Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

"Wow! You must be due any day now!"

Along with being pregnant I get some realllly interesting comments. At first I thought, "Man, I must be extra sensitive". Then I realized if I heard those things and I wasn't pregnant I would be very offended and just because I am pregnant doesn't mean I want to hear them.

This blog post is not to call anyone out. For the most part the comments come from strangers and this is a place I can write about it and laugh. However, I will be really careful from now on what I say to someone who is pregnant. I get comments like:

"You are going to get soooo much bigger"
"How far along are you again?!?!"
People I don't know touching my stomach. *weird*
People I don't know telling me what I 'should' be doing to not get stretch marks. haha... *weird again*

When you think about comments or actions like that for women who are not pregnant it is soooo rude and out of line. Despite the fact that there is a little person in me it is still my body. I am just graciously sharing the space. :)

I was at a birthday party last night and my sister-in-law's grandmother said, "Wow, you only have 81/2 weeks to go! You look great and don't look like you have gained a pound anywhere else!" I felt like I could kiss her. :) I love to hear "You are glowing" (don't really get the pregnancy glow thing but don't mind the comment) I guess all of that to say there ARE alternative comments if you feel you must comment.

So, to the lady at Wal-Mart - I think I figured out that for me a few stretch marks are inevitable and I am doing what I can to help them. Thank you for your input. (or not) :)

Have you ever been pregnant? What is something shocking that someone said to you?

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Discipleship As A Mother

I was recently talking to a friend who shared with me a bit of a conversation that she had with another
mother/wife. My friend was asking her what she thought about incorporating discipleship in her home
while being a wife and mother and the reply was: “My Husband and I feel like right now my ministry is to
our children and they should be my sole focus.”

Your initial thought in hearing this comment might be admiration. I would never deny the fact that being
a wife and mother is beyond admirable and one of the greatest callings we as women can have. (Psalm
127:3) To neglect the gift that God gives through children is foolish. However, when I hear comments
like the one made my initial thought is not admiration but sorrow. Somewhere along the way that
couple missed the mark of what God has called us to do first and foremost - To make Him known!

If you make your children your ONLY focus what are you teaching them? That they are the most
important thing and nothing is more important. Once again, another statement that can so quickly
sound admirable but is not biblically correct. We need to be teaching our children that the kingdom of
God and His glory is the most important thing. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and
honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation
4:11

If you create a “Holy Huddle” within your family you are making the goal of advancing Christ and His
kingdom impossible. Are you teaching them to reach the world by focusing on nothing but them? I
would dare to say no.

People often ask my parents what they did to raise us. They see my parents as successful because
they have four children who all love the Lord and desire to make Him known above all else. One of the
greatest things my parents ever did for my walk with God is opening their home to the lost and having a
continuous ministry. They protected us when necessary but they were also not afraid to get their hands
dirty. We had many talks on what we believe and why we believe it. These talks did NOT keep us from
reaching people who did not believe what we do.

Because of the choices my parents made to reach a lost world I saw firsthand Jesus in them. I saw what
it looked like to reach a lost world. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but
whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’” Matthew 16:24-25.

My parents continually denied themselves and followed after Christ. They recognized the impact a

family could have for the kingdom. As a result, my love for discipleship and the lost was born. This
change in my heart did not take place by hearing one amazing sermon, reading a great book or reaching
adulthood. This happened in my heart and life as a result of seeing it lived out in my parents’ lives.

To feel like you should not be making disciples because you are a mom is really not a favor to your
children. You are doing your children a HUGE disfavor. They are missing a part of Jesus that they could
see in you!

The past school year I discipled 4 college age girls by meeting with them during my lunch break and in
the evenings. I know that when my son arrives this summer things will look different for me. My life will
change in drastic ways. However, discipleship will be incorporated into that life. When my son arrives I
will be having girls come to my home and they may be there while I am feeding Brightson, changing his
diaper, cooking dinner, doing laundry, etc… But the meeting will still take place. You see, the method of
how I disciple will change but the principle remains.

The principle that we are ALL called to make disciples (there was no clause in the great commission for
mothers) is there. (Matthew 28:18-20) But everyone’s method may look different because discipleship
is “life-on-life” and every life is different. What is your method? If you don’t have a method what could
your method be?

I believe with all my heart that as you reach the world for Christ your children will watch, learn and
mimic what you do. They will see firsthand the principle of discipleship. They will know what it means
to “Go!” and make disciples. It happened in my life and a lot of the credit for that is due to my parents.
God willing my son will see a heart to reach the world and make Christ known because of my example.

So don’t let statements like the one that mother made make you think that it is ok to not be reaching
the lost and making disciples. It sounds good to the ears but it is not the way Christ intended the
Christian home to be used. We should not withdraw as believers and create a “safe”, “Holy Huddle” with
our children. We should prepare our children while we have the ability to influence them in the greatest
way possible - By showing them the love of Jesus as we reach a lost world.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Baby Randomness

Random things about Pregnancy:

How many people touch your belly and comment saying, "It's so hard!". I usually reply with a smart comment about 'Tthe greatest workout routine ever'. :)

How many people smile and are just all around more friendly.

How when I walk around on campus or near the dorms people are not write as friendly and look at you like "Oh, that girl." Brings new meaning to "Timing is everything".

Food cravings. A love hate relationship. I told Britt that it is like you think about a food that sounds good and no matter how hard you try you can't stop thinking about it.

Target with Britt. He LOVES looking at the baby stuff. There is one particular swimming suite that he wants SO bad. I keep making him wait until our shower.

Speaking of Showers. So fun as it approaches! People have already given me some things. I love it! It makes it so real!

Being sentimental. Thinking about the upcoming holidays or events with Little Man a part of them.

Touring the labor and delivery floor where I will have him.

Drinking nasty stuff for a test.

The cost of some clothing. Ridiculous. They totally rip off pregnant women!

Thinking, "I know a lot about babies. I can do this mom thing" and then realizing I have no clue how often you bathe a newborn. Sooo... What am I getting myself into? :)

Getting the nursery ready. I can't wait to go in there and just stare. Picturing him in there.

The scare that Little Man gave me the other day. I didn't feel him kick for a long time. Almost 24 hours. I did EVERYTHING to try to make him kick. I call the Dr. As I am waiting on a call back he decides to start moving. This child does NOT preform on command.

Speaking of preforming on command. The way that he will be having a jam session in my belly and the moment someone touches it to feel the world is silent.


I love the random, silly, funny moments and I don't want to forget them.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Cucumbers and Parenting

Week 26.
 I am in week 26 of my pregnancy right now. 

Saturday I will hit week 27, that is the third trimester! 

Every week that I am pregnant I get an email introducing my "new week". And every week the baby's size is compared to some food. How on earth they choose the foods that they do I will never know. Week 26 was a  English Hothouse Cucumber. What the heck is the difference in that and a regular cucumber? 

 
They are using the picture more to depict the length not the mass (thank God!). I am thankful for the quarter in the picture because I have no way to know how long that is. It truly makes me laugh every week and is probably the NOT the most endearing thing you could compare a baby to. "Hey you cute little 'English Hothouse Cucumber' you!" 
PalEAse! 

It's fun to joke about the fact that my baby boy is compared to strange food on a weekly basis but in all reality he is not cucumber. He is a real life, breathing, in the flesh, coming in three months whether I am ready or not,
BABY!
 HUMAN!
 OUR RESPONSIBILITY! 

Eck! 

Am I excited? Yes! 

More excited than a kid on Christmas! More excited than someone who just won a gazillion dollars!  More excited than getting 100 English Hothouse Cucumbers! 

Seriously excited! 

Am I scared? Yes.

When I think of the responsibility it is at times overwhelming. And it's not like I am an old pro at this parenting thing. Sure, I have said the classics: "I will never do that to my kids", "My kid will NEVER act like that", "THIS is how WE would handle this situation". Those are all cheap words now. Sure I thought that was realistic then. I can say "THIS is the kind of parent I will be" but what am I basing that off of? I can assure you it is NOT years and years of experience. When it comes down to it I don't know a whole lot. 

So here I am. This person who really doesn't know what I am truly getting myself into yet all of that aside it does not alter the fact that Britt and I are 100% responsible for raising this child. 

Wow. 

So today I realized how stinking grateful I am that it actually is NOT just Britt and I. Just like it is NOT just Britt and I in our marriage. There is another factor. 

God. 

SO thankful for the fact that I never walk through any new, scary, challenging situation on my own. SO thankful that my success is not based on my knowledge (although I totally know that seeking wise council from people will help a TON). SO thankful that I can say my dependence on the Lord as a believer, a wife, a MOM is what will determine my success. SO thankful that I am aware of how incapable I am and that I TRULY need the Lord's help. I could never do this without Him. How do people do this without Him?

With that in mind is there still a little fear? Yes. But there is an aspect of adventure, anticipation, not being able to wait to see how God works through this completely incapable vessel to raise a child. Raise a child that loves the Lord and fears Him. Raise a child that has a heart for the lost. Raise a child that calls my God-MY Abba Father, by the same name. Wow! I could NEVER do that alone but I cannot wait for the opportunity to be used by God to help lead my little man in that direction. 

So much wisdom needed here! 

So thankful for my Lord!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

The List(s)

Things that I can't wait for. Sometime they keep me going. You know, the next "big thing"? I have this check list of small 'events' and large ones coming up between now and when little man arrives.

the small things...

*Getting my iphone - I have the worlds most janky phone. It is over four years old and does absolutely nothing cool. I barley takes pictures. I have never been the cool phone girl and I probably still won't be since I will most likely get the 0.96$ iphone but it will be cool to me. And I will be able to take pictures whenever and share them with you!


*Getting my hair cut - I am embarrassed to say that it has been almost a year. That my friends is beyond horrible. Our budget has not allowed it and so I have set dreaming about the day. It is almost here! Hopefully next month!


*Cutting Chloe (the dog's hair).  - Done and done. It was on the list to take her to the groomer but I got sick and tired of it and I did it myself three nights ago. Yes, she has several bald spots no it won't kill her or me. AND, bonus, it was FREE!


*Girls weekend - I have 3 dear friends who I love getting together with. Love being an understatement. Every few months we plan a time to get together. We don't plan it enough and when we are together the time flies by. I can't wait until this Saturday. It's been too long this time. Our group will be "splitting" in June for awhile so I want to take in every moment while I can. I love these ladies. They are the sisters I never had.

the big things...

* Spring Break Conference - We take a group of students to Colorado Springs (300 students) every spring break for a discipleship training conference. It is an intense week with a lot of information but it is also so refreshing too. I see God work in the hearts of students and each year I have been I have seen people come to know Him. I am aware of at least 3 lost students going this year and I can't wait to see what God does!


* Easter - I love Holidays and I love Easter. I can't wait to see my nieces hunt eggs and eat a great lunch with my families. Even more I can't wait to celebrate Christ Resurrection. Not that I have to wait but I love the time set aside to truly do that and the work that always takes place in my heart.


* Britt's Birthday - I love celebrating life and what a better life to celebrate!


* Spring Banquet. Our last end of the year celebration with the students. A time to honor the seniors in our ministry.


* Ending my job - This is bitter sweet. I am excited about this new chapter in life and I am scared at the same time. In our two years of support raising we have always had my income to back up on. We are giving that up now and taking a pay cut. I am trusting, trusting God, or at least working on it. It has been a stretch for me but I am excited to see what He does!


* My Little brothers wedding. - That's weird to say out loud and type. He's getting married. That makes three of us down and one to go. Although, I hope my 16 year old brother has no intention of marrying anytime soon! haha


* My Birthday - It is close to when little man gets here but I plan to still celebrate! I LOVE birthdays! 


* Our Anniversary - Three years. Crazy!!!


* Drum roll please...... - He will be coming! 


Counting it down truly does help me. Finding the little and big things in-between. I can't wait to meet this little guy!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Craziness. February. Nesting.

I told someone recently that the month of February has been one of the craziest months we have had yet while working on staff at the Baptist Student Union. This is kind of funny because historically August is the most difficult with all the "coming back to school" activities. August is a cake walk compared to February. I don't know how it happened, it just did. Before February even hit it was totally booked. I mean totally!

I was sick last week. I got a brake. Not the kind I wanted. If you didn't know, being pregnant and getting sick on top of that is just plain horrible! I wanted to die. But not really.

I had free time this last Monday afternoon. Do you want to know what I did with that glorious, "it's been so long it's nice to see you!", "where have you been?" kind of free time????? Huh, huh? Do you want to know?

I cleaned our room.

Is it too early to stat nesting?

Nevertheless, it has begun. I can't clean out enough closets, cabinets and drawers. I am aching to get rid of things. Out with the old and in with the new! New being baby cloths, burp rags and bottles. But hey, I would take that any day!

So now. It is February 29th (By the way, do Doctors factor in leap years when predicting your due date? This question has been driving me nuts!) and March is here like, tomorrow!

Hello March! Goodbye February. I really won't miss you.

March has it's own share of crazy but along with it there are a few free days thrown in there and I am elated! One day is going to be spent with dear friends which I am thrilled about! The other days, well... we will see what my nesting urge brings about. :)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

My Men

It hit me today that I have two men in my life to share Valentines Day with! 

Man #1)


The man I married. The man I said forever to. The man I can't imagine my life without. 

Words cannot express how thankful I am for my husband, Britt. He is by far the best husband out there and I am not saying that out of obligation or for the sake of just saying it. I truly believe it with all my heart. I have never been so loved by anyone in my life and we are talking about the good and the bad days here. He is so consistent in the way that he loves, respects and cherishes me. His love is unconditional and he continually challenges me, and causes me to want to be a better wife for him. Happy Valentines Day baby! I love you!


Man # 2 (a.k.a. Little Man)



My little man. The guy whose face I have not even really seen has captured my heart completely. You never understand the type of love a parent has until you experience it. Even though he has yet to make his "official" appearance into this world he is very much so already a part of my life and I cannot imagine life without him. I cannot wait to see him, hold him and kiss his little cheeks. He has stolen my heart in every sense of the word. Happy Valentines Day Brightson James!


Signing off, 

One extremely blessed woman. 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Baby News

This week my baby is about 10 1/2 inches long. That is almost a foot people! He weighs about 1 pound. In the height to weight ratio I would say that seems a little off but I know they grow long before the bulk up. *fingers crossed, praying for a chubby baby* I LOVE chubby babies!

I have felt baby move on and off for the past 5 or 6 weeks. In the past 3 weeks I have felt consistent movement. It is more like flipping and tumbling. But in the last few says I have felt full on kicks! It has been so much fun! I can't really feel the kicks with my hand yet, only once, and of course anytime I try to let Britt feel baby boy stops kicking instantly. Already so stubborn. Like his father I am sure. ;) hehe...

I hit 21 weeks this past Saturday. Britt and I were commenting on how 21 seems like so much more than 20. It is past the halfway mark and 6 weeks away form the third trimester. (or 7 depending on how you calculate but I am going with 6.)

It continually amazes me how in love I am with this little man and I can hardly imagine the love I will feel when he is actually here.

Some more crazy things/milestones include:

* I love, and when I say love I mean I would truly marry, 7-11 Icees. *heaven*
* Call me crazy but I think that I am going to use cloth diapers. Fuzzibunz looks like it may be the brand. It will be a $200-$300 investment but they are a one size diaper I can use on multiple kids. The savings will be in the thousands!! And the more I read about them the less time consuming and gross it is. Cloth has come a long way!
* I look pregnant. It is so much fun! I need to post a pic!
* I registered. Everyone goes crazy over little girl clothes but let me just say there is some stinkin' cute little boy things out there!
* Note: While registering I had a bonding moment with another mom. Pregnant women get emotional over silly things like clothes. It was cute.

So, is it June 16th yet? :)

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

It's A..........

If you didn't know.... It's a boy!!!

Brightson James Clay. Due to arrive June 16th.

Pictures form the party coming soon *cough, cough* Aunt Rachael *cough cough*. :)

In other news I am dead tired and going home early to take a nap.

Happy Tuesday!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Cast Your Vote


Britt and I will be going to the doctor tomorrow morning to find out if we are having a little boy or a little girl. The thing is that we won't actually find out then because the ultrasound technician will be writing it on a piece of paper and sealing it away in an envelope. We will then take said paper to my sister-in-love Rachael's house where she will make a cake. The inside will either be pink or blue depending on the result and we will cut into the cake Tuesday night with friends and family present to find out the gender!

The friends and family attending will come wearing pink or blue to cast their "vote" for the gender. Since all of the blogging world cannot come what is your vote?

The prize for guessing correctly? The pride of being right and my congratulations. :)

Happy voting!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Baby News

I am 12 1/2 weeks right now. Almost into my third trimester and already about 3 months along. I may seem like it has gone by fast but.... it hasn't.

Not at all. 

Apparently I am heading out of the sick and tired stage and that is good because I am sick and tired of it. Ready to feel a little better.

Beside the sick thing I am thrilled beyond anything to be pregnant. I think the problem right now is that most of the time it does not feel real. I am sick and tired a lot but other than that nothing much has changed. I am JUST now starting to feel my clothes get a tad snug but I imagine I will still be in them into January. I am okay with that though.

I think that one of the few things that makes the process seem 'real' are the weekly updates I get form Baby Center. I look forward to every Tuesday morning when I can read the latest update. Here is a bit of last weeks:



Picture of your developing baby“The most dramatic development this week: Reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.


Your baby at 12 weeks
Synapses are forming in your baby's brain.





I also love the way that they compare the baby to different food items. It really cracks me up! I was talking about this with a friend the other day and the things they choose to compare sometimes are hilarious and even worse when I 'cheat' and look ahead it really does not make sense. I will not go into everything but if you want to have a look at what I mean check  THIS out! And tell me, does it make since to you how it can go from a spaghetti squash to a mango???

 "Ah! My baby is shrinking!!!" hahahaha

We go in for our next appointment this coming Monday and I am ready! Ready to hear that sweet heart beat again and know everything is going well.

Is it June 23rd yet???? :D

Sunday, November 13, 2011

What's been going on...

And why I have not updated....


This is what my life consists of...


Plus...


Plus...



Which makes me.....




Such is the life of this mommy to be. So, therefore my lack of posting is due to a lack of anything interesting in the least. Here's to hoping that changes soon!!!



Thursday, October 27, 2011

Surprise!

True story. 
We are pretty excited and hoping the next 7 1/2 months fly so that we can soon see the face of this babe.