Liberty - 6 Months Old

Liberty is 6 months old!  She is still our happy girl.  She really only fusses if she is getting sleepy or hungry because I haven't paid attention and it's time to do one of those.  She still likes patty-cake and will giggle if you tickle under her chin.  She also loves just to be held, especially by her Daddy, looking out where she can see people while gripping your fingers.  And man does she have a grip.  She naps from 8:30-9:30am, 11:30-1:30pm, and 4:00-5:00pm.  She weighs in at 17lb 14oz and is 26 1/4" long.  For some reason Huggies size 3 just aren't working for her.  Unlike the boys, Pampers seems to hold everything in better.  And off-brand diapers, well, they are cheaper for a reason.  I have started to try Munchkin, which is sold at HEB and so far that is working good, a little less expensive than Pampers.

Her rash has come and gone, but even after it cleared up she kept itching to the point of bleeding.  We got some prescription medicine and in 3 days has already cleared it up and helped her sleep without itching.  Desonide is for her face and Triamcinolone is for her body which is a steroid but if put on her face would thin out the tissue.  Then we give her a tsp of Atarax to help with the itching.  Hopefully these will all continue to work so she can wear cute dresses and her swim suit!  We are also going to start her on baby food, so hopefully she doesn't have any allergies.  She has been drooling a lot, so much that she wears a bib, but still no sign of a tooth.

Some people have asked if she has a nickname.  I sometimes call her "Libby Lou" or "Princess", but really we would like to stick with Liberty, and even like saying her full name, which we get many compliments on, Liberty Noel.

"Just" a Mom

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.  We started it off by going on a date Friday night.  It was nice to talk uninterrupted while we ate.  The boys spent the night with Nana and Grandpa.  Saturday I  woke up to roses, one of my favorite breakfast's - Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit from Whataburger, and Starbucks Caramel Machiatto.  Since there were no boys to entertain, when Liberty went down for her first nap I actually got to enjoy my devotional without being interrupted. 

I took Liberty shopping for a swimsuit then when the boys got home I took them out for yogurt.  It was a lot of fun bonding with each of them.  On Sunday Hallister woke up with diarrhea but seemed to be feeling fine after that.  We enjoyed a nice lunch in Temple with family but unfortunately Jonathan and Hall weren't feeling well so we headed home so they could rest.  Besides that it was a great weekend.

I remember wanting to be a Mom growing up but it never occurred to me I'd have to choose between being a stay-at-home Mom or a working Mom. When someone asks what I do, many times I have answered, "I'm just a Mom."  Our pastor has reiterated to us Moms that we should be proud that we stay home, and not put that word "just" in the sentence.  You wouldn't say 'I'm just a lawyer' or 'I'm just a teacher', but say proudly, 'I am a MOM'.  So I have tried to remember that.  Being a Mom is the hardest job, especially with three small children.  There are days when I ask myself is it really worth it.  It would be easier to work and then come home to them, and let someone else deal with the whining, not sharing, spit up and diapers all day.....but then I would miss out on praying over them and teaching them God's word, and seeing their smiles, and getting hugs.  Someone else would be training them, and it is my job.  Sometimes when I drive by a day care I get teary eyed.  I see all those children without their Mommies and I am reminded of why I chose to stay home.  I just look in the rear view mirror.

So here's to all the stay at home Mommies.  Thankfully in our weakness HE is strong.  Say it loud and say it proud, "I AM A MOM!"