SPRING 2014

Spring!?! What!?! Does anyone else feel like we were just celebrating the 2013 holiday season with our family and friends? I swear, the older I get the faster time is flying by. I'm pretty sure it's because I am having fun. ;)

Spring brings me such a clean and refreshing feeling. Hot cocoa and coffee aren't so appealing anymore, bring on the fruit smoothies and pink lemonade. Suddenly your sweaters, scarves, and boots end up in the back of your closet, bring on the flip flops and short sleeves. It rains, it snows, it's warm, it's cold...but, THE WIND...ugh!

Spring brings back the feeling of being in school and getting that antsy feeling when you know there aren't many days left until you are school-free! For the first time ever, Spring has brought back a nauseated feeling. It was a year ago that I found out I was expecting and started morning, day and night sickness. It's awful to remember such a thing and I hope that this is the first and last time I feel this way about this season.

Spring also feels like a new year. Out with the old, in with the new. Out with the old me. In with the new me. Just like plants, trees, grass, and flowers we can also renew ourselves. I am so thankful that we are able to learn from our mistakes and simply move on with our lives. I have never felt so much peace and joy as I do now. I believe Spring cleaning isn't only for your home, but for your soul too. Here are only three of many things I plan on doing to Spring clean myself.

1. FORGIVE - Forgive anyone that has done you wrong. You can tell them or you can keep it to yourself. I have forgiven and I myself have been forgiven in the past also. The feeling of peace will overcome you!

2. BE POSITIVE - via Twitter I read this from Bo Ramsey: How you feel and look at Monday is a perfect way to see how you feel and look at your life and career! Success starts with Monday! Tell me that is not true!? I don't know how many times I have heard...I hate Mondays...I hate Monday only leads to I hate this and I hate that. Positivity is key.

3. SPRING CLEAN - Admit it...if you aren't on Facebook you're most likely to be found on Twitter or Instagram. SPRING CLEAN, yes...SPRING CLEAN your social media friends!

And here is a picture of tulips, because they are my favorite thing about this beautiful season. Have a wonderful day. xoxo 

Dear Anistyn

Dear Anistyn,

I had promised myself that I would write everything about you in a journal, but you are 3 1/2 months old and life has been busy! I thought I was happy before you were in my life, but now that you are in it I cannot believe that I thought I was "happy" back then.

You were the best newborn baby. Other moms terrified me with their exhaustion, but to my surprise you were sleeping 6 hours straight until I was advised by a pediatrician to wake you up every 4 hours for a feeding instead. I let it slide every once in a while, because I still was not used to waking up throughout the night. You grunted...especially when waking up. The newborn clothes you were given - that I thought you would be too small for - fit you perfectly. You are my little princess, that's for sure. Your Dad was a softy, but is now mush. I do not recall a time he has came home after you were born with a frown. I can see his eyes looking around for you the moment he walks in through the door, and the second he finds you he smiles, he smiles really big.

Now that you have moved out of your newborn stage you are twice the fun! This morning your kicks, happy screams and wide open eyes woke me up. You keep me extra busy some days, and some days you sleep so much that I want to wake you because I start to miss you. Your Dad still gives you the best baths. You splash so much when he starts to sing you your bath song.

We are so blessed to have your Dad. He works hard to let me stay home with you, and because of it I was here today to hear you share your first real laugh. Grandma Jo-Jo recorded you and I've watched the video all day long. I've had to watch the video because my attempts at making you laugh again are a big FAIL. 

Blowouts, spit-up, peeing on our bed...we would not trade it for the world. You have put so many smiles upon our faces. You have made us think twice, maybe even three times about decisions. You have made us look at life differently. You are our biggest blessing. So happy to have you! Love you. 

Anistyn's Baby Blessing

My eyes start to slowly crack open as I start to hear small grunts from a hungry baby that's trying to wake up just as hard as I am. I get up and walk carefully to the other side of the dark bedroom to turn on a lamp. I gently pick up Anistyn and proceed to nurse her.

 

After Anistyn's feeding I stood up with her. I looked in the vanity mirror and saw a Mom with crazy hair and mismatched pajamas, but what stood out to me the most was the way Anistyn held me. Her little tired eyes said, "Thank you, Mom." I just know it!

 

Yesterday Anistyn received her baby blessing. It was such a wonderful day with family & friends. Days before her blessing I was asked to think of something specific I wanted said in her special prayer. Three words struck me most. KIND...I want her to be kind. I want her to respect, love and befriend others. CHEERFUL...I want her bright light to shine through a smile and her personality. I want her to be a happy person and I want her to live a happy life. FORGIVING...I hope that Anistyn becomes a forgiving person. There have been times it has been difficult for me to forgive others, and the moment I do I know that it will - and it has - brought peace and comfort into my life.  

 

However will she learn these things? 

 

It ALL starts at home. Her first teachers will be my husband and I. We need to remember the kind of person we want her to be each day and be that example. And I know that one day she will verbally say, "Thank you, Mom." "Thank you, Dad."