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embracing motherhood: the first two weeks

Published on April 21, 2014April 21, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

I honestly can’t believe that we have survived these first two weeks of parenthood! If I’m being completely honest there are times where I have felt time flying by and times (like the 3am feedings) where I feel like time is dragging on…and on…and on forever. While things aren’t always easy – I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. I am loving getting to know this little girl each and every day. I had no idea that I could be so overwhelmed with love and admiration for someone so incredibly tiny and new. I also had no idea that I could learn so much about someone and myself every day. New parenting mush aside I thought I would write down the top 5 things on my mind about these two weeks because formulating and entirely well written blog post will have to wait for another day when my brain is functioning on more sleep.

1. Speaking of sleep, I am amazed at how much I have been able to do on so little sleep. I have always been a lover of sleep and the more I can get the happier my disposition tends to be. Well that just won’t be the case these first couple of months because we have a hungry, growing girl on our hands! God really helps out new mamas in the sleep deprivation department because I honestly don’t know how I make it some days!

2. Waking up at 8am and then looking at the clock to see that it’s…noon???! I feel like this has been consistently happening lately. Mornings just don’t exist right now and it boggles my mind.

3. Thankful for my husband’s job/company that let him take two weeks off for paternity leave. I really, REALLY don’t know how I could have survived these first two weeks without him. Today was our first full day with him back at work and I think we BOTH missed him a lot – looking forward to him walking through the door this evening!

4. I miss my coworkers. I have caught myself thinking about work off and on at times. I really miss my friends and coworkers and this time with my students. I still catch myself looking at the clock and thinking about what time it is and what everyone must be doing. I miss the busy-ness that school brings but I am also starting to appreciate this new season of busy-ness too.

5. I’m a mom. I have a daughter. We are PARENTS. Still blows my mind!

10013388_2077643350900_391139970644163591_o — First Easter as a family of three!

Happy Monday!

40 week bumpdate + life lately

Published on April 14, 2014April 14, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

I realized that I never finished out our bumpdates with this little one. Don’t worry, we made sure to take a picture once we came home from the hospital. That being said, pardon the no make-up, yoga pants and tired face!

40 weeks and no longer full of baby – on the inside at least. I will post about our birth story and experience meeting our littlest one soon enough but for now we are enjoying this time getting to know her and learning about ourselves as new parents. Last week was filled with all sorts of firsts as I’m sure the weeks to come will be too. I’m so thankful that Eric has these first two weeks off of work. If anything has kept me sane it has been his presence and constant support. I really lucked out in the husband department.

I would have to say that our biggest adventures this week were doctors appointments and venturing out of the house without le bebe (and successfully not texting the grandparents that were taking care of her every. five. minutes). We also decided on Saturday that we would take the plunge and go out for lunch. It was our first outing with just the three of us and we went and got sushi (FINALLY). It was fantastic and Miss Madeline slept the entire time. Because of this successful trip we decided Mass the next day would probably be an ok experience as well and so we took our little family to Palm Sunday Mass. After Easter we will most likely go back to our normal grind of singing/playing at the Lifeteen Mass but for now enjoying mass as a family was pretty great. It has been a while since I have just gone to mass and while I can honestly say my attention was pretty 50/50 the entire time – I still felt myself get more out of it than I have in a while.

Now on to another week of firsts and constant learning. It’s been tiring lately and sleep is coming in small doses but I know that these days are fleeting and I want to enjoy them and remember them as much as possible because I know they won’t be like this again.

Madeline

Published on April 6, 2014November 19, 2015 by Joanna1 Comment

We didn’t have to wait long to meet our sweet little Madeline. She arrived promptly on her due date of April 4, 2014 at 10:56pm weighing in at 8 pounds on the nose and exactly 20 inches long. Our little perfectionist. (:

the waiting game

Published on April 3, 2014April 3, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

So, it’s Thursday April 3, 2014.

The day before our due date.

I have officially been on maternity leave for the past two days and have been waiting for our little girl to make her grand entrance into this world since Tuesday. I never knew waiting could be so hard and so frustrating at times. We are literally out of baby preparedness things to do and it’s starting to become difficult to think of things I can do around here to keep myself occupied and productive. I am a person that has a really hard time sitting, relaxing, and being patient. Even when I take a vacation I always find myself taking the first couple of days before my brain will let me actually relax.

It’s so funny because I feel like I have been waiting and waiting for certain milestones, these big check point dates to come and go and show our progress through this whole pregnancy journey.

-I remember counting down the days until we could finally announce our pregnancy to friends and family. Making it to 12 weeks seemed like such a long wait and the two days that we finally started telling people was such a relief.

-Then there was the countdown to the second trimester. Waiting for the magical date that would signal brighter, less nauseated days ahead and hopefully a little bump to prove I was actually pregnant.

-On to the countdown to finding out the gender. Proving that my husband was and has always been right that our first baby would be a little girl.

-And then there was the count down to spring break, when I decided I would use the break to finish preparing our nursery and getting things ready in case she decided to make an early arrival.

-Then I counted down the days to my maternity leave and hoping and praying that I would make it to March 31st so that I could have everything in my classroom ready for my sub and my students prepared for my impending leave.

-And here we are… counting down the days to when this little one may or may not decide on her own to show up. This is the hardest wait of all.

But this is just another example of one of the many instances God has made me wait on His timing. Who knew that someone so small could teach someone such big things? It’s crazy to think how much I have learned from this girl in these past 9 months and how much more there is to learn. It’s crazy to think that we have made it through so many milestones and yet there are so many ahead and how more often than I would like to admit – I wasn’t ever sure we would make it all the way to the end. At times I feel like I just can’t wait to meet her, but if it means waiting for the best and most beautiful person I have ever met…I can wait, but at least I know my heart is ready.

*photo by Kate Love Photography

opening day

Published on April 2, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

This past Monday was what I would consider, one of the best days of the year (aside from a few special holidays and our anniversary of course;). Opening day for baseball season. I am my father’s daughter and have loved this sport for as long as I can remember. For the past few years we have made it a family tradition of sorts to head out to the ballpark and enjoy the opening day festivities. Due to my huge pregnant belly this year and unsure of when this little girl would make her arrival – we opted out of opening day. But I loved following the game and reminiscing over pictures from the past years. It makes me so excited for baseball season, summer, and spending warm nights watching one of the greatest games in the world. Happy baseball season!

bumpdate: 37 weeks

Published on March 17, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

If I am being completely honest, this photo is from last weekend so technically its a 36 week bump. However, I have already changed into my comfy pants for the evening and I’d rather my husband NOT document my leggings-and-oversized-t-shirt bump at the moment. Not nearly as cute.

This past week was spring break (continuing on tomorrow because my school district is being the nicest) and was used to the fullest to interview pediatricians, continue daycare tours, and prep for the little lady. Nursery things are pretty much established, gifts are placed, laundry done-ish, and our hospital bag is FINALLY packed. I have definitely been feeling the need to waddle more at the end of the day and that she is sitting lower that usual. I experienced a few fairly strong contractions this week and a pretty tight belly. All was well at my appointment last week and we are hoping for another good report tomorrow! It’s just crazy that we are down to weekly appointments now and that things are getting so real. I can’t believe this pregnancy is almost over. It really has flown by in a lot of ways. We are so ready to meet this little one – but also super anxious and nervous. Any and all thoughts and prayers greatly appreciated!

showers on showers on showers

Published on March 13, 2014March 17, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

This past weekend we had our LAST baby shower! We are so fortunate to have so many different groups of friends and family that were all willing to throw us sweet celebrations as we prepare for this little girl. When we first started accepting shower offers I didn’t think that five would feel like so many – but by the time we reached this past weekend I was pretty tired. But like I said, even through the exhaustion we had a fabulous time at each and every shower and it is already abundantly clear how loved this little girl is! Here are a few snaps from our showers over the past couple of months. Starting with an adorable The Very Hungry Caterpillar themed shower thrown by my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law in NOLA, followed by a shower put on by our college ministry friends, a triple baby shower to celebrate THREE new baby girls in our Lifeteen Core Member group, my sweet school shower that was put on by my team, and last but not least a shower that was thrown by one of my dearest high school friends and sister in Dallas. (Are you tired after reading that list? Just think about my cankles that have started to swell!)

to teach or not to teach

Published on March 3, 2014 by Joanna6 Comments

…these are the two options that have been frequenting my thoughts for the past 8 (almost 9) months.

This is a post that has been sitting in my drafts for a long while because I wasn’t sure if this was something I should post about. If this was something that I should share with the internet because of the people I do and don’t know who read this blog. But lately I have been thinking about it more (for obvious-upcoming-birth reasons) and have also felt the need to finish my thoughts and hit publish. I have also been confronted with this topic more and more the closer we get to meeting this little girl and I realize that this is something that EVERY woman-becoming-a-mother must think about in some capacity.

I haven’t really openly talked about my options for next year much aside from conversations with my (wonderful, patient, etc.etc.) husband because I don’t think I have really known what I want for this next year or what my opinions on working vs. not working were. I don’t like talking about big life changes when I don’t really have an answer to give because I feel that it leaves me feeling others unfulfilled or worried. Basically, the decision is mine. We are fortunate enough to be at a place where I am able to consider my options and really weigh both as equally as possible. (However, to clear up any questions – the final verdict is still out and I am nowhere near making any sort of decision at the moment.)

This weekend we had dinner with an old college friend who just had her second (adorable) little boy and once again I was asked, “So, what are you going to do about next year???” She is a fellow teacher and decided to stay at home after being confronted with a series of decisions after their first son was born almost two years ago. She is definitely an advocate for taking the time off to get to know your kiddos and kept talking up their whole situation and choice. That night, instead of leaving with a feeling of confirmation or being able to side one way or another I left feeling torn. Honestly, I was a little frustrated because I had been doing such a great job pushing these thoughts to the back of my mind for so long and there I was having to think about them again. No one likes thinking about hard decisions.

It left me asking myself why. Why do I feel so torn? Where is my mind on all of this? Where is my heart?It also left me asking my husband what his opinions were. Which as awful as it might sound is something I had yet to do…or I at least I hadn’t been giving his thoughts a fair chance.

A part of me is completely unaware of what my husband and I are about to get ourselves into. We have a vague concept of babies and are both so excited about this next venture in life – but at the end of the day we have no clue what to expect. I don’t know how I am going to feel when I finally meet this little person, I don’t know how my body is going to be effected, I don’t know if everything will go smoothly or if there will be some bumps along the way. I don’t honestly know if I feel really, truly comfortable not being around my kid for the majority of the day and letting some other person bond with her.

On the other hand I look at where I have come in these past three years of teaching. All that I have learned, all that I have grown to love about my career choice and I wonder…am I throwing it all away? To stay home? To…just. be. a. mom. Why can’t I be one of those people who is so completely in love with this concept of being a stay at home mom? Will I be seen as lazy by friends, family, coworkers, parents of current and former students, my boss? Just because there is a part of me that wants to be with my family? This school year has been tough. Pregnancy aside, I would have to say that this year has challenged my philosophies on education more than any other year and for once I’m not entirely sure where I stand. Where do I go from here? I have always been very open and honest with myself and others that I have never wanted to stay in the classroom forever. I have always had thoughts of pursuing higher education, possibly obtaining a masters in counseling, looking into other career opportunities with kids, etc. But just I don’t know right now and to say that this is something that completely terrifies me is a huge understatement.

There are so many people I have talked to since announcing our pregnancy that have shared their thoughts and feelings. Both working and nonworking moms alike have been very open and honest with me about their personal feelings on this subject and that no matter what our decision is in the end everyone has assured me with the same sentiment: all that truly matters is what’s best for our family. I just wish I knew what was best for our family right now. I’m really looking forward to this time in Lent to focus on this big question and seeking some clarity and answers. I think the Gospel reading during mass yesterday said it perfectly and that really even if I never receive full confirmation one way or another – I can’t waste my time worrying right now:

“Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?”

Mt. 6:24-34

prayers & praises

Published on February 26, 2014 by Joanna1 Comment

Prayers & praises is a little activity that I started doing with our high school bible study girls last year when I switched from our Sunday night youth group nights to the smaller bible study setting on Tuesday nights. It was actually something that I picked up from my friend, Heidi, after attending her high school bible study group last year. I wanted to see the flow of her conversations with her girls and pick up any tips and tricks I could.

Every week we have been doing prayers and praises in our little group of girls and I can honestly say that it is one of the things I really look forward to in the week.

I took off a month and half of bible study to make time for our birthing, breastfeeding, and baby safety classes (I kind of feel like we have college degrees in baby right now) so I wasn’t able to participate in prayers and praises. I went to bible study for the first time in a while last week and it made my heart so happy to hear the girls keeping up this little tradition and to hear their sweet prayer requests (even if it does take forever and a day to get through EVERYONE sometimes;).

Linking up with Hallie to share 5 prayers and praises that have been on my mind/heart as of late.

1. Prayer: My kiddos have been testing ALL. WEEK. LONG. Today is day two of three and I think we are all feeling a little burned out. I can tell that they are tired, I’m tired, we are all tired and ready for this week of testing to be over with. Praying for them and their endurance – sometimes I wish I could get rid of all of the testing situations we put our students through.

2. Praise: Baby dresser is built and the crib was delivered yesterday! Things are slowly but surely coming together and that gives me some much needed reassurance and joy right now (because I was feeling super overwhelmed/crazed but the state of our apartment at the moment – how can a tiny human have SO MANY THINGS?)

3. Praise: Maternity pictures this weekend! We are having the same photographer who took our Christmas Card pictures take our maternity pictures and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been scouring Pinterest/magazines for some photo inspiration. I can’t wait to share how they turn out! If you haven’t checked out Kate Love Photography you definitely should.

4. Prayer: I’m really tired. I’m in definite need of some energy and endurance myself. I have been starting to feel the third trimester energy suck this week for sure and with so much to do it can feel really defeating at times. I just pray I’m using my time efficiently so that we can get everything we need to get done.

5. Praise: I’m pretty sure my wordpress account had a heart attack with all of the likes and views my little sweet potato recipe got yesterday! Hello new people – I hope you are enjoying this blog thus far and that I can add a little something to your day! Thanks for the love!

Any prayers/praises on your mind lately?

Happy Wednesday!

new week, new recipe: southwest loaded sweet potatoes

Published on February 26, 2014February 26, 2014 by JoannaLeave a comment

I think I should start this post by being completely honest and admitting that I have never been one of those people who has been able to come up with a recipe off the cuff.

My creativity in the kitchen has always been limited to altering seasoning amounts or adding more chocolate chips than necessary when baking. I am always so jealous of those creative minds who so effortlessly create these amazing, healthy, delicious meals…without a book or Pinterest or family recipe to fall back on. Seriously people, how do you do it? I feel like I could pull the teacher excuse and safely say that by the end of the day all of my creative juices have been put towards making math lessons more exciting and breaking up tattle-tale fights…

Well, I’m not sure what happened but while grocery shopping this weekend I had a sudden burst of foodspiration in the target canned food aisle and came up with the following recipe all. on. my. own. Applause? High Fives? Please?

Anyways, I will say that I was somewhat inspired by Lauren’s Instagram and her super adorable blog that I just recently started following. I am always drooling when I scroll through her IG and am always wondering how she can make a sweet potato look so delicious in so many different ways!

So behold my Southwest Loaded Sweet Potatoes (while they may not technically considered “clean” I thought we got pretty darn close!)

Ingredients:

-1.5-2 Chicken breasts (I used about a pound and a half)

-Two medium sweet potatoes (I actually went ahead and made three so we would have leftovers)

-Plain greek yogurt (I used two single servings of 2% Fage)

-1 can of black beans – drained and rinsed

-1 can of whole kernel corn -drained and rinsed

-half of a yellow onion – diced

-1 green bell pepper – diced

-1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dip seasoning

-Sharp Cheddar Cheese

-Cilantro (unless you are one of those unfortunate people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap and for that I am very sorry…use parsley)

-A few glugs of olive oil

-Salt/Pepper

1. Ok, so start by chopping up your chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper and saute over the stove in olive oil. Like so:

2. While you are cooking your chicken bake/soften up those sweet potatoes in the microwave. I poke a few holes in my taters, put them in the microwave for about 3 minutes, flip over and then finish them off for three minutes. Then they are perfectly cooked and ready to go.

3. After your chicken is done remove it from the pan, add a few more glugs of olive oil and pour in your canned corn, black beans, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until onions are translucent. (I had already made this beforehand for another recipe).

4. In a small bowl combine your greek yogurt with your ranch seasoning to make your “sour cream.”

5. Then load it on up! Slice open your potato, slather on your fake yet delicious “sour cream” concoction, spoon on your black bean/corn/onion/bell pepper mixture, some chicken, a little sprinkling of cheddar cheese, and a spring of cilantro (unless you lead a sad soapy tasting cilantro life – again, I’m so sorry for you!).

Happy eating!