Thursday, November 15, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Impatience, Irritability, and Selfishness
I am new at this parenting thing....4 months to be exact. But it didn't take long to know that parenting has revealed some terrible things about myself. You see, when I want to blog, watch some TV, read a book, or clean a little, I can't because I have this little rascal crying in need of a diaper change, to be fed, or in need of attention. Here it comes. This wave of frustration comes over me because I am in the middle of doing something important! Not really. What I wanted to do is now interrupted. Hello, selfishness? When my little Burt wakes me up at 4:55 in the morning, and I stomp into his room to feed him and change his diaper. Me....Irritable?? Oh, big time!
My lack of patience has been greatly revealed as well. Especially at the end of the day, when I have had just about all I can take. Thankfully, my sweet husband comes home from a long day of work and helps take care of our boy. I sometimes countdown the minutes until he gets home! Momma needs a break! And I really don't have to ask Andrew to do it. It is just that he really has missed the little guy and wants to play with him, bathe him, feed him, and cuddle with him. Fills my heart to the brim.
When I am impatient, irritable, and selfish, God shows me that he is endlessly patient, abundantly compassionate, and incredibly selfless. He gives me grace upon grace upon grace.
I read a blog from The Gospel Coalition's website about parenting, and how it refines us. God uses my Burt to grow my heart. So those frustrating moments, like when he won't keep his pacifier in his mouth or when he pees all over the wall, are for my good. It is an opportunity for God to show me my sin and create in me a clean heart.
Sometimes you have to mummify your baby to keep that darn pacifier in!
My lack of patience has been greatly revealed as well. Especially at the end of the day, when I have had just about all I can take. Thankfully, my sweet husband comes home from a long day of work and helps take care of our boy. I sometimes countdown the minutes until he gets home! Momma needs a break! And I really don't have to ask Andrew to do it. It is just that he really has missed the little guy and wants to play with him, bathe him, feed him, and cuddle with him. Fills my heart to the brim.
When I am impatient, irritable, and selfish, God shows me that he is endlessly patient, abundantly compassionate, and incredibly selfless. He gives me grace upon grace upon grace.
I read a blog from The Gospel Coalition's website about parenting, and how it refines us. God uses my Burt to grow my heart. So those frustrating moments, like when he won't keep his pacifier in his mouth or when he pees all over the wall, are for my good. It is an opportunity for God to show me my sin and create in me a clean heart.
Sometimes you have to mummify your baby to keep that darn pacifier in!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Burt, Burt Reynolds
Last year around this time, my family and I looked like this.....
.....as we celebrated my Mom's 50th Birthday/Halloween Extravaganza!!
This year we sat at home in hopes of having trick or treaters knocking at our door, watching Hocus Pocus (seriously have watched this every day....a FAV of mine), and eating all the candy we could find.
I guess I could have whipped out my ninja turtle outfit or even pulled out our old fandango costumes from a few years ago to greet our trick or treaters......
This year we sat at home in hopes of having trick or treaters knocking at our door, watching Hocus Pocus (seriously have watched this every day....a FAV of mine), and eating all the candy we could find.
I guess I could have whipped out my ninja turtle outfit or even pulled out our old fandango costumes from a few years ago to greet our trick or treaters......
.....But instead, we gawked at Burt Reynolds.
Yep, easily the cutest thing I have ever seen.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Burt's Arrival
In my attempt to open up more through blogging, I have found sharing the stuff that's been going on in my mind quite enjoyable and good for my soul. I have been thinking about telling the story of Burt's birth, but I have often hesitated because it is one of utter joy with a little bit of heartache.
So here it goes....
I had a checkup the Thursday before my due date (which was Friday the 13th), and my doctor told me that I was progressing and it would be okay with him if we wanted to get the ball rolling. Music to my ears. I very much wanted to feel normal again. So I put on my sweatbands, Thompson jersey, and eye black and replied, "Well, let's do this." Not really, but I did get my gameface on.
Andrew and I made all the phone calls alerting our families that it was gametime. My mom, my brother, and Andrew's mom all showed up on Friday as we awaited the arrival of our little boy.
Yes, I was scared of the insane pain of birth. Yes, I got an epidural. Yes, I am glad I made that decision.
The doctor predicted that he would arrive between 3 and 5 on Friday. Boy, was he correct! I had to wait for the epidural to wear off some, so I could feel when to push. It started to wear off around 2:25, and my contractions were about a minute or two apart. It was time. Geez. I was feeling contractions with an epidural, and it hurt like crazy!
My nurse coached me of when to push and when to rest. She was a tough, black lady, who propped my leg on her hip like it was nothing. She took care of me, gave me plenty of pep talks, and I wanted to go out with her after the delivery and have a good, cold beer. I felt like we could be BFFs. She was amazing!
Well, the doctor arrived just in time. Between contractions we all watched a little family feud...yep, seriously. Then it would be time for me to go into "beast mode"-this is what Andrew likes to call my hardcore pushing.
At 3:22 he was finally here. Andrew snipped the cord, and they laid that sweet baby boy on me. Beautiful. Andrew and I were in awe. And then it happened.....
My stomach is in knots right now as I think back to this very moment.
You see, some fluids went down Burt's air passageway, and he turned blue. The doctors took him away to try to clear it out and revive him. Panic soon replaced the awe. I couldn't watch. I stared out with a blank look on my face. All I could think was pray. I looked at Andrew, and told him to pray. They called a CODE BLUE over the intercom to alert a team to come in. My heart continued to sink. The doctor's kept working, and we prayed.
I repeated over and over....let him be ok, God.....let him be ok, God.....let him be ok, God.
And he cried.
I cried.
Andrew cried.
He was okay.
Andrew went to let our family know that everyone was doing okay, and they could come see him in a little bit. Burt went to the nursery to get cleaned up and to get his bath, and I had a moment to decompress.
I laid there with so many emotions running through me. I was exhausted from the hard work that my body just went through. I was in awe of God at the sight of our baby. I was relieved to know that our baby was healthy. I was overjoyed with becoming a mother. I was in love seeing Andrew look at our son. I was pained knowing that my father was not there to see this. I was overwhelmed with the soon to be tasks of taking care of our baby. I was a bit cocky because I just rocked that labor (I know, I know, but it's true). I was a disheveled, hotmess with a side pony-tail and no make-up (hence the no pictures taken of me).
When we brought Burt home, I was nervous leaving him in the crib. I would check on him A LOT to make sure he was breathing. I think that it is normal for every first time mom, but having THE BIG SCARE made me even more overprotective. That finally subsided. I was able to let the anxiety go, and trust that God would watch over him as he sleeps. Isn't that what prayer is for? Casting your cares to God, and leaving them with Him.
He is growing like crazy.
He is a strong and healthy boy.
He is cooing and talking up a storm.
He is blowing tons of bubbles.
He is kicking those legs like the ninja I think he will become.
He smiles constantly and laughs hysterically at my awesome faces and jokes.
He is checking out those sweet little hands, that are so much like mine, and mine are so much like my father's.
He is so wonderfully made.
.JPG)
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."- Psalms 139:13-14
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."-Psalms 127:3
So here it goes....
I had a checkup the Thursday before my due date (which was Friday the 13th), and my doctor told me that I was progressing and it would be okay with him if we wanted to get the ball rolling. Music to my ears. I very much wanted to feel normal again. So I put on my sweatbands, Thompson jersey, and eye black and replied, "Well, let's do this." Not really, but I did get my gameface on.
Andrew and I made all the phone calls alerting our families that it was gametime. My mom, my brother, and Andrew's mom all showed up on Friday as we awaited the arrival of our little boy.
Yes, I was scared of the insane pain of birth. Yes, I got an epidural. Yes, I am glad I made that decision.
The doctor predicted that he would arrive between 3 and 5 on Friday. Boy, was he correct! I had to wait for the epidural to wear off some, so I could feel when to push. It started to wear off around 2:25, and my contractions were about a minute or two apart. It was time. Geez. I was feeling contractions with an epidural, and it hurt like crazy!
My nurse coached me of when to push and when to rest. She was a tough, black lady, who propped my leg on her hip like it was nothing. She took care of me, gave me plenty of pep talks, and I wanted to go out with her after the delivery and have a good, cold beer. I felt like we could be BFFs. She was amazing!
Well, the doctor arrived just in time. Between contractions we all watched a little family feud...yep, seriously. Then it would be time for me to go into "beast mode"-this is what Andrew likes to call my hardcore pushing.
At 3:22 he was finally here. Andrew snipped the cord, and they laid that sweet baby boy on me. Beautiful. Andrew and I were in awe. And then it happened.....
My stomach is in knots right now as I think back to this very moment.
You see, some fluids went down Burt's air passageway, and he turned blue. The doctors took him away to try to clear it out and revive him. Panic soon replaced the awe. I couldn't watch. I stared out with a blank look on my face. All I could think was pray. I looked at Andrew, and told him to pray. They called a CODE BLUE over the intercom to alert a team to come in. My heart continued to sink. The doctor's kept working, and we prayed.
I repeated over and over....let him be ok, God.....let him be ok, God.....let him be ok, God.
And he cried.
I cried.
Andrew cried.
Andrew went to let our family know that everyone was doing okay, and they could come see him in a little bit. Burt went to the nursery to get cleaned up and to get his bath, and I had a moment to decompress.
I laid there with so many emotions running through me. I was exhausted from the hard work that my body just went through. I was in awe of God at the sight of our baby. I was relieved to know that our baby was healthy. I was overjoyed with becoming a mother. I was in love seeing Andrew look at our son. I was pained knowing that my father was not there to see this. I was overwhelmed with the soon to be tasks of taking care of our baby. I was a bit cocky because I just rocked that labor (I know, I know, but it's true). I was a disheveled, hotmess with a side pony-tail and no make-up (hence the no pictures taken of me).
When we brought Burt home, I was nervous leaving him in the crib. I would check on him A LOT to make sure he was breathing. I think that it is normal for every first time mom, but having THE BIG SCARE made me even more overprotective. That finally subsided. I was able to let the anxiety go, and trust that God would watch over him as he sleeps. Isn't that what prayer is for? Casting your cares to God, and leaving them with Him.
He is growing like crazy.
He is a strong and healthy boy.
He is cooing and talking up a storm.
He is blowing tons of bubbles.
He is kicking those legs like the ninja I think he will become.
He smiles constantly and laughs hysterically at my awesome faces and jokes.
He is checking out those sweet little hands, that are so much like mine, and mine are so much like my father's.
He is so wonderfully made.
.JPG)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."-Psalms 127:3
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Oh, Sweet Heaven!
I made the-best-down-home-southern-girl-dinner tonight! I am so proud of myself! Woo! Nothing gets me more excited than a yummy southern meal!
I so bad want to go into the kitchen and eat all of the leftovers. Self-control. I know the hubs would totally judge, so I am going to sit right here and share that yummy goodness with ya'll instead!
Do you remember that turnip greens recipe from earlier? Well, I made those. I didn't have any onion, so I added a little extra garlic, some onion powder, and Tony's (Cajun seasoning). I do believe they were even better this time around! I am getting good at the greens!
BUT, what really made the night exceptoinal was the Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Oh, and don't judge yet from the name. I know the word casserole is quite cringe worthy. I cringe at the thought of the word, too! Anyway, I believe I got this recipe from my sweet sister-in-law. I don't know why I haven't made it until now! It is so dang good!
Here it is!
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
2 cups of milk
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. butter
3 oz. pkg. of 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1 tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 large egg whites
1 lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp (chopped/whole-whatever you prefer)
Hot pepper sauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine milk and broth in a medium heavy sauce pan, bring to a boil.
Gradually add grits and salt to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk.
Cook 3-5 minutes or until thick.
Remove from heat and stir in parmesan, butter, and cream cheese.
Then stir in parsley, lemon juice, egg whites, and shrimp.
Spoon into a 11x17 inch baking dish (coated with cooking spray).
Bake for 20 minutes until set.
Yes, that is a paper plate. Momma just cooked all that good food, and Momma needs a short-cut every now and then. ha!
So, there you have it. Serve that yummy goodness with a side of turnip greens and some homemade cornbread. And add a splash of pepper sauce on those greens and things will be glorious!
Oh! Sweet Heaven? To describe food? Exaggerate much? I know, I know. Heaven, I am sure of it, will have some good feasting going on. Our senses will be made anew! I sure hope there are greens, grits, and pepper sauce. :)
I so bad want to go into the kitchen and eat all of the leftovers. Self-control. I know the hubs would totally judge, so I am going to sit right here and share that yummy goodness with ya'll instead!
Do you remember that turnip greens recipe from earlier? Well, I made those. I didn't have any onion, so I added a little extra garlic, some onion powder, and Tony's (Cajun seasoning). I do believe they were even better this time around! I am getting good at the greens!
BUT, what really made the night exceptoinal was the Creamy Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Oh, and don't judge yet from the name. I know the word casserole is quite cringe worthy. I cringe at the thought of the word, too! Anyway, I believe I got this recipe from my sweet sister-in-law. I don't know why I haven't made it until now! It is so dang good!
Here it is!
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
2 cups of milk
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. butter
3 oz. pkg. of 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1 tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 large egg whites
1 lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp (chopped/whole-whatever you prefer)
Hot pepper sauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine milk and broth in a medium heavy sauce pan, bring to a boil.
Gradually add grits and salt to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk.
Cook 3-5 minutes or until thick.
Remove from heat and stir in parmesan, butter, and cream cheese.
Then stir in parsley, lemon juice, egg whites, and shrimp.
Spoon into a 11x17 inch baking dish (coated with cooking spray).
Bake for 20 minutes until set.
So, there you have it. Serve that yummy goodness with a side of turnip greens and some homemade cornbread. And add a splash of pepper sauce on those greens and things will be glorious!
Oh! Sweet Heaven? To describe food? Exaggerate much? I know, I know. Heaven, I am sure of it, will have some good feasting going on. Our senses will be made anew! I sure hope there are greens, grits, and pepper sauce. :)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
My Name is Casie and I'm Addicted to the TV
Alright! It is out! I watch too much television.
I have the shows I watch with the hubs, and the stuff I would not dare watch with the hubs for fear of the eye-cutting looks and the "I can't believe you watch this crap" comments. I am going to give you the good and the bad.
Here's the mess I have been watching. Don't judge too badly. I know it's horrible!
Drumroll please.... the first category is Trashy trash reality tv......
#1 The Real Housewives- New Jersey and New York- I will put these together since they are of the same beast. I believe these women just fight and fight and fight and fight. They suck you in, and I am officially a sucker for watching it!
#2 Keeping Up with the Kardashians- It is on all the time! Sad. I know. Sad.
Moving on.
#3 Real World Battle of the Seasons- Bucketloads of shame just poured out as I typed those words. Why, oh, why. I like watching the competition. I like watching the elimination rounds. I don't like all of the other insanity, but you have to take the good with bad. Maybe.
#4Honey Boo Boo- Yes, once again, sad. These hillbillies are bananas. They reel you in because you never know what they are going to say or do. A new low for me.
Now the-mid-line-shows-I-have-been-watching-and-don't-feel-as-guilty-about-but-still-couldn't-watch-with-my-hubs-type tv shows.....
#1 Project Runway Season 10- I feel like it is my duty to watch this. I have been following them since the beginning....and why stop now?? I think a little bit of me really wants to sew my own outfits and be on Project Runway. One day, people! One day!
#2 The Mindy Project- I hope this television show goes well for the Kelly chick from The Office. See there are some legit reasons for all the tv watching. I am trying to support others efforts! I love Mindy's witty sense of humor, and I am quite entertained by her search for love!
#3 Dance Moms/Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition- Yep, here's another one. That Abby Lee is a mean ole lady, and those dance moms are cray cray, but those girls can dance!
#4 Married to Jonas- I am not sure if I watch this because I feel sorry for that little Kevin Jonas's wife or if it is because of the father in law. The father-in-law is a whoot!
Now, the good things I watch with the hubs. Well, I'll let you decide.
#1 Go On- We have been super excited about this tv show. Hello, Matthew Perry, and welcome back to the sitcom world. We have missed you. So far, we really dig Go On! It is quirky and hilarious!
#2 Duck Dynasty- Judge all you want about this....but those rednecks are flippin' hilarious! It is some good stuff to watch.
#3 Guys with Kids- I think we relate to this sitcom. We are new parents, and we have no idea what's going on in the baby raising department. It's pretty, darn funny! Oh, and Denise from The Cosby Show is in it!
#4 How I Met Your Mother- We have been watching this for a really long time, and cannot seem to let it go. I want to know who the mother is ASAP.
#5 The Big Bang Theory- We can't get enough of Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj. Good ole' nerdy comedy is the bomb.com Yep, I just said that.
There you have it, folks. I have laid it all out for you. I feel like I just cleaned all the dirty laundry. Whew, what a load! I am sure there are some things I could be doing instead of watching the trashy stuff. With that in mind.....I will be making some cuts on the trashy tv list!
What are ya'll watching?
I have the shows I watch with the hubs, and the stuff I would not dare watch with the hubs for fear of the eye-cutting looks and the "I can't believe you watch this crap" comments. I am going to give you the good and the bad.
Here's the mess I have been watching. Don't judge too badly. I know it's horrible!
Drumroll please.... the first category is Trashy trash reality tv......
#1 The Real Housewives- New Jersey and New York- I will put these together since they are of the same beast. I believe these women just fight and fight and fight and fight. They suck you in, and I am officially a sucker for watching it!
#2 Keeping Up with the Kardashians- It is on all the time! Sad. I know. Sad.
Moving on.
#3 Real World Battle of the Seasons- Bucketloads of shame just poured out as I typed those words. Why, oh, why. I like watching the competition. I like watching the elimination rounds. I don't like all of the other insanity, but you have to take the good with bad. Maybe.
#4Honey Boo Boo- Yes, once again, sad. These hillbillies are bananas. They reel you in because you never know what they are going to say or do. A new low for me.
Now the-mid-line-shows-I-have-been-watching-and-don't-feel-as-guilty-about-but-still-couldn't-watch-with-my-hubs-type tv shows.....
#1 Project Runway Season 10- I feel like it is my duty to watch this. I have been following them since the beginning....and why stop now?? I think a little bit of me really wants to sew my own outfits and be on Project Runway. One day, people! One day!
#2 The Mindy Project- I hope this television show goes well for the Kelly chick from The Office. See there are some legit reasons for all the tv watching. I am trying to support others efforts! I love Mindy's witty sense of humor, and I am quite entertained by her search for love!
#3 Dance Moms/Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition- Yep, here's another one. That Abby Lee is a mean ole lady, and those dance moms are cray cray, but those girls can dance!
#4 Married to Jonas- I am not sure if I watch this because I feel sorry for that little Kevin Jonas's wife or if it is because of the father in law. The father-in-law is a whoot!
Now, the good things I watch with the hubs. Well, I'll let you decide.
#1 Go On- We have been super excited about this tv show. Hello, Matthew Perry, and welcome back to the sitcom world. We have missed you. So far, we really dig Go On! It is quirky and hilarious!
#2 Duck Dynasty- Judge all you want about this....but those rednecks are flippin' hilarious! It is some good stuff to watch.
#3 Guys with Kids- I think we relate to this sitcom. We are new parents, and we have no idea what's going on in the baby raising department. It's pretty, darn funny! Oh, and Denise from The Cosby Show is in it!
#4 How I Met Your Mother- We have been watching this for a really long time, and cannot seem to let it go. I want to know who the mother is ASAP.
#5 The Big Bang Theory- We can't get enough of Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj. Good ole' nerdy comedy is the bomb.com Yep, I just said that.
There you have it, folks. I have laid it all out for you. I feel like I just cleaned all the dirty laundry. Whew, what a load! I am sure there are some things I could be doing instead of watching the trashy stuff. With that in mind.....I will be making some cuts on the trashy tv list!
What are ya'll watching?
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