The importance of mother/son time

On Saturday, April 28, Finn and I participated in a "Mother-Son Date Knight" at Chick-fil-a. It was so much fun. We were treated like royalty - table cloths, food on plates, served by a waitress, and much more! Overall, I was just so grateful I got to take Finn. Being 39 weeks pregnant you never know what you will get to do since I'm like a ticking time bomb that could go off at any time.

Today I want to write about how important this time was with Finn. First of all, children need their love tank filled up just like adults do. When I told him we were going on a date, he was so excited. G got him all ready and had him take care of everything just like the man would on a date. Finn held on to the ticket, opened my car door for me, and told me I looked "pretty." While on the date, I made sure to ask him questions and have him ask me questions to keep him engaged. These mother-son dates will help prepare him for the dating world when he's older. Gasp!

Being a mom of a son is a very special bond. I pray for the mate that God has created for him everyday. And I pray that I can prepare him to treat her like a queen, just as his daddy has treated me. So if you have a son and you haven't had a special date just the two of you...do it! You won't regret it. Last night was an etched memory for me.

What a precious little son I have :) Thank you God for this blessing!

 He's saying "Are you ready to go, Mommy?"

Love my lil' knight!

36 week update!

Baby is the size of: a coconut - the average baby is between 17-18 inches long and weighs between 4-5 lbs.


Symptoms? Still nausea from time to time. But I definitely have an appetite. My stomach must not have much room, because I get full so quick! And oh the contractions have started. This past week I was put on bed rest to keep from going into labor yet. For me being type A personality - being stuck to rest is torture. But I am resting and the resting is helping!

Maternity clothes? Love them - however, I can't wait to get back in normal clothes again.


How's your sleep? Not so great. I'm up every 2 hours going to the bathroom. Then I have a hard time getting comfortable again.

Feeling movement? Absolutely - this baby is SO active. I think they might come out running. Also, baby has the hiccups about 3-4 times a day.


Food cravings: I had the craziest craving the past couple weeks and I found a combo that is DELICIOUS! Plain hummus mixed with jalapeno hot sauce with a green olive on chips. Yes weird I know - but oh my...so yummy!

How much weight gained so far? Based on my 36 week doctor appointment I have gained 14 lbs.


Belly Button in or out? Still out, but not flat yet. Again - just like last month, I hate that you can see it through my shirts.


Favorite pregnancy moment this past month? I got to have an ultrasound today at my 36 week check-up. I loved seeing the baby. And even more, I loved seeing Finn see the baby. He's getting excited I think. Also, I had a second baby shower. I loved it! And last but not least, the house is all ready. Now we are counting down the days until baby comes!



What are you looking forward to next month? The baby being born! I can hardly wait to see who's in there. Micah or Selah, we cannot wait to meet you!!

 
And here is my monthly picture....

And just for comparison - here I am 36 weeks pregnant with Finn

As you can see, these pregnancies are so different! Don't forget to make your guess on my home page at the top right...BOY or GIRL!?!?!?!

My sweet boy

So I have a sweet story about my boy that I just had to document. A mommy's boy already at 2 years old!

This morning I got Finn out of bed and dressed for the day. As we are walking out of his room, he looks at my feet and says "Mommy, feet cold?" I said "Well, I guess a little." To which he grabs my hand and says "Hold Finn's hand, Mommy." Then he walks me to my room and leads me right to my sock drawer. He opens it and hands me a pair of my slipper sock saying - "Here Mommy, here." So I said "Thank you, Finn" and I put them on. Then he says "Mommy, feet cold now?" I just shook my head and said, "no." And with that Finn said "You're welcome, Mommy...Mommy, Finn said you're welcome."

 I love that he was just taking care of me. He will make a good husband some day. But for now, I'm just enjoying my little mommy's boy!

Confession

Being a mom is hard. Doesn't matter if you work or stay home. It's hard. By hard, I mean challenging.

Temper tantrums. Yelling. Time Outs. Consistency. Exhaustion.Those are just a few words to describe my days with my Finn.

I don't relax. Even through the night, I'm randomly waking up thinking I hear Finn crying. Being a mom is a 24/7 job.

Being a mom, does have it's rewards. My son's hugs, kisses, and I love you's are priceless. He shows me God's love. He just wants my attention. He longs for mommy. He is a momma's boy - I love that. I could play with him for 2 hours - then get up to go to the bathroom and when I come back - he's saying "mommy, play you?" On our car rides to work/school, he asks me to pray. That melts my heart. And even at 2 years old, he's already told me he "loves Jesus."

So on the hard days, what do I do? I rest in Him. I rest in my Savior. He's the only one who can give me peace, perspective, perseverance, and patience. How's that for all P's? HAHA! I can't take credit - that was from Ashley.

I hope this truth filled post will encourage you other moms.

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. Psalm 62:1

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

 

Makeover

I won a makeover a month ago and just hadn't had a chance to post a before/after pic. It was so much fun and the salon was so awesome - I highly recommend them.


880 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, GA 30076
(770) 642-7811
Open Tue,Thu 9am-8pm; Wed,Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm
Website: www.defforgesalon.com/
Stylist: Michelle was awesome!!

Also, I won the makeover from a newsletter that i'm subscribed to. In this newsletter, Erin updates with everything going on for kids in the Alpharetta/Roswell area. If you aren't subscribed you should definitely check it out.

www.alpharetta.macaronikid.com/

And last but not least - here's the before and after picture...

Love grows

The love I feel for my son is just amazing. It grows more and more everyday. Sometimes, I just can't believe that he was knot together and my womb and given to me by God. What a blessing a child is!

Along with the blessing comes the exhaustion. Physical and mental exhaustion. When they are a baby you wonder if they are sleeping and eating enough. Then they start crawling and you wonder what all they will get into. Then they start walking and you wonder where they can get to. And now, they are running and you wonder if he can get away from you. Training a child in the way he/she will go is a very difficult task.

Did you know God cares? I used to think there was no need to pray about Finn eating or sleeping. God had much bigger things to worry with. In the last several months, I've discovered that God does care. Actually He cares a lot. In fact, I'm 100% positive that being a mom has made me much closer to God.

What I'm trying to say here is it took me almost a year and a half to realize that God wants me to pray about the little things. All those little things add up to a big thing. If I'm anxious or worried all the time, I'm not a good mom. So, when in doubt...PRAY. God wants to hear all about it. And he will give you the wisdom on what to do. After all, he is the best Daddy ever!

Heavenly father, today I pray for all the moms out there that need your guidance. Whether it's feeding, sleeping, training, discipline, or something else - we need YOUR wisdom. You are the only one who can truly instruct us to instruct our little ones in the way they should go. Thank you for blessing us. Thank you for pulling us close May we always feel you directing our steps. I continue to pray for more of you and less of me. AMEN!

Book review: "Letters to Moms" by Karen Stubbs

I just recently finished ready this book by my mom's group leader, Karen Stubbs. She has a wonderful ministry that I love being a part of called Birds on a Wire. If you're a mom to any age child - you should check out her website or facebook page.

Anyway, the book was great. It's basically a compilation of letters that Karen has written to moms. The letters are her way of teaching us a lesson. Lessons on prioritizing, perfection, putting your husband first, etc. After the letter she expands on the subject using scripture. After that section is a prayer and some questions to work through. It's very easy to read. I read this book in just over a week because you just don't want to put it down.

My favorite chapter was on balance. It was all about how only you decide what all you can participate in once you have children. This chapter was instrumental to me lowering my hours and responsibility at work. It showed me that once you have children - you have a greater calling. A calling to train up a child in the way he should go. I decided that I no longer could work more than 3 days in the office. I needed my pendulum to swing more towards home. Now I have 4 days home and 3 days at work. Things aren't perfect - but it is going much better since the changes.

Ok, my point in writing is to tell you to get this book. It's one I will look back on often! Thanks for writing Karen - you are following God's calling on your life and us mom's are so grateful!

Being a mom

Today is Mother's day and I've only been a mom for almost 2 years. But it has changed me. And changed me for the better.

Yesterday at my sister's wedding I found a cheerio in my pocket. And I just had to laugh. Being a mom is such a blessing. I read a book before I had Finn called Sacred Parenting. The book basically describes parenting as a way for God to pull you to him. Now after having a child, I know that's true. I love the way God has molded me since becoming Finn's mom. And I'm learning something new everyday.

I wanted to make a top ten list of what I love about being a mom in honor of Mother's day. So read and enjoy. Hopefully this will make some of you moms out there smile and give you ladies without kids yet something to look forward to.

I love being a mom because...
10- I have a son who is a spitting image of his incredible daddy

9- of the way I feel a different type of love that I never felt before when I first saw his sweet face

8- it forces me to stay home when he's having a boundary testing day
7- I finally understand how God feels about me - an unconditional love
6- I never got to talk about poop as much as I do now
5- it's now a treat to have alone time or a quiet meal with just my husband
4- I get the opportunity to teach Finn about Jesus and God's love for him
3- I have a mommy's boy

2-of the way Finn touches my face while I pray for him
1-of how my life will never be the same

No easy task

Sometimes the pendulum of balance swings more in one direction than usual. In today's post, I'll explain how I "try" to keep things balanced between work and home.

We had Drive Conference at my work the last week of March. That means I worked from Sunday to Thursday - I put in around 50 hours that week. On a normal week, I work 32 hours a week. Of course it was worth it, Drive is one of my favorite things about working for North Point Ministries. I got to meet and talk to leaders from almost 500 churches. I can definitely say I ran on total adrenaline that week. Little sleep and on my feet all day!

This brings me to this past week - it was SPRING BREAK! And since my husband was home we did all kinds of fun activities. We went to the zoo, we took Finn to an indoor jumpy house, and did plenty of eating out. It was wonderful. When I was home, I was fully home. No work! And on top of that, my awesome husband landscaped our front yard. He did an awesome job.

Below are some pictures for you to enjoy.

 Finn and Daddy in front of the Panda exhibit

 Finn really loved watching the orangutans

 I love my little boy!

 Checking out a komodo dragon

 Happy boy - he loves the ZOO!

 My little cub

 Watching the elephants

 All 3 of us on the train

 The tree behind him was planted when he was born - we call it "The Finn tree"

 Finn and daddy in front of Finn's tree

 The beautifully landscaped front yard - I really love the border he designed

 A little done to the side to help with erosion

And here's the whole front! 

All the pics are blurry from Kangazoom - but this one is my favorite, Gregory's face is priceless.

So - that's how I "try" balance home and work. I try to keep my time as equal as it can be. If my time swings towards work a lot for a week then the next week I'm all home. And of course, it's always a good thing to have the pendulum of balance go more towards home.

How do you keep things in balance? Any tips?

Who/what are you listening to?

There was a series done last year by Andy Stanley and Jeff Henderson called Game Plan.  It was just life changing for me! Here is the series description:
********************************************************************************

Discovering God’s plan for our lives can be frustrating. Some have described it as the most challenging experience of the Christian life.

 

But it shouldn’t be.

 

It doesn’t have to be.

 

After all, God is the preeminent communicator. He created communication. And as your heavenly Father, he wants you to know his will for your life.

 

In this 6-part series, Andy Stanley and Jeff Henderson explain, in the most practical ways imaginable, how to discover and embrace God’s game plan for your life.

********************************************************************************

In part five, Jeff preached a message that really changed things for me. The message was called A Word from Coach (you can download an mp3 for $1).  The main take away I got was "the people you listen to are a preview to the future you." Basically, everyone and everything you listen to shapes who you will be in the future.

So-my question for you to think about...Who and what are you listening to? 

If you are a mom - hopefully you have some resources and support. Because I know this is all tough to balance. I have to recommend you check out Birds on a Wire. It's an awesome ministry for us moms.

If you are a dad - I can recommend my husband's blog. He is blogging about how he's learning to Raise the Next Generation. Check it out - I know I'm bias, but I think it's awesome! He definitely will make you think.

Please comment if you have suggestions for singles, college students, etc...

Ok - that's it folks...have a GREAT day!

1.5 year update!

Hello friends,
Since Finn is approaching 1 1/2 years old, I thought it would be good to give an update. What better way then through pictures.

Here's Finn with his best friend, Savannah. He's watching Mickey Mouse - his new favorite show!

Here's Finn in his new class climbing - that's his new favorite act. And his best bud Will is behind him.

On Wednesdays, I'm home with Finn - in this picture he learning to color.

Look at that face lighting up while coloring, too cute!

Here is Finn outside just running on the deck

And here he is jumping from the deck. Finn makes me super nervous because he is all boy!

Finn is just enjoying exploring around the yard

Sitting at the table like a big boy and eating with a fork!

Finn, you are growing up way too fast!

I love you,
Mommy

Family Inheritance

 On Monday, I received a devotional in my email that discussed family inheritance. It was so good I wanted to share a few things.

"Though you have made me see troubles,many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up."

Psalm 71:20 (NIV)

1. There were some great questions brought up, here's two that I wrote in my journal - What blessings and curses does your lineage carry with it? What family troubles have you seen, what miracles of restoration?
   
2. It brought up the subject of forgiveness. That's a subject God has been bringing to me a lot lately. In devotionals, in my quiet times, even in my mom's group - God's tapping me on the shoulder...saying "Forgive, as I have forgiven." In the devotion, this statement hit me hard - "We should not have unfinished business at the end of our lives, for we'll only pass it along to those who follow behind us." 
3. The lineage of Jesus is also brought up. His lineage wasn't perfect - but he was. This is to be an encouragement to us. Break the chains of brokenness and suffering in your family and chose to start a new lineage. A great heritage. "I choose to be a blessing in my family tree. What about you?"

I leave you with this - What’s Your Family Inheritance? Is it what you want it to be? Forgive those that have hurt you and move on. Remember, forgiveness is a choice. And you can't truly worship God until you forgive those that have hurt you. 


Below is a prayer and some application steps. I hope it helps you as it helped me.

Dear Lord, please help me understand the people who came before me, and who I am today as a result. Lord, on this day, I choose to let go of those things which hold me back, and to search for the beauty in my family inheritance. Please use me to be a blessing in my family tree. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Ask God to remove any anger or resentment in your heart, and choose to forgive those who have passed along troubles to you. Choose also to forgive yourself.

Examine your family tree. If there are family members no one talks about, ask questions and break the silence where needed so true healing can begin.

Seek God when discerning where to go from here. Who do you want to be? Take full responsibility for the person you have become and choose to change those parts of you that are simply a result of past hurts.

Be a prayer warrior for your family, especially for those seen as "black sheep." Pray for your children and for all who will come after you. Pray for God to use you in a powerful way to positively affect their lives and lineage.

Reflections:
Whom in my family do I most take after? Who has had the biggest effect on my life?

What branches in my family tree are unfruitful? Which are full of life?

Is there any "unfinished business" I need to deal with?


Power Verses:
Isaiah 61:4, "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." (NIV)

Genesis 12:2, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." (NIV)

Blog written from inspiration from Proverbs 31 devotional.

Prayer, Application Questions, Reflections and Power verses from - © 2011 by Nicole Seitz. All rights reserved.

Attachment

Finn was very sick this past week. He had a nasty cough and high fever for 8 days. It was rough on him and us. But he is much better now. Anyway, I learned something this week and I just wanted to share.

Finn has gotten very attached to me. If I leave the room we are in together he comes running to me screaming "mom mom, mom mom." Of course I turn to him and say "I'm right here." But he won't recover until I pick him up and hug him. He is so uncomfortable with the fact that I'm not there. Even though this is a problem and I definitely need to work through it. It got me thinking about God.

Shouldn't we be running to Him always. Even when we feel he's not here - we run to Him screaming "Daddy, daddy." I know that it's easy to run to him when things are bad. But what about when things are fine. Can't we run to Him and thank Him? We should be attached to the comfort of him much like Finn is attached to my comfort.

After all, he is the Great Comforter. He is our Daddy. He is Abba Father.

When was the last time you ran to him?

You know you're a mommy when...

• Sleeping late on a Saturday is 7:00am
• 9:30pm is considered staying up late
• You get excited when a nap is longer than 30 minutes so you can get more done around the house
• Laundry, need I say anymore
• You are glad to go to the grocery store because it's a chance to have some time of your own
• Every dinner made is from a 30 minute or less cookbook
• Smiles or laughter can completely melt your heart
• You get sad when you have to pack away baby clothes that don't fit anymore
• You are used to the sound of the sound machine and actually sleep better with it
• You now carry 5 bags and sometimes more on a daily basis
• Poop, spit up, pee somehow ends up on your clothes and hands. (The best is when you have dried spit up on your shoulder and don't even realize it til half way through your day.)
• You've learned to get ready in 10 minutes
• You can eat a meal in 5 minutes while also entertaining your baby
• You are the prime multitasker 
• You make all kinds of crazy faces or voices just to see that smile or hear that laugh
• And finally, I know I'm a mommy when I look in those sweet angel eyes and realize God has picked me be Finn's.

I'm sure you all have your list. I read an example of this in a book today and it made me want to write my own. Feel free to comment and share some of yours. Or even post on your blog. Either way, I hope you are cherishing the moments with your sweet angels. I know I am :)

Love-
RW

 

  

 

Being a mom

I love what this cartoon represents. Being a mom has many challenges. And there are many times Finn has been crying and I have wanted had to cry as well. But being a mom is the greatest experience in my life thus far. It has made me have a whole new perspective on life, God, my husband, family, and friends.

I have felt closer to God. I have a new found respect for God and how he feels about me. Unconditional love means something completely different to me now. My relationship with my husband has changed for the better. Not that anything was wrong before, its just like we work together like a well oiled machine. Both with the same goal in mind for our child and looking out for each other. I already knew he was my best friend and soul's mate but it's like we have gone to a new level.

Anyway, it's funny I knew all of these things would happen (from reading books like Sacred Parenting) and now that they have I am overjoyed. I love my new chapter in life and I know it will just keep getting better everyday.

These men make my life complete when they smile at me. I love you Gregory and Finn!