Our 7 year old has been dealing with some pretty significant dental issues.
Sadly (queue guilt trip!! I'm quite familiar with that road) we didn't realize that is what was wrong until Sunday night.
Sunday night was ROUGH. Lots of tears and can you please make it feel better Momma???
So, yesterday after a preliminary dental visit he got some heavy duty medicine so he could (hopefully) sleep pain free.
I was so frustrated yesterday. Tired. Cranky. Grumpy. A 'I want off the roller coaster' kind of day.
Then I heard this at prayer time
"Dear Jesus, please help my mouth feel better.
But, if you can't tonight, thank you for the pain, because the pain tells us something is wrong and that my body is trying to feel better."
It was hard to hold back the tears. That's an awful lot of wisdom to come out of a wild little man.
Thank you for the pain. I don't say that enough.
Family Wall Red Christmas Card
Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.
View the entire collection of cards.
Thanksgiving Day is here.
Good smells are already wafting through the house and eager anticipation is building at the thought of spending the day with the people I love the most.
But, before the craziness of the day takes over, I wanted to pause and give thanks.
I'm so thankful for God's overwhelming Grace, for a Saviour who came and gave everything, when He didn't have to give anything.
Thankful to live in a country who's founders braved the ocean and the unknown to come to a land where they could be free to worship.
We read a story to the monkeys last night about those first Pilgrims and it was hard to keep from crying thinking about how they gave up everything in order to be free.
Thankful for the Hubs and the 3 Monkeys. Without them I'd be a selfish, spoiled brat.
They have all filled my life with joy and I'm so undeserving to be called Mom. But, so grateful that I am.
Thankful for a church home where I can be myself and a pastor who not only preaches the Word, but shows love and kindness to his people. I don't have to pretend that I've got it all together or that I have all the answers. People don't have that everywhere, I don't want to take that for granted.
Thankful for my Bible study ladies, who put up with me every week and study so hard. They are and inspiration.
Thankful for a warm house, clothes and food. I often take for granted that I can go turn the heat up-just because I've got a chill, I can get a drink of water anytime I want and open the fridge to always find food. Most of the world can't do that. I am blessed.
Thankful for you. For every reader-whether lurker or someone who comments ( although the comments are always fun!)you have blessed my life this year.
What a privilege that you would take the time out of your crazy life and read my silly words. So, please let me say Thank You! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I pray you are surrounded by the people you love most-and if you're not, that you will fell the presence of God in a real and mighty way.
God Bless!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps 100:4
Good smells are already wafting through the house and eager anticipation is building at the thought of spending the day with the people I love the most.
But, before the craziness of the day takes over, I wanted to pause and give thanks.
I'm so thankful for God's overwhelming Grace, for a Saviour who came and gave everything, when He didn't have to give anything.
Thankful to live in a country who's founders braved the ocean and the unknown to come to a land where they could be free to worship.
We read a story to the monkeys last night about those first Pilgrims and it was hard to keep from crying thinking about how they gave up everything in order to be free.
Thankful for the Hubs and the 3 Monkeys. Without them I'd be a selfish, spoiled brat.
They have all filled my life with joy and I'm so undeserving to be called Mom. But, so grateful that I am.
Thankful for a church home where I can be myself and a pastor who not only preaches the Word, but shows love and kindness to his people. I don't have to pretend that I've got it all together or that I have all the answers. People don't have that everywhere, I don't want to take that for granted.
Thankful for my Bible study ladies, who put up with me every week and study so hard. They are and inspiration.
Thankful for a warm house, clothes and food. I often take for granted that I can go turn the heat up-just because I've got a chill, I can get a drink of water anytime I want and open the fridge to always find food. Most of the world can't do that. I am blessed.
Thankful for you. For every reader-whether lurker or someone who comments ( although the comments are always fun!)you have blessed my life this year.
What a privilege that you would take the time out of your crazy life and read my silly words. So, please let me say Thank You! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I pray you are surrounded by the people you love most-and if you're not, that you will fell the presence of God in a real and mighty way.
God Bless!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps 100:4
This is the time of year where we reap the consequence of having big old trees in our yard.
In a word.
LEAVES.
In another word.
EVERYWHERE.
And until the last one drops not just from our yard, but from the neighbors. . .it's a constant task to keep up.
So, from rakes, blowers, vacuums to the ridding lawn mower trying to grind them down we have and do try it all.
As, I took my turn on the ridding mower, which starts out fun, but ends up with you going over and Over and OVer and ovER and O V E R the same patch of grass, I began to notice a small dip in our front yard. The mower would slow down a bit and then get right back to normal. At first.
But, after I'd done that pass several times, it went from slowing down to really slowing down where I'd have to give it a little wiggle to get it moving again, until the last time. Then it just stopped.
The Hubs had to come and give me a push.
Now, I knew the little dip was there. The imperfection of non level ground, yet I kept running over and over the same spot.
It reminded me of how I often I do that to the people I love.
Run over and over that little dip in their life. A little imperfection that we both know is there, but my running over just makes worse.
At first it may just slow them down-an annoyance but not to bad.
But, if it doesn't let up-well after awhile it can just make them want to quit.
Let's face it, we all have things we need to work on, but having someone just run you over and over may get the 'leaves' out of the way, but it'll never make the 'dip in the yard' disappear.
That's up the Creator. Not. Me.
Oh,that I would learn that. I have a feeling my family might have the same prayer :)
In a word.
LEAVES.
In another word.
EVERYWHERE.
And until the last one drops not just from our yard, but from the neighbors. . .it's a constant task to keep up.
So, from rakes, blowers, vacuums to the ridding lawn mower trying to grind them down we have and do try it all.
As, I took my turn on the ridding mower, which starts out fun, but ends up with you going over and Over and OVer and ovER and O V E R the same patch of grass, I began to notice a small dip in our front yard. The mower would slow down a bit and then get right back to normal. At first.
But, after I'd done that pass several times, it went from slowing down to really slowing down where I'd have to give it a little wiggle to get it moving again, until the last time. Then it just stopped.
The Hubs had to come and give me a push.
Now, I knew the little dip was there. The imperfection of non level ground, yet I kept running over and over the same spot.
It reminded me of how I often I do that to the people I love.
Run over and over that little dip in their life. A little imperfection that we both know is there, but my running over just makes worse.
At first it may just slow them down-an annoyance but not to bad.
But, if it doesn't let up-well after awhile it can just make them want to quit.
Let's face it, we all have things we need to work on, but having someone just run you over and over may get the 'leaves' out of the way, but it'll never make the 'dip in the yard' disappear.
That's up the Creator. Not. Me.
Oh,that I would learn that. I have a feeling my family might have the same prayer :)
All that matters is your love has set me free. . . .
What a wonderful gift!
This is an amazing video by on of my favorite groups.
But as amazing as the video is, don't lose the lyrics-equally as amazing!
I found my self grumbling at the pile of laundry that has overtaken my laundry room and frankly felt a bit of resentment as I threw yet another load in this morning.
After all I've got a Bible study to prepare for and a speaking opportunity on Friday at a local church.
Don't they know I've got more important things to do??
Then I read this by Oswald Chambers: We want to be able to say, “Oh, I have had a wonderful call from God!” But to do even the most humbling tasks to the glory of God takes the Almighty God Incarnate working in us. To be utterly unnoticeable requires God’s Spirit in us making us absolutely humanly His. The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life.
Talk about toes being stepped on and heart full of conviction.
The greatest blessing in my life will never be standing in front of a group of women.
It is a blessing, a huge one. To be called of God to teach is humbling and overwhelming at times. And I wonder EVERY DAY why He chose to look at me with all my imperfections and craziness and say 'Yep, that's the one I want to use.'
But, my greatest blessings will always be my family.
And right now my family needs clean clothes, clean bathrooms, a nurse, a teacher and a playmate and a carpool driver.
So I will do all those things with as much joy and gladness as I do getting ready to go speak or write.
So many women I meet feel so insignificant and lost in throws of motherhood. And it can be overwhelming at times, feeling like no one sees all you do. When no one thanks you for the clean underwear in their dresser drawer. But, always rest assured that God sees and He is pleased with the care you are giving your precious family.
We are told over and over again in the Bible how much God loves and cares for His children, so how special we must be to be put in charge of the littlest ones who can't care for themselves.
Today, I'll happily fold the laundry, clean the stool and drive around town to 2 different basketball practices, because that is my task that the Creator of the Universe - and the Creator of my family gave me. And as much as I do it for them, I do it all for Him even more.
After all I've got a Bible study to prepare for and a speaking opportunity on Friday at a local church.
Don't they know I've got more important things to do??
Then I read this by Oswald Chambers: We want to be able to say, “Oh, I have had a wonderful call from God!” But to do even the most humbling tasks to the glory of God takes the Almighty God Incarnate working in us. To be utterly unnoticeable requires God’s Spirit in us making us absolutely humanly His. The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life.
Talk about toes being stepped on and heart full of conviction.
The greatest blessing in my life will never be standing in front of a group of women.
It is a blessing, a huge one. To be called of God to teach is humbling and overwhelming at times. And I wonder EVERY DAY why He chose to look at me with all my imperfections and craziness and say 'Yep, that's the one I want to use.'
But, my greatest blessings will always be my family.
And right now my family needs clean clothes, clean bathrooms, a nurse, a teacher and a playmate and a carpool driver.
So I will do all those things with as much joy and gladness as I do getting ready to go speak or write.
So many women I meet feel so insignificant and lost in throws of motherhood. And it can be overwhelming at times, feeling like no one sees all you do. When no one thanks you for the clean underwear in their dresser drawer. But, always rest assured that God sees and He is pleased with the care you are giving your precious family.
We are told over and over again in the Bible how much God loves and cares for His children, so how special we must be to be put in charge of the littlest ones who can't care for themselves.
Today, I'll happily fold the laundry, clean the stool and drive around town to 2 different basketball practices, because that is my task that the Creator of the Universe - and the Creator of my family gave me. And as much as I do it for them, I do it all for Him even more.
This was originally published on Veteran's Day of 2010.
I wanted to share this again today in honor of my Hero Dad and all the other hero's we honor today.
I found it in a cardboard box long long ago on some childhood exploration.
A small black box, very unadorned.
I opened it up and looked inside.
And there settled in white silk was a ribbon and a heart.
Shiny and purple there it gleamed with the face of a man looking out at me.
I gasped in delight and was so excited.
To my little girl eyes it looked just like jewelry.
So off to Momma I ran.
Can I wear this?, I eagerly inquired?
Oh no she said with a look in her eyes I did not recognize.
For that belongs to Daddy
Where did it come from I wanted to know.
Go and ask she replied,
So he can tell you his story.
To his lap I ran
Tell me Daddy, Where did your pretty heart come from?
Silence followed for quite awhile and then he said
Now listen honey, I fought in a jungle far away so you could always be free.
I got hurt and so they gave this to me.
Oh Daddy you're so brave, my little girl heart swelled.
Daddy, I asked, Can we take your pretty heart out and put on display for all to see?
Little One, he said, Let's keep it tucked away
There were others who gave their lives in that jungle, they gave so much more than me and promise me you'll never forget all that was sacrificed for you.
You're my hero I said.
I'm no hero, I was just a boy doing what I was asked to do.
But, my little girl heart somehow knew My daddy was a hero even if he let his purple heart grow dusty.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
I wanted to share this again today in honor of my Hero Dad and all the other hero's we honor today.
I found it in a cardboard box long long ago on some childhood exploration.
A small black box, very unadorned.
I opened it up and looked inside.
And there settled in white silk was a ribbon and a heart.
Shiny and purple there it gleamed with the face of a man looking out at me.
I gasped in delight and was so excited.
To my little girl eyes it looked just like jewelry.
So off to Momma I ran.
Can I wear this?, I eagerly inquired?
Oh no she said with a look in her eyes I did not recognize.
For that belongs to Daddy
Where did it come from I wanted to know.
Go and ask she replied,
So he can tell you his story.
To his lap I ran
Tell me Daddy, Where did your pretty heart come from?
Silence followed for quite awhile and then he said
Now listen honey, I fought in a jungle far away so you could always be free.
I got hurt and so they gave this to me.
Oh Daddy you're so brave, my little girl heart swelled.
Daddy, I asked, Can we take your pretty heart out and put on display for all to see?
Little One, he said, Let's keep it tucked away
There were others who gave their lives in that jungle, they gave so much more than me and promise me you'll never forget all that was sacrificed for you.
You're my hero I said.
I'm no hero, I was just a boy doing what I was asked to do.
But, my little girl heart somehow knew My daddy was a hero even if he let his purple heart grow dusty.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
I have to recap our trip to parent/tot gymnastics this week.
It's just to good not to share.
First you should know that it's a pretty diverse (relatively speaking) group of people that are there. And typically you see the same faces each week.
Oh, and my kids have been watching a lot of classic cartoons lately.
But, this week there were about 5 to 6 new faces at during our group time.
As an avid people watcher I was excited-new faces to watch!
About half way into our time I realized an interesting dynamic between a couple of parents with kiddos about the same age.
Comparing who could do what on which equipment and the like.
Then came the MOST FASCINATING conversation about preschool I have ever heard.
(Just to clear my name, I wasn't eavesdropping, they were talking right next to me)
It went from class size, style comparisons, location,to the one that really got -and that they were extra proud of-which language immersion their child was doing.
A serious game of one upsmanship was happening.
Meanwhile, my little princess has climbed onto the trampoline and said 'Look Momma I'm bouncing like a bunny!'
Everyone turned to look at her, and I was nodding telling her 'I see you hopping like a bunny.'
When she says "See I'm Drugs Bunny!".
The over the top parents froze in mid sentence and it seemed as if time stood still.
"Do you mean Bugs Bunny?" trying not to giggle.
"Yep, that's me Drugs Bugs Bunny! What's Up Doc?"
We homeschool for preschool and our immersion is in classic cartoons. Thank You very much.
If there is anything that will get you over yourself and teach you all about grace it's children. And having more than one teaches you to be very generous in how and when you pass those things out.
Something tells me those parents won't be back to play with us anytime soon.
It's just to good not to share.
First you should know that it's a pretty diverse (relatively speaking) group of people that are there. And typically you see the same faces each week.
Oh, and my kids have been watching a lot of classic cartoons lately.
But, this week there were about 5 to 6 new faces at during our group time.
As an avid people watcher I was excited-new faces to watch!
About half way into our time I realized an interesting dynamic between a couple of parents with kiddos about the same age.
Comparing who could do what on which equipment and the like.
Then came the MOST FASCINATING conversation about preschool I have ever heard.
(Just to clear my name, I wasn't eavesdropping, they were talking right next to me)
It went from class size, style comparisons, location,to the one that really got -and that they were extra proud of-which language immersion their child was doing.
A serious game of one upsmanship was happening.
Meanwhile, my little princess has climbed onto the trampoline and said 'Look Momma I'm bouncing like a bunny!'
Everyone turned to look at her, and I was nodding telling her 'I see you hopping like a bunny.'
When she says "See I'm Drugs Bunny!".
The over the top parents froze in mid sentence and it seemed as if time stood still.
"Do you mean Bugs Bunny?" trying not to giggle.
"Yep, that's me Drugs Bugs Bunny! What's Up Doc?"
We homeschool for preschool and our immersion is in classic cartoons. Thank You very much.
If there is anything that will get you over yourself and teach you all about grace it's children. And having more than one teaches you to be very generous in how and when you pass those things out.
Something tells me those parents won't be back to play with us anytime soon.
We parents all face it.
The dreaded morning whirlwind.
Dirty pj's on the floor , beds getting made, brushing teeth, breakfast is ready.
HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!
Backpacks, lunch boxes-is that my 200th peanut butter and jelly made yet?
Slick back hair, kisses on the head-have a great day, honor God, hug your sister good bye.
And as crazy as the morning rush is, it ends almost as quickly as it begins.
That is where I found myself this morning. Looking at the aftermath of dishes piled in the sink and a sigh of resignation that if I don't clean that up no one else is here that will.
But, just as quickly as that disgruntled feeling came, the thought of thankfulness came too.
If I didn't live in the whirlwind that is my life, that means I wouldn't be surrounded by the people I love.
I only get to take care of them for such a short while.
So, thank you Jesus for little bodies who need me to fix their lunch and their hair.
For good morning hugs and did you sleep well questions.
For three cereal bowls in the sink.
And a peanut butter covered knife.
All reminders of my blessed life.
The dreaded morning whirlwind.
Dirty pj's on the floor , beds getting made, brushing teeth, breakfast is ready.
HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!
Backpacks, lunch boxes-is that my 200th peanut butter and jelly made yet?
Slick back hair, kisses on the head-have a great day, honor God, hug your sister good bye.
And as crazy as the morning rush is, it ends almost as quickly as it begins.
That is where I found myself this morning. Looking at the aftermath of dishes piled in the sink and a sigh of resignation that if I don't clean that up no one else is here that will.
But, just as quickly as that disgruntled feeling came, the thought of thankfulness came too.
If I didn't live in the whirlwind that is my life, that means I wouldn't be surrounded by the people I love.
I only get to take care of them for such a short while.
So, thank you Jesus for little bodies who need me to fix their lunch and their hair.
For good morning hugs and did you sleep well questions.
For three cereal bowls in the sink.
And a peanut butter covered knife.
All reminders of my blessed life.
Our house has been plagued by sickness this past month. Between numerous trips to the doctors which leads to numerous trips to the pharmacy which leads to much less money in the bank account, it can be very wearing. Not to mention the whole being sick part and frankly at times being sick of yourself and everyone around you because you feel so cruddy. Out of the five of us, 4 are on perception meds right now for whatever creepy crude this is that has attacked us.
Please know that I know there are so very many others that have it so much worse that we do.
And with all the sick and the yuck I've spent about a week and half just feeling stuck.
So, to help with my attitude check-besides much prayer and being in The Word I decided to make a list of some things that are making me happy right now.
Please know that Jesus and the Fam will always top the list. These are just other random things.
The wonderful fall we are having in the Midwest. Not to cold and the leaves are just beautiful right now.
I love a gorgeous red tree this time of year!
Micheal W. Smith's latest CD Wonder. I know he's been around forever and there is lots of great music out, but I love me some Smitty and this CD is current and fresh and just makes me happy.
Candy Corn. I know. It's wrong. But so right too.
Saving $96 at Kohl's on Saturday. I love a good sale combined with a 15% off coupon.
Hearing each of my children pray. There is something so precious about hearing the thoughts of a child expressed to their Creator. It's a beautiful thing.
My walking buddy, Erica. She makes morning exercise bearable and dare I even say-enjoyable.
Watching my daughter dance to the songs from Annie. There is nothing cuter than a little girl in a tutu. She's got no rhythm but boy does she love it!
I'm so grateful for the current Bible study I am doing. I've been beaten up and blessed all at the same time.
For a God who is loving and patient with me. Because seriously, I'm just way to much of a handful most of the time.
That most of our Christmas shopping was completed over the weekend. Yep that's right.
So, those are some of my happy thoughts right now, in between coughing and the passing out of tissues.
What's making you happy this week?
Please know that I know there are so very many others that have it so much worse that we do.
And with all the sick and the yuck I've spent about a week and half just feeling stuck.
So, to help with my attitude check-besides much prayer and being in The Word I decided to make a list of some things that are making me happy right now.
Please know that Jesus and the Fam will always top the list. These are just other random things.
The wonderful fall we are having in the Midwest. Not to cold and the leaves are just beautiful right now.
I love a gorgeous red tree this time of year!
Micheal W. Smith's latest CD Wonder. I know he's been around forever and there is lots of great music out, but I love me some Smitty and this CD is current and fresh and just makes me happy.
Candy Corn. I know. It's wrong. But so right too.
Saving $96 at Kohl's on Saturday. I love a good sale combined with a 15% off coupon.
Hearing each of my children pray. There is something so precious about hearing the thoughts of a child expressed to their Creator. It's a beautiful thing.
My walking buddy, Erica. She makes morning exercise bearable and dare I even say-enjoyable.
Watching my daughter dance to the songs from Annie. There is nothing cuter than a little girl in a tutu. She's got no rhythm but boy does she love it!
I'm so grateful for the current Bible study I am doing. I've been beaten up and blessed all at the same time.
For a God who is loving and patient with me. Because seriously, I'm just way to much of a handful most of the time.
That most of our Christmas shopping was completed over the weekend. Yep that's right.
So, those are some of my happy thoughts right now, in between coughing and the passing out of tissues.
What's making you happy this week?
I feel stuck this week.
Probably from having been sick for the past three weeks and finally breaking down and going to the doctors. I got a lecture and three medications. They are pretty heavy duty making it difficult to much else.
I have a blog brewing down inside of me but can't get the words out just quite yet.
So, I was wondering, do you ever feel stuck?
Whether from being sick physically or emotionally. Do you ever feel like you should be moving but you're not sure which way is up?
I'd love to hear about it, after all -we're all in this together.
(and if that last line made you start humming a Disney tune, for that I am so sorry)
Probably from having been sick for the past three weeks and finally breaking down and going to the doctors. I got a lecture and three medications. They are pretty heavy duty making it difficult to much else.
I have a blog brewing down inside of me but can't get the words out just quite yet.
So, I was wondering, do you ever feel stuck?
Whether from being sick physically or emotionally. Do you ever feel like you should be moving but you're not sure which way is up?
I'd love to hear about it, after all -we're all in this together.
(and if that last line made you start humming a Disney tune, for that I am so sorry)
Ok, You know I had to do it. . I LOVE a theme!!
Just to recap, the original was what I would go back and tell my high school self. Part 2 was what I would tell my newly/nearly married self. As I thought about the ending, it only seemed right to visit my 'brand new mom' self.
What would I go back 12 years ago and tell that woman?
So away we go!
1) Take a nap. You may never sleep peacefully again. Oh there might be times of get aways, but they'll be few and far between. Even when they get older there will be other things that you'll be concerned about besides is it time to eat or do they need a diaper change.
So, in the hospital when the nurse comes to you and ask if you'd like the baby to go the nursery so you can some rest, say YES!
2) Your self worth is not wrapped in
a) how long you did/didn't nurse
b) when your child first began sleeping through the night
c)when your child was/wasn't potty trained.
d)and when they hit 2 1/2-3 how many fits they do/don't throw in the foyer at church/walmart toy aisle/doctor's office.
3)Just because your man does something different than you would doesn't make it 'wrong.' Sister if you've got a man who is changing diapers and feeding the baby -and HAPPY to do it -LOVE that man and consider yourself blessed beyond measure and for pity's sake quite telling him he's not doing it right!
4)Baby's grow and change so quickly
a)take lots of pictures
b)not every outfit you own for them needs to brand new-they're going to spend allot of time spitting up on them or going to the bathroom on these clothes. Then you'll turn around and their little feet are already popping out of them. Garage sales, consignment stores and the clearance aisle can be your best friend.
( I'll admit here, my first baby boy was basically always in high end clothes and the thought of putting him in something from a garage sale/consignment store did not go over well with me.
I was silly and wasted lots of money! Let's just say, I got over it with baby boy #2 and the princess!)
5) This precious little one that you can't take your eyes off of and you love so dearly is -hang on, it's hard to believe-going to push you to the brink of sanity some days. It's ok to admit that sometimes you need a break! Whether it's a girls night out, reading a book, or just running to the store without having to listen to Bob and Larry sing the old hymns is a good and productive thing.
Speak up and tell your man you need some time -Oh and take a shower, do your hair and get out of your pj's. I promise it'll make you feel like a new woman and that you can accomplish anything!
6) Remember they are just yours for a little while and as much as you love them -Jesus loves them more. Tell His praises in the morning, and sing about Him at night. During the day talk about all He's done -from making the pretty blue sky to their sweet little face.
And know that you're not doing this alone. It's hard to imagine someone loving your baby more, but I promise He does and they belong to Him.
So, that's what I'd tell my new mommy self. What would you go back and tell yourself or another new mom?
Just to recap, the original was what I would go back and tell my high school self. Part 2 was what I would tell my newly/nearly married self. As I thought about the ending, it only seemed right to visit my 'brand new mom' self.
What would I go back 12 years ago and tell that woman?
So away we go!
1) Take a nap. You may never sleep peacefully again. Oh there might be times of get aways, but they'll be few and far between. Even when they get older there will be other things that you'll be concerned about besides is it time to eat or do they need a diaper change.
So, in the hospital when the nurse comes to you and ask if you'd like the baby to go the nursery so you can some rest, say YES!
2) Your self worth is not wrapped in
a) how long you did/didn't nurse
b) when your child first began sleeping through the night
c)when your child was/wasn't potty trained.
d)and when they hit 2 1/2-3 how many fits they do/don't throw in the foyer at church/walmart toy aisle/doctor's office.
3)Just because your man does something different than you would doesn't make it 'wrong.' Sister if you've got a man who is changing diapers and feeding the baby -and HAPPY to do it -LOVE that man and consider yourself blessed beyond measure and for pity's sake quite telling him he's not doing it right!
4)Baby's grow and change so quickly
a)take lots of pictures
b)not every outfit you own for them needs to brand new-they're going to spend allot of time spitting up on them or going to the bathroom on these clothes. Then you'll turn around and their little feet are already popping out of them. Garage sales, consignment stores and the clearance aisle can be your best friend.
( I'll admit here, my first baby boy was basically always in high end clothes and the thought of putting him in something from a garage sale/consignment store did not go over well with me.
I was silly and wasted lots of money! Let's just say, I got over it with baby boy #2 and the princess!)
5) This precious little one that you can't take your eyes off of and you love so dearly is -hang on, it's hard to believe-going to push you to the brink of sanity some days. It's ok to admit that sometimes you need a break! Whether it's a girls night out, reading a book, or just running to the store without having to listen to Bob and Larry sing the old hymns is a good and productive thing.
Speak up and tell your man you need some time -Oh and take a shower, do your hair and get out of your pj's. I promise it'll make you feel like a new woman and that you can accomplish anything!
6) Remember they are just yours for a little while and as much as you love them -Jesus loves them more. Tell His praises in the morning, and sing about Him at night. During the day talk about all He's done -from making the pretty blue sky to their sweet little face.
And know that you're not doing this alone. It's hard to imagine someone loving your baby more, but I promise He does and they belong to Him.
So, that's what I'd tell my new mommy self. What would you go back and tell yourself or another new mom?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
