M.O.M.

WOW... told you I would fall off the earth!

2009-01-29T12:37:00.002-08:00

Well... sorry about the HUGE lapse although I doubt anyone noticed since there are just sooo many good blogs out there-- it really is a sharing world these days. But, I'm all about journaling so even if no one else reads this I gotta get it down somewhere... so here goes.

August
27th, 2008
She came in the middle of the night and right on cue (as predicted) when the rain started to fall-- I swore she was coming in a rain storm- mother's intuition or my wish to be in the rainforest of Hawaii, either way she blessed us with her presence at about 2:36am. She was welcomed by the "circus" as Carl affectionately called it-- mom (wouldn't have missed it for the world- hah!), dad aka hanging post coach and rock (I warned him he should have pumped some more iron), big sister Bailee "baby comin'?" accompanied by Aunt Emmie (her first birth let alone natural birth) and my dear friend and doula, Michelle C. Of course my lifeguards (CNMs Angel & Lois) were there with flashlight and "wows" behind their shield as the glistening bag of waters dared to spray them-- whoohoo for bulging... never thought it would actually happen to me, kudos to the incredible edible EGG! Long story short it was crazy intense and empowering and about 6hours later we stopped by the bakery for a dozen celebratory yoder cinnamon rolls and a quick drive thru at Spangles for that awesome OJ slush and we were home- a family of four. JOY!

Blair Anne's stats:
Weight: 7lb 4oz Height: 21.5in Hair color: unknown *but not red* Eyes: hazel (as of 1/27/09)
She's a joy-- so different than Bailee was growing up but just as sweet and cute (if I do say so myself). She had a little hand quirk but we're hoping to get 'er fixed up within the year or so... scared the crap out of her parental units at first but doesn't seem to slow her down much. I'll update on her progress later

So... that pretty much covers August. sigh.
stay tuned for sept 08-jan 09 if you have nothing better to do.

I missed it...

2008-07-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Sigh, I am on a little bit of a low... I "missed" the first birth I was invited to attend/observe.
I had talked to the mom earlier that day (3pm) about her dilation/hypertension, etc. issues and that she was having contractions but they weren't that intense and she thought she might have this baby tonight. Then I called her doula (the person I am observing/assisting) and left a message (4pm) with her husband to have her call me asap. I received a call from the expecting husband at 7:45pm and got my things together, care arranged for Bailee in case I wasn't home in the morning (haha, Carl said--no worries, she's a 1st timer, it will be a while) and I headed out about 8:45pm. I got there about 9:15 and I was greeted by the expectan mom's mom with a, "are you Janine?" yes-- "oh hun, you missed the whole thing... but she did GREAT!" sigh... I guess everyone thought the other person had called me and hadn't earlier than ACTIVE LABOR... so ya, I missed it. But I did get to poke my head in and congratulate the momma- she was a little disappointed in herself (can we say transition- I told her we ALL do it!), very apologetic for me having missed it (oh girl, you had nothing else on your mind?! I just kept smiling...) and she needed some words of encouragement and a smiling face that wasn't hogging the baby... haha, the baby girl was precious, pink, and alert! WOW! Momma started to tell me all about the birth but I told her to rest... her doula assured me we would get together to chat again soon and momma wanted me to meet the fellow birth-junkie sister-in-law (she's an aspiring doula and CB educator who shares a love of natural childbirth and the bradleyR method). So I popped in to stand by the hot oven (birth day cake baking!!) and we chatted while she was nursing her toddler by the way-- whoohoo! I need to keep in contact with her (she is in the process of writing her dissertation on the effects of media on pregnant and nursing mothers)... chatted with the midwives who told me I couldn't let this inspire miss blair to come out... I KNOW! that's what Carl was afraid of too--1.5wks little missy and you can come out!! L&A told me they would do their best to get me in on some other births and assured me they would double check I was called next time (I shouldn't feel too bad, one of the MWs missed it too!) and headed home to pout, do pelvic rocks, and read some more birth books, I know... I'm obsessed-- but all the while I couldn't STOP smiling--I was INVITED, I had advised this mom on natural stuff, and the mom and baby were doing great-- another successful NATURAL childbirth in the books!!!

Bratz... oh Bratz

2008-07-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

I hate them and secretly hope they fall of the face of the earth before my daughters become infatuated with them as I see so many young (3 and 4yrs) girls do. BUT, I love this article about how to use the Bratz against themselves and battle bias, miscommunication, while helping our little young ladies grow up to be responsible and thoughtful adults. Kudos to the mom, doula, and CB educator that wrote this article on BRATZ.

2 yrs ago...

2008-06-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

6-6-08... 2 years ago on this day I was receiving several "is the baby here yet?" calls today. Not because it was my due date but rather it was the dreaded 6-6-06. I thought this is crazy until I googled it and there were tons (I mean 100s) of moms/families that were opting for c-sections the day before to assure that their little babies were NOT born on the "red" day... sigh. Oh the babies that were hoping their mommies wouldnt' do that. Well, mother nature knew what she was doing and 2 days later our sweet Bailee arrived.

So... fast forward 2 days- a rainy, windy June evening brought our little silver neon to the Birth Center in Yoder KS and my mind is still swirling as to the actual events that night but I do know one thing-- I became a woman. I roared, I swayed, I danced, and I birthed naturally a beautiful 7lb 7oz baby girl right into her daddie's arms. It was the most powerful, beautiful event I have ever had the privilege of being a part of.

Happy 2nd birthday baby girl!

**And now we're on the downward slide to baby #2... can't wait to see how miraculous this time is. I'm REALLY looking forward to it and showing Bailee just how babies are born***

Dr.Bradley... a KS farm-grown boy

2008-05-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

I've been up early-early this morning trying to get my head around a few things and so I decided to stop in to my blog again... eek, it's been over a month! Oh my, just wait til H2 gets here... it will probably be longer unless I really get serious about updates.

Anyway, I'm still on a birth-junkie high from our bradleyR teacher meeting of the minds last night-- it was great to meet the few teachers in the are and to talk with my very own bradleyR teacher a little more (we're expecting babies at the same time!)... and right before B and I headed out for the potluck we received a visit from the brown-clad UPS guy.... from bradleyR!!

Teacher aids to be specific (videos and such) and among the brown packing paper and shipping invoice was the spiral-bound Assistant Coach's Manual-- wow! It's so great! It's so simple and down-to-earth, a great starter book for anyone wanting to know a little more about the bradleyR method.

Well, someone's up so I better go... more on bradleyR later.

All little girls need kitchens! (and camo?)

2008-04-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Oh my have play kitchens come a long way... it brings to mind an old story told time and time again about little miss j's lack of imagination. haha, very funny guys. The story goes that my mom worked many tedious hours designing, constructing, and then adding an artiste's details so she could give her little girl a play kitchen. Made out of state-of-art cardboard boxes, she made a refrigerator, oven, and kitchen island and then filled it with tons of stuff (food, tools, not to mention oven mitts, and hand-made towels) and what did this sweet little toddler do? I asked what it was and what I do with it... nice! Okay, so my imagination hasn't changed a whole lot, I would much rather read a book (still true) than "play" with barbies, though the occassional barbie dress-up for the formal or conference (haha!) was okay. This all sounds a little familiar... someone else in our house is a book-a-holic... But this momma found a steal-of-a-deal on a kitchen, fridge, shopping cart + accessories! Check out the loot! So, I hope this soon-to-be 2-yr old will like it and not ask me "what do I do with it?!"

My reward for going out g-saling on Wednesday (really I was out getting some diapers and just happened to see the sign)...

Details, oh the details... and check out those oven mitts, apron, and chef's hat (I'm restraining myself from giving it to her early so "we" can play... okay, "me"!

Check out this food-- the wooden stuff can be "cut" by the awesome invention of velcro-- too cute! And name your toppings on the pizza; they are on there with velcro too. They threw in some other tupperware toy stuff and cheapy plastic foods and utensils, etc. but it all so darn cute!

Oh, what a fun metal shopping cart-- it looks sooo real! And it's stuffed with the last of the accessories, food, utensils, tupperware, etc.
I hope she loves it as much as I do!

Now, I'm just looking for a few other things (or how-to's for daddy to make) and we'll have our own little "world" downstairs. G-dad reed, we're working on the hunting lodge and camo... LOL, that's the thing, we don't have our basement finished (might be able to this winter) so where is it going to go... as you can see it's on the unfinished basement floor now so maybe some carpet scraps and it will be okay.

I'm becoming...

2008-04-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

A Bradley childbirth instructor/doula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And even better... I'm going to the training conference right here in Wichita (makes it all possible because I can stay in my own bed, eat my own food, and be close to my daughter/family-- all for FREE! so I only had to come up with the valuable yet expensive conference fees and I'm pinching a few pennies for the great resources...)

I'm so excited I can't really put it into words... actually I have wanted to do this since the 1st day of our Bradley class when we arrived and our instructor had just had her 8th baby (3 days before!) I was shocked (I still had a lot of learning to do about natural childbirth) and I thought, wow! if she can do that, this natural childbirth thing is for me. Carl would tell you that our instructor was "too" informative but not me, I was SOAKING. IT. UP! I couldn't get enough info, videos, testimonies, websites, articles, exercises, you name it! I was bringing this baby into the world NATURALLY-- and until now I couldn't really explain to you why I felt sooo strongly about it besides the fact that it just felt "right". But now I know.

I have been swirling around in my own insane asylum aka my head trying to figure out what God's will for me is... what do you want me to do? what is my purpose on this earth? And I wish I could say it just hit me and now I "KNOW" but I can't... BUT I do trust I'm headed in the right direction with this Bradley thing... The other day I had an enlightening, tear-spilling episode while I was reading the most amazing book-- well, actually only the first chapter entitled Why I teach natural childbirth. And it hit me... God was literally writing the words as I read them. Every page or so is soaked with His Word and everything I was reading was so real for me. I just started crying... this is it, I've been trying to find a balance between learning more about YOU while providing for my husband and my family (without going out to join the rat race which I despise and You know this)-- I can interweave YOU into this... into all of this... into the daycare, into the Bradley education and doula service, YOU are the reason natural feels so right, because you are the Creator of Nature. Seems so simple but so me. Thank you for opening my eyes and giving such peace...
~Your daughter in Christ
Janine Claire Reed Heincker

Sighting....

2008-04-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

KU Hawk-bunny....

MY HAIR....

2008-04-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is what I liked....

THIS IS NOT SO MUCH!

Healthy baby GIRL!

2008-03-14T07:37:00.001-07:00

I'm so pumped.. we're having a healthy baby GIRL!

Britches and Lace '08 a bust!

2008-03-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, so 1 of 3 things happened last night... this is the 3rd time I've been to this particular consignment sale, so...
1. maybe I didn't "need" anything they had or I wasn't in the shopping/elbow your way through the crowds mood.
2. all the big items (double stroller, etc.) and outdoor stuff was staring me in the face with BIG fat orange SOLD signs on them (guess I need to consign and volunteer next time to get first dibs on good stuff)
3. i am just too picky (some of the stuff would have been useful but once you get used to g-sale prices its hard to go back to "i'm proud of my junk" consignment sale prices. I'm a 1/2 price girl and I won't be here on Saturday to soak that up... bummer!

So, anyway-- only came out with 4 things (nice perk to go straight to the register) but what a bummer. Good thing I didn't drive over there just for that. Did a mystery shop and had Carl to watch the B (they went playground shopping) so ya, it wasn't a total bust... oh ya, and NO maternity clothes my size... guess this breast feeding is taking a lot more inches off me than I thought. Crazy!

Better luck at the next 2 sales and g-sales this spring I HOPE!
Go to B's to see the dress I got her but other than that no pics... sorry-- camera is having issues... eek!

Pig's knuckles with carrots, celery and parsnips eewww....

2008-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

I found this very interesting video documention-- What the World Eats photo essay through my FAVORITE magazine/e-zine: MOTHERING

And what do you think the US eats?! Yep, you guessed it... pretty much expensive (over $300 per week) junk.

Really puts things into perspective when you compare it to an African family who eats under $2 worth of food a WEEK huh?! Sadness...

momma J9's daycare

2008-02-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hhhhmmm... that GCM pic below could apply to daycare too-- couldn't it?!
Ok, so I'm almost through Day 2 of mission CY... hehe, no he's really a sweetie.
His mom was watching Bailee when I was working and now I get to watch her little munchkin.
Yesterday went pretty well- considering he was really missing his mommy=neediness (thank goodness for the sling-- I didn't get a pic-- but he LOVED the kangaroo korner fleece sling!) and wanted to be held 24/7. They both had a time getting to know each other again- see B's blog for a pic! They even staggered their naps for this tired momma... whoohoo!

Today was a little better (as I expected)-- CY is not as needy and even played while I put the dishes away and then just crawled in the kitchen and asked for a bottle-- "mama"-- although he is really catching on to the signs-- not signing back but I think he kinda gets what I'm asking... they got along great although sharing EVERYTHING is very new to little miss "i'm the only child" here, but she's really trying. She'll give CY a toy for a few minutes then get panicky and take it back quick. Luckily CY is very used to other kids so I just march B off to her room, with a huge empathetic sigh (see Love & Logic) and an "I'm soo sorry you chose to take the toy from our guest..., it makes me really sad when you do that..., (speed it up a little and say): uh-oh little bit of bedroom time coming up here..." I know it sounds crazy but 5 out of the 10 times that I have to do that in a WEEK (yes, she's really getting it) I only have to "sigh" and she either stops what she KNOWS she's not supposed to be doing or just heads off to her room without a peep for a few minutes of quiet time. Ah, gentle discipline... we'll see how well it works at 13!!! Although, I have heard positive stories about the results. We can only hope. Paybacks are... well, you know.
Other than that they staggered their naps pretty well again giving me and B some mommy & me time to play, read, talk, potty-time, eat lunch, have a momma's milk snack, and rock to sleep. And I was even able to work on my online class and someone just started to talk to himself... hmmm... now he stopped. Oh, checked on him-- he's back asleep-- wow! tired little guy.
Awee... this just might work out okay. I'm even slightly inclined to take the Co.Health Dept. daycare course and pay to be registered so I could take 1 or 2 more kids in... while I'm working on whatever it is I'm working on (school, career, homeschooling, I don't know!) and keep doing a tiny bit at WMC (to keep my CNA active) and OG (just cuz the cash and interaction is nice, not to mention the discount!) OH my, I need to just think it through... well, no panic here?? No, never.... we'll see. Now, I just need a catchy name.... because everyone knows that's the MOST IMPORTANT... LOL

Until tomorrow's M.O.M.~ J9

Gentle Mothering- its possible...

2008-02-02T14:04:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful picture of an AP mother... a good AP momma directed me to this site: Gentle Christian Mothers
Lots of great stuff-- I'm just starting so I can't tell you much, but just this picture made me want to pour a cup of tea and stay a while.

2008-02-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

Growing...

2008-01-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, so before I actually experienced it, I didn't fully believe that you explode WAY sooner with #2-- but now I am a true believer! You'll see...

I really would love to stay home to have this one but I'm going to have to work on my debate skills to make that happen (if CA has anything to say about it). Something to do with insurance not covering us... bleh!

Just for reference.... here I was at **OK, I'm looking for that pic**
~Baby sickness is wearing off so things are looking up especially since its crazy as usual around here- Wish us luck!

Here's the baby bump today 1/31/07-- we'll figure out how many weeks later...

Next Birth Center visit on Feb. 7th-- We'll try to figure out how far and when we can do the sono. to be "sure" and find out if Bailee's baby is a BOY or GIRL!

Slowing down...

2008-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

The last month or so has been a whirl-wind of in's.... MOMin', workin', schoolin' (online at HCCC), and just livin' but somehow it all caught up with me and I (or actually the nudge was from my little bean) decided I need to slow down-- I'm not old, I'm not ill, and I'm certainly NOT going to jeopardize this precious life within me to do what I want!

I need to run a bubble bath, throw in some rose petals, grab my toddler (who is 20m going on 4 over night!) and have a nice relaxing soak in the tub of patience...

I dropped A&P, sigh... that just means my health-care advancement is just that much farther away but the more I interview (ya, they love talking about themselves) the veteran nurses at Welsey the more I realize how far ahead I really am... many of them are in their 50's, grandparents (yes, there are more men nurses than you think!), and this is their 1st degree and they have only been a nurse (some of them) for 2-5yrs. I've come to an understanding with myself... I don't have to get my nursing degree in 2yrs like I had planned, I don't have to kill myself working 2 jobs (both in the evening/night hours so I don't have to send my child to the RSV ridden daycares) while trying to take intensive and un-supported online courses, being a MOM, and all the other stuff that comes with being a urban momma to 2 and wife to a hard-working man who does way too much around the house... what I need is to slow down.

So, I'm going to really take in the sights and smells of my toddler (I got in "the tent" for the 1st time today-- wow, that's sad... Bailee was ecstatic!) and this new life blossoming within.

For now, I will work as much as needed to provide for my little ones and that's it... I will start practicing for H2 next week when a little boy joins our fun at-home schedule, I'll pray more, read more, play more (everyone knows playing is learning) - tent tea-parties here we come, and go from there... and NOT feel like I have to do it all now.

Nice! How many tickers are there out there?!

2008-01-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

MySpace Countdowns

2008-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

I am lovin' SMILEBOX!!!!!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Grandma Jackie's Retirement from the Bank-- you'll be missed!

2008-01-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

I'm the BIG SISTER!

2008-01-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

Even snapped a quick one before the bow came out!!! Never thought it was possible. A mommy friend made this adorable shirt for us-- here's her website-- she has some precious personalized tea sets as well.... You go Nicole!

"Grandad Mike & me"

"I HATE changing clothes!"

Christmas Day!

2008-01-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, so 1 tiny little detail we didn't share about Christmas day-- we found out Miss Bailee's going to be a BIG SISTER! So, CA probably still doesn't want me to spread the news too far (based on our past pregnancy sadness) but I think life's too short and that's why you have family and friends-- to support and love you no matter what... so, here you go! And coming from me who doesn't share anything more than she HAS to, that's HUGE! We told the Reeds Jan.5/6 and then dropped Miss B off at the Heinckers on Jan. 11th-- the shirt was a huge success not to mention Miss B's toddler tantrums made for some fun-- "haha, you're going to have 2" jokes!

We're expecting H2-- due to arrive in Daddy's arms (Yoder Birth Center) in August sometime (we'll find out more exactly at our gender-guessing sonogram; 20 weeks or so)-- SO, whoohoo-- life is going to get even better! We can't wait & I think Daddy is even more excited this time around (less fear=more fun!) And I could just about pee my pants I'm sooo pumped... timing isn't great-- the LPN program starts in August too (that is if its God will and I get in) but we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

Here's a couple pics of the BIG SISTER in all her glory.

Christmas Eve with Grandma Toni-- unwrapping is serious biz.

On our way to Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus~ Christmas Day Mass ~

Our little Ballerina punk girl... Awe... mommy's so proud!

Bailee's "first" Christmas

2007-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

She loved loved loved the lights this year-- a family down the street from us does this whole crazy lights display (choreographed with their own AM radio station) and lets just say its awesome! Possible cause of epileptic seizures, I think so, but needless to say, Miss B was lovin't it!

After a long day of shopping (yes, we were shopping for Daddy on the eve...), we all had some snackies at G'ma H's and our little toddler got right down to business. I'm serious, if there were a job/college degree in gift unwrapping I think this little one would be #1 candidate. She was all business (and has the mullet to match)- making sure that every.last.bit.of.paper was off that present before she could open it or let anyone help her (ya right!) open it. She got some great edu. toys, dvds, and books. She had a blast and we all "tried" to go see Santa at the best lights display in town but after mom & dad got a cup of joe and hit the intersection she was asleep so ya, maybe next year St.Nick... but we did have a great time having some couple time under the 800,000 lights ARC display, it was great and well worth our donation!

Merry Christmas to us when Miss B decided to sleep in on Christmas day-- 8:30AM! WHOOT WHOOT! But this put us in a bit of a hurry to get presents opened (she didn't have a problem that morning), put on our Christmas best to wish Baby Jesus happy 2,000+ Birthday! **I forgot to make a cake-- note to self for next year... but Mass was nice until the little curious stinker got the fun "shaker" aka the cereal tupperware open and I just caught it before 800,000 cheerios went EVERYWHERE.. oh, to have kids and go to Mass-- what an adventure.

We hurried home, I scarfed down a sandwich and hurried off to Wesley for some more Christmas adventures while Dad & B headed to the farm for Christmas food and fun. Sick people don't take holidays?! What?! Needless to say there was a purpose in my working (reasons too long to type but thanks God for giving me the privilege) that day and I did my best to give all the fam. a call to wish them a Merry Christmas (didn't reach you all- sorry). After 12 grueling hours in every ICU in that hospital (as the only aide) I was home and fell asleep before I even hit the pillow... awe... sweet dreams.

Merry Christmas!

Bradley Births are special...

2007-12-22T10:04:00.001-08:00

I think "Someone" with a capital "S" is knocking on my wanna-be educator door-- the Bradley Method of Birth training is coming to WICHITA! I have wanted to become a Bradley teacher since before I even finished my Bradley classes (thanks to my awesome Bradley teacher)... but the cost of the training + room & board (not to mention traveling at least 8hrs and taking a breastfeeding baby (by myself) never really made it possible... but NOW, I'm not pregnant (yet), I have a very helpful and wonderfully pleasant toddler baby girl (as well as hubby with great flexible job) and I would only have to come up with the cost of training not all the other expenses... whoohoo! I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about doing this... I already love to tell people about my AWESOME natural birth why not help others get just exactly that... the perfect birth!? OOOOoooohhhh... I'm getting sooo excited... granted the class isn't until May '08 but that gives me plenty of time to save, save, save so we don't have to leave this expense on our credit card! whoohooo!
Ok, so if you think you might be interested in coming... keep checking the site or my blog (I'm sure I'll update as soon as I know more)... we would love to have you in Wichita-- and who knows my hubby might even let me have some boarders ;)

HAPPY BABIES!

My Bradley baby just 30 mins. after our meeting!
Isn't that handmade bonnet to die for?
We love the Yoder Birth & Women's Center!

Book buddy

2007-12-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

Shauna from Shaunarumbling is our most recent addition to the writing team here at “5 Minutes for Mom”. Shauna will be interviewing bloggers and helping us bring you the best of blogging.

Shauna is a homeschooling Mom of two girls, a stepmom of one boy, and a freelance editor and writer. She was previously a staff editor for a publishing company and has an educational background in education and journalism. She loves reading, learning, and writing. Her primary blog is Shaunarumbling, where she discusses faith, family, books, and other topics. The Family Quilt highlights service ministries and organizations that provide opportunities for families to participate in community service projects together. At Treasure Seekers, Shauna talks about learning and education and seeks to encourage and empower parents to teach their children and be actively involved in their education, whether they’re homeschooled or public- or private-schooled.

Let's Say Thanks!

2007-12-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

woohoo-- go KS kiddos! :)

I love this one made by some youngsters right in our backyard.

www.LetsSayThanks.com

What a neat idea... this site sends your personal message to our troops on a real snail-mail postcard. What better time than now, when we remember the day that Jesus came to save us, tha we thank those who are our current "saviors" in far away lands.

God Bless you troops!

HATE the war- not the warriors!

Breast feast...

2007-12-17T11:40:00.001-08:00

I like it, I like it a lot!

Youtube montage in case you missed it.

Jeans that fit...

2007-12-12T07:34:00.001-08:00

What a concept-- jeans made just for us... whether we're tall, big-boned, petite, skinny... doesn't matter-- these jeans are made just for YOU!

Just for you!

Check out 5minutesformom for a chance to win big-- $200 big!

Parents Mag toys & 5minsformom team up!

2007-12-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

GO HERE!

Here’s your chance to really have Santa come to town…

If we draw your name, you’ll win an amazing assortment of infant-to-preschool toys from the award winning Parents® Magazine toy line.

I bet almost every mom in America recognizes the Parents® Magazine brand. The magazine’s cover babies smile at you in the grocery check-out line and keep you company as you wait your turn at the pediatrician’s office.

But did you realize that Parents® Magazine brand is also behind an innovative toy collection that has won over 40 awards?

Once you’ve watched your little ones play with these toys, you’ll understand why they’ve won so many awards.

The philosophy behind Parents® Magazine toys is “When the toy does less, the child does more.” Their toys will engage your child and keep them playing for hours. You’ll find they reach for their Parents® toys over and over again.

We have some of the musical Parents Magazine toys and BAILEE LOVES THEM!

~I wish you luck!

Party time!

2007-12-10T14:33:00.001-08:00

My first every WMG
Gift/Cookie Exchange party-- fun for all!

Here's what I got! Ok, can't see it... Bath & Body Works gift card-- give me the Jasmine Vanilla and no one gets hurt.

A spoonful...

2007-12-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

You find yourself blurry-eyed while rocking a raspy sick baby in the early hours of the morning... You have two options, call the doctor for a prescription or buy some dangerous OTC cough meds OR you can give them a spoonful of that sweet nectar (the darker the better) but it all makes a difference. Ok, I'm not exactly asking for the cold bug to visit but I do think I am a bit curious.

Nature knows best!

WIN IT!

2007-12-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

What is a Woobee?

Woobee is a highly effective and functional product line that is cozy for children and cool for parents. They specialize in ultra soft and absorbant burp cloths, bibs, and baby blankets which come in a wide range of colors and prints. The best part is the water resistant backing that keeps you and baby clean and dry.

Woobee is generously giving away a burp cloth & bib set to one lucky winner! To enter, just stop by the site before December 6th and check out all their cozy designs. Then visit and tell her about it...

That’s it! A random winner will be selected and notified on December 7th.

Good luck!

Christmas comes early...

2007-12-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Even though I NEVER win anything... We won gourmet chocolates courtesy of
The five winners of our fifteenth contest will be enjoying chocolates from Ferrero: #64 Janine, (hubby's FB # backwards-- coinwinkidince-- I think not!). See- pigs do fly!

Enter to win a cool Comfy Baby PC-- here's hopin' we win!

$$ for your brain & writing power! :)

2007-11-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

YOU all have expertise or tips or an opinion on something of interest to someone else in the world-- gotta love the WWW!

I just started doing this and I have a reputable source who has made $300 over the last month doing this in her spare time.

Not sure? Want more info? Want to join? CLICK HERE
If you join & love it as much as me-- spread the word!

Yet another bump pic...

2007-11-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

Good times...

2007-11-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Sweet baby girl~ we can't wait to me you.

This little tiny baby
Was sent from God above
To fill our hearts with happiness
And touch our lives with love
He must have known
We'd give our all
And always do our best
To give our precious baby love
And be grateful and so blessed

Daddy's hands...

2007-11-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

Just reminds me of the "Daddy's Hands" song...

This was the best time during the pregnancy... I was feeling good,
we were starting to feel confident about our natural birth plan, and
excitement was mounting to meet our baby girl!

~The Bump~

2007-11-12T05:33:00.000-08:00

Ah... baby days...
Perhaps its the fact that our baby girl is 17 mos. old and not so much a baby anymore, or that she's almost talking, or that we're ready for another blessing, or that the holidays (a time of memory making) are quickly approaching, but I just felt the need to post some old baby bump pics... some of you didn't get to see any of these pics when we were prego- so... here you go. What a precious time...

This is momma at about 38 weeks.
I love this shirt & secretly can't wait to get prego again so I can wear it...haha!

What's with this weather?!

2007-11-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Not that I'm complaining but wow has it been warm... i bet the trees and flowers are going crazy deciding whether to go dormant or not. But, I know I haven't gone dormant... I've been super busy soaking up all OG has to offer, spreading the news about Bright Minds, and being a wife & MOM!

Ok, so I'm working @ OG, WM, and doing the Bright Minds thing-- can we multi-task? But you all know I wouldn't be happy just doing 1 thing... I must, I must, I must increase my bust ($$ that is)... CA has been uber busy at MW (good thing considering they are usually dead by November-- another reason the weather has been great!) and Miss Bailee is lovin' life! She's signing and talking like crazy, stacking/unstacking, lovin' the zoo, shopping, and cooking! Oh, to be a toddler again... oh ya, did I tell everyone that she's doing #2 in the toilet (without prompt)?? So exciting... she just comes to me and signs bathroom then we go... amazing. I figure that's a huge accomplishment for 16 months so we'll work on the whole sha-bang soon. CONGRATS to our little potty animal!

11/9/07
M. today~
1. Heinckers' house- get Bright Minds stuff (from the general store yesterday- we had a fair turn out, but Toni's having new stuff each week so hopefully we'll have a good turn out the next few Thursdays-- putting out a sign next week... wanted to give the invitees first dibs this week).
2. Office Max-- some good cheap stuff for the biz, etc.
3. Mystery shop (finish up)
4. Clean the house
5. R & R (I need it!)
6. 2 Bros (gotta get our live music in... can't wait to tape B again!)
7. K's Candle party

~Ok, off to do it!

Whoa doggie... almost a month!

2007-11-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I succeeded in NOT blogging for the last 20+ days, so here I am blushing and getting caught up.
Let's see... we'll start with Miss Bailee's first "real" Halloweenie & trick-or-treating (well, kinda) adventure. First, she donned the Bee costume at the WMG party (fun although we didn't get to see anyone... I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off... oh man! that's what I should have been for Halloween...) I received a call from my dear friend, Cindy, to offer me a job at the OG-- ok, THANKS & I'll give it a try so that Monday I met the ever infamous manager Lisa. She's a pistol that's for sure... no cutting corners with her-- YES! Finally and since I'm only going to pick up the BEST (meaning shortest shift for most $$$) a few times a week-- I think I am going to LOVE it! Wanna here my PACE wine presentation? No?! Oh well, here it is anyway cuz darn-it people like me! lol... "Hi! Welcome to OG, how is everyone tonight? Awesome- well, may I suggest our Principato Rosato, its our house wine made especially for OG. This wine is light-bodied and semi-sweet and our guests just love it-- it happens to be my favorite as well! If you'd like, I can pour you a glass for 25 cents which we donate to Big Brothers, Big Sisters.... or, if you'd rather, I would love to suggest our ice cold Italian Margarita.. a little different than a regular margarita since it has OJ in it and its a lot of fun with the orange sugar rim. Which of those can I start you out with?" What did you think?! Be honest! Ok... I regress... back to Halloween!
Oh, after our set-up/tear-down adventure at the party I had the brilliant idea to go to PI (Potrait Innovations) to take a few shots of our little bumble bee... wow-- was that the wrong answer haunz... after waiting 2hrs and trying to keep my child away from all the sicky babies (HELLO! Why would you take your sick child out for pictures!? I mean we're talking fevers & chills not just runny noses-- are you kidding me?!) we got the annoying photographer (you know the one that doesn't take enough pics... or waits for the "right moment" to take the pic (um... suggestion... she's a TODDDLER-- there isn't a "right" moment! Just take the PICTURE!) I just wanted to grab that camera right out of the his hands... gggrr... Anyway, then we get super slow turtle, "ok... we're going to look at each one and compare..." (while you hold your squirmy, tired, hungry, little girl... ok? smiles) I got pretty irritated and just told him I'll take the $10 thing and I would suggest he not try to up-sell... eek! Not usually my pleasant self but hey-- I gave them enough of my $$$$ (time is money right?!) So, regardless we got some cute pics (minus the antennaes or bow-- grrr... haha, gotta love our baldy bee) and passed them out at Oct. B-day dinner the next day-- G-ma H was ecstatic... about time slacker DIL. LOL, just kidding... she was very appreciative. Ok, I know...some of you don't have your pics yet... I'm getting there! SO then I get home and I'm supposed to go to an adult H-party but I don't have my costume ready, CA says he's not dressing up (but he was dressed to go out) and I'm exhausted and pissed so ya... no party-- sux! cuz I love Halloween-- well, any reason to dress up like one of my 10 personalities... haha, Oh bother, maybe next year.
So.... Oct. 31st-- Bailee was a Bumble Bee and after a quick bite of dinner at the house we headed to our good friend's house to see her little ninja & witch (cute!) then we hopped over to Father's house (no Fr.B but Fr.C was there and his sweet self...) the Sanders had a blast & the little Bee even let them hold her-- S (her nanny this past summer) came home just to see her for a bit... awe... then to the Gerbers (where M & B were home to have a pumpkin' carvin' contest) for some candy and ahhhs... off to FV where Auntie M was workin' and dressed like a "rock star" (cop-out) but she was a very proud auntie... and then off to our last stop- the Grands Heinckers... they loved her up and in G-ma's true fashion gave her some Halloweenie goodies (a purse of course and a book)... then we got our little Bee in PJs and she drifting off dreaming of why she went around saying twix-o-wheat I'm sure... Good-bye October.

2 down 2 to go...

2007-10-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

So... the M.O.M. went well just a little late.
1. I got the house in order for the most part (still need to get the office back in order since I have so many projects going but that's easy to hide).

2. Got the scrapbooking stuff ready to go!

Whoohoo-- feel like I accomplished something.
We had a great time at Rosary group today that is until Bailee had a melt-down and we had to exit promptly so we could spare the others the tantrum. But overall, good day.

Ok, off to "work".

Ciao!

Exactly!

2007-10-15T23:43:00.001-07:00

Blogging is more than writing. It’s forming friendships, and sharing inspiration, and working with others to build something greater than you are alone. How is that for a definition?

by Jim Durbin, social media consultant

Conga-rats!

2007-10-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

My sister just graduated-- whoohoo for her-- we're sooo proud! Watch out WORLD!

Sooooo... Bailee has this obsession with greeting cards, right? (ok, most any paper product-- don't know where she gets her love of fiber from? :: whistling and avoiding eye contact ::) so anyway she asked nicely (with her please sign) if she could see Marisa's congratulatory card-- it was too cute! Of course you get it, it said Conga-rats on it & get this, it played that conga song (oh, you know the one, I can't remember the name, where you shake your hips quickly & look like a dork & they sing really fast, oh shoot- what is it?!) anyway, she proceeded to open and close it over and over and to everyone's amusement dance her little buns off! She even got in her mini coupe (Gp-Reeds are jealous...hehe) and then it converted to a sub woofer stereo... she was the coolest todd on the block! I'll post pics when I get a darn USB cord for my camera.... gggrrr... don't get me started!

*If you think I'm cute, you should see my dad!*

Our new SAHM days... ADLs

2007-10-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

You've probably been pondering what this acronym is (this world is a mine-field of acronyms isn't it?!) Well, wonder no more-- Activities of Daily Living (thx to my CNA training--oop! there's another one, haha!)
Long story short-- I am desperately trying to simplify my life, get organized, serve my fellow human, find other income opps. (so I can continue to stay home & still do crazy things like... oh say, eat!) and be the best wife and mother all the while following God's will. Not a small task I know, but that's my mission.

The past 2 weeks, Bailee and I have been busying ourselves with alternative-income searching, playdates (we expanded to 2 online moms' groups: WMG & TWMG-- we love them both for different reasons) the pumpkin patch being last week's highlight, praying more, hitting the Y, purging the house and even bartering and selling a few things, cooking and baking (and overall eating better-- eating out once a week, if even that--whoohoo!), finding ways to be more frugal, cloth-diapering full-time, decorating the house, g-saling, making new and catching up with old friends, meeting neighbors, visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, discovering the world, learning sign, and in general doing all the things that we never had time to do before I was a SAHM. Whew! It feels good to be HOME but not so good on the checkbook... working on that (if you have any ideas, shoot them over here!

PS. In regard to what I can do... most anything I put my mind to (can we say, YES WE CAN!) and my only real requirement is I raise my child & paying the mortage wouldn't hurt either...

~Ciao (til nap time)

sssshhhh.... we're hunting that rascally...

2007-10-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

mulah?

FINALLY! I got to sleep on the guest bed (our old bed) under the scratchy-softness of the "blue blanket" that came from who-knows-where, U.S. with my baby girl nursing tenderly at my breast and the pohbia-inducing sound of those black little evils... (you know what I'm talking about) outside. Other than the "evils", I can't imagine a more wonderful way to drift off to never-never land... you know, I haven't been able to recall a dream in ages. Well, at least 16 mos. or so, because it was during my pregnancy with Bailee, I think? Hhhhmmm... maybe that should be my goal- set my mind at ease so I can enjoy a dream again.

Ok, so today's M.O.M

1. Get the house back in tip-top shape (the fun's over-back to "normal") and put all these darn flies out of their misery.
~THANKS to all that joined us this weekend to celebrate the notorious trio's b-days! We had a fly-swattin' good time in the man cave (uh oh, have we entered r-neck ville?) nope, just another Heincker/Reed get together. We love you ALL!

2. Read A Mother's Rule of Life (Chapter #1) with the Scripture!
Now that I'm "home" I need to get this in gear... looking for some Christ-centered organization in your life you can LIVE with? Check it out: A Mother's Rule of Life.

3. Get all my scrapbook stuff together to sell.
I decided last night that I am never going to get hard-copy scrapbooks done to my perfection status so I might as well stop trying to get that clutter out of my life and move on! I'm going to look into getting a digi-scrap kit and get some awesome scrapbooks printed (binded and everything-- anyone want one??)
a. CA & I's love dash (b4 marriage, wedding, honeymoon, b4 B)
b. Our baby dash (b4 our 2 angels, preggo w/B, Bailee's here!)
c. Bailee's dash (preg, birth, firsts, conferences & travels... oh my, going to have to be picky picky... as G-ma R says, don't ask Janine if she has any pics of Bailee)
d. Janine's YM dash (Sacred Heart, SEAS)
e. I know there is something else I'm missing... maybe a "You know you live in Wichita if..."

4. Work on work options.
a. Part-time lucrative job to pay bills NOW! (know of any?)
b. Still toying with the daycare, teaching, small-biz options...
c. CNA agency options are getting slim... have to have 1 yr. of experience in 3-- hello! I've been serving youth, but maybe AS can help me out...
d. Bright Minds
-call Vicky (confer, etc.)
-book 2 workshops
-read 1/2 of consultant book

Between that and the ADLs, that is more than enough to keep us busy today. Wish us luck!

NOTE TO SELF: cut & paste so you actually do it JANINE!
~Ciao

CA says manic-- I say efficient.

2007-10-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

~First spit on the page at 5a~

I can't seem to go to sleep... I know part of it is my stress level around our situation-- my instinct , to stay home but for some reason our govt. doesn't want to pay mommas to care for their OWN children... sigh, a whole other story. I'm still up at 3am... I just seem to get so much more down at night. I can still remember my mom being up at all hours baking, sewing, making holiday treasure baskets and you name it so we could have all the niceties of having a SAHM all the while being a WAHM-- that woman's a saint.

Ok, I'm going to take my baby girl to bed and try to get some sleep... sigh.

Night, well actually morning!

~De-coded at 9:30a for clarity~

I'm bringin' home a baby bumbleBEE!

2007-10-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

Bailee Elizabeth Heincker

You know that spark that some people lose when they "have no reason for living"? Well, this girl can bring it back. Not only can she bring it back she can amplify it. If her fiery wisps of hair and gentle brown eyes don't get you, her communication will. She'll wow you with her complicated "words" or sign (ASL) you into the next room or mommy's favorite-- BOTH! Or, here's the aaahhh... she'll hug you and pat you on the back like we do to her to soothe her... it is precious! She is the light of our life and now almost everyone that meets her as well. I read once that there are angels on earth and at the risk of sounding cliché Bailee has made me a *BELIEVER*. I don't know what CA and I did to deserve such a precious gift, but we feel so blessed.

We love you Bailee "Bee"

~Thank you God~

* Wanna communicate with your baby?! It's EZ! *

Bio

2007-10-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

J9 is my name (or what I like to be called) -look hard at Janine, got it? Let me help... Ja-nine. Ah ha! I knew you'd get it! Now, pronunciation is another story. Moving on...

I was born in Walla Walla, WA and raised in KS. A long list of craziness later (we'll get into childhood oddities later) and I found myself studying undergraduate psychology (one of my many passions) at FHSU where I met the dislike-of-my-life. No, really I disliked him very much (other emotions could be used here, but we're being positive remember?)... long story short, we both grew in many ways-- the only one worth mentioning here is together and pledged our vows to FOREVER in June 2004. After running a farm, dealing with a landlord, and blazin' trails in Hawaii, we rented a "fixer-upper" (understatement) in E-town and I found my 2nd calling-- youth minister. After one trying year of growth and learning with a few sad moments (2 angels in heaven, although as I always believed but had not experienced until then-- suffering is a blessing in disguise) and another super exciting and pukie moment(s)-- I had a little heart-beat within (not going to try to put that into words right now)... Carl found his 2nd calling and big break (Mgr. at a "local" home products Co.--we couldn't be prouder!) in his hometown so off we trekked to the in-laws house (they graciously let us live there until we found our own place) and the adventure continued...
Several hundred highway miles to the birth center in Yoder, KS, many resources on various topics: bargain shopping, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, thoughtful parenting, Dr.Sears, babywearing, married vocation, raising saints and what the Catholic church teaches about breastfeeding, yoga poses, holistic thinking, hot water pulse showers, yummy mummy & TLC episodes, several consignment sales (my favs), an online mom community, hours of research (BOOKS), twelve birth classes, pictures, magazine clippings, food diaries, refreshing my ASL signing skills, pilates, meditative exercises, river/zoo/mall/target-walks, and 6 hrs of natural labor later we were blessed with the most beautiful copper-topped, brown-eyed, gentle-souled, snuggle-bug, baby girl... Bailee Elizabeth.

I read recently, "two things must be nurtured in the home: love and self-sacrifice." Sincere parental love gives a child security, purpose, and direction. Self-sacrifice remains the basis of order in the home. That is what I feel God has called me to... the HOME... I feel so blessed to be able to say that confidently-- I'm a uber happy wife who was guided to her best-half and M.O.M. (mom on a mission) to Miss Bailee "B". She has changed my life... physically, emotionally, spiritually, and any other 'ally you can think of. I am so blessed. I can only hope that God has other little ones in our future.
"A person's a person no matter how small" ~Horton (Dr.Seuss)

Almost the same time I helped bring Bailee into the world, I accepted another youth minister position at SEAS and after another 14mos. of growth and struggles, my heart couldn't take it anymore... I needed to be home to raise my own children right now. I couldn't keep working this much and taking her to babysitter after babysitter, watching her cry in her sleep, have her cling to me when I was there... she needs her MOM. So, just recently (Oct. 1, '07) I resigned to focus on the HOME entirely, tough decision for SO many reasons, but it's where I am called at this time. See SEAS appreciation and farewell. And now I'm a happy but somewhat lost SAHM.

So, that's where I came from (in a nutshell--haha!)

Live, learn, laugh, and love...

2007-10-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it... I bit the blogging bullet and did it! I finally found a place to journal without having to worry about "what others will say" when I die and someone reads that!! Nope, I will put it online (can we say transparent) and post positive thoughts (mostly) and share the happenings of those that God has entrusted to my care. Our mission- should we accept- is to get to Heaven. My hope is that my little normalities in the breadbasket of the U.S. will help someone out there to not feel; how shall we say it, alone. Isn't that why we are all here... to share our suffering so that others don't suffer so much? Isn't that what blogging is, if not narcissistic, a chance to help others. God give me the grace to... live, learn, laugh, and love. +

Disclaimer: My opinion of a blog and a tattoo (which I happen to be the proud owner of both, as of today) is very similar; both are things people attain to set themselves apart and express themselves. Ironically they dive bomb into the majority... BUT I guess I'm ok with being "normal" now that I've decided why I'm doing this... not for me but for all those who need to read something positive in this sad, sad world (so many reasons I chose the non-descriptive adjective sad). ~stay tuned~

**If you have a minute sign the guest book and/or comment on the norm.
Whoohoo-- J9 is a BLOGGER!**