It's days like today...

...that I realize just how blessed I am.

Thank you, LORD for this amazing little girl and the amazing family you have blessed me with.

Friday's Letters

From a sewing shop at a transition home in Moldova. 

Dear Friday, I'm glad you are finally here. Though I'm not quite sure I'm ready for the weekend. It's going to be a very busy weekend filled with a friend's graduation, family visits, Mother's Day, baby dedication at church, and I feel like I'm forgetting something major. Needless to say, it's busy. Dear Master Bath, Can you be finished yet? I'm glad I can finally shower at my own house, but I'm also ready to use my own bathroom and sink. Dear Hubs,  You are working so hard and I am so proud of you! Thank you for all you do! You are truly amazing! Dear Bug, You are getting so big! Please slow down! Next week you will be four months old! Where has the time gone? You've started grabbing things and picking them up. Also, you make new sounds every day. It's amazing watching you grow up! But seriously, slow down! Dear Weather, Thanks for finally turning into spring, but do you really have to rain again this weekend? We finally have a lawn mower to mow our lawn and you're going to rain! Also, we still need to paint. So please get your act together. Thank you.

Ramblings from a New Mom

A while ago I wrote this guest post. I don't know how many of you were able to see it, so I'm sharing it with you now :)

Going from this

to this

in the matter of nine months takes a lot more work than originally thought.

Or rather, than I originally thought.

But this is the best kind of work I could possibly imagine.

It's hard to believe that a little over six weeks ago we brought our daughter home. In a way, it feels as if she's been with our family for years, and in another, it still feels surreal, like she's just hear temporarily. However, I can say that during these past six weeks, I've fully been initiated into motherhood...

My boobs have doubled in size and are now leaking like crazy. I can just hear a baby cry or see a full baby bottle and oops, I sprung a leak. Heck, I'm starting to leak right now just thinking about it...For those of you who are leaky like me, I fully recommend Lansinoh's breast pads. They are lifesavers! But I wouldn't trade the leaky boobs for the world. It means that I get to nourish and feed my daughter, something that I have come to treasure.

To go along with the leaky boobs, I constantly smell like soured milk. From her messy eating and my constant leakiness, the smells just compound. I'm surprised the hubs hasn't run far, far away or made more comments about it. I guess he is a smart man. No matter the number of showers I take, the smell just comes right back. But again, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Then there's the spit up. I don't know about everyone else with kids, but my daughter spits up and the most random and ill-opportune times. And it's not anywhere near a time when she last ate! Say she eats at 2 and won't eat again for another couple of hours, I burp her when she's done feeding and think "the coast is clear."  I either continue to hold her, put her in her swing, or lay her on her play mat. Sometimes she falls asleep, but more recently, she's staying awake. She seems to be doing just fine playing and then all of a sudden, hello spit up. This is around an hour or hour and a half after she's last eating! And it's not like I've moved her or anything, she just decides to keep me on my toes when it comes to this sort of thing. Now, because her spitting up comes out of the blue, I have been doused numerous times. Just the other night, for example, I was getting her ready for bed and as I was walking into my bedroom to feed her she let it all out and down my shirt it went. I admit, she does have some pretty good aim. Getting spit up on, of course, just adds to the smell. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

And of course, there's everyone's favorite: getting pooped on. That moment when the diaper can either hold no more or the force of the blowout is just too much for the diaper to handle and you just get covered. Let's just say I'm used to this by now and it just comes with the territory. When I hear it coming, I know longer flinch. I just accept my fate and try to minimize the damage as much as possible. I mean, better it to be me than our dry clean only duvet cover (she got that too once, needless to say, we're on the hunt for a new duvet cover that isn't dry clean only). But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

There's so much that comes with being a new mom. So many new experiences. Who would have thought that I would be okay with breastfeeding out in public? A year ago I would have laughed at the thought. But now I don't hesitate to feed her. I may still cover myself, but I don't go lock myself in a bathroom (not that there's anything wrong with that...I just choose not to). I remember the hubs telling me that diaper changing was going to be my job and that he was staying away from poopy diapers. When she was born, he volunteered to change the first one! You know, the one with all the tar-like poop. Yeah, I was shocked. And now it's not a big deal for him to change a diaper. 

We're still getting into the hang of this whole being parents thing, and yes there are a lot of "dirties" that come with the job. But they all are outweighed by the smiles I get and the cuddles and the overwhelming love that we share. I love being a member of the mommy club and I fully accept my role as mommy. In fact, I wouldn't trade that role for all the diamonds and money in the world.

Wednesday Hump

Here's something to get you over the Wednesday hump and through the rest of your week!

I know I've posted this before, but I'm seriously missing me some football! Just 16 more weeks!

"An orange peanut? For me? Wow, an orange peanut! Well, I accept you."

One Year Ago

One year ago today, I was staring down at this:

And telling the hubs like this:

And getting ready to celebrate here:

And took the first "I'm pregnant" picture and only slightly freaking out:

That was a year ago. 7 May 2012.

This is today. 7 May 2013.

It's amazing how things change in 1 year, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Thoughts and Questions!

I've had quite a few people ask me questions about cloth diapering. That being said, I've been thinking about doing a Q&A about all things cloth diapers for those who have questions. 

So, if you have any questions about cloth diapering and need someone to ask them feel free to email me @ beautifulfamilyaffairs{at}gmail{dot}com. If you're reading this from my Facebook link, feel free to private message me.

Our Weekend

This weekend was nasty. It rained - no, it poured - all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday. 

So Saturday, it rained all day. As most of you know we're in the process of slowly renovating our house, starting with the master bath. Well, we started renovations last weekend. 3 days the hubby worked 12+ hours on it. And it still wasn't finished. The people who built this house were lazy and nothing was squared or plumbed or built right. Go figure. Anyway, Saturday was going to be the day that the hubs finished the project. His best friend was coming to help. But, as with most projects, things didn't go as planned. The good news is, they got the sheet rock back up and tile on the floor. But the stupid glue still isn't dry. Why, you wonder...Rain. All this ridiculous rain.

So we're still without a working bathroom. We have Bug's bathroom, but she doesn't have a shower - just a bath. So we do have a toilet and sink...but we don't have a shower...

Anyway, this brings us to Sunday. We're getting ready for church (running late as always) and go to put the dog in the basement (he's not allowed to stay upstairs while we're away because he ruins things) when the hubs yells up and informs me the basement has flooded. 

Seriously? 

Yes. Seriously. So that nixes the idea of the hubs going to church. He now must fix what the rain has gifted us with. Water all throughout the basement. 

I've got to keep an eye on it today as well, seeing as the rain has not stopped. 

Oh well. Here's hoping the rain stops. The tile dries. And the sun comes out. I need a good sunshine-y day. And a good sunshine-y weekend. We need to paint the outside of this house before our windows come in!

Here's a sneak peak of the bathroom with tile :)

May is for Moms

Today I'm linking up with Amy @ Not Your Average Crazy for her series "May is for Moms." Today is all about an interview with myself...

An Interview with Myself

1. Before you ever even had children, how did you feel about being a mother?

Now, my mom will tell you otherwise, but as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mother. I think where we get our lines crossed is what I wanted to do before I had kids. I knew I wanted to travel, but when I was ready to settle down, I wanted kids. How many kids? I would be okay with 6 or more (I want a big family), but my husband and I are talking about 4. We'll see though and we'll be happy with however many God grants us!

2. Since becoming a mother, what is something that has happened that you never thought would?

I knew I would feel an immense amount of love for my little girl, but I never imagined just how much love I would fill. I look at her and my heart just soars. It is an amazing feeling. Also, I never knew I had such instincts. That I could look at her and know (most of the time) what she needs or how to handle the situation.  I knew to expect the being peed on and being pooped on. That didn't come as a shocker at all. Haha

3. Is being a mother less difficult, more difficult or exactly how difficult you imagined?

I don't know if I ever truly imagined what motherhood would exactly entail. I don't want to say it's not difficult, it is, but being a mother is the most natural thing I've ever done.

4. What is your fondest memory of being a mother (so far)?

Fondest memory...That one's hard. There's nothing like holding your child for the first time. But then there's her first real smile, or any smile. And now she's cooing up a storm. I honestly love every moment with my little one. It's been truly a joy to have her in my life.

5. If your children only learn one life lesson from you, what do you hope it is?

The one thing I want my daughter to learn is how much God loves her. That He sent His only Son to die for her and that He wants her to have everlasting life with Him. It is so important to me that she knows this, anything else falls by the wayside as long as she learns how much He loves her.

Wonders in this universe

I want to look for these wonders. I don't want them to pass me by. I am going to look hard for these wonders and I am going to take joy in them and praise the One who created them.

**this is not a quote from the actual Vincent Van Gogh, rather it is said by the character Vincent in the episode Vincent and the Doctor from the Doctor Who series**

Friday's Letters

Dear Weekend, What is up with this weather?! We need sunny weather over here do to the fact that we need to paint before our brand new windows get put in! Dear Hubs, You are seriously rocking this whole home reno thing! I mean seriously! Thank you so much for working so incredibly hard! You rock and I am so blessed to call you mine! Our brand new bathroom is going to be awesome! Dear Bug, As I type this you are "napping." Rather, you'd prefer to play with your feet than nap. A new and fun discovery you've made in the past week. It's rather cute! Other new things this week...You're laughing! Precious! Dear Car, Please don't let there be anything seriously wrong with you. We kinda need you around these parts, seeing as we can't go anywhere as a family without you. The hubs's truck is a single cab and I don't think we can fit Bug in there with us. Dear Braves, The Mets are coming into town, so you better snap out of this little funk. Dear Football Season, Are you here yet? Dear Readers, Here is an adorable laughing baby to start your weekend off right. (Ignore the videography, it's safe to say I'm not an expert at recording videos quite yet...I'm working on it)

Intentional Living

As a new mom, life takes on a new meaning. A new purpose. A new responsibility. A new life.

I want live with an intentional, joy seeking heart. 

I want to look for the good in life, despite all the tragedy that surrounds.
I want to be wise with my time.
I want to be healthy.
I want to exercise.
I want to watch less tv and listen to more music.
I want to put more into my relationships.
I want to enjoy life.
I want to see the beauty that is all around.
I want to dance with my daughter.
I want to rock my baby to sleep.
I want to be a Proverbs 31 wife.
I want to spend more time growing in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
I want to live the life He has planned for me.
I want to smile.
I want to laugh.
I want to love.

Living intentionally. Living with a purpose. 

That is my goal. 

inspired by Casey Wiegand

Life Lately

  

She's trying so hard to roll over!!// There's nothing cuter than a naked baby! // Demolition on our master bath begins!

  

No more bathroom // Sleeping peacefully // After midnight and renovations are going strong 

    

Rocking the Wyoming shirt from Aunt Rebekah! // We have 3 walls and a tub! // Morning cuddles with Mommy

    

Entertaining herself with the front view camera during small group // Reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets // "What's up, Mom?"

Go Braves!!

Clearly life has been a little busy here. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with life here

{at}awood009

Friday Letters

Ready for the weekend!

Dear Friday, Way to finally show up. All day yesterday I thought you were here, only to be told over and over again that it was only Thursday. Dear Hubs, You are simply amazing. You are such a hard worker and  I'm so blessed to have you in my life! I'm so excited about where God is taking us and I look forward to all that He has planned and taking the journey with you! Dear Bug, You are growing up way too fast! 3 months already! It doesn't seem possible! You're also talking so much more! You are such a joy and blessing to us Bug and I love spending my days with you! Dear House, Prepare to be conquered. I've been looking forward to this day for a very long time. Dear Rain, Please don't come tomorrow so we can conquer the house. Dear Readers, Here is a video of an adorable baby to make your Friday that much more enjoyable.

Capturing Moments

It's a quiet day here at the homestead. It's dark outside. Rain is predicted for this part of Georgia. I hope it's a good thunderstorm. I just love a good thunderstorm. As long as it's only a thunderstorm, none of this "tornado warning" nonsense. 

Bug is playing on her play gym. It's almost her nap time. But I wanted to capture this moment. It's a sweet moment. A special moment. 

Thank You, LORD, for this beautiful gift you have given us. She is truly a blessing.

Prayers for Boston

On a day like today I can't imagine letting my little one out of my sight. I just want to cuddle her and hold her and protect her from the world and the tragedy that is out there. I know that is impossible. I cannot protect her. But I do know some One who can. The same One who gave her to me to care for and love. Only He can protect her, and all of us, during times like this. It is He that I turn to when I am scared or weak. He is the only One that can take care of us. It is Him that I lean on now, and it is He that I pray to asking for strength and peace for the people of Boston and all those effected by this tragedy.

So hold on to the ones you love and remember that God has you in His hands and He loves you so much!

3 Months!

weight: 15 lbs 2 oz      

height: 23 1/2 in

eating: every 2-4 hours still; exclusively breastfed

tummy time: beginning to love it more and more!

happiness: starting to smile more and more and talking up a storm; we're starting to have "conversations" now!

loves: cuddles, Lamaze toys, play gym, looking at herself in the mirror or phone

sleep: between 6 and 8 hours a night depending (however, last night little bug woke up every two hours wanting her paci); officially in the crib!

Bug has gained 2 pounds in the past month! Her rolls are getting more and more pronounced! They're just adorable! She still hasn't accomplished the whole rolling over thing. She makes it to her side and then gets really frustrated when she can't make it the rest of  the way. Maybe she'll accomplish the feat this month!

This was her last day in 0-3 month clothing, and believe me, it was a tight fit. She's officially moved into 3-6  month clothing. She needs something bigger to house all her rolls. I'm in the process of changing out her clothes once again. It makes me sad to pack away all of her little clothes. She's getting bigger and bigger.

Bug has started "talking" to us and having conversations! It's the best thing ever! I love hearing her talk and seeing her smile when we respond to her.

She loves her fingers and looking at herself in the mirror. She's also started drooling tons and tons. We've had to bring out the bibs so her clothes don't get completely soaked. I'm hoping it's still too soon for her to be cutting teeth! I'm not ready to go through that just yet...

The hubs and I went on our first date without baby this past month. Bibi and Papí watched Bug for us. The hubs had the night all planned out. He surprised me with tickets to go and see Mary Poppins at the Fabulous Fox Theatre! It was a wonderful night, but I was happy to see Bug by the end. And smart man took me to a theatre where I could text my mom every few minutes to see how she was doing.

She's always playing with her hands now! I love the way she holds them together. 

She's officially in her crib and sleeping great (for the most part...we won't count last night).

Dear Bug, 

You are such a joy! Such a gift! I thank God every day for blessing us with you. You're learning up a storm these days and even mimicking our facial expressions! We love you so much Bug. We're a family because of you. Every month there's something new you've discovered and it's so much fun seeing the joy on your face as you discover it. You're ready to take the world on, but please slow down just a smidgen. Your daddy and I want to cherish every moment we have with you and we don't want you to grow up too fast!

Gitchee gitchee goo!

Mommy and Daddy