Our Easter.

Leon and I celebrated our Easter that Wednesday due to the fact he usually works holidays, blah! But we made the most of it and my girls had two Easter days because of it so they weren't complaining. :)

So, that morning Evelynne was so excited to have watermellon for the first time this year. It has always been her favorite fruit obviously because she remembered it from last year. I cut it into cute bunny faces!

For dinner we grilled burgers, hot dogs and all the goods. My big papa Leon certainly knows hot to grill a burger. I could eat them all the time and for desert I made chocolate and vanilla bean cupcakes which was supposed to have strawberry frosting buuuuut, the consistency wasn't right however, it was still good. I still have not yet mastered the art of homemade frosting. Then we did Easter baskets! I wish I would have gotten pictures of the baskets before they Evelynne got to them lol. But I was too excited to think about pictures but I'll share what each of them got.
Evelynne got: a crochet bunny made by me, a Jesus calling Devotional book, a Minnie mouse hair brush, and a new Minnie mouse lunch box.

Liya got: her first Bible, a crochet bunny, a Zebra leather teether, binkies, and a baby doll rattle.

 Afterwards we went to the park and got one of those Birthday cake frappes.. It was such a nice day out!

P.s If you didn't get one of those Birthday cake frappes you totally missed out.. Pink whip cream people. Pink whip cream.

 That Saturday night my girls and I made  Easter eggs with salt, water, and four and painted them. It was fun and a new tradition instead of the egg dying. My girl has broken out my touching egg shells in the past and I certainly wasn't going to risk it.

 

On Easter day I went to church with my Dad. It was wonderful. We stopped by Dunkin donuts and grabbed coffee and donuts and headed to church. Afterwards we headed back to my parents house/farm. Evelynne loves going there. She knows Poppop and Grammy's house are where the animals are at. There's horses, goats, rabbits, pigs, dogs, cats and lots more. I think the bunnies and piglets were her favorite. I actually wouldn't mind giving her a bunny.

Afterwards my parents took me out for Chinese. It was really nice.

 

 How was your Easter?

Currently..

 
Loving: That it's officially Spring!! If you know me I'm all about the Spring. Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons and if it could be fall and Spring for most of the year I'd be so fine with that. :)
I'm bringing out the sunhats and sunglasses. :)

Reading/Watching: I've recently been catching up with 19 kids and counting. I'm loving the new season in fact Jill is kinda giving me prego fever! haha Jk... maybe. ;)

Other than kid pop out books I've only really been reading the Bible and "The confident woman" Devotional by Joyce Myer. This is my second time reading this for a devo and I love it.

Trying to: be patient in the waiting.. It's hard isn't it and yet it should be so easy.. We know that God has the perfect plan for us and His timing is always on time. I'm holding on to the verse



"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope" -Psalm 130:5


And it has been my comfort in this season. In His word I will put my hope and not in our circumstances. Our Lease is up April 31st and we have until then to find a place and move.. I know God has our back and front and He won't send us to a place where He is not. :)

Wishing: Honestly, that we could just be moved and unpacked already haha!

Excited for: Just this new season in life.. I'm excited for Leon and I to be in ministry full time and not letting careers get in the way of that.. We want to be on fire for God full time together. Because we're strongest together. I'm excited for this new journey of moving and living on our own :)

Liya Evangeline's Birth story. pt 1

 

It was December 20th when I was almost one week over due. Leon and I were headed to the Hospital to get some gel to soften up my cervix to hopefully get things started however, I thought I still had a few days until things happened considering I was dilated at all yet and the gel didn't work at all with Evelynne.  I really didn't expect to meet my daughter until that Monday since that was the day we were going to have an induction if the gel didn't work.

I left the hospital feel a little crampy thinking it was just a side effect from the gel. I was really uncomfortable but I kinda just brushed it off my shoulder, laid in bed and watched TV with my husband and quickly fell asleep.

It was around 12-12:30 when I woke up feeling quite painful contractions so I went into the bathroom to take a warm shower to see if it would help. I was not ready to give birth yet. I didn't even have my hospital bag packed all the way *facepalm! Way to be prepared I know!

Right when I got to the bathroom my water broke! I went into the bedroom, woke up Leon and told him "I think I'm in labor!!" Right as I said that even more fluids gushed out.

Right after I called my midwife telling her what happened and she honestly didn't think I was in labor just yet due to the fact by how quiet and calm I sounded on the phone (Note to self:  next time I'm in labor, make a huge screaming deal!) She said it was probably my mucus plug (gross!) and told me to take a warm bath to see if they go down and in a hour call her if they progress.

So that's what I did. I went into the bathroom and bathed in some warm water for about five minutes until I couldn't take the pain anymore. I was nearly screaming and the only thing that kept me from doing so was my sweet toddler in the next room sleeping peacefully. I'd hate to have her wake up to her mom screaming in the bathroom. However, she did wake up but Leon was able to lay her back down. Over all she was made at us for waking her up and not terrified a bit thank you Jesus!

It was about 15 minutes when I decided to call my midwife again and tell her "I'm totally in labor and I need to come in now!"

She then told me to come in.

That night was the first and most likely only night I can say that I appreciate Leon police driving speeding skills. He certainly knows how to beep his horn and drive 80 to 90 down the highway in a professional manner. And boy he was totally calm under pressure! I mean, it takes an amazing person to be able to drive that fast calmly with a screaming wife in the passenger seat.

AND THEN WE GET PULLED OVER BY A COP!!!

Yep, you heard that right! Can you believe it?

Leon pulls over and me sitting in my own little world asked him

 "Why in the world did you stop?" 

"Baby, I got pulled over but don't worry I'll make it super fast!"

As he jumps out of the car (you should never do that!!) And puts his arms up and says "Don't shoot! I'm a cop, I'm a cop, I'm a cop!!"

Then the Officer says in a totally confused manner "Okay, I hear you! What in the world are you doing?!"

"My wife's in labor!"

"Okay, go!"

And our 90 miles an hour continued.
Come back on Monday to read part two!

Click here to read part two

Liya's One week old!

 

I can't my sweet Liya is over a week old already! How can this be? She was actually a week old on the 27th of December however, I'm just glad I could find the time in my busy schedule to write her a one week post ;)

Liya is exactly how I pictured her to be. I saw a little calm angelic of a girl and that's exactly how I would describe her. As precious as can be!

She's so calm and quiet and sleeps literally all the time. Pretty much the only complaint I have is that almost every time I change her, right when I'm finished she decides she wants to go again! lol. Leon and I both agree that we think we go through many more diapers with this little one than we did with Evelynne.

I feel like the first week is the hardest week. Full of adjustments, lack of sleep, strong coffee, a toddler who loves her little sister but doesn't understand why mommy has to sit more than usual and can't pick her up and being forced to hand over the reigns of the home over to the husband for the time being so you can get your rest. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that my wonderful husband is cooking us dinner, cleaning the house and getting up with Evelynne. I just miss doing it strangely. I guess now that I'm no longer pregnant and our newest daughter is finally here I want to take over the world!! Or just my house that is. ;)

However, I also feel like the first week is the most special. It's where Liya experienced most of her "firsts" Her first breathe, her first time being held and loved on by Mama and Daddy, Meeting everyone who loves her more than she will ever know, first diaper change, car ride, bath, feeding, being outside, doctor appointment. I'm pretty sure she experienced all  of the firsts she can until the major things like rolling over and crawling!

Dearest Liya,

I can't believe you are already one week old! This first week has went by super fast but I'm enjoying every minute. Even the late night feedings because it's the only time when it's just you and me. I just love to look at you during that time and pray for you. I love watching your eyes, kissing your face and just loving on you!

This week you have been such a quiet and calm baby. You have really been enjoying your sleep and you only wake up pretty much to eat and be changed and that's really the only time you cry too! We really couldn't have asked for a easier baby.

Your big sister Evelynne is so in love with you! She wants to hold you every morning and she stops what she's doing often to come and give you a kiss. You guys are already besties! 

 

She's here!!

 

               Liya Evangeline Riley was born Saturday, December 20th at 2:26 Am.

She was 7lbs and 12.oz and 19.25"  in length.

We  are captivated with love for her and everything has just been wonderful. 

Welcome to the world Liya Evangeline. Words can't describe our love for you!

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

Hey!

 
I apologize for pretty much disappearing for the Month of September and being distant since April! I promise I have not lost my passion for writing but I think about it every day and the wonderful people I've met that quickly became close friends through this blogging experience. I tell Leon a lot that blogging is my social life. :)

I've taken an unexpected break in September. I didn't plan it but it just happened. I've been out just enjoying a beautiful beginning of fall month with my sweet Evelynne who is loving the cool weather and is loving the falling leaves even more! During my only break of the day instead of being on the computer I've been sipping pumpkin spice lattes and reading.... or catching up on the latest of Once upon a time. I've also been busy this month battling yucky colds, trying to figure out Motherhood as it has reached a new season in life, catching up on laundry, and slowly getting more prepared for  sweet baby L. My goal is to be ready for her completely by November because during and after November will be so crazy due to Evelynne's 2nd Birthday, Thanksgiving, my brother having his first kid!!, and in December, well that's when she's due! December also happens to be Christmas and our third anniversary. I'm trying not to go crazy thinking about it haha! Just prepare yourselves for many overgramming.

I really am trying to get back in the blogging. It's strange even though not blogging much in September has been relaxing and even nice at times I've felt like apart of me was missing.. Like I wasn't feel fulfilled. I've been praying about why that was and I really believe it's because blogging is a way for me to unplug as a mama and pour all my ramblings out so they're not stuck in my mind.

I hope you all are doing well, and I'm hoping I'm back on the blog wagon now! These days you just never know. :) If you'd like to keep up with me and this season I am more consistently you can follow my Instagram!   http://instagram.com/likeamorningcupofcoffee. I'd love to be Insta-friends!

Currently//

Loving: Being a mama. Words can't even describe! I've had my hard moments these last few months trying to figure out how to chase around a toddler and be pregnant but I'm getting the hang of it.. I honestly don't know what I'd do without my sweet Evelynne and this new bundle of joy that I'll get to hold in December!!


Oh & I'm digging my new hair cut. Yep, the other day I chopped it all off and I love it. :)


Reading/watching: I've been watching the inside of my eyelids whenever I get a chance!!

Trying to: Get back in the hang of things and getting back to blogging! I miss it so much.

Wishing: That it would storm again. I love these summer thunderstorms. <3

Excited for: Our gender sonogram!!!! I'm making the appointment this week! :)