The Fanning Four

Because it's all I think about....another sleep post Well, the E.A.S.Y. routine is definitely one that I like. And it has stretched her feedings from every two hours to every three. I definitely can reconize tired cues now. But we have yet to conquer falling asleep on her own and staying asleep longer than 45 minutes. I am still rocking her, putting paci in, waiting until she's asleep and then putting her in the crib. When she cries I replace the paci and hope she goes back to sleep. The Baby Whisper solution for getting them to fall asleep on their own doesn't work well for us so that's out and we're back to the drawing board. Here's what I want to know: 1. Is it ok they way things are going? Should I just leave it as is? She sleeps so well at night- last night almost 11 hours without waking up. I don't want to mess that up. She still seems generaly happy during the day and I don't mind too much having to occasionaly drive her around or take her into my...

As you saw in the post from right after Thanksgiving, sleep has been the big issue around here lately. The week after Thanksgiving I vowed to get Bethany sleeping in her crib for naps. So that Tuesday (she had her shots on Monday) I started rocking her and putting her in her crib. She had no trouble going down but wouldn't sleep for more than a half an hour or so at a time. Still, I was happy she was sleeping in her crib. Well on Friday afternoon, I tried doing the same thing I had been doing all week and she screamed and screamed and screamed. Same verse same as the first on Saturday, Sunday, Monday.... Um, there is no way this is happening to me!!! Aaaaahhhhh! This sent me into an anxiety filled quest for solutions. I posted a note about it on facebook and got 24 replies. 24 different opinions!! Aaaaahhh! So, like any obsessive new parent, I went and bought every suggested book, and a humidifier, oh and a Rainforest Crib soother (which I promptly broke- a story for another day). ...

This is a blog entry I started right after Thanksgiving and never finished but here it is anyways... Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We had a full house- my parents and grandparents, his parents, and his sister and brother in law. Only one missing was George who had to work on Friday. : ( I cooked a turkey and Jean brought a ham. Everyone else brought a sidedish or two so it worked out really nice and everything was so good! Bethany had milk but next year she'll be ready for the feast!! Bethany is now four months old and it's amazing to see how much she is learning now! She loves the exersaucer, is in full swing teething, and loves to grab for toys. My big dillema right now is how to get her to take naps in her crib and to fall asleep for them own her own (if that's possible). Unfortunately we have gotten in the habit of taking her into our bed and helping her fall asleep there during her naps. When I see she's getting tired, I take her in there, put the paci in...

Got this from a friend's blog and thought I would play along. The first goes like this: Go to your 6th picture folder Choose the 6th photo Pray you remember the details (post) Tag 5 others (If you're reading this- I tag you!) My folders are combined with ones from Tom so I started with the folders since I moved in and this is what I landed on. Unfortunately not a good picture. But this was when we borrowed some friend's kayaks and went kayaking out in the lagoon. It was about this time last year and it was a beautiful day- we saw lots of little jellyfish too! That's Tom out in the distance. Oh and I just rememberd I cut my finger somehow while kayaking. Also,we went and looked at the really big houses on the water. What fun! And now the other is a set of get to know you questions: What was your favorite birthday? - Oh geeze, I have no idea! I LOVE birthdays so I have loved almost all my birthdays. And I've had so many friends make so many of them special! I love s...

First, a story.... So, about a week and a half ago I go to get Bethany from her crib in the morning and she is soaking wet. Her crib sheets are also soaking wet!! I quickly yell for Tom - I'm going to need backup for this one. So as he starts to chnage her and I start to change the sheets I propose my theory. "It must be the Target diapers- they leak. We'll have to stick with name brand." No sooner do I say that, then Tom starts laughing. "What?", I ask. "I forgot to put a diaper on her last night before bed", he replies. Straight from the bath to the pjs!!! Ahhhhaaaa! Hope she enjoyed her night of freedom from diapers! And now here are some pictures: Our little punkin' Big ol' dimples!! Dressed up for Book Babes at the library! Bathtime and big beautiful eyes! 12 weeks old!

At the end of my last semester of college,sitting in my discussion class for my internship my professor told us that we were now the experts. We all laughed when he said it. It just didn't seem possible that we could be an expert in any subject at this young age. But he persisted. "You are the experts in the field of child development. After studying this subject for the past four years, you now know more than most of the population about the development of children." While this may be true, I still question, "I'm the expert??" And to back up my case I present the following evidence: First I must tell you that whenever the subject of parenting came up I would always say that I thought it was the parents who contributed to a lot of the tantrums and discipline problems their children had. As "an expert", I would wisely state; "If you take a hungry, tired child into the grocery store at rush hour at the end of a long day, they will have a meltdow...

Whether we like it or not- all of us have a set amount of time here on Earth. For some it's only a few minutes, for some it's a million. You may not have much of a say in just how many minutes you get, but you do have a choice of how you spend them. I have found that having Bethany has made me much more aware of how I spend my minutes. At any given time, there are so many choices as to how to spend my time. I could sleep (and I need sleep). I could do housework (it's never ending). I could have quiet time with God. I could volunteer somewhere. I could do something just for myself. I could exercise. I could hangout with a friend. I could spend time with Tom. I could spend time with Bethany. Sometimes it's an easy choice. When she screams, I hold her. When the hamper is full of clothes, I wash them. When I try and file the paperwork in the bathroom linen closet instead of the filing cabinet, I sleep. When I'm up in the middle of the night and she won't go back to ...

Well, we've hit the two month mark and I must say; I am so enjoying being a mom! I think I always knew I would but now that my dream has come true, it is confirmed. I love it! And my little girl that left the hospital weighing just over 6 pounds is now almost 12 pounds!! She is also heart murmur free!! Tom went back to work fulltime last week and we are all adjusting to the new normal schedule. Bethany just started sleeping through the night- between 6 and 8 hours at a stretch. We are all thankful for that! Her sleeping, makes mommy and daddy smile! And speaking of smiles.... Check this out: I know! It's adorable right? She is just a smiling little girl now! Esepcially in the morning just after breakfast and before morning nap. I eat it up!! The afternoon is a different story- she has quite the little attitude when it comes to taking her afternoon nap. I can tell she's tired but she will do anything she can to avoid falling asleep including flinging her paci across the room...

We went to the pediatrician on Tuesday for Bethany's check-up and I am happy to say that she is doing great! The pediatrician asked if I was feeding her pizza and chicken because, you ready for this?? She weighs..................10 pounds and 8.5 ounces!!!! Remember she was only 6lbs. 12oz. at birth. Holy moly- she's a growing girl! She is also up to 21 1/2 inches long. She is in the 75th percentile across the board which is good because her weight matches her length. The pediatrician said she looked perfect. Of course I already know this...but it's nice to have someone who's spent a whole lot of time in school and seen a whole lot of babies say that mine is perfect! In other Bethany news, she is now sleeping in her crib. She had been sleeping in the pack and play in our room. But my goal was that by six weeks she would be in her own room. So we made the move on Tuesday night. I think the move was harder on me than on her. Tuesday night, just for my own sanity, I had to...

It's hard to believe that September is upon us-Bethany has been in the outside world for one whole month now! And what a blessing to have her- I fall more and more in love every day. I try and cherish every snuggly moment- memorzing her facial expressions, grunts, coos, and all the uniquenesses that make her who she is. I know that some day, all too soon I fear, she will be on the go and I will no longer be able to hold her still to snuggle and gaze at. But for now, I will cherish her precious head laying against me. She's started to get a little more awake, a little more fun, a little more fussy, and is develpoing her own little personality. Sometimes that is a happy thing, sometimes a challenge. I've been digging deep into my undergrad days of child development classes trying to remember how to best raise her. But for some things we just make it up as we go! As for me, I continue to recover well and get stronger every day. I have driven a few times on my own but still can...

For as long as I can remember, my dad has started his morning with a cup of microwaved, instant coffee. To be honest, for most of my life I didn't really know there was anything different. In my little world, coffee came from a jar and was stirred in, a couple teaspoons at a time, to a microwaved mug of water. Just a minute and it's ready to go- kick starting my dad's morning. But then came Starbucks, and all of a sudden, I found out what "real" coffee was. Starbucks patrons are passionate about their coffee and would be appalled to know that my dad still drinks the instant stuff. Why in the world would someone settle for the instant stuff when they can have the heaven that is a cup of Starbucks coffee? Well, let me take a stab at that question. The instant stuff- it's quick, it's cheap and it's got caffeine. Starbucks on the other hand is expensive, time consuming, and just way more work. So, what's the point Katie? Well, let me tell you. First of...

Hey all!! We're doing very well over her in the Fanning household. Thanks to the help of Gramma, Grandpa, Nana, and Granddaddy, the first week was manageable. Cooking, laundry, yardwork, etc. were all taken care of. We couldn't be more grateful!! And because Bethany's mommy is not a homebody, we've already been out to eat, to the store, and to church. That's in addition to the pediatrician, cardiologist, and mommy's doctor visit. Are we crazy?!?! Maybe, but these outings are helping us all keep our sanity. Bethany is eating well and sleeping well....and of course pooping well! :) She couldn't be more perfect and we are totally in love with her. And even if it's just gas, we love her cute little smile. So, as promised, here's a link to the slew of pictures from the first week. http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=138101218405990621/l=410536712/g=40844521/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Well folks, she's here!!!! Tom and Katie proudly introduce Miss Bethany Grace Fanning! Born Thursday, July 31, 2008 weighing in at a petite 6lbs. 12 oz and 19 inches long. We went to the doctor on Wednesday and had another non stress test and ultrasound and Bethany looked great! But my blood pressure was pretty high so my doctor decided to send me to the hospital to be induced. We weren't too sure about that decision because my body still wasn't prepared enough for labor (still only 1cm dialated and 50-60% effaced). With that little progress, inductions are often unsuccessful. But the doctor said it was too risky to not induce so we headed on over to the hospital. Thank goodness I had already packed all of our stuff in the car so we were ready to go. Here's me at the entrance to the maternity wing. We settled in for the day and they gave me medicine to try and help my body progress to be ready for the induction. So we just hung out on Wednesday- ate Olive Garden and Fi...

I have a confession to make..... I am really over this whole pregnancy thing. What's funny is that for as long as I can remember I have looked forward to being pregnant. Most of my life I obviously wasn't ready to actually be pregnant; but I always looked at pregnant women with admiration. They're so beautiful and they get to experience something so special. And in the end they get a beautiful new baby! What could be better?!?! But as I grew up and learned more about pregnancy and the whole labor/delivery process I began to realize that I would probably not love pregnancy as much as I once thought I would. And that is oh so very, very true. Now, don't get me wrong. There are so many things I love about being pregnant (ask me in a few weeks and maybe I'll be able to remember what they are). But at this moment in time, being pregnant feels so overrated! I'm tired but can't sleep, uncomfortable, huge, bored, anxious and to top it all off my feet are swollen! No...

Well, it's set. Miss Bethany will definitely make her appearance by 8-8-08 unless I have a REALLY long labor and she's not born until the 9th. Since the docs won't let us go past our due date, we figured there was no better day than 8-8-08. So we'll go in at 6am that morning to be induced, unless of course she comes on her own before then (which is totally fine with me by the way!!). We'll keep you posted! Oh, and be thinking of ideas for what we can do on 9-9-09!!! 7-7-07: Tom and Katie are married 8-8-08: Tom and Katie Become Parents 9-9-09: ?????

Well, as I posted earlier, yesterday I had a great appointment in the morning. But then I developed a bad headache that wouldn't go away. Despite my headache we decided to go to our small group last night. But in the middle of the lesson I decided we should leave- we were close to the hospital so we decided to stop at the CVS close to there to check my BP since it would take an hour roundtrip to get home and back if we needed to . Well, sure enough it was 150/100 so off to labor and delivery we went. Needless to say I was very scared that they would make me have an emergency C-Section! Aaaah! Thankfully, that didn't happen. They monitored me and Bethany for a while and my blood pressure went down. Bethany was perfectly fine. So they released me a few hours later. What a relief but it was exhausting just waiting to hear what the doctor would say. So I figure that's our trial run to the hospital- next time hopefully we'll come out with a nice healthy baby girl! And I lear...

Well folks- in less that 18 days she will be here!!! We've talked to the doctor about the whole induction thing and decided that it is best if we don't let her go past the due date, but that we would rather not induce early unless it becomes medically necessary. So we are hoping to schedule an induction for 8-8-08. Oh yes!! The much hoped for birthdate! But I really would prefer that we not have to be induced. So hopefully, Bethany will make an appearance all on her own in the next two weeks. Or even better, I will go into labor on my own on the 7th and deliver on the 8th! I have started making some progress towards being in labor. I am 1cm dialated and 60% effaced for any of you that know what that means and are curious. And she has started to drop. So, things are definitely progressing. Tom installed the carseat this past weekend and we got it checked out at the fire station and it's safe. Good job Tom! Her room is ready- this afternoon we're going to put up the valan...

By the end of this week everyone in line ahead of me to have their babies will have done so. I have been fortunate to have a lot of friends going through pregnancy with me. And as of Wednesday, when my best friend from growing up has her little one through a planned induction, I will be next in line. My doctor informed me on Thursday that due to my blood pressure they will definitely not let me go past my due date. In fact, they may induce earlier- Tom and I have many questions about that and are anxious to talk to the doctor more at this week's appointment. Please pray for discernment and wisdom in that decision. But for now Bethany is staying put and we are currently both awake at 12:30am. Tom and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary on Monday. Tom cooked us a wonderful dinner and we had a great time at home reflecting on the great year it's been and the many blessings we've enjoyed. Here's a few pictures:

Really? Is it really July? Do you realize that July is the month before August? And August is when Bethany is due!!! It's incredibly strange how it can feel like time is dragging on and racing by all at once!! Last night, Tom and I had dinner in town with a bunch of his coworkers. Afterwards, I told him we could just go ahead and have the baby since we were so close to the hospital and all. He thinks we should let her grow in there a bit longer- easy for him to say huh? But yes, I can muster all the "logicalness" inside of me and agree with him- she should stay put for now. However, hot temperatures, a big belly, and swollen feet make for one ready-to-go mother-to-be!!! Plus I want to kiss my baby's sweet face!! But then again, I cling desperately to the ability to sleep when I want; go where I want without all the accessories of baby, and of course baby herself; have uniterrupted time to hang out with my husband; and just the general freedom that I know will leave me...

Wow- June has been a busy month!! I volunteered at VBS, Tom and I went to child birth classes, we celebrated Father's Day, had a baby shower and I have some friends in town this weekend! It's great because it is keeping me occupied during the hot summer months of this pregnancy. I don't have the energy to write at length about each event so I'll give you five words for each: 1. VBS- exhausting, loud, messy, coloful, rewarding 2. Childbirth classes: Terrifying, comforting, reality, informational, breathing. 3. Baby shower: Fun, food, friends, gifts, blessing. 4. Father's Day: Family, Food, thankful, anticipation, love. 5. Friend's visiting: Beach, dolphins, talking, silliness, awesome. Bethany is doing very well. We had a doctor's appointment last week and the medical assistant who took her heartrate was kind enough to show us where Bethany was positioned. She has her little bottom sticking out right by my belly button and her head is down, almost where it sh...

I am now only two months away from due date!! Yay!! Just wanted to update with a quick picture. I'll write more after my baby shower this weekend. Here's my 30 week pic-getting ready to go swim with a friend:

So the other night I had a dream that I was at the hospital- not quite sure why I was there, I wasn't a patient. But I was walking around and was clearly in a lot of pain, I was audibly groaning. So a nurse stopped and asked me if I was ok. I told her that my feet hurt really badly. She said, "Oh, it's probably because you're dehydrated." She then proceeded to give me apple juice through an IV. Yummy!!! Needless to say I went and bought some apple juice yesterday and am already halfway through the bottle!! Mmmm, there's nothing like a cold glass of apple juice on a hot summer day!! Speaking of hot summer days- check out what my amazing husband got for me: Oh yeah!!! It's absolutely perfect and Bethany and I LOVE it!!!! So, if you're looking for me, that's where I'll be- apple juice in hand!!! We continue to waddle along through the pregnancy. I'll be 30 weeks on Saturday- t minus 10 weeks and counting! Tom looked at me yesterday and said, ...

My mom has always commented on how children seem to always pay attention to me when we are out and about. And she's right- they look at me, smile at me, talk to me. And I often find myself helping children reach things in stores, playing peek a boo in restaurants, or washing their hands in the bathroom when they can't quite reach. So am I the pied piper of children? Definitely not- I think it's just simply that I pay attention to them and this is not a common thing for adults to do. For the most part, in a child's daily interaction in the adult world, they are essentially ignored by strangers. There are several factors that make them invisible to many adults. 1. They are significantly shorter than their grown up counterparts. Passers by must look down to even notice them. 2. They're viewed as less intelligent, unable to carry out the ever important "adult conversation". What do they possibly have to say that is of any importance to the average adult passin...

Who is Charlie and what is his horse doing in my leg?!?!? That's right, one of the dreaded symptoms of pregnancy showed up in the middle of the night last night. I woke up literally screaming in pain from a nasty Charlie Horse. If my reaction to that pain was any indication of how I will handle labor, we're in for a long haul! Sorry I've taken so long to write. I sat down to write many times but no words came out. But alas, here I am... Bethany, Tom, and I have been doing well. We can now watch my stomach and see her move. Last doctor's visit 2 and a half weeks ago she was 1.9 pounds. She's getting bigger for sure! We had a scare a few weeks ago when an ultrasound showed a cyst. I volunteered to be a patient for the sonography school finals at our local community collge and when the professor did her check she saw the cyst and printed a picture off for me to take to my doctor. Fortunately my doctor said it is nothing to worry about and it should go away on it's ...