Micah's 4 month check in

 

At your four month check up you weighed 13 pound 8 ounces and were 25 inches long! You are getting more vocal with each passing day. If you see a camera or phone, you immediately stop laughing/talking/smiling, furrow your brows and just stare at us. You are grabbing a lot more toys now and they all end up in your mouth. Your favorite toy right now is the Oball because it's easy to grab and chew on.

You met Santa this year and didn't even cry, which I'm sure will not be the case next year. Santa was so happy to see such a small baby that he just held you and talked to you.

You randomly started sleeping through the night. The longest you would sleep was 5 1/2 hours at a time, and then one night you just slept for 10 hours. I thought it was a fluke and you'd be right back to your usual schedule, but it wasn't! Don't get me wrong, there are still night you are up multiple times, but for the most part you are sleeping 8-10 hours.

Here you are in your first pair of Chistmas jammies!

You are fascinated with Cooper. He's pretty much the coolest thing ever in your eyes. You will watch him sleep, play with toys, or run around the house like a maniac. It won't be long until you're running right along with him.

Graduating to size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothes makes me want to cry. You're growing so fast and you're really not a newborn anymore. As I prepare to go back to work next week, I'm cherishing each moment spent with you. Our new schedule will take some getting used to, but I know you will have so much fun with Grandma while Mommy is at work. I'll love you forever, little man!

The Best Lactation Cookie Recipe

 We've successfully breastfed for 4 months, more than halfway to our goal of at least 6 months, but not without our fair share of struggles along the way - clogged ducts, nursing strikes, and decrease in milk supply to name a few. While scrolling Instagram, I came across a company that sells lactation cookies which are supposed to increase your milk supply. I have heard of supplements, teas, and oatmeal aiding in increasing milk supply, but I had never heard of cookies working. I immediately went to their website (because who doesn't love cookies?) and what I found was disappointing.

I found their cookies to be overpriced and they recommended eating at least 3 cookies per day. Yikes! Since I couldn't justify spending $2+ on one single cookie, no matter the results, I found a recipe online and tweaked it to fit my needs. The first night I ate these cookies, I saw an increase of one and a half ounces on each side! I've been eating these cookies for almost a month now and my supply is back to where it was before, if not surpassed that. I mean, come on, that's amazing!

 These cookies are so soft and fluffy and you can't even taste the brewer's yeast and flaxseed meal. Another plus for these magic cookies? My (non-lactating) hubby loves them too!

The Best Lactation Cookies

Yields 2 dozen cookies.
Ingredients
3 cups old fashioned oatmeal 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 4 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1 cup butter (I use unsalted) 2 eggs 2 cups flour 4 tablespoons brewer's yeast 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  2. Mix flaxseed meal and water. Set aside for 3-5 minutes. 3. Cream butter and brown sugar. 4. Add eggs one at a time to butter mixture. 5. Stir flaxseed mixture and add with vanilla to butter mixture. 6. Mix remaining dry ingredients, except oats and chips, and add to butter mixture. 7. Mix in oats then chips. 8. Scoop onto ungreased baking sheet. 9. Bake 10-15 minutes.

Disclaimer: Though I saw an increase in my milk supply after consuming these cookies, results may vary.

Favorite Finds Friday #1

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

I was never really satisfied with the eyeliner I was using previously. There would barely be anything left at the end of the day - somehow finding its way to the corner of my eye. Yeah, it was a pretty sight. My friend always has perfect eyeliner so when it came time to buy a new one, I asked her what she uses. She (and all the girls in her family) use Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. I may have made a Target run just for this eyeliner. I've been wearing it for a week now and it's a game changer, people. I no longer have black globs of eyeliner sitting in the corner of my eye. I now how flawless eyeliner all day long. The best part is that it's waterproof, but easily comes off with my eye makeup remover.

2. Babywearing Workout Class

I stumbled upon a babywearing workout class in our area and was intrigued. After attending only one class, I'm hooked! After not having much physical activity for the past year, I felt the burn in my arms and legs for a couple days afterwards. Not only was it a great workout for myself, Micah loved the constant movement and watching the other babies. This class meets once a week for an hour and I plan to attend on a regular basis from now on. It's nice to meet other young moms, too. I'm the first one of my friends to have kids so I don't want to constantly bore them with chats about baby puke, blow outs, and sleepless nights.

3. Tim Horton's Hot Chocolate

Hot cocoa will always and forever be the way to my heart. Tim Horton's not only got to my heart, but has stolen my heart. I pass Tim Horton's every morning and have to resist the urge to stop for a creamy cup of hot chocolate with whipped topping. There will never be a hot chocolate that tastes this good. I don't care if it's -10 degrees or 95 degrees, I will still drink their hot chocolate. It's basically heaven in a cup.

4. Warmer Weather

Last weekend we were able to enjoy temperatures in the mid-40's, which is unheard of in Michigan in January. Michigan has had unusually warm weather this winter, and I'm not complaining one bit. Though snow makes everything look beautiful, I don't like having to bundle up just to check the mail or wiping off my car after work each night. The warmer weather has been a blessing with a newborn and having my mother-in-law here. Though, she still has to wear 3+ layers inside to keep warm.

5. Date Night

The hubby and I were able to sneak away for an hour or so for a quick Sunday date night. We wanted to use the remaining balance on our gift card, so we went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream. In the middle of winter. Ice cream is also something I can eat in extreme cold or extreme heat. I enjoyed our conversation over my Cookie Doughn't You Want Some ice cream. I hope you all have a great weekend!

10 Ways to Pray for Your Husband

I believe in the power of prayer. I've seen God work through prayer and He will never let you down. Things may not happen the way you asked or the exact timing you asked for, but God doesn't disappoint. I pray for my hubby and that I would show more grace towards him on a daily basis. Here are 10 ways you can pray for your husband.

1. Pray for your husband to be a spiritual leader for your family.
2. Pray for your husband's relationship with God.
3. Pray for your husbands emotional, mental, and physical health.
4. Pray that God would bless your husband.
5. Pray for your husband to love you deeply.
6. Pray for your husband to have a heart for his children.
7. Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows.
8. Pray for your husband to make wise choices.
9. Pray for your husband to prosper at work.
10. Pray that you will show your husband grace, kindness, and respect.
This list is not all-inclusive as there are many, many more ways that you can pray for your husband. These 10 ways are meant to give you ideas and get you accustomed to praying for your husband on a regular basis. Intentional and sincere prayer can change your marriage.

25 Questions to Ask Your Spouse on Valentine's Day

The first couple years that the hubby and I were dating, we would go to dinner on Valentine's Day, but soon realized that everyone else does, too. Waiting for an hour while trying to have a conversation over all the other couples also waiting for a table was oh-so-romantic. We quickly realized we could have a romantic dinner at home while saving money and our sanity, so that's exactly what we have done the past 5 years. And, I love it. Instead of standing around waiting for a table, we stand around our kitchen drinking wine, cooking dinner, and talking about our hopes and dreams. If you'd like to avoid the crowds this Valentine's Day, try making dinner at home and asking your spouse these 25 questions. You may find something out about your spouse that you never knew. You won't be disappointed.

1. What is your favorite memory of me while we were dating?
2. What is your favorite thing I ever did for a special occasion for you?
3. What was your first thought when you saw me at the end of the aisle?
4. What was the very first thing you thought about me?
5. What was your favorite childhood movie?
6. When was the last time you thought about me in a positive way?
7. What is your favorite thing that I do for you?
8. What movie reminds you of us?
9. What do you think we need to work on the most in our relationship?
10. What's the one accomplishment you are most proud of?
11. What would you do with one million dollars?
12. If you had $1,000 to spend on just yourself, what would you buy?
13. What is the biggest goal for your career?
14. What is your biggest goal in life?
15. What was your favorite subject in middle school?
16 What is your greatest talent and demonstrate?
17. If you could see into the future, what would you want to know?
18. If you could go back in time, what age would you be?
19. What do you like most about our relationship?
20. Are you an optimist, pessimist, or realist?
21. Do you think I am an optimist, pessimist, or realist?
22. What your favorite date night we ever had?
23. How did your siblings shape who you are?
24. What's a question you've never asked me, but always wanted to?
25. Have you ever considered a completely different career path?
Now that you are armed with 25 questions to ask your spouse on Valentine's Day, you don't have to be stuck talking about your latest project at work.

Simply Thankful

Today I am doing my very first guest post on Michelle's blog, Thankful for Thursdays. Michelle recently started her blog and was looking for guest posts for her Holiday Series. I promised her before Thanksgiving that I'd submit a post, but with the chaos of celebrating holidays and being a mama, writing was put on the back burner. Since I really wanted to come through for Michelle, I stayed up way past my bedtime and started writing. Here's a little teaser of my guest post:
If you were to ask me what I'm most thankful for in 2015, I wouldn't miss a beat before answering. Each and every day when I look into my sons eyes, I am thankful that God gave me the privilege of becoming a mother, his mother, this year. 
You can go here to see everything that I'm thankful for this year.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Photo credit: Reflectivity Design

I'm so thankful to be a family of three this Christmas! May you always remember the real reason we celebrate this very special day. It's not for the toys, food, or even Santa and his reindeer. We celebrate because baby Jesus was born in the manger and later died so we may spend eternity with Him. What an incredible gift we were so selflessly given!

Merry Christmas!

xoxo, Katie

Micah's 3 month check in

You weren't a fan of having your picture taken this month, so this is what we got. I promise, you do smile!

This picture cracks me up! Daddy and I were acting like fools to get you to smile but you were over having your picture taken and weren't afraid to let us know.

This month was extra special because you got to meet your grandma that lives all the way in Vietnam! She just loves you to pieces and doesn't want to put you down.

I can't believe it's already been 3 months! I was telling Daddy that it seems like you've been in our lives forever. I don't remember what we did with our time before you were born! I'll love you forever, my little man.

MICAH'S 2 MONTH CHECK IN

Your 2 month check in is a little late - almost a month - but, better late than never! It seems like there is a new first every day in our house. The Hubby and I are like two giddy kids on Christmas morning each time you hit a new milestone. At the pediatrician this morning you weighed 10 pounds 15.5 ounces and were 22.5 inches long. Here's some more fun facts about your second month of life.

For Halloween you were Baby Frankenstein. Daddy called you Frankenstank haha!

Streeeetch!

You are such a serious little man and it's so hard to get you to smile, but when you do my mommy heart explodes.

Wearing your first Christmas jammies!

Micah's 1 Month Check In

It's hard to believe you have only been in our lives for 1 month! Daddy and I have never been so tired for so many consecutive days, but the love we have for you far outweighs all of the sleepless nights. I never want to forget the little moments spent with you - like when I hold you to my chest and your little body goes limp. At your one month doctor visit, you weighed 8 pounds 9.5 ounces and were 20.5 inches long. God gave us the biggest responsibility of our lives when he blessed us with you and we promise to always point you back to Him.

Cooper is 7 months old and has adjusted well to not being the center of attention anymore. He is very protective over his little brother. When he hears you cry, he goes to the room you are in and will wait for Mom or Dad to come get you. On our evening walks, Cooper walks right next to the stroller instead of his usual running ahead of us to smell the next mailbox. You and Cooper will be best friends before we know it.

Welcome Micah!

The Hubby and I welcomed our son, Micah William Dang, into the world on September 13th at 1:01 p.m.!

I will never forget the moment he was placed on my chest and I looked at him for the very first time. As soon as Khanh and I started talking to Micah, he immediately calmed down. It was absolutely amazing that he actually recognized our voices.

My water broke at 6:20 a.m. and contractions started 20 minutes later, coming every minute to minute and a half. I decided to labor at home as long as possible and we finally checked into the hospital around 9:30 a.m. I was only 4 cm dilated at that time, so I decided to get an epidural since I wasn't getting a break from contractions and had no idea how long I'd be in labor. I was afraid I wouldn't have enough energy to push after having almost constant contractions if I was in labor for much longer.

My midwife checked my cervix again right around 11:30 a.m., and I was dilated to 8 cm. She said that dilating from 8 cm - 10 cm usually goes pretty quickly. Boy, was she right! I asked her to check me around 12 noon, and I was dilated to 9.5 cm. She opened my cervix all the way and it was go time! I pushed for a total of 46 minutes before Micah was born. The first thing I said when he was born was, "He's real!" Man, am I glad this little boy made me a mom!

He came fast, but he stole our hearts even faster. We have big hopes and dreams for our little Micah. May he know that the Lord is always on his side, no matter what. May he know how loved he is. May he know that life is an adventure. May he grow up to be a strong, independent man.

And, I leave you with a picture I snapped on my iPhone during Micah's newborn photo shoot. More pics from the photographer to follow!

Happy 26th Birthday, Babe!

25 will be a year to remember, that's for sure.

25 was our first full year of marriage.

25 was the year we took a roadtrip.

25 was the year you found out you will soon be a dad.

25 was the year we bought our first house.

25 was the year we visited Viet Nam during Tet.

25 was the year we brought Cooper home.

25 was the year we laughed and cried together.

25 was the year you got a promotion at work.

25 was a great year, but I know 26 will prove to be even better.

You are selfless, kind, generous, sarcastic, and confident. There are a lot more adjectives I could use to describe your personality, but the list would be way too long! In a matter of days, you will be a dad and I can't wait to see how our little guy will soften your heart. You're one hot guy and I'm lucky to call you my husband. I can't wait to make memories with you this year that will last us a lifetime.  Today, and always, you deserve ridiculous amounts of Pho.

Happy 26th birthday, babe! I'll love you forever!

What's Up Wednesday: Babies on My Mind

Today is another What's Up Wednesday hosted by Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer. To see my very first WUW post, click here.  

Here are the questions:

Along with the questions above, the hosts provide a bonus question each month. This month's bonus question is, What's your favorite back to school tradition?

Feel free to play along in the comments section. Now, let's get started...

1. What we're eating this week...

I have had zero energy to make meals after a full day in the office, so it's been fend for yourself around the Dang household lately. There was one night I was feeling up to preparing a meal so I whipped up an old favorite - Mini Meatloaf.

2. What I'm reminiscing about...

A LOT! I'm so emotional these days. Ha! Our one year wedding anniversary was in July, my one year work anniversary was a couple weeks ago, and our little guy is due in 3.5 weeks. The Hubby and I are trying to soak up the last few days as a family of 2.
3. What I'm loving...
The nursery is finally starting to come together. The Hubby finished painting, clothes are hanging in the closet, and the crib and rocking chair have been assembled. Khanh complains every time I ask him to put something together or make a decision on what decorations he likes better, but he ends up doing it all with a smile on his face. This momma couldn't appreciate all the hard work he's doing to prepare for our little guy's arrival - even though he won't be using the nursery for a couple months. << The Hubby pointed that one out.

4. What we've been up to...
We had two weddings in one weekend at the beginning of August. It was definitely a fun-filled, exhausting weekend, but I actually appreciated they were on the same weekend since both weddings were on the other side of the state. That meant one less time we had to make the almost 6-hour round trip. The first wedding was on Friday afternoon, but the bridal party (Khanh was one of the groomsmen) had to be there Thursday afternoon for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. After witnessing my host-brother-in-law marry his long time girlfriend, the real party started - hor d'oeuvres, dinner, and cake. I may or may not have had one too many pieces of cake!

The Hubby, baby, and me. I wasn't carrying my phone with me, so this is the only picture of us at the first wedding.

The second wedding was at 11:00am on Saturday. After getting a few hours of sleep on Friday night, we had to wake up with the sun and drive another hour and a half to Lake Michigan for my brother's intimate beach ceremony. 

This is me with my oldest brother, Karl. I still can't believe that he's a married man!

Me, the Hubby, and my youngest brother, Boyd. Boyd is 14 and will be a high school freshman this year. Too bad you can't see through computer screens because you'd see my crying in the fetal position right now. I just love this kid!

Bonus picture: my brother waiting on his lovely bride.

We love both of these couples so much and were honored to be able to witness this special day in their lives. Other than the weddings, we have been taking childbirth education classes, touring the labor and delivery floor, and keeping up with chores around the house.
5. What I'm dreading...
I'm not really dreading anything these days, other than thinking about the pain that lie ahead. But, I know the prize at the end will be so worth it!

6. What I'm working on...
Preparing for labor, bringing another person into the world, and figuring out how to be the best mom I can be are at the top of my seemingly never ending to-do list.

7. What I'm excited about... My mom and stepdad are visiting this weekend to help finish the nursery and spend time with us before we are completely incoherent for a few months!

8. What I'm watching...
As I type this post, I am watching Big Brother 17. Guilty pleasure. #JohnnyMac!

9. What I'm listening to...
SiriusXM is always on in my Jeep. If you see me jamming out at a stoplight, just know that I'm having fun and don't care that you are blatantly judging me.

10. What I'm wearing...
Same ol' mix of maternity clothes. I counted the tops that currently fit me and came to a whopping 7. That's enough tops to rotate my wardrobe on a weekly basis. Side note for my coworkers: I only wear my shirts once before washing them. Ha!

11. What I'm doing this weekend...
Our weekend will be jam-packed with family time. Like I said above, my mom and stepdad will be visiting to help around the house. The four of us plan on visiting my grandparents for dinner on Saturday. Did I mention that they live on an island? Well, they do and I love it there!

12. What I'm looking forward to next month...
Next month is our little guy's due date!!!   13. What else is new...
As you have probably guessed by now, my mind is all baby everything right now. I'm not complaining though!

14. What's your favorite back to school tradition? I don't remember having any back to school traditions other than shopping for school clothes and supplies with my mom. My mom is such a hard worker and I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me and my brother. Love, love, love her!

30 Week Bumpdate

If you're new to my corner of the web, you can use these links to easily get back to previous bumpdates:   Week 23 Bumpdate Week 24 Bumpdate Week 25 Bumpdate Week 26 Bumpdate Week 27 Bumpdate Week 28 Bumpdate Week 29 Bumpdate  

Please forgive the graininess of this picture. I took it with my iPhone and the editing software I used made it grainy. Also, ignore the fact that I quickly snapped it in the bathroom at work.

 

Size of the baby: Cucumber – 15.7 inches long and weighs 2.75 pounds. (These are averages I find online, so our guy could be either smaller of bigger than this.)

  Biggest baby development: Baby is strong enough to grasp a finger!
   Total weight gain: 20 pounds
   Gender: Boy!!
  Maternity clothes: I did purchase 2 new dresses this week. One dress for a couple weddings we have coming up and the other dress for work.    Movement: Constant movement. At my appointment this week, he kept rolling from one side of my tummy to the other. I also felt a little foot with my hand, which was so cool! We had an ultrasound this week just to make sure he was measuring correctly and it was such an awesome experience to see and feel him kick at the same time!
   Sleep: I was up with Cooper all night on Monday because he was panting really hard and I was afraid he got something stuck in his esophagus. Cooper finally calmed down around 2:30, but I was wide awake after that. Other than that, sleep has been alright. Not too great, but not horrible.
   Nursery: We finally picked out a paint color! I can't wait to see his room come together - slowly, but surely!
   Cravings: Still cereal. Surprise, surprise! I was craving cereal at 10:00 one night so I made Khanh go with me to Meijer to buy some. He actually didn't complain about going to the grocery store just for a box of cereal.
   Symptoms: Still some swelling of the feet and the occasional heartburn.
   Khanh is: Excited for his buddy to get here!
   Looking forward to: Buying a stroller and carseat. I've done a ton of research on safety and have finally decided on one!
   Best moments: Being able to see our little guy on the ultrasound and feeling him kick at the same time. It was such a surreal experience!  

Ultrasound: We had another ultrasound this week because my uterus was measuring small at my last appointment so my midwife wanted to make sure everything is okay. They took measurements of his head, torso, and femur to get an approximate weight, which they used to place him in a percentile for growth. Our little guy was about 3.4 pounds and is in the 41st percentile. Everything else looked fine as well - placenta and amniotic fluid looked good.

  Note: I post these updates at the end of the week, so I am currently in my 31st week.

29 Week Bumpdate

If you're new to my corner of the web, you can use these links to easily get back to previous bumpdates:   Week 23 Bumpdate Week 24 Bumpdate Week 25 Bumpdate Week 26 Bumpdate Week 27 Bumpdate Week 28 Bumpdate  

 

Size of the baby: Acorn Squash – 15.25 inches long and weighs 2.5 pounds.

  Biggest baby development: Baby can hiccup now!
   Total weight gain: I didn't weigh myself
   Gender: Boy!!
  Maternity clothes: I'm still cycling through my very limited clothing options.    Movement: Yes! I was in a meeting with my manager and little man started kicking my ribs so I put pressure on my belly to hold him down....my manager asked if I needed to go somewhere. Ha! No, just trying to survive without getting broken ribs :)
   Sleep: I slept pretty well this week other than random fire alarms going off in our hotel in the wee-morning hours. Maybe better sleep was because of the King-sized bed we had in Cancun.
   Nursery: Still full of gifts from two baby showers. My goal for next week is to choose a paint color. I said, choose, not actually paint. Don't worry.
   Cravings: Give me allll the cereal! We went to the buffet restaurant in Cancun at 11:00pm one night and asked for cereal, but they told me to order room service. Um, I don't need a $10+ bowl of cereal, but thanks.
   Symptoms: Swelling of the feet, heartburn, light headedness. When I asked my doctor about the light headedness, she told me to eat more often. Though I was already eating something almost every hour, so she said to pack in the protein.
   Khanh is: Finally home for good (almost) and we can start attacking our lengthy to-do list!
   Looking forward to: 1) Visiting my grandparents (who happen to live on an island!) this weekend. Their house is a short drive from ours so we will pack up the Jeep, Cooper, and some food and head to the water! 2) After my midwife measured my uterus last week, she wants to do another ultrasound to make sure our little guy is measuring correctly. My uterus was on the small end of normal, so she isn't that concerned but wants to make sure my due date is correct. I can't wait to see our guy now that I'm 30 weeks along! 3) I also can't wait to meet the newest member of the family, Paisley Ann Marie. Congratulations to the new (exhausted) parents!!
   Best moments: Spending a few days in Cancun with the Hubby doing absolutely nothing. It was exactly what both of us needed and I'm glad we got to get away from life for a couple days. I also picked Cooper up from my mom this week and was so glad to have someone else - even though he's a dog - in the house with me. I was getting lonely!   Note: I post these updates at the end of the week, so I am currently in my 30th week. Eeekk!

28 Week Bumpdate

If you're new to my corner of the web, you can use these links to easily get back to previous bumpdates:   Week 23 Bumpdate Week 24 Bumpdate Week 25 Bumpdate Week 26 Bumpdate Week 27 Bumpdate  

 

Size of the baby: Cucumber – 14.8 inches long and weighs 2.25 pounds.

  Biggest baby development: Baby may be dreaming now as he is experiencing REM sleep.
   Total weight gain: 19 pounds. Yikes!
   Gender: Boy!!
  Maternity clothes: I bought a maternity bathing suit top at Target. I can't wait to wear it!    Movement: Yes! I'm starting to feel him rolling around rather than kicks here and there. You can actually follow him with your hand as he moves. He like to hangout on either side of my belly, which makes me look lop-sided.
   Sleep: Laying on my side is still pretty painful on my back and hips. I can't wait to sleep on my back again.
   Nursery: His nursery is full of gifts from both of our baby showers. Now, I need to find time to organize everything!
   Cravings: Strawberries. Ice cream, Nectarines. Bread.
   Symptoms: The heartburn finally subsided this week. Hooray! My feet continue to swell rather quickly, so I make sure to get up from my desk and walk around.
   Khanh is: Kissing my belly every morning and night.
   Looking forward to: CANCUN!! In fact, we are enjoying our last vacation as a family of 2 as you are reading this bumpdate. I am probably laying on the beach with a book in my hand.
   Best moments: Celebrating our little guy with my family last weekend. He's already so loved...and spoiled!   Note: I post these updates at the end of the week, so I am currently in my 29th week.