My little one turned eight months old today! These past eight months have flown by, despite there being many nights that I thought would never end. I thought I'd share a few things I've learned in the past few months. Obviously, these things are all my experiences, and I'm fully aware that not everyone has similar experiences :)
* Labor is nothing compared to recovery. Maybe it had something to do with the size of my babe, but no one prepared me for the whole recovery process.
* Being a nanny/full-time sitter is nothing like being a parent. Trust me, it's not. It's amazing how you know exactly what to do with other people's kids, but when you have your own, you're suddenly clueless. Not to mention, there are no off hours when you are a mom.
* Reflux babies are completely different.
* I can take a shower and get ready in lightening speed these days, but it takes considerably more time to get household chores done.
* Aden + Anais blankets are amazing. Seriously. I don't know how I would function without them.
* Becoming a mom has made me more sure than ever of my calling in life.
* I used to want three or four kids. Now I find myself trying to figure out how to fit the maximum number of car seats into our minivan.
* Unfortunatley, several people that I hoped would be there to help me as a mom have failed me in that area. But, there have also been a lot of people that I've grown closer to through the "mommy bond."
* Older people generally don't consider you to be a valid parent unless you have at least three kids.
* You get LOTS of advice. Most of it is bad.
* Eight hours of sleep a night? Yeah, right!
* Watching your baby accomplish new things gives you indescribable joy!
* Seeing my girl light up when I walk in the room makes it all worth it.
It's been a fun eight months, challenging- but fun! I can't imagine life without my little love, and can't wait to watch her go through the upcoming stages!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I don't usually write posts like this. I've hesitated for a while now in writing this. I'm aware that I will probably get more criticism than praise, but I feel like this needs to be said.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Over the past few weeks there has been an issue heavy on my heart. With the upcoming election near, there have been a ridiculous amount of political statements and cartoons all over Facebook. First of all, let me say this: I claim to be neither a Democrat or Republican. I don't think there is a "Christian Party" that you must be affiliated with. I deeply respect many Christians who align themselves with each party. I will not defend or promote any candidate or party in this post, or probably ever in any public forum. Second of all, I'm not writing this because I think I have it all figured out, have a great amount of intelligence, or much experience. My age will show the lack of experience, and anyone who had classes with me in college would know that I don't claim to have superior intelligence by any means. This is why I am writing: As the Church, we are called to live a life of love. We are called to speak the truth in love. We are called to grace, mercy, and reconciliation. We are called to be the salt and light of the world, a city on a hill. We are commanded to love others, even those who differ with us on political issues. I will admit I only remember four elections in my lifetime, but I'm saddened to say, I don't ever remember seeing so much hurt and hate before during an election season. I'm tired of getting on Facebook and seeing unloving statements being made, especially toward non-believers. We are to be loving them! Some of you have abstained from saying nasty things and have shown Christ's love well. For that, I say thank you and I commend you. However, I sadly have read far too many inappropriate things lately. My goal in this post isn't to criticize or condemn, but rather spur you on to love and good deeds. I want the Church's light to shine through this election season, not be dimmed by our harsh words. So, vote for who you think is the best fit. Pray about it earnestly and vote, but make it a priority to love others in the process, even if they vote the opposite way.
And, one more thing: please do not forget that our eternal citizenship isn't of this world anyway. At the end of the day, regardless of who wins the election, God's Kingdom reigns.
To all of my non-Christian friends,
I want to personally apologize for any hurt you have experienced from the Church. We are imperfect humans too, and we love you regardless of your political view. I hope that you will see the love of Jesus overflowing in my life, as well as in the Church as a whole.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Over the past few weeks there has been an issue heavy on my heart. With the upcoming election near, there have been a ridiculous amount of political statements and cartoons all over Facebook. First of all, let me say this: I claim to be neither a Democrat or Republican. I don't think there is a "Christian Party" that you must be affiliated with. I deeply respect many Christians who align themselves with each party. I will not defend or promote any candidate or party in this post, or probably ever in any public forum. Second of all, I'm not writing this because I think I have it all figured out, have a great amount of intelligence, or much experience. My age will show the lack of experience, and anyone who had classes with me in college would know that I don't claim to have superior intelligence by any means. This is why I am writing: As the Church, we are called to live a life of love. We are called to speak the truth in love. We are called to grace, mercy, and reconciliation. We are called to be the salt and light of the world, a city on a hill. We are commanded to love others, even those who differ with us on political issues. I will admit I only remember four elections in my lifetime, but I'm saddened to say, I don't ever remember seeing so much hurt and hate before during an election season. I'm tired of getting on Facebook and seeing unloving statements being made, especially toward non-believers. We are to be loving them! Some of you have abstained from saying nasty things and have shown Christ's love well. For that, I say thank you and I commend you. However, I sadly have read far too many inappropriate things lately. My goal in this post isn't to criticize or condemn, but rather spur you on to love and good deeds. I want the Church's light to shine through this election season, not be dimmed by our harsh words. So, vote for who you think is the best fit. Pray about it earnestly and vote, but make it a priority to love others in the process, even if they vote the opposite way.
And, one more thing: please do not forget that our eternal citizenship isn't of this world anyway. At the end of the day, regardless of who wins the election, God's Kingdom reigns.
To all of my non-Christian friends,
I want to personally apologize for any hurt you have experienced from the Church. We are imperfect humans too, and we love you regardless of your political view. I hope that you will see the love of Jesus overflowing in my life, as well as in the Church as a whole.
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