Monday, February 28, 2011

Everyone Said It Would Get Easier

So many people said..."It gets easier...I promise". I thought they were lying. But as it turns out they were partly true. Don't get me wrong, being a mom is still on the list for one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but it's getting alot more fun! Which in turn makes it so much easier.

There is so much that she does now, it's like all the hard work is paying off. I mean in the past couple days, she looks at me with a "I love you as much as you love me." look. She reaches for me when I go to pick her up. She laughs when I laugh at her. She smiles at me when she knows I need it. She is so perceptive and animated that I could just sit and watch her as she discovers the world. It's the most incredible thing that I have the privilege to witness all her firsts.

The first time she felt the wind in her face.
The first time she heard the sound of rain.
The first time she tasted something she loved.
The first time she tasted something she didn't love.
and so many others...

These are all blessings for me. So to say it is getting easier just means that I am getting more of a hang at this job and she is getting to be a blast! Maybe that's what everyone meant.

Content,
Lindsey

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Shopping Saturday! 2 of my favs :)

So today I am posting about 2 of my favorite new baby things! First up...BABY LEGS!
I think they are so cute and they grow with your baby. They are great for newborns because you can put them with a onesie and you don't have to take them off to change their diaper. They are good for infants like Caroline who are about to crawl, to protect their knees...and they are just cute to wear after that! They have all different kinds for girls and boys...so stock up because they are TOO MUCH! I LOVE THEM!
Secondly...Mud  Pie Baby clothing! Love them...they have the cutest things for both boys and girls! Like this bathing suit... I mean come on! http://www.mud-pie-baby.com/

Boathouse Baby Bikini (0-6 mos.)

Or this little Romper...
Boathouse Baby Blue Seersucker Bubble by Mud Pie

Anyways... whether you have a boy or a girl...these two sites are fantastic! LOVE THEM!

Happy Shopping,
Lindsey

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Sacrificial Love

As I type my little sweetness is snoozing away in that big king size bed of ours and she couldn't be more lovable than she is now. But I do have to say that the past 24 hrs have been a little challenging as she has come down with a nasty little cold. Watery eyes, stuffy and runny nose, little cough and sneezing makes for long days and unfortunately...long nights. With the vaporizer, baby vic's on her chest and feet, me holding her upright to sleep all night and her little snore, had her snoozing semi through the night and me wide awake for most of it.

Even though I am exhausted, I couldn't be more happier. She has been in the best mood! (A little trooper she is) And it leads me to believe, that I would sacrifice my comfort, my sleep, my anything for her. I want her to feel loved, cared for, comfortable and most importantly...I want her to feel better. So I would go to any lengths necessary to help her get there~ but one things for sure is I can't do it for her. God is teaching me this lesson over and over. Life's little "sicknesses" are necessary because they help build our immune system.

I am one of those people who desperately wanted to get pregnant and be a mom. When Chris and I decided that we were OK with the idea of having a child...I childishly thought it would happen immediately. And every time my monthly gift would come along, I felt disappointed and frustrated. I just knew that being pregnant was going to be perfect and fantastic. I knew that being a mom was going to perfect and fantastic... and I wanted both right that moment.

Don't get me wrong, both experiences were and are great. But they both have, and are, building my faith. They are not easy things to go through. Your body is no longer your own. It is someonelse's. You no longer exist for yourself. You exist for someonelse. And neither are cakewalks for sure. Beth Moore in her Bible Study The Patriarchs put it's this way.

"Somehow we never grow accustomed to the idea that pain and difficulties are part of the human experience. God is not going to exempt His children from life's difficulty. Rather, He highlights those very challenges to prove our faith is genuine. Our difficulties are filled with meaning and far-reaching effects, leaving warm blessings on this earthly journey."


Like I said...going the painful process of getting pregnant, was emotionally taxing. Being sick 5 months of my pregnancy was not fun. The painful process of having the baby is a whole different blog. The sleepless nights and breastfeeding challenges are exahausting to say the least. Taking care of my little sweetness when she is sick is difficult. Holding her while she is crying is painful. Not getting any sleep is awful. But showing her that I love her and that I am here for her has far-reaching effects and leaves me with the warm blessing of learning to love sacrificialy. All good things, all promises, all hope has their moments of testing. We will, becuase of the grace of God, stand victorious at the end! So again even though I am exhausted and wishes that sweetness wasn't sick, I am happy because I know that these little challenges are making me a better mommy, wife and child of the King.

Growing,
Lindsey

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

She did it

Just a quick little post to show you all how Caroline rolled over from her back to her front today! She is getting so strong!

So excited... Hope you enjoy the little smile at the end!

Love that little bug,
Lindsey

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Some of the greatest advice I have gotten

I was always the one to say "I hate it when people always try to give you advice on parenting. I don't know why people think that they have to tell you the "right" way to do something."

I hate to say it... I know why now. You see, parenting is really difficult and when you find something that works- you have to tell somebody else. Good advice can change your life, I have learned that full well. So that being said I am passing along the good advice.

Here is some of the best advice I have gotten as a mom.

1) The first week we got home from the hospital, Caroline started spitting up a lot of what she was consuming.  ( I mean a lot!) I panicked of course but by the grace of God a wonderful friend Traci was here and she told me to get some Mylicon. GENIUS! It works like a charm...and we still use it to this day for gassiness.

2) Obviously Caroline has some gassiness so the other piece of advice I got was from Chris's grandmother. She told me about a baby water bottle. (kind of like a heating pad but full of warm water) I didn't have one of these so Chris and I filled up a Ziploc bag and placed it on her belly. She loved it and it helped relieve her belly ache :) Genius!

3) Constipation stinks. Poor Caroline couldn't use the bathroom. I texted several of my trusted mom friends and came to find out the Karol syrup diluted in water (about a 1/2 tsp in a couple oz. of warm water) works like a charm. A good natural way to get out of using laxatives. Genius!

4) All things breastfeeding. Of course when you start breast feeding, things can get tricky if you have cracked or bleeding breasts. I was determined to continue so my lactation specialist told me to put neosporin on them after she got done eating and clean them good before she starts. I did this and they were cleared up within a day or two! GENIUS!

5) Caroline also had blocked tear ducks. Her eyes constantly would water and they would also get goop at night and in the mornings. We tried massaging them with warm washcloth several times during the day and also tried prescription eye drops. Nothing really seemed to work. So went on a baby site and came to find out a whole slew of moms said to drop breast milk in their eyes. I was hesitant but did, and all I can say is GENIUS! Caroline's eyes look so much better!

6) Chris told me forever, sleep when she sleeps. I wish that I listened to this advice more....but when I did man was it good advice! GENIUS!

7) When it's shot day... right after they get their shots, nurse them. It comforts them almost immediately and helps immensely! GENIUS!

8) And I think the best advice I have gotten....don't be so hard on yourself. You will mess up, and you won't know exactly what to do. But you will survive and so will the baby. GENIUS!

More confident because of all the people who shared their advice with me,
Lindsey

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Shopping Saturday

It's Saturday again... and it's time to go shopping!

First things first... alot of people have asked me who does Caroline's photo's and I love to tell people that it's my amazing cousin Brooke Kelly. We are photographing her whole first year...and already I am getting ready for her 6 month pics! That being said...if you are shopping around for any reason (baby, wedding, engagement, family, preggo, etc.) You should check out Brooke. Her site is http://www.brookekellyphotography.com/

Brooke Kelly Photography


Also, I have another good friend Melissa Flowers who makes the sweetest dolls and outfits. Her business is called Puddin Pop Designs and she is fantastic. The little dolls she puts scriptures on them and she can specify for exactly what you want. Sweet shower gifts! Her facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Puddin-Pop-Designs/113231195364546 

Her is her most recent puddin pop owl! LOVE THIS!

Hope you have fun shopping!
Lindsey

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Zone: Balancing God, Baby, Marriage and Me

Well, as of Valentines Day, Chris is embarking on a new journey as he participates in his works biggest loser program. His goal is to lose 30 something pounds and to do so my dad recommended a new eating plan to help. (I don't like to use the word diet :))
This new plan is called The Zone. It's a simple (or seems) approach to losing weight where you balance your protein and carbohydrate intake. One for one. Chris and I have been grocery shopping and now we are trying to figure it out. Needless to say it has made me think...shouldn't we all be in "The Zone"?

As a new mom, life has it's moments of feeling completely out of balance. There are days where absolutely nothing gets done, and I am more exhausted than if I had run a marathon. There are days, where I am a powerhouse and get everything done. There are days when Chris and I are at each other because we are exhausted and then there are days where we are so on the same page it's stupid. There are days where I get to do a quiet time with the Lord... and then there are many days I am just uttering scriptures under my breath to keep my sanity. And then there is a day (few and far between) where I get to do something just for me...by myself. Whether that be a long warm bath, a quick shopping trip, or just some needed rest.

So as I laid in bed last night thinking, I need to do a Zone diet for my life. You know one for one. Balancing my time, balancing my emotions, balancing what goes in with what comes out. In this book, in the back, there is a section where it list poor choices and good choices for eating. Just like in life there are poor choices and good choices. So here are some of the ways I am going to try and start balancing life.

I like to watch TV: you know the good stuff like The Bachelor :) But I will go a whole day with out spending any time with God. That is out of balance. So I need to do a one for one... I need to balance what's going into my mind. I have time... I just have to make it. So if that means forgoing a TV show to read my Bible or pray~ it's worth it. I will feel better and in turn be better.

Chris and I have decided that a family bed is what works for us right now... so that being said Caroline sleeps between us. This is out of balance. So in turn we have to be intentional about our time together. Date nights, leaving her with our parents to go on a weekend getaway, putting her to bed early enough to spend some time together. This will make sure we don't lose us in the midst of her.

I stay home with Caroline, so I get no time for myself. It's a 24 hr job 7 days a week. This is out of balance. I need time for me. Time to just relax and rejuvenate. So I need to do some R&R. When Chris gets home, I can pass the baby off and go to the gym, go take a bath or go to Starbucks and read for a half hour. I will feel better and in turn be happier.

They are all one for ones and will make me and my life healthier. There are so many other ones that I need to do, but if I start with baby steps I am more likely to succeed. It's really simple to say the least... it's a matter of putting it into practice that takes some work. Life is all about balance. So, for me... I am ready to get in the zone.

Hopeful,
Lindsey

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Praying for Your Baby and Speaking Encouraging Words



I am going to be very honest and vulnerable here, so please bare with me. Being a mom has truly taken a toll on my spiritual life. Please don't get me wrong here...I am still as much (if not more) in love with my sweet Lord...but my time to just sit with Him is few and far between. I am getting better about prioritizing my time, but I still have much room for improvement. And one thing that I have learned~whenever we are exhausted, we become extremely vulnerable to attacks of the enemy.

He is ever so manipulative and crafty with his choices of ammunition, so when we least expect it we get hit and end up lying wounded on the floor. This hinders prioritizing room for Jesus even more difficult. And unfortunately, I won't be the only one paying for it.

Yesterday was Caroline's 5 month check up. I had been up sick the night before with food poisoning so I was a little tired and cranky to say the least. But while we were at the Dr's, we were telling him about Caroline's sleep issues and separation anxiety. After discussing with him all the details, he made this statement, "Sounds like you have a very strong-willed daughter. You better buckle up and get ready for a bumpy ride."

As I went to bed I was overcome with grief. I don't mind her being strong-willed (that could be very beneficial to the Kingdom one day)...but I don't want her to be defiant, nor unpleasant. So I prayed asking God for wisdom to know what to do for her and for us as parents. I love it when God answers your prayers almost immediately.

As I was doing my ironing this morning, I called Chris's grandmother just to chat. I told her about the Dr's visit and what he had said. She agreed that after seeing Caroline in action, she was definitely strong-willed. But she did offer me a little hope. She told me to do the one thing that I had not been doing enough of...praying and speaking truth over her. Simple I know, but like I said the enemy has a way of distracting us.
So this is my mission... FIGHT BACK!
I have found recently that I have been lying wounded for far too long. Yes I am exhausted, but I don't have to be a sitting duck any longer. The great thing about fighting back, is that I just have to have one piece of artillery to do this with. The STRONG word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, " For the word of God is living and active, Sharper than any double edged sword."

So I am going to start praying more for Caroline and over her all the time. After getting off the phone I proceed to look up some scriptures that I can pray so that she would be joyful when I am not around (combating the separation anxiety), that she would listen to Chris and I as her parents (not be defiant), that she would sleep better (combat the exhaustion) and that she would be more like Christ than us. And for those of us who believe in spiritual warfare, remember our battle isn't against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12). Speak out loud...for there is power in the tongue.

That being said... here is what verses I am going to be praying. I encourage you to find some for you and your situation (even if you aren't a mom yet there are things you can speak truth to you in your own situations)
The fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22
Psalms 4:8 (sleep)
Proverbs 25:28 (self-control)
Proverbs 1:8 (listening to her parents)
Isaiah 55:12 (separation anxiety)

And then one for me: Isaiah 57:18-19
Sorry for the long post today :) But I hope that it helps someone else, and gives encouragement to others who need it.
Armed and Ready,
Lindsey

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

There's a first for everything

Well I have some very important news to share with you...

Little Miss Caroline decided she wanted to sleep through the night!

I am not talking just 8 hrs in a row... I am talking from 9:00pm to 6:45am...not a peep, not a cry and not a feeding in between! A whole night, a whole sleeping evening, a whole quiet rest! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I know...me either :)

This week had another first in it...she sat up on her own!

All that to say... I wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Here are some of the pictures I have captured of some of Caroline's first, I hope you enjoy sharing with me her milestones...she is growing up so fast!



first shots...and first band aid. It's scooby doo.

first bath. She was a whopping 6lbs 15oz here....

First two teeth... found on Christmas day.

And last but not least Caroline laughing...


I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did...
Not exhausted today,
Lindsey

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Stuck On Me like White On Rice

I have a BIG issue and I am not sure what to do with it. Caroline is stuck on me... like she won't let me leave or even be in the other room. What I am suppose to do?

Saturday nights my husband Chris has begun to let me sleep while he takes care of Caroline's feedings. This is a huge relief as it allows me to get some extra much needed sleep. But, last night when Caroline woke up at 3:45 to eat, I made the huge mistake of walking past her to go to the bathroom. IT WAS ALL OVER after that... she cried for the next 45 minutes as Chris did everything he could to try and calm her down. There was no hope... and as I laid in bed I tried to reason in my head what to do.

I knew deep down that I didn't need to run to the rescue, that would only feed the already growing problem. Eventually though, I gave in...knowing that Chris was growig restless and I hate to hear her cry. The minute that I took her in my arms, the crying stopped and the little one went to sleep.

How long do you let this go on? How long does it take for her to get the clue that I can't always be there... but more importantly do I want to teach her that I wouldn't come to her rescue if she needs me? I am at a loss as to what I need to do.

I stay at home with her, so we are always together. She doesn't go to day care nor do I leave her in any sort of childcare at church or the gym. Usually once a week one set of our parents watches her so that we can take a date night, but here lately the same problem persists.

I desperately want to be able to leave her with family and friends without her freaking out and crying for her momma. But I also want her to know that if she needs me I will be there in a heartbeat. How do you bridge the two?

I am fine with letting her cry it out for a bit... but I don't like it to last 45 minutes. What is a mom to do? Seperation Anxiety is not fun...not fun at all :(

Confused,
Lindsey

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Shopping Saturday-Favortite places for uncoventional baby items



So I think every Saturday I am going to post my favorite baby shopping sites for those of us who like your unconventional baby items!

The first is Joyfolie and she makes the cutest baby shoes and clothes! http://www.joyfolie.com/
I die for the hounds tooth boots :) She also has an Etsy store for those crafty moms who want to try their hand at making their own baby stuff. I believe some of the patterns start at $10...which I think is a pretty good deal.
Also for those who live in the Franklin, TN area there is a great shop on the square called Vintage Baby... you can check them out here at http://www.itsvintagebaby.com/
Hope you have fun shopping!
Lindsey




Friday, February 4, 2011

Never Will I Ever


I think that it is hysterical that I ever made "Never will I ever statements..." when it came to all things Caroline. The fact that I ever made them is privy to the fact that I was a first time mom.

One of the very things that I made a statement like this was, "Never will I ever put her into bed with me. She will sleep in her own crib, and I am sticking to that no matter what!"
Boy was I wrong...

I remember the moment when I realized what a cuddle bug Caroline was. She was about 2 months old when she and I both were exhausted from a long night of 2 hour feedings. It was late one afternoon and she was getting ready for her nap. I decided that I was tired and needed a nap too. So I took the sweetness, her and I cuddled up in our huge king size bed, and out like lamps we were.

When I stirred from the nap, I remember a quick moment of panic until I felt the warm little body wrapped up in my arms snoozing away. It had to be the best moment thus far...she was so tiny and so sweet just snuggled there next to me.

Fast forward 3 months later and that little sweetness some how makes her way into our bed more than I would like to admit. :) Every night I have the best intentions as I lay her in her crib and walk away. Then comes 3 in the morning when she wakes up for a feeding that somehow she and I both fall asleep after a fully tummy right back in our big ole bed.

Chris and I every now and then will just put her there straight from the start... and we laugh at how small she looks in the bed. As we fall asleep all together Chris will reach for my hand, and I feel as though life couldn't get more perfect.

But then there are those other nights, when I desperately want her to sleep in her crib all night... knowing that it's the best thing for her. Low and behold I am up for 2 to three hours with a child that just won't fall asleep. I feel as though she is speaking to me through her eyes saying, "I won't go to sleep until I feel the comfort of your bed." or "I can outlast you... just give in and put me in bed with you." She plays with my hair and three hours later as irritated as I am, I give in and back to the family bed we go.

Chris asks me every night as we get ready to lay her down..."where should I put her?" I simply state, "her crib. I will just keep trying till it works."

All that to say, never say you won't do something. Odds are your going to end up doing it if you do.

Threes Company,
Lindsey

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

So Long Insecurity~ I Will Be A Good Mom

I am reading the new novel by Beth Moore titled, So Long Insecurity...you've been a bad friend to us. Man is it ever speaking to the depths of my soul. I guess I have always known that I was insecure but when you are staring it straight in the face day after day...it truly becomes disgusting.

I am realizing this more than ever as my new role as a mom. I believe it is the lighter fluid to my fire. I am letting it govern my relationship with Caroline more than I would like to admit. And the truth is...I am terrified that I will fail her.

I want so badly to be the best mom out there, that the expectations I have placed on myself are terribly unrealistic. I can never be the mom that I envision in my head to be, because I am pretty sure that she would be a narotic, obsessed, annoying woman. (think I love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver, June Cleaver, and the modern family mom all rolled into one) Plus the perfect mom doesn't exist.

But this is what I am coming to believe about being a good mom:
1) She loves her child with the Love of the Lord.
2) She sacrifices for her child, but takes care of herself so she can do so.
3) She is patient...but extends grace to herself when she looses her cool.
4) She prays deeply and earnestly for her child and her home.
5) She respects the process. A baby is just that...a baby. They soon will be an infant, toddler and then child.
6) She realizes that sleep is just a five letter word and not a necessity.
7) Everything is not and never will be perfect. She understands this full well.
8) She takes time to enjoy the ride. Life goes to fast and they grow up so fast. So she stops to lay on the floor and laugh, she rocks her baby every chance she gets, she snuggles more than not, she talks baby talk just for the fun of it and she sleeps when the baby sleeps.

I have been insecure about being a mom for far too long, that I have let it steal some of my joy. I am over it and refuse to give in to it any more! Beth Moore made a statement in her book that is sticking with me,
" What would happen if we quit being accomplices to our own misery?"

I'll tell you what would happen...peace! So I am taking the peaceful road today. I am claiming 1 Corinthians 10:13~ no temptation have overtaken me but that which is common to man. And God is faithful. He will not let me tempted by more than I can bear. But when I am tempted, he provides a way out so that I can stand up underneath it.

So there I stand...So long Insecurity~ you have been a very bad friend!

Confidently embracing motherhood,
Lindsey

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

All things new


Today was a day filled with emotions.


Chris and I are coming up on our 5 year anniversary, and some how I have convinced him to get me a ring upgrade. I can't tell you how excited I am about this <3...>

But there was something else at the front of my mind as I caroused the jewelry store looking for just the right ring, a deep sadness. I mean my wedding ring has history to it. It has meaning behind it. It has my life wrapped in the Gold and the crevices of the diamond holds many of my tears... both good and bad. I dread taking it off for good.


There was a moment in our marriage where I took the ring off to symbolize my unwillingness to work on our marriage. I remember vividly what happened to Chris when he found it. I never want to feel that way again...so I keep the ring on all the time. Sleep, shower, working in the yard, swimming...you name it- the ring stays on.


So thinking of taking it off permanently scares me and makes me so sad. I want a new ring but I don't want to forget what my current ring represents. It represents love, endurance, patience, forgiveness, grace and mercy, hope and lots of work. I know that the new ring will find it's own history and memories in due time...and maybe it's time to wipe the slate clean.


Anyways...tomorrow it's gone and the new one is coming. I say goodbye to those 5 years and look forward to the next 25 years. I mean it's really not about the ring but about the amazing man who gave it to me 6 years ago. The man who still amazes me as he continues to choose me day after day.


Finally as I was getting ready to leave the store, I held my daughter close to me and told her that one day she would enter a store like this with her future husband. I explained to her how exciting it would be, and the love she would feel. I told her that soon after leaving the store, she would call me and tell me in detail about their experience. She then would wait for the day this young man would get down on his knee and ask her to be his wife.


I can't wait for that day... but that young man will have to go through Chris before he can marry our "sweetness".


So I leave you with my ring. I know that you don't know the half of what it has been through...but trust me it holds a lifetime inside it.


With tears of joy,

Lindsey