7QT:1 Day Early

Good morning...yes, it's Thursday, but tomorrow is a busy day and today we are sticking close to home because it's freezing out and snowy too! So I thought I might as well whip out my quick takes while I have a second! So here we go...Quick Takes: The Thursday Edition!

***1***

Yesterday we got 6.5 inches of snow!  I was really annoyed, but now since we are only 3 inches away from a record of snowiest winters in Michigan I kind of say "Let's go for it!" I mean we should at least get something out of this, right? A record will have to suffice for all the slips, slides, frostbite, and days stuck inside.  Plus, then I can tell Noah that the year I brought him home was the snowiest winter EVER and I was stuck inside with him for months on end! Gotta build my mom guilt stories somehow.  ;)

***2***

As promised, I made myself get on the scale a day early here and report my weight loss/gain.  I have to admit...it's been a challenging week for me emotionally so I wasn't sure if my stress eating was going to hurt me, BUT lo and behold I lost 1.5 pounds! I guess those couple walks and extra chores around the house made the difference and combatted the food splurges.  Plus carrying a 10 lb weight around most of the day is building my biceps for sure!

***3***

Yesterday, I watched the movie FROZEN to see what all the hype was about! I figured I was stuck inside during a snow storm, why not?  Well, once again Disney did not disappoint.  As I said, I was also having an emotional week and going through some personal struggles.  Well when that silly little song, "Let It Go" (you know the one every little girl in America is singing right now?) came on I almost cried.  It spoke right to my heart.  Other than the "the cold never bothered me anyways" line.  Isn't that funny how God can use anything to minister to you?  I spent the rest of the day singing that song!  I have joined the ranks of FROZEN admirers and crooners.  Good job, Disney!

***4***

In my struggles yesterday, I had some realizations.  They are still kind of raw and personal at this point to go into, but a friend of mine had given me a book that I hadn't got a chance to start reading.  In the middle of a mini breakdown I looked over and knew I was given it for a reason.  I started reading it last night and it was just what I needed.  Well played Holy Spirit...you knew just what I was going to need.  Anyways, can you pray for me and my current struggles? Pray for my husband too, as he struggles to put up with me during this time.  Did I mention I married a saint?

***5***

Ok, too much deep stuff, let's touch on the yummy! I have found a new love for pesto!  And, I have created a recipe (after modifying a few Pinterest ideas for an easy and quick version) that I just have to share because both Tom and I love it so much we've eaten it twice in the last week plus leftovers!  So here's how it goes!  (Sorry I don't have exact amounts on ingredients)  I boiled noodles...I used these great curly cue noodles from Target's organic Simply Smart (or something like that) brand.  You can use any noodle that you prefer though a mostacolli type noodle is probably better than a spaghetti.  Ok, at the same time I pan fried chicken breasts in a little olive oil and some spices.  Once both of these were done, I added about 1/3-1/2 cup of basil pesto from Costco and about 1/4 cup of light ranch dressing to the noodles.  (These are approximate amounts...use enough to coat the noodles and to your taste.)  Then I served the noodles, cut up the chicken breasts on top, and topped with some mozzarella and parmesan cheese!!  It is so easy and so stinking delicious! My husband's comment, "I could eat this every day!"  Anyways, give it a try! It's fantastic!

***6***

On Sunday I went to Painting with a Twist with a group of my friends! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it!  Five days later I keep looking at my picture with pride!  It was seriously so much fun!  A little wine and a little creativity and some great friends made for a perfect Sunday afternoon! Check out the final product! I will definitely be going back in the near future.  Maybe I found my new calling in life?


***7***

With the help of a Bumbo like chair my little Noah has started sitting up for small periods of time!!  We are both so excited!  Go Noah!!!

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the warming and melting of snow if you are local!

7 Quick Takes: Here Comes the Sun!

This morning we are sun bathing here at the old home front.  Noah is in his swing soaking up the rays while he sleeps, and our cat is enjoying the fact that I opened the front door and she can look out the glass window! Could it be that Spring is coming? 40 degrees today? It's like a heat wave!

***1***

It's a good thing my son can't read and doesn't have buddies who read my blog either because I have to tell you about how we started our morning.  My little guy is having some irregularity issues these days.  Poor buddy grunts and groans to no avail.  I was talking to a friend of mine who suggested that I stimulate his rectum with a Q-tip and some A & D ointment...she did however warn to be prepared for the "poop fountain."  So this morning when our little buddy awoke straining once again I decided it was time to give it a try.  So we geared up...clean diaper under him, wipes at the ready and the exercise began...Well, excuse my French, but HOLY SHIT! Literally...I see what she meant by a "poop fountain!"  We were all cheering, Noah was laughing, and 4 diapers, 1 onesie, 1 changing pad, and countless wipes later our little guy is feeling FANTASTIC! It's amazing how exciting poop has become in our lives.

***2***

Well, as promised I weighed in the morning for my first official Lenten weigh in.  I will NOT be sharing the number, but I hope that next week I will be sharing just how much I lost.  My goal is one pound a week.  I am hoping I can be focused enough to do just that.  Here goes nothing!

***3***

Lenten promises are a little more challenging with a newborn I am finding.  Last night after dinner I was determined to get the dishes done, but my little guy was fussy and wanted his mom.  I quickly got a few bottles done, but unfortunately the pans remained in the sink and the dishwasher didn't run. And guess what a bad back and crazy day meant my prayers didn't get said either. :( But this morning, instead of feeling defeated I did the dishes and when Noah went down for his nap I said my prayers.  Jesus doesn't require perfection.  In fact, the response I read this morning was "A heart contrite and humbled, O God you will not spurn."  Isn't that just it?  As long as we are humble and trying that's what God is calling us.  We have to be responsible to our duties in life too.  God understands that.  God looks at our hearts and our intentions.  I needed to be reminded of that.

***4***

On a similar note....God also has a sense of humor.  So I gave up going to Target for Lent because it's a temptation for me to over spend each time.  Well, Noah has a prescription that needs to be filled...guess where it's at? You got it! Target.  So today I have to throw myself into temptations hands and go to Target to pick up his medicine.  LOL. Here goes nothing!

***5***

The other night I threw my back out picking up Noah.  I had to call Tom home because I literally could not bend to pick him up.  All I have to say is 1) It sucks getting old. and 2) Thank God for my chiropractor!  Oh, and you can also laugh at what a bum back does for my plans to work out 3 days this week...oh funny Lord.

***6***

I was thinking about the blogs I posted last week.  I realize how much I need to work on so many of them.  I just wanted you to know that I have been humbled this week multiple times by what I wrote and how I need to work on things in my life too.  I truly was writing not only to all of you, but also to myself. 

***7***

I know I write about this often, but I really am so thankful for the girlfriends in my life.  Between phone calls, texts, Facebook, play dates, and so on and so forth...I am so encouraged and thankful for every friend I have.  My friends truly rock and I am blessed to have each and every one of them!

And Noah's awake!  On that note have a great weekend everyone!!!  Lots of love and prayers!  Make this Lent count!

7 Posts in 7 Days: Day 7 Accountability and Lent

I made it! Day 7! :) Here is my final blog for this link up, but it's not the end of me!  This has been a great boost to me to get back to blogging regularly.  I really enjoy writing and sharing and hopefully inspiring one or two of you. 

So in just a few days, Catholics, and many other Christians, will begin a 40 day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.  (A little fun fact...do you know that Lent is actually 46 days long?? Do you know why??  Sundays don't count.  The Sabbath typically is not a day of fasting.) Anyways, Lent happens to be one of my favorite times of the Church calendar.  It always falls just as spring is beginning (that sentence is laughable this year) and just as spring is a time of renewal and regrowth, so too is Lent.  Lent is so much more than fish fries and giving up sweets.  Lent is a time to look at yourself and see just where you need to grow as a Christian and as a person.  There have been years that I have been really successful during this six week period, but there have been more years when I have failed at my Lenten promises.  So this year as I was praying about what I was going to do to grow closer to the Lord, I also was examining how can I be successful?

A few years ago I lost 50lbs at Weight Watchers.  I was very successful with weight loss for the first time in my life.  I realized that the reason I was successful was because Weight Watchers requires you to come weigh in each week.  I also was going with a group of friends.  So the scale and the friends meant one thing for me.  ACCOUNTABILITY. I felt accountable to those people to show up each week and my pride said show up and don't fail.  I realized for me that's what makes me successful, being accountable to someone.  And not just anyone, someone who is going to make me stay the path.  So I've asked my husband to help with that, but I've decided to throw it out there to all of you too. 

Some people feel their Lenten promises are private, which I totally understand.  But as you know, I'm kind of a put it all out there girl, so here it is.  I am laying it out there and I'm asking all of you to help me.  There is nothing better than going to mass on Easter and celebrating that you've made it! You've survived the past 6 weeks.  What joy that must bring our Lord!

So here we go:
       
* FASTING:

This year I will be fasting from Target.  Yes, the store.  I'm a little obsessed with it.  The thing is, I believe they have the best prices on a lot of things, but the temptation to buy things we don't need is great for me and I always get lured in by those illustrious clearance racks.  So I will be making one more trip to Target for any of our essentials to last us through the 6 weeks and then it's bye-bye for 6 weeks.  I also plan to only buy essentials for our house and not make any frivolous purchases for that 6 weeks too.  This is help my family save some much needed money that we can use for much more important things than that cute top or Easter bunny decoration.

* PRAYER:

Ever since becoming a mom I have really struggled with any regular form of prayer time.  So this Lent I've got to start simply and easily.  I have started receiving the Magnificat daily prayer devotional and my plan is simply to pray that each day and commit to my Women's Fellowship at church.  I also have struggled with having a joyful spirit about going to mass each week.  So I am going to focus on praying the mass joyfully and not seeing it as just an obligation. 

* ALMSGIVING:

Almsgiving doesn't always mean giving to the poor, though I hope to find a way to give something this Lent, I am instead focusing on how I can give to my family.  One way I shared in an earlier blog was that I am going to make sure the dishes, something I hate, are done every night before I go to bed.  And each morning I am going to start my day by putting them all away.  The second way I am giving is really to myself and my health.  I am committing to exercise 3 times a week.  Taking a walk (around the museum or our neighborhood if the weather ever breaks), using our Wii during Noah's naps, or attending a local zumba class with some of my friends.  My son and my husband need a happier and healthier wife so I need to sacrifice time doing other things to make myself better.  I hope this will also lead to better eating habits.  I hope I can lose 6 pounds (a pound a week) during Lent.  I will be updating all of you with my weight loss each week during my quick takes.

So there you have it! Keep me honest! Keep me on track!  Oh, and let me know if you want to exercise or get healthy with me!  Bathing suit season is just around the corner! Yikes!  Does having someone else out there make you more successful? Is accountability the key for you too?  Find a friend or get crazy like me and tell the world, but take these next 6 weeks to be successful in your Lenten promises! Ash Wednesday is just 3 days, there is no time like the present to ask the Lord what He is calling you to this Lent.  I will be praying for all of you.

Happy Sunday to you all!  I will be enjoying Mass later this evening with my family then enjoying a corned beef dinner too!

7 Posts in 7 Days: Day 6...Seven Quick Takes

I committed to writing 7 Posts in 7 Days and I don't want to fail, but today I have nothing major brewing in my head to write about...so since I missed my 7 Quick Takes yesterday I thought I would stick to the little thoughts floating around in my head this morning....

***1***

That's a lot of sevens for one title, eh?  Well guess what 7 is my favorite number so I am OK with it.  Why is 7 my favorite number you ask?  Well I was born at 7:07pm weighing in at 7lbs and 7oz!!  I was also born on the 25th...2 + 5 = you got it! 7!!  Anyways...there's your useless trivia about me for today. :)

***2***

Today my "cousin" (he's not really blood, but I've called him my cousin my whole life) is marrying on of my good friends.  Isn't that cool?  One of my friends is becoming "family!"  This is not the first time this has happened.  Another friend of mine married into my family.  That's right...my sister-in-law was my friend first before she married my brother.  Anyways, happy wedding day to Adrienne and Nate!  Lots of prayers for many happy years to come!

***3***

Tom and I are looking into moving. We want to move to Saline one of these days.  Well, we want to move their yesterday, but darn if money and mortgages and a plethora of other details don't get in the way.  We would love to be closer to his work so his commute time would be shorter.  We are loving a church out in Ann Arbor that we'd love to go to on a more regular basis.  Saline schools are excellent and so on and so forth....

if only it was that easy, right? You could just pick up and go.  One day...

***4***

Chocolate Banana muffins from Costco? Worth every 5000 calories they are made of.

***5***

Yesterday the bitter cold almost sent me over the edge.  Seriously, it's March 1st.  Enough is enough.  I feel like I am seriously going crazy and if this weather doesn't break soon I just might move to Florida before April!  I will always remember the winter of 2014 when we brought our newborn home was the worst winter in Michigan....EVER!

***6***
You know what else is exciting about it being March?  March is the end of RSV season! And you know what that means?  Finally, I will be able to remove Noah from his bubble of protection and bit and we can get out there and face the world!  I can't wait! Walks in the park, trips to Greenfield Village, play dates (well mostly for mama), and overall relief that we survived the winter with no illness other than that nasty stomach bug.  Woo hoo!!! We are almost there.....

***7***

Finally, I posted this picture on Facebook yesterday, but I love it! Look how much my little raccoon has grown!

7 Posts in 7 Days: Day 5 Words are Cheap...Rethought.

I've gotta be honest and tell you that I've been promising to write what I titled "Words are Cheap:2 Things Christians are Doing Wrong."  But every time I thought about writing it with my opinions I was quickly corrected by the Holy Spirit.  Writing on cheap words and condemning Christians in my blog felt very hypocritical.  I guess I may have a blog down the road about accepting criticism and humility in our lives.  LOL.  So here is my version of "Words are Cheap-rethought."

"Actions speak louder than words..."

"Put your money where your mouth is."

"A little less talk, and a lot more action."

This topic is not an original thought by any means.  People have been drilling this home for years. But my 7 posts this week are focusing on lessons I've learned and so instead of pointing fingers at all of you, I'm gonna tell you what I've learned about my mouth and just how often I need to shut it.

GOSSIP

If you are a woman than I can almost guarantee gossip is something you've struggled with.  I don't think there is anything a woman loves more than a good old fashion gossip session.  I'll be honest, any strides I've made in this department can be undone with one week moment or one good suggestion of juicy gossip.  But there is nothing more cheap than gossip.  I loved this quote I read by Frank A. Clark,  "Gossip needn't be false to be evil-there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around."  Why do we revel in other's failings? Why do we love to talk about the dirt in someone else's life? I think it makes us feel good about the inevitable dirt we all have in our lives.  Cause we all have it.  I have known a few people in my life that I have gossiped with more than anyone who literally got off on gossiping about others.  It was what made them who they were.  Gossip literally empowered them.  But looking back, those who gossip the most I find are the most insecure in their own lives.  In fact, when I think about the women in my life who do readily engage in gossip they are some of the most secure in who they are and what they stand for.  And the truth is, something we all must remember, a person who gossips with you, is going to gossip about you after you leave.  I have talked about others badly and then encountered that person later and been so nice their face.  All the while the pangs of guilt were so deep because I knew I just slaughtered that person behind their back.  It's a horrible feeling.  I have been caught up in gossip only to learn that it wasn't true and here I had just ruined this person's reputation in a New York second.  Gossip kills.  It kills friendships and it kills trust.  I've come a long way in this area, but you know what?  I've got such a long way to go.  St. Paul reminds us in scripture when he says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think[talk] about such things." Wouldn't our time be so much better spent talking about the good in others and not relishing on their struggles? Don't we want others to talk about the good in us and not our struggles?

EVANGELIZATION

St. Francis is quoted with saying "Preach always, and if necessary use words."  Now there is debate if he actually said this and truthfully I don't care if he said it or someone else said it, because there is so much truth to it.  I have 2 examples of this that are very close to my heart...the first is my own conversion to Catholicism and the second is my mom's.  When I started teaching at a Catholic school I had zero desire to be Catholic.  I knew every debate against the Catholic church and although I wasn't living a very Christian life at the time, I still would argue against the church.  Well, without getting into my whole conversion story I want to focus on a question I was often asked after my conversion. "Was there a lot of pressure to become Catholic?" and my answer was always, "No."  Do you know not one person at the school I taught tried to persuade me to become Catholic? Do you know what did persuade me to become Catholic?  Watching a few people live out their faith.  Watching the beauty in which they did.  Admiring the people they were.  Truly, their actions spoke louder than their words ever would. Once I was curious as to what these people had I started asking questions and learning about the faith.  THEN, and only THEN did they talk.  And they talked with love and conviction.  They were credible because I had seen them live out their faith long before they told me about it.  Had they tried to convert me with their words first, I am certain I never would've entered the church.  A few years later, I was driving with my mom one summer day after I had met my now husband and my mom told me she had decided to become Catholic.  I literally almost drove off the road in shock?  Why was I so shocked?  Because I never ONCE tried to convince my mom to become Catholic.  She went on to tell me that watching my brother and his wife raise their children in the church, then watching me live out my faith and especially how Tom and I lived out our faith in our dating and engagement made her want to be apart of it all.  We had no idea that as we went about our day to day lives trying our best to allow Christ to be the center of our lives we were evangelizing my mom.  Our actions were speaking louder than our words.  Our lives showed our convictions and there was something appealing to my mom there.  Do you want to lead someone to Christ?  Then show them Christ.  Show them love.  Show them the blessings played out in your life.  Show them your faith. And if necessary....use your words...when they are ready to listen.

SARCASM

I come from a family where sarcasm is our vernacular.  We all speak it well and with pizzazz and spunk.  I was trained at an early age how to have a come back ready at all times and with a little zing and punch included.  Do you know why we as a people like sarcasm?  Because I think we feel like we can always follow with the phrase, "I was just joking." But I can't tell you how many times I have hurt someone with my sarcasm or teasing.  And on the same note I have been hurt too.  In the teaching circle you are taught that sarcasm has no place in the classroom.  I think that's debatable and I still think sarcasm can be used as a valuable communication tool, but where it is wrong is when it is used to hurt.  When sarcasm and teasing go too far is a very thin line.  We have to be careful to choose what we say and how we say it with care.  To think about the person we are speaking to and to watch their expressions with our delivery.  Choose your words wisely my friends.

These are the three main areas I have really learned about shutting my mouth.  How about you?  Maybe it's bragging, lying, slandering, or exaggerating?  Where do you need to learn to let your actions speak over your words? This is something I really, really need to work on.  Please know that I have come along way, but like I said...I have so far to go. 


NOT ALL WORDS ARE BAD

On a final note, I want to just say that we shouldn't all go around being mute.  Do you know what words are good for?  Apologies, forgiveness, compliments, loving criticism, sharing your story and your self....as the Bible tells us the tongue is really a two edged sword.  It can be used for tearing down and building up.  My hope is that one day my words will be used more for building and less for tearing.  There are times too when we are called to speak truth.  Sometimes it's necessary to correct, explain, proclaim, and even shout!  But it take panache and charisma to know when those times are and when it's better to remain quiet.

Happy Friday my friends!  Enjoy your weekend with those you love the most! We are celebrating the marriage of 2 good friends this weekend!  How exciting!  See you all tomorrow! :)

Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gossip.html#X0JUhKKYSKstF6jz.99

7 Posts in 7 Days: Day 4 What's in a Name?

I know yesterday I said I was going to write about the 2 things I thought Christians are doing wrong, but then I read my friend's Mary's blog about how she chose her children's names and was linking up with other bloggers to do the same at Team Whitaker.  And so I decided to go for fun and easy today and talk about my boys instead.  It is my favorite topic anyways.

Jackson Edward

Our first child's name Jackson comes from when I first started dating Tom.  Tom's last name (and now mine) is Bauer.  After just a few dates my dad called me.  Now I need to tell you that my dad and I are huge 24 fans.  So that night my dad called and asks, "Is Tom's last name Bauer?  I'm just saying...Jack Bauer?  Think about it.."  Well, even though Tom and I were just dating from that point on I knew if we had a son his name would be Jackson (I didn't like Jack as much as Jackson) So when I got pregnant we knew if we were having a boy my dad was so excited! When we were thinking of middle names we couldn't help to make that name a little tongue and cheek.  So sticking with the Bauer theme Jackson's middle name became Edward, as in Eddie Bauer.  Luckily Edward was my grandfather's name so it worked out! If Jackson was a girl his name would've been Cecilia.

As my readers know, Jackson was born way too early at 23 weeks gestation.  On the saddest day of my life, I was holding him for the first and last time with Tom and my parents by my side.  Very sweetly the doctor asked, "Is Jackson a family name?"  Amidst all the tears the 4 of us looked at each other and started cracking up!  We then had to tell her that his name sake was in fact, Jack Bauer of 24. 

Noah Thomas

Our second child too was a little boy.  Thank goodness because we could not find a girl's name that we loved. Originally I had chosen the name Benjamin.  I always liked the name Ben.  Because Noah was our baby born after a loss he is considered our Rainbow Baby, because a rainbow comes after the storm.  One day a very good friend of mine called me and told me that she had been praying for me and she felt that the Lord really put on her heart that if we had a son his name should be Noah, who's sign was also a rainbow.  Well as soon as she muttered the words I knew that his name would be Noah.  Tom never wanted to name a child Thomas, but after reconciling with his namesake, he decided he would like his son to have his name for his middle name.   So Noah Thomas it was.

We mostly call Noah, Buddy, but I have called him "No-No" or "No-Nos" from the beginning.  Tom says I am going to confuse him when he gets older and I tell him "No" and he'll think I am saying his name.  I think he'll be fine. 

Future children??

I'm not saying we are going to have more children or not.  A pregnancy for us would take a lot of planning, praying, and convincing...but if God chooses to bless us with another child I have already decided if we are having a girl her name will be Norah Elizabeth.  (Elizabeth is my middle name and I just like Norah)  If we have a boy his name will be Jonah.  No middle name has been decided.  I guess I am a dork and like the "ah" endings apparently. 

Anyways...thanks for playing along!  See you tomorrow when I promise I will be blogging on my title "Talk is Cheap!"  See you then! :)

Don't forget to check out other's blogs at 7 posts in 7 days at Conversion Diary.

7 Posts in 7 Days: Day 3 Choices

My 7 day blogging spree continues...day 3.  Today I am writing not as an expert by any means, but rather I am telling you about a BIG realization I came to earlier this week.  I pray this doesn't mimic the many "You're doing a great job mom" blogs going around the cyber world.  Not because I don't like those or agree, but rather there is no need to reinvent the wheel.  Those bloggers hit the nail on the head.  Rather, I hope to come from the angle of empowering myself (and maybe one or two of you) as a mother, especially all the new mothers out there.

When I got married I got a lot of advice from people.  A lot.  But as promised by so many, it doesn't compare to the amount of advice I have received since having a child.  Now I should start off by saying, I recognize that I solicit advice on my Facebook often and perhaps open myself up for the many opinions of others.  I also should say that if you are one of the ones giving me advice, I really do appreciate it.  I do.  Please know this isn't about not hearing the advice of others, but rather what to do when advice is given. This is more of a reflection of me as a mother, not an attack on anyone.

This week we've started sleep training.  I've mentioned this on Facebook.  I even sought the advice of my fellow mom friends on Facebook.  Here were some of the words of wisdom (paraphrased):

* Put him in his crib and let him cry it out.
* Go in every 10-15 minutes and give him his pacifier
* I don't believe in crying it out.
* Swaddle him.
* Remember you are in charge.
* Sound machine.
* Quiet room.

Do you see my problem??  While all the advice was heartfelt and good, it all contradicts each other.  So I tried cry it out.  I tried the sound machine.  I tried the swaddle.  I went in every 10 minutes.  I kept the room quiet.  I cried after 40 minutes of him crying.  And finally I put him in his swing and he slept for 3 straight hours!  So by most of my friends' standards I have pretty much failed this week.  And I was really feeling like a failure.  When questioned if he was sleeping in his crib yet I would cringe as I said no.  I couldn't even tell everyone that this is just during the day for naps!  I don't know if I am ready to have him out of my bedroom at night just yet. 

So what's my point? Where's my epiphany?  It happened yesterday afternoon.  I was so consumed with trying to be a good mom in my friends' and family's minds that I forgot that I actually was a good mom.  I forgot that there is no one on this planet that knows my son better than I do.  I forgot that God has entrusted this little boy to me because apparently He feels I can handle it.  I realized I needed to be more confidant in my choices as a mother. 

Every day I have choices I have to make for my son.  How much to feed him? When does he need sleep? Is his diaper in need of a change?  What formula is best for supplementing? Is he cold? And although I think there is nothing wrong with asking advice from others, and goodness knows I don't know the half of what is required of me as a mom, it's what I do with that advice that makes a difference.  I realized that even if someone gives me advice on what to do in a situation such as sleep training, it doesn't mean I have to do it and I certainly am not accountable to do it.  Did letting your child cry it out work for you? Great.  So far, it's not working for my family.  Did you let your child nap in his swing most of the time?  I understand.  I realized that I was giving too much power to others and not realizing that no one knows better than my husband and me what works for our family.

Maybe that's not earth shattering to you, but it was to me.  It was such a release.  I was so consumed in not failing my advice givers that I wasn't looking at what is best for my son and my family.  I realized there is a tremendous amount of pressure to do things the "right" way as a mom.  Unfortunately, trying to please every one's rendition of "right" was not going to happen.  It's like the Mosaic Law...impossible. 

I thought about a few of my friends who have strong views on what they do or don't do as moms.  What I realized is that they were confidant in their choices as moms.  Maybe the family bed was the way to go for them.  Maybe they only feed their children organic foods.  Maybe they let their children cry it out at 8 weeks.  Maybe they don't let their children watch TV.  Maybe they do.  Whatever it is, they had convictions about why they do what they do and it was obvious that that wasn't going to change.  It doesn't mean they don't listen to others or do things differently than others, but rather they are able to listen and say, "That's great...but this works better for us."  They are confidant...something I am lacking.  Maybe it comes with time.  Maybe for some it doesn't.  But for me, I've decided to stop trying to be a people pleaser and to trust my instincts and gut and be the mom Noah needs me to be.  To be ME.  To be the best version of myself...because everyone else is taken!

I bet if you questioned the parents of all the kindergartner if their child sleeps in their own beds for the night, most would answer yes.  I also bet if you asked those same parents how they sleep trained you would get a variety of answers.  That's my second AHA! Noah will sleep in his crib one day.  Noah will sleep through the night one day (hopefully soon...) But we might get there on a different path and in a different time frame than you.  And you know what? That's OK.  And if I make a poor decision on what path to go down I will pay for it.  I will be the one up with him in the middle of the night.  But eventually we will figure it out. 

So that's my encouragement for today!  All you moms out there....trust yourself! Be the best mom you can be! God has entrusted each of your children to you because He knew that you were the best mom for that child.  God has faith in you and I do to!  Don't be afraid to do what works for you and your child.  Other than those things that would put you or your child in danger there are a thousand routes to achieving the same goals as parents.  Our children will one day sleep in beds, get out of diapers, read, write, use a fork, and walk.  One way or another it will happen!  Go confidant in YOUR way!


Don't forget to check out some of the other writers that are partaking in Jen's 7 Posts in 7 Days challenge over at Conversion Diary! 

Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog when I get on my Christian Soap Box and tell you what I think Christians are doing wrong in this world! (Cause I know you want to know!)