Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Jack is Seven Months!

Texas Jack & Ebe
One of the most exciting developments in the last month is Jack's discovery of his new favorite game. Peek-a-boo comes complete with sound effects and some pretty adorable smiles. Speaking of sounds effects, Jack has also learned tons of new noises this month. So far nothing resembles actual words. He is mostly just generating spit-flinging guttural sounds.

Jack became a traveling man this last month. Daddy, Mama & Jack traveled to Texas & Kansas to visit tons of family. While Jack loves family and getting snuggled by anyone, he quickly became adverse to long drives in his horrible straight jacket carseat.

Great Grandma King & Jack
At his last doctor's appointment Jack weighed 17lbs 9oz. It's hard to believe that 7 months have already swept passed and that Jack is only 10lbs heavier than that little ball of snuggle. Can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Naked Sunday

Taken Near Hood Canal Bridge
Linking up with Naked Sunday, which is actually supposed to be about taking great photos without having to do a ton of editing. However, this picture comes with my own definition of naked.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Stuffed Jalapeno

1 pkg cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozarella
1/2 package of bacon
8 jalapenos

Mix two cheeses together while oven preheats to 400 degrees. I cut the top out of the jalapenos, which allowed me to pull out the stem, membrane and most of the seeds. I used the hole to stuff the jalapenos, but next time would slice the whoppers in half to make them a bit more manageable. Next, I wrapped the the jalapenos in bacon and bake for about 45 minutes or until bacon is crispy & cream cheese is goo-ing. Yah, that's a new word.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Top Ten Tips For Mama & Daddy

In honor of my niece's upcoming arrival Yea! I'm so excited I may be the one who needs diapers! I've prepared a list of tips for the new Mama. I'd love it if you would please leave your own tips for Kirby in the comments!

1.You can never have too many blankets when you have a poopy newborn that spits up all the time.

2. Sleepers with zippers are (waaaaay) better than buttons or snaps, especially in the middle of the night.

3. Share the doo-ties - And, I don't just mean the diapers. Many books suggest that daddy does the burping after mommy feeds. This will allow both parents to bond and also gives both a break. Whatever works for you, but definitely discuss how your family will typically handle the sharing  of the never-ending to do list.

4. Be patient. Babies pick up on your emotions and if your frustration leaks out, it will only make things worse. Practicing patience is totally not one of my strengths has helped me to relax in general.

5. Say "thank you" and "please." Being a parent is a lot of work without the little tyke giving you much credit so give each other some kudos. Not only is it a good reminder that your partner is walking alonside you, but they could probably use the encouragement that a kind word can bring just as much as you can.

6. The first bath is the hardest. It gets easier from there.

7. Trust your maternal/paternal instinct. Remember when Jack was super sick and I knew something was wrong in the morning, but didn't take him to the ER until late that night? We may not be doctors, but we do know our baby's attitudes, routines, etc. We can usually tell if something is wrong.

8. His way may be different, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. He will never feed the kids, play with the kids and definitely won't dress the kids the way you would; but daddy's way isn't wrong. It's just different. Unless baby girl is in danger or he asks for help, celebrate the way that daddy's are different. A daddy's love and care for a child shouldn't feel exactly like mama's anyway.

9. Get a good diaper bag. You will be using it everyday for a couple of years so make sure that it's going to work for you - whether that be backpack style, extra large pockets, etc. The diaper bag will be a great tool if you take advantage of it.

10. Everybody poops. I mean, we all make mistakes so don't take yourself to seriously. Instead, try to enjoy the wonderful chaos that is now your life. I'm excited to meet Lucy and I can't wait to see you make your own parenting blunders the parents you become.

Here are some other great tips for Daddy from a stay-at-home daddy.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day, Brian!

Two And A Half Men
Kylie is on the Youth Mission trip to Kentucky and we miss her! However, in lieu of Daddy's favorite daughter, it was nice having all of Brian's sons home. Once Kylie returns on Saturday, it will be nice having the whole family in house.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Flashback Friday

Photo Credit: Kirby Lambert
This picture was taken while I was leading the youth programs at Sequim Community Church. Despite my mom's initial reluctance, she finally relented to becoming a leader for middle school youth. After the first day, she came home and said her favorite kid was Jose, the obnoxious brat kid who forced me to kick him out of the room on my first day.

Mom never thought it'd be the case, but she stands as one of my best leaders simply because she genuinely cared and listened to the kids. I daresay, I think she even enjoyed her time on the leadership team at SCC.