Video: Baby Talk With NEWS9's Shelby ZarotneyShelby Zarotney's Blog
POSTED: 10:57 am EDT September 17,
2007
UPDATED: 3:59 pm EDT July 19,
2008
Shelby Zarotney joined NEWS9 in 1998 and is an anchor and reporter. Shelby co-anchors NEWS9 Midday, NEWS9 Live at Five and NEWS9 at Six. On November 13, 2007, Shelby and her husband Gary welcomed their first child into the world.
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Click here to visit our Ohio Valley Moms For Moms page
PICTURES: Wynnie - 6 Months Old
Jambo BirthdaysOh the sun, the fun the memories and the laughs!!! That's what Jamboree is all about and what a better time than during Jamboree to highlight birthdays!!!! I am sure out there many babies are celebrating their first, second and third birthdays--- and then some!!!! While Wynnie's birthday is not for a few more months (and thank goodness, she's growing up too fast!) another sweetie here at News9 is celebrating his birthday here at Jamboree!!!Jeff Oechslein is one year older today!!! I love to celebrate milestones, and we did it in high fashion here at the Hills.I remember my niece, Maya's first birthday--- she had icing all over her face!! It was wonderful. We intended for her to go for it, to dive in and get that cake all over her face, and she did!!!When Wynnie turns 1, you can bet we'll let her dig in and make the mess 1 year olds should!! We bought cupcakes for Jeff, out here its so hot and a cake would not have lasted in the heat. Cupcakes are a great alternative for babies too! The little tasty treats are perfect for their little hands.Oh, little hands, little feet, little legs, but boy do they have big voices when they want heard!!!! I love them!!!God BlessShelby Zarotney News9
Saturday Update - Wynnie Sporting Her Jambo Gear I Got Her!
Jambo Baby-Gear In High DemandI've answered my own question--- in a way. In my last blog, I threw out the question, "Wonder how many moms (or parents) are out there in the crowd tonight at Jamboree?"Well, I went to the Jambo gear tent in search for a onesie or baby t-shirt for Wynnie and found out the only article of clothing left for a child or baby was a pink Jamboree t-shirt that fit a baby 6 months old. I asked the lady behind the table to take it down and let me look at it just to size it up and decide whether Wynnie would fit in it, she will!!! Here's where my question was answered, that t-shirt was the only one left and I learned the tie-dye red, white and blue t-shirt hanging was the only one left of that type too-- so, lots of folks out there are very patriotic and or sentimental about their kids and buying them souveniors while out here- how sweet!!!!!I can't wait to put the t-shirt on Wynnie, and we'll put pictures here on the blog of her in it-- they should be up by Saturday! So make sure you're checking it out to see Wynnie and her first Jambo t-shirt.Just talked with Gary, he says Wynnie's having a hard time falling asleep; happens a lot when she's home with daddy. Wynnie loves her one on one time with Gary (and I love that she loves that too!!!) so when it comes to bed time that little munchkin hates for her day to end and she does anything and everything she can to stay up with dad. He called me and said, "Shelby, she's just rolling around in her crib and babbling to herself, waiting for me to come up there and hold her more." I can't resist, when she's doing that, its so adorable, I just have to go up and grab her and rock her again.She's definitely daddy's little girl..... how lucky they both are.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
How Many Moms Are At Jamboree?I always thought before I had a baby, "No problem, my husband and I can certainly go out for an evening or an extended weekend while a family member watches the baby."Not so fast, I now say, after 8 wonderful months with this beautiful baby. Its harder and harder to think about actually being away from Wynnie for an entire weekend for a husband/wife getaway. Its amazing how your feelings about things change after that glorious moment in life, birth.So here I am at Jamboree, and I look out in the crowd and wonder to myself, how many women out there are mothers? How many out there are treating themselves to time off from being a "mommy" and taking that all-important time to enjoy themselves as an individual. I am learning, its important to take time for yourself, it makes you a better mom overall.Looking out in the crowd, seeing so many people just relaxing, dancing to the music and enjoying not having to worry about what time it is or the next thing to do around the house or at work, its a calming reassurance.I talked with Gary not too long ago, he said, "We have Jamboree on at home and Wynnie's swaying to the music and screaches with delight when she hears your voice, Shelby."I love seeing babies and children dance around, just truly enjoying themselves--- they have no inhibitions, don't they? Kids don't worry about how they look dancing, whether they're moving in time with the music or have rythym.The sweetness of childhood. Ok, Gary's calling me now, and Crossin Dixon is on he says she's dancing to them right now, she's smiling and swaying to the music. She's jumping up and down and shaking their shoulders.How sweet!!!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
Oh, Wynnie, I Can't Wait To Take You To Your First ConcertMusic moves us, it does something to us inside.... music has a way of connecting people, touching that place inside where we all sway to the same tune even though we may come from so many different backgrounds.It is my hope Wynnie will appreciate many different forms of music, and with the help of my wonderful husband, who is a music buff, she will enjoy jazz, pop, rap, folk, blue grass and country. This Jamboree experience is so exciting, even though she's 8 months old, even though she may not understand us all the time, she's at home with my husband listening to this country music fest.Last year at this time I was still carrying her.... so I guess you could say this is, technically, her second Jamboree, but its her first where she can see and touch a part of it.Wynnie loves music, loves when we sing to her and I love making her smile. I hope, as she's watching this with daddy, she's smiling and swaying to the music as she sits on the floor of our rec room, holding her favorite toys.Jamboree, its all about getting together, all about having a good time and swaying to the music. No matter how old or young you are, that's the goal, to enjoy it and come away with great memories.One day, maybe when she's like 35, we'll let her come to Jamboree too!!! In the meantime, I'm in search of a baby t-shirt just for her.My husband and I always said we wanted to sing in the kitchen throughout our marriage, and lately I've been humming to the tunes of so many great country music artists. Hope Wynnie likes it!!!!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
Wynnie's First Jamboree Experience Thursday, July 17th 2008Well, Wynnie is into just about any music you turn on for her, and that's fortunate since we're knee-deep in country music these next few days here at Jamboree In The Hille!!!!!Its a great time to blog now, because I am thinking about how much she'll enjoy this in just a couple of years. Wynnie perks up any time she hears music, and in preparation for this country music fest, I've been playing country tunes for our listening pleasure!!! Wynnie's 8 months now and loving every minute of what she's learning.Gary and I are loving it too!!! We wish she could come to Jamboree, but I think this time around, yep, she's a bit too young. Sooooo, that means I'll have to bring the country music fest to her.I'll be bringing home for her a Jamboree t-shirt to wear and bet by the weekend, we'll post a picture of her in her Jambo t-shirt on the website.We're loving every moment of being with her, watching her grow, learn new things and want to walk well before wanting to crawl!! Its so funny, because she scoots backwards on her tummy, but reaches her hands up in the air for us to walk around with her.Wynnie teaches us tons more than we're teaching her!!! She's teaching us to love every moment, to cherish the little things and to laugh for no reason!God bless her, God bless your children too..... no matter where they are. Here, far or in Heaven.Be back to blog soon!!!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
7 Months Going On 2 Years!!! Tuesday, June 24th 2008I remember specifically when I was 13, so glad to be an "official" teenager and thinking to myself, "Gosh, its going to take forever to turn 16!" I mean, I just had a birthday and already I was wishing to be older, wishing I could drive, wishing I had more freedoms.That's what happens when we're young, isn't it? We wish to be older, wish to have this or that because then, we'll be happier and we'll be able to do more things.We were in church last Sunday and the priest gave a homily on that exact topic-- How do we appreciate where we are, in that moment, at whatever age we are and stage in life? He talked about how when we're young, we're always wanting to be older, and when we're older, we're wishing for those younger days. Just like the John Mellancamp song, "Glory Days."So, I mention this because our little Wynnie, little Arwyn Sophia, wants to walk and run and talk on the telephone as if she were 2 or more!!!! I love it!! Its through her though, I realize I need to live in the moment, I need to savor the seconds, minutes and hours with her and Gary because before you know it, the time slips through your hands and before you realize it, Wynnie is 15 and looking at me like I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to fashion, boys, school or music.This child loves to walk!! Every morning, we have to walk her around the house, sometimes we take about 10 laps before she's ready to sit down and play with toys, let me read a book to her or play on her fabric piano. Its so funny to see her walk-- so wonderful!! Wynnie will walk, stop and check out something-- it could be a chair, photo albums, coffee table or of course-- whatever's on the coffee table!!! She is so curious, so inquisitive and so brave.Wynnie does not shy away from people or things or even animals at that. My parents dogs, she goes right up to them, puts out her hand and waits for them to lick her. I am watching her personality develop and mature right before my eyes!!!I love to go in and get her in the mornings...... most times, she's laying in her crib or sitting there, playing with her pacifier, stuffed animal or rolling in the blanket, but the best part, I hear her little voice, she's talking to herself and is so happy!!! I come in and say her name and she squeaks and screams with delight, looks up at me and smiles!!!She wakes up around 6:30, so Gary, unfortunately has already left for work, but he receives the same morning welcome on Saturdays and Sundays from her.Wynnie, she's 7 months and 2 weeks old, today. Its funny, I know at any moment, on any given day, how old she is-- you ask me any time and I know at that second. Its been that way since the day she was born.I love everything about her, and she's just a baby now, but boy is she trying to be a little girl. Not so fast, my Love..... let daddy and me soak you in first as our first little angel!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
6 Months Already?!!?!?!??! Tuesday, May 13th 2008I almost can't remember how small you were when you were born. I remember the first time I held you, feeling your little body, lips red, eyes wide and alert, hands and arms open and outstretched to the sky. I remember your cry, as if you were telling your dad and me, "I'm here, I'm here!" It was (and as your lungs have developed, my dear into a full-on cry) and still is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I remember how you moved and wiggled beneath your first blanket, the wrap from the hospital. I remember your little head, how amazed I was, looking at you, that you had all fingers, toes all facial features. I remember your matted down hair, so beautiful, so full. I remember watching your little chest rise and fall while you slept, so peaceful and perfect.But as you grow, your dad and I grow with you too, I guess. Maybe that's why its hard to remember how small you were, now--- because now, you are a bonified "baby."Laying you now, against a newborn, you look so big!!! I could just drink you in, I am trying to savor every moment.So, today you're 6 months old, officially.Happy half-year birthday..... yes, so far we've taken about 3 thousand pictures, as you could imagine. I think its my goal to chronicle just about every move you make and every milestone you accomplish. But that's our true joy. Like the first time you ate pears, your dad probably took 20 pictures of just you eating the food, and of course, putting your hands in the pears and then to your mouth--- all the while, finding the entire encounter funny. Well as it is, so did we!!!That's why, when I feed you in the morning, I'm wearing an old t-shirt instead of my work clothes, because inevitably, you'll decide to "help" mommy by putting your hand in your mouth and pears going everywhere!!!I'm so excited to watch your personality develop and so aware that how we behave and how we react to things can very well help determine how you get to know your world. I am very sensitive to the fact that we help mold who you are.So far, I think the last 6 months have been pretty ok--- of course, you'll let us know whether mom and dad need to step up our game to meet your needs... right?I have loved the last 6 months, and can't wait to watch you over the next 6.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
Happy Mother's Day!!!! Tuesday, May 13th 2008My mother, my sister, my aunts, family relatives, friends---- all have celebrated it. And now, I am too!!!Happy Mother's Day to you!!First, when I sat down to write this entry, I "thought" I had it all planned out in my mind, but its taken me a couple days to write this because my heart has become heavy.Its no secret, everyday I feel more and more blessed that God chose me to be Arwyn's mother. That He entrusted such an angel to my caring hands to love, nuture and raise, brings me to my knees in tears most times.But in that joy, I recognize that while its shared by moms everywhere, some moms out there also work very hard, emotionally, to balance the happiness of being a mother with the loss of a child.Our babies come to us for various reasons, some are planned, some are surprises and they change our lives in so many ways. But we can never predict when they'll have to leave us. I'm sure there's not a parent out there who doesn't believe the natural order of life begs that we pass on before our children. When there are instances where its the other way around, a parent's heart just doesn't seem to know how to heal.To parents who bear the cross of burying their own children, my heart weeps for you, I pray for you and you are not alone. To moms out there who mourn for their children, your tears are not ever wasted, your pain never minimized. On Mother's Day, I hope the lives of children are celebrated and the dedication, undying love and compassion given by mothers everywhere are remembered and rejoiced by families, friends and relatives.Mother's Day is special, whether your children are in your arms, playing in the next room, a town or phone call away, or in the heavenly skies above, they are your children.Always and in all ways.May God Bless you.Shelby Zarotney News9
Ok, I'll Go On The Journey With You Monday, April 14th 2008I can remember riding in the car with my mom as a child and always thinking to myself, "Gosh she knows how to get everywhere!!" There was never a time, when in the car with her that I ever thought to myself, "We're lost."Mom has a great way of making trips into adventures. Later, I asked her how she knew her way around to so many places. Well, she let me in on a secret..... she said, "Shelby, sometimes I didn't know where I was going, exactly, but I figured why not set out and try to find where I want to go. Who knows, maybe we'll learn about a new place in the process."I like that attitude, that motto. In life, we're often just going along for the ride, not sure of our destination, not sure of what we'll encounter while we're getting there. Sometimes, the trip is better than the end result.... there are so many twists and turns. They can make you laugh, make you hesitant, even frighten you. But we're asked to have faith.... faith gets us through.Some might call it our intuition. Yes, it could be that-- our inner voice. But faith is always there.Our little Wynnie is a lot like those rides I remember with mom as a child. Gary and I could be going along just fine, thinking we've got her number and know exactly what she needs or what she's going to do next, then BAM!! She's got a new gig up her sleeve.That's how it is with children, isn't it? With life, really.I love it. I crave my daughter and welcome her changes, her beauty, her precious existence. She's 5 months old now. Her birth seems like a dream. I often ask Gary to tell me the story of her birth, even though I was there (obviously) he had a different take on the entire experience and I love hearing the story.She's rolling over now and playing like a champ in her exersaucer. Every moment, I thank God. Every smile-- I am nearly brought to tears.So, yes, Wynnie, I'll go on this journey with you and trust in God with every twist, turn, dip and hill we encounter.And as a family, we'll face them, embrace them and grow ever stronger. Just don't grow up too fast.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney
Arwyn Sophia: Everything I Never Knew I Always Wanted Sunday, March 23rd 2008Dear Wynnie,If you're anything like me, by the time you're 3 you'll love baby dolls. You'll enjoy holding them and feeding them, rocking them to sleep and helping change their clothes. If you're anything like me, by the time you're 5 you'll want to be mommy's little helper.Remember, as with anything in life, there's no rush. Take your time. I did, and it all played out just fine, because my patience led me to you.See, I loved baby dolls-- from the time I was a little girl. I remember when I turned 9..... maybe I was 10, well that Christmas, I wanted with all my heart, twin Cabbage Patch dolls. I asked my mom and dad for them and I can remember them talking about how they'd have to ask Santa if he might be able to bring them.I remember going to the store with dad, and showing him the twin dolls I had picked out, "Emily and Elizabeth" were their names. They were dressed in peach dresses with lace on the edgings and they had long brown hair in 2 pony tails. I promised my dad I would take extra good care of them and would let them sleep with me.Well, I waited and waited and waited, and on Christmas morning, guess what was waiting for me??? Yep, you guessed it, those twins, "Emily and Elizabeth." I was so happy to have them!!!!! I loved playing with them for years and when I grew up and went out on my own, those were two of many dolls that mom and dad, your pappy and grammy, placed into bags and stored away---- they stored them away for a day when it would be appropriate to bring them out again. They stored them away for a day when it would be time to give them to you.Now, grammy and pappy didn't know when that time would come. In fact, neither did I. I grew up, went off to college, traveled, started a career and the more time that passed, the more I thought to myself, I'm not ready to have a baby just yet.I thought back to "Emily and Elizabeth" quite often---- but they're just baby dolls, they're not the real thing. See, the real thing really frightened me. Could I be a mom? Would I be a good one?I have always loved children. I did well with other children, but was never sure how I'd fare with my own. Then I met your dad, and he changed my world about so many things. Your dad opened my heart and allowed me to relax about so many things in life. He's still teaching me to relax!!!!Your dad and I got married--- those baby dolls, still stored up in grammy and pappy's attic....just waiting for the time when they could be brought out again.We were married for a while and still, I thought to myself, "I'm not ready yet." Thing is, my worries, my concerns about a baby were all selfish---they were all about me, me, me. One summer, I started praying about where I was being led and what the next step would be for your dad and me. We started talking about what it would be like to have a baby, we started opening our hearts to it.You were out there--- out there in the air, up in heaven, in our hearts. God had planned you for us from such a long time ago. Well before your dad and I ever met, you were in the plan. Isn't that wonderful???? We never know what is coming our way, and then when it does, only then do we realize its everything we never knew we always wanted.God opened my heart to welcome you. Never in a million years would I have ever been able to predict or describe what it is like to be your mother. Grammy and pappy thought they'd have to wait forever for you to come along!!! You're headstrong and fiesty, just like me. You'll learn, is some respects that's a great thing, in others--- well, maybe someone will have to teach you to relax just like your dad taught (and still teaches) me.I knew with every fiber of my being, it was time for me to become a mother. I mean, I didn't know what it would be like, but my faith guided me through every moment of being pregnant with you, and your dad and I grew ever closer. That's why I enjoyed be pregnant so much-- I was just astounded by it!!!! Our faith helped when you were born, and Wynnie, I am telling you now, as you are here on this earth to add to the wonderment of this world, the love I have for you is immeasurable!!! The way I feel about you is beyond this life, its beyond time.I think back to those two Cabbage Patch twins up in pappy's attic. They're waiting for you, when you're ready for them.... when you want to hold them, rock them and put them to sleep. They're ready for you because even though I couldn't admit it for so many years before you came, I guess I always knew, deep down in that place you don't realize, that you'd come---- I always knew you were out there. It just took faith, letting go of selfishness and just being happy, for you to come. And I am so glad you here.Want to know why?Because, you, my daughter--- You Are Everything I Never Knew I Always Wanted.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney
Scrapbooking: I Hope I'm Creative Enough Monday, March 10th 2008I can't believe Arwyn is 4 months old!!!! The time is flying by so fast, sometimes I can't remember what she felt like in my arms as a newborn. This age is so interesting, if you blink you may just miss a new trick they do---- the other day I was sure she deliberately reached for a toy I was dangling in front of her and the more I concentrated on her doing that, the less likely I was to be witness to her new trick. But----- she can now RIP her pacifier ("binky" as its commonly named in our home,) out of her mouth and then calmy and purposefuly, place it back in. She gets quite a kick out of herself to know she can do that.Let's see..... other new behaviors..... Oh!! Wynnie can't quite sit up on her own yet, but when I support her back, she likes to lean forward and tries to put her foot in her mouth. What a girl!!! She smiles so much and knows if she kicks just right, she'll make her little piano play music.... I can keep her occupied by doing that in the mornings on weekdays while I get ready for work.We've definitely discovered a routine in our home and its working. On weekends, she gets so spoiled because Gary and I bring her in our room when she wakes up (we wake up to the bellowing and urgent "song" she sings to let us know she's ready to begin her day) and let her lay inbetween us.... we just look at her and talk to her. Its so funny because she looks back and forth, from mommy to daddy and back again; its as if we're present in the moment she is understanding who we are and differentiating one from the other.Ok, to the title of this blog entry:I can remember 8th grade art class--- it was the only time, I feel, I was ever truly artistic in drawing or sketching. This art class was the one period of the day I dreaded because I couldn't draw a stick figure to save my life, let alone come out of art class as the next to paint perfectly the Mona Lisa!!!!I told my parents, "I'll try my best, but don't expect wonders." Something happened in that art class. I remember Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were huge in my musical repitoire at the time and I was actually --somehow-- able to paint a hot air balloon and some clouds and such-- none of it was off-centered or anything!! But my most proud project from 8th grade art class--- and yes, I still have the drawings to prove that YES at one time in my life, an art teacher inspired me and believed in me so much, my scribble-scratch actually turned out to be something. But I digress--- my most proud moment was when I drew the comic, "Hagar The Horrible."I couldn't believe I was able to replicate what I saw in the comic strip and I must say, it looked pretty decent.Fast forward a few years, never having drawn since and having a baby. Every moment counts with this little girl so its time to not only take pictures, but we've got to create moods and re-create the feelings and emotions that are attached to any one picture. That's where scrapbooking comes into play. Admit-- how easy it is to go into ANY craft store and only mean to buy one thing but come out with $60 worth of scrapbooking tools, items, letters and whatever to add to your scrapbooking pleasure!!!!We've all done it. And if you haven't done one yet.....well just give yourself an occassion or two and before you know it, you'll find a reason to tell the story of some event in your life through pictures and the little bags of baby dresses, vacation diddies or whatever event knowing each little -- and I mean LITTLE bag is $3.99 each!! That's why you end up walking out of the store having spent 3 times more than what you intended. Its all just so cute!!I say, for a person like myself, who other than the days of "Hagar The Horrible," in 8th grade art class, can't draw much more than a daisy that my 4 1/2 year old niece would be impressed by, thank goodness for all those little scrapbooking goodies that help make the pages of Wynnie's life come alive with character and color!! Mommy would be out of ideas and "Hagar The Horrible" would be Wynnie's montra--- because there's not much else I can draw. (Not even sure I could draw that again. It was a one-time inspiration, I think.)Seriously, I do enjoy the scrapbooking. I started on my maternity leave and of course, if you get away from it even for a month, there's pictures and ideas that build up and before you know it, you're so behind. I started one for my niece..... I'm a little behind-- oh say by like almost 2 1/2 years!!!! I've got the pictures, just need the time to get it together.I'll never be able to say enough how excited I am about being a mom. I'll never be able to share enough with other mothers and people who want children, how much of a joy and life-changing experience it is to have someone who completely depends on you.I am so proud of my daughter, so proud of my husband and so proud of the way having her has strengthened our love for eachother and our faith in God.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney
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Click here to send Shelby an e-mailClick here to visit our Ohio Valley Moms For Moms page PICTURES: Wynnie - 6 Months Old
Jambo BirthdaysOh the sun, the fun the memories and the laughs!!! That's what Jamboree is all about and what a better time than during Jamboree to highlight birthdays!!!! I am sure out there many babies are celebrating their first, second and third birthdays--- and then some!!!! While Wynnie's birthday is not for a few more months (and thank goodness, she's growing up too fast!) another sweetie here at News9 is celebrating his birthday here at Jamboree!!!Jeff Oechslein is one year older today!!! I love to celebrate milestones, and we did it in high fashion here at the Hills.I remember my niece, Maya's first birthday--- she had icing all over her face!! It was wonderful. We intended for her to go for it, to dive in and get that cake all over her face, and she did!!!When Wynnie turns 1, you can bet we'll let her dig in and make the mess 1 year olds should!! We bought cupcakes for Jeff, out here its so hot and a cake would not have lasted in the heat. Cupcakes are a great alternative for babies too! The little tasty treats are perfect for their little hands.Oh, little hands, little feet, little legs, but boy do they have big voices when they want heard!!!! I love them!!!God BlessShelby Zarotney News9
Saturday Update - Wynnie Sporting Her Jambo Gear I Got Her!
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Jambo Baby-Gear In High DemandI've answered my own question--- in a way. In my last blog, I threw out the question, "Wonder how many moms (or parents) are out there in the crowd tonight at Jamboree?"Well, I went to the Jambo gear tent in search for a onesie or baby t-shirt for Wynnie and found out the only article of clothing left for a child or baby was a pink Jamboree t-shirt that fit a baby 6 months old. I asked the lady behind the table to take it down and let me look at it just to size it up and decide whether Wynnie would fit in it, she will!!! Here's where my question was answered, that t-shirt was the only one left and I learned the tie-dye red, white and blue t-shirt hanging was the only one left of that type too-- so, lots of folks out there are very patriotic and or sentimental about their kids and buying them souveniors while out here- how sweet!!!!!I can't wait to put the t-shirt on Wynnie, and we'll put pictures here on the blog of her in it-- they should be up by Saturday! So make sure you're checking it out to see Wynnie and her first Jambo t-shirt.Just talked with Gary, he says Wynnie's having a hard time falling asleep; happens a lot when she's home with daddy. Wynnie loves her one on one time with Gary (and I love that she loves that too!!!) so when it comes to bed time that little munchkin hates for her day to end and she does anything and everything she can to stay up with dad. He called me and said, "Shelby, she's just rolling around in her crib and babbling to herself, waiting for me to come up there and hold her more." I can't resist, when she's doing that, its so adorable, I just have to go up and grab her and rock her again.She's definitely daddy's little girl..... how lucky they both are.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
How Many Moms Are At Jamboree?I always thought before I had a baby, "No problem, my husband and I can certainly go out for an evening or an extended weekend while a family member watches the baby."Not so fast, I now say, after 8 wonderful months with this beautiful baby. Its harder and harder to think about actually being away from Wynnie for an entire weekend for a husband/wife getaway. Its amazing how your feelings about things change after that glorious moment in life, birth.So here I am at Jamboree, and I look out in the crowd and wonder to myself, how many women out there are mothers? How many out there are treating themselves to time off from being a "mommy" and taking that all-important time to enjoy themselves as an individual. I am learning, its important to take time for yourself, it makes you a better mom overall.Looking out in the crowd, seeing so many people just relaxing, dancing to the music and enjoying not having to worry about what time it is or the next thing to do around the house or at work, its a calming reassurance.I talked with Gary not too long ago, he said, "We have Jamboree on at home and Wynnie's swaying to the music and screaches with delight when she hears your voice, Shelby."I love seeing babies and children dance around, just truly enjoying themselves--- they have no inhibitions, don't they? Kids don't worry about how they look dancing, whether they're moving in time with the music or have rythym.The sweetness of childhood. Ok, Gary's calling me now, and Crossin Dixon is on he says she's dancing to them right now, she's smiling and swaying to the music. She's jumping up and down and shaking their shoulders.How sweet!!!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
Oh, Wynnie, I Can't Wait To Take You To Your First ConcertMusic moves us, it does something to us inside.... music has a way of connecting people, touching that place inside where we all sway to the same tune even though we may come from so many different backgrounds.It is my hope Wynnie will appreciate many different forms of music, and with the help of my wonderful husband, who is a music buff, she will enjoy jazz, pop, rap, folk, blue grass and country. This Jamboree experience is so exciting, even though she's 8 months old, even though she may not understand us all the time, she's at home with my husband listening to this country music fest.Last year at this time I was still carrying her.... so I guess you could say this is, technically, her second Jamboree, but its her first where she can see and touch a part of it.Wynnie loves music, loves when we sing to her and I love making her smile. I hope, as she's watching this with daddy, she's smiling and swaying to the music as she sits on the floor of our rec room, holding her favorite toys.Jamboree, its all about getting together, all about having a good time and swaying to the music. No matter how old or young you are, that's the goal, to enjoy it and come away with great memories.One day, maybe when she's like 35, we'll let her come to Jamboree too!!! In the meantime, I'm in search of a baby t-shirt just for her.My husband and I always said we wanted to sing in the kitchen throughout our marriage, and lately I've been humming to the tunes of so many great country music artists. Hope Wynnie likes it!!!!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
Wynnie's First Jamboree Experience Thursday, July 17th 2008Well, Wynnie is into just about any music you turn on for her, and that's fortunate since we're knee-deep in country music these next few days here at Jamboree In The Hille!!!!!Its a great time to blog now, because I am thinking about how much she'll enjoy this in just a couple of years. Wynnie perks up any time she hears music, and in preparation for this country music fest, I've been playing country tunes for our listening pleasure!!! Wynnie's 8 months now and loving every minute of what she's learning.Gary and I are loving it too!!! We wish she could come to Jamboree, but I think this time around, yep, she's a bit too young. Sooooo, that means I'll have to bring the country music fest to her.I'll be bringing home for her a Jamboree t-shirt to wear and bet by the weekend, we'll post a picture of her in her Jambo t-shirt on the website.We're loving every moment of being with her, watching her grow, learn new things and want to walk well before wanting to crawl!! Its so funny, because she scoots backwards on her tummy, but reaches her hands up in the air for us to walk around with her.Wynnie teaches us tons more than we're teaching her!!! She's teaching us to love every moment, to cherish the little things and to laugh for no reason!God bless her, God bless your children too..... no matter where they are. Here, far or in Heaven.Be back to blog soon!!!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
7 Months Going On 2 Years!!! Tuesday, June 24th 2008I remember specifically when I was 13, so glad to be an "official" teenager and thinking to myself, "Gosh, its going to take forever to turn 16!" I mean, I just had a birthday and already I was wishing to be older, wishing I could drive, wishing I had more freedoms.That's what happens when we're young, isn't it? We wish to be older, wish to have this or that because then, we'll be happier and we'll be able to do more things.We were in church last Sunday and the priest gave a homily on that exact topic-- How do we appreciate where we are, in that moment, at whatever age we are and stage in life? He talked about how when we're young, we're always wanting to be older, and when we're older, we're wishing for those younger days. Just like the John Mellancamp song, "Glory Days."So, I mention this because our little Wynnie, little Arwyn Sophia, wants to walk and run and talk on the telephone as if she were 2 or more!!!! I love it!! Its through her though, I realize I need to live in the moment, I need to savor the seconds, minutes and hours with her and Gary because before you know it, the time slips through your hands and before you realize it, Wynnie is 15 and looking at me like I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to fashion, boys, school or music.This child loves to walk!! Every morning, we have to walk her around the house, sometimes we take about 10 laps before she's ready to sit down and play with toys, let me read a book to her or play on her fabric piano. Its so funny to see her walk-- so wonderful!! Wynnie will walk, stop and check out something-- it could be a chair, photo albums, coffee table or of course-- whatever's on the coffee table!!! She is so curious, so inquisitive and so brave.Wynnie does not shy away from people or things or even animals at that. My parents dogs, she goes right up to them, puts out her hand and waits for them to lick her. I am watching her personality develop and mature right before my eyes!!!I love to go in and get her in the mornings...... most times, she's laying in her crib or sitting there, playing with her pacifier, stuffed animal or rolling in the blanket, but the best part, I hear her little voice, she's talking to herself and is so happy!!! I come in and say her name and she squeaks and screams with delight, looks up at me and smiles!!!She wakes up around 6:30, so Gary, unfortunately has already left for work, but he receives the same morning welcome on Saturdays and Sundays from her.Wynnie, she's 7 months and 2 weeks old, today. Its funny, I know at any moment, on any given day, how old she is-- you ask me any time and I know at that second. Its been that way since the day she was born.I love everything about her, and she's just a baby now, but boy is she trying to be a little girl. Not so fast, my Love..... let daddy and me soak you in first as our first little angel!God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
6 Months Already?!!?!?!??! Tuesday, May 13th 2008I almost can't remember how small you were when you were born. I remember the first time I held you, feeling your little body, lips red, eyes wide and alert, hands and arms open and outstretched to the sky. I remember your cry, as if you were telling your dad and me, "I'm here, I'm here!" It was (and as your lungs have developed, my dear into a full-on cry) and still is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I remember how you moved and wiggled beneath your first blanket, the wrap from the hospital. I remember your little head, how amazed I was, looking at you, that you had all fingers, toes all facial features. I remember your matted down hair, so beautiful, so full. I remember watching your little chest rise and fall while you slept, so peaceful and perfect.But as you grow, your dad and I grow with you too, I guess. Maybe that's why its hard to remember how small you were, now--- because now, you are a bonified "baby."Laying you now, against a newborn, you look so big!!! I could just drink you in, I am trying to savor every moment.So, today you're 6 months old, officially.Happy half-year birthday..... yes, so far we've taken about 3 thousand pictures, as you could imagine. I think its my goal to chronicle just about every move you make and every milestone you accomplish. But that's our true joy. Like the first time you ate pears, your dad probably took 20 pictures of just you eating the food, and of course, putting your hands in the pears and then to your mouth--- all the while, finding the entire encounter funny. Well as it is, so did we!!!That's why, when I feed you in the morning, I'm wearing an old t-shirt instead of my work clothes, because inevitably, you'll decide to "help" mommy by putting your hand in your mouth and pears going everywhere!!!I'm so excited to watch your personality develop and so aware that how we behave and how we react to things can very well help determine how you get to know your world. I am very sensitive to the fact that we help mold who you are.So far, I think the last 6 months have been pretty ok--- of course, you'll let us know whether mom and dad need to step up our game to meet your needs... right?I have loved the last 6 months, and can't wait to watch you over the next 6.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney News9
Happy Mother's Day!!!! Tuesday, May 13th 2008My mother, my sister, my aunts, family relatives, friends---- all have celebrated it. And now, I am too!!!Happy Mother's Day to you!!First, when I sat down to write this entry, I "thought" I had it all planned out in my mind, but its taken me a couple days to write this because my heart has become heavy.Its no secret, everyday I feel more and more blessed that God chose me to be Arwyn's mother. That He entrusted such an angel to my caring hands to love, nuture and raise, brings me to my knees in tears most times.But in that joy, I recognize that while its shared by moms everywhere, some moms out there also work very hard, emotionally, to balance the happiness of being a mother with the loss of a child.Our babies come to us for various reasons, some are planned, some are surprises and they change our lives in so many ways. But we can never predict when they'll have to leave us. I'm sure there's not a parent out there who doesn't believe the natural order of life begs that we pass on before our children. When there are instances where its the other way around, a parent's heart just doesn't seem to know how to heal.To parents who bear the cross of burying their own children, my heart weeps for you, I pray for you and you are not alone. To moms out there who mourn for their children, your tears are not ever wasted, your pain never minimized. On Mother's Day, I hope the lives of children are celebrated and the dedication, undying love and compassion given by mothers everywhere are remembered and rejoiced by families, friends and relatives.Mother's Day is special, whether your children are in your arms, playing in the next room, a town or phone call away, or in the heavenly skies above, they are your children.Always and in all ways.May God Bless you.Shelby Zarotney News9
Ok, I'll Go On The Journey With You Monday, April 14th 2008I can remember riding in the car with my mom as a child and always thinking to myself, "Gosh she knows how to get everywhere!!" There was never a time, when in the car with her that I ever thought to myself, "We're lost."Mom has a great way of making trips into adventures. Later, I asked her how she knew her way around to so many places. Well, she let me in on a secret..... she said, "Shelby, sometimes I didn't know where I was going, exactly, but I figured why not set out and try to find where I want to go. Who knows, maybe we'll learn about a new place in the process."I like that attitude, that motto. In life, we're often just going along for the ride, not sure of our destination, not sure of what we'll encounter while we're getting there. Sometimes, the trip is better than the end result.... there are so many twists and turns. They can make you laugh, make you hesitant, even frighten you. But we're asked to have faith.... faith gets us through.Some might call it our intuition. Yes, it could be that-- our inner voice. But faith is always there.Our little Wynnie is a lot like those rides I remember with mom as a child. Gary and I could be going along just fine, thinking we've got her number and know exactly what she needs or what she's going to do next, then BAM!! She's got a new gig up her sleeve.That's how it is with children, isn't it? With life, really.I love it. I crave my daughter and welcome her changes, her beauty, her precious existence. She's 5 months old now. Her birth seems like a dream. I often ask Gary to tell me the story of her birth, even though I was there (obviously) he had a different take on the entire experience and I love hearing the story.She's rolling over now and playing like a champ in her exersaucer. Every moment, I thank God. Every smile-- I am nearly brought to tears.So, yes, Wynnie, I'll go on this journey with you and trust in God with every twist, turn, dip and hill we encounter.And as a family, we'll face them, embrace them and grow ever stronger. Just don't grow up too fast.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney
Arwyn Sophia: Everything I Never Knew I Always Wanted Sunday, March 23rd 2008Dear Wynnie,If you're anything like me, by the time you're 3 you'll love baby dolls. You'll enjoy holding them and feeding them, rocking them to sleep and helping change their clothes. If you're anything like me, by the time you're 5 you'll want to be mommy's little helper.Remember, as with anything in life, there's no rush. Take your time. I did, and it all played out just fine, because my patience led me to you.See, I loved baby dolls-- from the time I was a little girl. I remember when I turned 9..... maybe I was 10, well that Christmas, I wanted with all my heart, twin Cabbage Patch dolls. I asked my mom and dad for them and I can remember them talking about how they'd have to ask Santa if he might be able to bring them.I remember going to the store with dad, and showing him the twin dolls I had picked out, "Emily and Elizabeth" were their names. They were dressed in peach dresses with lace on the edgings and they had long brown hair in 2 pony tails. I promised my dad I would take extra good care of them and would let them sleep with me.Well, I waited and waited and waited, and on Christmas morning, guess what was waiting for me??? Yep, you guessed it, those twins, "Emily and Elizabeth." I was so happy to have them!!!!! I loved playing with them for years and when I grew up and went out on my own, those were two of many dolls that mom and dad, your pappy and grammy, placed into bags and stored away---- they stored them away for a day when it would be appropriate to bring them out again. They stored them away for a day when it would be time to give them to you.Now, grammy and pappy didn't know when that time would come. In fact, neither did I. I grew up, went off to college, traveled, started a career and the more time that passed, the more I thought to myself, I'm not ready to have a baby just yet.I thought back to "Emily and Elizabeth" quite often---- but they're just baby dolls, they're not the real thing. See, the real thing really frightened me. Could I be a mom? Would I be a good one?I have always loved children. I did well with other children, but was never sure how I'd fare with my own. Then I met your dad, and he changed my world about so many things. Your dad opened my heart and allowed me to relax about so many things in life. He's still teaching me to relax!!!!Your dad and I got married--- those baby dolls, still stored up in grammy and pappy's attic....just waiting for the time when they could be brought out again.We were married for a while and still, I thought to myself, "I'm not ready yet." Thing is, my worries, my concerns about a baby were all selfish---they were all about me, me, me. One summer, I started praying about where I was being led and what the next step would be for your dad and me. We started talking about what it would be like to have a baby, we started opening our hearts to it.You were out there--- out there in the air, up in heaven, in our hearts. God had planned you for us from such a long time ago. Well before your dad and I ever met, you were in the plan. Isn't that wonderful???? We never know what is coming our way, and then when it does, only then do we realize its everything we never knew we always wanted.God opened my heart to welcome you. Never in a million years would I have ever been able to predict or describe what it is like to be your mother. Grammy and pappy thought they'd have to wait forever for you to come along!!! You're headstrong and fiesty, just like me. You'll learn, is some respects that's a great thing, in others--- well, maybe someone will have to teach you to relax just like your dad taught (and still teaches) me.I knew with every fiber of my being, it was time for me to become a mother. I mean, I didn't know what it would be like, but my faith guided me through every moment of being pregnant with you, and your dad and I grew ever closer. That's why I enjoyed be pregnant so much-- I was just astounded by it!!!! Our faith helped when you were born, and Wynnie, I am telling you now, as you are here on this earth to add to the wonderment of this world, the love I have for you is immeasurable!!! The way I feel about you is beyond this life, its beyond time.I think back to those two Cabbage Patch twins up in pappy's attic. They're waiting for you, when you're ready for them.... when you want to hold them, rock them and put them to sleep. They're ready for you because even though I couldn't admit it for so many years before you came, I guess I always knew, deep down in that place you don't realize, that you'd come---- I always knew you were out there. It just took faith, letting go of selfishness and just being happy, for you to come. And I am so glad you here.Want to know why?Because, you, my daughter--- You Are Everything I Never Knew I Always Wanted.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney
Scrapbooking: I Hope I'm Creative Enough Monday, March 10th 2008I can't believe Arwyn is 4 months old!!!! The time is flying by so fast, sometimes I can't remember what she felt like in my arms as a newborn. This age is so interesting, if you blink you may just miss a new trick they do---- the other day I was sure she deliberately reached for a toy I was dangling in front of her and the more I concentrated on her doing that, the less likely I was to be witness to her new trick. But----- she can now RIP her pacifier ("binky" as its commonly named in our home,) out of her mouth and then calmy and purposefuly, place it back in. She gets quite a kick out of herself to know she can do that.Let's see..... other new behaviors..... Oh!! Wynnie can't quite sit up on her own yet, but when I support her back, she likes to lean forward and tries to put her foot in her mouth. What a girl!!! She smiles so much and knows if she kicks just right, she'll make her little piano play music.... I can keep her occupied by doing that in the mornings on weekdays while I get ready for work.We've definitely discovered a routine in our home and its working. On weekends, she gets so spoiled because Gary and I bring her in our room when she wakes up (we wake up to the bellowing and urgent "song" she sings to let us know she's ready to begin her day) and let her lay inbetween us.... we just look at her and talk to her. Its so funny because she looks back and forth, from mommy to daddy and back again; its as if we're present in the moment she is understanding who we are and differentiating one from the other.Ok, to the title of this blog entry:I can remember 8th grade art class--- it was the only time, I feel, I was ever truly artistic in drawing or sketching. This art class was the one period of the day I dreaded because I couldn't draw a stick figure to save my life, let alone come out of art class as the next to paint perfectly the Mona Lisa!!!!I told my parents, "I'll try my best, but don't expect wonders." Something happened in that art class. I remember Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were huge in my musical repitoire at the time and I was actually --somehow-- able to paint a hot air balloon and some clouds and such-- none of it was off-centered or anything!! But my most proud project from 8th grade art class--- and yes, I still have the drawings to prove that YES at one time in my life, an art teacher inspired me and believed in me so much, my scribble-scratch actually turned out to be something. But I digress--- my most proud moment was when I drew the comic, "Hagar The Horrible."I couldn't believe I was able to replicate what I saw in the comic strip and I must say, it looked pretty decent.Fast forward a few years, never having drawn since and having a baby. Every moment counts with this little girl so its time to not only take pictures, but we've got to create moods and re-create the feelings and emotions that are attached to any one picture. That's where scrapbooking comes into play. Admit-- how easy it is to go into ANY craft store and only mean to buy one thing but come out with $60 worth of scrapbooking tools, items, letters and whatever to add to your scrapbooking pleasure!!!!We've all done it. And if you haven't done one yet.....well just give yourself an occassion or two and before you know it, you'll find a reason to tell the story of some event in your life through pictures and the little bags of baby dresses, vacation diddies or whatever event knowing each little -- and I mean LITTLE bag is $3.99 each!! That's why you end up walking out of the store having spent 3 times more than what you intended. Its all just so cute!!I say, for a person like myself, who other than the days of "Hagar The Horrible," in 8th grade art class, can't draw much more than a daisy that my 4 1/2 year old niece would be impressed by, thank goodness for all those little scrapbooking goodies that help make the pages of Wynnie's life come alive with character and color!! Mommy would be out of ideas and "Hagar The Horrible" would be Wynnie's montra--- because there's not much else I can draw. (Not even sure I could draw that again. It was a one-time inspiration, I think.)Seriously, I do enjoy the scrapbooking. I started on my maternity leave and of course, if you get away from it even for a month, there's pictures and ideas that build up and before you know it, you're so behind. I started one for my niece..... I'm a little behind-- oh say by like almost 2 1/2 years!!!! I've got the pictures, just need the time to get it together.I'll never be able to say enough how excited I am about being a mom. I'll never be able to share enough with other mothers and people who want children, how much of a joy and life-changing experience it is to have someone who completely depends on you.I am so proud of my daughter, so proud of my husband and so proud of the way having her has strengthened our love for eachother and our faith in God.God Bless,Shelby Zarotney
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