7QT: My Boys found their Grooves

Joining Jen for some quicktakes while both kiddos are napping!

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Well I have, once again been a sporadic blogger. I blog here I blog there. Mostly just trying to keep up with our life posts. The updates. The ones with the photos and moments that I want to treasure forever. And, you would think those blog posts, short and to the point, would be fairly easy to come by, but they have not as of late. For a variety of reasons. 

For starters, we traveled in December, had the flu which knocked us on our butts for a good two weeks in January, and backed out of a house after getting a poor inspection, only to find another one in January that has been a dream!

Lots and lots and lots going on in these parts!

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Which brings me back to blogging. I really want to blog more consistently. I want to blog more content. Not only my memories but the thoughts and ramblings that go on within. Journaling used to always be my outlet. Creatively, spiritually, and emotionally. Blogging has mostly filled that gap. I say mostly only because I don't go to type as frequently as I previously would pick up a journal and pen.

New goal: Blog more frequently. I'm going to try and hone in on this goal during Lent and make it part of my Lenten journey. I'm excited about the fruits that will come and the challenge.

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Speaking of blogging more, I will be missing out on the amazing Edel Gathering this year. I was so wanting to go. I had stars in my eyes. Hopes of amazing relaxation alongside amazingly wonderful and inspiring women. But, since it has coincided with our new home purchase, you can imagine that our pockets aren't exactly overflowing right now.

I'm praying I'll be able to attend next year. Pregnant or not (I'm not preggo, just saying there may be a chance the following summer. God-willing). I'm sad to miss this Edel Gathering only because this one is hosted in my home state! How great would that be!?? And, I imagine next year it will be in a different state as I know all these wonderful women are traveling from all over the states to attend. Maybe I'll just have to start saving for ticket purchase and a flight ticket now?

Either way, I'm praying for all you attendees that do get to attend this year. I know it will be rejuvenating and magical. The speaker line-up is amazing and I hope that they will be posted online at some point. 

Excited to see all the pictures and goodies that will be shared online after you all have had all the fun that is to be had this year!

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So getting back to random. I was finally starting to feel like we were finding our routine and jive to our day-to-day a few weeks ago. We were making it out to playdates and doing fairly well at home. We had a lovely time celebrating our little Linus' one year birthday this past weekend and soaked up all the family time we could get with our parents and in-laws.

But then, out of no-where, it was decided that I would get mastitis. Boo! Really? The little sweet and I have been nursing for a year now. And, although I have had my fair share of nursing trials in the early months, I have never had mastitis nor a plugged duct. Well, now I have. I have pretty much run the gamut of nursing problems. I started taking antibiotics a day and a half ago and haven't seen too much progress. Praying that we caught it in time and that it all gets resolved sooner than later. The flu-like symptoms that accompany mastitis have been no party.

Needless to say, I've been thrown off my groove yet again.

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But, just because I'm off my groove doesn't mean Bigfoot is! That little toddler man is potty-trained! Something clicked. And it's amazing. He stays dry all day (even through naps!!!) and is able to stay dry on outings too! It all happened this past weekend. We were celebrating his little brother's first year and we left him in undies the whole time. He did great! We traveled a good 45 min to meet my parents for breakfast the next morning and he did amazing to and from! 

The boy is on a roll and it's awesome! Now I just need to work up the courage to let him give night time a try. I have a feeling it would be good but this mama is just not ready for that endeavor. Going to let him keep having his daytime potty parties and we'll tackle night time parties in due time.

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Keeping on with fun grooves, sweet Linus has found one of his own. In the sleep and personality department. Mind you, this little boy has always had personality. I mean lots of it. The kind that likes to give a little (a lot) of shout/cry whenever he's in need - of anything. I guess I can't fault him for it this past year since that's been his only form of communication to get his needs met asap. He's an asap type of baby, I decided. But lately, the personality has been so silly, and fun, and giggly, and joking. The kid has jokes. He has roarversations. He has laughs. He has speed. He has a sweet sociability to him. And, he has lots and lots of love. 

It's been a great past two months seeing him shine just a little bit more with each day.

And, remember how he used to like to make his personality known throughout the night, well he turned a corner there too! Little man has been solid at night the past month or so. It's been glorious. We're still bed-sharing which has been a sweet blessing. And, we'll cross that bridge once we get him into his own room (preferably with his brother). But for now, we are both enjoying it. There are some logistics that I've had to learn along the way (and still am), but I'm grateful we went this route with him. It has been a gift for sure! 

I guess now that he's one he just wants us to know he knows a little more than we think he does. That he's got a handle of these little things called life, growing, teething, relating, learning, and loving, more than he lead on.

We're enjoying every bit of it (especially since he's allowed sleep and I to be friends again!).

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Well, at the last quick-take. I'll just say that, looking for a home has had it's ups and downs. But, I truly feel Holy Spirit has guided us along with some very sweet saints who have definitely been praying for us during this process. I'm going to have to share the story of it all because it is quite the story. At this point, it seems all is going well and we should be homeowners at some point next week. It's been so very surreal and I can't wait to experience home life. We've been in apartments since we married and I've lived in apartments and dorms prior to that. This will be a new chapter for us all in many ways and I'm excited and beyond grateful.


So, on that note, It's been random and cathartic. Happy St. Valentine's Day and thanks for stopping by!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Bigfoot turns 2!

My firtborn, you are 2! It's so hard to believe how fast time has flown by. We adore you! We love everything about you! You are so many bits of wonderful and we couldn't be more grateful for your presence in our life.

I'm going to list some things that you are up to these days mixed in with pictures of your birthday fun. It may be a bit of a discombobulated post, but this is just how we are going to do today.

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Pop-eye smiles. Yes, dear. You are still sporting that lovely pop-eye smile and we love it!

You give the absolute best hugs! And kisses!! And nose-kisses!!! You are so affectionate and we are so spoiled by it!

Our little family celebrating 2 years of our precious, adventurous, and loving Bigfoot!

You love your Dada so very much! And he, you! I love seeing you two play together. Makes my heart happy.

And you adore your little brother. You have been the absolute best big brother ever! You give hugs, and kisses, teach him how things work and share your toys with him. You have stopped taking swats at him (very short lived and rare), which is good, but you have always been sweet and thoughtful. Your relationship with him has been such a blessing to me to watch. I can't wait to see how you both continue to grow in your brotherly love.

He was so excited! He loved having his grandparents, aunt, and uncles all to himself for his birthday!

You love running! Jumping! Flying! All things Sports! Being outside, playing, climbing, falling, balancing and all things rambunctiously boy!

You have a thing for sticks. It's what you do. We go outside and you find sticks. You collect them, walk around with them, pile them up, play drums with them, and so much more. Sticks are your favorite toy, hands down!

Mama made an oatmeal stacked cookie cake with frosting. Yum!

You are counting! Up to this point you have counted from 1 up to 11. Way to go little one!

You are also singing! You sing the ABC's, song to Super Why, Hail Mary, Allelluia, and whatever your little musical heart desires.

You are great at identifying letters. You can identify most all of them if shown. You are very intrigued with your letters which is fun.

You are also getting better at signing the alphabet. So far you have O, S, M, A, F, P, Q, L, and C.

My fruit-loving sweetheart ate half of his piece then went on his way never asking for more.

You love story time. Reading has always been fun for you, and it continues to be. Often times I will find you quiet in your room "reading" through a familiar book. It's so sweet.

You have a curious spirit that is adventure seeking. You love trying to climb (now that you are more coordinated) and get into spaces that seem challenging.

But, he definitely had his share of these watermelon cakes I found on Pinterest. This was the sweetest watermelon we have had in a very long time. 

Your laughter is infectious and you share it daily. Of all the many gifts you share with us, this one is a definite favorite of mine.

You are still a wonderful eater. I do credit this to BLW. You eat your veggies and random things we put in front of you during meal time. You are getting better as the days go by with your spoon and fork. You love all fruit. I don't think you've had a fruit you didn't like. All in all, your doing a great job in the nutrition area, love.

Enjoying his watermelon.

You are talking so much! You love carrying on conversations with others, yourself, and family. I love hearing your attempts. As the days pass, more and more words enter your vocabulary. It's so exciting to see you learning everyday.

You handled the transition to big brother swimmingly. I was so very impressed with you. You never seemed jealous, even though Mama was tending to your little brother so much more than you were used to. You were very gracious and still are. You try to help out if you ever hear him crying. I think this just speaks volumes to your beautiful nature.

Little brother had a blast too! Lots of snuggles and arms to be held in over the weekend. Here he is with Nana.

Grandparents are your favorite! You love them so much and they, you! You also adore your Uncles, Aunt, and Rebekah. I love seeing how you love them and how they love you. We are so blessed!

You also love your friends! You ask for your friends often; specifically, Daniel, Gianna and Theresa, Ben, baby Mark, Max, and Jack. It's so sweet. When I tell you we are going to go see friends, you light up!

Uncle Aaron and Rebekah bought a pinata! So much fun. You weren't sure what to think of it, but enjoyed batting at it with the help of your Uncle Godfather.

You are still sporting about an hour and a half to -on good days- three hour naps. Without them you tend to be all over the place. We sing a Hail Mary and I put you in your bed where you drift off.

You love being tickled and are quite the tickle monster yourself. The laughter that comes from tickles are amazing!

Yaya had to reign you in a few times, since you kept trying to run off. You love running. Pretty sure it's one of your favorites.

You say your prayers every night with Dada. It's so sweet. You are very good at saying prayers. You pray for all of our family and whatever your heart desires every night. Your prayers are precious.

You are a great traveler, still! To this day you have never arched your back while we try to put you in your car seat. You always go easily and ready. You don't fuss much, if at all, while traveling. I can see this now, because your brother is the exact opposite. Maybe on our next trip, you should spend some time prepping him on how to travel well. Dada and Mama would much appreciate that.

Uncle Aaron and Rebekah love you tons, sweet boy!

You like playing Mass. You go and grab a cross-like object or book or bible or something and will walk around the house singing Allelluia. You've been doing this for a long while now.

You are wonderful in Mass. You are normally so well behaved. We bring your Church books and you look for Jesus. The only times you act up a little is if you didn't nap/sleep well.

Papa Wooley and Nonna had a great time at your birthday.

You are very coordinated. You can swing a bat like a someone in t-ball, you can kick a soccer ball like you're four, and you have quite the throwing arm!

Up until recently, you have definitely been left-hand dominate - eating, throwing, batting, grabbing, balance, etc. However, I'm not sure if that's starting to change. I've noticed you using your right hand a little more.

Papa Ram loves your kisses!

You like a good challenge. Even when you get a bit frustrated, you like to try. When you accomplish things, your face just lights up with pride. And, when you struggle, you sometimes get angry, sometimes ask for help, and more often then not, encourage yourself by saying Almost.

Lily and you have a blast together. You like petting her, snuggling her, taking "naps" alongside her, chasing her, and making her chase you. It's pretty sweet.

You love bath time! You love water. You love being in the pool and swimming and splashing.

Papa and Aunt Hailey love you and your goofiness.

You have some awesome dance moves! You love dancing!! I'll turn on some music and there is no stopping you. You even seek out music to start dancing when you feel like moving. I love it!

You are tech-savvy just like your Dada. You can work an iPhone like non-other to put on PBS or Diego. You are also great with your Leapfrog and an iPad.

Shows: You fell hard for Curious George and he continues to be a favorite. Soon followed was Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Super Why was next. Then you happened upon Sesame Street and Brother Francis. Your most recent show to enjoy is Diego.

I love this picture! You and Aunt Hailey love each other so much!

You are tall! At your 2-year check up you were in the 95th percentile for height - 37.5 inches and weighed in at 30 lbs. Needless to say, but your feet are still big, my dear Bigfoot. You are your father's son. Being at that appointment made me realize that I will be a shrub among tall trees. Between your height, your brother's, and your Dada's, I will always be looking up.

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Joseph, you are kind and sweet. You are loving. You are so funny and silly. You seek adventure. You love Jesus. You want to know the world. You want to explore. You love your family. You are smart and you are gentle. You pick up on things real quick and you have quite the memory. You are amazing. You are beautiful. You are precious. and...

All tuckered out. It's been awhile since your sweet self has fallen asleep on us.  We took it as a sign that we did a good job for your birthday. We absolutely treasure you!

i love you with all the love that I possibly can. Thank you for a wonderful two years, my little Junebug. I'm so excited to continue to get to know you and the wonderful boy that you are. May God always hold you. May He bless you abundantly with His Joy, Love, and Peaceful Presence. 

ugga mugga, my little love.

Singing & Dancing

Happy feast day of St. Francis of Assisi!

St. Francis of Assisi is well known by many, including our little family. His prayer has helped me, throughout my years, to keep focused. To not become so self absorbed. It has kept me from forgetting where true Joy and Peace comes from. Not by focusing on how others can be instruments for me but to remember that I am here to be an instrument to others; first and foremost, in this recent year, to GeekMan and Bigfoot.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

I love how when St. Francis had his major conversion of heart, he sought solitude. Something our society is definitely not comfortable with anymore. And yet, solitude can be such a beautiful thing. It’s where everything becomes quiet again. Where you can hear everything that stirs, even that within your soul. Solitude is where God can meet us; meet us in a beautiful silence.

Being a stay at home mama, solitude has taken on a new meaning and experience. My times of silence are few and far between, because I fill it it with anything and everything. There was a time, while I was in college, I sought solitude and silence. I had so much peace during this time. That time was such a gift for my soul and heart. And now, I do feel peace, but not the same as before. I think that’s because I’m in an entirely different place now. So my peace now is going to be and feel different than before. I think I just need to take some time to figure out how I can still get that time in.

The fruit of silence is prayer,

the fruit of prayer is faith,

the fruit of faith is love,

the fruit of love is service,

the fruit of service is peace.

-Blessed Mother Teresa

 Getting back to silence, one fruit from above at a time, my hope is to let silence fill our home in the beautiful way that it can with a three and a half month old. haha. I suppose my silent times will be different. But, i’m grateful for that. The silent times will be filled with Bigfoot’s oohs and ahhs, coos, squeals, and laughter, which is good. But, I need to remind myself that they don’t have to be filled with every random TV show or constant random music. Of course, there’s  a time and place for these to-dos, but they don’t have to be as constant as they have been lately.

 So, thank you for reminding me again, dear St. Francis of Assisi, to embrace solitude and to meet God in the silent times of our home. Thank you God for the gift that you gave me during college in allowing me to spend such sweet time with you in solitude.

Oh! One more thing about St. Francis of Assisi. Prior to his conversion he enjoyed parties, lived a life of wealth before his life of poverty and of complete abandonment to God, and he enjoyed singing. After his conversion, he was known for dancing for Joy and Praise to our Lord, and for singing praises. So, in honor of dear St. Francis of Assisi, GeekMan, Bigfoot, and I will be sure to have a dance party with sweet music.

A time for silence and a time for music. A time for solitude and a time for dancing. There’s a time for so many different things and I’m grateful for that.

St. Francis of Assisi, please pray for us.