One month

Hi, I'm one month old today! 

I've been my mommy and daddy's daughter for a whole month. 

I've also been my brother's sister for a whole month! 

I enjoy both these things...

Even if brother tries to crawl on top of me and poke me in the eye.

I know its just because he gets excited and wants to show me that he loves me. 

But still come on, big brother, you're way bigger than me and that's not really fair. 

So far I like life.

I love to be held. If anyone holds me, I'm happy as can be.
But if you put me down I cry quickly.
It starts off pretty quiet and then all of a sudden its very loud! Very ear piercing!
A lot of the reason for my crying was because I have acid reflux.
Mommy's milk was coming up and it hurt my throat.
I'm glad that mommy and daddy finally figured out and got the doctor to give me medicine for it.
I cry a lot less and enjoy eating a lot more!

Speaking of eating, I eat a lot. About every two hours during the day, sometimes more.
It really depends on my mood.
At night things are different though.
First of all, I fight sleep like crazy (but not during the day, which is the best time to sleep).
Its usually when mommy and daddy are trying to get in bed.
I think its the perfect time to be wide awake. I don't see what the problem is.
Parents aren't suppose to sleep are they?

Okay, okay, I get it, they are suppose to sleep, otherwise they are cranky.
Last night I finally decided to give them a break...
But only because they let me sleep in the big bed.
They swaddled me tight and mommy laid with me in the bed until I fell asleep.
They were pretty surprised that I only woke up once during the night, to eat, instead of being awake all night or multiple times.
They appreciated this.
Do you think they appreciated it enough to let me sleep in the big bed again?
I'm hoping for it.

Mommy says I have to go to the doctor on Monday for my monthly check up.
I hear that place isn't fun. That's what brother says anyway.
Pray for us. Especially mommy because she has to take brother and I.
I hope not all of us walk away in tears. I'll let you know.

Questions on Gratitude

Lately, I've come across posts from other bloggers that I like and therefore want to copy.This is one of those posts. It's definitely one I need to do...especially today. I need to take the time to really think about what I am grateful for. I am always grateful, but I don't always take the time to really think about such things. 

1. Who do you appreciate? There are many people I appreciate, but my husband is at the very top of the list. He works so very hard at a job that isn't his dream, at a job that most days is just a pain, but he does it because he wants to support us. He's also very supportive, loving, and giving. He's a great husband! =)

2. How am I fortunate? I am fortunate because of the life I live. There are so many people, so many children who don't get food to eat, water to drink, or a roof over their head. I'm fortunate enough to get those things! I'm also fortunate to have a college degree. So many people can't afford it. I'm fortunate also because I know Christ. So many people don't. For that I am one of the most fortunate!

3. What material possessions am I thankful for? Clothes, my phone, a computer, a car, a bed to sleep on.

4. What abilities do I have that I am grateful for? I'm grateful that I have a compassionate heart. Sometimes its so easy for the world to judge other for who they are or blame them for their circumstances, but I try to see the bigger picture, I try to see their heart. I'm not always good at it, but my heart is full of compassion for many.

5. What about my surroundings (my home, neighborhood) am I thankful for? I'm thankful to have a roof over my head and a warm place to sleep. I'm thankful that we are in a safe place, but mostly I am thankful that I am with my husband and son. They surround me daily and without them I don't know what I'd do. I'm also thankful that God is all around me.

6. What experiences have I had that I am grateful for? I want to say that I am grateful for my past, but sometimes thats hard. However, I know that theres a purpose in it, even if I never know what that is. Its a part of God's plan and its made me who I am today. 

7. What happened today/yesterday/this week/ this month/this year that I am grateful for?

Today-- time to rest. Somedays I feel like I get none and it was nice to nap with my son lying on me.

Yesterday -- some good time with just my husband, son, and I. One of my favorite things is when we have time just us, time to just enjoy each other. 

This week-- thats its Thanksgiving tomorrow (and someone's birthday)! =)

This month -- that we've been able to take some steps towards healing for us and made some decisions that will be good for us!

This year -- we got married and had a baby...couldn't get any better than that!    

8. What opportunities have I had that I am thankful for? I am thankful that I have the chance to stay home with my son. Its definitely a blessing. I get to see him grow and thats something I wouldn't change for the world!

9. What have others done that I am thankful for? My husband works to support us. That is something I can never thank him enough for. His parents have given us a place to stay while we pay off some debt. A friend from church welcomes her home for play dates and listens to me. Theres so much that others have done for me! 

10. What have others done that I am benefiting from in my life (even if I don't know who those people are?) I know others pray for us. Maybe I don't know who or when, but it helps!

11. What relationships am I thankful for? I am thankful for the relationship I have with my husband. It may not always be easy, but it is always worth it. I am thankful for my relationship with my son. Its a special relationship and he will always have a special place in my heart. I love them very much. I am also thankful for the friendships I have -- some I've had for years and some more recent, but my friends, they are so important and have been there through some of the toughest times. I'm so thankful to have people in my life who will be there no matter what!

12. What am I taking for granted that, if I stop to think about, I am grateful for? I am sure there is much. I think I take more for granted that I can even think of. At times, I think, I take most for granted. Maybe, its money, if I really think about it. I've mentioned debt before and I think, maybe, taking money for granted is what got us here. 

13. What is there about the challenges/difficulties I have experienced (or am experiencing) that I can be thankful for? (e.g. What have I learned? How have I grown?) I've learned what really matters - God and my family. Those things are the only things that really matter... if I only had those two things in my life, I'd not only be okay, but I'd be good. I've also learned that God's in control and I need to trust Him and lean on Him more.

14. What is different today then it was a year ago that I am thankful for? My heart is different. When my husband and I started dating I was emotionally a mess and after getting married and having him in my life thats changed a lot. He's helped to heal my heart. I'm so thankful for that! I am also thankful that my husband took it upon himself to bring my best friend from college and I back into one anothers' lives. I am thankful that she was willing to let me back in her life and that we were willing to forgive one another and open up to one another again. God is good. In all things He is good.

15. What insights have I gained that I am thankful for? I am thankful that I've learned that I can't change the way people act or the choices they've made. I can only be in-charge of me. Its nice to be able to let go of that and not carry the burden of other peoples' choices. 

I'm blank because...

I've seen multiple bloggers do this. I thought it was fun and different, so I'm joining in!

I'm weird because...

I have to sleep with my feet out of the covers

I have to have ice in my milk or its just not cold enough

I don't like being touched when I'm sleeping

I can make a million different faces

I'm a bad friend because...

I don't keep in contact like I should

I'm not very open and vulnerable

Sometimes I rather just be alone

I forget birthdays

I'm a good friend because...

I'll listen to my friends' hearts anytime

I cherish my friends so much

I'd do anything for my friends

I'm trustworthy

I'm sad because...

We have too much debt

I miss my close girlfriends

We don't have space of our own and I desperately want it

My baby boy is growing too fast

I'm happy because...

The weekend was a good one

I have a giving and loving husband

My baby boy brings me so much joy

His mercies are new every morning

I'm excited because...

Its almost Thanksgiving

My baby boy is turning one soon

We're slowly, but surely, paying off our debts

Christmas is coming

Husband + son = heart swell

These are my boys. There are no two people whom I could possibly love more in this world.

When they are together... my love grows to an extent that I didn't even know existed. 

My favorite thing in the world is hearing them be together. I love when my husband goes in his room at night...when our little one is supposed to be sleeping and I hear them talking to each other. Of course, the little one doesn't talk much yet, but I hear him jabbering. I hear dada and giggles. 

Moments like those make my heart sore. Moments like those fill my heart with a joy, I didn't know, it could ever feel. 

When my husband tells me that he taught Braden how to say bear, it makes my heart happy to know that he's willing to teach our little one and that Braden wants to learn from his dada. It makes me smile when he tells me that he asked Braden if that was his bear and he patted it, as to say, "yes, this is my bear." And when he holds the bear in front of him and says, "are you going to sleep with your bear?" he grabs it and hugs it. It makes me happy that they have their own way of talking and having fun with one another.

Theres no greater joy to me, really. It makes me so happy that I could cry.

Because when I hear them talking... hear them playing...everything in my world seems so right and perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more. 

P.S. Theres an amazing giveaway going on over here featuring my new favorite etsy shop, Poor Pitiful Pearl. They have fabulous clothes that are refashioned. I am just dying over the clothes! So cute and unique! Check it out, I promise you won't be disappointed!

A ride on the carousel

 

His first time and even though the pictures may seem differently, I think he liked it.

=)

He's just so precious to me

Sometimes I just want to eat him up!

He's going to be one soon.

Growing up so fast, too fast.

He's so full of energy

and smiles

and laughs.

Thank You God for this boy, this precious boy...

His costume: Killing me with cuteness

I took so many pictures yesterday, as I usually do and I couldn't decide which ones to post.

So, there are a lot! My grandma picked up this costume at a thrift store and I do have to say (of course) that he is the cutest giraffe I have ever seen! 

 

 

 

 

 

His first Halloween, so I painted a 1 (got this idea on pinterest)!

 

 

I was surprised that he actually didn't mind wearing this! Even the hood! 

Next year I look forward to actually taking him (And maybe a sibling?!?! No, I'm not pregnant, but I want to be) trick or treating! 

Happy Halloween!

Apparently, we're really excited about it over here! 

=)

Costume pictures tomorrow!
And check out the giveaway in the post before this one!

Girlfriends weekend

This past weekend some of us girls from college got together.

Its the first time some of us have all been together since I got married.

It was so fun to see all of them and catch up on life because its changed so much! 

We had a full weekend!

We ate a ton of food,went to a pumpkin patch,talked a lot

and just hung out! It was great! 

Oh, and of course Braden got a lot of loving!

This was his first time on a hayride. He couldn't take his eyes away from the big wheels!

There were a few farm animals. The pig got lose!

They had this slide at the pumpkin patch which was so fun to go down.

I was a bit nervous about going down it with Braden, but decided to try it anyway.

It was safe and fun. We laughed a lot!

We took a trip to the cider mill. So many apples!

Braden of course had to check out the pumpkins! I think he recognized them from his first time at the pumpkin patch!

Of course I had to try some cider. This was apple-raspberry cider. Very yummy!

And heres a picture of us that evening watching some fire on the water thing (I'd explain it, but its boring lol). 

I am so thankful for these women. 

They've been there for me through a lot.

 I look forward to the many more times that we get to be together in this life! 

11 months!

Today my baby is 11 months old. He's growing so fast. Too fast. 

The last couple days he's just seemed so big, so grown up! I do enjoy it, but its breaking my heart (I think I say this every month...)! 

He's learning so much...

He stands up by himself

He's drinking out of a cup better

He's talking up a storm. Did I mention he says Kitty? Not mama yet, but Kitty. Says it all the time!

He likes to pull drawers open and bang on things.

He loves to laugh - does a fake laugh all the time.

Is so happy. Just so happy. 

Climbs up stairs. 

The list goes on and on and everyday my love for him grows! 

Happy 11 months baby! Can you stop growing now and just stay my baby forever? 

Pleaseeeeee?

Nothing will stop him!

It was in the 50 yesterday , which is crazy (I know, I know not freezing, but still colder than its been). I thought that meant a day inside, but do you think the weather would stop this kid? I did. Clearly, mama was wrong. Outside he wanted to go. So we bundled up and went! 

Happy as can be because he's outside... the place he loves the most! 

I wonder what this means for winter... even when there is snow on the ground, even when its super cold...he's going to want to go out. "Sure, kid, go, but mama's gonna stay where its nice and warm because I hate the cold!" I can just see it. But of course, I'll go with him because it will make him happy and well, its safer that way! 

I have no idea what he is looking at but clearly he is shocked. 

Whenever he makes this face it just looks like he's disgusted (to me anyway), but he's not. He's just so excited he cannot contain himself. =)

Watching a car drive by while playing with leaves, of course. 

So, the cold is worth it. It always will be because it makes him so happy! 

Two of his favorite things

The kitty and looking outside.

=)

It's the little things: New things, wall art, visit from a friend, and ten thousand villages

This weeks been a good one. Especially today =) 

Braden decided he wanted to help grandma do laundry.

I love how curious he is...

Started digging around in the dryer and shaking clothes just like grandma.

I saw something like this on pinterest and knew I wanted to do it! 

The first thing I've actually done that I pinned. Yes, I am proud.

Of course the other one actually looks more heart shaped. 

I just love looking at this wall and seeing people I love.

This is my friend LynAnne. She has been in Cambodia for a whole year, so this was the first time she got to meet our little one. I was so happy! They seemed to like each other!

We got to hang out all day. I picked her up from the bus stop, we went for coffee, to ten thousand villages, had lunch, went to the park, and just had a good time catching up on one another's lives!

Definitely the best part of this week!

This is what I bought at ten thousand villages:  chocolate and flower pins for my hair.

Have you ever been? If not, GO! 

Its all fair trade stuff. 

LynAnne knows a lot of people from Cambodia who actually made stuff in the store. 

Cool huh? 

Cool to us anyway.

Happy Friday! What blessed your week!