Today I'm thankful for really GOOD decaf coffee. I know that unless you're in a coffeehouse or fabulous restaurant, this is a bit of an oxymoron, but I've searched high and low over the last year and a half to find a great decaf coffee to enjoy at home. When I found out I was pregnant, I stopped drinking regular coffee and have never started again since I'm still nursing. Like many first-time moms, a bit of paranoia set in about drinking regular coffee and having a baby that was strung out on caffeine and would never sleep. =) I know there are many mamas who drink regular coffee and their babes sleep just fine, but like I said...paranoia. =)
Anyway, after trying many watery, bitter, and mostly flavorless decaf blends, my favorite has become the "Green Mountain/ Newman's Own Organics" brand. It is robust, super flavorful, so much so that I can even drink it black. Yeah. It's that good.
I love waking up to the smell of coffee brewing, and just the taste of coffee perks me up, (no pun intended), so no caffeine needed. Another great thing is that sometimes I don't have time for coffee before running out the door in the morning and I don't miss those "I NEED coffee" headaches at all!
So this morning, as my coffeemaker filled my home with the aroma of freshly ground beans, I thought about how much I love love love GOOD decaf coffee.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thankful November... (day 1 and 2)
This month, I'm joining some of my friends by blogging each day about something I'm thankful for. Our society has become so focused on the wrong things, and especially this time of year- consumerism abounds, does it not? This is a chance to take a moment each day and pay attention to all the blessings that I have in my life, and there are MANY! Join me, if you like. Find a journal you have around, or just use some sticky notes (good idea, Bree!) and record your blessings. How amazing will you feel at the end of the month when you have all these "grateful-for" notes staring back at you? What wonderful reminders to focus outward, not inward, as people. Of course, I've started a day late because of a very busy Monday, but I think the subject of this post is worth 2 days of thankfulness. =)
Today I'm thankful for Mark. Of course I'm thankful for him every day, but last night I experienced a moment with him that made me fall in love with him all over again. Brynn was having a hard time settling down to sleep...okay, she was screaming. We're not a "cry-it-out" family, but I do give Brynn 5-10 minutes to try and calm herself down before I intervene. I'm usually the one to put Brynn down for the night and go in if she needs to be soothed. Mark just hasn't had too much luck being able to settle her down and honestly, it has always been easier and faster if I just go in and give her a quick snuggle to help her calm down. I know this has always been kinda tough for Mark, feeling like he doesn't quite know how to help Brynn in this way. Anyway, last night, I put her down, she cried, and since I had started making dinner, Mark offered to go help Brynn. It hadn't been 10 minutes yet, but Mark felt like he wanted to go to her. Pretty soon, I heard her stop crying. He was upstairs for a while and when he came down, he walked into the kitchen and had tears in his eyes and said, "I did it". He had snuggled with her for a long time and she fell asleep. For me, it was incredible to witness this moment he was experiencing as a daddy and how it was impacting him. He felt like he helped, like he was capable, like he had something to offer, like he knew what Brynn needed. Since I am the one taking care of Brynn all day, I have experienced many of these "I did it" moments, but to watch Mark experience this brought me so much joy and I've been smiling inside all day today as I remember last night.
Mark and Brynn snuggling while out for a walk, September 2010
Mark and I have been married 7.5 years. When we met, we fell for each other quickly. He is the only man I've ever loved and I would never change that. He has come to know me well, the good and the bad. He challenges me, encourages me, tells me several times a day how beautiful I am and how much he loves me. I remember before we got married, my dad told me that we wouldn't truly know what "love" is for a while. He was right. On my wedding day I was "in love" with Mark, but through the years, I have grown to absolutely "love" Mark. And then there are moments like last night when, after watching Mark comfort our baby, I fall "in love" with him all over again. Mark is committed to me and our family, he loves the Lord and works to seek after him daily. He's funny AND thinks I'm funny and we laugh together a lot. He is smart and loves to research things. If he has a question about something, it's pretty much a guarantee that he'll be found on the computer at some point "Googling" for the answer. He loves our family and friends and would be content to have our house full of people all the time. He helps me with home tasks even when I don't ask and surprises me with things like flowers or chocolates often.
Mark dipping Brynn's feet into the Pacific Ocean for the 1st time, October 2010
I would lay my life down for this man, and I am so grateful that the Lord introduced us so early in life, that we have already shared 7.5 years of marriage, that we have been gifted a precious baby girl to raise together, and that we have many years ahead of us to grow as people and a couple.
Today I'm thankful for Mark. Of course I'm thankful for him every day, but last night I experienced a moment with him that made me fall in love with him all over again. Brynn was having a hard time settling down to sleep...okay, she was screaming. We're not a "cry-it-out" family, but I do give Brynn 5-10 minutes to try and calm herself down before I intervene. I'm usually the one to put Brynn down for the night and go in if she needs to be soothed. Mark just hasn't had too much luck being able to settle her down and honestly, it has always been easier and faster if I just go in and give her a quick snuggle to help her calm down. I know this has always been kinda tough for Mark, feeling like he doesn't quite know how to help Brynn in this way. Anyway, last night, I put her down, she cried, and since I had started making dinner, Mark offered to go help Brynn. It hadn't been 10 minutes yet, but Mark felt like he wanted to go to her. Pretty soon, I heard her stop crying. He was upstairs for a while and when he came down, he walked into the kitchen and had tears in his eyes and said, "I did it". He had snuggled with her for a long time and she fell asleep. For me, it was incredible to witness this moment he was experiencing as a daddy and how it was impacting him. He felt like he helped, like he was capable, like he had something to offer, like he knew what Brynn needed. Since I am the one taking care of Brynn all day, I have experienced many of these "I did it" moments, but to watch Mark experience this brought me so much joy and I've been smiling inside all day today as I remember last night.
Mark and Brynn snuggling while out for a walk, September 2010
Mark and I have been married 7.5 years. When we met, we fell for each other quickly. He is the only man I've ever loved and I would never change that. He has come to know me well, the good and the bad. He challenges me, encourages me, tells me several times a day how beautiful I am and how much he loves me. I remember before we got married, my dad told me that we wouldn't truly know what "love" is for a while. He was right. On my wedding day I was "in love" with Mark, but through the years, I have grown to absolutely "love" Mark. And then there are moments like last night when, after watching Mark comfort our baby, I fall "in love" with him all over again. Mark is committed to me and our family, he loves the Lord and works to seek after him daily. He's funny AND thinks I'm funny and we laugh together a lot. He is smart and loves to research things. If he has a question about something, it's pretty much a guarantee that he'll be found on the computer at some point "Googling" for the answer. He loves our family and friends and would be content to have our house full of people all the time. He helps me with home tasks even when I don't ask and surprises me with things like flowers or chocolates often.
Mark dipping Brynn's feet into the Pacific Ocean for the 1st time, October 2010
I would lay my life down for this man, and I am so grateful that the Lord introduced us so early in life, that we have already shared 7.5 years of marriage, that we have been gifted a precious baby girl to raise together, and that we have many years ahead of us to grow as people and a couple.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Moms n' Tots
Our church has a fantastic program called "Moms n' Tots" that meets every other Tuesday. The moms have fellowship time with a delicious spread of food (what church event would be complete without grub, right?), listen to a speaker, and then break into discussion groups to reflect on what the theme of the day is. The kids have their own program and the volunteers who work with them are wonderful.
I was really nervous about leaving Brynn in the nursery since she' such a mama's girl and Moms n' Tots is during her am nap time, so I signed up to help in the nursery on my "off" week- we went last week and she did great, but I was still nervous to leave her for the first time today. I put her down for a nap and walked out of the doors of the nursery, shedding a few tears and listening to the nursery volunteers cheer me on. The time with the other moms was amazing- the woman who spoke was a seasoned mother and truly blessed us all with her words.
I always think it's crazy how the Lord works in our lives- last week I was at a baby shower for a former co-worker and one of the ladies I used to teach with asked if I knew a woman at our church that she used to have as a student- guess who is my discussion group leader for MnT? THAT woman. Also, there's a young mom in our church who has been battling a brain tumor. I've never met her, but I've been praying for her and her family since our local newspaper wrote an article about her. Guess who is is my discussion group? THAT woman. Some people may see these little things as coincidences, but I know better. The Lord is going to be working in me this year and somehow these women will be involved. I can't wait to see what He's planning!
When I returned to the nursery, Brynn was flapping her arms and legs in excitement to see me. She slept for an hour and a half there and the report was that she did great and had fun playing the rest of the time.
I find that with each new step I take in motherhood, I cringe with a bit of anxiety because I wonder how Brynn and I will cope. I feel more confident with each milestone that we pass together and it's never as bad as I anticipate. I know the Lord has much in store for me in this adventure of being a mama and I know some of it will feel easy and some of it will stretch me in ways I didn't know were possible.
Loving this adventure SO much.
I was really nervous about leaving Brynn in the nursery since she' such a mama's girl and Moms n' Tots is during her am nap time, so I signed up to help in the nursery on my "off" week- we went last week and she did great, but I was still nervous to leave her for the first time today. I put her down for a nap and walked out of the doors of the nursery, shedding a few tears and listening to the nursery volunteers cheer me on. The time with the other moms was amazing- the woman who spoke was a seasoned mother and truly blessed us all with her words.
I always think it's crazy how the Lord works in our lives- last week I was at a baby shower for a former co-worker and one of the ladies I used to teach with asked if I knew a woman at our church that she used to have as a student- guess who is my discussion group leader for MnT? THAT woman. Also, there's a young mom in our church who has been battling a brain tumor. I've never met her, but I've been praying for her and her family since our local newspaper wrote an article about her. Guess who is is my discussion group? THAT woman. Some people may see these little things as coincidences, but I know better. The Lord is going to be working in me this year and somehow these women will be involved. I can't wait to see what He's planning!
When I returned to the nursery, Brynn was flapping her arms and legs in excitement to see me. She slept for an hour and a half there and the report was that she did great and had fun playing the rest of the time.
I find that with each new step I take in motherhood, I cringe with a bit of anxiety because I wonder how Brynn and I will cope. I feel more confident with each milestone that we pass together and it's never as bad as I anticipate. I know the Lord has much in store for me in this adventure of being a mama and I know some of it will feel easy and some of it will stretch me in ways I didn't know were possible.
Loving this adventure SO much.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fall fun
Loving that it is finally fall, cherishing my days with Brynn, started swim lessons (she LOVES it!), Moms n' Tots at church (tomorrow is the first day of Brynn in the nursery without me- hoping she does okay!), lots of fun with family and friends, working on organizing and decorating projects while Brynn naps, enjoying the evenings with Mark after Brynn is in bed, and altogether just truly relishing in the reality that is my life right now- love love love it. I'm so grateful for what the Lord has given me and every time I look at Brynn, my heart feels as if it will burst!
The pictures with Brynn holding the pink hippo are from a series I took- she was obsessed with this toy one day and I just think her little expressions are so funny!
She turned 7 months old on the 17th and is doing great. Sitting on her own, starting to "creep" backwards, rolling over all the time, talking ("bop" has been her word of choice lately).
I have to document the fact that I'm pretty sure Brynn can read my mind...we went to a wedding last night that started at 7pm (Brynn's bedtime). The crowd that was gathered there would have been upset if we didn't bring her, so I said to Mark on Saturday, "I wish Brynn would sleep in tomorrow morning so I can shift her naps to prepare her to stay up a little later than normal). Guess what she did? Slept in on Sunday and took her naps exactly when I hoped she would! This doesn't happen often since she's a girl who loves her routine: up at 7, nap from 9-11am, nap from 1-3/4pm, bed at 7pm. She definitely won the "Best Baby" award for that! She's done this a few times before and so I'm convinced she can anticipate what I'm thinking. =)
What a good girl.
The pictures with Brynn holding the pink hippo are from a series I took- she was obsessed with this toy one day and I just think her little expressions are so funny!
She turned 7 months old on the 17th and is doing great. Sitting on her own, starting to "creep" backwards, rolling over all the time, talking ("bop" has been her word of choice lately).
I have to document the fact that I'm pretty sure Brynn can read my mind...we went to a wedding last night that started at 7pm (Brynn's bedtime). The crowd that was gathered there would have been upset if we didn't bring her, so I said to Mark on Saturday, "I wish Brynn would sleep in tomorrow morning so I can shift her naps to prepare her to stay up a little later than normal). Guess what she did? Slept in on Sunday and took her naps exactly when I hoped she would! This doesn't happen often since she's a girl who loves her routine: up at 7, nap from 9-11am, nap from 1-3/4pm, bed at 7pm. She definitely won the "Best Baby" award for that! She's done this a few times before and so I'm convinced she can anticipate what I'm thinking. =)
What a good girl.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Summer fun
I've been absent from this space for what feels like too long...
It's been difficult for me to update this little blog because I've been going through some "mama stuff" lately and I haven't been able to decide whether to share that here or just keep things light and airy. I suppose I choose the third option, which is just not write anything. =)
Not to go into anything too deeply, but I will say that this whole experience of motherhood, nothing surrounding the care of Brynn has ever been much of a challenge for me...obviously, she's only 6.5 months old and I have a long way to go...what has been challenging is everything else...family, my emotions, expectations I've putting on myself, letting go of Brynn...I'm blessed with many wise mama friends in my life and I'm so grateful for the encouragement they provide, even when I seem to hang on to the same struggles, week after week.
What I've realized during the last 6.5 months is that stepping into motherhood is just like starting a new job- I can't expect to be perfect at every aspect of it from the get-go, or ever for that matter. It will take time to fit into my new role- a lifetime, probably...and I shouldn't be so hard on myself when my timing of being ready for certain things doesn't match up with other people's wants or desires. So, that's the dark stuff. =)
Amid all of that, I have never been so content in my whole life. I love my days with Brynn and being able to soak in every stage she is growing through...and yes, I meant "growing", not "going". teehee. I'm amazed at hoe much she loves me, I mean REALLY loves me. She's always happy to see me, thinks I'm ridiculously funny, and is such a snuggle bug. Mark and I look at her every day and have to pinch each other to believe that she is really ours.
The last few weeks have been busy with a wedding at Semiahmoo that Mark and I were both in (his cousin's- super fun, beautiful weather, awesome time with family, amazing location!), lots of playdates, planning fall projects and taking a million pictures of Brynn!
This was the first week of school and I've been thinking about what I was doing last year at this time, greeting new students with their crisp new clothes and backpacks full of sharpened pencils, and explaining to every parent that inquired (which was every parent) what my plan for the year was since I was obviously pregnant. I do love teaching, but I wouldn't trade that huge paycheck (ha!) for what my days include now!
Brynn turned 6 months old in August- she's 14 lbs, 4.5 oz, 26 inches long, takes 2 great naps every day, eats 3 meals of solid food, sits up on her own, is so happy and smiley and giggly all the time- we sure do love her!
It's been difficult for me to update this little blog because I've been going through some "mama stuff" lately and I haven't been able to decide whether to share that here or just keep things light and airy. I suppose I choose the third option, which is just not write anything. =)
Not to go into anything too deeply, but I will say that this whole experience of motherhood, nothing surrounding the care of Brynn has ever been much of a challenge for me...obviously, she's only 6.5 months old and I have a long way to go...what has been challenging is everything else...family, my emotions, expectations I've putting on myself, letting go of Brynn...I'm blessed with many wise mama friends in my life and I'm so grateful for the encouragement they provide, even when I seem to hang on to the same struggles, week after week.
What I've realized during the last 6.5 months is that stepping into motherhood is just like starting a new job- I can't expect to be perfect at every aspect of it from the get-go, or ever for that matter. It will take time to fit into my new role- a lifetime, probably...and I shouldn't be so hard on myself when my timing of being ready for certain things doesn't match up with other people's wants or desires. So, that's the dark stuff. =)
Amid all of that, I have never been so content in my whole life. I love my days with Brynn and being able to soak in every stage she is growing through...and yes, I meant "growing", not "going". teehee. I'm amazed at hoe much she loves me, I mean REALLY loves me. She's always happy to see me, thinks I'm ridiculously funny, and is such a snuggle bug. Mark and I look at her every day and have to pinch each other to believe that she is really ours.
The last few weeks have been busy with a wedding at Semiahmoo that Mark and I were both in (his cousin's- super fun, beautiful weather, awesome time with family, amazing location!), lots of playdates, planning fall projects and taking a million pictures of Brynn!
This was the first week of school and I've been thinking about what I was doing last year at this time, greeting new students with their crisp new clothes and backpacks full of sharpened pencils, and explaining to every parent that inquired (which was every parent) what my plan for the year was since I was obviously pregnant. I do love teaching, but I wouldn't trade that huge paycheck (ha!) for what my days include now!
Brynn turned 6 months old in August- she's 14 lbs, 4.5 oz, 26 inches long, takes 2 great naps every day, eats 3 meals of solid food, sits up on her own, is so happy and smiley and giggly all the time- we sure do love her!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
4th of July fun!
We had LOTS of fun this past weekend at our family cabins in Spokane. The weather wasn't great, but we were able to: have great chats with extended family, take naps with Brynn instead of doing chores, enjoy a mostly "media-fee" 5 days, eating delicious creations from my brother, who has become quite the bbq master, and relish in the fact that Brynn will now be able to enjoy this place that I have enjoyed since I was her age! So fun!
Brynn has now chowed down on several fruits and veggies and the girl loves to eat- she almost snarls as she tries to catch the spoon in her mouth before it quite reaches her.
Mark enjoyed playing around with the camera and captured some awesome night shots- he is so talented!
On the way home, we experienced the biggest, and I mean biggest, poop in the history of poops. I mean...it was all over Brynn, head to toe, all over the car seat AND even went ALLLLLLLLL the way down to the car seat base! How does that even happen?! Super gross and definitely a two-person job to clean up...and then we had the 6-hour drive home. =) Brynn must have been on a blow-out spree because that night when we arrived home, she had pooped again, and then the next day as I was walking through the store with her in the front pack, I realized she had pooped all over herself and it was all over the baby bjorn and my shirt. Awesome. Of course, as I had just begun my grocery shopping, I had to keep going...clearly I have my priorities straight: food first, poop second.
Brynn has now chowed down on several fruits and veggies and the girl loves to eat- she almost snarls as she tries to catch the spoon in her mouth before it quite reaches her.
Mark enjoyed playing around with the camera and captured some awesome night shots- he is so talented!
On the way home, we experienced the biggest, and I mean biggest, poop in the history of poops. I mean...it was all over Brynn, head to toe, all over the car seat AND even went ALLLLLLLLL the way down to the car seat base! How does that even happen?! Super gross and definitely a two-person job to clean up...and then we had the 6-hour drive home. =) Brynn must have been on a blow-out spree because that night when we arrived home, she had pooped again, and then the next day as I was walking through the store with her in the front pack, I realized she had pooped all over herself and it was all over the baby bjorn and my shirt. Awesome. Of course, as I had just begun my grocery shopping, I had to keep going...clearly I have my priorities straight: food first, poop second.
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