Hi everyone! 

Here's the post that you all have been jonesing for: an update on our life and current pictures of Daniel. 

Hmm...where to begin. 

Well, since the last time I wrote, things have changed a bit. I guess I should just jump right in. Sorry if things become a jumbled, update-full mess. 

Since summer is in full swing around here, Daniel and I have been spending a large part of our week walking around the neighborhood, hanging out with friends at the playground, and enjoying the warmer weather in general. I have learned that Daniel, like myself, doesn't care too much for the hot and muggy weather that Western NY can bring...so he, lucky duck, enjoys a mostly clothes free day whenever possible. 

Jonathan has been working hard and is in the midst of making a big transition with his business. He will be going solo this summer and be the sole proprietor of his business as of July 1st. This is a big transition not only for him, but for our family. Our house has expanded (not physically really, but more in functionality) to include his business office and a place to house all of the equipment he uses on a daily basis. Our garage has never looked better (because Jonathan built in a beautiful organization system for all of his supplies) and our house has never been more cramped (because now we have a full "corporate" office in our living space. After I get things fully moved in and organized, there will be pictures in a separate post on those adjustments. 

Daniel is growing sooo quickly (he just celebrated his 11 month birthday yesterday) and ohmygoodness, he is into everything. Now I officially understand that my house was NOT baby proof. We still need a bit more work on that front, but it is getting there. It has basically involved moving around a bunch of things and making sure that the stuff at Daniel's level is appropriate for him to be playing with. What a challenge! I guess for those of you who may not know, it would be a good time to tell you that Daniel has learned to crawl, walk along furniture, and recently, he has learned to climb stairs. My goodness, they learn fast!! 

His favorite "word" is "oooo!" which has led to him receiving the affectionate nickname of  Little Oo Oo, from his great grandparents. We also took away his binkie this past month. We decided it was time, as he was constantly throwing it out of his crib at nap/night time and crying until he was given it back. The transition went smoother than I thought it would and the first time he went to sleep without it, he only cried for 20 minutes if I remember correctly. The only side effect I have noticed is that his naps aren't as long anymore. But who knows if that is directly a result of taking the binkie away or just a normal thing as he gets older. 

Hmm, what else? 

Maybe a bunch of pictures will help to finish up this post? I plan on doing a few more posts full of updates on the house, Jonathan's work space, our garden, and maybe a smattering of other things. We'll just have to see what I feel like writing about. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Change of Heart

{picture taken from here}

Guys, I seriously just got back from trading in a clean house for an afternoon run with the jogging stroller. Those of you who know me, know that this is a HUGE deal.

Liz exercising instead of cleaning....woah.

I think pigs just flew.

Anyway, why this sudden change in priority? Well it's pretty complex, but so wonderfully simple at the same time:

God is doing a big, huge work within my soul.

Over the past few months He has been chipping away at my priorities for myself and replacing them with His priorities. I have been praying for and listening to His guidance for my life and let me tell you, it is so freeing. I don't have to worry about each day and what needs to be accomplished in it?

Sign me up!!

As God shows me how to be a healthier version of myself (both mentally and physically) I am learning that His ways are just so much better for me.

His yoke is easy and His burden is light.--Matthew 11:30

You would think that after everything we went through trying to get pregnant with Daniel, I would trust in His plan...but I'm stupid. Plain and simple. And I don't trust that He has a better plan for me.

But guys, this time around, I'm so excited to listen. As I have started to pour out my heart to Him explaining all the desires of my heart, He listens. He listens and gently shows me that His way is just so much better.

I'm all ears Lord. Please continue to guide me! 

On Being Present

This morning, I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to blog about today. Having a schedule of posting only Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays should make it easy for me to come up with things to write about. Unfortunately, sometimes I just don't know what to say.

The house was quiet as I sat down to figure out what to blog about. The carpenter was off at church for the men's breakfast. Daniel and the dogs were both curled up and asleep. All that could be heard was the sound of the dryer turning semi-wet clothes.

*Pause...I need to go start the washer again!*

Ok, back at it.

As I'm perusing Facebook, trying to come up with post ideas, I stumble upon this video. Go ahead, watch it. I will wait. :)

Ok. Before you say, "Wait! There are plenty of good things that technology has to offer!" (i.e. being able to connect with people far away, being able to find old friends, etc.), let me just talk this out and share with you what I have been personally dealing with.

First off, I agree, there are so many good things about technology. Would I be writing a blog, on Facebook, part of Instagram, and pinning to Pinterest if I didn't agree? No. I love being able to keep up with people and see what is going on with those who don't live close to me. What I think this video is trying to tell us is to not neglect those who are physically near you. Don't trade in time with someone who is sitting in front of you, for time spent on an electronic device.

God has really been convicting me of this lately. Much of my day involves reading blogs, checking Facebook and Instagram, and watching a show or two with my husband after the baby is asleep. I have realized that I am loosing so much of my time with my son and my husband, to use some form of technology. Because of this I'm able to keep up on those who aren't near me, but instead am slowly becoming more and more out of touch with those who I can actually reach out and touch.

Does that make sense?

I'm not here to convict you. I'm just hear to share with you what the Lord is doing in me. Two of the books that I have been reading lately (read more on that here) have really been showing me that my focus is being shared lately. Elliot and Savage have both written about being present in people's lives. That if we are able to embrace the reality around us, our lives will be better for it. That we shouldn't share time between two things, because the reality is that neither is getting the full version of ourselves. I don't want my children, husband, family, or friends, knowing only the distracted Elizabeth. I would love them to know that they are the most important person in that moment and nothing can distract me from our time spent together.

With that being said, I'm off to spend the day with my boys. I'm challenging you to do the same! :)

Mother's Day

I'm extra excited for Mother's Day this year. We sort of celebrated a bit last year--as Daniel was currently in-utero at the time. But this year, my celebrating takes on a whole new meaning. Having met our son and taken care of him for the past nine months, I have a whole different perspective on celebrating. I appreciate being a mom on a deeper level. I'm so thankful for all of the moms around me, because I have now experienced a bit of what they went through to raise their children. 

Holy cow. 

To those of you who are reading this that are moms: Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have sacrificed as a mother. May 11th is for you! 

I know Mother's Day can be a bit daunting for some of you. I mean, come Father's Day, I have NO idea what to buy Jonathan (other than ammo or a new gun ;) ). So, I thought I would compile a few ideas for anyone who is looking to buy a gift for a mother. 

1. A Magazine Subscription: 

Go on Amazon and purchase a one year subscription to the mother's favorite magazine--or at least one that you think she would like. I love to do this (making sure that the subscription is sent to their house) and then I usually head to the grocery store and buy a card and the current issue of the magazine. That way I feel like they are getting a little something to enjoy until the subscription kicks in. 

2. Personalized Stationary:

One thing I love, love, love is stationary. I blame my grandmother. For Christmas or my birthday, she used to buy me personalized stationary. While I didn't quite appreciate it then, I now realize how fun it is having something with your name on it. These cards from Etsy are a good price and a fun color! Don't have time to order stationary? Head to TJ Maxx. Their stationary area always has a lot of fun styles to choose from. 

3.  Birchbox

Ok. I have to admit, I have always wanted to buy something like Birchbox for myself. Birchbox is a subscription service that sends you a host of pre-picked products every month. You can choose from categories like body, hair, makeup, etc. Not interested in sending your mom beauty products, check out other monthly subscriptions here. 

4. Custom Journal

I chose this customizable journal because I thought it would be fun to put the mom's initials on here. This suggestion isn't just for the mother who likes to journal, this can also take the place of a card. I recently saw this idea and thought it was brilliant!  To summarize, each year the journal can be updated by the givee with pictures, sketches, etc. It's sort of a Mother's-Day-only journal.  Do you want something that's personalized that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...this is the gift for you! 

5. & 6. Trellis Earrings & Tiny Squares Necklace

Last but not least, let's throw a little jewelry into the mix. I love the simple elegance of the Trellis Earrings. And the Tiny Squares Necklace (which you can personalize) comes from the same artist who makes the necklace I requested for Mother's Day! (I would have suggested it here, but it's sold out.) I don't think you can ever go wrong with some simple jewelry. 

I hope that the above suggestions help if your stumped on what to buy the mom in your life! And if none of these seem to work, for the mother that you are buying for, I always think a safe bet is a personalized card and some beautiful flowers or a giftcard. The card allows you to write a thankful little blurb and the flowers or giftcard take the whole thing to the next level.

Happy shopping!

May Goals

Can you believe that May is just around the corner??

Like in two days, around the corner?

Holy cow where is this year going to?!

I decided to set some goals for the month of May. This is just my way of keeping myself on track and making sure that things get done around here. Plus, I'm hoping that if I post these things for the world all of you to see, maybe I will be more inclined to accomplish said goals.

1.) Run, run, and run some more. 
This goal is an important one for me. I recently started taking a few supplements in the hopes that they will help balance my hormones and allow me to loose some weight. Let me tell you, I feel great! Well, the next step in continuing to balance my hormones is working out on a regular basis. Thus, running, here I come.

2.) Deep clean our kitchen, bathroom, dining room, and Daniel's room. 
This is just something that I like to do around this time of year. It's my way of welcoming spring and summer and making sure that the excess in our house is gotten rid of.

3.) Make Sarah's t-shirt quilt
Sarah, if you are reading this, please forgive me for neglecting it for the past almost two years. I'm so sorry and I promise that this will get done this month. I'm really excited about it and, again, I'm sorry that it has taken me this long :)

4.) Peel the wallpaper border down on the sunporch. 
Sorry, but the Arizona/New Mexico theme just isn't cutting it for me anymore. Ha, actually, it never did. So down it comes!

5.) Enjoy our stay-cation
Now, this really doesn't need to be on the list, because, well, any vacation would be enjoyable. But I want to be intentional about enjoying our time off, at home. Jonathan and I are looking forward to doing a bunch of work outside and having some time, together, as a family. I can't wait!

6.) Organize all of my computer documents
And for goodness-sake, if this doesn't get done this month, I may go crazy. The chaos that is my 'Pictures' folder on my laptop, needs to be contained. This will be remedied this month.

So, there you have it. An ambitious list, but one that I think I can handle. I will be back at the end of the month with an update for y'all!

What is making it on your to-do list this month??

What I'm Reading

Happy Saturday everyone!

Today, I thought I would share what I'm currently reading. These are the things that clutter (in a good way) our coffee table and my nightstand. I love to read and can't seem to get enough of it these days.

I really enjoy picking a book up in my hands--please tell me you know what I mean?! Nothing beats the smell of an old book and the feeling of the pages. I remember watching my grandma read to me. I would watch as her perfectly manicured hands would turn the pages. She had a way of turning them just so. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of her reading to me. I have been slowly collecting all of the books that she used to read to us. I can't wait to share them with Daniel and any future kiddos.

I attribute my love of reading to my grandma. I remember a time when I really didn't like to read. To encourage me, and my brothers, she would pay us a dollar per book--depending on how long it was. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I think she would be proud to see that I'm blogging. I know she would have been my biggest fan.

So, today, I wanted to share with you what I have been reading lately, in hopes that maybe you will pick up one of these books yourself!

Tip: turn off all electronic devices an hour before you intend to go to bed and READ. I find that I have an easier time falling asleep and I tend to have a more restful sleep as well. TRY IT! 

This first book I'm reading as a sort of devotional. Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliott is a compilation of the newsletters that she used to send out. She reminds her readers, time and time again, to focus on God and His promises by quieting our heart and listening for Him. I can't say enough about this book. I love that each letter is short and sweet. Elliott also has a way of convicting you without overwhelming you. When Daniel goes down for his morning nap, I grab a cup of coffee, this book, and my Bible and curl up on the couch for a bit. I love taking a moment to focus and start my day off on the right foot. (Also, to my fellow CCCers, I'm currently borrowing this from the church library, so if you would like it when I'm done, let me know--or you can find it there) 

Lately, the book that I like to read, right before bed, is the third book in the Mitford Series. Written by Jan Karon, these books follow the life of a grandfather-esk Episcopal priest (thanks Donna!) as he navigates the Lord's calling. These are fantastic books if you are looking for an easy read--I think that is the best kind of read right before bed. I love that the books are faith based, without being over the top. They are uplifting and quirky and you fall in love with the characters in the small town of Mitford really quickly. I highly recommend these. (CCCers, again, I'm borrowing this book from the church. The entire series isn't there, but most of it is!) 

Finally, I just got this book yesterday, but guys. Seriously. If you are a mom, you need to get this book. After seeing it referred to by a bunch of my favorite bloggers, I knew that I had to give it a try. No More Perfect Moms by Jill Savage offers up a great perspective on mothering. I can tell this is going to be a life changing book for me. I've only read a couple of chapters, but Savage really has hit home for me. She challenges the pressures that young moms often put on themselves to be perfect--doesn't that sound refreshing?! No more perfection?! Ok, I'm on board with that! Seriously, read this book. Just do it.

I'm always looking for another good book to add to my stash. Please leave me suggestions of books I can't live without reading! I'd love to hear what you have enjoyed lately! 

Daniel: Nine Months Old

Well, it happened. Daniel turned nine months old and I didn't have a heart attack.

Does this really mean in three short months that he will be a YEAR OLD?! 

NO! Not my BABY!!!

Yea, it really does mean that. And while part of me wants to somehow make him stay small forever, another part of me is really excited to throw his one-year-old birthday party!  Move over My Super Sweet Sixteen, Daniel's first birthday is coming to town.

Possible themes: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Camping/Outdoors, or maybe we will just freestyle it and take all of the brilliant ideas off of Pinterest and combine them into one party. Thoughts?

So, our little man is growing up. He now weighs approximately 24 pounds and is 28 inches long. We have a doctor's appointment in May and I will have official stats for his ten-month-old post, then. He is still wearing 12-18 month clothes and I'm contemplating the switch to just 18 month stuff. His pants are getting a bit small, but have plenty of length to them--the typical cloth diaper conundrum. I may try to squeeze out a bit more time in the 12 month stuff.

We celebrated Daniel's first Easter this past month and, if you missed it,  you can read more about that here. We also have spent more time outside, enjoying a bit of warmer weather. Daniel loves going for walks in his stroller and absolutely adores the swing at the playground--hopefully we are able to get our swing up soon! I can't wait until the ground is dry and the sun is out more consistently. I'm looking forward to spreading a blanket under our maple tree and letting him play outside in the sun!

Daniel still hasn't figured out how to crawl forward yet, but he is doing a modified version. He will roll at an angle back and forth on his arms, which allows him to move forward a bit. I love to watch him process how to get to something--which currently just involves a lot of rolling. He still loves to stand at the couch or chair and play. He is figuring out that he can lift his feet and move if he wants to. If we are holding his hands, he may take a few steps forward, but after that, he prefers to just stand and look around. I'm really glad that he seems to be in no hurry to crawl/walk--it gives me more time to figure out how to baby-proof our house!

Hmm...what else. He still is eating two meals a day with bottles filling up his tummy in between. For my future reference, we are currently feeding him six ounce bottles and have been doing so for about a month. He still loves fruit and Greek yogurt for breakfast and we usually puree whatever we are having for dinner, for his dinner. He has mastered the art of picking up puffs and we give them to him occasionally so he can work on his fine motor skills. He also has been testing out his new front top teeth that have come in. With four teeth in total, he is learning the art of chewing.

His favorite things to do still consist of playing with his baskets of toys, jumping in his bouncer, or hanging out with Daddy. We are still at two naps a day--which vary in length and sometimes are whittled down to one long, late morning nap. He goes to bed anywhere between six and eight, depending on his naps, and wakes up between six and seven in the morning.

I feel like we really have established a good rhythm at home, and though things seem to change daily, I no longer feel anxious about taking care of Daniel. I am feeling more and more like myself and I think that Jonathan and I both are pretty adjusted to being parents. Everything may be new and unexpected still, but it doesn't seem to bring as much stress anymore. We love our boy and are so thankful for him. What did we do before we had him? I can't even remember. :)