Here's to you momma....

Instead of the usual lovely-written "props to mom" for Mothers' Day notes, this is my list of things no one ever told me about motherhood until I experienced them myself. And yes some seem rather interesting or may be a turn off to motherhood for some, but for me they all are things I now look back on and laugh at or just shake my head. Feel free to add your own in the comments!

It's funny no one tells you of the silly things you'll have to do and all the wonderful moments you'll have. There were so many sleepless nights with Ruby Red where the mainstream would be saying, "See, I told you so" when I treasured those moments.

Here is my list of what no one ever told me about motherhood. Some are funny, some are serious and some are sarcastic, but ALL are loving and I wouldn't change a thing!

No one ever told me that...

I'd be nursing my baby in the bathroom either

a) because baby was latched on in bed and I felt bad unlatching her. I would usually continue to nurse on the toilet until she was finished, feeling bad that I would have to interrupt her yet again. Several times my legs went numb waiting for her to finish...

b) because I couldn't bear her crying at my legs with a look of rejection. In her mind, it was as if I thought going to the bathroom more important than her.

I'd have stretch marks that make me look like a tiger. No matter how much cocoa butter I've slathered on they eventually came (maybe not with the 1st baby) and they haven't gone away, although they have faded.

I'd want my pre-breastfeeding boobs back because I wouldn't have to worry about cleavage. I remember the days when all I wanted was to get pregnant so that I could be bigger up top...

Babies take up more than half the space in bed and you and your spouse are clinging to the sheets so as to not fall off.


Baby puke smells amazing.


I'd also like the sweet smell of breastmilk poop.

Bodily functions are now a normal and acceptable topic of conversation (when talking about your children, that is).


Breastfeeding in public is so controversial, yet people are so ok with seeing breasts for sexuality on magazine covers. I never knew how "anti-breast-showing" people could be towards a nursing mother before I became one.


NFP comes naturally because momma's tired or the baby's nursing all night.


People think you don't love your child or are selfish if you choose not to vaccinate. Research!

Most of the books I now read for fun are about parenting or birth.


People will give all sorts of un-asked-for advice when it comes to everything parenting. After awhile, this is tiresome for a mother, even when it's well-intended.


People think you're an idiot if you're a stay at home mom instead of juggling work, kids and home. Apparently they don't realize how busy you really are. I wish I had the relaxing days people assume I have.


You're children mimick everything. This doesn't only mean the things you say but how you react to conflict and stress. Yikes!


At the end of the day, no matter how bad of a day it was, your babies will always love you and prefer you above all else.


It is so stinkin' impossible to keep a 1 year old clean all day, even with bibs.


Rocking your baby in the middle of the night is one of the most precious moments you can have with him/her.


I would spend most of my oldest's 1st year topless, trying to bond and get her to breastfeed better. 
You have to listen to that "gut feeling" instead of what your anybody else tells you about birth, sleeping, breastfeeding. etc. You'll truly know when you need advice and hopefully ask for it. But if you know you're doing what's right for your family, follow your heart!


Everything takes longer and is messier with a toddler.


My shirt has become the universal kleenex and always has snot marks across the shoulder.


I should also be packing an extra set of clothes for myself when we're out in public.


It's not that hard to make your own baby food instead of giving them that processed stuff in the stores.


I'd start eating healthier because I have to be a good example.


There are always cheerios in our couch cushions, even though I vacuum under them several times a week.


My car will never look clean for long, no matter how hard I try.


My husband is my rock and, although not a woman or a mother, the one I turn to first. The wisdom a loving father and husband has about a situation may be right on, even if I don't agree at first!

Our dates usually include our girls either going to a restaurant with us or asleep in the backseat while we're driving around on our "coffee dates".

Unless I shower at midnight, I have no privacy in the shower.

I'd become very good at singing Imagination Movers and Laurie Berkner songs.

No matter how bad I sound singing, my girls love it and it actually soothes them.

I'd get so much joy from simply watching my girls discover and enjoy life.

I always knew I'd love being a mom, but never knew I could love it this much. My girls are my world and when I think I just couldn't love them more, I fall in love all over again.

Happy Mothers' Day to all the fantasic mommas out there!

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

It's A______!!!!!

As soon as people hear that you're having a baby the next question is usually, "Are you finding out?" No matter what the answer, you either get the nod of approval or the reason they did it differently, as if they have to defend their decision. Many even seek to put your decision down. I know because I've been there.

I never thought I would be one to find out the sex of my babies until I became pregnant. With Ruby Red I just had to know. I like to be very "hands-off" with pregnancy and birth, but I do believe that one or two sonograms is ok. I loved knowing that Ruby Red was a girl, buying pretty pink and purple things, referring to her as a "she" instead of "he/she" (careful not to call baby an "it"), and calling her by name. It was so wonderful to bond with her in this special way for 5 whole months before I saw her precious little face. And, it WAS a surprise!

~Debunking the "surprise" agrument: When people say,"We like to be surprised" it's such a weak argument because whether it's at 16 weeks or 40 weeks, you're going to be surprised! I don't think one way is the right way; it's up to you and your spouse and whatever you decide is perfectly fine! And when your aunt or whoever says they didn't do sonograms when they were having babies, well Auntie, it doesn't mean we're nervous about something being wrong with our baby or that we're too impatiant. We're excited, this bonding and calling baby by name is special to some and technology evolves so it's ok if we're doing it different from you. It doesn't mean "your way" was wrong!~

We decided to wait until the birth to find out with Baby Blue. We couldn't wait to know what it felt like to wait until the end and have that moment after laboring to have a wonderful surprise. Almost everyone in the family, myself included, was sure that she was a boy since the pregnancy was so completely different from Ruby Red's. I didn't want to think about the baby as either a boy or girl, but it just sort of happened and I was so sure. We had an eventful birth with Baby Blue in the car and as she was laid on my chest, I still didn't know if she was a boy or girl. I finally asked and my mom peeked to let all of us know. I was shocked, yet it wasn't the initial surprising feeling and anticipation of waiting that I expected.  (When you unexpectedly have a baby in the car, that shock kind of takes over any other.) I loved my little girl and was so excited that Ruby Red had a little sister to play with. I loved having a sister close in age to me and was really happy they'd have the same opportunity growing up. But, I do wish we had found out earlier so that I could have treasured that moment of finding out, instead of trying to keep her warm, wishing I could nurse her and hoping that the unlatched door wouldn't fly open on the highway. I know this is an extraordinary experience and most don't have to worry about this; but since I seem to have my babies quickly, we have decided to have that "moment" again around 17 weeks. I know many love waiting until the end and it is so special for them, and maybe with the next baby we will wait; who really knows!

So, today was the day! My husband and I were so excited for this day to come. We took the girls, my sister and my mom with us to the sonogram, although we didn't find out right there in the room with the ultrasound technician- I wanted it more personal than that. After the appointment we split ways with my mom and sister and the four of us (my husband, Ruby Red, Baby Blue and I) headed out to lunch. We had previously asked the ultrasound tech to write "winner" on a piece of paper, and place the name in either a blue Easter egg for a boy or pink egg for a girl, then drop them in my purse. When we got to the restaurant we had Ruby Red take the eggs out of the purse and open them to reveal baby....and



It's a girl!!!!! My sweet little Sophie!!!

Praise God for all of His blessings in our life!

May you always find peace with your decisions as parents, especially when you are criticized for such silly and harmless things!

Welcome Little Baby!

My husband and I recently found out we're expecting another baby! This came much to our surprise as we were waiting at least another 9-10 months before we were going to start trying again. After the initial shock and tears subsided we realized that sometimes being "open to life" is harder than you think it ever will be. I had been at a baby shower the day before we found out, when the mommy-to-be asked if I was ready for another. My reply, "Oh no, definitely not yet." Ha!
After missing 3 Masses the morning we found out because I was a wreck, we finally made it to one. All the readings and homily seemed to have the same message: It's not always easy following God's will. Being His servant, there is often both joy and sacrifice. Thankfully for us, our families and friends, for the most part, have been incredibly supportive of us. Of course we've already gotten the looks and comments. I mean, yes 3 babies in 4 years is a lot! I won't deny that the very thought overwhelms me as I had just been saying that it was getting easier with the girls. In reality, it's probably the best timing with the campaign year coming up, since Dan will be gone a lot and at least I won't be home alone with two toddlers and a newborn... We are now very excited about this little one. Lena is very excited too! She keeps telling us she wants a "boy sister"....we'll have to work on that. LOL 
Looking back I can sort of relate to our Blessed Mother as she said "yes". (Disclaimer: I am in no way saying I am perfect or comparable to Mary; but man is it hard to say "yes" sometimes and trust that God knows what He's doing!) I know things always happen for a reason and it'll be a fun adventure. It'll also be "fun" hearing all the comments from co-workers, neighbors, family and strangers. We've already gotten a few comments like "You're brave", "You guys are going to be the next Duggars" and "Keep Dan away from my wife". Why don't these people just mind their own business and celebrate the blessing of a new life?! Dan and I both said, as we were dreading telling people, it's not always easy following Him but that's exactly what we're called to do.
So, welcome little one! We cannot wait to meet you and I'm very excited about this 9 month journey to bond with you and love you.