Thursday, October 30, 2014

Surviving Morning sickness when you have a toddler.

Okay, so here I am at 32 weeks and I'm still dealing with morning sickness! Thankfully it's just in the morning and it's definitely not as bad as the first trimester throwing up everywhere sickness however, I just hate feeling nauseous and it's even harder when you have a toddler who is constantly depending on you for their every need and desire. Okie dokie! 
 
Thankfully, I really believe Evelynne has a sense when I'm not feeling good and sometimes I really believe she takes it easy on me. I love my girl, However, it doesn't make it easier because as a mama I have responsibilities and when I feel like I'm doing them to the best of my abilities I take it way harder on myself then I probably should.
 
Here are some tips and advice that I have learned to take and has seriously helped me in my 32 weeks of pregnancy. I really hope they help!
 
Plan A. Call Grandma!!//  Both Grandma's in Evelynne's life are super involved with her and it's even better that both of them are my best friends. I know without a doubt I can always call them and they'll always be there for me. However, they're also both working Grandmas so when they can't take Evelynne for the day I know without a doubt that I have plenty of  lifesavers who would be happy to take my cutie pie. Which leads me to my second.

Receive help as much as possible// It's so important for you to get as much rest as possible. So when friends or family members that you trust offer to take your little ones off your hands for a few hours or even a day I'd recommend you take them up on that offer  and get as much rest as possible and if you can, catch up on cleaning. You honestly don't know when you'll have another opportunity to do so.

Nap when they nap// Toddlers are exhausting! So having 24/7 morning sickness on top of that.. Can words even describe? Whether you're a clean freak or not my advice to you is to make it a priority to nap when they nap. Leave the dishes in the sink, don't worry about the laundry and if you must do it when they wake up. You need the rest more then a clean house. You're family needs you to rest too!! 
 
Simple activities// Morning sickness for me was 24/7. I was throwing up constantly. Could barely keep food or even water down and couldn't even move from the couch without feeling like I was going to fall over. So, obviously taking Evelynne on walks was not an option so we had to think of some fun activities for her to do while I could sit and watch her and still be somewhat involved. I had morning sickness during the Spring and Summer so Evelynne's main activity was playing in her pool where I could sit with her. Also coloring, And letting her play on the back porch to get some outside time in.
 
Reach out// This is one of the  most important things for me! This was something I know I didn't do as often as possible and should have. When you're feeling sick or depressed or extreme Mommy guilt you really need to reach out to someone who's been there. Let them speak life over you, come over and help you, and pray over you. It's so so important. 
 
Listen to the Bible// Because reading it is out of the question.. At least it was for me. However, getting in it daily is so so important! So I recommend listening to it. It even made me feel better at times and if not physically Spiritually for sure! Even sermons help.  

How do you survive those dreaded sick days with your children?  Check out the other mama's blogs for their tips.  And be sure to link up with us below if you also have a post on this topic. 
In the difficulty of motherhood, it's so important to find other mamas to relate to.  Toddlers can be a handful and leave you wondering what to do next.  This series is here to help you navigate through toddlerhood while being able to relate to other mamas going through the same thing.  We may not always know what we are doing but we give it our best shot anyway.  Come back each week to check out our new topic and read along with the other hosts of our One Year and Beyond series!
 
Oct 2:     Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials 
Oct 9:     Learning to love your post-pregnancy body
Oct 16:   Busy Toddler Activities
Oct 23:   Keeping in Shape While Caring for a Toddler
Oct 30:   Sick Day Tips
Nov 6:    How to Not Lose Your Patience with your Toddler
Nov 13:  Favorite Toddler Outings

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Evelynne's 23 Month.

My very last update until you turn the big girl two! I honestly thought turning one was rough. Boy was I fooling myself. Someone hug me please!!

Evelynne's 23 Month update.
Evelynne Loves: Decaf Pumpkin Spice frappes, balls, Minnie Mouse,playing at the park (especially the swings.) You love it when daddy plays with you and chases you around. He's your playmate and I'm your comfort person it seems. Going shopping and just getting out of the house in general, Being carried down the stairs on piggy back, long walks, dress up and jewelry.
 


Evelynne doesn't like: Being told "no", sharing (We're working on that one!) And when Mommy holds other babies... Do you wanna tell her or should I??
AT
Favorite foods:
  Homemade Apple cinnamon oatmeal, Apples, frozen blueberries, crackers, pasta, pizza, green veggie smoothies and green beans
 
What's new this month:
You surprise me more and more every day by just how smart you really are! You're communicating is getting so much better. I've even lost track on how many you can say now. You're recent ones are Blue, baby, blueberries, and milk. You also said "Potty" for the first time last night so I'm debating if I wanna try and potty train youbefore Little sister comes or wait for the spring.

Daddy has been off for three weeks and you  are loving it! (Explains my distance on the blog) And somewhere among these three weeks you have become Daddy's girl for sure! The other day you preferred him to cuddle with you over me while watching Mickey mouse. But I wasn't jealous at all. It was the cutest thing on earth!

You climbed out of the crib this month for the first time and trashed your room!! Time for a big girl bed?!

Leon and I had our very first getaway this month without you. We went to PA for a conference for three days. I was so nervous but you really had so much fun! But I must admit those cuddles were heavenly when I came home.
 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Toddler activities

Welcome back for another series of the "One year and beyond" Link up! Whether you're a working mama or stay at home there are always days when keeping a child busy can be challenging. Especially if you have a active one who's mind constantly needs to be doing something. 
 
With my daughter being one super active Little Love. I'm learning and continuing to learn about simple ways to keep her busy. Whether it's a crazy, messy and fun activity or a nice quiet activity when mommy's having one of her off pregnancy days.. Just two more months to go people!! 
 
Here are some things that we like to do. :)
 
 
 
 Bake// Okay, this may sound so Homemaker-ish however, since the day I found out that I was having a little lady, one of my many day dreams about her was being able to cook with her in the kitchen. Ofcourse, you can do this with little boys too!Men who can bake and cook are highly respected in my book! ;)

Evelynne has  a little play kitchen in our kitchen so when she sees me baking she likes to pretend to bake herself so when I started offering her if she wanting to pour the flour and sugar and do all the things that are toddler friendly she had a blast! 

Baking can be a little more crazy with a little one but the sweet memories are so much more worth it then the spelt milk. 




Park// My husband has been off the last few weeks on vacation and it has been just perfect! We've been hitting the park right down the street from our place nearly every morning and well, I think we may have made it a routine for Evelynne. She wakes up every morning now saying "Bye byes?" She loves the park and best part it's free! She'll swing on the swing for atleast thirty minutes in itself and she loves it when daddy chases her down the slide.



 
 Walks// This is one of our favorites! It helps this big ol' pregnant mama get some exercise and Evelynne too! However, unless I'm super unmotivated we usually do more exploring then walking. Our goals for our walks is to find the biggest rocks to bring home to paint, finding some pretty fall leaves, and Evelynne's new favorite outside activity is to bring her cars and play with them on the side walks.
 
 
 Mommy/Daughter Dates to starbucks// We only do starbucks dates at the mall so she can play at the play area first! (That's the secret to a successful starbucks date with your toddler) ;)
We love to go to the play area, then the book shop and we happily end our destination at starbucks with a pumpkin spice latte and a vanilla milk for my little love.

We also love activities such as crafts! We do lots of them. 

Reading time. I really want to make it a habit to set aside a time every day for quiet reading.. I have no idea how it would turn out but it's worth a try.

And coloring. I can't tell you how many arts I have from my little love that I need to frame.
 
 
 What are you favorite toddler busy bags or activities?  Check out the other mama's blogs for their ideas.  And be sure to link up with us below if you also have a post on this topic. 
In the difficulty of motherhood, it's so important to find other mamas to relate to.  Toddlers can be a handful and leave you wondering what to do next.  This series is here to help you navigate through toddlerhood while being able to relate to other mamas going through the same thing.  We may not always know what we are doing but we give it our best shot anyway.  Come back each week to check out our new topic and read along with the other hosts of our One Year and Beyond series!
 
Oct 2:     Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials 
Oct 9:     Learning to love your post-pregnancy body
Oct 16:   Busy Toddler Activities
Oct 23:   Keeping in Shape While Caring for a Toddler
Oct 30:   Sick Day Tips
Nov 6:    How to Not Lose Your Patience with your Toddler
Nov 13:  Favorite Toddler Outings

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

They say "I'm missing out."


I'm twenty three years old.. I've been married for almost three years. I have one beautiful little girl and I have another one on the way coming December.

My Instagram is entirely full of my little person and husband.

And my bedtime is no later then 9:30 and 10:00 at the latest if I'm trying to catch up on something.

My definition of fun is family trips to the farm or park.

And the greatest pieces of art I carry are scribblings from a almost two year old and thoughtful words from a Beloved.

So what blows my mind really is when someone tells me or mentions that women like me. Who marry young and start a family are "missing out."

Missing out on opportunities, college, having a life, being successful, traveling the world, Having fun, partying, getting a great career and making a substantial amount of money.

But you know what? Maybe I never wanted to go to college?

Maybe I wanted a family to travel the world with?

Maybe my definition of fun is spending time with a family I call my own.

Maybe my definition of partying is having a tea party with a very special girl.

And just maybe my goal in life isn't to make a substantial amount of money but instead to seek first The Kingdom of God and let Him apply everything else in my life.

Did they ever think about that?

I have no need or desire to cross off every country as places I lived or visited before I turn thirty. Even though that would be pretty cool.

I have no desire for a huge house, nice car and everything a great career offers. I don't need that.

Because my number one goal in life is to serve, minister and to bring joy to others.

To lay down my life as a living sacrifice and serve the One who gladly laid down His life for me.

A girl who was helpless.

And for me, what better way to do that then to marry a man and raise little humans.

To be in a place where my life is never about me and my will is never mine but instead it's over there changing diapers and continuing to choose joy in stressful situations.

To live with a man that doesn't fill my every need and isn't meant to however,  I serve him with everything I am anyways.

My life.. It's hard, stressful but Oh so worth it! Because even though my life isn't about me Jesus never fails to favor me and pour blessings over me.

Because when we're all about Jesus and when we do things for His glory and not our own. He really makes it about us.

If anyone were to ask  me why I married so young and quickly became a mom. My answer would certainly be this:

"Being a wife and mom has not only been my life dream, it's also my calling in life. A calling to be needed, to minister, to teach, to serve, to raise and to choose others before myself."

 And in this place of giving there is really nothing more fulfilling here on earth then to be a mom. I never wanted to live life for me first because I have found in this life journey that a life is more beautiful when you give it away.

I'm not missing out, but instead I have gained so much more then living any other life in this world.


 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 
-Proverbs 31:28


Sunday, October 12, 2014

Mommy Moments

Welcome to Mommy Moments! Last week we had some great new link ups! Let's keep it up by sharing and promoting Mommy Moments and the wonderful community we have here! I have enjoyed getting to know all the new mamas linking up and sharing their lives with us! I can't wait to hear more from you all again this week!

Motherhood has its seriousness and frustration as well as its laughs. That's why we are here. Life is much easier when traveled with companions! So mamas, let's join together in the spirit of motherhood and share our moments together. We want to hear the happy, sad, tough, terrible, hilarious moments that make being a mother the best job in the world!

The top viewed link this week belongs to Saved By Grace's post titled The Bible And Alcohol. Laurie does an in depth study on what the Bible has to say about alcohol. Although Christians do disagree on this topic, it is always great to read the thoughts of both sides. Thank you for sharing Laurie!



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The Not Quite Military Wife


 Like A Morning Cup Of Coffee

Now, link up your post!
Post can include anything related to mommy-hood, children, homemaking, pregnancy etc. If you aren't a mom yet, feel free to link up your preparation for motherhood, your journey as you try to conceive, or even a post that would be encouraging to the other moms in the party!

Then, explore some of the other posts in the link-up and say hello to some new blog friends! 


Please, pretty please, we'd love it if you would tweet or share the link up on Facebook so we can all make even more friends!
We would also love it if you could add the Mommy Moments button to your post or blog so everyone knows where you are linking up! If you are not able to copy/paste the code on your page, please e-mail one of us and we would be happy to send you the code!

The Life Of Faith
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P.S. We will be having a new guest host every week! Want to be a guest host of the Mommy Moments Blog Hop? Send Faith a message at farmprincess14{at}gmail{dot}com. We would love to have you!

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Colossians 3:17 
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

29 week update!

I have arrived at the third trimester and at this time I feel like I have been pregnant forever.

You are kicking, you are getting the hiccups, and jabbing me with those elbows of yours. 

You can now hear my voice when I speak to you, and you are continuing to grow strongly, healthy, wonderfully and perfectly.

Darling, you are perfect!

This pregnancy has been tiring and quite different from my first. Walking has been rough, and I have been feeling like my brain is well, just not there! 

But it's worth it. Every inch of it. I've been called to give you life and I consider it as the biggest privilege. 

I'm so blessed and humbled that God saw us fit to give us two sweet little girls! And not one day do I want to take it for granted. You my dear are a blessing.

Soon, you will be here. And once again I will love someone more then I thought was possible. 

Baby L's  Stats

How far along: 29 weeks! (3rd Trimester)

Sleep: Other then a few bathrooms trips here and there, leg cramping, and waking up from  a dream with  Rumpelstiltskin in it from the "Once upon a time" series. Sleep has been dreamy.
Maternity Clothes: All Maternity and Yoga pants from here.. I'm really missing my pre pregnancy wardrobe at this point though.

Food cravings:  Anything Pumpkin!!!! But honestly, that's me every year haha!
 
Food aversions:
Shrimp. BLAH!

Symptoms I HAVE: Dealing with an Iron Deficiency. My midwife called me the other day and told me my numbers were low so I've been eating my red meats and taking Iron and I'm believing she'll have something different to say in two weeks! 

Doctor’s Appointment:My next Doc appointment is on the 14th! I'm hoping I'll get a sonogram!! :)

Movement: Everything! From kicks, to hiccups, to punches, and my personal favorite stretches.  She's a silent girl during the day but is as active as anything at night!! Love it.

Belly Button: It's actually out! Which surprised me considering I wasn't officially popped with Evie until I was almost 37 weeks.


Name: Liya Evangeline Riley.  I can't stop saying it without smiling ear to ear. It has such a deep meaning behind it and I'll be sharing it on here in the future.

Best moment of the last few weeks:
Watching Evelynne develop curiosity to why my belly is getting so BIG!! Now when I ask her where her sister is she'll kiss my belly and it's the cutest thing. 

My sweet friend through me a baby sprinkle last Saturday with lots of delicious goodies! I'm so blessed to know just how loved my girls really are!

What I’m looking forward to:
Getting back into my pre- pregnancy clothes. I miss them so much!!
What I miss:  I do miss my body at this point. However, It's so worth it! Keep Baking pretty girl.


Monday, October 6, 2014

Mommy Moments

Welcome to Mommy Moments! Last week we had some great new link ups! Let's keep it up by sharing and promoting Mommy Moments and the wonderful community we have here! I have enjoyed getting to know all the new mamas linking up and sharing their lives with us! I can't wait to hear more from you all again this week!

Motherhood has its seriousness and frustration as well as its laughs. That's why we are here. Life is much easier when traveled with companions! So mamas, let's join together in the spirit of motherhood and share our moments together. We want to hear the happy, sad, tough, terrible, hilarious moments that make being a mother the best job in the world!

The top viewed link this week belongs to Allie from Baldwin Brood and her post 30 Weeks!! We love all our preggo mamas here at Mommy Moments and can't wait to meet all the new little ones on the way!



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The Not Quite Military Wife


Post can include anything related to mommy-hood, children, homemaking, pregnancy etc. If you aren't a mom yet, feel free to link up your preparation for motherhood, your journey as you try to conceive, or even a post that would be encouraging to the other moms in the party!

Then, explore some of the other posts in the link-up and say hello to some new blog friends! 


Please, pretty please, we'd love it if you would tweet or share the link up on Facebook so we can all make even more friends!
We would also love it if you could add the Mommy Moments button to your post or blog so everyone knows where you are linking up! If you are not able to copy/paste the code on your page, please e-mail one of us and we would be happy to send you the code!

The Life Of Faith
<div align="center"><a href="http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com//search/label/mommymoments" title="The Life Of Faith"><img src="http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k537/faithkonrath/cfa5ba11752f4e898055d03d33cf24e0.jpg" alt="The Life Of Faith" style="border:none;" /></a></div>



P.S. We will be having a new guest host every week! Want to be a guest host of the Mommy Moments Blog Hop? Send Faith a message at farmprincess14{at}gmail{dot}com. We would love to have you!

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Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory
Colossians 3:17 
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.