End of 2012

I haven't blogged much this month because I have not had the time to, but I wanted to put up a post for the end of the year. I think I have done really good so far with my blogging. I did not expect to last this long. Not because it is something I can't do but because of the time it takes. I thought I would get tired and quit but God has been faithful and I'm thankful for all my readers.

So! It's December 31st, 2012. I can personally say that God has been really good to me this year. 2012 was really my year. You know at the end of every year, I always look forward to the coming year with so much enthusiasm, and I'm sure it's the same for most of us. I will usually pray and claim that year, that it would be my best yet, it would be my year for great things, great exploits, and so on. And when I get to the end of some these past years, I look back and sometimes I feel I made little progress, and there are those years that I look back and wonder what in the heck I did with the previous 12 months and then wish for a do over!

2012 has been very different though. It truly was my best year yet. Besides getting married, having my daughter, graduating with my MBA, which were the highlights of my year, I honestly think I am a better me. I have grown so much in this past year and I believe I am the best I've ever been. I think I'm a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better Lauret. Wife and mom, I'm learning everyday. I take time to think more about others than I do for myself and I also pray for them in the process.

Did I accomplish all I wanted to this year? Absolutely not. Were there setbacks? Absolutely. But I am definitely not where I was at the beginning of the year. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." I always pray for God to bless me with wisdom. I say that prayer as often as I remember to and I know without a shadow of doubt that God is answering my prayer. I may not be Solomon, but I think I am far better than I used to be. I still make mistakes. I'm sure I will make many more but by his Grace, I'm able to learn what the lesson is and move on a more better me.

If you are one to take account of your year, as you do so this year, take note of the negatives but don't let that be your main focus. Think about the many things God blessed you with this year and if you really can't think of any, be thankful for breath. I once heard that "any day above the ground is a good day", and I would like to add to that, "and there is yet hope". Be thankful for life and for the opportunity for a second, third, forth, and so on chance. As long as there is life, there is hope.

Some people hate new year resolutions, but I see nothing wrong with them. As a matter of fact I think they are awesome. The Bible says in Habakkuk 2:2, "Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."" Know what your plan is, and write it down. And at different points in the coming year, go over it and take account. What have you done? And what do you need to do to get to where you want to be?

Hope you all have a great new year celebration! What will I be doing at 12:00 a.m? What I've done every New year's Eve of my life for as long as I can remember. I'll be at church with my family. It's always fun and there's no place I'd rather be!

Be blessed and have a safe New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!

"For to us a chid is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

MERRY CHRISTMAS from my family to yours!

Pray For Newtown

By now, most of the world is aware of the horrible tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday morning, December 14th, 2012. I sat in my parent's living room and watched in horror, hoping that the number of the deceased children will somehow dramatically reduce or disappear. Hoping that everything was some sort of terrible misunderstanding. Wondering why God would let this happen to little innocent babies. Not that it would be any better with adults, but they were just babies... babies.

A couple of days earlier, MoMo had bad gas and she wasn't holding anything down. She kept throwing up and acting like something was stuck in her throat. I thought I would lose my mind. I quickly grabbed my phone and called my mom, when she didn't pick up, I called my older sister who is a doctor. She asked me about the last time Mo pooped and I was so confused and shaken, I could hardly think to answer the question. Thank God for my sister, she was able to diagnose what was wrong. I followed her instructions and Mo was back to normal within hours.

Now God forbid, I can only imagine being a mother on that Friday morning. First of all, the confusion of hearing the news, then rushing to the school, and then just knowing that your child is safe and coming out to be reunited with you. Instead you wait, and wait some more, only to be told your child is not going home with you... ever. As a mother, my heart goes out to every parent who lost their child to this horrific incidence.

My heart also goes out to the family of the 6 adults that were killed. My heart goes out to the shooter's mom whom he killed prior to heading to the school, and my heart also cries for the shooter. Every so often, we are very quick to judge but while watching the news, by the Grace of God I understood that we are all saved by Grace. It could have been any of us. I've watched many of these TV shows, and heard stories of perfectly normal people who snapped and committed heinous crimes. So, I try not to judge, not to curse... I just thank God. We don't know what that young man was going through to have convinced himself to do what he did, and we may never know.

Many hearts are hurting... Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunties, uncles, friends. No one should go through such pain. A parent should never have to bury their child. Got questions? Wondering what you can do? Imagining what those affected are going through? You can do something about it. PRAY.

Here are the 28 that passed. You don't have to remember all their names but you can remember a few, and pray for their families. Pray for this great nation. Pray for our world.

Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Rachel D'Avino, 29
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6

Dawn Hochsprung, 47
Madeleine F. Hsu, 6
Catherine V. Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Nancy Lanza, 52
Adam Lanza, 20
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace Audry McDonnell, 7
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6

Avielle Richman, 6

Lauren Rousseau, 30

Mary Sherlach,56

Victoria Soto, 27

Benjamin Wheeler, 6

Allison N. Wyatt, 6

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land"
2 Chronicles 7:14

MoMo's First Set of Braids!

I usually have Mo's hair in a set of puffs and it has worked out fine for the most part. However, her hair has gotten longer and and her fingers more active, so she started pulling on them. After taking her puffs out, I will normally let her go for a couple of days without a new set, to give her and her hair a break. I realized though that she sweats a lot on her hair when she has her fro and I don't like that too much.

Yesterday, I decided to take a chance and braid her hair. I gave her a really nice hot bath and shampooed her hair. After bath time, she ate and started falling asleep... just what I was waiting for! As soon as I knew she was a little deep into her sleep, I got to work. Thanks to her cat naps, she started moving before I got much done. Whether she was asleep or awake, I was determined to finish what I started, so I continued. 

She fussed a little here and there, cried every other three minutes, played with her toys, breastfed, and cuddled a lot with me until we got done about 2 hours later. It was so worth my time and she looks so beautiful. We did it at six months! Yay us MoMo!!!

Likey?

Morayo Is 6 Months Old!

I can't believe 6 months has gone by since the birth of Momo! In another 6 months, she will be one year old!!! Unbelievable! I am so thankful for her life and for her every development. She has totally changed my life in ways I would have never imagined. She is absolutely the true meaning of her name.... The JOY of the Lord!

Momo you are a lot more active and fun now! What have you been up to?

You love laughing, and you do this really weird snorting thing that is the funniest and cutest thing ever! 

You are still on breast milk, but I started you on solids. I had high hopes of making my own foods for you with the baby bullet machine but that's not happening... So right now, you are a Gerber baby. Your favorite meals are the sweet potatoes and the banana, apple, and strawberry mix! The mix is so good that I catch myself taking a few down while feeding you! You have also started eyeing my meals and drinks. You want a taste of whatever I'm eating and I love watching you try new meals! You feed very well with spoons too! I thought once we started spoon feeding, it would be a big mess but you open your mouth when you see the food coming, and close after receiving. Amazing! You also use your high chair now, so you have your special spot at the dinner table!

You are a sitting champion now! You do it without falling over and I'm so proud of you. 

You still have no teeth yet. I'm patiently waiting though. Teething has not been much fun for you or me. I hate knowing you're hurting but I know it's a part of your growth. I give you teethers to help. I put them in the freezer and I think the cold against your gum helps soothe the pain.

You love playing with paper. It's like you get a rush from ripping it apart. Anytime you see paper I think a voice goes off in your head that says "action activate". Lol! I'm scared of you getting paper cuts though so I usually give you stuffing paper for gifting. It's soft and colorful! 

Your hair keeps getting longer and longer. Everyone that meets you talks about your full head of hair. I still put it in puffs because that's just the best way to manage it plus you look so pretty with your hair that way!

Your sleeping pattern is still great. You wake up maybe once during the night and all you do is feed and keep sleeping. 

You still love car rides. However, sometimes you get really fussy and want to get out of your car seat while the car is in motion. Oh boy! 

Everything you pick up goes into your mouth. I'm always making sure your surrounding area is clear of any baby unfriendly items.

I was dreading this, but its happening. You've started acting up when unfamiliar hands carry you. You form this cute boo boo face and start crying so I have to get you back. And you reach out for me now! 

On some days you can nap for 3 hours and other days you take like 3 to 4 15 minute naps. You are a very light sleeper and will put your head up and look around at the sound of any noise. 

I caught you sucking your thumb recently. It was so random. You haven't done it ever since.


You are pulling on everything you can get your hands on from hair to lips, noses, glasses, earrings... Everything!

Bath time is still a lot of fun. You enjoy it a lot, especially the massages I give you after every bath. 

Morayo, your farts are something lethal child! I can't even get used to it! I always pray you don't do it in public. Sometimes you fart and I just know you've done a number 2 but when I open your diaper to check, after I recoup from getting blown back further, I realize your diaper is as dry as the Sahara desert! 

You're making lots of sounds. You say "bah, bah, bah" a lot and your dad thinks you're calling him. Ha! He wants you to call him "ba mi"... Pause. Baba is a way to call daddy in his language and "mi" means my, so "baba mi" means "my daddy". Your wonderful daddy, or should I say ba, shortened it for you to "ba mi"... Negative. I think dad will do just fine sweetie. 

When I'm doing things around the house, I put you down on the floor around me with your toys, and you have your days. Some days you let me do what I'm doing until I'm done and you have days where you just do not corporate. There are more better days though, so I don't mind picking you up and cuddling the days you don't want to sit.

I still have you in size 2 diapers but your butt has reached the 2 limit, so we're moving up to 3!

You wear 6-9 months clothing. I think you're a great size. Not too big, not too small. Just perfect for my arms... at least for now. 

You have mastered the act of fake crying/yelling just to get our attention, and I allow myself to fall for it. Key word... Allow. Lol

You still use and love your pacifiers. I actually got you a really funny one today! I couldn't resist! 

Whenever I take you out, people fall in love with you. They want to take you home with them or hold you! You are constantly getting compliments on how beautiful and adorable you are! In those moments, I think to myself... I'm taking you home and I get to hold you as long as God grants me breath. Morayooluwa, we are beyond blessed to have you as our baby girl! 

Happy 6 months birthday to you! 

Catching Up

I usually try to blog 2 or 3 times a week, and sometimes once, so at least my readers know that I haven't given up on this blogging thing. Lol. Blogging is tough! I respect daily bloggers, even though for some, it may be their full time job. It is not easy! Maybe one of these days, I'll get around to putting up a post for every day of the week. I refuse to do weekends though, gotta draw the line somewhere... Lol

So what has been going on around here?

Hubby came in town the weekend after my birthday and we enjoyed a quick mini getaway. My sis helped us keep Morayo while we just enjoyed our time together. It was so much fun! We stayed at a very pretty hotel in midtown Atlanta and went for dinner at a really nice steak house. Dinner was great! Besides the food, I really enjoyed our conversation. I always enjoy a good conversation especially with hubby!

I am now the owner of an iPad! WooHoo! I'm not big on technology gadgets, so when the iPad first came out and everyone wanted one, I really didn't care much. However, I began to see the usefulness and recently began to throw it into the universe that I wanted one. Hubby's family were listening and they got me one for my birthday! Yay! Last year, I kept talking about the Amazon kindle and my siblings got me one for my birthday! I like this trend... I might scare myself with what I start requesting for next year.

For the first time in YEARS, I joined in the Black Friday madness! I spent thanksgiving with Hubby's family. His uncle usually has a party every year and so, they always go there every year! And this year of course was no different! We set out late to his uncle's home, so we didn't leave until pretty late at night. After leaving, hubby drove us around downtown Atlanta and we enjoyed taking in the beauty of the city with all the Christmas lights. Quick fact about me, I love night rides... well, as long as I'm not the one driving. Ha! After our ride around the city, we went to Sears to get a dishwasher for our home in Atlanta. It was due for a new one and we informed our tenant that we would replace it during the thanksgiving holiday. The Sears store we went to is connected to a mall, so a few minutes after getting the dishwasher, the mall gates opened and we figured... why not?! I was glad we did because I got some pretty great deals for myself and Mo. I would have probably done a lot more shopping but I was in pain! I had on heels and wasn't prepared! I actually took them off after a while, I didn't even care! That's how bad it was!

We took our family Christmas pictures! I told hubby about how I wanted us to take pictures for the holidays, so we could send them out as greeting cards. I thought it would be a great tradition to start, and he agreed that it was a good idea. He called his best friend Raymond who is a great photographer! Raymond took our engagement pictures for our wedding and did a really good job. I'll probably share those pictures one of these days. The Christmas pictures turned out very well! I will be sharing our pick for our greeting card on here on Christmas day, so please come back to check it out!

Exactly one week from today, my friend Phoebe will be exchanging vows with the love of her life! It is unbelievable how fast time has gone by! If you follow my blog, I blogged about her getting her dress and also her bridal shower, so I can't wait to blog about the main day! I'm really excited!

Currently, I am in Bentonville, Arkansas! I've been here for a week and it's been a lot of fun trying to figure out my new environment. It's almost like an adventure. I get excited when I see places I'm used to in Atlanta, or places I can do the things I usually do in Atlanta. I've also spent a good amount of time arranging and re-arranging our home. Lol. Fun stuff!

I FINALLY have a follower!!! YAY!!! Shout out to my sister Juliet for being my first follower! THANK YOU!!! That means a lot to me!

OKAY! I think that's enough catching up. This week, I'll return back to my regular blogging schedule... hopefully! Either way, thanks for reading!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow, most Americans across the country will celebrate Thanksgiving. Of all the holidays, thanksgiving is my most favorite. Everything it entails, from the weather, to the presence of family, dinners, great food, laughter, and so on... makes me feel really warm on the inside. No other holiday brings families together like Thanksgiving, and I think that's what makes it so wonderful. This year, as I spend my thanksgiving with my husband and daughter, there is no doubt that I have much to be thankful for. I have been truly blessed this year and God has been really, really good to me.

Tonight, I already see the Thanksgiving tweets and Facebook statuses checking in. Even more exciting, a lot of instagram"ers" are posting preparation pictures! I love it! In all our excitement, please I ask you to make it a point to tell God how much you appreciate Him, and what you are thankful for this year. Cherish every second spent with your loved ones and try not to eat too much turkey!

From my family to yours... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercies endureth forever."

2 Chronicles 16:34

Family Fun

This post is a couple of days late but here we go. I have some what of a big family. My parents have six kids, five girls and one boy. As we've gotten older, life has taken us different directions. My oldest sister, Collette is married to Nosa and Pauley is their son. Collette is in Philadelphia finishing up her residency, Nosa is in Oklahoma and Pauley is with us in Atlanta. Huh? I know. It's not as complicated as it seems. Lol. Harriet is the second and she is in Dallas, Texas in law school. Juliet is the third, and she is here in Atlanta. I am the forth and I'm also here... for now. Emmanuel my only brother is right after me and he moved to Chicago recently. Emmanuel has always wanted to live in Chicago and somehow, God orchestrated things and he got a job with the Federal Reserve out there and moved speedily. Lol. Amazing how his dream came true. My little sister Annette is here in Atlanta in her third year in college. I doubt she'll stay in Georgia after school though. Little shawty got plans. All this to say, we are all scattered across the States and only get to see each other mostly on major holidays. Well, this past weekend, EVERYONE was in town! All under one roof! We had a party for Pauley who just turned three! I had such a BLAST!!! Whenever we all get together, we're all laughing non-stop and clowning each other. I never want it to end. I absolutely LOVE my family. They are all truly my pride and joy!

Some pictures from Pauley's party this weekend...

Pauley is named after his dad Nosa. He actually goes by Nosa at his school. He loves loves the Disney movie "Cars" and knows all the characters, so we made it his birthday theme. The look on his face when he saw his cake was priceless. Btw, this cake was so darn good! 

My mama straight matching with the wall and floor! Hehe

Yup! I sure did! And it was FUN!!!

I didn't witness it, but I heard Pauley gave his teacher, pictured above, the best welcome. He loves her!

This was the best part of the night. Pauley was SO excited when we sang happy birthday to him and he blew out his candles. He kept yelling "Tweee!" when we got to the "How old are you now?" part. Funny story... Pauley loves cookies, so the day of his actual birthday, we bought him a cookie cake and sang to him at home. Right before he blew out the candles, we told him to close his eyes and make a wish. So he shut his eyes tight and whispered "Abracadabra". That did it for me! Unfortunately, my sis thought she was recording on her phone but she wasn't!

Collette and Nosa

With Christian (l) and Nicholas (r). A long, long time ago... I was their babysitter. How long ago? I changed Christian's diapers. Nick was already potty trained. Today Chris is 12 and Nick is 14! We lost touch for some years. I recently found out I still have their mom's number and I reached out. Told her I was married with a daughter and she was at the house the next day! Lol. I was shocked when I saw how grown the boys were! The whole family was too excited to see them at the party!

With their mom, Mrs. Katie. Love her! She gave me my first job! Lol

MoMo with Mrs. Katie and the boys!

Going through gifts at the end of the night, Pauley was so confused with excitement. It was the funniest sight..

Sunday the 11th, was my brother's birthday and he got ready in his Sunday/Birthday best! Lol. He absolutely loves the ice cream cake at this ice cream spot called Brusters, so we get him one almost every year! When Pauley saw the cake and heard us singing, he got really excited and started yelling "Tweee!!!" We had to let him know... "Uh uh bruh... This one ain't for you!" In the words of his dad... "Cool down". Lol

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Uncle let him blow out the candles though. 

MoMo with her uncle.

The weekend was short of perfect. Just one piece was missing.... Hubby.

I'm looking forward to another amazing weekend ahead!!! CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT!!! #happyhappyjoyjoy

Enjoy yours!

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Today I turned 26 and as I reflect on the past year, I can't but THANK GOD for how awesome He has been to me! 25 was TOO good to me! I got engaged and married to THE most amazing man on earth, we had THE most beautiful baby girl, I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration from University of Georgia, and hubby got a great job hence our move. All these among so many other blessings. Makes me want to break out and sing...

"Count your many Blessing, Name them one by one,

Count your many Blessings, See what God has done,

Count your Blessings, Name them one by one,

Isn't it surprising what the Lord has done"

I'm not sure what I've done to deserve so much joy and happiness but I am so grateful to God. 25 has been my best year yet, but I know there is so much more in store for me and THE BEST IS YET TO COME! I am full of expectation and ready to be embarrassed with God's love and all that He has prepared for me. One of my all time favorite scriptures...

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards Lauret Odesanya, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give her a future and a hope" .... Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11

02-11-12

MoMo Boo

Sharing a very proud moment with my sister Juliet! Older Sis Harriet pictured with us.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU LORD!!!

Smile

Considering all the unnecessary (in my opinion) post election tension floating around, I just want to lighten the mood a little.

A couple of weeks after Mo boo was born, my big sister Harriet, Mo's godmother, who is just oh so crafty, knitted the prettiest hat ever for Mo Boo. Over the summer while rounding up my MBA, Harriet helped me babysit Mo one of the nights I was in class. She took a picture of Mo with the hat on and sent it to me. Whenever I get pictures, I usually take a snapshot of it with my IPhone and save it to my picture library. Well recently, I was with my sister-in-law Renny and her daughter Izi. I told Renny about the hat and proceeded to pull up the picture from my phone so she could see it. After she looked at it, she handed the phone back to me and Izi came up to me and of course also wanted to take a look at the picture. Here's the picture...

Ahhhh!

She took a look, turned to her mom and said, "Mama why is my baby cousin wearing that basket?" My goodness! I laughed SO hard, I think I was close to tears!

Three days ago Harriet sent a text with the picture below to the family, that brought the biggest smile to my face. She graduates from Law school next year and on Tuesday, they took their class pictures. Words cannot express how proud I am of my sister!!! 

Elegance

Two cents disclaimer... I am a firm believer that it is the will of God for President Obama to have a second term. Long before President Obama was formed in his mother's womb, God knew him, called him by his name, and destined him to be the President of the United States of America for two terms. It wasn't luck. It was him over time preparing himself to walk into his destiny. Now, if we all will just for a moment, take our minds off ourselves and not focus on hate, race, political party affiliation, policies, and so on, and just for that moment consider the circumstance surrounding President Obama's win stemming back to 2008. Something in you has to admit that God has His hands on this man. If you believe in my God, the One who sent His son Jesus to die for the redemption of our sins, whether or not you care about the President or his policies, please tap into that agape love your Bible teaches you about and join me to cover the President in the wisdom, strength, and fear of God as he takes on the next four years. Thank you.

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend. Mine will be a BLAST!!!

History Made AGAIN...

Last night I sat in my parents living room for hours glued to the TV and watched as my President got reelected...

AND IT FELT AS GOOD AS IT DID THE FIRST TIME!!!


#Obama2012  #Fourmoreyears #Hope #Change #Foward #Yeswecan .... And YES WE DID!!!

Happy Birthday Izi!

Happy New Week. Hope you had a great weekend. I sure did!

I would like to wish hubby's niece a very happy 4th birthday!!! I remember going to see her at the hospital four years ago when she was born. How time flies!

Izi dressed up as a fairy for Cowloween at Chick-Fil-A a couple of weeks ago.

Around this time four years ago, Americans were heading to the polls to vote for the first election ever with an African American candidate. It was a very exciting time and four years later, we are heading back to the polls. I just want to encourage every American out there who has the ability to vote to go out and exercise your right. It is so important that you vote if you haven't already. Clearly, I have a preferred candidate, but recently, I've prayed that God's will be done.

Proudly displaying my sticker after voting (2008).

Enjoy your Monday!