Confessions of a Mother

Confessions of a Mother

Being a mommy is hard. A lot harder then I thought it would be.

I always knew that I wanted to be a mom...eventually.

For those who do not know me, I was blessed with the news of my first child

shortly after my 22nd birthday. I know I know some of you are thinking "why so young?"

Life as you know it doesn't always goes as planned, surprise right?

and I was faced with a surprise that changed my life forever.

As a new 22 year old mom, I was in for a world of surprises.

My life went from all night bar hopping,

to all night feedings and diaper changes.

I went from date nights out with my fiance

to " it's your turn" while we lay on the couch exhausted.

Parenthood my friends, it's just not easy....

Here I am sitting before you,

one hubby, three daughters,

 and 5 1/2 years later and let me tell you it's still as confusing as day one.

Being a mother is a catch 22.

On one hand you feel like you can never do anything right, that you fall short,

and you are the most horrible person in the world when your child needs to "cry it out" (which I am having to do right now so my daughter sleeps in her bed, awful feeling!)

But on the other hand, you as a mother have the MOST important job and superpower in the world.

What other job can you watch the magic of their childhood happen through their eyes?

Make boo-boos all better, just from your kiss?

Where you hear "Watch me Mama!" and "I love you, Mama"?

Experience the joy in your child's eyes when you walk into the room, and they are just happy that you are there?

You are the most important and influential person in another human beings life, 

and there is no job my friend that can top that.

No CEO, no celebrity, no McDreamy doctor, nothing!

So tonight my fellow mothers, I raise my glass to you

 (which may or may not be a well deserved glass of wine).

Through all the diaper changes, sleepless nights, potty training,

tantrums, and "no no nos" 

You ARE doing it right!

You ARE enough!

And as long as you offer all the love you have to your child,

YOU will NEVER fall short...

Love,   

A tired Mommy

*Photo Credit: Marier Photography

What is Your favorite part about being a Mom?

Blessings

What is it about watching a baby sleep,

that makes you reflect on your life?

I sit here awake in my living room,

with nothing but the sound of my daughter sleeping

in her bouncy chair next to me. 

Her face reflects her innocence

and with one glance,

I am reminded how blessed I am

to be a mom..

..to be her mom..

My life is no longer about me.

It's not about my wants,

or my needs.

My life is now about my daughters.

and know what?

I wouldn't have it any other way.

I feel so blessed

to be able to hold their hands

and help guide them

to whom they will become.

God has given me

the greatest gift

.. and for that I am truly thankful..

My girls will grow up

so fast.

 I may lose countless hours of sleep.

But when I look over at her,

 she is sound asleep and dreaming.

I know that it is worth it.

These are the little moments

I will cherish forever.

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas

 from our family to yours!

Love,

The Mariers



Photos by Shayna Marier



Apple Picking

      Today, Jeff and I took our girls and our niece and nephew to Apple Jack's Orchard in Delano, MN. Fall is my favorite time of year and it is always fun to enjoy the scents and flavors of the season.

The kids had so much fun playing on the hay playground,

Saw the animals in the petting zoo,

and pick out their own lil' pumpkins!

Jeff and I enjoyed fresh hot apple cider and bought honey crisp apples

and homemade apple butter to bring home! Yum!

It's ok to not be "Super Mom"

     Some days I feel completely overwhelmed with my "mom duties" and the lack of time in the day to get everything done. Whether it's rushing around changing diapers, picking up toys,  doing endless amounts of homework, dishes, and having dinner on the table...Sometime I feel like there just isn't enough time in the day.
     Lately, I have been running around feel disappointed that I can't accomplish all the tasks at hand, and I need to remind myself that it's OK to not be "super-mom". As long as my family is healthy, happy, and fed.. that is what truly matters.
      My children won't remember if the dishes were done every night, or if that dust on the shelves was gone... What they will remember is the little joys with their parents, holiday traditions, and the encouragement of discovery and imagination.  Children grow so fast. I need to remind myself to slow things down and cherish every moment with them..

 I recently discovered a new blog that gives great parenting encouragement. Finding Joy .. Feel free to check her out. She's really inspirational!

Kitchen Boycott: Pancake Muffins

I saw this recipe on OAMM and decided to give it a try. I'm always looking for quick and easy breakfast ideas for Sophie (especially those busy early school mornings). These were great! She ate them right up! Plus, these would be wonderful for breakfast on the go. 

Kid Friendly- Banana Pancake Muffins

(Recipe adapted from OAMM)

Ingredients:

1 c. Pancake Mix

2/3 c. water.

1/2 c. syrup

1 banana, cut into small pieces

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 2: In a bowl mix together all ingredients. 

Step 3: Pour into greased muffin tins (can use mini muffins too).

Step 4: bake 15 minutes or until slightly browned.

To Freeze: Cool completely. Flash freeze and place in large Ziploc freezer bag.

To serve: Thaw on counter or heat in microwave on defrost setting.

Crafts: DIY Play-doh

       Sophie is now at the age where she wants to touch and get into everything. I can't blame her, because she is at the age of discovering everything. I needed something to help occupy her time (while I make dinner), promote creativity, and that's an age appropriate sensory activity...so what better than Play-doh?!

       Why spend your money on  pricey store bought doh when you can make it at home?

Ingredients:

1 c. flour

1/4 c. salt

3 tsp. white wine vinegar

2 Tbs. olive oil

1/2 c. water

food coloring

Step 1:  Mix dry ingredients in a small sauce pan.

Step 2: Whisk in water on low heat. Then add the vinegar, followed by the oil. Continue to mix on low heat until dough consistency forms. (add slightly more flour if too oily)

Step 3: Add food coloring of choice. Kneed until well mixed.

Have fun playing!

To Store: Place doh in air tight container in fridge.

Newborn Photos!

Yay! April's newborn photos are here and i'm so in love with them. Thank you to our talented photographer :) Little Sparrow Photography. Please check out her site! She was wonderful to work with. Here are my favorites...



In Mommy and Daddy's hands



Precious Toes



Safe in Daddy's Arms



Sleeping Beauty

Snuggling with Mommy

Sisters :)

Welcome April!

        Welcome to the world April! Our little bundle or joy finally arrived (two weeks late I may add!) and everyone has been adjusting really well. I was a little nervous how Sophie would handle being a big sister, but she loves it. Every morning she asks for April first thing. Super cute! Jeff and I have had a few sleepless nights, but overall being a mommy of two has been an easy adjustment.
         I have to say this birth experience was less stressful then my first with Sophie. When Sophie was born I had to have an emergency csection and it was one of the scariest moments of my life so far. Her heart rate dropped, nurses were rushing around and no one could give me answers. Next thing I knew I was crawling up onto a surgical table and had to be put under general anesthesia because my body wasn't reacting to the medicine. I felt guilty and sad that I wasn't awake to see my daughter born and my husband couldn't be by my side (they made him wait in the hall).
        April's birth experience I was completely happy with. With having a previous csection only 19 months ago, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to have a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). The doctors assured me that I was a good candidate if I went into labor on my own. Well this little stubborn girl was 2 weeks overdue and finally on June 13th at 2:30 A.M., Jeff and I dropped Sophie off at her Nana's and we headed off to the hospital. After 5 hours of pushing and a little vacuum assistance, our second daughter was born at 10:21 P.M! It was a long labor, but well worth it to be able to hold my baby right after and see the look on my husband's face. Jeff was an amazing support through the labor and I couldn't have done it without him. This labor experience was everything I had hoped for and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
    

Our girls :)