Baby's got a new pair of shoes

"Shoes," you say? Yep. Jacky's got a new pair of shoes. We found a great sale on our all-time favorite shoes this week and mama stocked up! :)

Robeez (pronounced "Robbie's" for the founder's son) are the best thing since, well, since Robeez! You might see knock-offs everywhere from Gymboree to Gap to Wal-Mart, but nothing is quite like that first real pair of soft soles by the originator in fine footwear for peanuts!

My third baby was the first of my kids to sport these stylin' kicks, and she wore them everywhere. Our pediatrician gave them rave reviews, attesting to their contribution to leg and foot muscle development. Sure, they look like slippers, but they're the closest thing to bare feet, which is the best thing for babes. It protects them from carpet burn when they're little and crawling, and helps them to curl under their toes and manage balance as they become mobile.

"But, San," - you say - "um - Jack is only 8 weeks old!" Yep - right you are! But, you know what? They work SO great at keeping on the socks that I had to get him a pair now. (Plus, the aforementioned sale!!!! They're much more expensive at my Stride Rite store, and I love a bargain!) So, this fall be on the lookout for these stylin' shoes - coming to a baby's foot near you (or on this blog!) :)

http://www.robeez.com

Jack's Baptist!

That's what his sister says, anyway. J keeps saying "when is Jack going to be Baptist again?" or "What is he wearing to his Baptist?"

She is still working on the terminology, but she was a good kid the entire time. Father Tom was fabulous and included the kids in everything he could. M got to get the holy oil for anointing his head, S and J helped with the water. When it was time to bless the water, I think the kids were expecting a magic trick as the priest turned the tap water to holy water. It was very theatrical and the ceremony was better than I could have hoped for. It can be overwhelming sometimes, seeing all of our kids - realizing that there are five. During the blessing over me, which God knows I needed, I choked up hearing Father say how very blessed we are. My four beautiful girls, my handsome son, all in there - in perfect health with our amazing, supportive family and friends around us (or with us in spirit - Vic!).

Blessed indeed!

I finally meet Grandma and Grandpa B

Grandma and Grandpa came over this weekend to meet me. I was great the whole time and never even cried. I had a good time hanging out with them and went to bed early. Don't I look so handsome in my little duck polo romper? It's Mom's favorite and I've just about outgrown it.

32 weeks VS 3+2 weeks

As you probably remember, we did the 3D/4D ultrasounds with Jack's pregnancy. It was our first time with them and Jason and Julie are just AMAZING! (Julie is also a radiologist at my OB's office so we got to be good pals those last months, and I talked to her and Jason (via Julie's phone) on the day of my last appointment). I was actually sad to leave those weekly visits. I was blessed to find an awesome obstetrician, whom, I have no doubt saved my uterus from another cesarean scar with her quick thinking during the prolapsed cord incident. The support staff, though, really makes it or breaks it for me with medical care. I've found a lot of good doctors with terrible support staff over the years, and it's just such a hassle to deal with crabby people all the time that I'd rather keep looking than listen to griping. My OB's office is just amazing - great nurses - the best - and awesome receptionists. Even the hospital nurses told me that they love my OB and that she's so wise beyond her years, which is very true. She's young, but not inexperienced, they said. And I loved that she was so laid back, very calm even in the midst of a panic situation. She almost exudes peacefulness and you can't help but feel relaxed when she's around. (But she also takes you seriously, when you have a concern, which is crucial). Can you tell I've been to a dozen OBs in the area?! It's important to remember that you are paying them for a service - often thousands of dollars over the course of a pregnancy.

Anyway - so Julie and Jason at www.gatewayultrasound.com did both of our ultrasounds with Jack. They were awesome and we have tons of pictures now to keep for him when he's a bit older. I set up a side by side comparison - similar pictures, but he's holding his ear instead of trying to suck his thumb. It's amazing, I think.