Praises!

On this day two years ago, my body was getting ready to go into labor. I started laboring with Isla around 6:30 pm, but she didn't make her debut until the 4th, two days later.

I can't believe it's been two years already. It's so emotional to think about. It seems when you want something to hurry up and get here, time goes by so slow. But when you want the hours, days and years to last forever, they go by in a blink of an eye.

These past two years have been the best years of my life so far. Filled with unimaginable joy, laughter, challenges and strength. God has opened my eyes and heart to a new found love. An unbreakable love I share with my husband as we parent and partner together on everything. An unconditional love I have with my daughter... as even on her hardest days, I know deep down, I will look back on these days as the best ones of my life. What amazing gifts He has blessed me with!

Isla's first two years have been such a learning experience for me too. I've learned so much about her and Joel, but also so much more about myself. I've learned I have more strength and patience than I ever thought possible. I've learned I can go on a very small amount of sleep and still manage to function. I've learned the value of "me" time. I've learned about a love I never knew before. I've learned how much my own mother loves me. I've learned more about God's unconditional love for me. I've felt a greater sense of compassion, gratitude and empathy. Children open our lives to seeing so much more if we allow ourselves to be truly present and engaged in the moments.

Twice, I was told by doctors that I would have fertility issues and likely be unable to carry a baby on my own without medical assistance. God has prevailed and reigns in my life. He has answered our prayers with not just one pregnancy, but two. As I feel baby #2 kick in my belly, I'm reminded of His love, blessings and power.

Psalm 113:9

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

What’s New with the Bradbury’s?

So lately, it’s become increasingly harder and harder to find time to blog! It’s astonishing how much our lives have changed since our baby girl has transitioned into toddler-hood– we are constantly on the go!

In addition to chasing Isla around the house, we are also working on a ton of home projects everything from changing out the hardware on our kitchen cabinets to choosing new paint colors for the inside and outside of our home. And when we’re not working on the inside, we’re slaving on the outside, finishing a porch swing I originally made in my wood working class in high school, pulling weeds and landscaping (we finally caved and got some professional ideas for this one). 

All these tasks were difficult to get accomplished along with the daily/weekly chores of laundry and cleaning before we added our precious joy and now they are monumentally hard to accomplish, but I love the teamwork that our family has had lately to get things done. Even Isla pitched in over the weekend and started wiping down surfaces with her washcloth and “helping” fold (and unfold) the laundry.

I know when I look back on these years decades from now these will be the golden the years for our family. Days of pure joy and laughter among one another, dance parties and dinners with endless giggles. Stress? Sure, but accompanied with laughter and bliss that makes it all worthwhile. 

Besides home improvement and family time, I’ve also been extremely busy at work, studying for tests and working on a side project with my friend Kristen for a new party planning blog. Looking forward to providing more details on this exciting new adventure soon!

I'm thankful for my husband...

Do you wear your emotions on the outside or keep them buttoned up? It’s not hard to detect what kind of mood I am in on any given day. If I am stressed, happy or sad, I have the tendency to show it in my expressions, tone of voice and mannerisms. My husband on the other hand can be stressed to the gills, but no one would ever know. He is so calm and cool. I doubt he even knows it, but I admire that about him. 

If I am happy, I am usually on cloud nine. If I am sad, then my whole demeanor is droopy. I wish I could be more like my husband, but I am a highly emotional being. I pour myself into feelings. When I love, I love deeply. When I am saddened, my heart aches.  I am also extremely sensitive. I’m sensitive in my feelings, but also to others. I get my feelings hurt easily and often take things the wrong way. As you can imagine, this can cause some hurdles in a marriage and well, in life.

My husband has really been helping me to work through these challenges and helping me to see things differently. He helps me to be more light hearted, less sensitive and take things with a grain of salt. I’m so thankful to have someone in my life that is encouraging, reassuring and patient. I’m thankful to have someone who helps me work on being a better me without insulting me, but by lifting me up. I’m thankful to have a spouse that does not judge me, but loves me unconditionally. I’m thankful that my husband’s personality is the opposite of mine, or else we would be living in a high strung household! I’m thankful my husband makes me remember to slow down, breath and let the little things go. I’m thankful that my husband is slow to anger and forgives easily. I’m thankful for God’s plan for my husband’s heart, my heart and our little family of three!

Autumn

I can't believe its Fall already! I feel like we just rung in the new year and now its more than halfway over. As I get older, it seems like the years go by faster.

Well ready or not, the season is changing and Fall is upon us. Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Where the landscape is lit up with color all around us and there is so much natural beauty that it can't be ignored with our daily tasks.

This time of year makes me miss living in the mountains. I miss the art splashed across the mountain sides and endless miles of countless shades of autumn. I miss hearing the sounds of the creek in the still of a cool morning. I miss the smells of a campfire and catching fireflies. I miss high school football games on Friday nights.

I'm hoping we will have a nice long, cool Fall here in Charlotte and we make the trip home to the mountains at least once in time to see the leaves change.

I'm looking forward to carving pumpkins, wearing sweaters and tall boots, turning off the a/c and opening the windows, watching football and enjoying all the beauty God blesses us with during this beautiful season.

Isla's timeline

I made this to be able to see the changes from our birth announcement to Isla Rae's arrival. Looks like I also had some hair color changes too :)

What I've Learned Thus Far...

These past 3 weeks I've learned a lot...

I've learned to always have a boppy or pillow close by to help with nursing because my arm feels like a wet noodle after holding Isla and nursing 20+ minutes.
I've learned not to be as quiet as a mouse while she sleeps, but never to wake her up when she is sleeping either... .
I've learned crazy ninja breastfeeding moves...
I've learned I can do a lot with just one hand and I can pick up a lot of things with my feet! Ha!
I've learned going to Target and dinner is a big deal.
I've learned to always have my Cloud B Sleep Sheep on the Go sound maker close by. She loves listening to the ocean waves over and over again. It calms her down.
I've learned that I will basically sing anything. I never thought I would say "Shhhhhhhh" this much or be saying "Ooooooo" and Ahhhhhh" so much.
I've given in to using a paci when I've tried everything else.
I've learned some days... there is just no need to get dressed.
I've learned how to manage what little free time I get... the essential things I need to do for myself.
I've learned to sleep when she sleeps... this was hard for me at first...crazy, I know, but I wanted to get things done like laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.... I've learned to let those things go somewhat too.
I've learned not to run and change her diaper the minute I think it's dirty...because there is more coming.  I learned that one the hard way...
I've learned to stock up on gripe water and Mylicon gas relief drops.
I've learned to keep trying new positions until she is satisfied if she is gassy. 
I've learned not to really care what shirt I put on, chances are it will have spit up on it in a matter of minutes.
I've learned to converse more with Joel after he's home from work. With me not having many adult conversations and also not going to work together every day like before...I miss him more and more.
I've learned to take it one day at a time. There will be amazing days and there will definitely be hard days.
I've learned Isla Rae doesn't like my sock bun... I think she doesn't recognize me when I wear my hair up and as soon as I take it down, she smiles.
I've learned the days go by WAY too fast and I don't have the time to do all the things I thought I would. 


I've learned a lot so far, but I know there is still so much to come. I'd love for new moms to send tips and stories about their first weeks!

Top 10 things I try to do every day:

1. Give thanks to God when I wake up – because every day is a gift from Him!
2. Smile when I answer the phone or talk on the phone to friends, family and clients– because it sets the tone for a good conversation.
3. Give at least one compliment to someone – because it makes the other person and myself feel good.
4. Take a walk (when it's not nearly 100 degrees outside!) – because I need the fresh air and exercise.
5. Tell Joel and Isla I love them – because I do.
6. Smile at strangers and say hello – because I love being friendly.
7. Read at least one Bible verse – because there is still so much I don’t know and need to know to grow spiritually and be able to teach Isla.
8. Catch up with a friend – because I’m lucky enough to have them.
9. Spend time singing, reading, holding and talking to Isla – because I want her to always feel loved.
10. Think positive thoughts – because I believe it begins there. 

This picture makes me think of Heaven

Letters to Isla Rae

Isla Rae,

Today, you slept over two hours in your bouncy seat listening to the sound of ocean waves over and over and over!

I am so proud and relieved... at first I didn't know what to do when I put you in your seat and you didn't cry. Until now, the longest you have lasted in your swing or bouncy was 5-10 minutes before you would start screaming for your momma to pick you up.

Since they first laid you in my arms on June 4th, you've constantly wanted to be held, cradled or just lie on me. You also love bouncing on daddy's shoulder. You would cry almost the instant we put you down...(your newborn shoot was a big challenge because of this). But we don't blame you! I can't imagine the feelings and confusion you must have from coming from such a tight, warm and cozy home to this big world and learning how long your arms actually are, how many different sounds, smells, strange objects and yucky tasting gas drops there are and unfortunately, what pain is. No wonder you cry... I would too sweet girl.

Today, I watched you drift deeper and deeper into sleep, astounded that you were actually going to make it longer this time. Then the thought crossed my mind, what should I do?...
 
Until today, I haven't had any time to really think, what would I do if I had an hour to myself? First things first, I ran to the bathroom...had to get that out of the way while I had the chance. I actually made me a decent lunch... Hey, it was 3pm, but still considered lunch for me. I guzzled down as much water as I could drink, knowing its difficult for me to remember to stay hydrating while normally nursing, burping, bouncing, consoling, diapering, etc. I did a load of laundry, swept the floors, ran the dishwasher (and emptied it!) and took out the trash! I did all of this while you slept like a perfect angel! (Periodically, peeking at you and secretly even wanting to wake you up because I was missing holding you). And now.. I'm writing you this letter so you can look back and laugh at me one day and also know how much I love you.

I'm relieved that you slept without me holding you...not because I don't want to be holding you 24/7 (because I could, and I do....I have to share you and even that's hard for me). I'm relieved because I feel like your gass pains were less today and our prayers for your relief have been answered for today. We're praying tomorrow will be even better for you and as you continue to grow these horrible pains leave your tiny precious body.

I can't believe it's already over 3 weeks! Wish I had a time machine or a pause button for life... Your growing and changing too fast for momma to keep up. I would hold you in my arms forever if I could.

Love you,

Momma

Happy 1 Week Birthday Isla Rae!

Dear Isla Rae,

Happy 1 week old birthday!

This week has been the fastest week of my life. I literally feel like I’ve only had a day with you, let alone a whole week. 

Your Dad and I are taking in every single moment with you. Breathing in your sweet baby scent, snuggling you close to our hearts, rocking you to sleep, touching your silky soft skin and kissing your chubby cheeks hundreds of times because we know pretty soon you will become stingy with your kisses. But doing this every minute for the last week does not seem enough. 

Time is already going by so fast and we can see you changing and developing every day. Growing, becoming more alert, learning what your different cries mean, the things you love…the things you hate and Daddy can tell by the increase in all the diaper changes every day. Your Dad has become a pro diaper changer and burper! I've been so proud. You already have him wrapped around your little finger.

You are already a Daddy’s girl. You love it when Daddy bounces you and holds you over his shoulder with your tiny hands dangling down. You look up to us with such love and vulnerability. It melts my heart. You are the most precious thing that I have ever experienced and I thank God every day for blessing me with the opportunity to be your mother.

You have forever changed our lives and this first week is just the beginning. We know with each day, week, month and year our lives will continue to grow and be centered on you...Miss Isla Rae, the love of our lives.

  

Thanks to God for blessing us with such a precious little being that has made such a profound impact.

We love you to the moon and back,

Momma

Last year of my twenties…

Wow! This has been an amazing almost decade in my twenties. It’s hard to believe today marks the first day, of my last year in my twenties!  My twenties have been incredible years. Lots of friend-making, roll changing, growing (both personally and professionally), family time and lots and lots of learning! 

I am so thankful for where I am in my life. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, great career, loving husband, amazing friends and now, the gift of a child. 

I look forward to finishing up my twenties this year and going out with a bang!

It's been a while...

It’s been a while since my last post. I’m finding I’m having less and less time to write down my thoughts. With our little bundle of joy arriving in just 8 weeks, I’m sure my time will continue to be limited. 

Recently, I have managed to start working on her baby book, finish up a few things in the nursery and continue nesting. I feel like I’ve been nesting ever since we moved into our home way before we got pregnant. I love a clean home. I told Joel, I even sleep better when the house is spic and span. Lately, I’ve kicked the nesting into overload, constantly sweeping, dusting, moping, steaming… but I love it. I think it helps relieve stress and anxiety and I want to do as much as I can now to get everything ready. 

As the weeks get closer to baby girl’s arrival, I have a feeling I’ll be resting, preserving my energy and taking a little more time for me!

Even with the never ending morning sickness, and all the aches and pains, I love being pregnant. I love being able to feel those flutters inside of me and knowing that we have created something that will forever change our world!

Greetings Family & Friends!

Welcome to my blog, and my first ever entry! I've always wanted to start a blog and love following others, but I just needed a little motivation. Recently, God gave me the motivation I desired! 

After suffering from Interstitial Cystitis  for most of my life and struggling with severe endometriosis and chronic ovarian cysts, I had been told by several doctors that the possibility of ever becoming pregnant was grim. This was a hard realization to swallow. There were many tears shed and many alternative medicines tried. 

I met my husband, Joel, in 2008. We both work for the same company and out of a friendship, our relationship grew. He was there with me in 2009 when I was told by the doctor that pregnancy would more than likely not be in our future and he stood by me through it all. He is the epitome of loyal. 

In the spring of this year, we got married after nearly three years of dating. We were surrounded by family and friends on a beautiful May day at an old southern plantation called, 1812 Hitching Post. Our wedding was the essence of my style, vintage, shabby-chic with a dash of elegance.  We both knew we were up against some strong odds to be able to have our own child, but we also knew nothing was too big of an obstacle for our God. 

Shortly after marriage, we began to pray for God to bless us with a child if it was in His will and send us acceptance and peace if it was not. In beginning to pray for our life story and God’s plan, we both grew closer to God in our marriage. We began to have an understanding only He can provide. After only four months of marriage, to our surprise and utter shock, we learned we were expecting! At first Joel did not believe it. I myself knew for a fact. I could tell something was different.  We were both cautiously optimistic and we made our first appointment with the doctor… 

Confirmed! Expected due date, May 26^th 2012. Only three days away from our wedding anniversary. 

Through this experience my faith has grown stronger than ever. I’ve thrown my pessimist attitude to the wind and know beyond a shadow of a doubt nothing is too big for my God. Even if the outcome is not what I want it to be, I know there is a greater plan. Today, I am nearly 18 weeks along. I’m feeling better and better every day and the baby’s heartbeat is as strong as ever.  I cannot wait to become a mother. I know this will undoubtedly be the most rewarding job in my life.

I look forward to writing more encouraging posts about our life, our baby and other little blessings that get me through the day! See you soon.