Dear Raegan Grace,
Tonight as I was rocking you to sleep (which by the way doesn't really happen that I rock you to sleep. It's more of you nursing for 5 minutes while I rock you then you sitting up and me laying you in your crib) but tonight you were soo precious. You sat up but instead of getting antsy you laid your sweet head on my shoulder. So we just rocked. Me soaking in all your sweetness smelling your freshly washed hair and the lotion on you. You were so sweet. Head all nozzled up against my neck. It was a perfect moment. I decided I would take a picture of you sleeping sweetly on me and when I took the picture on my phone I looked at it you were all smiles. It was so very sweet (see pic below) Made me feel like you were savoring the moment too!
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I can't believe it. Although, it feels like the holiday season with the Christmas tree up, nativity scene, lights up outside, Christmas movies on tv, wonderful time with friends and family. It all adds up to Christmas time, but yet to me it just doesn't feel like tomorrow is Christmas Eve and that Santa will come tomorrow. It's crazy to me.
Tomorrow we will be making our annual breakfast for dinner on Christmas Eve and then headed to Christmas Eve service at church, then coming home to make birthday cupcakes for Jesus while daddy goes back to work. And then Santa will come and we will wake up and it will be Christmas day and you will open your presents and will eat dinner and read the christmas story. The plans are all there. The traditions are there. And honestly I can't wait for all these events to happen.
I think the reason it doesn't feel like Christmas to me is that I don't want it to be here because then it will have to end. The next two days will fly by and then it's over. All the excitement, all the traditions, will all be put away until next year. Christmas break will be over etc. and mommy is not ready for all that.
Time just flies now that you are here and I wish it didn't but it does. I am trying my best to soak up every minute with you. Every minute we spend with our friends and our family I cherish it with you. And I thank God that He blessed us with you.
I hope as you get older that you will cherish everything there is to cherish about the Christmas season. I hope that you will carry on some of our traditions, but start some of your own traditions too. I hope that you will cherish every moment with your friends and your family. That you will not get caught up in the hustle and the bustle of the season but remember the true reason for the season. I hope that you will teach your kids the Christmas story like mommy is teaching you and that its not about what you get for Christmas but the true meaning of Christ.
I love you my sweet sweet blessing! Always have and always will! I am so excited to have this 2nd Christmas with you and all the joy it will bring to my heart as we create so many memories and learn about Christ together! I love you all the way to the moon and back forever and always!
Merry Christmas my sweet blessing!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
I can remember as a kid
When my brother and I were kids I can remember waking up in the middle of the night throwing up (or waking up to my brother throwing up) and can remember crying and feeling soooo sick. I can remember tip toeing to my parents room and knocking ever so lightly on their door to tell them I (or my brother) was sick. Their response always surprised me "oh you're sick. Go back to bed, sleep it off" and my response but "I'm throwing up and my bed is a mess".... "Take some medicine and change your sheets, you will be okay"
Okay.... Yep okay I was and okay I am today.
But I still can't help but to reflect back on this. I would imagine I was in elementary school. I just can't imagine as a mother or a father telling my child to go take care of themselves when they are vomiting. And the worst part, I can remember being sick vomiting ALOT as a child too... That's the sad part. I am sure I reached a time in my life where I no longer knocked on my parents door to let them know I was sick. I just took care of myself.
I can remember many nights getting up as a child and taking care of myself or taking care of my brother when he was sick. I can remember going to the medicine cabinet getting my own medicine. I can remember stripping down my sheets off my bed then going to sleep on the couch because I had no extra sheets to put on my bed. I can remember standing in the bathroom with my older brother when he would awake sick and bringing him medicine. I can even remember him coming into my room in the middle of the night and sleeping on my floor because we was sick. I can remember him even asking me one night if it was normal to pee blood. The list goes go and on.
As a mother now, I look reflect back on those early years of my life in awe. Tonight Raegan was very sick. She was vomiting over and over and it was completely breaking my heart. I could never imagine telling Raegan "go back to bed, sleep it off" I cannot imagine not getting up with her in the middle of the night or telling her to go take care of herself.
Now I know Raegan is a baby and that's different than a child. And I am sure (well hopeful) that my parents got up with me as a baby, but even when Raegan is older. Heck, she could be an adult but (I had an explicit word here then my fruits of the spirit came back to me) if she's puking her guts out I WILL be there holding her hair out of her face (SN: call me crazy but maybe thats why my hair ALWaYS has to be in a pony tail at night to this day) or rubbing her back (just like I was tonight). I will be there getting her the medicine she needs and changing her sheets. And I will be the one climbing in bed with her or welcoming her in my bed to comfort her. I don't care if I am puked on a million times (which by the way I went through four changes of clothes myself tonight).
Now I know Raegan can't talk yet, but one day she will. And when I hear her sweet sick voice on the other side of my bedroom door telling me she doesn't feel good you can bet I am going to do everything in my power to help her feel better.
Children are precious gifts from God. I hope that everyone treats their children as precious gifts. I know I sure do value and thank God for my sweet blessing!
All this reminded me of this quote:
"Not a way to be a perfect mother but a million ways to be a good one"
Raegan Grace,
I promise you no matter how sick you are I will always take care of you! You will never experience what I did as a child I can promise you that! I will do everything in my power to be a good mother to you! Please know just how much I want your life to be different than mine. Please know my sweet baby girl just how much I would do anything in the world for you. And this stomach bug that is causing you so much discomfort tonight if I could take all the pain away from you I surely would. I love you Raegan Grace! You are my sweet oh so sweet blessing and I am praying that God heals your illness very soon! I love you all the way to the moon and back forever and always!!!
Love Mommy!!!
Okay.... Yep okay I was and okay I am today.
But I still can't help but to reflect back on this. I would imagine I was in elementary school. I just can't imagine as a mother or a father telling my child to go take care of themselves when they are vomiting. And the worst part, I can remember being sick vomiting ALOT as a child too... That's the sad part. I am sure I reached a time in my life where I no longer knocked on my parents door to let them know I was sick. I just took care of myself.
I can remember many nights getting up as a child and taking care of myself or taking care of my brother when he was sick. I can remember going to the medicine cabinet getting my own medicine. I can remember stripping down my sheets off my bed then going to sleep on the couch because I had no extra sheets to put on my bed. I can remember standing in the bathroom with my older brother when he would awake sick and bringing him medicine. I can even remember him coming into my room in the middle of the night and sleeping on my floor because we was sick. I can remember him even asking me one night if it was normal to pee blood. The list goes go and on.
As a mother now, I look reflect back on those early years of my life in awe. Tonight Raegan was very sick. She was vomiting over and over and it was completely breaking my heart. I could never imagine telling Raegan "go back to bed, sleep it off" I cannot imagine not getting up with her in the middle of the night or telling her to go take care of herself.
Now I know Raegan is a baby and that's different than a child. And I am sure (well hopeful) that my parents got up with me as a baby, but even when Raegan is older. Heck, she could be an adult but (I had an explicit word here then my fruits of the spirit came back to me) if she's puking her guts out I WILL be there holding her hair out of her face (SN: call me crazy but maybe thats why my hair ALWaYS has to be in a pony tail at night to this day) or rubbing her back (just like I was tonight). I will be there getting her the medicine she needs and changing her sheets. And I will be the one climbing in bed with her or welcoming her in my bed to comfort her. I don't care if I am puked on a million times (which by the way I went through four changes of clothes myself tonight).
Now I know Raegan can't talk yet, but one day she will. And when I hear her sweet sick voice on the other side of my bedroom door telling me she doesn't feel good you can bet I am going to do everything in my power to help her feel better.
Children are precious gifts from God. I hope that everyone treats their children as precious gifts. I know I sure do value and thank God for my sweet blessing!
All this reminded me of this quote:
"Not a way to be a perfect mother but a million ways to be a good one"
Raegan Grace,
I promise you no matter how sick you are I will always take care of you! You will never experience what I did as a child I can promise you that! I will do everything in my power to be a good mother to you! Please know just how much I want your life to be different than mine. Please know my sweet baby girl just how much I would do anything in the world for you. And this stomach bug that is causing you so much discomfort tonight if I could take all the pain away from you I surely would. I love you Raegan Grace! You are my sweet oh so sweet blessing and I am praying that God heals your illness very soon! I love you all the way to the moon and back forever and always!!!
Love Mommy!!!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Slow down button
Dear Raegan grace,
In less than 24 hours you will be 13 months old!
Where oh where does the time go??? I really wish there was a slow down button so that I could just keep you little forever!
But I know if I keep you little forever I won't get to see you do so many wonderful things (just like in the book Aunt Katie gave you for your birthday)! I know you will do wonderful things. It's really just bittersweet. I am so proud of all that you are doing but I still miss how little you use to be!
Time just flies by us. It really does... I thought I just woke up and now it's past my bedtime!!! Crazy I tell you crazy how when we are little time is not on our side, then just when we think it is, we have a child and bam time hates us again and we wish for it to just slow down.
Raegan Grace, mommy loves you. I am trying to so hard to slow down! I don't want to blink and miss a single thing with you. God, is it easy to do! But I am trying to relish in you as much a so can!
You were so sweet today. We went and saw Aunt Katie and Uncle Brendon and watched the football game with them. You were such a sweet girl and smitten with Uncle brendon! :)
When we left to go home you were so tired and refused to go to sleep in the car. You finally fell asleep 5 mins before we got home and when I took you out your carseat to put you down for your nap you refused so out of your crib you came and you played hard!
Your such an independent child. You took your high chair seat and spent 5 mins figuring out a way to get it off the couch. Then the tray fell off and you spent another 20+ mins trying to figure out how to put it back on! So persistent you were! It was so cute watching you sit in your chair, get up, and keep trying over and over to get that tray back on. You had daddy and I laughing and admiring!
You also kept sitting on your pony and it played "I'm a little pony" song over and over while you nodded your head up and down with the sweetest most prideful look across your face! I really love that look! You were so proud of yourself! Ohhh how I adore you!
Your such an amazing baby! You fill my life with so much pleasure and love! My oh so happy sweet baby! I love you Raegan Grace Smallwood all the way to the moon and back forever and always!
Love Mommy!
In less than 24 hours you will be 13 months old!
Where oh where does the time go??? I really wish there was a slow down button so that I could just keep you little forever!
But I know if I keep you little forever I won't get to see you do so many wonderful things (just like in the book Aunt Katie gave you for your birthday)! I know you will do wonderful things. It's really just bittersweet. I am so proud of all that you are doing but I still miss how little you use to be!
Time just flies by us. It really does... I thought I just woke up and now it's past my bedtime!!! Crazy I tell you crazy how when we are little time is not on our side, then just when we think it is, we have a child and bam time hates us again and we wish for it to just slow down.
Raegan Grace, mommy loves you. I am trying to so hard to slow down! I don't want to blink and miss a single thing with you. God, is it easy to do! But I am trying to relish in you as much a so can!
You were so sweet today. We went and saw Aunt Katie and Uncle Brendon and watched the football game with them. You were such a sweet girl and smitten with Uncle brendon! :)
When we left to go home you were so tired and refused to go to sleep in the car. You finally fell asleep 5 mins before we got home and when I took you out your carseat to put you down for your nap you refused so out of your crib you came and you played hard!
Your such an independent child. You took your high chair seat and spent 5 mins figuring out a way to get it off the couch. Then the tray fell off and you spent another 20+ mins trying to figure out how to put it back on! So persistent you were! It was so cute watching you sit in your chair, get up, and keep trying over and over to get that tray back on. You had daddy and I laughing and admiring!
You also kept sitting on your pony and it played "I'm a little pony" song over and over while you nodded your head up and down with the sweetest most prideful look across your face! I really love that look! You were so proud of yourself! Ohhh how I adore you!
Your such an amazing baby! You fill my life with so much pleasure and love! My oh so happy sweet baby! I love you Raegan Grace Smallwood all the way to the moon and back forever and always!
Love Mommy!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Perfect night!
Dear Raegan Grace,
It's sooo good to have my sweet baby girl back to your normal happy self after battling an ear infection for the last two weeks!
You still have a good bit of a cough, and a really runny nose, but your spirits are much happier which means mommy is much happier!
I hated to see you so miserable these last few weeks!
Tonight, when we got home you just roamed the house! Digging in boxes, pulling out toys. You were running around in the kitchen just circling the table and laughing. It was so cute. While, I was cooking dinner I just listened to you play with a huge smile on my face. You were babbling about this and that. Every time you do that it makes my mind wonder about what you really are saying! Lol!
I then sat myself in the middle of the kitchen floor so I could watch you play on your level and you continued babbling and circling me. You would take little breaks and come sit on my lap and lay your sweet head against me (only a few seconds, but enough to let me know you loved me and missed me). Basically, melting my heart and warming it with sooo much sweetness!
At one point when you took a break sitting in my lap, Jackson came over and started licking your face as you tilted your head back and your hair flopped back and forth as I held you in my arms. You just laughed and laughed as Jackson gave you doggy smooches!
As I watched You play in the kitchen my heart overfilled with joy. I took in every second of watching you take joy in the simple things in life.
We also opened a present from granny, two adorable hats: one cute sock monkey hat and one owl hat! The first picture you let me take was beyond precious as you smiled with all your cheeks! You walked around the house for a good 5-10 mins until I put the owl hat on you then you just sat there taking the hat on and off! Lol!
While skyping with Granny you would blow rasberries every time Granny did it and it was sooo funny! You even climbed up on the car Pops got you and pushed your little feet against the floor to make it go. You literally did not stop smiling the whole time you sat on your car. You even sat on your pony too and bobbed your head up and down to the tune of my little pony! You really were sooo cute! God is sooo good to me to bless me with such a beautiful sweet blessing! I am still in awe at just how blessed I am!
Tonight, was a perfect night for you Raegan. A night that was so simple yet such a beautiful memory in my mind and heart! You are absolutely perfect and I love you with all my heart!
Thank you my sweet blessing for filling my heart with so much love!
I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Love, mommy!
It's sooo good to have my sweet baby girl back to your normal happy self after battling an ear infection for the last two weeks!
You still have a good bit of a cough, and a really runny nose, but your spirits are much happier which means mommy is much happier!
I hated to see you so miserable these last few weeks!
Tonight, when we got home you just roamed the house! Digging in boxes, pulling out toys. You were running around in the kitchen just circling the table and laughing. It was so cute. While, I was cooking dinner I just listened to you play with a huge smile on my face. You were babbling about this and that. Every time you do that it makes my mind wonder about what you really are saying! Lol!
I then sat myself in the middle of the kitchen floor so I could watch you play on your level and you continued babbling and circling me. You would take little breaks and come sit on my lap and lay your sweet head against me (only a few seconds, but enough to let me know you loved me and missed me). Basically, melting my heart and warming it with sooo much sweetness!
At one point when you took a break sitting in my lap, Jackson came over and started licking your face as you tilted your head back and your hair flopped back and forth as I held you in my arms. You just laughed and laughed as Jackson gave you doggy smooches!
As I watched You play in the kitchen my heart overfilled with joy. I took in every second of watching you take joy in the simple things in life.
We also opened a present from granny, two adorable hats: one cute sock monkey hat and one owl hat! The first picture you let me take was beyond precious as you smiled with all your cheeks! You walked around the house for a good 5-10 mins until I put the owl hat on you then you just sat there taking the hat on and off! Lol!
While skyping with Granny you would blow rasberries every time Granny did it and it was sooo funny! You even climbed up on the car Pops got you and pushed your little feet against the floor to make it go. You literally did not stop smiling the whole time you sat on your car. You even sat on your pony too and bobbed your head up and down to the tune of my little pony! You really were sooo cute! God is sooo good to me to bless me with such a beautiful sweet blessing! I am still in awe at just how blessed I am!
Tonight, was a perfect night for you Raegan. A night that was so simple yet such a beautiful memory in my mind and heart! You are absolutely perfect and I love you with all my heart!
Thank you my sweet blessing for filling my heart with so much love!
I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Love, mommy!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Raegan Grace is ONE!!!
ONE year ago today....
6:16pm September 28, 2011 I gave birth to a beautiful 7 lbs 14 oz precious baby girl!
I can't believe it's been a year, 365 days since the day you were placed on my chest and you stole my heart forever! I held you so close I still remember as soon as I saw you I kept saying over and over "oh my God, she is so beautiful, just look at her, she is so beautiful!" Beautiful life breathed inside of me, grew inside of me for a little over 37 weeks and here I am meeting you and holding you in my arms after so much anticipation of your arrival. I was in complete awe over you and I still am one year later!
And beautiful you still are my sweet blessing! Watching you over the last 12 months grow and learn so many new things has been so beautiful! Life is beautiful. You are beautiful!
Today, mommy took work off and we spent the day together. We didn't do a lot but enough to fill mommy with pride and appreciation for you my sweet baby girl! You let mommy sleep in and then we ate and played together. We read books, you sat on my lap, you let mommy rock you. You laid your head on my neck and snuggled close to me, we did do a little shopping for your party. And we went this afternoon to get your ONE year pictures taken! Then we came home and daddy and I sang Happy birthday to you and you dug into your giant cupcake mommy and daddy made you! You were so funny, talking to the cupcake and when it was all over you sat so still in the bath tub while mommy scrubbed all the pink strawberry icing off of just about every inch of your body (literally head to toe).
I tried to Rock you tonight but you weren't having it. You were quite ready for your crib and I held onto you as long as you would let me before placing you in your crib.
I remember the days when you would only let me rock you to sleep. When you felt most comfortable in my arms. When you needed me to fall asleep. When the glider was our bed and my arms were your crib. My oh my where does the time go???
And here you are now, walking around the place, climbing everything, talking, being silly, falling asleep on your own, and just having the time of your life being a baby and getting all the love in the world! I just can't believe how much you have changed in such a short time!
My newborn is now beginning the toddler stage??? How crazy is that???
I can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the years to come! You are so wonderful and I just know God is going to use you in so many ways!!!
Mommy and daddy love you sooo very much Raegan Grace! You complete us and we adore you!!!
I hope one day when you look back and read this you will know just how much your mommy loves you and truly cherishes every moment! All I can say is if Facebook is still around I don't think you will ever catch up reading about your life! :) haha!
Just know when you have you own baby one day! Take in and cherish every moment. It all goes by in a blink of an eye!!! It really does!!!
Happy FIRST birthday Raegan Grace Smallwood I truly do love you to the moon and back forever and always! You will always be my sweet blessing and my most perfect gift from God!!!
Love mommy!
6:16pm September 28, 2011 I gave birth to a beautiful 7 lbs 14 oz precious baby girl!
I can't believe it's been a year, 365 days since the day you were placed on my chest and you stole my heart forever! I held you so close I still remember as soon as I saw you I kept saying over and over "oh my God, she is so beautiful, just look at her, she is so beautiful!" Beautiful life breathed inside of me, grew inside of me for a little over 37 weeks and here I am meeting you and holding you in my arms after so much anticipation of your arrival. I was in complete awe over you and I still am one year later!
And beautiful you still are my sweet blessing! Watching you over the last 12 months grow and learn so many new things has been so beautiful! Life is beautiful. You are beautiful!
Today, mommy took work off and we spent the day together. We didn't do a lot but enough to fill mommy with pride and appreciation for you my sweet baby girl! You let mommy sleep in and then we ate and played together. We read books, you sat on my lap, you let mommy rock you. You laid your head on my neck and snuggled close to me, we did do a little shopping for your party. And we went this afternoon to get your ONE year pictures taken! Then we came home and daddy and I sang Happy birthday to you and you dug into your giant cupcake mommy and daddy made you! You were so funny, talking to the cupcake and when it was all over you sat so still in the bath tub while mommy scrubbed all the pink strawberry icing off of just about every inch of your body (literally head to toe).
I tried to Rock you tonight but you weren't having it. You were quite ready for your crib and I held onto you as long as you would let me before placing you in your crib.
I remember the days when you would only let me rock you to sleep. When you felt most comfortable in my arms. When you needed me to fall asleep. When the glider was our bed and my arms were your crib. My oh my where does the time go???
And here you are now, walking around the place, climbing everything, talking, being silly, falling asleep on your own, and just having the time of your life being a baby and getting all the love in the world! I just can't believe how much you have changed in such a short time!
My newborn is now beginning the toddler stage??? How crazy is that???
I can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the years to come! You are so wonderful and I just know God is going to use you in so many ways!!!
Mommy and daddy love you sooo very much Raegan Grace! You complete us and we adore you!!!
I hope one day when you look back and read this you will know just how much your mommy loves you and truly cherishes every moment! All I can say is if Facebook is still around I don't think you will ever catch up reading about your life! :) haha!
Just know when you have you own baby one day! Take in and cherish every moment. It all goes by in a blink of an eye!!! It really does!!!
Happy FIRST birthday Raegan Grace Smallwood I truly do love you to the moon and back forever and always! You will always be my sweet blessing and my most perfect gift from God!!!
Love mommy!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Snuggles!
Dear Raegan,
It's 11:30 at night and mommy is sitting here rocking you in the glider. I had just finished school work and was about to attempt sleep when I heard you fussing in your crib.
So mommy came to the rescue and now you are safely in my arms (well my lap now that you found your comfy spot). Ohhh seeing your sweet little face with your arms and legs wrapped around me makes mommy want nothing more than to stay up late taking you in. Snuggling with you! Enjoying everything about this perfect moment with you. Makes me want to call into work tomorrow and say nope can't come mommy needs Raegan time! Haha!
I may just have to sneak you in the bed with me just to get my fix.
Ohhhh Raegan!!! Tonight it's hard to lay you back down. I think I will sit here a little longer "holding" you. Now you have rolled to your back and I can perfectly see your sweet little face with your hand behind your head looking so perfect and more and more like a big girl!
I still can't believe you are only 23 days away from being ONE year old!!!
Ohhh baby girl! I couldn't ask for a baby more perfect than you! I prayed for you and God blessed me with you! You are my perfect gift from above!
I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Now back to our snuggles!
Love,
Mommy!
It's 11:30 at night and mommy is sitting here rocking you in the glider. I had just finished school work and was about to attempt sleep when I heard you fussing in your crib.
So mommy came to the rescue and now you are safely in my arms (well my lap now that you found your comfy spot). Ohhh seeing your sweet little face with your arms and legs wrapped around me makes mommy want nothing more than to stay up late taking you in. Snuggling with you! Enjoying everything about this perfect moment with you. Makes me want to call into work tomorrow and say nope can't come mommy needs Raegan time! Haha!
I may just have to sneak you in the bed with me just to get my fix.
Ohhhh Raegan!!! Tonight it's hard to lay you back down. I think I will sit here a little longer "holding" you. Now you have rolled to your back and I can perfectly see your sweet little face with your hand behind your head looking so perfect and more and more like a big girl!
I still can't believe you are only 23 days away from being ONE year old!!!
Ohhh baby girl! I couldn't ask for a baby more perfect than you! I prayed for you and God blessed me with you! You are my perfect gift from above!
I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Now back to our snuggles!
Love,
Mommy!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
It's been a while
Well Raegan is in bed... Mommy has two seconds to herself.... My to do list is overflowing BUT of course I have no desire to do it... I want some me time and my me time tonight wants to blog so I will put off the dishes, the housework, the school work, the many to do lists laying around my house to take care of my wants.
Life has been hectic. Crazy busy. No time to hardly even take a second to enjoy it.
Being back at work makes my head spin. Between trying to balance school work, housework, all the while taking care of a very active and mobile 11 month old is whew crazy!!!
But amongst all of it, I love it! In a way I feel more accomplished. I don't have time to put off stuff so more stuff is getting done even if I don't feel like it. Yes some things are getting put on the back burner but hey that's called life. We prioritize!
I'm enjoying my every moment with Raegan Grace. I can't wait to pick her up when I get off work and see the big ole smile light up her face! And then the way she snuggles against my neck to let me know she missed me too! Or the way if I sit there talking too long holding RG to Jordan she will lean her head in front of my face and smile as big as she can as if to say I'm here too mommy let's hit the road mommy! It's really too cute!!! Our times in the evenings go by too fast! By the time she is in bed I'm completely exhausted but I just love her! She's my whole world and I can't imagine life without her! Even with all her major messes she makes for me to clean she brings joy to my life as she explores every nook and cranny in this house... And I mean all of them! Tonight she discovered she could lift the toilet seat on her own?!!! Where oh where do they learn to be such inquirers??? I love it!! My little explorer seems to be on a new mission every night and I just love watching how much joy she gets out of the simple things in life!
Work is going well too! I love my team! We work well together and the planning is really coming together! Its definitely a lot of work with all the new stuff we are learning but we are truly doing the best we can! And did I mention I love my class???!!! Blessings for sure! They are too sweet!!! They make me smile! Today they told me "NOO I don't want to go home I want to keep learning!!!" three more chimed in and said the same thing! I mean can we say heart stop beating??? Jaw dropped huge smile slapped across my face??? I'm loving it!
Home is going well! Drew is wonderful! Sweet husband! He has actually been helping around the house more which is a huge burden off my chest. Also, tomorrow he starts a bible study at church. I'm quite proud of him for taking this next step! God is good!
We are blessed... Busy but truly blessed. Some days are harder than others but when I take a step back and look at it all... It's all worth it! Happy family, happy students= happy me! God is using me to do His work and I plan to continue to glorify Him in all that I do!
Be blessed! I Hope you all take a second to thank God for the craziness of your days! Sometimes it may feel like a blessing in disguise but breath it will all be worth it! Be blessed and thanks for reading!
Life has been hectic. Crazy busy. No time to hardly even take a second to enjoy it.
Being back at work makes my head spin. Between trying to balance school work, housework, all the while taking care of a very active and mobile 11 month old is whew crazy!!!
But amongst all of it, I love it! In a way I feel more accomplished. I don't have time to put off stuff so more stuff is getting done even if I don't feel like it. Yes some things are getting put on the back burner but hey that's called life. We prioritize!
I'm enjoying my every moment with Raegan Grace. I can't wait to pick her up when I get off work and see the big ole smile light up her face! And then the way she snuggles against my neck to let me know she missed me too! Or the way if I sit there talking too long holding RG to Jordan she will lean her head in front of my face and smile as big as she can as if to say I'm here too mommy let's hit the road mommy! It's really too cute!!! Our times in the evenings go by too fast! By the time she is in bed I'm completely exhausted but I just love her! She's my whole world and I can't imagine life without her! Even with all her major messes she makes for me to clean she brings joy to my life as she explores every nook and cranny in this house... And I mean all of them! Tonight she discovered she could lift the toilet seat on her own?!!! Where oh where do they learn to be such inquirers??? I love it!! My little explorer seems to be on a new mission every night and I just love watching how much joy she gets out of the simple things in life!
Work is going well too! I love my team! We work well together and the planning is really coming together! Its definitely a lot of work with all the new stuff we are learning but we are truly doing the best we can! And did I mention I love my class???!!! Blessings for sure! They are too sweet!!! They make me smile! Today they told me "NOO I don't want to go home I want to keep learning!!!" three more chimed in and said the same thing! I mean can we say heart stop beating??? Jaw dropped huge smile slapped across my face??? I'm loving it!
Home is going well! Drew is wonderful! Sweet husband! He has actually been helping around the house more which is a huge burden off my chest. Also, tomorrow he starts a bible study at church. I'm quite proud of him for taking this next step! God is good!
We are blessed... Busy but truly blessed. Some days are harder than others but when I take a step back and look at it all... It's all worth it! Happy family, happy students= happy me! God is using me to do His work and I plan to continue to glorify Him in all that I do!
Be blessed! I Hope you all take a second to thank God for the craziness of your days! Sometimes it may feel like a blessing in disguise but breath it will all be worth it! Be blessed and thanks for reading!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
3:30 wake up call
Ohhh Raegan Grace!
It's now 4:45 and we are sitting here rocking. Mommy has to wake up in one hour to get ready for work and you are awake..
Mommy was so desperate for sleep I even tried letting you cry It out! GASPPPP!!! I know! So not me, but we all reach a breaking point. And I must say although I tried to win, you my dear prevailed and said watch this and continue to cry for over 45 mins while mommy listened to you get worse and worse before I couldn't take it any more and my thoughts were well it's been 45 mins and she's still going strong I'm NEVER getting any sleep! I could have already gone in calmed you down and been back to sleep myself and now here it is 45 mins later and the calming process hadn't even started yet. Soo needles to say here mommy is practicing the wait it out method now. You are in my arms still whimpering some but slowly falling back asleep. It must be those stupid teeth! Mommy is ready for this stage to be over! It sucks!!! Seriously! I do believe in part its partly attachment. But dang child you are so strong willed! 10 months old and kicking mommy's butt! Ha!
I know this too shall pass (I'm telling myself that). It's been a month or so more of this. At least tonight you got about 7 hours of sleep before waking up instead of your lately normal 2-3. So that's improvement right???
Oh sweet girl! It's now 5 am. Ohhh dear! I'm debating just staying up, but I doubt that shall be the case! Let's go lay you down and pray for rest! Good night my sweet blessing! I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Love,
Mommy
.................
DearGod,
I'm asking for sleep. Sleep for my precious baby girl and sleep for me. Routines are changing now with school back in place and well we all need our rest. Help us Lord to get some much needed sleep. Ease Raegan's teething pain. And Lord if some of this is attachment help us both know how to overcome this little glitch in our sleep pattern!
Praying for sleep and rest in the Smallwood household!
In Your name I pray,
AMEN!!!
* and please no one comment about continuing the CIOM I don't want to hear it. I haven't given this hiccup to God, and well now I have. He will take care of us!
It's now 4:45 and we are sitting here rocking. Mommy has to wake up in one hour to get ready for work and you are awake..
Mommy was so desperate for sleep I even tried letting you cry It out! GASPPPP!!! I know! So not me, but we all reach a breaking point. And I must say although I tried to win, you my dear prevailed and said watch this and continue to cry for over 45 mins while mommy listened to you get worse and worse before I couldn't take it any more and my thoughts were well it's been 45 mins and she's still going strong I'm NEVER getting any sleep! I could have already gone in calmed you down and been back to sleep myself and now here it is 45 mins later and the calming process hadn't even started yet. Soo needles to say here mommy is practicing the wait it out method now. You are in my arms still whimpering some but slowly falling back asleep. It must be those stupid teeth! Mommy is ready for this stage to be over! It sucks!!! Seriously! I do believe in part its partly attachment. But dang child you are so strong willed! 10 months old and kicking mommy's butt! Ha!
I know this too shall pass (I'm telling myself that). It's been a month or so more of this. At least tonight you got about 7 hours of sleep before waking up instead of your lately normal 2-3. So that's improvement right???
Oh sweet girl! It's now 5 am. Ohhh dear! I'm debating just staying up, but I doubt that shall be the case! Let's go lay you down and pray for rest! Good night my sweet blessing! I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Love,
Mommy
.................
DearGod,
I'm asking for sleep. Sleep for my precious baby girl and sleep for me. Routines are changing now with school back in place and well we all need our rest. Help us Lord to get some much needed sleep. Ease Raegan's teething pain. And Lord if some of this is attachment help us both know how to overcome this little glitch in our sleep pattern!
Praying for sleep and rest in the Smallwood household!
In Your name I pray,
AMEN!!!
* and please no one comment about continuing the CIOM I don't want to hear it. I haven't given this hiccup to God, and well now I have. He will take care of us!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Raegan you are TOO cute!
Ohhh my sweet oh sooo sweet blessing!!!
Raegan Grace,
You are something else my child! This weekend we have had the pleasure of having your Granny, Pappy, and Nan here and honey you sure do know how to show off. You are sooo entertaining and had everyone laughing at you! I wish I could have caught more on video because it's just sooo stinkin cute!
You have this face you have been making. You will smile so big with your head tilted back, mouth wide open, cheeks up high, and eyes squinted! I swear it's the cutest sweetest funniest grin EVER!!! Also, Nan has been teaching you to bat those pretty little eye lashes of yours and you are even kinda picking that up! Uncle Skip would grunt and you would start grunting! I mean how funny is that??? You are such a little mimic! Haha! Now if I could just get you to say "momma"!!! Haha!
You are far too cute my sweet girl! I love you more than anything in this world and I would do anything for you! You make me smile and fill my life with so much joy it's overflowing!
Your perfect my sweet blessing! In every way! Don't EVER forget that! I don't know a single person that doesn't think so! You are such a blessing to those who know you!
I sure do hope you always have this happy spirit about you! It just lights up a room!
Well sweet baby girl, mommy should get some rest! I can't believe I only have three days left with you and summer break is over! Went by far TOO fast and I demand a redo or pause button or something! I love you to the moon and back forever and always my sweet blessing!
Love,
Mommy
Raegan Grace,
You are something else my child! This weekend we have had the pleasure of having your Granny, Pappy, and Nan here and honey you sure do know how to show off. You are sooo entertaining and had everyone laughing at you! I wish I could have caught more on video because it's just sooo stinkin cute!
You have this face you have been making. You will smile so big with your head tilted back, mouth wide open, cheeks up high, and eyes squinted! I swear it's the cutest sweetest funniest grin EVER!!! Also, Nan has been teaching you to bat those pretty little eye lashes of yours and you are even kinda picking that up! Uncle Skip would grunt and you would start grunting! I mean how funny is that??? You are such a little mimic! Haha! Now if I could just get you to say "momma"!!! Haha!
You are far too cute my sweet girl! I love you more than anything in this world and I would do anything for you! You make me smile and fill my life with so much joy it's overflowing!
Your perfect my sweet blessing! In every way! Don't EVER forget that! I don't know a single person that doesn't think so! You are such a blessing to those who know you!
I sure do hope you always have this happy spirit about you! It just lights up a room!
Well sweet baby girl, mommy should get some rest! I can't believe I only have three days left with you and summer break is over! Went by far TOO fast and I demand a redo or pause button or something! I love you to the moon and back forever and always my sweet blessing!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Love this blog entry
For all my teacher friends! Hopefully the link works if not copy and paste since I'm on my phone!
(I know I posted the link but I need it posted on my blog so I can refer back to later)
http://www.stonewritten.com/?p=4437
(I know I posted the link but I need it posted on my blog so I can refer back to later)
http://www.stonewritten.com/?p=4437
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I guess summer is practically over
Dear Raegan Grace,
Well my sweet baby girl! Summer has pretty much come to an end. You start tomorrow with Jordan and you will go three days this week and three days next week before we start five days a week. This depresses your poor mommy! Although I am sure you will handle it far better than I will!
Mommy wishes I could stay at home with you. But We also don't want to struggle either. We want to be able to give to others and take care of each other. We are trying to work on paying off a few things around here so that becoming a domestic engineer may be in more plain sight in another year or so. We are just listening to God and whatever He says we are trying to do.
I love you more than anything in this world my sweet blessing! Just because I work doesn't mean I love you any less! It honestly means I cherish the time I do have with you even more. My time with you is precious! It's sacred time for me and you and I enjoy every second! I am very thankful I have a career that allows me to be with you during all holidays and have the summers off with you!
My job gives me an opportunity to show God's love! Growing up I loved school. It was my haven. Being a teacher now I hope my students love school and I hope I can provide a haven for them too. Being a teacher is hard work. I don't do for the money that's for sure. I do it for the outcome. The feeling I get knowing I left a footprint on a child's life. I hope that they will remember me for the love and care I gave them. And I try my best to teach them as much as I can along the way too! My job is hard, but so rewarding at the same time! I see God every day in what I do. And all I can do is pray that others can see God in me and that I can do His work every day!
One day, my sweet girl, you may find yourself balancing a career, a husband, and a family. I don't know what God's plans are for you my sweet baby girl but I do know those plans will be great! I cannot wait to see what paths God will have You take! But whatever you do your mommy here will support you 110%. Whatever you need you will always have my love!
I still can't believe you have to go off to Jordan's tomorrow! I'm hoping you won't cry because I know I will. And if you cry that will make it even harder to leave! Packing all your stuff tonight, laying your clothes out made my stomach tighten up. Made my eyes overflow with tears.
As I was sitting there writing my nightly prayer I heard you crying. I immediately came in to rock you back to sleep. A few extra snuggles from you my dear I certainly don't mind! Especially not tonight! Honestly I needed more snuggles from you! Actually give me time to write to you! Trying to soak you in every minute I can my sweet blessing!
Tomorrow, Raegan Grace know that when I drop you off I will be back to pick you up. I really hope you don't mind sharing me with my students. They need me (not that you don't) in different ways then you do right now (well they will in a few weeks in the meantime mommy is getting ready for them). You are my number one priority my sweet baby girl! Your needs will be met too! You will forever be my biggest and greatest gift from God! God gave you to me to enjoy and I guess as you are sharing me with my students I guess it's only fair for me to share you with the world! You are such a happy baby and I pray that when others see you they see God's blessings in you! I know I do and I cherish every bit of it! Guess its time again for us to share each other. Together we can do this! :)
I love you all the way to the moon and back forever and always!
Love,
Mommy!
Well my sweet baby girl! Summer has pretty much come to an end. You start tomorrow with Jordan and you will go three days this week and three days next week before we start five days a week. This depresses your poor mommy! Although I am sure you will handle it far better than I will!
Mommy wishes I could stay at home with you. But We also don't want to struggle either. We want to be able to give to others and take care of each other. We are trying to work on paying off a few things around here so that becoming a domestic engineer may be in more plain sight in another year or so. We are just listening to God and whatever He says we are trying to do.
I love you more than anything in this world my sweet blessing! Just because I work doesn't mean I love you any less! It honestly means I cherish the time I do have with you even more. My time with you is precious! It's sacred time for me and you and I enjoy every second! I am very thankful I have a career that allows me to be with you during all holidays and have the summers off with you!
My job gives me an opportunity to show God's love! Growing up I loved school. It was my haven. Being a teacher now I hope my students love school and I hope I can provide a haven for them too. Being a teacher is hard work. I don't do for the money that's for sure. I do it for the outcome. The feeling I get knowing I left a footprint on a child's life. I hope that they will remember me for the love and care I gave them. And I try my best to teach them as much as I can along the way too! My job is hard, but so rewarding at the same time! I see God every day in what I do. And all I can do is pray that others can see God in me and that I can do His work every day!
One day, my sweet girl, you may find yourself balancing a career, a husband, and a family. I don't know what God's plans are for you my sweet baby girl but I do know those plans will be great! I cannot wait to see what paths God will have You take! But whatever you do your mommy here will support you 110%. Whatever you need you will always have my love!
I still can't believe you have to go off to Jordan's tomorrow! I'm hoping you won't cry because I know I will. And if you cry that will make it even harder to leave! Packing all your stuff tonight, laying your clothes out made my stomach tighten up. Made my eyes overflow with tears.
As I was sitting there writing my nightly prayer I heard you crying. I immediately came in to rock you back to sleep. A few extra snuggles from you my dear I certainly don't mind! Especially not tonight! Honestly I needed more snuggles from you! Actually give me time to write to you! Trying to soak you in every minute I can my sweet blessing!
Tomorrow, Raegan Grace know that when I drop you off I will be back to pick you up. I really hope you don't mind sharing me with my students. They need me (not that you don't) in different ways then you do right now (well they will in a few weeks in the meantime mommy is getting ready for them). You are my number one priority my sweet baby girl! Your needs will be met too! You will forever be my biggest and greatest gift from God! God gave you to me to enjoy and I guess as you are sharing me with my students I guess it's only fair for me to share you with the world! You are such a happy baby and I pray that when others see you they see God's blessings in you! I know I do and I cherish every bit of it! Guess its time again for us to share each other. Together we can do this! :)
I love you all the way to the moon and back forever and always!
Love,
Mommy!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
chick fil-a opinion because I can have one
My opinions on the whole controversary as if there aren't enough floating around...
I never could decide if I wanted to post it or not. But we ALL have a right to voice our opinion. So be it!
All I am going to say is I support Chick fil a...
Did I go eat there yesterday? No. Was it bought for me for an event and did I eat it? Yes.
Do I think Chick fil a has a right to stand and say what they believe? Yes.
Will I boycott chick fil a? No.
Do others have the right to boycott chick fil a? Yes.
Do I think companies like Target and Starbucks have a right to support gay marriage? Yes.
Will I boycott target and Starbucks because they support gay marriage??? NO!
(I means really people? me give up Target??? And coffee?)
Do I believe people have a right to have a voice and have a choice??? Yes
People are going to do what they want any way... It doesn't matter what others opinions are.
I have to answer to my God. And I want him to know I stand by His word. Do I fall short on living up to His word??? Yes. We all do, on a daily basis in many categories! But thankfully I am forgiven for my sins, You are too. As long as You accept Jesus as Your Savior. If you want to know more about Jesus ask me. I would be glad to share my story.
Do I have friends that believe differently than me??? Yes. Lots of them. But I respect them and they respect me. I'm not mean to them I don't boycott hanging out with them, having conversations with them. And they don't to me either. We agree to disagree. We have a mutual respect. God says love thy neighbor. I do.
We are never all going to agree on any issue rather gay marriage or taxes or whatever the issue may be. It's just not going to happen. EVER.
Everyone can say what they want, and believe what they want.
But I would hope that we can all have the integrity and heart to treat each other fairly (& i use that term loosely bc we all know fair is not equal: we all have different needs) and Not be disrespectful to anyone.
That is all.
And again if you want to know more about Jesus, ask me!
*no comments please (this is my opinion and my opinion only)
Carry on and be blessed!
I never could decide if I wanted to post it or not. But we ALL have a right to voice our opinion. So be it!
All I am going to say is I support Chick fil a...
Did I go eat there yesterday? No. Was it bought for me for an event and did I eat it? Yes.
Do I think Chick fil a has a right to stand and say what they believe? Yes.
Will I boycott chick fil a? No.
Do others have the right to boycott chick fil a? Yes.
Do I think companies like Target and Starbucks have a right to support gay marriage? Yes.
Will I boycott target and Starbucks because they support gay marriage??? NO!
(I means really people? me give up Target??? And coffee?)
Do I believe people have a right to have a voice and have a choice??? Yes
People are going to do what they want any way... It doesn't matter what others opinions are.
I have to answer to my God. And I want him to know I stand by His word. Do I fall short on living up to His word??? Yes. We all do, on a daily basis in many categories! But thankfully I am forgiven for my sins, You are too. As long as You accept Jesus as Your Savior. If you want to know more about Jesus ask me. I would be glad to share my story.
Do I have friends that believe differently than me??? Yes. Lots of them. But I respect them and they respect me. I'm not mean to them I don't boycott hanging out with them, having conversations with them. And they don't to me either. We agree to disagree. We have a mutual respect. God says love thy neighbor. I do.
We are never all going to agree on any issue rather gay marriage or taxes or whatever the issue may be. It's just not going to happen. EVER.
Everyone can say what they want, and believe what they want.
But I would hope that we can all have the integrity and heart to treat each other fairly (& i use that term loosely bc we all know fair is not equal: we all have different needs) and Not be disrespectful to anyone.
That is all.
And again if you want to know more about Jesus, ask me!
*no comments please (this is my opinion and my opinion only)
Carry on and be blessed!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Ohh Raegan
Hello my sweet baby girl!
Today you are 10 months old! I just cannot believe it! Oh where oh where did the time go??? I feel like I just had you and now here you go into double digits!!!
I am sooo very blessed to be your mommy! Every day I thank God that He picked me to be your mommy! You are everything I want and could ever ask for in having a baby! And all the glory goes to God!!!
The love I have for you will always be unconditional!
I can't believe in TWO months you will be ONE!!!! Crazy sooo crazy!!!!
There is still so much I need to do to prepare for your big celebration but I know it will fall into place! I keep going all over the place with your theme haha! But I will zone in and pick something and we will have the greatest party for you.
I love you Raegan Grace! Even If you have me up at all hours of the night (like you have for the past 3 nights in a row). It's been a struggle for sure! It's a good thing you smell sooo good! Hehe! And I have tried many things but I know this too shall pass. God will bring us both through it!
Well my sweet blessing now that you are back to sleep again let's see if you will let me lay you down so I can rest too...Fingers and toes crossed on this one! :)
Ohhh and the day you have your own baby call me. I will help you! :) sometimes you may need it (even if just listening to you or giving you a hug or words of encouragement ) and well I will be there because even when you have your own baby you will still always be my baby and I will do anything in the world for you no matter how old you are! You will never ever have to worry about not having me by your side! I will never leave you or forsake you! Neither will God! Remember that!
I love you Raegan Grace Smallwood to the moon and back forever and always!!!
Love your mommy!!!!
Oh by the way blogger always posts the wrong date and times it's actually 7-28-12 1am gotta check into that
Today you are 10 months old! I just cannot believe it! Oh where oh where did the time go??? I feel like I just had you and now here you go into double digits!!!
I am sooo very blessed to be your mommy! Every day I thank God that He picked me to be your mommy! You are everything I want and could ever ask for in having a baby! And all the glory goes to God!!!
The love I have for you will always be unconditional!
I can't believe in TWO months you will be ONE!!!! Crazy sooo crazy!!!!
There is still so much I need to do to prepare for your big celebration but I know it will fall into place! I keep going all over the place with your theme haha! But I will zone in and pick something and we will have the greatest party for you.
I love you Raegan Grace! Even If you have me up at all hours of the night (like you have for the past 3 nights in a row). It's been a struggle for sure! It's a good thing you smell sooo good! Hehe! And I have tried many things but I know this too shall pass. God will bring us both through it!
Well my sweet blessing now that you are back to sleep again let's see if you will let me lay you down so I can rest too...Fingers and toes crossed on this one! :)
Ohhh and the day you have your own baby call me. I will help you! :) sometimes you may need it (even if just listening to you or giving you a hug or words of encouragement ) and well I will be there because even when you have your own baby you will still always be my baby and I will do anything in the world for you no matter how old you are! You will never ever have to worry about not having me by your side! I will never leave you or forsake you! Neither will God! Remember that!
I love you Raegan Grace Smallwood to the moon and back forever and always!!!
Love your mommy!!!!
Oh by the way blogger always posts the wrong date and times it's actually 7-28-12 1am gotta check into that
Thursday, July 26, 2012
My big girl
Sooo it's a WIO (Wait it out) kind of night. Just before midnight I hear you crying... I try to wait it out (not to confuse this for the real wio method) for a few mins to see if you will fall back asleep but no not tonight.
So I come in here to get you and you settle right down as soon as I pick you up. I nurse you for a while and rock you in the glider. Your eyes are still wide awake but you find comfort in me holding you. And I smile knowing I am blessed to have you as my sweet blessing!
Because its cold in here I keep trying to wrap Grandma's quilt around us both (me more than you) but you kept pushing it away. You never have liked blankets very much. Maybe one day that will change but for now you seem nice and snug in your pjs! Don't worry mommy froze for you so you would be comfortable and I was okay with it I will wait it out! :)
But as I'm rocking you, you seem so BIG!!! Your legs hang over me now. Your head lays heavy against me. It's bittersweet. You're growing up so fast but I couldn't be prouder but at the same time I miss that little baby girl!
Just the other day you started walking! I couldn't believe it! 9 months (almost 10 months) old and walking to me! Crazy but sooo very exciting! Little Miss Independent! You are still wobbly and I imagine you will be for a good while! It's so cute to watch you with your hands out balancing your way around the house. You still crawl a good bit but you are definitely getting braver by the minute!
You truly are growing up fast! You have been wearing (well technically squeezing) in your 9 month pjs for weeks now so tonight I decided to try you in the 12 months pjs (I hadn't because they looked too big to fit you) and they fit! Ohhh girly, obviously mommy was in denial! Ha! They looked sooo long and I was like no way they will fit you. Daddy said the same thing when I showed him but girl were we wrong! Ohh sweet girl! Getting big on mommy! Babies sure do grow fast! I feel like I just had you! And now you are rounding the 10 month mark in just a few days!
We are still rocking by the way... Now after 1 am... Haha!!
But I probably didn't help matters I changed your diaper. But I worry because that rash came back and well I want you to be dry so it will heal. But while changing you you let me without fighting me and when I kissed your little belly you laughed out loud. So of course I did it again so I could hear your sweet laugh and you just smiled ear to ear. Sooo very sweet!
When we went back to the glider to rock you wanted down. In which you found the turner for the blinds (it fell off the other day when you made it haha) but now you are holding it in your hands while I nurse and rock you and I
write this post. Your such a silly girl!
I do hope you fall asleep again soon! Mommy is fine right now (well other than being cold and wanting that blanket on me! Not to self: grab a long sleeve shirt next time)! Just going to finish taking you in an enjoying the moment! Giving you exactly whatever it is that Raegan wants, which seems to just be mommy hold you time! Lucky me!!!
I love you my beautiful sweet blessing! All the way to the moon and back forever and always!!!
Xoxox!
Love your very blessed mommy!
So I come in here to get you and you settle right down as soon as I pick you up. I nurse you for a while and rock you in the glider. Your eyes are still wide awake but you find comfort in me holding you. And I smile knowing I am blessed to have you as my sweet blessing!
Because its cold in here I keep trying to wrap Grandma's quilt around us both (me more than you) but you kept pushing it away. You never have liked blankets very much. Maybe one day that will change but for now you seem nice and snug in your pjs! Don't worry mommy froze for you so you would be comfortable and I was okay with it I will wait it out! :)
But as I'm rocking you, you seem so BIG!!! Your legs hang over me now. Your head lays heavy against me. It's bittersweet. You're growing up so fast but I couldn't be prouder but at the same time I miss that little baby girl!
Just the other day you started walking! I couldn't believe it! 9 months (almost 10 months) old and walking to me! Crazy but sooo very exciting! Little Miss Independent! You are still wobbly and I imagine you will be for a good while! It's so cute to watch you with your hands out balancing your way around the house. You still crawl a good bit but you are definitely getting braver by the minute!
You truly are growing up fast! You have been wearing (well technically squeezing) in your 9 month pjs for weeks now so tonight I decided to try you in the 12 months pjs (I hadn't because they looked too big to fit you) and they fit! Ohhh girly, obviously mommy was in denial! Ha! They looked sooo long and I was like no way they will fit you. Daddy said the same thing when I showed him but girl were we wrong! Ohh sweet girl! Getting big on mommy! Babies sure do grow fast! I feel like I just had you! And now you are rounding the 10 month mark in just a few days!
We are still rocking by the way... Now after 1 am... Haha!!
But I probably didn't help matters I changed your diaper. But I worry because that rash came back and well I want you to be dry so it will heal. But while changing you you let me without fighting me and when I kissed your little belly you laughed out loud. So of course I did it again so I could hear your sweet laugh and you just smiled ear to ear. Sooo very sweet!
When we went back to the glider to rock you wanted down. In which you found the turner for the blinds (it fell off the other day when you made it haha) but now you are holding it in your hands while I nurse and rock you and I
write this post. Your such a silly girl!
I do hope you fall asleep again soon! Mommy is fine right now (well other than being cold and wanting that blanket on me! Not to self: grab a long sleeve shirt next time)! Just going to finish taking you in an enjoying the moment! Giving you exactly whatever it is that Raegan wants, which seems to just be mommy hold you time! Lucky me!!!
I love you my beautiful sweet blessing! All the way to the moon and back forever and always!!!
Xoxox!
Love your very blessed mommy!
Monday, July 23, 2012
WIO The Wait it out method!!!
Sooo I was just about to fall asleep when I checked Facebook and my dear friend ReNee shared this wonderful blog entry! It brought me to tears!
http://nurshable.com/2012/07/19/the-wio-wait-it-out-method-of-sleep-training/
I hope it links if it doesn't I will try to remember to go back and link it in the am, sorry only I'm on the iPad now.
But I don't need to write about how I feel... This describes my parenting to a t! I love it!!! Thanks for sharing this post ReNee!
God bless!
http://nurshable.com/2012/07/19/the-wio-wait-it-out-method-of-sleep-training/
I hope it links if it doesn't I will try to remember to go back and link it in the am, sorry only I'm on the iPad now.
But I don't need to write about how I feel... This describes my parenting to a t! I love it!!! Thanks for sharing this post ReNee!
God bless!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Don't call me crazy parent
Okay sooo for the last two weeks every time RG has to go #2 she crawls under the kitchen table and does her business...
Well the other day Skyping with Granny she said why don't you start potty training her and I was like ohhh no she's too young...
Well a few days later on pinterest I came across this article
http://domanmom.com/2012/07/things-you-can-do-with-your-baby-to-make-it-easier-to-potty-train-later/
(sorry if it doesn't link just copy and paste the article, I posted this from my phone not computer)
But anyway I was thinking WHY not buy a potty and have her sit on it from time to time... Why not when I know she's going potty tell her what she's doing and try sitting her on the potty... Is it going to hurt anything??? NOOo!!
I plan to keep her potty in our bathroom and when we go in there just say our potty, Raegan's potty. When she crawls under the table like she has been doing the last few weeks I plan to tell her what's she doing and place her on her potty ... Am I going to take her diaper off??? No... I'm just going to teach her where to go... Do I think this article is going to work and make it easier in a year or so when we do officially potty train? I hope so but my fingers aren't crossed! Lol!
So no I'm not potty training Raegan this early... Not doing anything other then exposing her to the potty and teaching her vocabulary so that as she gets older she may be successful when we do try potty training...
It's just practice what can it possibly hurt? :)
Enjoy these pictures of Raegan on her new potty I think she likes it! Lol!
Well the other day Skyping with Granny she said why don't you start potty training her and I was like ohhh no she's too young...
Well a few days later on pinterest I came across this article
http://domanmom.com/2012/07/things-you-can-do-with-your-baby-to-make-it-easier-to-potty-train-later/
(sorry if it doesn't link just copy and paste the article, I posted this from my phone not computer)
But anyway I was thinking WHY not buy a potty and have her sit on it from time to time... Why not when I know she's going potty tell her what she's doing and try sitting her on the potty... Is it going to hurt anything??? NOOo!!
I plan to keep her potty in our bathroom and when we go in there just say our potty, Raegan's potty. When she crawls under the table like she has been doing the last few weeks I plan to tell her what's she doing and place her on her potty ... Am I going to take her diaper off??? No... I'm just going to teach her where to go... Do I think this article is going to work and make it easier in a year or so when we do officially potty train? I hope so but my fingers aren't crossed! Lol!
So no I'm not potty training Raegan this early... Not doing anything other then exposing her to the potty and teaching her vocabulary so that as she gets older she may be successful when we do try potty training...
It's just practice what can it possibly hurt? :)
Enjoy these pictures of Raegan on her new potty I think she likes it! Lol!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Raegan Grace!
RG woke up... I rocked her back to sleep, went to lay her back in her crib... She started crying... :( so back to the glider... Holding her ...admiring her beauty! My oh my is she growing up so fast! She is so stinking cute! I really could hold her all night (But we know I can't... ) my oh so sweet blessing takes up my whole lap now... I feel her every breath... Hear her talking in her sleep... Feel her soft skin...and her freshly brushed teeth.. (which by the way she LoVEs brushing her teeth! She smiles and giggles almost every time I put the tooth brush in her mouth). My oh my my baby is growing up! Taking her first step today (well technically yesterday)... Two steps total for the day! It's not full out walking but man is she on her way! ...
She's growing up and changing so fast all day long!!!! Sitting here looking at her brings tears to my eyes knowing in a few weeks im not going to have her all to myself! I've got to SHARE her! Ha! I'm not good at sharing her! I don't want to go back to work! I don't want to leave my sweet blessing! But one has got to do what one has got to do! Holding her now with her head on my chest!!!! Ohhh lOvE her!!!!
Oh I could write about Raegan all day long!
Okay may attempt to lay her down in a few mins...
Back to Raegan and mommy snuggles!!!
She's growing up and changing so fast all day long!!!! Sitting here looking at her brings tears to my eyes knowing in a few weeks im not going to have her all to myself! I've got to SHARE her! Ha! I'm not good at sharing her! I don't want to go back to work! I don't want to leave my sweet blessing! But one has got to do what one has got to do! Holding her now with her head on my chest!!!! Ohhh lOvE her!!!!
Oh I could write about Raegan all day long!
Okay may attempt to lay her down in a few mins...
Back to Raegan and mommy snuggles!!!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Summer thus far
Summer is basically half way over..
I'm not really sure how I feel about that statement. It's been so wonderful to have all this time with my sweet baby girl! She is such a blessing and I am enjoying every single minute with her! She is the sweetest happiest baby and I just love and adore her!
We haven't done a whole lot this summer... which really is kind of what you are suppose to do over summer right? I had/have lots of aspirations to get stuff done around my house, but it's proven to be a challenge with taking care of Raegan and trying to do everything else. It's not that I can't do both, I would just rather be on the floor playing with Raegan or napping when she does...haha!
We have hung out with lots of friends, have had some lunch dates and play dates, took Raegan to the zoo for the first time, went to Virginia for a weekend to visit my family, and went to Myrtle Beach for the 4th of July and took RG on the beach for the FIRST time. I'm trying to focus on the little things. To me relationships are important. The people in my life brighten my world, and the love they have for my family always makes me smile. To me my friends are my family, and even if I don't get to see them as often as I would like I am glad Raegan has this love in her life. After all, everyone adores babies, especially Raegan Grace! :)
I did get my organizational board made, and came up with some plans for getting stuff done around here, but that's about all... I just pass by my board and think oh man...I need to get on that... then I will hear Raegan laughing and playing, and I'm like oh let me see what sweet girl is doing, and off I go into Raegan land soaking up her every move.
Do I feel guilty I'm not really getting my house organized? NOPE! Not at all... the house is clean, it's not in a OCD kind of way organized that I want to remove all the clutter, but it certainly is presentable and functional. My baby is happy, my husband is happy, and I am happy..that's all that really matters isn't it? Of course it is!
I feel better with my lists, I know the planning part is done so if I ever get a free moment then all I have to do is pick something on my list to do...at least I won't be stressing over that part..it's all written... the hardest part is over! ha!
I haven't worked on a single thing for school yet. Honestly, school has been the furthest thing from my mind... Every summer before Raegan I use to dream up new activities to make and prepare for next school year. This summer, pinterest is about the closest thing I have done as far as preparing anything...haha! I know I need to do some things... but dang Raegan is way more fun then work, duh!
We have planned a mini vacation to go to Litchfield in the beginning of August. I am very excited about taking Raegan on her FIRST family vacation! I hope this is a tradition we will carry on for years to come!
I really have lots more I want to do over summer: would love to invest in a sewing machine (I am waiting though to buy one, till I am sure I can commit), love to get some stuff organized around here, figure out a work out plan, meal plan better, etc and work on some school stuff but we shall see...I'm just taking it one day at a time.
Currently, while Raegan is napping I have been productive TODAY! I paid a few bills, worked on some laundry, made a grocery lists so we can go to the store when RG wakes up, and right now just taking a little me moment by writing on my blog. I can be productive, today is just one of my greater Proverbs 31 days! haha!
Well, for now I guess I'm out of here, going to go fold some clothes (maybe put them away) before Raegan wakes up! Going to eat some lunch with Raegan (which she's eating big girl food now: table food) and then hit Hobby Lobby to buy some stuff to make her a Cow Appreciation outfit for next Friday, and then head to the grocery store. See I can be productive...till next time friends! :) Be blessed!
I'm not really sure how I feel about that statement. It's been so wonderful to have all this time with my sweet baby girl! She is such a blessing and I am enjoying every single minute with her! She is the sweetest happiest baby and I just love and adore her!
We haven't done a whole lot this summer... which really is kind of what you are suppose to do over summer right? I had/have lots of aspirations to get stuff done around my house, but it's proven to be a challenge with taking care of Raegan and trying to do everything else. It's not that I can't do both, I would just rather be on the floor playing with Raegan or napping when she does...haha!
We have hung out with lots of friends, have had some lunch dates and play dates, took Raegan to the zoo for the first time, went to Virginia for a weekend to visit my family, and went to Myrtle Beach for the 4th of July and took RG on the beach for the FIRST time. I'm trying to focus on the little things. To me relationships are important. The people in my life brighten my world, and the love they have for my family always makes me smile. To me my friends are my family, and even if I don't get to see them as often as I would like I am glad Raegan has this love in her life. After all, everyone adores babies, especially Raegan Grace! :)
I did get my organizational board made, and came up with some plans for getting stuff done around here, but that's about all... I just pass by my board and think oh man...I need to get on that... then I will hear Raegan laughing and playing, and I'm like oh let me see what sweet girl is doing, and off I go into Raegan land soaking up her every move.
Do I feel guilty I'm not really getting my house organized? NOPE! Not at all... the house is clean, it's not in a OCD kind of way organized that I want to remove all the clutter, but it certainly is presentable and functional. My baby is happy, my husband is happy, and I am happy..that's all that really matters isn't it? Of course it is!
I feel better with my lists, I know the planning part is done so if I ever get a free moment then all I have to do is pick something on my list to do...at least I won't be stressing over that part..it's all written... the hardest part is over! ha!
I haven't worked on a single thing for school yet. Honestly, school has been the furthest thing from my mind... Every summer before Raegan I use to dream up new activities to make and prepare for next school year. This summer, pinterest is about the closest thing I have done as far as preparing anything...haha! I know I need to do some things... but dang Raegan is way more fun then work, duh!
We have planned a mini vacation to go to Litchfield in the beginning of August. I am very excited about taking Raegan on her FIRST family vacation! I hope this is a tradition we will carry on for years to come!
I really have lots more I want to do over summer: would love to invest in a sewing machine (I am waiting though to buy one, till I am sure I can commit), love to get some stuff organized around here, figure out a work out plan, meal plan better, etc and work on some school stuff but we shall see...I'm just taking it one day at a time.
Currently, while Raegan is napping I have been productive TODAY! I paid a few bills, worked on some laundry, made a grocery lists so we can go to the store when RG wakes up, and right now just taking a little me moment by writing on my blog. I can be productive, today is just one of my greater Proverbs 31 days! haha!
Well, for now I guess I'm out of here, going to go fold some clothes (
Friday, June 22, 2012
Just when I was about to go to sleep
It was after midnight, I was just about to fall asleep after watching the GAMECOCKS beat Arkansas and who do I hear crying??? Ohhh Raegan Grace! Sooo I go in to check on you and by that time I get in there you are no longer crying but definitely wide awake and standing in your crib. As I walk a little closer your eyes are glued to your bow holder. It was the most intense look on your face like oh those are my bows!
As I walk closer to you, you see me and give me the biggest grin. I pick you up and decide to try and rock and nurse you back to sleep. While you are nursing you just stare right up at me with those big brown eyes and by the time I finish nursing I can tell you are still not ready to go to sleep. So I decide to change your diaper.
Normally when I change your diaper it's a whole big ordeal. You toss, you turn, you flip over. I normally have to find whatever is in sight to hand you and distract you so I can work like speed lightening and get a new diaper on you before you roll over. I mean it's a huge deal! But tonight you laid there and you smiled up at me. You talked to me in your little voice. You took both hands and you waved at me while I changed your diaper (which by the way you just learned to do today). It was just the cutest thing! I lowered my head down to yours and I just laid it close to you and took your oh so sweet self in!
After you were freshly changed I take you back to the glider and try to hold you to rock you back to sleep. You ever so gently rolled over so your back was to my stomach and you could see about your room, but still having your head laid against me. You allow me to ever so slightly brush your cheek with my hand over and over while your eyes flashed open and closed and you debated if you were ready for bed or not! I just sat there brushing your cheek thanking God that yes it's 1 am now but this is oh too precious not to soak up every moment. And I vowed to myself right then that as soon as I put you back down in your crib I was going to go write about this moment.
I continued to rock you as your eyes flashed back and forth. You decided you were ready for mommy to hold you the way mommy loves to hold you and you turned yourself around and laid your head on my upper arm and your arm wrapped around my shoulder! Ohhh how you melted mommy's heart right there! You haven't let me rock you to sleep like that in a few weeks now and ohhh how I was missing it!
You finally drifted those beautiful eyes into a slumber of sleep and I just held you! I prayed to God over you and just thanked him for this ohhh so perfect moment to spend with you! I prayed our little nightly prayer over you again and I just sat there starring at your beautiful delicate little features in the shadows of your night light. It was truly perfect!
After sitting there for I don't know how long I decided it was time for you to lay in your crib. You hardly made a sound as I laid you down and kissed you good night!
Raegan Grace, moments like tonight are moments to cherish forever! You are the absolute greatest blessing I could ever ask for! The love I have for you is unconditional and I thank God every day for this oh sooo sweet family of my own! I hope when you are older and you have a daughter of your own that you will always cherish the little moments. Life goes by way too fast not to cherish the little big moments! Always remember how much I love you my oh so sweet blessing! You light up my whole world! I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Xoxoxo!!!
Love mommy!!!
As I walk closer to you, you see me and give me the biggest grin. I pick you up and decide to try and rock and nurse you back to sleep. While you are nursing you just stare right up at me with those big brown eyes and by the time I finish nursing I can tell you are still not ready to go to sleep. So I decide to change your diaper.
Normally when I change your diaper it's a whole big ordeal. You toss, you turn, you flip over. I normally have to find whatever is in sight to hand you and distract you so I can work like speed lightening and get a new diaper on you before you roll over. I mean it's a huge deal! But tonight you laid there and you smiled up at me. You talked to me in your little voice. You took both hands and you waved at me while I changed your diaper (which by the way you just learned to do today). It was just the cutest thing! I lowered my head down to yours and I just laid it close to you and took your oh so sweet self in!
After you were freshly changed I take you back to the glider and try to hold you to rock you back to sleep. You ever so gently rolled over so your back was to my stomach and you could see about your room, but still having your head laid against me. You allow me to ever so slightly brush your cheek with my hand over and over while your eyes flashed open and closed and you debated if you were ready for bed or not! I just sat there brushing your cheek thanking God that yes it's 1 am now but this is oh too precious not to soak up every moment. And I vowed to myself right then that as soon as I put you back down in your crib I was going to go write about this moment.
I continued to rock you as your eyes flashed back and forth. You decided you were ready for mommy to hold you the way mommy loves to hold you and you turned yourself around and laid your head on my upper arm and your arm wrapped around my shoulder! Ohhh how you melted mommy's heart right there! You haven't let me rock you to sleep like that in a few weeks now and ohhh how I was missing it!
You finally drifted those beautiful eyes into a slumber of sleep and I just held you! I prayed to God over you and just thanked him for this ohhh so perfect moment to spend with you! I prayed our little nightly prayer over you again and I just sat there starring at your beautiful delicate little features in the shadows of your night light. It was truly perfect!
After sitting there for I don't know how long I decided it was time for you to lay in your crib. You hardly made a sound as I laid you down and kissed you good night!
Raegan Grace, moments like tonight are moments to cherish forever! You are the absolute greatest blessing I could ever ask for! The love I have for you is unconditional and I thank God every day for this oh sooo sweet family of my own! I hope when you are older and you have a daughter of your own that you will always cherish the little moments. Life goes by way too fast not to cherish the little big moments! Always remember how much I love you my oh so sweet blessing! You light up my whole world! I love you to the moon and back forever and always!
Xoxoxo!!!
Love mommy!!!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Summer Aspirations
I have lots of aspirations, goals, and things I want to do this summer! You think if I write them down I will get them done??? Haha... Probably not! But I gotta start somewhere!
So here's my TO DO list if you will... [warning: it's long, read at your own risk]
1. PLAN!~ I want to plan out my days to include prayer, fun AND relaxation with Raegan, exercise, meal planning, cleaning planning, couponing, professional development, etc... I believe all first steps should start with planning! If I can write it down make a list of it I can get started! Planning out is a HuGE task and will take me time to do, but i have hope! If I plan my day out that will hopefully help me get lots of things accomplished! We shall see because we all know plans don't always work out as we hoped... But then again if plan A doesn't work there's always plan B-Z :)
But anyway lots of lists to start with so...
The rest of these items are in NO PARTICULAR order! #1 has to be down first for all the other things to be done in MY opinion!
2. DECLUTTER this house!!! And I'm not talking about cleaning and reorganizing....I'm talking EVERY room and closet in this house... I'm talking about throwing lots and lots of stuff away and giving lots and lots to good will... And then cleaning and organizing what's left of it all! I so want to do this so bad!!! I have wanted to do this since moving in 3 years ago! Haha! All I have done is added to the crazy frenzy of stuff in this house! I thought that before Raegan was born I would accomplish that! But NOOO! I couldn't do it! And now I've been so busy with this crazy thing called life the house is in it's worse condition EVER! Ideally I would LoVE to take ONE week and hire a sitter to watch Raegan so I could knock this out in ONE week (you know pretend it's s normal "work" day and send Raegan off and pick her up at regular time... Sounds ideal??? but I just don't know if I'm willing to give up that time with Raegan... But I know if I don't do that then this could be a very long or even never ending project. But I'm OKAY with that too!) :)
3. ORGANIZE everything!!! ~ I have always loved baskets, bins, containers, storage boxes, the whole world of organizational resources just excite me till I could giggle!!! [yes you may giggle out-loud] I feel like much of the clutter in my house is due to the fact that every thing in this house doesn't have a home of it's own. Some of the things don't deserve a home [I mean really how much junk mail can one possibly pile on the kitchen counter, or in my case the front seat of my car????] but many of the things I do have need a place to call home rather a cute little basket for my gift wrapping tools or a bigger file cabinet for all my bills! Who knows??? I don't! Haha! I just want to TRY to find a real home for all the little things all over my house!!! And My OCD would be much happier if I find these things a home!
4. GET READY FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR! ~ now this section can be broken up into many different bullets ....
a. I have always had dreams of starting my own teacher blog! I would love to start one but I just don't know if I will, but it's definitely something I aspire to do! :) I would love to do this!!! First Grade Parade blog [if you haven't checked her out do it] is my ultimate idol! I know I will never be as creative as her, but if nothing else I want my blog to be resources and links to other blogs that I site within my blog so I can find what I need to... If that makes sense?! :)
B. Organize all my teacher files rather on a flashdrive or website etc. I want to be able to say oh I'm teaching contractions this week here's a whole list of items I could do ... I just want my resources to be at my finger tips!
c. My school to do list: Of course I have a whole list of other things I Need/want/ have to do for school that i have already typed up and need to work on... Hehe
5. VACATION~ convincing Drew will be the hardest! He hates taking time off from work! But I sooo want to start making these memories as a family with Raegan. That's something I've always wanted to do and even more so now that we have a precious baby girl to share it with... I am thinking the beach somewhere... Hopefully I can convince Drew on this one!
I am sure there are a MILLION things I could add to this list. But these are things I WANT to get done! I know they won't all get done, but a Proverbs 31 wife can dream right???
Now if you noticed I didn't include Raegan in my lists! That's because she gets mommy 110% no matter what she needs or wants EVERY day! My summer will be solely devoted to my oh so sweet blessing, but again a Proverbs 31 wife has to start somewhere and honestly I think Raegan might just enjoy helping mommy with SOME of my lists! :)
But these are my dreams, my aspirations, my goals, my oh so big to do list! The first step is writing it down! They aren't unrealistic goals just time consuming goals! Who knows how long it will actually take me? But it doesn't matter at all... Gotta start somewhere and well my first step writing it down!
Wish me luck! :)
So here's my TO DO list if you will... [warning: it's long, read at your own risk]
1. PLAN!~ I want to plan out my days to include prayer, fun AND relaxation with Raegan, exercise, meal planning, cleaning planning, couponing, professional development, etc... I believe all first steps should start with planning! If I can write it down make a list of it I can get started! Planning out is a HuGE task and will take me time to do, but i have hope! If I plan my day out that will hopefully help me get lots of things accomplished! We shall see because we all know plans don't always work out as we hoped... But then again if plan A doesn't work there's always plan B-Z :)
But anyway lots of lists to start with so...
The rest of these items are in NO PARTICULAR order! #1 has to be down first for all the other things to be done in MY opinion!
2. DECLUTTER this house!!! And I'm not talking about cleaning and reorganizing....I'm talking EVERY room and closet in this house... I'm talking about throwing lots and lots of stuff away and giving lots and lots to good will... And then cleaning and organizing what's left of it all! I so want to do this so bad!!! I have wanted to do this since moving in 3 years ago! Haha! All I have done is added to the crazy frenzy of stuff in this house! I thought that before Raegan was born I would accomplish that! But NOOO! I couldn't do it! And now I've been so busy with this crazy thing called life the house is in it's worse condition EVER! Ideally I would LoVE to take ONE week and hire a sitter to watch Raegan so I could knock this out in ONE week (you know pretend it's s normal "work" day and send Raegan off and pick her up at regular time... Sounds ideal??? but I just don't know if I'm willing to give up that time with Raegan... But I know if I don't do that then this could be a very long or even never ending project. But I'm OKAY with that too!) :)
3. ORGANIZE everything!!! ~ I have always loved baskets, bins, containers, storage boxes, the whole world of organizational resources just excite me till I could giggle!!! [yes you may giggle out-loud] I feel like much of the clutter in my house is due to the fact that every thing in this house doesn't have a home of it's own. Some of the things don't deserve a home [I mean really how much junk mail can one possibly pile on the kitchen counter, or in my case the front seat of my car????] but many of the things I do have need a place to call home rather a cute little basket for my gift wrapping tools or a bigger file cabinet for all my bills! Who knows??? I don't! Haha! I just want to TRY to find a real home for all the little things all over my house!!! And My OCD would be much happier if I find these things a home!
4. GET READY FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR! ~ now this section can be broken up into many different bullets ....
a. I have always had dreams of starting my own teacher blog! I would love to start one but I just don't know if I will, but it's definitely something I aspire to do! :) I would love to do this!!! First Grade Parade blog [if you haven't checked her out do it] is my ultimate idol! I know I will never be as creative as her, but if nothing else I want my blog to be resources and links to other blogs that I site within my blog so I can find what I need to... If that makes sense?! :)
B. Organize all my teacher files rather on a flashdrive or website etc. I want to be able to say oh I'm teaching contractions this week here's a whole list of items I could do ... I just want my resources to be at my finger tips!
c. My school to do list: Of course I have a whole list of other things I Need/want/ have to do for school that i have already typed up and need to work on... Hehe
5. VACATION~ convincing Drew will be the hardest! He hates taking time off from work! But I sooo want to start making these memories as a family with Raegan. That's something I've always wanted to do and even more so now that we have a precious baby girl to share it with... I am thinking the beach somewhere... Hopefully I can convince Drew on this one!
I am sure there are a MILLION things I could add to this list. But these are things I WANT to get done! I know they won't all get done, but a Proverbs 31 wife can dream right???
Now if you noticed I didn't include Raegan in my lists! That's because she gets mommy 110% no matter what she needs or wants EVERY day! My summer will be solely devoted to my oh so sweet blessing, but again a Proverbs 31 wife has to start somewhere and honestly I think Raegan might just enjoy helping mommy with SOME of my lists! :)
But these are my dreams, my aspirations, my goals, my oh so big to do list! The first step is writing it down! They aren't unrealistic goals just time consuming goals! Who knows how long it will actually take me? But it doesn't matter at all... Gotta start somewhere and well my first step writing it down!
Wish me luck! :)
Monday, May 14, 2012
Wow it's been 2 months!
Well it's practically been 2 months since I posted on here! Crazy I know! But not all too surprising... Hehe
Raegan is growing so fast! She is 7.5 months old and just a complete ray of sunshine!
Yesterday we celebrated my 1st mothers day! Daddy and Raegan did good! I got two cards, roses, a necklace, and a membership to the zoo! I can't wait to take Raegan this summer! Not to mention a clean house and daddy cooked me a steak dinner with fudge brownies for dessert! It was terrific!
Yesterday at church we learned about how to prioritize our faith. Dr. Lincoln listed them in the following order
1. God and His Will
2. Marriage as Institution
3. Family-yours
4. Self/needs
I couldn't agree more with the order of those faiths in a family. You have to have God first in ALL that you do. Then your marriage in order, then your family, and yourself comes last.
I'm trying to do better with putting God first. Life sometimes can get in the way and I need to stop letting it. I'm trying to do better each day. It's something I strive for. Spending time with God is important for me to be that Proverbs 31 wife and mother and just to function with the realities of this crazy world. The world may not always put God first, but I certainly will try.
God is sooo good to us all!
Let's see news... (incase you don't fb)
1. My niece Rebecca Lynn was born May 3, 2012 at 6:39pm 6lbs 6 ozs 19.25 inches. I still can't believe my brother is a daddy!
2. Raegan learned to crawl on my birthday April 18th! She was 6.5 months old! The last two weeks she has enjoyed pulling up to standing position on us and things around her! She's just too stinkin cute!!! And ohhh how I love her!!!!
3. We only have 13 days of school left! I cannot wait to spend the summer with my sweet blessing. Ughh come on summer I am so antsy for you! :)
Well, this works for an update right? I post basically everything on Facebook soooo that's pretty key to why I hardly write on my blog....haha! I know I need to do better!!!
Raegan is growing so fast! She is 7.5 months old and just a complete ray of sunshine!
Yesterday we celebrated my 1st mothers day! Daddy and Raegan did good! I got two cards, roses, a necklace, and a membership to the zoo! I can't wait to take Raegan this summer! Not to mention a clean house and daddy cooked me a steak dinner with fudge brownies for dessert! It was terrific!
Yesterday at church we learned about how to prioritize our faith. Dr. Lincoln listed them in the following order
1. God and His Will
2. Marriage as Institution
3. Family-yours
4. Self/needs
I couldn't agree more with the order of those faiths in a family. You have to have God first in ALL that you do. Then your marriage in order, then your family, and yourself comes last.
I'm trying to do better with putting God first. Life sometimes can get in the way and I need to stop letting it. I'm trying to do better each day. It's something I strive for. Spending time with God is important for me to be that Proverbs 31 wife and mother and just to function with the realities of this crazy world. The world may not always put God first, but I certainly will try.
God is sooo good to us all!
Let's see news... (incase you don't fb)
1. My niece Rebecca Lynn was born May 3, 2012 at 6:39pm 6lbs 6 ozs 19.25 inches. I still can't believe my brother is a daddy!
2. Raegan learned to crawl on my birthday April 18th! She was 6.5 months old! The last two weeks she has enjoyed pulling up to standing position on us and things around her! She's just too stinkin cute!!! And ohhh how I love her!!!!
3. We only have 13 days of school left! I cannot wait to spend the summer with my sweet blessing. Ughh come on summer I am so antsy for you! :)
Well, this works for an update right? I post basically everything on Facebook soooo that's pretty key to why I hardly write on my blog....haha! I know I need to do better!!!
Friday, March 16, 2012
MIA I know
Soooo I don't think I've posted since before out Cancun Sonic trip! Boy has this month just flown by!!!!
We had a wonderful Sonic trip last month and actually survived leaving Raegan Grace with the Hysners! We will forever be thankful to them for taking such amazing care of her! And we are thankful to the Irons group for giving us a free vacation too! It's so nice to be partners with people who know how to take care of and appreciate their partners!
When we got back from Cancun my school district had a week off for something called a mid Winter break... First time ever (& probably last) having this break...but it was the week after my Cancun trip sooo it was sooo very nice to have a week off with Raegan after being away from her for a week. Drew's mom came and stayed with us most of that time which was nice because she got to spend quality time with Raegan and I know she has missed her!
Oh and 2 days before RG turned 5 months old she got her first 2 bottom teeth!!!
School has been going. Some days are better than others. It's still challenging for me as I learn the curriculum but we are chugging along doing the best we can. It's sooo hard to leave RG in the mornings! It was hard, then got easier, and is now hard all over again! Just trying to find balance between home and work right now so please keep me in your prayers!
Tomorrow we have our "October" moms play date! I can't wait to get all the babies and mommies together! I've missed them! I still can't believe the babies are growing sooo fast! Raegan will be 6 months in 12 days!
Raegan only slept in her crib for about 2.5 hours and woke up. As soon as I grabbed her she fell right to sleep again. I know I can lay her back in her crib BUT it feels soooo good to hold her! I don't get to do it nearly as much as I would like! A few hours each evening after work just simply isn't enough! I miss everything about her while I'm away! I'm so thankful (& jealous) of Tracey that she gets to spend sooo many waking hours with RG! RG is in wonderful hands with Tracey though and I couldn't be happier with the love and care she gives RG!
Sooo I'm just gonna sit here and rock my beautiful sweet blessing! And enjoy every tiny little thing about her! Sounds like the perfect time to pray over her and thank God for her!
We had a wonderful Sonic trip last month and actually survived leaving Raegan Grace with the Hysners! We will forever be thankful to them for taking such amazing care of her! And we are thankful to the Irons group for giving us a free vacation too! It's so nice to be partners with people who know how to take care of and appreciate their partners!
When we got back from Cancun my school district had a week off for something called a mid Winter break... First time ever (& probably last) having this break...but it was the week after my Cancun trip sooo it was sooo very nice to have a week off with Raegan after being away from her for a week. Drew's mom came and stayed with us most of that time which was nice because she got to spend quality time with Raegan and I know she has missed her!
Oh and 2 days before RG turned 5 months old she got her first 2 bottom teeth!!!
School has been going. Some days are better than others. It's still challenging for me as I learn the curriculum but we are chugging along doing the best we can. It's sooo hard to leave RG in the mornings! It was hard, then got easier, and is now hard all over again! Just trying to find balance between home and work right now so please keep me in your prayers!
Tomorrow we have our "October" moms play date! I can't wait to get all the babies and mommies together! I've missed them! I still can't believe the babies are growing sooo fast! Raegan will be 6 months in 12 days!
Raegan only slept in her crib for about 2.5 hours and woke up. As soon as I grabbed her she fell right to sleep again. I know I can lay her back in her crib BUT it feels soooo good to hold her! I don't get to do it nearly as much as I would like! A few hours each evening after work just simply isn't enough! I miss everything about her while I'm away! I'm so thankful (& jealous) of Tracey that she gets to spend sooo many waking hours with RG! RG is in wonderful hands with Tracey though and I couldn't be happier with the love and care she gives RG!
Sooo I'm just gonna sit here and rock my beautiful sweet blessing! And enjoy every tiny little thing about her! Sounds like the perfect time to pray over her and thank God for her!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Sooo much to do!!!
Ive got soooo much I need to do to get ready for our Sonic Cancun trip!!! It's actually very overwhelming for me!!!!
At the top of that to do list is loving, holding, kissing, hugging, snuggling, playing with Raegan Grace as much as I possibly again!!! Right now I'm rocking her and she just fell asleep! I'm enjoy my snuggles with her!!!!!
I'm gonna miss her soooooooo much!!!! I've cried five times already today!!!! :( I really don't want to leave her but I know God will have her in His hands and watch over my sweet blessing!
I've had a hard time getting ready for this trip because although I want to go I don't want to go!!!! And not to mention the amount of work it's taking me to get ready!!! I should say to get us 3 ready!!! I haven't even started the true packing yet because I need to do laundry! I've got my lists going and between my daily duties of taking care of RG, teaching, and taking care of the house I'm pretty much already loaded to the max! I'm getting like 5 hours of sleep a night if that. All I can say is thank you Jesus for caffeine! My body runs on it!
I've gotten all of RG's documents together (medical release form, ss card, hotel info, etc). Getting those together broke my heart because I feel like I'm giving her away! :( and plus it scares me sooo much! Because I don't want anything to happen to her and we are in another country! It's one thing if she's 30 minutes down the road another thing when you need an airplane to get to her! :(
I still need to get all her stuff together and I will after I do laundry tomorrow! She's got October babies play date tomorrow at our house (which I'm very excited about seeing everyone) So after that it's game on to knock out my to do lists for this trip!
Not only do I have to worry about getting Raegan, Drew and I ready for this trip but I have to get my students ready. A week of sub plans are no fun at all!!! I really hate missing work! It's way more work, planning, and preparation when I'm not there! Hopefully my kiddos survive! I still haven't finished what I need to do for work... So tonight after I finish typing this and getting my last snuggles in with RG I've got to finish my school stuff. And tomorrow morning make a run to school to do some last minute preparations on a Saturday before our oct moms play date!
Busy busy!!!!
And sometime tonight at least make the house presentable for the play date! Ha!
Always something on that huge to do lists!
I will say I am looking forward to spending time with Drew and getting SLEEP in Cancun! At least I hope I sleep!!! Probably my luck I'll keep waking up! And I'm excited about my reading lists! Hopefully I'll have time to finish at least one personal and one professional book if not more!!! ;) haven't had time to read for me in forever!
But yea guess I should go get started on my mountain of work!
Please say a prayer over Raegan and Drew and I for safe travels and security!!! Ohhhh how I'm gonna miss her soooo much!!!!
Dear God,
Please watch over Raegan Grace! Please keep her safe and well and happy! Let no pain in her life! Let her sleep and eat well while I'm away! Let her have a joyful and happy time at the Hysners and let them take care
Of her every little need! Hold her God and love her as I know You will! Let her feel our love around her while we are away and us her love!!! God watch over Drew and I also and let us safely all return home! Thank You for all You do and for being so wonderful in all Your blessings in our life!!! Especially our sweet blessing, Raegan Grace!!! she's perfect in every way! She's definitely our "good and perfect gift from above!" I love her with all my heart!!!!!!! All the way to the moon and back!!!!!
In Your name I pray,
Amen!!!
At the top of that to do list is loving, holding, kissing, hugging, snuggling, playing with Raegan Grace as much as I possibly again!!! Right now I'm rocking her and she just fell asleep! I'm enjoy my snuggles with her!!!!!
I'm gonna miss her soooooooo much!!!! I've cried five times already today!!!! :( I really don't want to leave her but I know God will have her in His hands and watch over my sweet blessing!
I've had a hard time getting ready for this trip because although I want to go I don't want to go!!!! And not to mention the amount of work it's taking me to get ready!!! I should say to get us 3 ready!!! I haven't even started the true packing yet because I need to do laundry! I've got my lists going and between my daily duties of taking care of RG, teaching, and taking care of the house I'm pretty much already loaded to the max! I'm getting like 5 hours of sleep a night if that. All I can say is thank you Jesus for caffeine! My body runs on it!
I've gotten all of RG's documents together (medical release form, ss card, hotel info, etc). Getting those together broke my heart because I feel like I'm giving her away! :( and plus it scares me sooo much! Because I don't want anything to happen to her and we are in another country! It's one thing if she's 30 minutes down the road another thing when you need an airplane to get to her! :(
I still need to get all her stuff together and I will after I do laundry tomorrow! She's got October babies play date tomorrow at our house (which I'm very excited about seeing everyone) So after that it's game on to knock out my to do lists for this trip!
Not only do I have to worry about getting Raegan, Drew and I ready for this trip but I have to get my students ready. A week of sub plans are no fun at all!!! I really hate missing work! It's way more work, planning, and preparation when I'm not there! Hopefully my kiddos survive! I still haven't finished what I need to do for work... So tonight after I finish typing this and getting my last snuggles in with RG I've got to finish my school stuff. And tomorrow morning make a run to school to do some last minute preparations on a Saturday before our oct moms play date!
Busy busy!!!!
And sometime tonight at least make the house presentable for the play date! Ha!
Always something on that huge to do lists!
I will say I am looking forward to spending time with Drew and getting SLEEP in Cancun! At least I hope I sleep!!! Probably my luck I'll keep waking up! And I'm excited about my reading lists! Hopefully I'll have time to finish at least one personal and one professional book if not more!!! ;) haven't had time to read for me in forever!
But yea guess I should go get started on my mountain of work!
Please say a prayer over Raegan and Drew and I for safe travels and security!!! Ohhhh how I'm gonna miss her soooo much!!!!
Dear God,
Please watch over Raegan Grace! Please keep her safe and well and happy! Let no pain in her life! Let her sleep and eat well while I'm away! Let her have a joyful and happy time at the Hysners and let them take care
Of her every little need! Hold her God and love her as I know You will! Let her feel our love around her while we are away and us her love!!! God watch over Drew and I also and let us safely all return home! Thank You for all You do and for being so wonderful in all Your blessings in our life!!! Especially our sweet blessing, Raegan Grace!!! she's perfect in every way! She's definitely our "good and perfect gift from above!" I love her with all my heart!!!!!!! All the way to the moon and back!!!!!
In Your name I pray,
Amen!!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Rewind of this week
Yay!!! I am sooooo excited that the weekend is here! I have missed my sweet baby girl! I can't believe I just finished my 4th week back at work! I feel like it was just the other day that I went back.
Looking at Raegan though I can definitely tell how much she's changed in the last four weeks. That seems to be my Friday thing to do is truly take her in and notice all her changes (not that I don't during the week it's just crazy busy)! But she's changed so much! She's gotten so big in just a few short days! Today she was laying on her back propped up by the Boppy and her Daddy was talking to her and she was actually trying to sit up. She was leaning and doing these tiny little crunches to get closer to her daddy. It was sooo cute! Build them muscles baby girl!
I looked back through her photos last night on Facebook and was completely amazed at how my much she's changed from newborn to infant. What a beautiful miracle of life God has given us. It still amazes me how beautiful life is.
Tomorrow Raegan will be 4 months old! I just can't believe 4 months ago I gave birth to her! Shes the most perfect gift I have ever gotten! And I thank God every day for my sweet blessing!!!! I love her with all my heart!
Raegan had a rough start to her week this week. She has started teething and was really fussy! Broke my heart! She was nursing a lot and waking up a lot! It was tiring on her and me! But the last 3 days she's been much better! Soooo thankful!
Tuesday night I actually decided to try her in the crib. I am NOT pushing it if she sleeps for an hour and cries then fine I will go get her. Its not a big deal for me and honestly not something I'm pushing! She is my child and if I choose to have her sleep with me that's my business! I am HER mommy and I know HER and ME best! :) and that's exactly why I hadn't posted the last three night attempt stories because I don't want to read the commentary! not to mention my puppy dogs slept with me for years! It was hard on me training them to sleep in their kennels why would anyone think having Raegan sleep in her bed instead of with me would be easy??? Lol! Oh and buy the way I was hard core with her sleeping in her crib before she was born! Ha! Then reality sunk in!!! Lol!
But anyway she actually made it 4 hours Tuesday night in her crib! And Wednesday night I tried again and she made it 6 hours before waking up! And last night I tried it again and she made it 8 whole hours before waking up to eat! I was sooo impressed! That's 2 hour increases every night!!! Goo Raegan!
I laid her in her crib tonight too. I hope she makes it just as long. But I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't because she fell asleep before we could do her normal bedtime routine. But here's to hoping! I'll love her either way!!! She's perfect!!!
Yesterday she stayed with Jessica and her baby Sophie instead of Tracey! Tracey had the great honor of welcoming her new niece into the world yesterday! But Raegan did great for Jessica! She even got her to take a 2 hour nap which I haven't been able to since she was a few weeks old. She even got her to take a paci to calm herself down right away. She had a great day with Jessica and Sophie! Oh and when I went to pick Raegan up yesterday she hadn't had her last bottle yet! So Jessica suggested I try to give it to her! I was hesitate at first but thought it best to try! And she took that bottle from me! Made me sad and happy all in one! Bittersweet!
Tomorrow we are going to Myrtle Beach to see the Hysners! We haven't seen them since Raeagn was born and they came to visit her! Since they will be watching Raegan next month for our trip we thought it would be best to have some interaction between baby girl and them before our trip!
Well it's getting late (yep 10pm is late nowadays!)! Still gotta pump and get some chores done then it's bed for me!
Be blessed friends! Life is too precious not to enjoy ALL things especially ALL the little things!
Looking at Raegan though I can definitely tell how much she's changed in the last four weeks. That seems to be my Friday thing to do is truly take her in and notice all her changes (not that I don't during the week it's just crazy busy)! But she's changed so much! She's gotten so big in just a few short days! Today she was laying on her back propped up by the Boppy and her Daddy was talking to her and she was actually trying to sit up. She was leaning and doing these tiny little crunches to get closer to her daddy. It was sooo cute! Build them muscles baby girl!
I looked back through her photos last night on Facebook and was completely amazed at how my much she's changed from newborn to infant. What a beautiful miracle of life God has given us. It still amazes me how beautiful life is.
Tomorrow Raegan will be 4 months old! I just can't believe 4 months ago I gave birth to her! Shes the most perfect gift I have ever gotten! And I thank God every day for my sweet blessing!!!! I love her with all my heart!
Raegan had a rough start to her week this week. She has started teething and was really fussy! Broke my heart! She was nursing a lot and waking up a lot! It was tiring on her and me! But the last 3 days she's been much better! Soooo thankful!
Tuesday night I actually decided to try her in the crib. I am NOT pushing it if she sleeps for an hour and cries then fine I will go get her. Its not a big deal for me and honestly not something I'm pushing! She is my child and if I choose to have her sleep with me that's my business! I am HER mommy and I know HER and ME best! :) and that's exactly why I hadn't posted the last three night attempt stories because I don't want to read the commentary! not to mention my puppy dogs slept with me for years! It was hard on me training them to sleep in their kennels why would anyone think having Raegan sleep in her bed instead of with me would be easy??? Lol! Oh and buy the way I was hard core with her sleeping in her crib before she was born! Ha! Then reality sunk in!!! Lol!
But anyway she actually made it 4 hours Tuesday night in her crib! And Wednesday night I tried again and she made it 6 hours before waking up! And last night I tried it again and she made it 8 whole hours before waking up to eat! I was sooo impressed! That's 2 hour increases every night!!! Goo Raegan!
I laid her in her crib tonight too. I hope she makes it just as long. But I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't because she fell asleep before we could do her normal bedtime routine. But here's to hoping! I'll love her either way!!! She's perfect!!!
Yesterday she stayed with Jessica and her baby Sophie instead of Tracey! Tracey had the great honor of welcoming her new niece into the world yesterday! But Raegan did great for Jessica! She even got her to take a 2 hour nap which I haven't been able to since she was a few weeks old. She even got her to take a paci to calm herself down right away. She had a great day with Jessica and Sophie! Oh and when I went to pick Raegan up yesterday she hadn't had her last bottle yet! So Jessica suggested I try to give it to her! I was hesitate at first but thought it best to try! And she took that bottle from me! Made me sad and happy all in one! Bittersweet!
Tomorrow we are going to Myrtle Beach to see the Hysners! We haven't seen them since Raeagn was born and they came to visit her! Since they will be watching Raegan next month for our trip we thought it would be best to have some interaction between baby girl and them before our trip!
Well it's getting late (yep 10pm is late nowadays!)! Still gotta pump and get some chores done then it's bed for me!
Be blessed friends! Life is too precious not to enjoy ALL things especially ALL the little things!
Monday, January 16, 2012
3 day weekend
I'm finishing up my 3 day weekend rocking my sweet girl to sleep. We've had a busy yet relaxing 3 days together!
Saturday Aunt Tracy came over and spent some time with us! And then uncle Patrick helped us take down all the Christmas decor down and cleaned out the garage so I can park my car in there again! Then we grilled steaks out with Pops.
On Sunday Megahn Ray came over and took Raegan's 3 month pictures! She posted 4 sneak peek pictures on her fb page! They are too precious and I cant wait to see the rest of them! Megahn Ray Photography does such an awesome job! I love Megahn's work! She's got true talent!
After pictures we went to Katie's house for lunch and our October moms play date. This time the dads joined us! It was a lot of fun! All the babies are getting so big!
Of all 5 babies Raegan is the only one who can't roll over yet. She can on the couch but not on the floor. Last night as I reflected on it it kind of concerned me but once I googled developmental milestones it didn't bother me any more! Yes, google finally worked in my favor! Lol! But it said most babies don't roll over until they are 4-5 months and that some babies even skip rolling over. So that made me feel better! Drew and I talked about it too and he said it's because we don't put her down much! Which is true, and if it takes her longer then so be it! I don't get to spend all my time with her so if I want to hold her I will! We do get on the floor with her several times a day for tummy time but she always gets fussy after 5 -10 minutes. She seems the most content just pushing up and holding her head up and looking around she kicks her legs a good bit though for sure! So she may just go straight to crawling lol! Who knows! But she has excellent head control, a strong grip, loves putting stuff in her mouth, she's picked up some toys on her own she seems to do that when we aren't looking, lol, she loves watching tv or us cooking, she smiles more than any baby I have ever seen, laughs outloud, and talks and coos more than any baby that I know of! She's absolutely perfect in every way!
But anyway...
Today Raegan and I lounged around all day just enjoying each other! I even joined her for 2 of her naps! Drew even brought me pink roses home! He's such a good husband! I cooked dinner and then we started our bedtime routine! Oh and I must say that Drew always helps me give Raegan a bath! There's only been two times that he didn't help. I love that's it's something we do for Raegan together!
I put her down around 8 but she woke up crying so we are rocking again. It's okay with me because well I don't want to go clean or do laundry anyway! Lol!
I've been sad today because I don't want to leave RG for another week of work! She's just soooo sweet and adorable! She melts my heart with everything that she does! There's nothing better than the love I have for my little family! We are so blessed and I am soooo thankful to God!
Well my sweet blessing is sound asleep again gonna attempt to go get the rest of my work done! :)
* oh and I plan to add pics in the right order and add some more other pics to this but when I'm on on the iPad it doesn't add like they do on the computer! Oh well here's a few pics! Not sure how they will post using this app but I will go back and fix them when I get a chance!
Saturday Aunt Tracy came over and spent some time with us! And then uncle Patrick helped us take down all the Christmas decor down and cleaned out the garage so I can park my car in there again! Then we grilled steaks out with Pops.
On Sunday Megahn Ray came over and took Raegan's 3 month pictures! She posted 4 sneak peek pictures on her fb page! They are too precious and I cant wait to see the rest of them! Megahn Ray Photography does such an awesome job! I love Megahn's work! She's got true talent!
After pictures we went to Katie's house for lunch and our October moms play date. This time the dads joined us! It was a lot of fun! All the babies are getting so big!
Of all 5 babies Raegan is the only one who can't roll over yet. She can on the couch but not on the floor. Last night as I reflected on it it kind of concerned me but once I googled developmental milestones it didn't bother me any more! Yes, google finally worked in my favor! Lol! But it said most babies don't roll over until they are 4-5 months and that some babies even skip rolling over. So that made me feel better! Drew and I talked about it too and he said it's because we don't put her down much! Which is true, and if it takes her longer then so be it! I don't get to spend all my time with her so if I want to hold her I will! We do get on the floor with her several times a day for tummy time but she always gets fussy after 5 -10 minutes. She seems the most content just pushing up and holding her head up and looking around she kicks her legs a good bit though for sure! So she may just go straight to crawling lol! Who knows! But she has excellent head control, a strong grip, loves putting stuff in her mouth, she's picked up some toys on her own she seems to do that when we aren't looking, lol, she loves watching tv or us cooking, she smiles more than any baby I have ever seen, laughs outloud, and talks and coos more than any baby that I know of! She's absolutely perfect in every way!
But anyway...
Today Raegan and I lounged around all day just enjoying each other! I even joined her for 2 of her naps! Drew even brought me pink roses home! He's such a good husband! I cooked dinner and then we started our bedtime routine! Oh and I must say that Drew always helps me give Raegan a bath! There's only been two times that he didn't help. I love that's it's something we do for Raegan together!
I put her down around 8 but she woke up crying so we are rocking again. It's okay with me because well I don't want to go clean or do laundry anyway! Lol!
I've been sad today because I don't want to leave RG for another week of work! She's just soooo sweet and adorable! She melts my heart with everything that she does! There's nothing better than the love I have for my little family! We are so blessed and I am soooo thankful to God!
Well my sweet blessing is sound asleep again gonna attempt to go get the rest of my work done! :)
* oh and I plan to add pics in the right order and add some more other pics to this but when I'm on on the iPad it doesn't add like they do on the computer! Oh well here's a few pics! Not sure how they will post using this app but I will go back and fix them when I get a chance!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My decision
I am going to go on the trip. I made a commitment and I am going to keep it. Drew wants me to go and I do agree with everyone that it would be good for Drew and I to get away. We haven't gotten away together since our last Sonic trip last year so we could definitely use the time together. Drew earned this vacation and it is FREE so it only makes sense to go especially with our new budget plan we don't have the "extra" money to do stuff like this. I am excited to spend this "alone" time with Drew and see all my Sonic friends and make new friends! It will be fun to have some adult conversations.
I know Raegan will be just fine with Mike and Keri. I think one thing that bothers me is that we can't do a trial run because they live in Myrtle Beach and we live in Columbia. Now I did tell them we need to start skyping because well at least she could start to recognize their voice and face!
I will just miss her and worry about her soooo much! Which many of you said is being a good mom! I just want the best for Raegan! She deserves everything I can give and so much more! Every child deserves all you can give ( & no I'm not talking about stuff, just the inside kind of stuff ;) ).
Now I thank you for all your kind words and thoughts! Sometimes writing is just my way to vent. Probably shouldn't hit post until I've actually stopped the tears huh? Lol! But it makes the reading more entertaining no matter how pathetic I sound right? Lol!
I know people have far worse decisions/problems/situations then me in the world! But that doesn't make my pain any less! When I was growing up I use to think oh how my life sucks! Then when I would read a book (like a child called it) I realized my life wasn't as bad as I had thought. BUT now that I am a teacher I've learned that their are so many different people in the world. We ALL handle things differently.So to me my life was just like a Child Called It. I am very "blue" so what may bother me may be laughed off by say an "orange" or "green" person. Or what may bother a "green" person doesn't bother me at all! So now when i think someone is being petty i don't think to myself get over it I sympathize with them and at the very least listen. Because we all have needs and handle things differently. No matter how big or small! You have to have an understanding of ALL people and what "color" or what "DISC" they are (or whatever psychology term you want to use). We aren't all the same! That's what makes us all unique and what makes us appreciate all the different types of personalities! Having a little of all personalities makes the world a better place! For my IB readers it's what we call "balanced". ;)
So basically thanks to all who offered encouragement! That's exactly what this "blue" person needed to hear!
Have a blessed day!
I know Raegan will be just fine with Mike and Keri. I think one thing that bothers me is that we can't do a trial run because they live in Myrtle Beach and we live in Columbia. Now I did tell them we need to start skyping because well at least she could start to recognize their voice and face!
I will just miss her and worry about her soooo much! Which many of you said is being a good mom! I just want the best for Raegan! She deserves everything I can give and so much more! Every child deserves all you can give ( & no I'm not talking about stuff, just the inside kind of stuff ;) ).
Now I thank you for all your kind words and thoughts! Sometimes writing is just my way to vent. Probably shouldn't hit post until I've actually stopped the tears huh? Lol! But it makes the reading more entertaining no matter how pathetic I sound right? Lol!
I know people have far worse decisions/problems/situations then me in the world! But that doesn't make my pain any less! When I was growing up I use to think oh how my life sucks! Then when I would read a book (like a child called it) I realized my life wasn't as bad as I had thought. BUT now that I am a teacher I've learned that their are so many different people in the world. We ALL handle things differently.So to me my life was just like a Child Called It. I am very "blue" so what may bother me may be laughed off by say an "orange" or "green" person. Or what may bother a "green" person doesn't bother me at all! So now when i think someone is being petty i don't think to myself get over it I sympathize with them and at the very least listen. Because we all have needs and handle things differently. No matter how big or small! You have to have an understanding of ALL people and what "color" or what "DISC" they are (or whatever psychology term you want to use). We aren't all the same! That's what makes us all unique and what makes us appreciate all the different types of personalities! Having a little of all personalities makes the world a better place! For my IB readers it's what we call "balanced". ;)
So basically thanks to all who offered encouragement! That's exactly what this "blue" person needed to hear!
Have a blessed day!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Would I be a horrible mother if???
So Drew earned his Sonic trip again this year! I am so proud of him! This year he is going to Cancun, Mexico! Although I'm excited for this FREE trip it's way different than last year!
Last year when we went on this Sonic trip to the Dominican we were pregnant but we definitely didn't have our sweet baby girl yet!
Oh man, how things have changed in just one year! Being married is one thing, but being married with a baby is a total different thing!!!
Our dear friends, the Hysners, have offered to take care of Raegan for the 5 nights 6 days that we are away! As much as I trust them and know that Raegan will be fine with them I can't help but for my heart to break at the mere thought of leaving my sweet baby girl!
If I go will...
-Raegan remember me?
- Will she still want to nurse when I get back?
-will she be okay?
-will she sleep without us?
-will she take her bottle from them?
-will I have enough stored milk for her and if not will she take formula or half and half, and then switch back to breast milk when we get back?
-how much will her routine change?
-will she become fussy?
-will she still be the happy baby that she's been for us?
- will she be excited to see us or even recognize us when we skype with her while we are there?
-will my milk supply decrease?
-will I even enjoy myself if I go????
I'm just sooooo worried! I feel like she is too young for us to leave her. When we go she will only be 4.5 months old. Thats not very old. I already feel like I'm missing soooo much of her life already with me being back at work! I'm only away from her for 9 hours not 6 days!
I started to google (yes I know bad idea) about mothers leaving their babies for vacation etc. Well many things said go because she won't remember but one thing in particular I read said don't go. That she will have no concept of time and what is 6 days to us will feel like eternity to her. And that she will feel abandoned and that that will affect her for the rest of her life ????
Oh man!!!! Let the tears flow... I am hurting so much!!! I don't want her to feel like that. I want her to be more than just okay! I want her to be loved by me! I want to hold her and care for her forever!
I know my husband earned this trip. He worked hard for his accomplishments, and I'm so proud of him. Its such an honor to even be allowed to go on this trip.
But I'm sooooo nervous and scared about leaving my baby!
So that leads me torn ... Between being a good wife to Drew (he could take someone else but I know we would have to let them know ASAP, we have all ready said I'm going) and supporting his accomplishments or being a good mother to Raegan and meeting her every need?
Would I be a horrible mother if I go? Or would I be a horrible wife if I didn't go?
Will RG look back at me when she has her own child and think how could my own mom have left me so young?
I just don't want to let Drew down on my baby girl down.
Would you leave your 4.5 month old baby???? Your first born??? Your very sweet sweet oh soooo sweet blessing that God gave YOU???
Praying to You God! You know what I stand in the midst of. You know my every thought and my every need.
Last year when we went on this Sonic trip to the Dominican we were pregnant but we definitely didn't have our sweet baby girl yet!
Oh man, how things have changed in just one year! Being married is one thing, but being married with a baby is a total different thing!!!
Our dear friends, the Hysners, have offered to take care of Raegan for the 5 nights 6 days that we are away! As much as I trust them and know that Raegan will be fine with them I can't help but for my heart to break at the mere thought of leaving my sweet baby girl!
If I go will...
-Raegan remember me?
- Will she still want to nurse when I get back?
-will she be okay?
-will she sleep without us?
-will she take her bottle from them?
-will I have enough stored milk for her and if not will she take formula or half and half, and then switch back to breast milk when we get back?
-how much will her routine change?
-will she become fussy?
-will she still be the happy baby that she's been for us?
- will she be excited to see us or even recognize us when we skype with her while we are there?
-will my milk supply decrease?
-will I even enjoy myself if I go????
I'm just sooooo worried! I feel like she is too young for us to leave her. When we go she will only be 4.5 months old. Thats not very old. I already feel like I'm missing soooo much of her life already with me being back at work! I'm only away from her for 9 hours not 6 days!
I started to google (yes I know bad idea) about mothers leaving their babies for vacation etc. Well many things said go because she won't remember but one thing in particular I read said don't go. That she will have no concept of time and what is 6 days to us will feel like eternity to her. And that she will feel abandoned and that that will affect her for the rest of her life ????
Oh man!!!! Let the tears flow... I am hurting so much!!! I don't want her to feel like that. I want her to be more than just okay! I want her to be loved by me! I want to hold her and care for her forever!
I know my husband earned this trip. He worked hard for his accomplishments, and I'm so proud of him. Its such an honor to even be allowed to go on this trip.
But I'm sooooo nervous and scared about leaving my baby!
So that leads me torn ... Between being a good wife to Drew (he could take someone else but I know we would have to let them know ASAP, we have all ready said I'm going) and supporting his accomplishments or being a good mother to Raegan and meeting her every need?
Would I be a horrible mother if I go? Or would I be a horrible wife if I didn't go?
Will RG look back at me when she has her own child and think how could my own mom have left me so young?
I just don't want to let Drew down on my baby girl down.
Would you leave your 4.5 month old baby???? Your first born??? Your very sweet sweet oh soooo sweet blessing that God gave YOU???
Praying to You God! You know what I stand in the midst of. You know my every thought and my every need.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
One more day!
Tomorrow is Friday! ONE more day of teaching and I'll have a 3 day weekend ahead of me!!!! I am sooooo ready to spend 3 whole days with my sweet blessing!!!! It's long overdue!!!!
This week has been okay. I've been surviving. The hardest part for me is at night when I reflect in our day and I think about all I missed with my sweet girl. I've cried a few times tonight. I just miss her so much!
Tonight she fell asleep on me and slept for almost 2 hours! It felt soooo good to allow her to nap on me! Oh how I've missed that! She is truly the sweetest baby! Honestly I've done lots of babysitting in my life and she is soooo happy and smiley all the time! It just melts my heart!
Tonight she was laughing at the dogs. By the time I got my phone out to video her she was already fixated on something else, lol! Daddy got her to laugh though by tickling her. It was the first time she's laughed for us. She's been saving all her laughs for Tracey. Hehe. Sneaky girl! Tracey got a cute laughing video today too that I'm gonna post on Facebook in a little bit.
Sooooo ready for tomorrow! I can't wait till 3:15pm tomorrow! I'm gonna be one happy mommy! I can't wait for all the loving I'm gonna give and get from RG!
I love my sweet blessing more than words can express! All the way to the moon and back!!!!
This week has been okay. I've been surviving. The hardest part for me is at night when I reflect in our day and I think about all I missed with my sweet girl. I've cried a few times tonight. I just miss her so much!
Tonight she fell asleep on me and slept for almost 2 hours! It felt soooo good to allow her to nap on me! Oh how I've missed that! She is truly the sweetest baby! Honestly I've done lots of babysitting in my life and she is soooo happy and smiley all the time! It just melts my heart!
Tonight she was laughing at the dogs. By the time I got my phone out to video her she was already fixated on something else, lol! Daddy got her to laugh though by tickling her. It was the first time she's laughed for us. She's been saving all her laughs for Tracey. Hehe. Sneaky girl! Tracey got a cute laughing video today too that I'm gonna post on Facebook in a little bit.
Sooooo ready for tomorrow! I can't wait till 3:15pm tomorrow! I'm gonna be one happy mommy! I can't wait for all the loving I'm gonna give and get from RG!
I love my sweet blessing more than words can express! All the way to the moon and back!!!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
I survived!!!!
Dear Raegan,
Mommy did it!!!! I sooo soooo did it!!! I survived my first week back!!!!Yay for the weekend being here!!! I am soooo glad to have my first week back at work behind me!!! I am looking forward to spending as much time possible loving all over you my sweet girl this entire weekend!!!
Mommy is so proud of you for doing such a great job at Tracey's this week!!! I will forever be thankful for God putting her in our lives!!!! She really does a great job with you!!!! I am so thankful she is patient, kind, and loving!!!! And she is sooo good to mommy too! I love how she texts me pictures at work so I can see your beautiful sweet face!!! Oh how I just light up when I get a new picture or text about you! You did a great job with the bottle again today!!! You drank two 4 ounce bottles and drank about 3.5 ounces of your third before falling asleep. Mommy is sooo proud and thankful you are taking a bottle!!! Tommee tippee bottles are expensive taste little girl, but you are oh sooo worth it and sooooooo much more! I am just thankful you are taking a bottle when mommy is away!
I got the sweetest most precious gift today for you my sweet blessing! One of my students grandparents made us a beautiful scrapbook! It's got all the pages in it for your first year all I have to do is put your pictures in it! And boy oh boy is it BEAUTIFUL!!!! I had bought stuff to start your scrapbook but never got the chance to start it before going back to work. This scrapbook is perfect! It's a thick corduroy cover original just for you! They were even so thoughtful as to put special poems and prayers in the scrapbook! I absolutely love it! I cannot wait to print your pictures and put them in it!!! It truly is perfect! It's the best gift I have EVER gotten from a student for sure!
Here are some pictures of the scrapbook! I can't wait to go print some photos so I can add your beautiful face to the beautiful scrapbook! :)
Well baby girl you've been nursing/sleeping for an hour now it's time for me to enjoy all your snuggles! I love you my sweet sweet blessing all the way to the moon and back!
Love always and forever
Mommy
(after dinner while rocking RG to sleep)
Back at work
This week was tough I'm not gonna lie. It was not as hard as I had anticipated though. The hardest part at first was leaving her, but that was quickly changed by the hardest part being how much I was missing about her. Fir example, on Wednesday morning Drew told me how he carried RG to the changing table and how when he unswaddled her, her arms when poof and stuck straight up in the air while still asleep. It made me cry when he told me because I could remember the many of mornings needing her to wake before she actually did and the way her arms would do that half asleep. I loved when she did that.
That's been the hardest, missing all the little things that make life everything; waking up to her smiling face, her arms going poof when unswaddled, putting her in the bouncer and watching her smile when I towel dried my hair, listening to her really laugh for the first time, playing with her, heck even changing her diaper (she is so happy and always laughs and kicks her legs when changed her), nursing her, rocking her, watching tv, pj days, tummy time, putting her baby lotion on in the morning and smelling her sweet scent, listening to her heart beat against my chest, her big smile, the way she hides her face in me, the way she brings her hands up to her face when she gets excited, her little eyebrows moving all around, how her eyes got really small when she smiled because of her precious cheeks, just talking to her, kissing on her, and soooo much more! I miss our days soooo much!
Drew has been really good throughout the week. Today when he came home from work he was like are you excited??? Are you excited it's the weekend because now you don't have to miss her. And I smiled but buried my head in his chest because I did miss her and was sooo glad I will be able to spend ALL day with her tomorrow! he took me in his arms and said "let me talk to you like I talk to Raegan... You're sooooo sweet, you're the sweetest mommyyyyy in the whole world! I loveeeeee youuuuuu!!!!!" oh how it melted my heart and made me cry tears of joy. I love my husband! He picks me up right when I need him too! I love my life! God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams!
Work work
Back at school it's hard. Because I did get changed from kindergarten to first grade this past year. I honestly don't know how I feel about first grade yet. I do love my kids but coming back from maternity leave I feel kind of loss. I don't exactly know where my kids are and I feel like I don't know all that I need to know about teaching first grade. Kind of makes me feel like a first year teacher but worse by starting in the middle of the year. I'm just taking it all in trying to do what I know best. I am working on assessing my kids so I know where to go from there. Trying to find time to get everything done for work is going to be a challenge. I want to be an expert at what I do, a master at my job. I've got to find a way to living a balanced life because being a great mom and being a great teacher both take a tremendous amount of time! Praying that God helps me achieve all that He wants me to! "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
Mommy did it!!!! I sooo soooo did it!!! I survived my first week back!!!!Yay for the weekend being here!!! I am soooo glad to have my first week back at work behind me!!! I am looking forward to spending as much time possible loving all over you my sweet girl this entire weekend!!!
Mommy is so proud of you for doing such a great job at Tracey's this week!!! I will forever be thankful for God putting her in our lives!!!! She really does a great job with you!!!! I am so thankful she is patient, kind, and loving!!!! And she is sooo good to mommy too! I love how she texts me pictures at work so I can see your beautiful sweet face!!! Oh how I just light up when I get a new picture or text about you! You did a great job with the bottle again today!!! You drank two 4 ounce bottles and drank about 3.5 ounces of your third before falling asleep. Mommy is sooo proud and thankful you are taking a bottle!!! Tommee tippee bottles are expensive taste little girl, but you are oh sooo worth it and sooooooo much more! I am just thankful you are taking a bottle when mommy is away!
 |
| Tracey and Raegan |
Here are some pictures of the scrapbook! I can't wait to go print some photos so I can add your beautiful face to the beautiful scrapbook! :)
Well baby girl you've been nursing/sleeping for an hour now it's time for me to enjoy all your snuggles! I love you my sweet sweet blessing all the way to the moon and back!
Love always and forever
Mommy
(after dinner while rocking RG to sleep)
Back at work
This week was tough I'm not gonna lie. It was not as hard as I had anticipated though. The hardest part at first was leaving her, but that was quickly changed by the hardest part being how much I was missing about her. Fir example, on Wednesday morning Drew told me how he carried RG to the changing table and how when he unswaddled her, her arms when poof and stuck straight up in the air while still asleep. It made me cry when he told me because I could remember the many of mornings needing her to wake before she actually did and the way her arms would do that half asleep. I loved when she did that.
That's been the hardest, missing all the little things that make life everything; waking up to her smiling face, her arms going poof when unswaddled, putting her in the bouncer and watching her smile when I towel dried my hair, listening to her really laugh for the first time, playing with her, heck even changing her diaper (she is so happy and always laughs and kicks her legs when changed her), nursing her, rocking her, watching tv, pj days, tummy time, putting her baby lotion on in the morning and smelling her sweet scent, listening to her heart beat against my chest, her big smile, the way she hides her face in me, the way she brings her hands up to her face when she gets excited, her little eyebrows moving all around, how her eyes got really small when she smiled because of her precious cheeks, just talking to her, kissing on her, and soooo much more! I miss our days soooo much!
Drew has been really good throughout the week. Today when he came home from work he was like are you excited??? Are you excited it's the weekend because now you don't have to miss her. And I smiled but buried my head in his chest because I did miss her and was sooo glad I will be able to spend ALL day with her tomorrow! he took me in his arms and said "let me talk to you like I talk to Raegan... You're sooooo sweet, you're the sweetest mommyyyyy in the whole world! I loveeeeee youuuuuu!!!!!" oh how it melted my heart and made me cry tears of joy. I love my husband! He picks me up right when I need him too! I love my life! God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams!
Work work
Back at school it's hard. Because I did get changed from kindergarten to first grade this past year. I honestly don't know how I feel about first grade yet. I do love my kids but coming back from maternity leave I feel kind of loss. I don't exactly know where my kids are and I feel like I don't know all that I need to know about teaching first grade. Kind of makes me feel like a first year teacher but worse by starting in the middle of the year. I'm just taking it all in trying to do what I know best. I am working on assessing my kids so I know where to go from there. Trying to find time to get everything done for work is going to be a challenge. I want to be an expert at what I do, a master at my job. I've got to find a way to living a balanced life because being a great mom and being a great teacher both take a tremendous amount of time! Praying that God helps me achieve all that He wants me to! "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
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