Friday, May 28, 2010

Ashleigh's pics

Ashleigh is officially done with First grade and we are SO happy with how she ended the school year. Her report card was fantastic--she has made big improvements each and ever quarter and since she did so well, she gets to have another IHOP date with daddy. She's so excited!

Ashleigh brought home some pictures that were taken of her through out the school year by her room mom. I know I'm partial, but boy oh boy is my daughter SO beautiful!!!
Holding a picture she colored

She's on the left in white with a headband

Me and Ash at Mom's and Muffins

Ashleigh

Here she is holding her prize and certificate for completing 25 words--spelling them and reading them. for the whole year she learned how to read and spell 239 new words! We are SO impressed!
Ash is nervous about going to 2nd grade. She thinks it will be really hard, but I reminded her that she thought 1st grade would be hard too, and it turned out just fine! I'm so proud of my little girl!!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

More random pictures

Here are just a few more pictures from my phone and my camera.

There's not much new going on at our house, but here's an update anyway....

Nicks been working about 6 days a week for the last 3 months...and while he likes being an assistant manager at US Bank, he struggles with his bosses constant moodiness. She has lots of personal problems and definitely brings her problems to work with her and makes life miserable for her employees. I feel so bad for him and I'm trying to be supportive as possible, but there's not much I can do...I just hope she gets whatever problems she has in her life worked out and things can go back to normal for him. He's been relieving his stresses with golf, and hanging out with me and some other friends he's met through work. I'm so glad he has those outlets.

I've been lucky to be home with my kids for the last 6 months. It's been great being home, keeping house, taking care of the kids, cooking dinners, etc. School is almost out and I am probably the only mom I know who is not looking forward to it! I LOVE being a stay at home mom, but having both kids home all day every day makes me a little nuts sometimes....I think the lack of schedule is the problem. I am working on ways to rectify my nuttiness this year by creating a schedule that will make us all happier! :)

Preston plays outside a lot, and he finally has some friends on our street....Colton (almost 5), is more like a bully/boss than an actual friend, but preston LOVES playing with him. His household has 2 big dogs and Preston is VERY allergic to dogs, so he's not allowed to play inside Colton's house (which I prefer anyway). They have great play structures in their back yard and it's the place where most kids in the neighborhood go to play. Bentley (almost 5) and Lincoln (almost 3) live next door....Lincoln is a quiet sweet kid and he and Preston play well together. Bentley and Preston get along well together too, but they get in to trouble a lot and egg each other on to do naughty things....ie: dip sticks in mud and write on daddy's car! VERY BAD!!! Or, taking Ashleigh's little shovel , or daddy's old license plates, and putting it down the storm drain grates in the road. Or, turning on the outside water hose and make a big muddy hole then jump in it. etc... It's frustrating... but honestly, Preston is a sweet loving kid and I LOVE being able to spend every day with him. He is still VERY picky about his food, but he has a few favorites so I try to keep our house stocked with the foods he likes and we have the deal that he has to eat something healthy before he eats something else. So far, it's working well. :-)

Ashleigh is nearly done with 1st grade! She has 3 more days of school and then she's free! She is also not excited that school is almost done. She LOVES school and that makes me so happy! She's grown and progressed so much this year and she is an awesome reader! When we drive around she will read me all the signs she see's. I just love it! She is such a social butterfly and has a ton of friends! Her best friends are Jasna (still), Hailie (still), Melody, Madi, and Cosette. Ashleigh is my constant ray of sunshine. She is always so obedient, happy, loving, kind, and honest. I am so in love with my sweet girl! I don't give her nearly enough love and attention, and I'm working on it....but she seems to soar and progress no matter what life throws at her.

Here are a few pictures:

Preston and Colton (in orange hat)

Nick and Randy Golfing in our back yard



Ashleigh at her school's Spanish Program
Anyone who knows Nick knows how much of a struggle it was to have him go to this, but it was important to Ashleigh, so we (I) went happily and supported her! They did start out with the Pledge of Allegiance, & the National Anthem. I LOVED that!


Another cute picture of my nephew Tyler! He's about 10 days old here. :)

We went to see my niece, Maura's, dance performance last Friday. She did such a great job! She was a frog and then a princess. I didn't get any picture though.... After the performance my siblings and I visited in the parking lot for a bit while they enjoyed some cookie bars I brought.

The next day we went to my niece, Teriesa's, dance performance. She also did a great job! I love living close enough where we can go and support them whether it be soccer, dance, music, etc...
After the performance--Ashleigh, Teriesa, and Nathan

This morning we woke up to a pleasant surprise--SNOW! :) It only ended up to be about 1/2"-1" of snow and it all melted by noon, but it was nice while it lasted.

Nick went to visit his parents last night...Juli got a picture of the boys bonding. :-) It's so nice having both our families so close by! We miss having Quinn around, but know she's have a good time in Vancouver!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

pics from my phone...

My phone album needed to be cleaned up, so here's some more pictures....

Baby Tyler--5 days old, and flipping me off! lol.

Love that babies are most often cross eyed. It's so funny. :)

Preston wants to play soccer so bad
here he is watching cousin Nathan's soccer game.

Preston's paintings:
Self portrait

Rainbow

Silly picture

Mommy

Grandpa

Ashleigh

Then he took some pics of me... :-P

(my hair is a LOT blonder now)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

IMPORTANT for parents to read....

Ya know, I'm sure some of you are wondering why I keep posting stuff on here and on facebook about circumcision....The main reason is, I know a LOT of people pregnant right now and when I hear that they are having a boy, my heart literally breaks thinking of the fact that most likely the parents will circumcise their boy. After watching a video similar to THIS of a baby being circumcised, I knew there was NO way I would EVER put my child through that!

If you, as the mom or dad, think this video is hard to watch--just IMAGINE how your baby feels, and what he's going through!!!

My stance is, and always will be, that if my son wants to do it when he's an adult, that's completely HIS decision, but I won't EVER make that decision--a PERMANENT decision--for him! It's NOT my decision to make. Circumcision should be your son's decision!!!

I borrow this from a fellow blogger.....It is WELL WORTH the read. ESPECIALLY for anyone who is going to have a son this year...or in the years to come!

Death From Circumcision

by Danelle Frisbie, Ph.D., M.A.


1 ounce of blood - size comparison in glass beaker to a U.S. quarter
A newborn baby is in a state of critical hemorrhage from a loss of just 1 ounce of blood.


A baby only needs to lose 1 ounce of blood to hemorrhage, and just 2.3 ounces to die as a result of this blood loss. It can, and does, occur at a frightening quick pace.

In their statement on the increased dangers of neonatal circumcision, Doctors Opposing Circumcision (DOC) physicians and surgeons reported:

The prepuce is highly vascularized, so it is likely to hemorrhage when cut, and severing the frenular artery is very common. Infants have a miniscule amount of blood in their tiny bodies and can tolerate only about a 20 percent blood loss before hypovolemia, hypovolemic shock, and death. A 4000 gram male newborn has only 11.5oz (340 ml) of total blood volume at birth, 85 ml per kilogram of weight. Blood loss of only 2.3oz, (68 ml), 20% of total blood volume at birth is sufficient to cause hypovolemia. Many newborns, and especially premature infants, weigh much less and a smaller amount of blood loss would be sufficient to trigger hypovolemic shock in those infants. Circumcision of infants, therefore, carries the inherent danger of hypovolemic shock and death.

This is one reason that so many clamps are used on the amputation site when the prepuce organ is removed during circumcision surgery - to stop the 'bleeders.' It is also the reason these clamps are left in place at least 5 minutes after cutting is complete (as horrifically painful as this is for a newborn who cannot be put under general anesthesia at this stage in life). The penile clamping is an attempt to prevent this new little baby from hemorrhaging to death. As much as we'd like to prevent all infant death, healthy babies were simply not designed to have functioning organs cut from their body at birth, and consequences are much more common than some U.S. parents are led to believe.

2.3 ounces of blood - size comparison in glass beaker to U.S. quarter
A newborn baby will die from a loss of 2.3 ounces of blood.


In a meta-analysis of statistics cataloged from 1989-2009, results are clear: There is a much greater likelihood of complications, including illness, infection, and death from circumcision than there is from keeping a baby whole and intact.

On many occasions hemorrhaging does not occur until parents leave the surgical site with their freshly cut baby in tow. Diapers, especially the popular absorbent disposable diapers ubiquitous in today's baby culture, easily hide 1-2 ounces of blood from a festering wound. We've heard others blame parents, "They should have SEEN the blood and rushed their baby to the ER!" But we cannot always be so quick to blame misinformed parents wading through the myths of genital cutting.

First, no one tells parents who are about to cut their baby that he may well hemorrhage from the surgery, and that the possibility of death exists.

Second, rarely are parents briefed on ALL the complications that can and do arise post-op for a circumcised baby.

Third, even 2 ounces of blood is easily hidden in a disposable diaper and by the time a diaper change takes place, it may be too late. DOC reports that, "The quantity of blood loss that can kill an infant—2.3oz—is easily concealed in today’s highly absorbent disposable diaper."

We decided to put this to the test and soaked 2.5 ounces of blood (more than it would take for an infant to hemorrhage and die) into a Huggies brand disposable diaper that had already been slightly 'used' (urine) to closely as possible replicate the scenario. With results that even shocked us here at the DrMomma labs, there is virtually no way to tell that a baby has been bleeding to death when he has a disposable diaper on. In addition, it takes very little time for a fresh amputation site to hemorrhage and lose this much blood.

Used disposable diaper holding urine and 2.5 ounces of blood





Fourth
, hospitals are quick to cover up 'mistakes,' while a pro-cutting U.S. culture continues to propagate myths about how common morbidity and mortality due to circumcision are. Parents rarely talk openly about their son's death due to circumcision because this would mean admitting an unnecessary cosmetic amputation surgery killed their child.

Finally, it is almost unheard of for an attorney to take a wrongful death due to circumcision case because infants are simply not valued in our society and the pay-out for a short, undervalued life would be negligible.

Because of all of this, the circle of ignorance continues regarding death from circumcision.

So just how many boys die each year as a result of MGM in the United States? We really don't know for certain. U.S. statistical analysis studies conducted on death from circumcision are drastically under-reported because hospitals are not required to log death due to genital cutting surgery. Genital amputation (circumcision) that causes heart attack, hemorrhage, coma, seizure, stroke, or infection may be coded inappropriately as 'SIDS' or 'heart failure' or 'seizure,' for example, but not specifically due to the bodily trauma experienced as a result of circumcision.


Still, these studies have found approximately 230 baby boys die each year in the U.S. as a result of circumcision surgery. (1) Another study published last week found at least 117 boys die annually from circumcision surgery as it is reported by hospitals. (2) We're not alone in our estimation that there are likely at least twice as many deaths due to circumcision, because of our non-structured and easy-to-cover-up means of infant mortality reporting. But if we are only looking at research-based documentation, we find an average 174 boys die each year with the documented cause being circumcision surgery.

Especially disturbing in these statistics is that the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) continues to incorrectly state that it is choking that causes the highest number of deaths in children. (3)

In an AAP cited study, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded that choking on non-food objects causes approximately 22 deaths per year among all children in the United States. (4) In a national analysis, also cited by the AAP, it was found that choking while eating food causes approximately 73 deaths per year among all children under the age of 10 in the U.S. (5) The AAP teaches parents to be cautious because "choking on food causes the death of approximately 1 child every 5 days in the United States." (6) The rate of boys vs. girls who die from choking is not significantly different, which this means that approximately 1 boy under the age of 10 dies every 10 days from choking in the United States, or 36 boys per year.

Compare this to 1 infant boy dying every 2 days as a result of circumcision in the United States, or an average of 174 boys per year.


All of the deaths due to choking (which are most often related to eating - something we humans must do) are a mere fraction of the deaths due to circumcision (an unnecessary and medically contraindicated surgical amputation). If the AAP were to issue a similar warning for circumcision, they must state that circumcision causes the death of approximately 1 child every 2 days. Not only that, but 1 infant dies every 2 days from circumcision, as compared to the estimate that 1 "child under the age of 10" dies every 5 days from choking. And these are solely using the hospital statistics for death due to circumcision (again, the real numbers are likely much higher).

If choking is otherwise to blame for the most childhood deaths in the United States (as the AAP claims that it is), and there are more infant deaths per year as a result of circumcision surgery, it is therefore instead correct to state that the number one cause of death of children in the United States is circumcision.


I have to wonder - where is the AAP warning in all of this?


Below is the story of just one of these babies, Ryleigh McWillis, who died as a result of circumcision.

Ryleigh was suffering from the typical post-op consequences of having an organ amputated from his fresh, fragile body, but was checked over by a doctor and sent home. His parents noted that he was "fussy" all day (again, normal for a tiny human being who has just had 1/3 of their penis cut off - post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is ubiquitously common among circumcised babies, resulting in what we often mislabel, "colic").

Ryleigh's diaper had blood in it that evening (again, somewhat common as the amputation site festers, scabs, and attempts to heal itself). But his parents were not overly concerned. His mother said, "It was pinkish because it was diluted by pee." Ryleigh's mother sat up all night holding her crying baby, and when his father changed his diaper in the morning, it again had blood in it. This time they rushed to the hospital. By noon he was evacuated by air to the B.C. Children's Hospital (where 95.1% of baby boys born remain intact from birth).

Despite all the blood transfusions, saline solution, antibiotics, and resuscitation attempts, this little 1-month old baby, born perfectly healthy and happy, died. Ryleigh was intact and whole for his first 4 weeks on earth. Upon needlessly having his penis cut apart, Ryleigh's blood loss caused his organs and heart give out. All of this, for a medically unnecessary cosmetic surgery his parents opted for, at a B.C. location where the MGM rate is just 4.9%.

It is infrequent for parents of babies who die from circumcision to go on the news, or allow interviewers to get involved in their case. The guilt and remorse must be overwhelming. It is difficult enough for parents of cut children who live to handle what was done to their son(s) if and when they learn of all that circumcision takes away from a boy/man. Ryleigh's parents, however, said they wanted to 'make a difference' for others. And yet, in what seems like intense denial of the situation that killed their son, they said they would probably cut another child if they had a second male baby.

VIDEO

In this enlightening video, John V. Geisheker, J.D., LL.M., discusses Ryleigh's death and why all circumcision deaths continue to be so grossly under reported and unchallenged.

VIDEO-2

For further information on death due to circumcision and mortality rates:

Cirp.Org/Library/Death

Increased Dangers of Circumcision Report

Circumstitions.com/Complications

NoHarmm.org/complicationsUS


Cut vs. Intact Outcome Statistics


Related News Briefs:

Baby Dies in South Dakota

New York Baby Dies

Baby Dies After Brit

4 year old hospitalized after circumcision escape attempt

Massive infection after circumcision


Books:

Doctors Re-examine Circumcision

Circumcision: An American Health Fallacy

Circumcision: The Painful Dilemma

Circumcision: A History of the World's Most Controversial Surgery

Questioning Circumcision: A Jewish Perspective

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Circumcision

Circumcision: What Every Parent Should Know

Marked in Your Flesh: Circumcision from Ancient Judea to Modern America

Circumcision: The Hidden Trauma

Circumcision: The Rest of the Story

Circumcision Exposed: Rethinking a Medical and Cultural Tradition

40 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Respect His Birthright and Keep Your Son Whole


Children's Genitals Under the Knife



Complete resources on the prepuce and circumcision can be found at: Are You Fully Informed?


Notes:

(1) Baker RL. Newborn male circumcision: needless and dangerous. Sexual Medicine Today. 1979;3(11):35-36.

(2) Bollinger, Dan. Lost Boys: An Estimate of U.S. Circumcision-Related Infant Deaths. Thymos: Journal of Boyhood Studies. 2010;4(1):78-90.

(3) AAP Policy Statement: Prevention of Choking Among Children. Feb 10, 2010. Published online at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/peds.2009-2862v1

(4) Rimell FL, Thome A Jr, Stool S, et al. Characteristics of objects that cause choking in children. JAMA. 1995;274(22):1763–1766

(5) Harris CS, Baker SP, Smith GA, Harris RM. Childhood asphyxiation by food: a national analysis and overview. JAMA. 1984;251(17): 2231–2235

(6) Policy Statement: Prevention of Choking Among Children. Committee on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. Pediatrics. 2010; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-2862


My prayer is that I've been able to reach at least 1 parent expecting a son and that they will choose NOT to put their son through this torturous and unnecessary procedure! your son WILL thank you for it one day! THIS website is also great for helping you make an informed decision!

I hope and pray you make the RIGHT decision for your baby!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Randomness--FUN

I went to my nephew, Braeden's, soccer game last week. it's so fun to watch him play and spend time with my family! and he did a great job!!

Tamsen and I
Pretending we don't like each other. ;-)
Notice Preston upside down?

Maura and Ashleigh

Preston

Sheridan, Amelia and Kevin
Sheridan

Ashleigh and Amelia

Braeden's soccer team!
He's in the front row, 3rd one from the right :-)


My mom always has a quilt set up at her house so that whenever the grand kids come over they can help tie it and when it's all done, she takes it to this Family Support and Treatment Center in Orem. We were told that the blankets are great to have on hand for the children who need to spend the night there and some of them get scared. They get to choose any blanket they want to sleep with and keep and that helps them feel safe. It was a touching and emotional visit and I'm glad we could go with mom to donate something that may become very special and important to a little child!

After, we went to Savers--a store similar to D.I. and I bought Preston this firetruck. It's broken, so we can't hear any sirens and he can't move the ladder, but I actually prefer it that way! ;-)

Then mom treated the kids to ice cream at McDonalds. They sure love their ice cream! :) Thanks, mom! We had a really fun time!




On Saturday I went to see my nephew's (Sheridan and Nathan) soccer games. I also got to go see my newest nephew Tyler too! He's 5 days old in these pictures and SO cute!!! :) he's got the most perfectly round head! I love holding him. I love little babies!!!

Happy Mama, Jana, in the background. Doesn't she look great!!! It's wonderful how easy recovery is after having a baby with NO drugs!!! It's the best way to go! :-)

Jana's brother, Brett holding Tyler, and Tyler's big sister, Amelia (in pink) looking on. She's such a little mommy--such a great big sister!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tyler Bruce Ballard

On Monday night, May 10, 2010 at 11:06pm, Jana and Kevin welcomed their 6th child in to this world!

Tyler Bruce Ballard
born AT HOME
at 11:06pm
Weight: 9 lb 2 oz
Length: 21"

I was able to go see him the following afternoon and got a few pictures! He's simply adorable and I loved snuggling him and breathing in his new baby smell!







Congratulations Jana and Kevin!!! We love you!!!