IMG 0561 from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Dearest Madeline,
Today was your 6th birthday and you were sick :( You had a fever in the middle of the night and because of that, you missed school today. We hung around the house together and watched a lot of "Barbie and the Popstar."
I have to say that in a way I'm glad you were sick today. It meant I got to have you home and all to myself. I've missed you a lot since you started Kindergarten. I know how much you love school and that makes me happy. But there have been times in these last few weeks that I have deeply missed you. Let's face it, for a while it was pretty much just me and you. You were my side-kick. You were my bud. We had so much freedom, just the two of us. It was pretty special. (Just for the record you are still all of those things to me; it's just a little different now).
Several times today you told me things like "I'm lucky I got you for a Mom," or "I love you so much," or "You're the best Mom anyone could ask for." Honestly, I think I'm the lucky one. Lucky that God knew exactly what I needed when he gave me you. You have been such a light in my life, Maddie. I'm always proud of you; like all the time. Your heart mystifies me; it's the most loving and forgiving heart around. You teach me constantly.
So, on your 6th birthday, now that you are all tucked into bed on the top bunk, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being so brave with your emotions and your love. Thank you for being an awesome big sister to Gracie and MJ (they really look up to you). Thank you for being sweet, goofy, smiley you.
But mostly, I hope that some day I can truly live up to the person you see me as. I love you Maddie.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
$37.85
Today was a beautiful day.
Only, not in the traditional sense that would be based on weather. I caught a glimpse of something majestic.
Gabe and I met at the grocery store while Maddie and Gracie were at school. It was a very rainy day and he had time to meet me there and lighten my load with the baby and all. We shopped around finding everything we needed and many things we didn't. We threw it all in the cart without a thought.
At the deli counter we were behind a man who was probably our age. The deli lady was having some long convo with the lady in front of him and it was all I could do not to say something. I had so many thoughts running through my head; things like: "terrible customer service", "the deli lady has an awful attitude", "why do I live in Virginia?
You get the drift.
So, Gabe and I finished our shopping and proceeded to the check out. There was only 1 guy in line so I chose that lane. As we were loading our groceries on the belt, I realized the man in front of us was the same guy we had been behind at the deli. I could tell there was something going on. The manager was being asked questions by the clerk about "voiding, or holding the transaction until he could make a call about his card." I knew what was happening. The man had a look of shock and worry on his face. He seemed to be saying "Can I afford food?" without speaking. It struck my heart.
So, my inner voice (aka The Holy Spirit) said that we should offer to pay for this man's groceries. His total was $37.85. But then another voice came in saying that "he would be offended if we offered to pay." I felt stuck. So I didn't do anything. Didn't say anything to Gabe, didn't think about it again. I just sort of froze.
In that moment, while the man was down about 10 lanes from us, making a call to his credit card company, Gabe spoke up to our clerk and the manager and said, "I'll pay for his groceries." The looks on their faces were priceless. They told Gabe he didn't have to do that, etc. etc. but Gabe responded "I'd like to pay for his groceries." The clerk in the next lane overheard what was happening and started talking about us "being a blessing" to this man.
So, the clerk proceeded to add up our groceries with his and gave us our grand total which we paid. By then the man was off the phone and walking towards his cart. The clerk told him we had paid for his food and he was SO very, very thankful. He reached out and grabbed Gabe's hand with both of his. He shook it over and over and said "Thank you" while looking deep into his eyes the whole time.
I had tears in my eyes at the sight of this.
I've always known the kind of man Gabe is. He is very loving, a good provider and a wonderful hands-on dad. I know his political beliefs (don't we all? ;) and his faith is secure. But honestly, he humbled me by his actions today. He saw a need that he could meet and he stepped out in faith to help someone who was down on their luck. Isn't that the point of it all?????? I had the same thought as him, but I let doubt and fear tamper it down to where I did nothing.
I feel like I re-fell in love with him today at the supermarket. I was reminded of how big his heart is and how lucky I am to call him my husband.
Only, not in the traditional sense that would be based on weather. I caught a glimpse of something majestic.
Gabe and I met at the grocery store while Maddie and Gracie were at school. It was a very rainy day and he had time to meet me there and lighten my load with the baby and all. We shopped around finding everything we needed and many things we didn't. We threw it all in the cart without a thought.
At the deli counter we were behind a man who was probably our age. The deli lady was having some long convo with the lady in front of him and it was all I could do not to say something. I had so many thoughts running through my head; things like: "terrible customer service", "the deli lady has an awful attitude", "why do I live in Virginia?
You get the drift.
So, Gabe and I finished our shopping and proceeded to the check out. There was only 1 guy in line so I chose that lane. As we were loading our groceries on the belt, I realized the man in front of us was the same guy we had been behind at the deli. I could tell there was something going on. The manager was being asked questions by the clerk about "voiding, or holding the transaction until he could make a call about his card." I knew what was happening. The man had a look of shock and worry on his face. He seemed to be saying "Can I afford food?" without speaking. It struck my heart.
So, my inner voice (aka The Holy Spirit) said that we should offer to pay for this man's groceries. His total was $37.85. But then another voice came in saying that "he would be offended if we offered to pay." I felt stuck. So I didn't do anything. Didn't say anything to Gabe, didn't think about it again. I just sort of froze.
In that moment, while the man was down about 10 lanes from us, making a call to his credit card company, Gabe spoke up to our clerk and the manager and said, "I'll pay for his groceries." The looks on their faces were priceless. They told Gabe he didn't have to do that, etc. etc. but Gabe responded "I'd like to pay for his groceries." The clerk in the next lane overheard what was happening and started talking about us "being a blessing" to this man.
So, the clerk proceeded to add up our groceries with his and gave us our grand total which we paid. By then the man was off the phone and walking towards his cart. The clerk told him we had paid for his food and he was SO very, very thankful. He reached out and grabbed Gabe's hand with both of his. He shook it over and over and said "Thank you" while looking deep into his eyes the whole time.
I had tears in my eyes at the sight of this.
I've always known the kind of man Gabe is. He is very loving, a good provider and a wonderful hands-on dad. I know his political beliefs (don't we all? ;) and his faith is secure. But honestly, he humbled me by his actions today. He saw a need that he could meet and he stepped out in faith to help someone who was down on their luck. Isn't that the point of it all?????? I had the same thought as him, but I let doubt and fear tamper it down to where I did nothing.
I feel like I re-fell in love with him today at the supermarket. I was reminded of how big his heart is and how lucky I am to call him my husband.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Mason at 3 months old!
IMG 0477 from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
The baby turned 3 months old this week. Time is definitely flying by. He is so much fun such a sweet addition to our family. Enjoy!!!
The baby turned 3 months old this week. Time is definitely flying by. He is so much fun such a sweet addition to our family. Enjoy!!!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Ta-Dah!!!!
Maddie learns to ride a bike from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
Maddie learns to ride a bike 2 from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
best.day.ever.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Maddie learned....
to RIDE A BIKE TODAY!!! No more training wheels :) I will post video tomorrow....
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
My Dear One
Today you are 4 years old. In some ways I cannot believe it and in others I can. You have become this little kid; no longer a baby. I'm so proud of you.
You are still incredibly talkative. Today you got upset that I was "always interrupting" you. I responded that since "you are always talking, someone's gotta interrupt you sometime." :) You didn't like that too much but I thought it was funny!
I always think of you as my strong-willed child. You are my kid who colors outside of the lines, marches to her own beat, etc. You move through life without a thought as to what others think of you. I admire this quality in you. You are teaching me.
Which leads me to your outfits. They are WILD. You don't pay too much attention to things matching. Mostly you pick items you love (ie: favorite tank top, skirt, shoes) and you put them all on; without a thought or care as to if they match each other or the weather outdoors. And heaven help the person who tries to tell you otherwise. I've learned in the last year that it just isn't worth it. It's a battle I'm not willing to fight. So, I let you be you out in the world. And I continue to be so proud.
This summer you became a big sister for the first time and you are amazing in this role. I think deep down it has been hard for you to no longer be the "baby." But, your Nonnie had a good point. You will always be my baby girl. No one can replace you. You are truly one of kind and I love you completely.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Kindergarten
This morning you ate Coco Puffs for breakfast because you begged me to buy it for you yesterday.
You chose your own clothes; in fact when we did our school clothes shopping, you knew this would be the shirt you would wear.
You packed your "nigh-nigh" in your backpack because you heard there would be resting time and you said you would need it.
You gladly posed for pictures in front of our home :)
As we drove to school, your excitement grew; I could feel your adrenaline.
Daddy, Gracie, Mason and I all took you to school and walked you into your classroom. Your teacher was there to greet you.
You walked right over to her, took off your new backpack, and found a seat. I watched you take a crayon and get right to work. As I talked to your teacher I tried to take it all in. The site, smell and energy of the first day of "real" school. It was so exciting.
Gracie liked seeing your teacher; she'd really been wondering about her.
As I said goodbye, you stood up and ran over to me. "Big Hug and Kiss, Mommy," you said. I leaned down and planted one on ya.
And I knew in that moment it's going to be a great year.
I love you with my whole entire 1st heart Maddie-girl. (1st because a couple days ago I said I loved each of you with my whole heart and you determined that I must have 3 hearts; one for each kid :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
There are SO many things that I want need to blog about.
On the baby front: He is amazing. Just turned 9 weeks old and took his shots like a champ. He weighs 11 lbs. 5 oz now (3 lbs. more than birth) and he's the best thing ever. I'm in love. I'm also done breastfeeding. Hallelujah!!! I had never breastfed before. Both girls did formula and they turned out great. But since I knew Mason was and is my last, I decided to try something different. He was a natural at it. Come to think of it, so was I. I mean, my body knew what to do but my mind realized it's a lot. A lot in the sense that ALL OF THE FEEDINGS are my job. As in, no help from Gabe. As in, just me, awake, sobbing, nursing Mason while Gabe saws logs next to me. I cannot tell you the level of resentment that results from this. The word "unfair" kept playing on a loop in my mind.
I know that "breast is best" and all the slogans that go along with the breastfeeding world but for me and my life, I've decided "bottle is the way I stay sane." Seriously. Breastfeeding Mason for 6 weeks was really neat and bonding and special. But it was also a ton of work, exhausting, and made me feel like a prisoner. I know this isn't everyone's experience but with 2 others kids that have a lot of needs, it became too much. Oh, and did I mention the crazy amount of reflux issues Mason was experiencing while nursing. No bueno. So formula it is and formula makes all of us much happier :)
However, there is judgement from others when you either give up (or never attempt) breastfeeding. Silent judgement. I've been through it before. That look of surprise when another mother asks and I give the answer that he is bottle fed now. Then I feel some need to explain. Like I need to give reasons why I'm not nursing. The same way I used to answer the "What do you do for a living?" question by responding that I am "just" a mom and then reciting my resume to prove that I'm indeed educated and started a career at one point in time. Ugh. I don't do that anymore. Thank God.
Back to judgement. My cleaning ladies were here the other day. They've been here several times since Mason arrived. They are very sweet, Latina ladies. They are always nice to the girls but very happy that I had a son. (This is a theme in the Latino culture; boys seem to be the desirable sex and until I had one I would always get questioned about when we would be trying for a boy.)
As they were cleaning, Mason woke from a nap and I headed to the kitchen to prepare his bottle. My cleaning lady looked at me, then the bottle, and asked " Why you aren't breastfeeding?" I responded that I did, but I'm done, and he has reflux, and this is better, and....
Did I just get judged by my cleaning lady? I heard her then recite to the other cleaning lady in Spanish that I nursed for 6 weeks but not anymore. I don't know what she said after that.
Here's the thing, it shouldn't matter. It doesn't matter. It's up to each person and each family and it's no one else's business. It's another one of those parenting/mothering/woman things where there is a ton of judgement in each respective community and none of it is valid. The proof is in the pudding and so far I think my puddings have turned out pretty awesome; formula and all :)
On the baby front: He is amazing. Just turned 9 weeks old and took his shots like a champ. He weighs 11 lbs. 5 oz now (3 lbs. more than birth) and he's the best thing ever. I'm in love. I'm also done breastfeeding. Hallelujah!!! I had never breastfed before. Both girls did formula and they turned out great. But since I knew Mason was and is my last, I decided to try something different. He was a natural at it. Come to think of it, so was I. I mean, my body knew what to do but my mind realized it's a lot. A lot in the sense that ALL OF THE FEEDINGS are my job. As in, no help from Gabe. As in, just me, awake, sobbing, nursing Mason while Gabe saws logs next to me. I cannot tell you the level of resentment that results from this. The word "unfair" kept playing on a loop in my mind.
I know that "breast is best" and all the slogans that go along with the breastfeeding world but for me and my life, I've decided "bottle is the way I stay sane." Seriously. Breastfeeding Mason for 6 weeks was really neat and bonding and special. But it was also a ton of work, exhausting, and made me feel like a prisoner. I know this isn't everyone's experience but with 2 others kids that have a lot of needs, it became too much. Oh, and did I mention the crazy amount of reflux issues Mason was experiencing while nursing. No bueno. So formula it is and formula makes all of us much happier :)
However, there is judgement from others when you either give up (or never attempt) breastfeeding. Silent judgement. I've been through it before. That look of surprise when another mother asks and I give the answer that he is bottle fed now. Then I feel some need to explain. Like I need to give reasons why I'm not nursing. The same way I used to answer the "What do you do for a living?" question by responding that I am "just" a mom and then reciting my resume to prove that I'm indeed educated and started a career at one point in time. Ugh. I don't do that anymore. Thank God.
Back to judgement. My cleaning ladies were here the other day. They've been here several times since Mason arrived. They are very sweet, Latina ladies. They are always nice to the girls but very happy that I had a son. (This is a theme in the Latino culture; boys seem to be the desirable sex and until I had one I would always get questioned about when we would be trying for a boy.)
As they were cleaning, Mason woke from a nap and I headed to the kitchen to prepare his bottle. My cleaning lady looked at me, then the bottle, and asked " Why you aren't breastfeeding?" I responded that I did, but I'm done, and he has reflux, and this is better, and....
Did I just get judged by my cleaning lady? I heard her then recite to the other cleaning lady in Spanish that I nursed for 6 weeks but not anymore. I don't know what she said after that.
Here's the thing, it shouldn't matter. It doesn't matter. It's up to each person and each family and it's no one else's business. It's another one of those parenting/mothering/woman things where there is a ton of judgement in each respective community and none of it is valid. The proof is in the pudding and so far I think my puddings have turned out pretty awesome; formula and all :)
Monday, August 20, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
The Beach or Bust
We are off on our first vacation as a family of 5. Well, the girls are already on their way with their grandparents and Gabe and I will leave with the baby soon. But, we will reunite and be on the vacation together :)
Monday, August 6, 2012
I heard something on the radio yesterday that made me laugh. The radio guy said to a mom who had called in that her son better get used to not having a chance to talk since he had two older sisters!! I can definitely see that being the case around here :)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Perspective
It's been a whirlwind around here.
A new baby, 2 older kids, visitors, etc. It's been pretty awesome; when it hasn't been so hard.
Let me start with saying that having Mason here is amazing. He's precious and I love him so dearly. I had felt like someone was missing from our family for a while and now I know that it is complete. He is the perfect ending.
On the other hand, having a newborn is HARD. As in, it's so hard I find myself sobbing at times just because of sheer exhaustion. I have a few friends who have 3 kids and they always talked about the level of tired they were experiencing and to be honest, I didn't have a whole lot of compassion. Ididn't couldn't understand. Now, I do. I get it. It's really difficult and I know it's worth every single second. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
The other thing that's been happening in my head lately is that feeling of being homesick. I believe that every time I've ever had a baby, I become terribly homesick. I miss it there.
Various family members have come here to Virginia to meet Mason and more than anything to help me. It's been amazing. When my Mom was here, I felt so incredibly close to her. I loved sharing a part of each day with her as I welcomed my son into the world and into our home. Then, she had to go. I mean, of course she did; she doesn't live here. But the reality of her leaving left me in tears and feeling unsure about what I'm doing. Then, this last week, Claudia, Gianna and my Dad were here. Again, so many laughs, good food and fun companionship (even in those wee hours). But, that too has come to an end. And it left me sad. The visits remind me why I love them all so much and why it's hard to have so much distance between us.
I'm just so grateful for my family. They seriously mean the world to me. It feels like they live a world away and that hurts my heart at times. Often I have reconciled living here with the fact that I can go there when I need to/want to. But with Maddie starting Kindergarten and having a new baby, I know that my visits are going to be dictated more by their schedules than my whims. That will take some getting used to.
So, today marches on. There are children to feed, a baby to bathe and a mommy that needs a nap. I am thankful for everyone who has come here to see me and I want to just sit with that. It reminds me of that quote by Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
Let that be my motto for today.
A new baby, 2 older kids, visitors, etc. It's been pretty awesome; when it hasn't been so hard.
Let me start with saying that having Mason here is amazing. He's precious and I love him so dearly. I had felt like someone was missing from our family for a while and now I know that it is complete. He is the perfect ending.
On the other hand, having a newborn is HARD. As in, it's so hard I find myself sobbing at times just because of sheer exhaustion. I have a few friends who have 3 kids and they always talked about the level of tired they were experiencing and to be honest, I didn't have a whole lot of compassion. I
The other thing that's been happening in my head lately is that feeling of being homesick. I believe that every time I've ever had a baby, I become terribly homesick. I miss it there.
Various family members have come here to Virginia to meet Mason and more than anything to help me. It's been amazing. When my Mom was here, I felt so incredibly close to her. I loved sharing a part of each day with her as I welcomed my son into the world and into our home. Then, she had to go. I mean, of course she did; she doesn't live here. But the reality of her leaving left me in tears and feeling unsure about what I'm doing. Then, this last week, Claudia, Gianna and my Dad were here. Again, so many laughs, good food and fun companionship (even in those wee hours). But, that too has come to an end. And it left me sad. The visits remind me why I love them all so much and why it's hard to have so much distance between us.
I'm just so grateful for my family. They seriously mean the world to me. It feels like they live a world away and that hurts my heart at times. Often I have reconciled living here with the fact that I can go there when I need to/want to. But with Maddie starting Kindergarten and having a new baby, I know that my visits are going to be dictated more by their schedules than my whims. That will take some getting used to.
So, today marches on. There are children to feed, a baby to bathe and a mommy that needs a nap. I am thankful for everyone who has come here to see me and I want to just sit with that. It reminds me of that quote by Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
Let that be my motto for today.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Blue Eyes
We are adjusting. Life has definitely changed for the better.
Maddie has become such a huge helper and she's in love with Mason.
Grace loves him too, but in her own way ;)
Yep, life is pretty tiring, stressful, hard, and 100% wonderful.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Mason James is finally here :)
Mason James
born 6/26/12 @ 7:45pm
8lbs. 5oz
21" long
He's as awesome as I thought he'd be!!!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
tick-tock....
 | ||
So, I made a collage of Mason over the past 9.5 months!!
Friday, June 1, 2012
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