weekend jet setter part 2: count your blessings

this was me + at least another 3 bags,
stroller and car seat!
Thank God for momma!

As I mentioned in part 1, we travelled last weekend. It was a great trip. And thank God for mommy! She was literally a life saver. I wouldn't ever want to travel with an infant alone. Although Daelyn Grace was great (no fussiness) or anything like that, it was quite a bit to keep balanced.

Last week, I talked about the "lesson" I learned from one event of the trip but as I wrote, it caused me to reflect on the trip itself. I couldn't help but to see how many blessings there were wrapped up in that little getaway!

The trip was a blessing in multiple ways.
1.We snagged lovely priced tickets for a direct flight from Nassau to West Palm Beach. Although it was on a particular airline, we had absolutely NO problems (no delays, no cancellations...nothing)! In fact, they gave us multiple graces upon our return as it relates to baggage and such.

2. We got free and comfy housing. Daelyn had an almost-new bassinet to sleep in ($20) and a playpen to hang out and play in (free)...and more toys than she could keep track of. It was just like being at home.

3. We got an SUV rental for the cost of a compact car. I never imagined how much space baby items take up. Add to that a couple bags from shopping and you've got a mid-size SUV looking like we were moving away permanently. :/ I didn't think we'd need more than a regular sedan but once again...thanks to mommy's suggestion, we were comfortable for the 4 days we were there.

mommy, me & Daelyn Grace on the plane.
she apparently was not pleased
with the camera in her face.

4. I found some really good deals on the couple items that were purchased for me and the lil princess (funny how I'm mrs-shop-til-I-drop, but with a baby, I was like...five minutes in the store and I was done!) The stroller nor cart seemed to keep lil-miss-on-the-move content for too long so after about 20 minutes, there needed to be a change in venue...unless she fell asleep. The best part was innocently walking through aisles, pushing the stroller (or cart) and seeing clothing (and other items) "moving" and not realizing that it was my daughter's doings. 

and the best of all----

5. As you recall from last week, I got the DSM-5 for free. The person who gave me theirs paid almost $200.

Non-financial "blessings":

April & Daelyn Grace at her
 office in North Palm Beach.

6. Got to spend some good time with mommy, Daelyn Grace and April, who is my former roommate. They got to meet, play with, and spend some good time with each other and they became fast friends. :)

7. Got a 200-page manual which will be a great plus for my pre-marital program, One Accord, that I'm preparing to launch in two weeks. The manual accompanied a previous training that I missed and I am just so grateful to have it. It is a wealth of information and resources, that honestly would have probably taken more than 2 weeks for me to compile if I had to do it on my own. side note: I had planned to eventually have something like this- so now I can just add, rather than having to start from scratch! yippeee

8. I got an entire day to network with other professionals. I met some fabulous therapists/mental health professionals and got some great tips for private practice. Those tips are definitely priceless!


I'm sure there are more but I'll stop there. There is an old song I remember and it goes:

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your blessings see what God has done

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings see what God has done!

When was the last time you stopped to count your blessings?

Grace, peace, love and blessings to you!
Gia

One month later...

Yesterday made one month since our lives were forever changed. Daelyn Grace is growing....rapidly (already has a double chin and rolls in her thighs) and mommy and daddy are somewhat gaining some sense of normalcy.

We've been blessed with amazing family and friends who have been uber supportive and helpful...if only with sending an encouraging text or a short phone call (whenever I have a free hand to answer). Speaking of hands, these two hands have seemingly multiplied. I thought I could multi-task but this is another dimension. Amazing what toes can do too!

My mom and mother-in-law have been indispensable with cooking, cleaning and sometimes just taking her from me in between feedings. Unfortunately, that sometimes is only 45 minutes as I am exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) and she has not yet been introduced to the bottle.  That we are only EBF'ing has been THE biggest challenge and I now totally and completely understand why many moms choose to supplement and breast feed, or only end up breastfeeding for a couple days/weeks or totally just formula feed from the beginning. The struggle is real!

I'm typing now in this rare 5 minutes (this actually took more than one nap session)...I technically should be trying to eat but I really wanted to blog. I've got babygirl here next to me "sleeping" on the bed and she's coo'ing and grunting and making other random noises as she flitters in between sleep and wake. Someone should have warned me that newborns are rather noisy. Who knew? It was quite disconcerting those first nights/days with her...it was like..."ummm did she swallow animals?"

I've learned soooooo much these past 31 days...about myself, and about infants/newborns and even a little bit about our culture. I find my prayer life has doubled as I am often times clueless and just need the comfort of that heavenly connection. I've become stronger, a tad bit wiser and definitely have had to make some interesting decisions.

Tecnically the "newborn" stage is done and although emotionally and physically exhausting, it was enjoyed. I kissed, cuddled, smiled, and was just woo'ed by this beauty. I am looking forward to the next couple weeks when a routine is established as she moves from that unpredictable-getting-adjusted-to-the-outside-world stage, where I will have a bit more independence and freedom (the only time we leave the house has been for doctors appointments) and I can also jump back on the dissertation wagon (hopefully longer deep naps).

As I leave (for whoever knows how long), here is one of the pictures for her room. It was inspired (almost a duplicate) of an image I saw online and just personalized for my little princess.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

babymoon

That's apparently what vacation before a baby (during pregnancy) is called.

So apparently, that's what we just took. It was lovely. Rest and blessed are my reflection words from this past week.

It started out two weekends ago with a trip to Kansas City to visit the in-laws. Wish I took pics to show but it was an overall nice time. Hubby got some past due quality time with his dad and sister (and step mom) and I got some no-work, no-internship, no-dissertation, no-any-kind-of-responsibilities time.

What did I do? Other than spending time with the in-laws, eating and a bit of shopping, I got enough time to become fully acquainted with all those cloth diapers that was gifted to me (last week's post). I figured out (well, I think) how to use them, got some sense of what else is needed and then somewhat created a plan of action for this new adventure! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I'm nervous yet excited about it.

On the final day, we ventured outdoors, it was literally the first time in 4 days, that I left the property. And what girl can't appreciate this- we went shopping and we got a ton of goodies for the little miss from her grandparents. So much so, that it is imperative now (with all the gifts thus far) to take inventory so that any future baby gift selections are not giving me toooo much of the same thing. I think I've officially got enough receiving blankets.

On Wednesday, we jet-setted to Eastern USA and spent another 3 days, this time just the two (or three) of us. What I was hoping to be more of a chance to be tourist in the US capital city, didn't quite pan out but no disappointment here. There is always another opportunity. Besides, I've got an awesome group of women that live in the area who I love getting together with, so that's always a bonus when visiting that part of town.  The highlight of this part of the babymoon other than some awesomely cool deals and alone time with hubby...was the maternity shoot. One of those awesome women I was talking about is a photographer and we got to spent 2ish hours with her. It was a blast.
It was also cool that the location she selected was in the park between the Capital building and the other monument...on the National Mall. Up until now, I'd only seen these major landmarks on tv. uber cool indeed. (pictured above. not mine)

All of the photos from the shoot aren't up yet but the "teaser" is....take a look. Maternity Shoot with Valerie


Grace peace and love,
Gia

Every need...

Every need is provided for!

That's the one thing I can always be sure of. So much so, if I was a betting lady- I'd have to always put all the cash/chips on God! :))

You may be a bit confused as to what this picture is and how it has to do with betting...well these are what I received in the mail from a dear friend and well, it has nothing to do with betting but all to do with needs being met.

What you are looking at is +$500 worth of cloth diapers that I received for the lil missus who will be making her debut in a couple months. I'm not a very "green" person but I do believe in taking care of the space I occupy (not littering, using reusable water bottles, turning off lights...you get the picture). Well my interest in cloth diapering actually has less to do with that, as it does with exploring options and saving money.

If you've learned anything from me in my ramblings, I do not like being boxed in. I like knowing what's out there and exploring. Its okay if something works for you, but the older I get the more I feel the need to make conscious decisions about whether that "something" will work for me too! After my friend (the one who gifted these) mentioned she was doing this for her son 3 years ago- my interest was piqued. ***by the way, birthday shout out to her!!!!! :blows horns and whistles: Happy bday Ro***

Now that my time has come-I'm about 98.9% certain. I'm leaving the 1% because I realize that as much as I want this to work, there are some considerations that I will be faced with and who knows. At the end of the day though- I would have tried and to that, I'm proud of myself! :) Anyway enough of the sopa box rambling...

I know everyone thinks I'm crazy with wanting to cloth diaper (despite all the benefits) and I know even my husband still has his eyebrows raised because of the initial cost to get the amount of diapers that I need ($500-700) and the extra work...but then I get this email last week and as you can see, we probably won't have to buy not one diaper. I will however, get a couple of the inserts (flat white things in the upper left corner @ about $5 each).

Here's the kicker-  if this method works for baby, we literally would have spent no more than $100ish on diapering for our child. And that's from birth through potty training. woot woot. can I get a happy dance here?

The only thing I need to be aware of is that apparently just like pampers, some parents have better use with a particular brand. so I'm praying earnestly that this brand works like a charm with her, so I won't have to invest too much more in testing and adding other brands to the collection

I'm so excited. This was yet another example of how God is taking care of us...even in the small things.

Remember, God has no hands or feet but ours. I love to quote: Be the change you want to see in the world.  Along that vein: Be the blessing you want to receive.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

pay it forward!

Last week I spent some time in Canada. Sadly it will be my last visit for a lil while (about a year to be exact). I've gotten the green light to proceed with my dissertation (happy dance) and now, the rest is up to me... with the guidance, mentorship and assistance of an awesome committee with expertise who has made themselves available for assistance wherever possible.

Anyhoo, I digress. This post is about a small, yet cool incident that occurred on Sunday past. I was in the drive through line at Tim Hortons and felt this overwhelming need to "pay it forward".   You know,  leave something extra with the cashier for the person behind me.

I looked in my coin purse and found some extra coins (which of course in Canadian could be a lot of money since they've got $1 and $2 coins- not bills). I identified that I had an extra $2 and thought, "well that could cover up to one large coffee".   While ordering, I was asked if I wanted to upgrade for $.10 more  (mini size to small tea) and I was like..sure whatever.

Well, I left the extra $2 plus my change and indicated to the cashier that it was to go toward the next car's bill, he smiled at me almost knowingly (we were conspiring together).  I smiled at myself. Not in a prideful way, but in a feeling-very-fulfilled way. Yes, it was only $2 but I can't ever recall a time that I was not fulfilled doing something for someone else- especially if it was more "anonymous giving"!

I enjoyed my tea on my way to church and just as I was about to dispose of the remaining liquid and the cup, I remembered that Tim Hortons promotional Roll up the Rim was still going on and the reason I was offered to upgrade was to be eligible. Now I should note, I am one of those persons...you know, who never ever ever wins anything? Everything I've gotten has been either because of unmerited favor (not luck or chance) or because of my hard work. So I wasn't really feeling any particular pull to roll up the rim, but I did...to humor myself I guess. As I was about to toss the cup after rolling up the rim  without reading, just expecting the try again...

there it was "winner"!!!! whoaaaaa really???

It was a donut. I won a donut...valued at $.60 but a win nonetheless right? I immediately thought of my actions purchasing the tea and thought to myself "aint that something". Now I know that this win was all by chance...and my tea was given to me before I paid (or I think it was) so I won't go getting all super spiritual about it...but I definitely think this was a tangible reinforcement to make it  more likely that I do this again.  

I'm challenged to be more conscious about how regularly I "pay it forward". Now the thing is, to truly pay it forward, the recipient should be aware of the good act and their responsibility to pay it forward also so there is a chain of good deeds that starts to just double and triple...

But honestly even without the intentional act of creating the chain, I think we as humans have an inward wiring to want to do good, especially when we have been the recipients of a good act.

So...go forth and do something good, selfless, or an act of kindness today!

Grace peace and love,

Gia

blessed monday

Well this post isn't about a particular blessing that comes on Monday but that's just how I'm feeling this Monday. I'm keenly aware of how God has been keeping me, particularly as it relates to my finances and just wanted to give a lil praise report!

So as most of you realize, I'm home. That's the beautiful Nassau, Bahamas. The decision to spend this year here rather than finish in Canada was one that didn't come easy. While there were obvious benefits, for example, being with hubby...there were some other considerations. Yes it would be "cheaper" to be home..but would I be able to find gainful employment that is flexible and meaningful? Additionally  would I be able to find an internship that is meaningful and approved by the school?

Well, the decision to come home was made before the answers to  those questions materialized. I had prayed and prayed and prayed and felt that this is what God wanted for me. So in August 2012, I gave up my apartment as my first step and can I just say that it is all good.

Today, I'm boasting on God about the awesome 1/2 internship that I landed...lots of great experience and some good connections. And then there's the blessing of the part time job that I got. Did I mention that it is paying about equivalent to my previous full time position...say what? yes...HALLELUJAH!

It's that time for happy dance. Did I mention that both opportunities allows me so much flexibility that I can work from home on some days so there are no confinements of 9-5 which has somewhat become my nemesis.

For now, I'm sharing my story as a reminder that God is always faithful. His blessings abound where it is deserved and even when it may not be deserved. I was asked yesterday how did I figure God in this if it was my own hard work that secured these jobs..the thing is...the very breath I breathe belongs to God. The fact that I'm breathing is because of Him. The strength to work hard comes from Him..so does the wisdom and because I'm a praying kind of girl...most times the direction for where to go and when, comes from Him. So with all that in mind, I give Him the glory for the awesome job opportunities that HE provided, even if He didn't physically come down and give them to me.

Do you have a praise report for today?

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Divine meets the mundane

Have you ever had one of those moments? Something happens or maybe its in the reflection of a memory and you just know this was a divine moment.

Those are beautiful, especially when life gets...well to be life. overwhelming. busy. unfair. mundane.

Recognizing and basking in these moments are reviving. refreshing. inspiring.

Have you had one of those lately, that moment where you know it was God in the midst?

Grace peace and love,
Gia

cheers to the new Year!

I don't take this blogging thing lightly. Although my readership may not be at the point where I can make money or even warrant "fame" (I'm probably still in double digits), I do believe that each person who reads (whether a regular or a passerby) is super special and comes here for a reason.  To that end, I felt it important to end the year with a blessing to each of you who visit this lil ole piece of cyberspace.

May the Lord bless you (abundantly)

and protect you (and your family members).

May the Lord smile on you (that your face shines like Moses')

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor (to blow your mind)

and give you his peace (that you may walk in it and find rest). (Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)

I declare that there is an awakening toward your purposes in 2013. That you will find greater sense of fulfillment, accomplishment, love, joy and peace.  That the days ahead of you will be greater than those that have passed.  That everything you put your mind, heart and hand to will prosper. I ask that all God's best will be released to you.

Grace peace and love,

See you next year! ;)

Gia