Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts

Thursday, May 3

more{GOODIES}please


So you want more goodies?

Check back here tomorrow for photos 
from my Maternity photo shoot -
Nobody
has seen these pictures before.

I had serious body image issues when I was pregnant, 
and its taken almost 
two years of being a mother 
for me to get to a place where I can look back at these 
and love them.  

I can't wait to share them with you.

Plus!
I'm going to give you a chance to earn 
3 Months of Large Ad-Space (May-July) 
on Baxtron{Life}!

Mothering a Daughter

As May kicks off, I'm reflecting on my relationship with Zion.  She turns 2 on the 15th!  I can't believe how quickly it has gone by.  I'm sharing a bit about what I look forward to as the mother of a daughter, I originally posted this on Kristina's blog last month.
 
Also, I'm taking a trip back to early motherhood over at Like A Bird, while Kendra is enjoying her time getting to know and falling madly in love with her precious newborn baby boy, Jeff!  Be sure to stop over there and congratulate her!


It is such a privilege and a responsibility to raise a daughter. 
I have always wanted to be a mom, and I can't tell you how happy I am that I had a daughter first.  
She has opened my heart in ways I never imagined possible.  
There are so many things I want for her to experience and enjoy in her life.

As her imagination begins to flourish, 
I look forward to creating a dress-up box for her; 
filling it with play clothes and old high-heels.  
I look forward to watching her try on necklaces and jewelry, tiaras and heels.

I look forward to her begging me and the hubs for ballet lessons, or other dance lessons.  
And watching her twirl in a little tutu in front of us.  
She loves twirling already, and any form of dance makes her face light up.
via Kasey Albano
I look forward to passing on my love of baking.  
Spending countless hours trying new recipes, 
licking the spoons and delighting in our creations.

I look forward to hair cuts and dyes and all kinds of hair style experiments.  
She has such beautiful soft curls, 
and I am so excited to see her hair as it grows longer and she is able to do more with it.

I look forward to her being a little older so that we can travel as a family to Israel, 
and experience our faith in a fresh and inspirational way.  
We're planning our trip for next year!

I look forward to shopping trips, 
where we can chat about our love of shoes, 
try on new outfits and sip our fancy coffee drinks together.

I look forward to her first roller coaster ride 
and visits to amusement parks, theme parks and other fun resorts!  
We have family in Orlando, so Disney World seems like a great option in the near future!

I look forward to teaching her how to apply make-up, 
and doing her make-up for special occasions.

I look forward to learning all of her dreams and desires, 
her passions and purposes. 
 I look forward to watching her run confidently in their direction.

I look forward to all the major life events, 
achievements and milestones she will reach in her life.  
I look forward to throwing huge celebrations every step of the way 
and being her number one fan, always.

And most importantly, what I look forward to the most, 
is her recognizing what Jesus did for us all, 
and fully embracing the gift of salvation and grace that is offered to her.

All images except photograph of Courtney & Zion with permission via Stock.Xchng

Monday, April 9

Zion's First Haircut & $100 Visa Giveaway {Find Great Deals on SquareSpot}

Thank you to SquareSpot for sponsoring this post! 
Visit SquareSpot to find great deals and discounts on high quality family-centric products and services.

It was finally time to take Zion in for her first hair cut.  We've put it off as much as possible because her hair has been relatively easy to handle and beautiful, crazy beautiful even.  But Easter morning confirmed the need:

Luckily, I had just signed up to try SquareSpot, an online market providing great savings and benefits for busy urban moms on a wide range of high quality goods and services in New York City.  They just so happened to have a fantastic deal for a cute little children's boutique in Brooklyn called Mini Max.

I am always looking for reasons to go to new places and experience new things in the city, and haven't been to Brooklyn in who knows how long, so I new this deal was perfect for me.  For $15 I was able to purchase a $20 gift certificate which would cover almost the entire cost of Zion's haircut.  Plus, I knew they also carried a small collection of fun eco-friendly toys and couldn't wait to have Zion pick something out on our special date.

This morning, we ventured out in the windy but warm weather…on our special date to Brooklyn for her haircut.  We enjoyed the long relaxing train ride with relatively few transfers.  Getting to Brooklyn never felt easier!  We arrived at our destination where Zion was warmly welcomed and given her choice of kid show and salon chair.  She chose a Diego video and then a yellow cab to sit in for her cut.  (Such a NYC girl already!)  I, of course, hovered and took pictures like the paparazzi, just like any first time mom would do!








There have been so many big milestones this week, all blatantly screaming at me that my little baby girl is a full on little girl now…no baby at all.  It really hasn't all hit me yet, but I am sure it is just a matter of time, in fact I can feel the "they grow up so fast" tears just waiting to be released like a torrential Spring rain.  


After Zion's haircut we took some time to pick out a couple of new toys.  First she gravitated to the tea party sets, then to the musical instruments, but in the end we took home some cute animal bath toys and a new farm puzzle.  Prices were incredibly reasonable and we both had a great time.  My expectations were far exceeded for both Mini Max, for being crazy awesome, and SquareSpot for connecting me to such a great establishment through a great offer!

Shortly after I purchased the Mini Max offer on SquareSpot, I had to go back and check out the additional deals and discounts on high quality, family-centric products and services that were being offered to make sure I didn't miss out!  They rotate new deals in and out on a weekly basis.  

source
As you know I've been working hard at losing weight and getting in shape in my weekly Meltdown series, so I simply had to purchase the Moms of Steel offer for three Fitness "Bootcamp" Stroller workouts in Central Park for the price of one!  I haven't booked my dates yet, because I am still finishing up my current program, but after such a great experience with the first offer I tried, I am sure this is going to be top notch!

One of the things I loved learning about SquareSpot was that they test each product or service so everything on the site is hand picked!  They also offer a SquareCard program that gives you discounts off hundreds of New York City services and programs!  From what I have seen so far they are constantly adding more partners to their list.  The website is super easy to use and thankfully I don't have a ton of offer emails flooding my inbox.  If you are a New York City mama I totally recommend you check them out and sign-up for an account!

Thanks to SquareSpot, one of my lovely readers is going to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!!  Will it be you?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own. #CGSquareSpot #spon

Friday, April 6

Mothering a Daughter: What I Am Looking Forward To

When my dear friend Kristina asked me to write a guest post for her lovely blog, I was totally honored.  And when she asked me to write it about what I most look forward to as the mother of a daughter, I was delighted.  I hadn't actually taken the time or energy to really consider all that I am looking forward to, until now.  And honestly, writing this now as we've hit some rough patches lately, is the best thing I could have done.


It is such a privilege and a responsibility to raise a daughter.  I have always wanted to be a mom, and I can't tell you how happy I am that I had a daughter first.  She has opened my heart in ways I never imagined possible.  There are so many things I want for her to experience and enjoy in her life.

Saturday, March 31

Solitude

I originally shared this post on MameMusings! But today, I'm feeling the need to remind myself...

Solitude.

Why is does it seem so elusive for us mothers?

Perhaps, we make it more complicated than it has to be.

What exactly does solitude require of us?

Aloneness.

via
Impossible.

My first reaction to the possibility of finding time alone.

[Insert list of reasons why here.]

Critical.

What can we possibly give if we are not taking the time to be refreshed?

via
Possibility.

How can I give myself ten minutes of quiet each day?

If I start with five minutes is that okay?

Release.

I will not feel guilty for taking this time out for me.


Reflection.

My mind is finally free to be me.

Oh hello lovely thoughts, restful sighs and tensions eased.

Retreat.

Is this vacation for my soul?


Believe.

A content, rested mother (&wife) is one highly praised.

Today, take those five minutes…or even ten.

Set down your burdens.

Embrace.


Solitude.

I previously shared this post on MameMusings, but had to share this here as a reminder to take time out for quiet reflection.  

Wednesday, March 28

Girl Behind the Blog: What I Am Learning ♥ {A Vlog!}

Hey friends!  I have  a treat for you today!  My first video blog (vlog) ever!  I hope you will join me for a few minutes as I share what I have been learning lately…


video platform video management video solutions video player
I was inspired by the two lovely ladies below!

5ohwifey
Go view the other Vlogs here or here!

I'm so glad you came by - make sure you enter my current giveaway for ad space in April!  XO

Friday, March 16

Unscripted: No Safe Place

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. Psalms 10:14-18
I've been angry, heart-broken and sickened lately by the injustices committed against children in our world.  Yes, I'm angry at the LRA/Kony crimes that have recently headlined social media and the news.  But there are so many more examples of children being used and abused, some a little too close to my heart.

I'm burdened.  Thinking about the mistreatment of children not only angers me, with what I can only describe as a righteous fury, it brings me to a place in my past that I don't want to talk about or remember. But here I am, faced with the ache in my heart for the lives and well being of the millions of children suffering at the hands of others in our world.  Here I am remembering what it feels like to have no where to turn, no safe place.

Let me be clear that: in no way do I pretend to know what it is like to be abducted from my family and forced into submission as a child soldier.  And in no way do I pretend to be able to fathom what being forced into sex-trafficking is like.  That, thank God, is not my story.  I do know what neglect feels like, I know what abuse feels like, and I know what being used as a weapon of retaliation looks like too.

I've touched on the brokenness of my family before on this blog, and feeling unwanted as a child.  I have yet to talk about the custody battles and family court, and being a "ward" of the state as a result of my biological parents selfishness and bitter hatred for one another.  I have yet to talk about the seeds of poison planted in my heart by the continuous barrage of manipulative messages bent on warping my heart towards one parent or another.

The last week has been especially trying on my heart, as I've been praying for two little girls who are experiencing this same kind of trauma and fear.  They fear not being taken care of, they fear threatened physical violence, and they fear total abandonment.  They feel they have no safe place.

Through becoming a mother, God has put a deep longing in my heart to be a safe place for these children.  I don't know exactly what this looks like, and I don't have all of the answers, but I trust God to reveal his plan day by day.  I want to protect these little girls, I want to rescue others like them.  I want them to know how much they matter to God, how much they are loved, even those I have yet to know, I have loved.
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Tuesday, March 13

{Immediately} Improve Communication with your Toddler

The challenges and privileges involved in raising a child through the toddler years can seem endless.  On top of power struggles and picky eating, the most obvious challenge is communicating in a way that your toddler will listen.  


In the book, "The Happiest Toddler on the Block," Dr. Harvey Karp shares practical advice and tips to transform day-to-day life from a constant battle of wills, to an opportunity for learning and practicing better communication.  .  If you've never heard of him, I'd like to kindly nudge you to take a moment and glance at his bio.

 Today, on Green Eggs & Moms I am sharing two fantastic tips from the book, that will help you (immediately) improve communication with your toddler.

Monday, March 12

Moments of Solitude


Solitude.

Why is does it seem so elusive for us mothers?

Perhaps, we make it more complicated than it has to be.

What exactly does solitude require of us?

Find out, over at MameMusings where I'm inviting you to take a little time out for solitude today.

Friday, February 17

Yes. Yes. Yes. {Featuring Melissa from MaMe Musings}

“Did you know you were having twins?” “Were you surprised to find out you were having twins?” “Do twins run in your family?”

Yes. Yes. Yes.

People ask me all the time if we knew we were having twins. Yes, we actually knew we were having twins almost from the day we found out we were pregnant. After two solid blood tests, I wasn’t scheduled to go in for an initial ultrasound until I was 6 weeks. Even then, it would be extremely early. Until then, I just had to have faith that there really was something going on inside my body. It would have been a little easier to believe if I had some symptoms to prove it. As it was, I felt nothing. I felt great. Maybe a little tired, but nonetheless, great. Just when I thought I was having a symptom, it would fade away. 

In a twisted way, I wished I would feel bad just so I would know I was pregnant. I emailed my doctor and asked if he could run another blood test just to make sure things were still progressing since I had no symptoms to put my mind at ease. Surprisingly, he suggested we do a quick ultrasound instead. If all was well, at 5 weeks and 2 days, we should at least see a gestational sac. I was already in tears before the first circle appeared. Through the tears of joy and amazement, I saw a blurry circle—my baby! The doctor continued moving across, stopping briefly, before saying nonchalantly, “There’s one, and there’s another one.” I saw the second blurry circle—also my baby! He pointed out the specks inside each circles. We were seeing the gestational sacs and the yolk sacs. Both were right on track for 5 weeks and 2 days. Were we surprised? Yes. In that moment, I was speechless. We knew there was a possibility of twins. We knew our beta numbers were on the high side, but for it to actually happen to us? Amazing. My husband claims he saw the doctor scan by both sacs before he even pointed out the first one. What was odd is that neither of us mentioned the word twins until we left the office. Honestly, to this day, I find myself saying, “Twins. Really??” 

People want to know if twins run in my family. Yes. They do now. Actually, both of us have twins in our families, and there may be some genetic connection. But, I have come to be more open about the fact that we also used fertility medicine. I think many people who ask if twins run in our family are really wanting to ask that question anyway. 

 Some want to know if the twins are “natural.” I would argue that all babies are natural. Asking if my babies are natural sort of implies that they might be unnatural, supernatural, or preternatural. Touch them. Hold them. Feed them. Play with them. They are 100% natural babies. They are a gift from God regardless of whether I took meds to juice up my ovaries or not. I have also learned that by being open about my struggles I have allowed others to be open about their struggles. Infertility can be such a lonely road, and if one woman can find understanding through me then why would I hide my story? What’s the fourth most asked question? I’ll let you guess, but the answer to that question is also—yes.

You can connect with Melissa over at MaMe Musings, where she shares life with her beautiful twins and her husband!  


Twins run in my husband's family and my family, so I secretly hope that I'll have a set of my own!  Thank you Melissa, for sharing what it was like to discover you were expecting two babies…and for your daily sharing of how to live life fully with those two adorable tots.

Thursday, February 16

Who of You by Worrying…{Featuring Carly from TexasLoveBirds}!

Hello, Baxtron{Life} readers! I'm Carly and  I blog regularly over here at a little place called Texas Lovebirds. My blog started as a series of "Dear Peanut" letters to our unborn son, but it quickly became a way for me to document this beautiful life and everything that comes along with it.  

With our son's due date just a few days away, our life is about to change in a big way and I hope you all will join us as we take our first steps into parenthood. 
Today I'll be sharing a post that I wrote several months ago; at the time I was about 26 weeks pregnant. Even though this experience seems like ages ago, I constantly go back to it and the lesson that I learned.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts and can learn something from it as well. Because let's be honest, momma or not, we all find ourselves caught in the trap of worry at one time or another.
 
Growing up I remember hearing adults (specifically my parents) talk about the worry that comes with being a parent. You know, followed by that very typical line.."you'll understand when you have kids someday." Okay Mom & Dad, you were right.  Last night while I was outside with the dogs, I took a little spill. My sweet Molly girl (you know, all 170 lbs. of her) got a little rowdy when I had her on her leash and pulled me a little too hard; thus, I fell. I caught myself on my hands and knees and got up unharmed. No belly hitting, or even remotely touching, the ground. Molly was distraught and quickly came to my aide, crouched beside me till I was on my feet. Once I was on my feet, my hand was covered in big, slobbery, Great Dane kisses.  I felt fine, I didn't ache, and I had no pains. 


But, of course, a little bit of me started to worry.


I promptly came inside, drank a big glass of juice, sat down, prayed, and waited for Gunner to move. I called Cody at work, and he assured me that I was fine as long as I wasn't hurting (in times like these, his medical knowledge really helps calm me). Shortly after getting some sugary juice in my tummy, Gunner began to kick up a storm. Each little movement, even the kicks to the ribs, made me smile. My boy was just fine.


"Thank you, Lord," I said. 
Followed by a thank you to Gunner as well.



Anxiety and worry are things I've always struggled with, and I'll probably write more about that later, but so many events have taught me that God is always in control. I think this will be a hard pill to swallow as Gunner comes into this world, but I know in my heart that it is true.

Gunner will always be most precious to me, but it comforts me to know that he is even more precious to God. He was knit in my womb for a reason, for a purpose. I don't even know what he will look like, but God knows the entire life that is ahead of him. God is so cool like that.

And do you know what's even cooler? 
That God allows little worriers like me to raise his children.
And when we worry, He grants us a flurry of movement and kicks.

Update!  Today Carly will meet her baby boy Gunner! :)  She is scheduled for a c-section based on his position.  Stop by her blog and give her a word of encouragement!! :)

Wednesday, February 15

Is it Possible to be Cute while Pregnant?

One of the things that was a major bummer for me when I was pregnant with Zion was the financial struggles we were going through at the time.  There were several items that I felt would have made my pregnancy more enjoyable, (had we had been able to purchase them), one of which was, maternity clothes.

I had just achieved my ideal weight and the best shape of my life prior to getting pregnant, so going through the weight gain and body changes accompanied by pregnancy was very difficult for me.  I think that part of the reason it was so difficult was because I couldn't by comfortable clothes that made me feel cute and pregnant.  Next time around it is going to be different.  :)

Even though I am not pregnant {yet} I love checking out maternity clothes.  I really love Destination Maternity, so I was browsing their new arrivals for Spring the other day and fantasizing about what a cute pregnant Courtney could look like sometime in the not too distant {hopefully} future!

Here are a few ways you can save big this week if you are in the shopping mood:

Free shipping on orders over $100 at Destination Maternity. Use code: FEBDM - valid February 16-20, 2012.

Buy One Get One 50% off select styles ż jeans, pants, tees, tanks, panties & nursing tanks at Destination Maternity. Valid February 1-20, 2012.

Buy One Get One Free on select clearance items at Destination Maternity. Valid February 1-20, 2012.