Big Changes :)

There are two big changes is our family this week.

First, we've decided that I will be a stay-at-home mom and daycare provider. I've been looking for a job the last few months since I lost my job due to budget cuts in the state. I've had no luck in finding an teaching job, and I need to work in order to help pay the bills. I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and by taking in a few children to watch, I'll still be able to help. Things will be tight but we will make it. God has always provided for me and He still will. I already have one women interested in my watching her son. He will be part time, so I'll only need one or two full timers.

Second, due the the first change in our family, I'm switching Patrick to cloth diapers. It will cost a little more up front, but in the long run it will save us a lot of money. Especially since the diapers can be used for any future children. I've decided to go with the Best Bottom diapers. They were made by a women here in Wisconsin. Nothing like helping your own state economy. The diapers have a cover and then an insert. The covers are solid colors except for two; I couldn't resist the dairy cow one. I'm excited to start using them.

Wordless Wednesday

Irrational Mom Fears

As a mom, I've had a few irrational fears about being a parent and about Patrick. While pregnant it was will he have all his fingers and toes (maybe that one is normal). Then as a newborn it was am I feeding him enough and does he know I'm there to take care of him. Silly fears, but rooted in things that I've read in the parenting books I've been given to read. All these things to look out for and "make sure you do." Needless to say I've quit reading the books and I'm doing what I think is best. Since then all the irrational fears and stress have gone away. Well, except one.

The only irrational fear that I still have is when Patrick is crying and I'm driving. When Patrick starts to cry in the car it is because he is tired. When he stops crying, he has fallen asleep. This is where my irrational fear kicks in. I get anxious that he didn't fall asleep but quit breathing and died. All the things they tell you about SIDS doesn't help any. Like I said it's irrational but it's there.

This fear though is based on a family experience. I had a cousin who died of SIDs at about the age Patrick is now. The story I've been told is that my aunt when to check on some animals and left her and her older sister in the car. It was a cool March day, so my aunt had her under a blanket to keep her warm but cracked the window for air flow. My cousin was crying, and then stopped. When my aunt checked on the girls, she had died.

Thankfully, I have Jesus to rest and relay on when this irrational fear creeps in. He grants me security and peace that He is in control of my life and that of my family. "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27. I have to leave my worries and fears with him, they will only drag me down. Thankfully, my Lord is able to take them all.

Camping With My Family

Patrick and I went camping with my family; Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother-in-law, and Nephew, this past weekend. Two tents and a camper. Michael had to work on Saturday, so he wasn't able to camp the whole time with us. We had a good time, the nights were cool and the days were warm enough to go swimming. Michael helped set up the tent on Friday and then we went for a swim. On Saturday, Patrick explored the campgrounds. He was sooooooo dirty. We went swimming just so I could wash him off. My sister and mom went to a garage sale and found these wonderful foam letters. Patrick enjoyed eating the "I." Saturday was also my nephew Joshua's 3rd birthday party. We got to see a lot of family and Patrick had a good time playing in the pool with Joshua. Sunday, Patrick, Michael, and I went to church in Rio. We stayed for the Pig Roast and were able to talk with the friends there. Afterwards we broke camp and went for one more swim to cool off.

Five Question Friday

1. Do you have siblings and are you close with them?
I have two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother; yes, I'm the "forgotten middle child." I wouldn't say that I'm close to them, but our relationship is a whole lot better than when we were growing up. Especially with my sister. We use to fight constantly but now we get along. With my brother it just depends on the day. Sometimes we are fine and other times we fight and get mad at each other.

2. Would you rather be slightly UNDER weight or slightly OVER weight?
I'd have to go with slightly over weight. Then I could lose 10 lbs or so and be healthy.

3. What's your favorite State Fair food to splurge on?
Funnel cakes. I could eat these none stop, especially now that you can get them with fruit, and whipped cream or ice cream. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. Isn't the state fair going on right now? Would it be wrong to drive the hour and a half and then pay the admission fee just to buy a Funnel Cake???

4. What are your thoughts on your kid(s) going to school in a few weeks?
Patrick doesn't go to school, but normally I would be getting ready for school in a few weeks. It is a little weird to not know if I'm going to be working.

5. Pool or Ocean?
OCEAN or any natural body of water. I love the waves, the sandy beach, and ocean bottom. Plus you don't come home smelling like the pool and it's easier on your suit and hair.

Just an Average Day On the Move

Patrick is quite the mover and shaker now. He is all over the house crawling and exploring. I put some of his toys on the floor for him to play with but no, he goes and finds every thing else. Today he grabbed the bag of pumping supplies and took it across the room.

Next on Patrick's list for exploration today was his carseat,

the babygate,

the space under the side table,

and in the kitchen.

While in the kitchen, he found the magnets on the fridge and decided to pull off the magnets he could reach. They were animal parts that are matched on the barn and it then signs a song about finding the match. So far he's only chewed on the pieces.

Patrick has recently learned to get on his knees and then reach up for what he wants. Not quite pulling up on things, but pretty close. Today it was the TV; at least he saw some fine art, notice the statue DAVID on the TV.

He has also enjoys crawling under his saucer. Sometimes he gets stuck and starts to cry. When not under it, he is in it.

He loves to jump in his saucer or horse. This is a common evening activity for him.

Wordless Wednesday