There are days when I’m on social media and I get this feeling that I don’t do enough with Em.
All the moms…doing all the things with their kids.
And we’re just hanging out at home.
This morning we were out on the porch, Em was in her pack and play (I’ll kiss that inventor when I get to heaven) and I was working on my computer, and we were listening to music.
And I got this overwhelming feeling of gratitude.
That I get to be her mom. That this is what my days look like now.
Because this is enough.
We don’t have to go to every play group, and every event for tiny humans. Just being together as a family, is enough.
To the mamas who do it all. You go, girl.
To the mamas who don’t do any of it. You go, girl.
This image we have in our minds of what our days should look like as a stay at home mom (or working mama), need to come to an end. Because we’re all different. We might all have the same hours in a day as Queen Bey, but that doesn’t mean we have to fill each one with doing something.
If you’re a home body, do that. Since having Em, I’m in the category. Sure we love our Target runs, but most days, we just sit at home and play. I have no doubt this stage will come to an end quickly, so I’m trying my best to soak it all in.
But I’m human. And comparison sneaks in sometimes, and I feel like we don’t do enough.
So I’m letting go of that. I’m choosing to love even more, these quiet days at home. Listening to music and folding laundry.
Whatever you do with your tiny humans, just let simple be enough.
I swore I’d never share an ultra sound picture of my child on the internet because I just had this weird feeling about it. Kind of like, I haven’t even met you, why does the world get to.
But lately, things are changing my mind.
Here I am at our eight week ultrasound (crying my eyes out), getting to meet our sweet baby girl for the first time (although we didn’t know who she was yet). I remember going into the ultrasound full of every emotion God created me with. I was so excited to finally see my little peanut, to see her squirm around on the screen. I was 100% nervous too. Was everything ok? And the thought every mother to be has, how many are in there!?
Seeing this little bean sized human moving around on the screen is a moment I’ll never forget. Which is why more women who are abortion minded need to see their little beans moving around too.
Insert Save The Storks.
Actually, let’s back up a little.
I met my friend Ashley blogging a couple years ago. She was funny, sarcastic, and loves Jesus. Three things I use to describe myself. She also had this passion behind her for everything she wrote about, and I loved that.
I got to meet Ashely in real life shortly after, and actually flew home from the Influence Conference right next to her. We talked so much during that hour and a half flight, and I remember being so grateful for this friendship.
A short while ago Ashley and her hubby (who I also got to meet, also a super cool dude) made the decision to stop their current lives, move to Colorado and have Jesse work for Save The Storks, a non-profit. Her story is incredible, and when you’re done here hop on over to her blog to read more.
Something stirred up in my heart when Ashley shared this news. Giving up a solid job and your whole life as you know it, to move to a completely different state? This organization had to be a big deal.
And it is.
Save The Storks partners with pregnancy resource centers all over the nation to provide them with powerful tools and training so they can more effectively reach and serve abortion-minded expectant mothers.
They’re changing the pro-life movement. And I’m honored to be a part of it.
Save The Storks have mobile medical buses that they use to get to women who are in need. They park near college campuses and abortion clinics, making it so easy for women to get to them. Save The Stork doesn’t expect women to come to them…they go to them.
Local pregnancy centers offer an incredible service for expectant mothers, but many women don’t even know they exist. Save The Storks partners with these centers and provide the resources they need to get closer to those who need their services. The Stork Bus minimizes the distance between pro-life professionals and women who most need them.
I’ve always been pro-life. Abortion has never sat with me well. Maybe it was growing up in the church, and believing with all my heart that God forms each one of us in our mothers womb. Maybe it’s because I’m a Republican. Maybe it’s because I just don’t get them. I don’t understand the fact that this is a thing. A woman can get pregnant and then just decide she doesn’t want the baby.
But having Emily just stirred up a piece of my heart I didn’t know existed. Carrying this tiny human for *almost* nine moths was a gift. One that I do not take for granted. I remember the first time I felt her kick and wiggle around in there, and now thinking that some women just don’t want that.
Here’s the thing. I want to change your mind if you’re pro-choice. I want women to realize that there are so many more options than having an abortion.
I’m not going to go into when life starts (at conception), or the argument of women’s rights (what about that baby girl?). What I am going to do, is state some facts.
84% of women who have had abortions, say that didn’t have all the information they needed before they chose an abortion.
4 out of 5 women who get on a Stork Bus choose life after seeing their tiny babe on an ultrasound.
Less than 1% of abortions happen because of rape or incest.
21% of women who get abortions say it’s because they aren’t financially ready.
16% of women who get abortions say it’s because their life would change too much.
I literally can’t with the second one.
Every 30 seconds a baby’s life is taken by abortion.
A human heart begins to beat at 6 weeks. *Correction by some sweet readers, it’s actual 3-4 weeks, about 18 days from conception. Which is even crazier!
At 8 weeks old, babies facial features become more pronounced, their ears, mouth, and nose are recognizable.
13% of abortions happen during week 8.
Save The Storks isn’t looking to defund anyone, or change any laws. They don’t picket or hold up hateful signs. Their trying to make these abortion numbers get to zero.
I get that if you’re pro-choice, you believe it’s because it’s your body, and this is a choice you get to make. My only question, is that have you thought about all the women who can’t have babies? Who have tried for years, only to see negative after negative sign. Who now only have adoption as an option. I get that giving up your body for nine months is a lot, been there done that. But what if one woman, could give another woman the one thing she wants more than anything in the world. Talk about girl power. Adoption rocks, and we need to have more people campaigning for babies and adoption.
Here’s the thing though. No matter what “choice” you make…there is no condemnation in Christ. He see’s you and He loves you. Sure, sometimes this debate get’s heated. I sure as heck can get rather feisty about it…but it’s because I’m so passionate about saving babies.
And so is Save The Storks. They’re out to love on women no matter what’s going on. They want to educate and pray for women who are in need. Because that’s what Jesus did.
Check out this video.
I would love love love if you joined Sonny and I in donating $30 a month to Save The Storks. To giving these beautiful women an option besides abortion. To love on them, to give them a place to feel safe in their time of need. This $30 a month for a year saves a woman and her baby from the heartache of abortion. You can also get this amazing shirt. Click here to donate.
Friends, I am begging you to join with me. I promise you that choosing life is so much better. I’ve got the cutest kid in the world, she brings me more joy than I ever thought possible…but what if I had made a different choice?
God is good ya’ll. We can change things. Lets love these women, and save these babies.
I have no other word for this past weekend but perfection. Major props to the hubs.
I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing and lovely weekend if I tried.
Em and I had a Mommy & Me photoshoot on Friday, and I’m already bitting at the bit to see the photos. It was so much fun, and exactly what I asked for. We poked around Mt Dora, which we had never been to before, for a late lunch and explored the little shops in the town. I’ve had Mt Dora on my places to visit in Central Florida, so now I get to cross it off.
Saturday was spent by the pool with my parents, thank You Jesus for the weather. And then an amazing dinner at a new restaurant near us. If you keep up with me on snapchat you were most likely drooling at the photos I shared.
Sunday we ended up missing church due to someone’s nap, but it turned to be a wonderfully lazy morning and afternoon. Both of my kids got be the best presents 😉 We all got a nap in, again, thank You Jesus. And then had dinner with my in-laws.
To be honest, I had the “holy crap, I’m a mom” thought a lot yesterday. Most days I don’t think about it. I just have this tiny human who I love more than anything, and our days just go by. But yesterday I kept thinking about how a year ago I was dreaming about who that baby was in my belly, moving and kicking me all the time.
It is absolutely insane how fast time goes by.
I was reminded yesterday of how lucky I am to be Emily’s mom. That God chose me, out of all the women in the world to bring this baby girl up. That’s a tall order, friends. Our babies were given to us by God. No mistake made. He knew we’d be the perfect ones to teach them about love. To show kindness to others. And to always say please and thank you.
I’m so thankful for this sweet baby girl of mine, and a husband who made my first Mother’s Day perfect.
I’m still trying to peel my eyes open today. Monday. I’m sorry no one likes you.
This weekend was so relaxing. My in-laws took Em for the day on Saturday which meant I got to clean the house IN UNDER AN HOUR! If you’re a mama you get my excitement. It took me three days to clean four rooms this week, so when I got to finish the rest of the house in a short amount of time, I danced for joy.
Sonny and I got to enjoy a dinner out without having to pick up toys or puffs from the ground. Not that Em is bad at dinner, in fact she’s amazing. But it was nice to just sip my wine and eat my burger (classy, I know).
Sunday we churched and came home and napped. That’s what Sunday’s are for, right?
We also made a Target trip…Sunday afternoon, not the best plan. But we made it out alive. High five.
Love that body girl. Wear all the tight clothes you want. Those shorts are not too short, and that shirt is not too low. You’ve got it sister, so flaunt it. Eat what you want. Savor every bite of that cheeseburger. Always get extra whatever.
Because soon, and way too soon, things are going to head south.
Both figuratively and physically.
Despite the common misconception, once you have that tiny bebe, you will not go back down to the weight you currently are. The weight that at times you thought was too much. Shut up, size 6. Just shut up.
Here’s a fun fact for ya…that baby weight you’re gaining is going to hang around like a bad ex boyfriend. Clinging to you like peanut butter on the roof of your mouth.
There will come a time after baby that you honestly couldn’t care less. Because you just keep saying, “Whatever, I just had a baby”.
I’ve honestly asked my self a lot lately how long “just” is. Because we’re currently at eight months, closer to a year than the day she was born and I’m still trying to swing it.
Since that tiny babe comes in August, you’ve got the winter ahead. Thank You sweet baby Jesus for leggings and big shirts, that look #trendy.
But now.
Oh, sweet child. Now…it’s summer.
And you live in Florida.
Shorts are here again, and considering that little 7 pound 21 ounce is now TWENTY POUNDS, you do some heavy lifting.
And no, despite what you think. You’re arms do not look like a member from the Jersey Shore. All the lifting, no definition.
You’re trying though, which is what I think counts. You’re up an absurd amount from you “pre-baby” weight…but that number means nothing! You’re beautiful and strong, and you birthed a human! Said no one ever.
It’s tough kiddo, but you can do it. Maybe, once the kid comes out, we don’t have chic fila four times a week. Maybe.
Also, if you want advice, know this.
Breastfeeding does not guarantee weight loss. It might for a short time, but those pounds come back with a vengeance. And they bring some friends.
Breastfeed that baby…but also, maybe work out before six months postpartum. Just a thought.
But no matter what any diet says. Never. And I repeat never. Give up wine. That’s called “Mommy’s Sanity in a Bottle”.
Also. Just because you’re throwing up every five minutes now and you’re actually loosing weight while pregnant…does NOT mean you should try and make up for lost food not eaten later. Again, you do you girl, just a suggestion.
Maybe take some more mirror selfies to have later.
Life lately has been crazy busy. Sonny’s been out of town twice this month which meant Em and I went to stay at my parents. Which I love so much, but it’s exhausting. Getting a baby and a dog ready to basically “go out of town” is for the birds. But I do have six extra hands helping me, so who can complain.
This past weekend Em had a very special “first”. The beach. Mommy’s happy place. I realized quickly that the days of just going to the beach for a little are long gone. There’s positively no just hoping in the car and going. Nope. Now there’s more sunscreen then imaginable, umbrellas, towels, toys, diapers, wipes, toys, diapers…it’s a thing now. But a wonderful thing now.
We’ve found our new favorite restaurant to go to for a quick dinner. If you live in Orlando, you’re welcome.
I spent an absurd amount of money on two headbands for Em a couple weekends ago, but they are the cutest. She’ll also wear them every day from now until she’s 10 just to make it worth it. #youkillmewinterpark
I “finished” my second round of the 21 day fix. That’s a very loose statement. It didn’t go as great at the first time, but I’m excited to do it again. Going out of town is hard. And sometimes you just need more cake, amirite?
It’s the NBA playoffs, so I’ll just be praying God still doesn’t hate Cleveland.
I’m sitting here watch you in your ExerSaucer (moms if you don’t have this, run don’t walk and go get it) and I can’t get over how grown up you are already.
Watching you figure out how things work, is both comical and amazing. You’re figuring out this world, one button at a time.
You’ve got quite the personality on you, and at seven months (how is THAT possible?!) I can’t wait to watch it grow even more. You’re a tiny human now. You’re moving and walking in that walker. It makes me both sad to the point of tears, but also so thankful I get to watch you grow.
You’re teething like crazy, so anything you get your little hands on goes right into your mouth. We’ve spent an absurd amount of money on teething toys but your favorites are the odd things I find that are safe for you. Like basing brushes, or containers, or bracelets. You do you, girl.
You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You smile when he comes on and you can’t get enough of that Hot Dog Dance.
I love that our days are slow and filled with lots of sitting on the floor and playing.
In the past two weeks I’ve seen something on social media that’s got me a bit ruffled.
It’s no secret that moms love Target. Ok, really, what human doesn’t love Target. But there’s just something about those $5 baby clothes that makes it gold in there.
Lately though, the good old Target run is getting a bad rap.
And while I understand that if a Target run for you, is a means to escape life, or a place that you can’t go into with out spending a ton of money on frivolous things, it would be a bad thing.
Here’s where my beef comes in.
Sometimes it feels like one persons stronghold, should be everyones. That if someone with a substantial amount of followers says they don’t like Target, then everyone seems to get that opinion. It’s kind of like, we just go along with it because it might be the popular opinion.
I’m not ashamed to admit how much I love Target. Or my Target runs.
For me, it’s this sweet time with Em. She’s old enough to sit in the cart like a big girl now, so she just looks up and smiles at me the whole time. I’m almost in tears writing this because I love our trips so much. There’s also the perk of not looking like a crazy woman while talking to myself, because you know…a seven month old is quite the conversationalist.
I don’t go into Target and spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need. Ok. Maybe I get the occasional office supplies, but doesn’t everyone need 10 note pads lying around?
Target is our go to for everything, except groceries (we heart Publix). Diapers, wipes, toothpaste, dog treats, dog toys, baby clothes.
Again, I will state. I understand that for some people a Target run can be looked at in the negative.
But not for me.
And that’s where my biggest problem is. Why is it that one persons opinions have to be the masses? Why should I give up something that I love, because it’s a negative in your life?
That’s my issue with social media these days. We’re so concerned with making it look like we have it all together like she does, and we miss out on our own lives. I truly we believe we live in a society that if we aren’t careful, is going to explode sometime soon. I feel like there’s this constant demand to have it all together. And not just as a mother, but as a human. We see Instagram accounts with perfect pictures, read Tweets wondering why we didn’t think of that first, and see Facebook statuses that cause a pain of jealousy we didn’t know existed.
Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
I can’t won’t sit here and say that I think Target runs are bad. Because I don’t. I can sit here and say that it’s a part of the week that I love. Em and I spend all day together (which is the biggest gift God has given me), so when we do little trips to the store or the park, it means so much to me. And I’m kinda over being made feel guilty about it.
That’s the thing. We’re loosing the “you do you” attitude. And it’s becoming more of “if I think this, so should you”. That’s not how it should be. Or what’s even worse, is that one person has an opinion and without even thinking if we believe the same, we just go along with it.
I get that there are strongholds in peoples lives. We all have them. But why is it that one persons has to be another? Can’t we just come together and pray for that stronghold to be lifted in the name of Jesus? For that person to be free of that guilt or shame?
I hope and pray that this doesn’t come off like I’m above anything. Or that I love to shop.
That’s not it at all.
And I get that some people could say “well you’re exactly who needs to find more in life than a Target run”. Which my response would be: I do.
I’ve got a hunk of a husband who I love with all my heart. I’ve got the worlds best baby girl who I couldn’t imagine my life without. I’ve got the funniest dog you’ll ever meet. I have been saved by an immeasurable amount of grace, by a God who loves me. I’ve got struggles too, but a Target run isn’t one of them.
If you’re days are filled with love and laughter. I think you’re doing it right. I think that you’re life is perfect, just like mine is for me. And that’s where we need to get to. Realizing that what we have, right in front of us is perfect. Not what we see on a tiny square on the Internet. Our house is enough, our clothes are enough…we are enough.
So here’s to being nice to people. Here’s to lifting people us, whether they love Target runs or not. And here’s to being careful with what we bash online because you never know what it could mean to someone else.
I can say without a doubt that this kid has more personality than most adults I meet.
She makes the funniest faces, which she’s famous for now, and has a laugh that will melt your heart.
+Em is sitting up like a champ. She did this the weekend she turned seven months which was a big deal. It’s been a milestone I’ve been waiting for. I just feel like she’s so grown up now. Plus, she loves to sit and play which gives mommy five minutes to clean the kitchen. Wins all around.
+The top teeth are coming, or wherever they come in next, that’s just what I assume. She chews on every thing you put in front of her. She’ll grab it and it goes right into her mouth. Baby proofing here we come.
+Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is still her jam. We don’t watch a lot of tv during the day, if any somedays, but this girl gets the biggest smile on her face when she hears the words, “Hey everybody! It’s me, Mickey Mouse!” Oh, and that Hot Dog Dance.
+She’s finally eating Puffs. Not just playing with them. It makes me laugh every time because it’s truly like watching a monkey figure out how to eat. This is what you become a parent for, right? To laugh at your kid? It’s the cutest thing to watch.
+Em found her feet. It’s the best.
+Em went to her first baseball game! The Brevard Manatees! #feartheseacow She didn’t get her late nap in so we didn’t make it long, but from what I can tell, she enjoy America’s favorite past time.
+She got her first pair of jean shorts. You’re welcome.
As a mommy I’m not super into beauty products…ok to be honest, I’ve been like this my whole life.
I don’t know how to do a smokey eye, it always looks like I just got punched. I have kept my “beauty regimen” as simple as humanly possible. And I don’t understand wearing fake eyelashes.
But.
There are a few things over the years that I’ve found that I love, love, love. So here they are:
#1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple face wash
I’ve used this face wash for a couple years now and love it. I’ve got some rosacea that goes on, and this has significantly brought that down. It doesn’t dry my skin out which I love, and it gets make up off without having to use any remover or cloth.
#2. Nivea in Shower Body Lotion
I have to be honest and tell you that this is something my husband bought…sorry babe. I was super skeptical at first because the idea of putting lotion on in the shower weirded me out. And I also didn’t think it would work.
Me=wrong. And I’m so glad I was. It doesn’t feel oily once I get out, and it saves time outside of the shower. Yes please.
#3. bareMinerals Foundation
I’ve tried a lot of different foundations and this is by far my favorite. It doesn’t take a lot to get coverage. I also don’t use a lot of concealer (under my eyes, hi I’m a mom), so I love that this covers without making me use 45 different foundations and powders.
#4. Nars Blush
This was a gift from my best friend a couple Christmas’s ago and now it’s like a life line. It’s by far my favorite blush I’ve ever used. It doesn’t come off too pink, nor does it give you a really serious shimmer. It’s just enough. Run, do not walk to go buy this.
#5. Mascara
I’ve been a Cover Girl for a long time…ok no not like in the commercial but it’s what I’ve used for years. I’ve tried a bunch of different kinds, currently trying this one out, but I just keep coming back to her. Old faithful. If there’s one thing I put on my face every day, or just about, it’s mascara.
