Let's be positive

I realized after my last post that I have been bogged down with the negative. So I wanted to make note a few positives about my life, or at least try to.

...  my husband and I have been married for 6 years now. I can't believe that 6 years have gone by. Sometimes it doesn't feel that long, but when I look at my 2 kids and I'm 30 not 24, I realize 6 is right. I'm so proud and thankful for us. Its always nice to know that you made the right decision, especially about the BIGGEST decision you'll ever make. What have I learned about marriage... divorce doesn't exist in my relationship. Its not uttered, not in a fight, not in a joke. Marriage is a choice to stay, simply stay. Every day through as much communication as possible, we choose to stay and actively participate in our friendship, and parentship. Parenting has been a very interesting addition to our lives. Now that Nate is 16 months, discipline is wide open. He is in. to. everything. I feel like we are watching him like a hawk to keep him safe from his curiosity and inventive behaviors. Our goal will be to teach our babies how to make good choices... even if it kills us.

... before I had Nathaniel, I wanted to run a 5k. It never happened. And now its back on the horizon. There is one in November, and when I find out what these next few months will look like work-wise then I'll be able to sign up. But I'm starting my training this week!  There is a program in Concord, NC called from the couch to the 5k... that is totally me. From preggo to runno!

... hate to admit this, but we have a keurig coffee maker. Holy embarrassing, but I think we waste less coffee. My husband actually drinks it, its a fresh, hot cup of coffee whenever I'm ready to make it, without having to make an entire pot. Downside- iced isn't very good. Major upside- I finally found some dark roasts that I love.  Don't worry, I still love starbucks... especially a iced americano no water, extra ice... venti cup.

... nola still smells like that sweet baby smell. I wish we could bottle it. She is more beautiful every day. I'm thankful to be the momma of a sweet girl.

... nathaniel is calling me momma... and knows where the fruit snacks are. :) he makes me laugh, although he is very stubborn and getting very aggressive with his pinching! watch out!

3 very short months...

How in the world does this even happen? 3 months ago my son came into the world... and he has already turned into a strong, little boy with an amazing personality. He loves to smile, look at people, and do things on his own. How did this happen in only 3 measily months? 3 Months is a ridiculously short amount of time. So many things have happened... SLOW DOWN! Its too fast, I'm NOT READY!

I think its okay for me to admit that I'm not ready for him to grow so fast, even though its already happening. I mean, we should all be so honest with ourselves, even though we aren't always, or even on a regular basis. So many times, I think if I don't think about it then maybe it won't happen, or maybe things will work out. This takes work people! I should just admit whats happening and then give it up, and when I say "up" I mean to Jesus. Lately, I just say a little prayer of thanks... or if its anxiety or need I just say, "please Jesus". Mainly because even speaking in paragraphs exactly what the stresses are... even when I'm saying them to Jesus... I feel stressed. He knows my hearts, so just those 2 words is all I need.

I have so much to be thankful for. My life has changed drastically in three months. I had 9 months before that to mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare. But nothing can prepare you for the vast amount of love that overpowers my entire being every morning when I look at that sweet face.

What overpowers you?

The Mommy in Me

There are a lot of things that I have done since becoming a mom that I think are wonderful and want to share with you! I am not by any means an expert on anything, just a girl who loves being a mom and wants the best and cheapest solutions :) Money is tight, and my goal is to be a stay at home mom, so with that goal in mind these are some things that I have done, or do not regret spending money on for my little man.

baby decor

• choose a brilliant paint color that you and your little one will love, this will be the center of your decor. make sure that you love it, you will be spending A LOT of time in there!
• find your wall decorations on etsy.com, I got a lot of decals that were timeless, at least until he out grows toddler stages. ABCs, Owls...ect nothing to young, and always gender neutral. Just in case I want to use the same nursery for baby number 2, which is far far away. don't get any crazy numptions.
• splurge on your other decor center... babybedding.... or at least find something you like. there are a lot of ideas out there, that are really colorful and unique. I think Target's choices are much better than Babies R Us. If only they had them for adults. can you imagine sleeping with a bumper... might be cozy
• borrow or take the left overs, I loved getting our glider w/ gliding ottoman from my sister. I helped her out by getting it out of her house, and she saved me $100 at least! I use that glider every day at least 4 times a day. The first month I spend alot of sleepless nights rocking baby boy back to sleep.
• don't make big changes, if you already have a paint color up that you love, just design around it. this is what I did for the Nate's bathroom. Saved myself time and labor, bathrooms are soooooo annoying to paint.
• frames with cute scrap book paper... I made my own picture wall by framing cute colorful designs and later adding pictures of Nate. I spend 3$ each on 8x10 frames. I only needed 4, and can always add more later. Also you can reuse old frames that you aren't using anymore. And when you buy frames make sure that they are easy to use in other rooms or with other colors.

baby stuff

• graco travel system. awkward to carry but wonderful overall. just stick the car seat in the car, or in the stroller and be on your way- all without waking your little bundle! again, get a cute neutral design and use for baby number 2!
• baby bath tub. i was so NOT washing my baby in the sink where I also prepare meals that require raw meat... gross get a cheapo one that has a newborn hammock in it. Its great for the little ones, and its only $20. The water stays warmer because its smaller, and you can sit on the side of the tub to scrub the little one clean.
• hybrid diapers. cloth but not the old school cloth. I use FLIPS, and they are wonderful. hybrid diapers have washable covers, and cloth inserts that you put into the cover. so simple. even. a. man. can. do. it. They are more expensive up front, but you can register for them, and then they are a gift so its really a great save on money! Also, you can trade diapers in or get them fixed if they break... just check it out! Right now we're using cloth wipes also... I'll let you know how they work out. We haven't had any diaper rash, which is a good sign.
• clothing. shop the sales, clearance. go to places like sears... where they have friends and family nights every month! you get an extra 20% off of clothes that are always reduced to 3$ and they are name brands like carters...
• creepers. invest in these cute outfits. I like them better than onesies, they look more like clothes, but they are still one piece. They also fit better!
• towels. this one not that one. make sure that you register for the THICK baby towels that have cute duck head or elephant head or something, they really absorb water. the little thin towels, don't absorb the water, and I always have to use 2 of them.
• mobiles... why in the world are these things soooo expensive? we don't have one yet, but who needs all the bells and whistles... my baby is sleeping when he is in his crib... except in the morning when he wakes up before me! but if we get one, this is the one that I love. A friend of mine has it and its soooo cute. Its is basically a card holder, but they have millions of black and white animal cards that you can hang on it. Its made by wee and they have adorable, reasonably priced stuff!

breastfeeding.......ok, yes booby time. yes they will hurt. yes you will touch your boobs more than you ever though you would. yes for a while they will become a means to an end. now, my nipples never bled, although I did have bruises. take care of yourself, and breastfeed however you feel comfortable. don't feel like you have to sit in front of a group and nurse. Ask when you get there if there is a room you can go in whenever you need to nurse. Then you won't have to explain every time you need to excuse yourself. You might only do this for a little while until you don't want to miss conversation and your friends don't feel uncomfortable with you nursing in public. I ask my friends before I start if they are okay with it, and one of them said... fussy baby... or nursing?!?! hello!!! Great point! But when I felt uncomfortable I would go to the bathroom or to my car. Eventually, you'll be a smooth operator with the nursing cover (hooter hider) and feel comfortable using it in public. Please don't give up! Breastfeeding is not easy, and if you have the mindset before your newborn arrives that you want to nurse, then be stubborn about it. Through all the pain and difficulty. Also surround yourself with people who will support your breastfeeding. Don't go out into public if you aren't ready, take your time. When you do go into public, go with your supporters. I can't even tell you how thankful I am for the phone calls and texts from my mom... how's nate today? hows the nursing going? you are doing a great job! I'm so proud of you!!!! All of these made my day! And gave me strength to persevere through my sleepless nights. Then one day you will realize that you and baby are breastfeeding champions! It will sneak up on you, so don't give up! If you try your hardest and it doesn't work, just be proud that you tried, live this life with no regrets!

• medela pumps are worth the money! all of the breast pump parts are interchangeable no matter what (double or single) pump you have. medela's breast pads are also the best, and so is their lanolin breast cream...best. more money but worth it! I bought a cheaper pump and used it in the beginning, but a friend of mine was selling her single medela, and so I bought it from her. HUGE difference!!!
• nursing bras...I would buy the sports bra types if you go shopping before your baby born. And get fitted for the underwire types afterwards. My underwire is too big now, and they are expensive. But its worth the investment. this one is one of my favorites. and these look awesome.
• sports bras as nursing bras... the soft and fun champion sports bras are the kind that I have. I decided to use them one day when I had been spit up on one too many times... oh yes, down the shirt. These sports bras have been great for holding a nursing pad in place and giving just the right support to sensitive breast.
• hooter hiders... are great and fun! get a fun fabric or something that isn't very noticeable. see if you can find a friend to make one for you... I did... she really needs to sell them online. Check etsy.com, and even target has a simple black one that is cute! no need to spend a lot of money one, just make sure it has the bar in it so you can see your baby's face while he or she is nursing!

I'll keep thinking and add more later. Hopefully this is helpful!

Prayer is Like that...

"Prayer is like that she whispered
Sometimes it can take days, months, years
and then sometimes when I get really quiet
I can see, hear and feel the answer all at the same time."

by Kristin Jongen
www.mysoulsoup.com

This has been an interesting time in my life. Working and carrying a growing child in my belly, makes for busy days. Its such a miracle to feel that first flutter, and now at 30 weeks feeling thumps and bumps, flips and turns. There are times that I still have to remind myself a baby boy is growing inside of me. My new phase in life has pushed me and pulled me more towards prayer. Often feeling like my prayers are being heard, but not always seeing the answers. I have learned in the past that the answers aren't always what we want, but they are still answers. Recently I've learned that the joy I feel is an answer to all my prayers. A healthy baby, a loving husband, family support, and the ability to spread joy and peace in my work place.

I read this quote during one of my many trips to the bathroom at a friend's house for book club. I love to see, hear and feel the answer to my prayers all at the same time.

Things are a Changin'

A line from one of John Legend's songs keeps singing itself to me... things are a changin' oh yeah we have a baby on the way! Last week I typed up this post and in my preggo state hit new post instead of publish post, and its taken me a week to find my energy again. I'm 12 weeks pregnant. Happy and excited my husband and I have began to prepare for a child to come into our lives. After being married for four years we were ready to start planning for our own family. And here we are! I'm teaching 2nd grade now, and its keeping my mind off of being pregnant. Thankfully I only had 2 weeks of nausea, and daily exhaustion. I'm looking forward my energy level coming back during my second trimester. Hope to post some pictures soon! Not much to see.... :)