Love Letter to my Babe! 6 years!

 (This is our first dance song!  :)


My love, 

How could I love you anymore than I do? 

I thought I loved you the most that day you knelt down in your parents barn and asked me to marry you. 

Those months of planning and dreaming about our life together only made me fall more in love with you. 

I was certain my love for you was at it's peak the day I walked down the isle and saw your tear filled eyes. To see your joy in marrying me made me know I could never love anyone like you.

Then my love grew into such steady trust as we joined hands and boarded that plane to India. Living there with you; sweating, serving and loving each other despite the conflicts (and heat!) made me certain this was what true, lasting love looked like. 

I knew I could never love you more than that moment you held my hands and whispered encouragement while I screamed and bore our first baby. Watching you hold and sway and kiss her face made me cry with love that was even more than before. 

Or was it more when we rebuilt, scraped, scrubbed and made a house that became our home. Those long days of working late, moving boxes and caring for a toddler made us love each in a new way.

Then I was sure my love could grow no more as we welcomed our son. The way you cared for me and the kids each moment of those days created a love for you so deep I knew nothing could surpass it. 

Yet here I am today, 6 years after saying "I do" with more love for you than I even know how to describe. I respect you more than any man I have ever known. You work tirelessly to provide for our family but never with an obligatory attitude but with love and service. You treasure and love me like Christ loves his church. 

I could ask for nothing better than you. I am yours forever! 

Love,

 

 

Sign Making

While most nights after I get the kids to sleep I barely drag my bones to the couch where I flop for 2 hours,
I made this sign last night while we watched Netflix instead :) 

I love it for a nursery! This one already sold but I am excited to make more :) 

Also I am in LOVE with my new blog design!!! Yea! 

Daddy is so stupid

Nice title right? 

I don't love writing these kinds of posts because they also convict my own heart, but it is truth that needs to be said and heard. 

"Daddy is such an idiot." 

You would never say that right? 

Or would you? Maybe you do and are not aware of it?

I have seen several posts about the importance of dads and the respect due here and there lately (I am sure largely to Father's Day coming up) but in my opinion it's still not enough. 

The "You are saint for being a stay at home mom" posts still outnumber them 100 to 1. 

Lets start with the problems, then work on the solutions. 

1. Making fun of daddy 

I am beginning with this one because I am definitely guilty of this too. Whether it's "innocent" teasing about how to prepare the baby food or actual cruel joking about his skills as a dad, making fun of your husband for ways that he fathers because it doesn't line up with your same ideals will not only not help anything, it will greatly damage. My dad shared when he was officiating our wedding (as he does at many others) about never using sarcasm. I think I know what you are thinking, you guys are special right? You have a fun special relationship that sarcasm just works perfectly into? I say wrong. Sarcasm is fun when you are dishing it out but we have all experienced when someone uses sarcasm a bit too close to home on one of our own issues. I say avoid it. It almost always has an underlying message to that person. 

2. Being angry at him for not knowing how to do everything perfectly

The conversation goes something like this. "What is wrong with you. Don't you know you can't do x, y, z like that????" We are outraged and angry that they could forget to do what we see as a simple and basic task for the well being of our child. Let me ask you, do you remember being a new mom? Do you remember how you woke up every morning and had no idea what you were doing? You almost felt like someone was going to find out you had no clue what to do and deem you unfit for motherhood? I do. Over time we learned how to rock and sway that baby to sleep, how to distract the toddler while brushing those teeth in the back, or the art of changing a poopy diaper so quickly the baby doesn't have a chance to grab their own poop. Most of us mother all day every day. They don't! Give them the grace you wanted to receive from other moms who knew it all when you were first learning. Sure your kids may not be newborns anymore and you feel like he should know everything by now, but dad might not know that today your toddler decided to be scared of anything that looks like a worm, or that your baby is putting everything in his mouth. Give them time and grace instead of expectations and disappointment. 

3. Not extending Grace 

This ties in with the one above. You know when you are exhausted, it's 5:30 pm and you are about to lose it if you don't get a break or at least have 2 minutes in the bathroom SOON. You are flustered, frustrated and upset with the days' never ending demands. And that seems to justify in your mind any bad or rude behavior on your part. Moms tell each other all the time "oh it's ok you feel like you lost your temper or responded poorly, I do it. You are doing the best you can." I agree that grace is needed, always; but while we are very welcoming of it for ourselves we are stingy with giving it out to our husbands. We are a full-time mom so we are allowed to lose it and "need a break"  but when he gets home, fire might pour from our mouths if he doesn't jump in and help the second he walks in the door. I am not saying I think it's ok for a dad to zone out with a beer and the tv every night all night. Of course not...........but some nights? Yes. He needs a break too. Not because he is entitled to it more or less than you, but because you love him and want the best for him. In turn he will provide those breaks for you. But when both people are clenching and grabbing at "me time" I promise it either won't happen at all, or one person ends up bitter and angry every time the other gets a break. 

4. Treating Him like a Babysitter 

Daddy is just as much your child's parent as you are. I cringe to even write this but I cannot tell you how many times I have heard these words from so many people. "Can't you please pick up your own kid", "Can't you help me for a minute", "All I am asking you to do is watch the kids for 1 hour while I go shopping". I am sure you have heard it too. I have been guilty of saying it. What happens is you're replacing respect for him and instead treating him like someone who answers to you when it comes to parenting. What begins to happen is you feel like the parent and your husband the babysitter who needs specific instructions and help when it comes to watching his own children. Food for thought = While it may be true that you would not have put the toddler to bed with just nuts and ice cream as dinner or forgotten to put the baby in new clothes after eating banana, what you cannot see is all the fun, love and provision he was attending to with those children while you were gone. And guess what? They desperately need that. They need him and his specific ways of parenting them. Dads are not moms, and that doesn't mean what society tells us it means. Society says, "Dads are NO mothers" as if we are levels above them in skill and care taking, what I am saying is Dads are not moms and that is just as it should be. Don't step in constantly to do things your way and have your kids miss out on the important ways that daddy parents. 

5. Moms know they are the preferred parent, and often act on it

Something amazing, tiring and life changing happens that first year of motherhood. From birth on (but especially around months 10-14) there is one person that baby wants 24/7........and it is mama. If mom is in the room that baby will whine fuss and cry until she and she alone is holding them. This can often makes dads feel less loved or wanted by their children even though it is a very typical phase. Even with toddlers this is not uncommon. There was a solid 6 months with our first child where every single night when my husband would get home she would run away crying and screaming till she found me to hide behind. Can you imagine coming home to that? Instead of using that leverage in a fight or "need for a break" even more help your children have fun times with daddy by being near if that is helpful or being out of site if that is better. The days are coming when daddy will be the super hero fighter man and you won't appreciate it any more than he does if he says  "They want ME, they need ME".  This is part of parenthood. Go with the eb and flow as ONE UNIT. Not as competing ones. 

6. We treat them like they are stupid 

This is the overarching message we communicate with problems 1-5. Even if you do not say these words, your kiddos see every eye roll, death glare and muttered word that you direct at each other. Even worse, when you are constantly disrespecting daddy, your kids will begin to do the same thing. I have heard many stories of a moms being shocked when their child looks at their dad and says "what an idiot move dad" yet fails to understand where that child picked up on that kind of communication. Wives need to stop publicly (and privately) degrading their husbands as men and fathers. Have you ever been in a room when a husband and wife are fighting? Or when a she is just hurling "funny" insults on his "skills" as a father? Is there anything more uncomfortable and awkward about that situation. I am not making dads out to be blameless saints who never sin, but if you have issues with how he did bath time or is soothing the baby take your conversation behind closed doors or wait till you are alone together. Usually by then you will realize it really doesn't matter at all and is not worth the constant criticism of him. Let me tell you something else, if you as a wife never let up on every little thing he does wrong as a dad, he will often just stop trying. Who wants to put forth the effort when all they will get is pushed down?

Can we all make a conscious effort to stop with the criticism and degrading talk we often use when communicating with our husbands? We love them, we love their interactions with our kids and we need them. Choose to say these words instead of ones that damage. You cannot do this on your own strength, ask for God's help and when you fail, genuinely ask for forgiveness and start again. 

[Go and love your husbands and tell them how much you appreciate them and then buy them a case of beer and turn on the game.]

My husband wrote that last part when I asked him to proof-read it :) hehe, so I decided to leave it. 

STAYcation. It is what is sounds like

The last few days my little family have been on staycation. Stay huh huh ? 

Let me explain...

My husband had a weekend where he also had Thursday and Monday off so months ago we planned on going to the coast this weekend for a nice relaxing vacation. 

Then I went to the dentist. 

If you are a normal individual with dedicated dental cleanings every 6 months that shouldn't mean much. If you are like me however, and it's been........ 6 a few years then it means bad news is coming.

 I would like to say that time got away from me. That we lived out of the country, that had two babies and I just, oh somehow forgot? But lets be honest, I decided not to call and make those appointments. 

I had lots of dental work done as a kid; more than the average for sure. While both my sisters would go to their dental cleanings and have perfect results my brother and I dreaded those cleanings because at the end of the appointment, in came the dentist to check around for cavities and I would just sit there and wait to hear how many. We all 4 of us kids ate the same way, my mom limited our sugar, we didn't drink real soda, we brushed, we flossed (kinda) and we swished. But my teeth seemed to be out to get me. By age 15, I'd had 3 teeth pulled (because they wouldn't fall out........seriously who does that happen too!?) One tooth anchored down surgically (because it failed to come in after the previous tooth was pulled.....again, what?!), braces, retainer and countless fillings in those baby teeth -- $orry mom ! So apparently there was some subconscious reasoning in as to why I didn't want to go back as an adult. But oh, what a mistake :( Last weekend I finished getting my crown on (unfortunately not on my head) after 3 attempts to do a root canal which they finally finished. ouch ouch ouch. I have several (ahem) cavities and need my wisdom teeth out.

Now that I have given you my entire dental history (which I am sure was a thrilling read for you right?) this should explain why we ended up on staycation this weekend instead of napping on the beach. The impending dental bills unfortunately changed all those plans but my hubby is the best and rolled with it without any complaining! 

We already had days set aside so we made it a really fun vacation from home. We saved a ton of money and honestly, had a great time. I think we are/were surprised it was so much fun. 

The key was preparing for staycation the same way you would to leave on vacation. Get yard work done, clean the house, have groceries stocked and finish laundry, that way nothing can be tempting you while you are on staycation. 

We also planned out each day (even with naps and reading periods!) so that we would not get side tracked on doing a project really quick. THAT will be your biggest hurdle if you venture on a staycation. NOT allowing yourself to do projects or even the things you enjoy doing but do in your everyday life. We tried to do things out of our routine to make it feel that much more like a vacation. 

And it worked! 

We made extravagant meals, we read, we lounged, we napped, we went to museums and flea markets we had never been to, we got coffee, we ate pastries, we played in the sun, we swam, we window-shopped, we went to whole foods (yes this is uncharted territory and wow, fun), we got cupcakes, we had SO much fun. 

I am so sad it has come to a close but I am inspired to do this more often in the future. Maybe not for our actual planned vacation but to plan ahead for certain weekend to be simply REST weekends. Even just one day resting and recharging--you would be amazed. 

So if you are tight on money and feel curious to try a staycation; I say go for it!  

 
 

Talking with a toddler

This kind of conversation happens nearly every moment of every day around here. I have a not very verbal 2 year old, which can be challenging at times, but these simple, ridiculous, aggravating at times conversations will be gone soon LOL -- I hope?

When lunch is over and she watches one Justin Time, this is how things usually go down......

"OK it's naptime! Let grab your water and go in your room"
"no"
"Remember we don't say no to mommy, please choose to obey and grab your water"

like watching a glacier move I stand and wait for her to move the 2 ft from the couch to her doorway. At last we have made it to the door and I can encourage her all the long way to the bed. 

"Good job, lets get in bed and read a book"
"oh! my shoes!"

"It's ok we don't need shoes right now, how about you choose a book"

"um, ee hee (ok)"

We now move two steps closer to the bed. So close and yet so far. I make the mistake of going to the bed -- a whole 4 steps in front of her and now I can't have that gentle hand on the back of her head to keep her moving. 

"Keep moving please lets grab a book and get in bed"

"oh! my shoes!"

"We don't really need shoes on for bed"

"my white shoes!

 "We don't NEED shoes in bed but would you like to hold them in bed with you?"

"uh huh"

I dash to the closet and grab "the shoes" I know she is referring to. I put then near her pillow and plop her on the bed. Finally, IN bed. The deed in almost done. 

"Alright we have got your shoes, water and book. Let read!"

I begin to open the book...

"NOOOOOOOO shoes"

She throws them off the bed. 

"Girly, you asked me to get your shoes. Please do not throw them off the bed. Say no thank you shoes instead".

"no"

"{sigh} Please do not say no, just say no thank you"

"no tank oo"

We finally read the book. I skip a few pages and she notices, so I go back again. We pray. We hug. I get up and begin to walk out. Freedom is SO close! 

"mama, shoes!!!!"

"Juliana, you said you didn't want your shoes. If you want them you can grab them from the floor"

"No mama do it"

"You do not need me to get your shoes, please get up and get them yourself."

Oh no. I just gave her the go ahead to get out of bed and before I can just grab the stinkin shoes for her she is up and out. Trying to stay on top of it I add:

"Ok great you got your shoes get back in bed!"

"Oh! My tutu too!!"

"No lets just get in bed you have your shoes"

"no tutu mm shoes too peas!!!!!"

I dash back in, grab the pink fluffy tutu from the closet, grab her and lay her down with shoes, tutu, water, and book before we have to start the process all over again.

"I love you, close your eyes love bug!"

"Noooooo shoes!"

She throws them and everything else off the bed. Then I debate about going back in for discipline and learning lessons or closing the door..... :) 

This was my last 15 minutes :) Sound familiar ? Haha gotta love 2 year olds. 

Don't suffer through a kale salad.........drink em up!

It's 3 pm.....and like clockwork everyday I want to munch on something. 

I usually want some form of sugar, fat or salt. 

Instead of just saying I won't snack or should eat a bowl of veggies is a non-reality I have come to grips with. If I don't have something then I will end up eating food that isn't good for me. Like my daughters goldfish or graham crackers (spread with pb and topped with choc. chips....yes....it happens)

So INSTEAD! 

I give you my afternoon pick me up!

My version of the "green" drink! As much as I would love to be someone who can down an all green smoothie with ginger and lemon juice in it, no matter how I try I just can't. I don't like it and then start adding way more stuff to try and compensate the taste and before I know it I have a FULL blender of fruit, yogurt and anything else I could throw in !

That is why you actually do have to be careful with these smoothie blended drinks. You can easily drink in one glass (and quickly!) what would have been a plate full of food. This is why I make mine with lots of almond milk and ice for filler instead of tons of fruit. Cram as many greens as you want in there but watch your fruits and sweeteners. 

I make a million variations of this drink but this is the basic:

2 Cups Almond Milk (or milk)

Several cups of spinach or kale

1 cup ice

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

large scoop of peanut butter

quarter of a banana 

dash of honey (small)

Bananas are a high carb and sugar fruit so add only what you need for sweetness. 

Use only a little honey :) I know it's temping but it is a green drink after all!

This gives me the sweetness that my tongue is craving without the junk. I love watching my kiddo slurp up all those dark leafy greens!!! I usually pour the majority in my glass and then use what is left as the base for her smoothie to which I add more banana and frozen fruit.



Drink up and ENJOY~

Sleep -- contrary to my children's belief, a necessary part of life

Exhaustion

Sleep is one of those things that is just so darn annoying. We really need it. We don't function well without it. And it also can be a touchy mommy subject. As if this is all some sort of competition. ("I was up 2000 times last night") you know what I am talking about. You may have even heard those words from me before. Or the other side of the coin, those who's children sleep all night and are sure the rest of us are doing something wrong. Let me just affirm and challenge both sides real quick.

 Tired mom -- You have been up way way too much, but complaining about and your kids constantly is not uplifting and won't help anyone. And will actually make you feel more irritated AT them. 

Well rested mom --  You may have wonderful tips and tricks that got you to a place where your kids sleep all night long. So share them with true compassion and love. The moms who's children wake up all night or don't fall asleep well are not doing something wrong. There is no simple solution, and honestly until you have been in the trenches of night after night after night for months on end fighting your child on sleep - it will be hard to truly empathize. 

This is my child on the nannycam as I write this. 

It's 9:30pm and she had no nap today. Unfortunately this is not uncommon! 

I hit an all time new in my motherhood journey thus far -- I slept most of the night IN my baby's crib last night....

Yes the baby was in there too :) 

As I was standing there patting his back for what seemed like an hours on end (maybe 20 minutes actually, but at 2 am who can tell) it seemed like the most logical solution in my foggy state. When he started grunting around 3 hours later I woke up and thought "omg, what am I doing in the crib?"

Hey you do what you gotta do right?

Sleep seems like it has just been one of those issues our kids have always had. I literally cannot fathom putting our children to bed before 8 and not seeing them again for 10-12 hours. 

Our first didn't consistently sleep all night till a little before she turned 2 and then it has been on again off again since. Right now she comes sleep walking (quite seriously, I have many stories) into our room trying to get in our bed at least 4 times a night. She bring her pillow, puppy, doll, water and sleep noise maker.

Every. Single. Time...........Yup. 

So we have put a baby gate in front of her door hoping to solve that problem right? Wrong. She now fully wakes up and where I used to be able to redirect a half asleep toddler back to bed I am now coming head to head with a 2 year old {tired} terror. Not only that but she just stands there at the gate SCREAMING so the second I hear her I bolt out of bed before she wakes up the baby. 

Baby wakes up 3-4 times a night to nurse still at 10 months just like his sister did. Lord help us. lol. Hence me somehow ending up sleeping in his crib last night. 

Our current dilemma is that baby boy likes to wake up around 530 am and will only stay sleeping if nuzzled in bed with us. Lovely. (Have I mentioned that I actually strongly dislike my children being in my bed? I am not a huge lover of their little arms and legs slapping me all night). 

So when he wakes up at that time I usually bring him into bed with us and get another precious hour. 

The problem is that every few nights we break after several attempts of getting Juliana back to her bed and just let her sleep with us since everyone sleeps so well. But then when baby wakes up there is obviously no room for one more child in that bed. 

So ya know, there you have it. If it sounds familiar I hope it encourages you that you are not alone! I stumble back and forth between my children's rooms and my own several times a night every night. And that is not a "poor me" boo hoo sob story. Everyone has different battles they face with their babes. My children are not sick, have special needs, poor eaters, biters, hitters or other things (so far!) I would never complain about those two amazing kiddos. But sleep seems to be the issue in this household. If it is in yours as well then from one tired mama to another.........we will survive this!  

P.S. I finally got that toddler to sleep between sentences. I literally put my arms over her and held her eyes closed and counted to 10....boom she was out :)