Thankful, day 30.

     I am thankful to be Nathaniel's mama.  I am overwhelmed with the sheer idea that I am someone's mother.  It was my job to carry him inside of myself for 9 months.  It is my job to feed him and keep him warm and safe.  It is my job to teach him new things.  It is my job to praise him.  It will be my job to discipline him.  It will be my job to show him the difference between right and wrong.  Whew, what a responsibility!  And, of course, that list doesn't even begin to cover a mom's responsibilities.  But, oh, what a blessing it is!  I am a mommy.  You only get one of those in a lifetime, and I'm it!  I'm still amazed when I think about what I'm doing here, and I am eternally thankful to have been given such a beautiful gift.

Thankful, days 28 & 29.

     I am thankful that 2010 has been such a wonderful year.  My husband and I have accomplished so many things already that we planned, and we are incredibly glad!  We bought our house, we moved, Eric has almost completed his degree, and we have the most amazing baby boy who is already growing like a weed!
     I am thankful that we have plenty (and overabundance even) of food and water every single day.  I know that these seems like the most basic of things, but we often don't appreciate all that we have.  There are so many people in this world who won't be able to eat dinner or get a drink of clean water before bedtime because it just isn't there.  I cannot even imagine the sorrow that must come from not being able to feed a hungry child.  We are so blessed.

Thankful, day 27.

4 Generations: My Grandma, My Dad, Me, & Baby Nate.

I am thankful for my family.

Thankful, day 26.

     I am thankful that it is now officially the Christmas Season of 2010!  I spent this morning doing a bit of Black Friday shopping...in my pajamas, from the comfort of my living room.  It was lovely!  And, I'm just about finished with my gift shopping!  {This is what I'm telling myself, but, as my husband can tell you, I will continue to buy gifts until at least the week before Christmas.......and since we have a new baby who is super fun to shop for now, well....we shall see if I ever finish!}

Nate is super psyched about the holiday season...right?

Thanksgiving.

     Happy Thanksgiving!  I am absolutely overwhelmed with things for which I am thankful today, so I will simply say that I am thankful to be so incredibly blessed with everyone and everything in my life.  Hope you all have a blessed holiday with family and loved ones!

Thankful, day 24.

I am thankful for my two younger {but not so little now} brothers, Tim and Matthew.  They are both serving our country in the United States Marine Corps right now.  Even though we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, we keep in touch often, and I am thankful for that.  I am thankful that when we do get to see one another, we can chat and joke just like we always have--with lots of talk of growing up and all the fun that was to be had at the old house!

Cloth Diapers.

     We have recently switched from using disposable diapers to cloth.  Why?  Well, we have a few reasons:
A) I don't like unknown chemicals on my baby's bottom.  Seriously, what is that stuff that crunches in a dry Pampers, then solidifies pee? 
B) Disposable diapers don't decompose in landfills...or anywhere else for that matter.  Nathaniel is just a baby; he doesn't need to be filling his new world with thousands of pounds of diapers {full of the aforementioned chemicals} before he turns three.
C) Cloth diapers are cheaper.  Disposable diapers are approximately $.17 each; cloth diapers are $1 each.  It is cheaper to by 36 cloth diapers {and 7 covers at $5 each} and stop buying diapers, than it is to buy 36 disposable diapers every four days for three years. 
D) Cloth diapers appear to be more comfortable than disposables.
E) Cloth diaper covers are way cuter than disposables.

Thankful, day 23.

I am thankful for my Moby Wrap!  This wrap is an absolute lifesaver when Nate doesn't want to be put down while I have housework to do.  It's also wonderful to be able to carry Nate and walk the dog all by myself during the day.  Essentially, the Moby Wrap is just 6 yards of fabric that has a slight give to it.  It comes with a booklet demonstrating several different ways to "wear your baby", and is designed to carry a baby from 5 pounds to 35 pounds.  {It can even be worn with two babies in it!}  The Moby is super comfortable, and Nate loves to be carried in it.  I wear him regularly on walks down the street, in stores, and even around the house!

Thankful, day 22.

 I am thankful that my son has such a wonderful and loving father.  I am thankful that Eric is so involved with our son, that he can't wait to get home to hug him after work, that he loves to play with him, and that he'll willingly change a stinky diaper!

I am thankful that Eric has taken such an interest in our little baby.  And, I am also thankful that my super-talented, language extraordinare husband is already teaching Nathaniel to speak Spanish through storybooks and conversation.

Thankful, day 21.

     I am thankful that I am loved by so many wonderful people.  What a blessing!

Thankful, day 20.

The Fuzz celebrating Thanksgiving!

      I am thankful for The Fuzz.  Yes, I am thankful for a cat...and, yes, I named a cat The Fuzz Edward.  He has been my cat since he was born {on my bed} when I was in high school.  The Fuzz helped me through the rough years--I hugged him when boys broke my heart, and I told him all about a certain cutie who took me to prom...  He still lives at my parents' house because he loves his siblings too much for me to take him away from them to live as a lonely single cat at my house.  I miss The Fuzz, and I secretly like him better than any of the animals that live with me now. 

Me and The Fuzz on my very first day of college.

This is how The Fuzz spends most of his time...

Thankful, day 19.

My class of 2nd graders at CEIP Blas de Otero.

I am thankful that Eric and I had the opportunity to live and teach in Spain.  Living abroad for a year is something that I never would have pictured myself doing until I was walking into that classroom in Coslada.  I met an amazing bunch of students, I traveled all over Europe, and I actually learned to use my Spanish!  It was an unforgettable experience.  I cannot wait to go back to visit our beloved Spain someday and introduce our little Nathaniel to all of the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and love of another country.

La plaza del Sol; the heart of Madrid and the geographical center of Spain.



La Plaza Mayor.

Fabulous little cafe in La Plaza Mayor.



Churros con chocolate; the perfect treat on a chilly night--if you can stand the crowds at San Gines Chocolateria!



Calle en Madrid.

Catedral de Almudena.

American Pork Chops.

     I've been using this recipe for pork chops for months, but I have no idea where I found it.  This rub makes a savory pork chop that is delicious for dinner, and even good in a sandwich the next day!  The flavors are a bit strong, so make sure that your chops are nice and thick (or just use the rub lightly).  I'm sure that this recipe would also be delicious prepared on a grill.

4 pork chops, 1 inch thick
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

     Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, allspice, and thyme in a small bowl..  Rub sides of pork chops with herb mixture.  Let stand 15-20 minutes.  Discard any remaining mixture. 
     Pat pork chops dry, being careful not to remove any of the rub.  Grill chops in a medium-hot pan, turning once; 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked thoroughly.

4 servings

3 months.

      Nathaniel is three months old today!  I cannot believe how quickly he is growing!  He weighs about 14 pounds and 5 ounces now.  He sleeps all night, waking up after about 6 or 7 hours to nurse, then sleeping for about another 4 hours.  He can hold his head up very well, and loves to look around at people.  He smiles all the time, and has recently started laughing and even squealing occasionally.  He loves to hold toys, especially those that make noise when he shakes them.  He can bring toys to his mouth, and has even discovered the joy of sucking on his fingers--especially that right thumb!  He loves to "talk" back when we talk to him, and he's been trying his hardest to roll over from his back to his belly!  He can make it all the way onto his side, but hasn't quite mastered the last bit over the arm yet--it won't be long! 

Thankful, day 18.

I am thankful for 3 amazing months with this little guy!

March of Dimes.

     Today is Premature Birth Awareness Day.  Every year, 543,000 babies are born before 37 weeks gestation.  That's 1 in 8 babies.  C'mon, People, 1 baby out of every 8 born is fighting for his or her life before it has even begun!  Prematurity is the number one killer of newborns.  March of Dimes is a program that fights to save babies.  By raising public knowledge of premature births, as well as supporting medical research and education, March of Dimes is making a difference.  Please consider becoming involved through volunteer work or monitary donation to help save babies!

Thankful, day 17.

I am thankful that my son was born full-term and healthy.

Ready to Go!

Okay, Mama, I've got my keys and my phone; I'm ready to go!

Thankful, day 16.

     I am thankful that I have godly parents who raised me in a Christian home.  They provided and safe and loving childhood, and I appreciate all that they did for me.  They demonstrated love for me in so many ways, even when I did not understand how love could be shown through discipline.  My parents took me to church every single Sunday--whether I wanted to go or not!  They made me clean my room, eat my vegetables, do my homework, and be nice to my little brothers.  They even gave (and enforced) a curfew!  My parents love each other, and we kids could not avoid the occasional embrace in the kitchen.  Of course, we ignored them because they were old, and seeing our parents kissing was just too gross! 
     Growing up, there were lots of things about my parents' parenting skills that I did not like and "would never do to my child!"  But, you know what?  I'm a parent now.  And, I understand exactly where my own parents stood on issues and why they did what they did.  I appreciate the "strict" rules that we grew up with, and you know what?  I plan to raise my son the same way.  If that makes me a mean mom some days, so be it.  I've seen other parents who do not incorporate God or discipline into their children's lives, and I have seen the inevitable results--no thanks!  I only hope that Eric and I can be as good of parents as my own parents are!

Thankful, day 15.

     I am thankful that we are blessed enough to be able to sponsor a little boy who does not have nearly as much as we do.  Eric and I have been sponsoring Yonathan for a little over a year now, and it is truly so rewarding!  Yonathan lives in a poor urban region of El Salvador.  He is 6 years old, and has recently started attending school.  He lives with his mother, who can only find work occasionally.  For only $38/month, Eric and I are able to help give Yonathan healthy food to eat, medical care, schooling, and the opportunity to learn about Jesus.  We receive several letters every year from Yonathan (written with the help of his teacher since he is so young) about his interests, his friends, and his great appreciation to us.  Even though we have never met this little boy in person, he always tells us how much he loves us and sends us great, big hugs!  What a blessing it is to read in his letter that he has been learning about Jesus's birth and how to paint, or that he received a new sweater and a raincoat, or to see the darling pictures that he draws for us! 
     If you do not already sponser a child, I cannot encourage you enough to do it!  We use Compassion International  to sponsor Yonathan.  It is only $38/month for us, but, oh, so much more for the children!  Just think, we waste at least $38/month on restaurants or movies or new shoes.  Why not use that money to make a radical difference in a child's life?  Please, please, please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion today!  Go to the website {www.compassion.com} and click on "Sponsor a Child"; you will be given an opportunity to choose a child's photo from any one of 25 different countries.  I guarantee that you will find one (or more!) whose story will pull at your heartstrings.

Thankful, days 13 & 14.

     I am thankful for weekends when my husband is free and we can spend lots of family time together.  Eric is a wonderful husband/father who works hard to provide for our family in the best possible way.  He is in school right now working on his MA, and he also works two different jobs.  Words cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to have a husband who will work so hard just so that I can be able to stay home with our son.  I am honored to be married to a man who has such a strong work ethic, who strives to learn daily, and who loves me.  While I love that Eric works so hard, I especially love his days/weekends off when we can spend time together--even if our recent dates are more grocery shopping than date!

     I am thankful that I am a part of such a wonderful church family.  Last Sunday, Nathaniel had a nasty cold, so I skipped church because I didn't want to expose him to a crowd of people.  Today, I couldn't wait to get back to church--it felt like I'd been gone forever!  I am thankful that our family has so many loving and accepting friends, that we have a pastor who truly preaches as God calls him, and that we are able to gather together to worship and fellowship freely.

Thankful, day 12.

     Today I am thankful that we live in a climate with four wonderful seasons.  Every year, I try to pick a favorite, and it never happens--I love them all!  Right now it is autumn; the trees are showing off their gorgeous colors, and the cool, crisp air is settling over the valley.  I love the chill, the crunchy leaves, the sweaters, and, of course, all of the wonderful pumpkin recipes!  I love winter when big, fat snowflakes dance down from the clouds, and the bitter wind bites at your ears as you race into the house for a mug of hot cocoa.  I love spring with its rainy days, fresh breezes, and new flowers.  I love summer when it's too hot to do anything but jump into the swimming pool or eat an ice cream cone.  I love the changing seasons, and I love the weather here--all of it!  {Yes, I even love the rainy weeks, the too-humid-to-step-outside days, and the enormous snowfalls!}  These photos are from Bethany College, my alma mater.

Bethany College, autumn.

Bethany College, winter.

Bethany College, spring.



Bethany College, summer.

Thankful, day 11.

I am thankful for all of the men and women who have served our country through military service.  They are all brave and strong people who defend our too-often under-appreciated freedoms.  I am especially proud that my two baby brothers are both members of the United States Marine Corps.  Thank you all, Veterans!

Happy Veteran's Day!!

Thankful, day 10.

I am thankful that my precious son is loved by so very many people! 

Thankful, day 9.

     I am thankful for my health!  So often, we only think about our health when we're having problems, but what an amazing gift it is that most of us are {more or less} perfectly healthy almost all the time!  When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor.  It was removed, and I went through radiation treatments.  As a parent myself, I cannot even begin to imagine the stress that my parents went through during that time.  Thankfully, that was it--I never had any more issues.  I grew up knowing what had happened, but not understanding the seriousness (I don't remember anything about it).  When I grew up, I learned that I might have trouble conceiving because of the radiation treatments, and I prayed that I would be able to have a child.  As it turns out, we had a perfectly healthy pregnancy and, in turn, a perfectly healthy baby boy!  I am so thankful for that.  I am thankful for my own healthy body, and for that of my husband and son.  Our bodies are so amazing and strong--what a miracle each of us is!

Thankful, day 8.

My two greatest blessings.

      Today I am thankful for my happy marriage, our little family, and all of our accomplishments.  I often peek into the lives of my previous classmates from both high school and college {via Facebook}, and I am surprised at what I see.  I feel like Eric and I are at a "normal" point in our 25-year-old lives where people are married and starting to have children.  Many former classmates are at the same point, and I look at their photos of cherub-cheeked newborns and am happy for them.  But, so many people my age are so far from this blissful point.  They are still going out to party and drink every night of the week--some have entered the workforce, some are still in school, and I have no idea about others.  Are they really, truly happy?  Again, I don't know.  I look at their pictures, and I find myself simply feeling sorry for them.  I cannot imagine being at that point in my life at this age.  I understand that everyone cannot be married by an ideal age or that great jobs aren't plentiful right now, but is excessive drinking the answer?  I really do not even talk to these people anymore, but I sincerely wish them all the best.  I hope that they can find their "grown up lives" soon and be really, truly happy.  Am I gloating here?  Maybe just a teeny smidge, but I really am so entirely happy with my life, and I am eternally thankful for all that I have been blessed with.

Pumpkin Cookies.

These cookies are delicious and so simple to throw together!  I started making them about 40 minutes before we had company arriving, and they were ready, warm, and waiting in plenty of time.  Most importantly, a very picky ten-year-old told me that "these cookies are AMAZING!"

Pumpkin Cookies
2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1 tbaking soda
2 t ground cinnamon
1 t pumpkin pie spice
1/2 t salt
1/2 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C white sugar
1 C canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 t vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.   Add wet ingredients and mix well.  Place heaping teaspoons of batter on a greased cookie sheet.  Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon (batter is very sticky).  Bake for 15-20 minutes.  Cool on a baking rack and add frosting if desired. 

I used canned cream cheese frosting to save time, but I'm sure homemade would be wonderful!  Also, these cookies are good for a few days, but they are absolutely divine when warm from the oven.  Do not deny yourself the deliciousness.  Enjoy!

Thankful, day 7.

I am thankful for books.  I love books, and so does my husband.  Between the two of us, we have approximately five million books, and nowhere near enough space in which to store them.  I especially love children's books, and, therefore, Nathaniel was the proud owner of an entire shelf full of books before he was even born!  We could probably build a house out of our books if we were ever in need of a shelter.  This enormous amount of books means that we are never in need of anything new to read.  But, for some reason, the UPS man still makes monthly trips to our house with packages from Amazon full of books.  {We don't mind him.}
     I am truly thankful for all of the books that we own, the ability to read those books, and that we are able to buy new books regularly.  I am also grateful to all of my elementary school teachers (my mother, in particular) who instilled that love of reading deep inside of me at such a young age.  What a gift!  I strive to give that same gift to my son.....and so, if you'll excuse me, I need to go read some Dr. Seuss aloud now...

Thankful, day 6.

I am thankful for my mom.  Today is her birthday, and there are so many things that I should tell her--but I can never find quite the right words.  My mom taught me many things--she taught me to count, she taught me my ABC's, she taught me to read, she taught me to love to read, she taught me to work hard, she taught me to cook, she taught me to sew, she taught me to take care of babies, she taught me to be myself, she taught me to love, and, ultimately, she taught me how to be a mom! 

 I am so thankful for everything that my mom has done for me and sacrificed for me (and my brothers), and I am honored to be called her daughter.  She really is an amazing, strong woman who deserves to be recognized for all that she has done--and continues to do for all those around her!  I love you, Mom!  And, happy birthday!!

Thankful, day 5.

I am thankful for our house that shelters us from the weather, and provides a safe haven in which to raise our son.  After months of searching for the perfect house last year, Eric and I found it.  Then, structural defects cost us lots of money and threw us back into the housing search all over again.  We were discouraged when we finally came upon this house.  And, even after seeing it, we weren't sure that this was truly the place for us.  The location was perfect, but the house was just okay.  {In my mind, nothing could quite compare to that first house.}  After lots of thinking and pro/con lists, we decided to make an offer.  When it was accepted, we were ecstatic!  Then, the loan process took 4 months to complete.  Yes, 4 whole months.  Again, we were discouraged and not sure that this house was really it for us.  We were pregnant, and worried that we wouldn't be moved in before the baby was born.  Finally, the bank worked everything out, and our moving day arrived!  It took a long time and lots of work to turn this house into a home (and it's still a work in progress...), but it's all been worth it!  We love this house and the location, and are so excited to be able to provide such a wonderful place for our son to grow up.

Thankful, day 4.

     I am thankful that I can nurse my baby.  Before Nathaniel was born, I planned to try to nurse him.  I read books about breastfeeding, and I learned that it's hard.  I learned that there are about a million problems that women encounter when attempting to nurse, and I learned that most women in the USA don't nurse for very long, if at all.  I also learned that nursing my baby is the best thing that I can do for him.  What could be better for a newborn baby than the milk from his mommy that is specially made for him?  Nothing.  Formula can nourish a baby, but it does not contain all of the antibodies and goodness of breast milk, and it definitely doesn't give the same bonding opportunities. 
     Before he was ever born, I decided that I would try to nurse my baby, but I wouldn't beat myself up if I failed.  That's what I decided.  Truth is, I would have beat myself up every day and felt guilty with every bottle, had I not been able to breastfeed.  Why?  That's just how I am, and I want the very best for my son--no matter what.
     Planning to nurse a baby and actually nursing a baby are two totally different things.  There is no way to learn ahead of time, and there really isn't much you can do to prepare yourself.  After I gave birth, I crossed my fingers that Nate would get a good latch, and we'd have an easy go of it right from the start.  No such luck.  I was clumsy and didn't know how to position myself or my baby, and he didn't know how to get food--especially when my milk hadn't come in yet!  To top things off, the doctor ordered formula supplementation to speed up Nate's jaundice loss.  I knew that I had read somewhere that when formula is supplemented, it is almost impossible to stop it because the baby is used to a bottle (easier to drink) and the mother's milk supply is therefore diminished.  I was upset, but didn't know what to do about it. 
     When we got home, I renewed my plans to exclusively nurse Nathaniel.  It was easy.  Seriously.  Once my milk came in (3-4 days after birth), I simply stopped giving the formula to him.  We learned to breastfeed together.  He gained weight like a champ, and my milk supply is perfect.  I am still exclusively nursing, he is still growing, and I couldn't be prouder!  I am so thankful that I can give my baby this precious gift, and I am thankful that it has worked out so perfectly--despite a few loops in the beginning. 

Disclaimer: I am not bashing baby formula, nor those who use it.  Nursing is what works best for us, and I know that everyone is different.  As long as a baby is well-fed and loved, that's what really matters!

What I'm Loving...



Nathaniel bundled up in his new hat on a cold morning.



Red roses from my husband on our wedding anniversary.



November.

Getting a letter from my brother who is at bootcamp.

Hot tea and a pumpkin bar for breakfast.