Tis the Life of the Snyders: August 2008

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

4 month pictures

Noah had his 4 month pictures taken! He did so well. His little personality is really evolving! It's so great to see him change month to month! He's so photogenic!!

That's right! Our little boy is growing up fast! He had his 4 month check up. He is 18lbs and 26.75 inches which puts him in the 75th percentile for both! Such a big boy! We got the go ahead to start rice cereal- which he is not a fan of! He also got his first two shots. We're opting to do the Dr. Sears plan (for the most part) so he's getting two shots a month. And For the record- we're not opposed to giving him vaccines- I just wish he didn't have to have so many at such a young age. I have done my fair share of research on the subject- before you criticize me, have you done your research? No, there is not 100% proof that vaccines cause autism; however, there is not 100% proof that they do not. Autism is a concern, yes, but not the only one. I am familiar with how vaccines are made, and being in the research field understand why we do (some) things the way we do...but I'm just not comfortable injecting human aborted fetuses into my baby. Think what you may of my decision, but ultimately Noah is my child and I have a responsibility to do what I feel is the best for him. Maybe in 10, 20 or 30 years we'll have more answers, but until then I'll do what I have to do to keep him as safe as I can and that starts with me doing my own research on the subject matter and not doing something just because someone tells me to. I am very big into researching something until I feel comfortable doing it, maybe it's the scientist in me- I know I will make plenty of mistakes in raising him, but who doesn't- and I'll learn from them, isn't that what being a parent is about? ...and some may say- he has to have *whatever* for school. That is a big nope too- they have exemptions. Did you die of chickenpox? My point exactly. Chicken pox is not one I am worried about, yes, polio is very bad, whooping cough, bad, but where do we draw the line? Anyways- that's a whole different post in itself... I do agree that vaccines are important for helping with disease control, but I'd have to say if he did not attend preschool or go to the nursery at church, he would not be getting any vaccines until he was 2 years old... However, he is exposed to harmful diseases which is why we chose to do the Dr. Sears' plan. The plan calls for more actual vaccines (not many big combo vaccines- ie. pediarix); however, it takes in account the amount of chemicals that are being injected into his little body at each visit. He's not had the DTaP vaccine yet, which I hear is not fun...but he did really well with the two he received. No fever or crankiness at all. He did not appreciate the nurse and he let us all know of the pain he endured!! Poor baby boy! I gave him a bottle to help get his mind off of the pain, and while I was scheduling his 6 month appointment, he must of had a flashback because he let out another whale! I felt so bad! But all in all he did great!

Noah at 4 months:
-Started on rice cereal. Does NOT like it :). We're going slow- only a little in the morning (if he wants some) and it's really watered down. We're trying to get him used to the spoon. Since starting on solids too young has been linked with food allergies, we're going as slow as he wants to go.
-Gives the best "hugs" and "kisses". When we pick him up he grabs our face and pulls his close to ours and does what we call a hug and kiss- it is sooo sweet!
-Does not have any stranger anxiety (we're very thankful for that)
-Loves the animals- smiles so big when he notices them
-Started to love "blankies"
-Loves to cuddle
-Gets board easily, so is rotated often with activities
-Goes to sleep b/t 8-9 and gets up around 7AM

What Noah thinks of baby cereal!

Our house has been taken over by our 4 month old!

Our sweet boy!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Planes trains and automobiles

So, back in June the transmission in my Buick Rendenvouz went out. It was going to cost $4000 for the transmission shop to fix it (ouch!) or Justin's school could do it and for under $1000...so the decision seemed pretty easy...but the only catch (yes, there's always a catch) was that it wouldn't be done until the middle of August (when school started back). Well, the money was better so we decided to wait. It's been really hard only having one car. Justin and I have been looking for a new car since. One that is good on the gas miles and low maintence. Last night we went to Chris Leith Kia and found what we were looking for. A '06 Kia Rio5- EPA says it's supposed to get 25 city and 38 hwy. It is small but cute and Noah fits nicely in the back seat! Hopefully with this car we will save some major gas money. Once my Buick gets fixed, we will use it for long road trips and Justin will use it in place of his gas guzzeling truck. I am excited about the Kia! Hopefully it was the right decision. And it's pretty :)- I'll post pics soon!

Vacation and 3 wonderful years of marriage:)!!

So we just got back from VACATION! It was wonderful. Justin and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary on July 23rd. It is so hard to believe that we have been married for 3 years! It has been the best 3 years of my life. I love Justin more and more every day and I am so thankful to have him in my life!

We left for our vacation on July 23rd :). I know, not much of a anniversary celebration, but it was the beginning of a great time away. We drove up to Spruce Pine to spend the night. The next morning we packed the car and headed out. We rode with Justin's parents. Needless to say, it was not the most comfortable ride to FL...we had to make multiple stops for Noah. Poor baby, the car seat is not good for a long period of time. Our first big stop was Tybee island in GA. It was beautiful. Noah experienced the beach for the first time. He didn't seem too impressed with it all. He is such a laid back baby. We spent the night on the island and headed out the next morning. Our next stop was St. Augustine, FL. It was so pretty. The oldest city in the US. We toured the fort and city. The only bad part was the HEAT- it was HOT! Noah tolerated us sweating and we got some good pics. Then it was off to Winter Park, Fl where Justin's grandmother lives. We spent the night at her house for two nights. On Sunday, we packed up and headed to Tampa....this was the hard part of the vacation. We boarded a cruise ship and had to leave Noah behind. I was happy about the cruise but I did not want to leave my baby. Charlie and Jamie took great care of him and we called every day to check on him...8$ a minute is steep, but so worth it. We was so ready to come back Sunday to see him!! And he changed so much in the week we were apart. He is more like a lil boy every day. They grow up so fast! The cruise was wonderful- I'll be sure to post pics! It was good Mommy and Daddy time...and catching up on the sleep was wonderful!! Plus, the food was incredible! It was our third cruise since we got married and we are already planning another one- hopefully, the next will be a family one :)! When Jamie, Charlie, and my lil man picked us up- we headed for the NC mts. We got there around 11PM. Noah was a trooper. He did so well! The next morning as soon as we got up we headed home to Efland! I missed all my kids- 2 weeks gone it too long! Everyone was so happy to see us and I was so happy to see them! Plus, there is no bed like your own, I slept so good! It was a GREAT vacation. Seems like a lot of car time, but we split it up as much as possible for Noah.

Noah's first beach trip.