Another day in the life :)

So this past weekend, we visited Myrtle Beach for our annual Valentine's trip. This year is special because it is our last trip as a family of three :) It dawned on me today that Bryson will be here in 12-15 weeks, depending on if he comes early like his big brother did. This pregnancy has been tough, so with each week I count my blessings for making it one more week as well as being excited that we are also one more week closer to finally getting to meet this little angel child. :)

Our trip was very low-key, we mostly hung out either in the hotel, or by the beach. It was nice Friday, warm and beautiful Sunday, and cold and windy Sunday as we headed home. I must say, I was super nervous about this trip because 4 hours down, 4 hours back and a recently potty trained child made me a little on edge. But to my pleasant surprise Braeden did amazing! He didn't have one single accident the entire trip. Now, we had plenty of stops along the way to go potty, as he quickly caught on to "if I say I have to pee, I can get out of the car." ---Such a smart boy! But nonetheless I am one proud mama. He has been fully potty trained now for over a month and has made this process exceptionally easy for me; which any pregnant mom would be ever so thankful for!

This trip Calvin and I realized that we have become bored with Myrtle Beach, so in the coming years our annual Valentines trip will most likely be somewhere else. Not sure where we could go on the same budget, but we want to expand our travel area! I must say hearing Braeden wake up each morning rushing to the door to go see the ocean, and water just made my day.

To some, it looks a little odd that we make this trip each year, even on a struggling budget. My response to that is simple, this trip is our refresh/ restart. We go and come back feeling renewed, less stressed, and ready to rock out the new year. We plan for this trip each year usually in Oct./Nov and its something we look forward to each year. We have learned going from two incomes to one that our priorities are solely about experiences for our family. We aren't that family that spends hundreds on toys or junk that will be outgrown and most likely forgotten. We are the family that is willing to go without a lot of material things to stay close as a family and not miss all those important milestones and memories that you can never get back.

So now we plan for Bryson's arrival. :) His crib is together, sheets, blankets, and clothes are all washed and put in their proper place. We have a few big purchases left, and several little things but it will come in time. Last night it was so funny because I kept telling Calvin how incredibly uncomfortable I was, my back aches, and sleeping is nearly obsolete. Then I realized how little time we have left and it gave me a little reassurance that we are on the final stride and that I just have to keep moving, drinking water, and doing squats. (LOL) I will say it is definitely different being pregnant with a toddler, versus just being pregnant. I'm nervous and excited to take on being a mom of two versus one, even though I know it will be hard, I'm sure there are countless sleepless nights ahead, but I just pray about it each day. I pray for a smooth labor, and a healthy delivery for baby and me, and a smooth transition into parenthood of two children. That's about all I can do.

So aside from our trip, our potty training success, and preparing for Bryson.. life is pretty simple and low-key which I love. Until next time, here are some pictures from our trip! :)

Angry Mom --- Read at your own risk.

I've been putting this blog off for a while now- mainly due to not trying to cause controversy. But I can't refrain anymore. Having a newborn coming in less than 3.5 months- this issue is terrifying to say the least. What am I talking about-- vaccinations of course, particularly our recent measles outbreak.

Before I even start, let me preface with, I completely understand that their are parents who cannot vaccinate their children due to health reasons. For those parents, I sincerely empathize with you- here I am pregnant and worried about how to protect my child until he is old enough to have the vaccine and you have that constant worry on a daily basis without a hope in sight. I truly could never imagine.

I have done tons and tons of research prior to even thinking of writing this because I wanted to make sure I wasn't "just following the government hype" that I've heard a lot of "chosen anti-vaxers" say that in their defense. I say "chosen anti-vaxers" in that they willingly know the dangers of not vaccinating their children, and based on mostly reckless reasoning they allow their children to be liable to catch these diseases and spread them when outbreaks occur. I saw an interesting ecard the other day that really struck a nerve.

I know every mom tries to do their best, and my goodness parenting is hard. I've made plenty of mistakes and I know I'll make more- it's a learning experience. But I struggle with knowing that these "chosen anti-vaxers" do not protect their children from life threatening diseases and in turn, as an adult if they continue to not vaccinate- they travel abroad and then bring these once eradicated diseases back into our country for us to fight all over again. I firmly believe it's completely reckless. 

I am normally the one all for empowering other moms, empowering moms to work together, but this is one issue that I cannot seem to even remotely support. I've read articles upon articles supporting anti-vaccination trying to get a better understanding of why these parents would make these decisions and I still cannot make any sense of it. 

 “People without gray hair forget that before vaccines became available, measles used to kill approximately 400 children a year in this country,” -Dr. William Schaffner-

Yes, there have been deaths from the vaccine, due to other medical issues, but I just do not believe running around un-vaccinated is the solution. I think that further research should be done, help make these vaccines more available for all children and adults. Eliminate or replace some of the ingredients and make them capable of being used for all children. I guess my thought process is, instead of contributing to the problem based on things you do not like involving the vaccine- protect your children, and use that energy to help get further funding and testing to fix the problem. 

'The issue with this outbreak is not because of the vaccine, it's because of the lack of use of the vaccine.'

Normally I would never even take part in a debate like this, but when the decisions of other parents start to effect the life and safety of my children and family, then it becomes a issue I feel responsible to respond to. I know that I can safely voice my opinion in my blogs because after all, its not a Facebook post you are forced to read by being on your newsfeed. All I have to say from this point, until my son (Bryson, who will be joining the world in May/June; with God's grace) is fully vaccinated, I can only ask that if you choose not to vaccinate your children or yourself, please refrain from visiting our home. I cannot or will not take any chances when it comes to the safety of my children. 

I understand and take full responsibility for knowing that this post may cause some tension especially to those who willingly choose not to vaccinate, but in the same respect understand just as you reading this feeling threatened to defend your choices are not the only one, just as I am not the only pissed off parent that this issue is here solely because of the choices parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. Also understand that just as you have an opinion, this is mine. 

Looking forward to a more positive, less stressful post next time! This was something that has been eating at me and needing to be let out.  

Healthy, Happy Mom!

Since being a mom, I've learned that there are some crazies out there.. I'm sure I'll get blasted for saying that.. But what I mean is those moms that think they alone know everything about everything.. Usually the ones who similar to me have 1 child.. Versus like 10. Not that having 10 kids makes you a pro either, because every child is different. 

But here's my take, I am so SICK of moms beating each other up about how they feed their baby, diaper their baby, vaccinate their baby, deliver their baby, etc. Enough is enough! We are all moms, we all carry these babies until they are set to be delivered.. And pray that they along with us are healthy. 

Sure, every mom has preferences.. My preference with my first and second is to have a natural labor and delivery without medication.. I succeeded with my first, but you know what.. I was minutes away from a c section-- does that make me a bad mom? HELL NO.. There are moms who have c sections every day because either 1) they can't physically go naturally, or 2) they choose to have a c section. Either way.. Why is this your concern? 

If more moms spent half their time productively with their own children, and focusing on themselves... Then my theory is there would be fewer moms constantly feeling like failures because they don't fit the all hailed "crunchy" label. Which while I'm at it-- who said "crunchy" equals best? 

So how do I label myself? A happy, healthy mama... To a happy healthy toddler.. Granted this is only my second rodeo, but I firmly believe that each mother truly does what she believes is best for her child.. Some learn along the way they were right, some learn along the way they were wrong. Still no reason to be a mom bully. Someone said because I was a breastfeeding mom, and I made certain choices I was labeled crunchy too... I'm not. It's almost an insult, because some of the "crunchiest" moms are also the most judge mental, which is NOT cool. 

#1:  I don't use cloth diapers.  I've pondered the idea, but for me and my family.. Disposables work much better. (Am I a horrible mom for using disposable diapers? Nope)

#2.  I didn’t have a home birth. I am high risk, why on earth would I put myself or my baby in jeopardy? Granted I know several moms who had home births and loved it.. Great for them. ( Am I a horrible mother for delivering at the hospital? Nope)

#3.  I don’t wear my babies. Not like all day, everyday. I'm a firm believer that they need to crawl, and move. Granted if I'm going for a walk.. Sure, but currently I have a 43lb toddler, and am 22 weeks pregnant.. So that fixes that lol. (Am I not showing my child enough love or bonding because they aren't worn everyday all day? Nope)

#4.  My kids sleep in their own crib and bed.  Sure, the first 3 months our first was with us, in our bed and then in our room, it made our lifestyle easier since I was nursing. By 6 months old, he was in his own room and bed.. Still is. Does that mean I don't care, or I don't support their emotional needs? Nope, it's a choice. 

#5. We vaccinate on schedule. I know this one is really controversial, but I felt like it was right for our family based on the research we did.  We did miss the flu vaccine this year, which I'm not convinced that's a bad thing. There was one appointment I believe that I did split his shots up, because he was being introduced to a new shot and I wanted to see his reaction first. Since this one is super controversial, I'll just leave it at, it's still a choice. 

#6.   I wash my hair, use deodorant, wear make-up, and shave. There are chemicals in literally almost everything.. My personal preference is to continue my hygiene obviously reading labels carefully, but again.. Personal choice. 

#7. My toddler drinks cows milk. Whoa.. He also regularly eats dairy and is perfectly content with it. I grew up on a farm, and we drank cows milk, ate fruits and veggies from the garden and there weren't harmful chemicals or crazy people injecting animals with harmful hormones and everything else back then either. So I choose options without added hormones, and chemicals. This again is a choice.. It doesn't make me a bad mom. Some kids have dairy intolerances, so they can't.. Again it's all choices. Is the mom that only gives her kids soy milk and no dairy better than me? Nope.. Am I better than her, nope. 

#8. The way I discipline my child. This one is also super controversial, and I'm still learning. My child is very strong minded and he gets it honest. Yelling is the worst for him, he just yells. Most of the time I'm learning that a firm talking to at his level in a firm but gentle tone works better than anything. Giving him an opportunity to explain to me why he is angry, or acting out also helps. But you know.. If he gets too far out of line, he gets a time out, or even (heaven forbid) a spanking. Again, all personal choices. But I must be doing something right, because when we are out I constantly get compliments on how well-behaved, mannerable, and kind my two year old is. 

#9. My pantry isn't all organic. In fact, I very rarely have anything "organic" in my pantry. Growing up on a farm, organic is supposed to mean free of dyes, chemicals, parabens, gluten, and plenty of other hormones, etc. Well, not all organic food is truly organic, it's been proven over and over again.. So why pay 2-3x more money for something that isn't guaranteed to be better for you? My solution.. I read all my labels, I make the best economical choices that are healthy and fresh for my family. That does not necessarily equal organic. But again, I know there are moms who swear solely by organic foods.. More power to you- it's all a personal choice.

#10. My kid has sugar. Oh dear God.. Did I just say that? Yep, he had a cupcake for snack just the other day. Granted, his sugar intake is limited because we don't need him all jacked up like a crazy kid.. But on occasion he gets sugar, and fruit juice. Usually his juice is 90% water, and some juice but even if I wanted to give him a whole cup of juice.. It's my choice, my consequences.. But my choice. It's my belief that things are good in moderation, Lord knows I don't want my kid going to school and being "that kid" who is bargaining for an Oreo because he has never had the experience of eating one before. Again-- all choices. 

When it comes right down to it, I think labeling parenting (or lifestyles) is kind of rediculous.  We are all just trying to do our best for our children based on what we know. My choices aren't perfect in the eyes of everyone, but that doesn't matter to me.. I know I have a healthy baby in my belly, and a healthy toddler and that's what is important. 

To the moms who find yourself constantly chiming in on others.. Think about how that would make you feel? Being a mom is a hard job, but if you and your kids are happy and healthy.. Then who gives a crap; it's a hard enough job without having other moms constantly breathing down your back on how "THEY" think "YOU" should raise "YOUR" child. 

My intent for this post, was to be a reality check for all of us moms.. We should be boosting each other up, not tearing each other down. 

Be kind❤️

Disclaimer: this is not an attack on "crunchy moms" it's a fact that I have been bullied by moms, and have friends as well, it needs to stop. Calling yourself crunchy doesn't mean you are right, no different than me not calling myself crunchy makes me right. We all do what's best for our families, unless you're a serial killer.. In which case, there may not be any help on mothering. LOL 😜

Clean eating raw brownie bites »

Our Potty Training Journey-

So last Monday, we went to sign Braeden up for preschool which he will start in August. Well, to start preschool, he needs to be fully potty trained 😬 So I instantly start to stress, like oh my gosh-- how am I going to do this? I'm totally going to screw this up, what if my child just hates the potty, what if I'm not cut out for this.. Seriously I'm crazy, I know! 

Well, Tuesday I brought out the underwear... We had several accidents, I'm pretty positive pooping in his underwear was fun for him. I started the day by setting the timer.. Well all I did was piss him off. He was like seriously woman, I do not need to sit on the potty every 30 minutes. So after his nap, I decided to try a different approach... I would talk to him and ask him to remind mommy where we go pee pee and poo poo. He would excitedly say "the potty". We had fewer accidents Tuesday evening. 

Wednesday, we started fresh with excitement that he slept through the night and woke up dry! We were super proud! Wednesday came with about 3 accidents, but I was convinced it could be better.. So Thursday we bared it all. Little man was naked from the waist down... Not one single accident all day- AND he pooped on the potty all by himself! Friday- Sunday we did the 3 day method. 

This method requires you to essentially pause life for the three days and solely focus on potty training, and helping him understand when he needs to go. It requires an extreme amount of patience, because you truly don't know whether your kid is stalling from taking nap or he really does have to pee for the fifth time after going to bed, you know a dribble at a time 😜 And obviously the last thing you want to do is discourage him, so you go however many times he needs to the potty and hold his hand, clap for joy when he goes, and praise him consistently. The three day method also says you get rid of ALL diapers and pull-ups and only use underwear or naked. This for me created a slight anxiety.. What if he isn't ready, what if he has 10 million accidents.. Well we did it and miraculously there were zero accidents from Friday- Sunday! 

Last night, we had our first small accident, Braeden squirmed off the towels that I put in the bed in case of an accident and peed just enough to change the sheets. Well, at 2 am he woke me to inform me of this. He seemed heart broken, and we spent about 3 hours cuddling and consoling explaining that it was okay, accidents will happen, and he was still mommies big boy that I'm so proud of. Then about another hour to fall asleep. He did wake up then 3 hours later at his normal 7:45 time and was ready to roll.

Today we had our first outing, we were gone for about 2 hours and he told me literally within walking into the appointment he had to poop.. So we went and he did. We are waiting for our foldable travel potty seat to come, but until then he like his mom is NOT a fan of public toilets. 😜 

I'm not sure how many days he goes before he is classified as fully potty trained, but he hasn't had an accident since Wednesday, almost 7 days! I am completely blown away by HIM and how amazing he is doing. I prayed for God to make this process as less stressful as possible, and boy has he answered. 

I'm sure there will be plenty of accidents, and I'm not sure what tomorrow will hold, but I do know I have one amazing little boy that makes me appreciate life so much more with each day that passes. His quirky little facial expressions, sweet little comments, and generous hugs and kisses will melt my heart until the end of time. ❤️❤️ 

Until next time... 😊

 

Back on the grind..

After weeks upon weeks of feeling absolutely miserable with nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and just horrible exhaustion finally--- I am feeling more like myself at 17 weeks :)

I stayed super active when I was pregnant with Braeden, and I feel like that helped tremendously with the labor process and more. I ate healthy and was super cautious about things. This pregnancy so far has been so different and hard to maintain that same lifestyle. My first trimester all I wanted was fast food, that's about all I could keep down was to eat exactly what I had a taste for.. well now that I am feeling better I'm hoping to trim down my love handles and focus on being super healthy for this baby as well.

So many people use pregnancy as an excuse to eat all the food they want, over-eat and then those are typically the same people 15 years later claiming they still have baby-weight.. well I am bound and determined to not fall into that category especially because I know it's even harder to loose the weight after a second child.

I started this pregnancy about 10lbs heavier than I would have liked, but hey it's life and I've accepted it. So thankfully I've only gained about 5 lbs in these last 17 weeks. As long as I can maintain steady which with working out again I could even loose a little weight- I should potentially gain the same or less than I did with Braeden which I was able to loose fairly easily.

Overall I'm not going to stress about it, if I gain 30lbs or 50lbs as long as I know my baby is healthy I'm not too worried, but I plan on trying to do everything I can to maintain a healthy lifestyle and give this baby the same options I gave Braeden <3

Today I started by back to fitness journey with walking 3 miles at about 3.5 miles per hour the entire time which I was pretty happy with on my first day back. I will try and post as I can of how the journey is going and things I learn along the way :) 

4 days in..

Four days into the new year, and well Calvin and I have already had one therapy session and will have them every Thursday, we were able to take so much from just the first session it was amazing so we both look forward to what each new week holds. We have an amazing friend who will be watching Braeden for us to go each Thursday morning. ❤️

We also have 2 date nights outside the house, with a sitter for Braeden and our homework is to have a date night a week, inside or outside the house. Last night we put Braeden to bed early, and watched a movie together as our date. The first 4 days of this year have been great, so I look forward to each new day knowing that we have God with us and that as long as we both are keeping our heads in it, the possibilities are endless. 

Our therapist said the biggest mistake parents make is putting their kids first... This was a hard pill to swallow for me. But it makes sense, we need to put our marriage first to teach Braeden what true love looks like, to show him how he should treat a woman when he gets older, how his expectations should be from a woman... All these things we can "tell" our children but it's better to show them. She explained a healthy and strong marriage helps contribute to healthy and strong children. So while Braeden and Bryson will definitely be a top priority, we are working on putting ourselves first in order to be the best we can for each other and them. 

We also have been working on praying with Braeden, before meals, and just in general. It's been. Quite interesting so far, but practice makes perfect right? Lol

I am also thankful to have made it 17 weeks pregnant so far, and have finally hit a period where I have some energy and am able to keep food down.. How do I celebrate? By hitting the gym tomorrow of course! Lol. Super excited to get back in the gym and maintain healthy and fit while pregnant... Hoping it will help with another natural labor and delivery ❤️💙

As always, thanks for always being so supportive! See ya next time. :)

Here's to 2015!

This year for the most part has been pretty good, not great.. But better than some. We were blessed with Layla, our 4 legged daughter who means so much to me. I turned another year older, Braeden turned 2, Calvin and I celebrated 5 years married, my husband saw another birthday, and we were blessed to find out in 2015 another baby BOY will be joining our family. 😍

My biggest resolution for 2014 was to only surround myself with positive people, and while I think I did an amazing job, there is always more work to do. So in the new year, I won't be focusing my energy on those who don't have time for me. There are too many great people in my life who love me and my family for us and those are the people I'll focus on. 

In 2015, I'll be looking forward to getting back in gear with fitness, pregnancy is no excuse to not stay fit, so Monday I look forward to hitting the gym again! 

Some may have already noticed, I haven't been on social media nearly as much as last year, and in the new year it will be even less. My priority will be spending time with my husband and child, and social media as a means to keep in touch with family and friends who live away. 

Calvin and I have struggled this year more so than ever, we look back at old pictures of how in love we used to be, and sadly we let things come between that.. Whether it be parenting, electronics, or just bad prioritizing, however we have a lot of love left... And in this new year we are making us a priority. We are starting by dating again, finding new things to talk about besides our son and bills.. And finding the roots that brought us together in the first place. So if you pray, we would appreciate it for us.

We are both going to be working on strengthening our relationship with God, and hopefully finding a church family here to become active in. 

To everyone who has supported us throughout the good, bad, and ugly... You'll never know how much it means. ❤️

Here's to an amazing new year!

Sending love from the Edmunds 🎉

 Best friends 

 Father/ son love 

Bryson Thomas 💙