The First Year

My sweet baby boy is turning ONE year old today. As I look back on this last year of his life I can't help but feel a little sad. I am thankful for such a healthy little boy. We had a scare when he was about 4 days old but the Lord brought us through. Since then he hasn't been to the doctor even once.
People told me that having a boy was different than having my 3 girls. I didn't believe them because my girls seemed so energetic. Elijah was and is different though. He has been such a loving baby but is certainly showing us a more engertic BOY side of himself these days. He is into everything and I fully expect to see him walking on his own very soon. He started off as one of my smallest babies, just 8lbs. 13oz and 21in. Exactly one year later he is 27 pounds and 30 inches tall. Most of that growth was made on Breastmilk only. He still loves to nurse but LOVES food too. He loves chasing after his sisters and is a big daddies boy. We are so blessed to have enjoyed him this first year of his life and look forward to enjoying him while he is still little.

Below you will find a slideshow that I put together of each of his months Photo Shoots from the day he was born up to today One year. Enjoy, and remember to cherrish all the moments with you little ones, because they grow so very fast.

First Birth as Student

I attended my first birth as a student midwife yesterday. I am not allowed to perform any clinical tasks yet but it was an honor to just be there and witness this birth. I got to hand the midwife tools, compresseses and do the charting. I was asked to snap a few photos too. It just made me more anxious to learn as quickly as possible so I can actually tend to the mother and help catch. I am beyond blessed.

Family Fun

James won some tickets to Midievel Times. We went on Sunday afternoon and while I was not impressed with the food the entertainment was good and the kids had fun time. Even Elijah got into and clapped along with the crowd and once his belly was full with some Chicken, Spare Rib, Potato, Garlic Toast, and an apple turnover, he nuzzled into my arms and went to sleep during the last act.
I would not recamend spending the money on this event, but if you can win tickets it's worth it. Breaunna really enjoyed it, and Gabi loved seeing the princess. Here are a few Pics from our Family Fun Day.

A long time dream

Many of you that know me know about my love and passion for pregnancy and birth. My connection to pregnancy and birth began at a young age. I would sit next to the pregnant ladies at church and even offered to come to the birth. I didn't have fears I just knew I thought I could help and wanted to be there. I have a facination in the miracle and all that go's along with it. So almost 6 years ago I certified as a birth doula and have enjoyed serving woman through Pregnancy, Labour, birth and postpartum. Even then I felt that I wasn't making a big enough difference to help woman get past the "One size Fit's all" medical model set forth by doctors and hospitals. I have watched the cesarean rate climb to an ugodly percent of 50% and higher in hospitals but midwifery care has sustained 5% or less. After much prayer, the right door has opened and I am now enrolled in the Association of Texas Midwives (ATM) training program. I will be apprenticing with midwife Donnellyn Dominguez LM, CPM for All About Babies Midwifery. I am super excited and nervous about some of the challenges ahead. The biggest challenges are tuition and childcare. Please pray with me for these specific areas.
If you are a reader of this blog in need of safe prenatal or well woman care please consider interviewing Donnellyn. You can check out her site at www.allaboutbabies.net or call or text her at 817.994.0470 She is a fabulous Christian woman who believes in the normalcy of birth and has respect for the woman, her body and her choices. She is up to date and conscious of any problems that may happen and is ready to take action when nessasary. Thanks again everyone for reading and praying like I know you will.

Yes He is.....

Elijah turned 11 months old on Christmas Day. Still a hefty 23 pounds and now 31 inches tall. He knows how to get what he wants these days and keeps his big sisters at his becking call. Not to mention his Daddy too. We had a very warm day during the Christmas week and I was able to do his 11 month photos outdoors. Only in Texas could I do outdoor photos in December, no coat, and no sox or shoes. As always enjoy! Click on the photo to see a larger format.

Christmas Review

I know it's late, but better late than not at all right!
Christmas came and went quickly this year. Our family has been blessed tremendously and we are so thankful for the extras we were able to give to the kids this year.