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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

"Boring" Christianity

That Dude leaves for work around 5:30 in the morning. Usually I wake up just enough to groggily kiss him goodbye. Then, sometime between 5:30 and 6 ChocolateChip will let me know that it's time for some more "Mama Milk". Usually this is when I pull out my laptop and catch up on blogs/facebook/twitter/whatever project I've dreamed up and *needs* researching. This morning I was reading a post (click here to read the whole post) by Pete Wilson of Crosspoint Church in Tennessee which prompted me to comment the following:
Until very recently I defined myself through others' eyes (ok, who am I kidding, God is still working on this in me). Lately though, I've had an opportunity to understand some of the "boring" things that God has called me to do, like be a good mom/wife/daughter/sister/friend. And if I'm going to be completely honest, when I look at that list alone, I feel like I need a nap without ever flying off to some exotic place without bathrooms and limited electricity. It's not that there is anything WRONG with doing missions work. I would love to bring the message of Jesus to the nations someday. It's just that right here and now I'm specifically coming to terms with the reality that while some of my friends are going to South America on what seems like a quarterly basis, there is nothing wrong (and everything right) with me staying home and taking care of my little one.


Right now, I'm reminded that sometimes, especially when trying to fill some of the mentioned roles, I forget that one of my favorite scriptures is Colossians 3:23-24 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." How easy it is to be annoyed when my husband tells me that the baby needs a diaper change instead of doing it himself, or to feel unfulfilled when friends are posting pics from the latest church missions trip and I'm at home nursing my little one (on a side note, this is one reason that it's important to surround yourself with people in a similar place in life as you, but that's a post for another time.)

This really was the perfect way to begin my day. It has changed my entire perspective about our playdate this afternoon and my role as a mom and a nanny. I'm off to save the world (or maybe to change a diaper). Have a happy Tuesday!


Monday, August 8, 2011

Two teeth...

I just need to post to remind myself forever that I once had a baby boy with only two teeth (he's had only the bottom two for months now!) I just peeked in his mouth and noticed that he has FOUR white spots in his gums on the top!!

My baby is growing too quickly!



Tuesday, August 2, 2011

FICTION: Stay at Home Moms Have it Easy


Having been on both ends of this spectrum (well, kinda, since I'm technically NOT a stay at home mom since I do work as a nanny during the day) I must say that being "at home" with Chocolate Chip doesn't always make my life easier than it was for the few months that I went back to work after my maternity leave.

A few things that I thought would be easier (or didn't think about at all):

-I don't necessarily save money on breakfast and lunch since I'm so busy with the kids and sometimes I end up just running out and buying something, whereas when I worked in the office, I was MUCH better about making sure I'd bring lunch to work with me.



-There isn't "plenty" of time to clean up, especially since Chocolate Chip has now decided that the most interesting toys/books/etc are those that Mama has JUST put away on the shelf! Also, since I nanny until 7pm (or 7:30... or 8...) I barely have any time at all to clean at my house!

-Spending all day every day with Chocolate Chip really can wear me down, especially now that he requires SO MUCH attention as his curiosity has him doing things like climbing and putting rocks in his mouth...

-Money doesn't balance out just because I'm home and am able to cut certain things out of the budget. Somebody should have warned me about this, but I REALLY didn't cut out as much as I expected!

Would I make the same decision knowing all that I know? Absolutely! But I definitely see things differently now that I'm in this boat!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Getting to Know Puck

Chocolate Chip has gone from climbing on top of me and crying when he sees cats, to venturing out to actually touch one by himself!

I still think this particular cat is pretty gross, but at least my little man isn't afraid anymore!



















9 months old

Things I want to remember:

-You still have only 2 teeth (and think biting Mama is an olympic event!)
-You touched the cat!
-You will (sometimes) play "mimi" (sleep)
-You have a sign for "up" and use it regularly!
-You love to eat Club Crackers
-You are very social, but usually want Mama to hold you
-You are suddenly able to "run away" (crawl)
-You LOVE Papi (my grandfather) and quite enjoyed his nightly visits
-You still love Mama Milk!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Six Word Saturday

"When will I get a break?"

I love my son and husband dearly, but sometimes I wish That Dude would just take ChocolateChip off of my hands for a bit so that I could get things done with BOTH hands and a bit more focus. I don't want to go out and party, I just need a free moment (other than at 2am) to work on stuff from two of the three jobs that I currently hold (is that too much to ask for?) Le Sigh...

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The View Here...



It seems that I've almost got two toddlers on my hands!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Chocolate Chip is 7 Months Old!

Every month I intend to write and let life keep me too busy, but this month I've decided to never again let life's craziness come before you.  That being said, I've spent 90% of this month with you... Almost every waking moment in fact.  How did I manage that you ask? I listened to God and quit my office job (well, for the most part) to be at home with you and now you and I go to Stella's house everyday and take care of her together.  I pray that you have quickly forgotten a time when things were very different.

If I felt bad for going to work and missing things, you have quickly made me feel better with all of the new things that you have done since I've been at home!  You "give me kisses" (actually I put my cheek to your lips and you just blue air) now, and it excites me every time!  I was blessed to see you go from lying on your belly to a sitting position for the first time and now you're almost a pro at it.  You also shocked me by watching Stella enough times to figure out how to pull yourself to standing in the crib!  We started solid foods this month and so fast you've had:
-Rice Cereal (INDIFFERENT)
-Peas (HATE)
-Pears (LOVE)
-Bananas (LOVE)
-Carrots (Hate)










No More Carrots!

This is Ethan on day 3 of testing carrots for allergic reaction.  I think he's ready for a new food!


Friday, March 4, 2011

Good Morning!



This is one of the first things I saw upon opening my eyes this morning.

I couldn't have asked for a better wake up call ever!

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

I Don't Want to Forget...


...the way you smile first thing in the morning

...the way that you like me kissing your hand as you nurse

...the way that you try to eat my hands when I attempt to teach you signs

...how exciting it is (for both of us) each time you roll over, even though you've pretty much mastered it at this point

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Six Word Saturday


Spending time with the Gomez family!

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Friday, February 25, 2011

Just Venting

I feel so emotional this morning. I found at least ten things to frustrate me about That Dude this morning. I cried when it was time to leave for work. I burst into tears again on the train for no apparent reason. It's one of those days when I wish I could just curl up in bed and sleep all day.  I'm trying to pray but it's so difficult. And I don't understand where any of this came from, I got a good night's sleep, I woke up once in the middle of the night and prayed over That Dude and Chocolate Chip, and when I woke up this morning I even had some time to pray before getting out of bed.

Ugh! I can't stand this feeling!

Sorry for all of the negativity.  :-(

Monday, February 21, 2011

At Least SOMEONE Here is Sleeping Well...



Even though he has his own bed, he always ends up in bed with us somehow, and he obviously needs his space!

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Good Morning!

This is one of the first things I saw upon opening my eyes this morning.





I couldn't have asked for a better wake up call ever!

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Thursday, February 17, 2011

2 Weeks Notice


Two weeks from today I'll begin my new job as a nanny for six month old S (bloggy name will be established soon).  After 4 1/2 years at the Centro it was not an easy decision to make, and I know that the days will come when I miss the office dynamics, but I eagerly look forward to playdates and play dough for awhile - oh, did I fail to mention that Chocolate Chip will be tagging along with me? Yes, I'm finally living out my dream of being at home with my baby boy! I'm sure this will be an adventure, but I'm looking forward to facing it head on!

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Married Conversation


That Dude: "Can BFF come over tonight?"

Me: "And if I say no are you going to tell him to go home?"

TD: SILENCE

Me: "He can come over."

TD (away from phone): "She said you can stay!"

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Sunday, February 13, 2011

My First King Cake



One of the perks of having my new co-worker be a former resident of Louisiana...

...she has friends who send her *King Cake* (link)

Posted by Mel via Blogaway

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Happy 5 Months Chocolate Chip!

Let me begin by apologizing for not writing to you every month.  I've had a few drafts, but somehow they never seem to get completed and the next thing I know, you're a month older!

That being said, I'm the very proud mom of a 5 month old today!  As per Dr. H at your appointment last week, you weigh 16 pounds and are 26 inches long (I was guessing you'd be heavier since my left arm hurts so much lately!)  And you seem to be doing new things every week lately! 

You can finally pull your arm out from under you when you roll from back to tummy which is very exciting.

You have found your voice and will sporadically scream for no apparent reason.

You are still a champion at nursing and Mama loves our moments together when it's feeding time.

You've developed a great laugh, but you seem to reserve that for close family and will not laugh in command no matter how hard Mama and Daddy try.  You do however smile pretty easily for people who you deem worthy.

And my favorite part of this past month is that you know that pouting your arms straight up in the air will almost always get Mama or Daddy to pick you up!

I'm so grateful for you Chocolate Chip and, now that I've come to terms with the fact that you really are my kid and that this parenting thing really is a 24 hour a day/7 day a week job, I think I'll keep you!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Just Lounging



*Please excuse my brevity and any typos as this message was sent from my Verizon Android phone and this thing has a mind of its own.*