Milk, It Does a Body Good

Before IB was born, I was VERY anti-formula and was going to strictly breastfeed. K was working on the budget one day and asked me, "How much will we need to add to groceries for formula?" My response, "Well, none. I'm planning on only breastfeeding." K was rather excited, "Oh good! 'Cuz I've heard, besides diapers, that's the most expensive part of having a baby." Boy, did God have a different plan for me...

As I'm sure all you mothers out there know, your viewpoints can change on "baby stuff" once you have a baby. If something you were gun-ho about isn't working, you'll do what you need to do to make things work. Both the OB/GYN office and the hospital had given us samples of formula, which once brought home, were tucked away for "just in case." Within the first couple weeks of IB's life, I reluctantly pulled out some of the samples - I had to because IB wasn't getting as much as she needed without the formula. To spare you details, it took about 8 weeks before IB AND I got the hang of the whole breastfeeding act. Thankfully, after those 8 weeks the formula was not necessary - "Yay! I can stick with breastmilk, which is better for her." It was apparent that I still had the "no formula" notion running through my mind. But then a few months had passed and we were struggling with nursing again. Despite my best effort, I had to incorporate formula into IB's feedings - usually giving her 2-3 ounces of formula after she nursed. "Ok, ok. At least she's still getting breastmilk." While on vacation, I expressed my nursing frustrations to my sister-in-law (mommy of twins 6 weeks older than IB), telling her I felt guilty I couldn't fully provide what IB needs through breastfeeding. My sister-in-law empathized with me because she went through the same struggle, but assured me it's normal to feel guilty and that I have to do what is best for IB. At IB's 4-month appointment, I was asked if I'm still nursing. Unenthusiastically, I said, "I'm breastfeeding and formula feeding. She doesn't seem to be getting enough, so I'm topping her off with some formula after she nurses." Shortly after that appointment, I switched from "topping" her off to alternating breastfeeding (3x/day) and formula (2x/day). This appeared to be working decently well, but IB started to get rather mobile and vocal while nursing, simply put she wasn't very happy. Not to mention, she no longer seemed satisfied after she was breastfed.

So on 9.27.11 we went from only needing & having 2 - 9oz bottles to having 7 - 9oz bottles.

                   

Obviously, my opinion on formula has changed drastically! Yes, my little girl is now strictly formula fed, but I had to do what I had to do to make sure she was getting enough to eat. She seems pretty happy about the switch - she no longer cries after she finishes eating. *knock on wood* Granted I feel extremely guilty after making the switch because I had my heart set on breastfeeding my daughter for at least the first year, but I tell myself that she got what she needed out of breastfeeding for the first few months - which is the most crucial time, anyway. It helps that during a recent phone call with my mom, she mentioned how she ended up giving one of my brothers formula pretty early on and wasn't able to nurse me as long as she'd hoped because she was incredibly busy with my 3 older siblings. It's nice to know I have support with this decision, makes me feel less guilty. Plus, like I said, IB doesn't seem to mind.

Swimming in a Sea of Boxes

Oh the joys of moving...

Some people collect stamps, some collect baseball cards and some even collect old metal spoons...what do we collect? BOXES!! A couple months ago, before we even knew we were officially going to be moving, we decided to save boxes. I think I found the first few - sitting next to the apartment complex recycling bins. Great! When K got home from work I told him, "Hey, not sure when the move will happen, but I got some boxes. They're in the back of the Subaru." K responded with, "Ooh, good thinking." Since that day, we have given our notice of not renewing our current lease and signing a new lease elsewhere. And what has that resulted in? More BOXES!

About 1/3 of our balcony is occupied by empty boxes of all shapes and sizes - we don't discriminate. We've accumulated these boxes via K's work, friends and yes, even the dumpster (don't hate 'cuz I dumpster dive). Call us cheap, but if we can avoid having to buy EMPTY boxes, we will do what it takes. Buying empty boxes, what an oxymoron. About a week ago a couple moved in below us, I was SO close to putting a sticky note on their door that said, "We're moving soon. Can we have your boxes? - #304," but instead I checked the dumpster occasionally. Thanks #203 for your boxes. *wink* I hit the mother load the other day while taking J on his daily walk around the complex. For whatever reason, I felt compelled to check all the dumpsters as we walked by them, and low and behold I found these awesome, heavy duty Sterlite boxes - like 6 of 'em. FAB-U-LOUS!! I guess it pays to live in an apartment complex, there's always people moving in and getting rid of the boxes they PAID for...haha, suckers! When we got home from small group last night I went to put a few more boxes we got from one of the couples on the balcony and K asked, "Did you get more boxes today?" "Sure did," I replied. While looking outside, K said, "Um, I think we've got enough now."

Unfortunately, these boxes can't just be collectors items, they have to be filled with STUFF. So now the task at hand is the dreadful packing. Ugh! If I were rich, there is no doubt in my mind that I would hire someone to pack for me. Sure, I've been packing a bit here and a bit there over the past week or so, but it's such a tedious job. The packing job I cringe about the most is the kitchen - there's just so much stuff in there that needs to be INDIVIDUALLY wrapped. K's great, he'll ask me what he can pack so that he can help, but realistically there's not much he can do. I'll say something and he'll respond with, "Do you really trust me doing that?" He's got a point. Basically, he'll end up packing his part of the closet and the front closet items - tool boxes, painting stuff, etc. I am grateful, though, he packed ALL the books. I appreciate his willingness to help, but since he won't be much help with the packing, he can make up for it with the actual moving. hehe.

Saturday, September 10th will be a sad day...for on that day, I will no longer be adding to my box collection. I guess I'll just have to come up with something new to collect...any ideas?? 

A Work In Progress...the Blog or Me?

The other night it took me FOR-EV-ER to fall asleep because I had a bazillion thoughts running through my mind - mainly of blog titles and things that may (or may not) be fun to write about - this stupid thing has already started consuming my life. I thought of the above title, minus "the Blog or Me?" portion, and was going to quasi apologize for my blog because I'll most likely be revamping my profile, the background, the fonts, etc for awhile. As one thought led to another, I asked myself, "is the blog the only thing that's a work in progress?" Deep, right?? I began considering the fact that I am - and will always be - a work in progress.

On behalf of the blog, yes, it is for sure a work in progress. After all, I JUST started it and because I am the way I am, I will change and alter my blog until I get it "just right" - at least in my opinion. I mean, this blog is merely one representation of who I am and I have to make sure it represents me accurately. I must say, though, I am excited to post updates, stories, thoughts, etc. There are A LOT of ideas stored in my brain right now, but I have to pace myself and not overdo this whole blogging thing. So please, be patient with me as I figure out (not sure that's the best word to use) the blogging scene - the blog itself and the things I post.

As for me being a work in progress, I think Brandon Heath says it well, "God's not finished with me yet." Now, I'm not saying I'm an absolute mess, but there is certainily a lot of work that still needs to be done in/with me. God's work in me is a project that will be ongoing until my last breath or Jesus Christ comes again - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Phil 1:6. I don't know about you, but this EXCITES me! To think that God is continuously working in me to become MORE and MORE like Him, how GREAT! Looking back over my life, I've seen where God has changed me and directed me towards the path He wants me to go. The biggest change was how my group of friends was completely altered my junior year of high school (Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."-1 Cor. 15:33). And you want to know the craziest part, I did not regret for one day leaving my old friends because I absolutely loved my new group friends. Another way God worked in me was when K & I moved from IL to WA and then from WA to VA - both times away from my family (and friends). I know this was God's way of telling me "E, you and your husband need to learn to fully rely on me and each other." Those 2 moves have tested my faith and reliance on Him - trusting they were the "right" move.

Recently, I've been digging into God's Word more - which has been wonderful. In a "pocket" Bible my mom gave me not long ago, there's a 40-day reading plan that takes you through the Bible to get the jist of it. I am glad I decided to take this 40-day journey because it's allowing me to get an overview of the Bible, so I am more confident about what's in it. Growing up and even up until recently, I knew the typical stories and ideas, but there's SO MUCH more to the Bible than that. I have learned A TON over the last 11 days, I've also made connections that had never been made before between people, situations and other stories. I have such a thirst right now for God and His Word...I LOVE IT! K's been going through it with me and has loved all the thought provoking questions I've had along with the connections I've made. I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for God - this is a desire He's placed in my heart. God is all around me working and I couldn't be more excited. I want to be more like Him and the only way that's possible is for me to allow Him to continue His work.

I AM A WORK IN PROGRESS...

A Bit of "Herstory"

So...A friend of mine tried to convince me, via Facebook, to create a blog because she wanted to be in the loop in regards to what's going on in my life. Welp, guess it didn't take too much convincing 'cuz here I am.

Overview:

I grew up in a Christian home in a suburb of Chicago with my parents, older sister and 2 older brothers. My sister is 12 years older and my brothers are 10 and 7 1/2 years older. My mom has said on multiple occasions that I kept her and my dad young, but I think that's her polite way of saying "you were an oops." Eh, no shame...I'm proud of it!

Gotta love the mid-80's

I met my best friend, E, in Kindergarten, didn't know it then that she'd become my best friend. As kindergarteners, we walked home from school together sharing snacks. We didn't really interact with each other from 1st grade - 7th grade. We eventually established the same group of friends in 8th grade. Ironically, we didn't really get along too well the first couple years of high school. Our "best friendness" didn't come about until we went to Jamaica on a mission trip our junior year of high school. Upon our return, we simply got closer and closer and really did life together. 

Powder Puff Senior Year

After high school, I attended a private Christian University, where I met 2 of my closest friends. The 3 of us met freshman year. A and I lived in the same suite while K was roommates with someone I knew from church. As seniors, we lived together and couldn't have had a better ending to our college career. Throughout 4 years, our friendship blossomed and we may or may not have gotten into some mischief.



Freshman Year





Senior Year

Boys came and went during college. Hung out with a few guys throughout college, but hardly anything serious. At the tail end of my junior year, I met K. I'll tell his version of the story: he saw me leading Chapel, asked to be my friend on Facebook, asked someone about me, we met and then talked all summer. We began dating in the Fall of our senior year.


K was a Kicker




Halloween...yes, a litle creepy








Post graduation, I was still best friends with E, remained friends with A and K and continued dating K. In July 2007, K proposed and we got married December 2007 - I'll do the math for you, we were engaged 2 days shy of 5 months. E was my maid of honor and, surprise surprise, A and K were also bridesmaids.

ENGAGED!!



Bridal Party...Massive, right??

Since that blizzardy December day, K and I have moved from Illinois to eastern Washington to northern Virginia. Not only have we moved several times, we have also traveled to Mexico, Alaska, New York, Switzerland and Germany. In April 2009, we welcomed the first addition to our family, J - a yellow lab. In March 2011, we welcomed the second addition to our family, a baby girl - IB.
 



I am currently a stay-at-home mom and LOVING it!! And yes, just in case you were wondering, I am STILL friends with E, A & K...not to mention I've added some friends along the way. =)



A & K came to visit this past July



Well, I guess that sums it up...in sort of a nutshell.

This is my life and my thoughts. Hopefully you will enjoy...!?!