These photographs I took of MckFlurry at dinnertime (Well, just after dinnertime for him, as you can probably tell.) yesterday have me wondering.
Wondering…could he be any more beautiful? How on earth is it possible that he is five weeks old already!?
Wondering…how did I get so lucky blessed!? When will he crack his first smile?
Wondering…what kind of personality will he have? Who does he look like? Who will he look like. How is he changing so quickly!?
Wondering…is it okay for his tummy to be that big? And…
…what on earth did I ever do without him!?
I don’t understand why people have to jump strait into being nasty and judgmental.
The pictures of L in wearing the necklace did concern me a bit, and I was going to comment and ask Jen about them (I don’t need to because it has already been explained), but I know from reading Jens blog that she is a good Mom and wouldn’t put her children in danger. After reading the information provided by her and others in the comments I feel much better about that cutie wearing the necklace, it still isn’t something that I would chose for my child, but that doesn’t make it wrong, and it doesn’t make her a bad Mom. There just isn’t any need to be so ugly to people.
I agree with you! I don’t understand why people give advice to someone with FIVE healthy kids!!! The necklace is cool, she’s not leaving him in a room sleeping in it!! And he’s got a big, full HEALTHY belly. I’m a pediatric ICU nurse and nothing seems wrong with this picture. The only wrong thing are the multitude of unsolicited advice!!!
Also, I now really want an amber necklace for ME!!
Holy comments Batman! Just wanted to tell you how beautiful the photographs are of Lachlan – he is beyond gorgeous!
You are so lucky to be able to stare at that beautiful face all day long. You know, with all that free time and all 
I can’t get over that round belly
Dagmar
Wow! I was going to post about the healing effects of amber necklaces on my blog, but now I’m kinda scared of getting mean comments!
I think your comments remind me of this post that Jon Acuff did (Stuff Christian’s like) on CNN.com…. http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/29/my-take-why-christians-are-jerks-online/
I think you definitely have #1, and #2 going on here in your comments section!
My daughter had a belly like that forever, and my ND told us it was yeast overgrowth (Weird?)… gave her yeast cleansing stuff, and it went away. But I kinda almost didn’t want to give it to her, because the belly is just SOOO darn cute.
He is precious, and I love your patience, testimony, and I think you are more then protecting the faith, I think you are furthering it by doing what God thinks matters most- loving Him, and loving others.
Thank you so very much.
He is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! His big tummy makes me smile! As for the necklace, I trust your judgment and know you wouldn’t harm him.
correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t amber necklaces amazing for calming babies / kids and helping them with teething? In addition to being cute?
seriously, don’t judge based on a picture…you never know what it actually is. I’ve seen many many toddlers wearing amber necklaces and my daughter even pulled on one and it..popped off.
oh…and…ALL of my babies had that big baby belly and nothing was wrong. Just depends on when they ate last. again…don’t judge based on a pic!
Yes Amber necklaces are AMAZING 4 teething. My Son wore 1 from around 2 weeks until he was 3 and we never took it off… Each bead is individually knotted so if it does happen 2 break then no bead can be swallowed. They are most effective if worn all the time and not put on and off. I just hate that ppl comment and are really so ignorant on the subject that they seem 2 have so much 2 say on… Grr frustrating. I think your doing a great job MckMama
I am absolutely inspired seeing your lovely photo journey of your growing family! just BEAUTIFUL! Details in your photos support you as a fully researched, firmly grounded and well thought loving mommy!! Your children are precious and well rounded!! (especially sweet flurry) Only those ignorant of the safety and effectiveness of (quality) Amber teething necklaces/anklets have left these rude comments.
My daughter wears her baltic necklace daily for going on 8 months now. not only does she have none of the negative teething symptoms (YES they EXIST teething deserves dedicated attention) that so so many other babies have but she also has healthy sleep patterns and has never been sick AT ALL in 11 months.
Kudos mckmama for your beautiful blog
Too funny! Jenn, I seriously give you credit for being so patient. Some people are crazy. Lachlan is absolutely adorable in his necklace, and that tummy…ADORABLE!! Nothing more healthy looking than a nice, full, big tummy!
WOW – I am a lurker – read every day – rarely comment kind of gal. Just went through and read the comments and did not realize there was a whole debate system! Does this happen on all of your posts?
Holly
Agghhhhh! I just dont know how you deal with this rude & uneducated people all day long???? I am a member of a local mommy board where we have 0ver 5000 members. There is soo many mommies who babies all wear amber necklaces. I have seen them on newborns all the way into their teens! I dont think there is one problem with them! I have never heard of an amber necklace being dangerous! I think people are just trying to get under your skin! You have some thick skin, because personally i couldn’t stand all these negative people! Keep doing what you are doing because you are a great mom! All those kiddos always look so happy & spoiled! And for the person that said you abandon your other kiddos since the new one has came into the picture….well they need to get lost! Of course you are going to owww and awww over him!! Hello he is brand new! They would do the same exact thing!!!
What does it say about me that I totally missed the necklace due to admiring that big baby belly? Even called my husband over last night to look at it! Was a little confused today when you referenced the necklace… Huh? Oh, that thin dangling above a full newborn tummy? Gotcha – must have been distracted.
Hehe, that is too funny! My husband, upon seeing the photos, said precisely: “Those are some great photos, but I’m so distracted by that awesomely huge belly that I can’t really appreciate the photo for what it is!!”
All I think when I see that belly is how I want to tickle it! I have to hand it to you MckMama, I don’t know how you put up with so many women thinking they know how to care for your children better than you do. I couldn’t handle that from a family member, let alone a complete stranger! You are a very patient person
) Keep up the good work, your kids are absolutely perfect!
Thanks.
I certainly did not used to be so patient with it. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to be okay with the fact that, although I still have areas of imperfection, I know I’m an awesome mom. I don’t need anyone to tell me that I am, nor does someone implying that I’m not a good mom sway me, either. At the end of the day, it is what my God thinks of me that matters…and that’s truly it!
Hi, I came across your blog for the first time around the time that Stellan started to sit up by himself. I’ve read it off and on since then. I’ve started visiting more often in the past couple of months. Thought I’d say hi from Tennessee!
It may seem that this might be negative, but just wanting to address some people’s comments. I know that babies and children have passed away due to choking, and I hate that. But if a mother wants to put a necklace on her baby, when the child is unable to have the correct hand coordination to pull at it, then let her. It’s not like L was sleeping and left alone while wearing it. She is able to see if it looks as though it’s too tight. As she stated, she was right there and the necklace was visible the entire time. If you look at the 3rd picture, you are able to tell that the necklace is loose but not too loose. If you feel the need to bash a person on THEIR blog, then there is a little red X in the top right corner. But I can also understand the ones that expressed true concern and not just out to bash. I didn’t put necklaces on my 4 year old daughter when she was a baby, but I don’t see a concern with these pictures. I know some might say something bad about my comment, oh well it’s my opinion!
I think Jenn as stated that children should be completely supervised while wearing necklaces SEVERAL times.
Belly looks absolutely adorable! Reminds me of my daughter’s when she was tiny!
Lindi
As a mother of 5, are you amazed at all the people who feel the need to tell you that you’re putting your baby in danger and that your baby looks sick because he has a big tummy after nursing? I don’t know how you stand all the criticism. I’d have to tell people to take a hike already, I guess I wouldn’t be a very popular blogger.
I wouldn’t be either. I don’t have the patience for that.
She could easily stop blogging if she didn’t want the attention. She LOVES it. So she has to take the good with the bad. She could easily just lead a private life.
And it seems that you LOVE reading my blog, too!
I’m glad to have you here, truly.
I do find it interesting, though, that the last, and only times in the recent past, you’ve ever commented on my blog was during the Great Trampoline Debate. You left a whole slew of them about how you disagreed with me letting our children partake is such a dangerous activity. May I be so bold as to ask why you only seem to comment when there is drama or controversy about my parenting?
Wow! 1 for Mckmama!
Wow, my comments were not approved, huh. No one can disagree with Jen! Hysterical. I will never visit this blog again. Sad, the kids are cute and I enjoy the pics. But for someone so religious she certainly shows no tolerance. HYSTERICAL.
Oh my gosh, he is simply gorgeous! And, that necklace looks so cute on him!
Why does he have a necklace on? Aren’t you afraid it might choKe him?
He’s a cutie pie!
Because I think it’s adorable!
And nope, it can’t choke him. The clasp pops off if it were to get pulled on and my children, young and old, only wear something around their necks when I am able to supervise (and photograph!) them! 
I LOVE the necklace! And Lachlan too! oh man hes just perfect!
I was just looking into getting one for my 5 month old! I’m sure its on here somewhere, I’m just not seeing it, Where did you get your amber necklace?
I adore looking at your photos it inspires me to take the time to do that with my 2 and cherish all of these moments! Thanks for such an inspiring blog!
Not sure where Jen purchased hers from, but you can get them from here: http://www.poutbabyboutique.com
If they are out online you can call the store to order.
My two younger ones both had bellies like that and had no problems with their bellies. . . it went away between 12 and 15 months. I asked my dr. too and as long as everything checked out, there was no cause for concern. I’m sure your dr. will check the belly at his next check up.
I looked at his belly and cringed as well – it looks distended. I would get a Dr.’s opinion, even if he isn’t having any apparent digestive issues.
Regarding the amber necklace – I hope it was just an accessory for the picture.
The necklace makes me nervous as well!
Awwww, adorable. My girls had bellies like that after eating. Soo cute.
I think it’s cute, too. Thanks, Erin!
Re: the amber necklace. First of all, little L. is gorgeous and I’m glad he has been such a joy and blessing for you and your family. He’s a sweet little chubster on his colorful blanket with his necklace. I’m sure you want nothing but the best for him and I mean that sincerely!
I’m troubled by the implications of a professing bible believing Christian using the healing energy of gemstones and accepting blog advertising for others to do the same. Jennifer – you may want to talk to your pastor and get some feedback. You may also want to call L’s doctor and see what he/she thinks about a baby wearing a bead necklace (probably not the safest idea). This may be something to reconsider on both levels.
cross posted at MWOP
Oh for God’s sake…REALLY??? She already addressed the safety of wearing the necklace below and as for the “implications” you refer to…ehhh, never mind. Since you put you cross posted at MWOP, I’m not going to waste my fingers typing anymore.
I’m sorry you think that I am “using the healing energy of gemstones.” That’s not the case.
I don’t believe, nor have I ever mentioned, nor have any advertisers I have worked with ever shared to my knowledge that there is any mystical “healing energy” in amber. I would be the last person to tout any kind of healing “energy” apart from Jesus. I’m not sure where you came up with that, but it certainly isn’t what I believe. 
I mentioned that “some believe there are wonderful benefits to wearing amber,” and that’s true. Many have experienced that, though I’ve never heard it mentioned in a mystical sense. Just that literally, the amber on the skin is soothing to some. Personally, I think they are simply gorgeous necklaces and believe there to be nothing wrong with a “Bible believing Christian” wearing jewelry made of any kind of gemstone. There is nothing I have read in the Bible that backs up the belief that Christians ought not to let their babies wear necklaces made of amber. It is a natural material like stone or wood, not even a gemstone if you want to get particular. 
As I’ve mentioned below, there is absolutely nothing unsafe about a baby wearing an appropriately fitting necklace while supervised by a parent. I do not know what you mean by “not the safest idea.” It is completely safe and, in my opinion, carries zero “healing energy.” I hope that clears up the confusion you seem to have about my beliefs regarding amber and the safety of babies wearing necklaces.
Actually there is some “healing energies” in amber. It releases a small amount of succinic acid that helps inflation. It’s not a weird mystical cosmic thing.. just nature.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber
Yes, it is nature! I just don’t think that is what she meant by healing energies so I was trying to clarify that it’s not mystical, just nature! Nature can be very beautiful, huh?
Just how God made it.
Oh, and I am a Christian. I just don’t see the issue with using something God created to help heal us. We use aloe for skin burns, why is using amber any different?
And an fyi, amber is useful with adults as well. It helps with tension headaches as well, and I have a friend who has an amber bracelet that helps with her arthritis.
I also agree that as Christians, I think it is just fine to use natural things, like aloe, that God created, in order to help us! I think it’s similar to feeding healthy, whole food to our bodies, using vitamin E oil on dry skin, nibbling on mango to help with heartburn and gargling salt at the first sign of a sore throat. If you think it works and want to try it, I see no Biblical reason not to!
I am so thankful that you do not let rude people get to you. Seeing as you are a photographer, the minute I saw the photo I knew you had it on him for the picture. It looks great against his skin tone. As for the belly…it is adorable. My thought when seeing it was that someone had just filled his tummy up with yummy breast milk. You go Mckmama…ROCK ON!
I stand corrected!
You are right that amber isn’t a gemstone – who knew! Here’s a (commercial) link that explains the mystical healing properties of amber:
http://www.amber-teething-necklaces.com/healing_properties_of_baltic_amber.html
I’m not going to debate with you over it but I urge you to consider that even if you don’t believe amber to have spiritual healing properties, others do, and by using (thereby endorsing) its use, you may lead others to stumble in their faith. I imagine I’m sounding like a witch hunter or an old fuddy duddy but I think we as believers in leadership positions have a serious commission to protect the faith of those who follow us. I’m just asking you to think about it and seek some wisdom from your pastor or a trusted mentor.
I could see if she was speaking of chakra (sp?) crystals and oujia boards, but it’s just amber.
I’m a Christian woman who prefers alternative healing to taking a bunch of pills. God made our bodies full of the same elements He used in nature, why is it hard for you to understand He gave us these things to use? Why wouldn’t He make us and nature to work beautifully together?
The last thing I want to do is lead others to stumble in their faith. I’ll definitely think more about it! Hopefully by explaining, as I have, that I don’t believe amber to have spiritual healing powers, my readers will see what I believe about it and it won’t be a stumbling block. I do believe I have a serious commission to protect the faith for sure! I know the Bible talks about being free to eat meat yet being cautious around others who are not as free, lest we cause them to stumble, so I know what you mean for sure! But I also don’t believe I need to look for issues where there really needn’t be any. I have never thought about amber the way you describe at all! My mother in law, who loves Jesus, loves crystals and thinks they are beautiful. They are all over her home. Some would connect crystals with anything other than Christianity, but she is the first person to tell you that she just loves the natural beauty of them. She believes nothing mystical about them and makes that known to anyone who asks. I feel the same way about amber. I’ve always thought the necklaces were beautiful on babies, just as some love to dress their newborns in tiny tennis shoes. For me, it is not about healing or powers or mythology. I want to be careful about what I share with others but also don’t want to fall into extreme legalism. I think as Christians we all work to balance that the best we can.
“Believers in leadership positions have a serious commission to protect the faith of those who follow us?”
Um, you sound like you lead a cult. And if you can so easily “lead people to stumble” are they really “followers” in the first place? Just wondering…
And who are you to “ask anything” of a mom who exercised her own opinion and put an amber necklace on her child? It makes me sad that people are so snarky to others and chalk it up to other women not doing something that is “Christian enough” in their opinion.
…and let’s not forget about how Christian it is to cross post on MWOP, a site dedicated to bashing… You’re a gem of a Christian woman. No pun intended.
I think I love you. Your post is awesome!
Re: ‘I urge you to consider that even if you don’t believe amber to have spiritual healing properties, others do, and by using (thereby endorsing) its use, you may lead others to stumble in their faith.”
It is illogical to say that Christians should not use or do anything that some people consider “new age”, satanic, or whatnot…that would certainly keep Christians from an insane amount of things, such as eating certain foods, lighting candles, celebrating birth days, keeping track of the moon’s cycle, celebrating Christmas and Easter, and much more.
Lori,
You give Christians a bad name by being over spiritual about something like a necklace. She does not need to consult her pastor about putting a necklace on her baby and taking a picture. Take it easy… you are the perfect example of a Christian that makes christianity seem like a rule book when in reality the necklace is not a big deal at all!!
Lindsay
Let’s hope wearing amber won’t make me stumble in my faith
. But then again, I practice yoga so I must be a lost case already…
LOL!!!!!!! !!! I have no clue why I am reading this as it is on the crazy, non issue, just plain dumb to argue about side but that comment made me laugh out loud!
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine and it has helped me to be able to reduce the about of medication that I take for a neck and back problem. Oh and the best part my chiropractor is a Christian.
Really? Anyone who would let a silly thing like “mystical amber beads” stumble in their faith 1) needed the stumble to realize what they believe in is true (Jesus) and/or 2) weren’t strong enough in their faith to begin with to realize that anything mystical/magical/whatever isn’t real.
Although, I do yoga and my mom practices healing touch (look it up), so I must be a lost cause already. Oh no!
Wow … I’m sorry, but you are reading way more into it than most people do. They look at the pictures, and say “Aw, cute baby!” and move on! I’ve never heard of amber anything … interesting, but am I going to research it or even buy one? Nope. Just looking at the baby pictures and thinking, “Aw, cute baby!”
This is ridiculous! I am a Christian, and I follow JESUS CHRIST, my Lord and Savior. I do not follow a person! I do not believe that any person has the responsibility to protect my faith. It is MY responsibility to protect my faith. MckMama’s children wearing amber necklaces is not a spiritual thing,nor a healing issue. She has beautiful, healthy children. She also is entitled to live her life and rear her children any way she wishes! Lay off, chick! She is not responsible for another’s walk with the Lord. Stating that as a believer you have a responsibility to the others who follow you sounds a bit cultish to me! Maybe you need to seek some wisdom from your pastor regarding your own responsibilities!
I am a religious Jew and healing energy thingamajiggies are totally against my religion. It is a very strict prohibition. But my daughter wears an amber necklace, and it’s totally fine, because there isn’t anything spiritual about it.
I can see where you are coming from because I have a necklace that matches hers, and people sometimes assume there is more to it than there really is. Like there is some special meaning behind them being matching or something.
Those that are close enough to me to notice the necklaces and realize they are matching are close enough to ask the meaning behind it. And I explain.
(I’m still not fully convinced it works… I did notice a difference in crying while teething, but I can’t be sure that it’s because of the amber. Nevertheless, it’s pretty! )
I agree completely. I’m utterly shocked at the backlash I’m getting of mothers saying how it is not dangerous at all. Uh, my husband’s nephew died at 7 weeks wearing a similar looking necklace. It makes me sick to think that putting anything around your infant’s neck is safe in any situation. It only takes a moment for a horrible accident to happen. Why put an amber necklace around your child’s neck? And oh it is not so cute when a child dies directly resulting from an unsafe choice made by the parent(s). Of course it is completely and utterly also against my Christian beliefs but have focussed my comments on the safety issue in the hopes of educating mothers who think oh Jennifer does this it must be great.
The most ridiculous response I got was that while in utero, a cord is connected to your child, etc. so it is no more dangerous than that. The comment was full of sarcasm and ignorance.
If you have a pediatrician, which I wholeheartedly think every child should, I agree with your advice as to ask them for their opinion.
So kudos to you. Well said, hopefully thought-provoking and educational comment!
it doesn’t matter what the doctor thinks. She is the mom and last time I checked her and her husband make the decisions for their family.
Maybe you should get off of your “godly” high hoarse and look at the planks in your own eye before trying to take out splinters out of hers….. Matt 7:4
in other words leaving the judging to God.
and whatever happened to .. if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all??
This blog post was about how gorgeous this baby was.. not to advertise or bring attention to a necklace that is none of anyone’s business.
PS. I have had my son wearing a dark green amber necklace for the last 7 months of his life and I can absolutely tell ( when he is teething) that it works.
it doesn’t matter what the doctor thinks. She is the mom and last time I checked her and her husband make the decisions for their family.
Maybe you should get off of your “godly” high hoarse and look at the planks in your own eye before trying to take out splinters out of hers….. Matt 7:4
in other words leaving the judging to God.
and whatever happened to .. if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all??
This blog post was about how gorgeous this baby was.. not to advertise or bring attention to a necklace that is none of anyone’s business.
PS. I have had my son wearing a dark green amber necklace for the last 7 months of his life and I can absolutely tell ( when he is teething) that it works.
Funny…… my comment about the necklace was deleted.
If you’re referring to the one where you called it ridiculous and dangerous, nope…that one is still there!
I love you.
yep, i saw it too.
healing gem stones?
sorry.. i had to smile.
My husband is an evangelical pastor and we use baltic amber too. Theres nothing sinful or wrong about it.
Its no different than using modern medicine.
He is so cute,just like your other kids.I am a mum to 4 and #5 is due in Feb,i am like you and have 3boys and 1 princess
My daughter and son both had a tummy like that as a bub and i was told by the Dr that it is due to the stomach muscles not being developed fully,so the muscles can’t hold everything in like a adult.
Love the teething necklaces also,and those that are worried you will find that the clasp if pulled will come apart,this is to prevent choking,mine is like that anyhow.
Oh my word, where did your newborn go? He is so stinkin cute! Miss you!
Not to make you worry but please get his stomach checked out as a distended stomach could be a sign of hepoblastoma (most children that are diagnosed with it are born with it)… it is probably nothing but a SERIOUSLY CUTE tummy but to be on the safe side check with your pediatrician.
Hey is beautiful…simply beautiful!
ha….that should say he…not hey! I am tire, can you tell!?!
No, I can’t tell that you are “tire.” Not at all!
This made me laugh out loud!
ME TOO!
Aww, he’s so precious!
I didn’t read any of the comments so I apologize if I repeat about his tummy! My daughter has had constipation problems from the day she was born. But of course, there was the obvious aside from a distended belly like McFlurry’s (really straining to poop and not doing it often and when she did it was more like a kid on table food than a newborn breastfeeding). So as long as he doesn’t have any problems otherwise, his belly is ADORABLE! He must be plenty full
OMG look at that sweet little baby belly! LOVE it so much. You are such a lucky lady. He is adorable, as are the rest of you kiddos.
He is changing so fast! Beautiful pictures of your beautiful baby boy!
Thank you! And yes….I agree that he is changing SO fast!!
Well, I had 3 friends have babies within 3 weeks…Flurry is the only of the three I have not cuddled with….I’m just saying. I guess these picture will suffice for now.
For now! But I’m hoping you’ll have your chance someday with him!!
You and me both!!
OH MY GOODNESS! That tummy!! Soooo stinkin’ adorable. I love it. He’s the cutest thing I think I ever did see.
I just wanted to say that he is gorgeous.
But in answer to your question about his belly…It may be completely normal but on the other hand my daughter was born with intestinal malrotation and her belly looked exactly like that and she showed no signs of being in pain or anything so I had no clue until she start vomitting mucous. And then she had surgery at 6 days old to correct it. I honestly can’t tell you if thats normal…as long as he isnt vomitting and is eating normal I wouldn’t worry to much. Or at least ask the doc just to make you feel better
Oh’ his tummy is so cute!
delicious baby!
Dude! That is one HUGE tummy! How can a tummy be that big on something so little? He’s so cute and it only makes my babyitis stronger
He’s absolutely beautiful!
On another note, it looks amazingly dangerous to ever have anything around the baby’s neck. Teething or not teething it is a terrible strangulation hazard. I feel physically sick to my stomach looking at it…sorry…please don’t put anything around his neck and definitely I wouldn’t recommend anyone else do that. My husband’s nephew died of strangulation from a very similar necklace. It was horrible and very quick and poor baby didn’t make it.
Did you consider maybe she just put the necklace on him for the photo and then took it off? She does have 5 children- I am pretty sure she’s a responsible parent!
Why would you put a beaded necklace on a boy to take his picture? It doesn’t look safe to me. I breastfeed four children, and none of them had a distended stomach like that. I would be concerned enough to ask a doctor.
Amber necklaces that fit properly are totally safe for babies to wear while they are supervised! Not only are they super cute, but some believe them to also offer some wonderful health benefits.
My 2yr old had a belly just like that when she was a baby. We thought she looked like a little pear.
No health problems at all…that’s just the way her belly was. I loved it!
Do you know what is also incredibly unsafe? Being in the womb for 9 months with a long cord that can easily wrap around their necks but hey, 100% of babies have it. Yet few babies actually die from it. Intuition is the best parenting tool and unwanted advice is the absolute worst kind. Just saying…
Mel, I think that it is a very insensitive comparison. Babies die or are injured by their cord all of the time. My nephew is one tragic example. If your opinion is that necklaces for babies are safe than that is your opinion. If someone else disagrees then they are allowed to have that opinion as well.
I had a cord baby as well, it doesn’t change my opinion. The danger is still there but we continued having children despite it. Some might call us irresponsible, no wait they wouldn’t because then they’d call every parent irresponsible for taking that risk since it’s there for 100% of babies! There is danger in EVERYTHING we do but our intuition and experience are what allows us to parent with confidence.
Now telling a mother they care more about what happens to her children than she does IS insensitive which is essentially what a lot of people are saying. So you are barking up the wrong tree…
Definitely a split between BIG Mac and Small Fry. Super cute, and that little Buddha belly, just want to rub it!
PS—I’ve NEVER heard of amber teething necklace! My nephew is 9 months and teething something fierce, I had to pass along the info to my sister. Gotta love the blog world. Thanks MckMama.
What did you ever do without him?? Probably spent more time with your other kids. Poor things, now that the new baby is here, they are pushed to the side. Especially Nuggy. Feel bad for that poor boy.
Huh? I think these five children are as blessed as any five little people can be!
Are your comments sarcastic or are they meant to be serious? If they are serious, how on earth did you come up with those conclusions?! Particularly just from reading a blog and viewing pictures from afar?!
Read over her last month of posts. We know you have a new baby. Yay, we are excited. But those poor other kids are left in the dirt. Every post is about how she is so gaga over her new baby. What about the 4 other children you have? Oh wait. They aren’t babies. And WE KNOW you are nursing. You do not need to announce it everytime your kid eats.
don’t read the blog then if you aren’t interested in when she is nursing!
I’m nursing right now.
Thank you for making nursing a part of your daily language.
I think more women need ot know it is healthy and natural.
I am so sorry people feel the need to attack you. You are an amazing mom. God has truly blessed your babies..
Beautiful babies!!!
You also don’t have to read it….if you didn’t read, then you wouldn’t care what she wrote.
And O say her other children are pushed aside is ridiculous.
Wow. That was incredibly ignorant and honestly, you sound more than a little bitter. First of all, I read McMama all the time and she always posts about all of her children. In fact, the last few have not been about her newborn. Second of all, I’m pretty sure that every time her kid eats is about every 3-4 hours and I for one, would not mind reading about it, so If you don’t like reading her posts then don’t read them.
“Left in the dirt”?! Oh my -that may be one of the craziest digs on this blog yet. Taking to the road about a week after giving birth (and having a c-section no less), so that you can take your 4 older children to the park, adventure walks, camping, cabin visits, homeschooling….yeah, they are really neglected.
It will never cease to amaze me why people like you are even reading this blog or following her on twitter. If her nursing posts upset you that much – here’s a clue – QUIT FOLLOWING!
I agree. (Plus, kids love being in dirt
)
Don’t read her blog if you are so turned off. You are being ridiculous.
wow…all i can say is wow….i think there are a few people who have nothing better to do with their time…get a life and leave this mommy alone! don’t some of you have your own kids to take care of..man!! kudos to you mckmama!! you have a beautiful and very loved family!!
Wow Mckmama, really christian like. You really portray your beliefs. And if you really wanted to read every 3-4 hours that she is nursing, you have issues as well. Yes it is a great thing, no we do not need details.
I don’t know if you realize it, but it sounds like you’re implying that she shouldn’t have had another child. She posts plenty of pictures and stories about the other four.
what’s the necklace for? isn’t that dangerous for a baby? sorry, I just don’t know.
Why the teething necklace on a 5 week old? It doesn’t seem necessary at this point in time.
Amber is supposed to be soothing to newborns too, and it is said to help with gas/fussiness/colic
Amber is awesome stuff! There is one company that even makes special anklets especially for newborns. Hope that helps answer your question.
Mckmama, your little guy is adorable! Looking at all your pictures makes me all the more excited for my little one coming in March!
There are so many benefits to these necklaces that go beyond teething.
http://www.amberteethingnecklaces1.com/
That looks like a bunch of hype to me! If it emits oils into the skin, does it get smaller over time? And then the part about it being 4 million years old…hilarious! It probably works like a placebo pill…. it works because you think it works. What people will do for money….
You guys make beautiful children! Woa! Big belly alert!! Obviously full of mama’s milk!
HIS TUMMY IS SO BIG! It is precious! I think he looks like 75% Nuggey and 25% Small Fry. Or maybe 50/50. He is gorgeous!
He’s perfect! Congratulations, Mama! I’m waiting around for my perfect baby number 3 any day now. My due date is September 14th!
Awwww ~ I wouldn’t ever get anything done with that sweet face to gaze into all day = )
Can I please come over and hold Lachlan all day for you?????
What an adorable angel he is!!!!!
Cute!!!! My baby’s tummy used to get like that after nursing in the early days – my husband would get all concerned. It was adorable. But normal. The tummy went down quickly because the milk digested so fast.
I haven’t read through the comments so this may be redundant, but I think he looks SO MUCH like Big Mac!! Wow! He’s just precious. I can’t wait for those first smiley pictures. They always melt me….
Oh my too precious. All of my kids had tummy’s like that after they ate. My youngest son still does lol!
Love these pics…his tummy is quite big…but so adorable! Love his eyes!
Thanks for sharing.
I think so, too!!
wow, I think he looks like Mcknugget,
Adorable! I’m glad you wonder if things are normal too. I thought maybe it was just a new mom thing.
Yup, I still wonder/worry about things too!
Though not as much as I used to.
Oh his tummy is so cute! I love me a chubby baby…especially since both of mine were skinny little things!
Do you shoot in natural light most of the time? You have great clarity and color in your photos. (I know lenses probably have a lot to do with it, too! Oh, and your talent!!!)
http://kandilandblog.blogspot.com
Yes, 100% natural light! For this photo, Lachlan was in a little baby rocker about two feet off the ground. He was facing our sliding glass doors. I held my camera between him and the window to get these. It was later in the day, so I was afraid if I stood between him and the window too, I’d block too much light and my photo would be too dark and not clear enough for my taste!
They’re just beautiful! I love natural light. I need to practice it again. I’ve gotten lazy and use my flash on P instead of Manual but don’t like the way they turn out. Thanks for the reply!!
I have a 5 month old little girl — if it’s a teething necklace – does it work? thanks!
great pics
I had a biter (nursing) from 9-12 months… everything that I’d used on my bigger kids for teething, did not work on this sweet little dollie. I tried cool compresses, tylenol, naturopathic things, etc, etc, etc… and NOTHING worked. Finally I broke down and spent the $20 on an amber teething necklace (by this point she was chomping 20-30 times A DAY in efforts to relieve the gummy pain)… within 36 hours she was down to one bite. ONE. Another couple of days and she was completely done.
Yes, it works.
Good luck!
He is just sooooo precious! I love his hair… soft baby heads are just the best! What a blessing!
what a tummy!!! i have never seen one that big lol….cute!!!
he is sure looking older already-eek!!
what a precious blessing your have
i see small fry in him!!
He is so cute! That belly makes me want to burp him though, LOL. My daughter had bellies like that, but it was from reflux. I hope that isn’t the case here, just a belly too full of Mama milk!!!
Jennifer, if Lachlan isn’t crying, jerking his legs up, frowning or looking totally miserable I think his tummy is fine! He has a big appetite and obviously a good milk supply so don’t fret at all. A baby with tummy trouble will let you know about it and look pitiful and there isn’t a pitiful thing about Lachlan, except that he doesn’t live close to me!!!
I would also suggest you just keep his head/upper body higher than his tummy after he eats so he can breathe well but he looks very contented and satisfied!
He is THE most content, peaceful baby we’ve had! He shows zero signs of any tummy or bowel trouble. I think he must just be a comfortable baby with a big belly!
My Thomas is THE most content, peaceful baby, too! I am so glad we decided to have a third. If God never blesses me with a girl, I can tell already that Thomas is a kindred spirit. He will be my bosom buddy. The Diana to my Anne with an “e.”
I am SOOOOO happy to hear that, Angela!!!
TOO cute for words! Those eyes. That tan. The perfect nose. And that belly! Love it!! He looks a little like all of them but mostly like Big Mac and Small Fry to me.
Thanks for posting this. You have no idea how encouraging it is for me to read this and your other blog posts. I am a mommy of 2 (2.5 yrs old and 10 months) and just found out I’m expecting another surprise. Still shaken up by it all and not sure how I’ll manage. Reading your blog makes me realize that I can do it!
Precious lil man. My 5 mo old Owen has the same color baltic necklace
I just got myself one too in the lemon color. BTW I dont know how you do it… how you manage your kiddos, a business and keeping up with all these comments 
Im having to take a step back from my blog due to hate mail… just not sure its worth all that.. but then again I love hearing from readers who are so encouraged! maybe thats your drive too 
Hi Jen! He is perfect. Just perfect. Miss you guys!
Thank you, Jenni!! Miss you, too!!! Are you still planning on going to H??
We are hoping to!!!! need to make definitely plans SOON. if not january, then hopefully sometime in the spring.
I have a daughter with reflux and major digestive issues. She is the only one of my 3 children to ever have a belly like this. When I saw the picture I have to admit- I cringed. For me that is not a “happy” belly. I hope you will mention it to your doctor just as a precaution if nothing else. Also am I the only one thinking necklace? Really?? That just looks so dangerous. Hope I dont get crap for this- not meaning it in a bad way just cautious.
I agree. I thought the same things. More about the necklace than the belly though!
I forgot to add though. He is a BEAUTIFUL baby!
There’s nothing dangerous about a baby wearing a necklace when he’s awake and you can see him.
The amber necklaces we have are knotted between each piece so if it were to break, there wouldn’t be little pieces falling off to choke on. Not that Lachlan will be able to tug on his necklace or put things in his mouth for a long time, anyway. 
I’m not too surprised that people didn’t mention it, as it’s not dangerous. 
In fact, there are a lot of positive, wonderful properties that amber has!
I think that is one of those things that depends on the comfort level of the parent. It would not fly for me but glad others are comfortable. I did not even think about him breaking it and choking I just thought of it getting pulled around his troat or choking him that way.
meant to type throat!
Necklace is a tad ridiculous on a newborn not to mention dangerous.
I thought that was an amber teething necklace. I got one for my last baby & even liked all the potential benefits & the variety of necklaces available that my older kids & I got one as well!
Hey, thanks for introducing us all to the option of amber. Any tips on where to purchase or what to look for in a good quality necklace? Thanks. (a quick search found ones with break away clasps. While they don’t replace supervision, it might put some readers a little more at ease?)
The necklace is actually really safe, as well as effective. Each bead is double-knotted in between so that they can’t come apart… also, the point is not for them to bite on it, it’s to be more of a “choker” style that they can’t pull up and put into their mouths. Not a choking hazard at all unless it’s too long for baby’s neck.
What is the necklace used for? I have never heard of it.
Used for pain relief – amber is a natural analgesic that is absorbed through the skin.
He is so beautiful! Love little buddah belly!
Oh my goodness … what a sun tan. And look at that wee tummy … gorgeous, just gorgeous
Sorry, I meant to ask .. is he teething already ? I didn’t know what the necklace was for until I read the other comments.
THAT is NOT a wee tummy!
I know!! He was born tan, just like Big Mac! Lucky boys:)
We adopted our son and I was blessed to be able to be there when he was born. He was born with a beautiful tan also! I love reading your blog and really respect the way that you give educated responses to the readers that question your parenting style, as opposed to just insulting them back. Reading your blog has helped me learn that we don’t have to do things with our son just because that is ‘what we do’ in our culture (ex. circumcision). It has prompted me to research habits and practices that we consider ‘normal’. Thanks for what you do and for sharing your gorgeous family with us readers
Such a pretty baby! I love that belly too!
I’ve never heard of the amber necklace before…but do you think it works on six-year olds, by making their ears listen better?
Liz
Loving This Mom Stuff
It’s worth a shot! Hehe.
If that works, let me know. I’ve got a 6 year old that definitely needs to listen better.
Oooh big belly.
He’s a mix off all mck children but a little more like Big Mac and Small Fry.
And so so so cute
I think so, too!
His belly looks just like our daughter’s did when she was little. She had really bad reflux and gas. By the end of the day her little belly would look like that, and by morning, it would be back to normal. The pediatrician said it was gas. She was exceedingly gassy (and smelly) for about 2 years. Now, there are some foods that still give her gas, and her belly will get pretty distended by the end of the day, but for the most part, she does fine now.
Haha, wow, that is a VERY FULL belly… sooo cute! Mckmama, he is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!
Hi Jennifer, I dont poste often but faithful reader. I havent read through your comments so forgive me if I say something someone else has already said. I know you have 4 children and hope you’re not offened by advice. I dont think Baby L.’s belly is from “meal time”. I’ve seen his belly before. It’s typicall from bowel problems..somtimes psueod obstructions, poor motility, (in many cases mitochondrial disease). I want to leave you a child’s caringbridge page. I hope it’s ok and the child’s page is public although that doesnt mean for snoopy people to be barging in on them. Hopefully, your little one just has very large tummy albeit, I’d still consider it abnormal.
He is beautiful!!
Matthews page
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewcech
Krystena
My son has a Mitochondrial Disease and while yes, it’s true that some children deal with dysmotility there are MANY children that do NOT have mitochondrial disease and have dysmotility. I wouldn’t jump into looking at something that serious. I’d start first by ruling out more common things like gas, overfeeding, etc…
I did some newborn portraits years back and it was of twins, those nwborns had the biggest bellies I had ever seen! HUGE!! those babies are now almost 3 and never had one health issue at all, the mom had just fed them before the shoot and they swelled up like lil birds
I dont think its any need for concern, and im sur eif there was his mom would know it by now.
My son has severe dysmotility without having mito, and I have to admit, it’s the first thing I thought of when I saw it because it reminded me of my own son.
HOWEVER, if something was wrong with his tummy, his mom would know it….a swollen tummy in and of itself is not a big deal when it does not accompany other symptoms.
A baby with a swollen tummy that isn’t having bowel movements, who is vomiting large amounts, who is really irritable and hard to console–that’s what warrants concern. But a content baby just hanging out with a bloated belly? It’s just cute and likely absolutely nothing to worry about.
I wouldn’t be so quick to point out that something is wrong, especially with someone you dont even know in real life. Like I said already, Jen would know if something is wrong or not, and obviously it’s not.
Oh…and I love that fabric that you have him posed on…very Autumn!
He’ll have a big burp, a good sleep and that belly will be fine! My kids both had swollen looking bellies like that too.
What a babe…and a belly! I think that he looks alot like all of the MSC, you and PC…he is just his own handsome little L self.
Oh yeah, that belly looks REALLY familiar to me…my baby girl has a nice round belly too! My dad said it looked like she had a worm in there it was so big…jerk! haha. Some babies just love getting that belly nice and big, what can I say? ; )
Yes he is adorable, but that is the first thing I thought also, hmmmm, not good for his abdomen to be that large – I would have doctor check that out.
I was always a bit skeptical about the amber necklaces… you have to admit a neckless that helps teething hurt less sounds a bit well ummm silly…. Have you used this with any of your other kids??? do you think it really as in REALLY works???
I swear by the amber necklaces!!!! I didn’t use them with my first 2, but thought it was worth a try for my 3rd. He is over a year now and I haven’t had to give him ANY tylenol at all since I started using it 6 teeth ago.
I’m with you, Rachel – I had a biter (nursing) for over 3 months (started when she was 9 months old)… I tried EVERYTHING – homeopathic, medicinal, cool compresses, etc… NOTHING worked. By the time I got desperate enough to spend the $20 to buy the necklace, she was biting 20-30 times a DAY. Within 36 hours of putting the necklace on her, she’d almost completely stopped biting. Another couple days, and we’ve seen no more bites, period. The amber absorbs and is a natural analgesic. With my first two kids, I didn’t need anything more than some homeopathic teething tablets, but this one was tougher… the amber really does work!!
I am not a mother yet but I have been a nanny for quite some time now… and I’ve never in my life heard of amber necklaces!!!! i’d be interested to learn what they are all about… how they work… etc? If the teething child does not chew on it then how does it work?
*Megan from wi*
The amber absorbs through the skin… natural analgesic.
It’s a huge hit in Europe – in fact, apparently (I”ve heard) that if you don’t have one for your child in certain parts of Europe, you’re considered a bad mum! 
I wear one for menstrual cramps and believe me, it works better than the prescription strength ibuprofen my doctor put me on for my cramps.
Ooohhhh, I love full little baby tummies!
My two year old’s tummy still does that! big full bellies are so funny!
He is a beautiful baby. I hope he brings you much joy in life.
~Sue
That belly!!
i just love those little creases below his eyes… makes him look extra cute & snuggly… i don’t know what those “creases” are called, but my sweet eden had them and i just think they look adorable!!
…ya know, its almost like his cheeks are so round, they fold in just under his eyes… hmph, whatever it is, its sweet!
Wow, what a sweet baby boy ~ you guys make such beautiful babies! Reading your blog these days is making it seriously hard for me to not want another baby myself, oh boy
Now that is one FULL tummy! He looks like Small Fry to me (today anyways). He has really pretty (is it ok for boys to be pretty) lips!
OOOOH can a do a rspberry on that tummy??? Pleeeeeease!!! Oh my what a C-U-T-I-E
Oh, a raspberry on that tummy would be perfect! I’ll do one for you!
LOVE these and LOVE the big mama-milk belly!! Time really IS flying! Our 3rd is only a few weeks older than Stellan and our 4th is only a couple of months older than Lachlan… How DOES it go so fast sometimes?!
We love amber necklaces here at our house, too- they really do work wonders!!! Still need to order our little #4′s necklace for him… thanks for the (inadvertant) reminder!
He’s georgious!!! Is that politically correct to say of the male gender…?? Well, anyway; he is just so sweet! I love the necklace…I thought it was a “touch of Small Fry” when I saw it….cute!!!!
I don’t know if that’s politically correct or not, but I think he’s gorgeous, too!
My 5 month old is in full blown teethnig mode. I just went online & ordered a teething necklace…praying it will work for him! Have you had any experience with it with your other children? I’m anxious to see if it will help…
Oh my what a belly! Totally ADORABLE! I know it’s already been said, but he totally looks like you!
What a doll!
Is he teething already? For your sake, I hope not. Ouch!
So cute! I think he looks a little like Small Fry. It’s funny how they change so much. At one point they might look like someone and then grow up and look like someone else.
It’s the only time in his life when he can have that big of a belly and still be cute so enjoy it. 
His belly is pretty big but cute.
Seriously! No one ever tells me that MY big belly is cute!!
Dear Baby L,
I wasn’t sure you could get any cuter and then your mama posted these pictures of you right after eating! Your belly! It made me smile! You are seriously the cutest baby ever!
Love, Miss Iris
I think he has looked like McNugget since say one…. and I am stinking to it!
You know, there are times I totally agree! And I think he especially does in photo #1 here. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if you are right!
Now THAT is a happy baby belly! And I don’t know who he looks like…perhaps we need side-by-sides of all your babies at that age!
He is so beautiful. I so do see small fry in him in photo #2.
Fun! I see Small Fry in him in photo #3 a lot.
Oh wow now that you mentioned it. So do I. You have some very beautiful children.
also, does he have that same cow-licky thing that BM has?!? Or am I just imagining it?! Oh for Pete’s sake, it’s SO cute!
I’ve been wondering, too, Shannon!!! ALL five of our kids have a swirl in their hair in the EXACT same spot in their foreheads. Big Mac’s and Nuggey’s hair swirls UP in that direction, giving them their cowlicks there. Small Fry’s and Stellan’s swirl DOWN in that area, making their bangs lie flat on their foreheads. I canNOT tell yet which way MckFlurry’s will go! There are hairs on the top going DOWN and hairs on the bottom of the swirl going UP. I guess I’ll have to wait and see which one grows more! But yeah, I’ve totally been eyeing his hairline really close wondering the same thing!
how cute is that!!! I’m secretly hoping he inherits those adorable teeth, too ;] but for real, he is K’s twin. I just love loooooove it!!!
a) you make beautiful babies. period.
b) who does he look like? BIG MAC!!!!
annnnd for the other questions.. I don’t know
But I do know that he has 3 older brothers who will show him the ropes, so I’m sure he will be ALL boy 
And likely smiling super soon since I’m sure he has gobs to smile at!
I was thinking the exact same thing about the tummy and then I seen what you put!
He’s a DOLL.. except for the fact that he isn’t a doll.. well, you know what I mean. 
oh wow. i was thinking the same thing about his belly. must have been right after his dinner time!
he is PRECIOUS! could you just pinch his little cheeks for me? 
southern love and prayers from alabama!
Yes, I had JUST fed him. His tummy was SO big! My husband could absolutely NOT believe it!!
I take it you haven’t seen this with the other babies… you shouldn’t. I think something is going on and it’s likely not normal. Sorry! I hope I dont get a buch of slack for negativity. Just concerned. He is precious.
K
That belly IS pretty cute.
And I think he looks like you!
Awww, really?
Awwwwe. So precious! I love his tummy! My daughters is still like that and she’s almost 2!
is that a necklace? is there meaning behind it?
he is gorgeous!
I have a necklace like that. It looks like a Baltic Amber Necklace. Your skin warms it and it releases natural painkillers. I use it for cramps; but a common use is for teething babes. I think Flurry’s young for teething, but it’s also good for the immune system and sleeping patterns.
I have one for my littlest baby too, and I swear by it. I didn’t know it also helped with their immune system though – that may explain why he’s NEVER been sick!
You use it for cramps? LIke, for yourself? I had no idea… really??? I might be all over this one, then…
It works sooo well. I’d recommend it to anyone!
It works really well. I’d recommend it to anyone!
this whole necklace thing looks so horribly dangerous to me. If it is a constant pain reliever, I’d be completely trying to determine the cause of ongoing pain in a newborn, that alone is disconcerting to say the least. If a newborn is in pain, there’s something wrong. Also, teething is a non-issue that I believe many people over react to. With my children we never mad a huge deal about teething and with less attention to it my children never complained about any pain with teething. I’d always give them a frozen washcloth and that’s it. I’m not into overtreating normal life occurences such as teething. For baby gas, baby massage takes care of that…etc. I’m not into overmedicating my kids as no one knows the long term effects of possible toxins on such young infants. Anyway, that’s just my 2 cents. My husband’s nephew died wearing an amber necklace at 7 weeks of age. It was horrible, so sad, such an unnecessary situation for this baby to be put in. I mean really don’t we all know not to put anything around a baby’s neck? maybe its just me.
wonder if you would have had a amber braclet if it would have gotten so many comments also hes adorable and yes his belly is big .. hes full and he has to have something to match that adroable 2nd chin
Yes, at least he’s consistent that way!! (He does have an amber anklet, by the way!)
Just had to say that all my kids had horrible fevers and diapers when teething. I took them to the dr. repeatedly b/c a 103 fever seems out of place for teething. However, all three of them had no issues that the dr. could diagnose. However, within a few days of the high fever we would see a new tooth poking thru. So teething is a normal event in a kids life, but everyone react different. I gave them all tylenol because with a 103 fever they were just not comfortable.
Small Fry must have been dressing him up, huh?
Hee. I’d never heard of amber necklaces, so I assumed that Small Fry had been sharing some of her necklaces with L. lol
I love his tummy! It’s such a great baby belly
so so precious! love the amber necklace!
Thanks! We just got the amber necklace…and I love it, too!
Just out of curiosity, what’s the benefit of Amber? I haven’t heard of that before
natural authentic baby teething remedy
http://www.amberartisans.com/amtene.html
http://www.amber-teething-necklace.com/.
Thanks Jana! I had no idea!
My neice and nephew have amber necklaces. I’m not really sure what they are really for, seems I need to give google a look
Flurry is adorable!