Dr. Ghosh and Baby James

My sweet baby James had to visit his pediatrician, Dr. Ghosh yesterday. He wasn't due for his 4 month checkup until Jan 4th but on Wed. we noticed that he had a red spot on his eye. Yesterday it looked a lot worse so we took him to visit Dr. Ghosh. Just as we suspected he suspected that James has scratched or poked his eye. Thankfully it wasn't pink eye or something like that. So now James has to endure having ointment put in his eye a couple of times a day to fight away infection. He is such a little trooper...he doesn't even complain. We were able to take care of the general checkup while we were there too, so fortunately he will not have to go back in Jan. James has almost doubled his birth weight now, he weighed in at 15 lbs. 13 oz. and measured 26 in. long. He's in the 95th percentile now, at 6 wks he was in the 75th percentile. I think he's just thriving now that his tummy is happy. He's a big guy and we love it.

Christmas High

Its coming on Christmas and people are cutting down trees. Its only 2 more days till Christmas. This is my favorite time of year. I always have a bit of a Christmas high, that I inevitably have to come off of. I've been so busy with all the family get togethers, the shopping , the holiday cards, and the quiet reflection that when its all over there is a brief yet real void in the week following. Last year was especially bad. I was pregnant with James (unbeknownst to me) and I had to work a 12 hr shift at the hospital on Christmas day. When I got home Tim was still gone to Church so I laid alone on the sofa staring misty eyed at the tree thinking how all the festivities were over. Pathetic huh? All this to say that this year is different. Even though I still love the season as much as ever, I now have so much filling my life. Routine has become a blessing. I'm now a Mom, I enjoy all of the little things in my life that others would find mundain. I love grocery shopping and fixing dinner, keeping the house and folding baby socks and bibs. Our life is scheduled and even though I am flexible about it I like to keep it when possible. Isn't it funny how our lives change? God takes such good care of us.

bumGenius!

While I was still pregnant with James I posted about how I was going to be using bumGenius! diapers and how excited I was to try them. I know I raised a few eyebrows and there was some speculation and even a few bets on whether I would use them or switch to disposables. Well here it is 3 1/2 months after his birth and I am still loving them. (Sorry to all of you who bet I wouldn't use them.) These are the best diapers ever! They are not the diapers of our mothers and grandmothers. They work almost like disposables. They have a waterproof outer layer with a soft inner layer, you stuff an absorbent insert in between the two and wolaa! I can even leave him in them for a very long night with no leaks. Not to mention his little bum NEVER get even the tiniest bit of rash or redness. bumGenius! diapers (unlike all disposable and other cloth brands) are one size, they fit from 8-35lbs all you have to do is adjust them as they grow. There is an intial expense but it turns out to be about the same as 6-7 months of disposables, after that not only will I have diapers for the rest of the 2 years he'll need them, but for my next children as well. I'm not usually that concerned about the environment, but I can't help but feel good when I think that I will not be contributing over 6,000 diapers per child to the world's landfills.

I also love that the owners of Cotton Babies (the company that makes bumGenius!) are Christians. I always like to buy from Christian companies. Its pretty cool, they even have diaper grants for missionary families. Is that not awesome? Anyways, I love them, Tim loves them, Kryna loves them, my Mom loves them, and most importantly James loves them. You really should check them out at www.cottonbabies.com they have good stuff and great customer service. Even if you don't need to diaper anymore its pretty fun just to browse through the website and just see what all there is out there.I have a new Friend.

We are still getting acquianted.

Chick Chick is fun to hug.

He's a pretty good guy. Just like me.

Big News in the den Hollander Household

James rolled over for the first time today. Daddy layed him on his tummy (James hates to be on his tummy) for a little developmental playtime just before lunch time today. He started balancing on his stomach and wiggling all over, but he was becoming frusturated with the slow progress and began to squak and complain so I gave his romper a little pull to help him out so with that he flipped over. This was good enough for him (he was off his tummy thats all he cared) but, I was not as easily satisfied. So I rolled him back on his tummy and this time in a matter of moments he rolled himself back over...we proceeded to do this two more times, but after the third time he decided he had quite enough fun.

He's starting to really enjoy his rattles too. Its so fun to watch him change even if it is a little fast. He hates his binky and yet this he will suck on.

I can be quite a shy little boy.

"Oh Tannenbaum"

Yesterday afternoon we headed out to Mom and Dad's to find the perfect Christmas tree. When cutting a tree from a farm other than that of a tree farm perfect trees are hard to come by and yet in a mere 15 min. we had ours. James opted out of tree hunting to spend quality time with Grandpa and Grandma. This proved to be a pretty good idea for him seeing how he ended up getting to suck on his first piece of Anise candy compliments of Grandpa. After we trimmed our tree (quite literally trimmed, as in took off the excess branches) and ate bowls of pea soup we headed home. When we got home I hauled down all the ornaments, lights, and ribbon from the attic while Tim carried the tree in and prepared for the lengthy process of securing it in the stand. About 45 min. later and after it fell over three times we began to decorate. My Christmas tree would never win any contests but it has lots of memories on every branch. There's not one ornament that doesn't come with a story. Every Christmas since Tim and I have been together I have given him an ornament, and now I've started with James too. The fun is not in the tree itself but the traditions, memories, and family time spent putting it up.
Its been a cold winter so far this year (for AR). Our house is very old (I love it) and it is doubtful that there is any insulation at all in its walls (hopefully this will be remedied very soon). So, today Tim went around the outside and put plastic over all the windows. It seems to have helped. I have set up James pack n play in the dining room so that he can sleep closer to the wood stove. I've also taken to dressing him in a onsie and two sleepers with socks over his hands for mittens on particularly cold evenings. He seems to enjoy it and he looks like such a cute little snowball. He has a cold and I have no intentions for it to get any worse. :)

What a sweet husband, he let me drive and pick out the tree.

Homegrown trees have LOTS of character.

What's better than recycling last years ribbon?

All done.

Tim's ornement this year. I do love him a latte.

All tuckered out and staying warm.

Thanksmas

Last week James had his first Thanksgiving and his first Christmas...kind of. We left GR on Thanksgiving Eve just before midnight, we figured traveling while James was sleeping would be less stressful for all involved. We hung out in Springfield the next day until Bert and Kryna arrived at the airport that night. From that night till my birthday we stayed by Mom and
Dad's house enjoying innumerable festivities. Friday we celebrated Thanksgiving and Monday and Tues. we had our Christmas. Earlier in the year Mom said she wasn't going to get James any presents this year because he was too young to enjoy it all (to which I agreed), somehow he still had a stocking brimming over with all the goodies a little boy could want. What a lucky boy (thank you Grandma and Grandpa). On Wed. we all headed up to Silver Dollar City. We had a blast. Thursday K. and B. had to head back to Scotland so Mom and Dad brought them to the airport in Little Rock. I was supposed to join them but we had the threat of an ice storm on its way and Tim was not fond of the idea of James and I stuck in L.R. with him in Harrison. K. and B. had lots of delays, but we pray they a safe and sound now.
Life is slowly getting back into its old rhythm, its a good rhythm. We miss K. and B. and A. James loves his Auntie so much, he can't wait to see her again. It was so good to see everyone these past few weeks. We love each and every one of you and miss you dearly.

Just before the blessing.

James is Thankful for Grandmas.

A little practice for Uncle B. (James is the first baby he's ever held.)

Auntie K. doesn't need any practice.

The best present ever.

What's more fun than goofing off?

Happy Family.

I have a new toy.

K. and I making potato soup bread bowls for Thanksmas Eve supper.

Cuddle time with my man.

So much attention. Grandpa always sympathizes with me. :)

There's nothing like riding a camel.

I think she's gorgeous.

Our little family.

If you look closely you can see James adores his Auntie.

You never know what will happen when you get the three of us together.
Me thinks he is adorable.

Pictures From the Travels

I finally got to meet Uncle A. He's a neat guy, I think I could get used to having him around.

I'm so very tired, but I always enjoy kisses.

Not everyone was exactly thrilled about this picture. It was great to get to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma Van Grouw.

Ohhh...Opa is fun and he looks a lot like Daddy.

This is a good spot to be.
Four Generations.
Mommas always lovin on me.
There's nothing better than family.
I'm growing really fast Momma put my pants on and little belly was all smushed so we had to open the button. Ahh... so much better
Auntie Brenda knows how to make me smile.


I'll have stuff about Thanksmas in the next 24 hrs. Don't give up on me, I'm getting there. :)

Holiday Travels

On Saturday after Tim delivered the mail we left for a holiday in MI. We've been here ever since enjoying the company of family and friends. Tim's Grandpa and Grandma Van Grouw were in for a few days as well. (pictures will be forthcoming) James has not been neglected to say the least.

When I travel I find myself wondering what it would be like to live in the locality I am visiting; more often than not I conclude I would like it immensely, not necessarily better than my current home, but everywhere seems to have its particular draw. My question to you is: Am I happy in whatever situation I am placed or am I discontented and view the grass on the other side of the fence in a brighter shade of green? I do have to say though, a place is only as good as its company, of this one thing I am sure. If nothing else can be said it's a blessing to enjoy wherever you are whenever you're there.

Hangin Out With Daddy

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Recipe of the Day

This is the best pork tenderloin ever. I usually serve it with baked herb red potatoes or baked sweet potatoes either way its awesome.

Roast Pork Tenderloin

1/2 t. thyme
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 t. sage
4 minced garlic cloves
3 chopped green onions
1/4 t. ginger
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 T. soy sauce
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. olive oil
1 1/2 lb. pork tenderloin

Combine spices, sauces, onions, garlic, and oil. Mix well. Spread evenly over pork, cover and allow to marinate at least 1-2 hrs. in fridge. Place pork on rack in backing pan and cover loosely with foil. Roast at 350* until internal temp reaches 170*, about 45-60 min. Slice into 1/4 in. pieces and serve. Pour juices from pan over meat.

Baked Herb Red Potatoes

Cut desired amount of potatoes into about 1 in. pieces. (do not peel) Shake in covered tupperware with Olive Oil, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Green Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper. Marinate in fridge 1-2 hrs, spread out on a cookie sheet and bake at 350-400* till soft.

Also next time you make baked sweet potatoes try some honey on them, you'll be glad you did.

Thoughts on Christmas

Every year I write a Christmas letter, usually the day after Thanksgiving. Then on Dec. 1st I drop 74 cards stuffed with the letter and a picture into my mailbox. The destinations vary from NJ. to CA, the USA to Holland, but in each one the message is the same, you are one of our family or friends and we are glad to share our life with you. There are only 74 cards mailed on the 1st because I mail my Grandma's on the 30th of Nov. My Grandma prides herself on being the first to send out Holliday Greetings so I always get hers out a little early, its really fun to beat her with the Christmas cheer (I'm not talking about eggnog, focus please). We also have a little contest of who can say "Merry Chistmas" first, its quite fun, you ought to try it. Family traditions are just the best aren't they?
I'm really not sure what I'll write about this year, you all know every detail of my life since June. Oh well you may just have to throw out the letter, but not to worry there will still be an adorable card and an even more adorable picture to hang on your Frigidaire. Come on you know you want to.

Silly Momma

This week has been designated for settling James into a daily routine, more importantly a desirable routine. The first 10 weeks of his life have been anything but normal so now I am on a mission to help him develop good and necessary habits. He does not approve of naps, I do not approve of his disapproval. He also prefers to sleep with his head turned to the right. I have been keeping a close eye on this and recently noticed that it is getting ever so very slightly flat on that side. So I've now turned into the naptime Nazi. I am trying to establish a routine as follows: feeding, diaper change, reasonable amount of playtime (not play and play and play and play some more till I am so tired that I don't want to play anymore, but now I'm too tired to sleep too) , naptime which will be followed by many repetitions of the same routine. This morning James' had breakfast, diaper change, fun in the swing, story time (it was Frosty the Snowman), kicky time, bath time, nap time. He didn't think nap time was a good idea, but after a brief session of complaining decided it was better to succumb to the routine than fight it. After what I thought was a decent interval I crept into his room to turn his head to the left and snap a picture. This is where my silliness comes in, as soon as I touched his head his eyes popped open and he looked at me with a look as if to say "Ha, I beat the system". Well young man you have not beat the system only taught your mother 15 min. is too soon to come in and straighten your head. Some day he will thank me for being diligent in turning his head so that is doesn't resemble a wedge of cheese.

Politics

Americans have attention spans equivalent to that of a gnat. I was watching the news tonight when they started to talk about the health of Castro. During this news clip they mentioned that Castro has been Cuba's only leader in 49 yrs. America has been under the Bush administration for a mere 6 years and the nation is ready for a change. I say put on new socks, get a hair cut, try Colgate instead of Crest; do not vote in a whole new leadership because you are bored. It's one thing if you are a tried and true Democrat, of course you would still be one and you would not approve of our leadership, but shame on all Republicans who voted liberally this election merely because this administration was not fixing the world's problems fast enough.