Foreman Marley

While we were in Nacogdoches, Joel and his friend Dan were building a new porch in the backyard. They worked really hard, but I think it was because their foreman was there to keep an eye on them!

Mama Drama

For some reason, mothers are always judging each other. I think we have all had it happen at some point.

"She's not sleeping through the night yet?!"
"Isn't he too old for a pacifier?"
"She's never going to learn to sleep unless you leave her in there to cry!"
"Wow, are you ever going to stop breast feeding?"
"Shouldn't he be walking by now?"

Most mothers are in constant competition. They want reassurance that their way is the right way to do it, that they were more successful than you at that certain task. The problem is, especially for first time mothers as I was, this can have a damaging effect on a woman's confidence as a mother. I was constantly feeling like I had done something wrong. That's why she didn't sleep through the night, doesn't eat vegetables, used a pacifier, and didn't start talking for so long. It's so easy to get sucked into this drama filled arena where mothers are trying to justify their own decisions by making you feel like you need to be like them.

As time went by and Marley got older, my confidence in my mothering abilities grew. I have gradually tried to remind myself that Marley will reach certain milestones when she reaches them. There have been times when I sat next to her and wondered if she would ever be able to sleep through the night or if she would ever want to stop nursing. But I constantly reminded myself that her time would come. She would one day sleep through the night and I would one day be able to sleep in a bed that she wasn't in. It's hard to remember in the middle of it, when we're both tired and all I want is for her to go sleep. But now? I don't even remember most of the drama. Those memories have left my head and I now remember sweet moments cuddling in bed with her and nursing her to sleep.

I guess the point of my post is that we all do things differently. We can't judge each other for the decisions we make for our own children in our own homes. And my hope is that new mothers can feel confident in their decisions for their children. There is not one right answer for everyone. It sure we be easier if there was, but there just isn't. Every baby is different and every mother is different. Even if two mothers did the exact same things for the first six months of their babies lives, their babies will turn out differently. Whether our babies sleep in your bed or in a crib, whether you are nursing or feeding them through a bottle, and whether your baby is wearing disposable diapers or cloth, it doesn't matter. As long as you and your baby are happy with your decisions, that's all that you should worry about!

I hope that any of my readers will feel welcome to talk to me about anything they worry about. Whether we parent the same or differently, I am happy to be a friend to anyone willing to be mine! Let's break the mama drama cycle!

Marley Loves Babies

Marley got to hold her first baby this weekend! We went to Houston for my Grandmother's birthday party. The party was an adult-only party, so Marley got to spend the evening with all the kids in the family. Emily texted me and said that Marley was walking around saying "Mommy come home NOW!" So, I rushed back to the house to find this!She was perfectly fine, holding her cousin Rykkhan! Emily said that as soon as they got Rykkhan out of his crib, Marley couldn't take her eyes off of him. She hugged him for ten minutes and then wanted to hold him in her lap. She always loves seeing babies and talking to them, but I had never actually seen her with one! It was adorable! And it made me so excited for one day when she has a little brother or sister to spoil and hug and love on!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my 23rd birthday! I was lucky enough to have many many people wish me Happy Birthday today. Donna brought me over a beautiful fruit cake, that was delicious! My mommy took me and Marley out to a yummy lunch. And then my mom, Joel, and both Emilys took me out to dinner.

Before my mom left for work, she asked Marley to pick out a cake for me at the store. She picked the best one: a ladybug cake! She was very proud!
Marley even helped everyone sing Happy Birthday to me, which was a big treat because she normally only sings one line of it!
And, of course, mothers have to share the blowing-out-the-candles activities with their children. It's one of those rules of parenthood.
The best part of Marley's day? CAKE!
I'm a lucky Mommy! 23 will be a year full of happy things and sad things, but I know that I am so blessed to have such a fantastic and loving little girl and husband!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We couldn't be together for our birthdays this year, but luckily Marley got to wish her Daddy a happy birthday. He loved hearing her say it! He was so proud and showed everyone who would watch the video!

Happy Birthday, Daddy from Jillian Shaw on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We miss you and can't wait to celebrate with you in a few weeks!

The World Through Rose Colored Glasses

At our house, we do not have cable. So, Marley gets to watch her one episode of Dora each morning through Netflix, and then that's it. It stops itself and she knows it's over. At my mom's house, they have tons of channels playing all kinds of cartoons. So she can watch Dora, Olivia, Franklin, Handy Manny, Go Diego Go... whatever she can find. And I have been a little more lenient about her tv watching, so she usually gets to watch two episodes of whatever is on.

But I have to say that even with all of those choices, I still think Dora is the best one out there! They practice letters, numbers, and shapes more than any of the other shows, and Marley is much more into it! I never thought I would say that I liked Dora... but I LIKE DORA!

Exploring the Lanana Creek Trail

Marley and I were in need of an adventure today. We have spent a little too much time the past two weeks just hanging out at my mom's house. So, Emily V. had the brilliant idea for us to walk along the Lanana Creek Trail. I remember walking on the trail with my family the first year we lived in Nacogdoches, and I have been doing it ever since. So, I was excited to take Marley on a little walk and see what we could find.
She was excited too! We couldn't really go close enough to the creek to see anything in it, but Marley was content to examine acorns. She loves doing that! She does it every time we go in the back yard at my mom's house. She matches up all of the acorns with "hats" and then sticks the ones that aren't broken in her pockets. And when we see a squirrel, she yells to it, "ACOOOORRNN!"
We also found a lonely flower, just the right size for Marley to carry around. She was very proud of her collection!
We also found a bridge along the path. Marley was sure to tell me that Dora and Boots go on bridges! So, we walked over it just like Dora does.
Then, we examined leaves. We saw brown leaves, yellow leaves, and red leaves. But Marley's favorite were the leaves that were still green. So, she brought home and bundle of green leaves and a piece of bamboo to show Papa.
We had a great time and it was so good to get out of the house. My little girl loves nature and adores exploring everything. So, we will definitely have to go back! Next time I might take a different route so that we can get a little closer to the creek see something different.

Checking on Bobby

"Bobby" has been many different animals in the past. First, he was Marley's imaginary friend and we had no idea who he was. Then, he was the groundhog living outside of our house. He has been various squirrels we see or bears at the zoo, also. But most recently, he is the wooden bear sitting outside of my mom's house. He is the greeter at the front door, and an animal that the rest of us walk right by and never notice.But, Marley? She always notices him and she always talks to him!

"Hey Bobby! Rainin'!"
"Hey Bobby! Cold!"
"Hey Bobby! Windy!"
I'm sure Bobby loves hearing about the weather that day from such a cute little girl. He has probably never felt more loved than he has recently! Marley has such a nurturing and sweet personality. She will the person who wants to make sure everyone is included and comfortable and happy. I can see it not only in the way she worries about Bobby, but in the way she takes care of her babies, and always kisses her animals, and tucks all her toys in at night. She will be a great big sister one day.

Day of Smiles

Marley had a day full of huge smiles and playing and swinging. It was a fantastic day!

Lufkin Zoo

Yesterday, we spent the day in Lufkin with Emily V., Bonnie, Malachi, Bill, and Mary. We all went to the zoo together, and had a good time walking around together.
When we walked up to the Hippo window, I said "I've never seen anything exciting happen with the Hippos..." Just then, Mr. Hippo came right up to the window, staring at us. Both of the hippos spent about 10 minutes swimming right in front of the window, and we were all amazed at how active they were. The Lufkin Zoo isn't much, but it was worth the trip to see the hippos.
She was willing to sit on this lion and pose for a picture this time. The last time we went to the zoo, she refused to go anywhere near it!I have noticed lately that I haven't been taking nearly as many pictures as I used to. I was trying to figure out why that was, and I think it has to do with the fact that Marley doesn't really cooperate for pictures anymore. I used to be able to call her name to get her to look towards me, and then I could get some pretty good pictures. Now, she just completely ignores me when I call her name. She knows what I'm going to do and she couldn't care less! So, I have tried to get creative about how to get her attention. For this particular shot, I bribed her with Goldfish. Hey, whatever works, right?
Aunt Emily bought Marley a souvenier from the zoo: her very own baby and mommy monkeys. She has been taking very good care of them since she got them yesterday, always making sure they stay together and are never hungry!
Later that night, we called Asa and Marley told him everything she had seen at the zoo.

"Heeppos, gigers, monkeys, keacocks, teertles, and squirrels!"

I could tell Asa was sad he missed it, and he made us promise that we can all go together when he comes down here. It has to be hard to hear about the things you are missing, and that will definitely not be fun for an entire year. I worry about how he will feel when he has missed a year worth of activities. How do I make it easier?

The Highlights of Our Anniversary Trip

A cute baby eating a yummy cookie.Marley having a blast in the camper, sticking her head out the door and yelling "Heeeeellooooo!!"
Getting some quality family time in.Letting Bebe get some fresh air.

Sitting by the fire all together.
Covering Bebe in a blanket of grass. I think Bebe totally loves camping.
Eating s'mores before dinner, just cuz it's a vacation!
Going on walks together.
Playing on the playground with Mommy and Daddy.
Covering our legs in leaves.
And kicking up leaves at each other!
Eating ice cream together, which may be Marley's favorite family activity.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was being dropped off at a spa for my surprise facial appointment! I have a wonderful husband!

It was a wonderful weekend and I'm so happy we got to spend it together!