6.24.2013

3 years of life, love, and learning

Happy THIRD anniversary to my incredible husband.

Reflecting on our relationship, I feel like we really have are growing up together. We started dating in college when we were 19/20 and now we're 25 and we've already learned so much.

Some people think we're crazy for getting married and starting our family so early, but I don't think we could have made a better decision. There has not been a moment that we have regretted our marriage or child, even especially in the difficult times.

God has been so faithful to provide for us as he has. We are incredibly blessed.

Here's to many more years with the love of my life and the most wonderful man I know!





6.12.2013

The Joyous Mother

Perhaps it was the episode of "I'm having their baby" during nap time. 
Or maybe God's grace is more abundant today. 
Either way, today has been a good day for motherhood. 

Admittedly, probably more times than not, motherhood is difficult. Often times I try to convince myself it will get easier when he turns one, two, three, etc. Many times we wander through our day as I watch the clock until Daddy gets home. 

But today? Today was different. 

We didn't have a plan (aside from the typical) but our interaction was intentional. Fun. 
I didn't just love my baby, I enjoyed him. Something that, sadly, doesn't happen every day.

I wasn't only a hurdle to crawl over. 
I was a story-teller, a tickle monster, a zerbert blower. 

I wasn't only a safety patrol. 
I was a kiss giver, a song singer, a patty-caker.

I wasn't only a parental presence.
I was an airplane, a participant, a friend.

Whatever IT was that made today so special, I hope pray IT stays. 


He [Yahweh] gives the barren woman a home,
    making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 113:9


6.03.2013

What's Happenin?!

I would begin this post with the typical "time got away from me" apology, but I'm not really all that sorry. I've been balancing being a mommy during the day and a wife at night. Tonight, however, my super giving husband is helping some friends with moving errands while my nuglet sleeps, so I am alone to blog.
So many great things have happened since the last time I blogged. For one, I left my wonderful nannying job and became a full-time stay at home mommy! And what a blessing it has been. Looking back at my years of babysitting/nannying, I've come to realize that God was preparing me for this stage my whole life.
Some people might think that being a stay at home mom is a copout or that we're just lazy. To those people I say PSSSH! Whateva, Treva! Staying at home is wonderful and yes it can be relaxing, but it is a challenge as well. It is a challenge to not become complacent and live in your PJs. It's a challenge to turn off the TV, put down the iPhone, and play with your baby; especially when his "playing" consists of crawling in and out of your lap 30 times in 5 minutes. It's a challenge to keep the house clean and to fix dinner every night when honestly you just don't want to. You don't have a boss to give you expectations for your day, it is 100% up to you and that alone is a challenge.
Despite all the challenges and the days I just don't feel up to it, I am so blessed to be given this opportunity to be with my child all day, every day. No one knows him better, I know everything he does during the day, and I know exactly the kind of care he is getting everyday. Not knocking working moms, you are doing what you need to for your family and I applaud you. This is what is best for our family and I am beyond thankful for God's provisions.

When I left my job, I decided right then that I would not be that mom, the one who stays in her PJs, forgets when she showered last, and never leaves the house. We were going to get out and experience Ft. Worth. So we bought zoo passes, Elijah took swim lessons, and now we are involved in Stroller Strides - an interactive exercise program for moms and their babies/children. We are rarely sitting at home, and I am never in my PJs for more than an hour or two in the morning. In the fall, we will be going to MOPS at a church down the road. I'm looking forward to meeting more wonderful moms.

This year Rob decided to take the summer off of school and work full-time. Ironically enough, working 40+ hours a week has been a good break from the usual hustle and bustle of school+work. It has been so great to have him home when he's home and not reading books or writing papers. Elijah and I are lucky to have such a hard working man to take care of us.

As for Elijah, he is a growing, crawling, ball of energy. He is giggly, squeally, and happy! I have never felt so much pride in my life than watching his little world expand. He is such a wonderful baby. We are so blessed by this little creature and are happy to experience life with him.

To put it in simple terms, life for us is sweet. We are happy and satisfied. We are blessed and thankful. God is good, in the valley and on the mountain. Right now, we are really enjoying our mountain.