Some Crazy Randoms

I've been a bit M.I.A. on blogger since the weekend (yesterdays post was already scheduled from several days before)..so forgive me for being a bit behind on everything around here!  Here is what has been going on since the weekend up until now around our house.....

• As you saw from my previous post..my baby turned 9 months old!!  The time flies!!  Thanks for all your sweet comments from that post..I enjoyed each one of them!
• My sweet baby also got her first cold!!!  And I got it too..on the same day..ugh!!!  Talk about bad timing!  Damon has been sick for about 2 weeks with a lingering cold and it finally made its way to me and the little one, unfortunately.  We're doing ok now..she's alot better than I am but I'm fine with that.  I'd rather be sick than her, anyday.  Its the hardest thing in the world to see your child sick.  I got her a cool mist humidifier yesterday, an automatic "boogey sucker", as I call it, and some saline spray which I haven't had to use (thank goodness..she already hates it when I come at her with something to suction her nose.  The humidifier worked wonders last night.  The night before that she couldn't sleep (laying flat) due to the congestion..so she had to sleep in her bouncy chair in the living room with me on the couch beside her.  Last night she slept thru the night..it was wonderful! 
• Due to the colds going around here, I haven't slept well.  Even before we both came down with the colds we have..I had a few nights of restlessness..so last nights sleep for me couldn't have came at a better time!!!  Pray for us that this continues!!
• Last week before all this sickness started, I was in the process of starting some R.A.K tagging and accomplished 2 out of 3 goals.  I have to say..it was well worth it! The wonderful posts by Venessa and Callie after receiving the cards I sent to them as my way of showing a random act of kindess totally made my day!!  I wasn't expecting to be blessed (I was thinking more of them being the ones who felt uplifted), but it really touched my heart tremendoulsy!  If you don't follow or read their blogs, go check them out here and here.
• On a totally different note..if you know me very well you know I'm a HUGE follower of NASCAR.  I was so bummed that I was too tired last night to finish watching the end of the Daytona 500..especially when I saw this morning when I checked sportscenter that my driver, Matt Kenseth, WON!!!  Way to go Matt!!  Maybe it was a good thing I didn't see the ending..I would have probably ended up hollering at the tv screen cheering my driver on and woke up Makayla!  The crash involving Juan Pablo and the dryer truck was SO crazy..I'd never seen anything like that in my life!!

More to come tomorrow (Lord willing)..my cold is taking over at the moment and I'm having to cut this post a little shorter than I anticipated.  Until then............

N.I.N.E Months!



Wow..I can't believe my Makayla G is already 9 months (as of Friday)!  3 more to 1 year?  Ok..lets not go there..this momma doesn't even WANT to think about my baby being a year old..not yet!!!  Miss Makayla has been up to alot lately..here are some things she's been doing....

• Rolls around like CRAZY..though she's been doing this for some time
• Trying to army crawl
• Standing with assistance for a good length of time
• Eating like a pro
• Talking up a storm
• Waving "bye-bye"
• Teething (uuuggghhhhhhhhhh)

She still doesn't have her first tooth..but thats ok by me.  But boy..the teething process is in full swing and ugh..I might actually be glad when her teeth do start popping through just so we can get past the uncomfortableness (is that a word?)!  This past week, she has been waking up in the middle of the night..sometimes numerous times..in a full out hysterical cry..tears and all.  I can get her calmed back down quick and back to sleep fast but boy does it make for some long nights for momma!  She's rubbing her gums ALOT..drooling ALOT..chewing ALOT.  It can't be much longer, right??  I'm buying some Camilia teething drops for her..hoping that helps.  Anyone have any other ideas?  I've read about the amber teething necklaces and am intrigued..but skeptical and concerned about safety as well.  I'd love to hear your input if you've tried these!!!  Oh and I also ordered her some new teething rings I found online the other night..they are made by the people who makes the Sophie the Giraffe teether (which we also have)..and get this..are suppost to smell like vanilla! 



Makayla is eating like a pro..her schedule goes something like this in a day's time..for any of you momma's out there who might be curious how a 9 month old eats (at least mine does anyways)!  And of course, everday is not the same as the day before!

Wakes up anywhere from 6am-9am (I know..big variation..but I'm basing this on this week..and she's been way off this week..6am is not her 'norm') and nurses..then back to sleep

Wakes up again around 930am-1130am (again..big variation..but it depends on when she woke up the first time).

Eats breakfast around 1130-noon..few tablespoons of baby oatmeal and a few tablespoons (3 ice cubes) of homemade baby food..followed by a couple oz. of juice in a bottle.

Nurse around 1pm..then an hour nap..if I'm lucky!

Bottle of juice.

More baby food (again..3 ice cubes) around 4-5pm. 

Nurse around 630pm..followed by an hour nap.

More baby food (2-3 ice cubes) around 8pm..and finishes off her juice she's been working on.

Bathtime at 9pm followed by a full bottle of breast milk (sometimes has a touch of formula mixed in if it needs 'topped off')..and bed around 930pm.

We need to work on the whole juice thing.  She likes it a little 'too' much.  It started out as us giving it to her to help her be able to 'go' when she started on baby food.  You know how it changes their bathroom habits when they start solids!!  OH MY!!  So juice was the easy answer.  I'd like for her to drink water instead of the juice..but she HATES it when I try giving her water!!!  I think I'm going to start gradually watering her juice down (moreso than I do now..its not solid 100% juice she drinks..I've always watered it down) until she's having just water..maybe I can trick her that way?  We'll see!!



Makayla's likes:

wagon rides

stroller rides
books

her new carseat

food

kitty cats

potato chips (I know..I know..lol)

rolling, sitting, standing, playing

Makayla's dislikes

getting dried off

getting face cleaned

when book time is over and its time for bed

loud noises

Baby Girl,

You are growing up so fast I just can't believe it sometimes.  I love watching you grow and seeing the world through your eyes.  You are SUCH a joy to me and your daddy and we love you more than we could have ever imagined.  I look forward to seeing  you grow and be a healthy, smart, and God-fearing young woman.  Mommy loves you!!

It should be ILLEGAL!!

I'm going to go on a bit of a 'rant' today about something I experienced yesterday.  Why is it people..even those who are friendly/neighborly/etc..think its EVER appropriate to use curse words in front of a child???  I was talking with someone and that person was telling me about something that had happened.  Said person was telling me about this child they had babysat and how he had used a curse word (and said it aloud..twice..in front of Makayla!) and was laughing about it.  I didn't honestly know what to say!!!  I now feel SO BADLY for not speaking up and telling this person to please not use profane words in front of my baby.  Needless to say..lesson learned.  From now on..I am going to speak up if something like this ever happens again.  I feel badly, as a Christian, for not standing up for what I believe in. 

I just think it should be illegal to teach a child or say in front of a child profane language.  Its what is wrong with alot of our youth today.  They learn these horrible words at such an early age and think it should be part of their everyday vocabulary.  Now granted, I know they learn from other kids too, not just adults.  But the kiddos do learn alot from their parents and more than likely, the ones that are teaching the other kids this kind of language have learned it from an adult figure.  I can't say a whole lot though, when I was younger (before I gave my life to God), I was really bad to use that kind of language.  But..I didnt learn it from my parents..I learned it from others my age.  At the time, it was a 'cool' thing.  Looking back now, I don't know how I ever managed to think something like that was 'cool'. 

Have you ever been in a situation like this?  What did you do?  And would you have handled it differently?

What I'm Luvin' Wednesday

Some things I'm loving today!!

my curls

st. paddy's day decor

the new st. paddys day valance i made

jake

and of course this little girl!

Look at what I got!!

I ordered myself a new diaper bag with some money I got for Christmas.  Let me tell you though..I looked long and hard for the right bag because yeah..I'm pretty picky!  But I knew I found THE bag when I was on etsy a while back doing some searching.   It was like one of those 'ahhh' moments!  I couldn't be happier too..my only regret is I didn't find this sooner..because as you can see..it is oh-so-cute!!

Miscellany for your Monday!

Linking up here!

{ONE}  I had a lovely weekend!!  Me and my lil' family headed to Charleston (as usual..thats about the only place we can get to in the wintertime to shop!) and did some shopping!  Let me tell you..Makayla made out like a bandit!  Here are a couple goodies she came back with....

{TWO} Having said that..we only had to pay for the swing!  Let me explain so you don't think we stole anything..ha!  I was going through my purse and wallet Friday night (I got a new one that I was transferring things to) and came across 2 Walmart gift cards and probably 4 or 5 phone cards that I use when we're on vacation.  Well..I called the number on the backs of each to see if anything was left on all of them.  Low and behold..the one walmart gift card had a little over $70 on it!!  Can we say jackpot??!!  I was so suprised..but then again once I thought about it..I think that baby has been in my wallet since like 2008.  So sad it sat there all that time just waiting to be used!  We won a raffle at the company picnic Damon worked for that particular year (the GRAND prize) and thats what was left on the card after I apparently 'forgot' about it.  Such perfect timing though because we'd been wanting to get her a wagon!  Now she's set for spring!

{THREE}  Our lovely weather forecasters once again missed the mark.  We were predicted to get around 6-12 inches of snow today.  When I woke up..we had a bare ground.  The white stuff did start coming down this evening but we only got probably 2-3 inches, roughly guessing.  Am I bummed..YES!  I am one of the minority around here who loves seeing snow..this winter has been a disappointment for sure..BUT I know God has a time and place for everything!

{FOUR}  Last week after doing a post the previous week on a topic most moms out there can relate to (feeling underappreciated) I felt totally led by God to do something.  I'm not going to give out any details just yet..but be on the lookout for RAK once again (Random Acts of Kindness).  :-DD

{FIVE}  And in case your wondering..we did survive our battle from last week with the dreaded stomach bug/food poisoning/chest cold/sinus infection.  What a week it was but we're both doing great now!!  Praise God for health and healing!!

{SIX} One last note..on Saturday I did go to yet ANOTHER consignment sale!  Man I can't get enough of those!!  Had fun once again and got some tops, one dress, and a couple jammies for Makayla for this spring/summer.  She's definately set in the clothing department!  There is another sale coming up the weekend after next..and this one is for adults. 

Can't you just see the smile on my face?



A V-Day I'd rather forget

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Valentine's Day yesterday.  Ours, however, is one that definately is going down in the record books, but for all the wrong reasons! 

Damon was sick with a sinus infection/chest cold.  AND he lost a tooth.

I had a case of food poisoning..or something.  I'm still not sure what was the cause..but early tuesday morning (until around 5am) was not so pleasant for me.

I guess we should try to celebrate the 'day of love' another day..to make up for our miserable time yesterday!  Boo!  And I've always loved celebrating Valentine's Day...

Like I said..definately one I'd rather forget...

Got me a haircut!

Its not really spectacular or anything..but I was in such a bad need of one!  I actually got my hair cut not that long ago (like right before Christmas or right after?) but the lady in the salon I went to actually did NOT want to cut my hair the way I wanted!  She basically refused!  Can you believe that?  All I wanted was a regular trim and layers put in (I always have layers..love em') but she wouldn't do the layers..said it would 'make my hair go poof'.  She sounded German too when she spoke (no..I'm not racist..just sayin').  So I left..dissatisfied.  I had never had my hair cut and the sylist not want to take off what I wanted before..that was a definate first for me.  Now I have however had a stylist take off WAY more than what I asked for!  Oh boy..those would have been some before and after photos had I taken any!  Yikes!!  Once it was so bad, I didn't get my hair cut for a year.  But anyways..lovin' my hair now!!

Homemade baby legwarmers!

This is something I so wanted to try making myself after seeing several pairs on etsy.  They looked like they'd be so simple to make myself without having to dish out $15 + a pair.  And after doing some searches on google..I found a simple tutorial on how to make them..with a pair of womens knee high socks (hello $2 a pair at Target)!!  I made Makayla several pairs..here are the end products..with my little stylish girl modeling them for you!

(stripes!)

(slimming black!)

(pink plaid)





I got 'tagged'!

Callie from Through Clouded Glass tagged me in an 'About Me' tag..which is alot of fun!  I love participating in things like this and love to read responses in other blogs..its a wonderful way to learn more about people!!  So here are my 11 questions I'm to answer....

1. If I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life..it would be anything by Gary Allan..I'm a HUGE fan!
2. If I were a teacher, I'd want to teach art to little kids.  When I was younger at one point in time..that was something I actually wanted to be was an art teacher.  Now that I'm a mom..teaching art to little kids sounds like fun!
3. My favorite verse is "For with God nothing shall be impossible"  Luke 1:37.  Even though it is a simple verse..to me it stands for so much and says even more about how powerful and what a wonderful God we serve!
4. I started blogging because I wanted to meet people!  I had a desire to meet other women that were like me..married..starting families..liked to craft..and most importantly..who love the Lord!  I just wanted more friendships in my life and have another outlet for that.  I'm so glad I started blogging because I've met alot of awesome people!
5. The one book I think everyone should read is anything by Joel Osteen.  He is such a positive person..I love his outlook on life and how we should conduct ourselves.
6. My favorite drink from Starbucks is any kind of frappe!!  I LOVE frappes but Starbucks definately isn't my fav place to get them (they seem a bit on the 'bland' side).  I love the frappes you can make yourself at Sheetz..they let you pick everything..right down to the type of milk!!  My second favorite place to get one is McDonald's..caramel..of course!
7. I would rather it snow instead of rain because I've always loved the snow.  There is just something about waking up to a blanket of snow on the ground that seems so serene and clean.  It reminds me of how the blood of Jesus washes us and makes us clean and white as 'snow'.
8. Some advice my mom gave me that I never forgot was...this is a tough question.  I can't ever remember anything my mom said to me that made a profound effect (sad, but true)..but my dad..when we did have in depth conversations about life and things..he always gave me the best advice.  He always wanted me to follow my heart and think about things before I jumped in.  He has a level head and wanted to pass that on to me I believe.  To not act on emotions, if you will.  :-)  A good piece of widsom.
9. The website/blog I read most is Lankford Love, Through Clouded Glass, A Journey of Love, Life in its Ordinary Form, Live a Charmed Life, The Lucky Layman's, Adventures in the life of Mrs. A, Crazy Joy..to name a few blogs..and I also love visiting pinterest and facebook, of course!
10. Something I would tell my 13 year old self is don't worry.  Things will work out the way you hoped they would..it just all comes in God's timing and not your own.  You will get everything and more that you hoped and prayed for.  You will not only be a wife..but also a mother..and you'll love every single second of it.  Also..don't waste your time on friends who don't care that much about you. They aren't worth it and you deserve to be treated better.  And its easier to let them go than you might be thinking now.  You'll be the happier for it and God will bring much better friends into your life.  Just when you need them.  :-)
11. I hope people will say what an inspiration and good Christian woman/wife/mother/daughter/friend I was when I die.  I hope that I can leave some kind of legacy that everyone who knew me would be proud of and that my legacy lives on.  More than anything, I want the light of Jesus to shine through me to others and that they will see that and always know and remember me for that.

I'm suppost to tag 11 people but since I'm not sure I can think of 11..I'll put who I think may want to participate and my 11 questions!!  Hope you guys enjoyed reading mine and I hope those who get tagged will have fun answering my questions..I know I look forward to reading your responses!!

Here is who I'm tagging:

Leslie from Life in its Ordinary Form
Miranda fromOur Nesting Place
Mrs. A from Adventures in the life of Mrs. A
Page from Crazy Joy
Kelli from Countin' My Blessings
Venessa from A Journey of Love
Lauren from The Lucky Layman's



And here are my questions:

1. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
2. Where is your favorite place to travel to/visit and why?
3. What is your favorite dessert?
4. What did you want to be 'when you grew up'?
5. What is an important life lesson you've learned?
6. Which would you prefer to receive for Valentine's Day..chocolates or flowers?
7. Reality tv--love or hate?
8. Are you a morning person or night person?
9. Do you prefer books or magaines AND what is your favorite (book/magazine you've read)?
10. What do you collect?
11. What is your favorite hymn?

Please read..especially if your a mom

God spoke to me about doing this a few minutes ago and I want to be obedient and do this..for all you moms out there.  Last night I had a rough night..something was said to me that offended me alot..and alot of tears were shed.  I realized alot of what I was and have been feeling didn't have to do with what was said though..but rather what I'd been feeling for quite some time now. 

If your a mom..especially a new one..you'll probably understand this.

You feel underappreciated.  You feel like your never good enough..that you don't do enough or play with your child enough or read to them enough or interact with them enough.  Even if your a stay at home mom and are with your child 24/7..you still feel this way (as is in my situation).  I have felt like this for a while. 

So with that being said..I want to say something to all you moms out there..whether your a new mom, like me..or have been a mom for several years.

"Your doing a good job." 

Not only do I feel like all the moms I've come to know on blogger and in 'real' life are excellent mothers..but most importantly..God knows your a good mother.  He can see us when others can't always see us.  He knows our heart and how much love we hold in it for our children.  He knows that even though we aren't always perfect..we try our hardest to be the best parents we can be for our children. 

So just remember..when you may be feeling like your not doing a good enough job...you are.  Not just in God's eyes..but mine too.

:-)

Pinterest is making me fat!

So I've been using pinterest for a little while now and have come to a conclusion....

Its going to make me fat!!!!!

Seriously..have you seen some of the pictures on there?  The recipes I come across are to-die-for.  Everytime I go on there I'm leaving with my mouth watering..lol!  I have tried a few recipes and most turn out really good too..which is great..but not so much for my pants!  I think I need to do more searches of cute baby stuff (cause there is alot of that on there too!) and less of recipes! 

But in case your wondering..here are a few I'm talkin about.....

(caramelitas)

(homemade reece's)

(cookies n' cream oreo fudge brownies)

(white chocolate smores cake)

What have you found interesting on pinterest lately??

Nursing ~ 8 + months later

I know alot of you blogger moms have attempted nursing/breastfeeding, whether it ended up working out for you in the end or not.  I wanted to share some of my experiences over the past 8 + months that I've had with my girl Makayla..maybe this post can help someone out who's having a difficult time or needs a little inspiration to let them know that they can do it!

Number one thing.  Its NOT easy.  Especially in the beginning.  I know..not exactly what you wanted to hear..but its true.  BUT..it DOES get easier as time goes on!!  Sure, I had days where it was a total breeze. And then there were the times I felt like (and keep in mind my goal was to get to at least 6 months of breastfeeding)..I'm only 2 weeks in..I'm NEVER going to make it to 6 months!!  But then one day you won't realize it and think to yourself..this is easy now!  When did THAT happen?!

My saving grace was a nipple shield.  For those of you who've never heard of it or even seen one before..Target sells them. 



When we went on a short vacation with Makayla when she was only 5-6 weeks old..I decided to try to pump so we could have a little more freedom when we were out and about.  It worked fine while we were there.  But once we got back home and were trying to get back to our normal..she didn't want anything to do with me (she wanted the bottle..not the breast).  I was beside myself.  My advice from my obgyn when I went in for my 6 week checkup when I mentioned it to her was 'get ready for alot of crying'.  Not exactly what I had hoped for advice!  So..I got online as we all do and did some research.  I'd read over and over on pregnancy/new mom forums about breast shields and found one at Target.  First time..it worked like a charm.  Relief!!!!  I was SO happy I can't even tell y'all!  Nobody wants to have to wake up 2 or 3 times during the night to feed their baby..only then to have to pump for the next feeding before getting back in bed.  That makes for very little sleep!  Even though they say to not use these for an extended amount of time..and that it can decrease your milk supply..I'm still using mine.  And I've not had a problem. 

Which brings me to milk supply.  As of recently..I have had a little bit of problems making enough to keep her satisfied (when bottle feeding).  But..I give her a breastmilk bottle before she goes to bed..and because of this..she wants it completely full now.  I was having a hard time getting the bottle 100% full and having to add just a touch of formula.  We're talking about 1 oz is all.  But when I'm feeding her normally (no bottle..just me)..I have no problems.  Babies can get their milk from mommy better than any pump can get it from mommy.  I've definately seen proof of this!  It would be better if she'd just take from me before bedtime..but somewhere along the line we just got into this routine and honestly..I like it better this way.  I know exactly how much she's getting and know that she's gonna be full when she goes to bed. 

Its funny how in the early days of nursing..I was struggling to keep her awake.  You know how babies just love to fall asleep at the breast!!  And now my struggle (when I have any..which isn't all the time mind you) is keeping her focused on the 'task' at hand and not be distracted!  Used to I could nurse her and hold a conversation with anyone in the room with me..write notes..whatever need be.  Now I have to be alone..no talking..no nothing.  She gets distratcted EASILY.  I actually find it funny most of the time how she's changed..like she's shy about nursing or something!

With all of this said..I do have one last thing to share which might suprise some of you who don't know my breastfeeding story really well.  I have been nursing my girl since basically day one with only one breast.  While I was in the hospital..my milk didn't come in right in my left breast.  I had alot of problems getting her to feed from that side (hello inverted nipples) and once home and still struggling..I basically gave up.  When I would pump from that side..I would only get 1/2-1 oz..total..in one days time.  And I never had the pain and/or feeling of being full on that side either.  My obgyn said because of this I might have a hard time keeping up once she got bigger..but I honestly can say I haven't!  I praise God for that!  I kept thinking I'd be lucky to make it to 6 months..but now at over 8 we're still going strong and I hope to continue until she's a year old and then make the switch to cow's milk gradually. 

If anyone wants to ask me a question about breastfeeding..feel free to leave a comment and I'll gladly respond!  I'm not saying I'm some sort of expert..but having doing this for over 8 months now..I know I might be able to help out someone who's just starting out.  Its a wonderful and very rewarding journey..and I'm glad to be able to share my story!!

Makayla's Laugh!

Makayla so far has been the type of baby that doesn't just laugh at anything.  It really takes something to tickle her funny bone to get her going.  The other night after bathing, I heard Damon playing with her in the living room and she was totally cracking up!  I ran and grabbed the video camera and was able to catch it!  Its just hilarious!  All he was doing was playing with her jingly cow with her and she was just lovin' it this particular night!!  Here is a link..hope you watch cause it is good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8q_97e7Ug8&feature=youtu.be