#Mommylife Mondays // A growing baby

So, my baby turned 10 months yesterday. As my son’s first birthday creeps up on me, I think about how fast this first year is passing me by. Some of my friends just recently had their babies so they are still in the newborn phase and I think about the things I miss (sometimes) about Brennan being a newborn.

They’re less mobile // As exciting as it is that Brennan can crawl and is on his way to walking, I do miss the days where I can just have him in my lap while catching up on shows. Or, can I take back the days when diaper changes didn’t include wrestling a baby from turning over? Or how about not worrying about him rolling off or crawling off the bed? haha

They sleep all the time // Before, it used to be like: “He was barely awake! He naps all day long!” Now it’s like, “He’s been awake for 5 hours and he won’t nap with me! I’m tired!”

Feeding // As much as I’m happy that I will soon be done with breastfeeding, I know I will also miss it. It is definitely a special thing that bonds a mother and baby.

As much as I (sometimes) miss these things, there are a ton of things that are so fun about a growing baby.

More interactive // I love it when I ask him to do something, and he plays along.

Less fragile // I remember when Brennan was first born, he just seemed so itty bitty. Just doing things, we always had to make sure his neck was cradled and cutting his itty bitty nails were so scary, lol.

More mobile // As much as I struggle with my previous comments about his mobility, I love that he can explore the world around him. I know I’m going to regret saying this, but I can’t wait till he can start walking! haha

More independent // I love playing and spending time with Bren, but sometimes I need to do other things, like laundry, or rest a bit (he has so much energy!), so sometimes I put him in the pack and play and he can usually entertain himself with whatever toys he has or take a couple of laps in his pack and play. It is also nice to see him feed himself when he can so I can also eat (parent's you can feel me on this one, right?

Parenting is such an adventure, I've never experienced anything like it. It is such hard work, but so rewarding and so exciting. There are definitely challenging days where I am so tired or where he is just not in the mood, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am so happy to be his mommy and I look forward to all his milestones and growth in the years to come.

Lent 2014

So this year I'm doing things a little differently. For the most part, in the past I've given up some kind of food. This year, I'll try to DO more, if that makes sense.

Here was my initial list I wrote yesterday:

1 // #NOSPENDLENT

In an efforts to save money and also to use what I have, I will not be shopping during lent (aside from my Studio Calico subscription which is automatic and I can't cancel without a fee since I haven't had it for 6 months yet, but this really means no add-ons next month!). That means no crafty stuff, no clothes, no buying things I don't need. Also, to practice that saying that "If you love what you have, you have everything you need."

2 // PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY

Something that is a little different this lent is I'm trying to be more pro-active instead of giving things up. As always, I am always re-evaluating myself in what I need to do to improve myself in all aspects of my life - spirtually, physically, mentally, emotionally, ect. I feel like I've been slacking in the prayer department, so hopefully this Lent I can recharge and grow in my relationship with God.

3 // STOP BEING LATE TO WORK + DON'T GO ON YOUR PHONE WORK DAY MORNINGS

So this happens to me often: I wake up, go on my phone for what feels like 5 minutes, but then look at the time and 20 minutes of my life is now gone forever. This is not ok, and I don't know why I have the urge to check my phone first thing in the morning. Also, I am usually a very timely person. If I make plans with someone I am always on time, but lately I have been late to work. I don't want to be that person. Time is valuable, and I want to be a good example to my son and to myself, if that makes any sense.

4 // WRITE 5 THINGS YOU'RE THANKFUL FOR EVERY DAY

Sometimes I feel like it is really easy to take things for granted. This is just a reminder that even though our day may seem completely ordinary, we have a lot of good things in our lives, like our health, being able to bring food to the table, having a warm bed at night, and being with the ones you love. Doesn't even matter if I repeat the same things often, at least I can remind myself to stay humble and to be thankful.

5 // DO 1 RAK A WEEK

For those who don't know, RAK = Random Act of Kindness. This can be a lot of things. For example, my RAK this week was bringing my preggers coworker a custard bun from a bakery I went to yesterday. Spread good deeds, it's a good thing. ;)

**Did you know....?**
- If you are nursing or pregnant, you are exempt from Lent.
- Sundays do not "count" for lent because it's considered a day of rest (although you can continue your Lenten promises on Sundays if you choose to)
For more information, this was a good site my friend showed me: http://coffeetalkwithleslie.blogspot.com/2011/03/lent-101-all-pregant-ladies-and-fun.html?m=1

What are you doing for Lent this year?


Big Hug,
Jez