Things I have learned since being a wife.

Hello lovelies! 

I feel like I have been sooo busy but if you asked me what I have done - I couldn't answer. Hehe. 

I have been doing a lot of cleaning and preparing for baby V, since he will be here in about two months! {eee!} 

Also I have been doing a lot a lot of thinking. God is showing me so much about myself, my marriage, and my life. It's amazing - but sometimes tough. 

I wanted to tell you all a little bit of what I have learned in the past {almost} two years of being married. 

• Just because you and your spouse fight doesn't mean you aren't meant to be.  

      I always thought that if you married the person you were supposed to be with then you would never fight. You wouldn't argue. You wouldn't really disagree. I don't really know where I got this idea but it was hard on us in the beginning. I felt if we got into a disagreement that we weren't meant to be. Now that I am freed from this our marriage is happier. Yes, we argue from time to time but he is my prince! 

• Two people will not drink a gallon of milk. 

     Check the dates at the store and get the furthest date available. I learned this in the beginning and yet I STILL throw out milk from time to time. 

• Communication is speaking and listening. 

     I always knew that "communication is key" in marriage ... But the longer I am married I am realizing what communication really is. We have to speak in a respectful and loving way -- but we also have listen without taking offense. We sometimes have to "read between the lines". I will say something to my husband but mean something totally different because I am talking through fear, insecurity, frustration, and/or disrespect. When that happens our spouse (or we) have to learn to listen a more carefully to their heart. {my husband is great at this!} 

• Insecurities will arise in marriage and its best to deal with it then ignore it. 

     A lot of insecurities in me have been brought up to the surface since becoming a wife. Things that I thought I dealt with when I was younger come up again. If I allow it -- it can really affect us and our marriage. Things from body image to issues with alcohol to fear. We have to deal with the insecurities when they come up.... And communicate and listen. 

- . - . - . - 

Those are some of the things I have learned so far that The Lord is reminding me now {well maybe not the milk one... I just thought of it because I have a half gallon of expired milk in the fridge}.

So what have you learned since being married or in a relationship? 

What have you learned with being single? 

Never stop growing and love. - Monica 

{leaving you with a wedding photo because I love to look back on this day.}

My birthday... And Happy Mother's Day!

Well, it was my birthday a few days ago! 

I love birthdays! Not just mine... But all birthdays. I love celebrating someone and showering them with love.

My husband totally did this! He bought me beautiful flowers, yummy coffee, lunch at Logan's, we went to a movie, and then had a romantic dinner at a local restaurant. We ended the evening with him singing me "happy birthday" as I blew out a princess candle in a Boston cream cake. (: A perfect and beautiful birthday. 

The next holiday to celebrate is Mother's Day! 

My first Mother's Day ever!!!! 

I am still in shock that I am going to be a mother in a little over two months. 

My heart is already exploding with love for this precious baby boy growing inside of me. 

So to all the mothers - the old and the new. The mothers with earthly children and the mothers with babies in heaven. The mothers with children they did not give birth to and the mothers whose children are being entrusted with other women. The mothers with babies still inside of them and the mothers whose babies are still in their dreams. I honor you and thank you for all that you do! Have a happy happy Mother's Day! 

May God bless you, not only on this day, but all year! 

Praying for ALL mothers and love. - Monica 

Bumpdate {26 weeks} and sharing my heart

Happy Wednesday!!!

I have been having such a sweet sweet time with The Lord lately.
I have been reading the SheReadsTruth devotional and participating in the Overcome The Lie challenge and its been really changing me!

I have noticed some things in me that needed to change and I am just so joyful.
Since moving here to Alabama {and probably even before} I have been putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on my husband for my spiritual walk with The Lord. I was, in a way, putting my husband as Jesus. I would run to husby instead of crying out to God. And since I put so much pressure on him -- when husby would struggle then I would struggle.

Now, I believe with my whole heart that the husband is called to be the spiritual leader..... But not the spiritual source! We, as wives and women of God, need to rely on The Lord. He is our one true source. HE is our savior. I am changing my heart in that area and running to God.

So that's a little bit of my heart.

Now for a bumpdate -


How Far along: 26w5d (yesterday) almost the third trimester!

Size Of Baby: baby v was over 2 pounds at our appointment last week. My baby app says he is the size of a cucumber (15 inches).

Maternity Clothes: husby bought me two more summer dresses!
None of my clothes are "maternity" clothes.... But just breathable and flexible clothes that I wear with a belt to show off the bump.

Stretch Marks: oh ya!!!!! Tons and tons!

Weight Gain: I actually didn't weigh myself this week but my guess would be.... 18 pounds.

Sleep: last night was bad! I didn't sleep at all and was to hungry to fall back asleep this morning. I am thinking of coming up with a evening routine to prepare my body for sleep.

Best Moment of the Week: husby feeling baby v kick!!! It still puts a smile on my face when I think about it.

Movement: lots and lots! It's such a joy to feel him.

Cravings: crepes!! Mmm! I finally made some last weekend.

Gender: all boy

Belly Button In or Out: in between... But on its way out lol

Wedding Ring on or Off: still not wearing it unless I go out.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: not a thing

What I Miss: sleeping on my back. Some nights I just want to sleep on my back but once I do, I feel like I am getting crushed by baby lol.

What I am Looking Forward to: I think we are going to paint the nursery this weekend and set up the crib!!!!

Nursery: blue and brown all the way!!! And I bought some wooden letters to spell out his name. Still trying to come up with more creative ideas.

Emotions: this week I have just been falling so in love with this baby boy! I am just so so excited! It's getting a little scary because time is just going by so so fast! But I am still so excited to see my little guy!

What baby is up to: baby v is opening and closing his eyes! He also gets hiccups and I can feel them! His immune system is rapidly developing too! He is our little world changer!!!

Baby bumps and love. - Monica

Positivity

Hi lovelies!

I received an email from a friend last night asking for some advice and prayer.
I was happy to pray for her because I want to always be an encourager and point everyone in my life to Christ.

My friend mentioned to me that on my blog it seems like I "have it all together."


This really got me thinking because I don't want ANYONE leaving my blog thinking that I don't struggle or that everything in my life is where it should be.
I don't write about my issues, insecurities, arguments with husby, or other negative things for privacy of my family and because I want to focus on the good and not the bad. I would rather share positivity then to give negativity.
Lovelies, I never want ANY of you to leave my blog feeling upset, jealous, or more depressed.
I want you to leave feeling encouraged, awakened, inspired, and loved!

I know lately my blog has been filled with baby updates and less about what is going on in my heart and {here is some honesty} it's because I am struggling currently. I am needing some breakthrough in my heart that I know will come.
Please know that I do NOT have it all together - far from it! Ha.

Husby and I argue like every other couple. Sometimes I say things I don't mean and often have to repent to him.
Occasionally we struggle financially - but God still provides our every need in one way or another!
With my growing and changing body I often struggle with my appearance.
And yes, sometimes I feel far from God's voice.

I know that we can go to someone's blog and think, "gosh, their lives are so perfect! They have x,y,z and I don't."
But remember, lovelies, we don't see every aspect of their lives.
- . - . -
I have made it a point in my social media life {and real life too} to not be negative about ANYTHING.
When Husby and I argue I don't run to Facebook or twitter to "vent".
I don't complain about my life or my pregnancy on here or anywhere else.
I try my best to ALWAYS see the beauty in life and reveal the goodness to the world.

That doesn't mean I don't have moments where I am so mad at my husband that I could bad mouth him, or so frustrated with my stretch marks that I could cry -- it just means that I don't focus on that and i don't bring everyone else into the discussion.

My husband and I always work it out. I work through my insecurities and frustrations. And what I have left behind in this social media world was happiness and positivity.

I know, for me, when someone is joyful it makes me feel joyful. But when someone is negative then I start to feel that way too. My hope is that when people encounter me {in real life, on social media, and on my blog} that they would feel the joy I have in my heart because of Jesus. That's the legacy I hope to leave behind. I am not perfect in this but I will not give up.

So, friends, if you are struggling - know that you are not alone! I am praying for you and with you! Don't envy someone else's life and take joy in the life you are given! Your breakthrough is coming because our God ALWAYS fulfills His promises! You are blessed because you have Jesus and His grace, mercy, and joy are new every morning!

Positivity and love. - Monica

Bumpdate {24 weeks}

Well we made it six months in the beautifully blessed pregnancy!

As each week passes I am getting more and more excited.
I am trying my best to prepare our home and my heart for baby v and all that is about to change.

My desire is that Seth will experience The Lord by simply being our son. (:

So here is this weeks bumpdate!

How Far along: 24 weeks (and 3 days in the pic)

Size Of Baby: baby v is the size of an eggplant (9 inches and 1.7 pounds!)

Maternity Clothes: oh yes! I tried to wear my jeans again but it's not happening.

Stretch Marks: mmmhmmm! I am now using some stretch mark cream to help.

Weight Gain: right around 17 pounds. Eeek!

Sleep: it's hard to get comfortable and baby v still likes to kick a lot while I am resting. But I guess I need to get used to it.

Best Moment of the Week: Yesterday was just a really fun day with husby and I. He had to work six days last week so yesterday was his only day off and we just hung out. We laughed a lot and talked about baby v. I know it's not directly about Seth, but we are a family and it was a great day!

Movement: lots and lots, but once Martin tries to feel him he gets shy and stops hehe.

Cravings: ice cream! Maybe I need more dairy and sugar. Hehe but I always want ice cream after every meal.

Gender: all baby boy!

Belly Button In or Out: in... But looking like in the next few weeks it will be out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: off and on. some days I am more swollen then others .... So when I am home I have it off ... But when I go out I put it on.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: not a thing!

What I Miss: sleeping all night. Last night was tough. I had restless leg syndrome, then my hip would hurt, then I would get hot, then cold. Bleh. Lol.

What I am Looking Forward to: next week I have my glucose test and another ultrasound! Not excited about the test but excited for the ultrasound!

Nursery: my mother in law just bought our crib and it should be here next week so we can start to decorate!

Emotions: excited!!! I have just been really excited all week! I can't believe that in a few months I will have a beautiful baby boy in my arms (:

What baby is up to: sections of his lungs are expanding and is producing surfactant so that his lungs won't collapse when he is born. Capillaries are forming and filling with blood too! Baby V has just a little but of hair on his head! He is growing perfectly and being blessed by The Lord. (:

Baby bumps and love - Monica

Bumpdate {23 weeks}

Good morning lovelies! I got up this morning to send my husband off to work and decided to stay awake -- is 10am to early for a nap? Lol

I am tired but it was wonderful to have the morning to myself to get caught up on #shereadstruth devotional and pray. (:

Now, time for this week's bumpdate:

How Far along: 23 weeks {and 4 days today}

Size Of Baby: baby v is the size of an ear of corn {or about 11 inches} and weighs over a pound!

Maternity Clothes: oh yes! Leggings, flowy dresses, and loose shirts are my friends!

Stretch Marks: got those too! Lol

Weight Gain: 15 whole pounds! Yikes!!!

Sleep: this past week was a tough one. Baby V decided it would be fun to kick my bladder all night long! As long as he doesn't kick down I sleep pretty well.

Best Moment of the Week: feeling him kick on the outside! I even saw my tummy move hehe. It doesn't happen all the time and husby has yet to feel it but its a beautiful reminder!

Movement: lots!

Cravings: sweets!!! I ate so many cookies yesterday after church! It was a little embarrassing! And I want Thai food {hoping we go this week!}

Gender: all boy!

Belly Button In or Out: in (:

Wedding Ring on or Off: last week I had to have it off for one day - I was just really swollen..... But the next day it was back on.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: not a thing

What I Miss: in-n-out! Lol I can eat it while I am pregnant but we don't have one in Alabama and I miss it so so much!!!!

What I am Looking Forward to: another ultrasound in a few weeks!

Nursery: yesterday husby and I looked at some paint ideas! So my wheels are turning

Emotions: happy, excited, blessed, scared, and loved by God. He is just so so good and I am constantly in awe of Him and who He is. Not only during this pregnancy but with every aspect of my life.
I am not perfect but I have been saved by grace and I want to live out my faith! I want others to see it and give glory to God.

What baby is up to: all of baby v's fetal internal organs are developed and functioning well, his skin is translucent but will be getting fatter and fatter with the months to come. He also can distinguish between my voice and Martin's. He is fearfully and wonderfully made!

Baby bumps and love. - Monica

Bumpdate {22 weeks}

Happy Thursday lovelies!!!!

Yesterday I ran so many errands and today I just want to sit and relax! This baby boy and I are tired!!!

So lets do a bumpdate!


How Far along: 22 weeks today!

Size Of Baby: about the size of a papaya, around 8 inches and weighing a little over 1 pound!

Maternity Clothes: yes! And lots of leggings!

Stretch Marks: just that same one as before.

Weight Gain: I did not weigh myself but I am guessing right around 12 lbs

Sleep: getting better! I am understanding my new body and what is more comfortable to sleep. Of course from 7am to about 10am I sleep the best because husby isn't in bed and I can roll and spread out hehe.

Best Moment of the Week: getting some fantastic items from husby's coworker! A pack n play, little swing, and high chair!!!
And a random lady at the store ask me when I was due -- it's fun to look pregnant and not just like I ate too many cupcakes (:

Movement: lots!!! It is so so wonderful! Not strong enough to be felt from the outside yet.

Cravings: last Sunday Martin and I went to this delicious Thai food restaurant and I have been thinking about it non stop! Mmmm and the Thai tea!!! Mmmm!!!!

Gender: boy boy boy!

Belly Button In or Out: in. {advice to anyone thinking of getting their belly button pierced - DO NOT DO IT! I got mine when I was about 14 and it's stretched to the max and uncomfortable}

Wedding Ring on or Off: on still (:

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: not a thing!

What I Miss: hhmmm... This question is always hard. I am gonna say multiple cups of coffee.

What I am Looking Forward to: feeling baby move on the outside!

Nursery: we are going with browns and blues. We even got an okay from our landlord to paint the room so I am researching what I want to do!

Emotions: This week I did have a freak out moment. My aunt said its normal which made me feel better. No matter how many babies I have seen and helped take care of -- nothing is the same as being a mother! Thoughts of inadequacy were flooding my mind. Will I be a good mother? Will I be able to raise him with a good strong biblical foundation? How will I be able to function with little sleep?
After a talk, some prayer, and coloring in my coloring book (my kind of therapy) I am feeling way better.
I am excited and feeling blessed! I may not know what I am doing but I am not alone and I trust The Lord with my life and this baby's life!

What baby is up to: Seth is able to perceive light, although his eye lids are still infused shut. He can also grab with his tiny hands -- the only thing to grab is the umbilical cord though. And teeny tiny little teeth buds are starting to sprout under his gums! So cute!

We are getting closer and closer and I am so so excited!!!

{I want to do a fun "getting to know me" blog post.... So ask me any questions and I will answer them next week!}

Baby bumps and love. - Monica