Random thoughts, eight, and 26

So I started writing my blog posts on windows live writer and I really like it a lot! I’m still getting used to it, though, so that’s why the past couple posts have been a little, well, large. I feel like the pictures and the font are just huge. I’m working on it. :)

I can’t remember if I mentioned this before but I made a little schedule for myself, mostly for housecleaning but I also try to squeeze in a little time every day to develop my talents, study the scriptures, and read for pleasure. I’ve also been trying to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I’m within 2 pounds! So I’ve really been watching what I eat and have been exercising daily. It’s amazing how much better I feel about myself and about life when I keep the house clean and when I feel like I’m trying to be healthy.

One form of exercise has been a new thing for me and that’s cross country skiing. Matt did it in high school so he’s really good at it and I’ve wanted him to teach me since we first got married. He probably put it off because he knows how bad I am at downhill.

Last week Brennen turned 8 months! He scoots and rolls around like a mad man but no crawling yet and that’s ok with me! He suddenly decided he doesn’t like vegetables. Ugh! I try all sorts of things but he always gags and spits and pushes the spoon or the little bite size pieces away. I still try every day, though. He is so smart and so much fun! He’s been cranky lately cause he’s finally getting his first tooth! I expect it to break through any  day now.

And lastly, I turned 26 on the 18th. So I’m officially in my late twenties… or I guess I can still say mid twenties. :) We were in Lyman visiting my family on  my birthday and it was really fun. My little niece Kamaryn made me a birthday card and I got to meet my soon to be brother in law, Ben. He is such a nice guy, he’s so good with April’s kids and perfect for April. Matt got me a new digital camera for my birthday and I love it! It’s a canon that’s a couple upgrades up from my old canon camera.
Brennen in the car on the way back from our Lyman trip.

26 fingers on my birthday.
 

Just Sayin’.

So… ever since I found out I was pregnant with Brennen I have felt ENORMOUS pressure to buy all the “best” baby things in order to be a “good mom.”

I personally feel like a LOT of mothers (and fathers for that matter) give in to this pressure and get all of the best, most expensive stuff even if they really can’t afford it simply because everyone else is doing it and they feel that it will make them better parents.

So I have had my moments of feeling sad and even guilty that I’m not being a “good mom” to Brennen because we couldn’t afford the nicest things. So in case anyone is reading this who feels the same as me, let me tell you something that may ease your mind a little.

It DOESN’T MATTER if you don’t have:

• a “perfect” matching “nursery” with tons of decorations
• an expensive crib with matching changing table and dresser
• everything perfectly color-coded
• crib bumpers and matching bedding
• every…single…toy that is supposed to be “the best”
• the most expensive, top brand car seat and stroller
• 50 million different outfits
• organic baby food that you make yourself
• a “perfect” hour by hour feeding and sleeping schedule for the baby (i understand that it’s nice to feed the baby at regular intervals and to make sure he gets the sleep he needs but if something gets a little “off” in the “perfect” schedule, it’s OK!)
• hand-made blankets, nursing covers, bows, burp rags, bibs, crib bumpers, and etc.
• and a billion other things that the world thinks you NEED

I’ve come to realize that those things DON’T MATTER. All my baby needs is food, clothes, a house to live in, somewhere to sleep, and mostly LOVE from his parents and family. I’m tired of feeling bad about the things that I don’t have or the things that we’re just not able to get for Brennen right now. It’s not that I want those things just to have them, it’s that all the media and things that other parents are doing make me feel like I’m somehow not good enough. I know I probably put most of the pressure on myself but like I said, if anyone else is reading this who feels the same way as me, know that it just doesn’t matter!

Ok, vent over. :) A post wouldn’t be complete without a picture of my cute little guy. This one is a blast from the past. He’s about two months old in this one and he sure is adorable.

Brennen Likes to Spit

His new skill. He does it non stop, especially in church.

And just for fun, a cute picture I took of him today. What a cute little poser. :)

Private! plus some fun news

I've decided to make my blog private starting in February! So please everyone leave me your email if you'd like to keep reading! Don't be shy, anyone is welcome except for random creeps I've never met. :)

Also, my oldest sister April is ENGAGED!!! Her now fiance Ben proposed last night on her birthday. I'm SO happy for her, she met a really nice guy who will treat her the way she deserves to be treated. I know he will make her happy, too. They're thinking about a June wedding and I'm so excited that I'll get to be there 'cause there's no way I'd miss it. :)

These next couple pictures were taken over 3 years ago! Christena is on the left, April in the middle, and me on the right. I love my sisters!

And this is one of Ben and April that I stole from her facebook profile. :) I'm pretty sure it was just taken last night.

Beautiful January

Not much to say today, but I wanted to make a note of Matt's 27th birthday last week on the 7th. It seems weird to me that he's that "old" when he was 22 when we started dating! Crazy how time flies but I sure love him! He had to work all day so I made him breakfast in bed then we had cake and ice cream at his parent's house that night. I didn't even get any pictures...
Brennen is 7 months today! Talk about time flying.... No teeth, not crawling, but that's just fine with me! :) He is SUCH a happy little boy and I've never seen a baby laugh so much with so little prompting. He is the JOY of our lives!
Today we got to go to the temple for the first time in a few months, it really is harder to go once you have kids! But Matt's sister Mary came with us just to watch Brennen while we went in. It was SOOOO nice of her and we're so blessed to have family around to help us.
Without further ado, here's Brennen at around 7 months!

Totally out in Dad's arms

Captivated by "Baby Mozart" while holding his ever present teddy from his grandma

Happy boy eating his sweet potatoes

Cracking up at something :)

For some reason he likes to "eat" his tray even if it's freshly washed.