Lately

Here are some pics of what we've been up to lately...

Snuggling and cuddling.
Getting outside despite the temps.
More snuggling, even if it's with a diaper. (Hey, they were clean) Buster never ceases to find a pillow...

The Best Gift

As I was baking some goods tonight, I couldn't help but think how much I love doing these things. Being in the kitchen, my boy wrapped close to me in the Moby, dancing around to Michael Buble's Holiday station on Pandora. I just love being at home. Being a mom. Being a wife whose cookies make her husband's mouth water (which isn't hard to do by the way). So I just had to stop and thank Ben for the gift of our son. For the gift of being able to stay at home with him. It's seriously the best job in the world. I feel like I'm doing what I'm meant to do. I know that one day I'll look back at this time and yearn for it again. The good so easily drowns out the sometimes long, tireless days and nights. What a gift it is to be a mom and for God to have given that to me before I had the chance to plan it-like I want to do with everything. I love that He knew what I secretly desired, yet the timing of this was not of my own thinking.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Caught Up

Yep, that's me. Caught up in the season, but for all the wrong reasons. I just had a "come to Jesus" meeting with myself (and Jesus) last night. It's been long overdue. One of those things that I've been putting off each day for tomorrow- except tomorrow never comes. Each year I promise myself that I'm not going to get overwhelmed. I'll keep things simple, focus on the true meaning of the season. As my favorite high school English teacher often quoted, "'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'". (and I guess Madonna quotes it in her song with Justin, but I heard it from Mr. Pierce first) While putting a shopping trip aside last night, I think I was able to surrender some things. Some of them trivial, like Christmas cards. I never have been one for doing them, but I thought they'd be great to start once we had a little one. Well it's turned out to be nothing but a stressor for me. Gotta find the perfect picture or have someone take one, find something cheap cuz once you send one you have to send them to bloody everybody and do it all super quick cuz guess what: Christmas is next week. And you know what the really sick thing is? It was more of a selfish ambition than it was a generous thing. I just basically wanted to show off my baby and for people to hang his sweet face on their wall or whatever it is you do with your Christmas cards, more than send a greeting to let people know how much we love and appreciate them. So no Christmas cards for Sara. I cut myself off before I could even get started. Other things surrendered were not as trivial, at least not in my twisted head. Consuming thoughts of my post partum weight/body. Really? It's one thing to want to be healthy and look healthy, but I need to let go of obsessing over my muffin top for the time being. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" says the Lord. Let's see... what else. Oh, the house. I don't know when, but some time recently I decided not to be content with my home any more. Mainly a space factor, but nonetheless, a decent amount of brain power has been spent on I bet our house would have sold if we would have just kept it on the market... In our next house... This is only temporary. We have a kid now, we NEED more room. Sure it's a bummer to not be able to house an international student or someone in need and to put family on the couch when they come to stay, but we have a HOUSE. A warm, dry, safe home. What is my deal?

Enough of the specifics, you get the point. My mind(and time) has been consumed by things that stress me out and are ultimately meaningless. So what can you surrender today that might make more room for the Savior this Christmas season? After all, he is the Prince of Peace. And who couldn't use a little peace these days?

4 Months

He's been smiling, but this is the first time we were able to capture it on camera! Enjoy pics from the last month :)

Tree Trimmin'

Saturday was the Seiffert's annual Tree Trimming party, although I think less and less tree trimming gets done each year. I told Rob and Amy that it was the best yet. Highlights were the hot, fresh, fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand waffles and some barbershop singers. Andy Bernard- eat your heart out.

Duckman and Too Much Stimulus

I swear I normally don't dress up my babe just for the sake of dressing him up, BUT I kinda did with this duckie ensemble. I mean, once you put on the jammies you should really use the hat and booties that go with it, right ? I thought it was all pretty cute; Dad thought I was emasculating him...

Another point of mild contention between Moms and Pops: the amount of toys a baby needs at the same time. I looked over at the swing to find my guy buried under a pile of toys. Really Ben? 4 toys at once? Considering he is just now grabbing onto ONE item, one toy might be suitable. Ben's theory however, was to "load him up" since he usually kicks or drops at least one. Oh my... the difference between mommies and daddies.

Parenting Philosophy What?

I was talking with a friend the other day about getting our babies to nap, sleep, yada yada yada and she remarked, "I don't know WHAT my parenting philosophy is!" Then that same day another friend commented, "Yeah, when I was pregnant I told myself I'm not going to do this or that. I'll NEVER take my kid to bed with me...". These comments so resonated with me as I've read book after book that suggest to "always do this..." or "never do that...". Whatever happened to maternal instinct??? For example, I feel overwhelmed in the area of sleep. From day one in the back of my head I've been thinking: Okay, now try to put him down awake so he can teach himself to fall asleep on his own... He needs to be in his crib whenever he sleeps... Don't rock or nurse him to sleep or he'll be dependent on that... And the list goes on. Then one day, while my head was buzzing with all the voices of the books I've read, I thought, How is this enjoyable for either of us? My baby is a BABY. He might need help getting to sleep, to be cuddled when it's inconvenient, to eat even though I think he shouldn't need to. So to all those moms out there who feel pulled this way and that: trust in YOURSELF. You know your baby way better than any stranger who writes a book ever will. Books are helpful, but I can't let them determine what I do as a mother or cause me to judge others because "Oh I read you shouldn't do that...". I know I'll continue to read as Asher grows, but sometimes I just need to what feels right, even if I "shouldn't do that".

In Cloth

Asher is in his cloth diapers and we are loving them! I'm pleasantly surprised at how dry they stay. These Bum Genius brand diapers are lined with super soft fleece that is resistant to holding moisture and stays dry to the touch. Beneath that are cloth inserts which are pulled in and out that catch all the wetness. Then the diaper itself has a plasticy-type lining on the inside and is soft and smooth on the outside. The laundry isn't too bad either.

I was hesitant at first, but now I'm really glad we went this route. We're saving money and taking it easy on the environment- and I think they're kinda cute too!

Another Month Gone By

See pics from the fun filled second month that has come and gone...

So Bad It's Good

Okay, so if you like The Office, you must watch this video. Otherwise, you'll probably think it's stupid, which it is, but makes me laugh and has been stuck in my head nonetheless. Just had to share...

Basking in the sun

Look at these sweet brothers...

Rollin'

Get him some butter: this kid's on a roll!

Halloween Wedding

Through Ben's love of paintball, he has come to know and befriend the owner of Bull Creek, George. George and his fiance Heather were married this past weekend on Halloween and we were fortunate enough to be invited to the wedding. Even though the invitation said "Costumes Preferred" we had a moment when we arrived dressed head-to-toe in Star Wars garb: What if no one else dressed up? Luckily we were far from the only ones who were dressed up. Check it out...

Baby yoda pre-wedding (since he slept through most of the event)
Jedi Master and Princess Leia
The Keil Family (costumes made by Maureen)
Amazing cakes at each table from Myles Baker Street. Each had a uniquely different design and flavor- yum!
The details!

Trick-or-Treeeeeeeat

BG had their Downtown Trick-or-Treating this evening and a whole crew of us headed out to partake in the madness. There was Robby the lion, Grant the dinosaur-dragon (he was called several things and we couldn't decide which), and Katelyn and Asher the pea pods. We had quite the caravan following these cuties around as you can see in the last picture. Fun, fun...

Room Decor

I've been meaning to post these pics for a while now. Once we found out just who our little miracle was, I couldn't wait to hang letters to spell out his name. I painted them an off white and used strips of green and white toile to hang them with. It adds a bit of a personal touch to the neutral nursery. U likey?

In the orchard

Ali, Mary Beth and I took advantage of the sun yesterday and went for a stroll with our little ones through an apple orchard. What a great afternoon filled with warm sun and sweet apples. (not to mention the sweet babies!)

Wedding Weekend

We had our first stay in a hotel with Asher at Atwood Lake this past weekend. My since-elementary-school friend Rachael was married on her now husband's family's lake house lawn and I had the pleasure of being in the wedding. The ceremony was gorgeous with the changing leaves, bright green grass and glassy lake in the background. We wish there could have been more sun, but we warmed up at the reception where Asher got to do a bit of dancing with Mom and Pops once the band struck up!
Nick and Rachael give their vows
Pontoon Getaway (it was a chilly ride, but fun nonetheless)
Family Photo :)

Happy 2 Months!

See pics from the last month. (not that we took many...)

Thank you, sweet Jesus

For this windy and chilled morning that I am warm in my home.
For my boy only waking up once last night and sharing sweet smiles and coos with me this morning.
For Ben who is able to sleep in today while I get to exercise as Asher watches his crazy aerobic mama from his swing.
For dozing babies as I grab a bowl of oatmeal and dig into my Bible study.
Thank you Jesus for moments like this, that are not the norm, but the exception. And may I thank you just as much for mornings that are far from this peace.

Man's Best Friend

And the scale says...

7 lbs and 13 oz! What a gain! Let's hope it keeps up! Thanks for praying.

Little Man Weighs In

Well, if you thought that Asher looked a bit scrawny in his one month pics, it's because he is... I always wanted a p-nut baby, but our little guy is not gaining weight the way he should be. The lactation consultant put us on a rigorous feeding schedule over the weekend and have been supplementing some formula, so we are hoping that when we go in tomorrow, he will have gained some weight. It's been exhausting, frustrating and stressful, but we are just trying to do what we need to do and let God handle the rest. Ben has been amazing in every way. He even has decided to cook Monday, Wednesday and Friday which is a HUGE help. It's funny how even though I'm home now, I have so much less time to do "homey' things. We'll let you know how things go and if he is starting to plump up or not! Prayers are welcome :)

Too Cute

Happy 1 Month Asher!

Fun Photos

Our curious George with his perpetually wide eyesAunt Dana gets some cuddle time
Michelle's wedding was Mom and Dad's first night out!
Angry little munchkin crawling up the Boppy
Bros

No Time For Blogging

I was so proud at what an avid and consistent blogger I became this summer, but that's out the window. My little man just seems more important than most things anymore. Ben and I are continually adjusting to life with Asher and there are ups and downs everyday. He's such a sweet little peanut, and we are all learning together. Praise the Lord for providing patience and energy for Ben and I towards each other and to our boy. I feel like I'm continually praying for these things to get through the day and night. As you can see in the picture, we are loving the Moby wrap and Asher likes it too. It's very womb-like and cozy and it's a heck of a lot easier to tote him around in than that 30 pound car carrier-sheesh!

Welcome home Asher James Martin!

We are so thankful for an amazing labor and entry into this world. Thanks for your prayers, messages and overwhelming love. Most of all we thank the Lord our God, the author of life. Here are some stats and pics to get you started. More to come later...
Born on August 12, 2009 at 4:24 pm 7lbs six oz 19 3/4 inches