Through the Fire...

It's times like these that the reality and meaning of that phrase come alive to me. It's always so uncomfortable to go through trials and personal issues. I'm convinced that God is always with me, but yet I worry. Why is that? Is it because i don't have my full Trust in HIM? I cannot tell you how many times I have surrendered to the beast of WORRY. Why is it that the minute things get "hot" it rears it's ugly head?
Fire: (n) Destructive burning, continuous attack, a gem's brilliance.
Seriously, whoever wrote the dictionary must have been spirit-filled. (LOL) I love the last interpretation. I know that without going through the fire I can be refined like a fine gem. I know at the end of these trials I will shine with God's revelation to me. There is a reason it hurts, growing pains I guess. I pray I don't loose sight of WHO is in control. God make me stronger than I am and to fully depend on you, my Provider.

Roly Poly

Well, Judah is really growing! Much has happened lately. He will be 6 months old in 2 days. I cannot believe it. He is eating cereal and sweet potatoes now. He loves food! He's up to 18 pounds now! Judah started trying to crawl this past weekend. (Go to Justin's blog for the video.) I know he's going to be into everything very soon. Lord help! I'm SO not ready for that. Gone are the days of just laying Judah on the couch while I prep his bottle. He is rolling and scooting around everywhere!
Another trick we have been using since he has been fighting sleep like no other, is playing worship music in his room at night. We've always known that music puts him to sleep (it did when he was in my belly too!) so we've been doing that at night. If he doesn't fall asleep when I rock him and them put him down, we just lay him in is crib and he eventually will roll over get comfy and fall asleep to the music. He's also gotten really good at putting his pacifier back in his mouth, so that's good! Judah is also sleeping up to 10 or 11 hours at night. PTL!!
He really is such a sweetheart. His personality is really shining through. He will certainly be active though. I promise, he would get up and walk if he was strong enough. The bright side to that is, maybe with me chasing him I'll shed this extra weight that is STILL here after 6 months.
Can you tell I'm a little bitter about the weight thing. Seriously it's the most frustrating thing. I have never had a weight problem. It seems that this 10 lbs will just be there for-ev-er. I thought for sure it would fall off, especially after I stopped nursing. I guess I better start running it off now. It's just so darn hot and we can't afford a gym membership. Besides, I'm convinced it's hormone related. Even if I hardly eat anything, my number doesn't budge!! So frustrating. Oh well, I'm trying to stay positive that there is a way. Any suggestions out there? I'm open!

Pictures for you!

My Sweet Boy!
First time at the Beach, Memorial Day
Momma's Boy!
At Paula Deen's, the Lady and Son's
Eating Cereal for the first time...not very tasty!

You talking to me?

Funny Story...

Okay, so I know I said I would post all pictures, but I had to share this quick little story with you all. I was sitting on the couch with Judah one day after work. As a rule, we don't really let Judah watch TV unless it's Praise Baby. Well he was laying there as I watched my TiVoed Oprah show. He looked over at the TV when it was a close up on Oprah and started laughing. He looked away, then looked back and smiled his gummy smile at her. I started laughing at him asking him who he thought it was...then it dawned on me! His teacher at daycare is the sweetest black lady named Miss Brenda. She is with him all day when he's at daycare and he just loves her...that's who he thought it was! I'm convinced he thought Oprah was Miss Brenda! Just wanted to share. Too Funny, huh?!

Busy Bee...

It's been a while since I last blogged. My life has been busy busy busy!! With all the graduations and summer events, we have been going non-stop! Judah is growing SOOO fast. I can't believe it..he will be 5 months on Monday. Here are a few new discoveries with Judah. He has discovered his feet and hands. I will find him in his swing just staring at his fingers...it's hilarious. He has cut 2 of his bottom teeth, this explains the incessant drooling! We switched pediatricians and I love our new Dr. He's young, sarcastic, and tells it like it is. Also, Judah is a squealer; he's certainly found his voice. He squeals all the time, it's so cute! Judah had his first trip to the beach on Memorial Day when we were in Savannah. We had the best time being with my family and spending quality time together, INSIDE, because it rained the entire time we were there!! Boo! Judah has gotten really good at rolling over from his belly to his back. I'll go to feed him in the mornings and he is either up on his elbows and looking up at me smiling or on his back, looking at me, like look what I did mom! I will post an all picture update next...stay tuned.

Shout-out to all the single moms!

So, Justin was out of town for 4 days this week. He went with the staff to a Conference in Atlanta. I, of course, was dreading being home alone without any help with Judah. I got a small taste of what being a single parent with no family around is like. Yikes! Needless to say I kept busy. Judah did great. I was exhausted. We had a good time together. It was so funny when Justin got home you could tell Judah was excited to see him. He started smiling and laughing as soon as he saw him. Daddy is more fun than Mommy! I think he knows when Justin comes around it's time to play.
So, I just wanted to give a shout-out to all you single moms! I don't know how you do it everyday, all day. Regardless of the circumstances that led you to be a single mom, I admire and respect you. Keep up the good work!

Motherhood in the Raw. Part 2

I have changed the name of my blog to "Fashionable Baby Fat" for a few reasons. First of all I do think that baby fat is fashionable. Judah is becoming quite the chunker. This picture is from Easter Sunday. I can't stand to see a skinny baby! Fat means Happy! I also am carrying around excess "baby fat" and as an esteem booster to help myself I am calling it "fashionable". (Partially kidding)

Here are some more tips of the motherhood trade...

1. Waiting list. Whenever you find out you are pregnant and you know you will be needing to render services from a childcare facility, start looking RIGHT THEN. When searching for a daycare for Judah, I was informed that there was a 1 year waiting list. So that means I would have had to be on a waiting list BEFORE I got pregnant. Crazy! Keep that in mind you mommies to be!

2. Intuition. Judah had his first ear infection last week. I knew something wasn't right because he would just SCREAM when it was time to eat and he would hardly eat anything at all. I tried switching formula, and I went up an nipple size on the bottle. Since I knew something was wrong, I took him to the dr. Sure enough he had an infection in his right ear. He never even ran a temperature!! So, moral of the story, if you think some thing's wrong, it probably is; trust your intuition. (God gives it to every mommy!) Bite the bullet, pay the copay and take your kid to the doctor. You will save your sanity, and sleepless nights by doing so!

3. Lights, Camera, Action. Keep that video camera close. Judah is now rolling over on his own and he has officially found his feet. He is grabbing them and pulling off his socks. I'm looking forward to when they make it to his mouth. NOT!

4. Drool is cool. I recently came to work wearing a very cute black blazer and my co-worker came to my desk giggling and proceeded to tell me that I had white spots all down my back and on my shoulder. Evidently Judah had left is mark on me. I have found that I've worn his drool more than knew. I would come home to change and see my little souvenirs. So, be a friend and tell someone if they have drool on them. A little dab of water will remedy the situation.