No more facebook

I did it. I deactivated my account. I was tired of checking it multiple times a day, both on the computer and my phone. A lot of the people that are my "friends" are people that I don't know in real life. I probably don't need to see all of their posts, and vice versa.

If you think I should know something, I can be reached by the old-fashioned ways of email, phone, and snail mail.

I also have to say I'm thinking about a private blog too...

PT and B

Everyone told me "he's fine, he's fine". Even his pediatrician said that his neck and head were nothing to worry about. But, deep down, I knew he wasn't "fine". I knew that his head tilt wasn't normal and it wasn't going away. 

I first noticed Barrett's torticollis around the age of 3 months. I talked to the chiropractor about it, and he worked on it a bit. We had some core energy work done also, and those two things seemed to help. 

At his 6 month appointment, I mentioned my concern once again, but it was smoothed over (sort of) by the doctor. Since then, I couldn't stop thinking about Barrett's torticollis. It wasn't magically going away, like I hoped it would.

I had finally made the decision to ask his doc for second opinion, when a friend who is a physical therapist's assistant moved to town. I asked her what she thought, and she agreed that he should see a physical therapist. It was a relief to have someone come right out and say what I was thinking- that he needed help. 

Today was our first appointment with a PT. She was very nice, helpful, and full of ideas for me to do at home. 

Her profession opinion is that his neck muscles are just tight on his right side, and not weak on the left. Therefore, it will take less time to get his head on straight (haha), as long as Mark and I keep up with his stretches at home. She wants us to do five or so minutes of work with him for every waking hour. Definitely doable. 

I feel so much better. As a parent, it is hard to know there is something "wrong" with your child, but it sure does feel good to have some help and understanding. 

A plus is that Barrett is turning out to be such a chill guy (so different from his first months- he just needed a sleep schedule!), and he doesn't mind the stretches and massages one bit. 

Perfect for a park

Julia, Jocelyn, Clare, Margaret, and Alanna

It was the perfect day for a park visit with our Williston friends. As both congregations grow, it's fun to get together and meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. 

I've been thinking of my northern MN family and friends today after the big fire.  Hope all are doing well!

Some firsts

Barrett's first doll. It's my old doll that my mom found and gave to me. She thinks it looks exactly like Barrett. 

First horse ride. We got some old-time photos taken last weekend, and Mark coaxed a short horse ride out of the photographers.

First up on hands and knees. Barrett was doing nothing, nothing, nothing, and it seems like all of a sudden he's planking, and up on hands and knees, and rocking back and forth, and practically going to kindergarten! Well not really, but I've noticed how time seems to fly much faster when you're a parent. 

I'm looking forward to more firsts, but at the same time, I'm not. I want my baby to stay little and cuddly and immobile for just a bit longer! 

Seven Gables Gallery

As some of you may know, my parents have opened an art gallery in Dassel. It is located on Highway 12 next to the Latte Da coffee shop. The Seven Gables Gallery features distinctive fine art from artists such as Lynda Peterson, Kayleen Horsma, and Carol Niska. 

Bev and Dale would be delighted if you would stop by when you're in town; for coffee, a chat, and a look at the breathtaking art. The gallery hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-5. 

A Grand Opening will take place on Saturday, May 25. 

(Oh, how I would love to be there!)

10 things I love about my husband

1. His yooper accent. I can't help but smile on trips to his hometown; the closer we get, the more pronounced it is.

2. He appreciates my cooking, always gives new dishes a try, and thanks me for dinner daily.

3. It is so cute how excited he gets to play with Barrett.

4. Those dimples. And that he passed them on to Barrett :)

5. His sense of humor. I told my sister when I was fifteen that Mark was "so funny". He still is!

6. His love for all things hunting and guns. I find myself more interested in those things than I have ever been before.

7. He works very hard and long hours to make our family a good home.

8. Mark is always willing to get up early with B on weekends to give me more time to sleep.

9. I like that he doesn't drink Dew constantly anymore. Only on special occasions, like after the birth of our son. Oh, and that he eats spinach instead of lettuce.

10. I love that he loves me.

What do you love about your husband?