So Long! Farewell! Aufwiedersehn! Good[bye]

Yes yes...I know I changed the words just a tiny bit, but I couldn't help it. It's what came to my mind when I realized I should type up a sort of farewell.

I'm guessing this does not come as a surprise. I mean, it's been MONTHS since my last post. Aubrey is already 9 months old (and I haven't even taken her 9 month photos yet! *gasp* Though I've thankfully taken all her other monthly sets of pics...mostly on time).

It's not that I don't enjoy sitting to type up a random post about my day or share my heart with all of you. And let's be honest, sometimes I'm really preaching to myself when I type up an "on my heart" sort of post.

But with all the adjustments that came when we welcomed our second, and with all the activity and nurturing and life being lived over here, something had to give, and I was certainly not going to give up my time in the word without a fight - not that I get it every day, but it certainly is my goal. (You guys, any time I think of spending time with my Jesus, I hear the words to "Lord, I Need You" playing over and over and over. I cannot be a good mom, wife, sister, friend without Him. I need Him daily!) So when it came down to the wire, I found myself cutting out Facebook - if you head over to my page, the last post you're going to see is...honestly, I'm not even sure because I haven't checked it in months, but I cut out both my page and my personal account; it's all gone - and not taking time to sit and write.

I can and do enjoy writing, but I have journals for my children and my hubby I would much rather see words put into and taking time to write in those is even difficult.

All of this to say, I will miss my blogging community via sharing myself here in this small space of the web. I do plan to stay connected by reading the blogs I was already following when I can, which honestly is a rareity, but I do enjoy when I am able.

Here's to closing this particular chapter in my life! May you all enjoy your holidays!

4 Months

I should be napping. You know, resting while my two little ones are asleep. And yet, I really want to write this out before I take Aubrey's 4 month pictures in hopes I can publish it in the next few days. Life with two kids is the best whirlwind to be caught up in, though I'd be lying if I said it was all a piece of cake.

I can't capture it in these photos, since I'm always by myself, but you smile like this while hiding your face in the shoulder of whoever is holding you

Maybe I should nap and try to write when I'm more awake...the words you're reading are the only ones coming to my mind.

Such a happy girl!

4 Month Stats

• You have gained 3 pounds since your 2 month visit: you weigh 15 lbs 10.2 oz.
• Though I'm not 100% sure of how accurate these measurements are, my guess is they can't be too far off as your clothes size seems to say it's right: you measure 25.75 inches.
• You're in size 3 disposable diapers and after a week of disposables, may I say I am SO happy to be using cloth again because we have had 0 blowouts in them but every dirty diaper was a blowout, even with, in my opinion, the best disposable.
• You fit in 6-9 month and 9 month size clothes.

Blurry picture...I know. I just love the face you're making :)

• You are all out belly chuckling. The easiest way to make you laugh is to hold you facing out, then chase Zoë. Squeals of delight and tons of belly laughter ensue when we play that game.
• You prefer to have someone to "talk" to and will babble for as long as you have someone's attention.
• You can roll from tummy to back and back to tummy. As much as you dislike being on your tummy, you are almost always trying to get on your tummy when you're on your back.
• Sometimes you do everything to get yourself on your side to sleep. While you still sleep on your back, I will occasionally have to sneak into the room for something and you're sacked out on your side, usually you're right side.
• You have found your fingers, though never your thumb. All in the last week you went from sucking on any form of 2-3 fingers, occasionally all four, to preferring your two middle fingers. Also, though you'll use either hand, you prefer your right.
• You are almost always all smiles. You really only fuss if you've had to wait too long between meals, are overtired, or we've missed the fact that your diaper needs to be changed.

Your smile seriously lights up a room.

• If you're tired, you will act like you might smile, then pout and cry.
• You ADORE and cannot get enough of  your sister :) The great part is she wants to play with you a lot too. I'm sure once you're more mobile the two of you are going to be best buds.
• You are perfecting blowing/making spit bubbles.
• You LOVE to blow raspberries. This is especially true when we're putting you down for a nap or bed. You will leave a huge wet spot on our shirts from blowing them. We can't help but laugh when you do it.

Goodness you are getting long!

• Though it may be a while before teeth cut, we're pretty sure you are teething. For a while I wasn't sure if I could feel something under your gums or not. Either way, you're definitely in the stage of needing a bib :)
• You love Cody. We know because he would lay right next to you and you wouldn't move as much. Also, (oh, how this grosses me out) he would lick you and you wouldn't make a peep. Gag!!
• You are beginning to reach for objects. Though your hand doesn't always get where you want it, you will focus on whatever you want, lean towards it, and gruuuuuuuunt. 
• You grasp any object placed close enough to your hands.

You make this face a lot. And, though I'm not sure why, it makes me laugh. every. time.

Aubrey,

It has been a joy to have you in my life these past 4 months. Watching you grow and seeing bits of your personality begin to unfold is so fun. You are such a delight, definitely a "happy" baby. I can't wait to see all you add to our family!

I love you!

Mommy

3 Months In...Golly Gee

*Note: so while I had every intention of posting this and writing a little note to Aubrey right around her 3 month birthday, I didn't get to it. Honestly, I don't feel like I sit in front of my computer much these days, though I'm working to figure out the best way to make it routine again. I haven't even uploaded the pics on my camera, so you're getting the ok pics from my phone*

I'm going to play the broken record of parenthood: time flies! My sweet baby is already 3 months old. And I'm lost here on my blog because I'm attempting to soak it all in.

Her smile kills me! Sooo contagious.

As I think back on this past month, I'm realzing there aren't many changes as far as Aubrey's growth. Or I'm so used to being around her, or tired, or both, I'm missing the obivious milestones she is reaching. Either way, I am trying to live in the present and enjoy both of my tiny blessings amidst the difficulties parenting brings.

She ADORES her big sister!

With that being said...

3 Month Stats

• According to our scale, you weigh a little over 15 pounds.
• You barely fit in size 6 month clothes, though size 6-9 months is slightly big on you and 9 months is definitely big. Of course, we use those sizes because with cloth diapers, you're definitely too big for size 6 months.
• You're in size 2 diapers if we use disposables.
• You haven't repeated it but you giggled at Gigi when we were visiting the last week of April.
• You have started doing a "shy" smile when someone is attempting to get you to smile. It is SO cute! You'll scrunch one side of your nose up, smile, and hide your face in my shoulder.
• Zoë gets the best smiles out of you! It is apparent you love your sister and I'm even thinking I've seen some discontent with being stuck while she's running around.
• If you are propped on your side, you will roll to your tummy. However, I'm pretty sure you're not doing it on purpose as you still hate being on your tummy. The only time you will stay quiet is if I've put you on it when you're sleepy. Then you will occasionally quietly watch and fall asleep if I let you.
• If I time it right, you take a 2 to 2.5 hour nap in the morning and early afternoon. Then, if you don't decide to have witching hour, which is thankfully generally mild, you will nap from around 4:30 to 6.
• Depending on your mood, you will nurse anywhere from 15 minutes total to 50 minutes. The longer times are generally your last "awake" time to nurse.
• You will occasionally squeal. We haven't figured out what brings out the squeals, but they are definitely peals of content escaping your lips.
• You are perfecting the art of spit bubbles.
• If I set you on your back on the play mat, you scoot yourself backwards. You've even moved over a little ways from where you were.
• You've started talking to inanimate objects. You're favorite is a frog rattle hanging off your play gym. However, you've learned to enjoy and like the musical star on the play gym.
• You've begun smiling and talking to me while you're nursing. It makes for lengthier sessions, but I don't mind. Sometimes you will even coo just to get my attention.

!mpact: Great Leadership Changes Everything [Book Review & Giveaway]

I might have been a little crazy when I signed up to review a book last month. Let me remind you: I am in the throws of raising a two year old and I have an infant. (Thus the lack of activity with random frequent posts.) But I just couldn't pass the opportunity up to review a book on a topic as old as time and which will be around as long as the Earth still spins on it's current axis: leadership.

Sometimes we talk about it bluntly. Other times we seem to be talking about nothing in particular, yet leadership really is weaved into the fibers of the conversation. Yet, whether out in the open or under cover, many of us are always searching for ways to make a lasting impact. And we want to avoid the horrid mistakes of leaders whose demise has flashed all over every form of media we have. Honestly, I feel I am daily in a position where my leadership is challenged and will affect the future for better or worse (aka parenting).

In his book Impact, Dr. Tim Erwin discusses how "in the pursuit of making an impact, we inevitably collide with barriers" (p. 7). He delves deep into what is so different about the leaders who have risen to the top, only to fall, and those who have left a powerful legacy behind. And he acknowledges a fact many wish to ignore: we are all capable of leaving a powerful legacy or of shattering any hope of ever making a mark on society worthy of accolades.

With that point in mind, Erwin dissects his thesis: every human has a core and it's from the core we lead. Thus the book focuses on maintaining the integrity of the core. But he writes in such a way it captures your attention. There are so many stories throughout it hits home on a personal level. I even found myself grateful for the many tips he gives and wanting to share them with those around me in an effort to maintain a strong core.

I'm  not usually one to read books on leadership, especially considering they usually focus so much on being in a coroporate work environment, and while Erwin's overall tone is for the corporate world, I still found I could relate to it and use it within my own profession of mothering. Will some of it need to be adapted to my particular situation? Of course! However, I don't know of a single self-help or business, as in this case, book which may need some minor adaptations to perfectly fit into the situation you're if you are not the bulls eye audience. Though, I did find what he wrote related well to my past experiences with a corporate job in a medical facility, which left me enjoying what I read and thinking everyone, no matter what their vocation, should take time to read Impact.

(I know I kept it short and sweet, but I honestly I didn't want to give away too much as Erwin says it much better than I would.)

As I read, I was constantly contemplating a question I was asked to ponder by the sponsor for the giveaway: "Do parents make a difference in preparing their children for the workplace?"

I whole heartedly believe the answer is "YES!" We have the ability to take time to help our children learn solid character qualities. We are in a position to teach our children integrity or deceit, laziness or diligence. We train our children how to handle social interaction. We help our children to believe they should only try so hard because their is only so far they can go or the sky's the limit. And all of it plays into how they will do in the work place, whatever that may mean for them.

Now, on to your chance to win a copy! (Yay!)

I have one copy of IMPACT: Great Leadership Changes Everything to give away. The giveaway is open to US residents with a physical address (no P.O. boxes, sorry!) age 18 and up. It begins today, Friday, April 25th CST, and will close on Thursday, May 8 CST. The only mandatory entry for the giveaway is to leave a blog comment; I would love if you'd answer the same question I was asked: "Do parents make a difference in preparing their children for the workplace?" The winner will be randomly selected via random.org. They will be announced in an addendum at the top of this post within 48 hours of the giveaway's close. I will also contact them via e-mail. (Please ensure you use a valid, working e-mail address to enter with when you comment and/or leave your e-mail address in your comment.) The winner will have 48 hours to contact me via e-mail at mylifestidbits@gmail.com to claim their prize. I will need the winners full name and physical  address to forward to the giveaway sponsor so they can mail the winner their prize. For any other information regarding giveaways hosted on my blog, please visit the official giveaway page.

Happy reading!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

2 Months Old

As time continues to fly, I'm beginning to realize the speed at which my children grow is beginning to surprise me a little less, though it still elicits a shake of my head and a little disbelief. I think it always will. Something I am grateful for, though, is how, with time, I am learning to cherish each moment given me. I'm actually finding myself soaking in the little moments.

And it's a good thing too because I feel Aubrey is growing at a more rapid pace than Zoë did, probably because she is bigger than Zoë was at 2 months. (Ha! And soon I will be needing to post a 3 month post. I'm also behind which makes her feel much older.)

(I'm so bummed! I looked at the pics when I took them, but I must have been really tired because they are none as good as I thought I'd captured with my little point 'n shoot. Boo!)

2 Month Stats

• You weigh 12 lbs 11 oz (84 %ile), measured 24 inches long (98 %ile), and your head circumference was 15.5 inches (85 %ile).
• You are fully on a schedule now, and though you're a pretty flexible baby, you prefer to stick with your schedule and will find ways to get back on track if I'm not paying attention. Here is what your typical day looks like:

- wake around 7 am and nurse

- down for a nap around 8:30/8:45

-wake somewhere around 11 and nurse

-down for another nap between 12:30/12:45

-if you sleep well, I usually have to wake you around 3 and you nurse

-you either fight this nap and I nurse you at 5 or you go back down for a nap around 4:30/4:45

-either way the rest of the evening becomes crazy because you usually want to nurse when you wake from the nap around 5:45/6ish (I prefer to keep bedtime between 7/7:30, but you won't always nurse well if you eat at 6) or you want to be held the rest of the evening

-bath every other night

-swaddle and nurse while we read and sing with you and Zoë around 7

*note* This "schedule" is more what I aim for and have found makes you most content when we can get it - as noted above that you will try to get back to it if I've somehow managed to get off track. However, there are many days this just doesn't even come anywhere close to being the outline of our day. C'est la vie!

You're my little chubby baby! Those cheeks! I kiss them all. the. time!

• Speaking of nursing, you're a drowsy nurser, but you like your milk so much that you've managed to figure out how to nurse anywhere from 10-15 minutes/side (sometimes less!) and get everything you need. You almost always look like you're coming out of a milk-induced coma when you're finished because you've partially fallen asleep and usually have a little bit of milk on your chin.
• You aren't much of a fan of having a wet diaper, to the point I have to change you before the liner is really even completely wet most of the time.
• Everyone asks who you look like, and while you have many similarities to your older sister, you are also uniquely you, which I love! For instance, your lips are different. And though I can't always put my finger on it, there are just features which make you, well...you!
• You LOVE to snuggle! There are moments I have thought you were asleep because you weren't moving and had nestled right into me. But when I look, I see you're not even tired, just enjoying being held.
• You hate tummy time, though you're beginning to tolerate it more as you're able to pick your head up more and more.
• You hold you're head up really well most of the time. Sometimes you lose control and bang your head into my clavicle or jaw...those moments aren't so pretty, though sometimes I'm more phased by it than you.
• You started smiling right before your two month old birthday. However, we've noticed you smile with your eyes and will try to not smile with your lips sometimes. It's really cute to watch you and I always wonder what is going on in your mind.

Your first "See How I'm Growing" picture

• You love, love, love your sister. You enjoy watching her, smiling at her, being next to her. Well...most of the time! You're not a fan of when she is trying to share take over my lap while I'm nursing or holding you. Though I can't say I blame you, as that usually means her comfortable position is uncomfortable for you and I'm maneuvering both of you to keep you from being squished and her happy.

You even allow the torture of an empty bottle. I'm pretty sure she thinks you're her baby doll :)

• Oh, you're in 3-6 month/6 month size clothes. And though we don't use them that much, you're in a size 2 diaper. If you keep growing at the rate you are, my guess is we will have to buy new clothes for you because the seasons won't match up.
• You love to work on building leg strength by us holding up you and letting you stand. Sometimes you'll stand for several minutes before you decide you need a break.
• We tried to get you to take a paci, but with no success. You have a high enjoyment of sucking on your fist, but I guess because you take the bottle like a champ, you expect a paci to put out. And when it doesn't, you squint your face into a "I don't like this" contortion, and promptly spit the paci out. I can only hope you don't start sucking your thumb...
• We are having a time coming up with a nick name for you. Daddy wanted to call you Bear, but I just don't find that sticking. 

Obviously, this isn't from your 2 month old pictures, but because I took it not much later than your 2 month pics, I had to share it. Such a happy baby with a sweet smile!

My Sweet, Sweet Aubrey,

Though I'm so glad you're healthy, I'm no fan of how rapidly you're growing. The tiny, curled-in-a-fetal-position infant doesn't happen much anymore, though I am grateful you enjoy cuddling. I am so grateful for you! Though I can slightly remember what life was like before you joined us, I do not miss it at all. You already add so much to our little family!

While you seem to be very laid back, you are not shy about telling us what you need. You are very adament about your dislike of a wet bum or telling us when you're ready to change scenery or even if we've kept you up too long. 

I am loving getting to know you more every day! I can't wait to see how your personality unfolds!

I love you!

Mommy