tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39816556237456804822024-03-12T21:10:36.053-04:00Behind the Picket FenceSophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-74505136793345784892013-11-04T07:05:00.003-05:002013-11-04T07:05:43.920-05:00Mooooooved.<center>
Hi All!!! New blog location and new blog title (and new house too! :). I imported the posts but only a few are showing up right now. Feel free to visit, here at <a href="http://accentuatethepauseitive.blogspot.com/">Accentuate the Pauseitive</a>.</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-65498606483274246042013-09-13T10:28:00.003-04:002013-09-13T10:52:51.412-04:00Finding Freedom In DependenceThe first mother had the opportunity to give her children the perfect life, even before they were born. She'd never heard of colic, food allergies, asthma, or leukemia. She had everything she wanted, and then she wanted <i>to be</i> God... Her first and only mistake made her less like him, though, when sin entered the world and made her the enemy. Her punishment and ours? Pain. The consequence of living in a fallen world. The punishment mentioned specifically because of her mistake? Labor pain. (And this is someone who dedicated every single day of her first pregnancy to Hypnobabies! ;)<br />
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I remember my first experience with labor; I remember all 26 hours of it. From the feeling of defeat that came over me, 18 hours into the experience when the doctor broke my water and said I couldn't have an epidural just yet, to the unparalleled joy that was gifted to me on the 26th hour, when I saw the face of the blessing that made it all worth it. The most unspeakable pain gave birth to one of the purest loves I have ever known. And it makes sense, because it fulfills God's promise. Not the promise of pain, that was a consequence, but the promise that we would all be delivered from our pain. It's the symbolic fulfillment of hope that God works all things for our good when we follow him, in spite of and during our inevitable human pain. </div>
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But this pure love is so hard to keep, and the thought of it being taken from me in an instant brings a wave of sickness over me like nothing else can; the loss of a child is one of the worst pains, I imagine. In those 26 hours I experienced what I would know for the rest of my life: the constant struggle of how to move forward when I'm not sure how to, the determination to have faith in God's divine strength in my most vulnerable moments, the constant reminder of my human limitations. All of these provide me with the opportunity to restore what Eve destroyed, the possibility of being as close to my God as humanly possible. </div>
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Success arises out of these opportunities when I learn to do the very thing she failed to do: Depend on Him for my identity. To not allow sin to define me, whether it's the fear of losing my child, the fear of failing that child, or the fear of not being enough. </div>
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I don't believe it was a mistake that the angel Gabriel first appeared to Mary before Joseph, when he announced they would be Christ's earthly parents. I also don't believe it was a coincidence that Jesus first appeared to women when he resurrected. Eve was the first person to bring suffering into the world, and God sent his own son born of a human woman to provide the sacrifice that would end spiritual suffering by enduring and overcoming more physical and spiritual pain than any of us would ever know. The pinnacle was when he announced the end of spiritual pain by first appearing to a woman, Mary Magdalene.</div>
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We know that Jesus himself cried out to his father at the crucifixion, much like we do when we feel alone in our struggles. We are also told, in that very moment God turned his face away because Jesus made himself the ultimate offering in our place by representing all the sin of the world. This is something we will never have to know. </div>
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As mothers, we would trade places with our children in their moments of suffering if we could, but we cannot. Daily, we lay our lives down for them in various ways, though. We function on little sleep and still love them the best we can, even when we are not at our best. We make financial sacrifices for them. Directly and indirectly, our time becomes their time. Our meals are cold while theirs are warm. We exchange a sneeze in the face for a kiss. And the best part? As it's been said before, only they know what our heartbeat sounds like from the inside. They turn toward our familiar voice when they are just newborns. Even our smell comforts them. We share all of these things and more with our Heavenly Father. He delights in our joy in the same way, too. </div>
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We often forget these things, as our children do when they are angry at us. But our Father's voice manifests itself in various ways throughout our day; he whispers to us and we are comforted by his promises. Metaphorically, we know the sound of his heartbeat because we were made in his image.</div>
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So, yes, Eve may be the one to blame for our labor pains. But God used that situation to our advantage, and he's made it known in so many obvious ways, these are just a few of them. May 14, 2010 is Mirabel's birthday, but it also marks the day that I began the journey of discovering and depending on God more than ever before. </div>
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Christianity is often criticized as being an enemy of feminism. But let me tell you, the most vocal and fair feminist I know is Christ himself. There is greatness in manhood, too, of course--just look at <i>that man's</i> life! But femininity itself is depicted as weakness, and motherhood is sometimes viewed as second-rate, or settling. I believe we all have our calling, but I know I have found mine because everyday I find myself in situations, both unbelievably difficult and wonderful, that allow for a greater understanding of love, or my Creator. Isn't that the reason for our existence, anyway?</div>
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God doesn't promise the absence of pain in any situation, but he promises his presence. We decide his proximity, though. I believe that God uses motherhood as a unique vehicle to draw us near. It's an on-going job that offers unending challenges with blessings that only reveal themselves when we allow God to reveal himself during those challenges by depending on him. Eve missed the point. God didn't want her <i>to be him</i>, he wanted her <i>to know him</i> by drawing near so that she would realize she wasn't lacking anything, after all. </div>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-89523819244535604242013-09-01T08:20:00.004-04:002013-09-01T08:20:48.482-04:00Another First Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love how her little belly hangs over her tutu skirt :)</div>
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I'm not very organized. Clean, yes, but not organized. So it's no surprise that I have a really hard time keeping track of photos. I take most of my pictures with my phone, because it's usually easily accessible, and most of our photos end up on our external hard drive because I have ZERO room on my computer. We (actually Jose, he's the organized one) try to organize photos every so often. Thankfully, the program we use to do this categorizes photos based on date (and I'm so happy this is the case). </div>
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I haven't even created a post for Mirabel's third birthday. I've been meaning to do it, but I think those photos are now on our external hard drive, since I cannot find them on my computer :P. To make things fair, though, I did want to make a post about Juju's first birthday (since we made one for her sister's first birthday a few years ago).</div>
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So...here's our cupcake's first birthday....</div>
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Hanging out by the water table. Juliette loves being outside, and she really, really loves the water. August is the hottest month in Texas, so it only made sense to throw her a water party.</div>
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...And cupcakes were the theme because my mom bought this cupcake tablecloth a few months ago :P. I wanted to keep things pretty low key, and I didn't want to spend too much (we're closing on our house September 30th, so we're trying to keep expenses down!). I used what I had or what I could print, buy at the dollar store, or buy on Craig's list for $12 (someone just had a cupcake party for their daughter :).</div>
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Those inflatable cupcakes in the background were part of my Craig's List cupcake decor score!</div>
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I have a mini pie pan. I really wanted to buy a cake pan shaped like the #1, but it made more sense to just use the mini pie pan to make Juju her very own tiny cake. It was an orange cake with maple orange frosting, some of the other cupcakes were orange cranberry (because I had leftover cranberry chevre from the farmer's market that I had to use, of course ;).</div>
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All the cupcakes, again! That one in the middle took the longest to bake, but I'd say she came out the tastiest and was made with the most love ;). </div>
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This has been a very interesting year for us as parents. Difficult at times, not gonna lie, many times, but Juju's brought a sparkle into our lives. She is usually all-smiles and is already trying to give us kisses as she grabs our faces with her little chubby hands and puts her open mouth against our cheek--a good effort for a one year old, I'd say :). To be honest, I actually expected things to be a lot harder with the second kiddo (tough experience the first time around, wanted to prepare myself). But from the early morning she was born, she's surprised us with her easy going spirit. I still can't believe she slept 8 hours after she came out and greeted us with her tiny cry. Nowadays, she wakes up for a midnight snack or two from Momma's free 24 hour Diner...but I'm enjoying having her so close still at this age, literally right next to me in bed :). </div>
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Mirabel brings much more than a sparkle ;). She is the girl we don't have to worry about, she is strong and very spirited, and knows how to express herself. Lately, it's been so sweet seeing them interact and start playing together. </div>
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Mirabel loves to rough house and, surprisingly, Juju (Juliette) doesn't mind much. She may be tinier than her sister was at this age, but she's equally as fun. </div>
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Together, they make life delicious. They each bring their own spice to the mix, making for the perfect batch of cupcakes.</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-58576860344460329392013-08-24T09:42:00.003-04:002013-08-24T10:07:26.391-04:00If I wrote a book...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'd have no problem coming up with the title. It'd be something like: <i>I Am That Mom (It Seemed Like A Good Idea At the Time! Don't Judge).</i> </center>
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I see it and hear about it all the time: moms judging other moms. The truth is, whether you're a mom or not, you don't know the whole side of the story. This, really, applies to everything/everyone in life, but I think motherhood has influenced my perspective on this issue the most.</center>
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Mirabel loves watching Disney princess movies right now. Though she will always be my little princess, I'm not going to lie...of all the Disney characters I know of, she resembles Mowgli from the Jungle Book the most. This kid is something else. When she gets home, she likes to strip off all her clothing, except her underwear (but she usually requests a new pair about 3 times a day). Then she begins to scream about her hair. If the pigtails aren't snugly glued to her head (not literally, but she hates when they start to slip), the screaming begins. I'm not exaggerating. In fact, I believe saying she screams puts it lightly. It's an ear piercing cry that sounds a whole lot like what you'd hear out in the wild: it's the sound of a suffering animal giving its final cry, after it's been ripped apart by a ruthless beast. Yes, this happens on the daily, multiple times.</center>
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So, of course, when it's too hot to go to the park (triple digits out), I try to find something fun to do indoors. Fun is probably not the word I should use. Entertaining and fun aren't the same thing, I've learned, at least not for all parties involved. A clever idea of mine: <i>I know, why don't I take my kids to the LIBRARY?!</i> Yes, because, given the fact that even my youngest prefers to spend time playing/rolling/bathing in the dirt (or eating it) buck naked (or with just a diaper on), I can't imagine why the kiddos wouldn't want to quietly cuddle up and read a beautifully illustrated book with more words than a Charles Dickens novel (why are all children's books so lengthy!!!! Ok, maybe getting thru one page doesn't really take an eternity...) </center>
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Sometimes we actually go to the library to check out a book. I've given that a break. For some reason or another, these books usually get trapped/lost in random places, like between the bed and the wall (proof that my kid enjoys "reading" during her naptime, when I'm not in the room--of course she's quiet and still when I'm not around). Then, when due date comes around, I can't find it... and chances are, despite the fact that I've had the book in my possession for a month, we've only gotten thru half (or the Cliff's notes version: I read two lines and silently read the rest to myself, then quickly summarize it in the most dramatic way possible, to keep them engaged for 5 seconds, or less.)</center>
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So keep this in mind when reading the following:</center>
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A few young boys enter the library around the same time we do. Then, we pass by another kid who kindly asks his mother if he can borrow a movie, the mother responds by saying, "No, we're getting books, we have plenty of movies at home." I walk by holding not just 1, but 3 movies, because we don't own any Disney movies (and when I need a break from the screaming, I put on a movie...but why do I need to explain myself. Oh wait! I don't.) Mirabel approaches this family with her beloved Ariel movie en tow. She's the most outgoing kid in the bunch, and, thankfully, doesn't care what anyone thinks of her movie-watching (I could stand to learn a thing or two from this kid). </center>
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After introducing herself to the family, she makes her way to the pile of giant stuffed animals in the children's section, where the boys we entered the library with are jumping/rolling around. Mirabel joins in on the fun, and why not? Man, I should've too. Instead, I scurry around the early readers section, trying to quickly find a book with a theme Mirabel will appreciate, realizing this book is more for me than my kids. Meanwhile, Juliette is climbing chairs in an effort to reach the tabletop, since that's the most dangerously exciting thing she can do in that part of the library at the moment. Two minutes pass, and I decide it's time to leave (we're heading to the Toybrary after this, because going to one library wasn't enough. ;) Thankfully, we get out of there without any tears. Success! (It's the little things that make you smile, really.) Leaving without tears is progress, yesssss!!!!</center>
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So, we head to the Toybrary for a Teddy Bear Tea Party! Mirabel decides she wants to bring her naked barbie along instead of her bear (I think Mirabel would prefer to attend without clothing, too, but I convince her that we aren't attending a tea party at a commune. I can't blame her, I want to strip down when it's 1,000 degrees too.) Before the tea party begins, kids from various ages gather around to play in this colorful indoor space which is really set up to test their sharing skills. We have a few frustrating moments, involving a certain broom (yes, a broom, I've trained my kid well; she loves being domestic already! Heck yeah!). A certain toddler about a year younger than Mirabel is convinced he needs this broom to survive. A tantrum begins, and this time it's not my kid, though I empathize with the mother because it looks like that mom has a Mowgli of her own. I pull Mirabel aside and explain to her that the little boy is younger than her, and that she should share the broom with him because he is sad. She walks over to the boy and hands him the broom! Holy smokes, a miracle!!!! Suddenly, my hearing returns in spite of all the screaming fits that took place that week, and I feel like a rockstar! Heck yes. Mom walks over to me, and gives me props, saying, "Your daughter is so sweet!". I ignore her for a few seconds while I dust the dirt off my shoulders, and then I say, "It took us awhile to get here, but thank you." I hope she's encouraged, too, because it takes time... And a lot of tears, from everyone.</center>
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Then, not long after that, when the story begins, one of my kids climbs onto the stage while the other one pulls up a chair and begins climbing onto the shop owner's desk, while very loudly begging her to open the door to the other playroom. Of course, both of the moms I'm next to (actually, all the mothers in the room) have these quiet little girls sitting peacefully beside them with these elaborate lunches before them (the crusty ends of a smashed peanut butter and honey sandwich, what I whipped together while one kid was crying and the other was asking a million questions, are hiding in the lunch bag I brought along). They don't speak above a whisper, I think, or maybe my hearing is going again because all I hear are my oldest's deafening screams? This time, leaving is a struggle. I try to use my superhero mom multitasking skills to find a way to fly out the door while carrying two flailing, fussy children. But somehow, thankfully, the tantrum only lasts 15 seconds. Then, the battle is over and we head to the grocery store, our other favorite hangout. It's air conditioned, right?! </center>
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A few more dramatic moments and then we begin slowing down for the afternoon. Somehow, we end up outside without much clothing on again (I still have mine on, because it's a good day). My children are angels outdoors. I cannot tell you what peace they have about them when they're covered in dirt and sunshine. I text Jose and tell him that we need to start saving up to move to a farm with acres of land, because that would easily solve all our problems, right? :) Then, we watch Mulan. </center>
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It's a good day; I've learned to get over it, or I'm learning. And it's not just about learning to get over the tantrums, those are inevitably going to happen at this age. So are the judgey looks and the "words of advice" from random people who think they've got it figured out--the folks who are convinced their children behave in all circumstances because they are stellar parents--as if they really have something to do with it at their children's tender age of 2 or 3. But what they don't have figured out is the obvious: we are all born with certain strengths and weaknesses. We all come out screaming. Hopefully, if we're lucky, we're tossed into the loving arms of the clueless creatures we call parents. Hopefully, they love us and want the best for us, because everyone deserves that much. Just because my children watch Disney movies doesn't mean they will amount to nothing but Cheeto-eating (or sponge-chewing, if your name is Juju) couch poatoes with an IQ of 5, or that they will never appreciate a good book. Somehow, her parents came out ok ;).</center>
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The truth is, there's something we can all learn from each other. I learn something from my little Mowgli's every day. In the wise words of another beloved Disney character, Pinocchio, "Always let your conscience be your guide." As a parent, instead of worrying about what other parents think of you, ask yourself what influences your conscience, or rather, <i>who</i>. I seek to follow in the footsteps of the ultimate Father. I've lost my way many times, but He still helps me out even when I'm kicking and screaming. I owe my children that much. I'm still learning, too, because it never stops. </center>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-74186962628912188262013-07-26T19:10:00.001-04:002013-07-26T19:16:41.106-04:00Amazing MomsLast week, I came across a blogger who has had to deal with so much more than most mom bloggers, I'd say. She's an inspiration because of her unwavering faith and trust in God during a time that most of us might even doubt his existence. Her love for her children and family shines thru in every post, and you should go <a href="http://ourlittlehazelnut.blogspot.com/">check out her blog here</a>.<br />
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Then, today, a friend shared another lovely lady's blog. Just read about her on her bio page and you'll be amazed...read <a href="http://raisingmama.com/2012/07/16/the-perfect-gift/">THIS STORY</a> and your heart will melt; more love and strength pouring out. </div>
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And...her kids are hilarious. <a href="http://raisingmama.com/2013/05/29/if-i-had-boobs/">Read this</a> if you don't believe me ;).</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-1549621502372967002013-07-21T08:51:00.004-04:002013-07-21T09:00:28.577-04:00Yes!<center>
YES yes yes!!! I'm so dang excited, I could hardly shut up last night and fall asleep because I kept talking to Jose about what we were researching all day... online graduate degree programs!!!! I can't wait to be a student again!!!</center>
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My heart is about to burst from the excitement. Let me begin by saying that in undergrad, I changed my major 5 times. Yes, FIVE! I feel like I didn't quite fit anywhere. I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but I also loved to write. So I did English and minored in Applied Learning and Development, and figured I could become a teacher later. </center>
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Then... I had kids. That was not a setback or an inferior choice. In fact, I'm glad I had them because I don't think I would've really figured things out without them. After having Mirabel, I tossed around the idea of going on to study child development a bit more. Maybe become a school counselor. I really loved all of my child development classes/labs. I've also wanted to open up a bakery, a gluten-free one. But at the end of the day, I wouldn't feel right just baking cakes and cookies all day. Yes, baking desserts for people can make the world a happier place, temporarily... still wasn't feeling it all the way, though. And, hey, I may do it later on in life, but...</center>
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<a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=832&Bill=HB2">HB2 happened</a>. Not only that, but I've always been very passionate about many of the issues behind it. In middle school/high school, I would visit care pregnancy centers with my mom, sometimes we'd volunteer. I've wanted to counsel there for years. In college, I looked into becoming a counselor there...but then other things came up. The desire to help has always been there, and lately that desire has become more of an, "I need to do this, no excuses!" type of thing. After HB2, I knew I couldn't make anymore excuses.</center>
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There are going to be a lot more babies born into a variety of difficult circumstances. My favorite quote comes to mind, "It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men" (Frederick Douglas). What else comes to mind? So many other horrific events that have happened lately, all related to the break down of family and insecure parental attachments, maybe not in obvious ways but definitely related. From the heartbroken mothers on "I'm Having Their Baby," who can't keep their babies because they have no familial support system, and who find themselves struggling because their own parental relationships were likely not where they should be... to boys brainwashed by terrorism, whose mothers are not who they should be, or where she should be. (I read <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/jahars-world-20130717">that Rolling Stone</a> article, and it has break down of family written all over it, definitely among other things.) </center>
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All of this, yes all of it, coupled with the convictions stirred up after reading the book I mentioned in my last post... Not to mention, a study that Jose discussed with me that was brought up in a different book he is reading. It's a study that mentions how children can grow up psychologically stable in spite of difficult extenuating circumstances if the attachments with their mothers are secure (a mothers role is so much more important that society thinks!).</center>
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And I won't get over the fact that I have been blessed and spared myself--can't ignore the motivating force behind a personal testimony. </center>
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Have you ever felt like everything was pointing you in a certain direction? Or I should say that God was just showing you so many things, all related to the one thing you just can't ignore anymore? That's how I feel right now. And I'm not scared anymore, that's how I know it's the right thing to do.</center>
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There will be Math (ahhh, yikes! My brain was not made for it). There will be tears; late nights; tests. There will be situations that I cannot improve--all of these situations I will have to leave in God's hands. I will say, though, he has made a way and will make a way. </center>
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We've done research over the weekend, and I think we've found the right program. To sum up future plans, basically I will get my MA in Marriage and Family therapy, then I will find a way to get an internship that specializes in <a href="http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=194">child-parent psychotherapy</a> (CPP). I will be doing this over the course of the next four years (because I will be going at a snail's pace, still taking care of my kiddos ;)... and one day, I hope to do a few other things, but for now I'm just embarking on the first step of this adventure by enrolling in a statistics class. (Please keep me in your prayers!!! Thankfully my hubby is a math wiz, so I've got a great tutor that I can pay in cookies. ;) </center>
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(I know stats may not be a big deal to some, but, seriously, if you know me...you KNOW this is a big step for a math weenie like me. ;)</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-73552530711901533692013-07-16T19:26:00.001-04:002013-07-16T19:26:53.078-04:00"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mirabel outside of Savenor's in Cambridge, MA. May 2011. And that's Julia Child's writing in the pavement!</div>
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This past weekend was a rainy one. Very refreshing for July. I can't remember the last time it rained in July, in Austin. We stayed home on Sunday and spent naptime organizing photos. I think we have more than 21K now (I've got a great camera on my phone that I love to use!). </center>
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Looking at photos is bittersweet. Jose used to insist that it was impossible to enjoy a moment if I was hiding behind a camera the whole time. But now that our kids are growing up (well, Mirabel is 3 and time's flying by to me), he doesn't complain much about it anymore ;). I don't want to forget these moments. I've already forgotten how squishy Mirabel's rolly legs used to feel like. I'm glad I at least have those pictures. One thing I can't forget: How tough it was being a mom the first time around.</center>
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I remember waiting for the day she could walk, somehow thinking it would get easier (Ha! Amateur!). But Mirabel didn't walk, she ran...and she didn't stop, until she was almost 3. I savor these last few pre-walking days with Juliette, even though she is quite squirmy in my arms. At 11 months, she's already trying to take off at the store, even though she doesn't get very far doing the army crawl and the sideways moonwalk. You should've seen me today at Mirabel's ballet class. There were a few other pre-walkers there, but Juju was the only one squirming until I put her down, and wiggling across the floor in search of a goldfish crumb or two, or maybe even a leaf. She's so curious and energetic, but still squishy. </center>
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Before Juliette was born, I managed to finish a scrapbook with a few favorite pictures from Mirabel's first year. I haven't even started on Juliette's. 2 years ago, I bought a first year picture collage frame for Mirabel. I tried buying one for Juliette yesterday, at the same store, and they no longer sell it. I was more sad about it than I should've been. Mom guilt, anyone? But looking at those pictures over the weekend made me feel like I'd already lost my first baby and I was beginning to lose my second. I mentioned it to Jose, and in that same conversation I realized that we're also gaining something more than what we had before. Little did I know 3 years ago that Mirabel would someday love to dance, would befriend any passer-by with a friendly hello (followed by a hug), would want to watch Beauty and the Beast 3 times in one week, and would love to make robots from empty cartons... These moments are just as priceless as the ones before, and I'm slowly learning to live in and appreciate right now, and not yesterday or tomorrow, whether the babies are squishy or not.</center>
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Strawberry picking in Fredericksburg, TX.</center>
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As lovely as it all sounds, I've also had the opportunity to witness a few less pleasant traits blossom in this child whose personality is as curly as her ringlets. Yes, she was the one expressing her frustration quite loudly today in class, as she struggled to put on her tap shoes all by herself. And I admit, this is another moment that I wish I could press rewind or fast forward. (Then I realize I don't really want to press fast forward, because if she's like this now, how will she be at 16 ;)?) I see the little hairs on her head curl even tighter with every impatient scream... and I remember that God has a sense of humor.</center>
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Even though it wasn't fun to watch, I didn't take it too personally today. Because, like everything else, that moment passed. And I also remembered what I'd read just a few days prior, in a book that has been incredibly encouraging, and has given me a new perspective on moments like these that make up the beauty of motherhood... Drum roll, please. That book is called: The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson.</center>
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It's like a refreshing slap in the face. It's honest and so right on. I think I've highlighted 98.9% of the book so far, but here are my favorite quotes, the ones that are setting me straight:</center>
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"...servant leadership is the model that Jesus gave to us for all areas of our lives, including our roles as mothers. He reached the minds, hearts and lives of his disciples not just by telling them what to do but by serving them in love--an example the contrasts starkly to the common view of what leadership is all about." (p. 63)</center>
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"Choosing to be a servant-mother means willingly giving up myself, my expectations, and my time to the task of mothering--and choosing to believe that doing so is the best use of my time at that moment. It means that, by faith, I have already made a decision to make myself available in the routine tasks and myriad interruptions of daily life because I believe it is God's will for me to serve my family through them. Making this choice ahead of time means I will expect problems and needs to arise and be ready to deal with them in peace instead of impatience and resentment." (p. 67)</center>
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"...the future is not where real life began. Each day was God's perfect will for me. There would be no wasted years of 'just taking care of the needs of my young children.' On the contrary, these years would be the most important of my life." (p. 68)</center>
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Juju almost a year ago! She'll be a year next month!</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-56122336809872373832013-07-01T18:38:00.000-04:002013-07-01T18:49:28.362-04:00The A Word<center>
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My husband says I'm the biggest feminist he's ever met. And guess what? I'm also the most vocally pro-life person he's ever met, too. Everyone's got something they're passionate about. This my thing, right here, peeps. Feel free to read or ignore. I don't mind either way.</center>
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Have you ever been in labor? If you haven't: Nothing compares to labor, folks. It feels like you're being ripped in two, and sometimes you really are. It is not for the faint of heart, huh, as you might imagine thanks to my lovely description. The uterus is stronger than any other muscle in the human body for a reason. It's a powerful vessel that deserves to have its rights protected…and therein lies room for debate. But the debates we're having distract from the real issue.</center>
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We value freedom and independence in our country. Freedom of speech, dress, choice… But in trying to define independence, we've lost site of it; we've forgotten that true independence can only exist alongside dependence--on more than just ourselves. I, personally, believe that dependence should be rooted in God, but I'll try to speak in more general terms, to make a point that doesn't need defending.</center>
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Though I am pro-life, you will not find any of my funds going to support an organization that plasters aborted babies (yes, I did just say babies) on massive posters for all eyes to see. More harm than good comes from that approach. To me, pro-life means supporting what sustains spiritual, physical, and emotional life. </center>
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Have you ever seen anyone skipping to an abortion clinic with a smile on their face? Not me. The few women I know who've had an abortion certainly weren't happy to do it. Though they were (yes, were) pro-choice, they actually felt robbed of a choice when considering their limited options before going forward with it. Fear interferes with our ability to make choices. In fact, it robs us of any true choice, really. I'm gonna get Christian on you, again, excuse me, but I'm just itching to say it. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). (You knew I was gonna have to throw a little bible in here somewhere, huh? Just not using the verses you typically see being used in this context. ;)</center>
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General Fears: How to break the news to the parents? How to take care of this baby after it's born, on a limited income, and without ANY SUPPORT (spiritual, physical, and emotional--because, yes, being a mom requires all that kind of support, and then some)? MORE SPECIFIC FEARS: How do I give birth to a baby that was conceived in an unfortunate event, or at the wrong time, or with some rare health problem? Though I personally don't believe any conception comes about by accident, I know that's not enough to convince anyone who frowns upon my "uneducated, Christian" way of thinking. But I wanted to add that in, to keep my position on this issue clear.</center>
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To really provide choices, we need more than what pro-life and pro-choice politics can offer. If there were fewer underlying fears, there would be fewer regrets, and fewer debates… because we can all agree that behind these fears is self-doubt, which stems from a lack of support. Liberal feminists will argue that they are strong, independent, and intelligent. I'm an independent feminist who also considers herself strong, independent, and somewhat intelligent (when my kids let me sleep thru the night ;)-- I didn't get that way on my own. Anyone who thinks they did is lying to themselves.</center>
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Yes, my faith is the primary source of strength. But I've also been blessed with an amazing support system. We live in an ironically detached society that promotes independence. I can tell you that I am independent because somebody (thankfully, many somebodys) believed in me by loving me. Sometimes parents do that, other times it's someone else… Even as a married adult in a healthy relationship, I cannot imagine what kind of struggle I'd face as a parent if I didn't have a support system.</center>
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To those about to formulate an argument that sounds something like, "Well, it's easy for you to be pro-life BECAUSE you had that support system and you're married--you're in a totally different situation." I'll say this: My support system doesn't look anything like George Bush's. It looks more like Obama's. I'll just leave it at that. Oh yeah, and I was almost aborted, just a quick sidenote. So I guess I fall under the, "at the wrong time" category--though my husband would beg to differ. At age 2, I knew what food stamps were and wore dresses as blouses when they were too short for me. Thankfully, I am alive because my mother realized she had a support system, and didn't have to make a choice she'd regret, and truly didn't want to make.</center>
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To those who say that anyone who gives their child up for adoption is weak, and that it's an easy choice, I'll say this: Remember what I said about labor--that it can literally tear you in half? Imagine going thru that kind of pain physically AND emotionally. Carry a baby for 9 months (it's really 40 weeks, so yeah), go thru 20 something hours of labor, and hand that baby over to someone you hardly know but somehow trust. EASY? HECK NO. I have a hard time leaving my 10 month old with a sitter!!</center>
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I watch way too many baby shows, one of them, "I'm Having Their Baby," features an ex female soldier who went to war. She said she'd rather be at war than give her baby up for adoption. THESE WOMEN NEED OUR SUPPORT TOO. To selflessly make that kind of decision requires the kind of strength that could only exist if some kind of support system was in place, before AND after. THEY ARE GIVING THEIR BABIES A CHOICE; they're placing them in the arms of loving, stable families that will allow them to make their own wise choices as independent adults who understand their freedoms.</center>
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Abortion breaks hearts. Pardon me for getting sentimental, but I think part of the problem is that we've taken the sentimentality away. My mother used to make a lot of statements that started with, "When you become a mother…" Well, I'm a mother now, and I feel more passionate on my position than ever before. But there's no power in passion without execution--just not the kind that keeps a heart from beating. Wherever you stand, can you truly say that you're doing your part in showing these women they truly have as many choices as we say they do?</center>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-59823671322539322272013-06-27T10:07:00.000-04:002013-06-27T10:20:22.772-04:00Status Update Fine Prints<center>
One of my last posts was about how people think that the good life is published and talked about a little too much on Facebook, and it bothers them. Then I mentioned how I like to, personally, talk about the good things so that I don't focus so much on the bad. Well, I wish Facebook worked more like my brain. Because sometimes I get stuck focusing on the bad, and it can be very easy to do sometimes.</center>
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I tend to spiral. Usually some kind of event triggers it. A few weeks ago, I discovered some disheartening news about my dad. Nearly 15 years of sobriety gone down the drain, just like that, in one day. It's partly chemical (skipping meds for 4 days when you have a mental illness isn't good), but I know it's also very spiritual. Sometimes I just want to shake him and say, "Can't you see what you're doing?! You're supposed to be the parent and somehow, I know more than you." I just can't make any sense of it, but then again, I've never resorted to drugs or alcohol when depressed. In fact, I've avoided it like the plague because addiction runs in my family.</center>
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Then I got to spiraling myself. I started thinking about my own childhood. I know forgiveness is a choice, but it's not just a one-time choice, it's a daily one. I get really angry sometimes. I really don't know my dad because he wasn't there when I was a kid, and now he's chemically altered so I don't know the person he used to be. But my reasons for getting angry today have less to do with my past than with my present...</center>
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How do I know how to be a good mom if I didn't have that kind of secure attachment with my own parents? This weighs on me every day. Remember the Disney analogy, how I somehow made motherhood out to be this wonderfully amazing thing that just came naturally to everyone? Some days, it's really easy. When both my kids actually sleep well and I feel half sane. Or when I get that random "I love you" in the middle of the day, unexpectedly. Other days, when my three year old says, "I don't like you" because she doesn't want to eat anything resembling food for breakfast, it's not. Motherhood does not come naturally on those days. Acting like a child always comes easily. I sometimes wish I could throw the eggs on the floor and say, "Fine, don't eat anything, then." But, instead, I respond by saying, "I'm sorry you don't like me, that hurts my feelings." Then I put the plate down and walk away.</center>
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Little does my three year old know that when she uses this new and exciting phrase to express her disapproval, it really hits me. Why? Because I work so dang hard, sometimes I feel like I work harder than I should have to, because of the absent example.</center>
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But then it hit me the other day. We're all lacking an example. How do we know how to be good people? How do we define good and how do we know what love is, when, let's face it, we've all been hurt by the people who say they love us. I believe we know because God put the understanding of his love in all of our hearts. No, we don't get to see him face to face here on Earth. But imagine how much easier being a good person would be if we could! So easy. To see perfect love being acted out before us every day would make even driving easier, at least for me ;).</center>
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I feel like having great parents is like having training wheels. It gives you something to lean on when you're unable to ride without falling over on your own. It gives you a sense of security. Knowing you won't hit the pavement so quickly if you loose your balance makes riding a whole lot easier. But just because you never had training wheels doesn't mean you'll never learn how to ride a bike. It just means you have the opportunity to learn to ride while only trusting the invisible hand. Training wheels can be removed. Sometimes they break; sometimes the wheels get jammed. But we all have God holding onto us.</center>
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It sounds so nice, and easy, just saying it. Ha. They say when you write something, your brain believes it more than if you just say it out loud. Today, I hope that's true because my brain is struggling to hear and believe the truth, when there are disappointing memories replaying like a broken record. It's slowly becoming the background noise, though.</center>
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Though I have plenty of moments that literally bring me to my knees in tears as a mom, sometimes a few tears of joy are mixed in with the frustration. When I focus more on what I'm actually seeing instead of the broken record, I have nothing else to say but, "Thank you." Thank you, God, for sparing me from drugs, alcohol, and an abusive spouse so that I can have the beautiful family that I've always wanted--the one you provided. Even though Mirabel may have her, "I don't like you" moments, she also has her, "I love you" moments, and I didn't have either of those with my dad. Progress, we're making it, slowly but surely.</center>
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Since becoming a mom, I've been able to let things go a whole lot more. Maybe it's wrong to say I've been able, more like I've been forced ;). I've always been a neat-freak, my way of providing order amidst chaos, I guess. I'd like to think that by leaving toys on the floor for 24 hours and clean clothing in the laundry for 3 days, I'm proving that I no longer need so much artificial order, since my life is not quite as chaotic. Here's the evidence:</center>
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playroom</div>
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guest room, after a horrendous sewing experiment.</div>
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....ok, so maybe I decided to sew some dresses instead of clean. But in order to get this done, I had to let things go. (And lose sleep, these were made on the nights Juliette decided it was partytime at 2 AM.)</div>
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Progress requires letting things go. I need to let go of the fact that I can't re-do the past. I will not be the perfect mom, even if I do/did have an ideal childhood. I will not have cutely dressed children in homemade dresses AND a clean house and wrinkle-free clothing ;)...</div>
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But my children are happy, on the days that they like me (when I give them fruit snacks for breakfast instead of eggs ;). That's all I ever really wanted for them, even before they were born.</div>
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**And I finally wrote a post! But my kitchen is covered in pancake crumbs and I've been asked for a treat about 5 times. I got up to clean someone's bottom and change the song on the radio about 10 times, for the serious music critic under 4....but I wrote a post!!**</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-34791721086121669522013-06-19T18:22:00.002-04:002013-06-19T18:22:38.310-04:00June 2013<center>
I am due for a post, but this will have to do for today :).</center>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-71552268024239395232013-05-16T19:08:00.002-04:002013-05-16T19:20:20.791-04:00Facebook life<center>
I recently saw a comment about how people portray their lives as being perfect on social networking sites, like Facebook. I've even heard people say that these status updates/tweets can breed unhappiness. But you know what? To those cynics I say: you're only fooling yourself. Last time I checked, everyone has problems. Big or small, they are there. I'm pretty sure that other people cannot cause unhappiness simply by discussing their own happy moments in a simple status update. They're just that, after all, status updates. What's going on right now. Who wants to hear about diaper blowouts? Literally and figuratively. I've got plenty of poop that needs wiping up. But when I do want to share something, or create a hard copy of a funny thought or precious and fleeting moment, I want it to be worth pondering, laughing about, and/or remembering.</center>
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I talk a lot about my kids on Facebook, because right now, they're all I read, watch, and smell. I'm a stay at home mom, after all. It's not a glamourous job all the time (eventually, I like eating something other than bon bons while sitting on the couch, so I do cook for fun, too), but it's a job I consider myself blessed to have. Ok, so I do take a few moments to myself (that's why I don't shower as often as I used to, pre-kids HA!). Sometimes I even spend more than 5 minutes on my hair. But usually, I'm thinking about them. It might seem like too much, but I'll tell you--it's really changed my perspective on quite a few things, like...</center>
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Eating: </center>
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The funny--I hide candy now. I feel guilty about sneaking into the closet under our stairs to take a bite of chocolate (the same chocolate I hid from Mirabel after the Valentine's Day Father-Daughter dance at church). Because I don't want her to have cavities, of course! I think I need to ask Jose to hide it from me, because I'm the one with a crown, and it's not because I'm queen of this house.</center>
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Truth--I actually eat more vegetables now that I have children. Nursing one baby and trying to convince a toddler that vegetables are healthy, I think about what I eat more than I used to. Also, I need to stay healthy, because who will take care of them when I'm sick? ME! And taking care of kids when you're sick is the hardest job, next to being a navy seal.</center>
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Sleeping:</center>
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The funny--I've learned how to master the art of sleeping while holding on to the edge of the bed and not rolling over. Why? Because, somehow, a baby that's 1/4 my size takes up so much space on a king size bed.</center>
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Truth--I never took naps until I had kids. I do it because I'm a better mom when I'm not sleep deprived. Oh yes, and I'll live longer (and that's important, I want to be around for the grandkids--one of the best parts!).</center>
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The funny--I'm pretty sure Mirabel is going to be an opera singer. I am also amazed that I can still hear Juliette crying with the bathroom door closed while I'm showering downstairs and the baby monitor is turned off, in spite of and on top of Mirabel's screaming.</center>
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Truth--Man, I've never paid attention to song lyrics so much in my life! Even the tune of a song can get me nervous, these days. A rough sounding rap song came on while we were listening to music via our TV from our computer's playlist and I was convinced I was gonna have to change it!!! Turns out it was a Christian rap song LOL. One of Jose's favorite songs. But yes, I really pay attention to what I listen to, or even watch. I thought my parents were overprotective while I was growing up, though they did take it to the extreme, I can understand their paranoia a little bit more now.</center>
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The funny--This sounds weird. I don't mean acting as in a theatre production, though sometimes I do fake cry to get Mirabel to obey me (because she does have an empathetic side). And she is quite the drama queen herself. But I mean actions, as in verbs. I guess this would qualify as "drama production" acting, since I do take my own version of an intermission. Usually I do this after a very dramatic production. I give myself a time out. </center>
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Truth-- I've learned how to hold back and give more. You can call this acting, I call it not unleashing my inner sinful human. I'm still terrible at it. Awful, even. I've learned that yelling on top of yelling just make a lot of...noise. Sometimes I have to force myself to hug my kid when she's screaming at the top of her lungs and having a fit because two legs can't fit into one pant leg, or the right shoe can't fit on the left foot. Sometimes saying "QUIET" really loudly is not a good idea, but a hug is. Even when I don't feel like hugging because I've been holding someone all day. But we both feel better afterward.</center>
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Forgiving:</center>
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The funny...Ok, there really aren't too many funny moments I can think of to give an example of this one. Ok, I've learned how to forgive myself when I can't wash all the dishes in the sink before going to bed at night. Wait, that's not funny (that's kinda pathetic actually).</center>
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The truth: You know that word grace? Oh, I knew it but I didn't really KNOW it until I had children. I'm not saying that I've had to learn how to show more grace to other people. There's always room for improvement there. But I never really considered what it meant to show myself grace...</center>
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Growing up, I had this Disneyland idea of motherhood. I'd be able to get on all the rides because I'd be tall enough (i.e., I'd be able to handle every obstacle/roller coaster with grace and a smile on my face). Every night would end with a perfect view of the Electrical Parade down on Main Street, as planned. There'd be a schedule, and all the shows would start on time. It was a very idealized view. I have a pretty good understanding, now, of why I had this view of motherhood. But I don't live in a magical kingdom, never have and never will. I did meet my prince charming, but we're still learning what it means to live happily ever after, with kids. </center>
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I might be able to compare my experience as a mom to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, just a little. My two kids do take on each of their personalities quite well, but I've never been able to sleep as soundly as Snow White, that's for sure. There are some days I feel like Cinderella, cleaning the house with my two little mice and running out the door with only one shoe on. Motherhood is definitely "a whole new world...". But Jose has learned not to say, "don't you dare close your eyes," because, sometimes, you've just gotta look the other way and pretend like that kid who's licking the bottom of someone's shoe (and enjoying it) isn't yours. I view my daughters as princesses, that's for sure, but not in a fairytale. I'm not their fairy godmother. I cannot change a pumpkin into a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. But. That. Is. OK. I'm going to make mistakes and cry like a baby in front of them when I've had enough (even though I'm supposed to be the adult). These are the moments you won't see advertised on facebook. HA! They are very real because I am very real and not a Disney character. I just like to document the good times, the random photos, the funny phrases, so that I know what to keep my focus on. When my 2 year old says that her sister is her best friend, it makes me feel like I'm not doing such a bad job after all!</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-84763002007683019082013-04-10T18:49:00.001-04:002013-04-10T18:54:20.821-04:00Almost 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'd say some of my toughest mom moments, so far, happened while I was pregnant with Juliette. Mirabel was a wild and lively toddler who loved to run away, and run even faster as her very pregnant mother chased after her (praying she wouldn't fall on her stomach!). It was a crazy time. Even though I have 2 kids, 2 and under, it's much easier now.</center>
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But EASY is never a word I'd use to describe motherhood. At all. Easier, ok. That'll do, but not easy. </center>
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Mirabel and Juliette are like fire and water. Juliette just sits there with a smile on her face, watching her older sister (very impressed). And who wouldn't be? Mirabel can dance to any beat (that she likes, and she is very particular about what music she likes). Mirabel confidently sings songs she doesn't know the words to--and she's teaching me how to do the same. Ah, Motherhood: Making things up as you go along, and praying for the right words to come along.</center>
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I've got a kid that leaves me at a loss for words, that's for sure, and I mean that in every way possible. I've found that in some situations, silence is the best option. Got a kid screaming in the back seat because her sock isn't rolled up, and her pant isn't perfectly tucked into her faux pink leather boot, just the way she wants it? Silence. Because even if you tell her that as soon as you stop the car, you can solve her gigantic problem, she'll keep making the same request (very loudly), over and over. If only it were always this simple, both now and later, really. But right now, thankfully, I can solve most of her problems that give way to ear-piercing/screaming demands.</center>
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We're both learning how to use words to express our complex feelings and requests. Who doesn't want their favorite song to come on the radio right away, even when they've heard it a million and one times already? I wish I could listen to my favorite song every time I turned on the radio, that's for sure (well, thanks to MP3 players, I can... but still :). </center>
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Guess what? It's gotten easier. There's only one request that makes me happier than hearing a very curly haired 2 1/2 year old ask me to help her use the potty (yes, it's finnnnally happening! 3 days in a row!), and that request is, "Hug and kiss?". Not just in the morning, not just before bedtime, but at very random times of the day. </center>
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She doesn't have those sweet fluffy rolls anymore; Mirabel is practically a string bean. She was the baby I'd wear in an infant carrier so that I could cook dinner, that's how much she used to love being held. I remember looking forward to the day she could walk, just so my scrawny bones could have a break. (I'm pretty sure the running-away-from-mom thing she did while I was pregnant was payback for that ;).) Why stay in someone's arms when you can run free? But I don't want her to feel so free that she doesn't need her mom anymore. </center>
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Now her feet dangle past my knees when she asks me to pick her up for a hug and kiss. Many recent situations have shown me that she would not feel so free if she didn't feel secure in my love for her. I have failed many times, but when she comes back to me even though she knows how to run away, I know that God is working on my heart to be the best mother to Mirabel that I can be. Not the best mother ever, no. I just want her to feel secure and know that even though I can't make her favorite song come on the radio each time I start the car, and I can't fix her socks while I'm driving, and I can't buy her a cheeseburger every day, I'm never to busy to give her a hug and kiss. </center>
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There will come a day when I won't be able to pick her up, but I pray that God gives me the wisdom to give her the kind of love that lifts her up so that her fiery spirit feels free to run with him beside her throughout life.</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-34078569125865125662013-04-01T13:13:00.002-04:002013-04-01T13:16:58.565-04:00Moving ForwardWhere do I begin?<br />
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I guess I should start with a follow-up to the last post. We bought... an empty lot :). And it has trees! We're right in front of a green belt. AND because we're buying so early on (no model homes) we got a bit of a discount. Two weeks after we purchased the lot, the specific model that we chose went up $5K! And we didn't get outbid this time ;).</div>
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We no longer have to deal with this crazy market; we do have to wait a little bit, but it's kind of fun, like waiting to have a baby (we'll probably move in this Fall). We already picked out the cabinets, carpet, etc. Because we are on a budget, we decided beforehand that we would stick with the basic package for most things. This developer already has such nice basics, plus it doesn't take much to make us happy. I will say, though, we did upgrade the carpet. Let's be honest, kids and carpet can be a really scary combo ;). We currently have all white carpet, which leaves me on edge. We decided to add tile to some of the carpeted areas, and it's a rustic/woodsy looking tile. Wood is lovely, but pricy!! We also added a special kind of carpet with a unique filler (I don't remember what it's called) that repels stains (doesn't soak-up liquid) and doesn't absorb odors! It's made for families with pets (I think a dog will be the next addition to our family :). </div>
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We also visited a community a few miles away developed by the same company, since our housing community doesn't have one for us to look at yet (a few more weeks for that).</div>
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Here are a few photos:</div>
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Mirabel started preschool last week. It's a 2 day per week program that she loves. The teacher converted her home into a toddler outdoor haven. Before Mirabel started school, she'd beg me to take her to church just so she could go to the nursery! She's such an outgoing kid, she really thrives being around others and didn't hesitate to jump in on the fun on the first day. That's left time open for some projects. So far, I've been able to redo a wooden chest (to replace our wicker toy chest) and two night stands. Today I got to take the car for an oil change (fun! ;). Now I'm watching TV (which never happens when she's home) and actually BLOGGING! I should get better about this now that I have more time. BUT after just these few minutes of being online, Juliette woke up from her nap and now she's tired of being in her jumperoo. So that's all for now, folks ;). But here's a few pics of the girls. They are growing so fast, I really want to start documenting things on here more :).</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-75955912829469980052013-02-19T07:18:00.002-05:002013-02-19T07:25:55.881-05:00Diving in and treading water<center>
Hello, everyone! Or maybe just one...or two of you? Anyhow :), it's been too long. So what do I do on my free time these days? Well, if I'm not trying to make dinner peacefully while both kids snooze, or I'm not making something that will probably end up in a Goodwill box one day, I'm usually on realtor.com...or even driving around random neighborhoods in search of some "For Sale by Owner" signs. Yep, we're moving toward home-buying...ever so slowly, and a little painfully.</center>
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You won't believe this, but in the past week we bid on 2 different homes ABOVE the asking price and lost them both. One house was even over-priced to begin with. We're officially in a seller's market, and 3-5 bids are usually placed on any house on the market, even in the surrounding suburbs. I guess everyone wants to move to the hill country? How bad is it? Homes usually sell before they're even listed online (I'm also signed up with my realtor to receive emails about homes). To give you an example of how competitive it is, here's a concrete example. A house is listed at 12 AM midnight. I wake up at 5:15 AM the next morning, 4 minutes after I receive the email about the new house. I text my realtor about the house at 6:45 AM. She contacts the listing agent and asks if we can view the home that same morning. We are told we can view it at 9:30 and assume we are the first. </center>
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Well, guess what? We are, or I should say I am the first one there... In fact, I get there 15 minutes early. My realtor is stuck in traffic and so she's late, in the meantime 3 OTHER PEOPLE SHOW UP. And they all have appointments to view it too. We're told the listing agent is receiving offers until 5 PM. We are pretty happy with this house; it's literally around the corner from one of the best elementary schools in Austin, it has a wrap-around yard WITH TREES (huge bonus in TX), and it comes with a play yard, upgraded kitchen, and even on a cul-de-sac in a highly desirable neighborhood (can you tell I've been on realtor.com a lot?) ;). So this is why we bid above the asking price. </center>
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Guess what? WE ARE THE HIGHEST BIDDERS BUT SOMEONE WHO BIDS BENEATH US GETS THE HOUSE BECAUSE THEY'RE PAYING CASH FOR THE HOUSE! Yes, they're not even taking out a loan. They're paying the owner cash up front and claim they can move in, in 2 weeks! </center>
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What the heck?!</center>
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It's crazy. I pretty much assume we won't get a house when we see it, at this point. But we're continuing to save (and I've stuck to a really tight budget so that we've been able to save quite a bit over the past few months). Even if the market stays this hot, at least we'll eventually have enough to pay for the house too ;)...if it takes that long! Haha! I'm losing sleep over this and I shouldn't be. It's hard to not get sucked in. Trying to keep my head on straight and remember that it's just a house...I live in a lovely home right now that's definitely affordable, I should have no complaints :). It really feels like we're in Vegas, or something, though.</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-48805502887694995422012-12-24T11:08:00.000-05:002012-12-24T11:08:03.007-05:00Very Jane<center>
Really want to win one of these awesome gifts from the 2013 <a href="https://veryjane.com/giveaway.htm">Very Jane Giveaway</a>! If you all are a fan of Etsy, you'll like Very Jane. It's basically like a Plum District type thing, but for handmade things. :)</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-23719604725863339552012-12-14T17:28:00.002-05:002012-12-14T17:28:15.492-05:00Learning Joy<center>
If all I have to unwrap this Christmas are size 2 and size 5 dirty diapers, I'll still have more to thank God for than I deserve. These two precious lives have given me so much. I only pray I can be half the mother that they deserve. Every day, I fall short, usually it has something to do with not keeping a level head or acting my age--sometimes I forget that I'm the adult in certain situations. Today I feel guilty about every complaint I've ever made involving anything associated with parenting--the days I've forgotten to give thanks for the two gifts I never thought I'd be able to carry for 9 months, or hold in my arms. I only wish I could keep them there.</center>
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I'm still far from wise, but I believe a parent's love is more real and pure than any other. That is why it is an honor for us to be considered children of God. Not only are my children gifts, but their existence alone allows for the ultimate gift: a greater understanding of God. God sent his son to die in our place. In that action, he sacrificed what he loved most, his son. It's easier to see the beauty and sense in the trinity, now. God the Father, Spirit, Son--3 in 1. We hear it and sing it, but why is it significant? I'm still learning why. But if who we know as God the Father, the Almighty King, came down to Earth, it truly wouldn't mean as much than if his innocent Son, a lamb, was the sacrifice. As a mother, I can understand that. What a gift; it is perfect love--he gave what he held dearest. He knew we would be more eager to accept his love this way. Now I don't have to fear death because of what he did. I still fear losing my children, though, more than anything. A parent losing a child becomes more real when we have children of our own, yes. But our tears will never be as heavy with grief as theirs, only God knows their weight as he himself experienced this ultimate loss. </center>
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We can say our condolences, empathize with tears, and pray for those families and even our own children. We want to make it better, though. We feel a sense of guilt as we struggle to find a way to improve the situation. If we knew the families, we'd offer to cook them meals. We'd find a way to make this holiday season somewhat "bearable", if that's even possible. We'd want to help them focus on something else on Christmas morning, so that they wouldn't have to sit before a Christmas tree bearing unopened gifts for children whose souls are now a light shining brighter than the one atop the tree they decorated just weeks before today's tragedy.</center>
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I'm thousands of miles away, feeling helpless and with a heavy heart, though. But I'm doing what I can with what I have. I'm close enough to make a difference, still, because my children are HERE. They are wanting to be loved, every single day that I have them on loan from their Heavenly Father. When they are misbehaving, when they are brushing (aka pulling) my hair with a plastic doll comb, when they are begging for chocolate at the top of their lungs with their dinner still before them--they are asking for love. It may not be at the top of their Christmas list, but it's the best gift I can give them. </center>
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I can't buy them a thousand years on this Earth, even though that's at the top of my Christmas list, but I can love them today better than I did yesterday by learning to stay joyful in all situations, because, in the end, sitting down and having my hair pulled by a pink plastic doll comb hurts a lot less than the regrets I'd have if I missed these moments, if my sweet babies were gone tomorrow.</center>
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I love these kids so much. Please, Lord, they deserve my joy every day, so give me a heart to love them like you love me, no matter what. Thank you for another day of diaper changes, spit up-covered clothing, tantrums, and hair pulling. I'm ever so grateful for every obvious and disguised beautiful moment, especially today. Be with those who've lost a child, show them you are closer to them now more than ever before. Amen.</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-65004846643084979642012-12-10T17:40:00.004-05:002012-12-10T17:42:14.319-05:00Colorado trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last year around this time (while still pregnant), I was convinced that I wouldn't be going anywhere with a 3 month old; we even told family not to expect a visit from us for the next holiday. My only experience was with a particularly unique infant/toddler... my energetic Mirabel. She didn't like sleep very much. You all remember the posts: waking up 6 times a night, considering it a good night if I got to sleep a 4 hour stretch, etc.? Well, Juliette is a lot easier than her sister was at 3 months (aside from not enjoying car rides much), so we decided it'd be fun to take a trip, by plane... a nice relaxing trip to beautiful Colorado. Both girls did great on the plane. No tears. It started off great, really...</div>
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We even had a chance to visit The North Pole ;) (also known as a Santa Claus-inspired theme park outside of Colorado Springs)...</div>
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Mirabel really enjoyed all the rides, in fact, she even rode the tallest ferris wheel in the world (well, it sits atop a mountain, so it's technically the highest not necessarily the tallest).</div>
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Her dad got a little dizzy on this ride ;)...</div>
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Though we stayed in a home away rental for most of the trip, the first night we slept at a cozy resort and enjoyed stuffing ourselves at their buffet, for both breakfast and lunch. Food was delicious, views were gorgeous. We were even greeted by deer upon waking up the first morning we were there. Couldn't ask for a better trip (so far!) ;).</div>
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We visited the Garden of the Gods. So lovely. Gorgeous cliff dwellings, that's what they're called, right Ali? Not exactly mountains ;). But in Texas, we would refer to these as huge cliffs, or maybe even mountains :D.</div>
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Then we made our way to our home away; this is the mountain view from our front porch. We kept pointing out the mountains to Mirabel while we were driving around town. After we got back home, Mirabel kept pointing out her window and saying, "Look at the mountains!". I had to explain to her that those "mountains" were really hills. This is the hill country, after all; definitely not mountain country :).</div>
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We even got to meet my blogging buddy and her sweet family. The kids really enjoyed playing with the decorative bronze figurines, they even made it into the picture ;). Excuse the construction paper scattered all over the coffee table. Mirabel is really into using her plastic scissors to cut paper into really tiny pieces, makes for a fun clean-up time!</div>
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Then 4 DAYS LATER... we made it to Manitou Springs. A really cute town with so many fun shops. Though Jose was saying that we should've stayed there (since there was so much to see on foot), I told Jose that we probably would've spent more money. I'm usually a bargain shopper, but I had a hard time sticking to a budget on this trip ;). </div>
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Why did it take us 4 days to get here? Because WE ALL GOT A TERRIBLE STOMACH VIRUS! We weren't actually supposed to stay that long. Our flight was scheduled to leave on Tuesday afternoon, but they refused to let us board because Mirabel was vomiting quite a bit and they were concerned that they'd have to stop the plane (three times before boarding). So they rescheduled our trip. It's a good thing, too, because it took us a little while to get back on our feet. Actually, it took me a little longer. Nursing while having a stomach bug and not eating can be quite rough. I lost about 5 pounds, and I don't have much to lose as it is. Thankfully we are all fine now and we made it safely home a few days later. I prayed that Juliette wouldn't get it, thankfully she was spared. And, again, I feel so blessed to have a baby that sleeps well! She slept while I was the sickest; not sure how I would've made it thru otherwise!</div>
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All in all, we had a great time. The bug didn't taint our overall experience. I still would like to go back to Colorado. I'd love to buy a place there! The housing costs aren't too bad, either! Plus, you get seasons! Something I do miss. There isn't much work out there for Jose, though. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to visit again. Next time, we'll try skiing :). I figured, skiing with a 3 month old strapped to my torso would probably be a little too adventurous, and we definitely had enough of an adventure :D.</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-33447290259246360022012-10-08T15:59:00.001-04:002012-10-08T16:10:25.944-04:00Avoiding Survival Mode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Best friends! For now... :)</div>
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With every week that passes, I'm a little more joyful, but also a little bit more sad. I love the way babies smell. I've been smelling poor Juliette's head non-stop; she must be totally weirded out by me, the baby head sniffer. I know it sounds a little strange, but something about the oil they produce is just so yummy. Before I know it, that baby smell will be gone. I still hold Mirabel close and try to take in as much of her baby fragrance as I can, but it's not nearly as strong as Juliette's. Yes, this is turning into a very odd post...</center>
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I remember reading Mirabel books when she was Juliette's age, hoping she would look at the pages in anticipation of what was going to happen next. (Maybe even secretly hoping she'd learn how to read before age 1, because you always think your baby is a genius.) Now she won't sit still long enough for me to finish half of a book ;). I couldn't wait until she enjoyed playing with toys. I couldn't wait until she rolled over, or even crawled (which she never really did :). Now I'm just trying to savor every one of Juliette's baby moments. </center>
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Both my babies really like(d) to be held. Mirabel, not so much anymore, as she's quite active and independent. Juliette still loves it, though. I can't remember the exact day Mirabel stopped cuddling with me for longer than 5 minutes, but I can remember things like when she took her first step or stopped having diaper blow-outs (best day ever!). The sweetest moments pass by ever so quickly, and without notice, it seems.</center>
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This is why I'm enjoying every minute I spend on the couch, inhaling my tiny one's baby smell from head to toe, while safely avoiding the cottage-cheese smelling area around her chubby neck. It takes a lot to slow me down. The day Juliette was born (Mirabel too, actually), I was still doing laundry! I don't know if it has as much to do with being proactive as it has to do with being hyper (I never took naps as a kid; Mirabel inherited her crazy sleeping patterns from me). </center>
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But now that I know what it feels like to watch a baby grow into an independent little girl in the blink of an eye, I'm enjoying the slower moments. I don't rush things any more. So when Juliette wants to be carried, I let everything else wait because I know she won't wait for me to grow-up. I'm still living life in fast forward it seems, as she's growing up too quickly already, but I'm happy to let the more insignificant things go.</center>
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I try to apply this same way of thinking on the really hard days. Like when you're in the toy aisles at the store and your toddler is screaming, begging to stay, while your infant is insisting (quite loudly) that they need to be fed right then and there. Oh, those are fun moments, too! But they won't last either. One day, I'll wish Mirabel was more interested in toys than....clothing sold at full price. And I'll certainly be wishing Juliette still had a tiny newborn cry once she enters the terrible 2s, blood-curdling screams and all. That's if I still have my hearing at that point ;).</center>
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When I look at these two girls, I feel like everything is in its right place. Not literally, of course, as there are probably toys in the refrigerator (there's one in the fridge right now, folks!). I guess it's safe to say that I'M in the right place right now, emotionally speaking. I can't tell you how many awful things I've heard about transitioning from one kid to two. I'm here to tell you it really isn't that bad. I was warned about "survival mode" and we've been able to avoid it, particularly that mindset. Yes, there are days you'll ask yourself why there's a cute guy with a curdled milk stain on his pajama sleeve sleeping on the floor of your toddler's nesting doll-themed bedroom... And there are days you'll look in the mirror and wonder how you managed to leave the house looking like THAT without accepting the pocket change or stale granola bar offered by the kind stranger that crossed your path this morning (...on your way to the park down the street, carrying more bags than you really need, because it never fits in the diaper bag despite the supposed million and one secret compartments...). You define the bag lady, but you're okay with it. That's what it means to emotionally be in the right place, as a mom at least. </center>
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But there's a difference between bags and baggage, whoever you are, don't forget that or you'll lose yourself. How to avoid the confusion, you ask? Well, this is how I try to do it. Can't go back to sleep after being woken up 30 minutes after your head hits the pillow? Now's the time to enjoy the silence with a prayer, and you'll need plenty of it. If it turns out I get woken up at 4:15 AM (after a long sleep stretch that is truly worth celebrating) and the little one goes to sleep but I can't, sometimes I use that time for... ME. </center>
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Like the Dos Equis guy might say, I don't alway make dinner at 4:30 AM (and sometimes I do, honestly) but when I don't, I try to spend some time doing other productive thing like putting on make up, even if I have forgotten how to apply eye shadow (which will lead to my husband asking why there's pollen on my eyelids--true story). And even if your husband thinks you look like a clown, he will still appreciate your efforts. WHY?! Because you ARE married; don't forget that either! Remember that love has many languages. You may have enjoyed poetry pre-babies, but nothing says "I love you" quite like changing a diaper does. In fact, the heavier the load, the more he/she loves you. Really. </center>
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Ah, love. That's what this is. From the baby head sniffing to the diaper changing and sleeping on your toddler's bedroom floor. Real love. Learning to recognize and savor it in every moment is what helps create the foundation for a family and a solid life, whether you have kids or not. (The ending of this post may or may not reflect a tad bit too much OWN TV watching - aka the Oprah channel...) </center>
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Now I'm sure we're all in agreement that baby head sniffing should be banned in all 50 states...</center>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-53423094197783707212012-09-17T15:04:00.003-04:002012-09-17T15:25:01.324-04:00Life with 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday we made it to the one month mark! I'm happy to report that not only are we alive, but we are all happy and fairly well rested, considering the circumstances...and all the fears I had were basically over-exaggerated ones. The house is clean and Mirabel still feels loved, thankfully. But we do wear a lot of wrinkled clothing, and sometimes dinner is a little boring or burned ;). Honestly, it's easier now than when I was pregnant. It was just a really rough and painful pregnancy. The delivery, however, was pretty easy, and the recovery even better. I'm not going to lie, I was sore for a few days (and the cramps are much worse the second time around) but I don't even feel like I've had a baby...other than the fact that I don't fit into most of my pre-pregnancy pants and my stomach looks like a deflated balloon with a few stretch marks (couldn't avoid those this time) haha :D.</center>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTV_-eiICL4/UFdzdXzx7gI/AAAAAAAACjY/-AGKzOs9wM0/s1600/082712+Juliette+Newborns+wtrmk+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTV_-eiICL4/UFdzdXzx7gI/AAAAAAAACjY/-AGKzOs9wM0/s320/082712+Juliette+Newborns+wtrmk+04.jpg" width="212" /></a>Juliette adds balance to our family. Her personality is so unique; she is so sweet and cuddly. She loves to be held, so usually I'm wearing her in some way. Like her big sister, she isn't a fan of the car seat. But she is much quieter about expressing dissatisfaction than her much more vocal older sibling ;). She has her good days and bad days in the car seat, but outside of the car seat she is pretty easy most days (unless I drink milk or eat ice cream--avoiding those). She doesn't cry when I change her diaper, clothes, or even when I give her a bath--which still takes us all by surprise. She is quiet at night too, sleeping a nice, solid five hours the first stretch. Some nights she is more vocal and makes grunting noises; she sounds kinda like a baby goat/lamb/dinosaur when she's half awake/half asleep. Speaking of sleep, I'm still forcing myself to take daily naps. I never did that after Mirabel was born, which is partly why the adjustment period was harder the first time around.</center>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzkIOmC6104/UFdzK6Vu8pI/AAAAAAAACi4/OGvmxhzlCqU/s1600/bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzkIOmC6104/UFdzK6Vu8pI/AAAAAAAACi4/OGvmxhzlCqU/s320/bw.jpg" width="213" /></a>All in all, I feel more complete. Juliette adds to this feeling, but it also has to do with feeling more connected. When Mirabel was born, we'd just moved (temporarily, for the summer) to Houston from Boston and we didn't have any friends or a church in the area. I feel like I was thrown into a pool without knowing how to swim. This time, we had family going in and out, and friends from church and my mom's group preparing meals for us and dropping by to visit. I was concerned that I wouldn't feel like socializing much after the baby was born (before she was born), but quite the opposite was true. I actually felt better after visiting with people and looked forward to having friends over. We went back to church a week after Juliette was born and we were greeted with open arms (open arms ready to hold a newborn :). All four of us are a family, but we also have extended family among our friends. That's what's adding to this solid feeling we're enjoying, and what's made the transition easier.</center>
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..And here are some photos taken from two different photo sessions, by two different friends. Both equally talented and generous :). I didn't even expect to have newborn photos done, but with two offers, I couldn't resist :D. So happy I had them done :).</center>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-71314152383303722062012-08-18T10:05:00.004-04:002012-08-18T10:27:57.396-04:00Introducing...Juliette Vera Ancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wednesday around 2 AM, I started having contractions; I'd been very restless all night, actually. The contractions lasted until 6 AM, then they stopped when I decided to get out of bed and work on breakfast, dinner, and laundry. Great! I was used to this dance... I wasn't sure if Wednesday would be THE day, but I wanted to leave the house prepared :). My bags were already packed; I try to think 2 steps ahead (but I can't believe I almost missed my own labor...details to come haha!).</div>
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I was convinced these pains were just typical BH contractions because they stopped and there wasn't much happening until around 5:30. Thankfully, family was visiting earlier in the week, so Mirabel was entertained and I was able to get a good nap in. If there's one thing I learned since Mirabel's birth, it's to take as many naps as possible, whenever you can! You never know when your next restful night will be with kiddos around. I wanted to stock up on sleep because I knew Juliette would be arriving within the next few DAYS. Yep, days. I didn't think she'd be here until this weekend. </div>
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Jose was going to stay home, but I told him to go in; I wanted him to really be able to enjoy being home when the baby arrived and not have to worry about work piling up. So he left. All day, I felt a little different, but I figured my body was just gearing up. I called the doctor at around 5, after talking to my mom about what I was experiencing, and she wanted me to go to L and D and get checked out. I thought both the doctor and my mom were just being overly cautious. I wasn't even planning on taking my hospital bag. I guess I was in complete denial? I just didn't want to get my hopes up. I was also anxious about leaving Mirabel alone, I even shed a few tears about it in the car on the way to the hospital :(. Then I realized I was giving her a gift, a new sister to play with! I felt less guilty when I thought about it that way.</div>
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Jose came home around 6:30 or so to take me to the hospital. He also felt we should bring our bags and the car seat. He was convinced I was in labor. At this point, I was getting contractions again, but they were only coming every 6 to 10 minutes; I still wasn't so sure. They were getting stronger, but not strong enough to stop Jose and I from exchanging jokes back and forth in the car... That is, until he hit a speed bump during a pretty strong contraction. I quieted down then.</div>
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BUT I still didn't want to get all the bags down from the car when we arrived at the hospital. Jose was so sure we'd be admitted; I thought they'd send us home until <i>at least</i> midnight (see how my mind was slowly changing about this whole thing? ;). After all, my first labor WAS about 26 hours long. I was hoping for something under 20 hours with this one. I thought that was a reasonable expectation.</div>
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We take the elevator up to L and D and the doctor on call is paged. Apparently, I was already 3-4 cm and 70% effaced. The day before at my appointment, I was barely 1.5 cm and my cervix was very posterior, so you can see why I felt it'd still be some time before Juliette made her grand entrance.</div>
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The doctor wanted me to be examined again in an hour, just to see how things were progressing. We walked the floor and that did some good. I was admitted after being told I'd hit 4.5 cm and that my cervix was finally cooperating! Yay, body!</div>
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I was reaching the next stage when I decided to jump in the shower. The hot water was amazing and helped so much. I stayed in there until my skin was nearly blistered from the hot water lol. Jose was concerned about the water temp, since my skin was so red from the intense heat... Let me tell you, I totally wanted a water birth at that point. But hospital regulations, GBS, and water births don't exactly mix. Maybe next time... This labor was moving so quickly that before I was under the influence of any medication, and during this active second stage of labor, I was already talking about having another one!</div>
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I dismissed that thought at around 5 cm. The pain was nauseating and radiating down my back and legs. I decided it was epidural time. I was shaking and things were moving fast; this was it! I thought I still had at least another 4 hours of labor ahead of me, though. I was also dreading another tear and an overwhelming transition--all from a previous bad experience with what seemed to be a never-ending labor, hence the decision to get the epi.</div>
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You'll be surprised to hear that in under 2 hours, I'd gone from 5-10 cm! The nurses weren't even going to check me, but I pressed the little red call button when I suddenly felt like something was coming out of me on its own. That something was actually SOMEONE I'd been eager to meet for 38 weeks and 4 days :)...</div>
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<b>Juliette Vera</b> arrived about 20 minutes later, at <b>12:59 AM on August 16th</b>. She entered the world warm and wonderful, weighing <b>7 lbs 1 oz</b> and measuring <b>19 1/2 inches long</b>.</div>
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I actually got to hold my new baby girl and inhale her delicious newborn scent! Yummy, better than cupcakes! There weren't any nurses or doctors there to rush her off to the NICU. I got to experience that wonderfully euphoric feeling that comes with holding a tiny new life. </div>
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Juliette ate for an hour and then fell asleep for 8 hours... and she still likes to sleep. I'm in shock, really. Not sure how long it will last, though ;). Believe me, I'm trying to stock up on the Zzzs as much as I can :).</div>
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(Side note: Jose changed his mind about her middle name at about 37 weeks, thankfully it didn't take too long to come up with another name we could agree on. ;)</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-8577319080128006922012-07-25T16:47:00.002-04:002012-07-25T17:01:35.761-04:0036 Weeks (Almost)Things are heating up around here, not just because we're hitting the triple digits. I'm down to the single digits as far as counting down the weeks to Juliette's birth goes! I'm so ready to meet her, and so ready to have my energy back :).<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This pregnancy has been significantly harder than my first. Funny thing is, getting pregnant was the easy part this time. I know that pretty much raising this toddler on my own during the week is a big part of it; Jose's back to working his 12-13 hour days. And it's fun chasing her around when it's time to change her diaper, and I'm struggling to just stand up before I can even consider how I'm going to catch her (it's a funny site)... But in spite of the exhaustion, 3 A.M. leg cramps and hot flashes combined with backaches, etc., I'm super thankful that Juliette is healthy. I can breathe now that we're almost at 36 weeks (this Saturday), okay maybe not literally (I get so out of breath so easily!), but Juliette can breathe on her own! </span><br />
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I'm excited to see how Mirabel accepts Juliette. Mirabel adores babies and hugs each one she sees. She loves them, really...until I touch them :). Then the tears begin; real tears, like my love was transferred to someone else. But yesterday she told me she wanted a brother! Hopefully she's anticipating the arrival of a sibling, even if it's a sister. She knows there is a baby in my belly, but she also pokes at other folk's bellies, including her dad's, and says "baby" ;), so I'm not sure just how much she understands.</div>
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Things are so much different this time around (on to the positive). We have a home instead of a 900 sq. ft. apartment in the arctic ;), Jose is out of school, we are more financially stable, have a great network of friends, are established in a great church, etc. So many people are excited to meet Juliette. My two sweet friends are throwing me a "Baby's Blessing" celebration the first Saturday in August. I hadn't heard of this type of thing until one of them mentioned it to me as an alternative to a shower. She initially offerred to throw me a shower but I felt uncomfortable accepting gifts since I went overboard buying Mirabel clothing/toys/etc, and she's my second girl. Basically, a few friends will come over to hang out, eat, and work on a scrapbook that they'll fill with prayers and blessings for Juliette. I love this idea; I hope Juliette appreciates the scrapbook when she is older.</div>
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These last few weeks I'm just trying to enjoy my only baby, and my little free time :). I've been trying to take daily naps during Mirabel's naptime, and that really helps. Today I didn't feel quite as exhausted. Our dinners are pretty boring these days, as I get tired and hot standing in front of the stove. Usually my energy is gone by noon, since we try to get out before it gets too hot. I recently discovered that Mirabel really likes visiting plant nurseries. The mosquitos love us, but she loves the water fountains and cheesy garden decor. There are some great places here in Austin. I think I've gotten bit about 10 times this week, just from 2 nursery visits. </div>
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A few weeks ago, my mom told me about Fairy Gardens. I had no idea what they were, so I researched them online and came across a blog that had tutorials on how to make one, and even how to make the "fairy furniture" out of stuff from your back yard. Along with plant nurseries (and bees, she tried to touch one the other day!), Mirabel LOVES little things. We go to the craft store and she picks up the little balls that fall off of the fake flowers and collects them in her little, sweaty hand. Pennies, buttons, rolly pollies--anything small, she loves. So a fairy garden for Mirabel sounded like a good idea, and I wanted to make one too ;) but I'm just using her as my excuse. That's why we went on a few plant nursery field trips, and even a trip to the craft store since their mini furniture is on sale this week.</div>
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It doesn't look like much, but there was a lot of sweating involved in making this. Mostly because it's so hot and I feel like I'm always on fire these days. But I'm turning my porch into a fairy's haven, so far I have two other fairy gardens going up. I've also got a collection of dish gardens, miniature roses, and succulents all on my front porch. I don't know why but I can keep mini roses alive but not herbs! What's up with that?</div>
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Anyhow, here's our first fairy garden. Mirabel couldn't wait to get her hands on those little pots and pans...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's hard to tell, but that's a piggy figurine behind the wishing well (it looks like a ghost :). I would've loved to use some really cute moss, but it's just too hot here for that. So I used Elfin Thyme, I think that's how it's spelled. It's thyme that grows like ground cover and it tolerates the Texas summer heat :)... because I know you were wondering why I didn't use moss ;).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I know I won't have much time to do this sort of thing once baby #2 comes along, but every time I see a baby I get excited that I'm having one, so I know I got pregnant at the perfect time! Yes, there's a lot of anxiety about what it'll be like to raise two little girls close in age, but it's not impossible. I know I'll be tired the first few months but time flies, and who knows how much longer Mirabel will appreciate things like fairy gardens and rolly pollies. They are little for a short time; on my tough days with back to back tantrums (Mirabel's not mine, promise ;) I have to tell myself that. Now we're going to have someone else to love and our house is really becoming a home. </span></div>Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-37997003869227917662012-07-12T09:38:00.000-04:002012-07-12T09:53:07.375-04:00Juliette's Colorful Nursery (done on a budget)<br />
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<center><center>So initially we were going to have Juliette in our room, in her own crib. Then we decided that since Mirabel is still in our room, but in her own bed, I should probably prepare a room for Juliette and then sleep in there with her, so that Mirabel doesn't think she's being replaced by her new little sis (that and I don't want to leave Juliette all alone when she's first born, and I'm too tired to walk across the house multiple times a night ;). We're worried about some jealousy issues, as she doesn't even like me hugging her dad! </center><center><br /></center><center>There's a twin bed in the room but it isn't featured in the pics...that twin bed is for me :D. Anyway, here's Juliette's Matryoshka/Nesting doll-themed nursery, and my room for the next few months after her birth, or until she sleeps thru the night :).</center><center><br /></center><center>Sorry for the bad lighting. It's been really cloudy and rainy over here. No complaints about the rain, though! We've been in a drought, so any trickle of water from the sky brings a sigh of relief.</center><center><br /></center><center>Found these little picket fences at Hobby Lobby for like $1 and hot glued flowers on them, then cut out nesting doll images from left over fabric and glued them onto the picket fences. The pink lamp was on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $10 regular $50! </center><center><img border="0" src="http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2220/p1160066p.jpg" /></center><center>Bedding and Bedskirt (Fabric found on sale at JoAnns. With all the coupons, ended up getting it all at about 60% off. I didn't want to make a bumper b/c I'm paranoid :D)</center><center><img border="0" src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/530/p1160069q.jpg" /></center><center><img border="0" src="http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/8809/p1160071j.jpg" /></center><center>Valance in the larger window across from crib:</center><center><img border="0" src="http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3926/p1160073h.jpg" /></center><center>Wanted something lightweight to hang above the crib, so we spray painted these embroidery hoops white then decorated them with nesting doll fabric.</center><center><img border="0" src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/470/p1160070s.jpg" /></center><center>These three little windows looked boring so I literally just hammered some fabric under the window panels and just used steam-a-seam to finish off the edges, because I was too lazy to sew them at this point :P. I figured that dresser I re-did awhile ago would match the crazy nursery colors.</center><center><img border="0" src="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2764/p1160081z.jpg" /></center><center>If you're wondering what's in those black frames by the windows...more nesting dolls of course. Free clip art images found online and printed/cut out and placed on scrapbooking paper. Framed on black $3 Walmart frames. (Sorry for the blurry image. I think my lens is dirty. :)</center><center><img border="0" src="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/6850/p1160075d.jpg" /></center></center>Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-89438277547869133602012-06-17T17:28:00.000-04:002012-06-17T17:28:12.262-04:00This one goes out to the one I love :)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At only 26, he's a father of 2 and a husband to a high maintenance woman who loves him very much, even when he doesn't want to take a picture ;).</div>
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He's not just a father; he's a dad. The best dad I know, actually. I feel blessed to say that. He puts family first and never lets go, even when times get tough. Literally and figuratively :). Believe me, Mirabel really wanted to jump in that water. She even asked us to take off her shirt. </div>
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He's got a good head on his shoulders and he's level-headed. He may be tough at work, but at home he knows how to have fun with his number one fan and he makes sure to spend time with us, even if that means losing sleep.</div>
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That's why he deserves this big piece of pecan pie cake, among many other things. :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXD5jjgKHS8/T95KL2MFuOI/AAAAAAAACeg/aZzcnBybha0/s1600/bday3bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXD5jjgKHS8/T95KL2MFuOI/AAAAAAAACeg/aZzcnBybha0/s320/bday3bw.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy 26th Birthday and Father's Day, Jose :).</span></div>
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<center></center>Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-56026188936905509942012-06-03T08:10:00.001-04:002012-06-03T08:10:57.229-04:00Juliette Pearl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got a great deal on these 3D/4D images! I only had it done because I received a $50 off coupon in my inbox :), nice surprise. Jose gave me a wonderful mother's day massage package to this pregnancy spa for Mother's Day, and I loved it, so we decided to go back for a quick ultrasound session. It was great because Juliette was awake and so animated the entire time. We got about 60 images, but I think these are my favorite. She looks so much like her sister, except her lips are a little bigger--she got that from her dad :). But they have THE SAME nose; I laughed when I saw it. </div>
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We decided on a middle name: Pearl. There were a few others I really liked, but this was one of the few we could actually agree on. We decided on one earlier on, but Jose changed his mind. He wasn't coming up with ideas so I created a list and made him sit down with me and choose one :). It sounds vintage, and that's what I like about it. It's classic and still fairly uncommon but not weird. Yes, a bit old lady-ish to some, maybe, but I think that's what I like about it. It's a lot like the other common old school names, except not quite as common... yet ;). My mom chose my name when it was uncommon and now there are so many little girls named Sophie/Sophia! Jose really likes my middle name and wanted to go with it: Francesca, but I decided that I wanted her to have her own name :).</div>
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Anyhow, here are the images...</div>
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<br />Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981655623745680482.post-54664649400432948482012-05-21T20:05:00.003-04:002012-05-21T20:08:12.890-04:00Mirabel's 2nd Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, Mirabel :)!</span></b></div>
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Mirabel's birthday was actually somewhat of a week long celebration. The morning of started off with showing her these new set of wheels (great Craig's List steal; perfect condition and 1/3 the price!). She was instantly a fan, if you can't tell by the smile on her face. Forgive the use of flash and ugly lighting. Jose got to see her expression before heading off to work, and in between checking his emails. ;) Later on, we stopped by the pet store and picked up her fish. Not sure if you can tell what's in the background (on the awkwardly placed coffee table below the windows--we put it there to avoid collisions during wrestling matches and dancing sessions)? My mom bought her a Discovery Kids fish tank lamp last Christmas. You turn it on, and the fish swim around. We decided it was time for a live fish, so we bought her a girl beta. We thought we should call her "shoosh," since that's how Mirabel says fish, but we decided on Mrs. B, instead. <br />
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Then we headed off to one of our favorite parks. Mirabel is a very active kid, but put her on a train and she is silent the whole ride! Fun for her and me! It's so relaxing, and it wasn't too hot.<br />
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We actually invited a few friends to join us for a picnic lunch, too, since it's right by "the water". So that was fun. I bought Mirabel an ice cream before the train ride, but she didn't care for it and decided to fill up on blueberries instead (she has certain brands that she likes ;). She also doesn't care much for cake, so I wasn't sure what to do about her special birthday dessert...<br />
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Thankfully (yes, this is evidence that she's, in fact, related to me), she loves cookies. I think it's a texture thing. She prefers crunchy to fluffy, I suppose. So I baked her some cookie pops, sticking with the theme of her party, I tried my best to make them look like her favorite character. (This wasn't easy, it took hours upon hours--his pupils were too small at first, giving Elmo a creepy beady-eyed look until I finally figured out what was wrong; it wasn't cute, but thankfully, at least it was an easy fix.) I also made some cupcakes for the rest of our party guests. Mirabel approved of the chocolate frosting, at least :).<br />
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So the Saturday following her birthday was her party. My mom did a great job of decorating the whole house and we also decided on getting a bouncy house. Very happy we did that. It arrived before the party started and Mirabel bounced in there for nearly an hour--she ended up taking an early nap right after. She still had energy to bounce in it with her dad later on that day, though :).<br />
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The photo of the pies came out super blurry. But anyway, I figured that pies would also be a good idea to serve, since this kid is obsessed with berries and fruit...<br />
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...She liked the pies :). Not sure if you can see the berry goo all over her face in this picture?<br />
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...And she also likes running around barefoot. This picture totally captures her personality; doll in one hand, lawn mower in the other.<br />
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She really does love Elmo... (She's giving him a kiss here.)<br />
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I think it's safe to say she had a good time, since she was still smiling when the party came to a close :).<br />
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Happy kid, happy parents. It's been a good year. Looking forward to more!<br />
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</center>Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753633215551969706noreply@blogger.com1