Mother's Day

Today is my first Mother's day as a mother. Brandon had to work today but that's okay, I know that we will spend the evening together as a family. I was a little blue in the days leading up to today because I really wanted to spend the day as a family, but I now understand, after talking with Brandon last night, that for now it is necessary for him to work almost all of the time. He is doing his absolute best to provide for us and for that, he is the most wonderful husband and father. So instead of feeling gloomy all day, we went to eat lunch with my mother, sister, step-dad, and niece. We had some wonderful Chinese food and afterwards we met Brandon for dessert on his lunch break. It has been a very joyous day and I am so very thankful to be a mother. This time last year I was getting very antsy for Ella to get here already, but now looking back I wish I had been more patient in that time. I know that if we have another baby, I will try to be more patient and enjoy every minute of her being on the inside. I know, easier said than done! Happy Mother's Day to all the fellow mommies out there!

Me and Ella on our 1st Mother's Day together!

Sunday, Sunday...

Today has been wonderful thus far. We went to Church this morning then met Brandon for lunch at Schlotzkys where I had a mini pizza and a slice of very yummy chocolate cake. I am so glad that it has been so beautiful lately. Clear skies and warm weather! But I know that the dreaded summer heat is just around the corner...sigh. But with the dreaded heat comes lots of change this summer, and I am so looking forward to it!

Ella is growing and learning so much. She is starting to wave her little hands and she bangs on the table when she wants more food. It is so very cute. She is doing well in the nursery at Church, something that I never expected to happen. She is on a great schedule and I love it. My little niece, Nevaeh weighs 14 lbs now and is rapidly catching up to Ella. They are so sweet together, they like to talk and hold hand(:

We have been studying the book of Jonah in Church service the last couple of weeks and I have learned a great deal about what is going on in my world. I love learning why the things in our lives happen the way that they do. Sometimes I need to just step back and look at the big picture! God is so good to me, so very good!

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Good enough..?

Quite often, I, like most moms, find myself wondering if I am a good enough mother. I read so much online about these amazing women who have time to do things that I can not even fathom. I continue to look for comfort from my husband as I face this discouragement. I continually seek praise to know that I am doing what I should be. When I make dinner, I ask at least a few times every night, "Do you like it", "Is there too much garlic", "Does this taste burnt/under-cooked to you?". Quite honestly, I am a terrible cook. Just terrible, i'm getting better but when I watch my mother-in-law cook healthier, more appetizing meals, I get discouraged. I compare myself to other moms and I feel that i'm not good enough. 

I read something the other day that i'm trying to apply to my life. God designs each mother to meet the needs of her children, just as us wives are designed as help meets for our husbands. I am taking comfort in the fact that I was designed to raise my children. God made me for this job, so I must be good enough!

Even though I am terrible cook, my husband and my daughter love me. We love, because he first loved us! Isn't that wonderful?!

Teething

So Ella has been teething this week and it has been a terrible few days.. I also suspect that she is going through a growth spurt. So she wants to nurse all of the time but it's uncomfortable when she's teething so she's constantly fussy. I hope that this ends soon, I want my happy little girl back!

I went to watch "Mirror Mirror" today and I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I would not recommend it as a children's film but for adults, it was pretty good. I am very picky though to as what Ella will get to watch on TV. The movie reminded me a lot of "The Tenth Kingdom" which I watched a few months ago with Brandon. I enjoyed that series a lot as well. Also something I will not let Ella see until they are older. But again, i'm very picky. I'm very uncertain about the movies that have been hitting theaters lately. I was originally hoping to see "October Baby" but it was no longer in my local theater. 

Today was Tuesday and is dollar-off day at my local theater! So it was only $3 for me to go today, what a deal!

Easter Sunday

Yesterday was Easter and it wonderful. We were planning on making it to Sunday school but we didn't get up on time.. Oops.. We went to church and Ella was a little upset in the nursery and I went to nurse her. She did better after I nursed her and took a nap. Here's a pic on our way to church in her Easter outfit..

Her cute new bow lasted all of about 30 seconds. Oh well! 

Her's a picture of her opening her Easter basket.

We went to visit family and here is a pic of Brandon holding Ella. I was sad that I didn't get a family picture but there's always next year.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Brandon's Finals

April 5, 2012


Brandon had his final exams this week. He passed all of them! I am so proud of him. He has one semester left and then graduation on July 31st. I am so ready for the next phase of our life to begin. He has been very busy this semester but I  think next semester will be even more crazy. He is doing fingerprinting tomorrow for his background check. The background check has to be done before he can to take the NCLEX. He will begin looking for a position in June and then in July I will probably begin packing and looking for a new home. 

On a different note, we have began the sleep training process with Ella again. It's rough starting out but I know it will get better. Tomorrow she will be 8 months old. I am amazed at how our little baby seems to be growing into a toddler. It is lot easier now than it was in the beginning. Partly because I have learned her ques but also because she has become more independent and better at showing me what she wants. I think tomorrow I will take some 8 month pictures, so be looking for those this weekend..