Like most of the East Coast, Maryland has been blessed with amazing weather this March. I have been taking full advantage of this, since Stephen absolutely loves his stroller. He sits, munches on whatever blanket I have tucked around his legs, and takes in the sights and sounds. I am also loving it, because my walks feel less like "baby entertainment time" and more like "fresh air/exercise/mommy time." Best of both worlds.
Wonderful husband and I have also started our garden. AKA he dug up the ground while I watched. But I am very excited about the whole thing, and I have this idea that I'll even try my hand at canning this year. I love pickles (my whole life, not just during pregnancy :) ) and I'd like to try making my own.
I'm realizing how domestic this all sounds.... but really, it's the simple joys of my new life and vocation. I wouldn't trade this for the world--even on the days where Stephen is screaming his fool little head off. :) I know society often looks at SAHM (stay-at-home moms) condescendingly for not pursuing the career path. But this IS a career--and one with quite a learning curve! While it doesn't feel like every action has incredible value and growing power (for example, the 10th diaper of the day), I know that each small moment is making me a bit more competent as a mom and more selfless as a woman. Good things to plant in my own personal garden.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Let Love Lead
So this is little Stephen, who is 5 months old:
In my biased opinion, he's the cutest little kiddo I've ever seen. :)
It amazes me how beautiful babies are. Really. I am lucky to have a number of friends who have had babies during this past year--and they are all beautiful. Each one has their own endearing quirks, their own way of resembling a certain parent, their own personality and mannerisms.
And each baby has challenged their parents in unique ways. Some of my friends have struggled with getting their baby to sleep. Other friends have wondered if their baby is hitting milestones at the correct time. Still others have wonderful sleepers and growers but can't get their baby to like the stroller. Our personal struggle with Stephen has been with breastfeeding (a long story for another post).
So, while I've been doing the new mom thing and poring over baby advice books, I've generally realized that there is no "formula" for the correct way to raise your baby. You do what works for your child. You trust your gut to know what your baby wants, and then you supply it. I remember hearing this before Stephen arrived, but it has proved true for me.
As a very wise Mom once wrote to me.... "Let Love Lead."
That's how I plan on raising Stephen.
It amazes me how beautiful babies are. Really. I am lucky to have a number of friends who have had babies during this past year--and they are all beautiful. Each one has their own endearing quirks, their own way of resembling a certain parent, their own personality and mannerisms.
And each baby has challenged their parents in unique ways. Some of my friends have struggled with getting their baby to sleep. Other friends have wondered if their baby is hitting milestones at the correct time. Still others have wonderful sleepers and growers but can't get their baby to like the stroller. Our personal struggle with Stephen has been with breastfeeding (a long story for another post).
So, while I've been doing the new mom thing and poring over baby advice books, I've generally realized that there is no "formula" for the correct way to raise your baby. You do what works for your child. You trust your gut to know what your baby wants, and then you supply it. I remember hearing this before Stephen arrived, but it has proved true for me.
As a very wise Mom once wrote to me.... "Let Love Lead."
That's how I plan on raising Stephen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Music, Motherhood, and Mary?
I've been having a lot of fun setting this blog up, playing with colors and layout, and generally figuring out how to go about this blogging thing. I'm also wondering what direction to take my posts. I want to share aspects of my life and growth as a new mom, but I wonder if I have enough original content to add to the array of wonderful "mommy blogs" out there. I also love music--through singing in my parish choir, teaching piano privately, and listening in my free time (free time? wait....) so I hope to incorporate that into my writing as well. I'm also Roman Catholic and try to live my life accordingly, so my faith will be an integral part of my worldview.
So my blog will be focused on..... music, motherhood, and living life as a Catholic? Hmm.... we'll see how this plays out!
So my blog will be focused on..... music, motherhood, and living life as a Catholic? Hmm.... we'll see how this plays out!
Beginnings
Hello all!
I decided that emails and facebook simply are not the most conducive way to share news and pictures, so I set up this blog. I hope that I am able to give you a snapshot of our family life and what a wonderful journey it has become with the arrival of our little Stephen. Moving from being a full-time music teacher to a full-time Mom (and part-time private instructor), I am realizing that God has indeed given me a "new song" to sing in my life. While I may not be teaching classrooms of students, I am finding myself in a classroom with Stephen--and most of the time, I am not the teacher. :)
I decided that emails and facebook simply are not the most conducive way to share news and pictures, so I set up this blog. I hope that I am able to give you a snapshot of our family life and what a wonderful journey it has become with the arrival of our little Stephen. Moving from being a full-time music teacher to a full-time Mom (and part-time private instructor), I am realizing that God has indeed given me a "new song" to sing in my life. While I may not be teaching classrooms of students, I am finding myself in a classroom with Stephen--and most of the time, I am not the teacher. :)
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