Project: Babies

Happy Memorial Day!

project-baby — Mon, 28 May 2012 16:01:57 -0400

“I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.

Yet, we must try to honor them — not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.

Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we — in a less final, less heroic way — be willing to give of ourselves.”

Ronald Reagan

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

Every American has rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness because they were created in the image of the Creator. We have obligations to our government that protects liberties and to our heritage to guarantee future liberty.

May thanks today to the brave men and women who have served America for our future liberty. Your sacrifices were not in vain - The United States is still the greatest country. We represent freedom. We are united despite our political differences. One nation…still under God.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”

Psalm 33:72

America has been richly blessed by the Creator. Our victories and freedoms are no accident. It is by the grace of God and the hard work of men and women that we enjoy this abundant life.

Thank you to all the members of our own family for the sacrifices you made and the freedoms YOU lost in order to keep us secure and safe from harm. May we never take it for granted.

Love,

The Timmermans

One Year Old.

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:03:33 -0400

My child.

Today you are one year old.

My mind has gone blank a little bit and I just can’t get this letter going. What is there to say? How do I say it? I really don’t want to cry today, but I feel like my hormones and profound love for you will get this best of me anyway. Geez, I can’t even look at your old pictures without getting weepy!

Daddy wanted to watch old videos of you last night, but I just couldn’t. Everyone said the first year would blow by…and they were right. They were more than right. The minute I would get a grasp on you and “who you are,” you’d morph again. Again and again you would change and keep me guessing…keep me falling for the new you.

I never realized how much you would develop in just one year. I didn’t think we’d be HERE. Daddy said, “I feel like we are in the two-year-old phase!” I couldn’t agree more. How can you already DO SO MUCH STUFF?? In short:

Walking, some running, climbing, dancing, clapping, making jokes, laughing, playing copy cat, feeding yourself, “reading,” getting into EVERYTHING, dressing and undressing, making demands, helping to sort mail, playing hide-and-seek, making phone calls, making friends, deleting emails, wrestling, and saying your first words.

There are one million things you can do and it’s mind-boggling.

I know everyone thinks their child is special. I’m not the first mom to feel this way about her daughter…to feel like the world’s been spinning all this time just so you would come to be. Just so you could grace us with your laughter and twinkling eyes.

But, Tinsley, you ARE special and you are destined for wonderful things. Who knows what you’ll do with your life? The possibilities are endless and the world is YOURS for the taking, dear girl! Grab it by the horns and have the time of your life (while staying safe).

Psalm 139: 14-16

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

There are a few things I can already guess about you. You’ll be strong-willed, curious, and social. You will make friends and have a good time. You will be smart…incredibly smart and bright. Will you play soccer? Will you take ballet? Will you be a book worm or spelling be champ? I just don’t know. But I know you will “go for it” in all life situations and do things your way.

I can see a lot of myself in your personality, and luckily you’ve got a lot of Daddy in there too. I pray that the best parts of us come together in you (and baby brother). You will never be perfect…you will mess up…but there is always a way to rise above it too. We’ll be there to help when you need us.

Speaking of brother, I hope you don’t mind that he is coming along soon. I know it will change our relationship somewhat, but hopefully for the better. I am still your mama and you are still my girl. My favorite girl in the whole world…nothing can change that. It’s us - forever.

I want so many things for you. A life full of LOVE, full of passion, full of God’s blessings. Most of all, I pray you will have a life of purpose. God created you and has already made a master plan. It’s up to you to choose the path and go for it. A purpose-filled life can mean almost anything…I cannot wait to see what unfolds for you.

Writing this letter reminds me of one of my favorite movies - The Count of Monte Cristo - and a special quote from the birthday dinner. I will modify it for you…my girl.

Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, and be shattered on the rocks the next. What matters is what you DO when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout, “Do your worst, for I will do mine!” Then the fates will know you as we know you.

I know you. I can look into those dark eyes and see everything I need to know about who you are. Matt passed down his Irish twinkle to you, little one. You are glowing and magnetic. You are beautiful and beautifully made.

Thanks for a wonderful first year. Daddy and I often talk about how lucky we are with you. We REALLY lucked out. You are such a good girl…such a sweet soul and sassy little thing. You bring joy to everyone who sees you and gets a “hey!” from your lips. Oh…that voice. I live for that little voice.

I’ve learned more about myself in the last year than I have in a long, long time. Let’s keep learning and growing together. Let’s stick together. Let’s communicate and be honest with each other…always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TINSLEY!!!!! We love, love, love you. One year ago, two Timmermans became three…and we are eternally grateful for the gift that is YOU.

xo,

Mommy and Daddy

—

photos by Angela Braniff

(tinsley works on business proposals and billion dollar...

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:03:06 -0400

(tinsley works on business proposals and billion dollar deals.)

WHO RUN THE WORLD???

GIRLS.

Damage Control

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:02:51 -0400

I swear to you, Tinsley is getting hurt once a week. Not just “OOO I bumped my head,” but “Um, that’s a lot of blood…should we go to the ER?” I wish I was kidding. All this coming from one of the most baby-proofed houses you’ve ever seen. What gives?

Here’s the thing: Tinsley is into everything. This is probably true of most one-year-olds, but my mom SWEARS we were never like that. According to her, we were happy to sit and play with toys. Well…not my daughter. She is always under my feet (or at least 3 steps close behind me). She inspects everything closely. She WATCHES me. Long gone are the days of happily playing with toys. She’s learned how to open, unlatch, unzip, unsnap, pull, and close. Nothing is off limits anymore…not even the old box of pregnancy tests or the plastic case of hemorrhoid wipes. (“Tinsley! No! Stop! Yucky!!”)

Her nose has bled about three times from falling flat on her face. She’s scraped her lip, bitten her tongue, and shut her fingers in drawers. She’s gotten her arms stuck in cabinets and her whole body wedged under the kitchen stool.

Just the other day we had a “wrong place, wrong time” incident…and let’s just say: Tinsley is never allowed in the pantry again. I was busily tidying up the pantry when a GLASS JAR of peanut butter flew off the shelf 3^rd or 4^th shelf (I didn’t actually see it fall, so not sure how it happened. The evidence afterward was proof of the accident). Guess who was below me? Just GUESS.

Screams.

Oh, the screams.

To be honest, I didn’t know WHAT was hurt!! What was hit?? Her HEAD? Her toe!? Luckily, there was no blood or goose egg to speak of. My mom and I held her and rocked her. We gave her juice and tried to distract the poor girl. Soon enough we realized which body part fell victim to the rogue peanut butter: her left middle finger. It began to swell…and turn purple. Pretty quickly. I WAS SCARED, but really thankful my mom was there to reassure me. Within 20 minutes, Tinsley was fine and didn’t seem to notice her fat hand (Have you ever tried icing a one-year-old hand? Impossible…).

She was using her finger to eat and play, so I sort of relaxed. But the bruising and swelling was terrible. I felt like crap.

I waited to tell Matt until later in the day. Like my mom said, “Let’s not stress him out.” She knows him well! He insisted we take her to the doctor immediately…he was certain her little digit was BROKEN. “Just like when Nick jammed his finger playing rugby.”

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We spoke to the triage nurse on the phone and she reassured us somewhat. Tinsley’s fingertip and nail were normal looking, not bruised, and the swelling wasn’t bigger than 50%. We waited until morning to make our next move. She slept fabulously, but the bruising was worse the next day. I took her in for evaluation and they SENT ME TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET AN X-RAY. The pediatrician just wasn’t sure if it was broken or not, but she seemed gravely concerned. GREAT.

Presby Matthews worked quickly to get us in and out. Too bad some STRANGER had to hold Tinsley still for the X-ray because…”OH WAIT…you’re pregnant? Please wait outside. This cold, frigid woman will hold your daughter instead.”

I could hear her crying from outside the X-ray door. Someone shoot me.

Within an hour we received the news that there was a fracture. Are you kidding me?? Off to the orthopedist we go…this time with Matt. (Side note: Tinsley had a really fun day. All these new places and people!! Woo hoo!) I was praying, PRAYING that my girl didn’t need surgery because of some stupid peanut butter. PS: Never Google anything because it will only make you worry more.

Tinsley’s little fat hand X-ray was the cutest thing ever. I had to take a pic.

The doctor arrived and told us the greatest news: It was a hairline fracture and the best thing to do is (drumroll)…NOTHING. Don’t ice it, don’t touch it, no splint, no cast. He said it’s nearly impossible to do anything for babies this young, but it’s OK because their bodies are designed that way! Their bones are so soft and pliable that they heal easily and quickly on their own.

(God really knows what He’s doing. Even in the midst of a baby finger fracture, I am in awe of His impeccable design skills. Yeah!)

We left feeling MUCH better, and as my mom put it: “Don’t you feel vindicated!?” HAHA. My mama instincts told me everything would be OK, but sometimes you need a doctor to say so too. I felt like if Tinsley was in need of surgery or a cast…she would have let me know in her own way. But she bounced back from the accident within an hour. Her normal behavior assured me that things would be alright.

—

Ever since this, I’ve had many veteran moms tell me, “This will happen again. Maybe not peanut butter, but something else WILL happen.” It’s true. We’ve got popsicles and boo-boo bunny in the freezer for those days. We’ve got baby Tylenol, Neosporin, and Band-Aids on hand too. No matter how much we babyproof or watch her closely, accidents are GOING to happen. It hurts us more than it hurts her.

I’m reminded of when my sister was in a terrible car accident back in high school. My parents were a WRECK, but thankfully she made a full recovery (with a beautiful, new set of pearly whites to prove it). I guess the stupid peanut butter jar is preparing my heart for bigger accidents and more doctor visits.

Still sucks, though.

Babies + Babies

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:02:22 -0400

Hanging out with Bud:

Reading my Baby Monthly:

Making friends with baby Leanna at Jimmie’s Restaurant:

Tinsley is 100% fascinated with other kids. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s something you really have to see in person. If it’s just us, she is clingy and whiny until I sit on the floor and focus 100% on her. FINE…it’s fine.

But if another baby is around, suddenly I DON’T EXIST. No offense taken - she sees me all day long. I’d be sick of me too!

Tinsley begins to talk and babble on to the other child who is usually taken aback, confused, quiet, or just as excited. She’s a little FORWARD you might say…but I’m all about developing some social skills! Playgroup has definitely contributed to this fascination. She won’t let a baby pass by without thoroughly explaining “why we should be friends.” (lots of hand gestures and squealing involved.)

I’m hoping this means good things for baby boy. Lots of loving and snuggling and less nose punches and bottle stealing. We’ll see.

In the Garden (part three).

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:02:01 -0400

When you’re staying in a hotel. And Daddy is stuck in a...

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:01:48 -0400

When you’re staying in a hotel.

And Daddy is stuck in a meeting all morning.

There is nothing left to do but make a pillow fortress and go freakin’ crazy.

DIAPER TIME!!!! WOOOOO!

On The Lawn.

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:01:34 -0400

The second night of our Biltmore trip, our group was scheduled to have dinner at the restaurant adjoining the house (mansion, palace, whatever). There was a private tour beforehand, cocktail hour, and dinner/dancing until 10pm.

10pm doesn’t work well for a baby.

So, we opted to use the Biltmore Inn babysitting services (like we did in Atlantis). We skipped the tour and cocktail hour in order to get Tinsley down for bed before the sitter came. Penny was great - REALLY PROFESSIONAL - and kept watch over Tinsley while we were out.

Arriving late turned out to be pretty cool. We pulled up to the front of the Biltmore House and realized: no one is out here. It’s after hours. We have this lawn to ourselves!!! (If you’ve ever visited here, you know this NEVER happens.)

We took the opportunity to run around in the wet grass and snap some photos of our solitude. We may NEVER, EVER get that chance again. It was very…grand. And serene. And just beautiful.

Pool time at the Biltmore Inn.

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:01:08 -0400

Pool time at the Biltmore Inn.

In the Garden (part two).

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:00:48 -0400

Down on the Farm

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 13:00:29 -0400

If you live within driving distance to Asheville, you MUST visit the Biltmore Estate - at least for a day. I blogged about this back in December (during our anniversary trip), but it was even more fun this time around. Not only was everything in full bloom with the Spring weather, but Tinsley was older and able to really enjoy herself!

The estate is HUGE. They created a little “village” within the past few years that is home to the Biltmore winery, several restaurants, shops, and activities. If you hit it right with the weather (and the crowds), you can spend the whole day there! We grabbed lunch, took a walk, ate some ice cream, and enjoyed the sunshine before heading to the petting farm.

After this experience, I’ve decided we need a petting farm. It’s no wonder Marie Antoinette wanted her own little Hamlet. Tinsley absolutely LOVED IT and so did I. The “farm” was the perfect size…manageable, but home to many different varieties of animals and livestock.

Tinsley was unsure at first. I can’t blame her…lots of animals just roaming free (all tame). Roosters crowing, goats bleating, etc. Total sensory overload. The baby goats were the CUTEST THINGS EVER! After a few minutes, T warmed up to the idea and soon she was all over the place. We saw donkeys, baby chicks, bunnies, goats, horses (HUGE), and an enormous rooster.

Was there a pig? I can’t remember now.

Anyway, the farm was a hit and I was happy to stay there all day, but a late afternoon storm was headed our way. Wouldn’t you know? As we were leaving, another young family came in. Their baby girl was just a month younger than Tinsley…AND the mom was pregnant again too! Also 16 months apart!! Pretty neat stuff. They were really sweet.

Will someone in Charlotte PLEASE make a place like this?? Please?! We want to take Tinsley to a petting zoo for her birthday, but the closest thing would be Lazy 5 Ranch, which is more like a livestock drive-by.

We need baby chicks and bunnies, people. Let’s make this happen. Share your farm.

Cheers,

In the Garden (part one).

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:59:45 -0400

Mother's Day

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:59:28 -0400

This Mother’s Day was really special for me because, well, I am an official MOM! We pseudo-celebrated last year, but this this year I was a totally legit mama. It’s funny to think that we get a day to ourselves…to celebrate all the things we do for the family. It was nice seeing it from the other side. For years, I’ve given my own mom gifts and cards…gone to brunches and celebrated with my family.

Now it’s our own little family that celebrates my mommy-hood. It seems a little selfish, but hey, we deserve ONE DAY of recognition, right?? Truthfully, I felt like this was a celebration for T. She, after all, is the reason I am a mom (kind of like how her birthday is actually a celebration of my 42 hour labor).

We spent the day with Matt’s family and some of our close friends. Raintree Country Club has a nice brunch they do every year for Easter and Mother’s Day. Even though our group was 30 minutes late for our reservation (time mix up), we still managed to scarf down some delicious stuffed french toast, hash brown casserole, fruit salad, and lots of other yummy food on the buffet. I ate three desserts, I think – OOPS!

We stopped out by the golf course for some photos and Tinsley had a great time running around on the putting greens. I wish I could surround her whole life with a putting green…it’s a soft place to land!

Our day was a little strange. We needed to be in Asheville that same night for another work trip Matt qualified for. We were really excited to go, but a little rushed and stressed on a day that was supposed to be relaxing. We packed up and headed West, and luckily T napped for half of the two-hour drive.

—

If I could really sum up my Mother’s Day in one phrase, it would be: blow-out diaper.

As we pulled into the magnificent Biltmore Inn, we were excited and ready to unpack and unwind! Matt left to check in and meet-n-greet with the other agents. My job was the rescue our restless baby from the backseat and get the valet guys squared away before introducing Tinsley to the group.

Well.

There was a disgusting diaper situation waiting for me.

Tinsley has pretty bad timing when it comes to poop. It seems like once a week she is blowing out in the car. NEVER at home…NEVER out somewhere. Only in the car. This diaper was epic, you guys. Then it started to rain. I grabbed Tinsley (covered in poop), grabbed a random roll of paper towels on the floorboard, and wrapped her like a mummy. We abandoned the car and dashed inside. Poo was leaking onto my dress and all over my hands. T was crying. Matt and the other agents watched me run to the bathroom in panic and our “adorable baby debut” was a total fail.

The Biltmore Inn doesn’t believe in bathroom paper towels. They only provide CLOTH hand towels, and so I “borrowed” a few to create a faux-toga for my child to wear in the lobby.

I never saw that one coming.

—

Later that evening, we were able to properly introduce Tinsley to everyone at the Welcome Dinner (where they served the most amazing spread of food I’ve had in a long time. If I could eat like that every day, I would…and would also be 800 lbs). I’m certain the smell of poo was still lingering on me.

But hey, it was Mother’s Day…is there any better badge of honor? Or proof of motherly dedication?

“I wiped someone’s nasty, stinky butt today. What did you do??”

Hope yours was fabulous,

Hey Pop Pop! Lemme hold a dolla!!!!!! Money, cash,...

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:58:30 -0400

Hey Pop Pop! Lemme hold a dolla!!!!!!

Money, cash, hoes.

-TIN$LEY-

We Weaned.

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:57:48 -0400

We Weaned!

It randomly happened. I have absolutely no tips or tricks for weaning your baby. There was no trauma, no drama, no swollen breasts, or fussy baby. While I was hoping to go a full year, I’ll take 11.5 months. That’s pretty good for EBF!! Go me!

2 weeks ago, we skipped a night feed for some random reason I can’t even remember now. The next morning, Matt got up with T and let me sleep in while he fed her breakfast. So, the morning session was skipped. That night was Bible Study (and I leave the house at 5:30), so night time was missed again. Finally, I looked at Matt and said, “I think we weaned.”

His response was, “Wait! Don’t you want to know it’s the last time?? Don’t you want to cherish the final moment?”

My answer: NO. It was much, much better this way. No tears, no sadness, just letting nature take its course. I don’t think my mama heart could handle knowing: THIS IS THE LAST TIME. IT’S OVER. Just keep me in the dark and I will mourn in my own way.

I was more ready than I thought. Suddenly, I was FREE to go anywhere, anytime, and do anything! We can even go somewhere overnight if we want! YEAH! Breastfeeding a baby who refuses a bottle for an entire year is not the easiest thing in the world. I wouldn’t change a thing, but I can look back and say with confidence: “I was wholly dedicated.”

Baby boy WILL take a bottle. I’m just putting it out there. HE SHALL TAKE A BOTTLE. I’m not really looking forward to pumping again, but I’ll do what I have to. Matt and I need to feel sane…PLUS we’ll have Tinsley to look after too. Stopping to nurse every 2-3 hours every day won’t be so simple anymore. Hopefully my supply won’t suffer from pumping. Time to pull out all those old parts and pieces again…

And speaking of weaning, let’s all look at this again:

WOWZA!!!

To be honest, I haven’t read the article. I’ve seen the tweets and press online though. “Mommy Wars???” WHAT A RIDICULOUS THING. Be a mom, be comfortable with yourself, make your best parenting decisions, and move on. Who cares what anyone else thinks? That’s my take.

But for the record, this photo creeps me out. The look on her face, his face, her body language, the pose, the clothing choice, THE WHOLE THING is just wrong looking. Couldn’t they have made it seem more nurturing and…call me crazy…LOVING? If people want to breastfeed for years, I think that’s just fine. But TIME could have done a better job with this cover.

Anyway.

We weaned! High five!

On my preggo wish list:

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:57:10 -0400

Pregnancy stool. No, this is not for childbirth or yoga or resting my haunches. Why do I need a stool? I need a stool to put Tinsley in her crib for sleep. This belly of mine in ABSOLUTELY in the way and it’s terribly uncomfortable. Baby boy is getting annoyed each time he’s smooshed. My only solution is to get a stool so the belly can go OVER the railing. What other choice do I have??
Bola Bell (aka Mexican Pregnancy Bell). I first heard about the Bola months ago in a Yoga with Baby class. Our instructor told us about a fabulous necklace that you wear in the last half of pregnancy. It’s a pendant with a chime ball inside that faintly “rings” as you move. The bola is worn on a long chain that reaches the belly button and as the mother moves, it chimes. It has been used for generations by Mexican ladies who found that the soothing sound of the chime ball calmed their newborn babies since the sound is familiar from the womb. When baby is born, he/she can play with the bola to hear the relaxing chime! Listen, my first kid never took a pacifier. I’ll try anything at this point.

Is it sad that a stool and a Mexican bell are the only things on this list??

2nd pregnancy is SO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the first time around.

Saving the best for last.

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:56:47 -0400

The Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, my beautiful cousin and her fiancé tied the knot! The ceremony was small, intimate, and simply beautiful. Honestly, it was my kind of wedding…just relaxed, easy, and full of love. Their ceremony overlooked the waters of Lake Norman while close family and friends looked on.

They lucked out with an absolutely perfect weather day. Not hot or cold (Matt calls this “when inside feels like outside”). Leanna was stunning in her one-shoulder, Grecian-inspired gown. She paired it with a side bun, bright red lips, and some gorgeous earrings that a certain someone wore on her own wedding day (something borrowed!). Doug was looking dapper and cool in his vest.

Being pregnant, my main concern was the food. Of course! They served DELICIOUS BBQ from a local restaurant and a yummy assortment of cupcakes for the guests. I restrained myself from eating two…I didn’t want to be that girl. But for the record, I REALLY wanted two.

(Speaking of sweets, my blood sugar test is in one month and I am terrified to fail. So I’ve quit all refined sugars for the next several weeks. It’s been incredibly difficult and I may have a slight addiction.)

Doug & Leanna swayed to Michael Buble’s Feeling Good for their first dance (one of my absolute favorite songs) and then Leanna and Uncle David danced a jig for everyone. The whole event was incredibly sweet and perfect. I could not be happier for those two. We LOVE Doug…he is the perfect fit into our family and we are happy he’s here to stay!

Their pastor used an incredible passage from the Bible to illustrate God’s timing in all things: when Jesus turned water into wine. Both Leanna and Doug have been in serious relationships before that didn’t work out. I’ve been there too – several years ago I suffered a broken engagement of my own. It was horrible and difficult for everyone. But within two years, God brought Matt into my life…and within one month I KNEW he was my husband. Here we are 4 years later with 2 babies and a life full of love.

God never fails. Even though storms will come (and they WILL come), He will never leave our side. He is present in all things and loves His children despite our faults, imperfections, and careless mistakes. I don’t know what is waiting around the corner for me, but I can look back in my life and remember all the ways God has provided…remember the miraculous. Remember His gracious hand that has guided me in times I didn’t see at the moment but, in looking back, I now know it was God.

I believe Doug and Leanna can see those same miracles working in their life now.

(John 2:1-11) On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Just as the new wine that Jesus gave at the wedding was superior to the old, so is the joy that He brings to our lives. It is supernatural, not natural. It is lasting, not temporary. It is far better than the joy we receive from our own attempts at happiness. Maybe God is saving YOUR best for last? Maybe the storms or heartache or pain you’re currently in is just the road leading you to peace and unimaginable love.

God doesn’t make mistakes. He can even use OUR mistakes to create something beautiful! It’s incredible and miraculous.

Doug & Leanna – we love you guys so much!!! Congratulations!!

Love,

Freedom

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:56:00 -0400

The days after the Amendment One Disaster of 2012 brought unexpected freedom to me. Sure, there were accusations thrown, mean things said, and lots of drama…but I was able to see the GOOD fairly quickly. I’m not a roses-n-butterflies, bubblegum optimist, but I am definitely a positive person with enough perspective to see the bigger picture. My freedom came in two forms:

Freedom from blogging. After all the personal attacks Matt and I both agreed it was best to password protect the blog for a couple weeks. This was for our personal safety and peace of mind. Little did I know WHAT A GIFT it would be. I needed the break so badly, you guys. I love blogging – it’s become a fun hobby – but sometimes I found it to be a chore…or forced. That’s no fun and pretty lame for y’all too. Ever since France I’ve been saying, “I’m shutting it down. Today.” Matt knew I was over it, and so did I. But taking a break from the public has renewed my spirit (and the flood of ‘where are you??!’ emails helped too). A step back has given me the chance to spend more time with Tinsley, spend time getting things done around the house I’ve been putting off, plan T’s birthday, do yard work, SLEEP MORE, go outside, READ, etc. It’s been fantastic. I’m happy to be back online and sharing stories from our little slice of the world, but sometimes a breather is necessary. I’ve been able to catch up the blog on “our life” this weekend and I’m so grateful for the break I had.
Freedom to write about whatever I want. Here’s the harsh truth: when you know a lot of people are reading/watching you, it’s easy to become vanilla and super neutral. I fell into this trap many months ago. I knew people were watching me, judging me, and silently waiting for a reason to rip me apart. It was scary in a way and caused me to heavily edit my blogging. Where was the girl who wrote about Casey Anthony - the baby killer? Where was the girl who wrote about GUNS and home defense? Where was the girl who didn’t apologize for being a Christian, southern housewife living in suburbia, USA?

She was hiding.

Well, friends? No more hiding. The worst has been said. The damage is done. And there is no going back to vanilla-land where I am afraid to write what I want, how I want. Sure, we can agree to disagree sometimes and that’s cool. But this is me and my space (not to be confused with MySpace).

In an effort to be 100% transparent, here are some example topics I might cover on this blog. If you don’t like it, if you are offended, or if you disagree SO MUCH that you want to light me on fire? Well, then…go read some other blog. Or get off your computer and go talk a walk:

God, Jesus, The Bible, Christianity, etc. (aka: “bigotry”)
Marriage
Politics (…and guess what? I don’t like Obama! There, I said it!!!)
Home and self defense (GUNS. We have guns.)
Spanking (OMG YES, we are a spanking family.)
Pregnancy and childbirth
People to pray for
Breastfeeding/Weaning/Baby Food/Poop
Other Mommy or Baby-related topics (if you are bored by it, why are you reading this blog?)
Living in the South (because the South is awesome.)
Travel (WE LIKE TO TRAVEL.)
Raising kids to not be brats
Our parenting mistakes and FAILS

I’m sure I will think of some other fun topics to really get people fired up and actin’ like fools. In the meantime, I promise to be as real as possible, as open as ever, and more passionate about things that really matter in life.

And truthfully, I welcome anyone and everyone to share posts from my blog. Whether it is meant for harm or good…you are spreading God’s Word with people who need to hear it. Web traffic to Project: Babies, no matter the source, will only spread love and REAL TRUTH to a world that needs Christ more than ever before. I do not have all the answers, I AM NOT PERFECT, and I’m striving to be more like Him every day of my life (with set backs and failures). I’m looking for others to join me on this journey.

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Freedom is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Thank you, crazy Internet, for giving that to me once and for all.

Love,

via Glamour Magazine. LOVE Carrie Underwood…good for you,...

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:52:47 -0400

via Glamour Magazine.

LOVE Carrie Underwood…good for you, girl.

A little sneak peek at Tinsley’s 1st birthday soiree....

project-baby — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:52:30 -0400

A little sneak peek at Tinsley’s 1st birthday soiree. We’ll be celebrating next Sunday with a low country boil and baby pool party! Most looking forward to: THE SMASH CAKE.

Woo hoo!