Build Them Up - Parenting

 

Well I can't tell you how happy I was to see this weeks topic this morning!  I can honestly say that last night was one of the hardest nights of parenting Brant and I have ever had. And yes, I questioned half of it wondering if I was doing the "right" thing, but over the course of the entire night, I realized that "right" for Emmalee may not be "right" for everyone else...and vice versa.

It all started at dinner.  We no longer make Em sit in her high chair.  She gets to sit in a regular chair at the table with mommy and daddy.  Well last night she had no interest in sitting, which has been a problem a few times but nothing to the extent of last night.  To put it in a nutshell, within the course of 30 minutes, she managed time out twice, and had to go to her bed.  (If she throws a royal fit in time out, or if time out doesn't work, we tell her she needs to go get in her bed until she can behave or calm down.  It is usually the last draw, but it usually works).  Well it didn't work!  She came out of her bedroom and wanted me to hold her.  Not going to happen - she needed to sit in her seat and eat her dinner.  So when I told her no, she hit me.  Back the bedroom she went...where she proceeded to scream bloody murder for the next 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, I had a bounding headache so I went to shut her door.  The back-breaker, I heard her crying "Bye Mommy, sorry.  Bye Mommy, sorry."  Those are words that just break my heart.  So I went in to talk to her.  I sat on her bed with her and we talked about why she was in her bed.  I asked her why she was screaming.  I explained that it is important to do what mommy and daddy ask her to do.  And that was the end of it.  She finished her dinner, and then we played....until 8:00.

Around 8, Em asked for applesauce and I got her some.  When she was finished, she put her bowl on the floor, so I asked her to pick it up and put it on the table so she didn't step in it.  Her response, "No.".  Again, I asked.  "No."  Enter Daddy.  He explained that mommy asked her to do something and she needed to do it.  "No."  After 3-4 minutes of Daddy and Mommy asking, Daddy ended up forcing her hand to the bowl, and making her pick it up.  It was an act of PURE defiance!  The first of it that I have ever seen come from my child.  Yes, there have been moments where she didn't want to do something, but this was something different.

It was in this moment that I began to ask myself "What are you doing?"  "Are you doing this parenting thing 'right'?"  "Is it just because she is 2?" 

And as I asked myself these questions, my prayer was "Oh Lord Jesus, please help me be the mom I am supposed to be."  Then the wise words of sweet friend came back to me.  They are words that she told me just in a story one day not long ago, but they are words with such impact that they have never left my heart.  And they are words that of wisdom shared with her from another mom, too.  And it was this fact:  God created you - exactly YOU - to be the mom your child needs.  He created YOU to raise them, not someone else.  He created YOU to supply their needs, and He created YOU to love just the way they need to be loved. 

God created ME to be Emmalee's mommy, not someone else.  He created Brant and I to raise her and love her, and teach her and discipline her in the ways that she needs.  Emmalee is strong-willed, and she needs strong-willed parents to help raise her in a way that will help her grow her strengths of leadership, but also help teach her that we don't always get our way.  He created us to teach her obedience to us and others.

So maybe our way of parenting isn't the "right" way for you to parent, but remember that God created YOU for YOUR child.  He equipped YOU to be what they need.   So seek Him in your parenting, because He will be all that YOU need to be a parent.

Blog Sale Link Up

 I am open to ALL offers and will happily make you a deal for multiple items!!!  Prices DO NOT include shipping, but I will ship the most cost-effective way possible. 

 To purchase, simply comment with "Sold" and your email address. 

Happy Shopping!  

Carters 3 month Pink/White Ruffle dress with diaper cover. EUC. $2.00

Hannah Anderson Size 70 (approx. 12) floral romper. EUC. $8.00

Carter's 12 months Polka Dot Ladybug dress w/ matching bloomers. EUC. $5.00  SOLD

Osh Kosh 12 Mth. Polo Ruffle dress with bloomers. VGUC $4.00

Janie & Jack Damask 12 mth. dress with bloomers (only worn twice). EEEUC $12.00  SOLD

ADORABLE Janie & Jack 12 mth. smocked dress in EEEUC (only worn once). (Runs big IMO). $16.00

NWOT GAP Ruffle Dress (does have bloomers) - super cute. $7.00

Size 6 red polka dot Puddle Jumpers in VGUC. $8.00  SOLD

Old Navy Yellow & White Polka Dot flip-flops. EUC. $2.00

19 Weeks - Pregnancy Update!

So I totally did an 18 week update, but completely forgot to take a picture, so I'm doing 19 weeks instead.  I wanted to do an update each month but I'm pretty much a slacker.  So, 19 weeks it is!  I can't believe that I am almost 1/2 way through - that is BIZARRE to think about! 

And yes, my belly is that big!  I think I was close to 25 or 26 weeks before I was even close to this big with Emmalee. 

How far along? 19 Weeks - ALMOST half way!!!

Size of baby: According to Babycenter.com, approx. 6" from head to rump.  However, on our sonogram last week, baby was 7.5" and weighed 9 oz.  Basically, the length of a big tomato! 

Total weight gain:10 pounds

Gender: Its a girl!!!!!  Madeline Grace Williams.

Everyone at my office was so excited to see what the baby was going to be that I brought cookies in the next day with pink icing.  This was the sign that was put above the cookie!  I just love that sweet profile.

Movement:Yes! Some days I feel more than others, but she is definitely in there.  I had been calling her a boy for quite awhile (because I honestly thought it was going to be) and those kicks would literally keep me up at night.  Now that I started calling her a girl, she is completely calm like her big sister was.  I guess she was just mad at me - HAHA!!!

Sleep: Ok. I do have to get up usually once in the night, but I'm sleeping pretty good. 

Maternity clothes: Yes.  About 1/2 and 1/2.  The maternity pants are definitely more confortable than my regular ones.

Symptoms: Hungry, get tired easily, and baby movement! .

Cravings: Nothing very specific, but I have aversions to sweet things. I can have something sweet every once in awhile, but I'm loving spicy food.  Burger? Yes, please with jalapenos!

What I miss: Not much.  I'm in the "happy" part of pregnancy!

Best moment from the past week:Seeing that sweet baby on the sonogram and finding out she is another sweet baby girl.  I am so excited to have sisters!

What I’m looking forward to:Holding this sweet baby and watching Emmalee with her.  Emmalee loves her already and I cannot wait to watch them interact 

 Doesn't that sweet grin say it all.  I cannot wait for her to meet her baby sister!

And just because she is still a momma's girl, she wanted to be in the picture too!!! 

Spanish Chicken and Potato Roast

So I was searching for some new recipes on the Food Network website and found this one.   It looked good, and easy, so I decided to give it a shot!  I did change it up a bit from the actual online recipe, so I'm going to give yo my version of it.

{Ashley's} Spanish Chicken & Potato Roast
(this was the perfect amount for our family of 3, so if yours is larger, then add some more chicken & potatoes!)

Ingredients:

• one small pkg of small steak or fingerling potatoes
•  1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 TBSP EVOO
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• fresh ground pepper
• 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 thinly sliced)
• 1 large onion thinly sliced

Directions:
Heat your oven to 500 degrees.

Start your potatoes by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.  Toss with garlis, EVOO, 1 TBSP water and about 1/2 tsp of salt.  Put in a large microwave-safe dish.  Cover either w/ a lid (but don't close it - just place it on the dish) or plastic wrap with a few holes punched in it.  Microwave for 8 minutes or until they are beginning to soften.

While that is in the microwave, start your chicken.  Pat your chicken dry and put in a bowl.  sprinkle with paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.  toss the chicken and coat well.  Then sit aside to let it marinate for a few minutes.  Then slice your onions.

Prepare your baking dish with some non-stick spray.  Place your potatoes in the bottom of the dish, then add your onions on top.  Place your chicken on top of that.  Take any juice left from your marinade and pour over your chicken.& potatoes.  Take your thinly sliced lemons and place on your chicken.  Bake for approx. 20 minutes.

"Mommy, I 'Wake"

Oh my goodness, something has to be done about Emmalee's recently-develop sleep habits. 

Please understand, Emmalee has always been a great sleeper.  She slept through the night at 8 weeks old.  There have been a few short periods of time where she has woken up in the middle due to sickness or teething, but nothing too severe. 

Well now that she is old enough to open doors, she has started getting up at 5 and 5:30, coming into our bedroom and saying "Mommy, I 'wake.  Mouse on please."  (translation:  Mom, I'm up and want to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, please.")

I usually put her in bed with us and tell her that Mouse is still sleeping, so she should sleep to.  But she doesn't.  She will rest her pretty-little head on my pillow, but she never goes back to sleep.  So when my alarm goes off around 6, she's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.  By the time its time for her to go to Mrs. Donna's she's falling alseep on the way, or is horribly fussy and whinny.

I honestly need your help!  I'm not a huge fan of locking her door, but did your toddler do this?  Even if they just woke up early and didn't get out of their bed, how did you help them get back to their normal sleep habints?

Help me moms, because I am at a loss.  I need guidance...and SLEEP!! 

Somebody is 2!

It was 2 years ago today that the most precious angel came into my life.

It was 2 years ago today that my dreams came true.

It was 2 years ago today that my life changed forever.

It was 2 years ago today that I become a momma to this most precious, sweet, sassy, and amazing little girl! 

Emmalee Caroline,
You are light of my life and the joy in my heart.  You are the sweetest and sassiest 2 year old I know, I get the honor of calling you mine.  Your smile can brighten any room, and your laughter is contagious.  You bring joy to everyone you meet, and you never meet a stranger. 

You are learning new things everyday.  You know almost all of your colors, and you can {almost} count to 10, and you're learning your ABC's.  You are a non-stop chatter box and you love to sing.  Your favorite foods are applesauce, yogurt, grapes, pizza, and ice cream.  You love to be outside and you love the slides at the park. 

You love everyone around you and you are so excited about being a big sister.  Your baby sibling has no idea how lucky they will be to have you as their big sister. 

Emmalee, being your momma is one of the most joyous things I have ever gotten to experience.  You fill my (and your daddy's) heart with pure joy and the past 2 years have the BEST.  We never knew how much we would love you! 

Happy birthday, my sweet 2 year old. 

Being a Wife, Being a Mom, and Still Trying to Be Me

There is a fabulous group of ladies hosting a series called "Build Them Up."  I love it!  They are just fantastic and I, personally, love the idea of us all rallying around each other to encourage and build each other up. 

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2013/04/remembering-you-taking-care-of-yourself.html

Today's encouragement is how to stay "me" when your are constantly surrounded with your children and families.  How do you keep the "you" in your life. 

Its funny because when I think of who I am, and who I have always been, its a mom.  My mother can tell you stories of me as a little girl and I was always toting a baby doll around or playing "house" for hours.  I've been known as the baby-hog forever, hence the name Aunt Grabbie.  I LOVE children.  I LOVE babies and I LOVE being mom. 

I think its this reason that struggling for infertility for 2 years was so hard on me, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  All I have ever wanted to be was a mom.  But I won't lie to and tell you that it fulfilled my every desire, because it hasn't.  What it HAS made me realize is that there is so much more to me. 

I think I put my whole self into being a mom because that was the desire of my heart.  For 2 year, I forgot what it was like to a wife, a sister, a friend.  So it wasn't until after I became a mother did I realize that I lost myself.

So, in order to keep the "me" in me, I do a lot of things. 

1) I work outside the home.  Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to be a SAHM, but working is actually so good for me.  I have developed amazing friendships and have mentors that I can look up to.  I perform a role for my company that is essential - its keeps things "functioning."  and when I come home each day, I get to lavish hugs and kisses on my 2 favorite people, my daughter and my husband.  I love what I do, and for me, its been so important to have these adult friendships and relationships.

2)  I scrapbook.  Its my way of releasing all of my creative "juices."  For me, its relaxing.  One of my favorite times is getting together with my sister or several girlfriends and just scrapbooking.  There is nothing more fun than going to a scrapbook retreat.  I love it.  Its something I do just for fun, and just for me.

3)  Bubble baths!  They are pieces of heaven sent down to earth for our pure enjoyment.  Now granted, do not take a bubble bath when your toddler is awake because your relaxing bubbles will soon be all over your bathroom floor.  But when your house is quiet, and lights are turned down low, just fill the tub, grab a good book, and RELAX!   (and just FYI, my favorite bubble bath is "Sleep" with lavendar & chamomille from Bath & Body Works). 

4)  Last, but not least, find a girlfriend that you can escape with.  Get away for a weekend, or even just a night.  Its okay to work on your friendships too, even when your a mom and wife.  Friends are the people that will be there when you need to gripe because your husband didn't unload the dishwasher, but your pregnant so your hormones are crazy; when you just need to cry and have someone understand you...its them.  So don't take them for granted, and remember how precious their friendship is to you. 

Cousins and Friends

There are a lot of things in the world that I am thankful for: my Savior, my husband, coffee, jelly beans...you know, the important stuff.  In all seriousness though, I am incredibly thankful for my sister and her children, as well as Brant's sister Kristie.  And I can tell you that my sweet child is just as thankful!

If there is one thing that my child will do anything for - its to play with her cousins.  She ADORES them, all of them!  She squeals with sheer delight at the mention of seeing them.  Her innocent little 2-year-old world would not be complete without them.

If she could tell you who her best friend(s) are, I promise you she would tell you Mason, Connor, Kate, Ethan and Aeson! 

Just see for yourself the smile and delight on these sweet faces!!

We ran into my sister at the grocery store on a Sunday.  Emmalee RAN through half of Kroger just to get to Mason!

Playing with Aeson for his birthday.

Connor, Emmalee, Kate and Ethan at the pumpkin patch.

Emmalee and Aeson at the park.

This was at lunch yesterday - These two "E's" are a hoot together!

Good Friday at the Zoo

On Good Friday, Emmalee, Grandad (my dad0, and I had a fun trip to the zoo.  The weatherman predicted some scattered showers, but decided to take the chance and go. 

I'm so glad we did!  It was cloudy in the morning but warmed up for the afternoon.  It was a wonderful, beautiful day to be outside! 

This girl was spoiled rotten by her Grandad all day. 

Not so sure about the petting zoo!

I could just squeeze those precious cheeks!

We had to make a wish in the Wishing Well!

We watched the jaguars for a long time. This a mom & baby.  The baby kept trying to play with the mom, but the mom was trying to clean it.  We were very entertained watching their interaction.

Emmalee LOVED seeing the parrots.

This animal is absolutely beautiful.

The elephants are one of Emmalee (and my) favorite animals! 

Me and my girl!!!

Oh, I just love these creatures.

We couldn't leave without riding the carousel. 

One of Those "Guilt" Days

Are you a working mother?  I am .  Emmalee will be 2 years old in less than 2 weeks and I went back to work when she was 10 weeks old.  I'm used to it.  I love my job, and she loves her "Nonny" (aka Ms. Donna) and all of her friends at Nonny's house.

But I would be lying if I told you that there are not days where I feel guilty, because there are.  Even after almost 2 years, I still have a day here and there when I feel guilty for working.

Sometimes, I feel like Emmalee is missing out.  She doesn't get to have fun lunch dates, or do swim lessons, or gymnastics, or playdates.  Sure she could...on the weekends.  But our weekends always seem busy already with birthday parties, or baby showers, or family events.  Sometimes I feel like my working cuts out stuff for her.

Then I get pictures of my little girls playing baby dolls with her friends, and singing, and I hear her laughing when I go to the door to pick her up, and that guilt fades away.

My baby girl gets to have play dates every day.

My baby girl gets to have a special lunch dates all the time.

My little girl is having the best time with her friends every single day.

And on days where we get to have special time together, like Good Friday at the zoo, it just makes them that much more precious. 

So if you're a working mom, remember this:  There will be good days, and bad days; sad days and "guilt" days, but you will always be their momma, and NOTHING can take that away from you!  You're a GREAT mom!

12 Week Update

Well I you don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you may not have seen this news yet! 

We are super-duper excited about Baby #2, although it was quite unexpected.  If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may remember that it took 2 years of TTC (trying to conceive) with Emmalee.  So to see this pop up...

...completely unexpectedly, we were shocked...a very delightful, joyful shock - but a shock nonetheless.  So Baby #2 is due on October 2nd, although my doctor suspects we may have a September baby.  Emmalee is so excited and loves to talk about the baby.  If you ask her what's in mommy's belly, she will say "Emmie's baby."  Let's see if she feels the same way at 2 am when the baby actually gets here!

So here is the first official Baby Bump Update for Williams Baby #2!!!

 

How far along? 12 Weeks - almost finished with the 1st trimester!  WOOHOO!!

Size of baby: a little over 2" long - about the size of a lime. 

Total weight gain:2 pounds

Gender: ???

Movement:Not yet, but I can't wait until I do.

Sleep: Ok.  I am pretty tired so I usually go to bed not long after we put Emmalee down - between 9 - 9:30 every night. But I'm already up once or twice during the night to go to the bathroom.

Maternity clothes: Some. My "regular" clothes are pretty tight already, so I either wear maternity or use my bellybands.

Symptoms: All of them!  Nausea, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, headaches, fatigue, sore breasts, growing belly, food craving and aversions...the list goes on and on!!!  I will say that the nausea is finally beginning to fade and I could not be more thankful, but the rest of the list is in full swing.

Cravings:Every day is completely different. Yesterday all I wanted was a greek salad.  Today, I want Pei Wei, and who knows what I'll crave tomorrow.

What I miss: Feeling good.  I had a great pregnancy with Emmalee and always felt good.  This pregnancy is completely different.  I just don't feel "good". 

Best moment from the past week:Getting my fetal doppler in the mail and hearing the baby's heartbeat.

What I’m looking forward to: Hopefully beginning to feel better as I enter the 2nd trimester.

I will say my belly is definitely out there already.  Its true what they say - you definitely get bigger faster when its your 2nd.  

Favorite Picture Ideas

Today on Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Life", she is talking about favorite picture ideas.  And in my opinion, there is nothing better than simply capturing life!  Not poses, not portraits, but life...the smiles, the laughter, the true emotion of seeing someone truly live in the moment.

When Brant and I got married, we had a wonderful photographer names Julie Robles. (now don't judge that I didn't use my sister because 1, she was my matron of honor and 2, she hadn't started her photography business yet!)  But Julie was wonderful and did amazing work.  But my most favorite pictures that she took were right after the wedding ceremony had ended.  As soon as we walked out of the santuary, she pulled Brant and I aside, and took us into the courtyard.  She said "You have 5 minutes to just think about what just happened.  You're married!  So I want you to take this 5 minutes with each other, and just reflect."  And so we did, but the moments she captured between us are, in my opinion, priceless.