Chores are often not liked by kids, or adults for that matter. Our kids love breakfast, so BG thought it best to get them to do their chores before breakfast. I decided to give it a try. Sure enough, they made their beds in a hurry so that they could have their beloved cereal, but in the process, a funny conversation occurred. I asked SD if I could go check on her bed to which she replied no...which means she didn't make her bed all the way. I asked her to go do it again to which she stomped off mumbling and pouting. Then the following occurred:
Me: I know, I am mean, this is not a new concept, you should know this by now.
BG: I know it!
Linus: I know it!
BG and I were cracking up!
When SD was finally finished and back eating her cereal, she was all upset because I had put the Valentine's towels, that she had put as napkins, in their proper places...to which she said..."You have ruined Valentine's"
Kids say the funniest things!
Showing posts with label mommyness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mommyness. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
Monday, August 2, 2010
Menonite Mama
We went to the zoo over July 4th weekend, because we had a free Monday and we have passes. It was so fun to just decide that morning to go and then make it happen. While we were there I saw a cute family that I can only assume was a Menonite Family or something of that sort. The girls were all dressed in long skirts and hair was long, but neatly tied back in braids or a bun. The mom was carrying the baby, who was probably about 4 months old and wearing a bonnet. The two older girls were sweet looking as all get out and held hands as they walked through the zoo with their Dad. One thing that really struck me about this woman was the look of peace on this woman's face. Not only that, but her children were very well behaved and it looked like the knew how they should act and were acting this way. It reminded me of my neighbor, I just recently took her food because she had just had her 7th, yes 7th baby. They are a totally normal family and go to the local baptist church down the street. When I was over there, all 6 of her older children were helping each other out, not fighting and she didn't look stressed or overwhelmed at all.
I wonder what it is about these women that make them that kind of mom, because that is the kind of mom that I want to be. I want my kids to be well behaved, but me not be at my whit's end trying to make them that way. I want my kids to be best friends, and not competing against each other for my attention. I would like to believe that what helps them be that way is their morning quiet time with God and a sense of peace that He gives them to start their day. Don't get me wrong, I am sure these women lose their cool at some point, and their kids aren't always perfect and well behaved. But you can just tell that there is something different.
I am trying to spend my quiet time in a very purposeful manner and not just do it to check it off my list for the day like a Pharisee. I am trying to not get worked up when my kids make a mess, or don't take a nap. I am trying to go with the flow more and not be so uptight and worried about everything being perfect! But that is a big mountain to climb!
I wonder what it is about these women that make them that kind of mom, because that is the kind of mom that I want to be. I want my kids to be well behaved, but me not be at my whit's end trying to make them that way. I want my kids to be best friends, and not competing against each other for my attention. I would like to believe that what helps them be that way is their morning quiet time with God and a sense of peace that He gives them to start their day. Don't get me wrong, I am sure these women lose their cool at some point, and their kids aren't always perfect and well behaved. But you can just tell that there is something different.
I am trying to spend my quiet time in a very purposeful manner and not just do it to check it off my list for the day like a Pharisee. I am trying to not get worked up when my kids make a mess, or don't take a nap. I am trying to go with the flow more and not be so uptight and worried about everything being perfect! But that is a big mountain to climb!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sweet Moments
I know, I said I would blog and I didn't! I really want to get back on it, but just haven't found the time. One of the reasons that I started this blog is because I wanted to document things that my family was doing and going through. I post periodically on Facebook, and that has kind of taken place of my blog, but you can't take your status updates and make them into a book like you can your blog entries. Not only that, but I use these entries when I scrapbook and my memory is definitely fading with age, which by the way, I will be a year older this week! Yikes! How did that happen?
So, here are some sweet moments lately in my life.
SD is hilarious really! As I was explaining this story to a friend, she commented that SD had such awe and amazement with everything, which I think perfectly describes her. If you have ever heard her talk, she has a very sing-songy voice that is quite cute! Last night I was putting her to bed, she is sick by the way, and I lifted her up into bed. I don't remember (see what age does) exactly our conversation, but in the context of it, I told her that God had fearfully and wonderfully made her and that He thought she was pretty special. She looked at me with big doe eyes and said with such enthusiasm, "He did! Wow!" It was such a sweet moment and a total God-stop moment for me. It was awesome to put Him in the midst of our everyday conversation, just like instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Linus has also come into his personality, just like his Daddy, only a little more stubborn, hopefully it is just the age. If you ask him to do something that he doesn't want to do, he just goes and puts his forehead against a wall or piece of furniture and pretends not to see you or hear you. Lucky for him, his mama is more stubborn than a mule! No comments on that please! But, he is a momma's boy and cute as all get out! He has now learned about giving kisses and when you ask for one, he sticks his lips out like a duck and waddles to you! It makes us all laugh, and makes it really hard to stay mad at him.
Well, that is all for now! Hope you are enjoying your day!
So, here are some sweet moments lately in my life.
SD is hilarious really! As I was explaining this story to a friend, she commented that SD had such awe and amazement with everything, which I think perfectly describes her. If you have ever heard her talk, she has a very sing-songy voice that is quite cute! Last night I was putting her to bed, she is sick by the way, and I lifted her up into bed. I don't remember (see what age does) exactly our conversation, but in the context of it, I told her that God had fearfully and wonderfully made her and that He thought she was pretty special. She looked at me with big doe eyes and said with such enthusiasm, "He did! Wow!" It was such a sweet moment and a total God-stop moment for me. It was awesome to put Him in the midst of our everyday conversation, just like instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Linus has also come into his personality, just like his Daddy, only a little more stubborn, hopefully it is just the age. If you ask him to do something that he doesn't want to do, he just goes and puts his forehead against a wall or piece of furniture and pretends not to see you or hear you. Lucky for him, his mama is more stubborn than a mule! No comments on that please! But, he is a momma's boy and cute as all get out! He has now learned about giving kisses and when you ask for one, he sticks his lips out like a duck and waddles to you! It makes us all laugh, and makes it really hard to stay mad at him.
Well, that is all for now! Hope you are enjoying your day!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Being a Mom
I was reading the blogs that I subscribe to and came across this, kind of hit me in the gut! I have an important job as a mom, I know that, but this totally changes my perspective!
Here's a great quote:"I know that some jobs don't really count, don't make much of a difference, don't actually matter that much, don't have much lasting significance. Not so with mothering. I know that in some jobs the worker is only handling cleaning equipment, or car parts, or computer keyboards, or insurance policies, or court cases, or political legislation, or stockholders' funds. Not so with mothering. A mother is handling things of a far greater magnitude. She's handling never-dying souls. She's daily conducting heart surgery on eternal spirits whose forever destinies are influenced most profoundly by the hands that rock their cradles, wipe their noses, spank their fannies, open their Bibles, prepare their after-school snacks, and turn off their bedroom lights. Those motherly hands are molding characters which will become men and women who will turn the world upside down either for good or for evil. Now that's a job that counts. " Womanly Dominion, page 108-109
What do you think? If you are a mother, do you feel like it counts this much?
Here's a great quote:"I know that some jobs don't really count, don't make much of a difference, don't actually matter that much, don't have much lasting significance. Not so with mothering. I know that in some jobs the worker is only handling cleaning equipment, or car parts, or computer keyboards, or insurance policies, or court cases, or political legislation, or stockholders' funds. Not so with mothering. A mother is handling things of a far greater magnitude. She's handling never-dying souls. She's daily conducting heart surgery on eternal spirits whose forever destinies are influenced most profoundly by the hands that rock their cradles, wipe their noses, spank their fannies, open their Bibles, prepare their after-school snacks, and turn off their bedroom lights. Those motherly hands are molding characters which will become men and women who will turn the world upside down either for good or for evil. Now that's a job that counts. " Womanly Dominion, page 108-109
What do you think? If you are a mother, do you feel like it counts this much?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Refuse
It has been a while since I have blogged and it is most definitely not due to lack of content! I have been planning this blog for a long time, and I am just now sitting down to write it. The ironic part, I disobeyed my own rule, today of all days!
On Tuesdays I work from home so that I can take SD to preschool and be a more involved mom (have I told you how much I love my job, company, etc). The thing is that I refuse to be "that mom" that doesn't get dressed because she doesn't have anywhere to go. I never wanted to be the mom dropping my kids off for school with yesterday's make-up on, hair in a ponytail and wearing my husband's sweat pants. I just didn't want to do it. In the past, there would be days that I worked from home, and I never changed out of my workout clothes until late in the afternoon. I found that I just work so much better when I follow my same schedule as any normal work day. So, when SD started school, I actually changed my schedule. She has to be at school by 8:30, which means we have to be out the door around 8:15. I thought this would make a good time to start getting to work earlier, so I adjusted my sick little detailed schedule to accommodate this welcomed change. I have done pretty well for the most part, until today!!!
You see, I was out late last night (bad/good choice on my part) and was tired this morning. I didn't have time to go run (bad choice) and cooked my kids breakfast (rare but good choice), so instead of being totally rushed to take SD to school, I just threw on my cute "Stay at home Mom" velour sweatsuit and took her to school. Sad thing is, I doubt I will get "dressed" before this afternoon! I guess I have a good reason (read: excuse), I have a date with BG tonight (great choice on his part!) and so I will look nice, just for him!
So, what rules that you make do you also break?
On Tuesdays I work from home so that I can take SD to preschool and be a more involved mom (have I told you how much I love my job, company, etc). The thing is that I refuse to be "that mom" that doesn't get dressed because she doesn't have anywhere to go. I never wanted to be the mom dropping my kids off for school with yesterday's make-up on, hair in a ponytail and wearing my husband's sweat pants. I just didn't want to do it. In the past, there would be days that I worked from home, and I never changed out of my workout clothes until late in the afternoon. I found that I just work so much better when I follow my same schedule as any normal work day. So, when SD started school, I actually changed my schedule. She has to be at school by 8:30, which means we have to be out the door around 8:15. I thought this would make a good time to start getting to work earlier, so I adjusted my sick little detailed schedule to accommodate this welcomed change. I have done pretty well for the most part, until today!!!
You see, I was out late last night (bad/good choice on my part) and was tired this morning. I didn't have time to go run (bad choice) and cooked my kids breakfast (rare but good choice), so instead of being totally rushed to take SD to school, I just threw on my cute "Stay at home Mom" velour sweatsuit and took her to school. Sad thing is, I doubt I will get "dressed" before this afternoon! I guess I have a good reason (read: excuse), I have a date with BG tonight (great choice on his part!) and so I will look nice, just for him!
So, what rules that you make do you also break?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Bath Time Funnies
Last night I was giving the kids a bath, thankfully since they are still little, I can bathe them together. Here is just a little glimpse into our life, kids are funny!
Linus - I am used to giving girls a bath, and evidently boys are very different, even at the ripe age of 7 months. This is how our bath process goes..I turn on the water and as it warms up, I get Linus undressed. Then I put him in his bath sling and start helping SD, who has already started to disrobe on her own. So as I am helping SD, I look over and what is Linus doing, well he is making sure his manhood is intact, just in case some crazy monster came and stole it from him since the last time he checked. And what caused him to notice his manhood, well peeing of course! I guess the self-made water feature caused him to be very entertained by its source!
SD - While I dress Linus, SD gets to play some more, or as she calls it swimming! I glance over and she has her head on Linus' bath sling and is just relaxing, I can see it now, she will do what every normal Texas girl does in college, spend most of her afternoons on a raft at some apartment complex pool! So, I get her out and in to her room to get her dressed, and well, she is 2, so she wants to do it herself. It almost made me pee my pants watching her try and pull up her panties when her little two year old rear end is still damp from the bath! I had to hide my smile because she was very proud of herself, never mind if I had left her panties as is, it would look like she had some sort of padding back there, because they were all rolled up and that can't be comfortable!
Linus - I am used to giving girls a bath, and evidently boys are very different, even at the ripe age of 7 months. This is how our bath process goes..I turn on the water and as it warms up, I get Linus undressed. Then I put him in his bath sling and start helping SD, who has already started to disrobe on her own. So as I am helping SD, I look over and what is Linus doing, well he is making sure his manhood is intact, just in case some crazy monster came and stole it from him since the last time he checked. And what caused him to notice his manhood, well peeing of course! I guess the self-made water feature caused him to be very entertained by its source!
SD - While I dress Linus, SD gets to play some more, or as she calls it swimming! I glance over and she has her head on Linus' bath sling and is just relaxing, I can see it now, she will do what every normal Texas girl does in college, spend most of her afternoons on a raft at some apartment complex pool! So, I get her out and in to her room to get her dressed, and well, she is 2, so she wants to do it herself. It almost made me pee my pants watching her try and pull up her panties when her little two year old rear end is still damp from the bath! I had to hide my smile because she was very proud of herself, never mind if I had left her panties as is, it would look like she had some sort of padding back there, because they were all rolled up and that can't be comfortable!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Mom of the Year
My friend Lindsay and I always joke about how we should be mom of the year. Here is my nomination speech as to why I should be nominated as Mom of the Year for 2008!
Day 1 - While driving home from my parent's house on New Years Day, we stopped for lunch at none other than the Texas Stop Sign. SD is not real big on fast food, but she loves her some french fries. So as we were sitting there eating, I look up to realize that she has transitioned from dipping her french fries in BG's gravy to eating with a spoon! Nice nutrition!
Halloween- Did not have any pumpkins to carve, not one! Did not even put out fake pumpkins on the front porch! Nice!
Grooming- while cutting Linus' fingernails, I thought it would be a good idea to not only snip his nails, but also snip three of his fingertips! The worst one was his thumb and it would not stop bleeding, so I put a band-aid on it. When I got back from my run, I thought he had chocolate all over his face and bib, but I was wrong. He had sucked the injured thumb resulting in the bleeding to not stop, but instead to soak through the band-aid and get all over his face! Thankfully I didn't have to explain the new tricked up bandage to any day care workers, only Nana!
Day 1 - While driving home from my parent's house on New Years Day, we stopped for lunch at none other than the Texas Stop Sign. SD is not real big on fast food, but she loves her some french fries. So as we were sitting there eating, I look up to realize that she has transitioned from dipping her french fries in BG's gravy to eating with a spoon! Nice nutrition!
Halloween- Did not have any pumpkins to carve, not one! Did not even put out fake pumpkins on the front porch! Nice!
Grooming- while cutting Linus' fingernails, I thought it would be a good idea to not only snip his nails, but also snip three of his fingertips! The worst one was his thumb and it would not stop bleeding, so I put a band-aid on it. When I got back from my run, I thought he had chocolate all over his face and bib, but I was wrong. He had sucked the injured thumb resulting in the bleeding to not stop, but instead to soak through the band-aid and get all over his face! Thankfully I didn't have to explain the new tricked up bandage to any day care workers, only Nana!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Nursing
I have been silently collecting information on how people nurse. Okay, it really hasn't been all that scientific, just more of some observations, a lot of people I know just had babies!
I am an obsessive nurser. If I am anywhere in the vicinity of Linus (same with SD when she was a baby), I nurse him. When we go to church, he goes to the nursery, but I go in there to nurse him, I don't send a bottle. Last Friday, I had the opportunity to come home at lunch and I came home, ate and nursed him. I don't know why this is, maybe it is related to my production. My production is good, but I know that he can get more than my electronic baby can, so I might as well let him get what he needs. I also really like the time we get to spend together and I like that it is something that no one else can do. I am thankful that BG respects this and will call me and see if I am almost home or if he needs to go ahead and give Linus a bottle. My MIL is also really good about this on the days that she watches the kids.
All that being said, I don't have a problem pumping. I pump at work, and it really doesn't bother me or annoy me to do so. I also pump in the morning, to replenish my freezer stock, and sometimes pump an extra time the days that I am at home. I am much more relaxed about it than I was with SD, with SD it about killed me when she had to have a bottle, and unfortunately there were more times when she had to have one because of my stupid stomach issues!
On to my observations...There are some people that give their babies breast milk, but it is rarely from the boob. There are some people that never give their babies a bottle and the thought of pumping just makes them squirm. There are some people that breastfeed while they are on maternity leave, but once they have to leave the child, they switch to formula because they don't want to pump. Then, there are some that don't want to do it all.
None of these are "better" than others, I think it is just a matter of personal preference. Unfortunately, I think some people make you feel bad if you can't or don't want to breastfeed. For me, I really like it and it works and is easy. For others, this is simply not the case! I always say that you don't get a medal for being a mom. It doesn't matter how your child arrives in this world. It doesn't matter how the pregnancy began, or adoption for that matter. It doesn't matter if you breastfeed or not. All that really matters is that you show your child love and they can grow up in a home where they feel loved!
I am an obsessive nurser. If I am anywhere in the vicinity of Linus (same with SD when she was a baby), I nurse him. When we go to church, he goes to the nursery, but I go in there to nurse him, I don't send a bottle. Last Friday, I had the opportunity to come home at lunch and I came home, ate and nursed him. I don't know why this is, maybe it is related to my production. My production is good, but I know that he can get more than my electronic baby can, so I might as well let him get what he needs. I also really like the time we get to spend together and I like that it is something that no one else can do. I am thankful that BG respects this and will call me and see if I am almost home or if he needs to go ahead and give Linus a bottle. My MIL is also really good about this on the days that she watches the kids.
All that being said, I don't have a problem pumping. I pump at work, and it really doesn't bother me or annoy me to do so. I also pump in the morning, to replenish my freezer stock, and sometimes pump an extra time the days that I am at home. I am much more relaxed about it than I was with SD, with SD it about killed me when she had to have a bottle, and unfortunately there were more times when she had to have one because of my stupid stomach issues!
On to my observations...There are some people that give their babies breast milk, but it is rarely from the boob. There are some people that never give their babies a bottle and the thought of pumping just makes them squirm. There are some people that breastfeed while they are on maternity leave, but once they have to leave the child, they switch to formula because they don't want to pump. Then, there are some that don't want to do it all.
None of these are "better" than others, I think it is just a matter of personal preference. Unfortunately, I think some people make you feel bad if you can't or don't want to breastfeed. For me, I really like it and it works and is easy. For others, this is simply not the case! I always say that you don't get a medal for being a mom. It doesn't matter how your child arrives in this world. It doesn't matter how the pregnancy began, or adoption for that matter. It doesn't matter if you breastfeed or not. All that really matters is that you show your child love and they can grow up in a home where they feel loved!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Relishing Each Moment
Linus is still not sleeping through the night, although he is very close. He did it on Saturday night and last night. The problem, SD didn't! She woke up at 4:30 screaming, I think she had a nightmare! Anyway, she was up from about 4:30-5:30. Linus woke up at 5:15 hungry, so needless to say I have been up since 4:30 and I am a little tired. This morning, I almost let it get to me. Even though I was up that early, I didn't work out and I didn't get to work any earlier! I was getting frustrated and trying to hurry to work, then I realized, I had some awesome moments with my kids this morning.
I got to comfort SD and lay down with her, just us! I got to hold my baby boy for extended periods of time twice this morning before I had to go to work. SD and I got to cuddle on the couch while watching mouse! Do I have a ton to do at work, yes. Is my "plan" for losing my baby weight already hitting some speed bumps, yes. But, so what! I will never be able to get this time back, ever!
So, I enjoyed it and thanked God for it!
I got to comfort SD and lay down with her, just us! I got to hold my baby boy for extended periods of time twice this morning before I had to go to work. SD and I got to cuddle on the couch while watching mouse! Do I have a ton to do at work, yes. Is my "plan" for losing my baby weight already hitting some speed bumps, yes. But, so what! I will never be able to get this time back, ever!
So, I enjoyed it and thanked God for it!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
On the Pumping Front
So, since I have returned to work, I have to pump every three hours. I don't particularly enjoy pumping, I would so much rather just feed my baby. But, it does have its upsides. For one, by pumping, I will allow Linus to continue have breast milk and not have to pay for formula (another bonus since we are on a tight budget) and it sucks the weight off, or at least that is what I convince myself! Not only that, but it lets me have a 30 minute break from work every 3 hours and no one can really complain, not that they would, but still. At my current job, there is no designated place for it (after SD, the place I worked had lactation rooms, about 4 of them actually). So I go down to a conference room and put a sign on the door. Hayley is going to make a sign that says Lactation Station with a picture of a cow, it will be funny! Anyway, I get all set up and hooked up and start mooing and read my book. It is such a nice way to get a break from work and to allow myself to not get too stressed out.
I am always worried about my supply and not being able to produce enough milk. Yesterday I did really well. I pumped while I was getting ready and had some milk from the weekend so I was able to leave 3-5 oz bottles with only taking one bag from my freezer stash. (I am really proud because I have over 100 oz in the freezer!!) Then I was able to get almost 3 full bottles yesterday pumping at work. I pumped 3 times and got 13 oz. So last night I was thinking, oh that will be great, I will pump after I feed Linus in the morning and finish up that last bottle. Well, I guess that since I pumped so much, my production went up a lot! After feeding Linus this morning, I was able to pump 7 oz!!! I could not believe it. Not only could I finish up the bottles for tomorrow, but I could add one more to my freezer stash. I am working from home today, so I can feed him and not touch the stash either! I had such issues with my supply after I had SD that I am so thankful that I am not having those issues this time.
Sorry if this was TMI, but it is my life these days!
Moo on!
I am always worried about my supply and not being able to produce enough milk. Yesterday I did really well. I pumped while I was getting ready and had some milk from the weekend so I was able to leave 3-5 oz bottles with only taking one bag from my freezer stash. (I am really proud because I have over 100 oz in the freezer!!) Then I was able to get almost 3 full bottles yesterday pumping at work. I pumped 3 times and got 13 oz. So last night I was thinking, oh that will be great, I will pump after I feed Linus in the morning and finish up that last bottle. Well, I guess that since I pumped so much, my production went up a lot! After feeding Linus this morning, I was able to pump 7 oz!!! I could not believe it. Not only could I finish up the bottles for tomorrow, but I could add one more to my freezer stash. I am working from home today, so I can feed him and not touch the stash either! I had such issues with my supply after I had SD that I am so thankful that I am not having those issues this time.
Sorry if this was TMI, but it is my life these days!
Moo on!
Monday, July 14, 2008
It is Over!
My maternity leave that is! I am officially back at work today. Well, not exactly full time, but I still had to get up and get to the office this morning. I am getting to work 3 days a week at the office and 2 at home! I am so thankful for my job!! So far, so good. It is good to be back at work, I love my job, so if I have to work (which I do, insert shameless plug for RE leads for my hubby here) I am glad I work where I do and doing what I love.
This time has been so much easier than I went back to work after SD. This time I am going back to the same job that I had before baby. Unfortunately I let a friend talk me into switching jobs while on maternity leave, BAD IDEA!!! The only good that came from it was my current job, I hated the other one so much, that I left after only 3 months! Not only that, but instead of having to get two kids up and dressed and to daycare, my MIL comes over and watches them at our house, so I don't even have to get them dressed if I don't want to. I also don't have to pack anything or even get bottles ready. It is all at the house and she knows where it all is. Oh, and it is FREE!!!!!
It is also a lot easier with number two. I am more confident in my parenting and I know that I am not going to ruin their existence by working. It gives me time to have adult interaction, which I need, and to provide for them and help my husband follow his dream! All that being said, I would love to be at home more often, like part time. But for now, this will do just fine!
This time has been so much easier than I went back to work after SD. This time I am going back to the same job that I had before baby. Unfortunately I let a friend talk me into switching jobs while on maternity leave, BAD IDEA!!! The only good that came from it was my current job, I hated the other one so much, that I left after only 3 months! Not only that, but instead of having to get two kids up and dressed and to daycare, my MIL comes over and watches them at our house, so I don't even have to get them dressed if I don't want to. I also don't have to pack anything or even get bottles ready. It is all at the house and she knows where it all is. Oh, and it is FREE!!!!!
It is also a lot easier with number two. I am more confident in my parenting and I know that I am not going to ruin their existence by working. It gives me time to have adult interaction, which I need, and to provide for them and help my husband follow his dream! All that being said, I would love to be at home more often, like part time. But for now, this will do just fine!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Being a Mom
God has revealed to me that I need to cherish each moment of being a mom. Their little lives are so important and every detail needs to be cherished and enjoyed while it is happening. As He revealed this to me, he also put a friend of mine on my mind. Her name is Melissa. She started out as a friend of a friend, but I would venture to say that through scrapbooking we have become friends. Not the kind of friends who talk every day, or at all really, but I truly enjoy her company when I am blessed by it. She has two daughters and one of them is SD's age, almost exactly. So, why did God put her on my heart?
Well, I truly believe that she lives in the moment and truly enjoys being a mom. I have never once heard her complain about her kids or being exhausted. She always talks positively about her husband and truly enjoys his company (he is a fireman, so they get to spend days together on his off days, etc). She is her own person, not consumed by her husband or kids, but it seems to me like she is full of joy. I want to be more like that! I started wondering what made her this way, especially with her job as a mom, because I often find myself frustrated when my kids are not doing what my plan is for them. What I believe God revealed to me was that she truly saw her kids as a gift from God. Why is her view so different? I kind of think it has something to do with the fact that she had a really hard time getting pregnant with both girls and when she did, she knew it was a gift. I, on the other hand, had it really easy getting pregnant, BG and I just had to look at each other. I started thinking about people I know who have kids and don't seem to enjoy them as much as she does. They all had really easy times getting pregnant. I am not saying that this is the only reason for her attitude, but I think it has something to do with it. She learned a lesson through her struggles, that God has blessed her with those girls. I want to be more like her. Not stressed when things aren't going my way, enjoying even those very trying times, living in the moment, even if it is 2 am and I can't get my kids to stop crying. God gives us all of those for a reason.
On Sunday, I started trying to live this way. SD was a much happier kid, I was a happier mom, Linus did well and BG, well he had a good Father's Day! Pray for me, please! I want to enjoy the moment, whatever that may be!
Well, I truly believe that she lives in the moment and truly enjoys being a mom. I have never once heard her complain about her kids or being exhausted. She always talks positively about her husband and truly enjoys his company (he is a fireman, so they get to spend days together on his off days, etc). She is her own person, not consumed by her husband or kids, but it seems to me like she is full of joy. I want to be more like that! I started wondering what made her this way, especially with her job as a mom, because I often find myself frustrated when my kids are not doing what my plan is for them. What I believe God revealed to me was that she truly saw her kids as a gift from God. Why is her view so different? I kind of think it has something to do with the fact that she had a really hard time getting pregnant with both girls and when she did, she knew it was a gift. I, on the other hand, had it really easy getting pregnant, BG and I just had to look at each other. I started thinking about people I know who have kids and don't seem to enjoy them as much as she does. They all had really easy times getting pregnant. I am not saying that this is the only reason for her attitude, but I think it has something to do with it. She learned a lesson through her struggles, that God has blessed her with those girls. I want to be more like her. Not stressed when things aren't going my way, enjoying even those very trying times, living in the moment, even if it is 2 am and I can't get my kids to stop crying. God gives us all of those for a reason.
On Sunday, I started trying to live this way. SD was a much happier kid, I was a happier mom, Linus did well and BG, well he had a good Father's Day! Pray for me, please! I want to enjoy the moment, whatever that may be!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day, Third Anniversary
Yesterday was technically my second mother's day, but SD was born about a month after Mother's Day in 2006, so we have celebrated 3 times. I am not a huge fan of the manufactured holidays (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc.) but I don't mind the gift or card. So far, my mother's days have been uneventful, almost non-events actually. Let me recap:
2006 - I was EXTREMELY pregnant with SD, at the very uncomfortable stage. I had a baby shower that weekend and my mom and BF were in town, so that was fun. BG did a good job and got me a "Mommy Bracelet" (not from this place, but similar) with SD's name on it. I love it and wear it daily, actually I don't take it off which is why it has broken twice (I don't know if you are supposed to sleep and shower in them, but oh well).
2007 - This year was a complete non-event as far as I was concerned. SD was dedicated at our church, so we had tons of family in. We were also moving to our new house, actually, the moving truck had come on Saturday and taken our furniture, so we were sleeping on air mattresses and so were our guests. After the baby dedication, we hosted lunch at our house, with tables and chairs borrowed from church. We had a great time, but it was exhausting. Then after all of the festivities, BG and I cleaned our house from top to bottom because we were closing the next day on both houses. I can't even remember what my gift was or anything, it was all such a blur.
2008 - A pretty good mother's day overall...we "relaxed" in the morning and BG got me another "Mommy Bracelet" this time with Linus's name on it. He also had SD's fixed and it now has her birthstones on it (they are from a different place) and they are really pretty! SD got me a really cute card. I am once again EXTREMELY pregnant and past the uncomfortable stage! I did get to run errands while SD was napping and finished getting most of the stuff for Linus' arrival. Once again, I also had a baby shower on Saturday, so that was lots of fun with friends and family. And BG finished getting Linus' room painted and furniture moved back in, which was an even better "gift" than the bracelet.
All in all, I have enjoyed Mother's Day, but like I said, it is not high on my holiday list!
How was your day?
2006 - I was EXTREMELY pregnant with SD, at the very uncomfortable stage. I had a baby shower that weekend and my mom and BF were in town, so that was fun. BG did a good job and got me a "Mommy Bracelet" (not from this place, but similar) with SD's name on it. I love it and wear it daily, actually I don't take it off which is why it has broken twice (I don't know if you are supposed to sleep and shower in them, but oh well).
2007 - This year was a complete non-event as far as I was concerned. SD was dedicated at our church, so we had tons of family in. We were also moving to our new house, actually, the moving truck had come on Saturday and taken our furniture, so we were sleeping on air mattresses and so were our guests. After the baby dedication, we hosted lunch at our house, with tables and chairs borrowed from church. We had a great time, but it was exhausting. Then after all of the festivities, BG and I cleaned our house from top to bottom because we were closing the next day on both houses. I can't even remember what my gift was or anything, it was all such a blur.
2008 - A pretty good mother's day overall...we "relaxed" in the morning and BG got me another "Mommy Bracelet" this time with Linus's name on it. He also had SD's fixed and it now has her birthstones on it (they are from a different place) and they are really pretty! SD got me a really cute card. I am once again EXTREMELY pregnant and past the uncomfortable stage! I did get to run errands while SD was napping and finished getting most of the stuff for Linus' arrival. Once again, I also had a baby shower on Saturday, so that was lots of fun with friends and family. And BG finished getting Linus' room painted and furniture moved back in, which was an even better "gift" than the bracelet.
All in all, I have enjoyed Mother's Day, but like I said, it is not high on my holiday list!
How was your day?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Mommy, Mommy
SD has always been a momma's girl, but it has gotten really bad lately, not that I mind all that much. There is nothing sweeter than hearing her cry it out in the middle of the night and truly need me. I like that feeling. It does make leaving really hard though because she starts crying. I think she is going through some separation anxiety right now, maybe she senses Linus' arrival. She is doing this with a lot of people, not just me, she does it with BG and her Nana even when BG and I are the ones she is leaving Nana for. This morning she was crying as I put her in Nana's car so that they could go run an errand. I am starting to notice that she has some coping mechanisms that are pretty funny. As we were walking to Nana's car I was telling her that I had to go to work and she and Nana were going bye-bye. She kept repeating to herself, "Mommy is coming, Mommy is coming" I guess this is something I have said in the past. She also does this at night, when she wakes up and is scared, she first calls out my name and then starts repeating "Mommy is coming, hold on, Mommy is coming."
She has also just started repeating my name over and over. She comes up to me and just starts saying "Mommy, mommy, mommy" Not sure why, but like I said, it is a sweet sound. She has also gotten very affectionate. When I tuck her into bed, we go through her little ritual and then I lay her down. Then I kiss her and make sure she is "snug as a bug in a rug" and tell her to "sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite" she then rolls over and clutches on to me and gives me a hug. When she wakes up in the middle of the night, I will sometimes go in and lay down with her for a minute, she cuddles up right next to me and throws her arm around my neck, making sure she can touch me at all times. I lay with her for a little bit and then tell her I am going back to my bed and she is totally fine with that, she just needed a little comforting. I am truly cherishing these last 6 weeks where all my attention can be focused on her and our special time together. Linus will be a welcomed addition to our family for sure, but she will always be my first baby and my little girl!
On a funny note, she has also learned the phrase "I can't" Not sure exactly where she picked it up, but she uses it pretty much in the right context, although she sometimes substitutes it for I don't want to. The other night we were heading to bed and I told her to give Daddy a kiss and she busted out with "I can't" in the most pathetic voice, he didn't like that too much, but it was kind of funny!
Have a good Tuesday!
She has also just started repeating my name over and over. She comes up to me and just starts saying "Mommy, mommy, mommy" Not sure why, but like I said, it is a sweet sound. She has also gotten very affectionate. When I tuck her into bed, we go through her little ritual and then I lay her down. Then I kiss her and make sure she is "snug as a bug in a rug" and tell her to "sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite" she then rolls over and clutches on to me and gives me a hug. When she wakes up in the middle of the night, I will sometimes go in and lay down with her for a minute, she cuddles up right next to me and throws her arm around my neck, making sure she can touch me at all times. I lay with her for a little bit and then tell her I am going back to my bed and she is totally fine with that, she just needed a little comforting. I am truly cherishing these last 6 weeks where all my attention can be focused on her and our special time together. Linus will be a welcomed addition to our family for sure, but she will always be my first baby and my little girl!
On a funny note, she has also learned the phrase "I can't" Not sure exactly where she picked it up, but she uses it pretty much in the right context, although she sometimes substitutes it for I don't want to. The other night we were heading to bed and I told her to give Daddy a kiss and she busted out with "I can't" in the most pathetic voice, he didn't like that too much, but it was kind of funny!
Have a good Tuesday!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Being a Mom
I have been thinking about writing on this topic for a while now, but have been really motivated by Tessie's blog. When you get pregnant, if you are anything like me, you buy and read every book on raising children, being pregnant, what to expect, etc., etc. You also sign up for classes at the hospital you are delivering or a local church. I did all of this! With that being said, I did gain a lot of useful advice from these tools, but it is most definitely not the be all end all of parenting. I think that these are good tools, but as with everything, you have to take it with a grain of salt and go with your gut. I believe that God has equipped us with the tools and know-how to be parents. Granted some may appear (or actually be) better parents than others, but it comes down to what works for you and your family. That could mean being a stay-at-home mom, that could mean being a working mom, it could mean letting your child sleep with you in your bed, it could mean letting them watch TV all of the time. It could mean any of these things, but it also means that you have to let other parents be parents and make their own decisions and not judge them for it. On that note, all choices have consequences, so if you make a "bad" one or "wrong" one, don't complain when you are hit with the consequences.
This is what we have chosen to do, we followed Baby Wise (with a grain of salt) and let SD cry it out when she went to sleep, what did that mean for us, she slept through the night at 5 weeks. This worked for us, but if it doesn't fit your personality, don't do it because it will probably stress you out more than it is worth. I breast-fed her until she was 7 months old, it worked because she was good at it and I liked it, again, not for everyone. We follow a pretty strict schedule as far as naps, bedtime, etc. go, it works for us because I am OCD and like schedules and it seems like she thrives on her schedule. I work out of the home, because I believe that if I didn't, I might possibly go crazy and it allows (read forces) my husband to be the great dad that is super involved!
Bottom line, I think you have to find what works for you and do it. Don't judge what other people do and don't force what you do on other people!
Now, off my soapbox I go!
This is what we have chosen to do, we followed Baby Wise (with a grain of salt) and let SD cry it out when she went to sleep, what did that mean for us, she slept through the night at 5 weeks. This worked for us, but if it doesn't fit your personality, don't do it because it will probably stress you out more than it is worth. I breast-fed her until she was 7 months old, it worked because she was good at it and I liked it, again, not for everyone. We follow a pretty strict schedule as far as naps, bedtime, etc. go, it works for us because I am OCD and like schedules and it seems like she thrives on her schedule. I work out of the home, because I believe that if I didn't, I might possibly go crazy and it allows (read forces) my husband to be the great dad that is super involved!
Bottom line, I think you have to find what works for you and do it. Don't judge what other people do and don't force what you do on other people!
Now, off my soapbox I go!
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