I'm a Baby Hoarder

When Madison was an infant, I was accused of "hoarding" my child. I was told that I was possessive and that I was going to spoil her, especially since I was breastfeeding. She would supposedly want no one but me and her father.

I stand strong to tell you that I was a baby hoarder.
Hi. I'm Megan, and I'm a baby hoarder.

I stayed home with my child as much as possible. I didn't really want people holding her during her naps, and we didn't go out too much. I "hoarded" my child. As a working mom, it was just my natural instinct to want to be home with her and soak up all that I could of her newborn snuggles.

Today, I hoard my family. On many Mondays we will have a nice, fresh, clean week ahead, but by Tuesday, maybe Wednesday, our entire week/weekend has been booked. That is, unless we hoard our baby. Unless we hoard family time.

With labor day weekend coming up, we have family coming to town, and we are super excited about the activities we have planned. We can't wait to see our sister, brother, and sweet niece (with her new glasses to boot!). After making those arrangements, though, it is so easy to slip into the cycle of "yes." Yes, we will do that. Yes, we will go there. Yes, we have free time.

Just because we have free time doesn't mean we have to book it up, even if, especially if, we feel obligated. Don't get me wrong, it is super important to spend time with extended family - they are precious to us. They do come second to immediate family, though {GASP!}. I am a strong believer that if we have adequate time at home just the three of us, we function much better as a family unit. We get along better, we eat better, we play better, etc. If our tank is not full of "home time" we do not go out and about with family/friends.

What about honoring your mother and father? There comes a point in time in life where honoring your mother and father mean doing what is best for your new family, your immediate family, your household as we call it in the insurance world.
{note: this is not a passive aggressive jab at any of my family members - just some thoughts!}

I read in a marriage book recently {Sheet Music} that many couples are taking the challenge to not be away from the house more than two nights a week. Many couples told stories of the sacrifices they had to make, but they also shared how close their family unit was. We have church on Wednesday nights, and usually a weekend outing. Other than that we protect our family time. Extended families don't mean any harm, but extended families can pull us away from a noble cause. "Good" events can, too. Such as church, ball practice, ballet, music lessons, etc. They are all a great cause and are so very purposeful in expanding your child's knowledge and skill, but at what cost? If it is causing more stress than joy, is it truly an adequate expense of your time?

Are you willing to sacrifice family time for things that aren't worth it?

Hello, I'm Megan, and I'm a baby hoarder through and through.
Oh, and my child is social and enjoys other people just as much as her mommy.

Troy University {past & present}

As many of you know, I graduated from a college here in Alabama called Troy University. I got my degree in Accounting and am very passionate about my school. I love Troy, and it is a place very near and dear to my heart. My sister is currently there studying Math Education. She's a smarty. Her boyfriend is on a football scholarship there as well. So Troy runs through our veins. I knew that I wanted to go to Troy in the seventh grade. I also knew I wanted to dance with the band, the Sound of the South. Let's have a moment for some throwback pictures...
{ok, I seriously didn't intend for this to be a 'throwback' post...}

left - 2006 my freshman year
right - 2010 graduation day

Ok, sorry I just got kind of nostalgic over here. Let's look at some current day Troy pics. Troy played Navy this weekend, and it was a fabulous experience. Everyone was so cordial and polite, and my sweet Madison did great!

ya know, just reading books while tailgating

Destin 2012 {in a ton of pictures}

Ok, so maybe most of the pictures are of Madison, but oh well.

This past weekend my family snuck away for a getaway from reality. We got to do some awesome shopping at a local outlet mall, eat some really good seafood, and just hang out. We played card games (does anyone even do this anymore?) and played with Madison. Madison sat in the restaurant high chairs for the first time, and saw the beach for the first time - breifly. It was very cold, so I tucked her away in the Moby for the majority of the time. It was a blast; it certainly rejuvinated me after the past few crazy weeks.

In other news, the boutique opens on Thursday. I have rented a booth to sell some of my rosette goodies (necklaces, rings, bracelets), zipper pouches, headbands, and even some little guy ties. I hope that it prospers, and am confident in my creativity. My only concern is that it may take a while for the boutique to take off - at least my booth, because it's not stuff that people locally are used to seeing. The whole "support handmade" movement isn't that great in the South, but we're getting there. I'll keep you updated on the progress, and hopefully get some pictures for you guys - I think there are enough in this post :)

i don't post on the weekends...

I've usually got an arm full (or a stroller full) of sweet baby! I covet my weekends with my girl! They are precious to me. Isn't she just a big ball of adorable? Friday night we had family fun time. We grilled out just the three of us, played with baby girl, and I got to do some sewing. Saturday daddy had to work, so Madison and I went with some family to a local flea market! This bad blogger mommy didn't take any pictures, but my girl did so good. She just looked around and people watched! Not a cry the whole time! Sunday was a fussy one. She did great for our family pictures, though. I can't wait to see them! Monday morning was family fun time again - it was a long weekend for me & daddy had the morning off. We had a blast snuggling, playing, and walking all three of us! I actually feel refreshed after this weekend. We weren't running around the whole time, and had some down time. It's amazing what real rest does for you!