#greenforthewin

hi! so i thought i would do a post on my most favorite obsession right now.  after i finally got the hang of having the new baby and decided that i could not eat anything and everything i wanted just because i was nursing, i decided maybe i should be fitting in more fruits and veggies in the diet!

last year, my co-worker Karen was so kind and would bring in a little extra green smoothie for me here and there and i loved it.  i have been wanting a nutribullet for some time now but those suckers are expensive so i waited until we had a rewards $50 gift card and used a 20% off coupon!  i was so excited to get my hands on it and start making drinks.  and let me tell you, i am obsessed right now.  i have definitely seen a boost in my energy so i'm sticking with it.  you can make soo many combinations so it never gets old.  here is what i am obsessed with right now.

 A handful of spinach or kale, teaspoon of chia seeds and a teaspoon of pb2

I found these great Organic dark chia seeds at home goods the other day!  i am always on the look out there for great gf and natural foods.

A few pinches of parsley and some raspberries

A few sliced cucumbers, blueberries, half or whole banana, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.  i either fill with almond milk and add some cooked oatmeal or add water and add a scoop of Shaklee 180 shake mix (more on that to possibly come soon!) blend away!

love that you can just drink out of the cup so less mess!

like i said, obsessed with greens and fresh veggies lately.  i've eaten at epic food co. like twice in the past week.  i love their food! they have great rice bowls and salads






















Have a great weekend! i'm going to enjoy being in town with the Mr. and this cutie!

"stuff"

so, i'm finally sitting down to write a post that i have been meaning to for a while.  you know that one that has been swirling around in your heart for some time?  yea that one.  the time that i have had home with the babe has been so good, actually more than good.  it has allowed me to reset my head and heart and slow down time.  in some ways it feels like just yesterday that i brought the little babe home but in others it feels like such a time that i have been able to soak up every minute while the world around me spins.  before going out on maternity leave, i was so stressed.  stressed about the pregnancy, my job, leaving my job, my recovering brother and wondering how we were going to do it while i was out of work.  i was bound and determined to make it until christmas break on dec 20th to make for a "smooth" transition and tie up any loose ends at work.  well the Lord had other plans and those plans were perfect because i learned yet again that i wasn't in control and it would be ok.  the world around me would continue and that the Lord wanted me right where He had me.  with a little baby in my arms to love and comfort.

another thing that has hit me like a ton of bricks is what i call "stuff".  the Lord convicted my heart a few months ago and if you have talked with me about my heart any lately you have heard about this "stuff".  guess what you have time to do while you are sitting around nursing all day?  sit on your phone and browse blogs that advertise the latest fashion trends and must haves, read every email that reads 50% off online now! and browse amazon that has everything under the sun at the touch of a button.  i realized that i was looking forward to packages arriving and going to target for what would always end up in a $50+ trip.  i literally can't get out of that place for less.  and don't get me wrong, i love target and keeping up with trends but when your heart is wrong about it and you realize that you don't need more "stuff" to clutter your life it is a freeing thing.

i felt like every time i turned around there were more tory burchs than i could count or another new nail polish color that i had to have or another outfit that was on my radar.  the mr. always tells me and has for years "it's just stuff".  slowly but surely it has started to sink in.  i'm not saying that i'm going all sacrificial and won't ever own anything nice in my life, but when it becomes your world, a heart change in order.  when you don't look forward to saving up for something and just expect to get it when you want it, nothing is ever good enough and you keep wanting more.  i see it all the time.

i've had a good friend that has spent the last three weeks watching her newborn son fight for his life because of a serious heart condition.  it has really weighed heavy on my heart because you see the hurt and heartache and the realness of God's sovereignty, which is so good but so hard.  it makes you feel like that trip to target or new pair of shoes don't matter.  when you see a sweet friend in so much pain you want to leverage your resources to help.

i was reading the other week about the lenten season and what it means to give something up on #shereadstruth.  when i read "we give up that which we do not need to live, to gain that which we cannot live without: more Jesus", it made so much sense to me.  stripping our lives of the "stuff" with which we do not need and replacing it with what we do need.  i've committed to giving up "stuff" so that i can do more giving and living.  giving to others to further His kingdom and living for the moments that matter.  i love in another entry when it says "when we direct our eyes to Jesus rather than scurrying around, jumping through hoops to gain the favor of sinners just like us, we give up what is fleeting for what will last.  we receive so much more in these sweet, secret, unnoticed, unannounced moments with our Savior than any other could in a lifetime give."

fasting is about dependence.  a dependence on God and a withholding of good things that have become too important in our lives.  I love John Piper's quote: "If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied.  it is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world.  your soul is stuffed with small things and there is no room for the great."  if your hunger for God isn't strong then you know the things of this world and the "stuff" are taking up too much room.


Matthew 4:4 says "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God".  this is my lock screen on my phone right now because it reminds me that i will be tempted and temptation is realest to me during a season of fasting.

my church does "my one word" every year and instead of picking new years resolutions, you pick a word that you feel would challenge you and your walk with God.  i have talked about it before on the blog and the words that i have picked like image, and abide.  this year i am going to pick leverage.  i want to learn to leverage my resources, time and talent to further the kingdom.  here's to less "stuff" and more giving and living in 2014 :)

Anna Davis is 3 months!

Oh that smile, that sweet sweet smile.  This is definitely one of my favorite milestones so far.  I absolutely love seeing her little smile and how her face lights up with any little thing.  She hit the 3 month mark this week and I have loved getting to see her grow and spending everyday with her.  I still have about 5 more weeks of maternity leave so I am trying to enjoy each day.  Her little personality is starting to blossom and I definitely know that we have a strong little girl.  She is so content when she is fed and enjoys going out and about (like her mama).  Some days she does better when we get in the car and just go strolling somewhere.  Whether its to meet the Mr. for lunch or just to walk around a few shops.  She still always wants her hands near her face and falls asleep with them there a lot of nights.  I love how she is starting to "coo" and vocalize when we read or when she enjoys something.  She loves to interact with us and loves to be held, ha.  I love being her mama and love watching her grow.

Social: She smiles a lot now.  It's the cutest thing when she smiles at my voice or when she hears her daddy.  She loves to interact with people and has been really good about letting others hold her.  She likes to get out and about and loves going around in her stroller.  She has to have her head turned towards the action and loves to watch other people.  I think she is nosy :)

Feeding: Breastfeeding is finally good.  It doesn't consume me anymore and it's gotten much much easier.  I actually enjoy being able to breastfeed her and she is really flexible about being fed anywhere.  We still give her a pumped bottle at night and anytime we need to bottle feed her.

Clothing: She has officially grown out of most of her newborn clothes.  She is in 3 month sleepers and most of her other clothing is 3 months.  She is a little long so I have bought 3-6 month pants when I can.  We just went to the Whale of a Sale consignment sale in Wilm last week and scored some very cute clothes!  I am such a sucker for baby clothing and smocked dresses.

Baby Gear: We still like the Britax stroller and are looking for a jogging stroller.  We have been able to go to the loop recently and need to invest in a jogger!  She is hit or miss with her swing lately.  She fights it at first but inevitably falls asleep.

Likes: She likes laying on her activity mat and her music.  She loves going for walks and riding in the car.  She is starting to really like baths and loves being read to.

Dislikes: She doesn't like when mama eats mexican :( and spits up a ton.  She yells when you leave her alone in a room but otherwise is pretty content.

Sleeping: I feel like we have been blessed so far in this department.  She is a pretty good sleeper and is able to put herself to sleep.  She has been in her own room since around 6 weeks and has been in her rock n play.  I hope to transition her to the crib this week or next!  Currently she is going to sleep around 9:30, getting up around 6:00am to nurse and then going back down until 9:30am.  Hallelujah!

The other day I looked over and she has fallen asleep like this, ha.  Not sure if it was too bright or what??

Crazy to see how our little girl has grown!  Each day I love her more than the last!

stitch fix!

hi!  so I finally uploaded my pictures from my iphone (sorry about the crappy quality) so that I could write about my first stitch fix!  I had heard lots about it and was dying to try it but was a little hesitant considering I don't usually pay full price for any piece of clothing.  But I got to thinking and decided I would give it a try.  If I found one really good piece I could invest in and not buy several lesser items that will just clutter my closet then it was worth it.  It was definitely like christmas because I didn't know what was going to be in my fix.  My overall feelings for the first attempt was OK.  Not that I don't love the service or think that it has incredible potential to provide me with some winning pieces but I think it takes time for your stylist to get to know your style.

I noted in my "profile" that I was a new mom, not working right now and needed a casual sophisticated look that could double as daywear and something fun for night.  I also noted that I was in need of a pair of skinny jeans that were not too long.  Every pair I try are so long since I am short so I wanted to see what they could find.  I think they got both of my requests dead on, I just knew that I wasn't keeping anything unless I was really in love with it.  My box contained 1 blazer, 2 shirts, 1 scarf and one pair of jeans.  I didn't style these outfits with any other items that I owned so the outfits aren't spectacular just what I threw on from the box.  I also am a hot mess with no make up or hair done but don't worry.

Item #1 41 Hawthorn Melinda 3/4 sleeve blazer
I really loved the color of this blazer.  The fit was a little off for me right now considering my mid section is my problem area from just having a baby.  I felt like it drew more attention to that area.  I did love the 3/4 sleeve as well.  It was a little pricey for what I usually spend but overall cute.

Item #2 Pomelo Downing Striped Knit Shirt $40
I loved this item straight out of the box.  I love stripes and it was very jcrew to me.  I loved that it was a little loose fitting and was navy. I ended up keeping this shirt. (side note: I washed this shirt and it ended up shrinking some which I wasn't so happy about)

Item #3 Peyton Lightweight Solid Scrunch Infinity Scarf
I loved the scarf, although I didn't feel like I necessarily needed another one living in wilmington and not to the tune of $36.  I usually don't spend that much on a scarf so back it went. I did like the pale yellow look and its not a color that I usually buy so it perked my interest.  I'll keep a look out for something in the future. I also updated my profile to not include any more scarves.

Item #4 Mavi Gold Aiden Ankle Length Skinny Jeans
This was the item that I was hoping fit the most.  At first I thought they were very comfy and super soft but the more I looked at the fit I decided they just didn't look good enough to spend the $100.  They were nice and comfy in the waist but a little too loose in the hip and knee.  Back they went.

Item #5 Jach's Girlfriend Hester Dot Print Button- up Cotton Shirt $38
This shirt is so something I would buy off the rack.  Button up, preppy cute tiny brown dot print.  I loved the print and thought I would love it the most until I tried it on.  The mid section was too tight and I just didn't like the overall cut of the shirt.

So there you have it!  First stitch fix!  Overall, I loved the idea and it totally sufficed my want to try things new and get a package in the mail (who doesn't love that??).  I am going to give it one more try and it's scheduled for the end of march so hopefully my next fix  will be even better!

And here's a cute pic of the little muffin :) I can NOT believe she will be 3 months old next week!

anna davis is 2 months!

Can't believe this little goose is 2 months already.  I feel like I will start every monthly post like that because the time really does fly!  I am soo glad that I get 2.5 more months at home with her.  It makes my heart warm thinking about being home with her and watching her grow.  I will face April when it gets here :)   So, she is so alert these days and growing like crazy!

Here are some of her newborn photos.  Photos are by Michelle Booth Photography and we absolutely love how she captured our little girl!

Weight: I'm not sure her exact weight but she has her 2 month check up next week so I will get her official weight then but by my calculations she is around 9.5 lbs!  Little one started out at around 6lbs when we brought her home from the hospital so she has been gaining some weight!

Health: Other than some goopy eyes, her health has been great.  So thankful for a healthy baby!

Sleep: AD has been a trooper when it comes to sleep.  Ever since she was born she has slept pretty well.  She wasn't one of those babies that was up every hour around the clock (whew!).  Recently she has been sleeping from around 9:30-10pm until 5:30 am.  Occasionally she is up around 3:30am but for the most part I think we have hit almost sleeping through the night!  

Social: AD loves to be held but what baby doesn't? She finally gave us a "social smile" this week!  Up until now she has been so serious, ha.  I can't wait for many more of those smiles :)  I am hoping to get out of the house and do some play dates now that we have a hand on breastfeeding and I feel more normal.  Here's to more playdates in Feb!

Feeding: She or (we) have been doing better in the breastfeeding department.  I still have days here and there where I want to cringe but for the most part I think we've reached the homefront.  I'm eating oatmeal like a champ and drinking mother's milk tea like it's my job.  Right now she is eating every 3 hours during the day and then her dad gives her a pumped bottle at night before she goes to bed.  I think this has helped her sleep longer and I know how much she has eaten before I put her down.   Hopefully we continue to go in the right direction!

Clothes:  For the most part, she is in 0-3 month clothing.  Some of her newborn clothes still fit, like her sleepers and some onesies but she can finally fit in some of her baby gap 0-3 clothes!  I absolutely love picking out clothes for her and I really have to show self control!!  This little patagonia vest I snagged on major sale with a little extra paypal money we had and I can NOT wait for her to wear it next fall!

Baby Gear: Right now I am loving her Mamaroo swing, Dekor diaper pail and britax stroller organizer.  The mamaroo is a life saver because AD gets bored quick.  I discovered this week that if I kick up the speed, she is a happy girl.  The Dekor pail is awesome.  It never smells (well yet) and it functions so easily.  The refills are very cheap as well.  I have been loving her britax stroller and realized the other day that I didn't have any where to put my drink while I was out running errands with her.  I researched organizers and the britax one had pretty good reviews so amazon to the rescue.  So far I have loved it and it stays on even when I fold up the stroller.

Likes: Right now she is loving attention and being held!  She absolutely loves when her dad gets home and she falls asleep on his chest.  She is so content when we are reading to her at night so I would like to think she is enjoying that little routine.  I also love when she is crying and I finally get her situated to start nursing, she instantly gets so happy. She doesn't mind the carseat and loves going for walks!

Dislikes: She isn't too crazy about bath time and does not like waking up hungry!  She used to love her paci but now she is only taking it when she is in her carseat or really sleepy.

Milestones: Sleeping through the night (for the most part) and smiling!

Favorite baby items 0-2 months

Favorite baby 0-2 months by lb50639 on Polyvore

I figured I would do a "favorites" post of all of the things that I have loved so far.  I can't believe AD is almost 2 months old.  It is crazy!  I finally feel normal after getting the first 6 weeks under my belt.  I really feel normal today because she slept through the night last night...what?!?  She's growing like a weed and I am enjoying every second of being her momma!

1. Britax B-agile Stroller system: This stroller system has been awesome!  I don't have much experience with many others but I love this one.  It is so light and so easy to maneuver.  The baby carrier has been great so far and I have gotten a lot of use of the stroller while running errands with the little muffin.

2. Fisher Price rock n play:  Several of my friends recommended this while I was pregnant.  The Mr. and I happened to find it on sale at Target and I am so glad we went this route instead of a traditional bassinet.  It was perfect for when she was first home because I could pull it up right beside the bed and she was on an incline.   I could reach over and rock her to sleep as well!  Now that she is in her own room, I like her being on an incline and we plan to use it until we transition her to the crib.  It does have a vibration setting that I have used some.  This is great for traveling too because it folds up!

3. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: I love this thing!  Breastfeeding has not been the easiest for us but this pillow has helped.  It makes me sit upright and it keeps her from slumping down like she does in the boppy.  Highly recommend!

4. California Baby Diaper Cream: I love this stuff!  It smells so good and it is really light and creamy, which makes for easy application plus its all natural.  I love the whole line but this is definitely one of my favs.

5. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump: This pump came highly recommended and is a pretty popular company.  I have loved it and not minded pumping.  It takes a little getting used to but I love that it has a bag that just looks like another "diaper bag" when I need to take it with me.  

6. Petunia Pickle Bottom City Carryall Diaper Bag: I absolutely love Petunia Pickle Bottom's fun prints and bags.  I knew that I wanted to get one of their diaper bags early on.  They are a little pricey but definitely functional.  I have used the fold out diaper changing mat a lot when I am out and I feel the inside has great space for AD's stuff plus mine.

7. Baby Gap: Whoa, I have to stay out of this place!  All of their clothes are adorable and fit AD perfectly.  All babies are different but AD's arms are short while her length is pretty normal so Baby Gap is one of the few places that fit her well.  I don't have to roll down the sleeves!  Their sleepers are wonderful and the little gray jumper is one of my fav purchases so far!

8. Aiden and Anais Muslin Swaddling Blankets: These blankets are great.  So many recommended them and we actually got these as a gift.  They are very functional because they are light and airy but easy to carry around.  We also LOVE our BEBA bean swaddle blanket and use it every night!  We also loved loved our Woombie and it got us through the first 5 weeks.  For some reason at 5 weeks she decided she hated having her arms swaddled so we have been swaddling her with her arms out which has helped her sleep.

9. Mamaroo Swing: This is the best swing!  They are a little pricey but we ended up scoring an almost new one off of craigslist.  AD loves it and it allows me to get in a shower!  It has several settings that she loves.  The Mr. did some research on the company (4MOMs) and they actually do so much research as a company in designing their products!

10.  Burts Bee Baby:  We LOVE Burt's Bee baby!  We use their wipes, bath products, lotion and clothing.  The onesies and sleepers are sooo soft and organic.  I want to buy so many more clothing items but I am trying to be smart :)  

Well that's it for all of my favorite products as of (almost) 2 months!  

one month has flown by! (100th post!)

ONE MONTH:
I'm a little late on her one month post because it has been sitting in my "nonpublished posts" waiting to be edited and you probably have already seen all of these pics if you follow me on instagram but I wanted to get it documented. Oh how the time flies with a newborn in your arms.  I can't believe it has already been over a month, 5 weeks to be exact.  She is such a bundle of joy and has brought a love to my life that I have never known.  I can't wait to continue to watch her grow.  Here's my attempt at a one month photo shoot in her crib.  She clearly was not impressed.

SLEEPING:

From the beginning she has been a great sleeper.  In the hospital she went right to sleep in her bassinet and enjoyed being swaddled.  I had to wake her for feedings and she was in fact almost too sleepy to feed on most occasions.  When we came home from the hospital she slept a lot.  She had a mild case of jaundice so she was pretty sleepy the first week.  We had to get her poor heel pricked several times to monitor her levels but thankfully she didn't need the billiblanket or anything.  It was definitely hard to adjust to not getting any consecutive hours of sleep.  In the hospital, it was hard to wake myself up to feed her since I labored through the night.  As of now, she is still getting up at night to eat several times.  I try to stick to feeding her every 3 hours during the day (and any other times she acts hungry) but I am usually feeding her around 9pm, reading her a few books, saying a prayer and putting her to sleep in her room.  Some nights she goes 5 hours and some nights she is up every 3 hours.  She started out in her woombie but all the sudden hates having her arms swaddled!  I have been leaving her arms out and she has fallen asleep much quicker.  I am working towards getting her to sleep through the night but it's so hard to wade through all of the advice so we are just doing what works for her right now!  

FEEDING:

Breastfeeding.  Oh breastfeeding.  I have a love hate relationship with it, ha.  I was prepared for it to be difficult but not sure I knew just how difficult.  Some mothers say its a breeze but it hasn't been that for me.  I went to a mothers milk club at the hospital this week to work on her latch and realized that I definitely don't have it as bad as some others.  It was great to hear that what I'm experiencing is normal and things really aren't that bad.  I have had major nipple soreness and bruising, blanching, and just flat out pain.  We have improved with the latch some but I'm still getting compression which then leads to the blanching and it is painful.  I did get some all purpose nipple ointment which is helping.  The good news is that she is transferring a great amount at the breast and I have started pumping to get my supply up.  Hopefully it will only get easier!

This is actually a few days after we brought her home from the hospital.  She is soo tiny in this picture and her little hat is so big on her!  

First time taking a bath.  She screams bloody murder unless you are holding her with one hand and pouring warm water over her with the other!  She has tolerated it better each time we bathe her but it is definitely not her favorite night of the week.  She does sleep really well afterwards though :)

The Mr. snapped this picture of us in the nursery one night.  Definitely glad that he always has his camera handy!

She loves sleeping with her hands up!

We got her newborn photos done the other week by Michelle Booth Photography and we are soo excited to see them soon!  I snapped this one with my phone as Michelle was in action.  I just love it, it cracks me up every time I look at it!