As of a few weeks ago, I am now a full-time SAHM (stay at home Mom for those of you who don't frequent babycenter.com). Ha - I still don't know half of the acronyms I read on that website, so I always feel like such a rookie of a Mom. Anyways, it's a tremendous blessing and honor to be able to focus my time and energy on loving my husband and baby girl.
There are a few things I have come to love about this job...
1. Wearing leggings for the better part of the day most days... There is nothing more comfortable than leggings and when you aren't leaving the house, there is no reason that you shouldn't be wearing them (with the exception of the awkward moment when an Edward Jones rep decides to knock on the door to "get to know people in the community" in the middle of the afternoon - seriously?! Why'd I open the door??)
2. Getting the mail...It's the small things, ya know. Getting bundled up for a trip to the mailbox and a breath of fresh air with Myka has become a real treat....hurry spring! :)
3. The sound of Daddy's car pulling in the driveway. Aaaahh - the best noise ever! I know Myka agrees, her smiles prove it. It's a sweet little blessing to be able to get so excited about seeing Tony now that we're not working together.
4. Keeping an extra tidy house. I am certain that Myka adores housekeeping :). She's a trooper in her ergo carrier as we go about dusting, vacuuming, laundrying. I guarantee that now that I've said this, the moment YOU - whoever you may be - stop over at my house, it will be a complete disaster.
5. Focusing on family. It's so good to be able to focus in on my most important jobs without making them compete for time with other priorities. Myka's little heart is so precious. I'm humbled to be able to teach and invest in her all day long.
6. Snacking. I get to snack on the delicious goodies in my kitchen all day. Oops...i really shouldn't have made that a public confession. This may very well be a drawback of getting to spend time in my kitchen all day.
Well, before I go accidentally making any other crazy confessions (like how I don't use an alarm clock anymore), I better finish this post with a couple disclaimers: Myka and I do leave the house and I think wife and mom are absolutely incredible, serious, worthy callings on a woman's life that I do not mean to poke fun at...even though I can manage to laugh at some of the stereotypes I'm realizing fit me quite nicely.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
God's Calling
"God has created me to do him some definitive service. He has committed
some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my
mission."
John Henry Newman
John Henry Newman
It's easy for me to listen to the roar of culture above the whisper of God and that can be awfully dangerous. It seems the American Way attempts to diminish the significance of God's call on a woman's life to be a Mom. There is no one more uniquely qualified than me to be the Mother of my child (by the grace of God). I cannot and will not take that calling lightly. When I read Newman's quote (above), I was reminded that I need to work all the more valiantly at my job as wife and mom. Those are the jobs in my life that God has committed to me and that no one else could ever fill. In any other vocational position I'm in, I'm completely replaceable. In my roles as mom to Myka and wife to Tony, I am irreplaceable.
I trust that the definitive service God created me to do is to be wife to Tony and mommy to Myka. I will make it my mission to give God everything I've got as I serve Him in these roles.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Results of Extreme Sleep Deprivation
Parenting a baby is kind of exhausting. I'm missing a good, long night's sleep, but I also know that there is absolutely nothing sweeter than snuggling a baby in a cozy nursery in the middle of a cold winter's night, so I'm not complaining.
In the midst of our fatigue, Tony and I have had some interesting middle-of-the-night conversations. Don't misunderstand, this is most definitely not a venting session about a lazy husband. Tony is the most hands on, attentive father the world has ever seen. Far more often than not he is changing diapers in the middle of the night, hopping in the shower with a baby covered in poop up her back, or entertaining a wide awake, bright eyed girl from 4-5AM while I snooze. However, some of his less proud moments are too funny not to remember.
I'm nursing Myka, so often times there is little Tony can do to help in the middle of the night. I almost always hop out of bed when I hear her crying, nurse her, and go back to bed. However, there are the nights when she cries a half hour after I just fed her, so I know she's not hungry and I elbow my dear, sweet husband and ask him to attend to our precious bundle. I've had some pretty hilarious responses from a totally zonked out Tony over the last four months...(I should note that before falling asleep, he always assures me he is eager to do anything and everything he can to help in the middle of the night. I've quickly learned that once the guy is out, he's out, and as sincere as his offers to help may have been, he just can't always see them through. :)
Week 1: I wake up frantically trying to find Myka (who is sleeping peacefully in her cradle). I think she is Tony's leg, so I'm grabbing his leg, trying to pull all the covers back, and shaking Tony to ask him, "Where's the baby?" He doesn't even bother to open his eyes when he responds, "I don't know, you had her last."
3 Months: I'm laying Myka down in the middle of our bed at a hotel after feeding her. I ask Tony to move over. He sits up and rambles off something about the Scarlet Letter and then says, "I know you just asked me to do 2 things. One is to turn something down to zero and I can't remember the other." I impatiently respond, "MOVE OVER!"
3 Months: Myka's crying and I ask Tony to go in and give her a pacifier, he responds, "I took way too much cold medicine before going to bed, so I really don't think I can."
4 Months: I go in to Myka's room and realize she has dirtied her diaper, I take her in to Tony and ask him to change her diaper. He responds, "I think it's funny that you go in and get her only to bring her to me" and then falls fast asleep.
4 Months: I wake up to head in and nurse Myka. Tony stops me as I'm at the door and says, "If you're looking for Myka, I have her right here" and then falls asleep as I proceed to the nursery.
These may be way more hilarious to me than they are in written form, but I'm grateful for the memories. I sure do love being a parent with Tony.
In the midst of our fatigue, Tony and I have had some interesting middle-of-the-night conversations. Don't misunderstand, this is most definitely not a venting session about a lazy husband. Tony is the most hands on, attentive father the world has ever seen. Far more often than not he is changing diapers in the middle of the night, hopping in the shower with a baby covered in poop up her back, or entertaining a wide awake, bright eyed girl from 4-5AM while I snooze. However, some of his less proud moments are too funny not to remember.
I'm nursing Myka, so often times there is little Tony can do to help in the middle of the night. I almost always hop out of bed when I hear her crying, nurse her, and go back to bed. However, there are the nights when she cries a half hour after I just fed her, so I know she's not hungry and I elbow my dear, sweet husband and ask him to attend to our precious bundle. I've had some pretty hilarious responses from a totally zonked out Tony over the last four months...(I should note that before falling asleep, he always assures me he is eager to do anything and everything he can to help in the middle of the night. I've quickly learned that once the guy is out, he's out, and as sincere as his offers to help may have been, he just can't always see them through. :)
Week 1: I wake up frantically trying to find Myka (who is sleeping peacefully in her cradle). I think she is Tony's leg, so I'm grabbing his leg, trying to pull all the covers back, and shaking Tony to ask him, "Where's the baby?" He doesn't even bother to open his eyes when he responds, "I don't know, you had her last."
3 Months: I'm laying Myka down in the middle of our bed at a hotel after feeding her. I ask Tony to move over. He sits up and rambles off something about the Scarlet Letter and then says, "I know you just asked me to do 2 things. One is to turn something down to zero and I can't remember the other." I impatiently respond, "MOVE OVER!"
3 Months: Myka's crying and I ask Tony to go in and give her a pacifier, he responds, "I took way too much cold medicine before going to bed, so I really don't think I can."
4 Months: I go in to Myka's room and realize she has dirtied her diaper, I take her in to Tony and ask him to change her diaper. He responds, "I think it's funny that you go in and get her only to bring her to me" and then falls fast asleep.
4 Months: I wake up to head in and nurse Myka. Tony stops me as I'm at the door and says, "If you're looking for Myka, I have her right here" and then falls asleep as I proceed to the nursery.
These may be way more hilarious to me than they are in written form, but I'm grateful for the memories. I sure do love being a parent with Tony.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Mommy Fears
A dear, old friend who is expecting her first baby posed this question on facebook this morning, "Should I be afraid to bring a baby into this changing world?" Unfortunately, my immediate response is yes, absolutely yes - it'd be a shame not to be afraid to bring a baby into the midst of these tumultuous, uncertain times. Before I was ever even pregnant I spent time pondering these very thoughts. I remember wondering how in the world as a parent I would ever be able to explain some of the evil my future children would be exposed to. I couldn't understand how in the world they'd ever understand the goodness and purity of God in a world so full of sin.
At some point during the precious nine months of my pregnancy, I shared my fear of bringing a baby into the United States in 2011. Thankfully, God brought a wise Mom into my life to give me a Godly perspective. I wish I could give credit where it is due, but I can't for the life of me remember who shared this truth with me.The Mom I was speaking with gently reminded me that before even time began, God planned for Myka Mae Widdel to be born on Saturday, September 3, 2011 in Washington, IA in the United States of America. Before even time began, God had a purpose and a plan for her life at this very moment in time. God knew what evil would permeate our culture, he knew our country would be in the midst of a financial crisis, he knew the influence of media would be inescapable, and still he chose to uniquely design Myka and bring her into the midst of the chaos.
This world has been full of sin since the fall, but somehow it's easy to think things are worse than ever and that makes it easy to be fearful for the young life that as a Mom you feel responsible for. I'm more thankful than ever for my relationship with Christ. I'm so thankful that I can know with full confidence that Myka is HIS and He holds her in the palm of His hand and loves her with an everlasting love - that erases my fears.
At the core of my being, I trust that God KNOWS Myka, that he LOVES Myka, and that he has plans for her life - that erases my fears. I have no doubt that God chose and allowed me to be Myka's Mom. He knows I'm only a sinner, saved by grace. He knows my list of shortcomings is long, but he chose me and he will equip me with all I need for this calling - that erases my fears.
I cannot wait to see all that God has in store for Myka. I pray daily that at a young age she will understand God's love and be drawn to the things of God. I pray that she will faithfully serve Him throughout her life. I know that the best way Myka can learn truth is to see it lived out in me. I have been challenged and convicted as I pray for her. In fact, my 2012 New Year's Resolution is to be the woman I'm praying Myka will become.
It's easy to fear the world, but I'm choosing to trust God instead. I'm confident that God wants to use Myka's life to bring hope to this world, and I am honored to be her Mom.
Passages I'm clinging to as Mommy to Myka...
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
At some point during the precious nine months of my pregnancy, I shared my fear of bringing a baby into the United States in 2011. Thankfully, God brought a wise Mom into my life to give me a Godly perspective. I wish I could give credit where it is due, but I can't for the life of me remember who shared this truth with me.The Mom I was speaking with gently reminded me that before even time began, God planned for Myka Mae Widdel to be born on Saturday, September 3, 2011 in Washington, IA in the United States of America. Before even time began, God had a purpose and a plan for her life at this very moment in time. God knew what evil would permeate our culture, he knew our country would be in the midst of a financial crisis, he knew the influence of media would be inescapable, and still he chose to uniquely design Myka and bring her into the midst of the chaos.
This world has been full of sin since the fall, but somehow it's easy to think things are worse than ever and that makes it easy to be fearful for the young life that as a Mom you feel responsible for. I'm more thankful than ever for my relationship with Christ. I'm so thankful that I can know with full confidence that Myka is HIS and He holds her in the palm of His hand and loves her with an everlasting love - that erases my fears.
At the core of my being, I trust that God KNOWS Myka, that he LOVES Myka, and that he has plans for her life - that erases my fears. I have no doubt that God chose and allowed me to be Myka's Mom. He knows I'm only a sinner, saved by grace. He knows my list of shortcomings is long, but he chose me and he will equip me with all I need for this calling - that erases my fears.
I cannot wait to see all that God has in store for Myka. I pray daily that at a young age she will understand God's love and be drawn to the things of God. I pray that she will faithfully serve Him throughout her life. I know that the best way Myka can learn truth is to see it lived out in me. I have been challenged and convicted as I pray for her. In fact, my 2012 New Year's Resolution is to be the woman I'm praying Myka will become.
It's easy to fear the world, but I'm choosing to trust God instead. I'm confident that God wants to use Myka's life to bring hope to this world, and I am honored to be her Mom.
Passages I'm clinging to as Mommy to Myka...
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Oops
For the last couple of weeks, Tony and I have been enjoying a gigantic box of Swiss Valley Farms sausage, cheese, and chocolates delivered to us by UPS. I never bothered to read the shipping label since we receive a similar big ol box of deliciousness every year from my Aunt & Uncle. I wasn't expecting to receive it this year, but was extra excited when it was delivered to my surprise! Last night, as I was returning it to the fridge after enjoying some sort of peppermint cake treat, I noticed the label read "To Norma from Ronald", addressed to house 908, rather than 907.
My sincere apologies go out to dear Norma and my sincere thanks go out to dear Ronald. I'm still deciding what to do about this. Do we fess up? Do we ignore it all together? Do we call Swiss Valley, explain our mistake and see if they'll get Norma what she rightfully deserves? What would you do?
While I'm debating my next move, I may as well return to snacking on all my goodies before they go bad.
My sincere apologies go out to dear Norma and my sincere thanks go out to dear Ronald. I'm still deciding what to do about this. Do we fess up? Do we ignore it all together? Do we call Swiss Valley, explain our mistake and see if they'll get Norma what she rightfully deserves? What would you do?
While I'm debating my next move, I may as well return to snacking on all my goodies before they go bad.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Myka's Favorite Guy
The moment I knew a little girl was on the way, I had a pretty good feeling she'd be crazy about her daddy. As each day passes, the little darling proves that more and more. Yesterday I was nursing her up in her room when Tony came in the door from work. He shouted "hello ladies" from downstairs and Myka immediately pulled away, flashed her big, gummy grin and even let out a little giggle. Tony came in the room and baby girl was ecstatic, smiling and giggling like crazy. The sweet babe couldn't even finish eating she was so excited to see her daddy.
One of Myka's favorite activities (and Mommy's too) is what I call "Daddy Gazing." If Tony is in the room, she finds him and can't take her eyes off of him. He is her favorite face to stare at, her favorite voice to listen to, her favorite arms to be held in.
Precious moments.
Dancing to "Isn't She Lovely" in the first minutes after Myka's birth.
One of Myka's favorite activities (and Mommy's too) is what I call "Daddy Gazing." If Tony is in the room, she finds him and can't take her eyes off of him. He is her favorite face to stare at, her favorite voice to listen to, her favorite arms to be held in.
Precious moments.
You've Got to Be Kidding Me!
Life is so stinkin funny. Tonight had me crackin' up.
I opened the back door to put some trash out in the garbage around 10 and saw little paw prints leading across the porch to the trash can. I'm terrified of all animals, so I decided it was time for the trash to make its way to the curb immediately for garbage day tomorrow. I couldn't stand the thought of even a tiny little creature that close to my door.
I bundled up from head to toe and drug the trash through the snow. I was really enjoying the cold, fresh air, the darling boggs that were keeping my toes warm, and the serenity of the first snow of the year, so I decided to shovel the driveway too. For those of you who know me, that may sound slightly out of character. However, we all know that deep within my soul there's a nature-loving, outdoorsy, hard laboring girl. Apparently my husband hadn't met her yet.
Within a minute or two of my shoveling, the front door opened and out walked Tony in gym shorts and slippers with the camera in hand. His first words were "You've got to be kidding me!" He immediately started snapping pictures of my darling self shoveling away. It didn't seem that crazy until I realized I have never lifted a shovel in our married life. He offered to take over, but I was enjoying the project immensely, so I let him stay on photography duty while I did the heavy lifting. :)
I guess I was going for the Grant Wood look in this pic...cute eh?
I opened the back door to put some trash out in the garbage around 10 and saw little paw prints leading across the porch to the trash can. I'm terrified of all animals, so I decided it was time for the trash to make its way to the curb immediately for garbage day tomorrow. I couldn't stand the thought of even a tiny little creature that close to my door.
I bundled up from head to toe and drug the trash through the snow. I was really enjoying the cold, fresh air, the darling boggs that were keeping my toes warm, and the serenity of the first snow of the year, so I decided to shovel the driveway too. For those of you who know me, that may sound slightly out of character. However, we all know that deep within my soul there's a nature-loving, outdoorsy, hard laboring girl. Apparently my husband hadn't met her yet.
Within a minute or two of my shoveling, the front door opened and out walked Tony in gym shorts and slippers with the camera in hand. His first words were "You've got to be kidding me!" He immediately started snapping pictures of my darling self shoveling away. It didn't seem that crazy until I realized I have never lifted a shovel in our married life. He offered to take over, but I was enjoying the project immensely, so I let him stay on photography duty while I did the heavy lifting. :)
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