The Evolution of Baby Products

It has been almost five years since we have had a baby in our home, but the evolution of baby products has not ceased to amaze me this go 'round!

Even though I am not nursing this time, I think one of the greatest inventions since 2003 has been the 'Hooter Hider'...yes I did say "hooter". This fantastic inventions allows one to stylishly nurse your baby while being surprisingly discrete. All while easily accomplishing the end result of fulfilling the basic need of your baby to each (convenient or not).
I'll was going to spare you an image, but I found this one online:)


The Bumbo Seat...I don't have much to personally say about this as we have not personally used one yet...but do plan to...
"The Bumbo(1) Seat is a snug and cozy environment for your baby. This revolutionary infant chair is designed to fit a baby’s posture. Babies can sit upright in a Bumbo Seat as soon as they have head control. More importantly, it helps them develop the trunk control they need to sit up on their own. It is recommended by pediatricians, orthopedists, and physical therapists so you know it is good for your baby. In fact, it is so good for your baby that the State of Illinois has recognized the Bumbo as a medical device and the Mississippi State Department of Health is providing Bumbos for use by their therapists!"
http://www.bumboseat.com/
Random Photo of baby (not our baby) in Bumbo:


The battery operated swing. Yes, we did have Miya in the 21st century, but were given a crank swing as a hand-me-down. We have moved up this time and now have a fantastic battery operated swing, which Isaiah loves! Not only does it swing automatically, we can even change the direction of the swinging! Even though we go through 4 D batteries a week, it is SO worth it!

My personal favorite is the Moby Wrap. This piece of incredibly long fabric has been used quite often with Mr. Isaiah as his favorite position is to be upright. My friend Julie made mine as a gift, and also one for Miya and her baby Chloe.


I have for sometime tried to convince Derek that it would in no way compromise his manhood by wearing it, and after showing him a photo of Tori Spelling's (yes from 90210) husband wearing one in People magazine, he was willing to try it. As you can see, he enjoyed every minute! He does admit is is quite comfortable!
http://www.mobywrap.com/

Baby Blue!

Here is Isaiah...2 months, 10 days old.

Isaiah's Dedication

Here are a few pics from Isaiah's Dedication on June 29th.

Red, White and CUTE!

Wanted to post a few pics from the 4th. We stayed pretty traditional: parade, swim, BBQ and fireworks. Always a great time! Stayed away from the carnival this year however, as pushing a stroller through the crowd is a little difficult, that's ok, there is another carnival closer to home this next weekend.

Funny thing about the fireworks, little man Isaiah decided he didn't want to be left out of the action and watched the whole thing. Quite a contrast to his sister who fell asleep DURING the fireworks when she was 2! He sure is ALL BOY!

Enjoy the pics!

Derek, Joni, Gizmo, Miya and Isaiah


Big sis Miya and lil' bro Isaiah


Isaiah's first 4th of July (not missing a thing)!


Miya - always the STAR!




Miya and Mom staying cool in our shades!

Another Photo of Isaiah!

Here is a pic of the little man today!

June Update

Wow, so we dropped the ball on the blog when we got home! I think it was just a combination of settling in, settling down, and getting back to "normal"... if that really exists.

We've been busy since being back. It's been wonderful watching Isaiah grow. Joni got to spend some wonderful time at home with the kids. She is now back at work. Childcare for the little man lined up perfectly, as a friend from our small group signed up to watch him Monday's and Tuesday's. Karen (Joni's mom) on Wednesday's and Thursday's, and of course Joni is home on Friday's. Miya is going to Jo's (where she has been for the last year) on Monday's and Tuesday's.

Things we've learned about Isaiah are as follow:

The good:

• His smile can warm your heart
• He loves to move his little legs like he is running somewhere
• He sleeps pretty darn good (we can't complain)
• He loves being outside
• He is so darn cute
• He loves the swing chair... I mean he really LOVES it!

The not so good:

• He hates pooping. 
• He spits up.... a lot!
• He can be pretty fussy.... depending on the day, and the hour... although sometimes it seems like most days, and most hours
• Every time we burp him.... he screams like we are poking him

Kris (who watches him Monday's and Tuesday's) just sent this to us. Pretty good, first day and she got him knocked out sleeping. Of course he still has that eye ever so slightly open in case something happens.

Home Sweet Home!

As you probably guessed, we are home in IA! We had an incredible homecoming from Kelli and Marcus who were riding their bikes up and down our street waiting for our arrival. Our lawn was imacculate and there were balloons, signs and a tribute in each room welcoming us home. Not to mention the house had been cleaned from top to bottom! Thank you to Marcus & Kelli!

The neatest thing about coming home is that once our house was in sight, it dawned on me that not once while we were so homesick did I think about our house. Don't get me wrong, it was great to finally sleep in our own bed and be in our house, but that is not what I was homesick for. We were homesick for our family, friends, church and community. That is what home is - relationships! How awesome!

The last few days have been good. We are still adjusting and feel so blessed. If you haven't had a chance to meet Isaiah, please let us know if you want to stop by. We will post some more pics in the next few days!