MLP 6

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project Six:

Menu Board

I have been planning my meals for a few years now. I saw a neat menu board and decided to give it a try. I have a plan for a more flashy menu board but wanted to make sure I liked the card-clip system before buying the materials. I did type up the cards. (If you want a copy of my cards I would be happy to send them to you, just message me.) I created this quick-see-if-I-like-it board with paper, hot glue, and clothes pins. I decided to instal my temporary board on the inside of the cabinet to help make my kitchen look less cluttered. I had everything for this project around the house so it was totally free!

2 Months Old

Owen is already two months old. He is starting to grow into his cute little pointy chin. He is also getting some chub on him. A lady at church joked that I give him cream, not just milk. Ha ha, perhaps she is right.

He got his 2 month shots. It broke my heart holding him down on the table so the nurse could stick needles into his sweet little legs. He only cried for a few moments. I was not prepared though for his fever. We went home and he would not let me put him down. I took his temperature and sure enough, the shots had caused Owen to get a fever. He was so hot, and cranky. I called Mike to come home from work and to pick up baby meds for fevers. I just held my sweaty boy in my arms and whimpered along with him. His fever broke a few hours after and the rest of the night went along normal. I hope he doesn't have the same reaction next time.

It is sweet because you can tell that Owen knows who his mommy and daddy are. He knows our faces and he knows our voices. It makes me feel so loved when he can tell the difference between me and other women in our family.

Makes me think, how well do I know my Father God's face and voice?

MLP 5

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

 

Project Five:

I realized that diaper boxes are a perfect fit for the top shelf of our closet. So, I decided to give the box a makeover so that it was not only functional but good lookin'. I plan to re-purpose many more diaper boxes in a similar fashion. 

To re-purpose the diaper box I painted 2 coats of acrylic and then hot glued fabric onto the box flaps. I then hot glued the flaps down and added a silk ribbon. I had all these items around the house so this project was free!

Productive in simply bonding

I subscribe to Jill Savage's daily thoughts and her message today was very convicting! (See below) Today I found myself texting Mike a list of all that I had accomplished... laundry, cleaning out the Christmas tree stand, putting clothes away, dishes, dinner, etc.. When I got to checking my e-mail this message really hit home.

I am only home with Owen for so long. I need to chill out with my tasks and make sure that I am finding the time to be present and bond with Owen. He is sleeping next to me right now. I love listening to each little sleepy snort he makes. Thank you Jill Savage for the reminder that "Bonding with a baby by just being present, is being productive."
 

Sometimes I need to rethink the way I think…

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 03:50 AM PST

You know, I try to accomplish as much as I can in a day. In some ways, it’s how I measure success.  I bet you do too much of the time!

My friend Jody said a post from another Mom on Facebook made her reevaluate this way of thinking, though. The post said: “I’m totally unproductive when I have a sleeping baby lying on me. I can just lie here and listen to her breathe….”
As Jody imagined this Mom being unable to get things done, she read another Mom’s comment: “Looks like it’s time to redefine the word ‘productive.’ I’m pretty sure sharing a heartbeat with your newborn is a good use of time.”

 

Bonding with a baby by just being present, is being productive. Being really present for much older kids, and my husband and friends is too. It’s like sharing a heartbeat all over again. How do you need to redefine “productivity” today?

MLP 4

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project Four:

This was just a fun project. I wanted to find some way to label our laundry baskets. I tried laminated a script letter but I had a hard time getting tape to stick to the plastic of the basket. So, I decided to make these letters to show who was whos. I was going to paint them black and make them look really sleek, but I decided to go with a personal touch for each one. This project cost me a total of $6. 

MLP 3

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project Three:

Becky, our nanny, wanted a white board to document small things that occur during her day. I searched high and low for a cute one with a frame. All I could find was the tacky plastic ones. I thought to myself, I could decorate the plastic ones with ribbon. Humm... But then it dawned on me to use a regular picture frame. I drove to the craft store and found a frame that was 40% off. Then I went to pay and the cashier had a coupon for an additional 40% off, then I used my 10% off teacher card. The frame cost me $7! I put some fabric behind it and vwalla! I want to put a shadowed photo of Owen but need to order that and was just too excited to put it on the wall. So, fabric works for now. I was pleased with this project because it helps with communication in our home and looks nice too~ win win!

Fear no fear...

In past pregnancy posts I wrote about fear. It is funny how becoming a mommy really is a scary thing. I find myself worrying about Owen in different ways every single day. 

"He has more snot today, maybe he is getting sick."  

"Is he eating enough?"

"His skin is getting dry. Is he getting diaper rash?"

I am reminded that God did not give me a spirit of fear and I am called to be confident in my heavenly Father. When Mike and I moved into our condo back in July I took a friends advice. My friend Christy told me to surround myself in the word and to speak those words over my life. So, I made verse cards, laminated them, and posted them around our house. I did not realize just how helpful this advice would be. Now that I am a mommy I have less quiet time with God. Opening my cabinets reminds me of His promises over my life. 

 And the verses are not just for me. Yesterday I sat on the couch, closed my eyes, and prayed because I just had an anxious feeling suddenly fill me. Mike noticed and when I opened my eyes again he recited one of our kitchen cabinet verses. I then realized that he too had been reminded of Gods truths posted around our house. 

 I am thankful for Gods Word and His promise to prosper us. I remember to present my requests to Him and let go of my fears. Thank you Christy for such good advice.

For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7