Life with two

A little over a week ago, July 1st to be exact, Josh turned 3 months old. I once again survived the newborn stage.

It seems like milestones are something so many moms look forward to. I was one of those moms too, with Juliette. But something was different for me this time. With Joshua I seemed to sink into a baby bliss. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to soak in this baby enough. His expressions. His curled up body. His little noises. Surprisingly, while dealing with a newborn, I was hit with wanting another newborn. I am not anxiously looking forward to his next milestones. I just want him to stay little.



Don't get me wrong. I was in love with Juliette from the start too. But as a new mom, never having raised a baby before, there were many days I didn't think I was going to make it. I learned that the days may go by slow, but the weeks and months fly by with lightning speed. I also learned that if you don't take it one day at a time, all the years ahead can seem overwhelming.

So I guess I am truly greatful to Juliette for teaching me about the greatest and most important thing I have ever attempted in my life - being a mother. She made me realize what I wanted to be when I grew up, and that I could enjoy being just a mom.

Those three little words used to bother me - just a mom. But now I love that that is what I am. And I wouldn't trade being just a mom for anything in the world.



Before having Josh, I heard many pros and cons of having a second child. Thankfully it has turned out much better than I could have ever hoped for. I know there will be plenty of crazy days in our future. But I can't help but look at these two faces and smile - because I love them both so much. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Run Like A Mother

After a gentle suggestion (from Jeff), he bought this book for me. At first glance, I thumbed through it with a lot of trepidation and some hope. I have never considered myself a runner. My last race was almost three years ago. At that time I felt like I still had some athletic mojo. Jeff has always had it. And in the past three years he has really taken to the road, and I have taken to the couch. I think he was wanting to do something for me to help get me inspired.

The pull to stay at home with the kids and do nothing is very strong. But I know that running makes me feel more powerful, competent, strong and optimistic. Being away from it for such a prolonged amount of time, has really pushed this into the shadows of my mind. I needed some motivation. Because, really, who wouldn't rather sit at home and hold a sweet little baby?

This book was just what I needed. These women are real and honest. Their training tips are great because they are rooted in an understanding of all the things moms use as excuses NOT to run. They somehow got me itching to start lacing up my shoes again.

Their gentle nagging and encouragement to make exercise time non-negotiable reminds me of the wise message I hear at the beginning of every airline flight, "Please secure your own oxygen mask first, then help your children put on theirs."

So I am determined to become a runner again. I will be starting out with a lot of walking and jogging. I am already one week into my couch to 5k running plan. It is helping me get off the couch and on the road again. I am trying to ease back into running gradually. I know that I can't start off too fast, or my body will rebel and I will wind up miserable. But I have a feeling that I am going to get impatient and be tempted to skip ahead in the program. I have two months to go. So, in the mean time, I will keep running like a mother.

My Number One

Happy father's day to my number one guy! I thought I would share just how great my husband is.

More often than not I take my husband for granted. There are SO many things that I appreciate about him. It can be easy to forget those things that make him so special to me and our children and to realize that not every father is willing to be the kind of man that he is to us. I want to honor Jeff by telling you what kind of man he is.


He provides for us. He takes care of us by working diligently and does the kind of work that goes above and beyond. He knows how to take the initiative and think out of the box. He is not just waiting around to be told what to do. He is amazingly smart and always has great ideas. And he is willing to work hard and sacrifice so that I have the opportunity to stay at home with our children. I feel honored that he has made that a priority in our lives.

He takes time each day to really spend indivudual time with the kids and play with them. He tickles and wrestles with Juliette and chases her around the house. He is willing to carve out time in his busy schedule to take her to the park or swimming or riding bikes. He is always willing to involve her in whatever he is doing. He is also active in the little things too, like changing diapers, getting someone dressed or brushing teeth.

He helps around the house. I am terribly spoiled with him cooking dinner every night. Did I mention that he is like my own personal gourmet? He is even willing to help out with cleaning and doing laundry. He also makes sure that things around the house are taken care of.

He knows how to set goals. And once he does, watch out, because he is one of the most determined people I know. He is also supportive of my goals and treats me like he's my biggest fan. I love that he takes care of me and will sacrific sleep so that I can.

He is the spiritual leader of our family. He places his trust in Heavenly Father. He honors his preisthood. I am extremely grateful for his faith and how he always exercises it.

I totally trust his judgement and always seek out his advice and counsel. He knows what is important in life and prioritizes the important stuff. He really is the best parenting partner I could ever ask for. He sees all the things I miss and instinctively knows how to fix them.

I love that he is the guy that made this family possible. That he was willing to become my partner and a father and make me a mother. I am so blessed that he gave me two beautiful babies.

I don't know how I got so lucky to have him as my best friend. And it doesn't hurt that he is pretty darn good looking too. I am glad that he is mine for forever. Happy Father's Day!

Keeping Secrets

It is no secret that I have a new boyfriend. He is easy going and loves to snuggle. He doesn't mind getting kissed every two minutes and smells as sweet as honey. He does have a receding hairline and dandruff, and has the occasional acne breakout. But I don't mind. I don't even mind that he likes to keep me awake at night to get some love.

But I have to tell him thank you for letting me get to bed a little earlier - because I think Jeff was starting to get jealous.



He has the most beautiful blue eyes that will melt your heart when he gazes lovingly at you and smiles. But he still gazes lovingly at lights, ceiling fans and trees too.

He tries to tell me all of his secrets, but unfortunately I think they will remain a secret. Too bad, because I think he knows some good ones.

I am not the only one who is in love. Juliette has a serious crush this little guy too. She has to constantly be kissing, touching or holding him. I often will ask her to give him some space, but she always tells me, "I can't, because I just can't stop kissing him!


Today as we were driving to church she informed me, "Mom, Josh has a booger that is playing peek-a-boo." She then proceeded to ask if her finger was too big to fit in his nose. Now that is some serious sisterly love.

We can't seem to get enough of this new man in town. And we are enjoying every minute of it.

Imperfection

So about a year ago I decided to start a blog. Partly out of peer pressure ("everyone's doing it!") and also as a motivator. I figure that I have so many goals that I want to achieve -both daily and life goals - that if I put some of them out there, I might be more accountable to attempting to reach them.

I love to start projects...I rarely finish projects. I have high standards for parenting...I rarely meet my own standards. Hopefully I will now be motivated to fulfill my own goals.

Let's see how long this will last!

Land of the Free

There was a whole lot of watermelon and swimming this weekend -- and a lot of potty breaks and sunscreen. I love the fourth of July. It is probably my favorite holiday of the year. I love the outpouring of American spirit that unfortunatley only seems to come at this time of year. I love patriotic music. The words from the American Hymns are truly inspiring. And who doesn't love a good march? Give me some John Phillips Susa to march around to with my daughter, and I am a happy woman. I love sitting out in the hot summer night watching fireworks, anticipating the finale, with a big smile on my face.

I love learning about the history of this great country, and gleaning facts about our Founding Fathers. This year I learned that the signing of the Declaration of Independence actually took place on August 8th - not July 4th. But I don't care what day we celebrate our freedom on - as long as we get the chance to celebrate being the Land of the Free.

I love knowing that this country was not founded by chance or coincidence - but because it was the will of God. And that these brave and courageous men were inspired by Him in their choices and actions.

I also love knowing that there are still brave and courageous men and women willing to sacrifice for the love of their country. I love reading books like Lone Survivor, to learn about men of honor and valor, who suffered mightily to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. I love knowing that some of those great men were my father's brothers, who bravely served in WWII.

I love this country and the freedoms I enjoy daily. "May this heaven rescued land praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation!" - Star Spangled Banner

do re mi fa so la ti do

Watching this brings a smile to my face. I am dreaming of a world like this, where we can break out into song and dance whenever and wherever we want.