One of my high-schoolers sent me an invitation on facebook to pray for this kid. Honestly, I usually do not accept these sort of invites if I do not intend on praying for the person. Or I may pray and delete. This time though I felt compelled to read this kid's story. As I read, I could not help but cry for this kid and his family and the abrupt change and disruption to their lives. There towards the bottom of the page was his Mom's blog. Please, read his story and join me in praying for Ian and his family. You can find the beginning of his story here.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Waving My White Flag
I recently watched a clip about Moms that are going back to work in order to get away from taking care of their kids.
Today was one of those days where I could totally relate to the desire to do just that.
The nice thing about a "job" is that it is (usually) timed. I worked at an office from 8-5. I worked for a school from 2-6. The "job" does not come home with me. I can come home and relax after the "job".
Being a stay-at-home Mom is a 24/7 "job". It does not stop at 5 nor offer time for relaxation. Even after the kids go to bed, you have laundry and dishes calling your name.
Staying at home has been great. I get to be with my girls and teach them what I want them to know. I can decide (for now) who they hang out with and are influenced by. I get to love on them all day and grow a relationship with them that hopefully someday will bring us to friendship.
Not only are there those benefits, but I also can (somewhat) keep up with my household duties better.
Today though.... I wanted to just raise my white flag and throw in the towel.
Kaylee woke up (early) with extra energy that she must have had stored under her pillow from yesterday. She was in to EVERYTHING and constantly doing exactly what I just had asked her not to do. She ran around her room her whole nap time, never napping, and still had energy to finish out the day.
Ella woke up (early) and cranky. I think she is teething. Slobber and spit-up EVERYWHERE. She cried a lot today which usually is a sign that I forgot to give her her reflux meds, but I remembered today so again - teething??? Either way, she was not her usual laid back self.
Surprisingly, I did not let these early risers get to me (right away). Kaylee and I spent the morning playing tea and pretending to eat her alphabet magnets while Ella took her morning nap. Lunch time was when I started to get worn down. It is just so exhausting to say, "NO!" over and over and over and over and over again. (and over again) And tiring to discipline over and over again. And wearing to hear crying all day.
By the time bed time rolled around, I had nothing left to give except frustration.
It was interesting though because all I could think about was the kind of Mom I am being. Who am I to be a Mother to these two girls? I am so completely fortunate and blessed to be able to stay home and take care of them. Good or bad days. Sure, they are super exhausting a lot of the time, but it goes back to the fact that this time (while it seems long and drawn out today) that I have with them is going to fly by! How are they going to remember this time that they have at home with me? How will it effect our relationship in the future?
With those thoughts, I was able to keep my frustration and emotion in check while I finished bedtime routines and got the girls into bed.
The Lord brought a passage of scripture to my heart as well.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
May God continue to mold and shape me (in spite of me) to be a wonderful example of who He is and bring glory to His name through me as a Mom (and a wife).
Today was one of those days where I could totally relate to the desire to do just that.
The nice thing about a "job" is that it is (usually) timed. I worked at an office from 8-5. I worked for a school from 2-6. The "job" does not come home with me. I can come home and relax after the "job".
Being a stay-at-home Mom is a 24/7 "job". It does not stop at 5 nor offer time for relaxation. Even after the kids go to bed, you have laundry and dishes calling your name.
Staying at home has been great. I get to be with my girls and teach them what I want them to know. I can decide (for now) who they hang out with and are influenced by. I get to love on them all day and grow a relationship with them that hopefully someday will bring us to friendship.
Not only are there those benefits, but I also can (somewhat) keep up with my household duties better.
Today though.... I wanted to just raise my white flag and throw in the towel.
Kaylee woke up (early) with extra energy that she must have had stored under her pillow from yesterday. She was in to EVERYTHING and constantly doing exactly what I just had asked her not to do. She ran around her room her whole nap time, never napping, and still had energy to finish out the day.
Ella woke up (early) and cranky. I think she is teething. Slobber and spit-up EVERYWHERE. She cried a lot today which usually is a sign that I forgot to give her her reflux meds, but I remembered today so again - teething??? Either way, she was not her usual laid back self.
Surprisingly, I did not let these early risers get to me (right away). Kaylee and I spent the morning playing tea and pretending to eat her alphabet magnets while Ella took her morning nap. Lunch time was when I started to get worn down. It is just so exhausting to say, "NO!" over and over and over and over and over again. (and over again) And tiring to discipline over and over again. And wearing to hear crying all day.
By the time bed time rolled around, I had nothing left to give except frustration.
It was interesting though because all I could think about was the kind of Mom I am being. Who am I to be a Mother to these two girls? I am so completely fortunate and blessed to be able to stay home and take care of them. Good or bad days. Sure, they are super exhausting a lot of the time, but it goes back to the fact that this time (while it seems long and drawn out today) that I have with them is going to fly by! How are they going to remember this time that they have at home with me? How will it effect our relationship in the future?
With those thoughts, I was able to keep my frustration and emotion in check while I finished bedtime routines and got the girls into bed.
The Lord brought a passage of scripture to my heart as well.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
May God continue to mold and shape me (in spite of me) to be a wonderful example of who He is and bring glory to His name through me as a Mom (and a wife).
Monday, August 15, 2011
Good-bye
I hate saying good-bye.
Last week I was able to go spend some time with my parents while Adam was on a business trip. I usually stay home, but since I already had been with the girls for several days on my own (Adam was at GenCon) I decided some help would be nice.
It was so nice to relax and just visit.
I spent some time just hanging out at the house with Mom. We played lots of Angry Birds and watched some HGTV.
I hung out with Dad by playing my current game of choice, Carcossonne. Dad also got me hooked on the show Jericho. The only problem is that it is one of those shows that would give me nightmares if I watched it alone at night, which is about the only time I can watch it without the girls and Adam is not caught up to where I am in the series so I am stuck.
Mom took me out my last night there, which I know was hard on her since she was not having a good week with her health. This night in particular, she was feeling awful, but she really wanted to spend some time out with me. Dad watched my girls and Mom took me to the Mexican joint in town, which is fabulous. Then, we went to Kohls and Target just to look around. It was so nice to get to have some adult conversation with my Mom and not be interrupted by my girls. I am truly grateful that she made time for me even though she felt horrible.
My Dad is the "toddler whisperer" as he is the only person I know that can put my kid to bed and she not only stays there, she also does not cry about being there. It is incredible in an annoying sort of way. (I called him to find out his secret and it just does not work for me. Although, she cries less.)
Overall, the trip was a success. It was not fun driving all that way with both girls by myself, but I am still alive.
On my way home, I just kept thinking about how much it sucks that I don't live closer to my family. I miss them and wish I could see them more. I pray that we are not always this far apart. I want my kids to know my parents and be able to have some great moments with them and know see why I think I grew up with the coolest parents. Maybe someday...
I hate saying good-bye.
Last week I was able to go spend some time with my parents while Adam was on a business trip. I usually stay home, but since I already had been with the girls for several days on my own (Adam was at GenCon) I decided some help would be nice.
It was so nice to relax and just visit.
I spent some time just hanging out at the house with Mom. We played lots of Angry Birds and watched some HGTV.
I hung out with Dad by playing my current game of choice, Carcossonne. Dad also got me hooked on the show Jericho. The only problem is that it is one of those shows that would give me nightmares if I watched it alone at night, which is about the only time I can watch it without the girls and Adam is not caught up to where I am in the series so I am stuck.
Mom took me out my last night there, which I know was hard on her since she was not having a good week with her health. This night in particular, she was feeling awful, but she really wanted to spend some time out with me. Dad watched my girls and Mom took me to the Mexican joint in town, which is fabulous. Then, we went to Kohls and Target just to look around. It was so nice to get to have some adult conversation with my Mom and not be interrupted by my girls. I am truly grateful that she made time for me even though she felt horrible.
My Dad is the "toddler whisperer" as he is the only person I know that can put my kid to bed and she not only stays there, she also does not cry about being there. It is incredible in an annoying sort of way. (I called him to find out his secret and it just does not work for me. Although, she cries less.)
Overall, the trip was a success. It was not fun driving all that way with both girls by myself, but I am still alive.
On my way home, I just kept thinking about how much it sucks that I don't live closer to my family. I miss them and wish I could see them more. I pray that we are not always this far apart. I want my kids to know my parents and be able to have some great moments with them and know see why I think I grew up with the coolest parents. Maybe someday...
I hate saying good-bye.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
All From One Smile
Today Kaylee was avoiding her much needed nap and I decided that I could use a nap myself. So in order to hopefully get her to take a nap I went in and laid down next to her.
She, of course, was super excited about this. She got her baby, and her doll named Molly, and her big bear, and her little pink bear all situated on the other side of her so that she could mover closer to me and cuddle up.
Pause.
"Aw. How cute!?!", you may say. Let me tell you, cuddling with Kaylee is like trying to cuddle with a fish out of water. She flops over and over, banging her head into yours as she flips. By the time she gets comfortable, you either have a migraine or the room is spinning.
Play.
Anyways, during her final flop she flipped right over and looked over at me and gave me her biggest most genuinely happy smile.
Wow. All of a sudden I was launched forward into the future.
She, being 13, cuddling up next to me about to watch a girl movie while Adam is out of town on a business trip.
Launched forward again.
She, being 16, having girl talk with me and smiling at me after telling me about something that happened at school that day.
Launched forward again.
She, being 20, telling me about some guy from college that she likes and thinks she wants to date. Maybe even marry some day.
Launched forward again.
She, being 26, married and telling me that she was about to have a baby of her own.
Launched backward.
She, being a couple months old, giving me her first smile.
Back to present.
She, being 2, cuddling up next to me for a nap.
All from one smile.
Tears slid from my eyes as I stroked her hair and rubbed her back until we were both asleep. It is truly one moment that I want to remember forever.
She, of course, was super excited about this. She got her baby, and her doll named Molly, and her big bear, and her little pink bear all situated on the other side of her so that she could mover closer to me and cuddle up.
Pause.
"Aw. How cute!?!", you may say. Let me tell you, cuddling with Kaylee is like trying to cuddle with a fish out of water. She flops over and over, banging her head into yours as she flips. By the time she gets comfortable, you either have a migraine or the room is spinning.
Play.
Anyways, during her final flop she flipped right over and looked over at me and gave me her biggest most genuinely happy smile.
Wow. All of a sudden I was launched forward into the future.
She, being 13, cuddling up next to me about to watch a girl movie while Adam is out of town on a business trip.
Launched forward again.
She, being 16, having girl talk with me and smiling at me after telling me about something that happened at school that day.
Launched forward again.
She, being 20, telling me about some guy from college that she likes and thinks she wants to date. Maybe even marry some day.
Launched forward again.
She, being 26, married and telling me that she was about to have a baby of her own.
Launched backward.
She, being a couple months old, giving me her first smile.
Back to present.
She, being 2, cuddling up next to me for a nap.
All from one smile.
Tears slid from my eyes as I stroked her hair and rubbed her back until we were both asleep. It is truly one moment that I want to remember forever.
Monday, July 18, 2011
It is Official
It is official. I quit my job.
Sad in most respects, but as a whole a very happy decision.
I am looking forward to being able to stay home with my girls and to hopefully maintain a much cleaner home. Not to mention have more time with my husband.
For those of you that don't know what I did, let me tell you. I worked for an elementary school as an assistant site coordinator and as a tutor of a teacher-referred remediation program. It was by far the most rewarding job. Especially this last year as the children that were in my room were from all over the world and were some of the best students that I have ever worked with.
When we found out we were pregnant with a second child, Adam and I spent a lot of time in prayer over the decision as to whether or not I should go back to work. We agreed that financially it would be best if I continued working. However, after spending several months with me at home after her birth, we realized there are many more benefits to my being home than to my working. Plus, I personally really struggle leaving Ella with anyone as she can be difficult to console with her reflux. (Sometimes I feel like a first-time Mom when it comes to her.) We are trusting God to provide and are tightening our belts to make it work.
I am sure that there will be days when I wish I was working still. I will miss my kids so much. (I already do.) They made me smile and I learned so much from working with them.
I am excited to stay at home though, and hopefully be able to truly be the Mom that I want and desire to be.
Please pray for us as we embark on this next chapter of our lives.
It is official. I am now a stay-at-home Mom. :0)
Sad in most respects, but as a whole a very happy decision.
I am looking forward to being able to stay home with my girls and to hopefully maintain a much cleaner home. Not to mention have more time with my husband.
For those of you that don't know what I did, let me tell you. I worked for an elementary school as an assistant site coordinator and as a tutor of a teacher-referred remediation program. It was by far the most rewarding job. Especially this last year as the children that were in my room were from all over the world and were some of the best students that I have ever worked with.
When we found out we were pregnant with a second child, Adam and I spent a lot of time in prayer over the decision as to whether or not I should go back to work. We agreed that financially it would be best if I continued working. However, after spending several months with me at home after her birth, we realized there are many more benefits to my being home than to my working. Plus, I personally really struggle leaving Ella with anyone as she can be difficult to console with her reflux. (Sometimes I feel like a first-time Mom when it comes to her.) We are trusting God to provide and are tightening our belts to make it work.
I am sure that there will be days when I wish I was working still. I will miss my kids so much. (I already do.) They made me smile and I learned so much from working with them.
I am excited to stay at home though, and hopefully be able to truly be the Mom that I want and desire to be.
Please pray for us as we embark on this next chapter of our lives.
It is official. I am now a stay-at-home Mom. :0)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Top 10 Things to Pack for the Hospital
My friend asked for a list of things that others felt were important to pack when having a baby. I immediately responded with my book of an answer. You see, I followed the lists that I found on-line when I was pregnant with Kaylee and I cannot tell you how many loads it took for Adam to finally get everything out of the car and into the room. However, I can tell you, I did not use half of the junk that they tell you to pack. Second time around I was a pro. I knew what I would and would not need and was ready to go. One load. (Which was a good thing since my labor was so short. - Adam might have missed the birth if I had packed as much as I did the first time around.) Anyways, here is my
1. Slippers - With Kaylee I did a lot of walking during the first part of labor. It was so nice to have my slippers to walk the halls rather than having to put on some shoes or ruin my socks. They were also nice on the tile after delivery when I had to get up for anything in my room. (or to pee)
2. My own pillow - I am a pillow snob. I have to have my own pillow to sleep comfortably.
3. One pair of clothes for me and baby - I know some people like to be in their own stuff after they deliver, more power to them. My hospital provided a gown and a robe every day. So, if they provide something to wear, why would I dirty up/possibly ruin my own things. Plus, I am all about less laundry. They also provide little onesies and blankets for the baby so I did not have to worry about anything for the baby while in the hospital. (hello - again - less laundry) So, my recommendation is just pack one outfit for you and one outfit for junior. (I also threw in a couple of bows and hats for Ella to wear in pictures.)
4. Bathroom essentials - My hospital provided a towel and blow dryer, but not shower stuff. (I never asked though, so they might have.) Either way, I liked having my own stuff. I will mention here though that I did buy travel sizes for my bag so that I did not have to pack them at the last minute as they were already in my bag. It was also nice once I got home because I am pretty slow at unpacking. No worries - my stuff was still in the shower.
5. iPod - I intended to use my iPod during labor and delivery. HA! Didn't happen. I did use it during the night feedings though. It was so hard to stay awake, so I turned on some loud music to help me keep my peepers open.
6. Laptop - After delivery I wanted to get pictures to family and friends quickly and this was the easiest way. Not to mention the countless hours of Netflix that we watched in between visitors after delivery. The laptop was really nice to have. (Oh and I could charge my iPod on it.)
7. Camera and charger - I am a picture freak! I LOVE taking pictures! I wanted pictures and video of both girls right after birth for memories. This is probably, in my opinion, the most important thing to take with me.
8. Phone charger - eh... this one is obvious.
9. Your husband's bag - I actually almost forgot to pack Adam's stuff this time around. Fortunately, we live close enough that Adam could have run home and gotten some. I just don't like being left alone in the hospital so I am glad I remembered. (His bag should include 4 days of clothing and his shower essentials.)
10. Carseat - They won't let you take the baby home without it. (I almost forgot this as well.)
If you want the "things that are not worth your time to pack for the hospital" list - just shoot me an email and I will give it to you. :o)
Top 10 Things to Pack for the Hospital (per my own experience at MY hospital)
1. Slippers - With Kaylee I did a lot of walking during the first part of labor. It was so nice to have my slippers to walk the halls rather than having to put on some shoes or ruin my socks. They were also nice on the tile after delivery when I had to get up for anything in my room. (or to pee)
2. My own pillow - I am a pillow snob. I have to have my own pillow to sleep comfortably.
3. One pair of clothes for me and baby - I know some people like to be in their own stuff after they deliver, more power to them. My hospital provided a gown and a robe every day. So, if they provide something to wear, why would I dirty up/possibly ruin my own things. Plus, I am all about less laundry. They also provide little onesies and blankets for the baby so I did not have to worry about anything for the baby while in the hospital. (hello - again - less laundry) So, my recommendation is just pack one outfit for you and one outfit for junior. (I also threw in a couple of bows and hats for Ella to wear in pictures.)
4. Bathroom essentials - My hospital provided a towel and blow dryer, but not shower stuff. (I never asked though, so they might have.) Either way, I liked having my own stuff. I will mention here though that I did buy travel sizes for my bag so that I did not have to pack them at the last minute as they were already in my bag. It was also nice once I got home because I am pretty slow at unpacking. No worries - my stuff was still in the shower.
5. iPod - I intended to use my iPod during labor and delivery. HA! Didn't happen. I did use it during the night feedings though. It was so hard to stay awake, so I turned on some loud music to help me keep my peepers open.
6. Laptop - After delivery I wanted to get pictures to family and friends quickly and this was the easiest way. Not to mention the countless hours of Netflix that we watched in between visitors after delivery. The laptop was really nice to have. (Oh and I could charge my iPod on it.)
7. Camera and charger - I am a picture freak! I LOVE taking pictures! I wanted pictures and video of both girls right after birth for memories. This is probably, in my opinion, the most important thing to take with me.
8. Phone charger - eh... this one is obvious.
9. Your husband's bag - I actually almost forgot to pack Adam's stuff this time around. Fortunately, we live close enough that Adam could have run home and gotten some. I just don't like being left alone in the hospital so I am glad I remembered. (His bag should include 4 days of clothing and his shower essentials.)
10. Carseat - They won't let you take the baby home without it. (I almost forgot this as well.)
If you want the "things that are not worth your time to pack for the hospital" list - just shoot me an email and I will give it to you. :o)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Little Miss Ella
So, I recently had a friend tell me that I don't blog much about Ella. It is so very unintentional, reader. I have spent some time thinking about it and the reason I try to blog about Kaylee is because I don't want her to feel forgotten in all the hoopla of having Ella. You know, since she reads and all... and in the process I have left out my little Ella.
Ella is such a great baby. If she did not have reflux, I could never have asked for a better baby. When she feels good, she will smile at you just for looking her way. She laughs so much and just seems so laid back. The reflux has been a tough battle. Some days are great and she sleeps well and has no issues. Other days I can barely put her down because she is in so much pain and is crying all day. I honestly just feel so bad for her and her teeny tiny belly. Reflux aside, she is one happy little girl.
She is so strong already. She turns 4 months old in 6 days and is already trying to sit up by herself. She can stand up with help for a pretty long while as well. I think she just already wants to keep up with her big sister because it is obvious that she loves her very much.
Her eyes are still up in the air as far as color goes. I would love for them to be brown, but to be honest I am thinking they will be green or a deep dark blue. Either way, their color right now is beautiful and seriously not a nameable color. I suppose some may call them hazel, but I don't think it would do her eyes justice for how pretty they are.
Anyways, below I posted a video of her trying to hold herself up. I hope you enjoy it! She is a little sweetheart.
Ella is such a great baby. If she did not have reflux, I could never have asked for a better baby. When she feels good, she will smile at you just for looking her way. She laughs so much and just seems so laid back. The reflux has been a tough battle. Some days are great and she sleeps well and has no issues. Other days I can barely put her down because she is in so much pain and is crying all day. I honestly just feel so bad for her and her teeny tiny belly. Reflux aside, she is one happy little girl.
She is so strong already. She turns 4 months old in 6 days and is already trying to sit up by herself. She can stand up with help for a pretty long while as well. I think she just already wants to keep up with her big sister because it is obvious that she loves her very much.
Her eyes are still up in the air as far as color goes. I would love for them to be brown, but to be honest I am thinking they will be green or a deep dark blue. Either way, their color right now is beautiful and seriously not a nameable color. I suppose some may call them hazel, but I don't think it would do her eyes justice for how pretty they are.
Anyways, below I posted a video of her trying to hold herself up. I hope you enjoy it! She is a little sweetheart.
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