claire has started saying "momma"
i love {love, love, love} it.
i love when my children call me momma, because I love that that's what I am.
as I watch my children grow and learn and change, i try so hard to be a mother who's love and patience is unchanging. to slow down and catch those moments when showing them my love and patience really matter. they are so teachable, and kind, and tender, and soft. I want them to know that i will be there every time they are sad, excited, nervous, happy or scared. now. and always.
yesterday we drove home from church, claire was hungry and crying, we hurried in and brock changed trey while i held and fed claire in one arm and used my other to stir the soup we left in the crockpot. we all sat down at the table, i watched trey carefully bring his spoon to his mouth, and marveled at his patience, while brock bounced claire on his lap as she played with his loosened tie. the three of them headed into the living room for a post-dinner wrestle and i started on the dishes. from the sink i could see our pile of coats and boots at the door- my tights i had taken off as soon as i got in the house were laying on top of the diaper bag. i stood there looking at them, skirt twisted and shirt untucked from nursing, with the sounds of giggling children in the background, i was barefoot, in the kitchen, and i loved it.
{another "kitchen moment" from a couple weeks ago- making muffins while claire naps}
Showing posts with label mothers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mothers. Show all posts
1.28.2013
9.09.2012
7.04.2012
growing up
I feel like my baby Trey is a full out little boy!
He opens the fridge and get's himself a snack.
He cleans up his room by himself.
He can undress himself.
He talks all day long.
He loves to help me change, swaddle, rock {and everything else} Claire. He's always the first one by her side holding her hands when she starts to cry.
And
He loves to go to Nursery now!
He had a hard time the first couple months, and it broke my heart to know he was missing us. But he's really warmed up to the whole thing, and even though it's only a couple hours, it feels like it's a really long time to be away from him! I am so excited to go and get him after church, and it just warms my heart to see him sitting there happily reading a book or playing with the other children. I just can't believe my little baby is "out" on his own! His nursery teachers are so wonderful, one of them was telling me how she thought it was so cute that Trey loves to clean everything up, {hmmm...wonder where he gets that from?} and it really hit me that what he does, hears, and learns at home is what he will do and say when he is away from home.
I try hard everyday to make our home a place that is filled with love and kindness, where our children see patience, and have fun. Where they never doubt that they are the most important thing in our lives. I know it's an important job. So, for now, I'm glad we are only separated for those 2 little hours.
He opens the fridge and get's himself a snack.
He cleans up his room by himself.
He can undress himself.
He talks all day long.
He loves to help me change, swaddle, rock {and everything else} Claire. He's always the first one by her side holding her hands when she starts to cry.
And
He loves to go to Nursery now!
He had a hard time the first couple months, and it broke my heart to know he was missing us. But he's really warmed up to the whole thing, and even though it's only a couple hours, it feels like it's a really long time to be away from him! I am so excited to go and get him after church, and it just warms my heart to see him sitting there happily reading a book or playing with the other children. I just can't believe my little baby is "out" on his own! His nursery teachers are so wonderful, one of them was telling me how she thought it was so cute that Trey loves to clean everything up, {hmmm...wonder where he gets that from?} and it really hit me that what he does, hears, and learns at home is what he will do and say when he is away from home.
I try hard everyday to make our home a place that is filled with love and kindness, where our children see patience, and have fun. Where they never doubt that they are the most important thing in our lives. I know it's an important job. So, for now, I'm glad we are only separated for those 2 little hours.
5.16.2012
a full heart
Claire had her 2 week check-up on monday {already?!}
It was the first time I left the house with Trey and Claire by myself...and we all survived :)
Trey has adjusted better than I could have ever imagined to having a baby sister. The first thing he does when he wakes up is find Claire, he'll say "baby!" with a big smile and will hold her hand, give her a kiss, or pat her head. He is so tender with her. And he's started "helping" us a lot: putting dishes in the sink and throwing garbage away {we've only found a couple bowls in the garbage and one diaper in the sink} He was meant to be a big brother. Little Claire is such a sweet baby. I love cuddling with her, I love nursing her, I love kissing her little lips. I love watching the beginnings of a brother-sister relationship.
On our way home from the doctor's appointment Trey was singing "the mom song" aka saying "momma" over and over and over. I looked back at him in the rear view mirror and saw those two little people all strapped into their car seats ready to go with their momma wherever she took them, Claire sound asleep and Trey singing away with a big smile on his face.
I had to catch my breath, and that big lump got stuck in my throat. These two have changed me so much. They put everything into perspective and sometimes it scares me how vulnerable they make me, my biggest dreams and my biggest fears now revolve around them.
I thought about how grateful I am they are mine and how grateful I am that we all have Brock- it amazes me how naturally being a dad comes to him.
And then I thought about how I need to be better. All three of them deserve the best me I can give. All that I do and hope to be is for them.
{I read this talk on Mother's day, it made me so thankful for all the wonderful moments I am blessed with daily...especially this quote}
"recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”"
It was the first time I left the house with Trey and Claire by myself...and we all survived :)
As we were sitting in the waiting room the woman across from us said "you sure have your hands full!" and this quote has been running through my mind ever since...
I am sure it is a combination of having just had a baby, spending a week together as a family and then Mother' Day, I have been thinking so much about my role as a mother and how much I love my family.
Trey has adjusted better than I could have ever imagined to having a baby sister. The first thing he does when he wakes up is find Claire, he'll say "baby!" with a big smile and will hold her hand, give her a kiss, or pat her head. He is so tender with her. And he's started "helping" us a lot: putting dishes in the sink and throwing garbage away {we've only found a couple bowls in the garbage and one diaper in the sink} He was meant to be a big brother. Little Claire is such a sweet baby. I love cuddling with her, I love nursing her, I love kissing her little lips. I love watching the beginnings of a brother-sister relationship.
On our way home from the doctor's appointment Trey was singing "the mom song" aka saying "momma" over and over and over. I looked back at him in the rear view mirror and saw those two little people all strapped into their car seats ready to go with their momma wherever she took them, Claire sound asleep and Trey singing away with a big smile on his face.
I had to catch my breath, and that big lump got stuck in my throat. These two have changed me so much. They put everything into perspective and sometimes it scares me how vulnerable they make me, my biggest dreams and my biggest fears now revolve around them.
I thought about how grateful I am they are mine and how grateful I am that we all have Brock- it amazes me how naturally being a dad comes to him.
And then I thought about how I need to be better. All three of them deserve the best me I can give. All that I do and hope to be is for them.
{I read this talk on Mother's day, it made me so thankful for all the wonderful moments I am blessed with daily...especially this quote}
"recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”"
1.09.2012
lights, camera, action!
A while ago I was watching the show "The Doctors", there was a Mom on who was angry because she felt like she had to give up on her dreams to raise her children. They had a psychologist on who said to her, "Right now you are the writer and director of your children's childhood. Are you producing a horror film or a romantic comedy?" I've been thinking about this a lot.
People always say life is short, which in some ways it is. Something I am already realizing is that my life as a mom of babies and little kids is very short. Some days {and nights} feel long, but with every milestone that Trey reaches, along with happiness, I feel a little bit sad that he is already growing up. I try hard everyday to remember to enjoy the moment that is happening NOW! That each day is one that we can't ever get back.
As I listened to this lady talk, I realized that I have so much control over Trey's day. I feed him, changes him, put him to sleep. I also choose what we do, where we go and what we see. But I think most importantly, I choose my attitude through it all.
I want my children to look back and a remember a childhood that was full of loving words and kindness. One of laughing and playing, learning and adventures. One where they felt safe and felt encouraged to be curious and free to pursue their talents and dreams. One where they knew and felt how important they are and how much their Mom loves them.
It is both exciting and daunting to know I am "the director"...which is why we take it one scene at a time.
{here's some picture's of what Trey's been up to}
getting more teeth, this one makes 14!
hiding from me...can you find him in these two pictures?
climbing on EVERYTHING!
getting taller
being cute!
People always say life is short, which in some ways it is. Something I am already realizing is that my life as a mom of babies and little kids is very short. Some days {and nights} feel long, but with every milestone that Trey reaches, along with happiness, I feel a little bit sad that he is already growing up. I try hard everyday to remember to enjoy the moment that is happening NOW! That each day is one that we can't ever get back.
As I listened to this lady talk, I realized that I have so much control over Trey's day. I feed him, changes him, put him to sleep. I also choose what we do, where we go and what we see. But I think most importantly, I choose my attitude through it all.
I want my children to look back and a remember a childhood that was full of loving words and kindness. One of laughing and playing, learning and adventures. One where they felt safe and felt encouraged to be curious and free to pursue their talents and dreams. One where they knew and felt how important they are and how much their Mom loves them.
It is both exciting and daunting to know I am "the director"...which is why we take it one scene at a time.
{and while we're on the subject, here's a couple of my favorite quotes.}
To
you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you
love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious.
Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for
their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which
inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in
rearing them.” - Thomas S. Monson
Parents, remember that now is your opportunity; you may feel yourself harassed as you struggle through the days with an unruly child, but you are living the happiest and the most golden years of your life. As you tuck them into their beds at night, please be kind to them. Let them hear a kind voice amid all the angry, vile voices that they will hear throughout life. Let there be an anchor to which these little ones can turn when all else fails. The Lord help you so to do
-Harold B. Lee
Parents, remember that now is your opportunity; you may feel yourself harassed as you struggle through the days with an unruly child, but you are living the happiest and the most golden years of your life. As you tuck them into their beds at night, please be kind to them. Let them hear a kind voice amid all the angry, vile voices that they will hear throughout life. Let there be an anchor to which these little ones can turn when all else fails. The Lord help you so to do
-Harold B. Lee
{here's some picture's of what Trey's been up to}
getting more teeth, this one makes 14!
hiding from me...can you find him in these two pictures?
climbing on EVERYTHING!
being cute!
11.21.2011
a true mother
You would think that after 18 weeks {of being sick, doctor's appointments, hearing the little heartbeat a few times, an ultrasound and even feeling it move around in there} I would be convinced I am pregnant...but it still feels like a dream. When we decided to start trying to get pregnant again I would look at Trey and think, "we can make another one?!" It's hard to imagine another little guy (or girl, maybe) around. Yesterday at church there was a newborn baby sleeping in her carseat on the bench in front of us, ALL Trey wanted to do was lean over at look at her, he just put his little hand on her blanket and whispered "ba ba" {baby} over and over. Yes, my heart was in a puddle on the floor.
I am so excited to have two little people to love, to love me, and to love each other.
Trey was eating lunch the other day and I went to get his milk out of the fridge, I looked at the ultrasound pictures hanging there and back at Trey. I felt so blessed. Blessed to be a wife and mother. To be able to sit and play with Trey while I feel baby #2 swimming around- what a great feeling! Life couldn't be sweeter.
I read this quote a couple weeks ago and it has been on my mind a lot. The power that motherhood holds and the responsibility I have to teach and protect our children. I am striving each day to become "a true mother"
"The true mother, the mother who has the fear of God and the love of truth in her soul, would never hide from danger or evil and leave her child exposed to it. But as natural as it is for the sparks to fly upward, as natural as it is to breathe the breath of life, if there were danger coming to her child, she would step between the child and that danger; she would defend her child to the uttermost. Her life would be nothing in the balance, in comparison with the life of her child. That is the love of true motherhood—for children. … I have learned to place a high estimate upon the love of mother. I have often said, and will repeat it, that the love of a true mother comes nearer being like the love of God than any other kind of love." -President Joseph F. Smith
I am so excited to have two little people to love, to love me, and to love each other.
Trey was eating lunch the other day and I went to get his milk out of the fridge, I looked at the ultrasound pictures hanging there and back at Trey. I felt so blessed. Blessed to be a wife and mother. To be able to sit and play with Trey while I feel baby #2 swimming around- what a great feeling! Life couldn't be sweeter.
I read this quote a couple weeks ago and it has been on my mind a lot. The power that motherhood holds and the responsibility I have to teach and protect our children. I am striving each day to become "a true mother"
"The true mother, the mother who has the fear of God and the love of truth in her soul, would never hide from danger or evil and leave her child exposed to it. But as natural as it is for the sparks to fly upward, as natural as it is to breathe the breath of life, if there were danger coming to her child, she would step between the child and that danger; she would defend her child to the uttermost. Her life would be nothing in the balance, in comparison with the life of her child. That is the love of true motherhood—for children. … I have learned to place a high estimate upon the love of mother. I have often said, and will repeat it, that the love of a true mother comes nearer being like the love of God than any other kind of love." -President Joseph F. Smith
9.14.2011
the little things
When you spend a lot of time with a little person you start to really notice the little things. My most recent favorite thing to do it just to lay on the floor with Trey and play. Play usually meaning watching him get into anything and everything he can get his hands on- and I have surprised myself by really not caring about the mess that follows. Up to this chapter in my life I have always liked things to be "just so." I like everything to have a place {a clean place} and truly believe that cleanliness is next to Godliness. But, with that being said, I am learning that I am willing, and eager, for other things take presidence over a perfectly placed living room. I sit in amazement as I watch his little fingers and hands grab, drop, pull, throw each object that he is inspecting. He loves to climb and he'll go up on his tip toes to reach things- adorable. He loves to hold things right in front of his eyes, look at them, and then slowly scratch it with one little finger- so cute! I love to wonder what he is thinking as he explores the world around him, and I love the pure look of delight when he see's or does something new. I feel like each day I am able to witness these small little miracles as we sit and learn together.
I have been thinking a lot lately about one of my favorite books- "Glimpses" by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. I have read and re- read this book many times. She is so funny and witty and positive. One chapter I have learned a lot from is the one entitled "Mothering."
She says "It has become a challenge to let children be children. It has never been so important that children have a home that is a place of refuge, a place of peace, a place of unconditional love- even when the report card may not be what you hoped for... I tried hard to never to say "no" if I could possibly say "yes." I think that worked well because it gave my children the feeling that I trusted them and they were responsible to do the best that could...The trick is to enjoy it. Don't wish away your days of caring for young children. This is your great day. Sometimes we get so caught up in the physical work and trivia that we forget the big picture. We forget whose children they really are. When the house is filled with children, noise and teasing and laughter, you get the feeling this is forever. Before you know it they will be gone...The rewards of mothering are not immediate...We have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are...Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your husband. Have joy in your children. Be grateful for the journey."
I promise that wasn't the whole chapter, there is just so many wonderful things to think about.
I have been thinking a lot lately about one of my favorite books- "Glimpses" by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. I have read and re- read this book many times. She is so funny and witty and positive. One chapter I have learned a lot from is the one entitled "Mothering."
She says "It has become a challenge to let children be children. It has never been so important that children have a home that is a place of refuge, a place of peace, a place of unconditional love- even when the report card may not be what you hoped for... I tried hard to never to say "no" if I could possibly say "yes." I think that worked well because it gave my children the feeling that I trusted them and they were responsible to do the best that could...The trick is to enjoy it. Don't wish away your days of caring for young children. This is your great day. Sometimes we get so caught up in the physical work and trivia that we forget the big picture. We forget whose children they really are. When the house is filled with children, noise and teasing and laughter, you get the feeling this is forever. Before you know it they will be gone...The rewards of mothering are not immediate...We have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are...Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your husband. Have joy in your children. Be grateful for the journey."
I promise that wasn't the whole chapter, there is just so many wonderful things to think about.
6.15.2011
9 months later.
somehow in 9 months I went from this (ready to POP!)...
to this...a little boy! ah!
Brock and I were watching Trey play on the floor yesterday (and by play I mean pull all the books off the book shelf, take them to various corners of the living room and then start to rip pages out...that was the end of that) We were remembering this little boy about 9 months ago- so small, totally helpless and brand new to the world- now he is SO alert and aware of everything little thing going on and eager to explore (and taste) it all.
We say all the time how crazy it is that we are parents and that we have baby...sometimes it just feels like we are playing house...does anyone else ever feel like that?! Some most days I still feel like a 14 year old girl dreaming of getting married and being a mom...and I must admit, (sorry for sounding mushy) life is better then I ever imagined! I love my husband and my "job" of mom- not to be confused with being the easiest job I've ever done- and I often am reading or listening to things to help me learn how to be better at it! Something I like to do while I am cleaning or cooking or just sitting on my behind is listen to ldsradio, there are so many good interviews, it's fun to hear our church leader in a more casual setting and I love listening to the mormon tabernacle choir...anywho, I recently listened to an interview done by Sheri Dew with Julie B. Beck and her two daughters...I HIGHLY recommend it! It really made my think! It is so inspiring and funny and motivational and anything else that makes you feel good. It made me so excited about all the stages of motherhood and they talk so much about the power that women have in the world today. If you want to listen (I don't know why you wouldn't after that endorsement...plus it makes an hour of "chores" a lot more enjoyable) you can find it here! Happy listening!
5.09.2011
216...
is the number of days I have been a mother.
I don't know if that seems like a lot or a little.
I just went to check on my baby boy, and there he was fast asleep holding his blanket against his cheek- he is so sweet.
I feel like saying "he is such a good boy" is an understatement. I don't mean to brag, just try to convey how wonderful it is to have this little man in our lives.
He is so special to us, and even though he can't talk to us yet I feel like he understands how much we love him and he seems to know when I need a hug or a cuddle.
Almost every night when he goes to sleep I end up looking at pictures from the day he was born. I remember that night so well, sitting there just watching him sleep- he didn't make a peep and the nurses kept getting mad at me because I kept getting up and holding him and they wanted me to sleep- but I couldn't! I was mesmerized by this little person that had just arrived and completely and utterly in love with everything about him- he was perfect- and he was mine.
As he has gotten bigger I am amazed at how much personality he already has, and sometimes I get scared that I won't be able to teach him all that I so desperately want him to know and feel. I am SO grateful to have the help of our parents and especially my own Mother and most importantly my Heavenly Father's help.
there are so many talks from our church leaders about motherhood ( I often ready them when feeling the feelings stated above...) they are so inspiring whether you are a mother or a father or neither!
{This One} is one of my favorites
Here's a few recent pictures of the boy who calls me (well I guess one day will call me) mother :)
I don't know if that seems like a lot or a little.
I just went to check on my baby boy, and there he was fast asleep holding his blanket against his cheek- he is so sweet.
I feel like saying "he is such a good boy" is an understatement. I don't mean to brag, just try to convey how wonderful it is to have this little man in our lives.
He is so special to us, and even though he can't talk to us yet I feel like he understands how much we love him and he seems to know when I need a hug or a cuddle.
Almost every night when he goes to sleep I end up looking at pictures from the day he was born. I remember that night so well, sitting there just watching him sleep- he didn't make a peep and the nurses kept getting mad at me because I kept getting up and holding him and they wanted me to sleep- but I couldn't! I was mesmerized by this little person that had just arrived and completely and utterly in love with everything about him- he was perfect- and he was mine.
As he has gotten bigger I am amazed at how much personality he already has, and sometimes I get scared that I won't be able to teach him all that I so desperately want him to know and feel. I am SO grateful to have the help of our parents and especially my own Mother and most importantly my Heavenly Father's help.
there are so many talks from our church leaders about motherhood ( I often ready them when feeling the feelings stated above...) they are so inspiring whether you are a mother or a father or neither!
{This One} is one of my favorites
"When we understand the magnitude of motherhood, it becomes clear why prophets have been so protective of woman’s most sacred role. While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word mother has layers of meaning. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve “the mother of all living” —and they did so before she ever bore a child. Like Eve, our motherhood began before we were born. Just as worthy men were foreordained to hold the priesthood in mortality, righteous women were endowed premortally with the privilege of motherhood. Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us."
Here's a few recent pictures of the boy who calls me (well I guess one day will call me) mother :)
Happy (belated) Mother's Day!
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