2015 In Review

Like most years, 2015 has been a roller coaster of ups and downs.

We had a baby (yay)

but my right ovary was removed (boo).

I graduated law school (yay)

but failed the Bar and didn't get a job (boo).

However, I've been able to stay home with Dash (YAY)

and work on projects like writing and illustrating a children's book,
starting my own Etsy shop, and
creating a family history game (yay). 

While the first few "ups" of the year were planned, the "ups" at the end of the year only came because of unplanned "downs." How grateful I am for the gospel and the knowledge that while we face adversity, God is always with us.

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Baby's First Christmas

Christmas break was a huge success! 

we went sledding at Seven Peaks 

Dash wasn't a fan of the snow

looking at videos with grandma 

we all got matching REAL soccer shirts

Dash made a super cute "baby Jesus" for the family nativity

opening presents

grandpa giving Dash a 'home alone' hairdo 

one of the only photos of me and Dash...
despite his expression, he loved all of the company

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Married Reading

I realized that I haven't posted about the books Matt and I have been reading as a couple for almost 10 months!!

After reading Tuesdays with Morrie, Matt and I moved on to reading "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown. It took us months and months to finish! We listened to part of it on audio when we went to Rexburg in April and then we had to take a break until we got another copy from the library. However, it was a really good read. There is so much information in the book, it's hard to sum up, but here's a glimpse of what the book can teach you to do:

We also read "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson. It's a great sequel to "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and focuses on looking for the good in others, even when they seem to be the baddest people around.

As part of our Scripture Study this year, we read the "Infinite Atonement" by Tad R Callister. This took a long time, because sometimes we would only read a page a day. We had a lot of good discussions about the different theories it puts forth. I loved how he quoted scripture frequently to support his points. I could probably write a whole blog post on the book, but for now I'll just recommend that you read it.

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Allergies

We went to the allergist today and it looks like Dash has Food- Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrom (FPIES) with oats. FPIES is a type of food allergy affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of FPIES include profound vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

As a precaution, the doctor still ordered a back prick and blood work to see if Dash has any anaphylactic allergies to oats, but at this point it looks like he doesn't.

Dash was a trouper as he got his back pricked and blood drawn. In the end he got a hot wheels car, which kind of helped him forget about crying. 

What this means for us is that Dash won't be eating oats until they do a oral food challenge when he turns 3 to see if he's grown out of it.  Until then, I'll be compiling a list of all foods that don't obviously contain oats, most of which are cereals. Here's what I've got so far:

• Cheerios
• Lucky Charms
• Fruit Loops
• Apple Jacks
• Anything Quaker brand

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Baby Cereal Banana Muffin Recipe

As we're working on introducing solids, I wanted something that was soft and healthy for my baby to practice feeding himself. So I made a few modifications to a banana muffin recipe and thought I'd share it! This is a non-dairy, non-fat recipe.

Ingredients:
1 c flour
3/4 c baby cereal (I used whole wheat)
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 c banana, mashed (you can even use jars of banana baby food for this)
1/2 c applesauce (again, you can use baby food jars)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix wet and dry ingredients and pour into muffin tin. For full size muffins, cook 15-20 minutes. For mini muffins, cook 8-10 minutes. Makes 12 regular or 48 mini muffins.

We ended up freezing a bunch and then defrosting a few at a time.

Rhetorically,
Rebekah

Dear Dash: Eleven Months

Dear Dash,

Although you don't have a favorite toy or blanket, you love sleeping with my robe.
You've started "talking" more, especially when you are upset. Your most common phrases are "ba-ba" "da-da-da-da" "blah-blah-blah" and "je-ju."
You are the tippy-toe king, and use this ability to reach things on countertops and in drawers.

You have a cardboard addiction. We may need to have an intervention soon.

You've been teething. And it's been awful. I really thought I'd be singing "all I want for Christmas is Dash's top tooth" but it finally came in this week! This brings your total up to 8 teeth. (Even though you can't tell in this photo).

You had your first full haircut this month! I used the electric clippers with an 8 guard around your whole head.

You are getting more confident in your cruising abilities. You can now cruise on walls.

Rhetorically,
Rebekah