New Pics

James is to that point where he is doing something new every day! Finding new sounds to make, sitting up for a little bit longer than the day before without falling over (!), crawling/scooting a little easier, discovering new potentially harmful things to put in his mouth (mostly kidding). His favorite new toy is my hair. :)



Aunt Anna and Uncle Scott came to town over my birthday weekend! We had a great time hanging out!

I've noticed that James seems to have dimples on either side of his face when he smiles, which just adds another notch to his over the top cuteness. you can sort of see them in this picture below. We can't get enough of this kid!

Little Lizard

Aunt Katie sent James this awesome Halloween costume and it looks ADORABLE on him!!! We should have taken some more pictures but like most days I get to the end of it before I realize that. This costume had spikes all down the back which was my favorite part. We weren't sure if he was a lizard or dinasour or alligator or what, but whatever it was he was SO stinkin' cute! I played some music at our neighborhood fall festival in the afternoon, and then we went trick or treating with some friends and their kids that night. James even got to reach in one of the bowls and grab a piece of candy. He went for a Twix- good taste little buddy! :) Here are some pics that we did get.

Fall Video

Here is some video footage from the last month. First some of James and Avery with the Rogers when we met up with them in St. Louis at the beginning of October. Then some of James having fun in his bouncer with Kirk and then some of james just yesterday trying to crawl. You'll see him pawing at the carpet at the end, which he LOVES to do, he happens to love every rug, carpet, and wood floor, basically any surface that our gross shoes walk all over and Oso hair piles up upon. Let me just say, we are NOT prepared for a crawling baby yet! Sort of hoping he stays at his current level of mobility for awhile longer!

James is half a year old! Crazy how fast 6 months can go. We went to the dr. last week and James was almost 18 lbs and over 26 inches. He's definitely feeling taller lately. As I've said before, he's a very sweet boy and loves to be held and talked to. He thinks Kirk is hilarious, loves to let Oso lick his hands, and knows exactly what noises will get mom to pick him up. :) Still trying to crawl, if it weren't for his bulky cloth diapers I think he would be crawling, he does the best when he's naked!


He had his first fever last week which I think (hope) was related to his immunizations that he got, however kirk got sick the day after and I followed. It's been a sickly week for the Dahlgrens and we're praying it gets better and not worse from here on out. James is doing well though which is our main concern. We still don't have the H1N1 flu shot here otherwise we'd go get one for him. All that to say, we're sick but doing well.

side note: Kirk's truck is up and running!!!!!!!!!

Sweet Boy

Here are those pictures I promised. SO adorable.

Pics

This past weekend we met the Rogers family in St. Louis and got to spend some quality time with cousin Avery! (and everyone else too, but lets be honest, babies are more fun than adults) The first morning when just Katie and I were up with the babies, we stood them in front of each other on the couch and they smiled and cooed and reached out for each others faces like long lost buddies. It was PRECIOUS! It pays to be the first ones up with the little ones! Here they are learning to share toys!

Doing what they do best, Avery sitting up and playing while James rolls around!

this is what we call the Popeye effect:

Here is James and Dad:


We haven't started any solid foods yet, but occasionally we'll let James gnaw on an apple or something. This weekend Kirk had fun letting James bite into some grapes, which he seemed to like! Here he is yesterday trying some avocado. Better luck next time!



HEAD UPDATE:
We saw a new doctor last week who we really like and are going to continue seeing (our current Pediatrician is changing practices) He did not seem worried about James' head which is great news. We still need to keep watching it but it does seem to be rounding out. This may all be that he just has his grandpa Rogers' head. :)

5 Months

James is 5 months old! He really is growing every day. He isn't sitting up yet but is still rolling all over the place and is getting closer and closer to crawling. I sort of expect those two things to happen simultaneously in the next month or two. He loves his bouncer and bounces from foot to foot like he's dancing, all the while squealing and playing with the attached toys, it is SO adorable. Here he is yesterday:

Kirk took some great pictures of him the other day and hasn't had a chance to edit them but I thought I'd put a sneak peak up for you because I think they are so good they don't need editing! This one is my favorite:

James also still has a rather flat head that we are hoping rounds out soon. We are waiting until his 6 month check up next month to take any action. But if you pray for James, please pray that it corrects itself, we would love to avoid a helmet!

More pictures soon...

Roll Over Roll Over

I have a feeling we have an early crawler/walker on our hands

4 month Update

James is 4 months old! We went to the doctor on Monday and he clocked in at 15.6 lbs and 24 3/4 inches long. Although he still has a rather flat head (especially on his right side, which he favors) our doctor wasn't too worried about it. It looks like there is still time for it to round out. He's been sleeping on his tummy so we're gonna give it a couple months and see how it does. We lay him down on his back and within seconds he's flipped over with his fingers in his mouth and on his way to sleep. He loves to be talked to and played with and if given attention will laugh and coo up a storm. Well, his laughing is more of a heckle these days, and super contagious! He seems to get shy around lots of people and is very observant to what is going on around him. I'm still breast feeding and really love that time with him, but he's also started to take bottles really well which is great because he fought them for a while. Kirk said this morning that he practically held a bottle by himself! He's getting really good with his hands and when I'm feeding him he likes to grab at my hair, lips, necklace, or anything he can reach. It's pretty cute. We just can't get enough of this kid!

Alli update- Been co writing 1-3 times a week which I'm LOVING. Writing with other artists and for other projects. This is pretty much my dream job - Mommy/Songwriter. I'm still doing my own music but we're still sorting out what that is going to look like in the future.

Kirk update- The truck is practically finished, we took a joyride the other night and it was awesome! I don't even mind the gasoline smell, it reminds me of my grandparents boat and makes me nostalgic (did he get lucky with that one or what?). He's loving his job as well and is great at it. Who knew we'd both end up in the publishing world together? He's also still working on The Creative Arts Initiative.

My brother Michael starts school at Belmont this week and we're excited to have him in town! My parents were here this past weekend moving him in to his dorm, which is complete with new shelves made by Dad to hold all his musical instruments! He's jumping right in and doing great.

it's been quite a fun spring and summer for us, one that will for sure go down in the books. Sweet new baby boy, precious new baby niece, good friends living right next door, many friends pregnant or enjoying their new little ones, Kirk and I both working with the same publishing company, and getting to see our families more than usual because of James, 09 has been a good year so far. In many areas a challenging year as well, but still really really good.
Some cute pics for you:

August Video

Here is a video of some random recent clips of James. He's discovering new things all the time! He's rolling over from his back to his stomach like it's his job, but he can't figure out how to flip over to his back again. He doesn't like to sleep on his tummy so when he flips over we have to go help him to his back cause he gets frustrated and can't sleep, I think it's because he can't get his fingers in his mouth as easily on his tummy. You'll see in the video a couple rolling attempts, and he's gotten much more consistent since I recorded that. He gets shy when the camera is on and normally stares at it and stops laughing or talking as much as he does when it's off, but I tried to capture some things for you to see. You'll also see how good he is getting with his hands! You can't really tell in the video, but we are worried about his flat head. All that back sleeping! Next monday is his 4 month appt. and I'll post an update then.

Latest Pics

We pulled out our jumperoo this week and James LOVES it! The swing is losing it's magic because he tries to squirm out of it, and this keeps his attention for a good while. As you can see, he doesn't quite reach the floor, but we put a towel under there for the time being, and he gets this serious excited face when his feet touch the ground, he straightens up and tries to bounce. SO cute.


James and mom taking a sunday morning nap


Jim and Phyllis came to visit last weekend! It was so fun to spend some time with them, and Kirk and I even got to go out for breakfast solo for the first time since the week James was born! Here is a group pic with them and Kirk's brother Neal who lives down the street from us. He and his girlfriend watched James later that week so we could go out for Kirk's birthday (the 5th). Two dates in one week!! Thanks Dahlgrens!!

My love for Bumgenius Cloth Diapers

Kirk and I have been using Bumgenius cloth diapers since James was a few weeks old. I thought I’d pass on my review of them for any of you with kids who have considered cloth diapers and want to know more about them. This is all the stuff I wish someone would have told me so I didn’t have to spend so much time reading random forums online. If you're already bored, please feel free to just scroll down and look at the cute picture of James and forget the rest, I won't be offended. :) A lot of people have just been curious about how we like them so I thought I'd put my thoughts together for those of you that are. I know cloth isn't for everyone and that is totally fine by me, please don't feel like I'm trying to talk anyone into it.

I LOVE these diapers and find them way easier to use than I ever thought. If you’re picturing the old cloth diaper system with pins, check out the Bumgenius website, cloth has come a long way! We have the one size 3.0 diapers which fit 8-35 lbs because they expand with snaps. I just started using the 2nd setting for James this week.

I have 24 diapers and wash them every other day. This is how it goes: James gets that glazed over look and his face turns a little red...I know what's coming. Sounds that no child this small should make come out of his body and seconds later he smiles in relief. Dirty diaper. At his changing table I take out a clean diaper from the drawer of his dresser. I then take a gerber washcloth which we use as wipes, spray it with a solution we make (water, Dr. Bronners baby mild soap, and tea tree oil), and proceed to change his diaper like usual. I drop the wipes, diaper covering and insert into the garbage pail next to the changing table. In the pail is a washable liner. James and I go about our business.

When the diaper pail is full I take the whole thing out and put everything straight into the wash. I don’t even have to clean out his dirty diapers until he starts having solid food. For that, we have a diaper sprayer that fits on the back of our toilet. I wash the diapers twice with an extra rinse cycle both times. This is where it really helps to have a high efficiency washer. I dry the diapers for a short time and when they come out I stuff them with the inserts and separate the washcloths. Kirk and I have gotten pretty good at this process, and it doesn’t take long at all. we'll often do it at night in front of the TV.


What I love about them:

1. We save money. It’s an investment up front but you end up saving $ in the long run. trust me, I’ve done the math. Even if we only use them for 1 year we’ve saved at least $200, probably way more. If I had to throw these away after 1 year because they didn’t last I would still buy a new set if we have another baby.

2. The A&K Dahlgren landfill is considerably smaller than it would be otherwise. I’m not gonna lie, I feel good at the end of the day knowing this.

3. Cloth is better for babies skin. I need to do more research here to speak on this, but I’ve heard and read that there are toxic substances such as dioxin in disposable diapers. And Lord knows the Dahlgren family has sensitive skin as it is.

4. We are not constantly taking out the trash or buying more diapers.

5. I can feel good about changing him even if he’s only a little wet, it’s not like I’m wasting a diaper.

6. James looks really cute in them!

What I don't love about them

1. Really the only thing I don't like about them is that if James doesn't have clothing over the diaper, the edge of the velcro tab will catch on my clothes or rub on my skin. But he's normally clothed so this isn't a problem.

The bad reviews I've read online have to do with the diapers staining to which I say, "really? it's a diaper. Does it matter if it's stained?" And for the record, I've washed them as instructed and mine haven't stained. yet. Some people also complain that they wore out too much to use for multiple kids, but as I said, I'd buy another set if I had to.

Questions I had:

Do you use cloth outside of home?
Sometimes. I have a little washable bag I keep in my diaper bag to take diapers home in. If it’s hot out and we’ll be outside we normally use disposable. And once we start leaving him in the nursery at church we’ll leave them disposables.

How long can you use them?
My friend is using the same ones James is for her 2 year old girl. I’m sure not all 2 year olds could still fit in them, and at the rate James is growing I expect him to outgrow them after a year or so. I'll probably have to order some bigger diapers after that. Some people are able to use them for multiple children, as I hope to do.

What about other brands?
there are a bunch of great cloth diapers out there, I’ve not tried any others. From the research I’ve done, Bumgenius seems to be a favorite.

Can you use diaper cream?
No, it will compromise the absorbency of the diaper. However, I have not needed to once with James. I’ve heard there is less diaper rash with cloth because it is better for their skin, as I said above. If his skin starts to get red I just put some breast milk on his bottom, it works great! I’ve heard you can use olive oil too.

Do they smell?
yes, poop smells. But not nearly as bad as a pail of disposables would because I’m constantly cleaning them. They are not sitting long enough to get too bad.

Do you have to use cloth wipes as well?
No, you can use regular wipes, I just find cloth ones to be easier since I'm already washing the diapers. The gerber washclothes are the best in my opinion. Better than the Circo washclothes from target. And I don't see the point in buying the expensive cloth wipes from bumgenius or other places. If you do use cloth, there are many solutions you can spray on to them, or you can just use water, or whatever method works for you. The temperature of the water doesn't make a difference to James, but he's almost always hot.

If you’re still reading than you might actually be interested, email me if you have more ?'s. Obviously, I enjoy talking about it for some reason!

3 Months

Well our little boy is 3 months old. One year ago he was just beginning to be woven and spun inside my womb. I get teary when I think of the miracle of it!

late last week James discovered his fingers! He sucks on his middle two fingers religiously now, which is drrrrreamy because it means he soothes himself to sleep for naps. He hasn't let me swaddle him during the day for a few weeks now, which has led to fussy naptimes and his absolute refusal to nap between the hours of 5 and 9 when he goes to bed. However, I laid him down in his crib 10 minutes (5:50) ago without any rocking or anything and he is out! Probably still has his fingers in his mouth.

This past saturday was our friend Ruby Chaffers 3rd birthday. The Chaffers are good friends from Kansas City who just moved here so Ruby's party was very adult laden. She wanted it to be a princess dress up party so Kirk and I decided to go for it! Here is the 3 of us in our homemade costumes. The crowns reminded me of that Cosby episode where they lived in the make believe land. Anyone?
*This picture kills me.

James is also talking like crazy, and has started grabbing at things. He's holding his head up great and even sits in his bumbo seat for good chunks of time. He loves standing and tries to straighten his legs against your chest when you hold him. When he's on his stomach he can actually push up enough with his feet to do a semi-crawl. His arms haven't figured it out yet though so it always results in a face plant with his little bottom up in the air. He doesn't seem interested in rolling over.

In other news, we sold our Volvo to none other than the famous Michael Rogers (who will be joining the Nashville crew shortly) and Kirk bought an old FJ60 Land Cruiser instead. He LOVES Land Cruisers and it's been fun to see him working on a truck again. Can't wait till James can be out there helping him.

And some of you have seen this pic but it's just so stinkin adorable I have to put it up for those who haven't. My boys. :)


P.S. Sorry some of the pics are such bad quality. Most of them are taken from my phone.

*P.P.S. I keep thinking of these lyrics from Sandra McCracken's song, "Storehouse", especially after looking at that sweet face with a crown on. :)

The first uninterrupted sleep since July
The first waves of wisdom swing like a wrecking ball
Oh, a child takes the throne, displacing us all in good time, just in time

When I give you all that I have to give... I still have a storehouse full

This love is reciting me like a backwards rhyme
The more that you lose of yourself the more you find
Take me out of myself, and into
The clothes of royalty
love has taken me...

And I give you all that I have to give... and still have a storehouse full

K,A &J Dahlgren Family Blog

Okay, it's official. I'm going to blog about our family here on this page. I love living in Nashville but it is hard to be away from so many of the people we love. Hopefully we can stay a little more connected through the magic of the world wide web. I do value our privacy and want to protect James as much as possible so please do not give this address out to anyone unless it is family or a close friend of Kirk and I's. Although the Alli Rogers stuff is still small and manageable, you just never know. I want to be able to share stories and pictures of our family here, so we appreciate you helping us in this! And now, for some fun stuff...

James In July

Just some fun footage from the end of June/beginning of July. He's changing so fast!