</div>
Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-31657659409335591902013-12-27T12:14:00.000-06:002013-12-27T12:14:00.071-06:00Breastfeeding woes to joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was pregnant and people would ask if I planned to breastfeed my answer was always I hope to do so. I had seen too many friends struggle with breastfeeding forced to go the route of exclusive pumping or just plain not be able to make it work. So while I fervently hoped, I also was realistic that it could be tough and that ultimate success was out of my hands.<br />
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Little did I know what was in store for me though.<br />
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First we’d struggled with infertility (strike one). I didn’t know it at the time, but I’m told that the hormonal issues often tied to infertility can also affect breastfeeding, according to one of the many lactation consultations I met with in this journey. Born at 36 weeks and two days my daughter was a preemie (Strike two). I had a c-section(strike 3) because my daughter was breech. If this were a baseball game we’d be out. Yet the strikes kept coming. Nursing sessions left both of us frustrated and in tears (another strike because stress is about as anti-successful breastfeeding as you can get.). I desperately wanted her to breastfeed for many of the reasons she was having trouble which made me feel like I was failing her at something that was supposed to be so natural. A family friend pulled me aside about six weeks in and half joked that there’s nothing natural about breastfeeding. I had to agree, at least with learning how to breastfeed. There may be natural instincts but it isn’t just getting your child in position and nature takes over. At least not in our case, that’s for sure.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>While at <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/heb">Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford</a> I lost track of how many official lactation consultants I visited with and nurses who cared for us that were also lactation consultants. I asked anyone who might know for help hoping to get this. Our first visit with the pediatrician she was nothing but encouraging of my quest to breastfeed but also was very supportive in saying that my sanity was key too and that she herself had had difficulties. Something about my pediatrician herself having trouble made it seem like less of a personal failure. The days of pumping and having very frustrating nursing attempts continued to add up moving into weeks rather than days. I told myself while she wasn’t nursing successfully she was still getting my milk and thereby the end result was the same albeit much more work for me.<br />
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I resigned myself to the pump, but also quickly realized that while I needed to follow the lactation consultant’s rules, I also had to make it work for me otherwise it was time to give up now.<br />
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I shortened my goals from wanting to breastfeed for a year to six months down to just that week when times got really tough. I kept going and kept trying to offer breastfeeding to my daughter once a day or more. We continued to have to use the shield, the only way she’d even try nursing. The weeks clicked by and it wasn’t until about week 8 or 9 that she was able to nurse successfully enough not to need a bottle of breast milk for 90 minutes. I did a happy dance. It was HUGE for us. Then the next day she did it again. Then came a patch where she wouldn’t try or certainly not enough to eliminate a bottle.<br />
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But we kept trying and eventually at 11 weeks and five days old she figured it out. I won’t forget that day. She nursed. She nursed without a shield. She nursed with gusto. And she didn’t need a bottle afterward. Wow, I thought. That was amazing. So the next time she was ready to eat we tried again. Again, success, her first time doing it twice in one day ever. Later again, more success. We went 19 hours without a bottle. I was shocked, amazed and really proud. We did it! The next morning we cautiously tried again and again success at a 24-hour stretch this time. Now, would it have been easier to have this happen earlier and not two days before I returned to work? Sure, but I’ll take it. Because what it means is now I get to spend my time away from work with my daughter not a pump. I get to feed her wihtout the bottle between us. We get to cuddle in the nursery rocker like I envisioned while pregnant and have a quiet bedtime routine. It even makes all the tears and daydreams of smashing the pump to smithereens worth it.<br />
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I’m so thankful that my friend made a point to tell me to keep trying, because if I hadn’t we wouldn’t have found our groove and I would have missed these special moments. I had always figured they either “get” breastfeeding in the beginning or not at all. There is so much out there about nipple confusion I figured we were doomed. I never in a million years would have guessed that at 11 weeks and five days the flip could switch. And it makes me wonder how many aren’t able to keep going until they reach that magical milestone or don’t know to keep offering it and resign themselves to exclusive pumping.<br />
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For us breastfeeding is now becoming more natural. My pump and I are still frenemies several times a day and I’m now trying to figure out how to fit pumping into my work day. The bottom line though is that she’s getting nearly all breast milk and has most of her life. And we are making breastfeeding work for us which really is all that matters in the end. Was your road breastfeeding picture perfect or did you also experience bumps in the road?<br />
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Jennifer Erickson is a Sr. Communications Specialist with <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/">Texas Health Resources</a> and Mom to a 14-week-old daughter.Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-74558717803429851952013-12-26T13:00:00.000-06:002013-12-26T13:00:01.578-06:00Why Do You Like Christmas?The task was simple, or so I thought. For this post, I wanted to ask my kids why they like Christmas. When the camera was off, the question was easy, but once the camera started rolling, it was a little more difficult, apparently. <br />
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I asked Preston and Emory to introduce themselves, tell how old they are and share why they like Christmas. Preston went first. <br />
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Preston, Age 6<br />
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Emory, Age 3 (or is she 6?) – After listening to her brother.<br />
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The age thing really tripped her up. We had to try a couple of times.<br />
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Enjoy this Christmas carol for your pleasure!<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
The SwinksMegan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-28114826908504267392013-12-25T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-25T10:00:05.429-06:00Oh Christmas Tree!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was certainly very happy and blessed to see Shelby enjoy her first Christmas, but fast forward to 2013 and what a transformation!<br />
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Though she has not fully grasped the entire concept, to see her excitement and wonderment over the decorations, the presents, and Santa takes Christmas to a whole new level. She is fully obsessed with Sesame Street and all of its fuzzy muppets, so shopping for gifts has been really fun versus last year when a pacifier or a sippy cup of milk was higher on her list of favorite things. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Her school has a mail day each Wednesday. During the month of December you can send a letter from Santa for your child. I really didn’t think it would have a big impact but sent a letter for Shelby anyway. Her teacher said she loved hearing the letter being read to her and carried it around the rest of the day. She showed everyone who came in the room her letter from Santa.<br />
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We have some fun family activities planned for the holiday week like a train ride with Santa and I’m sure we will take in some Christmas lights and attend church. I hope you all thoroughly enjoy the holiday season with your family and loved ones.<br />
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<div class="post-body entry-content" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 877px;">
Makala Pollard works in Brand Management & Promotions for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" style="color: #2187bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>. </div>
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She is a Stepmom <span style="line-height: 1.4;">to two boys and Mom to Shelby.</span></div>
Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-60894540759952869452013-12-24T11:56:00.001-06:002013-12-24T11:58:49.989-06:00What my toddler really wants for ChristmasJake, my 2-year-old, is finally old enough to kind of understand Christmas. He can successfully identify Santa, he’s obsessed with watching <i>How the Grinch Stole Christmas</i> (Jim Carrey version), and every time we drive past one of the many flamboyantly lit-up houses in our neighborhood he points and exclaims “Christmas!”<br />
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But when you ask him whether he wants to open presents on Christmas morning, he shakes his head no. I’m not sure why. I can only guess it’s because he suspects his parents will be oh-so-unoriginal and gift things like Mega Blocks and Fisher Price doodads and not anything he really wants.<br />
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Here’s what I think Jake would really want for Christmas:<br />
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<b>Unlimited bath time</b><br />
If he could, he'd live in the bathtub.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>A light switch </b><br />
On. Off. On. Off. I’m telling you, this never gets old for him. The joys they can find in the simplest things.<br />
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<b>Everything in his brother’s room</b><br />
Balls of all different sports, a tennis racket, pencils, dirty socks…it doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s from his 13-year-old brother’s room, it’s a precious treasure.<br />
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<b>A computer chair</b><br />
He just loves these things. It swivels, it spins, he can sit underneath and pretend he’s in a rocket ship or whatever it is he’s pretending here in this photo. The fascination is a no-brainer.<br />
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<b>Cat toys</b><br />
Whenever we visit Grandma and Grandpa’s house, he goes straight for the cat toys. Cat nowhere to be found (because she’s terrified of the toddler and hiding under a bed)? No problem. These are just as fun to play with alone. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0laU_-f-TFiymdl4Omg7p73DuR_GELJ4KzipOgT88yf-JJ_qUyppuJxkD0BYxnJNwjpQ_CLinU0FigYDtD-GdIe8XnUz5ukS9XsTMZ0cd_H7Vk28kFMrvnDuwecwEP3Rhmzuf7hAk0jC/s1600/DSC_8337.jpg" /><br />
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Actually, Jake is quite happy-go-lucky and will be thrilled with whatever gifts await him tomorrow morning. (Besides, he already has a bunch of light switches to play with, if only he could reach them all.)<br />
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And me? The best gift I could get is to witness my boys laugh and squeal with the excitement of the holiday. Their happiness is my happiness.<br />
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Merry Christmas Eve to you and your family!<br />
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Megan Brooks is a Sr. Public Relations Specialist with <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>, Stepmom to a teen and Mom to a toddler. Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-71101226818658506032013-12-23T10:38:00.000-06:002013-12-23T10:38:00.165-06:00It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year (And Busiest)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_6Z1CrGnvDjxSF3-lx6UOUWDJUUNGgO1tv3AGjlmkowvpy044bK-dOpQp6QMyTioMYElFIJMIzEs9ZVLdBV-9etLphpiZK6CpGeUuH189DTHrR7jG-7YcEvQ9BMwW-Zv0wCFN5_thfFd/s1600/step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_6Z1CrGnvDjxSF3-lx6UOUWDJUUNGgO1tv3AGjlmkowvpy044bK-dOpQp6QMyTioMYElFIJMIzEs9ZVLdBV-9etLphpiZK6CpGeUuH189DTHrR7jG-7YcEvQ9BMwW-Zv0wCFN5_thfFd/s320/step.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
How is it already just a few days before Christmas?<br />
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It has felt like the last three months have flown by and I don’t know where the time has gone. Starting with Thanksgiving week until now, we have had multiple things on our calendar and “to do list” every weekend and most weeks.<br />
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I wanted so badly to have time to relax and enjoy the Christmas Season at home with my family, but just knew that would have to wait until after Christmas Day. Until a change came our way in the DFW area, 2013 Ice Storm!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Yes, it was crazy with the amount of ice and it was dangerous to be on the roads, but I was at home with my family for four days straight. Everything that weekend was cancelled and due to the weather we were all home together with not much to do. It was pure bliss!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEQh4MDXA52w8kFURqwTFJmp2i7aC3Ys8Q_P7gRE49fYbXnWFxugX1b66bTWyHeX2cUdj8g-Ucz5KTN0NidprYd3XXytOpcphp5TRAlZaCvxDSflWXNacpyjgci59yoKke1jyJvh8mIZ3/s1600/step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEQh4MDXA52w8kFURqwTFJmp2i7aC3Ys8Q_P7gRE49fYbXnWFxugX1b66bTWyHeX2cUdj8g-Ucz5KTN0NidprYd3XXytOpcphp5TRAlZaCvxDSflWXNacpyjgci59yoKke1jyJvh8mIZ3/s320/step+2.jpg" width="240" /></a>We cooked a lot, ate a lot, played, cleaned, wrapped presents, watched cartoons together, played outside, made rice crispy treat houses, and the list could go on and on. Even though at some moments we had cabin fever, it was so nice to just enjoy our family and home.<br />
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So even in the midst of crazy times, running around and obligations we have this month, I was given the opportunity to love on my family and not have a single place to be. It was truly a time cherished!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">Stephanie Abernathy is a Mom of two in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who works at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. </span>Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-35283311879816183632013-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-20T10:00:08.659-06:00Sam’s wearing me out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sam’s wearing me out. We’ve been doing Elf on the Shelf for <a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/2011/12/oh-places-sam-will-go.html">several years now</a>, and I’m really looking forward to H. figuring out that the parents are moving the elf.<br />
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She’s so close to figuring it out, too. I downloaded a calendar of Elf suggestions off the Internet and had it folded up in my purse. H. was rummaging through and pulled it out and read it out loud. “Elf on the Shelf calendar. Mommy, why do you have this in your purse?”<br />
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The best defense is a good offense. "Aren’t you supposed to be doing something else? What are you doing in my purse?”<br />
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Attention diverted.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Then came “Mommy, if Santa Claus is dead (we tell the story of St. Nicholas and how we honor his memory today with Santa Claus), how are there elves like Sam?”<br />
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“What do you think?” I asked. (My favorite question ever.)<br />
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“Hmmmm…maybe his real elves had children and Sam is a great-great-great-great…..”<br />
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You get the idea.<br />
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<a href="http://texashealthmoms.blogspot.com/2012/12/going-overboard.html">T. got it last year</a> and this year has been interesting. He has suggestions for what Sam needs to do, but then he likes the mystery of finding him every day. One day I asked T. if he wanted to be in charge of finding Sam something to do and he said, “No. I want it to be a surprise.”<br />
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He’s done a great job not ratting me out to his sister. I’m very proud of him.<br />
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But overall, I am tired of having to come up with something new for Sam to do. The one time I had a repeat from a previous year, H. called Sam out on it. “You did this last year!” she said, in a very disappointed voice.<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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Less than a week to go and I can put the elf back in a box. Where he belongs.<br />
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Update:<br />
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So H. figured it out this morning. She was looking at the chalkboard where “Sam” had written “I love H. and T.” and commented, “Huh, he draws hearts like you do, Mommy.”<br />
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“Really?”<br />
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“Yeah.” Pause.<br />
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“Why do you think that is?” I asked.<br />
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“Because you’re Sam?” she replied.<br />
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“Huh, you think I’m Sam?”<br />
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“Yep. I’ve been thinking it all month.”<br />
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“Really? Does that change how you feel about Sam?”<br />
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“Ummm…..No. But I know Santa isn’t really in the North Pole and Sam couldn’t be a real elf.”<br />
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“You know, just like your imagination brings your dolls to life, your imagination brings Sam to life.”<br />
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“Yeah. I love Sam.”<br />
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“You want to take a turn at making him do something crazy?”<br />
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“YES! Can I do that tonight?”<br />
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I think she’s good with the discovery. LOL…<br />
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Merry Christmas.<br />
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Reace Smith is the mother of two.Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-55709490378624808142013-12-19T14:10:00.001-06:002013-12-19T14:18:35.804-06:00Do you really need your one-a-day?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With vitamin shops popping up everywhere and stores lining the shelves with different supplement products many people wonder if they need to be purchasing one-a-day vitamins, vitamin C, B vitamins and the like. Magazine and store advertisements lead us to believe that we only get vitamins and minerals from a bottle on the shelf. While vitamins and supplements can help some people meet their nutrition needs, eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way for most people to obtain the nutrients they need to be healthy and reduce their risk of chronic disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.<br />
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Two newly published articles indicate there is no clear benefit for healthy individuals to consume vitamin and mineral supplements. If someone is deficient in a particular vitamin or mineral, then supplementing might benefit that person by helping them get back to normal levels in the body. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Consuming foods from all the food groups (whole grains, lean protein, beans/nuts/seeds, low-fat dairy, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats) should help the average healthy person meet their daily nutritional needs. For example, just one cup of green beans contains your daily needs of vitamin C, eating fatty fish like salmon or trout a few times a week can help you meet your essential fatty acids requirements, and just 8 oz of milk contains 30% of your total daily calcium needs. <br />
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Academy spokesperson Heather Mangieri recommended a few tips to help you get in the vitamins and minerals you need daily:<br />
<ul>
<li>Start each day with a healthy breakfast that includes whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy for calcium and vitamin D, and vitamin C-rich foods.</li>
<li>Replace refined grains with whole grains like whole-grain breads and cereals and brown rice.</li>
<li>Pre-washed salad greens and pre-cut vegetables make great quick meals or snacks.</li>
<li>Eat fresh, frozen or canned (without added sugar) fruit for snacks and desserts.</li>
<li>Include at least two servings of omega-3 rich seafood per week.</li>
<li>Don’t forget beans, which are rich in fiber and folate.</li>
</ul>
So before you race to the nearest vitamin shop or supplement aisle, stop by the produce section and pick up a rainbow of colors of fruits and veggies then follow the perimeter of the grocery store to pick up low-fat dairy, lean meat and eggs. Then take a stroll through the aisles to pick up whole grains, nuts, peanut butter and beans. Not only will you be consuming the vitamins and minerals you need, but you will also be consuming a variety of nutrient-rich calories that are high in fiber and protein that help you feel full without as much processing and added ingredients.<br />
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If you need help piecing together a plan and making sure you are getting the right "ingredients" for your body, reach out to a registered dietitian (RD) in your area. They are the nutrition experts and the ones who can help you consume the foods you need to help you live a healthy, nutrient-rich life. Check out www.eatright.org to find a registered dietitian in your area.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px;">Amy Goodson is a registered dietitian for the </span><a href="http://www.texashealth.org/benhogan" style="background-color: white; color: #2187bb; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Health Ben Hogan Sports Medicine Program</a>.Jennifer Ericksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286246603558471241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-27064004905790456862013-12-18T16:20:00.001-06:002013-12-18T16:24:08.203-06:00Winter Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Needing a super simple dinner idea in the midst of holiday hustle and bustle? Toss this recipe in the slow cooker tomorrow morning for a delish dinner in the evening.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Crock Pot Chicken Tacos</b><br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
1 pound chicken breasts<br />
2 cups salsa<br />
1 can black beans, drained<br />
1 can chopped green chiles<br />
2 tablespoons chili powder<br />
1 cup frozen corn<br />
Tortillas<br />
Cheese, guacamole, sour cream and/or green onions for garnish<br />
<br />
<u>Directions</u><br />
Place chicken breasts, salsa, beans, green chiles and chili powder in slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. The last 30 minutes, add in corn.<br />
<br />
When ready to serve, take two forks and shred chicken right in slow cooker. Top tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Amber Massey, RD, LD is a dietitian in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and Mom of twin girls.Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-74132477419122111592013-12-17T14:24:00.001-06:002013-12-17T14:24:30.384-06:00Christmas Secrecy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elliot is 2 ½ years old this holiday season, and his level of engagement compared to last year’s is quite remarkable. Last year he was able to open his presents and was genuinely excited to see what he received. However, leading up to Christmas, he didn’t exhibit much in the way of anticipation or even awareness. <br />
<br />This year is quite different. I knew something had changed when he noticed that our local shopping center had put up its Christmas tree around Thanksgiving time and immediately started asking me when I was going to put up ours. This continued as he joyfully “assisted” in the tree decoration and has generally been in the holiday spirit 24/7 – as the little toy snowman who loudly sings “Frosty the Snowman” can attest. The fact that I haven’t broken that toy speaks more to my character than any public act of charity ever could.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>All this newfound interest in Christmas hasn’t been without some missteps on our part. Some of Elliot’s favorite toys are food-related. He has a few toy pots and pans, some toy pizzas and various pieces of plastic food. He loves to pretend that he is cooking on our fireplace and then brings Lauren and me his latest creation. He then stands by as we pretend to eat it and tell him how delicious it is. <br />
<br />Because of this, we decided it would be fun to get him some kind of play kitchen for Christmas. As we were searching online, we found a toy grill set with a plastic grill, a sink, some burners on the side and a full complement of plastic hot dogs and hamburgers - it was perfect. As we were marveling at it online, we clearly didn’t realize that our little shadow, who was present in the room, had taken such a keen interest. He pointed at the screen and said, “I want that.” We laughed and told him maybe if he was a good boy, he might get it at Christmas. He moved on to something else, and we felt confident that we had avoided any further spoiling of the surprise. I mean, he is 2 ½, so odds are he forgets all about it in five minutes.<br />
<br />We quickly ordered the grill, successfully wrapped it and placed it under the tree without him paying too much notice. We were in the clear … or so we thought. <br />
<br />When I dropped him off at school today, I noticed that the school had posted the kids’ “letters to Santa.” As you can see in the attached photo, it’s quite toy-hamburger-focused. <br />
<br />I guess it’s safe to say that he is officially too old to slip anything past us. On the bright side, he is sure going to be happy come Christmas morning! <br />
<br />
Jordan Echols is a Communication & Image Zone Manager with <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a> and Dad to Elliot.Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-26316791537877972972013-12-16T18:01:00.001-06:002013-12-16T18:02:22.084-06:00Sharing the Holiday Spirit <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Today Santa brought gifts for preemies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/fortworth" target="_blank">T</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8493098289812173724" target="_blank">exas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth</a> -- little caps he knitted himself! Who knew Santa was so crafty?<br />
<br />
He shared some of his caps with newborns in the hospital's mother/baby unit, too.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>If you've ever had a baby in the NICU, you might relate to this poem written by a father:<br />
<br />
'Twas the night before Christmas, and in each isolette<br />
Little creatures were squirming and getting all set;<br />
Machinery sat by their bedsides with care,<br />
In hopes that good breathing skills soon would be there.<br />
<br />
Day shifters were home all snug in their beds,<br />
As visions of overtime danced in their heads;<br />
While preemies on ventilators, and some on CPAP,<br />
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap...<br />
<br />
When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,<br />
The residents woke up to see what was the matter.<br />
Away from the sink I flew like a jet<br />
To make sure all was well at my baby's isolette.<br />
<br />
Some bilirubin lights with their powerful glow<br />
Gave the lustre of mid-day to babies below,<br />
When, there before my wondering eyes, it would seem,<br />
Was an oversized stroller and a medical team.<br />
With a handful of needles with which they could stick you,<br />
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nicu.<br />
<br />
More rapid than eagles his specialists came,<br />
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:<br />
"Now, Nurses! Now, Nurse Practitioner! Now, Neonatologists!<br />
On, Social Workers! On, Respiratory and Occupational Therapists!<br />
From the front of the unit! To the end of the hall!<br />
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"<br />
<br />
Up to each baby's cribside they flew,<br />
With the stroller full of toys, and St. Nicu too.<br />
And then, in a twinkling, they stopped at each bed<br />
And tucked in the babies and got them all fed.<br />
<br />
As I looked at my baby, and was turning around,<br />
Down our aisle St. Nicu came with a bound.<br />
He was dressed in red scrubs, and I could instantly tell<br />
That his clothes had an obvious hospital smell;<br />
A bag of stuffed animals was flung on his back,<br />
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.<br />
A little red pen he held tight in his teeth,<br />
And a stethoscope encircled his neck like a wreath.<br />
<br />
He was chubby and plump, with a few extra pounds,<br />
And I laughed when I saw him there doing his rounds.<br />
A turn of his clipboard and a twist of his head<br />
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;<br />
He spoke few words, but came straight to my side,<br />
And running down his face was a tear he had cried.<br />
<br />
And laying his hand on the back of my head,<br />
He gave me a nod, and slowly he said:<br />
"Each night you come here you're aware of the danger,<br />
But your baby is loved by the One in the manger."<br />
<br />
Then the medical team gave a thumbs-up and smiled<br />
And St. Nicu placed an animal next to my child.<br />
But I heard him exclaim, as they rolled out of sight,<br />
"Merry Christmas, tiny baby, and have a wonderful night!"<br />
<br />
--For Benjamin, Casey & Danielle, from Daddy, 12/24/05<br />
in memory of Emily (11/4/05-11/23/05) <br />
<br />Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-1837944707087402342013-12-13T13:58:00.001-06:002013-12-13T13:58:28.951-06:00Baby's First Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I’ve never been one to go all out for presents for little kids until they are old enough to really realize what’s going on. I figure between grandparents and others, little kids get enough “stuff” – and then some usually. But as my first Christmas as a Mom approaches, I find my head and heart are on two different pages.<br /><br />My head: I want to stick with what I’ve always done for others. Our 12-week-old daughter has no actual material needs this Christmas. She still has yet to even really understand a rattle and she’s got several of those already. She’s got plenty of clothes. And honestly she’s not going to understand what’s happening anyway.<br /><br />My heart: But it’s her first Christmas! Shouldn’t there be a picture of her with the most perfect and meaningful first present from her loving parents? What will she think if she sees photos and her only presents come from the grandparents who I know aren’t planning to listen when we say she doesn’t need anything? I will admit some of this is probably coming from the dreaded Mommy guilt as I have returned to work.<br /><br />
<a name='more'></a>In the end, I think my head and heart are both going to win. I’ve taken the week off and plan to spend the whole time with her making great Christmas memories, for me anyway. But even if she doesn’t remember I can reflect back on my memories and tell her stories for years to come. On the present side she might get a small lovey or something like that in the hopes that it will become a treasured keepsake (with a spare hidden in Mommy’s closet just in case). But beyond that we’ll save our pennies for Christmases future when she’s more into the whole event.<br /><br />Am I too much of a Scrooge? How did you handle your child’s first Christmas?<br /><br />Jennifer Erickson is a Sr. Communications Specialist for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources </a>and Mom to a 12-week-old daughter who is all she wants for Christmas this year.<br />Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-90258232205228176432013-12-12T13:48:00.002-06:002013-12-12T13:49:07.516-06:00Moving Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A day I believed wouldn’t come soon enough finally happened. I had my doubts and concerns, but my baby girl started crawling forward, and that accomplishment made us both very happy.<br />
<br />
Since she was nine months old, Talia had been crawling backward and rolling. She’d even get up on all fours and rock back and forth, as if motivating herself to jump out of the starting blocks and crawl her way into a wonderful world of exploration.<br />
<br />
Then, a day before she turned eleven months old, my chunky baby crawled to me on wobbly legs and arms. I started clapping and singing her name. After repositioning herself into a sitting position, she began smiling and clapping her hands, too.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>For a while, I wondered if she wanted to crawl, or if she even could. Experts say nine months is the average age that babies start to crawl, but that it’s also not out of the ordinary if they don’t start until they reach 11 or 12 months. According to Parenting.com, two reasons that make a baby delay crawling focus on:<br />
<ul>
<li>Personality – A baby with a low-key personality tends to sit up, crawl and walk generally a month later than a “hyper” baby.</li>
<li>Weight – A larger baby usually sits up, crawls and walks later than leaner babies.</li>
</ul>
In Talia’s case, both reasons described her crawling delay perfectly. For the most part, she’s a mellow baby until her big sister comes around. When Nandi enters the room, Talia is all smiles and full of animation. Now with the weight thing, I’ll just say that my baby isn’t even twelve months old, yet she wears 18-month clothes.<br />
<br />
So, we now have two mobile children under the age of three in our home – I pray for strength (and eyes in the back of my head) daily. They definitely keep us on our toes, but we enjoy every minute of it. And with Miss Talia’s birthday just around the corner, we’re all wondering if she’ll be walking by then. <br />
<br />
My husband jokingly said she’ll probably decide to walk right before kindergarten.<br />
<br />
Being the mother of two little girls with very different personalities has been interesting, even challenging at times. But I have learned, through trial and error, not to rush them into anything. So when our baby decides to walk, it will be at her own pace. But like any proud parents, it will be a glorious day, complete with still photos and videotaping galore. <br />
<br />
Chandra Caradine is a Sr. Public Relations Specialist for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a> and Mom to two girls. Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-5410145311668534822013-12-11T15:29:00.000-06:002013-12-11T19:24:38.340-06:00Why must high fashion models be worship worthy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
For 14 and a half years I’ve done my best to raise strong daughters with compassionate hearts, impeccable manners and lots of smarts. I’ve worked overtime emphasizing brains over beauty and kindness over material things.<br />
<br />
As any parent knows, it is a daily challenge to instill quality over quantity and flash, what with the barrage of social media and media sites our teens are immersed in daily.<br />
<br />
I thought we were doing pretty good (all three were making all As, using their napkins at the dinner table, being responsible in all facets of life) and then the suggestion was made to watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. (It was all Twitter, Instagram and CNN were talking about!!)<br />
<br />
We’ve caught glimpses of the show in past years and the girls are already giddy year-round about VS’s PINK store at the mall, you know the one with all the glitter, sparkle and “crazy about you” and “email me” pajamas.<br />
<br />
But this year was different while watching it with one teen and one almost teen.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>In the course of 40 minutes (we fast forwarded through all the commercials) we saw stick-thin models, barely there over-the-top costumes with enormous angel wings, and an obvious camera trick to immediately pan away from the least bit of imperfection on the models.<br />
<br />
I spent the entire time talking over the show saying “Look at Taylor Swift. Look how healthy and wholesome she is compared to those girls. Now girls you know that body type is not the norm. It isn’t realistic. There is likely very little healthy eating and exercising going on with these girls. There are probably lots of cigarettes **** cough cough ****and I’d venture to guess nobody on that stage has been to college. Girls, girls, can you hear me? Hello!!!!”<br />
<br />
“Mom, stop! Hush! We like it! We know! It is fine. She’s old anyway. Look at her.”<br />
(Mind you, she was all of 28!!)<br />
<br />
At the end of the night I’m hoping we all escaped relatively unscathed. I emphasized and reemphasized that the body types on these models were about as realistic as their birds of paradise costumes actually being flight worthy and the 7-inch heels having any walkability or comfort factor.<br />
<br />
My key message was it still matters what is in your heart and how you treat others. To borrow from my best friend, “if we had a full-time chef, a full-time trainer, a 24/7 hair and make-up person and our only job was to pose for a camera we, too, might have a chance to look like that” but in the meantime it was time to hit the books and focus on every blessing and God-given gift and talent we had been given.<br />
<br />
And from one mom of three girls to the powers that be at Victoria’s Secret ~ Next year, how about a girl or two with a little more realistic body type and figure and less bones? You are doing America's girls and future CEOs no favors!<br />
<br />
Laura Van Hoosier is a Public Relations Manager for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a> and Mom to three girls. Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-60052190692511361812013-12-10T14:19:00.002-06:002013-12-10T14:19:49.731-06:00Winter Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Still thawing out from the ice storm? Warm the family up with this easy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe. <br />
<br />
<b>Chicken Tortilla Soup</b><br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
1 pound chicken breast (thawed or frozen, it doesn't matter)<br />
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained<br />
1 can northern beans, rinsed and drained<br />
1 can Rotel tomatoes<br />
1 1/2 cups chicken stock<br />
1 package lower sodium taco seasoning<br />
1 can cream corn<br />
1 cup frozen corn kernels<br />
3/4 cup fat free half and half <br />
Chopped green onion, sour cream, shredded cheese to garnish<br />
<br />
<u>Directions </u><br />
In your slow cooker, add in chicken breasts, black beans, northern beans, Rotel, stock and taco seasoning. Cook on low 6 hours or on high 3 hours.<br />
<br />
Remove lid and shred chicken right inside of slow cooker using two forks. Stir in cream corn and frozen corn kernels and keep lid off cooking another 20 minutes on high (this will let some of the liquid evaporate and give you a thicker soup).<br />
<br />
Right before you're ready to serve, stir in your half and half. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish. Enjoy!<br />
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Amber Massey, RD, LD, is a dietitian and Mom of twins in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-53947053398873252013-12-09T15:16:00.001-06:002013-12-09T15:16:28.826-06:00After infertility struggles, an amazing path to childbirth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS9G0KQt8qx6bGo4AN0z0QwvcwNQh5X-WlpXkFQO7UEiLE4KaHiKKZCUKvgpTagJ7yjjhOUwhyE9GEnDj9YMOy7xNsxv9LaUylG2jsaFgh4Sf1hpmMnAfPabXpPHb1XSxZSe8Pr5vxsxX/s1600/miracle_pregnancy_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS9G0KQt8qx6bGo4AN0z0QwvcwNQh5X-WlpXkFQO7UEiLE4KaHiKKZCUKvgpTagJ7yjjhOUwhyE9GEnDj9YMOy7xNsxv9LaUylG2jsaFgh4Sf1hpmMnAfPabXpPHb1XSxZSe8Pr5vxsxX/s1600/miracle_pregnancy_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Shiloh Morris and her husband, Kevin, were married when she was just 19 and he was 20. They always knew they wanted children, but there some health issues that stood the way.<br />
<br />Shiloh has a bicornuate uterus. Instead of the normal pear-shape, her uterus looks more like a heart ― with a deep indentation at the top ― making conception, labor and delivery problematic and often leading to miscarriage. She was also diagnosed with <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/moms_template_pregnancy.cfm?id=5387&action=detail&AEProductID=Adam2004_1&AEArticleID=000369&AEArticleType=Disease" target="_blank">Polycystic Ovary Syndrome</a>, or PCOS, one of the most common causes of female infertility in the United States.<br />
<br />After seeing a number of fertility specialists, undergoing four unsuccessful tries at intrauterine insemination and experiencing two miscarriages, the couple decided to adopt. Shiloh and Kevin welcomed baby Nevaeh (heaven spelled backwards) into their lives from foster care three years ago. The Morris family was finally a happy family of three.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>When Shiloh and her husband adopted, she was under the care of then obstetrician and gynecologist <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/body_secure.cfm?id=148&action=detail&ref=942" target="_blank">Julia Liaci, M.D.</a>, at <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/dallas" target="_blank">Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas</a>. Due to Shiloh’s medical history, the doctor advised her to have an ablation procedure done to thin the lining of her uterus. Now that she had her family in hand, she didn’t hesitate to have the procedure.<br />
<br />Shiloh’s health issues remained in check until she started having severe pain in her abdomen early in 2013. A CT scan ordered by Liaci turned up a lump in her uterus. Wanting to rule out cancer, a hysterectomy was scheduled to be performed in the <a href="http://thwssc.com/" target="_blank">Women’s Specialty Surgery Center</a> ― but Shiloh never made it to the operating room. Instead, a pregnancy test (required before any procedure of this kind) turned up something quite amazing.<br />
<br /><b>What was thought to be a mass on her uterus turned out to be a fluid-filled sac containing a 10-week-old fetus. Shiloh was pregnant.</b><br />
<br />To confirm the presence of a heart beat, Shiloh’s doctor referred her to <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/body_secure.cfm?id=148&action=detail&ref=8816" target="_blank">Brian Rinehart, M.D.</a> As director of the Maternal High Risk Program at Texas Health Dallas, Rinehart
was able to confirm the pregnancy and address Shiloh’s health concerns
and special gynecological needs.<br /><br />
“We’re always happy when a couple is able to conceive,” said Rinehart. “It’s especially thrilling when a couple that has tried for so long and so hard to have a child becomes pregnant.”<br />
<br />In her ninth month of pregnancy, Shiloh Morris awoke with a sharp headache. In the OB/GYN’s office, her doctor noticed that her blood pressure had spiked and put her on strict bed rest at home. When the preeclampsia didn’t subside, Shiloh was checked into the High-Risk Obstetric unit in the <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/dallas-baby" target="_blank">Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants</a> at Texas Health Dallas.<br />
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With her preeclampsia mounting, a C-section was performed at 33 weeks of
pregnancy ― and Shiloh and her husband welcomed baby Noah into the
world. Weighing in at five pounds and three ounces, Noah was healthy. He
spent just three days in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
where he received 24-hour comprehensive care, before being transferred
to the Special Care Nursery. <br /><br />
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In the first few days of Noah’s life, Shiloh was unable to spend much time with her newborn. After delivery, she began to bleed internally due to complications from having a bicornuate uterus.<br />
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Medications stopped the bleeding but not before Shiloh required two blood transfusions. Saddened by not being able to bond with her baby boy, Shiloh’s medical team sought to cheer her up and also help educate her on how to take care of her new preemie. <br />
<br />“The Special Care Nursery staff was amazing,” Shiloh recalled. “They brought Noah to my room so I could hold him, learn his cues, feed him and just get to know him a little bit before I went off for the transfusions.”<br />
<br />While Shiloh recovered, Noah also got stronger. Mom and baby went home together just two weeks after delivery.<br />
<br />“To have Shiloh achieve the gestational age that she did and to be able to have gone home with a healthy child is an outstanding conclusion to this pregnancy,” said Rinehart.Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493098289812173724.post-26388772729172593522013-12-06T15:37:00.002-06:002013-12-06T15:37:28.811-06:00A Toddler's Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Step 1: Let Mommy and Daddy layer on the warm winter-wear.<br />
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(A movie quote comes to mind: "Getting ready to go to school was like getting ready for extended deep-sea diving." -- Ralphie, <i>A Christmas Story</i>)<br />
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Step 2: Wait impatiently for Mommy and Daddy to get ready.<br />
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="395" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EFk51mRJULw" width="500"></iframe> <br />
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Step 3: Waddle out the door. <br />
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Step 4: Wonder, laugh, enjoy.<br />
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Step 5: Realize snow and ice are sometimes better enjoyed from the warm, cozy indoors!<br />
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Dallas/Fort Worth Mamas, did your kids play outside in the ice today?<br />
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Megan Brooks is a Sr. Public Relations Specialist for <a href="http://www.texashealth.org/" target="_blank">Texas Health Resources</a>, Stepmom to a teen and Mom to a toddler. <br />
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<br />Megan Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09389136593214952583noreply@blogger.com1