Elizabeth's birth story

I just met with my doula for my postpartum visit.  It almost coincided exactly with Elizabeth turning six months.  She suggested, and I had eventually been planning on, writing out Elizabeth's birth story.  For me, I need to completely process through what happened, accept what happened, find the positives, and give myself closure on her birth so that if\when we have more children, I will not be suddenly barraged with suppressed feelings and fears.

A lot of Elizabeth's story will be compared to Eleanor's story because that's what I was doing in my head all throughout the last little bit of pregnancy and all of labor and delivery.  Comparing is a big no no and ultimately lead to much frustration and prolonged labor.

Saturday night I texted my midwife that I was feeling uncomfortable, like possible contractions.  All birth attendants were on high alert as Eleanor came so fast.  I took an Epson salt bath, made sure to eat something, and went to bed.  Thankfully, I was able to get a full night of sleep as I would need all that energy the next day.

We woke up and got ready for church despite feeling uncomfortable.  The church is closer to the birth center than our house, so I figured we might as well just go up to church to keep my mind off of things.  When we arrived at church, I was struggling with the decision of whether or not to call my midwife, Patty. I had texted Patty before, but I hadn't heard back, and I was afraid I was going to wake her up!  I called and told her we were at church, but we would head to the birth center after the service for her to check me.  After checking in Eleanor into childcare, we hung out on the couches in the lobby.  I was already having to concentrate through the contraction, and Anthony was timing them.  At some point, I called Patty and told her that we were going to go ahead and head to the birth center.  She and Betty were already racing up there.  (Eleanor came really fast!)

Anthony's parents actually beat everyone to the birth center.  They were there to take Eleanor for us, but I wasn't really ready to give her up.  For some reason, saying good bye to Eleanor was really hard.  They took her to go grab breakfast.  Patty checked me, and I was dilated 5 cm.  I think I was a little bummed expecting to be farther along.  (I was at almost a 9 when I arrived at the birth center for Eleanor.)  I went and did my hiblicleanse as I had tested positive for Strep B.  We choose this option because of my reaction to needles.  My midwife did not think that I would handle an IV or a heplock well.

Eleanor came back for a little bit, and I had some breakfast sandwich.  I was trying to stay upbeat, but the contractions were way more intense than Eleanors.  I said goodbye to Eleanor.  For the next several hours, I alternated between the peanut ball, birthing ball, bed, toilet, and tub.  I was frustrated and crying.  The contractions were intense and fast.  Back labor had begun and despite efforts from my doula, I was in immense pain.

At some point, my midwife checked me again, and I was complete.  My water had still not broken.  I was trying really hard to visualize my water breaking, but to no avail.  I got in the tub again and was pushing.  I don't know if subconsciously I didn't want to birth in the water, or I knew that Anthony did not want me to birth in the water, but the tub just ended up being frustrating.  I felt like every time I moved, I was hit with another contraction.

I got out of the tub, and Patty really wanted me to squat for a few more contractions.  I was not having anymore of this talk.  All of my birth affirmations at this point were invalid to me, as I felt like I wasn't getting a break between contractions, contractions were lasting longer than a minute or multiple ones within a minute.  I had been at 10 cm for over an hour, and I was exhausted.  All I could do was hold on to my doula and say that I was done.  I really felt like I had reached my limit.

Patty proceeded to break my water.  I was laying on my back in the bed, which I knew was not the ideal position for delivery, and something I wasn't familiar with as I had had Eleanor on my hands and knees.  Lauren, the birth assistant who had I had requested (she attended Eleanor's birth and I saw her twice a month as she watched Eleanor for MOMS) had just arrived from returning from Colorado.  We already had a birth assistant, so she wasn't actually needed, but she came anyway.  I am so glad she did because she finally helped me to figure out what pushing actually meant.  I hadn't really needed to push with Eleanor, so for Elizabeth I was just getting through the contractions at the end as opposed to active pushing.  I felt Elizabeth's head in the ring of fire, and, oh my gosh, Patty had my wait and slowly ease her out.  I was ready to blast her out of there.  I remembering the scream that accompanied that wait.  My throat was hoarse after birth because of that one scream.  But, I am so thankful she had me do it that way because my recovery was amazing this time!

Out came the head, another push the shoulders, and I was able to reach down and pull my baby up to my chest, or rather stomach--she had a rather short umbilical cord.  At some point Anthony checked the baby out and told us it was a girl.  Honest to goodness, I could not have cared less, I was just so glad that labor was over!

I was shaking from muscle exhaustion and was super anxious about my placenta coming.  (At one of prenatals with Eleanor, this poor mommy had to go to the hospital after delivery because she wasn't delivering the placenta, and in my hospital-phobia mind, I could not think of anything worse than getting the hard part done, and being sent to the hospital.)  I got lots of skin-to-skin time with Elizabeth (although she was unnamed until the next day) before Patty checked her over.

We had gotten Olive Garden take out the night before, and Anthony's parents had brought it to us at some point.  I got to eat and lounge around as people took care of me.  Anthony's parents brought Eleanor up for a quick visit, but they took her back home with them for the night, which was a good call.  Eventually my doula and midwife left, but Anthony and I were free to hang out as long as we wanted as Heidi, the birth assistant, cleaned up.  We were taking it slow.  With Eleanor's birth, we were rushing out of there for no reason.  We left, called a few people, and went to bed.

Initially, I had a really negative perception of this birth because I didn't feel I was a "great birther"because it took so long.  In reality, this birth was a pretty textbook birth.  In time, I have come to realize that I should be proud of the strength it took to get through something that I really wanted to quit.  (which, I understand, there is no real quitting when you are 10cm dilated, but you get the point.)

In hindsight, comparing this birth to Eleanor's birth was silly.  And expecting the second birth to be easier was just plain naive.  Each child is different; each birth is different.

I am thankful that I had an easy birth for my first child because the mentally recovery time was much shorter allowing us to want to have another child sooner.  I am finally reconciling this birth at 6 months. (At this point after Eleanor's birth, I was already pregnant.)
I am thankful I had a really hard birth the second time.  God definitely humbled me.  Natural birth is hard.  Birth is hard... But I did it.
I now know not to compare births or have an expectation of how it should go.  I need to be able to roll with the punches.
The recovery for this birth was so much easier.  I listened to my midwife during the last minutes of labor, so I didn't tear.  I had created a list of ways people could support me with housework\meals and made it visible.  And guess what?  Things got done.  I allowed people to spend the night and take my other child.  I had earplugs, so I could nap while my child was screaming with someone else.  (Which I also did with Eleanor, but is a major must!)  Breastfeeding was so much easier.  I knew what it was supposed to look like, and I knew where to get help when it wasn't going smoothly.

If\when we have another birth, I would like to be able to labor longer out and about or at home before going into the birth center.  I would like to be able to get into a squatting position. (I am sure my water would have broken if I could have made myself go down to that position.)  Ultimately, I would like to take the birth for what it is and not compare it to anyone else's birth.

We are thankful to God every day for our lovely girls and the safe delivery and strengththat He granted us for both girls.

When you don't get to check off those things on your list

Sometimes I think about being really famous.  Like some internet how-to-person.  Or some crafty person with a business.  Or an author.  Or I am in an accident one day, and the next day I wake up and I can sing really well.  But mostly these days I dream about being able to sleep.  (Before you hastily type your well-meaning sentiments, I'm not looking for helpful tidbits on how to get them to sleep or enjoy this mombie ((mom + zombie)) time of your life, you will miss it--blah, blah, blah.  I'm in the trenches--NOT what I need to hear right now!)

I don't know what part of me needs this recognition from others or to be good at something.  Ahem, probably the sinful part.  When I was a teacher, I felt successful often or at least like I had a point to all my runnings around.  I could make lists and check things off.  And snap pictures for instagram of things that turned out so wonderfully and that I even had time to arrange them for snazzy photo ops.

As a homemaker, I can make lists and check things off and feel productive...maybe even successful in that role.  But my other job as a mom is a little harder to make into a list and check things off.  I think that is why I struggle with feeling successful.

And how would I even define success with my kids is probably a bigger question.  Is it when they get older and have real jobs, and I can not be embarrassed when other people ask what my children are doing??  Is it when they get a scholarship for being intelligent or playing a sport really well?? Gosh, I guess the big thing for me is that I want my girls to love the Lord and serve Him.  (And I say that like gosh, I just realized that as typing not gosh, duh, doesn't every one??)

In that same context, that's where I should feel successful in loving the Lord and serving Him.  That means tangibly loving people and that's hard because people are dumb.  (See, I need some work in that area!)  I am serving the Lord in my home right now raising these girls.  And most days on more than one occasion I say dirty words in my head and I want to stab my eyes out and Real Housewives of some city is on while my children are in the room because I just need a break.  (Anyone, anyone else??  Crickets chirping...  Crawls under rock.)  

Point being, because I am severely digressing, all jobs don't make you famous, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing them.

Also, question for you: how did you find out what your spiritual gift is?  I want to start actively using mine and being aware of it, but don't really know how to go about that...

Keeping it rrreal, ladies,
xoxo

Learning from Failures

First vlog because it is hard to type while baby-wearing!  Let me know what you think!

xoxo,

3 Thoughts on Comparing

I love this quotation.  I heard something along these lines for the first time when I was doing a Beth Moore study several summers ago.  I wanted to add a couple thoughts that have stemmed from it lately:

1.  On the most basic level, don't compare yourself to someone else.  Your body, your progress, your job, your marriage, your feelings, or how you express yourself.  Just because someone else is beautiful (you feel in the blank), doesn't mean that you aren't beautiful.

2.  This next point was brought up in Bible Study Fellowship a couple weeks ago, and I can honestly said I thought about this before.  Not only are we supposed to compare ourselves to others, we shouldn't be comparing ourselves to how we "think" we were in the past.  How happy we were, how skinny we were, how organized, how put together we think we were.  Often times we over-romanticize our past and don't accurately remember everything from that time period.

3.  Don't be the person who lets the thief in.  For example, don't be the person who makes the comparison for someone else.  Don't be a one-upper.  Everything is not a competition, so stop making it one.  Support them where they are at or keep your mouth shut.

Birthday on a Budget and not living up to the Hype

Really, I could have cared less about having one (oh, am I not supposed to say that out loud?), but Anthony and everyone else said it was a MUST.  I was determined not to let this be a Pinterest monstrosity-meaning that I spent way too much time and money to make it super cutesy for a child that won't remember it.  What really happened will be in RED!

So, it's Tuesday.  Party is on Saturday.  And this week is crazy with MOM's groups, and
Bible Study, and new baby appointment, and small group, and Bunco.  Love them all, but they all coincided with this week.  So, preparation is key.  Here is the plan:

1.  Make cupcakes, as in bake them.  The actual decorating will be one of the activities at the party.  My sister and SIL made owl cupcakes for one of my showers.  All you need is cupcakes, oreos, m&ms, and frosting.  I am just planning on putting the stuff on the tables with a picture of these owl cupcakes from pinterest.  DONE!  Ingredients bought and pictures of owls printed!  COST- $16  I think I over bought.  So, people can make a cupcake to eat at the party and take one home!  We actually had probably just the right amount of everything.  I think people gravitated toward the oreos over the cupcakes, but who wouldn't?!?

2.  ABC book for Eleanor
I did one of these at a friend's baby shower, but decided to make it an activity for a 1 year old birthday party.  There will be a few children in attendance, so this will give them something to do and hopefully keep the adults off their phones.  I mean, who doesn't love sharp crayons!  And this will be something that can be used by Eleanor later.  For the time being I am just putting the pages in page protectors in a baby book that wasn't being used.  DONE!  I love free printables.  Everything you need is here!  COST-free!  I think this was mostly my family and the kiddos that participated with this.  We saved a letter for my sister to complete since she got stuck with the stomach bug and couldn't come.  I may add a picture from a magazine to the drawing.  

3.  Photo Opp
I am planning on doing streamers as the background for this, and asking Anthony's cousin to take pics with her new camera she got for Christmas or have his Dad set up his tripod.  We will see what happens.  Inspiration is bottom right hand pic from this blog.  Just need to set up streamers! COST- Orange and Pink Crepe Paper $2  My friend, Janie, and I didn't have time to set up the photo booth, and I am glad I didn't.  Megan did such a great job capturing people and party moments!  I can't wait to see how they turned out!  I am so thankful that I did not have worry about documenting the moment, and I could be there with my family.  Thanks Megan!

4.  Birthday Outfit
These things are ridiculously expensive.  I see people trying to resell this for $40 dollars, and I would not even pay that full price.  So, borrowed a cute orange and pink (already made-yes!) tutu from a friend and bought a onesie and some iron-ons from Hobby Lobby .  Not done yet.  COST-$6 30% off onesie and coupon for 20% off .  So, this was extremely frustrating and did not iron on.  It was a faulty product because the iron on hearts I got worked perfectly.  (Growl!)  Fortunately, my mom had some stitch witchery stuff, and we just cut out the 1 from pink material.   Also, don't wait until the last minute!

Add caption

5.  Balloon Owls
I have done tissue paper pom poms before, and I love them.  They have the biggest bang for the buck.  But since I did those for Eleanor's gender reveal, I am going to give these a try!  COST: bag of balloons + paper I already have = $1  Yep, nope, didn't happen.  We had some balloons hanging around.  

Other Decorations:
Plastic Tablecloth- totally reusable, too.  In fact, I am using one I have from Eleanor's gender reveal party.  $2
Plastic Cups and Napkins $4
Gallon of Milk + Water in a pitcher =$3

Total:  Around $35  I think it is important to go through and look at prices because I usually end up spending a lot more than I think I do because I always buy just a little bit here and there.

And that is it!  I am going to not run around like a crazy person.  All guests have three somewhat independent activities that also facilitate conversation.  Eleanor will smash a cupcake, and we will take a lot of pictures.  She will tear through tissue paper and love it!
The End.  Despite having a low key party and help, I am sitting here Sunday afternoon still trying to recover.  I am exhausted.  I guess that is what happens when you are 32 weeks pregnant.

Nailed It!

So, as a mom-on-the go or sometimes mom-all-day-home-at the house, I have had to find quick and EASY fashion fixes!  A few days ago, I posted about watches and what a facelift it can give your outfit.  (Or who am I kidding?  My "jeans and husband's baggy shirt" combo), outfit-if you can even call it that.

Well, I recently hosted a party for Jamberry nails.  I had seen them before, and I knew you could win free hostess rewards, so I gave it a try.

Now, mind you, I have been thinking about going to the nail salon, meh and hair salon, for months...months, people.  I have yet to make it to either one.  First, I can't bring Eleanor to the salon.  And secondly, last time I went I dropped $75.  Now on a one-income budget, those trips don't happen eva.

Well, after watching the how to video twice (slow learner), I figured out how to apply the nails, and I am in L.O.V.E.

Don't they look amazing!?!

I have always loved having my nails painted, but messed them up so easily.  And then after putting down a chunk of change, the nails would chip off and look trashy.

Tricked ya!  The only Jamberry wrap is the one that doesn't look horrible a few days later.  Jamberry for the win!

It is the easy fashion fix I needed.  Even though there is spit up on my clothes and my hair is a wreck, my nails look good!

Having less time than ever, and with another baby on the way, I love the ease of Jamberry nails.  I'm sold!!  So sold, that I can now sell Jamberry.  (Basically, I just want to fund my addiction.)  If you want the hook up or want to support my addiction, let me know!

xoxo,
Angela

Watch Out!

Since becoming a mommy of a very curious darling and with another sweet little bundle of joy on the way, my fashion-forward sense (unfortunately) has taken a back burner.  Well, I have discovered a couple EASY fashion items that are going to help put me on the right track for the new year!

Watches!!

There is a reason I did not do all encompassing jewelry as a topic.  I used to wear great, big huge gaudy necklaces, and I love them.  But the beads on those always find a way into my little one's mouth. (shudder) And earrings, I am just asking for her to pull those out.  But watches, yes, the fashion accessory that every mom-on-the-go needs.  

"But I have my phone, I don't need a watch."   I am so glad you said that!  Every time I drag my phone out, my daughter wants it.  And all I want is the time...  Not only will a watch dress up your outfit, you will avoid the whining involved when you tell your daughter no, and you won't look like those crazy people always looking at their phone.  

Invaluable is basically an online estate sale for all sorts of fun things.  You should definitely check out their women's watch page!

Find it for auction here!

Find it for auction here!

Aren't these so unique?!?!?  I think the turquoise would go perfectly with an aztec sweater and colored jeans!

Get it at Target!

Giving some love to my other pregnant mommies.  Cute clothes are hard to find, but these jeans go so well with the comfy aztec sweater.  Plus the color goes really well with the turquoise.  I think it will really make that watch POP!  Find them at Walmart!

Show off your arm candy!  Do you have a go-to watch or several that you rotate?

Choose Kind

God has been pressing several things on my heart lately, and I just thought I would journal some to help me remember and also encourage you.

Last year, I read Wonder to my students.  It is a great book for children and adults alike!  It is about a young boy with extreme facial deformities who is about to enter his first year at a public school as a 5th grader, if I remember correctly.  The book is narrated from several people's perspectives, and it is very enlightening, albeit convicting (yes, I have stared at people because they are different, too!!). Anyway, one of the boy's teachers's gives the students principles to ponder each month or so, and this one really stuck out to me:

When given the choice to be right or kind, choose kind.  

It was a topic that was brought up last week in Bible Study Fellowship, too.  I wrote in my notes,

 "Go the extra mile.  Whatever it takes, as an ambassador of Christ, make it right."

And, and, and I just read it in my book from MOMS group.  Of course, it is a Bible verse, 

Hebrews 12:14  "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

There have been times within the last year, in the last month, where I have been so wronged by the other person, yet they are the one taking offense with me.  Even though it is my business to begin with, my secret to keep.  I have been tempted at times to blast them on my blog, passive-aggressively of course.  In fact, I have the blog post ready to go.  Just hit publish.  Graciously, God has kept me from doing that.  Even though, I am clearly in the right, God has called me to be at peace, to be kind, to make it right.

Still learning... I haven't attacked these people, but I still struggle in my mind of how to handle it.  I know where I should be, just working on that journey.
 

Who, who, whooo!

Since I clearly had no time last time I was pregnant I thought I would show you all the cute pictures I have of some of my showers that were thrown for me.  My sweet sister and sister-in-law put this together for me.  

Owl cupcakes and m&ms.  So yummy and so easy!

You know how hard it is to find a specific picture on a shirt once you have it in your mind to find it?  Well, iron ons!  So easy and clever.  

Each flower is made out of two baby washcloths and a cute little button in pinned in the middle.

Mom picked up this cute canvas basket from Target.  We use it as Eleanor's hamper.  

My sister picked up this cute owl sign at Kirklands.  It ended up matching her room perfectly!

Pink, pink, pink!

Another iron on!

I will have to do another post on the game we played.  I had never played it--which is saying a lot for shower games.

Repurposed embroidery hoops

So, I have been needing to do something with my entryway for forever.  For the longest time we had a large glass mirror that we had removed from our bathroom last year.  I broke it last week, and now it sits in the garage until we decide how to get rid of it.  I mean it is huge!

I love projects, but I really love projects that I can do start to finish by myself and it doesn't take forever.  This project is just that.

Last weekend my sweet father saved mes some frames and embroidery hoops to see if I wanted to use them in the house.  I took the hoops as I had seen several pics on Pinterest showing them with different pieces of fabric in each circle.  I like the hoops because they can take up a lot of wall space and make a big impact.

I decided to use maps instead of fabric.  Fortunately, Denton has this amazing store called Scrap.   A dream store for DIYers.  I snagged these maps for 50 cents each and was able to find a few more hoops for the same price as well.  Score!

A few tips: First map I cut in a circle a little larger than the hoop, planning on gluing it to the middle hoop before putting the larger hoop on.  What a pain.  Next one I cut in a square, placed over the smaller hoop and pressed the larger hoop on it.  No glue or tape involved!  I cut off the excess after the hoops were secure.

Start to finish this was done in an hour with a crawling baby trying to eat my maps!

Although not my original plan, I did end up choosing maps of most of the places Anthony and I have traveled together, so it was a little more personal. And I love how it turned out!

Cloth Diapering Dilemma

Oh, cloth diaper.  I honestly can't remember why I initially wanted to do cloth diapering.  I am sure that living in hippie Denton had something to do with it, and of course, saving money, I am a big fan of that.

Right now I am in the midst of nasty poops from the little one and desperately needing a disposable liner that contains it all.  Any advice in that department would be great.  It was especially difficult during the intense first trimester nausea and vomiting.  I would have to, and still do, but peppermint oil on my nose, spray the room, and have everything prepped and ready to go.  Fingers crossed, I hope that the vomiting over poppy diapers is over because heaven knows the poopy diapers are not!!

Fortunately, I have given myself grace to not always have her in cloth diapers.  When we go out or when I know a gross one is coming, I just throw on a disposable.  The cloth diapers have already paid for themselves, so a disposable ever now and then is okay by me!

We use BumGenius because that was the only brand carried by a major store around here.  And even then, we had to order them online.  Despite that we have been very pleased with the diaper.  (Actually, now that I am looking back at the website, Target does carry several other brands, but I think we opted with BumGenius because I could buy several together for a discounted price.)

Overall, we have been very pleased with the diaper.  Initially, right after Eleanor was born, for probably a month or so, her legs were so skinny that stuff just slide right out the leg whole.  We did have some leakage problems at night once she got a little older, but we just added a newborn insert with a regular insert = problem solved.

Now if I could just find a liner that I am happy with...

Advice?

My little weed collector

I am sitting by my front window in my very comfy lazy boy with a red warm blanket wrapped around my always freezing toes even though I think it is like 95 outside.  For reals, people.  It is a good thing I already got out for the day.  I always pictured in my house I would have a nice large window overlooking my kitchen sink with some picturesque view of a garden with roses or falling colored leaves or at least the visual opportunity to be a noisy neighbor under the guise of doing dishes.  Well, this days I do a lot more sitting than washing dishes, so the view out my front window from my comfy chair is a-mazing.


So, this last spring I planted a little raised bed and gathered some plants from the local nursery determined to grow produce for our little family and take cute pictures of my success and make strawberry jelly and take pictures of those to make people jealous and and...that basically did not happen.

There was this random freeze like in April.  I mean it is October and feels like summer, but we freeze in April.  That killed off 3 of my zucchini plants and both bean plants.  Good thing though because the remaining squash plants were huge.  Who know?  Certainly not me, the person who did absolutely zero research prior to gardening.  I did get some squash, and they looked great on the plant, albeit tiny.  But I am pretty sure they were not edible, and they looked nothing like the ones at the store-even the ugly ones at the store.

Currently, my little plot is collecting tall grass and maybe a snake or two. Does anyone have any tips for the newbie, lazy gardener??


Try, try again,

Fall Friday Letters

I used to do Friday letters as part of a link up forever ago.  It was one of my favorite things.  I don't know if the link up is still going on, but I shall continue on by myself.  I wanted to start last week Friday, but life with a baby--you know how that works...


Dear Freezer Meal Swap Group, I am so thankful for you, so I can provide my hubby with something besides fruity cheerios for dinner.  Eventually, I will post about how that all came about, how it works, and how it blesses me every month.  But since it takes me forever to do anything, you can also check out pinterest.  Dear library, I feel like you need a delivery service. I have put stuff on hold multiple times that eventually goes off hold because it takes me forever to get over there.  Never mind the fact that the library is less than 5 minutes down the road.  Dear gym, I impulsed bought a membership.  What was I thinking that I actually would make it over there? I would like to get out of it, but don't want to talk to anyone.  Dear pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, I have had all the supplies for weeks, and seriously what could be fall?  Except you know?  Cooler weather.  But naps when over cookies these days.  And cookies have always been a top priority.  Dear baby girl, It is amazing how far you can get around without actually crawling.  Dear subbing, you are kicking my booty.  I need like a full day recovering.


Till we meet again,

X Number of Things Not to Say to a female in _________stage of life (Fill in the Blank)

I can't count how many articles I have read recently of things NOT to say to other people.

X number of things NOT say to a mom of one child
X number of things NOT say to a single mom
X number of things NOT say to a pregnant lady
X number of things NOT say to a mom who just gave birth
X number of things NOT say to a single girl
X number of things NOT say to a mom of all girls or all boys
X number of things NOT say to a mom who had a boy and then a girl and then a boy

Seriously, it seems that every female in every stage of life now has a list of things that shouldn't be said to them by other people.  Maybe we should all just wear shirts that say, "Don't talk to me.  I am a female.  And more than likely I will be offended by what you have to say."

I recently read somewhere about how much more help a man would get flying with a baby than a female would.  How unfair is that?!?!  I have even thought I would hand off the babe to hubby for our upcoming plane trip.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the reason people are more likely to help my hubby with a baby than me is because he doesn't have a list.  The flight attendant would have to ascertain in what stage of life I was in before looking up the list of things she isn't supposed to say to me.  Gesh!  It would just be easier not to say anything at all.

And unfortunately, that's where we are--people don't want to talk to other people for fear of offending them.

When really, those people that touch your belly, ask you if you are going to pop right there in the store, offer unsolicited advice, tell you to cherish those sleepless nights, offer your screaming child a lollipop, warn you of the dangers of whatever, when really, I think, they are just looking to connect with another human in some way.

Instead of getting frustrated that maybe whatever they did or said didn't sit well with whatever hormonal swing we are on that particular day, put yourselves in their shoes.  More often than not, they are trying to connect with you.  Don't shut down a connection just because your female feathers got ruffled.

As females, we have to be in control of our hormones, no matter how raging they may be.  We can't expect everyone else we come in contact with to know our personal life stories and exactly where we are on our cycle to determine what is appropriate or not to say.

Who knows?  That elderly clerk who made the comment about you looking like you are ready to burst may go home that night and tell her husband about the lovely pregnant woman she saw today and reminisce over her pregnancies long ago.

Maybe the old man who bought your tantrum throwing two year old a sucker was just trying to help a young momma out, not rot his teeth or undermine your authority.

Maybe that woman in the parking lot that told you how unsafely you loaded your kids up had lost one of hers because she made a similar mistake.

Maybe the man at the restaurant who rubbed your belly has a daughter who is pregnant who lives far away and he will never be able to touch her growing belly.

Sure being a mom is hard, being a female is rough, but can we get rid of this attitude that everyone else is out to get us and they purposely make rude comments to upset us???

Let's change our perspective.

xoxo,
Angela

My baby is safest when...

Since I am no longer working and getting paid for it, I switched over from night Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) to morning BSF.  (If you do not have a current Bible study group, you need to check out one in your area.  It has been the greatest encouragement to me.  I wrote a post about it last year, and you can check it out here to get some more information.)


This year we are studying the life of Moses.  Today we talked about Moses's early life.  If you are unfamiliar with it or need a short recap, here goes: The Israelites were living in Egypt.  The Pharaoh was afraid of how numerous the Israelites were becoming.  He tried many attempts to try to stop the growth of that nation with one tactic being for the Hebrew mothers to throw all their newborn baby boys into the Nile River.  Moses's mother fixed a small basket for him and set it afloat on the river where he was later discovered and saved by Pharaoh's daughter.

How courageous was that momma?  Being a momma now, I can't imagine sending my daughter off on a river.  I can't imagine being asked to give up my baby.  Our leader reminded us that Moses was never safer than when he was in that basket.  Likewise, Eleanor will never be safer than when she is in God's hands.  That reminds of something else I have been told-We are immortal until God calls us home.  Both of those things are just sweet reminders of the Lord's plan and protection for us.  But also very convicting, have I trusted the Lord with my baby?  I can plan and prepare, just like Moses's mom, but ultimately I have to leave her in the Lord's hands.

Wow, so much to take away from BSF, and it is only week 2!

Be encouraged!

What I love about my hometown

I grew up in the DFW metroplex in a city called Colleyville.  It is pretty ritzy and fancy now, but that wasn't always the case.  When we first moved to Texas from Michigan, we lived in a pretty fancy house.  You know the kind with the high ceilings, the massive master bathroom and a powder room?? The nice thing about that neighborhood was that there were a lot of children close by to play with because the houses were so close together.

We moved to Colleyville when I was in Kindergarten.  The house was a lot older, and my parents and grandparents had several house renovations to do, but the yard was huge!

My dad put in a pool one summer, and we used it all the time.  My brothers and sister and I spent lots of time in the sand pit in our front yard, too.  Occasionally, after dark we would all play hide and go seek outside. It was so dark because there weren't many lights around, and we had to be careful because there was lots of critters out there-possums, raccoons, skunks.  It was an adventure!

The lot behind my parents did not have a house on it.  On rainy days we would all lace up our matching green and yellow rain boots and tromp around in the mud in the back lot.  We would lay out boards to walk across little lakes in the backyard.  I even remember burying a bag of coins back there.
Our chickens really enjoyed this extra space, too, as we would let them roam during the day, and they would find their way back to the hen house at night.

There isn't anything particular I like about my hometown like a restaurant or an annual event.  Really you could have taken our house and yard and put us in any town, and I think my childhood would have been pretty much the same.  It is amazing to me how entertained we all were with just a yard and some siblings to go crazy with.

Now, Denton has some things that I am pretty exciting about having Eleanor experience year after year that hopefully will help her remember her hometown fondly.

Sweet reader, what do you love about your hometown??
   

Snakes, Needles, and Swimsuit shopping

Well today is my first official day of summer.  (When I started this post, which was a week ago!  Ah, life with a baby!) I had great plans to go walking this morning with a couple other girls, but it is raining.  (I did end up going walking later that afternoon, and I have already gone today!  Hollar!)  I can't be too upset about that though because sweet baby girl was up a lot last night-not fun- and because I love a stormy night and morning.  Eleanor and I spent some time snuggling in bed.  But serious I need to start some sort of doable workout regimen to get back in swimsuit shape before my husband's family 4th of July get together.  I have a gym membership where I don't exactly feel comfortable with taking Eleanor to the childcare there.  Regardless, I need to get this booty in gear ASAP because I want one of these swimsuits below.  (I don't know how this whole swimsuit trying on thing will go as I definitely do not enjoy that process and can only imagine it being a bazillion times worse after baby!)

But regardless, don't you think these are cute?!?!

  And yes, let me wear heels to the pool

I have this swimsuit in navy, and I love it!  You can purchase yours here!  Prebaby I didn't need the rusching 

Same link as above.  Both are found at Dillards.

I am going shopping this afternoon and hopefully will not be found crying in a dressing room.  I just need to remember that just because something doesn't fit, doesn't mean there is something wrong with me.  The article of clothing is just wrong for me.  So instead of thinking, " I don't fit in this!"  Think, "It doesn't fit me."  I think I heard that on What NOT to Wear, and it really is a huge mind shift.  

If you are going swimsuit shopping soon, here is my virtual hug ( )  Good luck!  I will let you know how my shopping goes!

 xoxo,

Angela

Free or Mostly Free things to do in the Summer in Denton and Surrounding Areas

Update:  This website has a much more comprehensive list of Denton activities, so I am not going to reinvent the wheel!  Go check them out!

This week in Denton:
(and for the most part every summer week)
Monday-Friday
The library offers some great activities for adults and children alike.  Check them out!  Eleanor and I will probably try to go to something on Thursday or Friday because currently we don't have anything else scheduled.

Wednesday
This calendar is a little easier to read.  It includes the Concerts on the Square at 11:45 on Wednesdays.  Although it doesn't show a band for this week even though it had one for last week and the following week.

Thursday
It also includes the movie in the park on Thursday nights.  It starts at 9, so that is a little late for us.  We will probably head to the square to listen to the Twilight Tunes at 6:30 instead.
Highland Village also has a Summer Concert Series as well on Thursday evenings.

Friday
I have never attended this, but there is a concert series at the Civic Center on Friday evenings called StarRise.  More information is available in the calendar mentioned on Wednesdays.

Saturday
Hubs and I went to the Community Market a couple weeks ago for the first time.  If you have little ones, this was something that you could definitely bring some chairs and a blanket to sit in the shade and listen to live music.  Food trucks are there for lunch and breakfast or pack a picnic basket.  Info here.
Denton Air Show is this Saturday.  We went a couple years ago, and it was so hot.  Definitely bring water lots of water and an umbrella.  No need to show up on time.  Children under 6 are free.   Adults are $10 at the gate, but you can get $6 tickets for adults online until Friday here.

If you know of any other upcoming free or almost free events in or around Denton, let me know and I will add them!

Lazy Hair--How to look good in a Snap!

This is my last Monday home with my baby girl before I head back to work.  Fortunately, school is only in session for about 6 more weeks after I get back, and the state testing will be finished by then.  (Clearly, life got incredibly busy because I am just now posting this...a week before school is out for the summer.)

 My maternity leave has seriously flown by!  I am a little curious how everything is going to work when I head back.  I think a lot for me is going to be previous night preparation. Since the majority of my pre-maternity clothes do not fit comfortably, I am going to have to make sure that I lay out my outfits the night before.  

I have been dabbling around with some different hair styles that I have found on Pinterest.  Especially for me as I struggle accepting were my body is right now, it is super important for me to have good hair days.  Fortunately for me, I don't have to wash my hair often, like I am talking about once every 5 to 7 days.  I have a couple go-to looks but wanted to extend my options.  Here is one that I really love:

My version of the below tutorial I found on Pinterest.

When work is not fun

Earlier this week, I surprised a good friend for a birthday dinner and for an evening at the Meyerson.  

I heard this song and really identified with it as often hubby and I both feel overwhelmed and stressed with our careers.