Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Oooooh mom and her many whips and quips. Today I find myself using a few of her "mom-isms" which on many occasions provoked a brain-busting eye-roll and an under-the-breath "Really Mom??". But today it's
"Patience, Jenn, patience is a virtue...." and "Always remember, nothing in life is fair, 'cept for the state fair..." that seem to be the all too appropriate one-liners that I've caught myself using more than once.
I never fully appreciated the amount of patience you suddenly inherit when you become a mommy. It's definitely one of those superman skills you all of a sudden realize you have overnight. I discovered this new "super power" when I suddenly had the ability to function coherently on 2 hours of sleep, changing diapers in the dark, feeding a baby and snoozing simultaneously, and then walking/pacing the floors for hours at a time with a screaming, collicky child who NEVER seems to wear out. After all this, mommies everywhere still manage to find every sideways grin and hiccup absolutely amazing, even in the midst of such craziness. The only thing that explains this phenomena is the Lord's incredible gift of unwavering patience he gives to mommas. Now, all that said, with my new gift of patience comes one tiny stipulation.....my patience for OTHERS has apparently disappeared. I have suddenly become that crabby lady at a restaurant who can't seem to understand why the enitire staff doesn't realize I'm clearly on a schedule...can't they see I have a ticking time bomb in a car seat that could explode into a screaming fit at any moment? So I'm gonna need that bowl of soup and side salad to magically appear promptly 3min. after I place my order.
And "road rage" doesn't even describe the lack of patience I have with other drivers. I find myself driving a steady 60MPH on the interstate at all times, and screaming at anyone who goes faster because I feel in some way they could possibly be endangering my innocent child who rides peacefully in my backseat. I feel like everyone on the road should somehow (by some sort of psychic ESP or something) know and acknowledge that I am carrying precious cargo and to keep their distance and speeds at appropriate standards. I've even thought of putting one of those ridiculous signs on my car, "Baby on Board"--stay back 500 feet or I'll punch you. I know violence is not the answer, so I only THINK these things; I never get irrational while driving...just a few choice words for bone-head drivers is all that ever ensues, so no need to alert the authorities. It's funny how things work out, though, God grants me unbelievable amounts of peace, solace, level-headedness, and patience with my child....but my patience for others is tested daily, it seems.
When I was younger, especially during my wretched teen years, my favorite saying definitely had to be "It's NOT Fair!!!", which was all too often immediately followed by my mother's comeback of "Jenn, nothing in life is fair, except for the state fair". As you can imagine, to a 14 year old snot, this only enraged me even more. Never in my life would I imagine myself saying this very statement to myself when presented with unfair situations at work. Everyone has tough situations where they often ask themselves "why?"...as much as I love my job and the people I work with, there are still times when I want to stomp my feet, put my hands on my hips, throw my head back, and shout "it's not FAIR!!!" That's when I found myself saying under my breath today (while counting to 10) "Jenn, nothing in life is fair, 'cept for the state fair". This immediately made me smile and think of my own mother and her hilarious quips that we all have thought at one time 1) how annoying they are, 2) how she needs to write a book citing them all, and 3) how completely appropriate and true to life they really are.
Thanks Mom, for all the one-liner, words of wisdom you've provided so that I may be fully equipped to conquer this crazy world :)
My Sweet Baby P
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Gettin' Ready for Summer!!
So it's officially Spring, but it definitely feels like Summer!! Alabama never seems to get it right when it comes to weather. Unfortunately, Patton and I's allergies suffer because of it!! This past weekend, however, we decided to take full advantage of the nice warm weather, and we had ourselves a relaxing day by the water. **Blow up pool, of course...$29.99 Target special** We even splurged and sprung for folding chairs, beach towels, an awesome new float, and some cool new shades!! Patton and I spent the day gettin' our tan on and singing Jimmy Buffett songs, while enjoying a luke warm bottle (ick) for Patton and an ice-cold, bottled water for me!! After laying in the sun and splashing around a bit, we headed inside to the nice cold air conditioning--giving my poor neighbors a break from what I'm sure was a sight to see with a 3 1/2 months post-baby crazy lady splashing around with her baby in an inflatable pool while practically fully clothed because I'm fully aware no one wants to be blinded by my lily-white, fluffy body--
--Inside the privacy of our home, I laid out a clean sheet and watched Patton as he sccoted and rolled around...seems Patton only likes to "roll" when he's nakieeee :) The fun-filled, sun-filled day ended with a nice long bath complete with some intense scrubbing due to my neurotic tendency to reapply 110 SPF sunscreen every 48 seconds to Patton's entire body. Needless to say, we both slept like champions that night. It was such an amazing time spent with my sweet angel, and I forsee many more "pool" parties in our near future!!
XOXOXO,
Baby P & Jenn
Monday, March 19, 2012
Yaaaaayyyyy Patton!!! You can join the circus now!!
Patton's facial expressions say it all!! This kid is destined to wear his feelings all over his face. Any of you who have been around him for more than 20 min., know all too well what's to come when all of a sudden you hear the loud moaning and grunting, while turning a frightening shade of maroon, followed by a wide grin and the oh-so fragrant aromatics seeping from Patton's bottom. Subtlety is obviously NOT one of his strong suits.
Yesterday, he revealed yet another telling expression as he discovered the excitement of rolling over!! After about 20 minutes of some good ol' fashioned "tummy time", Patton began flinging his head back and to the side. I quickly realized he was trying to figure out how to get on his back again. --This seems to be his msot favorite position due to the Buddah-belly that seems to be ever-expanding--I immediately grabbed the camera, and as soon as I hit "Record", he rolled right over. All of this was very fun and exciting for me, of course, because my child was officially able to do a trick (as if he's some sort of whiz kid, circus act). While relishing in my pride, I soon noticed Patton's reaction to this new and exciting event. It was a if he had just climbed Mt. Everest but was scared to death at the same time! At first, I thought he might cry, then in an instant he revealed the widest grin accompanied by jubilant shouts and coos of wonder and revelry. It was as if he wanted to shout, "Look at me mommy!! I can do tricks!!"
Watching your child grow, develop, explore, change, and learn new things has got to be one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed. The overwhelming sense of pride makes my heart burst.
Yesterday, he revealed yet another telling expression as he discovered the excitement of rolling over!! After about 20 minutes of some good ol' fashioned "tummy time", Patton began flinging his head back and to the side. I quickly realized he was trying to figure out how to get on his back again. --This seems to be his msot favorite position due to the Buddah-belly that seems to be ever-expanding--I immediately grabbed the camera, and as soon as I hit "Record", he rolled right over. All of this was very fun and exciting for me, of course, because my child was officially able to do a trick (as if he's some sort of whiz kid, circus act). While relishing in my pride, I soon noticed Patton's reaction to this new and exciting event. It was a if he had just climbed Mt. Everest but was scared to death at the same time! At first, I thought he might cry, then in an instant he revealed the widest grin accompanied by jubilant shouts and coos of wonder and revelry. It was as if he wanted to shout, "Look at me mommy!! I can do tricks!!"
Watching your child grow, develop, explore, change, and learn new things has got to be one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed. The overwhelming sense of pride makes my heart burst.
Friday, March 9, 2012
It seems as if my neuroticism has reached an all time high....
I realize that it is completely irrational to want to keep my child in a bubble....OR safely stowed away in the confines of my own Cloroxed, Lysoled, hand-sanitized, new towel after every bath, throw it away if it touches the floor lovely home. I realize that it's not exactly normal to have heart palpitations when the nice little old lady on Aisle 3 at Wal Mart wants to take a peek at my child; I mean, who REALLY knows where her hands have been?? And I am completely aware that I turn into "THAT bizzaro mommy" at the doctor's office who completely covers the car seat/carrier with a large, thick blanket, making a tent of sorts with Patton snuggly enclosed, sweating and probably on the verge of suffocation (but, hey, at least he's not inhaling as many germs, right?), seated in the furthest seat in the corner on the "well" side, silently praying for this to be over soon because I can feel the germs getting on me and my baby.
I understand that to be so paranoid about Patton potentially catching some horrific illness is probably not exactly normal, but I find myself giving starngers in the grocery store the "stink eye" when they start towards my buggy!! On one particular occasion, I believe I even told a woman who desired to look at him and even outstretched a hand to touch him, that it was against my religion to show my baby off before the age of 5, as I quickly swung my cart around and hoofed it to the safety of the produce section. But dont judge!! I felt justified in my actions this day because I happened to notice she had a nagging cough as she studied a box of Kraft macaroni.
Clearly, I have some issues to work on, but yesterday, I felt I truly made a breakthrough!! My mom and Bill watch Patton for me during the day while I am at work (praise God for delaying germ-a-riffic daycare for now). From time to time, they venture out with my precious angel to grab a bite to eat for lunch. Yesterday, my parents went to lunch at the Farmer's Market, and Patton tagged along. In case you're wondering, yes this does make me a bit uneasy because I'm not there to monitor the germiness, but I have complete and total trust in my parents' caretaking abilities :) Suddenly I received a text message from Bill that read, " Your mother has let 3 ladies at the Farmer's Market hold Patton already." To which I replied, "Bill!!! That's not funny!! Mom better disinfect my child when she gets home....a bath for real....that'll at least wash some of the germs off...and don't let him put his hands in his mouth til you wash them!"
Now, I'm sure to some people I sound like a total nut job, psycho, crazy lady who is completely off the charts. BUT at least I made no mention of Lysol, Clorox, or immediate removal of clothes for washing :) I'd say I'm making progress. BABY STEPS, BABY STEPS....
I understand that to be so paranoid about Patton potentially catching some horrific illness is probably not exactly normal, but I find myself giving starngers in the grocery store the "stink eye" when they start towards my buggy!! On one particular occasion, I believe I even told a woman who desired to look at him and even outstretched a hand to touch him, that it was against my religion to show my baby off before the age of 5, as I quickly swung my cart around and hoofed it to the safety of the produce section. But dont judge!! I felt justified in my actions this day because I happened to notice she had a nagging cough as she studied a box of Kraft macaroni.
Clearly, I have some issues to work on, but yesterday, I felt I truly made a breakthrough!! My mom and Bill watch Patton for me during the day while I am at work (praise God for delaying germ-a-riffic daycare for now). From time to time, they venture out with my precious angel to grab a bite to eat for lunch. Yesterday, my parents went to lunch at the Farmer's Market, and Patton tagged along. In case you're wondering, yes this does make me a bit uneasy because I'm not there to monitor the germiness, but I have complete and total trust in my parents' caretaking abilities :) Suddenly I received a text message from Bill that read, " Your mother has let 3 ladies at the Farmer's Market hold Patton already." To which I replied, "Bill!!! That's not funny!! Mom better disinfect my child when she gets home....a bath for real....that'll at least wash some of the germs off...and don't let him put his hands in his mouth til you wash them!"
Now, I'm sure to some people I sound like a total nut job, psycho, crazy lady who is completely off the charts. BUT at least I made no mention of Lysol, Clorox, or immediate removal of clothes for washing :) I'd say I'm making progress. BABY STEPS, BABY STEPS....
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Forgive me, I'm new at this!!
So, ya'll will totally have to forgive me because I'm just starting to navigate this whole "blog thing". Clearly, I'm completely out of the loop and I am quickly realizing I am computer-illiterate!! So just bear with me, as I attempt to conquer this crazy thing they call "web logging". Since having Patton, I have begun to realize that my unconditional love and pride is so unbelievable and absolutely amazing that I simply want to shout it from the rooftops! Having a child will change you in so many ways; it is the greatest accomplishment I know that I will ever conquer. To look at his face and see such purity in his eyes, continuously reminds me of God's presence and amazing grace. I constantly find myself staring at him and saying OUT LOUD, "thank you so much Lord, thank you so much." Nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming feelings of love, pride, protection, and pure joy that one creature could give me. I am forever grateful for the many blessings God has given me.
Two years ago JP and I met and immediately became best friends. For months we remained just that, best friends who spent all our time together, hunting, fishing, getting together for football games, and even giving each other advice if one or the other of us was dating someone. Then one day we realized that things had changed. We were without a doubt completely and totally in love with each other. I had officially met my match, my best friend who I couldn’t imagine my life without. We totally balance each other out; where one of us is weak, the other is strong. In April 2011, our lives changed forever when we learned we were expecting an absolute miracle of a child in November. On November 28, 2011, JP and I welcomed our beautiful baby boy, John "Patton" Folsom into this world. Of course, staying true to his roots, Patton made an entrance that will never be forgotten. He truly is our not-so-little (weighing in at a SOLID 8lbs. 15oz.), miracle. Those of you who know JP and I, know our poor child is destined for a life full of michief and dramatic, center-of-attention antics. We are so very proud of the unwavering love we have for one another and the overwhelming love we have for our son, so we have decided to share our love, laughter, and sometimes crazy life with our closest friends and family who don't get to see us as often as we would all like!! JP and I are so amazingly blessed with an unbelievable group of family and friends. We try to live our lives and raise our child as Christ would want us to. We continue to learn and grow every day, allowing God to mold us into the adults/parents He desires us all to be. We are absolutely elated to be spending the rest of our lives together, growing in Christ, and proudly raising our child. We have already begun our journey together by starting our family of 3; just two best friends who happen to be crazy in love. We want to express our endless appreciation and enormous gratitude to all those who have loved and supported us unconditionally.
All of our love,
Jenn, JP, & Patton
Two years ago JP and I met and immediately became best friends. For months we remained just that, best friends who spent all our time together, hunting, fishing, getting together for football games, and even giving each other advice if one or the other of us was dating someone. Then one day we realized that things had changed. We were without a doubt completely and totally in love with each other. I had officially met my match, my best friend who I couldn’t imagine my life without. We totally balance each other out; where one of us is weak, the other is strong. In April 2011, our lives changed forever when we learned we were expecting an absolute miracle of a child in November. On November 28, 2011, JP and I welcomed our beautiful baby boy, John "Patton" Folsom into this world. Of course, staying true to his roots, Patton made an entrance that will never be forgotten. He truly is our not-so-little (weighing in at a SOLID 8lbs. 15oz.), miracle. Those of you who know JP and I, know our poor child is destined for a life full of michief and dramatic, center-of-attention antics. We are so very proud of the unwavering love we have for one another and the overwhelming love we have for our son, so we have decided to share our love, laughter, and sometimes crazy life with our closest friends and family who don't get to see us as often as we would all like!! JP and I are so amazingly blessed with an unbelievable group of family and friends. We try to live our lives and raise our child as Christ would want us to. We continue to learn and grow every day, allowing God to mold us into the adults/parents He desires us all to be. We are absolutely elated to be spending the rest of our lives together, growing in Christ, and proudly raising our child. We have already begun our journey together by starting our family of 3; just two best friends who happen to be crazy in love. We want to express our endless appreciation and enormous gratitude to all those who have loved and supported us unconditionally.
All of our love,
Jenn, JP, & Patton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)