Wordless Wednesday

Emory gives kisses!

Wild at Heart

Baby Boy enjoying his afternoon rock on the back porch.

Recently I was cleaning out our guest room and I found a book that I bought Phillip when we first started dating, Wild at Heart.  I have never read the book but did read the female counterpart, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, and highly recommend it.  I remembered a friend of mine from college telling me that she hoped I would read it if I ever had a son because it would provide a lot of insight into the masculine heart as God created it to be.  I decided to read a bit while waiting on Emory to wake up from his afternoon nap.

I don't know that this book would have struck me in any way, shape or form had we not had Emory.  We desperately long to nurture him in a loving, godly environment and see him flourish into the man God created him to ultimately be.  Do I have any idea now to raise a son?  NONE AT ALL (and a FEW of my apprehension were documented months ago on this very blog)!  I know that we don't want to place our expectations and aspirations on his shoulders to carry around as his life's burden, but we want to encourage him to discover what makes him come alive and to pursue that dream to the very end.

We can't read his mind (although when he's been crying for well over an hour or so we wish we had that talent).  Right now the two of us do all that we know how to do: LOVE HIM with every single fiber of our beings.  John Eldredge has a house full of boys.  He draws a clear picture for how raising sons differs from daughters and offers this helpful advice:

"The recipe for fun is pretty simple raising boys.  Add to any activity an element of danger, stir in a little exploration, add a dash of destruction, and you've got yourself a winner."

He is mesmerized by trees and birds!

When Phillip and I first started dating everyone remarked about our OBVIOUS differences.  In a way we've both mellowed, but our differences have kept us balanced.  Phillip is a man's man.  He loves the outdoors, manual labor, and lest we forget college football.  I.LOATHE.ALL.OF.THE.ABOVE.  (Ok, I've learned to like football.)

Emory, oh buddy, not only does he look like his daddy but he takes after his loves and likes as well.  From Day 1 if we needed to pacify Little Man all we had to do was open the back door and take one giant step OUT.  Needless to say, I've learned to like afternoon chat sessions with him on the back porch and evening walks through the neighborhood.  When I was reading yesterday, I found the quote below and it deeply resonated with me.

"Eve was created within the lush beauty of Eden's garden.  But Adam, if you will remember, was created outside the Garden, in the wilderness.  In the record of our beginnings, the second chapter of Genesis makes it clear: Man was born in the outback, from the untamed part of creation.  Only afterward is he brought to Eden.  And ever since then boys have never been home indoors, and men have had an insatiable longing to explore.  We long to return; it's when most men come alive...The core of a man's heart is undomesticated and that is good."

I love that Emory is so much like his daddy, and I love that his daddy is a true portraiture of a man that's WILD AT HEART!  I just have to learn to love the dirt, bugs, and chaos that comes with that package.  :-)

Just as content as he can be in his true element.  :-)

Childhood Mishaps (Thanks to Daddy)

Emory survived and even went to the pool!

Phillip's philosophy to parenting differs from my own on many levels.  I haven't been able to (willingly) leave the baby yet.  Aside from my hospitalization for surgery and Emory's grandmas supervision for those three days, he's been with me since day one.  I did leave him with Phillip once for a whole 7 minutes while I went to the store to get a Diet Dr. Pepper when he was 4 weeks old.

I also do all of the night feedings.  This isn't an issue since 1) I am the deemed "milk fairy" and 2) I don't work outside of the home.  Phillip decided to let me sleep in this morning and feed the baby all by himself.  Normally Emory lasts about 30 minutes or so after his feeding before he's ready to catnap.  He usually takes a pacifier when he goes down.  Phillip got tired of holding the paci, so he decided to "rig up some headgear" to do the job for him.  He took two of my hair ties, attached them to the pacifier, and proceeded to loop them behind Emory's ears.

Now fortunately for Emory (and unfortunately for Daddy) this stroke of brilliance didn't work.  However, Phillip decided it was necessary to complain because the cartilage on his son's ears isn't strong enough to hold the ties behind them.  YET!  Seriously?!  He actually wants to try this again at a later date.

For some reason I don't think I'll ever be able to leave our child unsupervised with his father.  Ever.

These are of a few of our favorite things! (Newborn Edition)

Recently one of my best of friends asked me what Phillip and I absolutely couldn't live without in a day of life with Emory.  She's due to deliver in t-minus one month, so I spoke with Phillip and we came up with our must haves.  I'm not sure that any of you care, nor are we pretending to be the ultimate knowledge in all things newborn, but in case you're interested keep reading!

Picture taken from http://www.aveeno.com/babycare/product-home

We love us some Aveeno products, baby or otherwise.  Both Phillip and I have sensitive skin, so we went out one a limb and registered for Aveeno Baby products.  Emory has done very well with these.  We have tried them all and love them all!

Moby Wrap

We received other carriers, but thus far the Moby Wrap has worked the best for us and for Emory.  And yes, even my 6'3, 240ish pound husband will throw this bad boy on and tote little one around the house.  It works really well during meltdowns when we absolutely have other things that must get done. Oddly enough, it was one of those iffy registry items that I was about to take off.  Thank God I didn't!  (Emory's hand should have been in the wrap, but he was comfy so I let him stay.)  They make a camouflage Moby as well.  I think Phillip may be receiving it as a gift in the near future.  :-)

Pacifier Wipes (Picture from http://www.munchkin.com)

We all know that every parent differs on their desire to introduce a pacifier.  We personally had no problem with it (especially if it yields a longer duration of sleep for us...call us selfish).  Since Emory does use pacis, we find that these little gems are essential for parents on the go.  Usually we get the Munchkin Arm & Hammer brand (pictured above), but there are several variations.  I can only attest to this particular product because it's what we use the most, but boy do they come in handy!

Diaper Bag Dispenser (Picture from http://www.munchkin.com)

Show me a parent of a baby in diapers and I will show you someone that will LOVE these!  Seriously, they are a nose's best friend.  I can't count the number of dirty diapers or soiled clothes we've tied up in these things.  LOVE them!

Tubby Towel

I thought this thing was such an odd gift when we got it (thank you Aunt Kandice), but let me tell you how much easier it makes bath time!  Although it doesn't look like it from his facial expression, Emory loves this thing.  It's great, you just throw it over the baby after soaking it in warm water and it keeps them warm while you're bathing.  I have yet to find them elsewhere, but I know Target has them.

Snooze Wrap Swaddle (Picture taken from http://www.toysrus.com)

Oddly enough, Emory is still sleeping the best when he's swaddled.  However, his best sleep comes in this bad boy.  We have an assortment of other swaddlers that we have utilized, but for some reason he does best in this particular brand and style.  We don't question it, we just thank God for it!  :-)

Gerber Cloth Diapers (Picture from www.gerberclothdiapers.org)

Don't get me wrong, I love the environment as much as the next person but this mama was not made to wash cloth diapers.  I've told my grandparents (on MANY occasions) that the good Lord knew exactly what He was doing by allowing me to be born in 1983.  I highly doubt I would have reproduced if cloth diapering was a must as it was for their poor souls.  However, it must be said that cloth diapers make the absolute best burp cloths!  I go through so many in a day, but one load later and I'm stocked right back up.  Although I don't use them for their intended purposes, I believe we get just as much bang for our buck!

Playtex Drop-Ins (Picture from http://www.playtexbaby.com)

We are fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed.  It saves on money, time with bottle prep, and dishes (call me lazy)!  Not to mention, the added health benefits for our little guy.  However, on the rare occasion that we do need to bottle feed, such as when Daddy lets Mommy sleep in, we use Playtex Drop-Ins.  We don't use the Playtex brand of liners though.  We have found that Target's brand is just as effective and cheaper (even if you use the Playtex coupon).  The bottles can't be beat though!

I can't find a picture of this online and I REFUSE to wake my sleeping child up taking one, but we use the nature function on our pack 'n play sound machine (that is now attached to Emory's crib).  Emory, I believe, was meant to live outside (further proof that I had nothing to do with the creation of this child).  All it takes to pacify him is opening the door and taking one giant step out.  So, during nap and night time we turn on the birds chirping for about 30 minutes.  This usually does the trick and he slips right on off to what we hope is a peaceful slumber.

Comedic Relief (Picture from http://www.sweetpotatoqueens.com)

Last but most certainly not least, might I recommend the most delightful escape from the insanity of new parenthood in the form of this fabulous work of art.  This endorsement definitely doesn't come from Phillip and will probably go unappreciated by all male species, but take it from me it'll have most women dying from laughter within the first 5 pages.  One of my most fabulous friends and fellow English major, Miss Meredith Robertson (I will shamelessly encourage everyone to visit her blog for further amusement), visited us two weeks after Emory's arrival and included this book in her bag of goodies for us.  I didn't get a chance to pick it up until my surgery.  I seldom laugh out loud at anything I read, but this had me in stitches (figuratively speaking...the surgeon had me in literal ones).  Any new, old, or "not even interested in children" moms should pick this token up, read it, and pass it on.  My copy will be making a trip to Raleigh this very week to bless another precious heart.

We hope you enjoyed this segment of "What the Harrises Can't Live Without."  What are some of your favorite things?

Wordless Wednesday (Only Great-Grandfather)

Bad Influences

There are many reasons Kandice and Phillip are seldom left unsupervised.  This is an example of what is likely to unfold:

Poor Emory.  He will probably need therapy, but he will definitely grow up with some fun stories to tell!  (Sorry for the poor quality, I only had our camera with us.)

Father's Day

Emory holding his daddy's finger the day after he was born.

Sunday was Phillip's first Father's Day.  Emory thought it would be nice if we gave him a trip to the old golf course with his buddies, so we did just that (now they all have to find time to go).  We celebrated at my parents' house Sunday night with a cookout.  It was nice to just relax and enjoy the weather.  We didn't get to go to Florence, so I thought I'd include a picture of Emory with his other grandpa:

Emory with his Papa the day after he was born.

Daddy on burping duty.  He looks thrilled.

 We got to spend time with my grandparents as well.  I can't articulate how privileged I am to have these amazing people in my life.  Emory is so blessed to know them!

Emory with his great grandparents. 

 All of our men!  (Emory has an issue with his spirit fingers in pictures.)

The men in our lives...minus Phillip's dad.  We love them all!

 We're starting to look not so ragged.  :-)  Life's beginning to have some semblance of normalcy about it once more!

Happy Father's Day!  We hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating with your loved ones. 

Two Months Old

We had a busy week in our house.  One wedding, a trip to the beach, a post-op appointment, first shots, and the fabulous two month milestone for our little Emory (who is quickly out growing the "little" adjective as evidenced below).  I'll post about the rest of this week later, but I thought two month stats would be enough to tie our friends and family over for a bit!

He may have been a tiny little guy when he was born, but Emory is growing like a weed!  His birth weight was 6 pounds 12 ounces, he dropped to 5 pounds 15 ounces thanks to jaundice, and then decided to adopt his daddy's appetite.  He now weighs a very healthy 10 pounds 14 ounces!!!  He went from measuring in the 10th percentile to the 50th percentile in his weight!  We have a motto for Emory when he's ready to eat: He has his daddy's appetite and his mama's patience; together they are a DEADLY combo!  As per length, he is right on track.  He was born a fabulously normal 20 inches and ranged in the 50th percentile.  He has added 2.75 inches to that and remains in the median for his age group. 

Always a Clemson boy.

Emory LOVES to make faces now.  He's got quite an arsenal!

We are so happy and thankful that he seems to be developing very well!  Other than a few hiccups along the road due to surgery, he is still breastfeeding.  He has started smiling a good bit.  I think this is God's way of making sure that I fall in love with those early morning feedings (he smiles the most then and I am DEFINITELY NOT a morning person).  And strong...what an understatement.  You have to fight him just to get a decent burp.  I feel like I'm arm wrestling an infant. 

I refer to this as his Presidential face.  It looks rather distinguished, don't you think?

It's tough keeping a little one happy after shots, but he held up really well!

His hands and feet are still ridiculously large.

Emory did get his first four vaccines this Thursday.  He did really well (Mom and Dad teared up a bit).  He slept the majority of the day after his shots, but only ran a very low grade fever.  We decided to be preemptive and give him some Tylenol before going.  What a little champ!  He decided that he didn't want to sleep in his crib, so he spent his evening in the Moby while Mommy was productive around the house.

This thing truly is awesome.  I haven't tried our other carrier, so I can't say it's a necessity but I certainly couldn't live without it right now!  Emory agrees.  Plus, it's great for bonding!!!

We hope you all have a wonderful week ushering in summer.  We highly recommend doing so by sipping on some ice cold sweet tea (just like a true Southerner). 

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Just Another Manic Monday

(*WARNING: If you are easily sickened by graphic details read no further.  Enjoy another post.  Grab a cup of coffee.  Write a letter to your grandma, but do NOT read further.  You have been warned!*)

Normally I wouldn't start with proof from the end of our day, but look at that pitiful face.  I'm telling ya!  ROUGH start to the week!

When we were pregnant everyone told us that our lives would change.  Oh buddy boy were they ever right!  The post-op appointment for my cholecystectomy was scheduled (not by myself) for this Monday afternoon.  Guess who works in the afternoon?  Phillip!  Guess who has yet to re-adjust to life on this side of gallbladder surgery?  Emory! 

This surgery left me with five incisions.  The worst being right below my diaphragm.  It looked gross (I will spare the picture).  Black and purple everywhere and a huge knot underneath.  I figured it was just scar tissue and bruising.  Emory was probably making it worse by lying on it when nursing, but poor little monkey has to eat!

Sunday I noticed that the bad incision looked slightly infected, but I figured my appointment was Monday anyway and I was keeping it covered.  No harm done.  Monday I get up, go about my day, and shower while Phillip feeds Emory for the last time before my appointment.  When I get out of the shower I notice blood literally oozing down my abdomen.  Problematic?  Perhaps.  They certainly didn't mention that as a possibility after the surgery.  I clean it up, put a bandaid on it, and start taking over since Phillip needs to leave for work.

Once I get dressed (in my new, pristine white nursing cami) and cardigan, I loaded Emory up, and off we went.  About five minutes down the road I feel something wet on my shirt.  I look down fully expecting what every nursing mother dreads...springing a leak.  Unfortunately for me, I had not sprung a leak.  At least not from the area I suspected.  That favorite new nursing top, well it looked a lot like a stabbing victim had worn it.  Literally blood everywhere.  What's a mama to do?

I get to the hospital, fight a stroller and carseat out of the car, and make my way upstairs.  Then I run into the doctor that delivered Emory.  She tells me he looks like Phillip (of course) and then notices my stomach.  Being the lovely lady that she is, she gasped and asked if I wanted her to look at it.  I told her that I had an appointment.  So off I went.  I signed in, took my seat and waited patiently.  However, I realized there's only so long one can wait patiently when an orifice has decided to begin dumping internal contents out.  I kindly walked to the window and asked the lovely receptionist for a gauze.  She decided she could do better than a gauze.  I got my own room, a gauze, and some hydrogen peroxide (which I now know will get blood out of clothing).

In case I haven't mentioned this enough, I loved this surgeon.  LOVED.  He was super sweet.  He walked by my room, said hello, and then kept walking.  Suddenly he reappeared.  (Apparently, he noticed my shirt a little late.)  He came right in and said, "Well, this only happens to a patient about once every 6 months and I'm sorry you're that patient."  I, on the other hand, wasn't in the least bit surprised that this happened to me.  Why would anything go as planned?  He told me that apparently a blood vessel had been cut during the surgery and when it tried to heal it formed a blood blister...the size of a baseball...in my abdomen.  The good news is that the bleeding meant my body was trying to rid itself of said pocket of fun.  The bad news was that he'd have to cut my incision open again to drain as much as he could in the office.  Say what?!

So there I was, lying on a table, surgeon prodding and poking in my abdomen, and who decides to wake up and start screaming?  Emory!  Of course he does.  What better melody to accompany me during said procedure?  The surgeon, God bless him, was just as patient as he could be with both of us.  He was apologizing to me for having to endure this and I to him for my screaming 7 week old.  Empathy was mutually swapped on that doctor's table.

Hopefully if the prescription works and I follow orders, I will stop bleeding in a few days and heal up.  As for now, I have a gaping hole in my stomach.  I go back in a week, so keep your fingers crossed.  I spent the rest of the afternoon flying around running a few essential errands while my mom graciously watched my child.  Emory decided it'd be a wonderful gift if he cried for her.  So from approximately 5 PM to 11 PM, the only time our son was not screaming was when he was being fed.  Poor kid, he has his daddy's appetite and his mama's patience.  Deadly combo!!!

One of his FEW content moments.  Forgive the apparel.  Remember, my favorite new shirt had been ruined!  I was in mourning.

He is strong.  Homeboy decided he wanted to start locking his legs and trying to stand when we hold him.  My parents said he's getting out of the way for Baby #2.  Haha!

...and the this the face we saw a LOT of on Monday (and Tuesday for that matter).

This is the end of our day.  He's exhausted.  I'm exhausted.  And Daddy is 3.5 hours from being home. 

Here's to a (hopefully) wonderful Wednesday.  Yes?  Yes!

Gotta Love a GREAT Man

Not that I'm trying to brag, but I think life changes bring a lot of perspective to one's view of people and outlook on life in general.  Now, I knew Phillip was a good guy before I married him (obviously, I mean I do have the absolute BEST taste).  Our relationship with one another is mainly playful.  Seldom are we able to be serious, but it's so nice to have someone that can make you laugh no matter what obstacles you are facing.

Having fertility problems, bringing a baby into this world, followed by health problems really can test the strength (and patience) of a good partner.  I felt horrible after my surgery for all that Phillip was carrying on his plate.  He lets me be a stay at home mommy to our son, pays all of our bills (ok he makes the money, I write the checks), and still devotes himself to caring for us both if I'm down and out.  I sobbingly apologized to him once he got me home from the hospital and put me in bed.  Phillip is a man of very few words, so he just looked at me and said, "That's what I meant when I said 'for better or worse'."  Then he kissed me, brought Emory in to nap beside me, and went off to work.  Seriously, I don't say it often enough but I have one heck of a husband! 

Here are a few pics of the best husband (and Emory's best daddy) ever:

We were 36 weeks and 1 day pregnant when these were taken.  Emory was born less than 2 weeks later.

Always better when we're together!

Such a sweet hubs!

A natural.

Emory adores his daddy.

He is so in love with our son, which makes me even more in love with him. 

Phillip Harris - Emory and I love you more than words can express!