Tell The Truthy....Does your child throw Tantrums?

So, ya'll know my rage against the Mommy Wars... but let's get serious... Do you always tell the truth about your little ones?

Does facebook or other blogs make you sometimes feel like your child must be the only one in the world who isn't perfect?  It sure does me!  I also feel a lot of times that when I talk to some Mommies they tell me how wonderful everything is, how easy it is if you have things well thought out and planned, and how children are so easy...

UMM, can I please live at your house and be your child?!?!? Yea, my kid was pretty easy during months 3-11...now let's get to toddlerhood!

Well, friends, Harper has come into the *possibly* full blown tantrums...and she's barely even 13 months old.  Is this normal?? If it's not, will you please tell me it is?!?!? :)

Tantrum 1-
When Harper is out and about with me running errands or out to eat she is not one to be ignored.  She enjoys full on attention and being spoken to, engaged, etc. the entire time.  If not - tears come.  Of course, you non-mommies may be thinking "why wouldn't you speak to your child" but let me tell you, sometimes it's hard to have a one-way convo out in public and sometimes you just want to be quiet!

But, I've learned, and have schooled my Hubby on the ways that IF you'd like a successful trip in public, the KEY is to ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE!

Tantrum 2-
This one comes into full effect usually when Harper is sleepy or hungry.  Harper will bend down and squat (like only kids can do - you picture it?!) and begin whining/crying.  Then, she will turn her head to the side, peek out of one eye to see if you are looking.  If you are: she will continue and sometimes move her position to laying on her side OR lay her head right on down to the most difficult yoga pose you've ever done.  If you aren't looking, she will usually get over it, come around the corner and be like nothing every happened.

The KEY is to walk away and don't even let her see you watch...don't you let her peeking meet your eyes!!

Tantrum 3-
Similar to Tantrum 2, but this time it occurs when you've offered her a toy, a piece of food, water, etc.  You know, all those horrible things parents do... ?!?!  Well, our gal is pretty stuck on her independence and knowing what she wants when she wants in - read: her time.

So, when this begins, the KEY is to walk away, totally ignore, and begin talking/laughing/playing with something else.

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I was totally worried and nervous about this, but after calling Harper's doc, she said that this next year will be all about seeing what manipulation she can get away with (what?!?!) and beginning to learn what she can do for herself.  Am I worried? Yea, a little bit.  Would I wish her personality and her possible strong-willed-ness away? No, I don't think so.  Ask me again when she's a teen...or 2...but I think I'm okay with this side I'm seeing of her.

I want her to be a strong girl~woman.  I want her to know what she wants and doesn't want.  I think those are qualities that make a strong woman and one who can take care of her own.  My Mom tells me that I was the same way and that she's proud of the way I've turned out and that my personality has helped me get to where I am and what I said 'no' to in the past.  I like that.

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HOWEVER, after a wonderful suggestion from my Mom...we have now gotten down to some of the terrible tantrums Harper was having...yup...her milk.  We thought the transition to whole milk was fine, but it turns out, it wasn't.  The poor girl is still having issues with milk so we have switched her to Organic Soymilk.  It was like a different child in 2 days.  Honestly.  She still has maybe a few of the tantrums I mentioned above, but it is UNREAL the difference in her - all because of the milk! And really, I can tell you I haven't seen a tantrum in over a week - even a small one!

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And of course, if sweet Harper continues to come over and kiss your lips after any of these tantrums, and hug on her babies, and say thank you at the drop of a hat...I'm very okay with how my sweet baby girl is turning out to be!



*what are you ways in dealing and eliminating tantrums or small fits?

"give Momma a kiss"

Love her ;)

{please do not listen to my voice. really. i have no idea how kids listen to me talk all day, but i must say my voice sounds worse on camera!}

Caudill Connection {guest post!}

Following my Guest Posting week...here's another great blog you should check out -
Caudill Connection!  She's a new Momma so her blog is quite similar to mine in our topics these days!

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Hey there Blissfully Burton readers! I am Sarah from Caudill Connection (LINK: http://caudillconnection.blogspot.com/) and I am so excited to be guest posting for you today. Before we get to the meat of the post, here are a few tid bits about me: I am definitely the new kid on the mommy blog block as I just started blogging in May 2012. My lil pride and joy, Raegan, who was born in February was definitely my motivation.  

So let’s get to the point of this post…..new recipes! Megan is great about posting her new recipes on Blissfully Burton but I have to admit this is one of my weak areas. I end up fixing the same quick easy meals over and over and my husband is usually less than thrilled, lol!

So I made a deal with myself that I would attempt TWO new meals each month, read about the previous recipes here (LINK: http://caudillconnection.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-recipes.html). For August I decided to make Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken and Slow Cooker Taco Soup.

 The Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken (LINK: http://www.food.com/recipe/hawaiian-crock-pot-chicken-467722) was from pinterest and it was not a hit in our household. For one I overcooked the chicken, yikes! But the taste just wasn’t pleasant to either of us; I guess to each their own as some of you may love it. I believe we both ended up eating a BIG bowl of cereal before bed this particular night : )

For the Slow Cooker Taco Soup I actually picked a little from two different recipes to make one that I liked because I just couldn’t decide which sounded better ha ha! The first recipe came from here (LINK: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/taco-soup-recipe/index.html) and the other from here (LINK: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Taco-Soup/). This was definitely a winner, YUMMY!!! We actually warmed this up again later in the week and had it for dinner again, ummmm this pretty much never happens in my household so that is a BIG deal! Next time I am thinking of trying a chicken version instead of beef, what do you think?  I need some inspiration here people!

I’d love for you to come on over to Caudill Connection (LINK: http://caudillconnection.blogspot.com/) and follow along as I continue to navigate through this new thing called motherhood. 

Thanks Sarah!

The Adventures of the Vereen-Davises {guest post!}

Hi friends! Natalie from The Adventures of the Vereen-Davises is guest posting for me today! She brings a fun post with date night ideas!! :) Enjoy her post and remember to go check out her blog! XOXO

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Hello, everyone! I'm Natalie
from The Adventures of the Vereen-Davises, and I'm so glad to be guest posting for Megan today! She's a wonder woman, balancing all of her students at work, adorable Harper and time with her husband. I know so many of us are the same way, and we all deserve time to kick back and relax!

I've put together some fun date night ideas, each of which has a coordinating outfit. I know it can sometimes be hard to splurge on a new date night outfit for yourself, especially if you have a family, if you're saving up for something fun, or if you have a house that seems to always need repairing (I'm all too familiar with the latter!), so I made sure that every piece I used below is less than fifty dollars (more details can be found on my Polyvore page). I hope you'll be inspired to take a night off from your crazy lives, pack up the significant other and enjoy a night out doing something both of you like.

My husband, Landon, and I love going to the movies. It's one thing to go into one of those big megaplexes, order a huge tub of popcorn and enjoy your movie in the (over) airconditioned comfort of your theatre...but it is another thing entirely to go to a drive-in movie theatre! When I was in law and graduate school, I LOVED going to the Big Mo on the weekends--it was a forty-five minute drive, but completely worth it. (Find the drive in movie theatre closest to you here). For this outfit, you'll need something warm, since it's almost fall (finally!) and the weather's getting cooler, especially at night. Get comfy in jeans and a patterned pullover sweater, add some boots and cute accessories, and all you need to worry about is snuggling with your date!

Another fun (and often overlooked date choice) is bowling. Sure, you did it when you were in middle school, but what could be more fun than wearing those hideous shoes, splitting a pizza and entering into some healthy competition with your spouse? Even if you are both horrible bowlers, I bet you'll still have a great time. For this outfit, you need to be able to move around while still looking cute. The solution: a monochromatic outfit with fun deals. If it's a bit chilly, just add a black cardigan to keep you ready to bowl a turkey (yes, that's a real thing. No, the bowling alley doesn't give you a real turkey if you accomplish it).

Finally, you might just want to dress up and go out on the town like actual grown-ups. Cocktails and dinner, anyone? For a classic date night, you'll want to go with a classic ensemble, like a little black dress complemented by simple accessories. I love the sparkle on the dress and clutch!





Here's to many future date nights!


Thanks Natalie!

I'm Nervous and Conflicted.

Really, this is a post for me. Could be boring - may not want to read.


I'm so conflicted at the moment with my feelings.  I have so many emotions running around my head, I am not sure how to really feel with the school year just around the corner.

1.  I am excited and looking forward to going back to school.  Not exactly to go back to 'working', but get back in the classroom.  It's been a really, really rough road in our school for quite a few years.  And last year? Basically, it was to just survive.  But this coming year, we have new hope.  New hope that I think is going to work.  We have a new leader who is one that I've already been impressed with and one who seems to be a real Christian.  One who sees this as our careers, but also sees that we have families, too.

I love teaching.  I really do.  But I think the excessive negativity and frustration throughout the past years had built so deep that I forgot that.  And when I had Harper, I really didn't think I could do it.

But now this summer I've been able to really reflect and getting to know our new leader has helped as well.  Hubby and I have had major, real conversations about this.

*My ultimate goal in my teaching career was to teach at a private Christian school.
That is not my goal anymore. My goal is to continue doing my best in a public school system.  Hopefully, be a light to children who need me and maybe some adults.  I WANT Harper in the public school system.  I want her to be around kids who have more than her.  I want Harper to help be the light to other children.

So now, my goal is to continue teaching in the public school system for now.  I can't tell you where I will be in a few years.  I've learned to not try and plan too far in advance :), but I know that I am so so so excited for this school year.  I'm excited to be a 'school Mom' to 24 different personalities.  I'm excited to be the teacher I know will make myself proud and one that I hope Harper will get the joy of having when it's her turn to go to school.  I'm actually really excited for my 8th year of teaching - something I don't think I've been able to truly say in a few years...

2.  I love Harper. I love the days, the times, the moments we've shared this summer.  I've been so lucky to witness so much.  I've been able to see Harper's personality grow.  We've grown so close together.  She has the best disposition ever.  SO happy all the time.  So sweet and easy going.  Such a joy.  I'm afraid she won't stay that way when I go back to work.  I don't know why I think this.  She'll be at the same home sitter she was at last year.  They love her so much - it's so easy to see.  But there will be new kids there this time around.  Two babies who are younger than Harper.  I'm worried that the babies will get the attention Harper once got from MeMe. I'm worried that Harper is now at the age to understand I'm not with her and that she will be upset.  I'm worried that she will be bored or sad during the day and I won't know.

I'm worried to be without her all day.

But on the other hand, I want to utilize my teaching side, too.

We've already been back to work a lot.  I've already missed a lot of time with Harper due to PD's, getting my room ready, home visits, etc.  While I'm away, I miss her. But I feel peace about it.  I get to continue teaming with Mary, and our whole team is excellent this year.  As of now, it feels that everyone is going to do their part and help each other out.  That helps so much.  It helps knowing I have 2 other teacher-Moms on my team who relate to what I'm going through and can help put things in perspective.  So, I've enjoyed working so far.

But then I feel a little guilty about that.

So what makes a good Mom? I think that's what I struggle with.  Of course, you are a good Mom when you make choices that will better your family.  But am I being a good Mom to go back to work?  Would I be a better Mom if I just stayed home? But then if I stayed home we wouldn't be able to save for Harper's future and wouldn't get to give Harper as many opportunities as she could have.  And maybe I would miss using my teacher side.  There's my struggle.  I think this is probably a struggle that will be a forever-struggle for many Moms.  And I'm just at the beginning.

So, my confusion lies here: I am excited for the school year.  But saying that makes me feel like a bad Mom. I don't want to leave Harper.  Honestly, our days are so easy and fun.  So much less stress than working.  {and couldn't you just punch the people who tell you you are getting a 'break' when you go to work. HA!} But I am happy about getting back in the classroom.

Agh! So confusing!

A few favorites...

I feel really bogged down lately.  There's just so much hate and negativity going on right now.  So much judging, so much intolerance.  It's got me going into a little hole.  A hole where I will pray that Harper never has to feel.  But, unless the second coming comes soon, she's going to have to know about it all or be exposed to some types of this.  So Brian and I made a pact.  We decided that we will not let anything or anyone force negativity and hate while we are around her.  I'm taking a break from FB for a while to just get away from the petty-ness that has come.  I want to show Harper love and joy and thankfulness.  I'm far from perfect, but she's still so innocent.  I have lots of 'wars' going on in my head right now, but instead of writing or talking them all out, I'm going to focus on what I can do.  I'm going to pray for me to show grace, for me to be positive, and for me to continue doing what I need to to keep my daughter safe from this ridiculous hate.


Here's a few pics from the last 2 weeks that make my heart happy...


I'm sure gonna miss all this extra time I've gotten with Harper this summer!

i love him and i love her.

my hair is coming back in ... but BLONDE!

matchy-matchy!

sparkle shoes :)

baby Walker - Nola's brother

loves her baby

loves pulling out all the diapers

sweet little legs

hello. my daughter is crazy.

No, totally kidding.

But this walking thing? IT'S totally crazy!

Let me tell you how it has changed our lives...

*we no longer are able to go to the Farmer's Market and have Harper sit nicely in the stroller...she wants to walk and walk up to people and chase dogs...

*no where and nothing is safe in our home anymore...the whole 'not for Harper' thing isn't working as well as it did now that she is eye level to some new and interesting things...

*eating out takes a lot of patience and quick hand motions with the fork-in-mouth...we can last but not for as long as before because the girl knows she can MOVE


Daughter is a very petite girly we have found out. And she seems to be walking 'early' to some.  Therefore... daughter is now a crazy bully it seems as she runs over the little and bigger kids!

Let's use Dottie as an example:
{showing 3 different month pics!}

See these moves here? Well she also does this on OTHER children.  Ones who are older or younger.

At our weekly gymnastics class, Harper is currently the only one who is walking {and the first to crawl...but who's counting?! ;)} so I think she now sees herself as the one who can grab what she wants.

Other kids have balls? Welp, she just walks on over and takes them. TAKES IT. MY DAUGHTER. Are you kidding me? I cannot be raising a bully!!!!

The gymnastics leader doesn't love my baby girl anyways {yea, another story on that one} so she tells me ALL kinds of things to constantly be saying to Harper.  She also tells us to role play at home.

1.  Harper is 10 months old. Not sure if role play will be understood?
2.  Please refer to Dottie pictures above.  Role.Play.Failed.
3.  She gets mad at my daughter because she won't stay in the dang circle during the circle time songs.
{okay, #3 has nothing to do with it, I just wanted to add that in there...my girl likes to be free and I think it's hilarious}

So, we are currently working with these words: Gentle, Not for Harper, Be Nice.  Also, I'm just picking her up and removing her from being on top of the other kid the situation, or letting her watch me as I give back whatever toy she stole and tell her to share.

TELL ME ~ what am I to do?!?! Any suggestions!??!?!

I mean, this sweet face?! She loves being around other kids so much, but I don't want her basically attacking the other kids!

Although, how can I not love this side of her?? It's so nice to see her be so inquisitive and comfortable around other kids! This shy Momma loves it!!


*note: duh, i know my daughter is not a real bully, all in fun, but please, i need suggestions!  

feeling {blessed}

Today I had this overwhelming sense of being blessed of my time with Harper.  We were sitting at the kitchen table as she was cheesing it up while we talked and ate our breakfast.

I've never posted my entries of my journey to get pregnant; however, let's just say that while I was trying to plan it in my head, I assumed that with my job I should try to have a due date in April or May as to not miss so much of the school year.  Well, obviously MY plan wasn't what GOD wanted.  I was due on Oct. 1st and had Harper on Sept. 29th.


Let me tell you how wonderful God's plan was WAY over mine.

1. I was able to take 14 weeks with my daughter because of Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Christmas Break verses the 12 weeks I had saved and was allotted by FMLA.

2.  I was very nervous about being at work when I came back in August because I was beginning to get sick again and I was very, very swollen.  I ended up only working for about a month and a half.

3.  I believe one of the most hectic times of the year is the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  With a new baby, I didn't feel any of that anxiety and busyness since I was on maternity leave {and I could shop for gifts during the day!}.

4.  I feel like I have gotten to be home with my daughter in one of the most developmental stages thus far this summer.  She's become so mobile, so interactive, so smart and I'm able to experience this all day long.  Just watching her as she grows on a daily basis has warmed my heart.  I've gotten to watch her learn to take steps over the past week - which is something amazing.  I see her learning to play on her own and with others.  I could just go on and on how amazing i think she is!

5.  The summer.  The summer is the best time of year!! Harper and I have been able to go outside, take walks, play at the park, go to the pool, just do all kinds of fun things outside without having to worry about too cold of weather!  We are on our own schedule and I just loooove that feeling.


Her age has been so very fun for this length of time I have off and I just feel like God {duh!} knew what He was doing to give me ample time with my baby while knowing I was going to have to be a working mother.

I feel like when you are in the moment of something and the timing isn't working like you wanted, you get very upset - as of course you would, that's a normal reaction.  But, don't you feel like looking back on your life, it was ALWAYS the right timing or situation to occur? It sure has for me.

For BIG things {i could just cringe thinking about how i almost messed up my life! ha!} and little things.

agh! i just love her soooooo much!

9 Months {for Momma}

Here we are, approaching Harper's 9 month birthday.  It's funny to think I've had her here with me the same amount of time it took to 'cook' her {i know, i know, it's really 10 months...}.

So, how has our lives changed in 9 months?

*Our life is crazy chaotic and perfectly simplified all at the same time.
We once could go and take Harper anywhere at any time and not worry about it. But now that she's older, we are on more of a schedule and have to keep naps and bedtimes on the routine.  As a teacher, I know this is the very best for a child, but I cannot lie and tell you it's easy to become so simplified!

*My Own.
I have my own family. Harper is mine. Brian is a Dad. We, together, are a family.  Brian and I were a family when it was just to 2 of us, but now we are a family of 3.  Decisions and choices are made for the 3 of us first. I love that feeling.  I love the feeling of having Harper as my daughter.  I've actually come to love knowing that *right now*{summer} I'm never alone...I always have her with me.

*It gets easier.
No lie. I thought that first month was the hardest ever. And it was. But it truly gets easier or maybe you just grow into your new normal.  Being a Mom is so hard and so fun all at the same time.  I love how she rewards me each day. I love how I can tell I'm teaching her things and she's learning to be her own person. I love her personality.  It's so weird to see her at this age. She understands things we say and watching her play and learn to be so mobile is so fun.

*Me.
It took me 9 months to gain my weight. I haven't lost all of it, but I am getting to be ok at where I am. However, I cannot fit into several of my pre-pregnancy clothes.  My body is just different now. I have curves that I never had. I actually have boobs for once {ha!} and my hips have widened as a result of a v-birth. You know what? It happens. And I am finally starting to see my body as it's meant to be seen after a child. I carried her to life. I grew her inside of me. So what if I can't wear size 0 anymore. Isn't there more to life than trying to starve myself into being who I 'once was'? I'm not that girl anymore. I'm a woman and a Mommy. One who is proud to have been given the gift of childbirth.  Yes, I'd love to be skinnier and of course I look at other Mom's who are thinner than me, but, at the end of the day, you just have to let it go.  I also have a lot calmer sense about me which is GREAT. I'm sure everyone around me likes that better, too!  I feel like I'm so busy or I spend so much energy on Harper that at the end of the day, I cannot obsess over little trivial things like I used to. I do love that so much!

*MommyWars.
It's so disheartening that this is a real word these days. If I've learned anything in these past 9 months, it's that each Mommy does what she can for her family. Sure, I judged while I was pregnant and before I was pregnant. But I can PROMISE you this, I do not judge now.  Does it get to me when people judge me? Oh yea. But the thing is, we need to support each other because it is honestly the hardest and the most IMPORTANT job in the entire world.  The most hurtful is when people you care about judge you.  It's really hard and I think it's hard on friendships when you feel like you're being judged.  I'm not sure if it's because of everyone always trying to be the best, but I sure hate it!

*Our Days.
I love our summer days together.  I was a little nervous about being home with Harper this summer.  Maternity Leave was kind of hard with her colic, but this time around it's so much fun.  I had planned to get her in some type of Mom's Day Out or little class without me a couple times a week, but I haven't even looked in to it.  I don't actually want to do things without her! My Mom has kept her a few times when I've had to go to work things and that has been great...but I haven't chosen to be away from her for a period of time yet.  I was also hoping that being with her all day every day was going to make me feel like I wanted to get-away with Brian {which I think he was hoping, too} but I haven't! I still don't like leaving her all night. I wish I did, but I just don't yet!
I also feel like we are doing all the fun things we had talked about last summer when I was pregnant and I'm loving it.  I love how easy going Harper is and how much she loves getting out and doing things.  This time right now is just so much fun!

*Our House is a Mess.
And I wouldn't have it any other way! YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT!  We've rearranged, moved things out, and moved things in to make more sense for Harper. I'm SURE I had said before that I wouldn't do that, but my girl is a wild child and I want her to have a "safe" area to play in! I actually look at the toys now and love it because it reminds me of the fun we had during the day.  I do pick them up, just to get them back out again, but it just doesn't bother me like I thought it would!


This 9 months sure has flown by a lot faster than the 9 months I was pregnant! :)

Well...

this kind of says it all! hahahaha




hoping to find some time to share exciting news!!!

I Made It!

That's really the only title I could think of that summed up this year of work. Beware: long post.

Let's recap:
I began this school year 9 months preggo. Swollen from the summer pregnancy and huge.  I was not exactly given a lot of support coming into the year from a select few knowing I was going to take my well-earned (and saved) 12 weeks maternity leave.  For goodness sakes I had to have a note allowing me to sit down while teaching.  It was a stressful environment to say the least.
I missed the time with my class that is the most important in a classroom - the first semester when behaviors and expectations are set.  I was with my kids for a little over a month, but I do not feel it was long enough.
So, changes as they may, happened.

This year has been the hardest teaching year of my 7 year career. We had a huge change in administration while I was out, brand new standards that basically came out throughout the year, and a brand new standardized test for the kids.  I had a group of students who just fed off each other daily.

Plus, not to mention, I had my child, spent a little over 14 weeks with her, and then returned to the real world. In my life before I became a Mom, I wanted to be a SAHM. I didn't know if I could work once I had my child. I almost didn't want to try it.  I just wanted to be with Harper.

However, the first 2 weeks back to work really let me in on something.  Even though each day was a struggle with certain kids, I finally realized that I really, really do love being a teacher. I mean, I knew I loved what I did before Harper; but I wasn't sure if I would love it the same after having her.  Do not get me wrong, I still hate leaving her each morning. I never have thought it's gotten easier, but, I've adjusted and have been able to accept my new normal.  I feel good when I'm in front of the room teaching. I feel proud of myself when I see that lightbulb go on in a child's head.  I feel even more so that I am my student's school mom and even more of what that entails.  I feel that since I've become a Mom, I'm able to see a different side to situations, ones I never even thought about.  I feel that I still have the talents of a great teacher and I want to use those talents right now in my life.  Harper, thankfully, is with a WONDERFUL home sitter. She and her husband truly love Harper and we can tell Harper loves them equally.  They have taken such good care of Harper and have helped Brian and I in our parenting as well.  I actually really like that she's around just a few other kids and I think it's helped her personality in a great way.  Of course, I feel guilty about thinking this, but, I don't necessarily think I should.  I think at this time, Harper is getting exactly what she needs.

I also feel like I could never have gone back to work without the support of the ladies I work with.  Sometimes, working with all women can have it's moments.  But, working with all women who over half have children, they totally understood and were beyond there for me when I came back to work.  I had teachers coming in to my room checking on me, asking about Harper, and offering to help me grade papers so I could head home right after the bell.  I have friends at work that I don't get to have much interaction with just stop by my room and ask me if I was ok. I mean, I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that support I felt when I returned, and honestly, the support from them I've continued to feel all year.  My team teacher was able to be with me before her maternity leave began, and I can say that without a doubt I would not have been able to do this without her!

Not every Mom is meant to be a SAHM and not every Mom is meant to be a Working Mom.  Each is hard and whatever role you have, I'm sure you think it's the harder of the two.  For me, being a working Mom is beyond difficult but I've been able to adjust. I'm not perfect at it and it's hard each day, but I'm doing it. I'm back to my wifely duties of cooking dinner *almost* every night. I've learned how to be a {hopefully}great teacher at work, a {hopefully}great Mom at home, and a {hopefully}good wife, too.  I'm still working on being a great friend, but I'm not going to beat myself up over it.  I'm learning and I'm truly doing the absolute best I can. But for now, my time with Harper and my husband are precious. My time at work is precious.  My fabulous friend and team-teach Mary made the comment that if I'm going to do something that takes me away from my baby, I better make it worth it. Well, I AM!


So, luckily, my job lets me get to be a SAHM for a few short months, and then back to work I go. I'm actually looking forward to the coming school year and getting a fresh start where I will be in the classroom all year long!

At this point, I feel settled in my heart that I am doing what I see best for my family and for Harper.  That doesn't mean it won't change, but I am just happy to feel that now.  Being a Mom is no joke. It's harder than anything, but it's the best feeling and the greatest thing to ever happen to me.  To now know I have the potential to be in someone elses child's life as much as a teacher is, that makes me feel more important than ever!


So, I'm off to enjoy summer with my baby!!!!

Momma's Day

I'm so lucky to be a MOMMA this year!!!  Well, I feel lucky to be Harper's Momma!

I had a great day getting to celebrate with my Mom and my Sister...along with our families.
Harper got me a very sweet gift and my parents got us a joint Mother's/Father's Day gift! :) So sweet.

crazy cousin love

the ABSOLUTE best gift I've ever been given.

Mommas and babies

my precious baby doll

Oh, AND Harper decided to finally quit the 'elephant crawl' and go full on crawling!! We have a crawler in the house! What a WONDERFUL gift for Brian and I to get to see her finally do it - instead of at the sitter's home first! :)


Hoping all the Mom's felt special today, the Moms-to-Be felt excited for what is to come today, and the hopeful Mom's felt some type of comfort in today.

I can TRULY say, there's nothing like a Mother's Love.

The Elephant in the Room

Have ya'll seen this? I'm sure you have...



You all know that I was unfortunately unable to BF for a long period of time.  But that doesn't mean I do or don't wish I could have or I don't wish something different.  Mothers do what they need to do to be BEST for their child.

So, with that said, I never experienced the whole "attachment" that BF supposedly makes you and your newborn. I feel very close to my child and I DO NOT think our relationship will hurt because I wasn't able to nurse. Period.

And I've mentioned before, since becoming a mother I am very much so LESS judgemental than I was before. To each is own; do what is best for your child in your own eyes.

What BOTHERS me is the title. REALLY? It's as if this woman, and women who are ABLE to nurse, can have this superiority over others. That's what bothers me. Because, I think in every day world, some people do act like that.

Here's the online article - take a look.  I LOVE the last paragraph.  And I love the comment about the child walking up to Mom and saying, "Hey Mom, I'm hungry".

Anyways, I'd love your comments - what do you think about the article?!?! {nothing personal towards me, please!}

A 'free' Day

Up until this year, I would have NEVER taken off a day of work for no real reason. I mean, I usually don't even use my Personal Days (we get 3 a year) within a school year.  We don't receive any vacation time since we are off in the summer, but we can save sick days if we don't use them.  Well, I saved a TON of days over my 7 years of teaching, letting me be able to comfortably take off 3 full months with my sweet baby.  I went to school last year some days puking all throughout the day, but knew I needed to save those days for my time off.

Well here it is in late April.  I have a few days left that I strategically kept in case Harper or I got sick and needed to take days so that I wouldn't have to take days without pay.  A very wise friend at school, Liz, mentioned to me on more than one occasion, that to be able to be a working Mom, you'll need to take a day here or there and be with your baby to keep up your momentum for being a working Mom.  Well, I needed that today.  Luckily, Harper hasn't been sick enough for me to have to take off and I haven't either, so I have a few days left.

I decided to take a personal day off on Friday and be with my baby.  Boy, it has been just what I needed!  We've had a wonderful and happy day together! Each moment of feeding my baby, putting her down for her nap, playtime; I haven't taken for granted today!  I also took Harper up to see my Granny. She hasn't seen her since January and I knew she was just dying to see her again.  Harper luckily warmed up to her quickly and showed her sweet personality to Granny. She was soo excited.

love that little curl!

90 1/2 year old Granny - she looks good!

showing Granny what was in her basket!

It has been an awesome day and I feel so rejuvinated! I just love my baby girl and seeing her sweet smiles all day!

We even hit the park for a bit!

sun was in her eyes! whoops!

LOVES herself some water

I'd say Harper was a pretty happy girl to get an extra day with Mommy!