2011?

Where did it go?
Seriously.
Aside from having Camila most the year is a blur.
Is that bad?
Is that Momma brain?

Ahii. I don't know. But, the days keep moving along into a new year and all I can think is CHANGE. Change Connie. Change. I want BIG things to happen in my life and if I want a difference then I should initiate CHANGE!

Seems to be the word of the week. CHANGE. De-cluttering. De-stressing. Simplifying. Life. Faith. Friends. Family. EVERYTHING. I don't think it's a bad thing. I think it's a good thing.

Therefore all I can think of for 2012 is CHANGE. Make a difference in ME. Make a difference in MY home. Make a difference in MY children. Make a difference in MY marriage. Make a difference in MY life. Selfish? Maybe. But we all need some time to regroup. To rethink. To readjust. To rethink. To regroup.

As, I backtrack through 2011..Good and Bad. It all worked it's self out for the best. For the truth to be revealed, for friendships to be tested. For faith to be endured. For Love to be matched. For justice to overcome. For GOOD to prevail. In the end. God has opened new doors, closed MANY others and shone His light on what should be in our lives for 2012. "Plans to prosper..not to harm you...."

Therefore no matter where we spend New Years Eve or with whom. God already has our plans for 2012. Nothing we do can change that. The only thing that needs to change is our way of thinking. Our attitude. For myself my biggest GOAL, my biggest RESOLUTION. Is ME. It takes some mistake making to learn. This year. I have learned. I promise. No really. I have.

So, 2011 Good day to you! I will miss you. You brought many a new Blessings. Especially my new little CamNoodles to Love and to hold forever and ever... no matter how many tantrums she throws as I type up this BLOG! HA. You've left me MANY a bittersweet memories to love and to cherish deep in my soul. You've left with me sadness as friends have left my side. I wish them well and so much LOVE. You leave me deep sorrow as we lost my Beautiful Aunt Lola to a disease I am yet to understand but plan to fight for! You leave us questions as my Husband lost his uncle to a questionable cold-hearted murder, I can't understand...You leave me with pain and questions to be answered BUT guess what 2012 will be better and new days will come. Truth will uphold and be revealed. Justice and Good will always overcome evil no matter how long it takes. I plan to add wisdom and maturity to my days and my words...

SO TO YOU I SAY.....

WELCOME 2012 

AND AN 

AWESOME NEW YEAR!!!!!!! 

I HOPE YOU CAN ALL CONQUER THE DAYS AND LIVE WITH PEACE AND FAITH DEEP IN YOUR HEARTS!!!

My Loves @ Christmas!

Picture taken by Terrazas Photography :)

{Traditions in Faith} ♥

When it comes to traditions they are deeply rooted in my background. Our Mexican culture and most definitely in our Catholic faith. I want my children to grow up with these same traditions, culture, memories and faith.

I think I have stated it before as I was growing up I didn't understand my faith. It was when I was an adult that I learned to embrace it and ultimately love it. I want my children to learn more about our faith than I did growing up. My parents followed the Catholic faith and just assumed that we should as well. But, I want to go that extra step and have faith and explain why we do what we do.

One of my biggest goals is Christmas. To ensure my children that there is more to opening presents and gift giving. That there is family, selfless-ness and faith as well as Love in every Christmas that we celebrate. That we are celebrating our faith in the birth of Jesus Christ. That we are followers of Mary and Joseph. That their pilgrimage to seek a safe haven to birth the Saviour was a long one filled with struggles and obstacles but that they ultimately found the most humble and faith-filled place for Jesus to be born and to be honored as the light and salvation of our lives.

Here is what we experienced this December 2011.....

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe: 

Pedir Posada: 

y Familia:

{A Menu and some Changes....}

I wanted to share what we actually ate for Thanksgiving..I don't have pictures, SORRY! 

Thanksgiving Menu:

Turkey {Marinaded with Tony Chachere's Injectable Roasted Garlic and Herbs; My Hubby made a rub for the outside from the Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning} We cooked it for over 5 hours... it was yumma! If I do say so myself!

Ham {from Sam's Club, fully cooked and honey glazed baked with fresh pineapple slices}

Stuffing {my Momma's recipe... bagged seasoned stuffing mix, ground beef, rice, chopped up onions, bell peppers and celery; seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, fried then baked together added broth from boiling the turkey gizzards.} My Mother-in-Law made some as well but I don't know her recipe... :)

Seasoned fresh Green beans { I boiled the green beans then fried them with coarse black pepper and bacon! Bacon makes everything better...}

Corn on the Cob {Boiled with butter and garlic salt}

Mashed Sweet Potatoes {I boiled them then pureed them in the food processor my hubby added nutmeg and cinnamon.}


Lumpy Mashed Potatoes { Made by my Sis; boiled potatoes, heavy whipping cream, salt and pepper to taste}


Fruit Salad {Ric's cousin Erica made it! Very Yumma! }

Green bean casserole {Ric's Aunt MaryAnn made it...also Yumma!}

Pumpkin & Pecan pies and an Apple Cinnamon Bunt Cake { My Momma bought some and Ric's Aunt Yolanda made one from scratch, my Sis-in-Law Ale made the cake..... Yummmmaa!}

Dinner rolls and Tostadas... we is Mexican and some Salsa Verde {Just boiled green tomatoes and jalapeño peppers added some salt and once they were soft I blended them....}

Whole Cranberries Cranberry Sauce {Canned Ocean Spray..HA!}

Gravy { Canned as well; white and brown}

Some White Wine and Coronas....

Ahhhhh. I  hope I didn't forgot anything....


So, after TWO whole days of this.... I have decided to make lots of changes in the next 30-days... yep! I am going to do a detox and possible "look" change...I am scared and not sure how it will go..but we shall see!


I will start December 1.

When a Thankful Thursday turns into an Amazing Memory....

Here is our Thanksgiving in pictures: 

We decided on a crafty idea for the boys...they made their own Thanksgiving shirts the night before....

The next day started here....

{Sorry I didn't get a picture of all of our cooked food!}

It went on to this....

And, finally family arrived....

It was Cami's first Thanksgiving...she was excited....

The following were my favorite shots from  our Thanksgiving day! 

It all ended here: 

Happy Thanksgiving from Momma of Dos!!!

Moving Forward.

All I know, is that life goes on...

Everyday... 

We must worry about our loved ones and more so about our own little families more than those around us. People are people. Everyone has problems. We are not here to fix others lives we are here to support and move forward in our own.

My family; my kids and my Hubby are what I strive to improve and protect everyday! I try to be there for others..but at the end of the day, I can't be every where...at least not successfully...

With that said...

Welcome...

This is a new season to Momma of Dos...

In a few months my Hubby will be, God willing, closer to a college degree! We will have placed yet another election behind us {I work in the Elections Division } and my kids will continue to grow before my eyes....everyday!

I have several topics to discuss in the months ahead some of the topics include: 

• Daycare Dilemma's...still..
• Potty Training and more...
• That pesky Vlog
• My Health and Staying Healthy as a Momma of Dos...
• Never loose Hope... La Esperanza muere al ultimo...o nunca muere...
• Momma Wish List
• Recipes for the Holidays
• Momma Friends
• And SO MUCH MORE! 

Oh yes..did I mention... I'M BACK!!!!! 

Camila {6 MONTHS!} ♥

6 months ago; life was different.

Just as we were adjusting to sleeping all night and whole milk, we are Blessed to be there again….

A beautiful little Angel fell from the sky and into our arms.

Her name.

Camila Isabel.

Her grace, abundant.

The love, showered.

My heart once more filled.

My Husband once more on his knees, to pray, to Thank, to Bless, to praise, worship and Love.

For God has been so good to us, it’s unimaginable.

I can’t remember life as 3…we are now 4.

I can’t imagine life without her.

Now a Momma of Dos.

Dos veces Blessed.

Dos veces, AMOR!

Today we live, we cry, we praise, we Love.

Camila has been more than a true dream come true…she’s been our little Angel to help fill the empty spaces in our home, her grandma smiles fill those empty places in our hearts and her girly giggle fills everyone with joy!

I have been here before once.

It’s the story of an amazing 6 month old who is not just a ray of sunlight and Blessing from the sky..but a true BUNDLE OF HAPPINESS.

She is a little circle of babble and love…

My Cami came into our lives 6 months ago…and it’s like we’ve known her and had her in our arms our whole lives.

Nothing should ever be different.

Blessings are so beautiful and we are more than Thankful! 

Santi has a sister, Ricardo and I have a daughter and life has one more sweet little girl to embrace! .

I pray over her every night.

I pray that her life be filled with happiness throughout.

That even if she suffers she knows that God is has her heart in His hands. 

Her life will be a great one….

We love her.

Her brother marvels at her…

Her father falls in love more and more every day….

Me, I was already in love, she has been in my heart all my life.

Now, she is in our lives and we couldn’t ask for anything MORE! 

Blessed. 

Today more than ever....

{BLOG-cation!}

This Summer has been busy! More like BU-SYYYYY!

Because well, it has been.... one whirlwind after another....and it's not getting any better...

Here is the story:

Our home consist of....

My Hubby; a Full-time student, trying to finish school ASAP, he will ONLY be 1 class away from graduation after this December, but in the mean time, he is taking FIVE classes, YES FIVE! Oh did I mention he also has to work to partly assist in supporting our home? Well he does. He is an intern and doesn't make much but still goes to work EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. He is very professional and hates missing work! But, did I mention the FIVE classes, well yes that's the Hubby.

Then there is ME. I recently received a promotion at work, YAAAY! I know right!? Only that it was one of those one day to the next kind of a thing where you really just... GO! Don't look back and think about it later...well I am in the thinking stage, NOW. You see for 3 years I prayed almost every day for doors to open and nothing...now 3 years and 2 kiddos later...they open... SO wide, it's been amazing! An answered prayer... so again...I am thinking. My new job keeps me well, BUSY. And, did I mention I have 2 kiddos and a Hubby who works and goes to school FULL-time. Oh yes, and then, there is this place I love to go, it's called Church. For about 2 months now I have been going to the chapel on Friday nights just because and to a Prayer and Worship workshop on Tuesday nights, for Faith. Then there is this LOVELY Blog that I just LOVE, LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to keep. And well, I have been a bit overwhelmed to say the least...but no worries..I love it all!

{As I look back on my Blog History..I have Blogged almost everyday the last 3 months, uhm, and to that I say, HOW ABOUT A LITTLE  BLOG-CATION!?!?! But, worry and fear quickly sink in and I wonder...what if I lose readers, what if my current readers get tired of waiting....and then God speaks...Connie...todo a su tiempo...and right now..is a time to pause... to wait and to listen! Not for too long but just long enough!}

Then there are the two VERY busy, super active, Momma {& Daddy} Love wanting kiddos...my FINALLY 2 year old son and my beautiful 6 month old daughter! Surely you will miss them but when I come back I will have TONS of new Momma topics to discuss and post about! That will definitely be a part of my Blog-cation! {Need to get all my notes and thoughts in order!}My children are doing amazing...no worries...all love and patience...for that day when their Momma can finally be a Stay-at-Home Momma! I have realized that, that {along with being my own boss}is my true calling but in the mean time I have to help in supporting my family by working an everyday 8 to 5 {or later, HA!} job! One day I pray that my dream of staying at home with my kids will happen! God knows why, and He definitely knows WHEN! All in His timing Connie. All in His timing.

And, don't worry..I usually provide some oldies but goodies!


If you want to know more about the birth of my two children click HERE:HERE:HERE: AND HERE.

If you want to read some Every-day's by Momma click HERE:HERE:HERE:HERE.

And who can forget all of the AMAZING Momma's who most recently taught me SO MUCH MORE ABOUT BEING A MOM, A WOMAN AND FRIEND! FOR THEM CLICK HERE! 

I WILL BE BACK SHORTLY...TRUST ME! 

In the mean time..if you want to reach me...you can email me at: mommaofdos@gmail.com

Thank YOU for being here!!! 

 

Some updated pictures of my Heart! 

 

 

{Momma of Dos ♥ ♥}

{Momma Love Series}

I came to Houston 12 years ago, seeking myself and waiting on God....

I was broken....

to say the least...

and these days I am not perfect 

but I have managed to pick up the pieces to hold it  together. 

Through Faith.

God, has given me the strength to find the broken pieces, super glue them together 

{with His Love} 

and

NEVER again allow the enemy to destroy my Victory! 

{Ever.}

Today I am the girl with a broken past, like many, who was some how given a second chance {By the Grace of God}, at well, just about everything...and because of that I consider myself Beyond Blessed.

I try to be me and never let go. 

And, I stand FIRM in what I believe. 

{Always.}

Welcome. 

I am {Connie}, 

Momma of Dos! 

I love to Blog. I love to share. I believe in Christ. I love my family. I love my Husband. I love my Son and I love my daughter. This is my life....I hope you like it....

My First Love:

As some of you may know my Husband and I were together for 7 years before we got married. We had been all that God and Love allowed us to be..or so we thought. 

We got married in 2006 and immediately thought of children. But, it didn't come easy to us... you see aside from being spiritually broken, I suffered from physical illness as well. Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, a fibroid, 2 major surgeries, a Cancer treatment {just in case} and many words of discouragement. 

This is where my Faith comes in. I heard and saw all of this but never believed it. My thoughts of one day being a Momma were seeded, planted and rooted in my Heart, through His mighty Heart. 

Like His love my need to become a Momma never ceased. 

In fact it became my biggest determination. 

I would one day become a Momma, because I had Faith. 

So, 3 years after chaos. 

I became pregnant. 

A little baby boy was growing in my belly. 

This little boy is now the little man who rules our lives and fulfilled a purpose for us. We were more than prepared for the expected news but still remained surprised when it happened. We didn't think it would ever be. 

When I took the first pregnancy test and it confirmed that "funny feeling" we were ecstatic and life would only get better.

My pregnancy was well, NOT what I expected and just plain out BLAH. 

But, I endured. I read, LOTS, and just about everything. 

I nested. 

We went to Lamaze. 

And, then 8 months had past. 

After a wild delivery and at age 28, 

I became a Momma to Santi. 

A Momma of One.

Our first year like my life was a ride! You know... "First Time Momma Syndrome"...it's real...just trust me...I know! Ha. Tried everything, failed..lots, scared, happy, intimidated, and don't forget..sleepy, grumpy, and dopey! Just about every "first-timer" emotion possible. And yes..the worse...depression. The combination of frustration from a c-section and exhaustion, were the worse, I have ever felt. What's worse....I forgot about God and allowed loneliness to be my only companion. With Love and true support from my Husband and Mom....I made it through those dreadful months. Santi has always been a handful and those sleepless night...well they still haunt me. But today...as I curl up on the couch with him to watch Rio, eat some "ca-corn", being a Momma and being in this moment is MORE than worth it! Nothing, nothing compares. Nothing, nothing matters. Love reigns and Faith prospers. God has Blessed me beyond my wildest dreams...ever!

More Love~Blessed Dos Veces:

For more love I have to back-track a bit. My son was born in September 2009 the same moth my Hubby lost his job and became a FT Student. It was difficult but we managed. Life was great. The following Summer {2010} he was asked to take an Internship in Mississippi. After much prayer and without a doubt, he took the offer and left us for the Summer. Santi was 8 months.  We began a new adventure. It was a long Summer, to say the least.  We would visit Ricardo and he would visit us. I am sure many nights, I cried. I was in Houston with an 8 month old. Not to mention I had a full-time job. It was a real challenge and Blessing all at once. Before I knew it the 3 months were up and Ricardo wanted Santi and I to come visit him one last time, to take a small vacation. During my week there, he worked and I stayed at his apartment with Santi. One day as I talked to my Mom all I could talk about was of  how sleepy and tired I had been all week..and how fussy Santi was being. My mom and her best friend discussed how I could be pregnant. Surely I couldn't be. Santi was only 11 months and it had taken me a whole 3 years to even get one pregnancy test to show me a "pregnant". That whole week, I thought. "Nah. It can't be." The day we came back home I told Ricardo, I could be pregnant. We drove 9 hours to Houston and our first stop was a CVS. I bought a pregnancy test and headed home. That same day we were to go and visit family, so as I showered I waited for my pregnancy test to give me a result. It was the fastest shower I had ever taken. 

I came back to where I had placed the pregnancy test.  

And sure enough. 

That word, once more.  

Pregnant.  

We cried. We laughed. We thought, Oh my!  

And, then we headed out to tell the news to our family. 

We were once more ecstatic! 

Santi would be a Big Brother!

Having had a horrible pregnancy with Santi, I expected the worse....to my surprise up until the very last day, I was actually ok. My pregnancy was very, very different. I didn't gain so much weight. I wasn't so sad. I was actually in love with being pregnant.Another wild delivery and traumatizing c-section after another 8 months {my children arrive early...so not Mexican! Ha.} I was once more a MOMMA.

Only this time my delight would be a beautiful little girl.

My lil'ma-ma. Cami. 

She is now 6 months. 

Trust me when I say she will be a handful too but is such a good, sleeping, happy baby! And although the first 3 months were difficult for her brother. Now, it's like they were born together. He loves acting like a clown for his little Sister and she loves seeing her Brother act up and be wild.

They hug and laugh.

They smile and Love one another. 

They fill my heart with joy and our lives with meaning and direction.

God has given us the  most amazing gift ever. 

And, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to be so fulfilled and accomplished as a.... 

MOMMA OF DOS!

{Momma Love Series}

Hello Everyone.

I didn't get all 16 entries like I wished for my Momma Love Series..but I did get 12...so I would say...It was a success!!!

Friday will be my turn!!! 

It's the day I officially became a  first time Momma!!!

In the mean time...feel free to go back and check out any of the other Momma Guest Bloggers and give them some feedback...follow them..contact them..I am sure they will appreciate it!!!

To my Lovely 12 Guest Blogger Momma's 

who were ever so gracious and 

allowed us to take a sneak peak

into their lives...

to you I say....

GRACIAS!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

You've been a true Blessing to me and I pray that my readers have enjoyed you and learned just as much about you as I have....

It's amazing how many of you I know personally...yet didn't "KNOW" you!!!!

Thank You again for sharing and being a part of my life!!!!

To all the New Comers...readers and Guest Bloggers....I say....THANK YOU AND I HOPE YOU STICK AROUND...

The fun is just about to start!!!! 

Blessed Night. 

{Kim} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

Today's Momma Guest Blogger is one of those friends, who left my life long ago, 

but through the world wide web, social networks, 

 and by the Grace of God,
she is once more in my life. 

Dios sabe lo que hace. 

We all have to live out our life's purpose 

and know that God is in control. 

This Blog has given me so much insight into her life. 

I was in her life when she had her 4 children but
I would have NEVER guessed that this was her story. 

I hope that she will not only inspire you, motive you and move you 

but that you can Love her much more for being so honest and willing to share her story with us. 

Kim. 

You are a true Woman of strength, courage and Faith. 

I admire you and your efforts to create a fulfilling environment 

not only for you but your children as well.

{Guest Blogger}

Hi. My name is Kimberly Ragan I am 31 years of age. I am a Personnel Coordinator for the company Fiesta and have worked here for almost 6 yrs now. Being a mama of four is a challenge a very complicated challenge. My life changed when I was 17 yrs of age....

When I had my son Luis, this little boy just did not want to be born, and now as the years past he still shows his stubbornness lol. Two weeks after his due date my doctor induced my labor. This was on a Monday at 6:00 am, being induced to provoke contractions are the most painful contractions I have ever felt. I still remember  the nurse coming in and asking me for the last time if I wanted the epidural and I could no longer say no and gave in. (worst mistake I ever made). My son was born Jan. 5th 1998@ 2:03pm weighing 7lbs and 15 oz and 21 1/4 inches long. With the birth of my son all the struggles I was going through and all the questions to myself of "Why Kim why?" just didn't matter anymore. I had just given birth to the most precious, kind heart-ed, big baby and I was so blessed.

Years past and while I was enjoying my son very much, with the getting him dressed up and showing him off and buying all these things for him, yet I was just not happy with my marriage and I felt incomplete. So I thought that by having another baby my life would be better....NOT! Well though my first son was not planned I intentionally got pregnant without consulting my ex. Four years later on Feb 17th 2002 (this was on a Sunday) I awoke feeling sad and depressed. So I got into the shower thinking a nice hot bath will help but it didn't . I immediately started to feel pain in my abdominal area, so I rushed to the hospital where my ex just dumps me off and goes back home to sleep off his drunkenness. So I called my sister, and doctor to come meet me but neither of them came. So practically I had my son on my own, and the poor doctor that helped me. I say poor because I screamed so badly when I pushed, I could feel every contraction and the tearing apart and even the stitching. My son Brandon was born @12:30 pm weighing 6lbs and 8 oz and 20 inches long. This day was the start of the woman I was becoming, not being dumb anymore and not letting my feelings get hurt so easily kind of woman. My little Brandon got the worst of this mama, because his daddy did not want him throughout my pregnancy and I suffered way too much because of it and took it out on him. Brandon crawled at 3 months and walked at 6 months that just shows you how bright my baby is.

I guess  God knew his intentions when I got pregnant again when my Brandon was only a year old. Let me tell  you this pregnancy was not wanted at all, under the circumstances of which I was living in NO! At two months pregnant I decided to have an abortion and my sister loaned me the money and made my appointment. Everyone convinced me not to do it and I am so glad that i didn't go through with it! When I went to go do my ultrasound my doctor said that she thought she saw two babies and then confirmed it, I burst into tears and my sister told me it's ok Kim we will all help you through this. I told the doctor please tell me that at least one of those babies is a girl, and sure enough it was! I was filled with happiness and thanked God for sending me her with a little extra gift, 5 months later my son Dillon and my daughter Yasmin where born on 11/20/2003, weighing 5lbs 6oz and 5lbs 5oz.

It was very difficult to raise my babies because it was actually like having triplets, Brandon was not even TWO! But I did it and I breast fed like I did my others for up to a year. I had my days when I would leave the room and go to the other and scream and cry and then come back in like nothing happened. I can tell you that I not regret any of those days because today being the woman that I am, I am very proud of myself. I have been with my four children on my own since my twins were 1 year and a half and we are together happy and safe. My son Luis who i adore is such a big help to me and I'm so grateful that God put him in my life.

So this is me, a mama of cuatro!!!!

{Jessica M.} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

I am really excited about this post. 

It comes from an old friend from one of my very first jobs...

I worked with Jess at Texas Children's Hospital here in Houston. 

 I never thought I would keep long lasting friendships with such amazing women
but God has been great to me! 

 Jessica is one of those Momma's that continuously inspires me to be not just a momma..

but a MOMMA! 

Might I add, she has the most handsome little boys ever!!

Enjoy!!! 

{Guest Blogger} 

I’m Jessica Meza, a.k.a Momma.  I have two boys.  My oldest son, Gabriel, just became a teenager over the summer.  And my youngest son, Julian, is 7 years old.  I have always been a “working” mother.  I’m not gonna lie, part of me enjoys working outside the home since I’m not the best at keeping house…so I try not to complain too often.  Currently I’m working as a Realtor, and part time as an office assistant at a psychiatrist’s office, and trying to create a new bakery- JJ’s Cupcakery, with my BFF.  Yup, I’m busy!  Amazingly, I still have time to enjoy my crafts: photography, scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, and reading.

 

The year I turned 23, two wonderful things happened.  First, I became pregnant for the first time.  Second, I gave birth to a sweet and beautiful baby boy.  This first pregnancy was completely unplanned, but I prepared myself through one of my favorite activities, reading.  The pregnancy itself took some getting used to.  My body was being difficult, and didn’t want to keep any food down for several months.  During this time period, I actually lost weight.  Once I was able to eat and keep my food down, my weight stabilized and luckily I had no other problems.  

On July 29th, I woke up about 6 a.m. with what I thought was a stomach ache.  I headed for the bathroom but was unsuccessful.  I returned to bed, only to be awoken by more stomach pain and then I finally realized that I was experiencing contractions.  Later that day I arrived at Memorial Hermann Hospital.  I settled in and received my epidural. Then I waited.  As the afternoon became evening, my contractions became even stronger.  I requested another epidural, but it was too late! The baby was coming and I had to push.  I know the pain was intense since the epidural had mostly worn off.  I struggled with the pain for a while, but finally at 8:13 p.m. Gabriel was born.  

It wasn’t difficult to adjust to my new life as a mother.  Gabriel was an excellent baby.  He had a good temperament and even began sleeping through the night at 4 weeks!  I don’t recall many specific details from that first year, but he was the first grandkid on both sides of the family so he was spoiled with love and many, many toys! 

My second pregnancy was planned and went along just fine.  I only suffered through a little morning sickness in the beginning.  This time I was working and worked until the day before the baby was born.  I left work on Friday, after having contractions for most of the day.  That night at about 11pm I was admitted to the Methodist Hospital.  This time I was feeling strong contractions before I was given the epidural.  My legs were shaking uncontrollably from the pain.  It wasn’t long after I received the epidural that I was in full labor.  This time the medicine was working great and the labor was easy for me.  I felt fully alert and was able to push without any pain.  Julian was born on February 7^th at 7 a.m. and weighed 7 pounds.  

Julian is my “little one”, and I love him, but I don’t recall having all these white hairs before he was born!  It was TWO years before I was able to get a full night’s sleep…I was just exhausted.  And the tantrums!  I had never even thought that I would have a child that would throw such horrifically loud, screaming fits, throwing himself on the floor, crying, throwing up, will this EVER end tantrums.  I’m actually smiling as I remember them, as if I find them funny, but I have the white hairs to prove they were real and not figments of my imagination.  Well at least he grew out of it (mostly).  

I love so many things about my boys.  I love how they are the same and how they are different.  I love watching them have fun, hearing them laugh, and snuggling with them.  I love being their mom.

Contact and Follow Jessica :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJs-Cupcakery/124232780970936

{Joani} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

The next Momma has been my friend for over 7 years now.

Funny story.

Her and I had class together in college.

We were studying together one night when our boyfriends {our now Hubby's}

came  to join us

and we discovered that they knew each other too!

For years we did everything together...

we all got engaged around the same time and married the SAME year!

So, it was only expected that we would all have children around the same time.

And we did.

My daughter Cami and her son Mason are only weeks apart!

Joani is one of those Momma friends who have reached

several life changing milestones with me and I hope that she is around for many, many others.

Thank You Joani for being my friend..and now... a Momma friend.

{Guest Blogger}

Hi I'm Joani and I have been married almost 5 years and work for a construction company as the HR manager. We became proud parents to Mason this past April and we also have a fur baby, Bubba, he's 7 years old.

How old you were when you first became a Momma?

29 years old.

Was it expected?

Baby Mason was expected, even though I was surprised on how quickly I got pregnant.

Did your pregnancy go well?

Yes! My pregnancy was very easy, I did not have any morning sickness at all!

Was your pregnancy what you expected?

I really didn't know what to expect. I didn't really read much about it before hand and during. I would just ask my doctor any questions I had.

Did your delivery go well?

Yes. Even though he came 4 ½ weeks early, delivery was super easy and quick!!

Was your delivery what you expected?

No! I thought I was going to be in horrific pain, yelling and screaming and cursing out everyone! You know like you see in the movies. Yes that was not what happened. Don't get me wrong contractions were painful but not enough for me to be all crazy yelling!! Oh and once the epidural kicked in it was even better.

How was your first year? And Was it all that you expected?

Well its only been about 5 months and it has been wonderful. I LOVE being a MOM! Which is still sometimes weird to say! I never thought it would be so easy being a mom and come so fast.

{Salena} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

Ok, so again. I want NOTHING to be lost in translation! 

So today... for our Momma Guest Blogger post we head on over to "A Little Piece of Me". 

{Her Blogs weren't posting exactly as they are on her Blog on my Blog... in other words..having some technical difficulties}

 

And, again. I am also in AWE as every new post comes in, about number one; how  much you can learn about a woman and her journey through her Momma story and also, at all of the amazing women that God is bringing into my life through my Blog! I am over joyed like no other!

My next Momma is DEFINITELY one HOT Momma and yep...Gran-Momma!

I recently visited her Blog and it's such a Happy place with lots of great pictures and stories. There is no doubt that this Momma has her hands full! 

She submitted not one Momma story but TWO. 

Both equally amazing. I hope you like them....

Oh yeah..and did I mention... she is Hawaiian...Aloha!

{Guest Blogger}

Her first journey: BABY LEE                                                   Her second journey: KAPONO

 

Contact and Follow Salena:

Blog is “A Little Piece of Me”  www.salenalee.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alittlepieceofmeblog

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alittlepiece_me