Being a mom

After several early mornings in a row, waking up in the middle of the night and naps that were too short, Levi finally slept all night last night and only woke up at 5:30 to nurse and then slept in until 7:30! What a blessing and a miracle! I was bound and determined to wake up early this morning, set my heart toward it last night. I've just needed some good alone time in the Word and God was so faithful to me! I know it doesn't always work out that way, there's no dealing or bargaining with God, but I feel like it was just a huge encouragement to be able to wake up to nurse Levi, then get into the Word. The other good thing was that Levi woke up rested and happy. Whew, it's been a while since he was in this state of mind it feels.

I remember as I was sitting there with him in my arms I was thinking, "Being a mom is the best thing I have ever done." I mean, besides being a wife, which will always be my first priority and relationship in my life, being a mom has been surprisingly ... amazing, fulfilling, beautiful, difficult, ... just having my own little boy who came from my husband and me, who took a long time to get here, who changes and grows and learns new things, who makes us laugh and frustrates us at the same time and so much more that I couldn't even describe right now. I am truly understanding the scripture that says "Children are a blessing from the Lord" It is a truth that is sinking deeper and deeper into my heart. As I watch him smile and play and make all of his funny faces, show like and dislike for things and just learn his ways I am amazed. I get excited about watching him grow, I don't want it to happen too fast, but I am excited all the same.

Well, I smell a poopy diaper. Blah. I hate poopy diapers.

Oh yes, and here's a little something Levi typed as he was cruising past me on the couch:

q`1``qqa1q1q1q1` 2q``

Our EC update: we had one pee on the potty last week. I was laying him down to change his diaper and I asked him if he needed to pee. He nodded his head "yes" as he does when you ask him any question. But I went ahead and picked him up and took him to the potty where he peed (mostly in the toilet, the rest I had to wipe off the floor in front of him.)
Other than that, he hasn't gone on the potty much. I put him on it about once a day. So, we haven't been too "successful" lately. But that's not what it's all
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Levi says goodbye

Wow, it feels like I haven't posted in a while. This week we've only had half a poop on the potty. No pees. Sigh. I'm still putting him on, but I feel like I do it at all the wrong times. It's like I know he's already gone, but I put him on anyways... and then I hope, pray, dream that he will go on it, when I know he doesn't need to.

Oh well, he's been going through some sickness, and I think he is starting to walk. It's just a few steps here and there, but it is always such a surprise for me. I love it!

He's starting to say words like "ba" for ball or "boo" for book. He kind of has learned to say "thank you" he more says just the tone and whatever syllables he can get out.

My favorite thing (it's really hard to pick) is that when I reach for him he stretches out his arms as far as they will go for me. It's like he's reaching back for me with his whole self. I have a feeling he's going to be a passionate little boy.

I'm still hoping to get potty training done early. He's only a year now, so maybe in the next couple of months?? ha ha!

We'll see.

Well, I was going to go volunteer at the Crisis Pregnancy Center early today, but it seems that Levi is still napping. So I see I have some time :)
Yes, I do bring him with me some days. I don't want to wear out my mom and Ben's mom with all the taking care of Levi. I also sort of feel that as a mom I shouldn't let it hinder me from serving and giving of myself. Also, the other ladies at CPC love him :) All these are good reasons to bring him today.

I was just reading online and pumping. I kind of hate pumping. I love the results, but I hate the process. Levi is starting to be weaned... and my supply is fine, but he's just not as into cows milk as he is, well, mine. I guess I should be flattered at this, but it's kind of annoying I guess. I would like to keep breastfeeding through the winter with all the sickness and everything, but then at the same time it would be nice to be able to leave him to spend the night at his grandparents, or just to not have to think about it and plan on his "feedings" ... I don't know. I think I'll just continue to do it for now. If he eventually stops I won't be hurt, but he doesn't seem to be losing interest.

Anyways, we had a poop on the potty the other morning and this morning we had a pee on the potty. I kind of wonder if I'm confusing him when we do it part time. I always talk to him as I change his diaper that we need to poop and pee on the toilet like mommy and daddy do. I put him on his little potty about once or twice a day. More or less depending on what our schedule looks like. He's still kind of hanging onto a runny nose and I've been trying to fight it, but it's just difficult. I've rubbed vapor rub on his chest and back and feet, I've run the humidifier for every nap and all night, we've done the aspirator, Benadryl, Tylenol... We are going for his one year old check up tomorrow so maybe the Dr can give me some insight. I just hope it's not way worse than I thought it was.

We'll see.

Hope you have a wonderful day with kiddos today!