22 Months

 Hunter Brock, we can't believe it but you are almost two years old! Holy cow, where does the time go? I feel like it wasn't that long ago I was blogging about being pregnant with you! Who gave you the go ahead to grow up?

I know one thing, I am cherishing every tender moment I have with you because right in front of my eyes you are turning into a heart, wild little man! I now that's the way it goes but you are breaking your mother's heart, or putting it into an irregular rhythm at least. Slow down little one...

Age: 22 Months

Clothes: Poor thing is on the short side. Sorry buddy! He is still wearing 12-18 months but really that's even a little big! He has the shortest little legs but man can he run! When we bought him bug boy underwear we had to find these tee-tiny 2t undies for him! He is finally in a size 5 shoe and he got the cutest pair of toms for Christmas that I am in love with. Grey, so they match everything. Which is good, 'cause his Momma is about as OCD as they come.

Favorite Foods: Do smoothies count? Bug will drink anything out of a straw, and if the thought of pureeing all of his meals didn't gross me out I would, just to get out of the "fight" that is mealtimes around here. He is VERY picky, and that is a new trend. However he does like: berried, bananas, pizza, peanut butter & jelly, oatmeal, jello, chips of any kind & of course anything with sugar. Little stinker..

Favorite Words: All of our names (Mama, Dada, Sister, Nana, Papaw, etc.) Ball, Bye Bye, Night Night, Hey, No (of course), 'nana (for banana), juice, uh oh, oh man, alright, comin', get it, Beau & Will (all dogs are Beau and all little kids are Will), down (for up & down and sounding dangerously like a curse word) shoes

Favorite Activities: Climbing on things, playing with his stack able crayons, reading (finally!), taking a bath, going outside, playing with the dogs, watching a little Disney Jr. He is very persistent and also very independent. He can easily entertain himself for hours! It's really amazing to me.

Favorite Things: Mama & Daddy & definitely sister. Oh man, he loves her! His crayons and coloring book, things he shouldn't have like nail clipper and my coffee cups. He loves to go "bye bye" and will eagerly request socks and shoes so he can go outside. He loves to watch his movie in the car when we go places. Bath time is a hit here! He pitches the biggest fit when it is time to get out and get dressed.

Signature Moves: Kicking and screaming anytime we try to dress or undress him. When he gets mad, he literally goes from standing to laid out on the floor. He plays this game where he covers his eyes and we ask "Where are you Hunter?" and so lately when he is in trouble he covers his eyes so we "can't see him". Very cute. He also runs and gives me and sister a kiss every night before we put him to bed. Always sister first. & he loves to read before bed. When I get to Goodnight Moon he whispers "hush" like the little old lady the whole time I read. Speaking of bed, the kid WILL NOT lay down for a nap. By the time he gives in every day it's 4:00 and he sleeps right on into dinner time! It's awful!

Mom's Proudest Moment: Chick-fil-A with the two kids alone, without a doubt. I had the bright idea to take them in yesterday. WORSE IDEA EVER. Hunter pitched a fit, peed through his pants and so I pack everything up and head for the exit. Where he promptly throws his head back in a tantrum and I accidentally hit his head on the door on the way out. Oh. My. Lord. I have never been so embarrassed!

Other Milestones: Peed in the potty twice! Then all over the floor for the rest of the day, but hey, it's a start right? He also can eat by himself and drink his smoothies by himself. He also can count to three but usually he likes "one, two, two, two" better. He can identify a range of things in his 100 first words book, although I don't see us learning xylophone & water hose anytime soon. Why are those even in there? We also had our FOURTH haircut and we transitioned to the big boy bed/room like a champ!

Medulla Oblongata

Exciting title eh? It's not what you think.

Picture it. If you know me I have this thick southern accent. so here I am talking to my best friend about birth and labor and , "My doula..." and it comes out sounding a lot like "medulla" like from medulla oblongata. Waterboy with Adam Sandler? Have I lost you?

Well pick back up with me and my awesome DOULA. We did get a good laugh over that but then I did have to explain what exactly a doula was and what she would be doing in regards to our birth experience.

As defined by DONA International,

"The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period."

& Valerie ((medulla)), was just that and so much more.

Valerie is first and foremost an amazing woman and friend. We know her and her family closely, and the other way around. We had actually first met Val, when we started a bible study and were pregnant with Hunter. We of course had Hunter, and you can read about his story here.

Later, after the birth of her son, Val began really pursuing her passion and we were so thrilled when we got pregnant with Hadley, and decided on a VBAC. We knew we had to have Val in that room with us. Then we made the decision to go natural and she became even more of a necessity.

We became clients and we had a meeting with her where she really explained to us what her role would be. Throughout the whole process we felt so grateful for her wealth of knowledge and her unwavering support of our choices.

Fast forward to the day I go into labor. Val is the first person I call at 7am to let her know I am in labor. She was in constant contact all day, providing support through text and phone calls. She gave advice on pain management since we would be laboring at home. She even came over to go on a walk with us in our neighborhood. She encouraged me, and helped me see the light at the end of the labor tunnel.

At 7pm when it was time to go in, Val was right behind us. She met us in triage and seeing her was the push I needed to keep going. From the moment she walked into our triage room, she was a calming but strong presence. Between her and Brock I felt so supported and loved.

When we moved to the labor and delivery room it was Val that kept cool rags on me. My back, and head, and neck. It was her who kept fluids in me and spoke to the Drs when I couldn't get the words out. She gave Brock the break he needed to just be my rock. Because of her diligence he was able to stay where I needed him, holding my hand and talking me through the pushing process. It was Valerie that held my hand after my baby girl was born and the did the repair work. She let me know everything was okay. She helped me feed my little one for the first time, and even ran to the vending machine to get us snacks.

To sum it up, she was an angel.

She was the best decision we made the entire pregnancy. No chiropractic care, or pregnancy diet, or book (although all of those things are great) was as valuable to us as she was.

I know that this idea of  a "doula" is different to a lot of people in this time, but it is really a forgotten art and I have never met someone so passionate about their job.

I urge everyone to read a little bit more about doula's here. & when you hire one, ((because you will want to hire one)) look into my sweet friend. You will not regret it!


Last but not least;

Our labor was whirlwind fast but between all of her amazing support for us she was able to capture a couple of pictures for us since it was too quick for our photographer to come in. I would like to share them with you in this format. I treasure them more than any photo I have and so wish I had some of Hunter's birth! Here are our first recorded memories of our sweet Haddie.

 

 

Val, Brock and I treasure you. We will never forget your amazing selflessness in what you do. You were so "there" for both of us and we are forever grateful. Love you so much!

Ups & Down

Today was a doozy. ((or is it doosy?)) Are you with me here?

But boy was it beautiful as well.

I am thoroughly amazed at how God gives us the ability to handle so many emotions all at once. In the space of 24 hours I have run the gamut of emotions. A roller coaster ride like no other. A winding road of...

No more analogies. You get me. Right? Right.

Is I just being a woman? Maybe. A human being? Yes. A mother? Definitely.

I am THANKFUL for all these emotions.

Thankful that today my heart was broken & then it was mended while driving down 278 glancing at my oldest make funny faces at his movie in my rear view. So grateful that women I have known a little, and some I have known my whole life went out of their way to make me laugh and make me feel supported. Surprised because I won something today. I never win anything. I felt like Scarlett Johansson when she won that cooler in "He's Just Not That Into You". I felt overwhelming love when I crawled into bed with my husband. Strong in my knowledge that even as the world falls apart he is there, patiently waiting for me to let him help me pick it all back up again. Joy in a random encouraging text from a best friend who never fails me, no matter how long we go without talking. Excitement over a new journey through Christianity and the unimaginable freedom that is waiting on the other side. I got to feel laughter and little boy kisses, and baby girl snuggles. All in one day.

That is peace y'all. && thank you Lord for that peace.

I prayed and hoped and dreamed for this life. I always have. I always wanted this journey to end here. & then it did. It happened before I was even sure what was going on. It's like I woke up one day to this amazing life. Don't get me wrong, I am reminded every day of the struggles. It just ain't easy sister. There are bad days. There are days I barely make it. I sit in one spot for more hours than I should admit. I let the house go and the kids run crazy. I drink copious amount of caffeine. But my husband comes home and he loves me, and my son & daughter oh man how they love me. There is so much peace in all of that. Peace in the piles of laundry. Peace in the mess from dinner, left until tomorrow.

I don't know how to explain it. I just know all of a sudden I am where I am meant to be and I am thankful. I feel like I have come home. & because of that I can take on the world some days. Those days are awesome. But I can also let. it. be.

I can cry, and laugh and feel unimaginable peace, all in one day. How lucky am I?

So, I have to remember to just let it go. Let it go, and let God.

Repeat,

Let Go & Let God.

I don't know where I heard that but a million thanks for your brilliance. It really is as simple as all that.

((Create)) Making it Count 2014

“Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE.”- Joss Whedon

 

 

 

This year I was challenged by another blogger with a couple of writing prompts, one being to choose a word that will define my year, this year. I chewed on the thought for awhile, tugging between a couple ideas of how I want my year to go. I realized I had too many dreams, too many goals, and that most words wouldn't fit my vision. What did fit however, was a word that can be molded to fit multiple facets of my life. My family, my spiritual walk, my career, my very person. That word is create.

 

I intend to create time. Yes, create time. Nudge things out of the way that consume me and create space for my little ones, for my husband.

 

I will be creative in my career. I will endeavor to pursue my education, and explore my creative side. I want my clients to know I am passionate about my work, and passionate about their memories. which brings me to...

 

Creating memories of my own. Memories with my family. Vacations, pajama parties in mommy and daddy's bed, messy art projects, and spur of the moment date nights. & not only creating them but being creative in my documentation of them. More blogging, more getting eye to eye with my kids and capturing their little personalities. More photo books and prints made. More embracing my life and then filing it away to relive years down the road.

 

I am vowing to make a creative attempt at being a better mom, wife, friend, and child of Christ.

 

Time to get out of the box and be a better me.

After all,

“Creating means living.” -Dejan Stovanovic

Young Love

I came across a blog today, 23 Things to Do Instead of Getting Engaged Before You're 23.

Before I read it I think, okay, I get it...We are witnessing in America a huge rise in babies having babies and the divorce rate is overwhelming. So sure, I understand how someone could look at us in the "under 23" category and say we are crazy for jumping into marriage and babies.

& then I read it, and was just so incredibly sad for this woman who obviously just needs to turn the mirror inward and reflect on her own life.

I could say a million ugly things about her and her "philosophies" on life but really I can only address what I know. What I know, as a married woman with two kids who is 23 years old is this:

I have learned more in my three years of marriage and motherhood about myself than that girl will ever learn by standing naked in front of windows, making out with strangers, and cutting her hair.

By now you are wanting to read her ridiculous post, so here you go.

So here are a couple of  things I have learned and know BECAUSE or maybe in her opinion IN SPITE OF of getting engaged, married, oh & knocked up and fat before 23.

1. I agree with you girl, your spouse can be a safety blanket. & that rocks. There is nothing like knowing at the end of EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. that the person you love is there to catch you, love you. Be in love with you. & that means every single piece of you. Forever.

2. I know the struggle and joy of learning to live simply. Did I get a passport, travel the world, and explore the "unknown"? No. What I did do was put complete faith in my husband to take care of me, and vowed to do the same in return. Waiting patiently on payday and budgeting where every single dollar will go. Waiting for years together for that perfect job opportunity. Sticking it out in the hard times. Talk about brave.

3. I learned that my body and I can be strong. Stronger than Crossfit can ever make you. I have conceived a child, carried that child for nine months, labored for 23 hours and then had him taken from me in a cesarean. You know what? I did it again. This time I labored with the help of my husband for 16 hours and with nothing but my own strength as a woman and the endless support from my husband gave birth to that pretty baby girl.

4. Marriage is tough. Every day I have to take the time to put my husband first and that's okay, because he is putting me first too. At the end of the day, our needs aren't always met but there is peace in knowing that I am being actively pursued by my husband. Day in, day out. He never fails.

5. Being a mother has taught me patience. Yes, I am tested daily. Sometimes to the very edge of my sanity. & then I find incomparable joy in my little ones. It's worth it.

Did I "know myself" when I said "I Do"? Maybe not. I did know that I loved my soon to be husband, I knew that he was the perfect fit for me. & I was brave enough to commit to finding myself with him, saving my adventures for him and I to share together, and allowing myself to be loved in a way I never thought possible. & the coolest part? I get to spend the rest of my life finding myself, and I get to do it with the coolest husband and most awesome kids by my side.

Enjoy your cocktails & Nutella. If it looks like this life, then I'll take settling down any day.