Parenting theres no right way

3 Days after I had Madeline 189 lbs. I'm now down to 154

Being a nanny people always told me that since I've always been around children that parenting should be a breeze I should already know what to do since I've had years of experience. As far as keeping her on schedule and developmentally sure I know where she should be, but truthfully this parenting thing is a whole new ball game for me, and for matt as well. Over the last 5 months we have been blessed with a fairly easy baby, she's always smiling always happy and only cries when something is wrong. Matt & I have adjusted pretty well to communicating with each other on what we think is right for her which is great. As I sit here in bed while Madeline is soundly asleep in her crib taking her morning nap, I am thinking of how I can become a better person, mom and wife. I'm home sick today with a minor sinus infection as well. Honestly I could of gone to work today but sometimes its better for everyone if you just take a personal day to breathe. In my journey to become a better person I have set numerous personal goals, such as lose weight so I not only am as healthy as I can be but also so I can feel better about myself, go back to school to finish my degree, and to get our finances in order. I have lost over 35 lbs and I feel a lot better than I did when I started this weight loss journey but I don't feel satisfied with it so the journey continues until I can be at the healthy weight where I love to try on jeans. Every woman knows that trying on jeans isn't a fun task. Physicians Weight loss has been my key to success I would recommend it to anyone out there. As far as becoming a better mom I read this quote by Gwyneth Paltrow and realized we all have bad days its the story of life.  “When I’m tired, when my chips are down – that’s when I don’t parent the way that I want to parent. I can get impatient and at the end of my rope…. And I hate that and I hate feeling out of control, even if I’m just saying, “That’s enough!” Like, I can’t deal. It’s not the way that I would aspire to be. But then I think, I do really believe that part of our job is to equip them for the world. And we can’t make everything okay for them, we can’t take away all of their suffering. It’s not good for them. They need to be able to know that people lose their tempers and people have bad days and it doesn’t mean that you don’t love them, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s just that we’re all human. But of course I beat myself up endlessly when [I do get impatient].






                                     

5 Months

Happy 5 Months Maddie Grace! 

Dear Madeline Grace, 

          This month you have discovered so many new things, its truly amazing how fast your growing up. Seems like just yesterday we were holding our newborn infant and now your rolling over and eating cereal.  This month you started rice and oatmeal cereal which you love, you open your mouth like a little baby bird every time the spoon comes close to your mouth. You have also learned how to blow raspberries which isn't very lady like but so very cute! You have gotten really good at rolling every now and then you can roll all the way over, but for now you love to lay on your side, and you sure do wiggle alot. If you are placed on your mat you have discovered a way to wiggle off it. We are in trouble when you figure out how to crawl! We updated your car seat to your toddler seat which mean yours officially not an infant any more, but your so cute in your pink poka dot seat! Also this month your great aunt sue and great uncle larry came to visit from seattle which you loved! They were here for grammy's 50th birthday! I'm so glad that you got to spend some quality time with them. We love you baby girl. 

xo Daddy & Mommy 

Happy 1st Fathers Day Papa! 

Fathers Day Matt spent the day doing what he does best, working at the firehouse running calls all day/night long. Maddie and I went over to my parents house in the morning and spent some time with her poppy and grammy, then went to the firehouse for some quality daddy time. During dinner though a house fire broke out so the guys left in a hurry! Maddie I can't believe tomorrow your 5 months old.. where did our little newborn go?? We love you baby girl and every day you brighten my day with the simple new things that you discover. Tomorrow morning I will weigh you and will update about all your new tricks! 

Love you!

Xo, Matt & Ashlie 

Madeline's Baptism 5.27.12

 Matt, Madeline & I 

 Pastor Chris, Matt, Madeline & I 

All the sweets! 

"When you called me be to a mama you didn't ask for perfection but with every breathe that I'd point them to you" Matthew 6:33 

This past weekend Madeline got baptized at our local methodist church, and it was a beautiful day. She was such a good girl, even though the ceremony was in the middle of her nap time, she didn't start to break down until the very end. We were surrounded by family and friends and matt's grandma made a ton of food! We also got some great photos as a family! I love you Maddie Grace and God Bless you sweet girl! 

xo, Daddy and Mommy