Ah, motherhood. While admittedly I'm a lot more laid back the second time around, there are moments where I can't even remember what I'm supposed to be doing with a newborn. Thankfully I follow some pretty amazing women online who write some pretty fantastic posts about motherhood, and reading their words always brings peace when I need it. Because I figure I'm not the only gal out there who needs to know that other women understand, here are some bloggers who have brought much-needed peace when ... continue reading...

If you're wondering about that title up there? Here's why. Honestly my own newborn updates from Wes have been the biggest source of encouragement these days; who knew that three years ago those words I wrote in sleep-deprived stupor would help so much later on?   This past week has been hard you guys. I won't lie and try to sugarcoat it: having a newborn is hard, and having a newborn and a toddler is even harder. Dying to self has taken on a whole new meaning, and I've been having to ... continue reading...

I'm so excited today to have a post by one of my favorite bloggers ever, Liz from Carpé Season. This gal has such a way with words, not to mention amazing ideas. This newborn nursing box is just one of those, and something I've put into use already. I hope it helps any of you new nursing or bottle feeding mommies as much as it has me!   Hi I'm Liz, author of Carpé Season and one half of the duo behind the newly launched Carpé Season Photography, and I'm happy to be sharing here on Heather's ... continue reading...

Honestly I've debated long and hard about trying to do weekly updates with Austin like I did with Wes. The longer I'm a mom, the more strongly I feel that I should let our children create and tell their own stories. That being said, there is SO MUCH that I gathered and so much comfort that I felt the first few weeks with Wes from reading other new mom accounts of the first 12 weeks. Plus I love having the account of the first few weeks written down, and have actually gotten a LOT of comfort out ... continue reading...

As I sit here and type out another birth story I can't help but feel just ridiculously blessed beyond measure. To be the mother of two precious boys is something my heart was built for long before I ever knew it; the past couple of days has only reaffirmed that over and over again.   You can read it in its entirety here, but as a short reminder my birth story with Wes ended in a c-section. At the time it was the last thing I wanted; however, looking back I had about as great of an ... continue reading...

SURPRISE!!!!!   I'm working on finding the time (see how I didn't even say I was working on it yet? Oy...) to write up this little man's birth story because his arrival was much sooner (in a good way) than we anticipated. But we are so very much in love with our new addition, and I couldn't wait to share!   Austin, we are so smitten with you. I wish you could see the sparkle in your brother's eyes when he sees you, the tenderness with which your daddy cares for you, and the ... continue reading...

Something happened recently that really made me sit back and think about my job a bit.   It wasn't the Restless study I've been doing, the reading through the book of Acts the past month, or the stellar blog posts written by my friend Austin. It wasn't even the realization that in one week's time we are going to have  second child or the fact that I've lined up zero plans of maternity leave material for when our little man gets here.   It struck me that my goals and plans ... continue reading...

When it comes to dinner, we like to keep things simple. Simple usually means a slow cooker meal, grilling out when the weather permits, or otherwise only spending 30-ish minutes on meal preparation. And it’s good; we don’t go hungry and pretty much always enjoy what we’re eating. But, every now and then, it’s nice to get a little fancy, whether it’s a date night in or a dinner party, this is where we really like to try new ingredients. Belgian endive is one of those things; it’s pretty ... continue reading...

Dear Mama,   I know it's hard to be my mama sometimes. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I hit, sometimes I make life complicated...but thank you.   Thank you for the times you cry when no one's watching because you care about my soul.   Thank you for the worry you have over my safety and well-being.   Thank you for taking the time to sound out words that I still can't say.   Thank you for always holding me longer than you have to, for wanting to ... continue reading...