We just got back from a visit with a great college friend. She has 3 kiddos 5 and under and her baby is just 2 months older than Ella.
When she told me she was pregnant (for the third time), I was truly happy for her, even though she wasn't so sure she could handle another baby at the time. Then, when I was finally pregnant, she was so happy for me and seemed to know more about my pregnancy than her own! I remember her calling me on Thanksgiving, 2009, and telling me her baby was a girl. I called her, "God's Plan baby." She is truly a gift from God.
During my drive home, I was reflecting on myself and how I have grown. I have visited this friend for many years before and after she had children. After each of her boys, I would visit and help out. I truly loved it and felt at those times I could put my infertility aside and just be there for my friend. Now, I knew just where to pitch in and assist with the caring of the children, dinner, and picking up. It was so great to be a part of her daily routine and also help out. Plus, we could sit and chat and have a cup of coffee!
I feel so refreshed. I feel calm and taken care of. I just love talking with her, we can just dive right in, since we know each other so well. Having a close friend is truly a God given gift.
I feel that he has truly blessed our friendship and know that He will for years to come and also the friendship of our little girls!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Practice
We just got home today from visiting my family. Last Wednesday, I got to spend a few hours with my 3 year old nephew and my little E. My sister had to work and so was everyone else in my family! But, I feel like it was good practice for if someday we are blessed with another.
It was freezing here in PA on Wednesday, but I had to take the kiddos for a walk anyway! So we all bundled up, little E in a snowsuit and the Bjorn and my nephew in the stroller. We literally had to walk up a hill that was like a mile to get to the main drag in my mom's town. But my destination was just perfect, a kid's consignment store! It was so great! Toys for my nephew and cute clothes to buy. Needless to say, I had to take off the baby and my coat because I was soaked with sweat, but it was so fun. I had to buy a hat for little E that tied underneath and mittens for my nephew. We then walked down to the library where I fed the baby a bottle and read a few books to my nephew. I thought little E would fall asleep in the Bjorn on the walk home (which thankfully was downhill!), but no way. She just would look up at my and say, "BA!" It was kind of funny.
We had a grand time. But, I wasn't supermom because my nephew got waffles for dinner. Oh, well!
It was freezing here in PA on Wednesday, but I had to take the kiddos for a walk anyway! So we all bundled up, little E in a snowsuit and the Bjorn and my nephew in the stroller. We literally had to walk up a hill that was like a mile to get to the main drag in my mom's town. But my destination was just perfect, a kid's consignment store! It was so great! Toys for my nephew and cute clothes to buy. Needless to say, I had to take off the baby and my coat because I was soaked with sweat, but it was so fun. I had to buy a hat for little E that tied underneath and mittens for my nephew. We then walked down to the library where I fed the baby a bottle and read a few books to my nephew. I thought little E would fall asleep in the Bjorn on the walk home (which thankfully was downhill!), but no way. She just would look up at my and say, "BA!" It was kind of funny.
We had a grand time. But, I wasn't supermom because my nephew got waffles for dinner. Oh, well!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Dying to Self
I am so inspired by Sew's post! I am also being called to die to myself daily and it is so hard!
I do have a funny story about trying to get my haircut at the salon. Oh, the vanity!
I took baby E with me, making an appointment for a time when I thought that she would be pleasant. Not so much! She was tired on the way there and was yawning when we got there. She hung out in her car seat during the hair wash but started to get fussy when I got back the chair. I took her out and she had the biggest poop ever! So, I took her back to the restroom to change her before my cut. She totally screamed then proceeded to pee all over the floor, her onesie and the dry diaper I was trying to put on her. I got her cleaned up (but didn't have any extra clothes). We got back the chair and I held her for awhile but then when it got time for the blow dry, she screamed again. I got a partial dry and tried to pay as fast as I could and just get out of there! What a waste of $30.
Okay, I get it, don't take baby to the salon! I have a feelers out for a sitter and hope to get something established a couple days a month for a couple hours so I can do appointments like this without baby. I can't really rely on my husband because his hours are so long and during his early days I am trying to work a little. I guess I am a slow learner!
Life as definitely slowed down since having baby E. She brings a calmness to our household and a regular schedule. It feels so good. For the most part, we are a happy family. Some days are harder than others (or weeks, baby E got up at 5 AM for 7 days in a row). Having her in our lives has helped us to weed our the unnecessary things and events in our lives. We are trying to make decisions on what is best for our little family and those other activities will just have to wait.
I do have a funny story about trying to get my haircut at the salon. Oh, the vanity!
I took baby E with me, making an appointment for a time when I thought that she would be pleasant. Not so much! She was tired on the way there and was yawning when we got there. She hung out in her car seat during the hair wash but started to get fussy when I got back the chair. I took her out and she had the biggest poop ever! So, I took her back to the restroom to change her before my cut. She totally screamed then proceeded to pee all over the floor, her onesie and the dry diaper I was trying to put on her. I got her cleaned up (but didn't have any extra clothes). We got back the chair and I held her for awhile but then when it got time for the blow dry, she screamed again. I got a partial dry and tried to pay as fast as I could and just get out of there! What a waste of $30.
Okay, I get it, don't take baby to the salon! I have a feelers out for a sitter and hope to get something established a couple days a month for a couple hours so I can do appointments like this without baby. I can't really rely on my husband because his hours are so long and during his early days I am trying to work a little. I guess I am a slow learner!
Life as definitely slowed down since having baby E. She brings a calmness to our household and a regular schedule. It feels so good. For the most part, we are a happy family. Some days are harder than others (or weeks, baby E got up at 5 AM for 7 days in a row). Having her in our lives has helped us to weed our the unnecessary things and events in our lives. We are trying to make decisions on what is best for our little family and those other activities will just have to wait.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Family Planning
Since attending some mom groups since having Ella, it has been brought up to me once or twice-"What are you doing for birth control?" I find this question quite funny since for 6 and a half years we weren't able to conceive a baby!
This question amazes me for many reasons. One, is that no one ever thought to ask me that before having a baby. Two, it is amazing to me that women are so nonchalant about their fertility. Three, other women assume that I wouldn't want another baby right away.
So, my answer is usually something like, "I teach a form of natural family planning and if you are interested I can give you some information, it has a 96% success rate for avoiding pregnancy." So far, no one has asked for more information, sadly.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling that trying to have another baby is going to be something that is calculated and thought out. We both have hormones issues and I might have to have my tubes cleaned out again. So, I don't really think we have anything to worry about in that department. Probably, what I should say is that we allow God to plan our family for us. Now that would get me some, "You are crazy!" stares.
This question amazes me for many reasons. One, is that no one ever thought to ask me that before having a baby. Two, it is amazing to me that women are so nonchalant about their fertility. Three, other women assume that I wouldn't want another baby right away.
So, my answer is usually something like, "I teach a form of natural family planning and if you are interested I can give you some information, it has a 96% success rate for avoiding pregnancy." So far, no one has asked for more information, sadly.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling that trying to have another baby is going to be something that is calculated and thought out. We both have hormones issues and I might have to have my tubes cleaned out again. So, I don't really think we have anything to worry about in that department. Probably, what I should say is that we allow God to plan our family for us. Now that would get me some, "You are crazy!" stares.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Maintaining Perspective
Maintaining perspective has always been something that has been difficult for me. As a child, I had a temper that wasn't always pleasant. Then, the teens years brought horrible mood swings, acne, heartbreak, and constant feelings of being left out. College life had its own frustration and heartache as well as my young adulthood. It is fascinating to me how during the goods times that I don't believe that life will always be good. It is during those challenging times, I think, will last forever.
Now, motherhood has been challenging me to learn to do this better. To think that that the good times will be ongoing. But, it is those difficult times, I would not be able to cope with.
Case in point, when sleep training our little one-will she always cry when I put her down in her crib? When, I was nursing her, I would think, "will she ever be happy when eating?" At the end of pregnancy, it was so hard to maintain perspective when faced with the swollen and aching feet and never ending insomnia.
The truth is that the Lord is always using new situations to show me how to maintain perspective and keep my eyes towards heaven. It is so hard sometimes, but it does bring me consolation knowing that He has glorious plans for me.
Now, motherhood has been challenging me to learn to do this better. To think that that the good times will be ongoing. But, it is those difficult times, I would not be able to cope with.
Case in point, when sleep training our little one-will she always cry when I put her down in her crib? When, I was nursing her, I would think, "will she ever be happy when eating?" At the end of pregnancy, it was so hard to maintain perspective when faced with the swollen and aching feet and never ending insomnia.
The truth is that the Lord is always using new situations to show me how to maintain perspective and keep my eyes towards heaven. It is so hard sometimes, but it does bring me consolation knowing that He has glorious plans for me.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Small Successes!
- I went to the grocery store today (with all the other crazy people-we are supposed to get 5 inches of snow tonight!). Plus, I have had the stomach flu for the last 4 days and it was a major feat to leave the house, with the baby!
- I did 5 loads of laundry.
- I managed one Hail Mary with the baby today.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Are You Working?
I get this question everytime I am out in public with little Ella. My comment is "no, I stay home." I have the privledge of being home with her full time. I am so humbled and honored that I get to do this. It is interesting to me how people react to me. Some career women don't have anything to say to me. Some comment, "That is how it should be" and others just say, "good for you." I read somewhere that only 10% of women stay home. How surprising! I am sure there are many reasons for this.
Staying home with Ella is a very fulfilling experience for me. As a young professional, before having Ella, I was conflicted on whether or not I would go back to work. Maybe if I had had children when I was younger, I might have wanted to continue to work. But, for now, I am completely content being at home with Ella.
Yesterday at mass, I saw a school nurse that I used to work with, and she was the first one to ask me, "So, do you get to stay home?" And, this was the best way someone has asked me yet.
Staying home with Ella is a very fulfilling experience for me. As a young professional, before having Ella, I was conflicted on whether or not I would go back to work. Maybe if I had had children when I was younger, I might have wanted to continue to work. But, for now, I am completely content being at home with Ella.
Yesterday at mass, I saw a school nurse that I used to work with, and she was the first one to ask me, "So, do you get to stay home?" And, this was the best way someone has asked me yet.
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