Adventures in Mommyland

Hey yall,

I'm back again :-) Happy 10 months to my big boy - only 2 more to go until he reaches "big boy" status! Woohoo :-) Lets get this party started!... (literally)

The Agenda:
Party Planning Inspiration Boards
Picnicking in the Blue Bonnets
Stay at Home Daddy Week

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Party Planning Inspiration Boards
Ok so, I have a confession. My sons birthday is 2 months away and I have already started searching (somewhat exhaustively) for inspiration for his birthday party. 2 months..ok so maybe that's not bad, but lets just say I started around oh 4 months ago! (I know, I know. But I can't help it!)  The creative, diy, enthusiast in me is overly excited about this. Many people don't see the point in going all out for a birthday he wont even remember, and I hesitate thinking this as well. But then, I read somewhere it is more so a celebration for the US (the parents) Almost like a "Congrats You Made It Through the First Year of Parenthood" party. A right of passage so to speak. Or an "If You Think That Was Tough - Welcome to Toddler-hood" party. Either way it goes, I am always looking for a reason to get creative and take on a new project.

So here are the Inspiration Boards I created for Elijah's 1st Birthday party. In a perfect world, I would spend all my days slaving away creating cute little nothings for his party - hence the inspiration boards - but honestly I will probably only do 1 or 2 ideas because time my friends is just not on my side like it used to be! But nevertheless, I just love to dream hehe...

So I am trying to decide between two themes: Cowboy or Farm Animals

COWBOY THEME:
Being that he was born in Texas (and mommy and daddy were not) I thought the cowboy theme would be cute. Especially if any family comes in to town. On the other hand, I think the cowboy theme can be so much MORE fun if he were older (like 5 or so) so he can actually PLAY and enjoy being a cowboy. lol

FARM ANIMAL THEME:

Very similar in style to cowboy, still cute, but a bit more age appropriate - not as fun as the Cowboy theme though in my eyes.


So what do you all think? Your vote/comment below please! 




Picnicking in the Blue Bonnets
Spring is HERE! Yey! Fun Fact: The Blue Bonnet is the Texas State Flower. And you can find them growing in random fields just about everywhere! They are so beautiful, especially when they first bloom. I met Aaron for lunch a few weeks ago and we ate our lunch in a blue bonnet field by his lab. Needless to say it was a picture worthy moment - a bit overcast, but beautiful nonetheless!

My little explorer! He was literally jumping out my arms!

Stay at Home Daddy Week
I recently went on an interview for a work from home job opportunity and praise the Lord, I got the job! I will be working part-time during the week from home for a insurance lead generation company. It turned out to be a complete blessing because I simply scheduled my times around Elijah's naps!

So in other news, with this job came on-site training last week from 8am - 3pm. So Aaron and I switched places! He stayed at home to watch the baby and I went off to work! Hehe. 

This is what I was up to:

Hello Working World - haven't seen you in a while!

The beautiful view from the office

Front Desk/ Waiting Area

Training

More Training - Healthy Snacks and Lunch Included
You can write on all the walls in the building - pretty cool.  

Meanwhile - this is what he was up to:

Good morning!...Wait a minute - your not mommy!

Daddy's home?! - (So sad I missed seeing him wake up)

Breakfast time! (Eggs yummy)

Ready to go out for errands - front carrier, diaper bag and all!

Because every Stay at Home Dad needs to take the car to the shop lol

Whats for lunch today daddy? Oh Buffalo Wild Wings!...Mommy's never taken me here!

First time in his big boy booster seat - without Mommy :-(

Ok , I'm starting to like this - sports and a bottle, what more could I ask for!

The boys :-)

Time to do some grocery shopping!

What's a little Target shopping without some playtime (aka distractions) in between?

And I get a toy too! Man, you are wayy more fun than mommy!
All she ever gives me is a hanger to play with!

In short I must thank my hubby for doing a wonderful job last week. He truly held down the fort, and honestly exceeded my expectations! I think ALL married couples should try switching places at least for a day! As Aaron so sweetly put it, he is now more than grateful for what I do at home every day and realized that it is no walk in the park! As for me, I realized that traffic (still ) sucks just like it used to - and there is a reason why my hubby is so exhausted when he walks through the door!  Lets just say something had to give. We ate microwave meals for dinner and the laundry piled up sky high for the week.  Although I truly enjoyed getting to dress up again, have adult conversation, and eat uninterrupted lunches... being away from my baby boy was so tough. I missed him terribly! 

Long Story Short:

Work - whether inside the home OR outside is not a "break." And I think seeing it from both sides has now given us more understanding and appreciation for each others roles. 

THE END.

See ya soon my friends,

9 months! Say What?!

Hey friends!

First and foremost, how in the heavens is time flying so fast. I was just reading my old blogs and I was like "wow Tania you used to blog WEEKLY!"...now its been 3 months since my last post! Perhaps I have an excuse - my crazy 9 month old whose new obsession is sneaking under my feet to turn of the computer before I press "SAVE"...ahhh..but nope no excuses...here I am again. Lets see how this goes.

So lets gets right into it shall we? We shall...

Agenda: Let's Play Catch Up!

1. Latest Milestones

2. Memoirs on Mommyhood

3. Video Diary

4. Last Words

1. Latest Milestones

So in the past few months it seems as though every day this kid learns something new. They say once they hit around 6 months that's when the fun begins and its true! He is crawling, laughing, responding, saying "Mamamama", "Dadadada" and "hey"... I love it. He can crawl between any small space and pull him self up on everything. He knows how to climb the stairs now and get back down WITH his toys in his hands. (I know, I know I shouldn't let him play on the stairs, but I just can't believe he even know how to get up them! - need to get that gate ASAP though.) Anyway I can go on forever, but I will just show you instead...keep reading! ;-)

2. Memoirs on Mommyhood

Part 1 - It has been the ride of my life. Its HARD work, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs I truly believe we can have as women. I love it so than I ever thought I could! This little boy brings me so much joy its pretty ridiculous. I am like silly putty in his hands, and big ball of mushy goodness. Lol But that will soon come to an end soon as those crazy toddler years start! I am putting my foot down! (Yea right - more like my pinky toe down :-p). But I can't help it! Even in the frustrating times like waking up in the middle of the night to nurse (YES I STILL waking up 2-3 times a night), once I get him in my arms I just look down and try so hard to capture that very moment because when he is older (which is not very far away) he will be longing to jump out of my arms instead of being cradled in them. 

Part 2 - Life of a Stay-At-Home Mom

You know this can be a single post in and of itself but I will keep it short for now. Let me just say the fact that I am a "stay-at-home mom" is such a testimony in my life. I never would have thought that would be my path. Just 5 years ago I was single, getting ready to graduate college and looking to land a big time corporate job - and marriage and children was NOT a part of my 5 year plan. But oh friends, how the Lord has done such a re-shifting and softening of my heart! Being able to be here and raise my son, creating a lasting bong, and shepherding his little heart is a blessing beyond belief! I am really starting to be so grateful for where the Lord has me in this season. (More on this some other time)

3. Video Diary

Ok enough talking! So you may or may not know but my lovely hubby has created a YouTube channel for MrElijahPaul. We just wanted to have a way to share all of his little milestones with our family and close friends since we are all the way out here in Texas. But feel free to take a peek if you like. Hopefully it gives you a small glimpse of our love for Elijah, and why he brings us so much joy. Here a few of my favorites from his channel. 

4. Last Words
I think I have said enough! Oh but one more thing, THANK YOU for reading, thank you for all of your love and sweet comments always...it means so much to little ol' me.
P.S Please "Follow By Email" (top right) to stay up-to-date on my post...I'll be back! (Hopefully soon!)

With Love,

6 months?!? Time has literally flown by!

Hi friends and family,

So its been forever I know! My mommy duties have kicked in to overdrive! I am now a mother to an adorable, active (border line crazy!) 6 month old son. I literally look at this kid most days and wonder where he is getting all this personality from and then I remember how crazy me and daddy can be..lol
6 months - 6 months ago he was just a little thing with a wobbly head and big bright eyes...and I can't believe in just 6 more months he will be a year old. (Time to get a head start on the birthday plans!...hey call me overzealous but I say its never too early to begin putting my creative genius to work:-p

Well I am sure I have left you all somewhat disappointed by just falling off the blogesphere for the past few months, but I decided hey - its never to late to try again :-) So here I am - I am taking a facebook break and I think I will reinvest my time into blogging again...its theraputice in some ways...yey!

WHAT'S NEW: In the life of a 6 Month Old...Elijah is no sitting up on his own (yey! we are so proud)
He got his first cold this week - and passed it on to me too (snot nosed monster!)
He likes to make gurgle sounds while on his back (with the puddle of drool that forms in the back of his mouth lol)
He is a CHUNK - 17lbs 9 oz of love...and I am lovin every single inch
His feet smell like cheese ALL the time - socks or not (must have inherited that from Daddy :-p ) jk hunnie
He tried to stand up in his playpen today - yea I am pretty sure that's ahead of schedule lol
He like peas and green beans more than bananas - or any other fruit - (odd i know)
And he can't crawl just yet - but the doesn't stop him from getting where he needs to go - (roll, leap on his belly, roll again, reach with the left hand anddd- got it! (usually its my phone that motivates his adventures the most)...Kids and technology - crazy.

I LOVE THE WAY...

I love the way his hand reaches up to gentle touch my face (and sometimes not so gently) when he is nursing
I love the way he laughs so hard that he literally can't breathe and has to stop and catch his breath
I love the way he looks in his GAP pjs
I love the way he plays in his crib all by himself when he wake up in the morning...then the smile he gives when we approach his crib
I love SO many things...but I will stop here...

MOMENT I WANT TO REMEMBER FOREVER...
So as I said Elijah has a pretty bad cold - which means he has been waking up very frequently in the middle of the night. Meaning like every 2 hours. So one night, it had gotten pretty bad, so I decided to just camp out downstairs on the couch next to his bedroom. After a few minutes, my hubby joins me and brings the comforter down. Then me, him and Elijah all fall asleep right there on the couch curled up in our comforter. Arms all wrapped around one another. And just when the dawn rose, I woke and realized everything I could ever want was nestled right here in my arms. To see the soft glow of the dawning of a new day rest so gently on the faces I love most, and listen to them breathing, sleeping so soundly - it gave me such a picture of our Heavenly Father and how much he adores to just look upon his children. To give us rest in His warm embrace.
Oh Lord, I love you. Thank you for giving moments of "heaven on earth" in the sweetest and simplest moments of my life.


With Love,

Mommyhood. Memories. Milestones - Part 2

Yes Part 2!
Our baby boy is 3 months today! How time flies. So I wanted to share with you this note I wrote to him, some of Elijah's milestones and treasured moments.

Dear Elijah,
As your 3 month birth date approaches I cant help but to think how much you have already grown in such a short time. You have started to stuff  4 fingers in you mouth while you engage in conversation, with yourself. Honestly, watching you stick those 4 soggy little fingers into your mouth, as you coo is the cutest thing ever. That is until you accidentally gag yourself with them and start coughing. Lol...I shouldn't be laughing but it's quite hilarious!
 
Your getting so chunky, you started wearing size 3 months two weeks ago and ur plump little booty barely fits in ur size 1 diaper. Last week I tried to squeeze you into your newborn onsie, the one you wore home from the hospital, and it looked my like a baby muscle tee! I can't help but to be a little sad that I can't squish you down and keep you in my arms forever. I know I will miss it.

I was looking at you beautiful birthing photos today and started to tear up. I will never forget that day. You were so little. I have cherished watching you grow every single day. I remember wondering when your skin would stop peeling, and now I wish I could feel that peeling skin again. Even now, daddy and I tease you about your double chin, your over-sized noggin, even the bald spot that is appearing on the back of your head (i even tried putting a satin pillowcase in you bassinet just for kicks... it didn't help lol) But know one day I will miss seeing you, just as you are right now..

I love your pouty lip before you cry. I love the way you turn you head to find me when your in your swing, and they way you smile when I smile. I love how you jump like a fish out of water these days in the bath tub (as if we havent gone thry this routine every single night). I love how you suck on my shoulder and leave a puddle of drool while I am rocking you to sleep. I love slow dancing with you; we practice our waltz, I spin you around and your tiny little palm clinges so tightly around my finger... I know its only a reflex, but it makes me feel so loved :-) I love how you try to talk over me while I am on the phone, and laugh when I try to cover your mouth lol...I love watching you fall asleep on daddy's chest, (as you both snore in unison)..lol I can go on forever, but the point is, I just love loving you.


Love, 
Mommy

Mommyhood. Memories. Milestones - Part 1

Hey friends,

I am back as promised :-) So I am coming to realize that I may not be able to blog as often as I like now that I have only one hand to type and a squirmy baby occupying the other. lol I saw this Johnson&Johnson commercial that said so simply "Having a baby changes everything." I smiled. How true those words are my friends. So I am here to tell you all about it! To share with you, through a few funny stories, what has "changed" these past three months of mommy-hood. Enjoy!

The Airport Stalkers

3 weeks after the birth of our son, we got on a plane and headed to Jacksonville for my Brother-in-Laws wedding. I knew that was a wee-bit early, but his pediatrician and the airline had no problem with it, so neither did we. Well anyway, we head to the airport, and as a new mom, I am trying to figure out why everyone is staring me down as if I was one of the girls on "16 and Pregnant"...Some people looked in curiosity, yet others in down right disapproval. I guess seeing a 3 week old at the airport isn't so common, but still - you'd think I was carrying Mariah Carey's twins or something.  So here is the icing on the cake, even though we had him covered up most of the time, I had to take him out the car seat to change is diaper in the bathroom at the terminal once. So this lady walks over to the changing area, looks at me and says "Oh my goodness...how olllld is hee?" I said: "3 weeks." She says: "Goodness! You should be home getting rest, and that poor little thing...he shouldn't be here at the airport..." I looked in disbelief, extremely irritated. I could not believe her nerve...Deep breath... she's lucky I'm saved. lol

So now that Elijah, is 3 months old - I look back on this (not so fond) experience and realize why people were staring us down like a piece of prime rib.  He really was small, so I will extend a little grace, however I just don't understand why a complete stranger can be so comfortable to offer up their nonsolicited advice when it comes to children. SMH

*SN: I didn't mention this story but we ALSO missed our original flight, had to fly standby to Orlando, rent a car and drive the rest of the way to Jacksonville. How is that for a first time flight with baby? (The stories are ENDLESS) lol! 
 
Pregnant in Heels?
Forget pregnant in heels, lets try "new mommy" in heels! Now that my friends deserves
all sorts of accolades. Indeed, these women are full blown Olympic athletes. Well, 1/2 determined, 1/2 naive, I decided to have a go at this sport myself. Hold on - let me set up the story : It was the day of my Brother-in-Laws wedding. My hubby, the best man, left early -so I had to get ready and take care of Elijah alone. This was the first time, but still I thought how hard could it be? Tired of my endless days in pj's post-pregnancy, I was looking forward to dressing up, so I went all out. Hair curled, make up, cocktail dress...and heels in tow. Boy, did I not know what I was in for! Every time I would put Elijah down he would cry...so I came up with a rhythm. Get ready for 5 minutes, pick him up for 5 minutes...back and forth, back and forth...5 minutes of crying was really all I could take...Finally 3 hours later...all dolled up, party dress on...then doom, doom doom...I stuck my feet into my 5-inch heels and said a silent prayer! lol...Here I am trying to walk somewhat gracefully in these heels, while (let's not forget) carrying a 8lb diaper bag and a 20lb car seat!  I am sure I looked ridiculous now that I think about it! Lol - Some things just shouldn't be tempted alone.

The Grocery Store - aka The Amazing Race

What used to be a simple run to the grocery store is just well no longer simple! No...its more like a cross between a relay race and a circus act! So I take my son out in this 100 degree weather, bouncing his car seat off my left leg to support the weight, meanwhile Elijah is getting knocked around in there like a puppet on a string. (Its a good thing I secured the straps!) So we get to the store, when just my luck, my sleeping monster decides to awaken...he screams "foooodddd, where is my fooooood" in baby cries of course. So I race thru the aisles pushing the cart with one hand, trying to keep his Paci (aka the Silencer) in his mouth with the other - while onlookers stare. So finally we make it out the store, he continues to scream incessantly on the ride home so I turn up my music. I figured, its either I drown him out and drive safely,or allow his piercing scream to drive me crazy...and straight into oncoming traffic!...Finally I pull into the spot and it hits me..."how am I going to get my child, this diaper bag, and these grocery bags, up to the 4th floor at the same time? Enter Circus De Soleil...I strap him in the front carrier, cross my diaper bag over my chest, grab the groceries, and I'm off...(did I mention it was 100+ degrees outside?) Finally we make it inside, I drop everything, strip down my sweaty, red-faced, puffy-eyed baby with tear stains on his cheeks...and hold him so closely. "Mommy is here baby, don't worry, we're home now"...I rock him slowly in my arms as I look down into those teary brown eyes. In the stillness of that moment, an indescribable kind of love just overwhelms me. Almost moves me to tears. In the midst of chaos, it crazy how just one look from him makes it all so worth it.

The Check List

Keys...Check.
Phone...Check.
Purse...Check.
Shoes...Check.
Ha! Gone are THOSE days! lol
Now it goes a little something like this:
Bounce Elijah on hip while brushing teeth.
Wear something bfeeding friendly (in a closet where nothing fits yet except maternity clothes.)
Make sure shirt isn't on inside out.
Pack diaper bag,
Change diaper
Nurse baby...both sides
Burp him.
Secure him in car seat.
Finally ready to go and that is a good scenario, absent of any diaper blowouts, spit up that leads to clothing changes and etc..lol..At least I have a new excuse for my tardiness :-p


Well 3 months later, I can honestly say I have adjusted to mommy-hood and I am enjoying every moment. Seriously, I wouldn't trade it for the world! I know I made it seem a bit daunting, but I look back and laugh at the memories my hubby and I have made in such a short time!

As my 25th birthday approaches, I never would have imagined myself being here; a stay at home wife and mother. Sometimes, on those long days at home with Elijah, I find that my thoughts begin to drift off, thinking of the "simple" lives of my single, child-free friends in the working world. Yet, ever night, when I curl up in bed next to my hubby, rest my head on his shoulder, while Elijah falls asleep on his chest, I realize there is no where else I would rather be.

Tania ♥

Introducing...

Hiiiiii there! Are you still with me? I hope so! I know this is WELL overdue but I am so excited to be back!..and hopefully updating more consistently now that I finally have adjusted to mommy-hood! Thanks for being so loving, patient, and supportive by the way. I've gotten some fb messages from some of my friends that read my blog and I can't tell you how much it brightens my day. So thank you! Ok,so first things first..

2 months ago today, a new love entered my arms, stole my heart, and changed my life.

Introducing our baby boy...

ELIJAH PAUL WOODS

Born June 7, 2011

6lbs 6oz

ambervraiphotography.com

I will never forget the moment he breathed his first breath, when I heard his tiny little cry, and the nurse laid his warm little body on my chest. Overwhelmed with an emotion that words can never sufficiently describe, I looked up into the eyes of my husband, then down back at the life we created, and sobbed...
how can any moment in life ever surpass this?

He looked at me, so alert, as if we had met before...

I can't believe it has been two months since the day I gave birth to Elijah, our family feels so full now, its almost as if he has always been here. So you may want to know how it all went. The labor, the delivery, the whole shebang, and honestly you KNOW I would love nothing but to walk you through every little detail, 

but what I have written in my journal is long enough to write a book...

so I will spare you and try to keep it as short and as sweet as possible :-)

June 6, 2011

6:00am - I woke up that morning early because I couldnt sleep. I kept having this reoccuring dream of a voice telling me that Elijah will be here soon. "He will be here on the 7th..."I kept saying "but today is the 6th isnt it?..then a voice would say "He will be here on the 7th"  This kept happening repeatedly, so much so that I decided to just get up and start my day. I went down for some cereal and after scafing down some Honey Bunches of Oats in typical pregnant woman fashion, I felt my first contraction. I remember it being painful, but now I have kind of forgotten how painful it truly was (funny how that happens)....well I called my hubby down and told him...and then I tried to get some rest...unsure of what lied ahead.

4:00pm - The day progressed and the contractions came sporadically...every 20-30 mins or so but, unfortunately you can't go to the hospital until they are 5 minutes apart for an hour. So Aaron and I decided to head across the street to good ol' Target. Of course I suddenly thought of a million of errands to run and time was running out! So here we are at Target looking at baby stuff, stopping every few minutes for me to kneel over grab a rack and say..."this is it, this is it, lets go home..I cant take it anymore!" and then 60 seconds later, it would be over and I'm back to deciding on what color outfit Elijah should wear home from the hospital.

6:00pm - The contractions intensified and started coming more frequently...so we grabbed our bags and headed to the hospital. We couldn't believe this moment had finally arrived! After trying to turn back for items that seemed so crucially important..i.e make-up and breath mints...lol my husband literally dragged me out the house and told me we had to go! lol

8:00pm - We check in to the hospital,  I put on that hideous robe, got hooked up to all kinds of wires, tubes, and gadgets then signed my life away on dozens of documents in between the pain of contractions...funny the things they ask you to sign when u can barely think straight!

10:30pm - I remember breathing through contractions, and wanting so bad to just break one of Aaron's fingers. Maybe, just maybe that would make me feel better right now...lol. One time I attempted to bite his neck, while saying "I don't want to do this...but I have too"...somehow he managed to escape my choke hold. lol...Well, just when the pain reached an unbearable point, the anesthesia doc came in to administer my epidural...it hurt a bit, but in comparison to a contraction, it felt like a mosquito bite...lol after that kicked in, it was smooth sailing! Surprisingly the nurse informed me that I was 8cm dilated at this point, and couldn't believe I had progressed so far. My little man was just around the corner. Numb and pain free - I had my hubby dim the lights, turned on some Kenny G on Pandora, and i got some rest! (Yes, I said rest! Can you believe it?!...) The atmosphere was so calm and serene...I felt the presence of the Lord with us the whole time. I remember looking over to see my husband journaling, and then I would see him on his knees in prayer...words couldnt describe what it meant to have him there supporting me and covering every moment in prayer.

1:30am - After my nap (lol) I woke up, the nurse checked me and told me I was 10cm dilated and it was time to PUSH! I asked for the time, and sure enough, just as I had heard so clearly that morning, it was past 12am - and officially June 7th. After a few good pushes my son was out! And I couldnt believe what I saw before me...I held him closely, and sobbed saying "hi baby, mommys here...dont cry..its ok"...sigh I wish I could relive those few seconds over and over again...there is truly nothing like it...i am sure my mommys out there can attest to that right?

Well, I know I made that sound like a trip to the spa friends, perhaps maybe as painful as a bikini wax..lol but it WAS tough don't get me wrong! But I know the Lord truly showed me favor by granting me such a smooth, quick, and problem free delivery. What a blessing..seriously. The Lord has been way too good to me! :-)There is one verse that perfectly describes the state of my heart: The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, indeed I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalms 16:6. In the beginning of my pregnancy, it was these words, that gave me comfort and peace the most. This verse that encouraged me in the times that I thought I was going to "miss out" on life by having a child so soon into my marriage. But friends, can I tell you how TRUE those words are in my life? Jesus, ever since you came into my life, you have filled it with love and joy unfathomable. Oh, what a beautiful jewel, a beautiful gift, a beautiful inheritance I have found in You. So I can only say Thank You. Thank you for transforming my heart through my husband and now...my son. 

Thank you. I am so unworthy of your unmerited favor and grace. Thank you. 

Well friends, there are more pictures to share 

and stories to tell..but I will leave you for now...

Stay Tuned! :-)

Heading home from hospital

1 month

6 weeks

2 months

 

With all my love,

Tania ♥

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward. 

Psalms 127