VAN

Nostalgic already

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Today I got a little emotional when Van and I were playing in his room, we made a fort out of sheets and played with his toys in there. I tried to take the moments and capture them in my memory. His room, the breeze blowing in the window, the curtains billowing. The music floating through the air. I started thinking about all of the hard work and energy we put into designing his room. Conner worked so hard on it. The thought of leaving the first home we owned and the place we brought our son home scares me a lot. There has been something really nice about being in our own little bubble out here. Change is hard on me, I start missing a place before I am even gone. I know it will all be fine but the waiting is harder than the arriving. I look around at this beautiful place and know it will live on in my hear and mind forever.

I just read this article and I am getting nervous about flying my dogs across the country in the middle of summer.... What should we do?
Our only other option would be to have Conner drive cross country with them when he comes in August. He will be out of the country for about two weeks in July so we would need to board them in a kennel and I think that would cause more stress on them than the scary six or seven hour flight across the hot country....

Vanenius

noreply@blogger.com (ICE) — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:49:00 +0000

Van and I work on his vocabulary a little everyday, he is just like a little sponge learning all sorts of new words. I really like using these flash cards. I bought them in Puerto Rico, but they are available everywhere!

She's Fresh.

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:58:00 +0000

So here I am at 12:58 am, still awake. I just repaired some major problems to the site. But after a few hours I think I have it fixed now. Here is a preview. At the moment it is basic. I just got the framework in there and now I am going to spice it up with some design elements. It looks so stale to me.... But it has been a long road to get this far. Man building websites is a tough job, but I am slowly learning the ropes of the information super highway! zzzzzzz

HAPPY 60th Pop Pop

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:11:00 +0000

I hope we can play ball together soon!
I miss you so much. xoxoxox your grandson VAN

HAPPY MOM"S DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:29:00 +0000

To all of you wonderful mother's out there that work 24/7 and don't expect much in return. You are so loved and appreciated. Have a wonderful day today and take a deep breath and remember that you are perfect in every way just the way you are.

Blessings.

Postpardum depression

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:47:00 +0000

I went to mamafest this week with some friends from my strollerstrides class and I was moved to tears by Michael Spangler's talk on losing his wife to postpardum depression .

Just as every woman is different, every woman's childbirth experience is different. And since the vast majority of new mothers eventually get some sleep, feel comfortable caring for an infant and fall into the rhythm of being a family, those who don't feel only more isolated and alone.

That's what happened to Annie Spangler. A naval officer, a pharmacist, she was stunned to find, at 46, that she didn't feel in control. One day, it got to be too much.

His story is life altering and it will change the way you feel about anyone close to you having feelings like these. I am making a point to support this cause, please help out in any way you can.

Love and Marriage.....

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:31:00 +0000

Conner and I celebrated four years of marriage yesterday, we had a mellow night at home, with some of our favorite foods. It's amazing that four years seems so long, but in the grand scheme of things it is really so short. We have gone through so much already in these four years of marriage. I do know that when we were hugging each other yesterday and looking at Van I felt so much energy and happiness for the moments we share and what we have built together. I have some beautiful flowers from my mom and sister, and lilly's from Conner. I got a gift certificate for a massage too! Good luck this weekend in your surf contest, Dad! We love you.

It's a relationship...

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:05:00 +0000

This coming week is a big one, Conner and I celebrate 4 years, mothers day, and Van turning 14 months old (Next Monday). Oh and I planned a little going away party for myself with my closest friends that I have made here. It is Saturday night! So I am looking forward to having them all together in one place with me for a night, so I can give them a little gift and celebrate having them in my life.

I do miss my most lovely friend so much, she is in South Carolina and I have not seen her in too long. I just stumbled upon this photo of us together before any kiddos were in the picture. Now I have a one year old, and she is growing a little one in her tummy. I am so excited!!!

I feel GOD working in me everyday, I have a relationship with him that I constantly maintain. I tell him things that I would never say aloud, he listens.... This relationship is not a certain religion in my mind. I speak to him even in my unconscious states. Sometimes when I am asleep I wake in prayer. I have found peace lately amidst the chaos. I have found that I am the only one who makes my days, and the better I am for myself the better I am for those I love. Yes I am working on myself, I am not going to lie. It is an ongoing process, but having a child look up to me makes me want to be a better person.

Clean baby.....

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:30:00 +0000

Van can hold his breath under water now, he is a little fish? He is just now grasping how to come up for air when his swim teacher pushes him towards the wall.

I love it when Van is clean, I met a girl at Van's swimming lesson the other day and she was using her non disposable diapers and she told me all about how to make my own baby wipes. I looked it up when I got home and altered the recipe a bit, and it works great. No harsh chemicals and Van's skin is soft with no irritations! I am using earthfirst 100% recycled paper towels from costco! These paper towels are not bleached using chlorine so no harsh chemicals on baby's bum or face.

Making your own baby wipes will not only save money, but you will know for sure that no harsh or drying chemicals are touching your baby's bottom. I found this article on about.com

Here's How:

1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a knife and remove the inner cardboard core.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in container.
3. Place the paper towels in the container with the cut side facing downward.
4. Secure lid tightly and allow to sit until all liquid is absorbed into the paper towels.
5. Turn the container upside-down and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6. Open container and 'start' the roll by pulling a towel from the inside of the roll.
7. Wipes are now ready to use.

Tips:

1. These also make a great gift for new parents. You can decorate or personalize the container and, of course, be sure to include a copy of the recipe.
2. Save the other half of the roll for use next time you make wipes.
3. Make sure the container is closed tightly after each use to prevent drying out.
4. When your baby is older and his skin is less sensitive, you can add about a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the mix.

What You Need:

* Round plastic container (Rubbermaid #6 or #9 works well)
* Thick, strong roll of white paper towels
* Sharp knife to cut paper towel roll in half
* 2 cups water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature
* 2 Tablespoons of castille soap - I like Dr bronners baby mild soap
* 1 Tablespoon olive oil
* 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract (you can find this at any health food store)
* 5 drops of lavender oil for scent and relaxation

Downward Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:13:00 +0000

I am seeing a lot of this,
and this lately. It's a new take on talk to the hand. It happens mainly when I am saying no or be careful. It's Van's way of protesting. He does know how to make me smile!

wall graphics

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:43:00 +0000

I am getting excited about redesigning Van's nursery in a new house. Yes we are officially moving and it will be a new adventure. It is a Little too much for me to wrap my head around at the moment for fear that it will fall off of my body, but I am gathering strength from those around me at the moment in order to prepare for this life changing event. We are moving to Florida. But my blog will remain on the information super highway for years to come! Anywho I have been thinking I will be using some of these fabulous wall decals to make his room more exciting. Check out ellynelly's creations on Etsy.

Nothing like having a fake dog on your wall to look at... I took my dog to the vet today and they called me with some concerns..... They said number one he is severely overweight, has really bad plaque (is that why his breath smells like a trash can?), and he has a couple little cysts on his side. Zeke is a special dog, and I mean that in the nicest way. But lately I have been disappointed in him, he takes books off of our book case and rips them to shreds while we are gone and lately he has been chewing up my shoes..

I walk him 2 times a day, and he still has it out for me? If Van didn't love that dog so much I might just send him off to Jenny Craig or something... But he is truly van's best buddy. He lays on him, hugs him, and sits on him pretty much any free moment that he has. So we will keep him for now.. Once a rescue dog always a rescue dog!

BPA free-dom!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:21:00 +0000

So I was wandering around the internet looking for some more info and this is what I found on a great blog about family health and parenting.

BPA Free Bottle Products

Adiri Natural Nursers
Avent “Via” disposable bottles
BornFree - All bottles and cups BPA free *see note
EvenFlo Glass bottles
Playtex Opaque Soft Bottle, Playtex Drop in liners
Gerber: Gerber Clearview, Fashion Tints (also called “Plastic Pastels”), Gerber GentleFlow
Medela: All bottles
Sassy MAM bottles (UltiVent), Baby Food Nurser Kit
Green to Grow Bottles **see note
Sassy Baby Food Nurser Kit
ThinkBaby Bottles
Momo Glass Bottles
Nuby: Standard Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, Standard Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, 3-Stage Wide Neck Easy Grip Feeding System with Non-Drip Nipple.
Nuture Pure Glass bottles
Babisil Silbottles
Weego Glass Bottles
Siliskin Glass Bottles
Dr Brown’s: Glass Bottles (all vent system pieces BPA Free), Dr. Browns Polypropylene bottles (due in store’s April 15th)
BPA Free Sippy Cups
Avent Magic Cups
Playtex: Coolster Tumbler, Insulator, Einstein Training Cup, Sipster, Create My Own, Quick Straw, Insulator Sport, Sip and Discover, First Sipster
Gerber: Sip & Smile Spill-proof Cup, Easy Grip Insulated Soft Straw Cup, Insulated Cool Cup, Fun Grips Color Change Spill-proof Cup, Grins & Giggles Spill-proof Cup (source)
BornFree sippy/drinking cups
Kleen Kanteen
Thermos Foogo Sippy Cups, and drinking bottle with straw
SIGG Toddler Water Bottles
Kid Basix The Safe Sippy
Boon Sippy
GrowPure Multi-Stage Feeder and Sippy Cup
iPlay Aqua Bottle
ThinkBaby Training Cup
Sassy Snack Time Infa-Trainer Cup
Munchkin: Cupsicle, Cupsicle Straw Cup, Big Kid Sippy Cup, Mighty Grip Flip Straw Cup, Mighty Grip Trainer Cup, licensed character Sports Bottles, Re-usable Straw Cups, Re-usable Spill-proof Cups
Nuby: No-Spill Sports Sipper, Insulated Soft Silicone Spout Cup, Soft Spout Easy Grip Cup, Gripper Cup with Soft Silicone Spout, 2-Handle Cup, Tinted Mega Sipper
The First Years: Take & Toss, Spill-proof Cup, Insulated Cup, Licensed character sippy cups, Insulated Spill-proof Cup, 2 Handled Cups

BPA Free Food Storage

Avent Snack Cup / Formula Dispenser
So Easy Fresh Baby Food Kit
Baby Cubes
Laptop Lunch System

Just Livin...

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:17:00 +0000

Van went to Conner's office the other day for a visit, and he learned that headphones are awesome especially when mom is talking...... hmmm

Van's excited he just found out advent is coming out with a BPA free bottle in summer 08! We are smart about our plastic bottles and sippy cups now!
I just added some new cards to the vanerwin.com collection they can be for girls or boys. If you would like to place an order please feel free to email me.
$12 per 8 or $23 for 16.... Great for birthday gifts, cause all kids need to learn how to write thank you's. They are printed on 100% recycled 100lb pape (thick paper). enjoy.

Earth Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:03:00 +0000

In honor of earth day tomorrow, I purchased all new bulbs for my kitchen to replace with the old ones that don't save any energy whatsoever. The eco-bulbs last up to seven years. So I am virtually saving 70% in energy costs with these new bulbs. The prices are usually discounted by the electric companies as well. If you replace your old bulbs with these new ones you will save money on electricity bills, use less energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and help stop global warming.
Van and I went to the beach yesterday and picked up trash along the shore. It was disappointing to see how much trash was in the sand. Go out and do something for your mother this week, she is so good to you!

A new way of thinking...

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:34:00 +0000

So I was getting the mail at the mailbox yesterday and as I was walking back to the car, I was stopped by a man who uttered these words "how often do you work out"? I looked around and then I checked behind me to see who the heck he was talking to....
Then I realized he was TALKING TO ME?
I repeated his question out loud to him, with some snickering, behind my glasses.
I said "I work out about three times a week I think!" I smiled and quickly got back into the car.

Was that a pick up line, or just a guy being nice? I am so jaded that I think everyone is being weird when strangers talk to me. I immediately look for an escape route. I created this way of thinking for myself, I really don't think it is my surroundings but I like to blame it on where I live.

I am reading a good book Eat, Pray, Love that is slowly teaching me to control my way of thinking in order to find stillness and peace in my every days.
I am slowing down enough to hear my inner voice and peeling back the layers to find stillness is waiting.

Just say no to BPA

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:07:00 +0000

My head is spinning from all of the emails from friends who have heard about all of the research being released about plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, tableware, utensils, feeding aids, pumping supplies, etc that contain BPA. I just found out I have been using the wrong type of bottles all along too and they leak BPA into my sweet child's body. We go out and buy the best car seats, the fancy strollers, and the 400 thread count organic sheets, but we use pacis and baby bottles that leak BPA? I think not! I just purchased a few of the bottles that are BPA free from thinkbaby.
The company produces PES (polyether sulfone) plastic bottles and sippy cups. And stainless steel and plastic drink bottles for adults as thinksport.
First of all what the hell is BPA anyways right?Bisphenol-A is a hormone-disrupting chemical considered to be potentially harmful to human health and the environment. It has been known that scratched and worn polycarbonate feeding bottles will leach this chemical into liquids.

Healthy Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:53:00 +0000

My good friend Cassie sent me a link to this great website and i wanted to share it with you all. I have always had a fear that plastic cups and bottles leak out harmful chemicals into the food and drinks we consume.
So here are some great products that are save and free of any toxins that might just be getting into your food and drinks. they have some really cute ones for the kiddies too.

As you know chemicals released by plastics can cause cancer (It is not the water that affects you but the chemical released from the bottle)

Check the bottom of the bottle there should be a triangle sign and there will be a number on it. If the number is higher than or equal to 5 --> then this bottle is safe to use. Numbers under 5 will release the chemical. For most bottled water, the number is 1. Remember to check and stop reusing those bottles.

article via: plastic myth busters

Do Something....

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:25:00 +0000

I've just signed a petition asking my senators to co-sponsor the reauthorization of PEPFAR, America's response to the emergency of global AIDS, malaria and TB.

ONE is trying to get fifty senators to co-sponsor this lifesaving legislation. You can help by adding your voice.

http://www.one.org/pepfarsenate

ONE is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans - one by one. So far, over two million have joined ONE in support of a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world.

Together as ONE we can make a difference!

Thanks!

Feeling not so groovy, baby.

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:14:00 +0000

We took Van into the ER on Saturday night, he had a fever of 104 and his heart was beating so fast. He had short breaths, was not eating, and was sleeping way too much. On top of that he was lethargic and completely out of it. I felt so helpless, this was the first time I could not do anything to make him feel better. This past week was long, and drawn out. I felt completely exhausted by it. Worrying about your children takes all of your energy away, doesn't it?
The only thing that seemed to take his little mind off of his state was taking a walk in the bob, or watching baby einstein in our bed. Did I mention that he only wants to be held? I love holding him close when he is not feeling well. I know he has just felt scared lately and probably wondering why he is feeling so bad. It is a test of patience however, I am hoping tomorrow will be a little easier for all of us. The Dr. at the hospital told us he had a virus but my friend mentioned this specific virus to me today I just researched it and this is what I think he has.

Coxsackie virus – It usually affects children ages 6 months to 3 years. Symptoms include:
- High fever – often up to five days.
- Severe fussiness – this is often the worst part of the illness.
- Severe mouth pain or sore throat
- Copious drooling
- Refusal to eat or even drink
- Rash – small, red or white spots may, but not always, appear on the hands or feet (thus the name of the illness). A red, lacy rash can also appear anywhere on the body.

The funny part was while we were in the hospital Conner was eavesdropping on all of the other people who were in the emergency room. Especially the illegal immigrants who the police dragged in after getting into a fight!

Design on a dime...

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:12:00 +0000

I was checking out Wal-Marts new line of baby stuff baby mod and I found these for only $39 on clearance. They have great modern furniture that looks similar to the Ouef crib that Van has.

Set includes comforter, bumper, fitted sheet, and bed skirt.
Fabric: 100% cotton, 180 thread count

I have to say I am loving simple modern design in interiors lately. I found this great article about interior design on a budget and thought I would share it with you! I love what they have done with each room and I am stealing some ideas for my house.
These are too cute and they play chimes when you rock em . $7.50
Check out their website where you can purchase them.

Happy Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Husband & Dad! One more year for you and what a year it has been!

My Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:39:00 +0000

I love you little buddy, you brighten my every day. Thank you for being mine.

Van's Alias'

noreply@blogger.com (ICE) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:48:00 +0000

Van's Nicknames To-date

Van the Man
The Pimp
Vanimal
Officer Fussarelli
Squeak
Squeaky
Hair-do
Van Wayne
VW
V-Dub
Bud
Bub
Smiley
Party Boy
Blue Eyes

There are more names I have forgotten and will add later. If you have a nickname for Van that is not on the list, please comment below.

Crying is for Babies....

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:46:00 +0000

So Van's Auntie Kat just left yesterday after almost a week of getting to hang out with us.
We had fun, she got to experience the new ear wrenching scream-like crying that Van is doing in order to get something he wants. The sound makes my stomach tie into knots, and I will pretty much give him anything in order to get the noise to cease. I will be honest it makes me want to drink and I am not talking about fruit juice or milk. This is a e phase where I need to be taught a thing or two about not giving in.
Today was just one of those day where I took one look away and Van was either playing in the toilet or breaking a glass in the kitchen trying to help me load the dishwasher..

One thing after another, but I truly love this boy more than I ever thought I could love anything, thank you Conner for sharing such a wonderful little being with me.

healthy toys at Ikea

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Young Erwin) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 05:04:00 +0000

Ikea gets better every day, I wanted to get this little wagon (24.99) for Van and fill it with Easter goodies, didn't make it to ikea. Maybe we will go this week. Ahhh I forgot to mention these toys are not only cheap but they are not made in China! SCORE.
Love this Easel ($19.99) too, this will be a staple toy for Van as soon as he stops eating the crayons.
Love this little moose rocker too (34.99), Rocking helps develop a child's sense of balance and the brain to sort sensory impressions. Renewable material (wood). Solid wood - not from intact natural forests.