It's been a long (long) time since I've written a Thankful Thursday post. I've missed it. I have so much to be thankful for each and every day, and having this space to write down those things help me focus on them. Recalling the good things in life help make the not-so-good things more manageable. So this week I'm thankful for:
~My healthy babies. My heart broke for blogger Diana Stone when I read that her two week old son didn't pull through. If you aren't familiar with her story, the very short version is that she lost her twins early in her pregnancy last year. (Maybe 20ish weeks.) Her water broke, but she managed to keep them in longer than anyone expected. Eventually she gave birth to them, and lost them. When she got pregnant again with her son, I was thrilled for her. Then he was born, and they discovered he had a heart condition. I sobbed reading the news that he wasn't going to make it. It made me hug my own little ones extra tight.
~Our house. With Dan in the middle of extensive training, we haven't seen him much at all. When I start to get irritated about not seeing him, and the kids are cranky and whiny, and I have to do everything alone, I remind myself that it's all for a good cause. His job is the reason we have our house at all. And the alternative would be living back on the college campus, something I definitely wouldn't want to go back to.
~My 3 week nannying stint. My friend Julie asked me earlier this year to watch her 3 year old daughter for the last three weeks of the summer. I watched her for a year back when our girls were babies, and it was nice to get the opportunity to do it again. It's been a good distraction for the kids, to have something each day to look forward to and to keep busy. It takes their mind off the fact that they haven't seen their Daddy for more than a few hours over the course of two weeks.
~Our very, very limited budget. Ok this one is a stretch. Trying to spin this into a positive isn't easy. But since buying our house we've had to cut many non-essentials. I'm living on a shoe-string, and there are days when I get frustrated because the kids need fall wardrobes, our fridge is bare, and there's no money left in the monthly budget. But, I remind myself that things will get better, and this is a good lesson in being frugal. It's teaching me the difference between wants and needs, something I thought I already knew. But it turns out that a lot of our needs aren't really so necessary and it's amazing the things you can cut out and still lead a happy life.
I hope you all have a happy weekend, and remember to look for the good when times are tough. It's not always easy, but there's usually a silver lining if you look hard enough. What are you thankful for this week?
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sibling Bonds Over At Moonfrye
My third post went live over at Moonfrye yesterday!
I'm sharing a little mom-confession regarding my initial wish for another girl the second time around. I'd love for you to hop over and check out my story of sibling bonds and the love between a sister and brother. It was one of my favorite posts to write, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Sibling Bonds on MoonFrye
I'm sharing a little mom-confession regarding my initial wish for another girl the second time around. I'd love for you to hop over and check out my story of sibling bonds and the love between a sister and brother. It was one of my favorite posts to write, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Sibling Bonds on MoonFrye
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: Sibling Love
It's a good thing this is Wordless Wednesday because I can't even tell you how much this melted my heart at snack time today!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Thankful Thursday
This week I am extra thankful for:
~My children's health. I've been saying extra prayers of thanks for this as I tuck them in at night and give them a longer than usual hug.
~My blogging community. Seeing how my group of blogger friends rallied together in support of Melissa is heartwarming and amazing. And it's not only our group, but many others in the internet community. It shows that there is still goodness in others, and I hope that Melissa can find some small comfort in knowing that so many people are rooting for Belle during this tough time.
~The love that my children receive from so many others. We spent 4 days in NY visiting my in-laws and my children were thoroughly spoiled with Christmas presents, food and attention. I always remind them how blessed they are to have such a big group of family who love them.
~Snow! Stephanie has been waiting and waiting to play in the snow, and I was so bummed when were in NY during the first big storm of the year. But it's still cold enough for the snow to have stuck around, so we went out first thing yesterday morning. She had a blast.
~The New Year. I always look at January as a chance to start fresh. It's a clean slate, full of possibilities, and I hope to make 2013 my best year yet!
Please feel free to share what you're thankful for this week! As always, a big thanks to Joanna from Baby Gators Den for hosting Thankful Thursday! Link up below if you have a post to contribute too!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Thankful Thursday
I can't seem to focus on anything lately. This school shooting has affected me in ways that most news events do not. I feel like i'm walking around in a fog and not really concentrating on anything, just going through the motions of my day. Today i'm making a conscious effort to get back to myself. I owe it to my own beautiful children to give them 100% of their mommy. I'm going to honor those 20 precious little babies by making each and every day with my children the best that it can be, and cherishing each moment that I get to spend with them.
It's quite fitting then that today is Thankful Thursday. What better way to refocus and remember my blessings than to write them down for all of you to read. So here it goes. Today (and every) day I am thankful for:
~My Children. This week, more than ever, i'm consciously grateful for their health and safety. I've found myself saying a little prayer of thanks every time that i'm able to hug them, kiss them, and play with them. Life is so short and I'm trying my best to let the little things go and just...be with them. I'm letting the dishes linger longer in the sink so I can build a tower with Joseph or play dollhouse with Stephanie. I'm spending extra minutes cuddling with each of them before bed, and i'm setting the computer down whenever they are awake. They deserve 100% of my attention.
~Christmas. This Christmas season is not going to be a time of merriment for many families this year. But for my family it will be. We have so much to be thankful for, and my little ones don't know anything about the horror that many other people are facing. And for that, they deserve to have their sweet, innocent Christmas. They deserve to experience all the magic of the season, and I am determined to make it extra special for them.
~My husband. He has been working feverishly these past few weeks to finish the grad school class he's taking, as well as the regular end-of-the-year work that always keeps him busy in December. He's staying up late, putting in extra hours of work and yet still makes time for us. He still walks in the door and drops everything to play with the kids or help with dinner. He loves us and our family and I don't often remember to tell him how much we appreciate all that he does. But we do appreciate it, more than he will ever know.
~Friends. This past week has been full of the joy of friendship. I spent Friday night drinking wine and discussing the Newtown tragedy with Sarah and Melissa. I spent Sunday morning having coffee with 3 of my best friends who I have known for years. I spent Tuesday delivering food to a food bank and having (more) coffee with Melissa and Sarah. (Same Melissa as Friday, different Sarah.) And Tuesday afternoon Stephanie had a special Christmas gathering with her best friend and her cousin. (Whose mommies blog here and here.) What a joyous, social week it has been. I couldn't be more thankful for the love of these amazing friends, even if I tried.
~Stephanie's Teachers. It was not easy to drop her off at school on Tuesday. During the drive there I had clammy hands and a pounding heart. But I know she is in amazing, capable, and loving hands during her school hours. Her teachers are two of the sweetest women ever, and I know them both personally and professionally. I trust them with my child's life, and that's saying a lot. I am so, so thankful for them.
What are you thankful for this week? I'd love to hear from you :)
Thanks to Joanna for hosting Thankful Thursday!
Feel free to link up if you have your own Thankful Thursday post!
It's quite fitting then that today is Thankful Thursday. What better way to refocus and remember my blessings than to write them down for all of you to read. So here it goes. Today (and every) day I am thankful for:
~My Children. This week, more than ever, i'm consciously grateful for their health and safety. I've found myself saying a little prayer of thanks every time that i'm able to hug them, kiss them, and play with them. Life is so short and I'm trying my best to let the little things go and just...be with them. I'm letting the dishes linger longer in the sink so I can build a tower with Joseph or play dollhouse with Stephanie. I'm spending extra minutes cuddling with each of them before bed, and i'm setting the computer down whenever they are awake. They deserve 100% of my attention.
~Christmas. This Christmas season is not going to be a time of merriment for many families this year. But for my family it will be. We have so much to be thankful for, and my little ones don't know anything about the horror that many other people are facing. And for that, they deserve to have their sweet, innocent Christmas. They deserve to experience all the magic of the season, and I am determined to make it extra special for them.
~My husband. He has been working feverishly these past few weeks to finish the grad school class he's taking, as well as the regular end-of-the-year work that always keeps him busy in December. He's staying up late, putting in extra hours of work and yet still makes time for us. He still walks in the door and drops everything to play with the kids or help with dinner. He loves us and our family and I don't often remember to tell him how much we appreciate all that he does. But we do appreciate it, more than he will ever know.
~Friends. This past week has been full of the joy of friendship. I spent Friday night drinking wine and discussing the Newtown tragedy with Sarah and Melissa. I spent Sunday morning having coffee with 3 of my best friends who I have known for years. I spent Tuesday delivering food to a food bank and having (more) coffee with Melissa and Sarah. (Same Melissa as Friday, different Sarah.) And Tuesday afternoon Stephanie had a special Christmas gathering with her best friend and her cousin. (Whose mommies blog here and here.) What a joyous, social week it has been. I couldn't be more thankful for the love of these amazing friends, even if I tried.
~Stephanie's Teachers. It was not easy to drop her off at school on Tuesday. During the drive there I had clammy hands and a pounding heart. But I know she is in amazing, capable, and loving hands during her school hours. Her teachers are two of the sweetest women ever, and I know them both personally and professionally. I trust them with my child's life, and that's saying a lot. I am so, so thankful for them.
What are you thankful for this week? I'd love to hear from you :)
Thanks to Joanna for hosting Thankful Thursday!
Feel free to link up if you have your own Thankful Thursday post!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Christmas Edition Week 1
It's officially the first Thankful Thursday of the holiday season! This week i'm thankful for:
~Being done with my Christmas shopping! Last night's trip to finish up the kids was the last of it. I'm hoping that this means i'll really be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the season without the stress of shopping hanging over my head.
~Christmas decorations. I love that my house is decorated (except for the tree.) Whenever I come home it makes me happy to see the twinkling lights and whimsical knick-knacks scattered throughout our apartment.
~Target. They have the best Christmas section, full of fun foods, gifts, movies, and household accessories to help brighten the season.
~Christmas books. Stephanie and I snuggle up every night and read at least 3 Christmas books. She seems as enchanted with them as I am. (Be on the lookout for a list of our recommended children's Christmas books coming soon!)
~Christmas music. I love hearing it on the radio and listening to Stephanie sing along. We've been listening to it for so long now that she knows most of the songs!
~Mocha-mint coffee. Dunkin Donuts puts their bags of ground mocha-mint coffee out every year at Christmastime and I love it. It's just slightly minty and mocha-y, not too sweet and just...amazing. I always think I should stock up now for the rest of the year, but then I think part of why I love it so much is that it isn't available all year.
I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season so far! Let me know what you're thankful for, and link up if you have a Thankful Thursday post of your own.
*Thanks to Joanna from Baby Gators Den for hosting Thankful Thursday each week!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving Edition
This week's Thankful Thursday is special because it falls on Thanksgiving! I have so much in my life to be thankful for this year, and consider myself very, very blessed.
I am thankful for...
1. My husband. We have grown up together and built a beautiful life together and there is nobody else I'd rather go through this journey with.
2. My children. They are my life. My pride, my joy, my loves. I am amazed by them every, single day. They give my life purpose, and every day I fall more and more in love with them.
3. My parents. I am thankful that we live close to them and that they are a part of our everyday life. I'm thankful that they raised me the way they did and that they have set such a wonderful example of what a strong marriage is. I have such fond memories of my childhood and I hope that someday my kids feel the same way about me as I do about my parents.
4. My sisters. They were my first best friends, and continue to be my best friends today. I don't know what I'd do without them. They know everything about me, and love me anyway. We have such fun times together, and always, always have each other's backs.
5.. My niece. My sister's daughter is 10 weeks older than Stephanie. They are more like sisters than cousins (and fight like it!) but I love knowing that they will grow up together. I hope that they are as close to each other when they grow up as I am to my sisters.
6. My in-laws. Without them, I wouldn't have the life I do today. I am thankful that they raised my husband and for the love they have for us and our children.
6. My in-laws. Without them, I wouldn't have the life I do today. I am thankful that they raised my husband and for the love they have for us and our children.
7. My extended family. My brothers in laws, my aunts, uncles and cousins, and my nieces and nephews. We have such a strong support system, and I am thankful for each and every one of them.
8. Best friends that are more like sisters. There's something amazing about having close friendships with other women. I'm blessed to have two best friends that I have known for years. We grew up together, we've laughed together and cried together. We are part of each other's families and I consider them my sisters.
9. Friendships. I am so thankful for all of our friends. Knowing that there are people who would drop anything and be there for us (and vice versa) is an amazing feeling.
10. Blogging. I have met so many wonderful people through this venue. I have friends, many of whom I've been lucky enough to meet in person. And if it wasn't for blogging I wouldn't have met my wonderful group of Rhody Bloggers. I can't even tell you how much that group of women means to me.
11. Our home. Raising a family on a college campus isn't anyone's idea of an ideal living situation. But when I stop to think about it, it really is full of blessings. It's a roof over our heads, a community of people who love our children, a warm safe refuge from the elements, and it means that my husband has a job. A job that enables me to stay home and raise my children, which is something I've always known I was meant to do.
I could go on and on because my life is so full and i'm thankful for all of it. But instead I'll end here, and wish you, my readers, a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you and appreciate you taking the time to read this blog.
xoxo
*Thank you to Joanna at Baby Gator's Den for hosting Thankful Thursday each week!
*I'd love to know what you are most thankful for this year. Link up if you've blogged about it, or just share in the comments!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Thanksgiving Children's Books
We have been spending the whole month of November reading Thanksgiving books. We borrowed them from the library and have read each of them at least 5 times. (Stephanie is in a big reading phase right now. One morning we read every book in the library bag...that was 17 books.)
Here are some of our favorites for Thanksgiving:
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
The Littlest Pilgrim by Brandi Dougherty
Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet by Jane O'Connor
Thank You For Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
Over the River: A Turkey's Tale by Derek Anderson
These books are all the perfect length for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. They held Stephanie's attention, they talk about Thanksgiving and giving thanks in language that a little one can comprehend, and they are all very sweet.
(Sadly, one of the books I remember from growing up didn't go over well. A Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende Devlin was too lengthy and old for her this year.)
Have you read any books on Thanksgiving and giving thanks to your children? I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Here are some of our favorites for Thanksgiving:
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
The Littlest Pilgrim by Brandi Dougherty
Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet by Jane O'Connor
Thank You For Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
Over the River: A Turkey's Tale by Derek Anderson
These books are all the perfect length for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. They held Stephanie's attention, they talk about Thanksgiving and giving thanks in language that a little one can comprehend, and they are all very sweet.
(Sadly, one of the books I remember from growing up didn't go over well. A Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende Devlin was too lengthy and old for her this year.)
Have you read any books on Thanksgiving and giving thanks to your children? I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thankful Thursday
It's that time again...Thankful Thursday!
This week I have so much to be thankful for. I love taking a moment each week to really think about my blessings...it puts things in perspective and reminds me of the many, many wonderful parts of my life!
This week i'm thankful for:
~Sleep. I feel saner, calmer, and more organized now that both kids sleep through the night almost every night!
~My parents, who invited the kids and I over for dinner on Monday. (Dan was out of town.) It meant a lot to have a night where, even though Dan wasn't home, I didn't have to do the night-time routine completely alone.
~Rhody Bloggers. I went to an event last night (hosted by the fabulous ladies of Rhody Mamas) and spent time with some of my Rhody Blogger friends. It was nice to get a rare night out and leave the kids at home!
~The holiday season. It makes me happy to hear the Christmas music in the stores and see all the decorations. I know people mutter and groan that it's too early...but I love it!
~An exciting upcoming blogger opportunity that I really can't wait to share with all of you in a few weeks.
~Stephanie's week at school. She had a great day both times she went this week. She's finally turning a corner and school mornings aren't the miserable nightmare that they were for a while!
I'd love to hear what you're thankful for this week! And link up if you're a blogger and wrote a Thankful Thursday post. As always, thank you to Joanna of Baby Gators Den for hosting. :)
This week I have so much to be thankful for. I love taking a moment each week to really think about my blessings...it puts things in perspective and reminds me of the many, many wonderful parts of my life!
This week i'm thankful for:
~Sleep. I feel saner, calmer, and more organized now that both kids sleep through the night almost every night!
~My parents, who invited the kids and I over for dinner on Monday. (Dan was out of town.) It meant a lot to have a night where, even though Dan wasn't home, I didn't have to do the night-time routine completely alone.
~Rhody Bloggers. I went to an event last night (hosted by the fabulous ladies of Rhody Mamas) and spent time with some of my Rhody Blogger friends. It was nice to get a rare night out and leave the kids at home!
~The holiday season. It makes me happy to hear the Christmas music in the stores and see all the decorations. I know people mutter and groan that it's too early...but I love it!
~An exciting upcoming blogger opportunity that I really can't wait to share with all of you in a few weeks.
~Stephanie's week at school. She had a great day both times she went this week. She's finally turning a corner and school mornings aren't the miserable nightmare that they were for a while!
I'd love to hear what you're thankful for this week! And link up if you're a blogger and wrote a Thankful Thursday post. As always, thank you to Joanna of Baby Gators Den for hosting. :)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Thankful Thursday!
Happy Thursday! I have a lot to be thankful for every day, but I always love the opportunity to write down things that I'm feeling especially thankful for each week. This week I'm thankful for:
~My wonderful husband. Today is our 4th wedding anniversary and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for putting this man in my life. We have grown up together, built a life together, and brought two beautiful children into this world together.
~Friends who are willing to watch my children for me so I can surprise Dan with an anniversary dinner out, just the two of us.
~My mom, who was willing to watch the kids for me last minute while I attended a pre-opening event for the new Nordstrom Rack at my local mall. (I didn't end up going because of the Noreaster that hit us, but I'm still thankful that she was willing!)
~Being able to cuddle with my kids in our warm apartment while the snow fell outside and the wind howled and shook the building.
~That election season is over. So much nastiness comes out during these politically heated times, and it is quite disheartening to see people attack one another because they support one or the other candidate.
~The right to vote. So many people worked hard for me to have this right, and I don't take it for granted.
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Feel free to share the things you're thankful for in the comment section. If you blog and wrote your own Thankful Thursday post, i'd love for you to link up! As always, a huge thank you to Joanna over at Baby Gators Den who hosts Thankful Thursday each week. It's one of my favorite posts to write.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Hurricane Edition
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I have so much to be thankful for. There are so many people suffering from the devastating effects of this storm and my heart breaks for them when I see the footage on TV. It truly does make me feel blessed and grateful for the safety of my loved ones and friends. So for this week, I am thankful for:
~Not losing electricity
~Being able to have my parents over for a hot meal and shower, since they are still without power. *I was just notified by my mom that when they arrived home from dinner at our house, their power was back. Hooray!*
~My husbands job. He had to work during the hurricane, but since he works on the college campus where we live, he didn't have to drive through the storm. Thank goodness!
~Facebook. I was able to keep tabs on all of our friends and family and see how everyone was weathering the storm. It was good for peace of mind to know that loved ones were safe and sound.
~The fact that we suffered no damage to our apartment. Other buildings on campus and throughout the state were hit by trees, but we were blessed not to have that happen to us.
~The fact that everyone we know and love is safe. That is the most important thing. A few days of no power, even damage to homes and vehicles....nothing matters more than the fact that those we love are alive and unharmed. I've been saying extra prayers of thanks for that, and today, on Thankful Thursday, i'm happy to take a few extra minutes to remember what really matters.
*I hope you will join me in sending prayers and good thoughts to all those that didn't fare as well during this storm. So many towns are under water, so many homes caught fire, and so many lost everything, and it's important not to forget about them.
~Not losing electricity
~Being able to have my parents over for a hot meal and shower, since they are still without power. *I was just notified by my mom that when they arrived home from dinner at our house, their power was back. Hooray!*
~My husbands job. He had to work during the hurricane, but since he works on the college campus where we live, he didn't have to drive through the storm. Thank goodness!
~Facebook. I was able to keep tabs on all of our friends and family and see how everyone was weathering the storm. It was good for peace of mind to know that loved ones were safe and sound.
~The fact that we suffered no damage to our apartment. Other buildings on campus and throughout the state were hit by trees, but we were blessed not to have that happen to us.
~The fact that everyone we know and love is safe. That is the most important thing. A few days of no power, even damage to homes and vehicles....nothing matters more than the fact that those we love are alive and unharmed. I've been saying extra prayers of thanks for that, and today, on Thankful Thursday, i'm happy to take a few extra minutes to remember what really matters.
*I hope you will join me in sending prayers and good thoughts to all those that didn't fare as well during this storm. So many towns are under water, so many homes caught fire, and so many lost everything, and it's important not to forget about them.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thankful Thursday!
Happy Thursday everyone! Time for this week's round-up of things I'm thankful for.
~All the loving family and friends who came out to celebrate with us for Joseph's 1st Birthday party
~The beautiful weather we had for the outdoor party!
~The safe trip (and return trip) for our out-of-town relatives.
~Good deals on winter weather gear for the kids at Target (outfitting two kids for snow is expensive!)
~Stephanie's successful school day on Tuesday. She's finally adjusting and growing to love her teachers and friends.
~A husband who is willing to run out to the store for me tonight because I don't feel like going.
~The upcoming prospect of weaning Joseph off formula. It's bittersweet because he's growing up too fast, but it will be nice to cut out that expense!
Life is so full of blessings, and I love taking the time each Thursday to really think about the things that went on for the past week that have filled me with thankfulness!
*If you're a blogger, I'd love for you to link up a Thankful Thursday post! If not, feel free to share what you're thankful for in the comments.
*A big thanks to Joanna from Baby Gators Den for hosting this weekly linkup!
~All the loving family and friends who came out to celebrate with us for Joseph's 1st Birthday party
~The beautiful weather we had for the outdoor party!
~Good deals on winter weather gear for the kids at Target (outfitting two kids for snow is expensive!)
~Stephanie's successful school day on Tuesday. She's finally adjusting and growing to love her teachers and friends.
~A husband who is willing to run out to the store for me tonight because I don't feel like going.
~The upcoming prospect of weaning Joseph off formula. It's bittersweet because he's growing up too fast, but it will be nice to cut out that expense!
Life is so full of blessings, and I love taking the time each Thursday to really think about the things that went on for the past week that have filled me with thankfulness!
*If you're a blogger, I'd love for you to link up a Thankful Thursday post! If not, feel free to share what you're thankful for in the comments.
*A big thanks to Joanna from Baby Gators Den for hosting this weekly linkup!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Things I'm Loving About Motherhood
Sometimes I take a moment to pause and think "I love that this is happening right now!" Or "I love this stage, and I might not even realize when it's over, so I need to commit it to memory." Here are a few of those things:
-Joseph's squeals of delight when he sees me after I've been gone for so so long (typically sneaking into the bathroom by myself for a full two minutes.)
-Stephanie singing songs she's learned at school, that I recognize from my pre-mommy days teaching at that same school. (It's like my past and present are colliding. It's strange...but nice!)
-The way Joseph cuddles up to me every single time I pick him up.
-Stephanie's "I just need to hug you mom!"
-Watching Joseph eat an entire apple in one sitting.
-Morning cuddles in bed. We go in every morning to wake up Dan for work, and the four of us spend a few moments all together. The kids bounce around and giggle together while Dan and I watch them with huge smiles stretched across our faces.
-Listening to Stephanie have full-blown conversations with her cousin. (And Joseph. Although those are more one-sided.)
-Watching Joseph beam with pride as he walks all over the apartment.
-Seeing Stephanie light up every time she catches sight of our building's housekeeper. She adores him, and has epic conversations whenever we leave our apartment and catch him on his break. (She also yells out the window at him to stop smoking because smoking is gross. We're teaching her early!)
I can't begin to describe how much I love this little family that Dan and I have created. Some days are hectic and hustle bustle, and I write on Facebook about how I can't wait for them to end so I can relax with some wine. But despite that, I wouldn't trade this time of my life for anything. (Even though there are still sleepless nights, tons of whining and tantrums, arguments, etc.) I'm taking a step back and trying to appreciate each of these small moments of happiness and joy. Because in the time it takes me to blink, they'll be all over!
What are you enjoying about your life right at this moment?
-Joseph's squeals of delight when he sees me after I've been gone for so so long (typically sneaking into the bathroom by myself for a full two minutes.)
-Stephanie singing songs she's learned at school, that I recognize from my pre-mommy days teaching at that same school. (It's like my past and present are colliding. It's strange...but nice!)
-The way Joseph cuddles up to me every single time I pick him up.
-Stephanie's "I just need to hug you mom!"
-Watching Joseph eat an entire apple in one sitting.
-Morning cuddles in bed. We go in every morning to wake up Dan for work, and the four of us spend a few moments all together. The kids bounce around and giggle together while Dan and I watch them with huge smiles stretched across our faces.
-Listening to Stephanie have full-blown conversations with her cousin. (And Joseph. Although those are more one-sided.)
-Watching Joseph beam with pride as he walks all over the apartment.
-Seeing Stephanie light up every time she catches sight of our building's housekeeper. She adores him, and has epic conversations whenever we leave our apartment and catch him on his break. (She also yells out the window at him to stop smoking because smoking is gross. We're teaching her early!)
I can't begin to describe how much I love this little family that Dan and I have created. Some days are hectic and hustle bustle, and I write on Facebook about how I can't wait for them to end so I can relax with some wine. But despite that, I wouldn't trade this time of my life for anything. (Even though there are still sleepless nights, tons of whining and tantrums, arguments, etc.) I'm taking a step back and trying to appreciate each of these small moments of happiness and joy. Because in the time it takes me to blink, they'll be all over!
What are you enjoying about your life right at this moment?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
We Stayed Home
*Before writing this post I want to send out a big congratulations to my best friend, who welcomed her second baby boy to the world on Sunday morning. I got to meet the adorable little munchkin yesterday, and it was so magical to witness the pride and joy in my friend's face.
Ok, back to the post.
I knew I was going to the hospital to visit with the new baby and his Mommy yesterday afternoon, so I made no morning plans. It was also raining outside, so I decided we would just spend time around the house. It was the first time in a long time that the kids and I didn't have any where to hurry off to, and that made our morning run much smoother than normal.
Instead of rushing through my coffee, I drank it leisurely while the kids played. Instead of inhaling my breakfast andgently coaxing nagging Stephanie to finish, we spent extra time enjoying our first meal of the day. Joseph got to take his morning nap in his crib instead of his car-seat. I folded and put away the loads of laundry that we washed over the weekend.
As the morning drew to a close, I took a minute to pause and think about how happy and content we all were. It was nice to just...stay home.
I also realized that I wouldn't want to do this every day. I enjoy our play-dates, trips to the park, story-time, errand running and appointments. It keeps us busy, provides socialization and new experiences for the children, prevents me from feeling like i'm going to climb the walls, and helps me implement structure and routine in our lives.
It also makes these slow times more special. I enjoy them and relish them instead of taking them for granted. They make me realize that it isn't good for any of us to rush around all the time. We need a break every now and then, and a morning like yesterday gives all of us the time and space we need to relax and re-charge our batteries. It also means my house is cleaner and more organized than it's been in weeks!
I knew I was going to the hospital to visit with the new baby and his Mommy yesterday afternoon, so I made no morning plans. It was also raining outside, so I decided we would just spend time around the house. It was the first time in a long time that the kids and I didn't have any where to hurry off to, and that made our morning run much smoother than normal.
Instead of rushing through my coffee, I drank it leisurely while the kids played. Instead of inhaling my breakfast and
As the morning drew to a close, I took a minute to pause and think about how happy and content we all were. It was nice to just...stay home.
I also realized that I wouldn't want to do this every day. I enjoy our play-dates, trips to the park, story-time, errand running and appointments. It keeps us busy, provides socialization and new experiences for the children, prevents me from feeling like i'm going to climb the walls, and helps me implement structure and routine in our lives.
It also makes these slow times more special. I enjoy them and relish them instead of taking them for granted. They make me realize that it isn't good for any of us to rush around all the time. We need a break every now and then, and a morning like yesterday gives all of us the time and space we need to relax and re-charge our batteries. It also means my house is cleaner and more organized than it's been in weeks!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thank You Dear Readers!
I just wanted to write a quick note to thank all of my readers for coming back to my blog, being so supportive, and helping me grow this space. I appreciate each and every one of you!
For those of you who don't follow me on Twitter or aren't friends with me on Facebook, I wanted to let you know that I created a "Baby Makes Four" page on facebook. I would love for you to like the page and connect with me so I can get to know all of you better. If you've already done that, thank you.
I also had to share my major "blog technology" accomplishment with you. I spent a long (too long) time yesterday figuring out how to put icons on my homepage that allow you to connect with me via facebook, twitter, and pinterest. Seeing as how I am so incompetent at things like this, I was very proud of myself! It's the small things like that that make me happy.
I am excited to continue writing and growing with this blog. I have met so many wonderful people through here, and truly feel like I am part of a community. Thank you for sharing this parenting journey with me!
xoxo,
Megan
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
I Don't Think It's Luck...
One of the things I hear from a lot of people is how lucky I am to be able to stay home and raise my children. Some people say it because they're envious of my job, some say it because they belittle my job, and others say it just to have something to say. No matter the reason, it's one of those phrases that rubs me the wrong way. Let me explain.
I consider myself very blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. But to say i'm lucky implies that the job fell in my lap without any thought or planning on my part. In fact, the opposite is true.
As I mentioned here, I've always known I wanted to stay home and raise my kids. It has always been something I valued, and when I met Dan, I discovered that it was important to him, too. Since we both felt the same way, we started working hard even before starting our family to ensure that we would be able to achieve this dream of ours. When we both had full-time jobs, we scrimped and saved so that we would have extra money for when I became pregnant and stopped working. Living this way has become a habit for us, and so being frugal isn't even something we really think about that much. We do our best to save money wherever possible, while still enjoying life and not giving up the things that are important to us.
Dan's job has always provided us with a place to live, and while it's not ideal, it's a sacrifice we've chosen to make so that we can afford to uphold our lifestyle with only one income. He also works long, unpredictable hours, which can get annoying and frustrating. But we put up with it, and work through it, because it's what we have to do. And so far, our hard work is paying off perfectly. I love staying home and raising our children, and Dan loves that he is able to provide for our family and enable us to live our dream.
I know most people don't mean anything when they say we're lucky. They're using it as another word for blessed, which we most definitely are. But I can't help wanting to explain to people that hey, we work very hard for this life we live! It isn't always easy, and sometimes it isn't fun and sometimes we struggle. But we make it work because it's what we feel is best for our family.
Are there any things that people say (probably harmlessly) that just rub you the wrong way? Please share!
I consider myself very blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. But to say i'm lucky implies that the job fell in my lap without any thought or planning on my part. In fact, the opposite is true.
As I mentioned here, I've always known I wanted to stay home and raise my kids. It has always been something I valued, and when I met Dan, I discovered that it was important to him, too. Since we both felt the same way, we started working hard even before starting our family to ensure that we would be able to achieve this dream of ours. When we both had full-time jobs, we scrimped and saved so that we would have extra money for when I became pregnant and stopped working. Living this way has become a habit for us, and so being frugal isn't even something we really think about that much. We do our best to save money wherever possible, while still enjoying life and not giving up the things that are important to us.
Dan's job has always provided us with a place to live, and while it's not ideal, it's a sacrifice we've chosen to make so that we can afford to uphold our lifestyle with only one income. He also works long, unpredictable hours, which can get annoying and frustrating. But we put up with it, and work through it, because it's what we have to do. And so far, our hard work is paying off perfectly. I love staying home and raising our children, and Dan loves that he is able to provide for our family and enable us to live our dream.
I know most people don't mean anything when they say we're lucky. They're using it as another word for blessed, which we most definitely are. But I can't help wanting to explain to people that hey, we work very hard for this life we live! It isn't always easy, and sometimes it isn't fun and sometimes we struggle. But we make it work because it's what we feel is best for our family.
Are there any things that people say (probably harmlessly) that just rub you the wrong way? Please share!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A few of my favorite things
Some of my favorite things about being a Mommy:
-Watching Stephanie giggle hysterically
-Listening to Joseph's breathing in the middle of the night
-Experiencing new aspects of the world every day through the eyes of my children
-Deciphering what Stephanie is trying to say, and delighting in the fact that she comes out with something new every day
-Cuddling Joseph and breathing in that new-baby smell...I know how fleeting it is
-Rocking with Stephanie at nap & bedtime
-Baby smiles
-Sharing my love of reading with both of them
-Joseph's baby coos
-Listening to Stephanie ask for Mommy when Dan goes in to her in the middle of the night
-Knowing what unconditional love is
-Staring in wonderment at these two beautiful children and wondering how I came to be so blessed
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Another Thanksgiving List
Ok, it's Thanksgiving morning. Happy turkey day everyone! Yesterday I wrote a "serious" blog post about the holiday, where I listed four of my blessings that I am really truly thankful for. As I sit here at 6:30am, listening to Joseph shuffle and snort in his swing (and cross my fingers that he stays sleeping long enough for me to finish my cup of coffee) I thought it might be a good time to list some of the small, sort of insignificant things that i'm thankful for.As you read this list, keep in mind that, while they may seem insignificant on the surface, they are actually very, very important for my well-being and sanity!
-My smartphone. I very rarely have time to use the computer anymore, so I depend on my phone to keep up with my email/social-media/blog addictions. Plus to check the weather, the news...anything I can do one-handed while holding a newborn in the middle of the night.
-TV. I watch a lot of it in the middle of the night, to keep myself awake during the epic feedings.
-My keurig. I can get a delicious, hot cup of coffee in about 5 seconds, which makes all the difference to me as I stumble into the kitchen at the crack of dawn.
-My microwave. Without it, I would be forever forced to drink luke-warm coffee, since it rarely stays hot long enough for me to drink it the first time around.
-Dunkin Donuts. Yes I have a keurig, and yes I brew Dunkin K-cups. But there is something about having someone else make and prepare it. It makes me feel pampered, and like i'm treating myself to something whenever I buy a coffee. And I swear, it just doesn't taste quite the same when it's homemade.
-The dust-buster. I hate mess, especially crumbs, which are par for the course when you have a toddler. These days, pulling the vacuum out every day seems like much too much of an effort (I save that for my once-a-week cleaning binges) so I depend on this little device to eliminate the many, many crumbs that fall to the floor after every meal and snack.
-Wine. Some nights I just need a glass to decompress.
-Friends (the show, not the real life kind. Although I'm very thankful for them too, of course.) No other show has the ability to make me laugh as hard as this one. And when i'm knee-deep in baby spit up, and listening to both of my children scream at the top of their lungs, a little Friends can go a long way.
-Chocolate. Similar to wine, it helps me decompress after a long day.
-Christmas music. It brings a smile to my face, and a warm feeling to my heart. The Christmas season evokes such happiness that anytime I feel down, I just play some seasonal music and everything seems better.
-Showering. There's the obvious things about taking a shower...feeling clean, refreshed, etc. But for me, the shower is the one and only place where I can be alone. (I don't even always get that benefit when i'm going to the bathroom. Stephanie is typically my constant companion.) Seriously, there are days when that 5 minutes in the shower really is the only time i'm by myself.
-Super Why. And Elmo, and Baby Einstein and Calliou. When Stephanie is deep in the throes of a toddler tantrum, I resort to one of these DVDs. (And ok, sometimes I also put them on when I want a few minutes of not having her underfoot. Like if I need to cook or feed the baby.)
So, there you have it. My list of things that I would be lost without. Small things? Sure. But things that really do make such a difference. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
-My smartphone. I very rarely have time to use the computer anymore, so I depend on my phone to keep up with my email/social-media/blog addictions. Plus to check the weather, the news...anything I can do one-handed while holding a newborn in the middle of the night.
-TV. I watch a lot of it in the middle of the night, to keep myself awake during the epic feedings.
-My keurig. I can get a delicious, hot cup of coffee in about 5 seconds, which makes all the difference to me as I stumble into the kitchen at the crack of dawn.
-My microwave. Without it, I would be forever forced to drink luke-warm coffee, since it rarely stays hot long enough for me to drink it the first time around.
-Dunkin Donuts. Yes I have a keurig, and yes I brew Dunkin K-cups. But there is something about having someone else make and prepare it. It makes me feel pampered, and like i'm treating myself to something whenever I buy a coffee. And I swear, it just doesn't taste quite the same when it's homemade.
-The dust-buster. I hate mess, especially crumbs, which are par for the course when you have a toddler. These days, pulling the vacuum out every day seems like much too much of an effort (I save that for my once-a-week cleaning binges) so I depend on this little device to eliminate the many, many crumbs that fall to the floor after every meal and snack.
-Wine. Some nights I just need a glass to decompress.
-Friends (the show, not the real life kind. Although I'm very thankful for them too, of course.) No other show has the ability to make me laugh as hard as this one. And when i'm knee-deep in baby spit up, and listening to both of my children scream at the top of their lungs, a little Friends can go a long way.
-Chocolate. Similar to wine, it helps me decompress after a long day.
-Christmas music. It brings a smile to my face, and a warm feeling to my heart. The Christmas season evokes such happiness that anytime I feel down, I just play some seasonal music and everything seems better.
-Showering. There's the obvious things about taking a shower...feeling clean, refreshed, etc. But for me, the shower is the one and only place where I can be alone. (I don't even always get that benefit when i'm going to the bathroom. Stephanie is typically my constant companion.) Seriously, there are days when that 5 minutes in the shower really is the only time i'm by myself.
-Super Why. And Elmo, and Baby Einstein and Calliou. When Stephanie is deep in the throes of a toddler tantrum, I resort to one of these DVDs. (And ok, sometimes I also put them on when I want a few minutes of not having her underfoot. Like if I need to cook or feed the baby.)
So, there you have it. My list of things that I would be lost without. Small things? Sure. But things that really do make such a difference. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for this year that it would take entirely too long to list it all. So here are four of the most important blessings in my life that I am so grateful for:
-My family. I have two healthy, beautiful children, and an amazing husband. I thank God every day for them, especially because so many families are torn apart by disease, divorce, heartbreak, and the economy. But we are all healthy, my husband has a great job, and I am able to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a stay-at-home mom.
-The fact that we have a roof over our heads and food on our table. I know that I do a lot of complaining when it comes to our small apartment, but there are families who don't know where they will sleep tonight. I never ever have to worry about whether I have food to put in my baby's bellies,or clothes on their backs. These basic necessities are things that many, many people in this country lack, so tomorrow I will say an extra prayer of Thanksgiving for the things that we are able to provide for our family.
-My friends. I have a few close friends who are there for me through thick and thin. We have been through so much together, and they know me inside and out. (And love me anyway!) They are the ones that I can call, text, or email at any time of day or night and know they will be there. I also many mommy friends that I can commiserate with and feel not so alone in this parenting journey. I have blogger friends that I might not know in real life, but that can make me feel better about any situation by a tweet or a comment on Facebook or my blog. I also have my mom and my sisters, who have become three of my closest friends. Not everyone is as blessed with such an amazing support system, and I truly appreciate that I have so many people in my life that I can turn to.
-Our extended family. Dan and I have parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins that we are close to and are always there for us. It make me feel safe and secure to know that my children have so many other adults in their life who love them.
Tomorrow on Thanksgiving day, as we gather around a plentiful table and talk about the things we are thankful for, I will make sure to pause and really appreciate the bountiful life that I lead. I never want to take for granted the blessings in my life, and Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to stop and recognize all that we have. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, full of family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving readers!
-My family. I have two healthy, beautiful children, and an amazing husband. I thank God every day for them, especially because so many families are torn apart by disease, divorce, heartbreak, and the economy. But we are all healthy, my husband has a great job, and I am able to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a stay-at-home mom.
-The fact that we have a roof over our heads and food on our table. I know that I do a lot of complaining when it comes to our small apartment, but there are families who don't know where they will sleep tonight. I never ever have to worry about whether I have food to put in my baby's bellies,or clothes on their backs. These basic necessities are things that many, many people in this country lack, so tomorrow I will say an extra prayer of Thanksgiving for the things that we are able to provide for our family.
-My friends. I have a few close friends who are there for me through thick and thin. We have been through so much together, and they know me inside and out. (And love me anyway!) They are the ones that I can call, text, or email at any time of day or night and know they will be there. I also many mommy friends that I can commiserate with and feel not so alone in this parenting journey. I have blogger friends that I might not know in real life, but that can make me feel better about any situation by a tweet or a comment on Facebook or my blog. I also have my mom and my sisters, who have become three of my closest friends. Not everyone is as blessed with such an amazing support system, and I truly appreciate that I have so many people in my life that I can turn to.
-Our extended family. Dan and I have parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins that we are close to and are always there for us. It make me feel safe and secure to know that my children have so many other adults in their life who love them.
Tomorrow on Thanksgiving day, as we gather around a plentiful table and talk about the things we are thankful for, I will make sure to pause and really appreciate the bountiful life that I lead. I never want to take for granted the blessings in my life, and Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to stop and recognize all that we have. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, full of family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving readers!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Big Storm
So, after all the hype and preparation, we ended up not getting the big storm that we anticipated. Much of our state lost power, many trees fell down, and there was some flooding. But none of that directly impacted us. In fact, I found the day kind of boring. (Not that I wanted a hurricane to hit us badly. I just always find rainy days boring!)
I do definitely feel sorry for the people who are still without power, and hope for their sake that it gets turned on very soon! I also pray for the victims of the hurricane, because there were places much harder hit than here, and a few fatalities as well. But for us, the impact was minimal.
The wind was pretty intense for awhile, and we could see a few fallen branches from our sliding glass window. It rained early in the morning, but was done by 10ish. We kept the weather channel or local news station on all day, switching back and forth to get the most up-to-date information. Other than that, we just spent the day together as a family, cuddling, playing, watching TV and napping. (Well, Dan and Stephanie napped. I don't nap during the day unless I completely and totally need it. Like when I have a newborn.)
Yesterday, when I headed out to run errands, I encountered the remnants of the hurricane, and it reminded me how lucky and blessed we were to have escaped any kind of repurcussions. Many roads were closed, tons of stop lights weren't working, and I saw more than a few trees that had fallen into power lines.
I know we escaped what could have been a very big storm. Things could have been a lot worse, and the damage could have been much more intensive than it was. I feel like it was such a great reminder to all of us to be thankful for what we have, and to appreciate the things we tend to take for granted.
I do definitely feel sorry for the people who are still without power, and hope for their sake that it gets turned on very soon! I also pray for the victims of the hurricane, because there were places much harder hit than here, and a few fatalities as well. But for us, the impact was minimal.
The wind was pretty intense for awhile, and we could see a few fallen branches from our sliding glass window. It rained early in the morning, but was done by 10ish. We kept the weather channel or local news station on all day, switching back and forth to get the most up-to-date information. Other than that, we just spent the day together as a family, cuddling, playing, watching TV and napping. (Well, Dan and Stephanie napped. I don't nap during the day unless I completely and totally need it. Like when I have a newborn.)
Yesterday, when I headed out to run errands, I encountered the remnants of the hurricane, and it reminded me how lucky and blessed we were to have escaped any kind of repurcussions. Many roads were closed, tons of stop lights weren't working, and I saw more than a few trees that had fallen into power lines.
I know we escaped what could have been a very big storm. Things could have been a lot worse, and the damage could have been much more intensive than it was. I feel like it was such a great reminder to all of us to be thankful for what we have, and to appreciate the things we tend to take for granted.
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