Flourishing...

Dear Son: I love this picture of you sleeping peacefully. You are 3 and a half months old in this photo. Time sure has seemed to fly! Daddy weighed you a week ago and your weight was 11 and a half pounds! I am so proud that you are flourishing under my inexperienced care. There are moments still when I can't believe that you are mine. I feel honored and privileged to be your Mom. Thank you for choosing me and Daddy; and, our family. We love you!!!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Getting Some Zzzzz's...

Dear Remington: All of the literature I've read has indicated that most babies start to love Tummy time around 3 months of age. Well, you are 3 and a half months old and still DO NOT enjoy tummy time. However, on occasion, you will stop crying while on your tummy and fall asleep. It is important as parents that we give you Tummy Time (or so we are told) -- it is a way for you to increase strength and flexibility in your neck, arms, and legs. Tummy time is a developmental precursor to crawling. Although it is something we need to do as your parents, Mommie and Daddy dislike it almost as much as you do (because it makes you cry).

What tummy time has made me consider as we grow together and as you mature, is a hope that you will forgive us for mistakes. I hope you will also forgive us for doing things that we feel are right for your care and well-being that you dislike.

Part of our job as your parents is to ensure that you have not only your basic needs and wants met, but that you are a good citizen -- with good values, and morals. We will do everything in our power to make sure you thrive in your life. We love you dearly!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie

Play Time...

Dear Little Him: Mommie is a worrier! I worry that with my wacky schedule that I don't read to you enough, sing to you enough, play with you enough....sigh! I guess all new parents have concerns...Mostly I hope and desire that I guide you so that you are happy, engaged, and have an appetite for learning. Alas, I felt that despite your love of the shadows as they dance upon the ceiling, I wanted you to have other venues for development; other viewpoints. I wanted you to experience different colors, sounds, textures...so, Mommie procured a learning mat. YOU LOVE THIS MAT! I enjoy the mat almost as much as you...you get to gurgling and cooing and talking up a storm to the giant giraffe and the soft-touch monkey. I love to hear you express yourself as you play. For Mommie it is magic!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Comedy of Errors OR I Have the Best Baby In the World...

Dear Little Him: Today it seemed as if negative energy met us at every corner! We had plans to see your Great Grandma, and of course, high velocity winds made the trek from Tooele to Salt Lake City an extended one. We got to Rocky Mountain Speedway (in Magna) and I realized that I had forgotten a book that had been recalled from the Marriott Library, so we turned around and went home to get the book.

You generally sleep on long car rides, but today, you were restless and awake for the entire 1 hour drive to see Triple G (the term of endearment that Daddy uses for your Great Grandma Glick)...so you were fussy when we arrived at her place. Mommie changed you, in the course of changing you, you decided to be a little pee-pot...as I was wiping you decided to "mark your territory" (so to speak) and urinated on Grandma's Betty Boop Comforter. You and I hadn't had a pee shower in MONTHS, so I was feeling a bit sheepish. Grandma just laughed and told me not to worry about it, reminding me that urine is sterile...

After the pee incident, and because you were still indicating you were hungry, I tried to Nurse you -- our usual routine after such a long drive. Today, at your Great Grandma's you wouldn't latch well when Nursing and only Nursed 5 minutes on each breast. You would then whine (a new sound of discontent)...Mommie thought you were hungry and so added 6 ounces of supplemental formula. This is the amount you are generally taking when you've gone 3-4 hours between feedings. The last feeding had been 3 hours prior to our Nursing attempt, and I thought it would be okay to give you a full quantity of formula. Boy was I wrong!!! You were content and played with Great Grandma for about 15 minutes and then gave Mom your "I'm wet" cry. When I laid you down to change you, you started to projectile vomit all over Grandma's lovely pink bedspread! You had even burped every 2 ounces, which you normally don't do...I was surprised that I had overfed you. Your Great Grandma Glick is awesome though, while I was berating myself for our little mishap, she encouraged me to write about it in your Baby Book stating: "it will make a great, humorous story one day."

So up to this point, you'd been in the car for 2 hours, had a pee and vomit "adventure"...we got back in the car to beat the weather (it was still windy, but clouds were rolling in and it was starting to sprinkle. The clouds were heavy, dark gray storm clouds; and I had remembered that the forecast had predicted Thunder and Lightning showers) and run an errand. Our next stop was the University of Utah.

We arrived at the U's library about 20 minutes after leaving Triple G's. The wind had picked up and it was still sprinkling, so, I took you out of the car and covered your infant carrier. Then you and I traipsed up a HUGE hill to get to the library main entrance. The "hill" is actually a series of four elevated staircases. The walk from the car to the top of the hill/main Library entrance took us about 15 minutes because Mommie was wearing high heels. After we entered the Library, we needed to find one of the head Librarian's, which took another 15 minutes. You were quiet and trying so hard to sleep to no avail...the lighting and sounds of the copy machines whirring were new and interesting, so even though still covered you were trying to figure out what was going on. Whenever I would check you, you had your forehead crinkled in thought!

Finally, we got back on the road about 4:15pm (we had left our home at 12:30pm -- so it had been an approximate 4 hour excursion thus far). About 4:50pm we took exit 99, which gets us back home, only to find that electrical wires were down from the high winds...there was a very long traffic delay. You fussed for about 5 minutes and then settled in with me for the wait. About 5:00pm we were on our way again, and you were trying to doze...just as you were falling asleep, we pulled up to our home and I extracted you from the car/infant carrier.

It had again been about 3 hours since the last feeding, so when we got in the door (at 5:30pm), you started to make your "I'm hungry" sounds, so I Nursed you. You and I were sitting in the rocking chair. This chair has two positions for rocking, upright and then recline. I placed the chair in recline so you would have better access for feeding. I decided to sit cross-legged and gently rock. Your Aunt Joyce called, so I was holding you in one arm, the phone in the other, and rocking and talking....all of a sudden a backlash occurred! Something changed with the center of gravity and you and I tipped all the way over! Mommie let out a scream because I was startled. You remained calm, and latched to my breast. Once Daddy and I tipped the chair back to its rightful position, he said to me (amidst guffaws): "You are very good Mom...you were holding on to Remington for dear life -- he didn't even unlatch when you and he went over the chair backwards." At this point, I too laughed until I was crying. Aunt Joyce was still on the other end of the phone and when I told her what happened she chuckled. Thank heavens neither of us was hurt!

SO, I feel that with all of the traipsing through Tooele and Salt Lake, the pee accident, the vomiting, and flipping over the chair you had A LOT to process. You were really good through-out the day's adventures, not crying or getting scared -- remaining calm, cooing and smiling often. Because of how positively you handled the day when I was feeling EVERYTHING was going wrong, I think you are the BEST BABY IN THE WORLD! Mommie is soooo lucky to have you.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Buddha Belly...

Dear Reme: For the longest time you seemed to be a long, skinny baby -- even your "Chubbin' Out" photo seemed to present you as a skinnier baby than most, but today, June 15, 2010, I finally got the photograph that confirms that between Nursing and supplementing with formula, you are indeed getting enough nutrients to grow -- you have a buddha belly and are over 10 lbs.! I really think that is awesome because the process of Nursing has been an ordeal -- Mommie was only producing minute amounts of transitional milk for the longest time, now you are getting the healthier fore and hind milk and it is showing! I pray that you have a lifetime of good nutrition, healthy habits, and fantastic health. Life is challenging enough without health issues.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

My Very Own Philosopher...

Duckie: One thing you have always done, even whilst in utero, is place a curled up hand under your chin. This is a mannerism you still display and I really, really like it...it reminds me of the Rodin sculpture entitled: "THE THINKER." According to Wikipedia, this sculpture "depicts a man in sober meditation battling with a powerful internal struggle. It is often used to represent philosophy." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thinker]. I think you are not really battling any personal struggle, but rather, are in deep thought about the world in which you live. You DO seem to be in a deep and somber meditation about your life and how to best understand/consolidate it to who you are. It is pretty fascinating to see your pose and know you are processing information...

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

This Boy Is Loved...

Dear Little Him: Sometimes when you are fussy and I can't seem to soothe you, I walk from room to room to room in our house and sing nonsensical things to you. On this particular day I sang: "Mommie loves you, Daddy loves you,...(then I sing the name of every member of your family) Shelby loves you, Zoie loves you, Dojah loves you, Arzhan loves you...you are loved." The day this picture was taken, after you had settled down and slept, your kitty, Dojah proved my point. You are such an asset to our world, we are enriched every second of every minute of every hour of every day...

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

June 9, 2010 --- Cute Poses!

Pictures from Bottom to Top: "Snug as a Bug in a Rug," "Church Lady Face."~~~You make some of the cutest faces! Church Lady Face is HYSTERICAL! The comedian Dana Carvey used to play a very pious, fanatical "church lady" on Saturday Night Live when Mommie was a teenager. Your face in the top photo reminded me of that. You bring so much joy and delight to me and your Dad, we adore you and always will!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Bubbles...

Duckie: The last few weeks have been a joy! You and I are both getting more daring; and, as a result, are trying new things. One of my favorite times with you has always been bath-time. However, I was a bit nervous about submerging you in water because I'd read somewhere that a baby can drown in as little as a teaspoon of water. Thank heavens for your Sister's and my friend Rachel! Your Sister's gave me so many tips and ideas that the nervous-ness waned. Rachel told me a story about bathing one of her children that made me laugh, and also not worry so much about it as long as you had continual supervision. So, over the last two weeks we tried showering and baths. It was nice to have options of cleaning you in things other than your Tummy Tub, or the sink. YOU LOVE THE WATER and are my very own water-baby! Because I was able to share these experiences, it has led me to try to find a Baby and Me Swim class. I think it would be neat to get you swimming as early as possible, especially since you like the water so much.

In the photo above, you were very engaged with the bubbles. You giggled and laughed, and splashed and played. Initially, you had bubbles on your head and chin to the point that you looked like Santa Claus! Daddy missed getting that on film by a fraction of a second...but you can see your little smile. I just love it!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

A Few Things I Love About You...

Dear Reme:

You are maturing at a rapid pace! I wish to remember every nuance of every moment, but as new and intriguing facets of YOU come to light, I may forget...so, I am writing a note to remind me of a few things you do that I adore!

1) I love it when you are Nursing and you scrunch up your shoulders and cuddle your head into Mommie. It makes me feel very loved by you...I appreciate that you are my own snuggly-wuggly.

2) It is awesome to watch you crinkle your forehead together as you are processing information. I can imagine the wheels moving like a carefully orchestrated machine in your head.

3) You are NOT a morning person, but it doesn't take long for you to be chipper. Your smile is bright and wide and beautiful, and I look forward to it each morning. All Mommie has to do is say: "Good Morning, Son" and you light up my world. Your toothless grin is the most adorable expression!

4) Your laughter is joyous and boisterous! I love to hear you giggle.

5) Your eyes seem to light up and sparkle at the sound of Daddy's voice. It is a pleasure to see.

6) I love when you get mad. You have a Syrian, Irish, German temper at times. I know when you are mad because you start breathing really, really, really fast through your nose...huff,huff,huff,huff...(or the sound of someone who is breathing rapidly into a paper bag to prevent hyperventilation)is the sound that seems to be emanated. It makes me laugh a little (and sometimes a lot)!

I am so lucky you are my son. I think you are perfect!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Your Own...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "Mr. Littlefeet," "Tiny Toes."



"If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after
We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
I am never broken
In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands."

By the artist Jewel...


Dear Remington, your feet are so small, and perfect! When I posted the picture the above song came to mind. It has so many points of inspiration, I decided to add it underneath the pictures. The things that I want you to consider are 1) worry is wasteful, 2) to never despair, 3) always look for kindness and light in yourself and others, 4) never become broken or bitter in your life.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Your Blessing, May 30, 2010...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "A Few Members of your Circle," "Our Little Family," "The Triple R's," "Reme and his Sister's."~~~Your blessing was lovely...it was held in the LDS Canyon Creek Ward at 332 East 1000 North, Tooele, Utah on Sunday, May 30, 2010.

Your Uncle Bob was the presiding Priesthood holder that conducted the blessing. Others in your circle were Great Uncle Roger Sorenson, "Uncle" Leslie DeJong, Grandpa Don Christensen, and Brother Gale -- all of these gentlemen except Brother Gale are in the picture entitled: "A Few Members of your Circle."

There were many moving components of the blessing -- all of which touched an emotional cord in your Mommie. Uncle Bob was divinely inspired! His words made Mommie feel like you would have some protection in this world(I wrote down many of his words to bless you and they are enclosed in your Baby Book.)

Uncle Roger said you were looking towards the "heavens" and very engaged in what was going on. You were a perfect baby...not a fuss even though the blessing was done at 0905, a time normally reserved for you to eat.

One moment of the blessing that was special to Mommie was at the end of Uncle Bob's commentary...he presented you to the ward by holding you up. It reminded me of a scene in The Lion King (one of my favorite Disney movies) whereby Mufasa holds up his first-born, a lion-cub named Simba. His presentation of Simba to the lion pride and, ultimately the world, symbolized one's unique place within (and how important a role one has in the world).

Son, you ARE unique and offer the world something it needs...you are special and have skills and talents that better the lives of those around you. Cherish your gifts..they are truly profound!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

P.S. Here are more details about the photos above...they are a part of your personal history!

"Our Little Family" -- This picture includes:Aryana, Stephanie, Collette, Jackie, You, Mommie, and Daddy..it is only missing one family member (your Brother-in-law, Justin who had to work this Holiday weekend).

"The Triple R's" -- from left to right: Remington, Rachel, and Ron. That is how I am referring to our segment of the Koehler family right now (he-he).

"Reme and his Sister's" -- I posted both pictures that I had because they turned out wonderfully! You are being held by Collette and watched with adoration by Jackie. I LOVE THAT...I have a Christmas Story that is part of our family tradition whereby the Angels watch baby Jesus in adoration. I want you to always feel that you are adored! Your journey to your family wasn't an easy one, but it was very special. We are so honored that you chose us as your family.

Your Sister's are very close and I truly hope that you will experience a close relationship with each of them. They are wise and I hope you will listen to their advice and experiences -- I know they will help you become the person you want to be!

I also hope you will be very close to Stephanie and Aryana; as your Niece's they are have phenomal qualities: some of my favoritie things about them are that they are inquisitive, energetic, giving, and loving. They both have amazing manners, generally listen to their Mom and Aunt; and, are helpful -- a delight to all those who know them.

In return to the unconditional love your family provides to you, I hope that you will always be kind, loving and considerate to all. I hope you honor and respect those less fortunate than you. I hope you always look at others with interest for their "journey" rather than judgment. You are empowered to make a difference, to help make the world a more beautiful, peaceful, and joyful place -- just by being you.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Your First Memorial Day Weekend...

Pictures Bottom to Top: Uncle Remington and Stephanie, Uncle Remington and Aryana -- both taken in Tooele, Utah on May 28, 2010.~~~Dear Duckie, this Memorial Day was soo special. Your Sister's and Niece's drove 400+ miles just to visit you. I hope someday you will realize that you have the most amazing and wonderful Sister's in the world and really awesome Niece's, too! They all love you very much and have so much energy, patience and warmth that they are able to teach you many things I cannot.

Collette taught me some safe ways to enhance your bath-time experience. I am so excited about this because you love bath-time! Now I feel I have the knowledge to be safe when I submerge more of your body in water. She also showed me some new ways to hold you when you get fussy and gassy -- a relief for Mommie, whose heart breaks a little when you cry from the discomfort of a gassy belly.

Jackie taught me loving ways to discipline (for when you are older); and explained the most effective ways to mix formula so you digest it easier -- more relief to help me when I am feeling that nothing I try works...

Although their visit was a short one, we all had so much fun enjoying your moods, and expressions. I loved when Collette, Jackie, Stephanie, and Aryana played with you. You were very content! They all assisted you with "tummy time" which you hate, but need to experience so your neck, arm, and leg muscles get strong. They held you a multitude of times...expressing their care, love, and kindness through gentle touch, massage, and rocking.

I am filled with happiness as I write this because I know that your Sister's will always help you accomplish those things that are most important to you. I hope you will listen to their advice and wisdom.

Lover Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Play Time with Dad...

Pictures from Bottom to Top: "Reme and Goodnight Bear," "Oooh, Love that Goodnight Bear," "Laughing at Daddy," "Reme and his Toys."~~~These photos were taken on Thursday, May 27th. I am always curious as to what my menz's do when I am at work. It was nice to see these photos and know that you and Dad have a lot of fun. Although I think all of these play pictures are great, I love the picture with the dinosaur and dog rattle the most. It gives one perspective about your size in the world. You are growing, and getting big fast, but are still a little tyke. There are times I want you to stay my little tyke FOREVER, but then I wonder what it will be like to hear you talk, see your first steps, watch you play baseball, share your toys...the miracle of your life is such an adventure! I am cherishing every single minute of it. I don't sleep as much as I probably should just so I don't miss a single nuance of your personality, or a single expression on your face. My heart is open wide for you, Little Him -- you are dear to me.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

When You're Smilin'

Reme -- one of my favorite Lois Armstrong songs is entitled: "When You're Smiling." The words are --

"When you're smilin' keep on smilin'
The whole world smiles with you
And when you're laughin' oh when you're laughin'
The sun comes shinin' through

But when you're cryin' you bring on the rain
So stop your sighin' be happy again
Keep on smilin' cause when you're smilin'
The whole world smiles with you

Oh when you're smilin' keep on smilin'
The whole world smiles with you
Ah when you're laughin' keep on laughin'
The sun comes shining through

Now when you're cryin' you bring on the rain
So stop that sighin' be happy again
Keep on smilin' cause when you're smilin'
And the whole world smiles with you

The great big world will smile with

The whole wide world will smile with you."


Be happy always!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.