Around Our House

There are mornings spent playing in pajamas...

and lots of surprised faces...

and silly faces...

and car watching...

and smiles...

and ball playing...

and balloon wonder.

These are the days.

A Sunday at the Park

Friday Favorites - Highlights of My Week

Happy Friday! I'm so thankful that the weekend is right around the bend. Looking forward to some rest and time outside with my boys in the beautiful weather that is headed our way. Here are my favorites from the past week:

1. My husband's employer featured him on their company's blog! You can read the post here. We're really proud of him and the hard work that he puts in to do his best and be a light in the workplace.

2. We received Emmett's 12 month pictures from our favorite photographer, Elizabeth, from Sweet Life Studios. Elizabeth is so talented and sweet and easy to work with. She was our wedding photographer but since then has also done our maternity, newborn and little man's one year old photos. We are so thankful for her and blessed by her talent. You can check out her work here and stay tuned for more of Emmett's most recent photos to be displayed soon on our blog.

3. In honor of my favorite season quickly approaching, I've been enjoying peanut butter M&M's in fall colors and a Yankee Candle, Apple Spice Potpourri, that I found at Homegoods for a steal. There is something about the smell of a candle burning that makes things all better, even on the worst of days!

4. We had another great playgroup this week! I am quickly coming to love and look forward to my Thursday mornings when a few of us mamas gather together and let our babies play, eat and fuss, all under one roof.

5. On Tuesday evenings, we normally have dinner with my mom, either at her house or ours, since my dad travels so much for work. Well, this week he was in town, so we enjoyed his company for dinner along with free entertainment by a silly little boy named Emmett.

6. This week is the last week of my online Bible study. While that's not exactly something I like, I am thankful for the past 6 weeks and what I've learned from the study and the tools that I've gathered and tucked away for the future. It's feels good to have accomplished something, to be in the final stages, to near the end and close the chapter, and to move on and look forward to what's next.

7. On Wednesday, I had a doctor's appointment, so my mom came over and stayed with Emmett while I was gone. When I came home, we headed out for lunch and shopping. We are on the hunt for a lamp to go on my new piece of furniture. I know exactly what I want; now the challenge is to find it. We thought we found it when we stopped at Homegoods, but I happen to glance down and see a large crack across the base. We hit several stores before and after Emmett's afternoon nap, but had no success. The best part about this? Spending the day with my mom, and having a little man who was easy and willing to go along for the ride. He loves to be out and about and I love how "portable" he is becoming as he gets older.

8. I think I've finally got a better planning system underway for our meals. I've been looking for a way to get better at this for a while now. Sometimes, I'm really good at having a plan for our meals, and feeling prepared to cook, but lately, it's more of an "off the cuff" approach, and if you know me, you know I don't like to work like that. I need a plan. I came across a tutorial for a meal planning binder that makes sense and seems easy enough to put together. It also has free printables! So, this week I've started to organize my recipes on Pinterest and gather the supplies I need for the binder. Here's to making a meal plan work and to no more dinner anxiety! It's back to using coupons, being organized and staying on a budget that doesn't make me sweat. You can find the tutorial and printables here.

Friday Favorites - Highlights of My Week

1. Airport Observation Deck - Last Friday, we took Emmett to the airport observation deck for the first time. We picked Matt up from work and then stole a few minutes of family fun before heading home. Emmett really enjoyed it! I'm sure we'll be back in the future when we have more time and it's a cooler day.

2. Swimming in a Big Pool - On Monday, we took Emmett to our neighborhood outdoor pool for the first time. I know, we have tried to get there throughout this summer, but we always had other plans or the timing just didn't work out with Emmett's schedule. We spent an hour there in the afternoon and Emmett LOVED it. He laughed and splashed and got quite a kick out of his mama swimming underwater towards him.

3. Journey Connect Group - My playgroup started this week! 5 new mamas gathered together in my home with their little ones and we had 3 hours of adult conversation and babies playing together. Some of us already knew each other but there were also two new faces. It was really nice to meet some ladies from Journey who are walking through the same season as me. It was a sweet time and I'm already looking forward to next week when we meet again.

4. Neighborhood Walks - Emmett's favorite place to be is outside. Ever since he was a newborn, he does best when he's outdoors. When he would fuss and nothing else would work, we'd walk him outside and he'd settle right down. He has loved walks for a while now, so I look forward to nice weather when we can head out for an hour and walk around our neighborhood. It's good exercise for me and it gives him the fresh air that he needs. Although it was a bit hot, we still got out for a few walks just for a change of scenery and some sunshine.

5. Proverbs 31 Gives Back - The online Bible study that I'm participating in has been collecting letters, prayers and scripture, as well as financial donations, for Dove's Nest. You can read a little bit about it in a previous post. Today, the leaders released a video, which you can see here, where they are seated at a table that is covered in the mail that has arrived from around the world to bless the ladies at Dove's Nest. How awesome to be seated at that table and have the opportunity to watch all the mail pile up knowing that lives will be encouraged and changed because of other ladies around the world. I'm grateful to be a part of this. Not to mention, so far, over $10,000 has been donated to Dove's Nest to help aid in the life change for the residents. Small, simple gestures when the people of God come together can change the world!

6. My Husband's Note of Encouragement - On Thursday morning, I woke up to an email from my husband that was filled with encouragement, love and support. My playgroup was going to meet for the first time that day. He knows I get anxious about new beginnings, and the playgroup has been a leap of faith. I'm comfortable by myself, or with a small group of people who I know, but I shy away from people I don't know. It's scary for me. And I avoid it when at all possible. Knowing that my husband had been praying for me and is continuing to do so, filled my heart with so much gratitude and confidence. I love knowing that my husband is behind me in what I do.

7. New Furniture - My parents blessed us with a gift for our home. I finally found something that  I fell in love with for our living room. I have been looking and dreaming about a console type of table with storage that had a rustic, farmhouse type of feel to it. I really thought that I was going to have to resort to a DIY project to get what I really wanted, and while I was willing to do that, it wasn't my first wish. While we were visiting my brother and his family near Charlotte, the girls ended up at a Home Goods and we found this. (Please excuse the decorating-in-process going on!)

I LOVE it. I was worried at first because it matches our walls perfectly. (Yes, I carry the paint swatches of our house with me for moments like this!) I didn't know if I should alter the furniture or the wall on which it's placed. But, after it came in the house, and I began finding things to use in decorating the top, I really like it the way it is. I have a plan for the decor on top, and I'm so happy to begin with my favorite season, Fall! Stay tuned to see how it turns out, hopefully sooner rather than later. I love the warmth and "home-y-ness" that it brings to our living room. It's slowly coming together! The yellow tea light holder and the sign are also from Home Goods. What a dangerous store that can be...

8. Emmett - This little man always brings a smile to my face. He's a funny little boy and is really starting to grow into his personality. Oh, and did I mention his love for household gadgets that make noise? His favorite toys include our vacuum and my hair dryer. Unplugged of course. A funny kid I tell ya! (My mom caught him on video at her house on Wednesday vacuuming her floor. Yep, watch out ladies, this little man is going to know how to clean.)

Facing Your Giants - A Note of Encouragement

Today's post is actually a letter of encouragement written to a participant at Dove's Nest, a women's program that is part of the Charlotte Rescue Mission here in North Carolina. As a community of ladies, the online Bible study that I have been participating in has taken some time to be a part of "Proverbs 31 Gives Back", a two week service time of writing encouraging letters, prayers and scripture for the ladies of Dove's Nest who are courageously striving to make major life changes.

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Dear Dove's Nest Participant,

In this moment I don't know what you are going through or what giants you might be facing. Life isn't easy or perfect or without it's own troubles. While our circumstances may be different, we are both facing giants that cannot be conquered on our own. The good news is that God can overcome and He wants to be our help in times of trouble. He is whatever we need Him to be. He is our courage when we fear. He is our peace when we are anxious. He is our Provider when we are lacking and in need. He is our Refuge when the world turns against us. He is our Comforter when we are sad. He is our Abba, Father and He longs for us to run to Him and let Him restore us, heal us and change us.

Sweet friend, you are courageous and you've already taken a leap of faith! I pray that you stay strong and focused on the One who can conquer your giants. Our God is faithful and true and steadfast and loving. He never fails. Sometimes it's hard to see past our circumstances. These giants are too big to see around and we can't even fathom how things can get any better. But our God can and He has proven to be trustworthy. He is Sovereign. He has a plan and our job is to choose to abide in Him and to trust Him.

Recently I have been reminded by some truths that have been encouraging to me as I face giants of my own. Sometimes our hearts may not feel like God is near or cares or is working, but the Bible tells us otherwise. While we may go through periods where our hearts don't line up with our heads, we must remind ourselves of the truth and cling to that:

• God created me.
• God delights in me.
• God is not disappointed in me.
• God's grace is sufficient for me.
• God is with me, goes before me, will not leave me or forsake me.
• God has a plan and a purpose for me.
• God loves me.

Psalm 27 says this:

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my opressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

I hope that you will find encouragement in the verses above. We have nothing to fear. We have a Helper. We have a Refuge. We have a Shelter. We can be confident in our God and trust that we will see His goodness in the days to come no matter what the world throws our way.

Be strong, friend, and keep up the good work! Have faith and know that our God is near.

Easy Blueberry Muffins

One of the biggest challenges I am facing as a mama is making sure that I'm feeding my child a healthy, balanced diet. As Emmett is transitioning from the baby days into toddlerhood, we are in the process of weaning him from his bottle and formula, and teaching him to eat a variety of foods, self-feed and use a cup. This is not proving to be an easy task. While I would have said that Emmett was a good eater in the past, I've struggled to find a variety of foods that he is willing to eat, and then like. (And milk from a cup? Don't even get me started on that one.) We've found a handful of foods that we can count on: yogurt, cheese, puffs, crackers, carrots and applesauce. He still loves anything that is pureed too. He'll eat macaroni and cheese, but that's not something that I want him to have at every meal, every day. So, I'm on a mission to figure out a better meal system that works for our family. Meals that are easy, quick, ready when I need them to be and kid friendly. I've got a list of things I want to try, things that Emmett can have and that we'll eat as well. Now that we're past a lot of the food restrictions for babies, we have more options. I would just like to find a way to simplify meal planning and make sure that my family is eating well.

Today I made two different kinds of muffins that can be popped in the freezer and then taken out and warmed up individually - Blueberry Muffins and Oat Muffins. The blueberry ones turned out wonderful! The oat ones... well, let's just say there is no sugar in them. Ahem. They aren't bad, and I hope that Emmett likes them, but I'll keep looking for another type of oat muffin that is a little bit tastier because I do like the fact that they are a healthier food option.

The blueberry muffins were super easy and quick to make. It's also a recipe that uses only one bowl! That's my kind of recipe!

You can find the blueberry muffin recipe here.

#YesToGod - Obedience in Motherhood

For those who don't know, I am taking part in a fantastic online Bible study through Proverbs 31 Ministries called What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst. We've just completed week three and I'm loving every minute of it. It's encouraging, challenging and uplifting and I have to say thanks to my mom who invited me to join her. I love you forever.

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Tears streaming down my face. It's late in the evening. The rest of the house is quiet. Tired and weary, I wonder why this is so hard. This is it? This is what I wanted? This is what being a mama is all about? I cry out to the Lord to fix things, change things, make things better. I can't do this. I don't want to do this. My freedom? Gone. Just like that, life will never be the same. I feel like a monster. What kind of mama has these thoughts? I can't do this, God. I need you to make this right.

Embarrassed to admit this, that was a common part of my life for the first six months of motherhood. Motherhood is tough. Really tough. It's one of those things, perhaps the only thing, where you can listen to people tell you about it, yet it doesn't make much of a difference in the reality of what it really is like. A recent visit to my dentist put it this way: "Motherhood has been 'hallmarked'." Yes! Those were the words that I couldn't find all this time. Why don't people talk about the dark part of motherhood, the days that are not your own anymore, the freedom that is stolen away in a moment leaving you wondering if you'll ever be able to do anything outside of caring for a child again. Sure, I have caught glimpses of the joy and those moments that could never be replaced by or compared to something else. But what I'm going through now? Will it ever come to an end?

I found hope in drawing close to my God, pouring out my honest heart and being real with Him. This isn't what I thought it would be. I began to pick up some other Christian resources to find some encouragement from others who have been in my place before and have been vulnerable and honest about their feelings and experiences. In particular, I began to read one book called Hope for the Weary Mom: Where God Meets You in Your Mess by Stacey Thacker and Brooke McGlothlin. Feeling a bit silly that I was only months in and I was already weary, I realized that I wasn't the only mama out there who struggled with the reality of motherhood and the life adjustment that comes along with it. I found encouragement and hope on the pages of that book. I also felt a nudge from the Lord as I worked my way through it planting the idea to start some sort of small group for other ladies who were in the same season as I was. If I felt this way, then surely there were others who probably did too. Immediately, questions flooded my mind and the anxiety rushed in. Me? Lead a group? (I'm not exactly the extrovert!) Me? Invite other mamas into my home at a scheduled time on a certain day? (You new mamas know how hard it is to schedule events around your baby sometimes!) Me? Open my experience up to other ladies who may be walking right behind me in the same shoes? Yes. You.

Perhaps the reason I struggled so much in the first six months was for the here and now. I didn't like it. Not. One. Bit. I kicked and screamed and found myself questioning why I wanted this. But, nothing happens to us that has not already passed through the hands of our Father. He is Sovereign. He is Trustworthy. He has a plan. And He wants to use me where I'm at, whether I have it together or I'm falling apart. He didn't call perfect people. He called people to be part of His perfect plan.

I tabled the idea of the group for a while, not really allowing myself to think too hard about it, but it always kept coming back to me. In my heart of hearts, I knew. I knew that I wanted to get back involved in my church after having some time to settle into motherhood, I knew that I needed to meet other ladies who were walking the same road, I knew that God was going to use all of the ugly in a way that only He can. And so I knew what I needed to do. I needed to say Yes. I needed to forget about the anxiety of leading a group. I needed to let go of worrying over the scheduled date and time. I needed to allow God to work out His plan, and let go of mine.

Fast forward to today. Things are different. Sometimes even a little easier. My little man just turned one and he is a joy. I am proud to be his mama. I love him so. And I'm a week away from opening up my home to the first official play date for the "New Mama" group. My prayer is that this group of new mamas and mamas-to-be can find connection, encouragement and support in one of life's toughest times. I pray that we're knit together through the love of Jesus and that we can be real and honest with each other about these difficult but rewarding days. I pray that we lift each other up instead of falling into the trap of comparison. And I pray that God would receive all the glory, and that I would keep saying #YesToGod so that I don't miss out on His plans. After all, they are so much better than mine.

One: A Blue + Red Polka Dot Balloon Party

For Emmett's first birthday, we invited a small group of family and friends to celebrate this milestone with us. So thankful that we have one year under our belts and so proud of our little man. It's so hard to believe that he's one! We kept it pretty simple with a blue and red balloon and bunting theme. (Emmett is a huge fan of balloons, so it was a perfect fit.) I'm so glad that I spent time well in advance thinking of a theme and planning it out. It came together fairly easily and there was not a whole lot of stress involved, which was my goal from the start. We had help from family and friends which made things even easier and it sure was a day to celebrate! Not just that we've made it through the first year, but that Emmett was healed from his sickness that he came down with the week before, forcing us to reschedule his party. Thank you to all whole celebrated with us and those who have supported, loved and prayed us through this tough year!

The Invitation:

Carrying the Theme Outside:

The Decoration - Buntings and Balloons; A Wall of Monthly Photos from Newborn to 12 Months:

The Dessert: Smash Cake for Emmett and Cupcakes for the Rest:

Blowing Out the Candle:

Getting (not so) Messy with the Cake:

A Birthday Blessings Journal:

Opening Gifts:

Playing with Our Youngest Guest, Ava:

Cousins Playing Ball:

On Emmett's actual birthday, July 31st, Matt took the morning off from work. We had breakfast and played at our neighborhood playground.

For lunch, Nana took us out to lunch to celebrate at the Cheesecake Factory. Cousin Della and Auntie Erin also came along for the fun!

Party Supplies: Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Party City and Michaels

Invitation, Banners, Cupcake Toppers and Cake Bunting: Designed by Stacy; Printed by Carolina Reprographics

Picture Frames and Photo Ledges (already owned): Ikea

Celebrating One

Our little man turned one today. ONE. It's true what they say. They grow up so fast. Even though the days have been long, in hindsight, the time has flown by. We have come so far and today we celebrate our sweet little boy and all of the joy that he gives us. I couldn't imagine life without him. Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with this child, for the trials that you have brought me through, for the growth you have done in me, for the miracles I've seen and the prayers that have been answered, and for allowing me to be Emmett's mama. What a blessing it has been to catch a tiny glimpse of the way that you love me through this thing called Motherhood.

Emmett, you are such a joy to me. I love you more than you know and am proud to be your mama. You have grown so much, come so far in the last year. You are funny, silly and your laugh is infectious. You are strong, independent and determined. Your wonder for the world around you never ceases to amaze me and always makes me smile. Your kisses are sweet and your hugs melt my heart. I've grown so much since becoming your mama, and have experienced the overflowing grace of God in so many new ways because of you. I love you forever.

Always,

Your Mama

Emmett Elijah: Three Months

Someone's little personality has started to come alive. At three months, Emmett is a joy to have in our lives. Although he's not an "easy" baby, he sure is a handsome fellow and we couldn't imagine life without him. He makes us smile and laugh and we love him to pieces.

He has started to drool and has developed very good head control. It won't be long before he is a pro at holding it up on his own! And I guess it's safe to say that it won't be long before teething begins either.

He loves to smile, laugh, coo, babble and play.

He has begun to grab at his toys and use his fingers a little bit more.

Emmett is still very routine oriented, eating every 3 hours during the day and sleeping relatively well at night. He wakes for his pacifier once or twice during the night, but still "gets" his days and nights. His acid reflux has gotten much better with his symptoms being virtually gone. We hope to take him off of his medication very soon.

He tracks moving objects and follows people as they go in and out of rooms. He rotates his head to see movement rather than just his eyes. He seems to recognize his mama and daddy, too.

Since he has better head control now and is getting stronger, he can sit up, or be propped up, with a little help. He seems to enjoy this view of the world, and really enjoys being held face out so he can see what's going on. He's beginning to realize there is more to life than eating. =)

At three months, Emmett is wearing size 3-6 month clothing and size 2 diapers. He's eating 5-6 times a day and is up to 6 oz. per feeding. Sometimes, he takes all 6 oz. and other times he only takes 4 oz. but he is still growing like a weed. I can't imagine what his stats will be at his 4 month check up in December!

Emmett is able to be content on his own in a swing or laying on his back for a little bit of time now. It's so nice to have the freedom to grab a snack or hit the potty!

 At three months, Emmett

Likes:

• Eating
• Playing on his back
• Wiggling/moving arms/kicking legs
• Sucking on his hands
• Babbling, cooing, "talking", smiling
• His pacifier
• White noise while he sleeps/calms down
• Being swaddled, arms in
• Walks in his stroller
• Sitting face out
• Baths
• Running water
• His elephant toy
• Stretching upon waking up
• Being rocked to sleep/snuggling
• Hearing the wind while riding in the car with windows open
• "Shh Shh-ing" in his ear (The nurse at the hospital taught us this as it sounds like the "whooshing" noise he heard for 9 months. Works every time he gets worked up, which is pretty often.)

Dislikes:

• Tummy time (oh, how he loathes this!)
• His car seat, although he is a little more content for a longer time when distracted
• Being hot
• Napping (he takes one good nap a day)

Emmett Elijah, we love you more than you know. We are so thankful for you. We pray that you will know how much you are loved one day, not just by us, but by King Jesus, and that you would give your heart to Him. We look forward to watching you grow bigger every day and wait in anticipation wondering what you'll discover next! We love you sweet boy!