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Monday, January 27, 2014

Becoming a birth doula

After graduating high school, I had my mind set on nursing school to become a pediatric nurse. I ended up going to our local state college, and they jerked me around with the classes, and it was taking forever, so I got really frustrated and thought that it wasn't meant to be. I then went on to early childhood education, because I really want to work with babies or children. I got to the point of doing the student teaching, and I HATED IT!!!! I wanted to rip my hair out, those poor kids. It was probably because I was pregnant and annoyed with everything, so I stopped with the teaching and went back to nursing. I did online classes the rest of my pregnancy and then after having Daniel I finished the classes. I planned to go back to school in person when he was 4 months old....that didn't happen. 

While trying to decide what I wanted to do, I thought about so many things. I wanted to be a lactation consultant, to help other moms the way I needed help. And then I came across a Birth Doula.. Jackpot! I immediately got the books to read, got my membership and began my certification process. 

So far, I love it! I feel so connected to this and cannot wait to start supporting women throughout their birthing experience. 

I attend a birth workshop for three days in the middle of June, and then will link up with a Doula in my area to observe live births. I'm so excited!

I will keep posting updates of my progress as I go about this journey! I am so looking forward to becoming certified.

A word of advice... If you are unsure of what to do as a career, don't rush it! The perfect opportunity will come to you when God feels it is right. I rushed it, and ended up being jolted around so much that I have enough credits for a degree, but they are so opposite that it doesn't count! Be patient, and focus on what is in your life now. You will find your calling when it is the right time. 


Friday, January 24, 2014

38 Out

Hey everyone!

It has been quite the month so far. Lately, I have been feeling like nothing is getting done because I am so focused on Daniel all the time. Whenever I do get a free minute (like his naps) I am always doing something around the house, or if I'm exhausted, I take a nap too! With him being so curious, it's hard to do much other than watch him like a hawk.


This morning he had his 9 month checkup (even though he's 38 wks), and the doctor was very happy with his development!!

20.3 pounds (53%)
30.3 inches (98%)
18.9 head circumference (96%)

So basically he will either be a basketball player, or a lawyer =) The kid has some good DNA!

His newest discoveries include picking his nose (ladies man for sure), waving, getting into a sitting position all by himself, becoming braver and standing alone with one handed support.

More words are coming out, such as: Uh Oh, bye bye (sometimes, still working on getting it down good), Baw (ball), and he is saying Mama much more! Yippie.

His love for food seems to be increasing by each meal! We started introducing yogurts and puddings. I go to Whole Foods Market and get the dairy free kinds. Our favorite are the greek style almond milk yogurt. These have 6g of protein and have probiotics just like regular whole milk yogurt, so it's a great breakfast for him!

Let's talk teeth..
I hate them! Every time I hear someone say "I didn't even know my baby was teething, he/she never showed signs" I just want to slap them!!!!!

Teething has been such a roller coaster with Daniel. His four bottoms are pretty much completely out, along with his top two eye teeth. One of the top middle teeth is through, and now the second is right on the verge of coming out, I can see it bulging. At Whole Foods I found this heavenly oil called Gum-Omile, and it is natural Essential Oils blended to provide relief for teething babes. I rub it on his gums and I immediately see the effects of it working.. I do think it makes him slobber a little more, but I would take slobber over screaming ANY day!

Well, we hope you are all enjoying the lovely weather here in Florida, and if you're a reader not in Fl, I hope you're enjoying wherever you are!



Monday, January 13, 2014

Mustache Bash

I am having a blast planning Daniel's 1st birthday! In just three short months, my baby will be ONE! I still can't wrap my head around it.

For his party, I didn't want to do a regular "theme" such as dinosaurs, pooh, or mickey mouse... well, because thats what everyone does! I wanted his first birthday to stand out, and be a little different!

While on pinterest (my addiction) I came accross the cutest idea! We (as in I, since my husband is not on the creative side) are going to throw a Little Man Mustache Bash! Here are some ideas that I have, and trust me.. I have already been on Etsy ordering away! I want everything ready, instead of stressing at the last minute to get things done on time.


I love the idea of cupcakes for the kids and having a separate cake for the adults. These cupcake toppers are so cute, and I found them on Etsy for such a great deal. 


We have tons of these pitchers left over from the wedding last year, and the sign is such a fun idea. Instead of hanging it, I had gotten some mini easels and have mini chalkboards on them, so I can write out various things around the party.


Ah! These invitations are to die for. I really love the look of chalkboards, so finding these invitations were such a win in my book! I got the downloadable files, so I saved a ton of money that way, and am able to print the exact amount I need. They also have cute Thank You cards to match.


For the drinks, I ordered these straws. Im thinking of getting some mason jars to put them in. 


This table setup is great! We are doing a baby blue, grey, and black color scheme, but I love this idea. I got some mustache banners that will be great for the tables.


I have a big framed chalkboard that I have hanging in my kitchen that I love to doodle on. I plan on making our own version of this sign to display at his party. It's a great way for everyone to see what he has been up to!

We still have a lot of planning to do, ordering cakes and getting his cake smash pictures done. I am looking forward to all the happiness this will bring him, and I am excited so see how much he has grown over the year.

Will keep updating with progress of the party, and feel free to shoot me any ideas! 




Month 9 Update.

Wow. Nine months!!



It has been a great journey so far, and a learning process for all of us.

Daniel is always up to no good now a days. He loves to climb the couches, fall, and then try again! Anything that is higher than him, he climbs. Boys will be boys.

He loves to eat. Vegetables are his favorite, and will eat that over anything else. I make him a lot of smoothies, so he can be strong like Popeye.

I am guessing he weighs somewhere in the twenties, possibly 22. I will know for sure when we go to his check up.



His infection from a couple weeks back is all cleared. Yay!

He now has 8 teeth! the center top two are barely out, but I am still counting them. His "vampire fangs" came out on the top first, lol. So odd. He is my little Dracula.

He likes to do the indian call now, you know...where you go ahhhhhh and continuously pat your hand on your mouth... That's the best explanation I have!

He loves:
Mickey Mouse and Pooh Bear
Food
Sippy Cup
Puffs
Standing and climbing
Crawling

He not so much loves:
His crib
Getting dressed
Diaper changes
The word "no" (throws these really great tantrums)
Sitting still
Car rides


I am having so much fun planning his first birthday party! 3 months away.. I can hardly wait! 

Thanks for reading!



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

12.28.2012- Our Wedding

Many people can only dream of finding that one person at such a young age. I was lucky to be that person.

Alex and I met in high school, my Junior year. We clicked instantly, and I always felt that connection with him. We have had our share of trials together, but for being so young, I am happy that we are still so strong. There is no other person I could imagine myself with. No other person I could see having a family with. He is truly my better half.

Our wedding was so beautiful. It came together very quickly, and I was a super stressed bride, but on our wedding day I could not have been more relaxed and ready.

The weather was perfect, our decorations were flawless, and everyone looked so wonderful. It could not have gone any smoother.

We decided to do the first look before our ceremony, since the weather was so nice and it would have been too dark afterwards. The venue we had our wedding at had the prettiest scenes for pictures. I was so happy to have booked it there!!

Our photographer was so wonderful. Not only does she capture such beautiful photos, she is such a sweet woman. I have come to know her and get together with her and her handsome son, Logan. I love building relationships with people you wouldn't expect. If you are in the South Florida area, I highly recommend her. I'll include links at the bottom for all of the information on our wedding.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite photos of the wedding.

































(A preggo can get down, too)!