Encouraging, Don't Criticize . . . .

My husband and I love going to the bookstore.  On our latest trip, I picked up Starting Your Day Right . . . Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer.  Here is the devotional for today:

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

We can improve our relationships with other by leaps and bounds if we become encourages instead of critics.  It is the greater person who does the right thing;  Christ's righteousness dwells in you to help you do what is right.  You are great in God's eyes when you choose to do right and bless others.

No matter how rough your day is today, speak words that up lift and encourage those around ou.  Encourage others if you notice them doing a good job -- not just those who work with you, but people wherever you go, such as store clerks, auto mechanics, and waiters.  Say something like, "I appreciate the extra effort you are making to do your job well."  You can change your life and someone else's by choosing to speak positive words. 

 This one really made me think about the way I talk to the people I love.  I'm a pretty happy person.  I try to find the positive in most things.  However, there are times when I want to be honest and say how I feel.  Let's say I don't like someone's new hairstyle.  Instead of voicing my negative comments, I need to focus on something besides the hair.  It's not on my head, so I shouldn't worry about it!!  Then there is my husband . . . he's not the most talkative guy; However . . . . sometimes things fly out of his mouth before he has a chance to think about them.  I guess I'll have to force him to read this devotion.  We don't realize how the smallest comment can sit in someone's head and fester . . . until eventually there is an explosion!!  Make sure you take the time to say something nice to someone today . . . . 

More happy thoughts later . . . . xoxo Monica

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It's amazing how different, but in good ways, that your children are.

My husband and I have Madisyn (7 years old), Sofie (2 years old), Luke (we lost him at 22 weeks and miss him dearly everday) and now we have one more on the way! 
1.  Madisyn is the most soft spoken, caring child that I have ever met (I may be partial :)).  She would give her last piece of food to a starving person, she comforts people when they are sad and wouldn't hurt a fly.
2.  Sofie...oh where do I start.  She is the least shy and her own boss (well she thinks that at least...hehe).  I just think, oh boy, when she really starts talking and creating sentences, I cringe when I think about how opinionated she will be. 
3.  So this leads me to the baby that we have on the way.  Maybe she (we'll find out next month) will be a beautiful mixture of both of them :).  But my head is telling me that she is going to follow in Sofie's footsteps.

I love my children no matter how shy, outgoing or opinionated they are.  They are special in their own special way and most of all, my children are the greatest blessing that God could've gave me.  They teach me each and everyday, but most of all, I think they teach myself and others unconditional love.

What I learned in the first month of being a new Mommy . . . . .

I finally found my list of what I learned . . . .

1. It's not how I thought it would be.  It's better!!!!
2. Men think they have all the answers -- and I'm not talking about my husband.  I receive more advice from men on sleeping and taking care of the baby.  They think every child is just like their child.
3. Time flies!!
4. I have much more patience with my own child that I have with others.
5. I fall more in love with my husband every day.
6. I don't mind changing every diaper, feeding, and bathing my daughter every day.
7. I love breastfeeding.  I miss her when Daddy feeds her.
8. I can spend the entire day just looking at her.
9. There is no such thing as a schedule.
10. A pacifier is not the devil!!!
11. Don't worry if you don't have a pediatrician picked out . . . you might like the one on call.
12. The nurses do all the work -- Treat them nice!!
13. Just because her eyes are closed does not mean she is asleep!!!
14. Somehow they know when you sit down . . . 
15. They really do know their Mommy!!

TRICK OR TREAT . . . . 

     Gabrielle's first Halloween was way more exciting for Mommy than it was for her . . . .  :-)  She was a little lion . . . and hated the head piece, but she looked soooooo adorable!!!  We didn't go trick or treating but I did take her to a few friends homes.  

     When are you too young or too old for trick or treating?  We had a few young adults come last night.  I think you are too old when #1 . . . you drive to my house.  Isn't trick or treating about walking around and talking to your neighbors?  That's how it was when I was growing up.  We didn't drive to other neighborhoods just to get candy!!  We didn't drive anywhere!!!!  We walked around our neighborhood.  And #2 . . . you're too old when you come to the door and say "Hi!  How are you?"  Sure, that is polite . . . but I asked him "Where is my Trick or Treat?"  Of course he laughed and said "Trick or Treat" . . . . but come on!!  I want all the kids and young adults to have fun . . . .. but keep up the traditions!!!

     Now that I think about it . . . I don't think I spent much time Trick or Treating when I was in high school.  We were too busy TPing our friends houses.  :-)

More happy thoughts this afternoon . . . xoxo Monica

I cannot believe my precious angel is already 20 weeks old!!  Where has the time gone???  Here are a few things I've learned in the past 4 1/2 months . . . . 

1.  It is so much better than I ever imagined!!!  Her eyes, nose, ears . . . everything is perfect!  The way she smiles when she sees just melts my heart.

2.  It's not how I imagined it . . . . I expected to be showered with love from my family . . . . that didn't happen!!  I expected my mom to spend time with just me and my daughter . . . that didn't happen.  I expected my family to come visit us . . . that didn't happen (with the exception of my wonderful cousin Nikki!!)  Long story short, my Mom and Husband had an argument the night Gabrielle was born and my Mom headed back to Indiana the next day.  

3.  Sleep is overrated!!  I don't even mind getting up three times a night to feed or soothe my beautiful baby.  However . . . .offer up any advice you have on how to get her to sleep all night!!  :-)

4.  I love my husband even more than I thought I did.  It is so heartwarming to see him play with his daughter.  I love watching them sleep.  I am so thankful to him for the fabulous gift he has given me.

5.  Two months of shots was definitely worth the first smile.  We were able to get pregnant by IVF.  Thankfully, we were successful on our first try!!!

More happy thoughts to come later . . . . . . . . . xoxo  Monica

Welcome to Parenting Puzzle . . . Putting together the pieces of being a parent!!  Monica (35) and Nikki (29) are cousins.  Monica currently lives in Tennessee and Nikki is in Indiana.  Monica is a new mom to 4 month old Gabrielle.  Nikki is the proud mom of Madisyn (7), Sofie (2), Luke, and one more on the way.  We want to discuss issues that we've faced as parents. . . . from heartwarming stories to tear jerkers.  We hope you enjoy our blog and would love any suggestions!