But tonight, I feel proud. I feel confident that I can do this. I think things are going to be okay. Can I share something with you? Take a moment to brag about how awesome Kolt is?

Kolt going to Sunday School was very important to me. Not only for social interaction but more importantly to learn the Bible from a early age. At first he really struggled with leaving mommy to go to Sunday School.  He had a hard time leaving mommy, but now he loves going to his class all by himself. And I received this unexpected e-mail from his Sunday School teacher tonight.

I just wanted to let you know how wonderful Kolt is doing in Sunday School.  It’s hard to believe he is the same little guy from just several weeks ago.  The one wonderful quality I want you to be aware of is just how kind he is to the others in class.  Each week he is quick to share his coins from Pap with others and he always is very attentive to others and their needs.  I have taught the 2 year old class for many years and I rarely see the attribute shine through as much as it does with Kolt.  Just wanted to pass that along and let you know you are doing a wonderful job of teaching this little man.

I love how God uses people around us to tell us exactly what we need to hear, exactly when we need to hear it. And I can’t take all the credit….the big man upstairs helps out an awful lot!

That is a real father.

I was matched up with Gina, who blogs over at Hiya Luv. I really enjoyed reading through her blog and browsing her Pinterest, getting to know Gina. After much deliberation over what to make for her, I decided on a cute tote bag. I picked out the fabric, got all my supplies together, and then clicked the link. The tutorial was less the complete. I decided to forget through anyway. I pretty much just ended up using the pattern, modified somewhat and followed my own directions to make the bag, crossing my fingers with every stitch of the machine that it would turn out how I pictured. I wish I would have snapped a picture of the tote, because I really love how it turned out. I even tried to make one for myself a few weeks later and I got so frustrated because it just didn’t turn out the same! I’m kicking myself in the butt for not writing down step by step directions as I went.

I was sent this totally awesome zipper wrist. Look at this thing! I love the fabric choices and the ruffle for an accent.

I love the bright yellow zipper and coordinating fabric on the inside.



Gina did such a good job. It fits me so well. I had such a great time participating in the swap! Make sure you like Marine Parents on Facebook so you don’t miss out on the possibility of another awesome swap!

A man who brings me closer to God.

A man who is faithful.

A man who closes the door to other women.

A man who keeps his commitment of love.

A man who understands my anxiety.

A man who helps me work through my anxiety.

A man who sticks up for me.

A man who defends my parenting choices.

A man who supports my parenting style.

A man who loves me, even with my baggage.

A man who thinks I’m beautiful even on my worst day.

A man who will be my best friend.

A man who stands by me through thick and thin.

A man who makes me feel like I’m his whole world.

A man who keeps his word.

A man I can trust.

Because God has something bigger and better planned for me.

I bought an infant insert when I was pregnant with Em. But I rarely used it. I just prefer a wrap style carrier for younger babies. But now that Em is older, my Ergo gets used all the time! Em gets worn a lot…while I’m cooking, while I’m pushing Kolt on the swing, while I’m eating, and even while doing the barn work.

Ergo has 5 different collections of carriers; original, organic, designer, sport, and performance. However, those collections come if 3 basic fits. I was so excited when I was given a chance to compare the performance carrierto the original carrier. I knew the performance carrier was going to have to draw a hard bargain to win me over.

But, truth be told, there is a lot to love about the performance carrier. For starters, the colors! Have you seen them? Totally awesome. The blue is bright and rich. I also love the lighter material. Can you see the “mesh” like material in this picture?

It is cooler than the original Ergo, which tends to keep the heat in, rather than let our bodies breathe. The performance carrier features moisture-wicking mesh for ultimate breathability so both baby and parent stay cooler.

Another fabulous feature is the zipper pocket. The hood is a great and useful feature, but sometimes I just want it out of the way. And the zipper pocket does just that. One of my favorite features in the “track” that the straps slide on. It makes adjusting the height super easy!

The only downside to the performance carrier is the height. Em is short stuff. At 7 months she can barely see out over the sides. I can’t wait for her to get a little taller so I can use it more often. But the great thing is, the carriers from Ergo can hold children up to 45 pounds…so, the performance carrier works great for Kolt!

I was also sent the organic diaper backpack to try out. It’s an awesome accessory to your carrier. It has been a lifesaver during day trips to parks and other events over the summer. It easily attaches to the shoulder straps of any Ergobaby carrier to provide a comfortable, hands-free way to tote the day’s supplies in addition to all of those baby essentials. The backpack includes a changing pad, two insulated bottle holders, a front storage pocket, and a large main storage compartment. Plus, it works great for use as an every day diaper backpack with padded shoulder straps for use without the carrier.

Pretty awesome, huh? Ergo has a great line-up of fabulous carries AND accessories. Still not sure which one’s right for you. This video is super informative and should help you choose the right carrier for your body and your baby!

Now, how about a chance to win your very own Ergobaby Carrier? Ergo has generously agreed to give one of my readers the chance to win one! Please use the following Rafflecopter form to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloom is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir that interweaves lyrical prose and stunning photography as Kelle Hampton recounts the unforgettable story of the first year in the life of her daughter Nella, who has Down syndrome. I also decided to read it. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for children with special needs. I was looking forward to what I thought would be a relaxing read that would give me insight into helping my friend.

What I didn’t know is that the words would reach out of the pages and touch my life.

You see, it’s so much more than just a story about a family with down syndrome. Ultimately, it’s about perspective and finding beauty in the unexpected.

And that really hit home to me.  I’ve been through so much in the past year. Life threw some very unexpected things my way. I never grew up dreaming about being a divorced at 25, single mom. At first it was really hard to accept something so different from my perception of a picture perfect family. At first, I would agree when people would tell me, “Things will get better!” or “It can only go up from here.” And then not so patiently yearn for that time when things would be better.

But I learned a valuable lesson. I really feel like God spoke words directly into my thoughts. He said, “Look at all I have blessed you with, it is picture perfect.”

I learned a whole new perspective. There is beauty in the unexpected. It’s a journey and transformation I began the beginning of this year. Happiness is something you create for yourself. It isn’t achieved when you make it your 20 year anniversary, it isn’t found when you have 2 kids and a house with a white picket fence (although both of those things are great!). Happiness is found when you choose to live it, when you make a choice to define your own happiness.

Has he stopped by your blog? Or a blog you read? If you’re not familiar with the Fairy Hobmother, he’s a kind fellow who’s busy spreading happiness among bloggers by recognizing our efforts and rewarding us with a sweet something that everyone enjoys… an Amazon gift card!

I decided to spoil myself with a new pair of sandals!

What would you use your GC towards if the Fairy Hobmother visited you! Help him find his way, leave a comment on this blog post so he can find your blog!

For some while now, I’ve been meaning to write a follow up post. To explain how attachment parenting is completely possible with 2 or more kids. To share how attachment parenting has made my life with 2 children easier, not harder. But with all the press about attachment parenting, I’ve been hesitant. Because I’m sick of the term “Attachment Parenting”. For me it’s not just a bandwagon I’m jumping on, it’s just a natural way I parent my children.

So, I’m going to share how attachment MY parenting makes my life with 2 kids easier.

Breastfeeding allows me extra time with Kolt. I don’t have to waste time measuring formula and warming bottles. This means more time to spend racing cars and rescuing animals from burning barns. I can certainly breastfeed one handed. This leaves my other hand free to cuddle Kolt or read him a book while Em eats.

I’m not sure how people handle more than one child without babywearing. It has made my life SO easy over the past 6 months. There are times when Kolt wants to go play outside or go for a walk but it’s I know Em is sleepy. Simple. Put Em in a carrier and she can nap while Kolt and I have fun exploring outside.

Kolt starts out in his own room and bed. Usually sometime between 2 and 6 in the morning he comes and joins Em and I in bed. This works for us. We all sleep better. I know they won’t be in my bed forever.  And I really cherish those moments squished between my two love bugs.

I am still listening and meeting both of my child’s needs. Sure, there are times when Em has to fuss a little longer than Kolt did at that age because I’m finishing washing Kolt’s dirty hands. And there are times when Kolt has to learn to be patient while I finish nursing Em. It’s all about balance. But I assure you, I am still able to attend to their needs without letting either one cry it out.

Just like I’ve said before, this makes for one happy baby! Or in my case one happy baby and one happy toddler!

Celeste is the owner, designer, and seamstress behind Doodle La. Here’s what’s she has to say about her business:

My name is Celeste, and I like to be create things and be useful. In a former life, I was a chef. Now I’m a stay at home mom of three and military wife. My desire to share useful and reusable items developed into my shop, Doodle La.
When we became pregnant with our third child, I drew on my resourcefulness to help us cut costs by learning how to sew my own cloth diapers. Diapers became a passion when I discovered how they were saving my family money. Slowly people started to comment on my diapers and it slipped out that I made them myself. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing! Most of my customers come to me now by word of mouth.
Its fulfilling work for me to help a young family save money and to help them become more self-sustaining through creative living. Never in my wildest imagination did I think that cloth diapering my own children would end up being a career “at home” making and sharing things with others. But it truly is a dream come true to be able to work from home and be with my children.
You can catch up with me at my blog www.doodlela.com.

My first impression of this diapers was basically this: “OH MY GOSH! This is going on Emmersyn RIGHT now!” I love the print, I love the ruffles. What more could a girl ask for?

This diaper is just absolutely adorable. I’m pretty sure that it’s one of the cutest diapers I’ve ever laid eyes on. I can not even begin to count the complements I have gotten with this diaper on Emmersyn’s tush. But for me, for a diaper to truly win me over, it has to work. It has to do it’s job. I can’t tell you how frustrated I get when diapers leak onto clothes. I promise you they quickly get tossed into my to sell drawer.

Remember, I was skeptical. But the performance of my Doodle La diaper shot that skepticism right down! This diaper preforms just as well as any brand name diaper. It works. Not only is it cute, but it keeps the pee where it’s supposed to be! The outside cotton print hides an inner waterproof layer, while the inside is lined with a very soft bamboo velour.

Doodle La exclusively carries bamboo lined items and all inserts\soakers are made exclusively of bamboo as well. Bamboo makes for not only a very absorbent diaper but it’s super soft, trim, breathable, sustainable, and naturally antibacterial!

I can tell that Celeste really cares about the quality of her diapers. This diaper is very well made. It has stood up to countless wear and washing. And trust me, this diaper gets worn A LOT! I mean, come on, how cute is this?

I know by now you are all wanting one for you little one. Well, good news, Celeste has generously offered up a diaper of choice to one of lucky readers! Please use the following Rafflecopter form to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now I’m a little more protective of my iPhone and I try my hardest to distract her. But I swear she would be entertained for hours trying to get it in her mouth. I guess phones make good teethers?!?

Have you seen the new teethers by jChew? They are made with 100% BPA Free Silicone, jChew Teethers come in a variety of options. The teethers are soft on gums and perfect for babies to sink their teeth (or gums) into. Have you seen the smart phone teether?

Ooooh! I want one. I think Em would just LOVE this. Luckily, Country Drawers is hosting a giveaway! Here’s to hoping I win one for my littlest!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway