Most of us will go through some pretty tough times at some point in our lives. Before I shared my story, I didn’t realize the power and healing it would have.

Your story, my story is a gift from God to draw others to Jesus.

God is writing a GREAT masterpiece.. He is writing the stories of our lives! And we are all currently walking through different chapters and different seasons.

In Paul Tripp’s book, New Morning Mercies, he says…

“Every turn He writes into your story is RIGHT.

Every twist in the plot is for the BEST.

Every new chapter or unexpected event is a tool of His GRACE. 

Each new chapter advances His PURPOSES.”

He is writing a story in my own life…here’s a quick synopsis:

✍️The chapters start all the way in Arizonato end up in TN🛣. From growing up, finding Jesus to my first job at @crackerbarrel . Then going to college at @leeuniversity to marrying Jake, moving to SC where we both finished our degrees‍‍, him at @shermancollege and I went to the university SC-upstate… where we had a couple babies. After graduating moving to TN where we found ⛪ @foothillschurchtn & are still part of it after 8+ years. After waiting and trusting God, we opened @victoryhealthcenter !! Experienced loss but all along the way knowing the Lord had a plan. Later had a couple more babies all while starting homeschooling. And even still after 13 years of marriage, I still am in as much love as I was with Jake as when I first met him at that @leeuflames basketball game. And in this current chapter of heartbreaking loss of another miscarriage, I find comfort knowing the God has a a plan and it is GOOD!
If you’re current chapter is hard, find comfort in knowing you’re not alone and that the Lord is with you. (I’m having to constantly remind myself as I walk this chapter out) ❤️

Here’s a link to my DRAW MY LIFE Story! 

#drawmylife #mystory

The post Draw my Life || The Story God is Writing in ME appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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I had a miscarriage.

Or maybe I should say, I am having a miscarriage.

Something I definitely thought I’d never say again. 

We thought we were done having kids. I was content. He was content. Our little family with 4 beautiful children.

Going through ups and downs as parents, failures, successes to thinking we’ve got it a little figured out to downright low again. And then do it all over again.

But we were content. Then one day, I felt off and my period was late, and I knew. So I grabbed a pregnancy text and waited, and yep, I was pregnant.

Suddenly, ALL the excitement and fear was all tangled up together at the same time.

From the moment I saw the positive test, my heart grew in love. I began thinking, planning, preparing. I had a feeling it was a girl. Later that week, I told my husband.

And even purchased an ornament about our surprise baby to give him. 

I began having pregnancy symptoms over the next couple of weeks. Morning sickness and all. I thought this is going to be ok.

We’re going to have another baby! Baby #5! I was over the moon excited. 

At 6 weeks, I went into an appointment to check on the baby. I saw a baby, heartbeating and all! Two weeks later, I went into my 8 appointment. My pregnancy symptoms had been wacky, there and then not, but I was hoping it was just different with baby #5. The appointment we’d check on the baby and be released into the care of my midwife. 

So I laid on the table with the ultrasound tech. Sweet as can be lady. And right away I knew. I knew our baby was gone.

There was no baby, just an empty sac. So this is where I am now, grieving, trying to understand and waiting for a physical miscarriage to take place. 

I know God has a plan, and a purpose but that doesn’t mean it’s easy walking though it.

Here are 2 verses that give me a little peace about this: 

James 1:2-3

Psalm 46:1

I don’t know God’s plan or why this happened, I just have to trust Him! One day I WILL be able to look back on this and see the amazing plan God had all along. His ways are not our ways! And HIS plans are always GOOD! 

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers during this time! 

I share more about this in a youtube video I shared here. 

-Rachel

(images via google)

The post I am having a miscarriage. appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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To begin this story I guess I’ll have to take you back to the Spring of 2015. (if you want to skip all of the pre-story, scroll down to where it says Coby’s Birth Story) 

We were busy with life, work, kids’ school, a 1 year old running around and our “husband and wife” time had been lacking. So I was trying to be more intentional to make time for that!  

We weren’t sure about having any more kids but I certainly had caught the baby bug. I just count imagine that we were “done.”

Well, on the eve of my 33rd birthday after dealing with on and off spotting for a few days and Aunt Flow being late, I took a test. I had had negative tests before so I waited in anticipation for those 2 long minutes, since I really wanted to be pregnant… PREGNANT… the digital test flashed.

My heart pounded and I was flooded with all kinds of emotions; fear of loss, excitement of another baby, dreadfulness of morning sickness and wonder. My husband had went out of town that afternoon for a seminar and I wondered what he would think. Would it be excitement, would it be joy, would it be fear? 

I texted him a picture of London holding the pregnancy test. No answer. So I called him. No answer. He texted me he was in the airport eating dinner. Later we chatted and he was in disbelief, he thought I was joking or pranking him. He even thought that for a few days or even a week or so until I told him I scheduled an appoint with the OB to make sure it wasn’t an ectopic pregnancy since I have had one before. 

I slightly remember his face, like a… you weren’t kidding face. 

We went to that appointment and the little baby showed up on the ultrasound, too early to detect a heartbeat but there. Another miracle baby. 

If you’ve ever experienced a pregnancy loss, you know that just because you see the baby on the screen, that Satan sneaks in any second he can to cloud your joy with fear. I had to constantly defeat that fear with London’s pregnancy and seems as if I was doing the same thing with this pregnancy. 

The doctor scheduled me for a follow up a couple weeks later before I was dismissed to the care of my midwife. Although we would rather avoid ultrasounds, another one was done to confirm the baby’s growth and heartbeat. 

The morning sickness had already settled in by that point. It was all I could do to finish up those last few weeks of toting my kids to co-op and work on school on home days. But thank goodness it was (mostly) summer time during all of that. Most of the summer was spent on the couch, sleeping the sickness off and praying the kids were safe. A lot more TV was on and somehow the 1 year old survived too. Good thing she has an awesome big brother and sister. 

Although it seemed like forever in the moment, the summer passed and before long, I was feeling better. 

We took a wonderful, much needed, trip to the beach and then the Fall semester flew by and BEFORE LONG, it was Christmas break. And this is where the true beginning of baby #4’s birth story begins.

Coby’s Birth Story:

Christmas had came and went and my hope for an early baby (meaning earlier than 40 weeks pregnant) was gone. Little did I know that just 10 days later, 1 day shy of my due date, I would deliver a healthy baby. 

My parents and sister and her family had been visiting. My sister and her family left on New Year’s Eve to head back home while the rest of us just hung out. I was really worn out by this time and didn’t feel like doing much of anything. All the holidays during that busy season, all while my belly was growing and caring for our other 3 children, took a toll on me. 

The Saturday before Coby was born I had felt a little off and was hoping that just maybe it would be the day. My husband and I went to a wedding that night but nothing happened. (before we left for the wedding selfie above) The next day was Sunday, we streamed church on TV and there were no signs of a baby coming. I thought, I guess the baby will be coming late like all the others. 

I was so ready, I even shared this picture on instagram after taking a nice bath. 

I went to bed that night around 11:30pm which was pretty early (for me)since I had been going to bed around 12:30-1am. 

I woke up at a 10am… YES, I got to sleep! I may have woke up a little before but just laid in bed checking email and fb scrolling. When I got out of bed I definitely felt off, but just like the days before it turned out to be nothing. So I put clothes on, brushed my teeth, started a load of laundry, made my bed and sat on the rocking chair my mom had just re-covered days before. I felt contractions but wasn’t sure if they were intense baron hicks or what. 

I went downstairs where everyone was. It’s nice to have Mamaw in town to get up with the kids, especially London!! I mentioned to my mom that I was feeling off and was going to eat some cereal. Which by the way, I never eat cereal but I guess my body knew I would need some carbs.  

Mom asked about going to Costco since we were going to go Sunday but didn’t end up going. So I ate by cereal, continued to feel contractions once in a while, and told my mom if we were going we needed to go “now.” 

I figured that if these were real contractions they wouldn’t go away, even if we went to the store. I didn’t even wear a jacket as we walked to the car even though it was lightly, sprinkling snow. We went into Costco and got the items we needed. A couple different times I actually had to lean against the cart when I had contractions. I knew this was it just not sure when it was all going to happen. We walked to the car and I walked straight to the passenger seat while mom loaded the van. I texted Jake and my midwife around 11am. 

We got home, mom unloaded car while I went upstairs to lay down on the bed. A while after mom came up to check on me and ask if I wanted a snack. She got me one and I ate only a couple bite. The contractions were consistent but not getting any closer. 

I was beginning to doubt myself, that I really could handle this pain. I was having unrealistic thoughts like what if this lasts all day and night. And I couldn’t bear the thought if that. 

Jake called and said he would be home later and was taking the 2nd shift off from work. Sometime a while later he came home. All I had been doing was laying there and noting my contractions. I voiced my doubtfulness to him. Not sure what he said but probably something along the lines of whatever, you can do it. Then he went back downstairs. 

I *think* I like laboring by myself and no one else in the room. (Not the actual time when it’s getting close but the time before). I finally texted him around 2:30 along with the midwife. Again, for this birth, just like with London’s 22 month earlier, we had decided we did not want the kids to be home during the birth. And my Dad actually was scared of the idea of being home, even if he wasn’t in the room. I am not sure what he thought might be going on but he was hoping to already be back home in Arizona by the time the baby came. Obviously that didn’t happen.

Here are the text conversations from that day:

Blue and gray is my husband and I, green and gray is my midwife Lisa and I. 

Mom and kids all came and said goodbye and left, Jake began to get things prepped. I decided to go to the bathroom and was in such a painful state when I wiped I said “there’s blood” with an gasping voice. Then I got on all fours and waited for him to get the pool ready. 

I walked to the pool and sat down and said this is helping. I had watched home birth videos and in almost all of them, the mother looks so peaceful so that’s what I was imagining for myself. 

Unfortunately I was not feeling like what I saw on the videos. That relaxing, “this is helping” quickly faded and there was no relief, lying on my back just wasn’t doing it for me, even on the pool, so I had to get on my knees and lean forward. 

At this point I was still thinking this is never going to end!! 

Part two… coming soon! 

The post The Birth Story of Baby #4 {Part One} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by Courtney @ A + Life (originally published in April of 2015)

My Natural Birth Plans

I don’t have plans to take these to the hospital with me. I’m not going to be the girl who shows up with a bullet point, high lighted, step by step birth plan….. mostly because my plans are “hands off, please”. But, that’s easy enough to say, and not necessary to be printed out on a piece of paper.

I remember when I got pregnant with my first daughter, Abigail. Even though it had taken us a year to get pregnant with her, I was still fairly blissfully naive when it came to all things baby. First time parent, ah quite youthful, and just a bit uninformed. It was well into my 6th month or so, I was almost in third tri, when I was in Virginia to be a bridesmaid for one of my very best friends. We all got to talking about labor and delivery, and up to that point, I had planned to do whatever my Dr. told me and OBVIOUSLY get the epidural. Mostly, because I just hadn’t given it much thought. But the more we talked, and more and more of the women shared their stories about home birth, zero interventions, refusing induction and epidurals, the more I got to thinking….perhaps I should do some research myself?

Keep in mind that this was 2010, so it was basically the technological dark ages.

I got my hands on a copy of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and it completely revolutionized the way I thought about childbirth. From that point on, I knew that I was going to have a intervention free delivery and made all of my plans based off of that choice.

And if the years of praying and waiting for our second gift, Mabel, and the years of being a mama and taking care of a little one have done anything for me, it has been this: the pendulum of “crunch factor” has way swung and I only continue to up the ante on myself as I have choices.

The first time I read Ina May I totally, totally got her points. They made absolute sense to me, but I was like, DANG these people are weird as all get out. But rereading it this time around? I’m like, how can I get to “The Farm”(her “commune” for those of you who aren’t familiar with her) and live in a cabin and give birth there. Like, today. So, as I’ve said, it’s fairly obvious to see that I’ve continued down the all natural road and have no plans of putting the brakes on it anytime soon.

So, here is what I am already doing:

(This is all from consultations and advice from my naturopath)

• Prenatal + Iron
• Vitamin B Supplement
• Vitamin D Supplement
• Probiotic
• Tons of water
• Sitting on the birthing ball for a few minutes every evening
• Rereading my birthing books(bonus if it’s while I’m on the birthing ball!)
• Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
• And I’m starting to select birth affirmations and bible verses to start meditating on to prepare my heart and mind for labor and delivery.

The Plans For Me: 

• Refusal of all pre-labor cervical checks
• Refuse any and all induction- obviously, to a reasonable extent. My first daughter, Abigail came on her due date, so I have no reason to think that this should be an issue. But, I’m perfectly ready to go up to 42 weeks if Mabel needs it.
• Once labor begins, labor at home for as long as possible. On the birthing ball, in the tub, eating and drinking, staying calm and composed.
• Once labor progresses to the point where we think it is wise to head to the hospital, then we will head that way.
• Once at the hospital, no IV(will concede to a heplock), no constant fetal monitoring(if possible), and laboring how it feels best.
• And that is basically it! I ended up wanting to push while reclining, that felt the most comfortable to me and my water didn’t break until completion so those were two non-issues last time that I hope will be the same again.

I mostly just want to be left to labor with Jim, my Mom, and my good friend who is a doula.

For Mabel: 

To me, this is the section with the biggest changes from my previous delivery. I didn’t do a ton of research as far as what baby goes through and what the standard procedures are in the hospital after baby is born with Abigail. Obviously, it all turned out just fine, but there are certainly things I want to do differently this time around.

After Mabel is delivered, if all is well:

• I want her to be immediately placed on my chest for skin to skin and nursing.
• Delayed cord clamping
• Delayed bath
• Refusal of eye ointment
• Delaying the Hep B shot until a later pediatrician appointment
• Requesting that any and all checks, vitamin K shot, or other things be delayed until after the first nursing session or while she is on my chest.
• If possible, not use pitocin to expel the placenta and let it deliver when it is ready.
• And of course, keeping Mabel in the room with us at all times. Jim can go with her if they need to take her anywhere.

I’ve had a few different talks with my OB about my plans and she has been nothing but sweet and understanding about my ideas. Thankfully, I am a 100% low risk, textbook patient, so there isn’t any reason to worry much about how things will go. She also delivered Abigail and is aware of my previous labor and delivery, which I think helps keep our communication open. The hospital where I had Abigail has since closed it’s birthing center, but a brand new hospital just opened in March, so I should be using all new state of the art equipment and have been told that their birthing rooms are very similar to my previous experience(labor, deliver, recover all in the same room + room in with baby).

As my OB and I talked through my “plans” she just suggested that anything I say to the nurses about my desires to preface it with “Dr. B and I have already discussed this and she is aware of my wishes” or if she is present, just have Jim or my doula remind her of my plans(such as delayed cord clamping) so that we can achieve a great birth together.

So, at this point, in these last few weeks of waiting, I’m really just trying to prepare my heart and mind for what is coming. With Abigail, I was fiercely determined. And not so much nervous. This time, I feel anxious and scared because I can remember it hurting so badly. But, I know that it is what is best for me and for Mabel and I’m happy to choose it and do it the same way as I did with Abigail. I just need to get my head in the game before hand!

One verse that has particularly stood out to me that I have been memorizing in preparation for her delivery is a verse that showed up during this semester’s ladies bible study(we’re studying 1st and 2nd Thessalonians):

“We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brethren beloved by God, that He has chosen you.” 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-4

Did you have a birth plan? What did it look like? 

The post Natural Labor And Delivery Plans appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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I cannot believe we actually have a ONE year old!

Granted she’s the 3rd baby, but only a few short years ago, I didn’t know if we would have any more babies, then I got pregnant and after 40+ weeks she was welcomed into the world at home on March 5, 2014. 

London is a vibrant little lady. She’s full of life! 

She adores her big brother and sister, she’s into everything. Her laugh is contagious and only smiles when she feels like it (Hum, wonder what kind of teenager she’ll be) She plays bashful with Daddy and is Mama’s girl, probably because I’m her only (mostly) source of nourishment- breastfed.

She brings a joy to our family we all cherish. (side note: My mom made her dress and she sells them on her Etsy shop, incase you were wondering!!) 

This past year has been a whirlwind! 

When I decided to plan little London’s first birthday I was set on a rainbow theme, I had seen dozens of cute ideas on pinterest and decided I wanted to jump on that bandwagon. Little did I know a “rainbow” theme had an even more special meaning to it that I had never heard of….

A rainbow baby is a baby after a loss of a pregnancy. What a fitting theme since we had two losses and then conceived London. 

So now I’d like to share with your her “Over the Rainbow” Birthday ideas that made her 1st birthday special! 

“Over the Rainbow” Birthday Ideas:  

The Decorations

We kept it pretty simple. A couple of balloons and some photos to make the room sparkle. 

With the balloons, it’s pretty easy to make a rainbow. Just put the colors in order and make a cloud with white balloons at the end.

I got a few prints from Walgreens to share with all the friends who came to celebrate London’s birthday. 

I thought it would be fun to display a picture from birth until current to see how she grown from an 8 pound 1 ounce infant to a 20 pound 1 ounce little toddler. It’s quite easy, just get some ribbon, tool and clothes pins, get the pictures developed and hang it up.

Plus it’s something you can keep in their room for how ever long you want to. 

I originally wanted to make one of these chalkboard birthday signs but I ran out of time so I quickly just wrote up somethings about our little London. I purchased this black board for only $4.80 (after using the 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby) as well as the chalk board markers. I just wrote a bunch of fun things about her. 

I also used somethings we already had at home to decorate, like the pinwheels and the chalkboard plate.

I purchased all the table clothes, some ballons and some a couple more pinwheels at the dollar store to add in more colorful fun. And the tool from Hobby Lobby added a fun colorful touch! 

The Food & Tableware

We had fruit, veggies and some popcorn and chips to add color to go along with the rainbow theme.

And since her birthday party was at a time you would normally eat dinner, we had pizza we ordered from a local healthy store. It was really good! 

The Activity

Since I knew we werent going to be giving London the typical “smash” cake, I wanted to come up with something fin that she would still get all messy and we would all have a ball watching her. 

Since her theme was Rainbow, I thought why not have her paint a canvas, so that is exactly what we did. 

It was so much fun! 

You can see how to make a 1st Birthday Canvas here. 

While London was painting her canvas, all the other guest got to paint small canvases of their own… with paint brushes!  

The Cake

I used this natural cake mix (in the chocolate flavor) and my friend made a delicious vanilla buttercream frosting made with Kerrygold Pure Butter… YUM! We topped it with natural colorful candies that are simiilar to M&M’s. The little “Happy Birthday” sign came from Hobby Lobby but you could use this free printable if you have time. 

I used double-sided tape and left over ribbon to create a fun space for London to enjoy a piece of “cake.”

I had made her up a quick throw together recipe of one banana, 1/2 cup of coconut flour, 1/2 t of baking powder , a little almond milk and maybe something else, and baked it for her and another little girl who is dairy intolerant, they both loved it! 

Lastly, we cleaned up and London got to open her little gifts. We had a wonderful time and thank God all the time for our precious rainbow baby! 

I hope you enjoyed these “Over the Rainbow” theme birthday ideas!

What other Rainbow ideas do you have? 

The post Over the Rainbow {First Birthday Theme} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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I absolutely love getting crafty. 

Between part-time homeschooling, activities, and the regular day to day tasks I feel as though getting crafty has been put on the back burner. I have been more focused on getting the chores done, working around naptime, and so much more that I have forgotten to have a little fun. 

So my mission as we enter Spring and on into Summer, is to have more fun! 

And getting crafty is so much fun to me and my kids love it as well. So I wanted to introduce getting a little (age-appropriate) crafty with my newly one year old daughter London. 

We had a Rainbow themed birthday party and she painted this canvas at her celebration while older kids got to paint a much smaller canvas of their own. There are all kinds of ways to have fun with canvases! 

DIY 1st Birthday Canvas:

What you need: 

• a canvas size of your choice (we used 12″x16″)
• non-toxic paint
• sticker letters like these, I got them from Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon
• iridescent paint used as a top coat
• sponge paint brush

What to do:

1. Gather supplies
2. Adhere name using letter stickers 
3. Depending on where your baby is going to paint, put a disposable table cloth or garbage bag down.
4. Put baby on table cloth stripped down to diaper only, unless you don’t mind the mess
5. Put dabs of paint all over the canvas and rub baby’s hand so she knows what to do
6. Have lots of fun watching while taking lots of pictures
7. Give baby a bath and let canvas dry overnight
8. Remove letters
9. Use the sponge brush to paint a light coating of the iridescent paint to add a nice shimmer, let dry
10. Display in room as a fun reminder of baby’s 1st birthday! 

I cannot believe our baby girl is one, time goes by so fast doesn’t it? This 1st birthday canvas is going to be something we’ll cherish for a long time and we’ll get to tell her that she made it at her 1st birthday one day… I think she’ll love that! 

*This post contains affiliate links

What kinds of things do you (or did you) do to make your baby’s 1st birthday memorable?

The post 1st Birthday Canvas appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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I know, I know, I am very “fashionably late” with the 2nd part of London’s birth story. But better late then never right?? London is only 8 months as of today If you haven’t read part 1 yet, click on over to read the first part. 

Now back to the birth story: 

A little bit before my “Yes come!” text to my midwife that I told you about in part one of this story was when I realized this baby IS coming today, I could not wait to meet him or her. We never found out the gender because we had decided to be surprised at birth.

I had been thinking about all the details in-between the contractions, not birth details per-se but about the kids and how they should be leaving with my mom and where they should go since it wasn’t quite time to bring them to their homeschool co-op yet. I planned all the details: go wake up mom at 7:15am, they can get ready, get their stuff and she can bring them to Panera, a local bakery/eatery first then to school.

So 7:15 seemed to come hurriedly. It took all I had to walk to my daughter’s room where my mom had been sleeping. I got there, bent over and told her I think today is the day, get up and go! She tried to ask me a few questions and I remember just saying something like “I don’t know, I need to go lay down, come in here if you need me” while hurrying back to my bed.

I think it was around 20 minutes later they came inside the room to say goodbye. By then I was moaning loudly, I thought but when they came in I tried to be quiet. I remember thinking… I love you now get out (I wasn’t wanting to be mean, I just didn’t know if I could handle talking) 

Right after they left, my husband and I discussed if we should start a bath. I had never had a homebirth before so I didn’t know the timeline of procedures I thought maybe were supposed to happen. All I knew was that this was intense, wondering how long I’d be enduring this pain. I said, yes, go ahead and start the bath, thinking it might help. 

While still laying in my bed, I felt something wet come out, I thought my had broke so I told my husband while waddling over to the toilet. I wiped and saw the bloody show a woman normally gets before labor. I then got into the bathtub. We have a pretty large tub so the water was only a few inches full. Before all of this happened I’d pictured myself sitting in the tub with my back against a cushion I had purchased, but no, that’s not at all how it played out. I was on my knees, bent over, clinging tightly to the water faucet. 

Sometime while in the bathtub the midwife arrived. We didn’t know it at the time, but she had been knocking for 10 minutes outside before my husband let her in, we never heard her in all the commotion. 

Upon arriving, just from seeing me in whatever stage of labor I was in, she knew it was game-time. While I was trying not to freak out, hold my cool, go through natural birth- whatever you’d like to call it, my midwife and husband got prepared as much as they could. 

She checked me and said I was 8cm and that the water sack was right there, and said if she broke it, it would help, I said ok.  The same thing had to happen with my other 2 so I knew it was the best idea.  I think pretty much after that I must have fully dilated fully within 1-2 minutes. 

I’d like to say that Lisa, my midwife was an extremely awesome coach. When I was groaning in the tub, she was saying “sing your song” which helped me to realized that it was ok to be vocal (or scream).  Right away,  I felt the urge to push so I did. After doing this a few times, I had emptied my bowels. I know, gross right? 

Lisa told me I have 2 choices since it would not be healthy for the baby to be birthed into the icky water: 1) get out of the tub and go to the bed (which was not prepared with all of the stuff I had prepared for my birth kit) or 2) stand up. In my mind, there was no way I was walking to the bed with baby about to come out. 

So I stood. And pushed.  And not sure how many times but I thought I was going to die at some point. I really thought this was going to kill me. For real. Then I think my husband said the head is right there. Lisa told me to stop pushing for a second- don’t remember why. And then once she told me to push again, I did and the baby came out. She quickly grabbed her and handed her up to me. And I could barely hold her. I was thinking and might have said, is it a boy or girl. I believe they answered but it all the excitement I didn’t hear them. 

Lisa helped me walk to the bed where I caught my breathe and energy. I looked at the baby in awe and asked again, boy or girl.

She’s a girl!!!! 

I soaked everything up. Shortly after my mom arrived and found out she missed all the action. 

Next is part three… which has all the postpartum stuff and fun pictures! (here is part 1 if you missed it)

The post The Birth Story of London Everleigh {Part Two} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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One of the very first areas of alternative medicine that I adopted into my own life was studying herbs and medicinal teas. Soon after I got married, I worked in a natural cosmetics shop, which introduced me to the benefits of healing and supporting your body with natural ingredients. I was fascinated with the properties of herbs- the way that chamomile tea could put me to sleep, and peppermint could wake me up, but both could help a headache? I mean, really- who wouldn’t be fascinated by that? Soon I discovered that I could buy my own loose herbs and blend my own teas– a blend for sleep, a blend for immunity, a blend for PMS. My friends would come to me when they weren’t feeling well and have me blend something specific for their ailments. It was so encouraging to see that there were many common health issues that could be dealt with ‘in house’ using natural remedies. I loved the empowerment that came with understanding herbs and how they could help me!

Within the first few months of trying to get pregnant, it became apparent that I had a hormone imbalance. I had probably had it for years but never really felt the full effects until it came time to start a family! I came up with this simple yet effective herbal blend to both balance my hormones and provide my body with vital nutrients.

The foundation of this blend is arguably the best herb for women that you can find- red raspberry leaf! Commonly thought of as a pregnancy support herb, RRL actually works effectively by bringing balance to the hormones, which is beneficial for treating all types of women’s issues- from infertility to fibroids to postpartum care to endometriosis and beyond.

The other ingredients in this blend- nettle, alfalfa, and peppermint- provide ample essential nutrients, enabling the body to function at it’s best. The peppermint is especially useful in this blend because of it’s ability to lend a nice flavor to the tea, as the other three herbs have very earthy tastes.

You can play around with the ratios if you’d like, but I start with equal parts of each herb.

DIY Hormone Balancing Tea

For Pregnancy Use:

There are many differing opinions regarding the use of red raspberry leaf during the first trimester- and peppermint, for that matter. Discuss these herbs with your healthcare practitioner and come to a decision as to what safe use of these herbs looks like for you. For me, I used each of them sparingly yet regularly in the first trimester- half doses in the tea blend, but still one cup per day.

For Labor & Postpartum use:

In the end of pregnancy, I doubled (or even tripled) the RRL in the recipe to strengthen and tone the uterine muscles! The same recipe can also be used during the postpartum period to level hormones and discourage postpartum depression. However, peppermint can sometimes reduce milk supply, so be sure to add it into your recipe a bit at a time and observe if it affects you in this way.

Do you use herbs for medicinal purposes? What is your favorite tea blend?

The post DIY Hormone Balancing Tea appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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I didn’t realize that it was World Breastfeeding Week when I asked over 100+ women to participate in a survey questioning Mothers about feeding their babies, specifically breastfeeding. 

Coincidentally, I am sharing these reasons why mothers love breastfeeding their babies but on the flip side, I feel for those who chose not to or just did not breastfeed for whatever reason and may feel judged, resented or hurt. And In no way is this post meant to do that! 

In fact, only moms who agreed to this quote “Whether you’re for breastfeeding or a “breast is best” type of Mama, we as Moms should offer grace to others no matter their choice or reason to not breastfeed and never, EVER make a Mom feel guilty that they don’t or didn’t breastfeed” have their reasons included here.

We’ve all heard the studies, we know that facts and for the most part understand that breastfeeding is best, and I personally agree 100% but for many that may have not been their choice or even an option for them. What about the mom who adopted?  Or a mom who tried and just couldn’t figure it out and regrets it? I personally didn’t go through that but can sympathize by wanting to be able to do something but not being able to like the time I desperately wanted to stay at home with my kids but I had to work. 

My friend Erin says it best, talking to mothers who feel like they failed because they couldn’t breastfeed, “You, my dear, are NOT a failure. If you breastfed for 3 months, 1 month…even 1 day–you ARE a success. Don’t feel ashamed for doing your best. Don’t feel guilty for nourishing your baby with formula. Breastfeeding is not the true test of motherhood.”

So at the end of the day, what matters most is a mother lovingly caring for her baby no matter breast or bottle. 

Today however, is celebrating mothers who DID get the opportunity to breastfeed, hear their voices, their reasons why they love breastfeeding (or loved breastfeeding) their baby. 

This survey includes moms who only breastfed on the day their baby was born to moms who nursed three years or more. Who nursed only one baby up to more than six.

Who had things to say like:

• Don’t feel guilty if you can’t breastfeed. It isn’t always easy.
• My oldest took 4 days before she would nurse. some times it is hard. I tell moms do what works for you
• I don’t think a mom should be made to feel bad about not breastfeeding, but I don’t think breastfeeding moms should have to walk on eggshells around women who don’t.
• I have struggled with breastfeeding with several of my babies, have needed to supplement at times. I don’t feel like any mama should feel guilty about breastfeeding issues, or even not breastfeeding if they can’t make it work. 
• 

115+ Mama’s Reasons Why they LOVE Breastfeeding:

I breastfed to give my babies the best food possible. It also fostered a bond that was incredible, and made being a Mama easier (due to co-sleeping, food always available, etc). -unknown

I love breastfeeding because I know I’m giving my baby the best nutrition possible. -Ceri

I love breastfeeding because it’s caused me to stop and relax in a fast paced world. And bonding with my baby. -Adrian

The amazing and loving bond that we share. Also, obviously, the multiple health benefits. -Misty

I loved breastfeeding because it was the only thing that only I could do -Taryn

All three of my kids co-slept and I would sleep on my stomach and when they were hungry would self feed which was wonderful since both my boys ate every 2 hours on the dot. No mixing or cleaning bottles. -Andrea S.

It’s the best place in the world I’ve ever been. It’s peaceful. -Andrea M.

The simplicity and bonding time. -Vandee

I love breastfeeding because there is nothing like seeing your child smile at you while he is nursing! That bond that forms between a mother and a child is unlike anything you could ever imagine! -Sydney

Because I know it is the best nutrition and immunity I can give him/her and I am creating a bond that only breastfeeding can offer. -Lindsey

It is best for my baby- nutritionally and emotionally! It is also healthy for mom, those good hormones & bonding emotions. (it helps many moms lose weight, although for me that was not an issue.) I loved that it forced me to sit down and take time for my baby- no propping the bottle & continuing with work. Those delightful sucking, grunting, contented noises!! BEST SOUND EVER. <3 -Mary Ann

I’ve never been a “i love babies” kind of woman & bf has allowed me to become more in tune with my inner mother as well as be more attentive to my baby’s needs! -Kelle

Breastfeeding is a gift from God that has given me an incredible bond with my daughter. -Lisa

Because I am giving my daughter the best thing possible, I am giving her life. -Whitney

I loved the ability to comfort my child in a way that gives both mother and child rest and Oxycontin (feelings of well being). Who doesn’t need that?! -Michele

One of my favorite things about breastfeeding was how it kept my period away until my daughter was 14 months old and my son was 12 months old. Every mama is different, but I thought that was awesome. -Amy

It helped me bond with my babies & was a natural, organic food to help their immune systems thrive. -Tia

She was sick last week while we visited my family in MX. She wouldn’t eat or drink regular food–but breastfeeding saved the day! -Jania

In this crazy busy artificial world we live in, taking the time to breastfeed is one of the most satisfying, calm (most of the time :), easy, and natural things we can do for and with our babies. -Leah

I loved breastfeeding because I knew that I was giving my twins the best possible nutritional start to life! –Jami

God-made/natural is always better than man-made.Cheaper! Quicker – always handy and ready to serve on demand. Easier – No bottle washing.Allowed me more rest – I didn’t have to get up in the middle of the night to prepare a bottle. I could sleep and nurse at the same time. It helped me lose weight after the pregnancy. It delayed the return of my menses. It was a stress reliever and brought a sense of calm. Lisa

I loved breast feeding because if the convenience of it. I also love the bond it created with me and my child. -Melinda

I am giving my child the best that I can from the very beginning of their life. They don’t stay little forever, it’s my way to stop and cuddle throughout the day. –Whitney

It was just nice for me to have the opportunity to really bond and spend time with my babies. I also loved the fact that I was helping to strengthen their immune system and get them the nutrition they needed to grow healthy and strong. -Jennifer

I loved feeling so close to both of my children during my season of breastfeeding. It also was so convenient to nurse – I could nurture and nourish my children at any time, in any place. –Hilary

Bonding. Multiple health benefits for moms and babies -April

We continue to nurse for immunity and health benefits plus it is a comfort measure for Laynee. I also want to help normalize breastfeeding for moms who do not feel comfortable nursing their babies because of societal and cultural backlash/disapproval. -Linda

No cleaning bottles or prepping. Baby is hungry? BAM! Food is ready! -Tess

I love breastfeeding because I know my milk is specifically tailored to meet my child’s needs and is the perfect nutrition for her (them). -Carrie

The bond and knowing I am giving the best start possible. -Joann

Although I never produced enough to feed my premature twins without supplementation, the time spent so close to each of them meant the world to me. They each nursed differently and preferred different positions, and during those insanely hectic first 12 months, reminded me that they were two unique babies, and time slowed just a little bit. –Amanda

I’m using my body the way God intended. My child is incredibly healthy and we have a beautiful bond. -Erin

I got to spend one on one time with my youngest (my kids are almost 13 months apart) and loved feeling close to her and knowing I could feed her anytime she needed it. -Virginia

I love that fact that it is natural and benefits mother and baby in so many ways. It is also cheaper, cleaner, healthier and more hygienic -Joanne

Anytime my tot bumps her head at the park or starts to lose her cool at the grocery store, nursing is a quick and easy solution to her tears. I’ve got the power! -Bethany

I love breastfeeding because it is best for baby and it is what nature intended. The health benefits plus the bond between baby and mother helps the child grow to be confident and nurtured. Breastfeeding mothers are more in tune with their baby’s cues and respond more quickly to the infant. -Alina

It fixes everything, whether my baby is hungry, tired, has a boo boo, or is upset, nursing always makes them feel better. -Ashley

My favorite was middle of the night feedings. Their eyes were so bright and alert for just a few minutes until they were full and drifted back to sleep. Those were the times it was just the two of us with no distractions, and I loved that. -Sherry

It has been very satisfying to know that my body is inherently capable of sustaining life – in the womb and out! Such a miracle! –Anjanette

I was able to provide my premature triplets with the best nutrition possible – made just right for them. Nursing till they were 31 months created a time for me to connect with them individually on a daily basis. –Jennifer

I had one special needs child and another very sick NICU baby, and I was able to breastfeed both (with lots of work and tears at first). It was one of the best decisions I ever made, as a mother. -Amy

I love that breastfeeding is multi-purpose. It’s convenient, it’s medicine, it soothes, it nourishes,it protects, and it does so much more. –Virginia

I love the bonding, still quiet moments with my daughter as she nurses. -Vilmaris

I loved connecting with my babies in that way. I loved that it was free and very convenient. I loved that it was the healthiest thing for them and me. And I loved that it helped me lose that baby weight -Crystal

I love how close I felt to my baby and the special bond we shared. -Amber

I was able to teach my older children the natural way God created us to feed our children. My sons saw the breast used for what it was intended to be used for! -Tiffany

After my second child arrived, I quickly realized that breastfeeding forced me to be still and focus on that new baby! By the time number 4 arrived, her feeding times were the only time she got my undivided attention. I looked forward to those wee hours of the morning when my infants would stare up at me with big eyes while they nursed — such a wonderful, peaceful time that I miss dearly! –Tiffany G.

I love the closeness with my little one, and the beautiful feeling of knowing I am blessing my baby with the best nutrients my body can give him or her. -Kristy

I loved breast feeding my baby because it confirmed to me the truth that my body works wonderfully and would provide everything my baby needed…. –Lisa

Something special only I can do for my baby, as his/her mommy, convenience, and no dishes!! -Jody

Breastfeeding is beautiful, natural and gives an amazing bond nothing else can give. -Jacquie

Aside from all of the great health benefits, it saves time and very convenient. -Cynthia

It reminds me of our relationship with our Creator- we are born of his Love and sustained on it, too! —Karli

I didn’t have to worry about packing a diaper bag with bottles and milk. It is free. It MADE me sit still and enjoy the baby because I was the only one who could feed him/her. -Anji

Being able to solely meet my daughter’s needs both physical and emotional. There’s hardly anything a little nursing session won’t solve! -Maggie

I love breast feeding because I know there is no other nourishment in this world that is better for my baby. -Melissa

It is so much more convenient! I never ran out of milk and had to run to the store, didn’t have to heat it up, didn’t have to haul it in the diaper bag, etc. –Rachel

Even when my 4 year old is frantically crying about something, I know I can calm and center her at the breast. We are gradually learning to do this even without the nursing, substituting the cuddles for nursing. -Spencer

We love camping and we don’t need to worry about keeping milk fresh for baby or worry about packing/sterilizing equipment. -Kirsty

I love the closeness I feel with my children and seeing how breastfeeding relaxes them and puts them to sleep sometimes. -Alyssa

I loved sitting down and snuggling my little one looking in to his eyes as he nursed knowing that he and I shared this special moments. It is the most amazing bonding experience. -Cassandra

I wanted to give my babies the best I could, both nutritionally and emotionally. I love the bonding and tenderness of it! -Heather

Breastfeeding gives me a connection with my daughter on a whole not her level. For those moments, i feel like we are the only 2 people in the world ♡ -Lindsay

Breastfeeding is one way women make a gift of themselves for the good of the world.Breastfeeding is one way women bear the image of God.No better way to make a child feel secure. Breastmilk can treat cuts, scrapes, pink-eye, sinus infections, ear infections, etc. Just squirt that stuff everywhere! Daja

I loved knowing I was all my baby needed to be fed, no sterilized bottles or measuring water… Just pop the boob out! -Yasmine

Bonding, snuggle time worth baby, a chance to sit down and relax throughout a busy day. -Celeste

Although I did not think I would breastfeed, it was the most natural and beneficial thing I ever did for my child. We are undeniably connected (which I believe will pay off through the years), and he’s incredibly healthy and smart. -Nicole

I loved the special bonding time it gave me with my baby. I missed that after I weaned, and I’m excited to get it again with future babies. -Sara

After having a breast reduction, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to breast feed. Happy day when I learned I could! Beautiful bonds were created and I knew my kids were getting the best possible nourishment. -Danielle

It makes me rest. –Raia

I love the bond that comes with breastfeeding! I also Love all the benefits for mom and baby! -Nicki

I never tired of looking down at my first born daughter and then at my second born son as they fed from breasts. Having them looking up at me or touching me as they suckled are memories I hope to remember always. -Barbara

Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions of parenting. It’s an intimate act between mother and baby. Breastfeeding provides perfect nutrition that changes to meet the unique need of your baby from day to day. No formula can do that! Breastfeeding serves not only nutritional purposes but it also promotes bonding and quality skin to skin time, which is extremely important. Babies get antibodies from mom through breast-milk so they don’t get sick as often. They also get dha which helps with brain development. I could go on and on, I absolutely support breastfeeding! -Kim

it is convenient and great for bonding; it is healthy for both, baby and mother! -Maria

It allowed me to share precious moments of togetherness and the world could stop still for a moment. It has no language barriers. It has the greatest impact on just two humans and the least impact on millions. As a new mum it was so challenging and rewarding and gave me a sense of purpose. I felt like I was giving my baby food for life and it was received with love and devoured and appreciated. Breast milk is love food. –Hayley

Nursing forged a strong, feel-good bond between me and Sofie (esp. postpartum). And it was a natural panacea for tantrums, boo-boos, anxiety, etc. –Donna

I love breastfeeding my babies because it helps them develop I get to spend quality time with them and it makes me in system very good -Sam

I love breastfeeding because of the nutrition I know my children are getting exactly the nutrition they need on a minute-by-minute basis, and for the bond with my babies. Not only do they fill up on mama’s yummy milk, but they also fill up on love and security while at the breast. –Shelby

I loved the snuggling and bonding with each child, the time spent together, and the feeling that I was nurturing them in an intimate way that no one else could. It made me feel closer to my babies when I nursed them; I enjoyed holding their hands, kissing their faces, and gazing into their eyes. -Jessica

I love the connection it has created between my son and I. It only seems natural. -Miranda

I’m lazy so being able to just roll over and pop my boob in my baby’s mouth and not having to get up and make a bottle in the middle of the night is amazing! Plus I can easily feed my baby before they are so hungry they are upset. -Brittany

I love breast feeding mainly because of the amazing bond it creates with each child. And also for all the health benefits to the child. -Denise

Breastfeeding provides a closeness to my daughter that I have loved as well as a rewarding sense of accomplishment that I have contributed to her development and great health so much. -Tristen

Healthy for baby, great bonding time, good excuse to sit down and take a break, cheap, helps me lose weight. -Kelly

I felt that breastfeeding was a bonding experience with my kids and I love that it saved money and was always accessible when they were hungry. It also helped me eat healthy to make sure they had the right nutrients and helped me lose the baby weight -Erica

I love the close bond and the ease of it. –Krissy

I love I can feed my baby anytime anywhere. No bottles to mix or sterilize and clean up. Its ready on demand. -Gloria

I love the one-on-one time that my DS and I share. I am still nursing him and expecting our third child in December! -Melody

Quiet intimate time with baby, gazing into their eyes, memorizing every facet of their faces and knowing that baby and I have this miraculous connection. Not having to fix, warm, wash, clean, find, spill, buy, replace, bottles and nipples and formula. -Susan

I believe it is the healthiest choice, for my babies and myself. It is also much easier, nothing to prepare, always available, and free! -Laura

I love having a way to calm an upset little one. –Julia

I love the closeness between me and the baby that develops with breastfeeding. I also love the health benefits for both of us. –Jennifer

It is possibly one of my greatest challenges – I am tandem nursing an 8 mo and a 24 mo…but somewhere throughout my day, every day, I find a moment that reminds me that all of my efforts have been worth it. -Ana

Bonding with baby.Best option for nutrition.Convenient.Natural, the way God intended it. -Maureen

I LOVE breastfeeding! I love the cuddles and how it makes cuddly babies and children, I love the feeling that no matter how hard the day was, we can sit and snuggle and nurse and it feels like the world will be OK I also love how it makes my babies super healthy chunky monkey, especially as all 6 so far have turned into skinny kids -KA

That no matter what was going on in my day I was sure to have time to hold and snuggle my baby! -Lindsey

In the middle of the night, when it was just baby and me, no matter how tired I was I was aware that this time is fleeting, precious and never to be repeated. So I cherished every moment, every exhausting moment. –Linda

The benefits were always totally worth it for me. Not only did it promote a close bond with my baby but it greatly impacted their health in ways that I will never know the extent of but my kiddos are so very rarely sick and I know that Breastfeeding made all the difference. –Alissa

It is such a special bonding time for the two of us. No one else can do what I do for her. And although it took time getting there, it’s so easy now! -Holly

Breastfeeding is the ultimate bond between mother and baby. Of course there are so many benefits such as lowered incidence of allergies, ear infections, and lower risk of SIDS. Plus the benefits for mom: decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, lower chance of osteoporosis, and burning 400-700 calories a day. -Sarah

No matter where we are, it always gives me a reason to step away from what’s happening and give me and baby some quiet, uninterrupted down time. Especially helpful during family events when I just need to mentally check out for a bit! –Aubrey

Easy – always available – no bottles to clean or prepare or remember to take when leaving the house. -Julia

When I didn’t know what else to try( during colic,teething, dog died,etc), breastfeeding was always there for us. –Lisa

Best for me and baby. God designed it-can’t go wrong with that. -Gina

I love bf because of the bonding experience. -Paula

The late night snuggles with my youngest nursling once the rest of the house goes to sleep are irreplaceable! -Brianna

I fed my babies for 9 full months when they were in my belly & continue to do so as they enter the world. The bond is unbreakable xo -Catherine

Knowing I can give my child the nutrition they need is amazing, and it is an incredible bonding experience as well! -Sarah

Helped regulate my and both babies blood sugars. As a type 1 diabetic breastfeeding was a #1 priority for me. -Kristin

The bond it creates with my children. -Angela

Best thing for my baby, no mixing formula, healthiest, bonding -Katie

It bonded me to my baby in ways that he has with no one else. It is also benefits both our health his nutrition, immunity, and less likely for obesity and Illnesses down the road. My chances of ovarian and breast cancer is less likely. -Candace

I love the bond it has given me and my son, plus the convenience and money saving part, not to mention the numerous other benefits!! -Tarah

I love Breastfeeding for multiple reasons: bonding, antibodies I share with my babies, money it saves!, not having to pack bottles, never having to say no to going out after church or stay out longer because we don’t have enough food for baby. -Melanie

My son suffered severe birth injuries which made taking a bottle impossible. I was able to hold my breast in a way that allowed him to nurse without pain. It saved us from a feeding tube! -Erin

As for my reason, it might be a combination of all these… I love to look into those little blue eyes looking back up at me, her smile under the latch that often is there as I look down at my nursling. Knowing that the milk I am producing is nourishing her every need, comforting her when she’s hurt, sleepy or just in need of mama. I feel so thankful to be able to nurse my 5 month old today as I read this post once again!

Well, there you have it! Lots of mom’s reasons why they love feeding their baby. Thank you to all of you who participated! I hope you’ll share your reasons..and use hashtag #WhyILOVEBreasteeding!

Why do you love breastfeeding? If you couldn’t or chose not to, what did you love about feeding your baby?

The post 115+ Reasons to LOVE Breastfeeding appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by Jenn @ A Simple Haven, Contributing Writer

Survival mode. It doesn’t sound particularly enticing, does it?

It seems to be the antithesis of living intentionally, toward your goals and in line with your values. It sounds like just getting by. And who wants to do that? Not me.

And yet, survival mode is where I find myself.

In a season of being newly pregnant and feeling yuck, with my husband in summer school and working longer hours + traveling more than usual, I am just trying to keep everyone alive here, folks.

Because this is my third pregnancy, I know a little about what to expect. For me, the nausea and exhaustion eventually subsides. Before too long, summer classes will be over and Hubs’s travel will slow down a bit.

Thankfully, there is an end in sight. But until then, I am lowering my expectations of myself, reassessing what’s necessary, and giving myself permission to just get by for now.

 In fact, that’s how I’m going to define survival mode: Adjusting expectations and doing only what’s necessary for myself and my family amidst a challenging season.

As a recovering perfectionist, here’s what’s helped me be ok with that.

Why Survival Mode is Ok (and How it’s Working for Me)

Why It’s Ok:

Life is Full of Challenging Circumstances

My current challenges involve the first trimester of pregnancy and an unusual amount of solo parenting, but a myriad of circumstances may cause you to choose survival mode for a time.

Maybe it’s a busy season at work, a husband who is traveling frequently, adjusting to adding another child to the family, or having one or more sick kids.

In any case, new challenges require a reassessment of routines and expectations in the home. And depending on how long the challenging season lasts and how long it takes you to figure out a new “normal”, a time of survival mode might just be your ticket to, well, surviving.

We All Have Limits

I am one person; I can only do so much. Yes, through the power of Jesus, I can often do much more than I would have thought.

But is it reasonable to expect the same things of myself when I’m sick and pregnant as when I’m well? Probably not.

It’s Only for a Season

This is what I have to tell myself to make me ok with operating in survival mode. It’s not ideal, but it’s also not forever.  Frozen pizzas and extra TV time is not the best, but I know it won’t characterize my kids’ childhood.

How It’s Working For Me:

I’ve Decided What’s Essential

And it’s feeding and clothing myself and my family. That’s it.  Meal prep and laundry are pretty much my daily goals.

As food prep makes me nauseous and my daughter changes clothes six times a day, I consider meeting these goals quite the feat.

I’m Saying Yes to Help 

While I used to struggle with asking for and accepting help, I’ve been so grateful for friends who have offered it over the last few weeks. From watching my kids so I could go to the doctor alone to bringing me pregnancy survival kits to time spent praying for little baby, I am so glad to have such a sweet community of support.

And what I’m saying no to? Extras.

Like trying to take the kids to the pool by myself, making fabulous dinners (more often, dinner is an odd assortment of snacky foods), or hosting company (as much as I love it, I’m mostly saving it for the second and third trimesters).

I’m Maximizing My Functional Moments

Most days, I do have a few hours where I feel functional. So I have a short list of chores, phone calls, errands, or other tasks that I try to tackle during those times.

I also try to prioritize getting the kids outside or to see friends when I can. Often, seeing other people (and getting away from my kitchen and all. the. smells.) boosts my mood and helps me forget how I’m feeling.

I’m Talking Things Through With My Husband

Hubs is very aware of his wife’s current state (hopefully, I’m explaining rather than complaining :)). But sometimes, he needs me to be really explicit about what I can and can’t manage to do right now.  So we’ve had some good talks about reasonable expectations for meals, housework, and the budget.

This past month, we tried out a monthly housekeeping service and used a chunk of our grocery budget for eating out. While he prefers a tidy home (as do I), he’s giving me lots of grace when there are no clean towels.

I’m choosing to trust God. (Most of the time).

I could go completely crazy worrying about how on earth I’m going to schlep around Canada for two weeks during my first trimester.  Or what I’m going to do the next time Hubs is away. Or for that matter, how I’m going to manage bedtime duty tonight by myself.

So instead, I try to focus on all the times God has provided strength, help, or encouragement in the past. And on promises about His faithfulness and provision. Help often comes in ways I wouldn’t have expected, but it’s always there.

How do you manage a challenging season of life?

The post A Time and Place for Survival Mode appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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