5 Months!

This has been quite the busy month for little Miss Annie! During her fourth month, she conquered many milestones including her two new favorite things: rolling over with ease from tummy to back and discovering and chewing on her toes. She actually rolled over for the first time when she was two months old, but now she does it easily and almost automatically when placed on her tummy during play time. I think she likes the freedom to roll on her command because she'll roll over and then look up and smile her big Annie smile!


She's sitting up on her own and getting stronger everyday. I still put the boppy pillow around her in case she wobbles, but she's fairly sturdy on her own. This is especially fun in the bath. Bath time now includes lots of splashing in the water!
Last week, she had her first food. We tried the rice cereal, but every time the spoon went near her mouth, she started to cry. So we forwent the rice cereal and went straight to food. Mmmmm.... avacado! She gobbled it up on the first sitting and has proven to be a lover of food. She's now had avacado and this week has tried butternut squash. I spent an afternoon making and freezing lots of babyfood so we're set for at least month or two!
A miracle happened this month: Annie fell asleep in the car! She still mostly dislikes the car, but it's improving and a few times this month, she has actually napped in the car. With driving three days a week to and from Chloe's preschool, Annie is forced to endure the car for forty minutes daily (10 minutes there/10 minutes back home twice per day). And because of the schedule, sometimes her nap time is delayed or interrupted because of the commute. As a result, she has fallen asleep in the car; something I never thought I'd see. And she looks precious all snuggled with her blanket clutching her teething toy.
I think I can officially say we're obsessed with our baby. I want her to be this age forever! She's so sweet and snuggly and her little chubby rolls are absolutely edible! She's 100% kissable and loveable and I can't get enough of her! She makes me smile every moment I think of her or look at her. She's just cutie-licious!

Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

While walking back to our car after a fun morning at the park with some friends, Chloe started melting down. It was the typical 3 year old who was tired (nearing naptime) and hungry (definitely lunch time). She was refusing to walk with us and shouting, "NO!" So I took her by the hand and told her she either walks by herself or Mommy will help her. My friend, who has an 18 month old who was sitting calmly in his stroller, said something that struck a chord within me. "Thanks for being an example of a great parent. I have so much anxiety for when my son reaches this stage."

Anxiety.

This is a subject that keeps reappearing in my life. Often times God speaks to me through repeated phrases or occurrences that I can't deny are from Him. This is one of those character traits I can't ignore in myself.

It started this summer when our pastor's wife, Laura, did a sermon titled "Worry: How do I trust God More?" She spoke of a time in her life when she had two young daughters and the circumstances in their lives were causing her a great deal of worry. And then she continued on to tell us about some current worries she has had on her heart including the health of her friend, job placement for her daughter and financial worries. While listening to this sermon, I started to identify the places within me that were wreaking of worry. Most of my anxiety involves my children. What if Chloe falls down and gets hurt? What if she runs out into the road and gets hit by a car? My worry about Annie being affected by SIDS just about drives me to insomnia. But I also worry about my husband; especially when he travels. Endless scenarios of terrorists attacking the airplane he's in or something terrible happening to him therefore leaving the girls and I on our own frequent my mind when he's traveling for business. Laura suggested that rather than worrying and allowing anxiety to be our focus, we start praying through the situation with thankfulness.

The subject came up again while reading Beth Moore's new book, So Long, Insecurity. I could do a whole blog post about this amazing book and what it has done in me. But for now I'll focus on one aspect. Chapter 17: What Are You Afraid Of? She says, "The moment you're cognizant of an outbreak of insecurity, learn to check your heart for what you're afraid of." She goes on to say that in those moments, we need to trade our anxiety in for trust in God. "Trusting God with yourself. With your husband. With your job. With your health. With your family. With your friends. With your threat. I'm talking about entering into a transforming, two sentence dialogue with a very real, very active God who sees all things and is intimately acquainted with everything concerning you." And if that weren't enough, she goes on to share a story about dealing with her fears and how God spoke wisdom to her heart. "As long as I insist on torturing myself with these terrifying possibilities, He seems to suggest that I think them all the way through the other side." And what happens on the "other side"? If even one of these horrifying thoughts came to fruition, God would still be God. He would somehow carry me through the pain of losing a loved one. He would be by my side even if everyone left me on my own. He would still have a purpose for me and, if I cooperate with him through the healing process, could even bring good from tragedy.
"When you feel that familiar panic begin to rise in your heart like a river coursing its banks and your soul begins to roll with another round of "What will I do if....? what would happen if you were willing to hear the voice of God whisper these inaudible words?

Child, you are asking the wrong question. Here's the one that would assuage your fears: What will God do if...?"

Whoa. All along, I've been asking the wrong question. It's not What would I do if... it's What will God do?
And I'm convinced that "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
So now when anxiety, fears or insecurity rises it's ugly head, I identify it. I say, "That brings me ______. I'm trading that in for trust in God. God is for me. I'm clothed in strength and dignity. I'm praying with a thankful heart for the blessings God has given me."

Top 5 Guilty Pleasures

Being a stay at home mom is wonderful. I wouldn't trade it for the world even on the toughest, most sleep-deprived, toddler-whiny days. Really. I love my girls and am so thankful God has called me to be home during this time in their lives. That said, sometimes a mama needs a break! And with my husband working full-time (thank you!) along with getting his Master's degree and being a part of groups at church, let's face it, I'm worn out! So when I need a little pick me up or a brain break from the kids, here are my top 5 guilty pleasures:
1. Blogs. I love reading blogs. Especially ones about families with young children who are parenting with a purpose. I get inspiration and ideas on how to be a better parent. Recently I've been into reading blogs about moms who homeschool. I've found some really awesome sites that have free preschool material and Chloe has been loving the one-on-one attention and playing the fun games!
2. Chocolate. The great thing about nursing is that I burn 500-600 calories per day just by feeding my child. Therefore, I can justify eating any chocolate that I want :) My favorite is 71% dark chocolate. Or perhaps Cadbury's chocolate with mint bits. Or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Or maybe.... well, any chocolate is good chocolate.
3. Magazines. But they have to be quality magazines. I hate gossip mags or ones featuring celebrities. I could care less about their dramatic lives. My current subscriptions include Minnesota Monthly, and two parenting magazines. Occasionally I enjoy reading Oprah's magazine (my mom has a subscription) but there are so many ads!
4. A Hot Bubble Bath. I can only do this after my children are both in bed otherwise Chloe strips down and tries to climb in with me. Usually after I put her to bed, I'm so tired, I have a quick shower and go to bed too. So this is a special treat for me!
5. Decaf Coffee. Yum. I LOVE coffee. But, because I'm nursing, decaf it is which is fine by me because it still tastes delicious! My very sweet husband will brew me my own small pot on the weekends and I enjoy two large cup-fulls with each pot. I really love the Cinnamon Dolce Lattes at Starbucks but it's seasonal drink (that will soon be coming!) so I get that a few times a year.

So, there you have it. The top 5 things that give me joy (besides my family, of course). What are your guilty pleasures?

He-Man Marathoner

Inspired by the opportunity to raise money and awareness for Zambians who are living in poverty and in need of clean drinking, my husband decided to run a half marathon at the end of August as part of Team World Vision. He began his training 8 weeks prior to the race and accumulated 150 miles of tread on his running shoes this summer. The week of the 13.1 mile run, he came down with a very high fever (103 degrees) that lasted two days along with headache, fatigue and muscle soreness. Despite not being able to get in his runs during that final week, he was determined to conquer the half marathon that Sunday.
He completed the race in 2 hours 18 minutes and raised almost $800!
Very impressive, my he-man running husband!

A picture of the whole family after the race. That's Annie in the babybjorn.

Chloe's Birthday Extravaganza!

So my daughter is 3. Yes, I find it unbelievable. Everyone told me how fast kids grow up; now I finally believe them.
Chloe thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her birthday on her actual birthday and again the following Saturday with my side of the family. On her real birthday, she opened presents sent via mail from her family in England. Here's what she received, with a very grateful heart!
From Great Nana and Great Grandad
What could it be?

A Tea Set!

Later this day, her best friend came over and they played tea party!

Enjoying opening her cards


From Nana and Grandad a penguin rolling suitcase! (maybe that's a hint we should come visit!)


Complete with a matching backpack that Chloe brings with her to school now


For a special treat, Chloe got to go on a date with Mommy and Daddy to the baseball game! It was our first time at the new field and Chloe LOVED it! She had been asking to go to a baseball game all summer long and was so thrilled that we could finally go!
Chloe and Daddy as we are entering Target Field


Chloe enjoying the game and cheering for Joe Mauer :)


She had a great birthday!


The following Saturday we celebrated with my side of the family.
Photos to come once I upload the pics from the other camera...

Happy 3rd Birthday, Chloe!

Oh, my sweet firstborn, how you've changed my life in so many ways.
When we first found out we were pregnant, let's just say we were very surprised and very excited! After a very uneventful pregnancy (thank you, God) you finally made your arrival after 54 hours of labor squeaking in a September birthday. Yes, 54 hours. But you came out perfect and beautiful with full cheeks a fuzzy hair. I didn't think I could love you more than I did the moment Dr. Jaegger put you on my squishy belly.
But then you looked up at me and I was hooked. And I've come to love you even more and marvel at the little person you're becoming.
I studied your little squeaks, noises and movements. Everything was new and amazing and we had a fun time figuring out how to do life as a family of three.



Now, let's reflect on what this past year has brought.
The day before your 2nd birthday Mommy went back to work for the first time in your life.
Two weeks later, you started daycare (or preschool as we called it) at Loving Shepherd. Your first day you were a little sad, but after that, you loved going to school. You talked about your friends and your teachers. I think you got bit once, but you're a survivor.
We were amazed at the expanse of your vocabulary. You've always been a talker, but this was the year you went from saying 2 or 3 word sentences to full on conversations. It's so much fun. Even if Daddy and I can't have a conversation anymore because you're too busy asking questions.
In early 2010, you moved from your crib to a new room with a big girl bed. You helped pick out the paint color and your only request for your new room is that you wanted a heart pillow. You fell out of bed the first night (despite the guard rail - still not sure how you managed that) so I put you back to sleep in your crib for the night. That was your last time in the crib.
Mommy's tummy continued to grow and you accompanied us to the ultrasound when we found out you were going to have a little sister. You enjoyed looking at the pictures; however, you started to get a bit nervous as Mommy's tummy got really big. You obviously understood what was happening because we got a report from school saying that you and Bella had put pillows up your shirts and told the teachers you had "tummies like Mommy" and that you were going to have babies.
In the spring, you took an interest in using the potty. Since Bella and the other kids at school were getting treats at school for peeing in the potty, you wanted a treat too. So we began doing some potty training which was quite funny. At first, we let you run around in the nude so you could tell when you had to pee. This worked great and we did this for a few weeks. Then we put on big girl undies. You picked out blue underwear with cars and trucks and were so proud to wear them. After some accidents, you mastered wearing undies and still making it to the potty. So then we stopped entirely with the diapers and you did marvelous! Your favorite place to eat is Jimmy John's so Daddy created a sticker chart with JJ logos and everytime you went on the potty, you earned a sticker. Once the chart was full, you got to go the the sandwich shop for your favorite lunch - cheese sandwiches with salt and vinegar chips. And now when we go on walks and for playdates at the park, we bring along what has been termed "the pee bucket." You're great at squatting and peeing on your little blue bucket and really enjoy pouring out the contents near a tree.


You definitely hit the terrible twos. Thankfully it didn't last very long but we had a few days when I wanted to send you to Grandma's!!!
You learned how to ride your trike and are very eager to put on your Sesame Street helmet "so I don't fall off and break my head open." Pretty sure Daddy taught that phrase to you.
One of the most exciting things about your year as a 2 year old was the arrival of your baby sister, Annie. You've been amazed at her arrival (and still need reassurance that she did indeed come from Mommy's tummy) and have nothing but love for her. Except when you dinosaur roar at her and she cries. I know when you're trying to pick her up that you just want to cuddle, but just give her a hug, please.


And now you're 3 years old. And starting preschool in a few days. I can't believe how fast you're growing. You have opinions about almost everything. You're probably the loudest toddler ever - besides Auntie Becca when she was little. You love to swim and play in water. You love to laugh. You love the park. You love being outside. You love your best friend Bella. And you love Mommy, Daddy and Annie.
We're so grateful to have you as our daughter. You have brought spunkiness and loads of laughter into our lives. I love you more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, God for such a blessing.


Happy 3rd Birthday, my sweet Chloe.

Who Knew?

High school is a conglomeration of many different people that we, as teenagers, felt the need to label and belong to. Although I was never associated with the "hippie" group, I've always had an appreciation for the lifestyle they chose to display. They always seemed so free and unburdened, attempting to be one with the universe, accepting they are a part of nature and living with such a style that resisted the consumer culture we live in.
The reason I could never be a part of this group is because the women didn't shave and they all smelled like patchouli (yuck!).
Now, as a mother, I have realized that I have become a bit of a hippie (minus the hairy legs, well, sometimes, and stinky perfume) and I love it.
I exclusively breastfeed my baby. Nope, no chemically-engineered breastmilk-wannabe formula for us!
I cloth diaper. The thought that disposable diapers remain in the environment for 500 years makes me wretch. Arguably, we use a lot of water washing the diapers, but I wash the diapers everyday filling the washer half full.
I wear my baby. This is how mamas around the world get stuff done. We wear our babies in slings! You either do it with one hand or you put the babe in the babybjorn and clean/cook/walk/push a toddler on the swing/read stories/blog while baby sleeps peacefully nestled with mommy. Among other benefits, studies show that babies who are "worn" are calmer and are more securely attached to their caregiver. Click on this wikipedia article for more information on babywearing.
While I didn't embrace the life of a hippie as a high schooler, who knew it would fit my style as an adult?