Thankfulness Days 21 & 22

Day 21: My sassafras.  Mia has SO much attitude and sass.  The child oozes with personality. She is dramatic, spunky, wild, funny, energetic and just plain demanding.  Some days, she is seriously exhausting!  I mean that in the best, most loving way, but some days, from the moment she wakes up until the moment her eyes close for bedtime, she is *NON STOP* HA!  On days when I feel like I literally can not discipline anymore, I stop and think about how lucky I am.  How lucky I am to have a child who can walk and talk and be wild and silly.  How undeserving I am to have a daughter who is completely healthy and not in the hospital fighting for her life.  How blessed I am to have a child with a mind of her own and strong sense to be independent.  I am tremendously thankful for the wild child God gave me and I will absolutely rejoice in that dramatic little personality I have on my hands!

Day 22:  Forgiveness.  The receiving and giving of it.  I delight in the fact that I have a Father who forgives me even when I fail him daily.  I also love when I have done someone else wrong and they graciously forgive me.  But what really feels wonderful is forgiving others who have wronged you. What a release it is to have that burden off of your mind and to grant someone forgiveness.  If we want God to forgive us, we must forgive others.  I totally get how hard it is because I am a prime subject of someone who holds grudges.  However, after reading a chapter on forgiveness in our “Seeking Him” bible study, I realized how important forgiveness is for us to give and to get.  God spoke to me in that chapter and I have since made improvements in this area.  It feels so good :)  Thank you God for forgiving me and loving me even though I do not deserve it!

 

I know I haven’t posted many pics lately, but honestly, I haven’t TAKEN any lately!  I know it is terrible because I am the mommarazzi, but I have been slacking, however, they are coming soon.  Promise :)

Thankfulness Day 17, 18, 19 & 20

We have been so busy enjoying I have not had time to blog, but I have still consciously been thinking of what I am thankful for everyday.

#17: My profession.  Not my job this time, but my career as a nurse.  Every work day, I get to make an impact on peoples lives.  I get to take care of a mothers and fathers most important little love…their newborn baby!  I *hopefully* show Gods grace through the attitude I have and through the work that I do.  I am so thankful for the career I have chosen.  I know I often complain, but how much better does it get than to be with families during the most special time in their lives? I remember all of the nurses who took care of Mia and I when she was born, do you remember the nurses who took care of you?

#18:  Late night shopping trips or hangouts with Mom, Ben and Mia.  We are like four peas in a pod!    On Friday we ventured out to the mall and target to look around a bit and to just hang out and enjoy each others company.  When we are together, we all act silly.  We try on hideous coats and hats, take pictures and absolutely crack up!  We do all kinds of silly things and I am very very thankful to have that special fun time with my family!

#19:  DATE NIGHT with my husband!  Saturday, Dave and I headed to Lexington with some of our oldest, best friends to see Tim McGraw in concert.  Mia got to spend the night with her Meme and Poppy, so we know she was having fun too :)  The concert was a free event sponsored by Dave’s work, Toyota, for their 25 anniversary of having a plant in Kentucky.  They had comedian George Lopez, an illusionist and Tim McGraw…All for FREE!  Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely love spending time with our little lady, but we need some time to ourselves to keep our marriage strong!  We had a great time!

#20:  Feel good movies.  I finally got to see Facing the Giants and it was fantastic.  I love movies that make you cry that happy cry and feel so warm and fuzzy inside. So many movies now days show violence and promote the use of alcohol and drugs and encourage promiscuity.  I love seeing movies that show the power of Gods love when you give Him the glory.  I also love the fact that God knows just when you need to hear a certain message, and tonight, I needed to watch that movie.  God is pretty stinking smart ;) HA!

Thankfulness Day #16

Quiet moments with my littlest love!

Every night, Mia and I have a special mommy/daughter time.  Right before I put her in bed, I rock her, we pray and sing and chat and kiss and hug and laugh and it is just fantastic!  After all of that, we sit and rock in silence while she cuddles with me.  It is such a cherished moment of mine in each day.

So frequently I think about how one day, she won’t want me to rock her, so I absolutely absorb every second of it.  I love that child so much more than she will ever know.  God has blessed me WAY beyond what I deserve.

Tonight, I am thankful for the sweet little moments with my precious baby girl.

Thankfulness Day #15

My Sunday school class and church family.  Our couples ABF group is filled with strong, inspiring and motivated Christian couples who are great people to be around.  They are all there to encourage each other, love each other, pray for each other and be friends with each other all while worshiping our Lord!

I don’t consider myself to be a great Christian because I can’t quote the bible, I find it hard to break down what the Word is saying and apply it to my life and I fail the Lord daily, however, I am human and have a great love for God.  I try my hardest to live for Jesus and study the gospel, but sometimes you just need a “support group” to help you and that is exactly what I have with our bible study group! 

I am so thankful God crossed our paths.  He really does know what He’s doing :)

My little exhibitionist

Yep, you read it right.  Mia is going through a stage where she just wants to be naked.  All.The.Time.  We put her to bed fully clothed and when we get her out of bed, she is in her birthday suit, with her diaper thrown out of her bed!

We keep our thermostat on 69 degrees.  I walk around in sweatpants and t-shirts and cover up with a blanket, but my child walks around nakey-even with cold hands and feet!  HA!  She will take her diaper off and say “shew we stinky.”  Crazy girl.

I don’t mind her running around with no clothes, it actually makes it a little bit easier with potty training, but when she is naked in her bed, she will pee on her covers.  I’ve had to wash bed clothes every day this week!  Finally, I decided to turn her zip-up pajamas around backwards so she couldn’t get undressed.  That is the only thing that has worked so far!

Has anyone else’s child ever went through this phase?  What did you do about it?

Thankfulness Day #14

Feeling good.

After not feeling quite so hot the past few days, I am grateful for all the days I feel well that I take for granted.  Everyday when you wake up and feel fine, you go about your day as if that is what is supposed to happen, but in all actuality, we are blessed to wake up feeling good!

I know I take for granted waking up in the morning, feeling good, having food to eat and clean water to drink.  You just come to expect it and unfortunately those things just don’t happen for lots of people all over the world.

I am very humbled when I stop and think about all I have, including feeling good!

Thankfulness Day #13

Lazy days.

Yesterday we laid around all. day. long.  Although I didn’t feel very well, it was still nice to lay around in sweats with no makeup on and my hair in a pony tail! HA!

We literally laid around on the couch, ordered pizza and wings and watched sports all day!  My dad and brother were over with us for most of the day and then my mom came by after work.  Once we were all there together, we had a family movie night! 

I think I’ve said it before, but I love lazy days!  It’s so nice to just be able to sit and relax and not have to worry about all the hustle and bustle of every day life!

Thankfulness Day #12

Friends.

I am thankful for our friendships, new ones and old ones.  I love meeting new people and getting to know others and I absolutely cherish the friendships that I have had through thick and thin.

Although sometimes you may go periods without talking to an old, good friend, you can absolutely pick right back up as if you never even missed a beat! 

We got to spend some time with new and old friends today and it was great!  Our newer relationship is fun and interesting and our older relationship is saturated with memories that I will have forever.

So yeah, I’m thankful for my friends today!

Thankfulness Day #11

Even though I often grumble about having to get up and go to work, I am thankful for the job I have.  I have a stable job, with income that pays the bills, work closely with some awesome doctors and get to be part of every family’s biggest blessing.

I am blessed to have the ability to work, with a flexible schedule so that I don’t miss out on Mia’s life.  God gave me a talent to nurse and care for new mothers and infants.  How much more rewarding does it get?!

Days like today, although very busy, my job is very rewarding.  Today  I had a patient write a letter and speak to my assistant manager about what great care I provided for her and how appreciative she was of me.  I hope that I made a positive impact on her birth story and that she remembers me forever!

Nurses are truly a blessing to everyone they come in contact with and I am proud to say that I am one!

Thankfulness Day #10

My home.
Although my home is wherever my husband and daughter are, I am also thankful for my actual “dwelling place” or “humble abode!” 
We live in a very modest and comfortable house.  It has working heat and air, provides a roof over our head and is pretty cute :) I used to be prideful and feel like my success was based on the size house I live in or what kind of car I drove.  Now?  Absolutely not.  I am ashamed that I actually used to feel like that measured me as a person somehow!  I am proud of my simple house and cars.  We can afford them and they work wonderfully. 
My home is a place of comfort and rest.  I love to just hang out at home with my faves!  My home has everything I need and I am grateful for it!

Thankfulness Day #9

Doctors.
Given my job and my daughters previous and current health issues, I am constantly around physicians.  Whether it be Obstetricians, pediatricians, neonatologists or endocrinologists I am very thankful to have them.  These people, especially the ones who have taken care of Mia and I, are selfless, loving people.  They are very caring and take each concern seriously.
Dr. Shah and Dr. Cohen:  The best neonatologist in the world who saved my baby girl under Gods instruction and grace.  These men are scary smart and they will always hold a special place in my heart.  I am so lucky I get to work with such amazing people!
Dr. Paul:  The one who helped me get pregnant with my precious little lady.  The one who was there to deliver my girl and basically save me while I was hemorrhaging.  I have Dr. Paul’s cell number in my phone and feel completely comfortable calling her if needed.  I feel like I have more than just a doctor/nurse or doctor/patient relationship with her!
Dr. Kim:  Mia’s pediatrician.  Sweetest man I think I’ve ever met.  I don’t even know what else to say.  He always asks about Mia, even while he is working and seeing other patients, he always sits down and talks with me about Mia and our life.  He is a genuine as it comes.  Again, cell number on speed dial on my phone.  Love him!
Dr. Wintergerst:  Mia’s endocrinologist.  Although we don’t see him very often (thank God!), he is very smart and caring.  He has taken great care of my girl!
I know all doctors are smart, but my circle of doctors?  Amazing!
I am very thankful for each one of them!

Thankful Day #8

Today I am thankful for answered prayers.

The Lord is so merciful and faithful.  Even when I doubt His plan or want to take control of everything in my life, He carefully guides me and corrects me and shows me that His way is better.  Time and time again God has answered prayers for me, yet I still get caught up in stress and worry.  I am so thankful for a gracious, understanding Lord who loves me and blesses me even with all my flaws :)

Although I can’t quite see His plan while I’m going through whatever it is at that time, when it is all said and done I can step back, see His will play out and praise Him for His overflowing blessings.

Today was a good day, and I am thankful for it!

Love this!

Seriously.

Thankful Day #7

I am very thankful for our Lord Jesus Christ most of all.  Without Him, I would have nothing and be nothing.  I am extremely thankful for His selflessness, His forgiveness and His unending love for a perpetual sinner.  He paid the price for our sin on the cross so that we may live. 
I love Him so much, yet I fail Him daily and He loves me anyway.

Thankful Day #6

Our family.
From Dave’s parents to our cousins, to aunts and uncles, we have a terrific support system.  We have very generous people who would sacrifice their time for us if needed.  We have people who love us unconditionally and who would always be there or lend a hand if needed.  They each have very special places in our hearts and I am so glad Mia gets to have each and every one of them in her life!
We love you all this much…

Thankful Day #5

Ben.
My 12 years younger brother.  This kid is incredible.  No, seriously!  He is basically skipping 2 years of high school and is doing this advanced school thing.  He will graduate with an associates degree the same month he graduates high school!  He got the same score on his ACT in the 9th grade as I did in the 12th grade.  I seriously don’t know where he got his brains OR ambition.  I never cared that much for school.  The only reason I went to school is because I knew I wanted to get married and have kids ASAP!  HA!
“B” and I have always had a very close relationship.  He is more like a son to me than a brother.  Any future girlfriend has to worry more about the dreaded sister than the mother-in-law.  I will be some girls worst nightmare if they hurt my baby brother.
Ben is also an incredible uncle to Mia.  What other 14 year old boy do you know who LOVES to hang out with his sister and niece?  B is definitely a rare breed!

Love you B!

Thankful Day #4

My dad.  He’s pretty great.  He has always been my protector and my motivator.  My dad works hard to provide and is so much fun to be around.  I love him so much it hurts.
I have always been a daddy’s little girl and will be until the day I die.  There is just something unexplainable about my dad that makes me crazy about him. 
Oh, and my girl?  Rocks his world!  And that?  Makes my heart melt.  I think Mia is a Poppy’s little girl too!

Mia’s favorite past time…getting in “Poppy’s twuck!”

Love you Dad!

Meet Dave

Meet Dave.  This is my SEXY husband who I have been married too for almost five years.  How lucky am I?

He works out…obviously :), he works hard, he’s like a big ole kid…

He makes me laugh…

and is down right cute!

This guy?  He’s pretty amazing and he’s all mine!  He still makes my heart skip a beat like he did back in the day when I  was crushing on a 15 year old who played football!
Love you D!

Thankfulness Day #3

Today I am thankful for my mom.  You guys?  I know you may think your mom is awesome, but MY mom?  Is the icing on the cake AND the cherry on top.  She is the top notch momma. 
My mom is my best girlfriend, my counselor, my advisor, my encourager and my partner-in-shopping-crime!  When I am sick, I STILL need my momma.  Back in April when I was going through some medical issues, I wanted my mom by my side at all times.  For some reason I just felt safe and like everything was going to be ok when she was with me.  If I ever have a question about Mia, I call her first.  Although my mom has no medical education, she has wisdom, experience, motherly intuition and a warm heart and THAT?  Is better than anything!  Obviously I call the doctor whenever I need too, but my momma is valuable and priceless!
God has blessed me with the best mom a girl could ask for I only hope I can be half the mom to Mia as she is to me.
Not only is mom a great mom, but she is an even better Meme-if that’s even possible!  I am so fortunate that Mia gets to have her in her life.
I love you mom!

Relaxing kind of Wednesday and Thankfulness

We didn’t do much of anything today.  Mia went to school, I got a haircut, or trim I should say, and Dave cut the grass for one last time of the year.  After Mia got out of school, we all three went to eat lunch together and then Daddy had to go to work.

Mia and I then lounged around and made a trip to Sally’s Beauty Supply because my flat iron all of a sudden went caput.  I hate that I had to buy another flat iron, but glad it gave me an excuse to go the the beauty store :)

We came home, did our bath time beauty ritual for the girlie, painted her toes and now were watching some Mickey cuddled up on the couch together before bedtime!

My tech savvy kiddo…

Blowing her toes dry :)

Am I the only one who looooves lazy days?  I honestly look forward to them!

Oh, I think I’m going to jump on the bandwagon and do the 25 days of Thankfulness.  I am a day behind so I will do 2 today!

*I am thankful for a hard working, loving husband.  He is my better half and I am so thankful God put us together. He sacrifices his body and schedule to go to work so that Mia and I have what we need and want.  I couldn’t ask for a better father to my child.  He loves her unconditionally and gets down on her level to play with her.  He would be the first one to cheer her on on the sidelines if she was in band, ballet or soccer.  I love him with all of my heart and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him!

*I am thankful for a healthy daughter.  We almost had to give her back to God on her actual BIRTH day, put He graciously blessed and healed her and let us keep her.  I am thankful to have a daughter so sassy and full of life.  She is spunky, outgoing and flat out hilarious!  I love her with all of my heart and am proud she calls me mommy!

Sushi, Froyo, game night and Best girlfriends day!

This past Friday night Mia and I went to eat sushi with Meme, Poppy and B!  We missed Daddy, but he was out providing for the family!  Love him.  After sushi we met up with Kyle (Ky-wool), Tina (noona), Brody (Bwody) and Charlie (Cha-lee) for some frozen yogurt!  YUM!

 

I worked all weekend long, so we’ve been having fun this week.

Last night Mia and I headed to Meme and Poppy’s house for a little trick-or-treating.  Yes, I gave in, BUT we only went for about 30 minutes.  My little fruit was so sweet, she would give you a cavity!  Well, except for the part where someone put candy in her bag and instead of saying thank you, she said “more!”  Mommy was speechless.  I am all about some manners, so this was a little disappointing!  Then we came home and played some Aggravation and Rummy.  It was such a fun night!

Today Mia and I decided since Meme was finally off a day from work that we would have a much needed girls day!  We love spending time with our Meme :)

We went to pick Meme up and then headed out to lunch at Qdoba!  Poppy and B don’t really like it, so it was a perfect place for us to get to eat!

After lunch we had to run to Kohls to get some new sunglasses since mine have somehow disappeared.  Then it was time to head to the zoo.  Meme doesn’t get to go with us very often, so we were excited to take her with us and show her the ropes ;)  It was absolutely perfect weather for the zoo.  We had a blast…

 

We spent a lot of time at the polar bear exhibit.  Those of you aren’t familiar with the Louisville Zoo, our polar bear exhibit has been under construction for basically a couple of years and when it finally opened, the poor lone bear that was in there did absolutely NOTHING,  It was so boring and felt like a waste.  They announced earlier in the year that they would be bringing a new cub into the exhibit named “Qannak” (don’t hold me to that spelling!)  This cub had been in training for quite some time, so when we saw this active cub in the exhibit today, we were beyond excited!!

Qannak kept coming down by the window where Mia was.  There were zoo workers/photographers taking pictures of Qannak and Mia because it was almost like she was coming down to see Mia!  Maybe she just looked like a snack, but it was still cute! HA!

After the zoo, we headed to the mall and the Christian bookstore for a little retail therapy!  Mia got a new pair of tennies, I bought Daddy a hoodie and a book  and mommy got a book and some smell goods from Bath and Body Works!

I bought Dave “The Resolution for Men” book and me the “Shepherding a Childs Heart” book.  I can not wait to dive in to my new book!  I’ll let ya know how it is.  I have become an avid book reader lately.  Weird.

You guys??  These shoes are a size 8!!!  They fit pretty perfectly, so I should’ve bought a 9 for her to have plenty of room to grow in, but I just couldn’t bring myself to buy that big of a shoe!  She has a Godzilla size foot!  HAHA!

We wrapped up our night by spending some time with Poppy and B and surfing pinterest with Meme :)

*Oh, and I had to YouTube the Justin Beiber “Baby” song for my child.  She has Beiber fever and she’s only 2!  Uncle B about had a melt down!  HAHA!