7 Quick Takes:Happy Spring!!



It's the first day of spring finally!! Time for warmer temperatures, tulips popping up, and days spent outside! Here are my 7 random thoughts for this first day of spring!

***1***

My kids are little and day in and out I try to teach them all sorts of things, but these 2 teach me new things every single day.  Let me tell you a little story, yesterday we were heading to my MOPS group early in the morning and as I was changing Jonah I noticed his nails desperately needed to be cut.  So in my usual last minute rush manner I decided to clip his nails.  Well, cutting little kids nails isn't an easy task and when you're rushing it really isn't...well, mommy snipped sweet Jonah's finger.  He began to cry hysterically, I swooped him up, I got blood on my white shirt, he got blood on his and there wasn't time for either of us to change.  Anyways, I felt like the worst mom on the planet and just wanted to hold my little boy.

So what's the point of all of this??  Slow down.  My boys have taught me I need to slow down.  They have taught me that I can't be last minute anymore and that doing things with two little boys takes time.  And I've gotta learn to take a little more time.  When you rush little kids get fingers cut and mommys feel like jerks.  Anyways, another lesson learned.

***2***

Noah is a super picky eater.  He has no problem spitting food out or flight out refusing to eat something, but the one thing Noah will always eat is...quiche.  This kid?! Screw the mac n cheese, the pb&j, and the bananas....not good enough for my kid.  He'll take quiche thank you very much!

***3***

Do you know that at some point every day I think I want to quit breastfeeding? I love it every day too.  Breast feeding is such a commitment and sometimes it's really frustrating.  But the benefits encourage me to keep on going for now.  We supplement with formula each day and that helps give me some relief, but it's hard being the sole middle of the night feeder.  Anyways, I wish I was one of those moms who live and breathe breast feeding, who are able to whip out their boob wherever and when ever with ease and comfort, but truth be told....I'm not.  And that's ok.

***4***

I love other moms.  Twice a month I go to my weekly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting and I get two whole hours with a table in a room full of other moms.  I cannot begin to tell you what a blessing it has been for me.  Yesterday, we shared and we laughed and we made each other feel like we weren't the worst moms on the planet.  I had bit of a struggle with my Jonah, but all the moms there made me feel better.  They made me feel ok.  I love my Thursday morning MOPS ladies.

The other thing I love about MOPS is each time we go my sweet Noah has the time of his life.  When we leave the daycare workers swoon about how much they love him and how much he's growing.  It's clear they enjoy him as much as he enjoys them.  Yesterday, he sobbed when we got to the car and he realized we were leaving.  I'm glad he loves it so much that it breaks his heart to leave...and breaks my heart to see him so sad.

***5***

Speaking of breaking my heart, Noah also cries each time we bring him in from outside.  We have been so excited to get outside and start enjoying the mild temperatures after a long, cold winter.  Noah's favorite activity so far is to cruise the neighborhood in his car that mommy and daddy push around.  His face is pure joy!  Things have also dried up enough that we were able to make it to the park today for the first time.  He giggled with delight the whole time and enjoyed watching the other kids play around him.  I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time at our local park with this guy.  I love that we can get out as a family and be active together.  I love that we aren't sitting inside watching TV and instead we are getting fresh air!  I have high hopes for this summer and can't wait to explore all our local treasures with our boys!



***6***

I'm once again really struggling with my weight.  I'm back to my pre pregnancy weight, but truth be told, I was actually 5 pounds less just a bit ago.  Anyways, it's my struggle and being inside with two little boys for the past few months hasn't helped nor the fact that I'm a stress eater.  Anyways, I need some prayers if you have a second.  I really, really need to get healthy for my kids' sake and I need some Divine intervention this time.  I'm really having a hard time getting it together. 

***7***

To piggy back on the above post, I'm trying to work at making myself feel a bit better about myself by dressing the part.  I've recently discovered Jamberry nail wraps and I love that when I take a few minutes to give myself a manicure I love how I feel having some girly looking nails.  I also ordered two pieces of clothing today that I hope will make me feel a little more attractive as well.  Being a stay at home mom is very tempting to stop taking care of yourself and letting things go.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I can't remember the last time I put make up on or where my make up bag even is.  If I make it out of my pjs it's usually to throw on my jeans.  Anyways, I'm working to add some fashion back into my life.  I know that when I do I feel better about myself.  Here goes nothing!

Well, it's 9:30pm, which believe it or not is past my bedtime these days so it's time to publish this ditty and head to bed!  Happy Spring to you all! Get outside this weekend and breathe in some of that fresh air!! 

7 Quick Takes: Nap Time Musings

I'm typing on borrowed time and hoping that Jonah sleeps long enough that I can get these out before he wakes and wants to eat.  So let's skip the fluff and get right to the important fluff. ;)

***1***

Why do I only care about meat on Lenten Fridays???  Enough said about that.

#JimmyJohns

***2***

We have officially entered toddlerhood here at our house.  And although many aspects of toddlerhood are frustrating, I gotta tell you that the number one frustrating thing for me is meal time.  Just because Noah liked something yesterday doesn't hold any guarantees for today.  And some days he will eat if he can do it himself, sometimes he'll eat the sandwich if it's not in pieces and sometimes he wants pieces.  Wednesday he ate eggs like it was his job.  Today they were repulsive (Guess what mommy had for lunch?)  Oh and when he doesn't like something he chooses two paths....spit it out or throw it on the floor.  Did I mention I need a dog??  Anyways, I hope this is a toddler thing and not a vision of things to come. 

***3***

An awesome and glorious thing happened this week....despite it being the week we all adjust to Daylight Savings Time (which might be going away??) Jonah started sleeping from 9:30-4:30 roughly.  Finally, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting so close.  I've never been a night person.  I'm really not good at the middle of the night stuff, so this is an answer to prayer.  After a really bad night earlier this week, I prayed as I was going to bed, "Please Lord, just give me a little break tonight.  I really need to sleep."  Do you know that was the first night Jonah did his 7 hour stretch and so did I?  God is so good like that.  Even to a schmuck like me. 

***4***

People who tell me not to worry about my house right now make me want to punch them.  Hard.  The past 2 days I've been striving to clean and it is just so difficult with a nursing baby and busy toddler.  Yes, I know they are the priority and I try to keep it that way, but we cannot survive without clean dishes, clothes, and a vacuumed floor.  And just when I get things picked up and to a place I can breathe....BAM!!...the next day it feels like we are at square one.  I am so frustrated right now with this aspect of my life.  I want one day with no kids to just clean every room of my house.  To open the windows, smell the Pine Sol, and pitch a few garbage bags of stuff.  Is that too much to ask for??

***5***

We are trying the fish fry circuit this year in an attempt to get out of the house and be with others.  It seems like the Catholic thing to do and my kids seriously love getting out with others....me too.  Tonight we are returning to my roots and trying the fish out at St. Genevieve where I taught for 11 years.  Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and introducing my boys to them. 

Do you want to know the funniest part of all of this? I'm allergic to fish.  All fish.  So I usually get stuck with the kids mac n cheese or pizza.  Oh well, it's worth it.

***6***

This week I ventured to both the Henry Ford Museum and the Detroit Zoo solo with the boys.  I was really proud of myself.  My Noah loves seeing other kids and being out and about (he gets that from his mom) and my sweet Jonah sleeps like a champ on such adventures.  I was really proud of myself both days.  It's not easy traveling with 2 under 2, and quite honestly it would be easier not to go, but go we did and you know what?  We survived...and not only did we survive, but we had a great time!  I've learned about taking my time, not caring about what others think, and that people are really helpful.  I grow in confidence with each adventure and am looking forward to a spring and summer full of little adventures.  I love that I can be home with my boys.  The joy on Noah's face both days made it so worth it!  My life may be simple for some, but for me it's just perfect.

***7***

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Pope Francis's election as our Holy Father.  I love that man.  I think his spirituality and mine are perfectly aligned.  I love his realistic approach to our faith and yet his conservative nature.  He's a man's man and yet such a holy man of God.  I love how he's shaking up the secular media and conservative Catholics alike!  Rock on, Papa!

And with that I'm done! Jonah's still asleep and I might even sneak a cup of coffee in real quick!  Have a great weekend everyone!

7 Quick Takes:Change

Eleven months ago I wrote my last post on here  I gotta be honest....I've missed it terribly. The thing is, I love to blog, but as me and my friends kid...kids ruin everything.  Well, they don't ruin them of course, but they change things.  Big Time.  And so 11 months later, a new addition to our family, and a lot of changes here I am attempting to blog. Jonah is fed and in his swing and Noah is watching Curious George while eating his snack.  (No judgments)

***1***

Well since I've wrote a miracle of God has occurred.  I have almost started liking doing the dishes.  Almost.  I've realized if my kitchen is in order so is my mind.  I seem to be a happier wife and mother when my kitchen is not overflowing with dishes.  So although I still dislike doing them and they always seem to come back, I like the satisfaction of a clean kitchen at night. 

Now on the other hand one chore I've always loved is laundry.  Never been good at putting it away, but the rest was my chore of choice.  Well, add a husband and 2 children and quickly it has become my least favorite chore.  It never ends.  And those 2 little cherubs...they produce a lot of extra laundry.  I also have yet to figure out how to do laundry downstairs with 2 babies upstairs. Anyways, it's amazing what a year can do to a woman.

***2***

Tomorrow my hubby and I got a babysitter so we can go have a business meeting.  Isn't that funny?  We are actually going to breakfast where we can sit and talk about things without the interruption of a fussy baby and a busy toddler.  I even sent him an agenda of topics.  LOL.  My hubby likes to think about things before we go so that helps...I'm not really that OCD.  I'll be honest...I can't wait.  Talk about changes, 2 kids changes your conversations and time for conversations.  So we are taking some time away for that.

***3***

Our littlest guy, Jonah, is such a fun kid.  And by fun I mean, he's a lot like his mama.  He's got a great smile and loves to talk, but when he's pissed or hungry....well watch out! Noah is our easy going little guy, so Jonah is teaching us about change.  We have to change our method and ways we soothe with Jonah.  We have to love him differently.  I get frustrated with him at times and my oh my does he have a set of lungs on him, but I think he's gonna be a force to be reckoned with when he's older.  He's got passion and determination (much like me...) and I like to dream he's gonna be our go getter!  President 2056??

Did I mention he's got my dimples??  :::swoon:::

***4***

When I was single I was involved in so many minisitries and church activities.  But with kids quickly all of that seems to have fallen off the spectrum for us.  But I'll be honest.  I miss it like crazy.  My wise friend Mary and I were having a heart to heart about such topics like this, and although I think our church lacks when it comes to reaching out to mothers like other churches do, I also think I recognize my need to make time for church activities.  I need that community.  I need other moms, other Christians, time away to draw closer to the Lord.  So if you have any activities coming up at your church that you think would be a good fit for me please let me know!

***5***

We just got back from Florida.  I am so glad we went, but man oh man, I don't know if I will travel with two young kids again for a long, long time.  It was a challenge.  Like super, duper challenging.  Two kids in laps on full flights with suitcases, a double stroller, and luggage....well it's hard.  It was so worth it to get away and see my parents and be able to take the kids swimming and to the beach, but honestly....it was a stress for me.  I think we will be doing the Michigan thing for the next little bit. 

***6***

When I was younger I swore I'd never drive a minivan.  I was convinced I would be that cool mom in an SUV, but my oh my add 2 kids in car seats, a huge double stroller, the need for space and all I can dream about is when my car is up for lease and we can upgrade to a minivan.  My family isn't too happy with me, but unfortunately Ford doesn't make a minivan anymore and I want the automatic sliding doors and trunk.  I want my kids to be able to climb in the car without my help.  Oh and judge me if you will, but I want the DVD player.  Noah is a horrible traveler and I'm convinced a movie will make traveling possible once again.  So we are going to the dark side and heading to Chrysler or Dodge (Staying in the American made category at least) Watch out, this mom will soon be one of those "Mad Moms in a Minivan!"

***7***

And finally....check out this change....pretty great, huh??

Why Be Catholic? 10 Years Later...

***Disclaimer: This post is not meant to insult any other faith, rather I am reflecting on why being Catholic is home for me. Why it makes sense.  Please read it with that mindset.

Ten years ago, I made a decision that would forever alter my life and bring me on to a new path of love and devotion.  That's right 10 years ago, at the Easter Vigil Mass I was brought into full communion in the Catholic church.  It was a big decision for me, one that I did not take lightly and one that initially I wasn't sure I wanted to make, but it was the best day of my life at that point and a decision that will always continue to bless my life.

So ten years later the question "Why be Catholic when I can be anything I want to be?" has been playing a lot in my mind lately.  In fact, just recently I had what I would call a crisis of faith.  I told my husband that I wasn't even sure I wanted to be Catholic anymore! (Gasp! Don't worry my dear Catholic friends...it was a short lived crisis.) You see, without going into my entire conversion story, you should know that my background is in the evangelical Christian church.  I was heavily involved an Assembly of God church, where I truly met the Lord for the first time.  I loved the music and the preaching at my church and being involved probably saved me going through high school.  But, as most do, I fell away from all church during college and wound up teaching at a Catholic school out of desperation! LOL! Truly...I don't lie. I just didn't know God was calling me home. 

OK, so back to my crisis.  You see these last 2 years have been exhausting for me.  You've read my story, you know the saga we've lived.  The Catholic church deep in her traditions and teachings wasn't reaching me for some reason.  Where I was and in some ways still am was needing something more, something beyond checking my time card each Sunday morning. (I recognize I was probably to blame for the most part.)  I gotta be honest, I was thinking about some of these new churches with a coffee bar in the lobby, a good 45 minute praise and worship session, a nursery for my little guy, women's Bible studies, Wednesday night church, and so much more.  I was thinking about that for a church and it was feeling very, very attractive to me.  I was needing to be fed and couldn't find that without feeling the need to start something myself and I gotta be honest...I don't have the mental capacity to start any ministries right now.  I wanted to be ministered to.  And yet, I was a Catholic and I know I'm never going to find a coffee bar in the lobby of my church nor be able to bring my coffee into Mass with me.  (LOL, can you tell I love my coffee?) And so I began to pray...nothing spectacular, but for a week the only prayer I could pray was this...

"Lord, help me fall in love with your church again..."

 

 

...and after a few conversations with my husband, two dear Catholic friends who I felt I could be totally honest with, and searching out a Catholic Church out in Ann Arbor...the Lord helped me love His church again.  So why do I choose to be Catholic? I'll tell you.  As appealing as those things I mentioned above are, I actually really and truly believe the teaching of the Catholic church.

 

 

I believe in the Sacraments.  I believe in the Eucharist.  When Christ said "This IS My body..." I am pretty sure He meant it.  What a gift that I get to invite the Lord in each week when I receive Him in Holy Communion.  I believe in the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession).  A friend once told me it's the cheapest form of therapy out there! But all kidding aside, there is something so beautiful about admitting your sins to Christ through a priest and knowing that as you leave the confessional you are forgiven of your sins.  It's such a beautiful demonstration of the forgiveness of our Lord. 

 

I believe in our devotion to Mary and the Saints.  Although this teaching is one of the most misunderstood teachings of our church by other faiths, it is one of my strongest.  When I lost my son Jackson, I prayed to Mary for guidance and faith knowing that she knew all too well how difficult it was to lose a child.  When I was encountering another difficult pregnancy I prayed to St. Gianna and others to pray for me.  I love the Communion of Saints.  I love that there are people in heaven that I can ask to pray for me and take my prayers to the Lord especially when I am finding prayer especially difficult. 

 

I believe in Purgatory.  I find peace and comfort that in God's mercy, He knows that although we may not be fully ready to enter the gates of Heaven, He allows us to pray for others in order to purify our souls so that we are spotless before the Lord.  The Lord is just, and yet so full of love.

 

I truly believe that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ.  And just as Christ gave Peter the keys to His Church, I believe that we have a spiritual successor to lead and guide our church.  Oh and what awesome Popes we have had in the 10 years I have been a Catholic.  I especially love our current Pope, Pope Francis.  What a blessing he is to our church and wow! How much he has taught us in his few short months as our Pope? 

 

I believe in it all.  And although our Church is not perfect and there will never be a coffee bar or a 45 minute praise session, there is such beauty in the rich traditions and beautiful sacraments.  My family has found a new Catholic Church in the meantime that seems to be a good fit for us and our spirituality and that has helped.  And so even though I may struggle at times, I am a Catholic.  I am proud to be apart of the biggest mega church in the world! I am home. 

7 Quick Takes:Or maybe not...

It's Friday and it's 7 Quick Takes Day....I'm kind of feeling writer's block this morning, but still feel like writing.  So I will try for 7....but I make no promises.

***1***

For our wedding we got one of those BIG family Bibles.  I had it displayed on a shelf in our guest bedroom where it basically collected dust.  My husband decided it was time that we put it to use.  So we set it up in a more high traffic area in our house and every day or two Tom marks a new passage that we just kind of stop and read as we pass.  I wasn't sure it was going to be effective, but I find myself stopping during my busy day to read the passage and ponder on it...if even just for a second.  Then I look at the picture of Mary and the Child Jesus directly above it...ask for her help and move on with my day.  It's been a perfect little blessing in our home! Good idea, honey!

***2***

Sometimes I really struggle with the isolation that comes with being a Stay At Home Mom.  My neighborhood is mostly older couples or working adults and so some days I look out and there is no movement whatsoever.  The extrovert in me really struggles with this.  Noah is a little more mobile these days as the risk for germs has decreased, but we are also working on his daily schedule and naps are a must! Some days my only solace is checking in with friends on Facebook or some other form of social media.  I am looking for some baby and me type classes, but unfortunately they all seem to be in some other part of the metro Detroit area.  Anyways, I am hoping with summer approaching some things might change and I will feel like I get a little more adult conversation in...

Any ideas of places to go that are infant friendly and aren't shopping??  Anyone up for a play date?

***3***

I have been working on getting more active these past few weeks and I gotta tell you...2 years of bed rest and not being very active has taken a toll on my body!  I cannot believe how much effort a mile is for me these days!  I can feel my muscles complaining that they haven't gotten this much action in a long, long time.  I am determined to rebuild some muscle and continue to get healthier.  It's amazing what a little neglect can do to your body in such a short time.  I use an app called "Map My Walk" to measure how far I've gone.  It's super helpful and encouraging.  I am looking forward to improving my time and shedding some pounds in the mean time, too.  Who knows, maybe I will start  running again one of these days??  Until then...baby steps...

***4***

So a few weeks ago we started putting Noah in his crib for bedtime.  He's really done a fantastic job at night, but he will NOT take naps for any extended period of time in his crib.  It's the darndest thing!?  So it's back to his swing where he will sleep for 2-3 hours at a given time.  Silly boy...

On that same note...my little guy is still not sleeping through the night and I gotta tell you....I am really, really over it.  I love this sweet guy, but 5 months of getting up at least 1-2 times a night is taking it's toll on me.  I am hoping his doctor says we can start cereal soon and perhaps that will help!  Oh sweet, sweet sleep....I miss you.

***5***

So this is a Catholic thing...I always feel bad about decorating for Easter during Lent, but then once Easter has come I don't feel like decorating for Easter.  For many years I just didn't, but this year I did.  Anyways, it's probably stupid and silly, but what's a good Catholic to do? I know, I know...Easter is 50 days after Lent, but I always feel late to the party...

***6***

Running out of topics.....

How about in 10 days Lent will be over and I can go back to shopping at my beloved Target??? I've already started adding my Cartwheel coupons and am anticipating just walking through those beloved aisles taking it all in and hitting up a clearance rack or two! 

***7***

I made it to 7!

In 2 weeks I will be 35 years old! 35?!?!?!  That's just crazy...I'm not sure I like it.


Well, I did it.  I hope I didn't bore you with my 7 random thoughts for this week.  It's going to be sunny and beautiful this weekend! Get out there and enjoy yourselves!!!

7 Quick Takes:Cleaning Out

Happy Friday morning to you all!!  So far my little guy is sleeping in so I am going to attempt to get as many of my quick takes typed out before that little bundle of energy wakes up! I am on my 2nd cup of uninterrupted coffee and feeling fine!

***1***

The biggest news around these parts is that after 4 months of sleeping anywhere but his crib, our sweet boy has finally taken the plunge!  Last week after watching him grow more dependent on me for sleep I knew he was ready for his crib.  We put him in for the first time on Sunday night and he did fantastic!!  Hardly put up any kind of fuss!!  He still struggles sleeping in there from time to time during naps, and last night was a doozy falling asleep for him, but overall I would say it was a success!! I am so excited!!  It's been an adjustment for me not having him in our room, but I have also enjoyed having our room back to ourselves.  Not having to tiptoe around and being able to put on pjs with a light on have been glorious....that is on days that I wasn't in my pjs for the entire day. ;)  Anyways, GO NOAH!! Now if I can just get him to sleep for longer stretches...

***2***

The second biggest thing that has happened around these parts is after being inspired by my sister-in-law who gave up all artificial sweeteners and is feeling great and losing weight, I chose to do the same.  That means good-bye $1 Diet Cokes from McDonalds and anywhere else.  I have to say I feel better despite major craves for my beloved carbonated drink.  I have known for a long time that I should stop drinking diet pop and get aspartame out of my system, but never took the plunge, well after slowly working that way I finally did it!  I know that my body is better because of it.  I am really focusing on eating clean-er and making better choices for me and my family.  I look at Noah and know that I need to make these changes now so that when he starts with foods he will see a good example in Tom and I.  Chemical free is the way to be! 

***3***

In an effort to eat clean-er, I've joined the smoothie train! This week I made my first smoothie that had both spinach and kale in it...along with peaches, almond milk, and yogurt.  It was yummy and satisfying! I am looking forward to trying different recipes and exploring the world of smoothies.  Kudos again to my sister-in-law!!

***4***

Yesterday, I did an unofficial weighing of Noah by getting on the scale holding him, then putting him down and subtracting the difference!  Let's not talk about my weight....BUT Noah unofficially comes in at a whopping 11 lbs!!!!  Our little preemie is growing up! I can't wait to see his official weight in a few weeks at his well visit! It's so fun watching Noah start to learn and explore.  We are working on rolling over and holding things.  He is so alert and much more engaged.  He sits up in his chair for longer periods of time each day!

***5***

OK, so do you watch The Blacklist?  If you don't, you should! OMgoodness!!  It is so good and it keeps me on the edge of my seat each week.  It's one of the reasons I am so glad that when we cancelled our cable (which we don't miss at all by the way...) I am glad we got Hulu+.  Rarely can I finish a show that starts at 10pm, so I love catching up on my 2 favorite shows, The Blacklist and Parenthood, on Hulu.  Great investment!  We also have started watching the first season of Scandal on Netflix.  So good!!!!

***6***

After 6 months, a few heart to heart conversations with a few good friends, and a lot of prayer I decided this week to put away the pump for good.  It was a really hard decision for me.  Anyone who has exclusively pumped can relate that being chained to that pump multiple times a day is so very frustrating and stressful.  Well after cutting back already, I recognized that it was getting harder and harder for me to keep up with the pumping while taking care of Noah and my daily chores.  So this week I weaned myself off.  I am 100% relieved and about 50% guilty at the same time.  Thankfully, we have a nice stash of frozen breast milk to last us for a while supplementing with formula.  I am thankful that modern society has an option to help me feed my son, while still alleviating my stress level.  I feel judgment and sympathy from both sides of the fence, but in the end I decided to do what was best for my son and myself. I am thankful for the many months I was able to give Noah this gift and that I have enough frozen to go a bit longer.  I am also thankful for the extra time and effort I can put towards his life by being able to play with him and devote more time to him.  But oh the mommy guilt....

***7***

Did you see what I painted this week??  I love Painting with a Twist! My new favorite mommy outing!

***7.5***

I just have to tell you that my husband is a rock star! For so, so many reasons...anyways, today I am thankful that God chose Tom to be my husband.  He is such a blessing to both Noah and I.  I love you, Tom.  xo

7 Quick Takes:March Madness

I suppose around these parts when you read the words "March Madness" you may assume that I am going to be writing about basketball, but I haven't watched one game of basketball...maybe ever, so really the madness in March I am speaking of is the life to life stuff.

***1***

Speaking of madness however, did you read or see about Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's "conscious uncoupling?" First of all what the hell is a "conscious uncoupling?" Is this the same as "He would should not be named" from Harry Potter equivalent to the big "D" word?  Anyways, they are splitting up.  Call it what you will, but what really irked me about this is that Gwyneth went on to say on her website goop.com website that it's no longer possible for marriages to last 30-40 years because we are all living too much.  She even brought "experts" to back this up!  WHAT?!?!  Sorry Gwyneth.  Some of us still live with the notion that we are married for life.  And guess what else? Marriage is hard.  Like really stinking hard some days, but there are still those of us who are willing to fight like hell to make sure we are married 30, 40, or even 50 years!  When we took those vows we meant them.  Now I understand there are cases where divorce is necessary and I am not judging those who have had to go down that road, but don't dog those of us who have decided to try for that 50 year mark and beyond.  Just cause you couldn't do it Gwyneth, doesn't mean the rest of us can't!

Do you want to read another really asinine article about dear Gwyneth?  Read this article. It will be sure to tick off all you hard working mamas out there!

***2***

Well, March came in like a lion and went out like a....Lion.  But there is some hope!  Today when we woke it was 50 degrees outside! Ok it was windy and cloudy, but it was 50! Noah and I got out for a quick walk before it started raining.  There are some more sunny days in the 50s on the way...maybe April will be nicer to us?  Maybe we can skip the whole April showers, brings May flowers thing this year....didn't we get enough snow to make up for it?  One can hope....

***3***

Speaking of walks, I am excited to say that Noah and I have made it out for a walk twice this week so far.  I am hoping we can get out on Sunday too.  Wednesday we had to walk inside at our favorite museum and today we took a nice walk around the neighborhood.  I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I get out there and exercise.  It clears my head, encourages me to eat better, and just encourages me in this great life long weight loss battle.  Noah loves going for walks too! He is so alert these days and loves to look around at the sights....though he usually zonks out half way through.  Anyways, I am hoping this will be a great part of our daily routine and I can say that I am a little healthier and possibly lose some weight too by the end of summer.  Just have to survive all those BBQs!

***4***

When I was pregnant with Noah I was out with my friend Katie shopping for PJs for their daughter.  Her husband had complained that he wanted PJs for her that weren't snap ups because they were such a pain in the middle of the night.  I've gotta be honest...I thought he was being a little ridiculous (sorry Danny), but open mouth insert foot!  Who the heck decided that infant PJs should be snap up?  They are such a pain in the middle of the night and the beginning of the day and all the times in between there.  So as I buy the next size up I have been searching for zip up only PJs.  They are a dime a dozen people!  Maybe I should create a new line of infant PJs with zippers.  Surely there are other parents out there who would applaud my efforts.  Rant over.

***5***

Well, after reviewing our finances, looking at our current lifestyle, and exploring areas closer to Tom's work we have decided that the Bauers will hopefully be moving out to Ann Arbor next spring.  We have a lot of work to do in the next year, but are excited and energized every time we are out in that area.  Being closer to Tom's work, my parents when they are here in the summer, and near our new church will all be blessings to our little family.  It's hard not to pack up and just move right now, but we know the responsible thing is to get all of our ducks in order first. 

I do have to say however it's kind of bittersweet.  Our current home is in the city we both grew up in.  It's home to us and always will  be.  But just like everything else in life it's changed over the years and it's time for us to move to a place that better suits our family's needs.  Luckily we are only about 35 minutes away and will look forward to coming home to visit friends and family.

Next up...we need to bring our realtor in to tell us what we should and shouldn't do to get this house ready to be put on the market next year.  We need to get the most bang for our buck. 

***6***

I have recently discovered  Trader Joe's!  I have to say, I love Trader Joe's.  I get what all the hype is about.  And just as I have discovered this little gem they decide to close down I-96 for like a whole year.  Ugh...but guess where else there is a Trader Joe's??   That's right...Ann Arbor! I think we will have to check that one out one week after church.

***7***

I shouldn't have to justify my decisions we make as a family to the world, but I keep thinking about this so I wanted to explain something to all of my readers, especially my pro-life friends out there.  Tom and I recently made the decision to participate in the March of Dimes walk to help fund research and technology to help save preemie babies.  My dear friend, who happens to be Noah's godmother, was promoting our walk and was questioned about our decision to support this group because the March of Dimes donates money to Planned Parenthood.  I felt bad that I put my friend in this situation, especially because her and I had a whole conversation about this issue and I really thought and prayed about this.  And here's the thing...does it bum me out as a pro-life mother of 2 preemies that March of Dimes gives money to Planned Parenthood?  Yes.  No doubt.  But then I started to think about what being pro-life means to me and the thought that came to me was this...The March of Dimes does a lot more for the pro-life movement than they do against it.  Being pro-life isn't just about being anti-abortion.  And it's with that thought that we decided to join the walk.  Because I've gotta be honest...it's one of the only organizations out there fighting against prematurity and when I look at my miracle of a baby and think about his brother in heaven I am thankful there are people like them out there fighting for my boys.  My 23 gestational week old little boy lived for 4 days.  It's kind of crazy when you think about it?  I got 4 days with my baby boy because of advances made in technology.  My 27 weeker is sitting in his swing right now.  He coos, smiles, spits up, and cries because of advances made to save preemies like him.  I can be a mother here on this earth because of people at March of Dimes.  Maybe that makes me a bad pro-lifer...maybe it makes me a bad Catholic even, but if my money and effort can go towards helping another mother being able to bring her baby home instead of planning a funeral for her baby then I would say I am living out what it means to be prolife. 



In saying all of that...if you would like to join us in our walk please see the link below. 

http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=1267400&ct=4&w=6365599&u=ssruskin