2 months

I can't possibly have a two month old...but yet, I do! I say this everytime and truly mean it: TIME IS FLYING! Layton has had quite a busy month!

Here's some things I want to remember about my sweet boy at 2 months old.

He is the smiliest baby! I absolutely adore the moments when he just looks at me and gives me the biggest grin! I'll be honest, sometimes it is just gas, but a lot of the time, he is genuinely smiling! And I just eat. it. up!

Layton is such a people person. A lot of the time when he fusses, it's because he wants someone's attention. I kid you not, he will stop mid cry if you just get in the floor with him or hold him. He is such a cuddle bug!

At his last doctor's appointment you weighed 12 lbs and 2 ounces. Layton, you are in the 75th percentile for your weight and 30th for your height. You are a growing boy!!! Sometimes you wear 3 month clothes, and sometimes you fit 6-9 month clothes depending on the outfit. You are also still in size 1 diapers-on your way to size 2! You usually eat between 5-6 ounces every 3-4 hours. Daddy has nick named you "big chunk":)

You are a great sleeper. You have started waking up only once during the night and sometimes you surprise me and sleep through the night:) Go Layton!!! At night, we still put you in "the suit" as we call it-it's really just a swaddle blanket. You sleep so good that way...why ruin a good thing!?

You are so amazed at things. You love looking at your mobile or anything hanging above your head. You are so very curious. You have also got your head under control trying to hold it up. Everyone is so amazed at how strong you are. Speaking of strong, it's not just your head that has those good muscles- you have some pretty strong arms and legs too. You have started grabbing things and I swear you have pulled a good bit of my hair out. I guess I really don't mind;) You always grab ahold of the burp cloth on my shoulder when I am done burping you. You also have taken a liking to my necklace and usually have a pretty good grip on that as well. 

You made your first big car trip this month and did GREAT! Lyla was always a great companion in the car and always did well during long trips, so we weren't sure what to expect with brother. But, he was great-only cried when he was hungry and then towards the end because he just wanted someone to hold him! Bless him-he is such a people person!

Jeff took his vacation this month, so on top of seeing some family and friends, we wanted to spend some time just the 4 of us doing some things we don't normally get to do. I will post more pictures of this in another blog so Lyla can have her moment too:) But, for now, here's a small recap.

We took them both to The American Girl Doll store (sorry buddy-you will have your time to do more manly things later). We ate in the bistro and had fun just visiting the store and participating in story hour. 

The next day, we took them to The Georgia Aquarium. Layton slept the entire time except during the Dolphin Tales show. They both loved that. We even got to have our picture taken with the dolphin trainers. Sorry we can't see your face bud. You were cuddled up tight to me.

The day after that we took Lyla and Layton to this place called Everland Play-the place created by a genius! Such a neat/inexpensive place for kids to play! The cool part was that parents can get on everything there as well. I don't know who had more fun sliding..the kids or me and Jeff. And of course, we didn't want Layton to miss out on any of the fun so Daddy took him down one time. He LOVED it!

 This was a sweet trip for me because Layton got to meet a bunch of his family on my side and Lyla got to see some faces she hadn't seen in a very long time!

Layton got to meet his Mawmaw for the first time. He just couldn't stop smiling at her. Made my heart happy. 

(Right: Mawmaw with Layton   Left: Mawmaw with Lyla)

 ^(he really looks like Jeff in this picture to me)^

Your big sister just loves you so much. She is always wanting to hold you or touch your hands or your face. You have started noticing her more now! She has a fit when you smile at her. You would think she won a million dollars:) You two make me so happy!!!!

Layton Bug,  (another nick name we have for you) we love you so much! Happy 2 months baby!!!

 While we are at it, here's Lyla at 2 months. Because, well, who doesn't love a good comparison??

I stay at home (and some things God is showing me)

There are many "mom battles" out there. There's the battle "formula vs breast feeding", "medicines or anti-vaccine", and then of course the "stay at home vs working". While they all drive me crazy, the latter one is probably the one that gets under my skin the most.

A little over a year ago, I became very unhappy staying at home. I would get SO frustrated (and still do sometimes-More on that in a minute) when people would tell me how "blessed" I was to be "able" to stay at home. First of all, most days weren't joyful for me and money was SO tight because we were on one income. I stayed home, not because we were well off, but because I felt it was something the Lord called me to do. During this time, I began praying for God's direction for our family. Staying at home seemed like such a dream to most people...why did I hate it? God answered my prayer in an unexpected way by giving me a job opportunity for 11 weeks as a long term sub.  We put Lyla in daycare and it was hi-ho, hi-ho, off to work I go.

I won't spend too much time on this, because I want to say other things, but basically during this time, the Lord gave me a new joy. It was VERY clear to me after those 11 weeks, that my place right now was at home with my child. Now please hear me, (because I am all about being real), not everyday is fabulous. Let me say it again, THERE ARE STILL DAYS I STRUGGLE. But, God gave me a renewed strength (one that has lasted) to fufill this calling of a stay at home mom.

I have had a small taste of being a working mom and I applaud you over and over and over again. It is no joke trying to balance it all. I have had a bigger taste of being a stay at home mom and that TOO is no joke. It has become something so close to my heart and I just wanted to share some things the Lord has laid on my heart, maybe for another mom that needs it today, whether you are new to this staying at home thing or a seasoned veteran.

1. God is showing me constantly how important He is in my day. If you are a Christian, you have heard this again and again. It may even frustrate you to hear it once more. If you are like me, it almost makes you feel even more like a failure to hear it because let's be honest, WHEN is there really time to spend with the Lord? How do these other moms do it and still do everything else that needs to be done. The answer is simple. I don't know. I do know that God asks for my best and sometimes my best is 10 minutes. 10 good minutes alone with Him. Sometimes, I don't exactly get those "alone" moments (heavens, I cannot even go to the bathroom alone some days) so, I have to invite Jesus in on my day. Sometimes that looks like praying while I am washing dishes. Sometimes it's reading a verse on my phone while I am nursing Layton. I just know one thing to be true. I CANNOT do this thing without Him.

I'm reminds of Luke 21:1-4
The widow woman gave her very last coin in this parable. Jesus said "All of these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

"...She put in all she had..." It wasn't much, yet it was a lot.

2. STOP STOP STOP trying to defend being a stay at home mom. This is PRIDE. (I STRUGGLE WITH THIS BIG TIME!) God has called you and me for such a time as this (sound familiar?)  Why should we apologize for it? Like I said, I struggle BIG time trying to convince everyone (and I mean everyone) around me, that what I do is hard. Sometimes, I am wanting praise for what I do. Ok, most times I am wanting praise. I've gotta rest in the fact that what I am doing matters...BIG TIME! And if no one else "sees" me, that's ok, because I know God always sees. There can be SO much freedom in this.

3. The next few things are some things that have helped me in the day to day. I read a blog once that described staying at home so perfectly. It said you are bored and completely overwhelmed all at the same time. You are lonely, yet long for alone time.

One thing that I have found to ease some of these feelings (notice I said "ease" not "erase") is to have a schedule. It really helps the flow of the day.

I used to get REALLY down on myself if my whole day didn't revolve around my kids. After all, this was my job and my family was sacrificing in many ways for us to be able to do this, so I had to give it all I had. That meant crafts, going places, fun snacks. ....or at least that's what I thought. If Lyla watched a lot of tv that day, I really beat myself up for having failed her. I was even to the point where she ruled the day (which is not healthy). If she wanted to play, we played. There was always a show on that she wanted to watch (this can drive you insane after the millionth episode of mickey mouse clubhouse). There has to be a balance.

One thing I have started doing is having "school" with Lyla. This really helps that "teacher" in me and gives me that creative fix. Her attention span is SHORT! Like 20 minutes. But it's a sweet time for me and her to spend learning and having fun.  The Lord is also polishing my patience in this along with my need to control everything. Lyla has a mind of her own and I am thankful she does.

(side note: I am reading this book called "Christ in the Chaos" (thanks Leah, Lauren and Adrienne for the reccomendation) It's all about the gospel and motherhood. Anyways, one of the things it talks about is how we are sinners (in case you didn't know) But, here's the part that blew my mind. When we go about our day praising our own accomplishments because of what WE have acheived that day, (ex: I was a good mom today because we did a craft. OR "I am a great mom because we all ate healthy today) we are creating a self righteouness in ourselves! (WHAT?!) So, whether you feel like you have had a successful day or one of the tougher days, find your identity in CHRIST and not yourself or what you have or have not accomplished.

Ok, back to schedules. Since I spend that time with her (Layton and I get OUR one on one time during Lyla's nap), I also make sure to allow myself some time. Sometimes, it's sitting at the table drinking my coffee (and in one sitting, not having to warm it up 5 times). Sometimes, it's watching a show I want to watch. Sometimes, it is getting to blog (like right now:))Do something for yourself. You will grow bitter and resentful if you don't- and that's just not a good place to be. TRUST ME!

4. This is kinda silly, but some practical things that have brightened my day here lately are:

• making my bed
• lighting a candle
• opening the blinds/windows
• turning on the lights (no brainer right? But we leave our lights off a lot-amazing what a little light can do for the soul)
• putting my phone down (like leaving it on the charger and not returning to it) 
• showering (if you can. I sure do try to shower during the day, but here's one reason why I usually wait until Jeff gets home: Yesterday, I hop in for a FAST shower -both kids are in safe places by the way- and Lyla comes in saying she has to poo poo. I had just shampooed of course. So, I get out and stand there sopping wet while she takes 15 minutes -yes, you read that right-to poo poo) Showering, sometimes is not an option. Sorry folks, but it's the truth. I laugh at people who say "put on your make up everyday and get ready that'll make you feel better"-hahahahaha! But, hey, if you can do it, do it! It does make you feel better, just not always a reality. 

Anyways, if you have made it to this point, yay! Thanks for letting me pour out all of those thoughts. I just have such a heart for stay at home mom's because it is tough sometimes and we need to encourage each other in this thing called motherhood instead of tearing each other down.  Please comment and tell me somethings God has shown you about staying at home. I would LOVE to read them. 

You are an awesome mom whether you stay home or you go to work everyday!!!! 

One month-can it really be????

Layton,
Lord have mercy, time is FLYING with you! You turned one month on February 13th! Here's what you have been up to since we brought you home...


Once we got settled in, we gave you your first bath. You can tell by the picture, it wasn't your most favorite memory! You definitely have gotten used to them and bath times don't quite look like this anymore. Bathing a little boy is a different experience for us-you have "sprayed" us a few times so we have to be quick!

(this was right after your first bath-keep in mind I was VERY tired...but hey, just keeping things real!)

You are the sweetest baby! You LOVE to be held-just like your sister! I love that, though. I was hoping you would be a cuddle bug like her and so far it's looking good! It amuses me how similar you and Lyla are when it comes to some things. She used to only take her afternoon nap if I was holding her in our bed. You are the exact same way-and believe me, I have tried many things. But, you just want your mama in the afternoon. It's crazy because you will sleep anywhere any other time, but once Lyla is down for her nap, you want to cuddle with me. :) I really don't mind because that is a really sweet time for me to spend just focusing on YOU!

You have only been alive for one month and already you have seen your first snow. We brought you outside for about 5 seconds to capture the moment, then you had to go back inside (sorry!) It was just too cold for your little self. 

I have to be honest. I really didn't think dressing a boy would be as much fun as dressing a little girl. BOY, WAS I WRONG! I LOVE your little outfits. You are such a stud:) My favorite thing to put you in is a little hoodie (Just like daddy!)

I might be a tad obsessed with your feet. They are seriously the softest feet I have ever felt and I just love rubbing them when I hold you. Yes, this mama is weird, but I just love every little part of you and want to always remember these little things!

Many people have asked me how Lyla is adjusting to having a little brother, so these next few pictures are dedicated to that subject!

Lyla really loves having a baby in the house. She is such a great helper (sometimes TOO good of a helper when she is trying to jam the passi in poor brother's mouth) She also has a thing for touching his head. YIKES! But she is always very gentle. 

Layton, you are tough. She means well...and she really just loves you. 

I have no doubt you two will be the best of friends:)

She likes to be very involved when it comes to you. One of her favorite things is to all pile up in mommy and daddy's bed and watch The Little Mermaid while I am feeding you. 

Speaking of feeding you, you sure do like to eat! You have nursed very well ever since we were in the hosspital. You picked up on it right away. You usually take 5-6 oz every 3-4 hours. There have been SOME nights where you have slept 6 hours straight. WOOHOO! But usually you feed at 11pm, 3 am,  and between 6 and 7am. You are pretty consistent and we are on a very good schedule. But, hey, I'll take those 6 hours anytime you feel like sleeping a little more:)

You weigh 10 lbs and 6 ounces now. WHEW! Lyla didn't weight that much until she was several months old. But, like I said, you are a very good eater. It has made me sad, though, because you have already out grown your newborn clothes. Lyla wore hers for a while, so I guess it feels like things are just happening so fast with you. TIME, PLEASE SLOW DOWN! You mostly wear 0-3 month clothes, but can fit your 3-6 clothes. 

You have started smiling intentionally. I LOVE IT!!!!! Like I said, you've got this mama wrapped:)

We've had several visitors your first month of life. Aunt Goo got to be here for your one month birthday! She is so in love with you already (aren't we all!?)

You are a great baby. We have been so thankful you have been happy and healthy. While we were in the hospital, they suspected you might have a heart murmur like your daddy, but thankfully they results came back negative. You also had a clogged tear duct, but we are getting that fixed right up with daily ointment. You do like to spit up a bit, but we have gotten that under control as well, so we are still not convinced it's acid reflux. You are, however, quite gassy and really, that's about the only time you fuss. 

Layton, we love you so much!!! You are such a beautiful addition to our family. Boys are awesome-and you have already stolen my heart! 

Happy ONE month Baby Layton!!!!