Today I have the privilege of introducing you to one of my favorite go-to sites as a mother….Small Fry Blog. Its loaded with the coolest ideas to get involved with your children including project, party, and adventure ideas. Love the girls behind this blog, and I know you will soon be a daily visitor. I am so grateful to Jenna for being a guest today and sharing such a beautiful perspective on motherhood…
Thinking back to the night before I had my second baby, Jude, where was I? Uncomfortable, wanting, wishing, waiting. Not knowing what would happen the very next day at 4:06 pm.
The hour we became a family of four and my entire life changed. It’s funny how that works, how what you’ve known forever just shifts in this short but monumental moment. A moment that when remembered, lifts me up in to a euphoric happiness even on the saddest of days.
I delivered my second baby without an epidural. On purpose. I’m not amazing – every mother delivers a miracle no matter what route they take, I’m just a crazy person who did it unmedicated. Regardless of opinion on the matter, I loved my experience & I’ll tell you why.
Choosing an unmedicated birth and the rewards there after have truly changed the course of my life. While I know it’s not for everyone, it gave me the confidence in my life to try new things, and to conquer my days and not just surrender to them. To make choices based on my desires, and not by what’s popular. I learned that I’m capable of really hard things, that I’m the master of my fate, and that when I really believe I can do something, I can.
I reflect on this past year, and it’s full of things I never thought in my wildest dreams I would accomplish and achieve. I look at little Jude and I see in him all the things he has given me the strength to do. I want him to know forever that a life time of serving and loving him will never amount to what his precious soul has given me.
It’s a grand misconception that a baby, because of the nature of his demands and needs, takes away from a mother, but I’ve felt quite the opposite. While some days can be difficult, my boys have given me such profound blessings: love and purpose. In their eyes I see eternity. I see what’s most important. I see my priorities. I see my family.
I met Jen through blogland this year, and ALMOST had the chance to meet her in NYC before miss noreaster crashed our party. Jen is the cutest gal in town with the two cutest kids on the block. You instantly wish they were your next door neighbors. Love this girl! So thankful to her for taking over for the day and sharing her parenting goals. Its gotten me thinking! …
Hi IHOD Readers!
It’s Jen from Jenloveskev! I am super excited for Anna as they welcome their new bundle of joy into the world. In January our second daughter Finley was born. What a blessing she has been to our family. I’ve loved becoming a Mom of two little girls. Recently, I decided I wanted to write out some parenting goals for our family. I thought I would share a few of those with you today…
1. I want to be spontaneous and easygoing, with enough structure though that will give them the security they need.
2. I want to be able to instill in them a passion for life.
3. i want to teach them to have good manners and be polite.
4. I want to play outside with them a lot.
5. I want them to hear more music than TV.
6. I don’t want them to remember me on my phone/computer all the time.
7. I want to pick up and go places with them on a whim.
8. I don’t always want to worry about schedules or making messes.
9. I want our house to be filled with laughter and love.
10. I want to create situations where they can use their imaginations as much as possible.
11. I want to lead by example. I want to be a good role model for them.
12. I want them to know there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
13. I want to teach them to be kind to others and have a generous heart.
14. I want our family to always be adventurous and value the importance of seeing new things.
15. I want to teach them to value and respect each other as siblings and us as their parents.
16. I want them to know they can dream big and we will be there no matter what to support them.
Have you ever written out parenting goals for your family?
I met Kelli this year through blogging, and feel as if we are old friends. She has an incredible spirit about her, and a heart of gold. Not to mention she is an insanely talented artist. So grateful she is here today to share a very delicate piece of her heart. I know you all will love this family as much as I do!
___
Hi! My name is Kelli Murray. I’m an illustrator, graphic designer, and blogger. I’m mama to a baby girl named Rylee Jean, and wife to a boy named Sam. And I’m so happy to be here!
When Anna asked me to write something about motherhood, there were about 100 things I felt like I could touch on. How having a baby changed my life for the better, the challenges of being a working mom and striving to find that balance….being present and intentional with my daughter without sacrificing all of me. There were just so many things! I have never in my life made more mistakes nor grown more as a person than I have the last year after having Rylee. But what changed me more than all of that is something that happened more recently.
2 months ago we lost our second baby. The moment I saw that little heartbeat on the monitor, I was attached. I couldn’t be more excited to grow our little family and to give Rylee a sibling. I dreamed about what they would look like and the sound of their cry….and I looked forward to growing that little person inside of me for the next 9 months. But God had different plans. I tried to be rational about it and tell myself that it happens all the time. But knowing that didn’t help the emptiness I felt inside. All these hopes and dreams I had for this tiny soul, were suddenly gone. It was one of the most heart breaking things I’ve gone through, and yet, it changed me completely.
I didn’t expect the piercing sadness….and at the same time, I didn’t expect to be flooded with an overwhelming thankfulness for the perfect, healthy little girl that I do have. I hold on to her just that much closer. Loosing that baby opened my eyes to the true miracle that pregnancy really is. The fact that a woman’s body has the ability to grow new life is beyond me. It softened my heart to those struggling with infertility and it reminds me every day how thankful I am to be a mom. Motherhood is a gift, and nothing I ever deserved.
So in the end, all I can be is grateful. I still look forward to the day when we can add another member to our family, but until then, I am doing my best to fully enjoy the one I’ve got.
Maximilian Francis
This little boy has surprised us in more ways than one in his first few days of life. Its a crazy thing to finally have in your hands the little person you were growing for nine months – to finally see who this little being is.
As you may remember, I had a non-birth planto try a water birth, but kept an open mind that things could change easily when the time came. Its a good thing, because Max decided to come in his own way…much faster than I bargained for.
Before the birth:
Gabriel and Veronica were both born on their due date so I had a gut feeling this little one would carry on the family tradition. His due date was on our 5th anniversary, June 28th. Gabe and I went out to dinner and one of our favorite spots in Atlanta where we went the night we got engaged. It was so cool for us to be able to have some time together before our family grew again. I was having strong braxton hicks throughout dinner but had been having those off and on for a few weeks so I didn’t give too much importance to them. After we got back late and went to bed I couldn’t sleep. I was in and out with that instinct that the baby was coming. I finally dozed off and woke up with a very strong contraction around 1:30 AM. I knew right away this was it. I timed the first few and they were only 4 minutes apart. I thought it was really strange, but I knew if it went anything like Veronica’s birth, that I had better respond quick.
There was no laboring at home or waiting it out. I did the rounds…
I woke up Gabe, he jumped out of bed, and quickly got into game mode. I went into the guest room where my sister Jana was staying to tell her it was time. (She has been our lifesaver these past few days taking care of Gabriel and Veronica for us. ) Having a sister to share all of this with is pretty awesome. And she told me she had never gotten to witness someone going into labor before…check that off your bucket list sista! And lastly, went in to kiss my sweet little ones one last time with tears in my eyes. I knew when I got back everything would be different. Good, but different. Its a last goodbye to a cherished phase of life with just those two.
The labor:
The contactions were intense to begin with so I told Gabe red lights were fully permissable considering we had a twenty minute drive to the hospital. He had no problem getting into speedy race car driver mode as we flew down the highway. I called the midwife almost immediately after contractions had started and was told she was already at the hospital with another birth (thank the Lord). I was trying my best to focus through the crazy pain, and had a growing sense that the baby wanted to waste no time in making his or her debut. Half way there between sharp turns and attempts at deep breathing, my water broke. I knew the water birth was not happening at that point and I started to simply pray for strength to get me through whatever was about to come. Gabe zoomed into handicapped parking right smack in front of the ER entrance. As I stepped out of the car the door seemed miles away. I wanted to just crawl at that point and from my experience with Veronica, the baby was pretty close to arriving. Don’t worry, I made it through those doors and Gabe pushed me in the wheelchair back to labor and delivery. I was so thankful for my calm and patient midwife who greeted us as we flew through those doors. I barely had time to get a gown on before I felt the baby transition. For those of you who have been through natural labor, you know this is one of the peaks of pain. Tears were flowing down my face and I wanted to hold up the white flag of surrender. What kept me going? I knew I was minutes away from meeting the little one I had been waiting so long for…
The Delivery: They barely got the IV in and I knew it was time to push. All I will say is that what followed was the most difficult and painful experience of my life. I felt the rush of prayers of all of my family and friends, I heard my husband’s steady words of support as he cheered me on through the last stretch, and I gave everything I had to give because I knew it was all that remained between me and my baby. Four pushes later at 3:05 am, I heard that sound you ache for as a mother to know they are alive and well….the sweet newborn cry. Gabe turned to tell me it was a boy and I almost passed out from the overwhelming mix of pain, relief, emotion, joy, and triumph. I barely had the energy to wrap my arms around my baby and I couldn’t get any words to form. I just knew that this was it….this was all worth it. I loved him so deeply already….that strange beautiful mystery of love at first sight. The phenomenon of willingly giving up your body to be broken for another being so that they can have life. Sound familiar? I certainly have a whole new level of gratitude to God for his own sacrifice for me…
The extras: I knew from the moment I saw this baby boy’s black head of hair and big frame that Maximilian was going to suit him well. My last appointment, the midwife told me not to expect more than an 8 lb. baby. I had my doubts from the way I felt those last few days, and sure enough ….a whopping 9 lbs. 9 oz. 21 inches long chunker. Gabe is very proud, and I am hoping this means my dream of a chubby baby may come true. And this might very well be the first child that resembles my spanish roots! We will see. Its a Catholic tradition to name your children after role models or saints that they can look up to as they grow. The story of St. Maximilian and St. Francis of Assisi have always been a favorite of Gabe and I’s and we know they will be great guardians of little Max:)
Who will you be Maximilian? Your dad and I talk about how we can’t wait to see who you become. You have a really selfless dad who will show you how to be a man of truth and fight for all that is good in this world. You have a brother and sister who think you are the bees knees and can’t stop squealing over you. I have a feeling you will get plenty of love around here. And me, well, lets just say I am a puddle of sap for you and I can’t put you down. You are snuggled up next to my leg as I write your story. We are ready to begin life with you!
____
P.S. Stay tuned as I share with you some of my very favorite mothers and their stories this week on IHOD as I take some time to rest and soak up time with my little ones. Thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers these past months. I am so grateful for each of you!
My little family and I were completely honored to be a part of Chris Wiegand’s film documentary, American Blogger.
I have such an admiration for his wife Casey, a dear blogging friend for a while now, so when asked to be a part of their family’s adventure, there was no question. I hope you all get the chance to check out his travels so far as he heads across the U.S. in an insanely cool re-vamped airstream to interview different bloggers in cities throughout the nation. The documentary will be available on itunes when it is complete. I cannot wait to see who else will be a part of this.
One thing we talked about is how cool this whole blogging world is. It connects different paths of life in a very unique and real way. Why is that? Maybe because many of us share such a big part of our life experiences, get real vulnerable, and share many aspects of our lives to the public. Its a crazy thing that can shape a part of your lives and also help you understand each other in an unspoken way.
When Chris made his pitsop in Atlanta, it was a Sunday afternoon, which made it easy to just do our normal thing…outfit post, favorite coffee shop (where we get the best iced teas and smoothies in the area), and playing with the kids. He caught it all on film. Gabriel and Veronica were kind of clueless as to what was going on which made it easy. Love their little worlds and having them be a part of everything I do as a blogger.
Thank you Chris, for being so cool to work with, letting us witness your creative talent, and of course for getting a peak inside your rad airstream. My kids (and hubs) really enjoyed your visit. We can’t wait to see where this adventure takes you, and are grateful to be a part of it!
I have had my eye on these bad boys for a while now, so when they arrived in the mail, I didn’t want to wait to post baby to slip them on….or should I say shove them on my swollen feet..? 😉 I have all sorts of plans for these once I have more balance back in my life. I topple over a little too easily as of late.
Anyways, if you haven’t yet heard of ShoeMint, get ready to get on board. And if you have, well than you are probably already excited about the words ShoeMint and Giveaway in the same post title;) Too good of a site to pass up. I have realized that if I spot shoes that I swoon for on pinterest, they usually end up being from ShoeMint! Probably because they are designed by Rachel Bilson (l.o.v.e. her style) and stylist Nicole Chavez. I am always checking in on the site because they come up with new styles monthly and although they look like they will cost quite the hefty dollar, they are always the same price….and always genuine leather and suede.
Other perks: Manufactured by Steve Madden and Free shipping and returns (always a hit with me). Sold yet? Ready to win your own pair? This one is really simple. Just visit ShoeMint, sign up (free and no obligation to buy), and let us know what pair you would like to own in the comments below! So just one entry per person. Open to U.S. and Canada only. Winner will be drawn a week from today! Best of luck!!
P.S. If you need the extra push to try out a pair of ShoeMint puppies, first time buyers receive 20% off!
UPDATE: The lucky winner is #83 – Anne! Congratulations! Thanks to all who entered!
I have finally arrived. My due date is Friday and next week I will most likely have my new little one in my arms. I have spent the last few days dotting my i’s and crossing my t’s and am thankful to have this time to prepare and rest up. It has been a whirlwind month so these last few days were so needed. Gabriel and Veronica are anxiously awaiting the baby I keep talking about that is going to be all theirs:)
After going through this a few times, I realized packing a bag for the hospital is way easier once you know what you are going into. There are only a few things you actually need and use, and several things you think you will need that never get touched. (ie: that book I thought I would have time to read?!)
These are just a few things I know I will use in those first few days with my little one:
Comfy tees and pajamas – get me out of those hospital gowns! I am packing the softest tees, gown, and pajama bottoms to wear as soon as they let me!
Bumped by Blanqi postpartum tank – to help with post partum support and first days of nursing. So helpful with those post birth cramps and first attempts to feed.
Lara Bars: For when the hospital food doesn’t quite cut the bill. There the only bars I have found without sugars that provide a good amount of protein and fiber.
Soft and snuggle worthy baby clothes – I have a few boy and girl outfits ready to go passed down from Gabriel and Veronica. The take home outfits are c/o Little Hip Squeaks. (I die over everything in her shop!) Since we happen to have two “M” names picked out that we most likely will use, I just made onesies in both colors. I am never this prepared btw..
Healing Balm – I used this balm from Honest Co. on my belly throughout my pregnancy to help when it was feeling dry and tight. Plan on using it for deep moisturizing for baby and I in case we need it.
Aeromatherapy Hot/cold Pack – I mentioned this in my First Trimester Survival Kit post and will most certainly use it on tired, sore, and achy muscles in the hospital.
Blankets – Packing some swaddlers and just one extra blanket for me to feel a little more at home:) (The one pictured is from Dwell Studio)
Not pictured: All those lovely feminine products and pads we are doomed to the first weeks post partum, my rosary for spiritual strength, and my own ibuprofen since they charge you for every single thing you use of theirs insurance or not!
What were/are some of your essentials for the hospital??
