Joy Dare: He Knows ME

Photo credit: wili_hybrid

This morning, I read these words of Truth:

 "O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar."  

(Psalm 139:1-2)

I was struck by this reminder that He not only created me and numbered my days, but that He also knows and cares about the little details of my life from my coming to my going, my sitting to my rising.

And, even more so, He knows my thoughts while they are still out of reach for me.  Matthew Henry puts it so beautifully when he explains, "Though my thoughts be ever so foreign and distant from one another, thou understandest the chain of them, and can make out their connexion, when so many of them slip my notice that I myself cannot". 

A few weeks ago, a friend shared this verse with me, "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" (Psalm 56:8)

Today, as I continue to count His gifts, I am most thankful that I serve a Father who understands me more than anyone else on earth ever could.

***

127. News from the radiologist that my sweet friend, Kim, will not have to deliver her baby early. 


128. This truth: that though circumstances and trials be out of our control, it is always Him who goes before you. So, let your heart take courage and wait for the Lord, who is great and awesome and faithful. (Deuteronomy 31:6)


129. A mom who takes time out of her busy schedule to help me clean and ready our house for selling. 


130. A very, very clean house and a for sale sign as we look to the future.


131. My beautiful pregnant sister and the sweet baby girl growing healthy and strong in her womb.


132. A husband who reminds me that beauty is more than my outward appearance and who daily affirms that I am beautiful. 


133. The privilege and joy of raising the next generation and being more than just a mom to these little ones. 


134. This fallen world is not my home; I await the joyful hope of my citizenship in heaven and the transforming of this dying body into its glorious heavenly form. (Philippians 3:20-21)


135. I am not perfect, but I am enough. 


136. Sweet fellowship with friends who speak truth in love and words that are sweeter than honey...and that we were made for community, to encourage and build each other up.


137. Conversations between my little ones and watching a lifetime of friendship unfold. 


138. A gluten free cookie recipe that my husband, who enjoys a good gluten-filled dessert, calls "pretty good, babe". 


139. The blessing of MOPS and the group of women who have welcomed me with open arms and caring hearts. 


140. Doctors and nurses who care for our daughter's wound, stitches that heal, and a brave little girl who says after all she's endured, "I feel better now, mommy!".  


141. Shifting the focus from "two-piece swimsuits and skinny jeans to healthy heart, healthy body mass and healthy thoughts". 


142. This truth reminder for my tender, aching heart: "I’m loved, I really can do this. I’m chosen for a purpose."


143. Teaching my little ones to take care of our home and hearing them say, "I help you, mommy!" with joy and anticipation.


144. Laughter and sweet fellowship on a much needed mom's night out. 


145. His love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on me.


146. Cleaning and getting rid of more stuff - so freeing!


147. Knowing that my labor in the Lord is not in vain and that it is more than worth it to persevere and remain steadfast in my walk.  (1 Corinthians 15:58)


148. Celebrating nurses week by remembering the amazing NICU nurses who cared for our little ones so tenderly and compassionately. 


149. This beautiful love story and the reminder that love is a daily choice we make to put the needs of our loved one before our own. 


150. The tot spot at our local grocery store and kids who are excited to play while mommy grocery shops alone.


151. The Word of God that always proves true against all the lies the world throws my way.  (Psalm 18:30-32)


152. A much needed social media break and the time spent soaking up His truths and gaining a clearer perspective. 


153. "That motherhood is both the hardest and most magnificent thing you will ever do." 


154. Sharing the love of babywearing with other expectant mommas and learning more to better equip me for babywearing our littlest one. 


155. These mother's day words of love from my sisters: "Happy mothers day to the best mommy of THREE!" and "Happy mothers day :) you have some pretty lucky kids!".


156. A day "off" from mothering to enjoy a Brewers/Cubs game with my sisters, brothers, and cousins. 


157. Coming home to hand picked wildflowers and handmade cards from my little blessings and love from the three people who make my life more complete. 


158. A hubby who blessed me with the day off and is my biggest cheerleader on the hard mothering days. So thankful to have him by my side to journey this road of parenting together. It's a crazy, challenging life, but it is SO worth it.


159. Missing my sweet grandma on Mother's Day, but remembering the beautiful legacy she left and the family who carries pieces of her into the future.  


160. I am not perfect, but I press on to the perfection He promises in heaven because He has made me His own. (Philippians 3:12)


161. Being held safe and secure in the arms of the One who only allows what will build me up and mold me into the woman He desires me to be, not for my glory, but for His.  


162. Friends who remind me of His truth spoken in love and who join me in faithful prayer.


163. I will not shrink back and be destroyed when trials and struggles overwhelm, because I have a greater hope and nothing can separate me from His love.  


164. Finally feeling well enough to begin exercising again and discovering a new exercise routine that works for this pregnant momma.  


165. Connecting with a group of men and women who understand my gluten intolerance and the wealth of knowledge and resources gleaned from the local support group meeting.  


166. Discovering a $10 bill while cleaning out our bedroom closet.


167. Feeling more frequent and definite kicks from this littlest one in my womb - the coolest feeling ever.  


168. Though trials and tribulation may about in this world, I can take heart because HE has overcome the world (John 16:33)


169. Overhearing my daughter tenderly care for her brother, "Aw, yeddo, you got hurt. Wanna sleep on the couch...and I tuck you in?" Sometimes, as much as mommy wants to run and comfort even the little bumps and bruises, it's so precious to watch these two comfort each other.


170. "There's something so powerful about the friendships you can touch and see and feel." (Holley Gerth) So, so thankful for the friends God has placed in my life to dance with me in the moments of joy and cry with me in the moments of pain. ""When we're with people in the skin...it can really add richness to our lives." (Bonnie Gray)


171. When God reaches me with His word right where I am. I needed this today. Contentment does not come from wealth, success, health, or possessions, but from the feet of Christ, in wholly depending on Him, for when I am weak, He is strong and His grace is always sufficient. (Philippians 4:11-13)


172. Saying goodbye to sweet friends, but knowing that God has great plans in store for them and that they are obediently following Him exactly where He would have them be.


173. Cheering on our favorite mountain biker despite a rainy, muddy race day.


174. This quote from Matthew Henry's commentary about the importance of prayer and calling to God in our distress: "a good man is made up of prayer and gives himself to prayer".


175. That God, ultimately, overrules human sin and the effects of it. Not that He is the author of sin, but that He is in control of the events and directs the chain effects of human sin, not to make sin less punishable, but to further elevate His name to the praise and glory of the One who is over all.


176. Sunshine, bike rides, playgrounds, and picnics enjoyed with two sweet little ones and the steady pitter patter of the littlest one in my womb.


177. A 20 week ultrasound that revealed a healthy and ever growing baby BOY.


178. Waking up to a little monkey in my belly pitter-pattering away and another little monkey crawling all over our bed giggling. I couldn't help but smile - I'll take early mornings just to wake up to this happiness.


179. Date night with my love by his suggestion and parents who are more than happy to spend time with their grandkids.


180. A day at the beach chasing the waves and building sand castles with my loves.


181. Freedom, both in this land of the free and home of the brave (and for the men and women who sacrifice daily to keep it so) and in the redemption of my soul and the hope of eternal life in heaven.


182. Hearing our little ones memorize His words and encouraging their hearts to follow after Him.


183.  Long afternoon naps.


184. Grocery shopping in the early morning before my hubby leaves for work - so quiet and peaceful.


185. Beautiful maternity photos taken by a sweet friend.


186. The many rich and beautiful marriages that have encouraged and blessed my husband and I in our own marriages.


187. Singing hymns with my kids and hearing them say, "again, mommy! sing God song again!". 


188. The privilege to vote and have my voice heard. 


189. Celebrating 20 years since my baby brother joined our family and made it complete.


190. Overheard from my daughter, "And I love mommy too. Cuz I do!" And then my heart melted.


191. Baby shower festivities, the blessing of family, and the anticipation of our precious niece.

 

 

Babywearing in the Fall

Inspired by my friend Hyacynth, I wrapped my Little Pumpkin in our Moby Wrap this morning, so Sweet Pea and I could take a little morning walk together.  Before we know it, the trees will all be bare and snow will cover the ground once again.  Until then, we are going to soak up the beautiful days of fall and store up these moments to remind us that, no matter how bleak and dark the winter days ahead will be, spring will come again.

When we returned, Sweet Pea helped me try out a new way to wear our Moby Wrap and, after the first attempt, she begged me to try again and cuddled up next to my back, safe and secure.  I asked her if she wanted to get out and she said, "No!" and proceeded to bury her head in my back once again.  These are also moments I want to store up for those days ahead when she thinks I'm the "meaniest mom in the whole world" and when she is a grown, independent woman who no longer needs to cuddle up next to me to feel safe and secure.  One day I will miss this, so, for now, I will enjoy it and make the most of every moment...and remember just how blessed I am to have these little ones to call my own.

Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth...Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter. (Psalm 74:12, 16-17)

Babywearing Love

Babywearing has been given a bad reputation in the past year after the recalls of several baby carriers that were said to have caused deaths of infants being worn in them.  It made my heart sick every time I heard a new recall, because these tragedies probably could have been avoided if all parents were well informed about babywearing best practices.

Babywearing is one of the most wonderful and beautiful ways my husband and I can help our little ones explore the world in the safety of our arms.  We have worn our little ones at more bike races, nature walks, family gatherings, and shopping excursions than I can count.

It is way more convenient that lugging around a big plastic stroller.  I would even argue that it is safer, because they are in our arms instead of distanced from us in a stroller.  Plus our little ones are much happier and content being close to us.  My son especially loves to be close to me and there's no reason he shouldn't be.  He spent 9 months as close as he could possibly be to me as I carried him in my womb, so of course he will want to be close to me.

Someone told me the other day that babies have a hard time letting go of that attachment they had with the umbilical cord.  When mom walks away or is no longer visible by the baby, the baby feels like a piece of him or her is missing.  What better way to soothe my little ones fears and help them get used to the great big scary world than to hold them close...close enough to kiss?

When my son was a newborn, it was much safer for me to wear him than to put him in a swing or bouncy seat, because his big sister loved to try to climb on top of him, poke him, or hit him.  And, when I needed to chase after her to get her out of trouble, it was so helpful to have my hands free.

My husband loves to wear our little ones too, because he enjoys being their daddy and knows they are much happier to be held than to be strapped into a stroller.  And seeing my hubby wear our little ones with a big smile on his face, even when he is teased by his biking friends...makes my heart swoon. 

The SIX Babywearing Best Practices

(Thanks to Hyacynth for putting these in such easy, straight forward words.)

Baby should be close enough to kiss.

Baby should never have his chin resting on his chest.

Baby's head should be above the rest of her body.

Baby's knees should be higher than his butt.

Baby's face should not be covered by fabric.

Baby's head should be supported.

Please, please, PLEASE be informed and do your research as a parent and PLEASE don't wear your baby without remembering these babywearing best practices. 

Check out my other babywearing posts, this post and the BCIA facebook page for more babywearing love and, if you love babywearing too, please share the love and let the world know babywearing really is wonderful, beautiful, and SAFE.

Adventures of a Babywearing Family #1

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know we love babywearing.  One of the joys of babywearing is how easy it is to go on adventures as a family of four that includes two under two.  We've made it a priority this summer to take our kids on nature walks so they can learn to enjoy the outdoors.  Our kids love being outdoors and, even more, they love being close to mommy and daddy.  In the past two weeks we've gone on two nature walks and we look forward to enjoying many more as a babywearing family. 

cool daddies wear their babies too

Moby wrap love

Ergo love*

Moby wrap and sunset

close enough to kiss

* We love our Ergo so much and would highly recommend it.  In fact, I love it so much I signed up for their Affiliate program.  So, if you click on this link (or the banner on the right sidebar) and purchase an Ergo for your family (which is very worth the money and a great way to wear your little one up to 40 pounds), I will receive a percentage of the sale.

The Truth About Babywearing

As parents, it is our responsibility to stay informed and do our research.  Our children rely on us to keep them safe, so let's take action by being knowledgeable and finding out the truth about products we use on our babies.  I've mentioned before about my desire to use natural household cleaners and personal hygiene products for my family.  I am careful to look at ingredient lists in foods and other products, because I don't want my ignorance to cause harm to my family.  I am learning to also be cautious of the toys and other baby things I use for my children.  I would never want to be in the position of this parent by being uniformed about the dangers of improperly wearing my baby. 

The mom, who's pain I can't even begin to understand, stated, ""I, as a first-time mom, had no clue I could walk into a store and pick something off the shelf that wasn't safe."  It's sad, though, that it takes an accident like this to bring to light some obvious safety problems with certain baby carriers.  My friend, Dale, told me on Facebook today, "Does it really take the CPSC to have parents realize that bending an infant's head forward so his neck is squished or putting him in a closed bag (which is effectively what you've got when the carrier is closed at the top) is not good for him? Where has common sense gone?"  Too often, parents believe without questioning or doing their research...or using common sense.  When I looked at the questionable bag slings in the store, I thought they looked very uncomfortable and knew already to steer clear of cheap baby carriers. 

There are six important rules I wish every parent knew about babywearing -

Baby should be close enough to kiss.

Baby should never have his chin resting on his chest.

Baby's head should be above the rest of her body.

Baby's knees should be higher than his butt.

Baby's face should not be covered by fabric.

Baby's head should be supported.

(Thank you to my blogging friend, Hyacynth, for putting these safety rules in words that are simple, straight forward, and easy to remember.)

In the CBS article, one person said, "Don't use slings at all...There are safer ways of carrying your baby than in a sling".  It makes me sad that parents would read this article and think there is no good in babywearing.  I think babies and parents benefit way more by babywearing than confining a baby to a car seat, a bassinet, a swing, or a bouncy seat.  According to Babywearing International, babies who are worn by their parents are happier, healthier, and more comfortable, and parents who wear their babies are more confident and carry their babies more frequently. 

My little man is 16 pounds already and it's not fun to carry all that weight in my arms alone.  I'm more likely to carry him in a carrier that distributes the weight, alleviates pressure on my back, and is more convenient.  He is happier and more content when he is close to his mommy and I can easily follow his cues on when he's hungry, tired, etc. instead of waiting until he's screaming his head off to try to figure out what's wrong.  It is also safer than having him in a swing, bouncy seat, or even in his Jumperoo, because my sweet daughter loves on him a little too rough at times.  It makes outings much easier, because I can carry him and take care of my toddler at the same time. 

I hope the word gets out that it IS safe to wear your babies and it shouldn't be ignored as a great parenting tool.  Women "have been using slings for centuries safely to carry their babies" so it shouldn't be written off because of one misuse of an unsafe product or an uniformed parent.  Please check out these well informed posts and websites about the truth on babywearing and help spread the word that babywearing can be safe when parents are informed and do their research. 

Babywearing safety alert: CPSC issues warning about certain baby carriers causing deaths - the keyword being certain, very well written by a fellow babywearing blogger.

Finding the perfect baby carrier - written by the same sweet blogging mom

Dr. Sears' Babywearing - Dr. Sears lists all kinds of information about the benefits of babywearing and how to safely wear your baby. 

Babywearing: Why we wear - a well written post about the benefits of babywearing written by a blogging friend who also leads a local babywearing group

Babywearing: The real deal on safety - written by the same blogging friend as the last link

Infant babywearing safety - an article on Babywearing International's website about how to properly and safely wear your baby

Sling safety - Sakura Bloom is a company that makes reputable baby slings that several of my blogging friends love and use safely

Of course, often the best way to learn is hands on, by having another babywearing mom show you how to safely wear your baby and to practice, practice, practice.  I just realized there are babywearing groups popping up all over the place and wish I had known about them sooner.  Thankfully, I was able to get lots of advice about safe babywearing by talking to Adria, the owner of Mom & Pop Place, and getting advice and watching my blogging friend, Hyacynth, expertly wear her baby as well as all the other babywearing blogging mommas I met at Cupcake. 

My Babywearing Journey

When I was pregnant with Valerie I started to learn a little bit about babywearing through blogging.  My mom won a ring sling at a conference for work and I bought an Evenflo Snugli with Target gift cards I was given at my baby shower.  I really had no clue how to use the ring sling, so, after a few failed attempts, I mostly gave up.  I tried to use the Snugli at a few bike races when she was a newborn, but really hated how it fit and it was very uncomfortable.  (It was, however, better than nothing when attempting to go to the bathroom in a port-a-potty while holding a newborn...)

By the time I started learning about Ergos, Moby Wraps, and Mei Tais, Valerie was already crawling around and preferred to be on the move.  I did, however, decide to attempt to sew my own Mei Tai carrier and, with the help of a friend, it was a success.  I used it a few times before getting pregnant with Almanzo, at which point I didn't really want to wear an almost toddler while growing a baby in my belly.  So, when we were out and about and in need of a way to wear our Sweet Pea, Ted wore her in the Mei Tai I made, but only when I helped him put it on.

I determined to wear my next baby more and decided to make a pouch sling to wear him as a newborn.  He loved it, but soon outgrew it.  I then wore him in the ring sling I traded my friend for after my original ring sling shrunk in the dryer (oops!).  I actually liked this ring sling better, because it was a pretty blue color and it had padding on the shoulder.  Almanzo loved being cradled and held close to me, so I wore him as often as possible.  He is now heavier, more mobile and very squirmy, so I set it aside in search of the next baby carrier.

I decided to finally purchase an Ergo around Christmas time, because it would allow us to each wear a baby comfortably this summer.  The Ergo took some getting used to, but thanks to Hyacynth's babywearing expertise, I can now wear Almanzo OR Valerie in my Ergo.  It is SO comfortable and I love that it can be worn as a front, back, or side carrier.  It is also made to hold a baby up to 40 pounds!

My newest favorite carrier is the Moby Wrap.  Moby Wraps are basically a long piece of fabric that you tie around you and there are many different ways to hold baby (or even twins!) in one.  I could have easily sewn one up with the help of my friend's serger, but was able to purchase a used one from a blogging friend I met at Cupcake (thanks Esther!).  I love using this one indoors, because it's so comfortable and lightweight.  Plus, Almanzo just loves being close to his mommy at all times.  

What are your favorite baby carriers?

***Don't forget to enter my Boogie Wipes giveaway before Wednesday, March 10 at 10 pm CST.***

Why I Blog

Photo by Hyacynth

Last weekend, I ventured outside in the frozen tundra we call home.  I packed the car, set up the GPS, and headed for Oregon, Wisconsin...to spend 24 hours with people I have never met before (with the exception of Brianna, who I was anxious to visit with again).  My friends and family, including my husband, thought I was crazy, but somehow I knew it would be worth it.  What I didn't know is that these women would make me feel so welcome and at home that I would have a hard time picking up and heading back home, even though I missed my hubby and Sweet Pea.

I decided to meet four other ladies for lunch, but didn't really know who to look for.  When I walked into Monty's, I searched around to see if I could possibly spot them.  I was a little flustered having just sat in the car to nurse A and realizing the place was packed, so I headed right to the bathroom to change A and try to relax my nerves.  The bathroom was another adventure, because the changing table was inside one of the single, tiny stalls...so it was quite interesting trying to fit my postpartum body between the changing table and the side of the stall.  I began to panic, wondering what in the world I was thinking driving all this way to meet women I have never met before. 

When I headed back to the entrance, Julie came up to me and asked me if I was there for Cupcake.  I immediately felt a sense of relief, because I was no longer alone.  Julie and I chatted, awkwardly at first, because I couldn't remember for the life of me what blog was hers.  Soon after, Samara and Kim arrived, just in time for us to be seated.  Tara and her little sweetie, Bianca, joined us once we were seated.  Somehow, as we sat down, we all eased into conversation, as if we were old friends.  The panic had long since faded and in it's place was a comfortable peace and a feeling that these women were going to become real life friends. 

In fact, I found it hard to pry myself away from the table when Almanzo began to fuss.  I felt an overwhelming desire to hear the stories these women had to share and get to know them beyond their blogs.  Thankfully, we had that chance later on in the evening as we all sat in a circle in the dim lighting of the lodge.  And, oh the stories these women shared...I laughed, I cried, and my heart broke for the pain and the heartache we have all had to endure.  I felt slightly out of place, because my blog is really small compared to the rest...and yet, I felt right at home.  From the moment I walked into the lodge, these women cared for my son and I as if we were family...and it felt so good. 

Photo by Carrie

Photo by Hyacynth

The weekend went by so fast and I felt like I didn't really get a chance to share more about who I am and why I blog.  So, for all my sweet cupcakes and for those real life family and friends as well as my sweet blogging friends who have followed my blog since it began, this is my story...

I started blogging on Xanga as a way to keep in touch with our extended family, especially my husband's family who we only see once or twice a year.  I soon realized it was the perfect way for me to share my love of writing and journal about the work God is doing in my life.  It wasn't until just over a year ago, when I switched to blogger, that I began to experience the sense of community blogging brings. 

I love being a stay at home mom and I honestly wouldn't trade it for any other job, but it is probably the HARDEST job...and there are days when I feel like I will really lose my mind.  Reading other blogs and getting to know other mommy bloggers when I became a knew mom was a daily reminder that I am not alone.  Sometimes I feel like I must be the only mother in the world who feels like a failure...until I read about another mommy blogger struggling with the same thing.  It's easy to feel disconnected to the outside world as a stay at home mom, especially when it takes FOREVER to get a newborn, a toddler, and a mommy ready to go anywhere.  But when I open up one of my favorite blogs, I remember why I do what I do...because it is the best job in the world. 

Thank you, Cupcakes, for an amazing weekend (and thank you, Steph and Heather, for making your dream a reality)...I can hardly wait for Cupcake 2011!

Photo by Carrie

Check out all the photos here and some of my favorites here. 

International Babywearing Week

Some of you might be wondering...what is babywearing?  Here's a great description I found on Babywearing International's website:

“Babywearing” simply means holding or carrying a baby or young child using a baby carrier. Holding babies is natural and universal; baby carriers make it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents and caregivers to hold or carry their children while attending to the daily tasks of living. Babywearing helps a new dad put a fussy newborn to sleep. It allows a new mom use both hands to make a sandwich. It lets an experienced parent or caregiver carry a baby on her back and wash the dishes, do the laundry, take a hike, weed the garden … all while keeping the baby safe and content.

In honor of International Babywearing Week, I thought I should post a few pictures of both Ted and I wearing Valerie in the Mei Tai carrier I made.  I also made a pouch sling that I can't wait to use with our baby boy and we are seriously considering purchasing an Ergo carrier soon.

Ted wearing Valerie on our trip to the UP

Me wearing Valerie when she was only a few months old

Pouch Sling waiting for baby boy

Also, if you want a chance to win your own Moby Wrap baby carrier, check out this blog.

***

I'm off to finish two orders I have waiting in my Etsy shop, but will be back sometime this week with posts about the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, our Sweet Pea turning 14 months old, and a yummy recipe for hobo stew.  Hope you're enjoying your week!