Lessons from Leslie

Today marks my girl's 6th month birthday (do you call it a birthday?). Crazy how time flies. The other day the hubs  and I were trying to remember what we did with our time before we had a baby; a whole lot of nothing, probably. 

Becoming a mommy has changed me in so many ways. The things I'm interested in, what I think about or worry about, what excites me and what bores me.. everything. 

I had no idea how much I could love this baby girl. Couldn't imagine life without her. 

Here are just a few things that Leslie has taught me since she came into this world. 

1. We are all selfish right from the start. 

2. Parenthood: perfection not required. 

3. Life has second chances.

4. The valuable things in life don't have a dollar amount.

5. Sleep is one of those valuable things. 

6. We never stop learning. 

7. Never take for granted your digestive system - or the fact you have teeth, or that you can walk and talk. It takes a while to figure all that out. 

8. A lot can happen in a short amount of time. 

9. Love covers all - the poop you just got covered with, the spit-up you are covered in, the endless crying, the sleepless nights.. 

10. Not having all of the answers is ok.

11. Learning to be assertive and direct for the sake of your child is required (still learning this one).

12. I've become more protective than I thought.

13. Babies change your whole family. 

14. Making lists doesn't mean it will all get done. 

15. Watching TV is a luxury. 

16. Going out to eat is even more of a luxury. 

17. I'm capable of doing so much more than I thought. 

18. I am also much lazier than I thought. 

19. It's amazing what a difference a smile can make. 

20. God is always with you. Through it all. From start to finish. 

Can't wait to see what else I will learn in the next 6 months! 

A little DIY

I know this isn't a blog for DIY ideas, but let's just go with it. 

Since having a little one to fill my time I rarely have time to do what I want. This past week I made it a point to get something done that I've wanted to do long before my girl was born - she came 5 weeks before expected so she kinda threw off my plans.. 

I love art, even if I'm not the greatest at it. My dad is an artist along with my brothers and now my nephews! It is just in our blood, I think. My parent's house is filled with my dad's paintings. It would be taboo to put up a generic piece of art on their wall, it just wouldn't be right. Now having my own place I feel kind of the same way. A picture bought at the store just doesn't have the same meaning as something original. 

Leslie's room is still under construction and it was time I put something else on her wall. With some Pinterest inspiration here is what I created: 

And here is how you can get the same look - for around $15! 

First I bought my supplies: 

Canvas - $7

Paint - $4

Cheap foam brushes - <$1

Painters tape - already had some lying around

Spray paint (I used gold) - also had some lying around from Christmas crafting I did a while back

I found my inner artist (though this isn't anything too complicated) and started puting some paint on the canvas. 

I layered various shades of turquoise and just kept going until I liked it. 

Then I measured out many, many pieces of tape to 5 inches. I put on the tape in a herringbone pattern - I have to confess I didn't do any measuring and you can probably tell.. whoops. 

..but that's what makes it original, right? 

Anyway, then I spray-painted the entire thing with gold glitter spray paint and removed the tape before the paint dried completely.  

Lastly, I filled in random spots with paint. 

And there you have it! This is nothing even remotely close to my dad's amazing landscapes he paints, but it's one-of-a-kind and I hope Leslie doesn't mind it hanging on her wall. 

Sometimes taking a moment to do what you enjoy is a really great way to rid some stress.  

Yogurt Parfait!

I have always loved yogurt. Even as a little kid my mom would buy me yogurt cups of all flavors. I grew up with brands like Yoplait. My favorite was vanilla - how exciting, I know - it was my go-to snack, and still is. However, my yogurt choices have evolved over the years to become a little bit healthier. 

The truth is, all of the flavored yogurts are FULL of sugar! Even the simple vanilla has way more sugar than necessary. Take a peek at the labels the next time you're at the grocery store. Look at the Toral Carbs for any flavored yogurt compared to plain. Quite a difference! 

At the same time, I hear you, plain yogurt is pretty blah and sour tasting. 

So here is my low-sugar, high-protein yogurt parfait recipe. It's perfect for an on-the-go snack or breakfast. 

Put all of the ingredients in a shaker cup for even easier travel. Stick the spoon out of the drinking spout and you're good to go! 

First, fill your cup (or bowl or shaker cup) with however much PLAIN, FULL-FAT (if you can find it!) yogurt. I prefer Greek, it's just a bit thicker and has better texture in my opinion. 

Next, pour 1 scoop of your choice of protein powder. I currently have a white chocolate flavor from Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100%Whey protein powder - it is so delish! Look at the ingredient list and avoid brands that have sugar or sugar substitutes like sucralose. 

Then mix it up

Now add your extras. I use frozen fruit, whatever is the cheapest at the store that day. I like using frozen a) because it's cheaper and b) because if you make this on the go the frozen fruit will keep it cold for a little while longer as the fruit thaws out. Brilliant! 

I also put some chopped nuts in it. I get these little tidbits in the baking aisle at Target. Avoid the granolas, they're pretty much just sugar, and we're trying to limit the sugar here. You won't notice the difference or miss it. I promise. 

Mix again, and enjoy! 

Yum Yum!! 

Mommy Life: Sleep & Stress

I've come to realize that becoming a mom has made me stronger than I ever thought possible, in many different ways. 

I have more patience, stronger muscles from carrying my big chunker around, and God has been my mental and spiritual strength like never before. 

With that said, I have also realized how weak I am. I can feel my patience waning at the end of the day. I feel my body hurt and cry for rest like never before. And I've never had to rely so much on God rather than myself. 

Sleep. The thing everyone warns new parents about. "Get your sleep now, before baby comes!" "Sleep when baby sleeps!" they say. How true they all were. 

Sleep and stress are probably more important to our health than diet or exercise. We should spend just as much time managing these things as we do with planning healthy meals and scheduling our workouts. 

My Leslie girl is a terrible sleeper. She doesn't enjoy falling asleep or staying asleep. The hubs and I have read every baby website, blog, tried many different tactics recommended by the 'experts', and have talked with friends with kids. 

I've cut our dairy and eggs or whatever else I think might be the issue

We've tried to swaddle and unswaddle 

Sound machines 

We've let her cry it out - we all ended up crying it out together.. 

Bought a humidifier to see if her stuffy nose was the problem

Tummy Calm and Colic Calm

..all to no avail.. 

We rock, we shush, we swing, I nurse her, and we set her down asleep like she's a bomb about to explode. Then walk around the house like we are on eggshells for the rest of the night. I've never paid more attention to my creeky wooden floors like I do now. 

This is life as we know it. 

I see all of the Facebook posts about how your 8 week old just slept through the night, and frankly, I want to punch all of those people in the face ... seriously. No offense. 

My only real advice here for new moms and dads is to find support. Don't seek answers, just seek friends who hear you out and can give you a hug. Hugs are good. 

Spend time in prayer and in the Word! Let God hold YOU while you give him your frustrations. There's no God like our God. He's with you! 

And let the dishes be dirty while you take a nap. 

Let your hair turn into a birds nest or greese ball while you get your sleep. 

Forget your WOD and just go take a nap.

Put aside your fitness goals for a little while while you take care of your rest and mental health. Be active when you can, but I wouldn't push it, you'll just cause yourself more stress.  

But also, lower your expectations! My husband might be the most supportive man I know, and he told me just this week to expect the worst. 

Expect her not to sleep all night. Expect her to scream for hours. Expect her to be gassy all night and not want to be put down. When she finally doesn't do those things you will be pleasantly surprised. 

I'm still learning how to master those type of expectations... 

Remember that little 'this too shall pass' phrase? Well, it will all pass, but try not to give it a timeline. I now have a 5 month old, going on 6 months. And every month I have said to myself, 'maybe at 3 months she will sleep through the night..' 'Maybe at 4 months..' 'Maybe 5..' just to be disappointed over and over again. 

I'm definitely talking out of frustration here. I'm so exhausted and tired all of the time I could just puke. But with everything, I wouldn't want life without my beautiful girl. It's the dilemma all of us parents face. Our babies are taxing, but we wouldn't change a thing! 

When I see my girl's smile or see her learning new things, it gives me so much joy I could burst! Her energy gives me energy somehow. She's the best thing that has ever happened! 

So from one exhausted mommy to another, you're not alone! You're doing a good job! You will make it through! 

A rare precious moment..