Words from Umma Nelly
How is it possible for mankind to live alone? How do they survive emotionally, psychologically? Is it really possible? Do we dare to even try such a thing? Can anyone really live a life alone without breaking down their self-worth?
No, this is not a story to find out whether or not we can truly survive alone. This is me sharing with you, about the importance of having the strongest support group you can imagine when you become a mother.
When a woman finds out they are with child, a million different emotions will run through their heart. Some are positive, others not so much. Whether they are full of pure bliss or down right angry, they can't hide from the fact that they are going to become a mother.
Going through the journey of pregnancy can be filled with days with you wondering if you should just move your bed into the bathroom, while other days you don't even miss a beat of feeling good. Some could walk through their entire pregnancy on cloud 9 and never feel an ounce of sickness. No, I wasn't one of them but I wasn't stuck in the bathroom either. I had my own problems.
With each of my sweet boys, I was always drowning in nausea or fighting to not pass out in the grocery aisle. Sometimes, I had to call my mom because I just wanted someone on the other line, even if she didn't say a thing. She was one of my biggest fans in my support group. She was my mother, who knew how to take care of me in the moment. (Kudos to my mom).
My first pregnancy, with Israel, I was finishing my last year of college. I had my moments where I thought I was going to fall completely on my face and pass out in the middle of students rushing to the classroom. God knew to place me in the right place and the right time to make sure that I was "in good hands". I had friends, who even skipped their own class. to make sure that I was feeling better and to help me arrive home safely. I am beyond grateful for my friends. They also played a major role in my support group.
After going through 9 months of pregnancy twice, I thought I was prepared to become a mother. I mean I browsed through the famous book of, "What to Expect...". I could do this, right? Sure.... I got this! ;)
I think God just laughed at me, just a little.
My first son, Israel, was born with a heart congenital defect known as, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. When he was born, our hearts were not prepared for the road we were about to embark. Nothing could have prepared us for this heart wrenching journey. Absolutely nothing. God had to literally carry us through this entire journey, because we were not able to go through this alone. He blessed us with the right nurses, the right medical staff and most importantly, the perfect family and friends. We always had loved ones come and go at the right moment. We had people holding our hands while we waited for son to come out of surgery. We had family hold us as we had to hear the worst of the worst news. We had companions--angels--continue to pray over us as we looked to God for strength, unending love and grace. We couldn't bear this alone. No man should ever have to bear this alone.
My second son, Josiah, was born a little under a year after all this had happened. Some of you are probably thinking, "birth control?" No, Josiah was sent by God at the most perfect timing. We could never really grasp the timing of God, but it is good and it is perfect, unlike the timing of the world.
After enduring what we had to go through with our first son, Josiah was a complete breeze. However, we were still anxious about the normal things like whether or not he was getting enough to eat, should he be doing this or that, etc. Yes, we even made many trips to the pediatrician with the frantic look on our faces, "is he okay???" Yes, we can all chuckle now, because we have all down it. We still had our support group, whether it was people bringing in food, helping us clean the house or just keeping us company. We had loved ones continue to help us get through the life of a newborn. We were ever so grateful; always.
No training, no classes, nothing can prepare you for bringing a child into the world. Mothers (and fathers) need LOVING support from all the "neighbors".We need someone to hold us as we cry over the loss hours of sleep. We need someone to remind us that it's only a season when we can't get our morning shower. We need someone to be there for us; not necessarily offering words of advice, but to just be THERE. To be there in the moment. Helping in other ways, even if it means getting your hands a little dirty by cleaning the dishes or running the sweeper.
It's a whole new world, and it's meant to be shared with others. It meant to be shared with others in a way that you can survive this time. Embrace the support that God is about to bless you with in this new thing called, "motherhood". He always knows when to send the right person to meet your deepest need in this moment. Don't be discouraged by the "nagging person who thinks they know it all about babies". Just let some of the advice that you don't agree or even need to hear, roll off your shoulders.
I honestly don't know if man could survive alone. Let's not start a professional debate. However, I want you to be encouraged to surround yourself with loved ones. Find solid friends and family, who will ride this wicked ride of a rollercoaster with you, even if it means over and over again. It will help you to breathe. It will help you to continue to beat to a "happy drum" called parenting. Be loved.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Breastfeeding Encouragement for the New Mama :)
Word's from Mama Brittany
Before Oliver was born, I wanted to breastfeed Oliver more than anything. When things took a turn and I found out I would have a preemie; I had my doubts. I had good breastfeeding support, but I never knew anyone who nursed a preemie before, let alone a micro-preemie. I knew lots of woman who nursed, or even pumped. I also found out about the struggles they endured and how a lot of them ended up giving up. I pushed through and now at eighteen month old, who is my not-so-micro preemie, is a nursing toddler!
Oliver was fed his first feedings through a tube, I had to pump to bring in my milk. My milk came in around day 8, I had to pump and pump. I would work with Oliver at the breast with a nipple shield, but he never ate enough to empty me, so after every single feeding I had to pump. This was extremely difficult and I was extremely tired. I would feed Oliver, get him settled, then pump. By the time the whole ordeal was over I would have 20-30 min and the whole ordeal would start over again. I was getting very little to no sleep, I ended up getting mastitis, between the nipple shield and the pumping. I was always engorged and my boobs always hurt. I leaked like crazy and Oliver couldn't latch without the nipple shield. If anyone had a hard time with the beginning stages of nursing, it was me.
I remember one night, Oliver was screaming and my boobs were full and painful. He wouldn't latch even with the shield! I hadn't slept all night, and I finally screamed, "Give him formula, just give him effin formula!" I didn't mean it. However, it was tempting. I know it's hard, and I know formula and CIO looks very enticing at this point. This was my life for 10 weeks. Around that time, Oliver began throwing up all the time, and crying at night for hours and hours. It was beyond exhausting and discouraging. I may have been exhausted, but Oliver came first. Over everything, breastfeeding him meant more to me than sleep or anything else.
At ten weeks, things changed and it seemed like we could see the light at the end of this tunnel. We were told by his doctor to stop the formula in my breast milk. (When we bottle fed him, we would add 1/4 tsp of formula, for extra calories.) Although, his doctor said to stop; hence, we did and I stopped pumping. Around that time I got mastitis, so I just began straight nursing Oliver. We continued using the nipple shield for four months and then ditched it. By five months, we were nursing pros. So, how did I push through? Determination. Lots of it. Including great support, even if that support was all inside my head sometimes. Ha! I kept telling myself that I could do it!! And I did!!!
I hope that I can be that encouragement to you, whether your baby came three months too early or was overdue. Breastfeeding can be difficult at first; but you can do this, you will do this. You are a strong wonderful mom, who wants to give your baby the very best start in life.
It's normal for babies to eat often, so "baby wear" them and let them nurse whenever they want. Make your life easy, ditch the crib, it's too much to walk back and forth from their room when they want to eat. Set up a safe family bed! With the family bed, the baby will begin to wake and you will be able to give them the breast right away. Usually the baby will "sleep nurse" which means they will fall back to sleep, which means more sleep for you. If you don't want them in your bed then use something within arms reach so you're not getting up a million times a night. Understand babies sleep patterns: check this out for more info on that :) Most importantly, don't have false expectations. Your baby will one day sleep through the night, and they grow fast so try and enjoy these sleepless nights. Trust a mama; you will miss those night time cuddles!
Understand mastitis. I didn't know about this until I had it :( Now I know the signs and can take cautions before getting it. Signs are tender breasts or a pain in your breast. When your duct gets blocked, it can lead to a breast infection. Your breast will hurt like a "mofo" and you may feel like you have the flu. If this happens, continue to nurse your baby! Try lying down while nursing because it may help and also check out Kellymom because they have the best information ever! They also have a "Mommy Forum," so you can chat it up with other moms who are going through the same thing as you!
Surround yourself with breastfeeding, happy people, even if it means online, like I mentioned above. We mama's need to stick together and support each other along this Journey of Motherhood :) It's no easy task- but some one's gotta do it ;)
Before Oliver was born, I wanted to breastfeed Oliver more than anything. When things took a turn and I found out I would have a preemie; I had my doubts. I had good breastfeeding support, but I never knew anyone who nursed a preemie before, let alone a micro-preemie. I knew lots of woman who nursed, or even pumped. I also found out about the struggles they endured and how a lot of them ended up giving up. I pushed through and now at eighteen month old, who is my not-so-micro preemie, is a nursing toddler!
Oliver was fed his first feedings through a tube, I had to pump to bring in my milk. My milk came in around day 8, I had to pump and pump. I would work with Oliver at the breast with a nipple shield, but he never ate enough to empty me, so after every single feeding I had to pump. This was extremely difficult and I was extremely tired. I would feed Oliver, get him settled, then pump. By the time the whole ordeal was over I would have 20-30 min and the whole ordeal would start over again. I was getting very little to no sleep, I ended up getting mastitis, between the nipple shield and the pumping. I was always engorged and my boobs always hurt. I leaked like crazy and Oliver couldn't latch without the nipple shield. If anyone had a hard time with the beginning stages of nursing, it was me.
I remember one night, Oliver was screaming and my boobs were full and painful. He wouldn't latch even with the shield! I hadn't slept all night, and I finally screamed, "Give him formula, just give him effin formula!" I didn't mean it. However, it was tempting. I know it's hard, and I know formula and CIO looks very enticing at this point. This was my life for 10 weeks. Around that time, Oliver began throwing up all the time, and crying at night for hours and hours. It was beyond exhausting and discouraging. I may have been exhausted, but Oliver came first. Over everything, breastfeeding him meant more to me than sleep or anything else.
At ten weeks, things changed and it seemed like we could see the light at the end of this tunnel. We were told by his doctor to stop the formula in my breast milk. (When we bottle fed him, we would add 1/4 tsp of formula, for extra calories.) Although, his doctor said to stop; hence, we did and I stopped pumping. Around that time I got mastitis, so I just began straight nursing Oliver. We continued using the nipple shield for four months and then ditched it. By five months, we were nursing pros. So, how did I push through? Determination. Lots of it. Including great support, even if that support was all inside my head sometimes. Ha! I kept telling myself that I could do it!! And I did!!!
I hope that I can be that encouragement to you, whether your baby came three months too early or was overdue. Breastfeeding can be difficult at first; but you can do this, you will do this. You are a strong wonderful mom, who wants to give your baby the very best start in life.
It's normal for babies to eat often, so "baby wear" them and let them nurse whenever they want. Make your life easy, ditch the crib, it's too much to walk back and forth from their room when they want to eat. Set up a safe family bed! With the family bed, the baby will begin to wake and you will be able to give them the breast right away. Usually the baby will "sleep nurse" which means they will fall back to sleep, which means more sleep for you. If you don't want them in your bed then use something within arms reach so you're not getting up a million times a night. Understand babies sleep patterns: check this out for more info on that :) Most importantly, don't have false expectations. Your baby will one day sleep through the night, and they grow fast so try and enjoy these sleepless nights. Trust a mama; you will miss those night time cuddles!
Understand mastitis. I didn't know about this until I had it :( Now I know the signs and can take cautions before getting it. Signs are tender breasts or a pain in your breast. When your duct gets blocked, it can lead to a breast infection. Your breast will hurt like a "mofo" and you may feel like you have the flu. If this happens, continue to nurse your baby! Try lying down while nursing because it may help and also check out Kellymom because they have the best information ever! They also have a "Mommy Forum," so you can chat it up with other moms who are going through the same thing as you!
Surround yourself with breastfeeding, happy people, even if it means online, like I mentioned above. We mama's need to stick together and support each other along this Journey of Motherhood :) It's no easy task- but some one's gotta do it ;)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Q&A with Umma & Mama
Q: Was becoming a Mom harder or easier than you thought it would be?
Mama B: I guess the biggest shock was that these so-called babies, don't actually "sleep like a baby" or do they? Plus, I think that ol' saying is just not accurate :)
Umma: When our first child was born, Israel, we did not know what to expect especially with his heart condition. The time he was with our family was a constant weariness but he brought so much joy to our family. He strengthened our faith and taught us to love even more. Like it Charles Dickens quoted in his book, 'A Tale of Two Cities,' "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom,...it was the epoch of belief."
With our second son, Josiah, it was a piece of cake. Why? Because we got more sleep than we ever did in the NICU or PICU. You think you had it bad? Try having your newborn in the NICU.
Q: Did you want a girl or boy?
Mama B: I didn't mind either one, The sonogram showed it was a girl, because the cord was between his legs. Ha! So, when I finally had a 4D sono and we saw that "wittle" penis I was BEYOND excited and surprised! I LOVE having a son. It is SO MUCH fun!!!
Umma: Everyone wanted our family to have a girl because boys are all around. Me? I just wanted a healthy baby. I was completely content with the children God gave us.
Q: How do you have intimate time with your husband if your baby sleeps in your bed with you?
Mama B: HA! Gosh lets set the record straight on this one, once and for all, because I get this question ALL THE TIME, so here is my answer, and I'll answer with a question: Why is bed the only place for sex? Hate to say it, but if the only place your doing it is in bed then you must have a pretty boring sex life ;p Enough said, I think? Eh?
Umma: All I have to say is that there ain't no love making in the bed when our baby is sleeping in it. Otherwise, don't you worry about my "kiss, kiss time" with my husband. ;)
Q: How long do you plan on nursing that child?!?
Mama B: My simple reply is "What's it to you?" ;p
Umma: Oh, please ask Josiah. ;) Truth be told, I would like to be completely done before he turns 2.
Q: What is your response when people ask you, "why don't you use the Cry It Out method (CIO) since your baby doesn't sleep through the night?
Mama B: Sighs. In MY OWN OPINION, the CIO method is the worst thing you can do for a child. Now please hear me out on this topic. Young human babies are the most vulnerable of any other species. The only way they have to communicate with us is through crying. With that being noted, our society, Western culture, tells us to put our precious vulnerable babies in cribs, and allow them to be alone and cry continuously and have no one go help them. Parents are told to believe that this helps babies sleep through the night (STTN). Number one, it doesn't always work. Number two, it is extremely damaging to the child. Studies have shown that the baby "gives up hope" and falls asleep which allows the parents to think, "great it worked." Little do they realize this child has fallen into what is known as " infant depression" which can have lifelong lasting effects. Nelly and I will share with you other more gentler ways to help your baby STTN. And ways to cope with the lack of sleep. Be encouraged- there are much better ways, dear friends.
Umma: I have many reasons on why I won't do the CIO method when it comes to sleeping. I am firmly against it, even if it "guarantees" my child to sleep through the night at a young age. I have done my own research about it, and I have come to the conclusion that it is not healthy for the child. As a mother, God gave us the instinct to nurture our children when they need us. Why are we allowing society to tell us that it is okay to "ignore" the "mama instinct" that God gave us? If you prefer to follow this method, that is purely your choice. Please don't try to persuade me otherwise, because I won't persuade you to follow my own parenting. "To each is their own."
Q: What made you choose to use cloth diapers?
Mama B: Well, I suppose Mother Earth, but I am finding myself more into "Elimination Communication." (I'll explain more about this in another blog for those of you who are not sure what this method is about.) For our next child, we will start this from the get-go with part time cloth. When Oliver was only three pounds, all we used was disposables for quite awhile, and at night. Shhhhhhh! Not supposed to tell anyone that! These days, we let him run naked around the house, when the other kids are not here. My eighteen month old poops and pee's on the potty :) Other times we just use cloth. I like them- no harsh chemicals on babies bum, don't have to run out and buy diapers, don't have to put pants on him. He looks so cute running in his little bums!
Umma: I don't use them! ;) I've heard that they are difficult to clean in "hard water". If they were easier, I would totally give it a shot! We prefer to use natural and organic diapers such as Seventh Generation and Earth's Best diapers.
Q: How do you feel about vaccines?
Mama B: Well....I am very indecisive about them. Oliver needed to get them in order for me to open the daycare. He is on the Dr. Sears plan and never ever gets more than one shot at a time. We also skipped a few I felt were unnecessary, but we can always get certain ones when he is a little older. I really don't like all the extra junk they put in them, and the fact that when I was a child there were only eleven vaccines and now there are thirty to thirty-five. Ridiculous I tell you. I don't just do something because a doctor will recommend it....Doctors are not God.
Umma: Absolutely, yes! I pray over each vaccine and pray that it only does what it is meant to do (protect the child) and nothing else. If the vaccine is not needed like the flu shot or whatever else, then I don't always have Josiah get them.
Q: Tell us the truth. What are some hardships with co-sleeping and how do you handle them?
Mama B: Waking up with a bloody lip which has happened more than once. Being headbutted while your dead asleep. Having the "Milkbucks" right there and a baby who wants to sip on his own cup of joe all night. However, the good far out weighs the bad! Little baby snores, baby giggly-filled dreams, sweet kisses before drifting off together. :)
Umma: I have my nights when Josiah will kick me in the face or try to lay on my stomach. I just ignore it or try to move him in a better position. We are working on getting him in his own little bed, though. Personally, I think it drives my husband nuts, but we work it out as family and try to discuss it in a better manner when the time is right.
Q: Do you plan on adding more children to your family?
Mama B: We do. We want a lot of children. Some out of my belly, some out of our heart :) We'll see what happens. It's a touchy subject for me.
Umma: YES!!! As long as God opens the door to adding to our little family, then yes! How many more? I would love to have at least one more, but two more wouldn't be so bad in my opinion. ;)
Q: Whats three things is a must for a new Mom?
Mama B: 1. Love. Always love. No question about it. 2. Boobs. 3. Last but not least, an awesome mom, who comes and helps out by cuddling baby or cleaning your house, cooking, etc. Yeah, my mom pretty much rocks! She will cuddle Oliver, since I am a huge believer into baby wearing and totally against those jail cell things. Whoops, they are called cribs aren't they? But she will hold Oliver for hours and hours. (Love you Mom!)
Umma: 1. Continual love. There will be days where you will want to pull your hair out or want to put your child up for adoption. However, 'love conquers all', right? ;) 2. Patience. Remember, they are just a baby and they're allowed to have their moments just like we do. 3. Jesus & Support :) You need Jesus for the days when you don't think you're going to survive. You also need Jesus to give Him such gratitude for your little monster, just as well. You also need support because becoming a new mom is a hard journey to endeavor alone. That doesn't mean finding people to hold and bond with your baby while you fulfill household duties. That means finding people who will understand and help around the house even though your snuggling with your little sweet pea on the couch.
Mama B: I guess the biggest shock was that these so-called babies, don't actually "sleep like a baby" or do they? Plus, I think that ol' saying is just not accurate :)
Umma: When our first child was born, Israel, we did not know what to expect especially with his heart condition. The time he was with our family was a constant weariness but he brought so much joy to our family. He strengthened our faith and taught us to love even more. Like it Charles Dickens quoted in his book, 'A Tale of Two Cities,' "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom,...it was the epoch of belief."
With our second son, Josiah, it was a piece of cake. Why? Because we got more sleep than we ever did in the NICU or PICU. You think you had it bad? Try having your newborn in the NICU.
Q: Did you want a girl or boy?
Mama B: I didn't mind either one, The sonogram showed it was a girl, because the cord was between his legs. Ha! So, when I finally had a 4D sono and we saw that "wittle" penis I was BEYOND excited and surprised! I LOVE having a son. It is SO MUCH fun!!!
Umma: Everyone wanted our family to have a girl because boys are all around. Me? I just wanted a healthy baby. I was completely content with the children God gave us.
Q: How do you have intimate time with your husband if your baby sleeps in your bed with you?
Mama B: HA! Gosh lets set the record straight on this one, once and for all, because I get this question ALL THE TIME, so here is my answer, and I'll answer with a question: Why is bed the only place for sex? Hate to say it, but if the only place your doing it is in bed then you must have a pretty boring sex life ;p Enough said, I think? Eh?
Umma: All I have to say is that there ain't no love making in the bed when our baby is sleeping in it. Otherwise, don't you worry about my "kiss, kiss time" with my husband. ;)
Q: How long do you plan on nursing that child?!?
Mama B: My simple reply is "What's it to you?" ;p
Umma: Oh, please ask Josiah. ;) Truth be told, I would like to be completely done before he turns 2.
Q: What is your response when people ask you, "why don't you use the Cry It Out method (CIO) since your baby doesn't sleep through the night?
Mama B: Sighs. In MY OWN OPINION, the CIO method is the worst thing you can do for a child. Now please hear me out on this topic. Young human babies are the most vulnerable of any other species. The only way they have to communicate with us is through crying. With that being noted, our society, Western culture, tells us to put our precious vulnerable babies in cribs, and allow them to be alone and cry continuously and have no one go help them. Parents are told to believe that this helps babies sleep through the night (STTN). Number one, it doesn't always work. Number two, it is extremely damaging to the child. Studies have shown that the baby "gives up hope" and falls asleep which allows the parents to think, "great it worked." Little do they realize this child has fallen into what is known as " infant depression" which can have lifelong lasting effects. Nelly and I will share with you other more gentler ways to help your baby STTN. And ways to cope with the lack of sleep. Be encouraged- there are much better ways, dear friends.
Umma: I have many reasons on why I won't do the CIO method when it comes to sleeping. I am firmly against it, even if it "guarantees" my child to sleep through the night at a young age. I have done my own research about it, and I have come to the conclusion that it is not healthy for the child. As a mother, God gave us the instinct to nurture our children when they need us. Why are we allowing society to tell us that it is okay to "ignore" the "mama instinct" that God gave us? If you prefer to follow this method, that is purely your choice. Please don't try to persuade me otherwise, because I won't persuade you to follow my own parenting. "To each is their own."
Q: What made you choose to use cloth diapers?
Mama B: Well, I suppose Mother Earth, but I am finding myself more into "Elimination Communication." (I'll explain more about this in another blog for those of you who are not sure what this method is about.) For our next child, we will start this from the get-go with part time cloth. When Oliver was only three pounds, all we used was disposables for quite awhile, and at night. Shhhhhhh! Not supposed to tell anyone that! These days, we let him run naked around the house, when the other kids are not here. My eighteen month old poops and pee's on the potty :) Other times we just use cloth. I like them- no harsh chemicals on babies bum, don't have to run out and buy diapers, don't have to put pants on him. He looks so cute running in his little bums!
Umma: I don't use them! ;) I've heard that they are difficult to clean in "hard water". If they were easier, I would totally give it a shot! We prefer to use natural and organic diapers such as Seventh Generation and Earth's Best diapers.
Q: How do you feel about vaccines?
Mama B: Well....I am very indecisive about them. Oliver needed to get them in order for me to open the daycare. He is on the Dr. Sears plan and never ever gets more than one shot at a time. We also skipped a few I felt were unnecessary, but we can always get certain ones when he is a little older. I really don't like all the extra junk they put in them, and the fact that when I was a child there were only eleven vaccines and now there are thirty to thirty-five. Ridiculous I tell you. I don't just do something because a doctor will recommend it....Doctors are not God.
Umma: Absolutely, yes! I pray over each vaccine and pray that it only does what it is meant to do (protect the child) and nothing else. If the vaccine is not needed like the flu shot or whatever else, then I don't always have Josiah get them.
Q: Tell us the truth. What are some hardships with co-sleeping and how do you handle them?
Mama B: Waking up with a bloody lip which has happened more than once. Being headbutted while your dead asleep. Having the "Milkbucks" right there and a baby who wants to sip on his own cup of joe all night. However, the good far out weighs the bad! Little baby snores, baby giggly-filled dreams, sweet kisses before drifting off together. :)
Umma: I have my nights when Josiah will kick me in the face or try to lay on my stomach. I just ignore it or try to move him in a better position. We are working on getting him in his own little bed, though. Personally, I think it drives my husband nuts, but we work it out as family and try to discuss it in a better manner when the time is right.
Q: Do you plan on adding more children to your family?
Mama B: We do. We want a lot of children. Some out of my belly, some out of our heart :) We'll see what happens. It's a touchy subject for me.
Umma: YES!!! As long as God opens the door to adding to our little family, then yes! How many more? I would love to have at least one more, but two more wouldn't be so bad in my opinion. ;)
Q: Whats three things is a must for a new Mom?
Mama B: 1. Love. Always love. No question about it. 2. Boobs. 3. Last but not least, an awesome mom, who comes and helps out by cuddling baby or cleaning your house, cooking, etc. Yeah, my mom pretty much rocks! She will cuddle Oliver, since I am a huge believer into baby wearing and totally against those jail cell things. Whoops, they are called cribs aren't they? But she will hold Oliver for hours and hours. (Love you Mom!)
Umma: 1. Continual love. There will be days where you will want to pull your hair out or want to put your child up for adoption. However, 'love conquers all', right? ;) 2. Patience. Remember, they are just a baby and they're allowed to have their moments just like we do. 3. Jesus & Support :) You need Jesus for the days when you don't think you're going to survive. You also need Jesus to give Him such gratitude for your little monster, just as well. You also need support because becoming a new mom is a hard journey to endeavor alone. That doesn't mean finding people to hold and bond with your baby while you fulfill household duties. That means finding people who will understand and help around the house even though your snuggling with your little sweet pea on the couch.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Two Hearts Sharing with You.
Let us introduce ourselves.
We are Mama Brittany & Umma (Korean for "mama") Janel.
We LOVE this guy named Jesus; but we wouldn't say we're religious- He is just our friend. Plain and simple. No gray area about it!
We spent a year at college together and became inseperable friends. Living in different states did not stop our friendship. Over the past couple of years, we have walked together, down the road to finding out who we are in Christ, finding our husbands in the most random places but with perfect timing and now we embarking the journey to motherhood. Brittany still lives up North and Janel is living it up in South. Thank God for Facebook, Skype and Verizon Wireless and unlimited calling and text messages. We're pretty sure our friendship could survive through snail mail, though!
Instead of writing our own individual blogs, we wanted to combine our stories and share with mama's (and everyone else). We don't write to offend anyone, but to encourage others who have been in similar situations like ourselves. We want to show sleep deprived mothers that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, eight hours of sleep. We want you to laugh with us, cry with us and know that you are not alone in this thing called parenting.
Yes, we are passionate about being mothers. Yes, we are passionate about (most) Attachment Parenting Principles. Yes, we are passionate about "being green". Yes, we are passionate about raising our children in a God-loving environment. Please don't take our passions for trying to persuade you to change your parenting styles. We do what we do because it fits our family and our lifestyles. We can only hope that you find your own parenting styles in your own time and manner, whether it will be like us or completely different.
Enjoy our written words. These are the stories of our lives that God has written just for us.
We are Mama Brittany & Umma (Korean for "mama") Janel.
We LOVE this guy named Jesus; but we wouldn't say we're religious- He is just our friend. Plain and simple. No gray area about it!
We spent a year at college together and became inseperable friends. Living in different states did not stop our friendship. Over the past couple of years, we have walked together, down the road to finding out who we are in Christ, finding our husbands in the most random places but with perfect timing and now we embarking the journey to motherhood. Brittany still lives up North and Janel is living it up in South. Thank God for Facebook, Skype and Verizon Wireless and unlimited calling and text messages. We're pretty sure our friendship could survive through snail mail, though!
Instead of writing our own individual blogs, we wanted to combine our stories and share with mama's (and everyone else). We don't write to offend anyone, but to encourage others who have been in similar situations like ourselves. We want to show sleep deprived mothers that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, eight hours of sleep. We want you to laugh with us, cry with us and know that you are not alone in this thing called parenting.
Yes, we are passionate about being mothers. Yes, we are passionate about (most) Attachment Parenting Principles. Yes, we are passionate about "being green". Yes, we are passionate about raising our children in a God-loving environment. Please don't take our passions for trying to persuade you to change your parenting styles. We do what we do because it fits our family and our lifestyles. We can only hope that you find your own parenting styles in your own time and manner, whether it will be like us or completely different.
Enjoy our written words. These are the stories of our lives that God has written just for us.
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