Letter to my son

Dear Baby Boy,

Can I still call you that? You are growing up every day. Bittersweet as I balance being proud and in awe of you, while trying to hold on to you as tight as I can. You're little sister will be here in a couple of months. Many things will change, I won't pretend they aren't. But you will always be a treasure and pleasure rooted deep in my heart. I love you to the stars and back; that will NEVER change. 

Here are some things I know may change but I don't want to forget...

The way you say "tubig-de" for tubig. We don't know why (and we should correct you more) but its way too cute.

Sometimes at night you hold my hand as you fall asleep. How do I ever let go??

You love the pool, the ocean, and your bath. If there is a puddle, you will stomp in it. If there is a fountain, you will wish you were in it. I love your love for water!

You're building your golf skills and I'm curious to see where it may take you in the future.

You are an eager helper, all day every day. I'm so impressed with your awareness of others and even how you take initiative to do chores on your own. 

Oh son, there's so much more. Every day with you is a blessing. I'm sorry I'm not always patient or understanding of your moods or actions. I pray you will always remember through it all that I love you fully and unconditionally.

Love,

Mommy

Happy New Year 2013

2012 felt like a 3-day weekend. How can a year pass so quickly? This past year, God has strengthened my heart to speak more boldly in love to and for my friends and family. He has grown my faith, because even as I meander along His straight and narrow path, He never turns His back on me for a second.

Cheers! To a 2013 filled with more growth and blessings we never saw coming.

Random rant in my head...

God gives me my good moments, and lets me have my bad moments. The Bible tells us, "He who has been forgiven much, loves much." It's so true. If we don't know grace or forgiveness, or learn how much we need it, we'll never give it and never feel truly loved - with all our flaws and faults.

Don't we do the same thing to our kids? We let them do things their way sometimes so they can learn or fail. If we do everything for them all the time they will neither learn, or learn to fail. In the same instance, we learn to let them fail, which can be hard as humans since we're shortsighted. Our initial response is to avoid sadness and negative feelings, but without those, we don't know how blessed happiness really is.

I have one amazing boy

We got his lil froggy potty and his potty seat (for the big potty) only a few weeks ago and he is doing better than I had already expected! He is impressing me for real. We have been doing part time elimination communication by giving him a little naked time every day (or at least no bottoms). He has been using his potty so well, going to it when he has to go. Of course we've had our accidents along the way, but more successes than set backs. Thank goodness for our tile floors! He's such a smart boy and I'm so thankful for his cooperation, and I'm just so proud of him.

All this is on the tail end of officially weaning him from nursing too. We went almost two years, but all good things must come to an end. I will definitely miss those times. Now look at this new journey we already started. Always bittersweet to see him growing up, but I never want to be too selfish and hold him back. I can feel that drag on my heart sometimes, but my deepest drive is to help him grow up and be there however he needs me.

I love this kid so much. He is one amazing boy.

Little Miss Perfect

Bright smile at day's first light.
Patience increases with baby's each cry.
Breakfast comes like ocean tide; a lovely sight and right on time.
No frustration uttered from her mouth.
Life is simple when Perfect is around.

The dishes are washed before she eats.
Lunch she promises will be a feast.
Never would she forget to play.
Never would she rest in the middle of the day.
Naturally she sparkles like her house.
Life is magic when Perfect is around.

Ready for more after the babe naps.
Not a hair out of place when he wrestles in her lap.
And dinner will of course be done shortly.
She has only to serve her precious family.
Never makes a fuss or sound.
Life is pleasant when Perfect is around.

And again the kitchen is spotless.
Not to mention the bathtub and toilet.
The floor is clear.
The laundry disappears.
She wouldn't dream of letting dust abound.
Life is just wonderful when Perfect is around.

Never would you need to throw her a dime.
She has no wants or things in mind.
Never for your help would she pine;
She knows you already work full time.
Nothing undone in the wake of her path.
Life is perfect when Perfect is around.

Busy busy busy

We're all so busy ALL THE TIME. Sometimes I think I fight being busy. I avoid commitments so I don't overload my schedule (or myself). I have learned lessons on boundaries and that is one of my personal boundaries I am pretty aware of. I'm not saying I'm always right to shy away from commitments, but I am glad that I no longer jam pack my life with so many activities that I am never home or forget what's really important. it's easy to lose sight of important things that are right in your face when you're always looking towards what's next on the to-do list. More of us should include quiet or down time on our to-do list. I know I do.

What the funk?

I've been in such a funk lately. I feel like I'm pms-ing but it's weeks too early. Just feeling low but with emotional volatility....kinda like a bipolar person I guess. (No, I don't think I'm bipolar.) Anyways, just all this has me clinging to God and the Word because I would be a terrible mother and wife without that support.

Doing lots of reflecting tonight and here is a rant that went on in my head as I ate my midnight snack...


So many people want advice from someone who has "been there" or is in the same situation they are in. Maybe it's a good idea to hear from people who were able to make choices to avoid your situation. Hmmm, maybe! Just because I'm not in your current situation doesn't mean that I didn't walk that line or even make most of the same choices. If 3 people step on the same crack, and 2 of them trip but only one of them doesn't trip, wouldn't you wanna get advice from the one who didn't trip rather than the one who tripped just like you? Not that people in your same situation can't offer valuable encouragement and personal experience - they can - but you can't live as if you're the only ones who understand. It's such as excuse to be angry or isolate yourself.

Says I.