Buh-Bye

11 Months

One year is sneaking up quick, but thankfully still 29 days away. This time last year I was sweating out the last few weeks of just the 4 of us. I was eagerly awaiting a bundle of pink and had a closet full of pinks, purples, laces, frills, and bloomers washed and hung. Beautiful bedding was ordered and grand schemes danced in my head of what the girly corner of the kids room would unfold to be. Yes, God was chuckling at me. Though I was not given the baby girl I had dreamed about, I  WAS blessed with another wonderful little man to cherish. 

Daniel is busy these days.

I am...

Pulling up on furniture and cruising around without letting go.

Eating table food and baby food

Feeding myself... and the dog... and the floor

Putting EVERYTHING in my mouth

Drooling gallons upon gallons

Sporting 2 front bottom teeth

Drinking whole milk from a bottle but still nursing.

Spastic about bath time. Especially if I bathe with my brothers. I soak them relentlessly. 

My hair is curly on the ends, just like Daddy.

Love to lay on Dakota and swat the cat. They tolerate me.

Not much for snuggling. I'd rather be exploring the kitchen cabinets.

Pretty good escape artist... NOT FUN for mommy.

Can wave and say "bye-bye"

Learning sign language for "all done" and "more"

FINALLY sleeping through the night.

I am 11 months old.

Doctor Ordered Remedies

Poor Daniel. Third in line and sometimes my mommy brains flat line! This past weekend was a whir of activity and Daniel was eating his meals out of squeezable baby food packs. I've tried several varieties and settled on one brand that he seems to enjoy and I like the combination of fruits and veggies.

One such pouch contained pears, beets, and strawberries. Not thinking of his age, I fed it to him thinking how yummy it sounded. I was a bit premature with the strawberries, and I noticed Monday that his bottom was quickly showing an aversion. Nothing I used seemed to ease his obvious discomfort. By Tuesday, I was scrambling for home remedies and finally decided to call the doctor.

I love our doctor. He doesn't jump on the medication wagon unless necessary. I described the problem and how I had been treating his heated and painful rash. I swear he chuckled before responding that Daniel's chubby cheeks needed some sunshine. Dry air and sunlight were in order.

This morning I lugged out a large quilt, several special toys, and a diaperless Daniel to the side yard. He of course loved the freedom and could care less about staying on the quilt with mommy. He roamed and explored and gave his family a good laugh, all while airing out those chubby cheeks.

P.S. I know it looks like autumn in the pictures, but our shade tree thinks it should shed its leaves in July. Happens every year...

Taste Testing

My sweet baby is growing and changing in leaps and bonds. Just recently I've noticed that simple pureed food does not satisfy this baby with chunky legs ripe for tickling. I've begun to dole out cheerios, grapes, watermelon and other hands on food for my nibbler to taste. Most recently we finished up dinner one night and Daniel kept eyeballing his brother's leftover spaghetti. Hummmm, I thought. Is it worth a messy cleanup?!

Of course it was! And as the smile shows he has a happy full belly!

Daniel is  also EVERYWHERE. ALL THE TIME. He has crawling down to a T. Thankfully he adores his brothers enough to tag along behind them instead of wandering off. He is also true to baby form in that everything must pass through his hands into his mouth for testing. Thus far, grass and dog food have been the worst of it.

     I don't know about other mommas who have it ALL TOGETHER, but THIS momma doesn't sweat over nightly baths. We shoot for 3 baths a week and I am okay if Saturday night is all we get in. That doesn't mean we skip out on teeth, face and hands. BUT the rest we just wipe down or cover up! ;)
     For one reason or another we missed that crucial Saturday night scrub down this past weekend. I was bound and determined this morning, that the summer routine was going to halt long enough for a sudsy soak that left the fingers and toes in true prune form. How else do little boys comply with removing set in dirt in all the crevices and cracks?! Somehow I didn't get the bath started until Daniel had been put down for his morning snooze.
     I don't think the older two minded having more space to play, because normally all three go in the tub at once. So the boys bathed, dressed, and promptly went outside to undo my scouring. I finally got the baby up and ran a fresh bath for him. I didn't catch the fact that the boys had stacked the remaining pieces of their soap in the lower corner of the tub.
     As soon as splashing ceased and momma was soaked, than the exploring began. I promise I only turned for a SECOND, just long enough to grab a towel and a fresh diaper. All I see when I turn back is a baby smacking his lips. I knew instantly that something had been ingested, so I did the tried and true finger sweep, but came back EMPTY. So I shook it off as nothing and pulled my slippery chub of laughter out of the draining tub and began to dry him. However my mothering instinct knew I couldn't let the smacking lips go. One good sniff of his mouth and I was assaulted with sweet lavendar. Yep, this cutie pie swallowed some soap and didn't shed a tear!

No telling what else my curious Daniel will be taste testing in the near future!

8 Months and Spring Cuts

     Some days I swear the minute hand on my wall clock drags along in earnest time with the drudgery of scrubbing pots, wiping noses, kissing tears away( this of course is not so bad), and scrubbing crusty dried stains out of our Sunday best. However one glance at the calendar and I wonder what worm hole has sucked up my sweet baby and left me with rolls of chubby laughter and over-eager hands. 

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8 months and counting...

I can ALMOST crawl, but refuse to try.

I love green beans, even though my brothers never have.

I've discovered yelling gets what I want quicker.

I'm attached to mommy and mommy is okay with that.

I love tickles under my chin.

I'm fascinated by the cat. Mommy hopes to use the unsuspecting cat as crawling motivation!!!

 I still enjoy 2 naps a day.

No teeth yet.

Everything goes straight in my mouth for quality testing.

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Big brothers received their warm weather hair cuts recently, but I'm wondering if I lopped off their hair too soon. The cooler nights have returned, but there is loads of sunshine during the day to keep there heads warm and their browning hands busy.

Busy digging up worms and moving weeds. Busy kicking the soccer ball around and chasing after furry friends with wagging tongues. Busy digging in the cool sand scattered across my porch instead of in the sand box. Busy jumping on the trampoline and showing off new boo-boos. Busy being boys.

7 months

I am 7 months old

I can roll this way and that

I can reach for toys but refuse to crawl

I can laugh deep from my belly

I light up when my brothers are around

I love to eat whatever mushy surprise is set before me

I give open mouth kisses 

I love mommy's hair- OUCH!

I'm very attached to my blanket

My eyes are staying blue and my hair is downy soft and dirty blonde

I am sweet-tempered and not easily frustrated

I only cry when hungry or tired

I LOVE taking a bath with my big brothers

And splashing splashing splashing all the water out of the tub

I love to snuggle

I am mesmerized by the great outdoors

I put everything in my mouth

I am 7 months old

The Faces of Pox

     The controversy over vaccines continues to grow each year. How much, which ones, how often.... can leave parents wondering what steps to take. Many argue FOR and many argue AGAINST. The Metcalfes hunker down somewhere in between (for facts and research from someone who has time for lots of reading, go here). One vaccine I find unnecessary for MY family is chicken pox.  So Daniel was left to experience chicken pox the old fashioned way. Suffer through it and become immune. He was blessed with a mild case. A couple of fussy nights and a freckled face, head, and upper torso were the worst of it. I forgot to pull the camera out until his little spots started healing. Here are a few snap shots of my almost 7 month old.

Merry Christmas from the Metcalfes!

In no particular order....our Christmas day!! :)

 a ba-jillion pieces

 actually reading the directions

 all done!

 just chillin'

 enjoying watching my brothers dig into new toys

 testing out the loader

 matchy shirts...can't help myself!!

 Lunch at Grandmother and Papa's home

"Christmas pajamas" this year were whatever I had in the color red. Hand-me-downs and 2 sizes-too-big have no affect on sweet dreams! ;)

4 Months...

     Daniel Asher is 4 months old...ALREADY? Where has the time gone. Oh yeah I remember. I've been chasing a preschooler and a toddler. Learning the art of potty training, changing diapers and swiping gooey noses... oh and chiseling dried oatmeal off the kitchen table and the floor and the highchair and the chair-the-highchair-sits-in and the bowl that never made it to the sink. Next time I need a concrete slab poured, I'll just stop by SAM'S and pick up a box of instant oatmeal! So while life scurries onward and I slowly regain a few more minutes of sleep each night, my newest addition has begun to explore the world around him.

 IGNORE my face, focus on the baby smile!!!

 At 4 Months:
1. Mommy and Daddy can't decide what to call me still: Daniel, Asher, Baby Asher, the baby, him, yes that one, Baby Daniel... it will be official when mommy busts out the Modge Podge and decorates wooden letters to go on the wall.
2. I can roll from tummy to back.
3. I prefer to sleep on my tummy(no lectures) and don't mind playing on my tummy as long as I haven't just eaten.
4. I have chubby cheeks and one irresistible dimple on my left cheek. I have really chubby legs. SO.CUTE.
5. I smile anytime some talks to me.
6. I laugh and gurgle and cooh.
7. I reach for toys and make a bee-line to my mouth. My big brother David is already a good teacher in sharing. He makes sure I always have a toy next to my face or on my face if playing close by.
8. I'm already attached to a blankie and love to grab it or have it snuggled next to my cheek in the car seat.
9. I'm also my mom's best bud. Since I'm still a nursing baby I go where mommy goes.  I've been an excellent Christmas shopper. The sweet 'ol ladies go ga-ga over my smiles and the old men are quick to hold the door for my mommy!

Love. Cherish. Smother in kisses. Nurture. Scrub. Pamper. Nourish. Cherish. Love.

Daniel's Birth Story-- Part 3

Go HERE for Part 1 of this exciting thriller of a story!  
Go HERE for Part 2 of this exciting thriller of a story! 

     Tim swung through the late night drop-off and I waddled and hunched my way from the ER entrance to the 2nd floor Labor and Delivery. As per hospital regulation, the receptionist began handing me paperwork to sign. I was so relieved to be close to receiving some relief (pain meds) that I was overjoyed to fill out paperwork. BUT It required me to be on my knees grunting through contractions. I managed 2 signatures before I gave up. I dumped my purse in Tim's arms and left him dumbfounded at the counter. 
     By then, a nurse had been summoned and I followed her back. AT this point I couldn't even keep up. Pain radiated from tip-top to toes and my resolve was fading quickly. She yelled back "Meet me in room 12" and left me in the hall. Crazy nurse! Didn't she know I was in labor?!?! The charge nurse was all business. Just what my body needed this night. I walked in the room, practically threw my clothes at her while attempting to done the beautifully crafted hospital gown...HA! Those things are a joke and I'm not sure mine ever actually made it completely on.  I was already announcing I would gladly accept any form of pain medicine as I hobbled onto the bed. But of course, the response was lets check you first. I slithered around on the bed not cooperating and continuing to ask for relief when the nurse started shaking her head and smiling. SMILING! 


Page the doctor. Membranes bulging. Fully effaced.

...And more mumbo- jumbo that I wasn't catching due to labor pains. Now I'm not an expert on medical terms, but I knew what she was saying. I would not be pulling an all-niter. This baby was coming. I just had to wait for the doctor to arrive. Another nurse stepped up and quickly began inserting an IV into my arm while  explaining that..


I was ready to deliver
There would be no medication b/c they wanted the baby to be alert
NOT to push until the OB arrived
To focus on how exciting it was that my baby would be here soon, and
The doctor was en route.


      My wonderful, seasoned husband had assumed his position next to my head, giving me his hand, to vent my pain through. A murky few minutes later, the doctor sailed in and broke my water. I proceeded to push for 2 excruciating MINUTES and a slippery, squalling baby was born. The nurse lifted the baby and announced  

You have a beautiful healthy baby boy.
Silence. Confusion. Relief. Questions.
Honestly our first question was "How long have I been here?" 
You walked in our doors 16 minutes ago 
We have a BOY?
YES
Tim-there's just one baby in there right?
YES
OK, lets see this precious gift! 

     From beginning to end my labor lasted a mere 3 hours. A quick delivery to top off everything as well.  Not that there is an option, but I wouldn't change anything about my experience. I prayed that God would direct my decisions in labor and delivery for this child. Torn between comfort and the unknown, I laid it in God's hands. I was so scared of delivering naturally, but when it came down to it God CREATED us. HE KNOWS our stamina and limits. He created my inmost being... knows the number of hairs on my head. 

Ah-la natural labor...ehh just another day in the history books! ;)

Daniel's Birth Story-- Part 2

Go HERE for Part 1 of this exciting thriller of a story! :)

Monday, August 22nd I woke up feeling miserable and reluctant to head into town for my post due date doctor appointment. Of course, 2 small boys and a messy house are a good reason to escape for a couple of hours. Everything seemed fine and no sign of labor sent me home a little distraught and determined to change just that!  


I had been banned early on in the pregnancy from mowing the grass due to the bumpy nature of our large tractor. It was my last ditch chance to use this bumpy ride and bring on full-force labor! Sure enough a haphazard trip through the pasture and I went to bed exhausted and sore. I could NOT get comfortable amid mounds of pillows, a heating pad, and assorted blankets. After an hour of tossing and turning, I felt the gentle tug of what I believed to be a labor pain. I shrugged it off and continued to lay in bed planning my next move to induce labor. No more than ten minutes later, I had another tug, not so gentle, and this time my mind started racing. 


Should I wake Tim up? We don't have bags packed. This house is a disaster. That's okay, I usually have long labor anyways. I can clean if I cant sleep. Wait! I  have a long TO DO list waiting for me tomorrow, including  consignment sale drop-off. Its 11:00 pm. should I go ahead and take the boys up to my in-laws?! What am I thinking this is going to take forever. Slow down Heather and start with a bath.


And that is just what I did. I sat up, told Tim I was in labor, and headed to the bathroom for a nice long soak with a good book. Disappointingly enough, the bath was just as uncomfortable as my bed. Even more strange was the timing of contractions. Nothing seemed "textbook" and I could not find a pattern to my waves of pain. Tim trickled in soon after, unable to sleep after my nonchalant announcement. I sent him back to bed, dressed myself, and sat down at the computer to double check my research on labor and delivery. 
My body was rebelling. I could not sit or stand for long, and laying down was out of the question. I poked my head in and told Tim to pack his bag and call his parents. It had only been a mere hour since labor had begun, but intuition AND pain were pushing me to the brink of sanity.  I paced and panicked(internally) and paced some more for what seemed an eternity. My husband seemed to be taking his sweet time packing an overnight bag and other hospital essentials like computer and cell phone cords. My in-laws, neighbors to be more precise, had not appeared at our door yet.


Somehow I was able to convey to Tim that we needed to hurry. Like pronto. Like NOW! Grandmother and Papa appeared and whisked 2 sleepy big brothers away while Tim expertly squeezed our hospital bags in and around the overflowing mass of consignment merchandise. I waddled out and we took off leaving dirty dishes, piles of dirty clothes, unmade beds, toys scattered... chaos--my mortal enemy!


Now the contractions were rolling on top of each other some more severe than others, but I wasn't getting a break. I blatantly told Tim DO NOT STOP. RUN EVERY RED LIGHT. I'll handle the cops. It took every ounce of my being to stay in the van. I focused on the odometer and kept reminding my husband, who was not in labor, to DRIVE FASTER. Neither one of us knew just how close I was to delivering. 

Daniel's Birth Story-- Part 1

As I consider where I fall in line with the modern day practices of labor and delivery, I'd say I walk a fine line between knowledge and ignorance. My awareness has certainly peaked more and more as each pregnancy takes on a new meaning in my life. How do I approach sickness, health, daily living, our home environment?


 Certainly I want what is best for baby and momma. But, am I willing to take the plunge, into an ever decreasing number of mothers who choose natural labor without any intervention, to better the chances of a healthy child? Sadly today most women say "no thanks" and "give me the drugs" and I fall right in line with the statistics!


This third pregnancy has been crazy from the get-go! One--being that my husband was unemployed, a full-time college student, and living on unemployment wages. We did not have the funds or insurance to birth more children. Now I KNOW how babies get here...heard that speech years ago ;) , but somewhere between muddled mommy brains and crazy calendar days we got pregnant.


Second-- I can't say I wasn't excited, because I was! I was ready for another darling newborn to cuddle with, but mixed in that sweet rejoicing was the fear and anxiety streaming with a million "what if " questions.


Now skip ahead to the anatomy ultrasound. I wasn't the only one holding my breath as we were forced to listen to the tech analyze every aspect of our healthy baby but what was between the legs. With 2 boys "under the belt," I was READY for a girl. I longed for ruffle-bum pants, laced trimmed fancies, and a splash of pink. So upon declaration that we were indeed going to have a girl, I was thrilled!
My initial 20 week ultrasound revealed placenta previa which  basically meant I would receive another ultra sound at 36 weeks to determine If I would need a c-section or not.


BOTH ultra sounds never showed the true identity of what was to come. I REALLY wish I had called into our local baby consultants... Rick and Bubba. Radio personalities that more often than not--guess right! I thought of it often, but never dialed into their expertise.


Scorching summer days came and went just as my due date did and I scoured the Internet for natural (post due date) inducing labor ideas. I made my list and started at the top, skipping the gross or obviously pointless ideas.  Nothing worked folks...

And baby BOY makes 5

   Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
   before you were born I set you apart; 

Jer 1:5

   For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD 

Jer 29:11

Welcome Daniel Asher Metcalfe born on August 23, 2011 at 2:10 am weighing in at 7lbs, 13 oz and a whopping 19.5 inches long.