Giveaway Vlog

Ok readers, here's the deal. I am really trying to draw more readership to my blog so in an effort to do so I am doing an AWESOME giveaway! I'm giving away one of my absolute favorite products from Celebrating Home....our new Fragrance Warmer and Gel!

All you have to do to enter is "Like" my Facebook fan page (there's a link to the lower right on this page for my Facebook fan page), sign up to become a follower of my blog, and comment on this post saying you've done those things. Also, to enter your name more than once recommend your friends to do the same thing. Just make sure they tell me you recommended them in their comment on this post or I won't know to enter your name in the drawing again. The more friends you recommend, the more likely you are to win this INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY!!

I did my very first vlog to show you exactly how AWESOME the fragrance warmer is! It's a little long (sorry I ramble a little) but I'm proud of it.

Enjoy!

Now get out there and spread the word, people!

XOXO

50/50

After some wonderful advice from friends and family, I called the doctor today to have him evaluate Jackson's speech.  I needed to do it just for peace of mind!

The appointment went well.  The doctor asked me a lot of questions about what Jackson is doing and isn't doing.  There were several things on the 17 month developmental checklist that he isn't doing.  Some of them were pointing to things that he wanted, pointing to body parts, saying 8-10 words, and dancing in response to music.  After hearing my concerns and interacting with Jackson a bit, the doctor said he did believe it would be best to refer us to a speech therapist with the Tennessee Early Intervention System.

He was very intent on saying that this did not mean that there was a developmental delay.  The speech therapist will come out to our house in the next 2-3 weeks and be able to diagnose Jackson better.  The doctor said that there is about a 50/50 chance at this point.  Half of the kids he recommends to TEIS have some type of developmental delay and half of them don't.

The good news is that it was clear that Jackson has no delay in his comprehension and understanding of what we are saying.  And, he seems a little advanced in his mobility.  He even went to look outside the window when I asked him to in front of the doctor.  He also babbled a lot in front of him which is another great sign.  That proved that he knows what he should be doing, he just isn't putting words together for some reason.  Basically, Jackson isn't having a problem with understanding, it's just with his expressive speech -- and that is easily fixable the earlier it is caught.  And, by us being over-cautious we will catch it extremely early.

The doctor also assured me that we are doing the right thing by erring on the side of caution.  Speech is the one delay that directly correlates with school performance.  The sooner we catch it and fix it, the better.  I was relieved to hear that because I've felt like I may be overreacting -- but I am doing EXACTLY what any good mother should do!  Not only that, but there is nothing I could have done differently to aid in his speech development.  If there is a delay - there is no amount of coaxing and teaching that I could do that would get him to talk.  And, just because he watches a little more TV than necessary, that would in no way cause the problem.

Long story, short -- TEIS will call us in about a week and come out in about 2-3 weeks to evaluate Jackson.  In the mean time, we are to keep doing what we've been doing and hopefully the light-bulb will switch on and he'll start talking up a storm.  If there is a delay, that's ok because we will be able to get the help that he needs and fix the delay before it becomes a problem!

Thanks everyone for your prayers and words of affirmation!  Keep them coming and I will keep you all updated as well!

XOXO

Late Talker

This isn't going to be the best blog post in the world but I just need to vent about how I'm feeling right now about Jackson's language development.

Over the past several weeks we've been making a concerted effort to keep the TV off.  Some days I've done really well, others I haven't.  It's especially hard when I need to get something done or when he's crying for it.  It just makes him so happy.  So, I'm thinking of turning it off completely for the rest of the week to break the habit.  Thing is, I don't know if I can do it myself.  I feel like if I am not allowing him to watch it, I should turn it off for myself too.  Because, honestly, I think the problem is my addiction to TV as much as it is Jackson's.  I know that I could be working with him more and interacting with him more, but for some reason I get glued to the set.

Jackson has made a little progress in the past few weeks.  He's saying da-da, good, gone, done, tries to say dog (sounds like a Homer Simpson 'Doh!'), and on occasion will try to say 'I did it' (sounds like 'die-did-dit') when he throws the ball.  All of these things are random though.  He won't say them on command or mimic us saying them.  It's almost like he refuses to say anything if we are wanting him to.  He doesn't say any of the things you would think a toddler would say first like juice, milk, cup, cookie, ball, ma-ma, etc.

But then he does do things that blow my mind.  He tries to brush his own teeth and hair.  He knows how to work my iPhone (presses the button, and slides the bar to turn it on), knows how to turn on the tv (go figure), can open the back door if it's not locked, and will go fetch just about anything you ask him to (a ball, his blanket, his cup, a toy or book, etc.).

I've been feeling really good about his progress until I was looking at a milestone chart today and found myself heart-broken and riddled with guilt again.  I've had several friends tell me to stop looking at the charts, which I am totally going to do starting today.  They seem to make me feel worse about Jackson's development rather than better.  It said that he should be saying 15 words regularly by 18 months.  That means he has a whole heck of a lot of catching up to do in the next 4 weeks, which makes me nervous.  Also, it said that he should be pointing to body parts when asked.  Jackson has absolutely no interest in even sitting through the 'Heads, shoulders, knees and toes' song and I can't get him to sit still long enough to even point out his body parts long enough that he would be able to recognize them.

I'm trying not to be upset about it or think there might be something wrong but it is really hard when you see every other toddler at Jackson's age doing things he just will not do.  Is it something I'm doing?  Am I not doing what I should be doing to aid his development?  Or is he just laid back and will do it when he feels like it?

I know that every child is different and develops at a different pace but I can't help but worry.  I guess, more than anything, I'm struggling with fear and mother's guilt.  Fear that he will need some type of intervention and guilt that in some way this is all my fault.  So prayers are greatly appreciated for us (Bryan too b/c he has to deal with an emotional wife) right now!

XOXO

Adventures in Wal-Mart

During today's grocery shopping trip I experienced disgust, confusion, panic, thankfulness, and favor.  Oh, and I almost got a ticket.  Bet you wanna know what happened, huh?  Well here goes...

Within the first few minutes of walking in the door of Wal-Mart I got that uh-oh feeling.  You know the one I'm talking about -- the "uh-oh I have to take a BM and absolutely don't want to do it in public" feeling.  Especially in the disgusting, smelly Wal-Mart bathroom.  I tried to ignore it but by the time I got back to the sippy cups there was no denying that I was gonna have to go!  Good thing I learned the trick to using the bathroom in Wal-Mart when I was pregnant.  There are two public restrooms, the one in the front and then the one in the back where the old lay-away desk is.  The ones in the front are always disgusting...the ones in the back are fairly clean.  You know you choose the right one when every time you go in you find an employee using the restroom too.  See...they know!

So, as I was using the bathroom (sorry for the TMI) I looked up at the cart (full of merchandise you aren't supposed to take into the bathroom, hence the "No Merchandise Beyond This Point" sign I pretended to ignore on my way in) to see Jackson - red faced, straining, and grunting.  Great just what I wanted...to change him in the public restroom too!  Is it weird that we seem to be on the same schedule?  I finished up and then started changing his diaper when my dad called.  Great timing, Dad!  Nonetheless I answer and then comes the confusion...

He was at one of those everything tourist stores on the way back from the beach (the ones that have alluring billboards for miles before you get to it and Bryan refuses to let me stop at) and wanted to know what size shoe Jackson wore so he could get him some Moccasins.  Moccasins Dad, really?  And from Sparkys??  Do you know how hard it is to keep regular shoes on Jackson?  Let alone flimsy, cheap things you overpaid for at a glorified gas station?!  Thankfully, they didn't have his size and I was able to back my dad off the gas station moccasin ledge.  I hung up, put the phone down, washed up, and got out of the public restroom after spending WAY too long in there!

I finished up my shopping and loaded everything in the car.  I grabbed my purse as I was pulling out and started to search for my cell phone.  I couldn't find it anywhere.  I was wracking my brain trying to remember if I had it out in the store.  And, then in hit me -- CRAP!  I left it in the bathroom.  Oh shoot!  Oh shoot!  I just knew someone had picked it up and taken it.  It's an iPhone -- that's way too much temptation to do the right thing!

In a panic, I whipped the car around, parked in the fire lane, grabbed Jackson and ran into the store.  Luckily, one of my best girl friend's sister works at the mini-bank right inside.  I asked her if I could drop Jackson off with her while I hunted my phone down and of course she was more than willing to help!  Thank you Jesus for putting someone I knew and trusted right where I needed them so I could run through the store in a blind panic without giving my child whiplash!  

I ran through the store praying over and over, "Please, Jesus!  Please let my phone be in the bathroom.  Please, Jesus!"  I busted into the bathroom and found my phone right where I left it on the changing table.  I really don't know what I would've done if my phone had been gone.  Thank you, Lord!  I walked back, got Jackson and headed out...finally.  But as soon as I hit the door, my heart started to race...panic again...

THERE WAS A POLICE OFFICER STANDING AT MY CAR...IN THE FIRE LANE!!  

Again I was thinking, "CRAP!  Please don't give me a ticket.  Please give me favor, Lord!"  

As I got closer to him, I saw that he was smiling, which surprisingly made me feel better.  It was a kind smile...not a "gotchya" smile.  I told the officer I was so sorry that I ran in the store in a panic b/c I'd left my cell phone in the bathroom and b/c I had my toddler with me.  Oh, and of course I pleaded that he not give me a ticket.  He laughed and said he understood.  He said he'd just looked in the car to see it full of groceries with a child seat and knew it must've been some type of emergency.  I thanked him and he told me to have a good day and gave me a "just don't do it again" smile this time.  Hey, I'll take that look over a ticket ANY DAY!  As I drove away I thanked the Lord again for His favor.

I'm always happy to get the heck outta Wal-Mart, but I was especially happy about it today.  I'm kind of surprised I didn't break down on the way home, actually.

All of this happened before noon, by the way.  Here's to the rest of the day being a huge bore!

XOXO

Deep Thoughts by Lindsey - On Children's Programming

As I said before in my previous post, we watch a lot of TV in my house.  In the past year, Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel have ruled the airwaves in the Parsons household.  And, after a year of watching non-stop children's programming I have some issues with some of the shows.  Granted these are light-hearted issues, but they are things that plague me every time I turn on the tube.  Here they are in random order...

1.  Special Agent Oso -  Is it just me or is Special Agent Oso the dumbest special agent EVER?  He fails every training assignment and just as he fails he gets called to a special assignment in which he is supposed to help some pre-school aged kid do a mundane task like wash dishes or make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  In EVERY SINGLE special assignment, the tasks are broken down into 3 steps.  While doing said 3 steps, the pre-school aged kid is usually the one that has to correct Oso on what he is doing wrong.  Also, the "special assignment" usually reminds Oso of why he failed his training assignment and what he needs to do differently.  First, in the real world, any special agent that fails every single training assignment and then has to be schooled on how to finish that training assignment by a 4 year old would be fired in a heartbeat!  Not only that, but I'd like to think that most special agents in the world would be smart enough to know that you don't wash dishes in lemonade!  Also, in what realm of reality does every task only require "3 special steps"?  Hey Paw Pilot, how about long division?  Give that to me in 3 special steps!  BOO-YAH!

He CLEARLY has the right idea.  Idiot.

2.  Go Diego, Go! -  For the most part I enjoy this show.  I like how it helps children learn Spanish.  I usually am fine right up until the last few minutes of the show - when Diego quizzes the audience about what they learned about the animal they rescued during the episode.  This is when I believe Diego is contributing to the stupidity of my child.  He asks questions like, "How does a jaguar travel?  Does he run or ride roller skates?"  WHAT?!  THAT'S RIDICULOUS!  What animal uses roller skates to travel?    Always, the questions are ridiculous.  "Does a humpback whale drive a car or swim?"  Seriously, Diego?  Really?  I'd appreciate it if you didn't assume my kid was a total moron and actually challenge him with appropriate questions!

Lookout guys.  You're about to be lunch.

3.  Handy Manny -  Mostly, I really enjoy Handy Manny.  The only problem I have is with Manny's relationships with the women in Sheetrock Hills.  Is it just me, or his he a total ladies man?  Most of the time the phone calls for Manny's help come from women.  And I think the women and Manny are a little too friendly to each other.  Not only that, but people are all too willing to just leave their children with him.  I don't know about you, but the last person I'm going to leave my child with is the local handy man!  He could be a predator for all I know!!  In the latest episode I watched with Jackson, a young lady in town invited Manny to go camping with her.  Can we say INAPPROPRIATE?!  Co-ed sleepovers are not to be encouraged people!

I'm sorry.  Did I interrupt something?

4.  Franklin - I remember watching Franklin when I was a kid but lately I've been picking up on something that really bothers me.  Franklin is a turtle and he has a real name.  But, all of his friends don't have names.  They are just Duck, Owl, Rabbit, Bear, etc.  And you never hear if Franklin's parents even have names, they're just referred to as Mom and Dad.  Why is Franklin so special that he gets a name but none of the other characters get names?  If I were them, I'd just call him Turtle!  Oh, and one other thing.  Franklin can take off his shell.  In real life, turtles can't take off their shells.  That's just sick.

Turtle with shell off = CREEPY!

5.  Fresh Beat Band -  Now this one is hard to talk bad about.  It's Jackson absolute favorite show even though I'm convinced it's the most annoying show on television.  I've been growing to love it (because Jackson squeals and dances to the music when it's on), but one thing really bothers me about it.  I think the Fresh Beats have some pretty inappropriate things going on in their living quarters.  First, they all live together.  Granted, they all have separate rooms -- but watch carefully.  In several episodes (especially in songs) you'll notice that they will randomly pop out of each other's rooms.  That is NOT ok!  Boys and girls should not be alone together behind closed doors!  Excuse me KiKi, but that is not appropriate behavior for a young lady!!

I feel sorry for them as actors.  I really do.

That's all my brain can come up with for now.  What issues do you have with children's programming?? And, keep it lighthearted people!

XOXO

Jackson @ 16 Months and today's little miracle

I took Jackson to the doctor yesterday for his 15 month well check...at 16 months.  We got a little behind because of the Cloud of Sickness.  Overall he was perfectly healthy.  No sign of ear infections or congestion in his chest.  Praise the Lord!!

Jackson measured 34.5 inches long, which is still off the charts.  I think the nurse's exact words after measuring him were, "Good gracious!"  His weight was in the 82nd percentile at 28 pounds on the dot.

I talked to the doctor A LOT about Jackson's speech.  He isn't talking as much as most of the other babies we've been around that are his age or even younger.  At this point, we are rarely getting a Mama or Dada.  We do, however, get really random, incredibly clear words.  Take for instance yesterday - as we were walking out the door I said, "Ok Jackson, tell the doggies 'See ya later'."  He put his hand up in the air and as clear as day said, "See ya!"  Now, of course, I couldn't get him to say it again and probably won't for months.  Two nights ago we were eating Garrett's popcorn from Chicago (or as Bryan and I like to call it, food of the Gods) that my wonderful mother in law sent us for Valentine's Day.  I gave Jackson a bite and asked him if it was good and he nodded his head and said "good."  But of course, couldn't get him to say it again.

The doctor told us that proves to him that Jackson can talk, he is just choosing not to because he doesn't have to.  Because I stay at home, I know his schedule and his cries.  I know what he wants before he has a chance to tell me.  So, he doesn't have to talk to communicate.  Also, shamefully, we watch a lot of TV.  And most of the time when it's on, Jackson's locked in - whether we're watching children's programming or Rachael Ray.  So, the pediatrician told me #1 - to turn off the TV.  Limit it to around 1 hour a day (this is gonna be tough!).  Also, make it more difficult for Jackson to communicate in other ways besides talking and he'll eventually see that it's easier to just say things.

So, that's what we've done today.  I'm happy to say it's 5 'til noon now and I just turned on the TV 15 minutes ago to allow me to write this blog post.  And because it's been off, I've already witnessed one tiny miracle today.

Jackson has this ball that he absolutely loves.  My mom and stepdad got it for him from Singapore.  It's supposed to light up when it hits the floor.  Well, for months it's been dead but Jackson has not given up on it.  He still throws it as hard as he can, hoping for it to light up.  We were playing with it in the kitchen today and again it would not light up - no little, spontaneous flash, NOTHING.  I realized Jackson had a messy diaper and I carried him (as he was holding the ball) into his room to change his diaper.  As we entered his room, he threw the ball down and magic happened.  IT LIT UP!  He looked at me with wide eyes, full of excitement and squealed with joy.  Then we did a little happy dance!

Look at it...MAGICAL!

I know it might sound silly, but I thanked God for this tiny little miracle.  I know it was a blessing from Him for doing right by my child today -- a blessing that is still blessing as he's still playing with it now.  In all it's blinking, flashing, lighting up glory!

XOXO

Am I out of place or just feeling out of sorts?

For the past few days I've been feeling a little out of place here in Western, TN.  I've always thought that I was a country girl but I'm beginning to realize that I am definitely NOT!  I'm a Southern girl that was raised in a small town (granted it wasn't nearly as small as where I live now)  but I'm absolutely, positively not a country girl.  I've come to this realization because there are truly country people here and they do things that I have no interest in what-so-ever.

Take, for instance, hunting*.  It seems like all the men do it around here and if you don't do it, you're less than a man.  I don't like hunting and neither does Bryan.  I can't imagine actually killing another living creature.  I think I would fall all over myself.  I don't really understand the sport behind it either.  I mean, come on, sprinkling deer pee all around to attract a deer while you sit up in a tree (dippin' and spittin') just waiting for one to come around doesn't seem like a sport.  It seems lazy.  When you can chase that deer/duck/rabbit/squirrel/etc. down, wrestle it to the ground, and kill it with your bare hands - you can call hunting a sport.  At least then you might break a sweat.  And isn't that something that all "sports" have in common - sweat?

Another thing that's HUGE here in Western, TN is pageants**.  I haven't met one mom my age here that hasn't had or wanted to have her little girl in one - including some of my good friends.  But, I am one of the biggest ANTI-pageant women out there.  I see those Toddlers and Tiaras shows on tv and my stomach turns.  Introducing girls to the cruel world of rejection and society's view of beauty vs. inner beauty when they are babies (yes, BABIES -- the categories start before 1 year of age) is sickening to me.  I don't even know what my baby girl will look like and I already know she's beautiful.  She's beautiful because she was beautifully and wonderfully made.  She was set apart by The Creator.  I don't ever want her to feel any less beautiful because a panel of judges preferred the 3 year old in a belly exposing dress with fake teeth, fake hair, and a fake tan.

Thinking of the day when Jackson comes to us and asks to go hunting with a friend makes me shudder.  Bryan and I have both decided we do not want him to even touch a gun until he is an adult and even then Bryan wants to be the one to show him how to use one.  I worry Jackson will get teased or bullied because he's not country, doesn't wear camouflage, and doesn't hunt.  I worry he won't feel masculine enough because he wasn't raised to do those things.

And, what about when my future little girl (God-willing) wants to be in a pageant because all of her friends are in them?  Will she say, "Mommy, why can't I be in a pageant?  Aren't I pretty enough to win one?"  That would absolutely kill me.

Not only am I feeling out of place here, but I worry that my children will too.  I want my children to be who they are, which will most likely be similar to how Bryan and I are (that's just how learned behavior goes).  I want them to grow up in a community that embraces diversity, education, faith, and family -- where soccer games and dance class are the normal routine for a Saturday, not hunting and pageant practice.

Am I being ridiculous and judgmental here?  Am I worrying over nothing?  Am I truly out of place, or maybe just feeling out of sorts lately?

Comments please!

XOXO

*If you are hunting to provide food for your family because you cannot afford meat at the grocery store, that is completely different.  I've known families that have to do this and that is what hunting should be.  Also, if you donate your hunted meat to organizations that give it to families in need, I'm not talking about you.


**Once children are teenagers and adults they can make their own decisions.  If a girl wants to be in a pageant as a teenager to possibly earn a scholarship, I'm totally ok with that.  Let that be her decision.