I think I'm really 13 going on 30

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I will turn 30 years old this November. Lately though I am convinced that I really am more like 13 going on 30. Why you ask? I have listened to the above Justin Bieber song about 500 times in the last (almost) three months. Clara and I rock out and dance around the house to "Baby" when I am trying to keep her awake during our "play time." Yep. I'm a cool mom like that. Not every baby gets exposed to such a musical hit so early in life. So. . . happy Monday. . . take a few moments and rock out yourself. Don't try and deny it. You know you want to.

And since I am not going to embarrass myself by posting our mother - daughter jam sessions, I will leave you instead with a few pictures from this past weekend.

Ready to watch Olympic opening ceremonies!

Brandon thought it was funny that Clara rubbed her booger on my shirt. I'm not sure why I am even posting this picture. 

First Sugar Land Skeeters game

Not sure what type of pose she is going for here

Clara and her Aunt Ashley

Family shot . . . All the Skeeters excitement apparently wore her out

Despite what it looks like Brandon did not push her over! Just moments before Clara had pushed her feet against his hands and scooted quite a ways across her play mat. Of course when we try to re-stage the scene and capture on video the above happens. Ha!

Have a great week! 

Weekend Links 7/27/12

Life
This House Is Not My Home - (in)courage
When It's Best Not To Listen To That Voice In Your Head - (in)courage
When your finding it hard to be patient - (in)courage
How To Be Nice In The Morning - A Video Story - Inspired To Action
Outsmart Your Own Brain and Spend Less Money - Simple Mom
how to teach empathy to our kids (bully prevention begins at home) - Rage Against The Minivan
parents, please educate your kids about adoption so mine don't have to - Rage Against The Minivan
The Fountain of Youth - Jamie Schulz
Impromptu sermon, part 2 - Meet The Joiners

Food and/or Recipes
Lasagna Roll Ups - Rumbly In My Tumbly 
Garlic Chicken Quinoa w/ Basil and Peppers - Matt and Kara Adopt
Bacon, Cheese and Peach Panini  - iowa girl eats
Cookie Dough Fondue - Cookies & Cups
Coffee Cake Muffins w/ Pecan Streusel - Brown Eyed Baker
Nutella Pretzel Brownies - Pass the Plate
Sour Cream Coffee Cake - Mommy? I'm Hungry!

Eating Disorder and/or Self Esteem
Aging and Eating Disorders - WATRD
Overcoming Fear of Fat- WATRD
What CAN mortal man do to me? - True Worth
Does This Baby Make Me Look Fat? - Self Magazine
Eating Disorders During Pregnancy - American Pregnancy Association

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Clara's first swim, hotdog and trip to Livingston

A few weekends back we went to Celina, TX to celebrate my nephews 5th birthday and my nieces 9 and 1/2 birthday. What? You don't have half birthday parties? You should because it was super fun. Anyways, Pakki (aka my dad, Pakki is his grandpa name) took Clara on her first swim. And he tried to feed her her first hotdog. He is known to try to pull stunts like this. . . just ask a few of the young families at our church. Many kids had their first taste of ice cream with Pakki (some with and some without parental permission!) Anyways, here is a video and a few pictures. Did she enjoy the swim? You can be the judge of that one. Enjoy!

(And no. . . Pakki didn't really give her a taste for those of you who might be concerned.)

We also recently took a trip with some friends to Brandon's parents little lake house up in Livingston, Texas. You can read all about our adventures by clicking here.

Have a great week!!!

Weekend Links 7/13/12

Life
I Will - (in)courage
Pursuing Friendships - (in)courage
How the size of your house has nothing to do with the size of your life - Lisa Jo Baker
3 ways to avoid the "busy mom" trap - The Happiest Mom
When Sorry Isn't Enough - Jamie Schultz
The day I spanked my daughter in the parking lot: or, parenting option - VS - judgement - The Happiest Mom

Food and/or Recipes
Hawaiian Pork Burger - Simply Recipes 
Zucchini Cornbread - Brown Eyed Baker
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle - Iowa Girl Eats
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes - Iowa Girl Eats
Nutter Butter Ice Box Cake - Cookies & Cups
Red Velvet Krispie Treats - Pass the Plate

Eating Disorder and/or Self Esteem
Pregnancy Body Image - Guiltless
Overcoming Fear of Fat - We Are The Real Deal
Breaking From The Herd - (in)courage
Hairy Arms (and other such nuances) - True Worth
Seventeen Magazine Vows to Show Girls 'as They Really Are' - The New York Times

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Some encouragement I found while trying to stay awake during my Monday Night Bible Study

I attend a weekly Bible study on Monday evenings. I meet with a group of women each Monday night from 6:30-8:30pm. We enjoy a nice dinner together and then study the Bible. Oh. . . and did I mention it is held at my mom's house? So seeing her each week is a nice little perk as well.

For the past few months we have been studying different women of the Bible. We don't have a study guide book or weekly homework to complete. Rather we meet together to discuss certain women of the Bible, what they are remembered for, why they are significant, what we can learn from them, etc. This past Monday we were studying women at the cross/tomb, specifically Mary Magdeline and Mary the mother of Joses. The discussion was very interesting yet as I am averaging 4 hours of sleep per night if I'm lucky, my eyes literally would not stay open. Thank you colic. You are really fun. Not.

Anyways, I tried everything.

I chugged a bottle of water. Didn't work.

I pinched the back of my arms. Multiple times on each arm. Didn't work.

I shifted positions more times that I can count. Didn't work.

Finally I decided (in an attempt not to fall into a deep sleep right there on my moms couch, in front of everyone) to flip through my Bible and read some random scripture.

That's when I came across Acts 2:25-28. . .

I saw the Lord always before me.
Because He is my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body will also rest in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

I have read this passage of scripture before yet in that moment, these words hit me in a new way. In this life the Lord is always walking before me. Despite the challenges that come my way I will not be shaken. I can rejoice and rest in His promises. I can set aside the false hopes of this world and let my body rest in His hope. All. Day. Long. When I feel like giving up or giving in, because honestly at times it is easier to do so (am I right?), I can press on because I know my Lord will not let me see decay. God has made His promises known to me. I can look back on certain challenges, whether overcoming anorexia or facing infertility, and proclaim with confidence that my Creator has made known His path for me. He will continue to make His path known in my future, regardless of what my future holds. In these promises I can find joy. Today. Not tomorrow. Not when God follows through with the plans I have for myself. Today. Regardless. I can find joy today.

I love how God reveals himself to us when we least expect it. He is so cool like that. While I still left Bible study Monday night sleepy and blurry eyed, I left with a little kick in my step. I left with an extra boost of faith and confidence.

What encouragement has God revealed to you lately?

Clara 2 months

My baby girl just turned two months old! She is the sweetest thing ever and while we are not getting much sleep (thanks to some colicky episodes that last 1.5 - 3.5 hours, depending on the night) we are loving our girl more and more every day. 

Happy 2 months, Clara!! 

Photos taken on July 2, 2012 

My attempt at a photo session was apparently wearing her out. Or she was just bored. :)

Ok. I'll open my eyes if you will just hurry up.

Seriously. Now you are just annoying me.

Annoyed face #2.

Scared out of her mind look.
I keep telling her if she will sleep longer at night her momma wouldn't look so scary come morning. :)

And I'm done. Thank you very much. 

A few stats at 2 months:

Weight: 8 pounds 13 ounces

Length: 21.25 inches

Head: 14.02 inches

BMI: 13.71 kg/m2

Vaccines: Got four total at her two month check up! I think I was more sad than she was, ha!

Percentile: 3rd (While she is on the small side, and obviously low on the percentile charts, our pedi isn't concerned as she is meeting developmental milestones and growing/gaining weight appropriately.) 

Eating: Every 3-3.5 hours. Lactation consultant recommended stretching her feeds to every 3.5 hours as we were having to wake her up from naps when following the 3 hr pattern cycle. Pedi also on board. She nurses well and will also take a pumped bottle. 

Schedule: Eat, play/wake time, nap time (again, on a 3.5 hour  cycle). 

Sleeping: Clara has slept six hours without waking (only once) and at times will sleep five hour stretches (maybe 3-4 times). A four hour stretch is more typical. She really has no set bedtime because each night is different due to her colic flareups. Some nights she cries for a few hours in the early evening (typically cries 8-11pm ish, then will sleep until 3am, awake until 5am, then will sleep a few more hours before waking for the day) OR she cries late evening into early early morning (typically cries 11pm-2am ish, then will sometimes sleep until 5am or until 6:30 - 7am if we are lucky.)  

Development: Clara is getting stronger and her head control is getting better! She is lifting her head well, for brief periods of time. She is gaining strength in her arms and legs. She can recognize the voice of her mom and dad and is now starting to follow our voice with her eyes and will look at us when we are trying to talk to her. She makes lots of cooing noises. Her newborn clothes are getting snug (think baby thong) yet the 0-3 clothes are a tad too big (think football player shoulders). We now have her in size 1 diapers although, like the clothes, are a tad too big (but we haven't had any leaks just yet).

Just for fun: When Clara sneezes it is always 5-6 times in a row. I LOVE her sneezes because it always makes me laugh and smile. She also gets the hiccups all. the. time. Regardless if she burps after a feeding or not. Her hiccups will last a long time but don't ever seem to bother her. 

Adventures: Family trip to Vermont at 5 weeks old! A few sleepovers with her Nana and Freckles. 

Happy 2 month birthday sweet girl. We love you more than you know! 

To see Clara at 1 month click here. 

Sunday scripture

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How will you show your love this week?