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!