If Something Is Broke, Shouldn't You Fix It?

Excuse the language but, 

"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

I may or may not turn into a Jersey Housewife..

So, in my search, the United States is considered one of the top ten developed countries in the world.

Right, no big deal. We could assume so much.

BUT

That's a big BUT.

Did you know, that if you listed countries by the lowest infant mortality rate the United States is ranked...

Wait for it...

55

SOURCE

Is it just me, or is that absurd?

Now, I'm not going to get on any high horse. I wen't with the flow with Joey. I had an epidural & did plenty of other things I won't (Lord willing and the amniotic fluid stays high) do this time around.

Here is my message to you other Mommas or future Mommas.

Do. Your. Research.

And, don't be scared.

I was scared to death with Joey, therefore not having an epidural was NOT an option at the time. I was young & scared, but this time I'm planning on doing things different.

I just beg you, don't be afraid to question your doctors. They too are human, and fallible. 

If you think they're not, Google "Twilight sleep" and keep in mind that was around the time OUR parents were born. Not so long ago.

Seriously though, we've GOT to be doing something wrong here.

Now, hopefully this will get me started on a series of my choices during birth & pregnancy. I'll share my research and resources with you. If I've piqued your interest (and you have Netflix) go check out:

The Business Of Being Born

Remodel Update & 7 Week Bump-Date

In case you've missed it, my eggo is preggo! I know, I haven't blogged in a while. My life is pretty crazy at the moment. We've been in Oklahoma for almost two weeks right now.

First, the status of the house. 

Kyle has been off work for almost a week now, and he has got some major work done! He has replaced some spots in the floors, knocked out and rebuilt lots of walls, & completely gutted the bathrooms. It looks like a totally different house already!

Today was the part I've been looking forward to, we picked out my kitchen cabinets. I am beyond excited.

This is the layout of the new kitchen.

These are the cabinets and counter tops we got.

The metal glaze in these bronze and copper colors is what I want to do in the kitchen. Over a color like this:

I can't even begin to tell you how exciting this is for me!!

On to the baby subject! 

I. Am. Elated!

After two miscarriages and many failed attempts, I'm pregnant!!

Yes, I know it's still early and I'm still in the risk time. To that I say "So. I want to enjoy every second of this pregnancy. Despite the 'norms'"

I'm hoping to do things as natural as possible this time around, so that should give me lots of good blogging material!

Heartburn has just begun, I felt my first round of crazy hormones this morning, and I'm having trouble sleeping through the night. BUT, it's all worth it, and it's still early so I'm still happy as a lark!

Lent, But Baptists Don't Do That.

Since I was pregnant with Joey (4 years, wow), I have tried to observe Lent. Some people reading this might be like, and? Other people people might be like, Baptists don't do that (I've actually received this comment). To the latter:

I'm unconventional.

So, what is Lent? Because, honestly, I didn't know for a long time. Except my mom was Lutheran as a kid and observed it. A lot of my friends in the Army observed it. Until I was in the Army though, I never met anyone who currently observed it. The Army did have it's way of exposing me to many cultural differences. I think that was an amazing thing.

Okay, back to Lent. It represents the forty days before Jesus' death that he spent in the wilderness. He fasted, was tempted, and had spiritual reflection. Luke 4. It ends on Resurrection (or Easter) Sunday.

There are three practices that are usually taken up during Lent.

- Fasting (Giving something up)

- Penance (Giving)

- Prayer

Tell me this, are Baptist not supposed to fast, give, or pray? I think we are. This time is about preparing yourself completely for Resurrection Sunday. It is a great way to remember that this time is not about bunnies, eggs, & getting the family all in matching outfits. It's about focusing your heart on Jesus. I honestly think observing traditions like this as a family will help the whole family remember what this time of year is all about.

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

Joel 2:12

Lent 2014: The 40-Day Bible Reading Challenge

I'm A Hands Off Momma

I want so badly for my son to be a strong and independent person.

Seriously though, this is so true, right?

I honestly want for him to be a tough little guy. He gets lots of hugs and kisses. I ask him how much I love him and he responds with "So very much." Melts my heart. 

A lot of these phrases get said around our house too:

Try, try, again.

You can do it yourself.

You can play by yourself right now.

Figure it out.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Joey. I also don't want to set him up for failure either. I see too many young men who were coddled by their parents & haven't grown into mature, independent, or very morally strong. I want my son to do things on his own, not rely on others. Yes, asking for help isn't all bad, but honestly, he needs to know there isn't always going to be someone standing behind him with the solution to his problems.

I know I sound like a terribly mean Momma right now, but just because I don't follow my child around on the playground doesn't mean I don't enjoy doing things with him. We painted together earlier today, and we read books together on the regular. 

Does he get frustrated sometimes? Yes, and then I step in and talk to him about dealing with his emotions properly and if I feel he needs help, I help.

Do I make him do everything for himself, no. Should I make him do more by himself, I think so.

His independence and toughness can even make me laugh sometimes. I tried to doctor a bee sting for him one time and he said:

"I'll just rub some dirt on it."

I don't want to be the mom following my kid around with hand sanitizer.

Germs are everywhere.

I don't want to be worried about him getting messy.

Clothes can be replaced, memories can't.

I don't want to worry about him getting hurt (scrapes, bumps, & ect.).

It is just inevitable.

I'm (going to try) not to stress over him being at the same "level" as other kids.

Every child (person for that matter) is unique.

I'll encourage him to get messy.

Because he is only young once.

I'll do my best to let him explore things and try things out.

That is how kids learn.

I'm not perfect, none of us are. We're just doing the best we can.

PS. Thinking about posting a vlog soon!! Maybe haha.