Another Mother's Wisdom

I thoroughly enjoyed this post over at Mama's Little Ditty about homeschooling. It's practicality is not limited to homeschool only, because it spoke volumes to me about everyday life of motherhood.

The article makes me nervous about our homeschooling future, but at the same time, it makes me excited to know that it is manageable and what Sam and I feel is best for our family. I'm can sometimes be the A Type personality, so having to realize that I will not always have it under control is something that I have to come to terms with.

Sam can tell you that I like to always have a plan. I'm the kind of person that likes to be time efficient; I owe this to my double dose of being both a mom and nurse. I like to have goals. Just today, I made a chore chart taken from here, just to post it to my fridge to see what I have to do and when. The sight of clutter can often bring about the feeling of distress. I like to have an end in sight when starting a project. I am super organized.

:sigh: While all this is fine and dandy, and this on-top-of-things part of me has been most useful and even, at times, saved the day, I must be okay with not having everything just right all the time.

I just have to realize that it's all going to be just fine, whether there are a few dishes in the sink or the floor is a little overdue for a good mopping. God loves my family and me just the same.

A Little About Today

Today was a lovely day. Sam and I spent time with our little babies, as we've been doing everyday. It's a lovely kind of lovely to not have work to go to or have anywhere pressing you need to be. To be able to take a nap anytime you feel like it. To play outside a couple of times a day and just soak up the sun.

Here are little pieces of today.

I realize there are no pics of baby boy. I'll make tomorrow's post his :)

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

I'm currently listening to "Free to Be Me" by Francesa Battistelli. She's a young Christian singer who has some pretty cool songs.

Just got home from church and cleaned the house a little with Sam. Ella and Samy Baby are sleeping. Gotta take advantage of their nap times whenever I can.

So as I sit in front of my compute and listen to uplifting Christian music, I reflect on my morning. I was very frustrated with myself earlier.

Sam and I usually go to Mass at our home church at 11 am. We love the priest there; Fr. Santiago is so reverent and gives amazing homilies packed with Scripture and a good joke or two. The only problem is that there is no nursery there and there isn't even a cry room. Combine the lack of child-friendly areas with the fact that Ella's nap time is around 12, while we're still in church, and you get a fussy toddler who does not want to sit still, regardless of snacks or quiet distractions such as books, etc. I say this not implying at all that our priest is perturbed by little kids in church; he's actually very family oriented and encourages us to bring her, despite her interruptions to his homilies. Ella is a wonderful little girl. She is well mannered (she already signs please and thank you), very sweet (always giving kisses and hugs), and well tempered. However, she is a toddler, and when she is tired the crankiness comes spilling out.

Well because of this, Sam and I have decided to have someone babysit her while we are at church if we go to this church, or go to another Catholic church at 11:30 where a nursery is provided and there is a cry room. The plan was for the latter this morning. We both woke up around 8:30, with plenty of time to get ready. Somehow though, no matter what time we wake up or start getting ready for church, we are always late. Not late by much, never more than 10 minutes, but late nevertheless. And I know I've written before about how much it peeves me to be late for anything, it absolutely drives me crazy to be late for church! I just can't stand rushing to get everyone loaded in the car, speeding to church, walking in late, missing part of the Mass, and then after finally sitting down, having to unruffle my feathers to open myself up to the Scripture readings. And let me add, that it usually takes a long time to do this. Being frustrated with myself in church certainly does not make me feel like I'm in a state of Grace to receive Holy Communion either. :sigh:

Well, all of that happened this morning :( Put all of that last paragraph together with the fact that I started getting the babies ready way early, ironed Sam's clothes and my dress while he did his workout for the day, and when I finally had to start getting myself ready, I asked Sam what time it was... it was 11:10- the time we should be out the door to have enough time to take Ella to the nursery. So the dress I'd gotten ready didn't work out as planned and I had to make a last minute outfit change. I ended up going to church looking horrible- didn't wear anything pretty, my hair was a frizzy mess and I didn't even bother to put make up on on the way there because I cried the whole way because I was so frustrated with everything. Uggh. Not a good way to got to church.

Or maybe it is. While in Mass, I didn't sing like I always do or say almost any of the participatory responses because I felt like if I said anything or let my emotions open up anymore, I'd be a free flowing river of tears. Instead, I spoke to my God from within and felt Him calm me down, telling me not to worry about such small things. I'm not a woman to compare myself to others, ever, but standing behind the glass of the cry room (we didn't have time to take Ella to the nursery), I couldn't help see my mess-of-a-self reflection next to the two beautiful women standing in the row in front of us, both wearing super cute outfits with perfect makeup and perfect hair. :sigh: I wanted to cry more.

But instead, I felt my God tell me that it's not about what I'm wearing or how my crazy hair is. What matters is that my family showed up to spend time with Him. Worship Him. Give glory to Him. And I even felt Him tell my troubled and beyond frustrated and sad heart that it mattered more to Him that I tried to look nice for Him (I was going to wear a pretty dress and curl my hair, but alas, had no time to get me ready). That regardless of how sad looking, and by that I mean pathetic looking, I showed up to church, He knew that I desired to look pretty for Him.

I know that this all may sound dorky and trivial, but it's not to me.

I honestly believe that Christ becomes present in the Eucharist. And how little is to spend one hour a week with Jesus in worship? :sigh: Not much. So it's important to me to at least show up on time and make an earnest effort to wear my "Sunday best". If I can be on time everywhere else and dress up for a job interview or date with my husband, then what reason do I have or lack of desire, for that matter, to dress up for a date with God?

Just some Sunday afternoon thoughts...

I feel much better, now that I've got all that off my chest.

Here's another song by Francesca I like. Kind of describes the first part of today...

1. what time did you get up this morning?
7:11 am

2. how do you like your steak?
medium-well

3. what was the last film you saw at the cinema:
Mr. Popper's Penguins

4. what is your favourite TV show?
Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Law and Order SVU

5. if you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Anywhere baeautiful

6. what did you have for breakfast?
nothing :(

7. what is your favorite food?
Spaghetti or pancit (a Filipino dish)

8. foods you dislike?
pies and cobblers

9. favorite place to eat?
orlando's

10. favorite dressing?
ranch

11. what kind of vehicle do you drive?
Crossover suv

12. what are your favorite clothes?
comfy jeans and a comfy solid colored tee

13. where would you visit if you had the chance?
Osapeninsula of Costa Rica and to camp at all the national parks

14. cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
1/2 full

15. where would you want to retire?
Anywhere beautiful

16. favorite time of day?
When I get to go to sleep

17. where were you born?
texas

18. what is your favorite sport to watch?
Softball

19. what is your favorite fragrance?
J'adore

20. what is your favorite face cream?
Artistry balancing face lotion

21. favorite baby/kids products?
Baby lotion

22. people watcher?
Somewhat

23. are you a morning or night person?
morning

24. do you have any pets?
Nope

25. any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Umm... I'm hungry?

26. what did you want to be when you were little?
a cashier- i liked the beeping sound the scanner made

27. what is your favorite memory?
Any memory with my sisters

28. are you a cat or dog person?
dogs, definitely

29. are you married?
I'm wonderfully married! My husband is amazing, and I absolutely love our life together.

30. always wear your seat belt?
ALWAYS

31. been in a car accident?
yes, it was horrifying

32. any pet peeves?
Rude people

33. favorite pizza toppings?
Pepperoni and mushrooms

34. favorite flower?
sunflower and almost all wildflowers

35. favorite ice cream?
Cookies and cream

36. favorite fast food restaurant?
Rosa's and whataburger

37. how many times did you fail your driver's test?
Didn't

38. from whom did you get your last email?
The baby site that updates me on my baby's growth

39. which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
I don't have a credit card, don't want one, and if I did, I most certainly wouldn't max it out unless I had no other choice.

40. do anything spontaneous lately?
Bought hummus today, if that's considered spontaneous. Never bought it before.

41. like your job?
Love it. Most days anyway

42. Broccoli?
Oh yes.

43. what was your favorite vacation?
All of my camping trips with Sam. I positively love to camp!

44. last person you went out to dinner with?
my parents

45. what are you listening to right now?
My husband run down the stairs and our baby make soft little noises in his sleep while he swings right next to me.

46. what is your favorite color?
green and purple

47. how many tattoos do you have?
One

48. coffee drinker?
Only when my sisters make it for me. For some reason I mess it up every time.

Jumpin on the Bandwagon

I know we're more than a few years late, but Sam and I started Harry Potter! I'm excited; it's really good so far. We went to the library yesterday to borrow a copy, only to find out that there are tons of copies that said were available but were somehow lost. From there we went to a used bookstore downtown and bought the first volume for 1/2 price! I think we'll go there again!

Anyway, we're about 100 pages or so into it, and I think the rest will fly by.

Sam and I have been pretty busy lately, taking care of our little family of four :) Baby boy is with me almost constantly, as he is a voracious eater, and poor Sam, is not quite capable of nursing him ;) I've really started to enjoy breastfeeding again. There's a bond there that just can't be replaced. I'm so grateful this round of nursing has been much easier on me than it was with Ella. Maybe it's because I know what I'm doing now?

Well, short post today. Gotta start on lunch for my nieces and Sam and me. We've got the girls while Sam's sister Stacey and her husband are in Dallas. I've got some cute crafts planned for us. It's cute, they're so excited!

My pretty girl at the park with daddy






My gorgeous little man ready for his first trip out of the house. Going to visit Grandma and Grandpa!

So excited!!

A lot has happened recently.

We had our beautiful little boy, Samuel Lynn III this past Monday, August 1, 2011 at 1016 am. He surprised us all, making is grand entrance to this world at a whopping 8 lbs 13 oz and 20.5 inches long. I was rather amazed myself. Sam and I thought he was going to weigh around 7.5 lbs, since his sister was 7 lbs 1 oz. Noooo, he was much bigger.

It's interesting though, because this labor was much easier on me. Total labor time with Ella was 18 hrs, but little man arrived in 11. I got an epidural with both, although I'd seriously thought about trying all natural labors. After much prayer and deliberation, I decided to look at epidurals as a gift to women, something I should say "Thank you" to God for, and not so much something I should feel guilty about using. I can honestly say that I am very glad I made the decision to get one after all. And Sam is very supportive- he was by my side with whatever I felt I should do. I love him so much.

Sunday night, we had Sam's family over for dinner and a movie. After they left, we finally got into bed around 11. Right before dozing off to sleep, the contractions came at 1115. I knew right away it was the real deal. They felt exactly like the contractions I had when I was induced with Ella. They hurt very low in my abdomen like a severe cramping. Sam and I timed my contractions until they were 3-6 minutes apart and then called my OB. He told me to go ahead and make our way to the hospital. Thankfully, we had everything ready, so we dropped Ella baby off at my parents' house and made it to the hospital around 3 am.

I was 4-5 cm dilated on arrival, so my nurse was in a hurry to get everything done. I got my epidural by 5 am and with that, was finally able to get some rest. I slept until almost 8 and had little man around 10 that morning. It was a great labor and delivery with no complications and manageable pain.

Sam was the most amazing coach and husband throughout it all. He never left my side and talked me through the pain. I love, love, love this man. He's so encouraging, even when he's not sure what to say. It was the best thing, just to know that he was right there with me.

My sweet Momma was there through it all too. She met us at the hospital right after we dropped off Ella. She was my prayer warrior during my delivery, just as she always is. I love my mother so much. Her faith inspires me and the woman she is pushes me to be a better one myself.

Anyhow, I'm off to bed. I started this post before dinner and am just finishing it after a night well spent with Sam's family. I'm exhausted, though very much content. I just want to lay down now and do nothing but sleep.

So, I conclude this post on one last not-too-tired note. I think I'll be posting more often in the future and with lots of pictures! I say that as I write this post on my baby gift from Sam. I'm spoiled, I think. He gave me an iMac 27" all-in-one desktop as my baby gift! I super duper like it :) It's most definitely an upgrade from the Sony Vaio we've been using as our primary computer, the one Sam purchased new in 2005. Yes, we were most definitely due for something new. And the got the top of the line :)

Well, I'm off to bed as I mentioned in the paragraph prior to the previous. I'll leave you with some recent pics of the family. Goodnight blogworld. Hope everyone has a great night.


My beautiful daughter at 16 months


Hubby and me taken a few days before delivery


We're goofy :)


I just like this one because it's a little different.


Gotta love that Ella's eating a pinecone in this one. Silly Ella.


Playing with Momma :)


And finally, he's here!!

The first is the third

So...... We finally decided on baby boy's name! Our first son will be the third Samuel Lynn, named after my wonderful husband and his father. I turned 37 weeks this past Monday, which means I have 2 and 1/2 weeks left, if he goes the full 40 weeks. I get more and more eager to hold him in my arms and have a little bitty baby again. Each day that goes by feels like it could be the day. I feel ready.

We were slightly worried, Sam much more so, recently. At my 36 week appointment, my doctor said the baby was transverse, meaning he was sideways in my uterus, instead of up and down. He said that unless the baby turned on his own, I'd have to have a c-section. I know women have c-sections everyday and do just fine, but Sam and I really don't want me to have one unless absolutely necessary. The recovery time, from what I learned in nursing school and the experience of women I know, is about double that of a vaginal delivery. To think that it is major abdominal surgery is enough for me to opt out. When Sam and I heard this, we were a little worried, but trusted in God and prayed that His will be done, no matter what. Thanks be to God, at Monday's appointment, my doctor checked with the ultrasound, and baby boy is longer transverse, but head down! Yaaaay!

And I'm very excited for this weekend. My last two days to work before taking maternity leave will be tomorrow and Saturday. Then, on Sunday, my mom and sisters are having a diaper shower for me :) Since Ella and this baby are so close together, we have everything we need for him, minus few things. Cousin Levi, who is 5 hours older than Ella, graciously gave us all of the baby clothes he's outgrown. We just need a few newborn outfits, a double stroller, and I'd really like to have a new breast pump, although that one isn't necessary. And of course lots and lots of diapers!

We're thinking about this double stroller. It's a Kolcraft Contours Tandem II. Really cool.


It can be changed into so many positions. Here's another way to use it.


I'm just very excited! I want to hold him! I was looking at pics last night of when Ella baby was born, and I just can't wait to have another baby. We are so blessed!

In other news, I recently applied for a PRN position at another hospital in town in the CCU. PRN means it's an as needed position only, so I'm only obligated to work a minimum of 1 in every 90 days. Sweet. I applied after talking to Sam about it, because at my current job, where I'm also PRN, I've been getting cancelled a lot recently. When we don't have many patients in the unit, the staffing office will cancel staff according to how many nurses are needed. They try to keep a ratio of 1 nurse to every 2 patients, depending on acuity. According to policy, full time and part time staff are staffed first, the PRN staff as needed. Well recently I've been cancelled frequently, which works out fine with Sam and me, considering I'm so late in my pregnancy. But, we talked about it, and after I have the baby, I want to go back to working 2-3 days a week. I guarantee my current job 2 days a week that I'm available, but if I'm cancelled, I'll hopefully have another option to make sure I get my days in.

Sam and I are on the Dave Ramsey plan for getting out of debt, and I want to make sure we have my income to devote to paying extra on our car and my student loan. God willing, we'll be able to have no debt by close to this time next year, except for our home mortgage. That is very, very exciting! I know it sounds dorky, but we're pushing to be in that position so that when, God willing, he gets into PA school, we'll have only a very few monthly bills. It reminds me of what we're working toward. We want to be completely debt free so that our income can be used to build wealth and not most of it go toward payments each month.

We've talked about it a lot and do so frequently, still. We want to build wealth, not just to have it, but for several reasons. One is that we want to not make decisions based on how much something costs. I want to do something because I feel we should, without worrying about having to factor it into our budget. Secondly, we want to BLESS people!! Sam and I are always thinking of ways to anonymously bless the people we love in our lives, as well as strangers and the organizations we support. We are big, big proponents of the sanctity of marriage, and we'd love to donate thousands of dollars to Catholic marriage ministries. We also listen to Catholic radio all the time, and how I'd love to give more to our favorite apostolate, Catholic Answers. I want to set up a small scholarship program for all my younger cousins and our neices and nephews to help them as they are pushed to get good grades. I want to bless our parents, so that none of them ever have to worry about retirement. I want to bless our children with a college fund, something which neither Sam or I had. I want to give the people on the side of the road who ask for money a $100 gift card to wal-mart. And so many other things!

We just want to be God's hands at work. And while I most definitey understand that money isn't needed to be God's instrument, I know that if used for good, it can multiply His blessings.

Anyway, that was a rather long post for me, and whole I'd like to keep rambling off all my thoughts and dreams, I need to straighten my hair while baby girl is napping. Blessings to all.