Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Now that I'm a mom....

There are things I thought I wouldn't give up or things I thought I'd stop doing once I became a mommy. Now that I have two little girls that are going to look to me for guidance, I consciously think about all my choices.

Now that I'm a mommy, I don't think I will be tanning. After seeing my dad get a hunk of his nose carved out , my fair skin can stay fair. My girls will learn all too soon that they can bake without seeing their mommy do it. We will spray tan together!

Now that I'm a mommy, I skip the greasy fries. I'm not a crazy healthy food nut, but I will teach my gals it's about choices. Choose what is best based on what is in front of you. I'm not going to teach them to have to have special foods or dietary needs (though my big girl may anyway), but to just be smart about their food intake.

Now that I'm a mommy, I will have an adult drink from time to time. I'm not going to get wasted, but a glass of wine with dinner or a beer with my baby daddy is fine. I don't want my girls to see it as taboo to have a beverage, and I want them to learn that it is fine in moderation.

Now that I'm a mommy, I want my girls that I'm all about them, but the whole world isn't. Our church goes and volunteers at the local children's home. As soon as the girls are old enough, I want them to get their hands dirty in the work of helping others.

I'm sure there are lots of other new perspectives I will take as I become a more seasoned mommy, but Anna is done eating and Reagan needs a clean diaper! My day is about to get started in full force. Now that I'm a mommy, there is nothing in the world that comes close.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

My Little Sister...

...is growing up.  I usually just post about the babies and me on here, and this is still about me (hey, isn't everything?), but it's more about life in general.  My baby sis is getting married in less than 2 months.  Crazy?! In the past three and a half years, I've become a wife, a stepmom, and momma of two, so I know life comes at you pretty fast.  I'm so excited for my sister, my friend, my boxing partner to embark on this fabulous journey.

Now, I'm working on her lingerie shower plans and her gift for her bridal shower this weekend.  As I get her gift together, I find myself tearing up a little.  Partly because it's a pretty sentimental gift, and it is reminding me of my life's blessings, and partly because she is going to be going through these amazing experiences soon!

I cannot wait for the festivities these next two months will hold (though traveling with two babies in tow leaves a little left to be desired).   What a really wonderful and exciting time for my beautiful sissy, the goregous bride to be!

We love you, sis, Auntie, and buddy!  We are so blessed to have you in our lives!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

This Crazy Life

It's official, I really stink at schedules.  I'm great at routines, but not schedules.  I think this flexibility is probably why I'm able to manage a kindergarten classroom and two children under the age of two.  My oldest child needs routines, but if I force her to do things at certain times, I end up with one very loud, ill child.  I can't handle crying it out, and for that reason, my sweet Reagan has went  down for her nap by riding in the car the past few days (unplanned, but that's just how it worked out). 

Because of this and a few other things, a little part of me is really excited to get back to work.  Mommy needs a routine too.  I'm all about the babies, but I've kind of lost myself a little.  I doubt I'll get it back completely ever until, well, never.  But I do look forward for a few hours a day to focus on something other than whose diaper I changed last, what to feed my very picky toddler for lunch, and which side I nursed my infant on last.

Lately, I have been having a really great time photographing my little Anna.  It's been something that I can do for fun, a little creativity, and it requires nothing other than my imagination, a sleeping baby (or two---somethings are impossible to do with a toddler running around), and whatever we have laying around the house.

Anna the Country Singer


Anna Climbing the Tree & Taking a Rest at the Top


Jumping on the Bed


Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my girls, and I if I knew it were possible for our family, I would stay at home with them and LOVE IT, but because I know that being a working mother is a reality for me, I go in and do that job with my whole heart.  I feel like it must be God's will for our family for me to work outside our home.  My most important work is here, but I can enjoy my work too!  I'm a mommy ALL of the time, and a teacher for a few hours M-F ten months a year.  I love both of these fabulous jobs I've been blessed with.  Who knew though that two little people could wear me out more than 20 five year olds? What a crazy life!