In this Season: New Surprises & Family Moments

Though I took an unexpected break from blogging, it has definitely still been in the forefront of my mind. Being able to share and record life in a unique way is a big piece of my heart and I'm so grateful to be back (hopefully for much longer). Well much has happened! Lots of growth, changes, challenges, but oh so many triumphs. The ones that humble you and remind you that God is working ever so sweetly in your life to make you better. 

As you can see the boys have grown! And their personalities are something for short stories and live television for sure...especially Titus. They are so much fun, so much that we are having our THIRD BOY in February! Yes, you read that right...our THIRD BOY ha! I can't say that Mike and I weren't hoping for a girl (so much he thinks we should try one more time...), but my heart truly is at peace and full of excitement. 

We had the opportunity recently to do a family photo session with one of my absolute favorite photographers and close friend from Uplifted Photography! I cannot even describe how I feel looking at our family in this new season. Thank you as always Bri for capturing us so perfectly, and sweet baby boy before his arrival!

Motherhood: Raw, Honest, and Beautiful

 

When I originally took this photo Titus was almost two months, it was really to poke fun of myself. One of those "look what I've become," moments haha - a human cow and a foot rest. I sent it to my sister and mom, I knew we could all get a good laugh. I didn't post it because people get sensitive about revealed nipples and I get sensitive because I know they're the size of oranges... 

Despite the fact that I noticed that I look incredibly annoyed (slightly if you see how Kai was on the verge of choking me), I was actually really content. If you've been in the motherhood game for some time, even for a few months - these moments are like gold. I was terrified with having TWO kids. And the pull of not giving "enough" love and attention to each weighed heavy on my heart. But in this moment it was happening. With my lack of sleep and completely undone self, they were both content...and so was I.

 

This is what I love about motherhood and being real with other moms. My best moments are my least photogenic, because my heart is so full.... I could care less about what I look like. My kids remind me daily how their needs are met and their hearts are just as full if not more. Yes even with the yelling, tantrums, and craziness it's a raw and honest beauty I've never known until they came into my life. I love the reality that motherhood brings, and when we spread it around we all benefit...good, ugly, and indifferent. 

I enjoy looking through the hashtag realmoms on Instagram. It's like a treasure trove of all of us just enjoying our lives a little less styled and a lot more lived in and loved. 

Toddler Chronicles: Don't Forget Me!

 

"Mom! Don't forget me!!" With big gorgeous brown eyes that melt my core... He says it every time he sees his brother receiving attention and I know exactly what that means. My independent, smart, and wild little boy hates to feel left out, so he's big on not excluding others. He has such a heightened sensitivity to it... it's one of the things I admire about him.

With everything in me I have to take a deep breath and pause, because he is still just a little as his brother in his eyes...and he refuses to let anyone of us miss it. Juggling two kids has been an adjustment...that's an understatement friends. It's been a HUGE adjustment. Daily I have to take it in stride with sweet baby Jesus' loving grace. 

Initially kai's phrase a sweetly painted above would get on my nerves...a lot. I'd bark back (I know, not my best moments) with "Kai it's not about you! Wait your turn!" Or try and redirect him to play alone. But Kai is persistent, a quality from his daddy haha! And the more he said it the more I realized I've got to change my perspective on this and acknowledge we are adjusting at our own pace. Honestly I'm glad he's adjusted more on the inclusion side than other less loving moments of toy snatching, shoving, you get the point - brotherly love/hazing. 

 

But more importantly deep down I'm glad he notices, because I watch his fierce character notice that for his friends too. Sometimes at school I get to watch him play just before picking him up and he is always surrounded by other kids. Always inviting someone to our house or giving a ton of hugs prior to his departure. He's already set a standard for himself, and I'm okay with raising my own bar of expectations for him. 

So Kai, don't worry you're always included...and even when you're not I know you'll create a place wherever you are so that others don't have to ask "what about me" either.

Motherhood: Apple Picking Field Trips

 

 

Out of the almost dozen photos we took, he still didn't look at the camera! I adored the time I got to take and spend it Apple Picking with Kai and his class this week. The weather wasn't fantastic, it was quite cold actually...but there is nothing like having your child be proud of your presence. These are the moments that remind me that I made the right decision in focusing on my family more than my career or hopes for a certain financial status. 

It's a breath of fresh air to do this with him...by no means is it easy. Many days I wonder if I'm doing the best thing for the boys in this season right now. Then I look at this photo

 

 

...and I'm reminded yes. A complete and peaceful yes to moments like this. The rest will fall into place, but I only get this once in my lifetime.

 

Weekend Adventures: Sunflower Farm

There is something so sweet about new experiences with your kids. This weekend we took advantage of visiting a Sunflower Farm! I mean it truly was a sight to see, even though it was the very last day of the season. Kai was incredibly intrigued by the open fields, bubble wands, and huge bouncing pad on the grounds. Titus didn't hesitate to explore as well, trying to keep up with big brother. Both boys fell right to sleep on our way home, which made for an awesome nap time! I really enjoyed the time together and fun fact, Mike's favorite flower is the sunflower. This was a special treat for all of us, as I didn't even know where the seeds are in the sunflower along with how beautiful a farm could be. After clipping our flowers and finding some local honey at checkout, I have to say this may become a tradition for us before fall begins!

Motherhood: Nursing & The Vintage Honey Shop

I'm on my second round of nursing. I don't know if it's been the break between Kai and Titus that has thrown me off, but nursing this time around has had far more challenges than even I expected. Not to mention I did deal with several post-partum struggles that set me back (I.e. Intense anxiety, mild depression, and regularly feeling overwhelmed)...

However! An unexpected blessing came through a shop that I've admired, followed (via Instagram), and loved since I stumbled upon them a few years ago. The Vintage Honey Shop specializes in teething and nursing necklaces for the everyday mama AND awesome ones just for dads too! I know they truly are the bees knees (humor me, you'll feel the same way promise). 

A few months ago I was accepted as a brand rep for the VHS, which was pretty fantastic as I've had the privilege of watching this small business bloom by the hands of two phenomenal women. From receiving my first necklace to purchasing more, this journey has made my time nursing Titus much more intimate and precious than I could have imagined. 

 

Here are my top reasons why I love VHS nursing necklaces: 

1. They're durable | though made of fabric, they've kept up with Titus' tight gribs, yanks, and constant gnawing.
2. They're easy to clean! | simply soak your necklace is warm soapy water and air dry...that's easier than my regular daily loads of laundry.
3. They're beautiful | I'd even slip in versatile. I've received so many compliments from others whether I'm in the store or just walking along the street. The patterns are gorgeous and match practically anything. Did I mention they have solid colors too!!
4. They're handmade | If you've been apart of my blog for some time you know I love small shops and always will. 

 

In the moments where nursing is the last thing I've wanted to do, I'll be honest and say wearing my necklace calmed me and reminded me of the gift I have to share with Titus right now. It's not a miracle necklace...but it is one that reminds you to stop, pay attention, and don't miss this moment. Cause before I know it Titus will be running faster than I can catch him and we'll be into the next season of this beautiful life. 

Weekend Adventures: Happy Birthday Kai!

Since this summer has been quite busy with Titus arriving and Mike traveling for two weeks straight, I couldn't decide if I was going to go all out for Kai's third birthday or keep it simple. A part of me felt guilty simply because I didn't want him to think that we weren't going to celebrate since little brother arrived (which I'm sure he wouldn't have even noticed)...but I knew trying to do too much would overwhelm me more than necessary. So after shopping around in hopes of doing it outside of the house, I realized that it is far cheaper to do a house party than to go anywhere! For the last few birthdays I have always budgeted around $150-$200 (I love a great party, but I don't think you have to kill your wallet either). When I noticed that the venues I was looking at didn't really give me much bang for my buck - I knew I could figure something fun and simple this year!

Luckily Kai is obsessed with Super Hero Squad...everything is related to Spiderman, Superman, anything super and incredible. I had high hopes of making capes and felt masks that our guests could decorate, but I guess I had forgotten that I just gave birth. So with some help from a midnight run to Wal-Mart I scooped up the perfect items for the party. I love creating themes and being original with our birthdays, but I gave myself a break this time around. I love how everything turned out honestly. We rented a bounce house since our yard is large enough and everyone went home exhausted (isn't that the goal). To watch Kai's face light up when we sang to him made it all worth it. Some things I did include this year were table crafts that were a hit with a mask, coloring sheet, crayons, and of course a gift cup with candy and a few themed school supplies! And of course my sister made THE MOST amazing cake that was incredibly delicious!

I'm so happy that we kept it simple this year. I of course hope to get back to our original themed birthdays and can't wait to see what we do for Titus! I know I don't want him to grow at all, but I sure do love a great celebration!! I can't believe our sweet boy is THREE. He amazes me daily and he most certainly is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in ever sense.

Motherhood: Breast Feeding Essentials

Most of my days have been full of snuggles and lots of feedings...I mean a LOT of feedings. If Titus knows how to do anything really well (aside from being incredibly adorable), it is most certainly eating. Which is wonderful and a bit exhausting since I haven't nursed for the last almost two years! With Kai I had the privilege of nursing him until he self weaned around 13 months. As a new mom then I most definitely wanted to keep going as long as possible and was so grateful for sticking out my first breast feeding journey, since not everyone is able to have one. The biggest support I had through the adjustments and phases of nursing came from my sister, who gave me the best advice I think most women need to hear when deciding to breast feed - KEEP. GOING. It's incredibly easy to get discouraged through latching issues, cracked nipples, and just being tired - but it does get better!

So aside from a big hug and a healthy dose of KEEP GOING nursing mama, I wanted to share my top breast feeding essentials that have hands down helped me along the way! I'm hoping that if you don't already own any of these items that you will definitely give them a try.

1. Lasinoh Disposable Nursing Pads: I absolutely love these pads! I did give the material nursing pads a shot, however, it didn't really work for me (I lost too many in the wash...). I haven't had a leak since wearing them either!

2. Jason Aloe Vera: To help with tenderness and the joys of swelling - keeping a tube of organic aloe vera in the fridge to rub on after nursing has been a life saver. If you have an actual plant that is the ideal alternative, but staying moisturized is so important.

3. Medela Lanolin: This time around I've had a bad case of cracked nipples, to which this has helped immensely. I do love this brand and many of their other products, but this small tube does rank rather high in my opinion. It's completely safe for baby and you, so applying after nursing, after showering, or even right before nursing is completely okay.

4. Lavender Oil: If you don't have a friend already or know someone who is using essentials oils, I'm pretty sure you've seen them somewhere. Lavender oil has so many wonderful uses and has been key while nursing recently for me. Applying a few drops with aloe vera or even coconut oil have kept tenderness and swelling down as well. I would invest in a bottle honestly, you will use it beyond nursing (trust me)!

5. Water: I know, is this really on the list? YES. Simply because you don't realize how important it is to stay hydrated while nursing. Many times you don't think to drink BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER nursing. Taking care of your body is key, so drink up mama!

What are some of your favorite items to use while nursing? I'd love to add to my list of must have items!

This is not a sponsored post, I just love these products and enjoy sharing what works for me!

 

Weekend Adventures: Plus One, Fresh Produce, New Routines

Our first weekend as a family of four! Sure we added an additional hour to our prep time and I haven't done my hair for the last several days (but I did wash it!) - we still managed to get out and enjoy our weekend.

Definitely slowed down a bit which is my favorite part about being on maternity leave - well any vacation honestly. Things are so busy even when we don't want them to be, so I'm soaking up having Mike home (he will be headed out for two weeks with some major ministry trips) and adjusting to two little ones. It's a calming feeling not having to watch the clock right now, well aside from times to nurse (which Titus makes sure to remind me ha!)

Mike planned for us to visit the local farmer's market Sunday which I absolutely loved! Since Sunday is our "work" day in a sense, I often drive by the market wishing we could browse around...but this time we got to actually stop and see for ourselves! All of the delicious fruits and veggies, and fresh DOUGHNUTS (I wish we bought more), I could have browsed a lot longer. Talking to different farmers and just bringing some great things home was well worth the trip. If you have a local one I would totally visit it - not just price wise, but the freshness I could tell immediately from when we buy at the store. Next time I go I hope to have more of a game plan/shopping list so I can really maximize my visit.

The boys enjoyed their time and I got to test out my infant insert for the Ergo I bought for Kai. Titus slept like a little prince and Kai of course munched on kettle corn almost sabotaging lunch (yolo right?) 

A well needed nap for all of us and an evening grilling closed things up for my tribe - honestly does it get any better? I'm sure it does as I get to spend moments with my boys - sleep deprived, crazy, wonderful moments...

Motherhood: Titus Xavier's Birth Story

"It's a false alarm. Your contractions are decreasing, I can tell in your face you're not happy, but maybe you're dehydrated a little - I'm so sorry." Nothing but a flashback of sitting in Labor and Delivery for Kai as the midwife told me the same, with much less grace and a disclaimer that this was what "first time moms do."

That was Monday... I cried. If looks could kill I murdered that sweet doctor multiple times and even more when she mentioned I should push up my c-section date. I wanted so badly to be affirmed that I had an ounce of understanding that I was in labor (seriously I was on contraction watch the ENTIRE 38th & 39th week!) I didn't want this to end up like my first pregnancy when the nurse asked me why my fluids had not been checked sooner and I could've avoided a c-section.

Please do not misunderstand I have no qualms with c-sections and my recovery was nothing like many of the stories I've heard, but to know it wasn't medically necessary was something that never settled with me...I knew my body. 

Leaving the hospital I held Mike's hand and I cried/ threw a tantrum that this all was a waste of time. "This is not like the first pregnancy, and you've got to stop reliving it." He was right - because up until that point the last two weeks I couldn't focus on anything else, but having a VBAC. It somehow would justify things - make it right...but that wasn't completely true. Makai's birth story made me a mother - how incredible was that and is?!? How he arrived did not take away that fact in the slightest. So I let it rest (as much as my anxious heart could), and after Monday I knew I needed to stop obsessing and let it be.

Tuesday - After the false alarm and everything checked out well I was asked to come into the office to see if I had progressed and to just follow-up. My mom went with me, because moms are just amazing like that. The doctor did her routine exam and unexpectedly stripped my membranes, pretty sure each time I've done this I still clench at the thought... After a few laughs and a side eye for catching me off guard, the doctor simply said "I'm very hopeful this weekend he will come. You're a great candidate still." (And a note to keep walking...and have more sex) Of course as we left my mom cheered we were 2cm and effacing (thanks mom). I took a sigh of relief...it would work out how it should. With that sigh brought on contractions - like the ones veteran moms tell you about...for the next four days. 

Saturday (due date) - I figured I needed to keep myself occupied at this point. Mike left for a meeting early morning so Kai and I took a spin at grocery shopping. Grocery shopping and contractions don't really mix... I received several "you're ready to pop," "you're huge," "wow!" - all of the usual pregnant women greetings while checking items off our list. We made it home and I was exhausted. Around 6pm I started noticing a pattern with the contractions, but didn't time them (out of fear honestly)...but by 7:30pm, they weren't stopping. So we waited until 9:00pm and I called to see if I needed to go to the hospital. Yes. 

Dropped off Kai and made our way down not sure what to expect, but the contractions kept coming.

Around 10:30pm we were admitted and I was at 3cm 80% effaced. Contractions were consistent and the doctor discussed a plan, explaining I needed an epidural just in case a c-section was needed (I felt at peace). We were in, it was really happening, if anything this was it!!

I will spare you the next several hours, because they consisted of me pretty sure I was ready to rip out my insides, tears, trying to not punch someone - great labor things. Strangely my epidural didn't work and only numbed the top half of my left thigh haha, so this was incredibly natural ironically... but after my water broke I went from 4cm to 6cm and then I started yelling that I needed to push. Luckily I was right 9.5cm and got the green light within seconds. 

Our Nurse Dana!

My mom was the big coach and kept me from all of my "I cant's." Mike was exactly what I needed with a side of humor only he can get away with, holding my hand calmly reminding me I was doing great (and I think at one point when the head was crowing he was going to pass out haha). And lastly was our phenomenal nurse Dana who was our biggest advocate despite the doctor at one pointing
stating we needed a c-section. No words can ever thank her.

Sunday at 1:48pm Titus Xavier Galeano burst (literally) into the world. 8lbs 19.5" with a mane that you could make a toupee out of! I cried, I yelled "it's a baby!!" when he came out (everyone burst into laughter) not sure what I was expecting, but I couldn't believe it happened. He was here, it was a VBAC, I had the best support team (thanks to my close friends and especially my sister who responded to EVERY text, call, pigeon carrier about my labor process), and medical advocate through it all - no cliche it was a blessing and a wonderful lesson.

Their stories are so different and I'm so grateful to be a mother of two stunning little boys. I will say Titus' birth has brought Mike and I closer and me much more vulnerable about my own faith, handling the unknown, and trusting God with my hopes and dreams more than before (because it's not easy no matter how long you've served Him). 

I'm excited to enjoy our growing family and I can't say enough how awesome it is when you have others believing in your dream with you.

Welcome sweet Titus Xavier. 

Motherhood: Maternity Photos

Though I have been silent, I have kept several posts that I just have not pressed the "publish" button on. I will be doing this very soon as I know that this season has been a very significant one for me especially as a wife and mother...even more so as a woman. I didn't completely disappear friend, just a little silent as I've done some much needed reflection.

Recently we took some maternity photos, this we did not do with Kai. My dear friend and phenomenal photographer had been asking us for well over a year to take new family photos and the occasion finally rose with little guy coming! To say I'm in love would be an understatement! I seriously cannot get enough of how they turned out. I'm looking forward to printing these and hanging them in the nursery. Did I even mention that it's finally done?? That's a post for the weekend I think - I'm beyond elated with how that turned out as well. Okay enough, let's get to the maternity shoot!

Thank you as always Uplifted Photography for being family and dear friends - and always having an amazing vision when you capture us! We truly can't wait to meet the new little one and I cannot wait to share him with you all too! Hope you're ready to enjoy the weekend just as much as I am!