Parenting

Its been 6 months ya'll!!!!!! Daelyn Grace was officially 6 months on January 31st. I'm happy to report that most of the tired, overwhelmedness and anxiousness is gone. No more zombie-mommy. Left in its place is fun. Tons of laughter, silly faces, poop (and more poop), feeding, sleeping and yes...a bit of tired. :)

As some of you know, motherhood was a scary idea for me. I mean, I've spent almost 10 years studying the field of psychology, 2 of those years, specifically looking at counselling and boy oh boy...I've seen how easy it is to screw up a person. That alone made me think twice, no three times about being a parent.

But yea, putting all that aside, I mean, I think every parent wants the best for their little person. Me being who I am (over-achiever, well-read, a bit organic) set some high goals for this little one. I really wanted to try and be as natural as possible with her. That started with pregnancy (healthy lifestyle- was achieved). 2. Then labor, but that didn't work. oh well. epidural AND surgery was required for my sweet princess to get here safely.

3. Exclusive breast-feeding. done it...6 months and going strong.

4. :clears throat: cloth diapering. yup...6 months and now its getting real now that we've begun to introduce solids. :/

5. No (or very limited pre-made baby food). I mean seriously. its pureed veggies and fruits. How hard could that be? hahaha well I'm a couple weeks in and it really isn't that bad. I'm fascinated though. When I make it fresh, it can only stay refriegerated for 3 days (frozen for 6 months). SO I'm left to wonder what Gerber be puttin in their all-natural baby food why it can stay on the shelf (not even the fridge) for + 6 months. (insert deep sigh here).

from top moving clockwise: freezer with expressed breastmilk and her veggies for next two weeks.
storage container with her  fresh pureed peas. pumpkin after it was baked. magic bullet with greens
happy baby with a really dirty mouth (ironically, she was eating canned prunes which I did NOT make)

I have some other really ambitious goals, but all-in-all, it boils down to wanting the best for the lil princess. I figure we aim realllly high and if we don't make it- we still do "great". Rather than not setting goals at all and then its just "come what may".

The cool thing is- hubs and I realize that in order to maintain this lifestyle for her, we are going to have to make some lifestyle changes.

For example, we don't want her eating fast food (I mean really- makes no sense for me to slave over the stove as a baby and then just quit when she's a toddler/child)...I'm determined to not allow anything beyond the taste of a french fry before 3 years old. After that...well it will be for special occasions. The reality of this hit us as I sat near dying from hunger (being dramatic) in Wendy's drive-through line. oops guess that can't be happening too often. I mean, what we gonna say.."no babygirl, you can't have what mommy and daddy are eating!"

And for this, I am grateful for the responsibility of parenting. It is yet another thing to make me a better person. To help me do better. To make me more aware, conscious, and responsible for some of the basic things that I do.

So, to infinity and beyond..that's exactly how high I'm shooting! ;)

Grace, peace, love and pureed green beans!
Gia

tis the season to be jolly

fa la la la la-la la la laaaaaaaaaa!!!

Yes, it is the Christmas season. I think if you ask 10 people, you are likely to get at least 6 different responses as to what this season means to them.

For me, while I thoroughly enjoy the merriment, gift-giving, family time and food (lots of food)- I also really like to ensure that I continually celebrate Jesus. I know He wasn't born in December, but alas this is the time that we have set aside to say "happy birthday"! So Christmas represents life, hope, salvation, joy....Jesus. Its also synonymous with family, food, and Junkanoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

While, those values and traditions remain relevant for me, this Christmas is different. It was the first time, that as an adult, living on my own, that I've put up my own Christmas tree. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee can you say excited? side note: it seriously made my day [week, nah season] when Dayton walked in with the tree and surprised me! Of course, Daelyn Grace is still totally oblivious so there isn't so much excitement from her, but just her presence has made it a very special one. She is by far my best. gift. ever!

I didn't buy any gifts for her and probably won't until she's at least 2 years old, when there is a recognition of a "gift"--not that she is by any means short on gifts. The tree already has gifts for her and an extra large stocking filled with baby goodies. However,  I do want is to begin Jones' family traditions. Traditions that keep us (and teach her) to be grounded in our faith; to celebrate life, freedom, hope, joy and salvation. Traditions that go beyond the superficiality of the newest toy. I haven't figured out what that's gonna be yet.

I do plan on asking all her godparents to make a tree decoration that we can use annually when we put up the tree. But as for us...Dayton, Daelyn and I- I'm drawing a blank. Maybe it will come to me on Christmas day? :)

What are your family traditions, whether past or current? If not yours, do you have any suggestions for me?

Merry Christmas from the Jones family. May these days be filled with joy, hope, peace and fulfillment regardless of how (or if) you choose to celebrate. 

As I was drafting this, I realized that it would have been ideal to have a family picture for this week's post but apparently, I'm still new to this family thing and failed on the holiday family picture card thing. sigh. I promise to do better next year). But until then....enjoy the sights and sounds of Junkanoo!

Grace peace love and joy,
Gia

walking the talk...

For as long as I can remember, I've talked about gratitude and peace. As with everything, its always easy to talk; however the weight of it is experienced during "tests". At this time we see whether or not that which we've been talking about is truly what we are walking out.

True story. :)

Last week I found myself sitting in a borrowed car that wouldn't start, trying my hardest to remain composed. I was done. Just over it. Ready to scream. This was not the first time since I borrowed the car  that it chose to not start. However, this was only Day 3 that I had the car and this is a car, that for as long as my sister has had it, has NEVER given her problems. It was a really rough moment.
Here is a snippet of my inner dialogue.

[literally] talking to myself: "Come on Gia, take a deep breath. Its okay."
slowly look around and think to self after a couple slow deep breaths

"I guess it could be worse..."

Then IT happened. The shift.

In that one statement and action (slowing down, regulating my emotions) my thoughts went to this: "wow. I'm stuck but its in a well lit busy gas station, on a main road, less than 15 minutes from home. My husband isn't available, but my dad is and he is on his way. The weather is cool, so Daelyn Grace is comfortable as she is sleeping in her car seat in the back seat. I've got battery life on my phone to make calls if necessary." 

I then realized that I was literally okay. 

From this way of thinking, I had plenty to be thankful for...safety, support/help, alternative means of getting home, sanity (baby sleeping and comfortable)...etc etc etc

Did my new shift in thinking change the conditions? No.  the car still didn't start.
Was I still bummed that the car I borrowed, was giving me problems? - yes

But in my disappointment, I refused to get all upset and burdened by something I had no control over. I chose to adjust my thinking and literally stay positive.

I then moved on. Made necessary arrangements for car to be dealt with (all that was within my control), then let it go.

I wish that was all to this story but later that week, a similar occurrence happened as I found myself driving buttercup (my "new" SUV) after  it just came from mechanic (getting an expensive engine head) and realized that it still wasn't drivable because now the brakes weren't holding.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh seriously... AGAIN????????

I'll admit. It wasn't as easy to adjust and shift now. In fact, a day later I'm still fighting to choose gratitude and peace over frustration and worry. I got a timely reminder from my mom though. In a simple one sentence text, she acknowledged the trend of unfortunate events, but reminded me to still give thanks. 

As I reluctantly forced myself to find something (anything) to be thankful for in this never-ending expensive saga, I actually found a couple things. I was thankful that the battery died BEFORE it tore the belt possibly resulting in a very bad outcome if it occurred while driving. I was also thankful that although the brakes weren't holding, the time and day I was driving meant that there was virtually no other cars on the road, and still in full day light so there was no need for sudden braking. pretty big deals huh? yea I know.

So I've been super conscious to not complain. To not go through the self-pity route. To not sit and worry about what could be or should be. 

Hopefully your days, week, season has been a little easier than mine, if not- join me as I've decided to simply:

1. ask for grace [serenity] to accept that which I cannot change (i.e. move on, let go).

2. ask for the insight, resources, and energy to make changes/correct/fix that which I can

3. and finally, I've asked for wisdom to know the difference.

Grace peace and love,

Gia 

don't sweat the small stuff part 2

I stumbled upon this quote/graphic while preparing for last week's blog post. I thought it was too poignant to stick with the post and that it needed its own post!

Essentially we fix nothing by worrying. In fact, we deplete our own resources. Our strength. Our hope. Our energy. Our willpower.

The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). I think that it is a natural process that when we worry, we loose joy. If we think of our joy being stored (internally) in a reservoir, then it is possible to think less in terms of all or nothing but understanding that there is a filling and an emptying.  Our reservoir is emptied...or as a friend so aptly said, "our joy leaks out" when we worry.

Not to worry (haha), if your joy has been leaking out, we can easily build up our stash by reminding ourselves of God's promises, His Word and His attributes (e.g.faithful, kind, forgiving, gracious, merciful, loving).  Essentially this should be our daily position as inevitably, whether you intentionally stress over small or large things, the way life is, there is bound to be leakage, even if only just small drips, making our thought life ever so important.

So what do we do today (and everyday)....

wooosah.

 breathe. release. trust.

...and remind ourselves of how faithful our God is!

Grace peace and love,
Gia

who's excited?!?!

Our praise and worship leader at church is now famous for this question. Although the response...her response is what's EPIC, the question is asked and the response is.....(wait for it).....

I AM!! 

(With the biggest grin you can find anywhere!)

Now I'll be honest, it's been a great year for me...an even greater 3 months with our princess but even with all this, I've managed to allow one situation in particular, to consistently poke a hole and allow my joy to seep out. That is being car-less. Feeling like my independence has been stripped from me. So I've been lamenting and brooding and just being sour in regards to this. The process of finding the car was delayed, then took longer than usual (once we actually got started looking). The transportation of the car (from US to Nassau) was delayed (its now almost 4 weeks since car was purchased) and now...now that the car is actually here -in the country- it's now day 3 and I still don't "possess" it. Yet another delay.

BUT and here's what I FINALLY figured out yesterday, despite the months of waiting, looking, moaning. Despite the fact that I've returned to "work", where transportation is required...despite every scenario I can present. Each time, it's worked out. Definitely not in the way I prefer, i.e. my OWN car---- but once again I see the strength of my support system where friends, family and even colleagues have rallied to assist when/where they could. I see this as, the grace and faithfulness of God.

How bout that??

However, instead of each afternoon being grateful for what was provided each day-I often mumbled some more...totally missing the opportunity for gratitude.

So this morning, it was something else, something totally unrelated to the car situation that reminded me that I should still be excited with anticipation for good news. And it was then that I realized or more accurately, was reminded of what really matters.

So today, I AM EXCITED!! But ironically this excitement has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that this evening when I come back home, a new car *could* be parked in our driveway but the fact that I'm alive, I know my purpose and I can do something today to bring me one step to fulfilling/living fully in that!!

Are you excited? Maybe to get excited again, like me, it may require shifting focus from the small and maybe insignificant. It may require revisiting the big picture. It may mean setting new goals so you have something to be excited about. Also, be sure to do inventory and find what may be sapping your joy. Life's too short and we only live once. :D

Grace peace and love,
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

Who knew...

a love like this.

So for those of you who don't know...our sweet little princess, Daelyn Grace is here.

She made quite the appearance last Wednesday and has been rocking our world since. That's both physically, emotionally and every other aspect of life!!!

I told someone, when I saw her taken and passed from one doctor to the next in the operating room, I literally held my breath and tears just began to flow. That "alien" that resided in me, had made her way and I could see her. Of course the tears just continued when her pediatrician brought her face to mine for the first contact. Sometimes just thinking of the miracle that has been pregnancy and now this new life has me tearing up again.

Its that face that I continue to just stare at...and kiss...and smell and kiss some more.

I can confidently say, my God is a very creative, awesome being to come up with this brilliant idea of bringing forth life.

Okay..so considering I've probably had less than 8 hours of sleep in the past 72+ hours, I'm signing off now to rest while she peacefully naps.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

PS. Remember it may be awhile before I'm regularly blogging again. Got to make sure first things are dealt with first. ;)

update

That's about me...except I'm not that cute. lol.

I missed last week, not because I was sick but because I was too busy...which I'm almost 99.5% certain is the reason I'm sick. My body has finally said.."ENOUGH!". I don't have much of a runny noise, but I've got an annoying cough and most times I talk, I can't get two sentences out without a mini coughing fit or without the raspy-not-so-sexy hoarse voice. :)

I think we all can relate to the saying "when it rains, it pours". Well, that's been me the past month or so (not the month of June, but the past 4 weeks or more). Its the end of the semester, which means data collection is in full drive. One set of demands.

Its also marks the beginning of the summer period for students, and a part of my internship is assisting with the training for summer youth camp instructors. Those trainings begun about 3 weeks ago and although very fun...its a lot. Did I mention that we have 4 days of training back to back this week? not sure how I'm going to present (while coughing with a raspy voice) but we'll figure something out.

Then to top it all off, we are STILL moving. like seriously? I NEVER imagined this would take this long or be this tedious. I've moved before...a couple times but what I underestimated was moving to a place that was not "move-in" ready. Our new abode is my childhood home, and outside of the flooding that occured almost island wide 3 weeks ago, we also learnt of a leak in the roof and then had an entire week of non-stop rain. Our landlords were gracious to give us an extra week, which is why I'm probably still sane, because if we had to leave as planned for May 31st...well, it would not have been cute.

I know what you are thinking or screaming: SLOW DOWN WOMAN! BUT No need for alarm. Outside of the cold/cough that I've developed, I've been keeping hydrated, resting each night (well when heartburn or acid reflux doesn't keep me up) and overall, I feel good...I'm keeping it balanced. This is just a season. If all goes well, by next Monday's blog post, I should be passed the "moving" and having some fun with getting the nursery set up. I'll also be done with data collection and will be just sorting, organizing, "processing" all the data (which is done at my own pace)and all of the trainings should be done. I say *should* because we may have to add another round..but without the other demands, the workshops/trainings become almost kind of fun. ;)

Before I close, I do want to add, that despite that crazy I feel juggling physical demands- emotionally/psychologically and spiritually, I feel fine. In fact, I feel great.  For the past almost 2 weeks, most mornings I would wake up singing:

I want the joy of the Lord to come now

I want the joy of the Lord to fall now

I want the joy of the Lord in my life

I want the joy of the Lord lift me

I want the joy of the Lord change me

I want the joy of the Lord in my life

Its time I started dancing over all these graves

Its time I gave you all my God the highest place

Its time I lift my voice

and beg for His blessing to fall (Lyrics from eLyrics.net)

What's kept/keeping me....JOY. Wouldn't trade it for the world. I hear joy and I automatically think of that Pageant scene from Coming To America...say it with me...JOY!!!!!

Just in case you don't know what I am talking about....check this out (the JOY comes right before the first minute mark).

Grace peace love and JOY,

Gia

celebration of life

As I somberly thought of what today represents, I was "awakened" to another perspective of death...as a "celebration of life".

And that is exactly what I reflected on in my quiet time this morning. Yes, the death of Christ is monumental.  It is through His dying, that we have life. It was the act of dying that He fulfilled the requirement, becoming the ultimate sacrifice so now we have salvation, grace, and mercy.

But before the death...there was the man.

I thought excitedly about how His life was exemplary. He came, giving up deity, taking on human flesh.  This meant He placed himself in a position to experience the hurts, pains, and even limitations of humanity.  But even more, He came and showed us how to live.

*I think of Cana - where water was turned into wine. A practical act, but yet supernatural (John 2:1-11).

*I think of Capernum - multiple healings of the sick and in particular the paralyzed man (Matt 8:16, Mark 1:32, Luke 4:40, Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:18-26). It was also in Capernum, where one of the first healings of demon possession occurred (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:33-37).

*I think of Bethsaida or thereabouts - where more than 5000 people were fed with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Another very practical act, born out of genuine care and compassion for people...but still supernatural (Matthew 14:13-21).

*I think of somewhere in Judea or therabouts- where people brought their children to Jesus, and through His actions and words, He affirmed and validated the life of children (Matthew 19:13-15).

*I think of Jesus, on his many journeys, how He not only affirmed and validated, but empowered so many who were outcast, sick or devalued, for example, the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 13:10-13), Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10), selection of his disciples.

*and finally, I think of Gethsamene (Mount of Olives).  This place represented His prayer closet. So many times we see where Jesus went here for quiet time and communion with His Father.  But most difficult were the painful last moments where we really catch a glimpse into His humanity. Where He battled with the most difficult decision that was before Him. Whether or not, He would surrender to purpose and walk in God's will, which required that He not only die...but die a death of shame and gruesome pain. And then, even in these last moments, when He could have been so selfish and bitter and depressed...He still extended mercy and authority in the act of restoring the ear of one of the guards which was cut off by a zealous disciple (Luke 22:39-51).

This Good Friday is different. I will still humbly, solemnly remember...as I never want to forget what Jesus did on the Cross...but I also celebrate the life, the very full life that He lived.

The life that gives me an example of how to live:

compassionate, connected to the Father, practical in caring for the daily needs of others, merciful and nonjudgmental, respectful of everyone (child, orphan, widow, the marginalized) and finally, a life that is full of power and authority to walk in the supernatural, not just for show or for my personal gain, but for the sake of my brother and sister who need chains broken, who need to be healed, who needs a glimpse of Jesus.

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