Waiting...

It's been a LONG time since I last posted. It is always hard to write an "update" post after months of not writing. I can't even begin to summarize our past three months, so I don't think I will even attempt it. We have been so blessed during these past three months. God has been so faithful to provide for each of our needs. He is continuing to teach Nathan and I how to love and care for MarMar and Judah, and also how to better love one another. We are constantly reminded of how much we need God to give us wisdom and provide us with the strength to live in this world!

Judah is 16 months now and always on the go! He started walking at about 14 months and now he is running. He is more playful and joyful that ever! Much of this is a result of his finally being healed of his reflux! HALLELUJAH! At around 12 months, we starting taking Judah to a chiropractor and after a little over a month, he was completely off of his medication and was showing almost no signs of reflux. Now, we can feed him anything and he shows no signs of reflux. We praise God that he no longer is suffering from this disease. Thank you all for all of your prayers. They have truly been answered. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to know that he is no longer in pain! We are fully enjoying caring for our healthy and vibrant little boy!

La'Markus only has a few more weeks of school. He has worked so incredibly hard on his studies this year. While most kids are enjoying sports and other extracurricular activities, he is doing hours of homework every night without complaint.He still tells us that he loves school and will do whatever it takes to continue to go. He is receiving private tutoring in reading and spelling three times a week at school. He has made so much progress in such a short amount of time! We've had so many wonderful teaching opportunities during these past three months. These times of teaching and growing have brought us all closer together. We know that God is drawing him and we continue to pray that he will truly come to know the Father.

Jonah is due in about 3 weeks, but it feels as though he could come any day. We are so grateful that both Jonah and I continue to be in good health. God has blessed me with such an enjoyable pregnancy! I am glad to say once again that I really love pregnancy. I started this pregnancy battling a lot of fear surrounding birth and afterbirth, but I am thankful to say that God has delivered me! He has taught and is teaching me so much about receiving his perfect peace. His grace is so overwhelming! Our family continues to pray daily for Jonah's arrival. We are so excited to meet him. We wait in anticipation for what God is going to do during this time! Please continue to pray for us!

All Things Baby: Might I Recommend

When I was pregnant with Judah, I loved when other moms gave me recommendations and tips! Now that I am a mom, I want to be sure to pass on what has worked for our family! I realize that everyone has a preference when it comes to raising babes, but these are some products that I have really enjoyed so far.

Many of these recommended products are far from "necessities". If you are trying to get ready for baby and you don't have a large budget, do not fret! Many women have raised babies with little to no equipment or special products. I read a great article on baby essentials here. If you are wondering how to balance all the baby "must-haves", I suggest you read this article! My advice is to shop wisely and know that you do not have to purchase every baby product/toy you see at the store! Chances are, your baby will be just fine without them!

* I've included links for these products, but I am in no way suggesting that you should purchase the products from these links. I simply included the links so that you could see the products.

Baby Carrier
I have loved wearing my baby! He enjoys the comfort of being close to me and I enjoy being able to use my hands! The Moby Wrap has given me the freedom to go anywhere! It is easy to put on and can be worn all day. I have worn Judah in it for up to 4 hours without any back pain. It is by far my favorite baby carrier (and I have used 5 different styles of carriers).
* I've seen used moby wraps on Ebay. Just make sure they come from a smoke and pet free environment.

Bumbo Seat
We take this seat EVERYWHERE! It is pricey, but I have seen several on craigslist!
* Buy used!

Boppy Pillow
I wouldn't buy one of these brand new, but I loved sitting on this after I gave birth. It's sold as a nursing pillow, but I quickly discovered that I liked it for my bottom more than I liked it for nursing.
* Buy used or ask a friend if you can borrow hers.

Fuzzi Bunz Cloth Diapers and Wipes
I am working on another post that provides all of the details on our cloth diapers, but let me just say that they are SUPER EASY! Don't count these out until you get more information!
* I do not suggest buying used diapers unless you can verify that they have been used and WASHED properly!

Simple Clothing
I like sleepers with zippers, onsies, and lots of cotton clothing. For the most part, I like to dress Judah in comfy clothes that are easy to take on and off! Before you purchase something for your baby (especially your 0-6 month old), think about how practical it will be to take it on and off several times for diaper changes! Then, think of how difficult it will be to keep it clean! Also, If you plan to wash frequently, you don't need a large quantity of clothing. If you have enough clothes to rotate through the wash, you have plenty!
* Thrift stores and Consignment sales are a great place to find lightly used clothing, but I highly recommend washing all used clothing with soap and a cup of vinegar!

Changing Station
Instead of purchasing a changing table, we simply purchased an inexpensive changing pad and placed it on a dresser. A changing table would be nice, but this works just as well and grows with your baby.

Teether
This Born Free teether is really simple, but babies love it! It was recommended by a friend of mine and I would highly recommend it to you all!

Coconut Oil
I use coconut oil to prevent diaper rash, clear up baby eczema, and to keep Judah's skin nice and baby soft! A jar of this oil goes a long way!

Homeopathic Meds
Teething Tablets
I was skeptical at first, but they actually work great!

Natural Antibacterial/Anti-fungal
I recommend tee tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, and/or colloidal silver (I use the Sovereign Silver brand). These can be used to treat the whole family! I have used them to treat everything from breast infections to an ear infection. Do a little research and you find that these products can be used for almost ANYTHING!
* Amazon.com has great prices on these products!

Charlie's Soap
Charlie's is an all natural soap that is gentle enough for baby skin, but also tough enough to clean most stains. I buy Charlie's by the gallon bucket. One tablespoon is enough to clean a large load of laundry so it goes a long way. It also safe on cloth diapers!

The Hand that Rocks the Cradle...

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE...


Is consumed with caring for her sweet boy, husband, and home. She can't do it without wisdom, strength, and encouragement from the Father! She is desperate for Him.

Couldn't have imagined the challenges and joys she has experienced in just a couple short months. She doesn't have much time to sit back and reflect, but when she does, she is overwhelmed with gratitude for God's faithfulness.

Is grateful for a loving and supportive husband who makes it possible for her to be the one who comforts her sweet babe all day long. She thanks God that he gave her a man that has a passion for family!

Knows she is extremely blessed to have a husband who is constantly encouraging her spiritually, emotionally, and physically as she cares for his child. She knows it is a gift to have a husband who will help her in the wee hours of the night and still wake up in the morning with a smile on his face.

Is taken back by friends and family who have graciously served her through infections, sleepless nights, and postpartum emotions. She cries as she realizes that her mother still desires to love and care for her just like she cares for her new baby.

Doesn't know how to put into words how "motherhood" has rocked her world! It requires constant prayer. It requires her to lay down more and more of herself. It has brought her weaknesses into the light and has left her begging for a passion to serve. It has brought her so much joy. It is PRICELESS!

Watches her sweet boy as he grows and changes each and every day! She can't believe how quickly he is changing. She knows that right now he is a crying baby full of demands, but she asks God for the strength to enjoy each moment because she also knows he won't be like this for long.
Doesn't have much time to write on this blog because these guys keep her pretty busy :)!

Blessings on the hand of women! Angels guard its strength and grace, In the palace, cottage, hovel, Oh, no matter where the place; Would that never storms assailed it, Rainbows ever gently curled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world. Infancy's the tender fountain, Power may with beauty flow, Mother's first to guide the streamlets, From them souls unresting grow— Grow on for the good or evil, Sunshine streamed or evil hurled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world. Woman, how divine your mission Here upon our natal sod! Keep, oh, keep the young heart open Always to the breath of God! All true trophies of the ages Are from mother-love impearled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world. Blessings on the hand of women! Fathers, sons, and daughters cry, And the sacred song is mingled With the worship in the sky— Mingles where no tempest darkens, Rainbows evermore are hurled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world.

By William Ross Wallace