Everything I need

It's hard to believe this handsome little man stole his way into our hearts over 6 months ago.  His latest accomplishments include being able to sit up on his own...which he began doing the night before he turned 6 months!  He is still practicing and can't do it every single time without tipping over a little but it is just so cute!  He definitely will be crawling soon.  I'll make sure I document that when it happens.  He's up on all fours rocking and trying to scoot but not getting anywhere yet.  We have had some feeding challenges lately with his reflux flaring up again.  The acid reflux started when he was about a month old and he was on medication for three months until we seemed to get it under control.  It has shown its ugly head again and actually prevented Wyatt from gaining much weight in between his check ups.  The burning sensation would keep  him from wanting to eat and was incredibly fussy even trying to nurse.  All is well now, each day gets better as the medicine kicks back in.  This baby boy has a healthy appetite now!  I hope and pray that anymore children I have do not have this battle!  After researching, I am convinced that it is related to his intolerance for cow's milk proteins.

Since discovering his reflux/intolerance I gave up all sources of cow's milk in my diet.  At first that was so hard I almost gave up, as I was not sleeping and was ravenously hungry.  I was discouraged when I realized SO MANY of my quick snack foods had milk in them. (yogurt, whey protein shakes/bars, any baked goods, frozen meals, cheese of any kind, and obviously milk, many cereals, even instant oatmeal.)  Talk about the biggest challenge I have ever faced!  Turns out, there is a lot you can eat that doesn't have milk in it you just have to be creative, and not surprisingly, it is healthier in general to eliminate dairy from your diet.  I highly recommend cutting back at the very least.  That said, if any of you moms out there ever have a similar struggle take heart!  I can help...and it can be done.  I can't tell you how many women I hear say that they "couldn't breastfeed" because their child had a "lactose problem," which is not entirely the situation, but I can't say that I blame them.  That couple of months was absolutely horrible and without my supportive husband rooting me on, a determined attitude, and strength from God above, I never would have stayed committed.  I can honestly say that I am so glad I did and it was been well worth the challenge, tears, sleepless nights, and frustration.  I'm not planning to breastfeed extensively, but will stop when I/he is ready.  Enough about that...

we recently went to Sarasota and took Wyatt for his 6 month photo shoot with our beloved photographer...www.samanthawackerphotography.com  for those of you who are interested.  We got a couple of sneak peeks from her but I am still waiting for the finished disc with his color/black and white photos on it.  What treasured moments!!  We used credit card point and a sweet discount my hubby gets through his company and stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota....HELLO!!!!  It was all that it is cracked up to be.  It was a nice little vacay, even my mom and nana came to stay with us.  The beaches down there are absolutely breath taking, I highly recommend you visit.  

I realize this is a long blog..I am catching up quite a bit and promise to be better.  I am looking forward to a date night with my man tomorrow night!  His loving, generous, appreciated (hi mimi) parents are coming to kiss on and babysit Wyatt.  We are on a tight budget these days so hoping to get creative in our date nights...Any fun ideas??  If so, leave them in my comments.  Love everybody.  Thoughts from my quiet time today..

"The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master?"  Matthew 6:24

"Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."  Matthew 6:33

Amen to that.  All I need is all I need.  Sounds good, right?

Peace,

Meg