August 31, 2011

Tortico-LESS

Tortico-LESS is the opposite of torticollis.

Torticollis means "twisted neck," and if a child has this condition, their head will be tilted to one side while the chin is turned to the other side. It's also sometimes called wryneck. Babies with torticollis may also develop positional plagiocephaly (flat head shape) because they'll often sleep with their head turned to the side.  Miles was diagnosed with this at 2 months old.

Tortico-LESS is what happens when the torticollis is gone.  See what I did there?  That's Miles now.

At 36 weeks preggo Miles was breech, so they scheduled a c-section "just in case."

I was pretty much determined to turn Miles and get him to come out the "right way" (If you don't know what that is, ask Clover. She will tell you exactly how Miles left my belly.)  My friend, Meg, recommended a visit to her chiropractor, who is certified in the proper performance of the Webster Technique.  Combined with some exercises to turn him around naturally, I am proud to say that I did not have to have a c-section!

After Miles was diagnosed with torticollis at 2 months old, I made an appointment for him with Dr.Kathryn Hoiriis.  She began working with Miles twice a week, and now once a week, and I am THRILLED to say that he has NO tilt, his flat spot is GONE and he is a physical little monkey-man!

Here are two pictures of Miles.  The first is at 11 weeks old when his torticollis was at it's peak, and the second was taken just a few days before he turned 5 months old:



It's truly incredible. I feel like I owe so much to Dr. Kathryn.

When I googled the definition of torticollis, I started reading some of the parent forums and saw several similar comments like this:


"You child should see a pediatric physical therapist, as well as get fitted for a helmet if the torticollis is accompanied by plagiocephally (flattened head)."


"My son has Torticollis and a flat head..He recently just got the helmet about 3 months ago and we have seen an amazing transformation already!"


"Physical Therapy is a must- your son will most likely need to wear an infant helmet to help straighten his head out. We are about to go that route with our son who looks to the left and cocks his neck to the left ALL the time. It can be discouraging but it won't be like this forever."

Chiropractic care is so often overlooked.  Before I ever saw a chiropractor, or before I knew that there was such a thing as an alternative to the "medicine world", I thought chiropractic care was weird.  I've heard so many people say things like, "Chiropractors just want your money.  They trick you into thinking you have to go all the time." "One wrong move, and you're paralyzed!"

I can't speak for all chiropractors, but I can say that Dr. Kathryn truly cares about her patients.  She saw Miles twice a week in the beginning because WE felt it was best.  She's extremely intelligent and knows what she is doing.  She talks me through each process she does with Miles and has taught me things I can do with him at home.

A lot of people I have talked to have the misconception that Dr.Hoiriis "cracks" and adjusts Miles like she would an adult.  That is not the case at all. Here are some pictures from one of his most recent adjustments: (Miles LOVES her, by the way)


 stretches:



 He holds his head up SO well now!


This is his "bad spot":

Using the activator method - set all the way to 0. I know this because she double checks it every time:

 Cranials - his favorite!

His whole body relaxes


This one is his favorite:

Here is my two cents: Yes, one wrong "crack" and you can be paralyzed.  But one wrong medicine, one wrong diagnosis, and a physician can do the same thing.  Because of Dr. Kathryn's help, I was able to avoid having a c-section.  Because of Dr.Kathryn, Miles has been able to potentially avoid physical therapy, wearing a helmet, seeing other specialists, and is not physically delayed.  To me, that is extraordinary.  I am a strong supporter of chiropractic care, and both of my children get adjusted regularly.

"Chiropractic care benefits children by correcting the spinal alignment to improve their overall health.  Gentle, noninvasive and drug free, chiropractic adjustments treat, resolve and prevent a wide range of health problems. Parents report successful treatment of children's health issues such as acute earache, upper respiratory infection, muscle pain, neck pain and accident trauma. Spinal manipulation for children as young as newborn babies is an alternative treatment for the discomfort of colic and other digestive disorders as well. Parents surveyed by the ICPA reported behavioral improvement for kids who saw a chiropractor, as well as improved sleep and stronger immune systems. Chiropractic America reports that natural, drug-free chiropractic care is sometimes more effective than traditional medical approaches for chronic earache, scoliosis and neck pain. Headaches and sleep disorders of nonspecific causes respond well to spinal adjustments, which affect and repair interrupted neural pathways. Asthma and allergy symptoms and patterns of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also be treatable with chiropractic. Periodic ongoing adjustments at a young age may help stave off the above ailments before they begin. Proper spinal alignment now may delay or prevent degenerative bone or joint disease, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis

(Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/71159-benefits-chiropractic-care-kids/#ixzz1WfAkJsKr)

August 25, 2011

My sweet 5 month old


When I was pregnant with Miles, I had several people tell me that he would probably end up being a “Momma’s boy” and that there was something so special about a mother’s bond with her son.  I’ll be honest, I didn’t believe it.  It wasn’t that I didn’t believe that I would bond with my son, I just couldn’t imagine it.

It’s true.  There is something incredible about having a son.  Maybe it’s his sweet demeanor, or how patient he is (as a second child), or how he gets the biggest, most amazing smile when he sees me.  Either way, he has my heart.






Miles Jonathon is five months old today.   He can roll over from back to front, hold himself up high and has great physical strength.  He loves his big sister; they already have such a special bond.  When Miles is crying, Clover will say (without thinking or stopping what she’s doing), “Don’t worry little man, I’m right here!” “Oh, buddy, don’t cry!” “I’m coming Mr. Man!” She’ll sing to him, and loves to smother him give him kisses.  They smile and laugh at each other.  They also cry when each other cries.  She loves to show him off, and is already so protective. 


















I really didn’t think I could be happier than I was before I had Miles, but as cliché as I sound, 5 months ago today, my heart doubled in size. 















Publix & Kroger Trip 8/25/11

Just a quick little note about couponing: 
1. Our shelves are not stocked with 500 bottles of mustard. That would be dumb.
2. When things go on sale and I have coupons, if it's something we use, I will stock up. For example, ketchup was $0.33 the other day, so I bought 4.
3. I do the shopping for myself, my husband, my Mom and my two kids.
4. If something is free (for example, BBQ sauce today) I will use all of the coupons I have (5) and buy the items, and then give away the ones we won't use.
5. I go to Publix once a week, and Riteaid or CVS about twice a month.6. I check the Southern Savers website more than Facebook or my email. She is the coupon QUEEN!
7. I spend about 2 hours TOTAL a week couponing, and that's only because I enjoy it! :)
8. (and most importantly) I'm going to start posting pictures on my blog of my savings specifically to HELP other people save too! PLEASE ask me questions!



Total Retail: $228.79
Paid: $88.55
Saved: $140.24

4 count publix greenwise bath tissue - Reg price - $2.39, Paid $0.01
2 – 200 ct Bounty paper towels - Reg price - $3.59 each, Paid $1.49 each
10 – Clorox toilet bowl cleaner – Reg price $1.84 each, Paid $1.17 each
4 cans rotel - Reg price $1.05 each, Paid $0.79 each
1 can Bush’s chili beans -$1.59
2 packets of chili seasoning,- $1.25 each
1 carton of  18eggs - $2.39
1 package of lean ground beef - $3.80
2 loafs of Nature’s Own bread - Reg price - $2.85 each , Paid $0.67 each
1 charmin fresh mates - Reg price - $2.79, Paid $0.49
2 bags of Fritos - Reg price - $3.49 each, Paid $2.49 each
1 ½ gallon of Horizon’s DHA whole milk – Reg price - $4.39, Paid $3.64
9 boxes of 132 ct. Scott’s tissues – Reg price $1.25, Paid $0.29 each
3 boxes of 72 ct. Scott’s tissues – Reg price $1.25, Paid $0.29 each
1 box unsalted butter - $3.19
1 syrup - $2.59
1 sour cream - $1.45
3 disney multi-vitamins - $6.99 each , Paid $2.49 each
1 package of sliced cheese - Reg price - $2.99, Paid $2.50
Bananas - $0.73
Blueberries- Reg price - $3.99, Paid $2.99
Mandarin Oranges - Reg price - $2.65, Paid $1.32
2 cans of beets - Reg price - $1.39 each , Paid $0.79 each
1 can of carrots - Reg price - $1.39, Paid $0.79
1 bottle Ken’s marinade - Reg price - $2.99, Paid $0.49
2 64oz bottles of tomato juice - $1.75 each
4 clean & clear face wash, regular – Reg price $5.55 each, Paid $1.49 each
1 clean & clear face wash morning burst – Reg price $4.83, Paid $2.83
2 Lipton family tea bags - Reg price $2.85 each, Paid $1.13 each
1 minute maid frozen lemonade – Reg price $1.89, Paid $0.00
1 gallon 2% milk - $3.39
4 bottles 50 ct. Advil liquid gel– Reg Price $6.19 each, paid $0
1 bottle 50 ct. Advil gel caplets – Reg Price $ 5.93, paid $0
24 ct. Publix paper plates - $2.39
1 package of shredded cheese - Reg price - $5.49, Paid $4.49
4 boxes Ritz crackers – Reg price $3.09 each, Paid $1.16 each
Breyer’s Blasts ice-cream -  Reg Price $5.99, Paid $4.49


(I wasn't able to get all of the items in the picture!)