Tummy time—time spent on their bellies instead of on their backs—can be a trial for many babies. When it’s tough on them, it’s also tough on their parents and other caregivers. My daughter, Amaris, used to cry during tummy time. I began experimenting with our approach and searching for ideas on how to make it more tolerable. … [Read more...] about Tips for Tear-Free Tummy Time
Raising an Inheritance
Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Not long after I got married I realized that the work of a homemaker is never complete. There is no 9-to-5 work schedule. There are no days off for the weekends or holidays. There aren’t even meal breaks. Instead, the sink fills with dishes every day—especially on weekends and holidays. The clothes hamper refills with dirty clothes as … [Read more...] about Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Make Your Own Breastfeeding Necklace
Like many infants her age, my daughter has begun wiggling, poking, tugging at my hair, and pinching while she nurses. Though these behaviors can be a bit frustrating, they’re a good sign—they’re completely appropriate for her age and show that she’s on track developmentally. Be that as it may, how can I get her to settle down and eat? I’ve … [Read more...] about Make Your Own Breastfeeding Necklace
What To Do With Baby: A Guide to Developmentally Appropriate Play
Once Amaris, my infant daughter, stopped sleeping for most of the day, I found myself staring into her beautiful eyes and wondering what exactly I should do with her. I would hold her, talk to her, and sing to her, but given that children learn through play, I wondered if I should be doing more. I looked into developmentally appropriate … [Read more...] about What To Do With Baby: A Guide to Developmentally Appropriate Play
Scriptures to Calm Mom When Baby Won’t Stop Crying
It was just a short time ago that I shared a number of encouraging Bible verses for pregnancy. My pregnancy is now over so my ankles are no longer swollen, I can easily take a deep breath, and my hips no longer ache, but my need for encouragement is far from over. I’ve traded these challenges for new ones: crying, late night nursing … [Read more...] about Scriptures to Calm Mom When Baby Won’t Stop Crying
She’s Here!
It’s been pretty quiet at OF THE HEARTH over the last couple of weeks. Why? I’ve been occupied with this blessing: My husband, Preston, and I welcomed our daughter, Amaris Gail, on October 7th. Amaris means “promised by God” and Gail means “my father rejoices.” She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 19 in long. She arrived a little … [Read more...] about She’s Here!
