Monday, July 20, 2009

Q&A and Guacamole

Today at lunch we let Harper try avacados. The pictures in this post are of her trying it. It didn't go over too well. In fact I'm not even sure she actually swallowed any - it seemed to all be on her bib. We may try again or I may skip over to sweet potatos and stick with that for a week. She has been having some tummy issues and I want something that will be good and help her digestive tract (if you know what I mean). (I never in my life thought I would spend as much time analyzing and worrying about bowel movements as I have in the last 6 months - you know what I mean moms???) (I mean nights of googling "green poop"......ha ha ha!)
Okay - so I'm going to answer my 3 most asked questions I posted yesterday along with maybe a few more.

First:
1. I am going to go back and make sure the links all show for all the home tours (and future tours) and stick something on my sidebar with each Friday's link so you can have easy access to those tours in the future. That will be nice if in the future you decide to re-decorate your dining room or get pregnant and are planning a nursery or get engaged and want to look at weddings! Hopefully I'll have that done by this time next week.
2. I get asked a TON what kind of camera I use. We made an investment before Harper was born because we knew we would be taking a million pictures of her and we had decided we would most likely not have a lot of professional pictures made - we prefer to do it ourselves. So we have a Canon 5D and the main lens we use is a 24-70mm zoom lens. (I hope that's right - Scott is the one who researches and buys the equipment - I just use it). I mostly just use the auto - Scott does more manual settings. I think loving your subject has a lot to do with it! ha!
3. I get asked a lot if the transition from working girl to SAHM has been hard and how do I like it? I can tell you that it's been the best thing in the world for me. I tell Scott pretty much every single night how thankful I am to be able to do this. I love every single second of it. I once worried if I would be bored but I am always so busy - even if it's just laundry, dishes and cooking dinner - there is always SOMETHING to do. I actually thought I would try and spend more time making play dates and lunch dates and I seem to be so busy - I don't do that as much as I would like. There are days like today where we get up REALLY early and Harper is fussy and I plan to stay home and get things done and I look at the clock and think "It's only 9:30???? This is going to be a long day". But I'm still thankful for this life. I know being a SAHM is not the best choice or only choice or the choice everyone gets to make - but it's the right choice for me.
P.S. I have no plans to home school. I get that asked a lot but Harper will be attending public schools. She will get plenty of additional training and education at home but she is going to school. ha! (Homeschooling is a wonderful choice - it's just not for us).

4. I get a TON of e-mails asking me how my blog got so popular and how you can get more followers or have a better blog?

I really don't know the answer to that. I started my blog just to keep a record of our lives and never expected anyone to read it. And no one did for years. And honestly - if no one read it today - I would still keep writing because I just enjoy this outlet to journal. When Harper was born sick - for whatever reason - we had so many people find us and pray for us. Why you keep coming back - I couldn't tell you??? ha!
My personal thought on why my blog has grown is that it is like the Prayer of Jabez - 1 chronicles 4:10 "Oh that thou would bless me indeed and increase my territory and that Thine hand would be with me.........." My prayer for so many years was that God would give me a way to minister or to witness. I never in a million years dreamed it could be through a little blog but I feel like God has provided a way for me to share my faith (and my life) with others so that's why I keep on. I never have set out to "promote" my blog or to grow my readers - it just has seemed to happen. God continues to keep giving me opportunites to share my testimony (in ways that stess me out sometimes) and I'm thankful He is using me somehow - as broken and sinful of a human as I am. So I don't know how to tell you how to make your blog "big" but I will tell you a few things that might help:

  1. Be yourself. Blog about things you love. Blog as if no one else is reading and stay true to that. Just be real - don't try to be someone you aren't.
  2. Find other blogs you love and leave comments. Eventually some of those people will connect with you. You may not get a lot of readers - but you may meet some pretty neat people and make some fun blog friends.
  3. Blog often. Not 3-4 times a day - that get overwhelming for people. But you need to blog more than once a week or once a month for people to stick with you.
  4. Post pictures.
  5. There can only be so many "MckMamas" and "Boomamas". Don't feel bad if you only have 10 followers. If 4 of those are grandparents who get to look at your kids every day - then you are successful!!! Your children will be thankful for the memories you have recorded of them.
I hope that helps!

P.S. If you are single - go read my BFF Laurie's blog today - she wrote a very encouraging post I think you'll like!

101 comments:

Hester 5 said...

WOW!!! You must have JUST posted this because I am NEVER the first one to comment. Anyway, WARNING...sweet potatoes REALLY made Rachel constipated when we gave them to her. It was actually the first baby food we tried with her. She loved them, but....anyway, thought you might want to know that. And, of course, Harper could be totally different but wanted to share our experience. The poop thing...Brice cracks up at me because I am always asking him the consistency and color of Lauren's (and Rachel's when she was a baby) poop! He is like, "It was just poop, good grief!" =)

Unknown said...

I just saw the commercial for your news story! I'll be watching!! Have a great day!

Michael, Kelly, Kai and Kale Hobbs said...

Kelly,
I read your blog every day, but this is my first comment:) I love hearing your stories because they are from the heart. Little Harper is precious! Thanks for the blog tips. I've been blogging for over 3 years now and it helps to get some fresh ideas. I'm in the process right now of giving it a facelift! I blog for my family and friends on the west coast, and of course for those I've met along the way. I love it, cherrish it, and I can't wait for my boys to read it some day. Thanks for opening up your life and for sharing your thoughts and stories.

Warmly,
Kelly (NY)

BOWquet said...

Hey, my daughter (8 1/2 months) still won't eat anything green. I'm not sure why. We started her with applesauce, then the first veggies we tried were sweet potato. She LOVES those! Any sweet veggie, carrots, squash, she loves. When it comes to peas and green beans, she just spits it out. So try the sweeter veggies and see if Harper will eat it. :)
Good luck! And I love reading your blog!

marawolff.com said...

Kelly,

We recently started a blog for our daughter Audrey. And I was wondering how are you going to preserve the blog entries for Harper, so that she may read them some day? Is there a way to have them turned into a book, much like a photo album?

Thanks for your advice!

marawolff.com said...

Oh, I forgot to include the blog....

http://web.me.com/josh.wolff/All_That_I_Can_Say/Blog/Blog.html

Sara Sexton said...

Kelly, You are so down to earth! I love your tips for bloggers and how incredibly humble you are.

You are my role model! :)

The Abramowski Family said...

Hi Kelly! I have an 8 month old daughter and she started getting constipated at around 6 months. Green beans did the trick for us! Now green beans are still one of her favorite foods!

Sonya said...

Analyzing poop never goes away! At least that is what I have been doing for the last 18 months and I was completely grossed out the other day when I found corn in it and even more grossed out yesterday when it was almost all completely these large raisens that she had eaten!!! YUCK!

Lydia said...

Love that cute bib, even if it's covered in avocado. :)

Lydia

Sarah said...

Not sure if you are still having green poops but if so, look up foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. Switching to block feeding will fix her right up! (Nurse one side only for so many hours)

Also, if you find a puree veggie she doesn't like very much, try adding a little fruit to it. I read that somewhere and it really works!

Todd and Courtney said...

We struggle with the "poos poos" too so you're not alone. We ended up having to put a little bit of prune juice is all of Lauren's bottles mixed with formula or breastmilk. Only like 1/2 an ounce will clear her up. Have you tried that?

Cute new pictures. Your camera takes great ones. Ya'll are soooo cute! I'm so glad you're enjoying being a SAHM. I quit my great job in Pharmaceutical Sales, gave up my free car, awesome insurance, amazing bonuses, etc. and I can honestly say God is good...soooooo good and I love it. So wish we lives closer Kelly to get the girls together!!

Blessed Chick said...

I am so glad you touched on the question of "how do I get more followers...publicity to my blog". I have always wondered that and your sweet answers just made my day. I needed to remember that I am not blogging for anyone but myself and my loved ones. I am thankful I have the opportunity to capture and preserve my memories!

Becca said...

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you had to say about writing a blog. That is an honest and sweet thing to say, and I completely agree. I've been writing on my blog for about 5 years and I have never tried to "grow" my blog. I know of about 5 people who read it, but I don't write for them. I write for me--though I'm trying to post more often for the small handful of people who DO read my blog! My worst two areas in blogging (besides consistency): pictures and comments on other blogs(though I'm improving!

Love the pictures of Miss Harper. She's a doll!

Courtney said...

Great post today. I enjoyed reading it. Adorable pictures of Harper. As for the feeding thing, we have found with my nephew to try, try again. We always give him opportunities to try new things. Yesterday he tried cooked cauliflower and loved it. I hate when people say that a child will never like something. It is always worth a try and if at first you don't succeed, try it again another day!

Anonymous said...

Hey Kelly, I am a FAITHFUL blog reader and absolutely love your family! I've been blogging for 2 years now and love your tips. I have a question for you- you have talked a lot about "quacamole" lately, I'm from CA and Guacamole is very popular here...Ive never seen it spelled with a "q" though, is there a difference?

The Allens said...

Kelly, I recently resigned from a job at a wonderful CPA firm to be a SAHM. I am THRILLED that God is allowing me to do this. And I also get asked if I will home school and the answer is NO - public school for us, as well. Finally, I blog consistently so that Grandparents who live far away can watch their grandson grow up. They love it and it makes it worthwhile!

Jenn Prather said...

Kelly, I love reading your blogs. Thank you for being such a REAL testiment of your faith. Its nice to know moms all go through the same things at some point in time and that we all struggle but have hope and faith that tomorrow will be a new day!!!

Amanda said...

Thanks for the tips on blogging. I started my blog a few months ago and I'm really enjoying it. I've been following you for a while and love seeing the pictures of little Harper. My husband works with Scott at Rockfish and he is the one who led me to your blog. Thanks!

Shortcake456 said...

Anytime they eat only sweets before they are introduced to vegetables is a sure thing for them spitting it out. Mine did the same thing.

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

I just LOVE your post and enjoy reading you everyday! You and your family are so beautiful! I feel so grateful to know you through this thing called blogging. I"m new to blogging, but feel blessed to know you and I feel like we are a lot alike, in many different ways!

I hope Miss Harper is doing well this afternoon!!

Katie

Jacquie said...

I love your list of blog notes. I know I'll never be a "famous" blogger, like some people I know, but I love having a place that my kids can come back to and say, this is who my Mom is/was.

Harper just needs a few tortilla chips to go with that avacado and she'll be SOLD!

Shana said...

The 2nd picture in this post has your dad ALL over it! All I can see is him =0)

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

I mixed baby food Prunes in with cereal or whatever. It worked like a charm.

AKat said...

So sweet, Kelly. Harper is as cute as ever!

Terri Steffes said...

I read faithfully! I don't comment often. I do follow your mom's site, too.

I found you when Harper was sick and was asked to pray. I came here, got hooked on your style, sweetness and charm!

Good blog advice!

Veronica said...

Kelly...I am so thankful for finding you back in January when I did. All I can say is that it was all God! My life will never be the same and I am so thankful to the Lord for putting you in my path. :)

What I really wanted to tell you is that I appreciate how real you always are. Despite how many people read your blog, you remain the same and I love that. Thanks for treating us all more like friends than "followers."

I really like what you had to say about putting things in perspective as it pertains to blogging. It's so easy to let blogging take over your life and also blog for all the wrong reasons. There have been times when I question what I'm blogging about and worry that people won't like what I have to say. I've come to realize that it's so important just to blog for yourself and not anyone else. It's not really a popularity contest. It's a special way to document what's going on in your life and it's not about anyone else!

Thanks so much for being so genuine and just being you!

Angie said...

I found your blog through my sister-in-law, who followed daily. I've then told my friends and now some of them follow. I love reading your blog because you are just so positive. Even when everything doesn't go as planned, you still seem to stay positive. It makes me think.."Well if she can do it, I can do it too!" You love the Lord and aren't afraid to say it, which is a major plus!! And the cute little baby is just the "cherry on top".
Thanks for being a wonderful example!!!

Stephanie said...

YO Baby yogurt...it's the best for digestive issues and babies LOVE it! They can have it at 6 months.

Don't worry about color...I always told my patients "do you look at the color of yours and worry?" Blood and rabbit pellet poop are all you need to worry about in kids!

Sarah Elizabeth said...

Harper has such pretty eyes! :)

MECH said...

Love the advice you gave about blogging. I just go onto blogs and jump on to others and it is so nice to know that others go through what you do....BE REAL!!!! Love reading your blog, Harper is so beautiful!

God Bless,
Me'Chele-Indiana

Angela said...

Hoorah for public schools!!!!! Seems like everyone I know homeschools. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's not for everyone!!

The Calhoun Clique said...

I quit what I thought was my dream job as a high end residential interior designer to be a SAHM and now realize this is truly my dream job, glad it is yours too. Nothing like being able to love on your baby all day long is there?

Betsy said...

Poor Harper. I hope her tummy issues get better soon!

I think your Q & A answers were exactly right! Blogging should be about just having fun and journaling your life. Even if nobody reads it, it will still be so special to have it for your own family heritage! Plus you do get to meet some sweet friends...just like I met you! :)

mrs boo radley said...

Those are some priceless faces!!

Katie said...

Re Harper's tummy, something you could try is Acidopholus for babies. You can get it in powder which I think you could sprinkle in food, otherwise it would have to go in a drink if she ever has a sippy / bottle. My mother in law recommended it for my son who had horrible tummy troubles when he was younger, and yes we had the green poo too!!

Liz said...

It's really unfortunate that H doesn't like avocados....my O doesn't either and I just don't understand. Don't they know that once they enjoy the green goodness that guacamole comes later?!?! These girls will one day find the joy in guac! We always found that a little bit of prunes did the 'trick' every time!! It WILL get all 'worked out' in good time. You're doing great!

Unknown said...

since you're doing public school, do you mind me asking what school district harper is in?

parker will be starting kindergarten the same year as harper (i think) at central park elementary in bentonville. that'd be fun if they were in the same class!

Amy said...

Girl...with a camera like that you have got to learn to shoot in manual! Take advantage of that set-up! :) I would love to have that camera/lens combo.

Love your blog!

Liz said...

I love your advice. It isn't about being "blog popular" but more being yourself and sharing your life. I love your blog and use it as a Mommy resource because of all your links!
Keep on going. We all love baby Harper.

Liz
(finally pregnant with baby No. 2!)

Nancy said...

I only have 11 followers, so you are an inspiration to me! I found your blog through my friend, Jessica Crow. I enjoy reading yours!

Unknown said...

I just found your blog but I'll be back becuase I feel like we have so much in common and I could be friends with you! Pretty pictures help too. :)

2SetsOfTwins4Me said...

I think avacodos were my babies first food. After that i fed them veggies first, then fruits. I noticed with my others that if i fed fruit first then veggies, they didnt want to eat the veggies because they wanted the sweet stuff.

Brysmommy, Kenswifey said...

Ha..just wait until you are googling a different color poop..like purple/pink/blue.. which could come from Koolaid..or Icing on a cake! I have a question..does your picture at the top of the blog rotate? I always get a different one...Humm..neat!

CourtneyC said...

I love reading your blog and to be honest do not even remeber how I found it now!!!

Hope you have a blessed week.

RN Mama said...

Hi Kelly! I think this is my first time commenting on your blog, but I have been reading it since Harper was born. I just started my own blog yesterday, so I appreciate all your blogging advice in this post!

Andy and Wendy Ingram said...

Kelly,
I am so encouraged to hear Harper will be going to public schools. I think God calls each family and each child to a different schooling situation, whether that is Christian, homeschooling, or public schooling. We have felt God telling us very clearly that he wants our kids to be the light in the public schools. There are many challenges in this culture, but our kids are standing so strong (so far, thankfully) on their Christian convictions and God is using them to witness and bring the gospel to all kinds of kids (especially mormon kids). God equips the called! Also, our kids are getting such a great education through the public school system and we really believe they will be better for it and God is will open doors for their future in ways that will open up their futures and allow God to guide there paths in amazing ways to glorify himself. We do ALOT of praying for our three every day, and there are also wonderful MOMS IN TOUCH - Christ centered, prayer groups in the public schools. It is such a support to have other Christians to walk beside as we deal with exposing our kids to different things, but I would rather go through it with them while they are living under our roof. I know you have such a huge heart for prayer, so could really see you and Harper making such a difference with moms and kids in the public schools in the future. Anyway, you have lots of time, but I just am encouraged as I hear how you are listening to God regarding school.
Seeking Him Together,
Wendy

Melissa Stover said...

those are great blogging tips. isn't it neat how god works through blogging too?

Rory said...

I had been meaning to comment over the last few weeks that feeding Harper just cereal and applesauce will make her constipated. My daughter had horrible constipation. My pediatrician says when your child has diarrhea to use the ABCs Applesauce, Bananas and Cereal...so those will definitely stop her up. Oatmeal isn't as bad. Green beans and squash and peas are ok. And prunes and bluberries help,too. Pears are great..and pear juice. We fed pears and oatmeal for breakfast for over a year. Bananas are still ONLY in moderation. Also, green poop is normal once they start eating I think. In formula babies it's always green!

Maryellen said...

I found your blog through my sister and even though I don't know you it's like I'm reading about a friend. Your blog is great!

Christa said...

I just love reading your blog. When I first started reading I didn't have a blog of my own...but yours inspired me to create my own. It's such a neat way to journal your life. I have even talked several of my friends into blogging!

Holly said...

Aw, too bad Harper didn't go for those avocados. Good brain food! Maybe a could more tries and it'll grow on her. ;)

Chris said...

I must say, being a SAHM is the best choice ever! Homeschooling is the second best, never say never, I did once and I am now homeschooling my 5 children.

Bekky said...

Kelly, Thank you for the link to Laurie's blog post. I really needed that today. I have been in a "funk" the last few days. Her post is helping me remember about God's choice and not being with the wrong one. Thank you for your posts and Laurie's today on the "single life" and encouragements.

Pink Velvet Mommy said...

try bananna mixed with the avocado. Hayden won't eat it unless I mix it, but if I mix it up she will eat a whole avo if I let her. They say try something 10 times before you give up on it.

I think all moms worry about poop, look at poop, analyze the poop, poop, poop, and more poop. I had never really gave poop much thought until I became a mom. But even when you go to doctor one of the first questions they ask is about their poop!!! Can't get away from it!!

denise said...

Don't give up after one food. They say it takes many, many exposures for a kid to get acclimated enough to a food to even enjoy it. I used to work for a hospital that taught kids to eat, who for medical reasons were not allowed to learn as infants. With the poop issues pear sauce works great...so does taking out one or two of the cereal feedings. Since they are so fortified with iron. Applesauce is part of the BRAT diet that you feed kids when too much poop is around, so sometimes pears, peaches or prunes get great results. Good luck!

mrs shortcake said...

Those are great tips - and I love the last one. It doesn't matter if you're not as successful as Dooce - but leaving a written legacy for your family is priceless. I know for me, being apart from my family and friends for two years has been easier because they can keep track of me on my blog.

Anonymous said...

Great post! I love being a stay at home mommy! Yes, some days are better than others but I wouldnt trade it for the world! Even if I have to be the "poop police"! Ha! Thanks for the advice on blogging!

Patti said...

My daughter loves avocado. I make her pureed mixtures too and she really enjoys that. Try mixing some banana with avocado, or some applesauce. May seem weird but babies love it. Now I put some mashed avocado on bread and cut it up for my 10 month old and she loves it. Avocado is so good for their brains and development so stick with it! :)

Sherri said...

I just love the faces of trying new foods. My daughter didn't like avocados until she was a little older. Then I would put a little balsamic dressing on it and she loves it. I know many, like me, love reading your blog everyday because you make us smile. Thank you again!!

Allikaye's Mama said...

I love the avocado faces! And one thing I have wanted to say for a long time...is thanks for linking me up on your sidebar a long time ago! I get most of my traffic from your blog - and have found friends through that!! You are a superstar!!

Anonymous said...

We always were told to start out with the green veggies they are less gassy and cause less stomach upset. Mine loved green beans. Good Luck.
I started reading your blog when it came across Angie Smiths blog for prayer. I too had a sick baby at birth and eventually he needed a kidney transplant from his momma. Your story just touched my heart and your posts made me cry lots of times because I could understand where you were at that moment. I passed your blog on to several girl friends to pray as well, wishing I had that outlet of a blog 8 years ago at a time of such need. We cannot go through raising children and being stay at home mothers with out the support of each other via prayers or just friendships.Keep your blog going, its really fun and I have it on my blogs homepage as one to read and for others to see. www.kjbbpeterson.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for quite some time (I actually started reading it when MckMama asked for prayers for you on her blog/when Harper was sick). I just adore you, your family, and how you keep such a special online journal of your lives.
Thanks for the blogging tips. Your post helped me decide that it was time to finally leave a comment on your blog.

DJones said...

My daughter had(has)somewhat of a sensitive tummy also. If only we had known then what we know now... but my suggestion is to try oatmeal cereal as opposed to rice. Rice is binding and oatmeal has more fiber in it. Our GI dr says apples are ok, but when cooked down for applesauce, become binding as well. So maybe pears or peaches or a touch of apple/prune juice. Good luck!!

Misty said...

Kelly,
I love reading your blog and this is my 1st comment.My daughter had constipation issues when we started food. Someone told us to try the baby food prunes or prunes/apples by Gerber and it worked great. she's now 18 months and we still use it on occasion, she loves it for some reason. I think it's sweet. And when you start on "real" food....black beans. she loves those and they always do the trick.

MrsDan said...

haha! I had to laugh when I read this post. The little girl I nanny LOVES avocado! We actually have to wait until the end of her meal to give them to her, or she won't eat anything else - be careful! :) Macy is 11 months old, so we give her chunks of avocado to gum. Works great!

We also give her a little bit of the gerber prunes when she's a little "backed up" - works like a charm!

James' Full House said...

Love that harper she is a doll. SOmething you might want to look into is YoBaby Yogart. They can have that at 6 months and it contains probiotics which is good for digestion. We love them here. They come in a 6 pack. I find ours at Walmart.

Brandi J

Anonymous said...

Harper is way too cute!! I tried avacado first with my little one and he hated it!! I moved right on to sweet potato and he loved those. Starting foods is one of my favorite baby stages. So fun!

laura said...

Hey Kelly- when I tried avacados form my daughter, she didn't like them either. So I mixed it with some banana and she chowed down! I think it made it a bit sweeter for her. She now LOVES them and will eat avacados without anything. Just a tip to try.
Blessings-
Laura from FL

This Texas Momma said...

My Luke still loves sweet potatoes! Good luck with all the new foods, I love all the crazy faces they make...keep those sweet pictures coming!

Lindsey

~aj~ said...

Can I just say that I completely adore you and you know that I'm not a crazy internet stalker chic? Seriously Kelly, your words just speak straight to my heart and I always appreciate your honesty and sincerity.

(And I also agree with the previous poster(s) that suggested mixing bananas with avacadoes. That's the only way my son will eat them and he gobbles them right up!)

Michelle Cearley said...

I don't recall if you have Harper on rice cereal, but that made ALL my children very, very constipated! I switched to oatmeal baby cereal (which my pediatrician said was fine after 4 mo), and there was no more constipation.

Summer said...

I don't think that you will ever stop analyzing poop! My daughter Kynli is almost 13 months old, and I still slightly obsessed with monitoring her bowel movements!! I think that it is just a mommy's job!

Also, just wanted to let you that I found your blog through Angie Smith's blog (Bring the Rain). Right after Harper was born sick, she posted a blog about Harper's illness, and I have been hooked ever since!

One last thing, I saw a comment from another blogger about how to preserve your blog into a book, and I found a website that does it. It is www.scrapbookblogger.com. Last time I checked, you could have up to 250 pages and it is $69 no matter how many pages you have (no tax!). You just upload your blog and the book usually arrives in about 2-3 weeks! Just FYI!!!

Love your blog! Harper is a doll!!

MommaRu said...

thanks for the reminder to be true to who you are. I recently have been wondering if I blog TMI too often, but i love the outlet. Your willingness to share your faith is also an encouragement.

Adam and Kimmy plus Reese! said...

Great advice....just blog like no one is reading...It's for you and your baby.

Tara G. said...

I haven't read your comments, so someone may have suggested this- try mashing the avocado with some bananas. It'll probably go over much better. Also, one pediatrician we had said to give it 10x- 10 separate tries- before you call it quits on a food.

Elyse said...

I don't always comment (gasp) but just wanted to tell you that you are amazing! Seriously Kelly...you are so REAL, ENCOURAGING, and HONEST! Harper will get the hang of this baby food thing and there will be no stopping her when she does. Gave a fabulous week!
~Elyse

The DeYoungs said...

My Lo loves sweet potatoes. After trying those for a while I use to add avacado in it so my Lo could get all the good fat from the avacado without tasting it. She loves that also. I love reading your blog. It's neat to see what other SAHM do during the day with there little ones. Harper is adorable

whippetmom said...

I see someone else already warned you about sweet potatoes- they did a number on my son's tummy too! :( He grew to love avocado by about the 20th time I gave it to him ;)
Harper is so cute, and I LOVE all the bows, my Ellie has tons of hair so we've been doing the hair bows, but you've made me a fan of the bow bands!! :)

Jodi Lansink said...

Kelly, I love your blog and you are so down to earth...and I love to see what bow Harper will be wearing next! :)

Jodi

Anonymous said...

Hey there Kelly! Just a thought. You might want to try yogurt if she isn't lactose intolerant. It's one of those perfect foods and it is Avery's hands down favorite food on this planet. Use the whole fat kind. It has a good fat content, high protein and carbs. Avery loves it plain. It's also good for her tummy.

~Amy Rose said...

Cutie-pa-tootie!!! Harper is just precious! I LOVE reading your blog everyday Kelly! Everytime I see Harper's cute face....it makes me want to have another baby! I so miss those days! Enjoy every little moment (I know you already do!)....it is the best job ever being a stay at home Mommy! I hope little Harpers tummy gets better....

Blessings,
Amy Rose

Mommy2CVC said...

Hi! I've only been reading your blog for about 3 months! I have a 7 month old little girl and I love to read about your Harper. You have given me great ideas! I just started a blog because of you, but I need to write more. I think my life is too boring so I don't write. I need to get over that! Thanks for your blog! I make sure to read it everyday!
:)
Mommy2CVC

Amy said...

Try carrots! They're easy on the tummy - just be aware that they leave really bad stains in clothing! :) My daughter loves some carrots!

Sarah said...

Not that you need a ton of advice but dont give up on avocados...they are SO good and healthy for babies! My son hates them alone but we mix them with some other fruit and he loves them...for the poop, mix them with a fruit that starts with a "P" (doesnt have to be prunes) and it will help their digestive tracts.

Love your blog and your little girl. I started reading when Harper was in the NICU. I am a NICU nurse and I am so glad that your story ended happy!

Becca G! said...

Hi Kelly!
As much as I enjoy reading your posts daily, I wanted to just drop by and say thank you for mentioning your BFF's blog. I was moved to tears reading her words. I needed to read that more than I can express. So thank you!

& Good luck with Harper and the poo analyzing- as a former nanny I too googled many colors and textures! :)

Anna said...

Harper is adorable! I love the first picture!

I'm just wondering: Why are you SOOOO turned off by homeschooling? I'm not trying to pry... I'm just curious! I know you mentioned in a different post how you are happy that Harper seems to be turning into a social butterfly, so maybe you're one of the people who think home schoolers are always weird or anti-social. I promise, we're not! :)

Cheri said...

Kelly, wanted to quickly add that our son was allergic to RICE CEREAL, and caused all sorts of problems. He is still allergic to rice today at age 20. We had overlooked that as a possibility because "no one is allergic to rice cereal". But he was. Even our doctor told us he could NOT be.

Seems she has gotten gassy since you added the rice. Try removing it and see if it improves.

Donna said...

Kelly, honey,,,babies poop in technicolor! You should have to analize horse poop!It is important because they colic so easily. I am a poop expert.Ha! Try putting that on a resume.
Single after being married for 32 yrs. and I'm not handling it well.Thanks for the link to Laurie's blog. Her girls are so cute. Harper will really enjoy them when she is a little older.
Keeping you in my heart in Ga.
Donna

Father's Grace Ministries said...

Kelly, I love your blog for your humour, honesty, and the simple ways you share your faith with so many- not to mention a certain cute little baby!!
There was something you said on the schooling issue that is soooo true- It's what the child learns at home that is the key- no matter WHAT type of schooling they have. If Harper learns the love of Christ and His Word, has the security of a loving family and learns a Christian Worldview from her parents, then she'll be fine in the public system and bring much glory to God.

Homeschooling isn't for everyone. Although we are home schooling at the moment, it may not be God's plan for us in the long term, and we all need to follow His leading in whatever direction He leads us in such issues.

God bless you for your faith and obedience.

Claire

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I read your blog before Harper got sick and will never forget how amazing it was to watch the follower widget jumping by the hundreds DAILY! It was the Lord using you to reach others with your testimony of love and faith in the midst of tragedy. I don't comment much any more because as my blog has grown, I know how hard it is to keep up and I figure you have 90 other people who do, but wanted to today. I have no doubt that the Lord continues to use your family through your authentic faith. :)

Claire said...

As ever, I am bowled over by just how adorable Miss Harper is!

Cxx

Anonymous said...

Kelly,
I started crying when you said you didn't know why we come back. I'm a book blogger with occasional posts about my family. I did find your blog based on a prayer request from a fellow book blogger. The reason I keep coming back is because this is one true miracle that has happened to such a wonderful family just like mine. My son was born 10 weeks early (3lbs 3ozs)and he was in the NICU for a month and a half. He is now an active 20 month old and to look at him you would never know he was in any danger, I think the same of Harper. I follow you because you are God's woman and I think you've touched a lot of hearts. I don't know if you'll read this but I'll keep following your family because Harper is a miracle...and I'm a mom =)
Kristina

Sarah said...

Kelly- The first picture of Harper is PRECIOUS. Love her little expression! And sorry to tell you, but the BM thing doesn't get much better when your kids get older! I still worry on a daily basis about my 4 year old. I am like a poop inspector when it comes to that child! Gross, I know, but my life right now!

Julie H. Schaal said...

avocados can cause allergy flare ups sometimes. I love them anyway.

Michele Helms said...

When your sweet Harper was born..I like many others received an email asking me to pray...and I did! I love to stop by occasionally and see how she is growing. I am so glad that you are embracing this season of your life so beautifully. I am the mama of 5 and I LOVE it so very much! When I read about how your blog grew...credit to prayer...Jabez....love it!!!....I thought about my husband! He has an amazing testimony and I love that the Lord called him to share it....I wish you could have seen him give it 20 years ago....unbelievably nervous!!! He has prayed the Jabez scriptures many times!! Here he is today :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0pp-ecnEfQ

DeAnna said...

Hi Kelly,

I have been reading your blog for over a year now. I actually found a girl I grew up with on your blog (Lianna). Small world!!I just started my blog a few months ago and have been trying to blog on a more regular basis. Being a new SAHM mom (since March), I completely understand not having alot of time. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I love your blog and the pics that you post. PS. I LOVE your new bar stools :)

Mandy's Memories said...

Hey, a friend told me about your blog. I found you and enjoyed reading it. I just joined the blogging world and I am gonna follow you. I look forward to reading about you. God Bless

Aurelie said...

Thanks for the wonderful tips about blogging Kelly! It inspired me to start one of my own.

Heather said...

When Avery Kate has green poop, it means I have eaten dairy something...I am figuring out!
Can't believe Harper is 6 months old...just as sweet and beautiful as ever...just like her momma!

JP said...

Don't you think you should wait to decide what kind of schooling Harper will have until you assess her personal needs at that time?
It just seemed like in your post that you are excluding a large number of factors to make this decision so early in her life, whether choosing public, private or home school.