Since you've been gone

Dear Preston,

It's that awful day again.  It's been 4 years now, can you believe it?  I wonder if you are even aware of time passage in Heaven.  I hope you are surrounded by loved ones on this day.

I constantly wonder if you've grown or what it's like up there?  I've heard that in Heaven, there's no bodies and you're just a spirit or energy.  It doesn't stop me from wondering what you look like at 4 years old.  And what about your mind?  Do you instantly become aware of everything and can understand all my thoughts?  Or do you still have the mind of a four month old?

I don't know what to believe, but I know this.  You know when I need you.  I can feel it whenever I call out to you in my head.  Whenever I need reassurance, you send me some kind of sign.  For years, I've looked to see a license plate that would have your initials.  It made me feel like if I could see it, you would be telling me that you are thinking of me.

This weekend on the way back from swim class with your sister, there was a car in front of me with the following plate:  SWT PEA

Do you remember that I always called you Sweet P?  I think this is as close as I'm going to get.  Seeing it days just days before having to deal with today - it reminded me that you are with me wherever I go.  You keep me grounded.

I spent the day with your sister today.  We cuddled as we watched a variety of shows she enjoys.  We went shopping for some clothes for her.  She keeps growing!  I feel guilty whenever I have a thought along the lines of I wish she would stop growing or I wish she would stay a baby forever.  Because I know what it's like to have a baby stop growing.  I want her to have a long healthy life.  I wanted that for you too.

Without think about it, we ended up buying three articles of clothing with rainbows on it.  A Mickey/Minnie Mouse t-shirt that I thought was cute.  A t-shirt with a sequin heart and a rainbow within the heart.  And a rainbow striped dress - your sister picked that one herself with no help from me.  While Sami napped, I removed all the tags from the new clothes and was telling your dad how Sami picked that dress.  He said something that hadn't even occurred to me: that's interesting considering what today is.

I kept busy during her nap.  Probably one of the roughest nap times considering you passed during a nap on this dreadful day.  I meal prepped our slow cooker dinner for tomorrow.  Before I knew it, she was awake. 

I took her to the park which is her new favorite thing to do.  We were gone for over an hour.  She had fun going up to the slide and sliding down.  She liked going through the little tunnels they have on the playground.  She kept wanting to go say hi to Nemo, a plastic statue they have at the pool which is located next to the park.  He's gated in and the pool is closed so all she could do was wave to him through the fence.

We also went to the pet store so that she could see the fishies and any other animals that might be there.  I had wanted to take her to the zoo, but there just was too many other things I wanted to do.

She smiled a lot.  So did I.

It leaves me perplexed with how I feel today.  I've had happy moments for sure.  I've had moments where I've been sad.  I had trouble putting your sister down to sleep tonight.  She fell asleep so fast after having such a fun day.  I didn't want to let go.  I felt guilty for having fun without you.

Since you've been gone, those are feelings that I have almost every day.  And then I remember the rainbows, and the bunnies.  I remember that you want me to have happiness in my life, and I try so hard to have it.  Your sister makes it easy.  She's my sunshine.

Perhaps it's fitting that I say this is her song:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy, when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
No please don't take my sunshine away

It's my prayer every day.

I miss you terribly, but I know that you hear my prayer.  I know because she makes a sound in her sleep whenever I'm worried.  I see rainbows in unexpected places - a reflection on the floor as I walk into the office from the light catching the glass door at just the right angle.

I know you are with me as I continue this incredibly difficult journey without you.  But I still miss you, and I always will.  Thank you for being our guardian angel.

Thinking of you always,
-Mama

Save the date - #SpreadHappinessForPreston - Year 4

It's a hard realization today to see that I haven't blogged in over a year.  In no means does it mean I don't think of Preston, as I think of him daily.  I know part of it is due to the lack of time I have to do leisure activities, and the other part has to be that I don't need to get things off my chest like I did a couple years ago.  I do hope to be able to blog again soon, whether it be about loss, being a mom to a rainbow, or anything else that I've found to make life a little easier (I finally started meal planning and omg, life changer!).

I've recycled parts of the lower post... i just feel like some parts of it I've perfected as much as I can, so apologies, if it feels like you've already read some of this.

Thanks for still following me along my journey and helping spread happiness around the world... the world can certainly use it...

Happiness is like jam.  You can't spread even a little without getting some on yourself. - Anonymous

I keep using this quote, since it best describes what #SpreadHappinessForPreston is all about.  Spreading happiness should not only make someone’s day, but it should make you smile as well.

For those of you unfamiliar with #SpreadHappinessForPreston, it is a day/movement I created to honor my late son Preston.  I wanted to find a way to honor his life and memory and this is what I came up with.  Each year, on November 19th, his birthday, I ask everyone to spread happiness in any way they can.  My son was the embodiment of happy.  Hardly ever cried, and although he only lived for four months, he gave me so many smiles which still brighten up my days.

Preston was taken from us in March 2014 when he passed during a nap at an in-home daycare from SIDS.  While I take Preston's birthday as an opportunity to honor his life by attempting to have others spread happiness all around the world, I think it's also a great opportunity to bring awareness to SIDS which is sadly something real.  One of those things you hear about but never really think will happen to you.  SIDS is filled with questions as no one really knows what it is, or what causes it.  There are many theories out there, but it's very difficult to determine if any of them are plausible.  I do hope and pray that one day, we can answer the question of what causes SIDS, and really what is SIDS.  In the meantime, all we can do is do everything we can to reduce the risks, as there is really no way to prevent it.  It's a frightening fact.  

Having lost a baby to SIDS, having another child was terrifying, but one day at a time, we make it through.  Preston’s sister will be turning 2 in December, which means SIDS is something I fear less.  Now I get to have all the regular fears other parents have!  The first year was definitely a challenge.  Sleeping with the baby monitor inches from my face (ok, I’ll be honest, I still do…), checking on her constantly in the middle of the night, etc.  Samantha definitely has a wonderful guardian angel in her brother. J

Back to #SpreadHappinessForPreston - It is the fourth year that I am promoting this event.  Anyone and everyone is invited and encouraged to participate.  The premise is to share happiness on this day.  Since Preston radiated with happiness, it only seemed fitting that sharing this contagious feeling would be the best way to honor him.  This world can be so cruel, and I believe we can always use a little more happiness and light.  The beautiful thing is that, like the quote above says, completing an act of kindness not only makes the person on the receiving end smile, but it surely makes you smile as well.

Preston continually teaches me life lessons, an irony that I have a hard time grasping, as I should be the one doing the teaching.  Nonetheless, I don't take any of it for granted for it's made me a better person.  He's taught me how to smile every day, because he wouldn't want me to always be sad.  He's taught me how to appreciate the small things, and not to take anything for granted.  He’s shown me a new way of looking at life; perspective is everything.  He continues to slowly help me regain my faith by sending signs in the shape of rainbows and bunnies.  Often times, when I get a nervous feeling about my daughter, he'll send me some sign that she's doing alright - like in the middle of the night if she hasn't moved in a long time and I'm about to check on her, she'll suddenly make a little sound or turn to her side (still happens to this day).  My daughter does have quite the guardian angel!

November 19th, Preston's 4th birthday, will be a day I hope brings happiness to as many people as possible - including you.  I hope it to be a day where everyone can spread a little happiness in the world. A pay it forward day, or a day filled with acts of kindness.  A day where smiles inundate the world, and happiness is just felt everywhere you go.

For the past three years, on November 19th, random acts of kindness were made all over the world to honor my little boy, thanks to people who read my blog (which I’ve totally neglected this past year L) and friends I’ve made along the way. I know it sounds crazy, but it somehow reached all the continents.  My little boy and his smile continue to travel the world and I hope they do forever...

I'd like to share some of the acts of kindness that were done to serve as inspiration, and perhaps even to make you smile:

·         Several of my wonderful coworkers bought multi-colored balloons to be released for Preston's birthday (he loved colors).

·         A star was named for Preston

·         Books were donated to a school in Preston's name

·         Donations to charities were made (SIDS foundation of America, Children's Hospital, and several others)

·         Larger than normal gratuities were given away

·         A memorial stone was given to us with Preston's name and birthdate

·         Teddy bears were given to underprivileged children; toys were given to charities

·         Doors were open for strangers

·         Treats were brought in for colleagues

·         Trees were planted to honor the children another family had lost

·         Flowers were given away, just because

·         Every year, my husband brings pizza over to the firehouse, for the men who tried to save our son (while pregnant, Preston would move like crazy when I ate pizza)

·         Diapers and wipes were donated to struggling mothers

·         Lunch was bought for the person waiting next in line

·         Many people gave to food banks or gave away gift cards for a warm meal

·         Buy a lotto ticket for the clerk that sells them

·         Samantha's daycare plans to read Preston's favorite book to all the kids that attend the daycare on November 18th, since November 19th is a Saturday this year

·         Breakfast was made for a spouse that was running late

·         Popcorn & cash were taped to RedBox machines for people to enjoy a free movie and treat

And those are just some of the acts of kindness that were shared with me in the past couple years.  As illustrated above, remember that money isn't necessary to spread happiness: 

·         Hugs

·         Smiles

·         Saying things like "I love you" and "I appreciate you" to loved ones

·         Share your favorite funny video or picture

·         Cook your child's, or spouse's favorite meal

·         Ask someone "How are you - really?" and listen

·         Share happy memories or stories

·         Think of someone you haven't thought of in a long time, and send them a text - letting them know you thought of them, and it made you smile

·         Volunteer to help someone or an organization

·         Pack a lunch and give it to someone in need

·         Give blood

·         Let people go in front of you while in line

·         Donate unused clothes, toys

Please keep in mind that if you do make a donation, it does not have to be in Preston's name.  Make the donation in the name of someone that means a lot to you, or to someone close to you.  Make the donation to a charity that means a lot to you.  While Preston is the driving force behind this event, the point is to spread happiness around the world - the more people it touches, the more proud of my son I am.  He is creating this happiness.  Without him, this special day would not exist.

At the risk of repeating myself, much like the quote I shared at the top of this message, the added bonus of spreading happiness is that it has the contagious effect of putting a smile on your own face.  Much like Preston's smile was contagious, and continues to be thanks to the fabulous invention of photography.  The world can be such a dark place.  I hope that Preston's birthday, this year, and for all the years to come, makes it a brighter world, even if only for one day a year.  One person at a time, one act of kindness after another.

I invite you to share your random acts of kindness on social media using #SpreadHappinessForPreston.  You can also share through email (tsunaze1@gmail.com) or on my blog's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadHappinessForPreston

I hope that you plan to join me and that #SpreadHappinessForPreston makes you smile.  I have cards that can be handed out when you do pay it forward.  If you are interested, I'd be more than happy to send you one (or more - spreading happiness does not have to end with one person, one act).  Simply email me for more details.  If it's not too much to ask, please share this with your friends and family.  The more people spreading happiness, the happier the day will be.

You have my sincerest gratitude for considering participating and sharing this event.  It's my hope that not only you will make someone smile, but that in the end, it also makes you smile.

Have a blessed day!

Save the date - 11/19/16 - #SpreadHappinessForPreston

I found this quote last year, and it fits what I'm trying to do so appropriately, that I think I'll be sharing it every year:

Happiness is like jam.  You can't spread even a little without getting some on yourself. - Anonymous

November 19th is now dubbed #SpreadHappinessForPreston Day in my world.  It is the day that my son came into this world.  A pure, innocent and happy soul he was.  He would be turning 3 this year - I have a hard time believing this to be true.  It doesn't seem that long ago that he was still part of our physical lives.  

Preston was taken from us in March 2014 when he passed during a nap at an in-home daycare from SIDS.  While I take Preston's birthday as an opportunity to honor his life by attempting to have others spread happiness all around the world, I think it's also a great opportunity to bring awareness to SIDS which is sadly something real.  SIDS is filled with questions as no one really knows what it is, or what causes it.  There are many theories out there, but it's very difficult to determine if any of them are plausible.  I do hope and pray that one day, we can answer the question of what causes SIDS, and really what is SIDS.  In the meantime, all we can do is do everything we can to reduce the risks (a list of suggestions from various credible websites are below), as there is really no way to prevent it.  It's a frightening fact.  As the parent to an infant and as a parent who has lost a baby to SIDS, I can personally attest that it is absolutely terrifying fact.  Nonetheless, one day at a time, we get through it.

Late last year, we were blessed with the arrival of our baby girl Samantha.  I can't help but feel that Preston imprinted his happiness into this beautiful little girl.  She is all smiles, all the time.  She has brought a lot of light to our lives and we are so thankful, and grateful to have her.  

But, to get back to #SpreadHappinessForPreston - It is the third year that I am promoting this event.  Anyone and everyone is invited and encouraged to participate.  The premise is to share happiness on this day.  Since Preston radiated with happiness, it only seemed fitting that sharing this contagious feeling would be the best way to honor him.  This world can be so cruel, and I believe we can always use a little more happiness and light.  The beautiful thing is that, like the quote above says, completing an act of kindness not only makes the person on the receiving end smile, but it surely makes you smile as well.

Preston continually teaches me life lessons, an irony that I have a hard time grasping, as I should be the one doing the teaching.  Nonetheless, I don't take any of it for granted for it's made me a better person.  He's taught me how to smile every day, because he wouldn't want me to always be sad.  He's taught me how to appreciate the small things, and not to take anything for granted.  He’s shown me a new way of looking at life; perspective is everything.  He continues to slowly help me regain my faith by sending signs in the shape of rainbows and bunnies.  Often times, when I get a nervous feeling about my daughter, he'll send me some sign that she's doing alright - like in the middle of the night if she hasn't moved in a long time and I'm about to check on her, she'll suddenly make a little sound or turn to her side.  My daughter has quite the guardian angel.

November 19th, Preston's 3rd birthday, will be a day I hope brings happiness to as many people as possible - including you.  I hope it to be a day where everyone can spread a little happiness in the world. A pay it forward day, or a day filled with acts of kindness.  A day where smiles inundate the world, and happiness is just felt everywhere you go.

For the past two years, on November 19th, random acts of kindness were made all over the world to honor my little boy. I know it sounds crazy, but it somehow reached all the continents.  My little boy and his smile have traveled the world...

I'd like to share some of the acts of kindness that were done to serve as inspiration, and perhaps even to make you smile:

• Several of my wonderful coworkers bought multi-colored balloons to be released for Preston's birthday (he loved colors).
• A star was named for Preston
• Books were donated to a school in Preston's name
• Donations to charities were made (SIDS foundation of America, Children's Hospital, and several others)
• Larger than normal gratuities were given away
• A memorial stone was given to us with Preston's name and birthdate
• Teddy bears were given to underprivileged children; toys were given to charities
• Doors were open for strangers
• Treats were brought in for colleagues
• Trees were planted to honor the children another family had lost
• Flowers were given away, just because
• Every year, my husband brings pizza over to the firehouse, for the men who tried to save our son (while pregnant, Preston would move like crazy when I ate pizza)
• Diapers and wipes were donated to struggling mothers
• Lunch was bought for the person waiting next in line
• Many people gave to food banks or gave away gift cards for a warm meal
• Buy a lotto ticket for the clerk that sells them
• Samantha's daycare plans to read Preston's favorite book to all the kids that attend the daycare on November 18th, since November 19th is a Saturday this year
• Breakfast was made for a spouse that was running late
• Popcorn & cash were taped to RedBox machines for people to enjoy a free movie and treat

And those are just some of the acts of kindness that were shared with me in the past couple years.  As illustrated above, remember that money isn't necessary to spread happiness:

• Hugs
• Smiles
• Saying things like "I love you" and "I appreciate you" to loved ones
• Share your favorite funny video or picture
• Cook your child's, or spouse's favorite meal
• Ask someone "How are you - really?" and listen
• Share happy memories or stories
• Think of someone you haven't thought of in a long time, and send them a text - letting them know you thought of them, and it made you smile
• Volunteer to help someone or an organization
• Pack a lunch and give it to someone in need
• Give blood
• Let people go in front of you while in line
• Donate unused clothes, toys

Please keep in mind that if you do make a donation, it does not have to be in Preston's name.  Make the donation in the name of someone that means a lot to you, or to someone close to you.  Make the donation to a charity that means a lot to you.  While Preston is the driving force behind this event, the point is to spread happiness around the world - the more people it touches, the more proud of my son I am.  He is creating this happiness.  Without him, this special day would not exist.

At the risk of repeating myself, much like the quote I shared at the top of this message, the added bonus of spreading happiness is that it has the contagious effect of putting a smile on your own face.  Much like Preston's smile was contagious, and continues to be thanks to the fabulous invention of photography.

The world can be such a dark place.  I hope that Preston's birthday, this year, and for all the years to come, makes it a brighter world, even if only for one day a year.  One person at a time, one act of kindness after another.

I invite you to share your random acts of kindness on social media using #SpreadHappinessForPreston.  You can also share through email (tsunaze1@gmail.com) or on my blog's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadHappinessForPreston

I hope that you plan to join me and that #SpreadHappinessForPreston makes you smile.  I have cards that can be handed out when you do pay it forward.  If you are interested, I'd be more than happy to send you one (or more - spreading happiness does not have to end with one person, one act).  Simply email me for more details.  If it's not too much to ask, please share this with your friends and family.  The more people spreading happiness, the happier the day will be.

You have my sincerest gratitude for considering participating and sharing this event.  It's my hope that not only you will make someone smile, but that in the end, it also makes you smile.

Have a blessed day,

~Cat

More information on SIDS and SIDS prevention

Reduce the Risk | American Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Institute

To reduce the risks of SIDS, it is recommended that you put your baby to sleep on his/her back in a crib or bassinet with no loose sheets, a firm mattress, and no toys or bumper pads.  Do not expose your baby to second hand smoke.  Having the baby sleep in your room, but not in your bed has also shown to help reduce the risks.  Breastfeed as long as possible, and consider giving a pacifier to your baby while they sleep.  Prevent your baby from overheating by ensure a comfortable room temperature (68 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit) and do not overdress them.  

Sami's Corner - 9 months

It feels odd writing this today, when Sami is turning 10 months tomorrow... but such is life.  I've been enjoying it and all I can do is attempt to stay current.  My goal with this has been to use this blog segment to document her milestones... for me (for memories) and for her, in the event she's ever curious!  And of course, for friends and family who don't get to see her very often.

9 months (and 10 months) were big ones.  Developmentally, I just can't believe all the things that have happened in such a short period of time.



Weight: At her 9 month check-up (which was a little late - 9/30), she was 16 pounds 4 oz and in the 16 percentile for weight.  She's come a long way from being in the 2.1 percentile!  She's growing for sure!

Features:  Just a couple days before turning 9 months, Samantha broke her first tooth.  She wasn't fussy through the whole ordeal which was great.  Hopefully the same goes for her next teeth - I think they say that how they act for the first few is how they'll act for the rest. Fingers crossed!

Feedings:  Nothing new to report... girl loves to eat!  Slowly trying new things... I think her favorites are still Avocado, Carrots and Mum Mums.

Sleep:  She sleeps well for the most part.  Her naps on the weekend are getting easier.  She used to only nap in our arms, and now she'll nap in her crib (which allows me to do things like write this blog!)

Likes:  What does she not like?  She's a happy girl.  Loves food.  She loves her pink teddy bear, her owl, her blocks, she likes to play with a ball (she actually has a great arm for a 9 month old).

Dislikes:  She doesn't like to be left alone.  If you put her in her jumper activity center, you best stick around, at least for a while!  That is, if she let's you put her in there.  She will often fight you by hiking up her legs so that you can't place her in it!!!

Mama's fears:  Same old, same old... I often get up in the middle of the night to check on her if I can't tell which way her head is facing.  My heart still stops when I find her almost face down.  To this day, I continue to put my hand on her back, or belly to feel it move when she's asleep.

Mama's proud moments: She can pull herself back into a sitting position from being on her back or belly.  One of her new favorite things to do is to sit, go to her belly, roll a few times, and get back up.  If she wants to get somewhere, she will get there!

Just because:  She still only says two words - or rather syllables... not sure she knows what they mean.  Her favorite is da-da... or rather da-da-da-da-da.  She makes this sound when happy.  When really upset, her sound is ma-ma-ma-ma.  I guess a baby does want it's mama when upset.  But I don't know that she's associated making those 2 sounds with either of us.

Pictures:

This has to be one of my favorite pictures to this day.

 rolling to get to the ball

sit, drop, roll, sit back up - rinse & repeat

best example of my squirmy baby - the 9 month photo shoot was very difficult to do! 

Sami's Corner - 8 months

Wow, playing catch up is harder than I thought it would be!  Part of the reason I wanted to do Sami's Corner was to be able to remember her milestones and have them documented.  However, I've preferred spending the time with her, instead of in front of my computer and thus, I'm just about 3 months behind on updating these!


Weight & Length: I want to say that she was around 15 and a half pounds.  Height... she's growing, but I've stopped trying to check her length as it's always seemed to be average :)

Features:  Blue and grey eyes.  Her hair is definitely blond.  It's very thin and whispy... we often give her a little mohawk.

Feedings: This girl loves food.  In addition to eating fruit and vegetable purees, she enjoys eating Mum Mums (rice cracker) and cereal puffs (sweet potato & carrot flavor).  Her pincer skills are improving every day.

Sleep: As we started moving to having more formula into her diet, she started waking up more in the middle of the night.  I'm thinking she started having a lot of gas because of the change in diet and it would wake her up and she'd have trouble settling back down.  We decided to try Gripe Water and it helped a great deal.  For the most part, she's slept through the night.

Likes:  I still think that food is her favorite thing in the world.  I think if we were to keep offering her food, she would keep eating until it made her sick.  She likes music.  She likes playing with her blocks.

Dislikes:  Still not fond of changing clothes.

Mama's fears:  She started rolling to her side at 7 months at night and it freaked me out... well this month she started rolling onto her belly in the middle of the night and on the monitor it's hard to tell where her head is facing... It sometimes looks like she's completely face down and that just makes my heart stop!  It's only happened a few times that I've found her completely face down (and thankfully she was ok), but most times, you can see her little nose and that just reassures me... even though I still place my hard on her back to make sure she's breathing.

Mama's proud moments:  I just love that she can sit on her own and play.  It's so cool to see the wheels turning as she starts to figure out how to get back up when she's fallen over.

Just because:  We went to the mountains with our friends, and went to this cute little beach.  Brett tried putting her feet in the water but she didn't like it.  However, she did have fun sitting on the beach towel in the shade looking at everything that was going on, playing with a ball.

Pictures:

Baby selfie!

Fatal Crash

The reality that tragedy can strike at any moment, and affect anyone hit me again today.  This morning, just outside our home, a fatal car accident occurred.  A young girl, student of the high school right by our house died.  So close to home, that I can see the memorial spot they made for her from my patio door - flowers, teddy bears and countless people stopping by to pay their respects.  I saw one of the news reports happen live.  This is just too real...

It saddens me.  I feel for her parents.  I know the pain of child all too well.  It's cruel and unbearable.  Unimaginable, not that I'd ever want anyone to share or imagine this pain.  My only hope is that she didn't feel a thing and that it was instant.

I'm in so much pain and I'm reliving my own experience of finding out what happened to Preston.  I can put myself in her parents' shoes and my heart breaks all over again.  For myself, for my family, for those who have lost and for this new family joining the club that no one ever wants to be a part of.  I pray that they find support and a path of healing that is not destructive.

As you pray for her soul and her family, I want to take this time to say:

Slow down...

In all sense of the words - slow down...

Our lives are so fast paced.  There's always so much to do and it always feels like we are rushed.  I know that sometimes we can't help the flow of life.  I know all too well, as my work is very fast paced and I don't even see the work day go by.  I know it all too well, as I get home and have what seems like limited time to spend with Samantha since she goes to bed so early now.  And then there's dinner, and dishes, and cleaning up, etc.

That being said, slow down where you can.  I think this kind of goes back to one of my first posts (Take Control) where I talked about controlling what you can in life - and try to let go of what you can't.  Easier said than done, but it's good to try!

Slow down when you drive.  I detest being late, but really going a little faster will save you what? In the grand scheme of things, a minute or two - maybe as much as 5?  Is that worth it?  Why not slow down and enjoy the song on the radio a little longer?

Slow down at home with your family.  Enjoy the precious time that you have with each other.  This tragedy is a testament to us needing to slow down and appreciate what we have - our loved ones.  I've tried so hard to take in every moment that I can with Samantha.  I feel somewhat accomplished in that area.  I'm amazed that she's already 9 months, but at the same time, I don't feel like it's flown by.  And hopefully, that's a sign that I'm savoring the moments and enjoying them for what they are.  Cherished moments.

Slow down, and do something for yourself.  Why not take a day off and go to the spa, or on a shopping spree?  Why not go see a movie with your significant other?  Why not, just hug your child for half an hour after they fall asleep.

Life is filled with fleeting moments.  Appreciate them.  Savor them.  Take them in.  Life is just too short to do otherwise.

Links to the full news story:

http://www.9news.com/news/local/fatal-crash-near-castle-view-high-school/322058373

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/1-killed-in-car-crash-near-castle-rock-high-school

Sami's Corner - 7 months

I was hoping to be able to find the time to write these closer to her actual "month"-versaries, but alas time seems to be lacking these last couple weeks.  There's always something to do on the weekends, and the evenings are filled with baby time and chores.


Weight & Length: When Sami turned 7 months, I think she was around 15 pounds.  As for her height, it's hard to judge, so I'll probably only update this when she has an actual measurement - next time would be at 9 months.

Features:  Her hair is getting longer.  I think it's safe to say it's a darkish blond color, just like her dad's.  Her eyes again, just like her dad's - they fluctuate between grey and blue.  I think she has my lips.

Feedings:  She just started eating 3 servings of baby food a day.  She has 5-6 feedings of milk a day. Food wise she has eaten, peas, sweet potatoes, avocado, apples, pears and carrots.  She wasn't super fond of peas or sweet potatoes when she first tried them, but when I gave them to her again, she loved them.  She loved them.  Her favorites I would say are avocado and carrots.  More things to try.  Exciting stuff :)

Sleep:   She sleeps through the night for the most part.  She sometimes wakes up due to a wet diaper, but usually we can get her to go back to sleep within 20-30 minutes.  She naps great at daycare, but not so much at home on the weekends.  She will nap well if we hold her, but as soon as we place her in her crib, she's wide awake.  I find it odd since she sleeps in a crib at daycare.  We'll keep at it!

Likes:  She loves food.  She likes to play in her bouncy play center.  She can now sit on her own, though she does still topple over at times.  She likes to play with her rings toy and her box with blocks.  She likes to roll around to get from one place to another.  She loves to do art.  They do quite a bit at daycare - finger painting, touching different textures.  She gets to focused while doing it - which is just like I am when I'm into something.

Dislikes:  She's grown to dislike getting dressed like when she was a newborn.  She's still not fond of being put down to change her diaper, even if she hates having a dirty diaper.  The wet diapers don't seem to bother her too much.  She doesn't like not having something to do.  Also not her favorite, cleaning her face after eating.

Mama's fears: Well, she just started rolling over in her sleep.  Let me tell you that I freaked out the first night I woke up to see her tummy down in the middle of the night.  I was relieved to see that her head was to the side, but still, it was a frightening thing to wake up to.  I picked her up and rocked her back to sleep to place her on her back.

I read up on this on the SIDS/Safe-To-Sleep website, and I was reassured.  It is okay for babies to turn to their sides and tummies, as long as we always put them down to sleep on their backs.

"No. Rolling over is an important and natural part of your baby's growth. Most babies start rolling over on their own around 4 to 6 months of age. If your baby rolls over on his or her own during sleep, you do not need to turn the baby over onto his or her back. The important thing is that your baby starts every sleep time on his or her back to reduce the risk of SIDS, and that there is no soft, loose bedding in the baby's sleep area. "

Source: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/about/Pages/faq.aspx

Mama's proud moments: She can now sit on her own.  No more need for a boppy to hold her up!  She tends to fall over on occasion, but if let alone, she can remain sitting without tumbling over for over 30 minutes.

She's quite the artist.  I should take pictures of her art to post...  Picasso would be jealous!

She doesn't seem to be a picky eater, which is great news because I know I was... or maybe that only developed when I got older, lol.

I'm proud that she continues to be super smiley and happy.  I feel like Preston lives on through her smiles, even if they are quite her own, and if possible, her happiness is on another level from Preston's.

Just because:  She's still loving peek-a-boo.  She will sit on my lap and fall into my chest, and then raise her head, and laugh if I say "peek-a-boo".  She hides herself, I don't even need to do it, lol.

She's ticklish on the sides of her tummy.  She can go in laughing fits just because you smile at her.  She's pretty social and will smile at almost anyone, though I can feel the onsets of "stranger-danger" coming on.  Occasionally she'll just bury her faee in my shoulder and act "shy".

Pictures: