For This Child I Prayed

Through all the late night feedings, sleepless nights, temper-tantrums, crying, whining, jealousy, sicknesses, middle of the night trips to the emergency room, poopy diapers, and days without showering because I haven’t had the time or energy…there are…late night snuggles, comforting during a bad dream, hugs, kisses, smiles, giggles, handprints, heartprints, bonding, gazing in each others eyes, sharing, reading books, dancing, laughing, many “firsts”, shopping together, singing, and making a million other wonderful memories that will last a life time. I am truly blessed and so happy to be a mom.

For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.
~ 1 Samuel 1:27 from NKJV

Shawna

I'm still "Mrs. Finstad"

I had not heard “Mrs. Finstad” in several weeks so I was a little nervous about going back to work. It’s so funny how the moment I stepped back into my classroom it seemed like I never left. My students welcomed me back with smiles, hugs, and many hand-made cards. Kids are absolutely precious! I know there must be a greater reason I am a teacher…maybe, just maybe it’s to touch the life of at least one child. And if I mean something to just that one child that needs me in their life at the given moment, and that’s where God has kept me, then it’s worth it.

Here is one of the notes from a child...very sweet.

God Bless,

Shawna

Jackson’s Giggles

Those late night and early morning feeding times don’t seem as tiring when Jackson looks up at me and smiles. His smiles and giggles are completely contagious. At 5 ½ weeks of age baby Jackson had his first giggle! Jackson’s giggle is the sweetest sound, and the sound of his coos are just as sweet. I love seeing him grow and learn knew things. I cannot stop thinking what a blessing this baby boy is. I can’t wait to hear him say his first word, take his first steps, blow me a kiss, and say “I love you Mommy”. But until then I will keep this little baby boy all wrapped up in my arms and sing to him lullabies.

Thank you God, for my son.

Shawna

Monday Morning

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 7 weeks since Jackson was born. Really, it seems like yesterday that Tim and I were driving on the snowy roads on the way to the hospital getting ready to meet our son. And here we are 7 weeks later and life is feeling very good. However, at this very moment I sit here at 4 A.M thinking about going back to work tomorrow leaving my 7 week old baby. You see, I know Makayla will be just fine because she absolutely adores her Nana but it’s going to really be hard to leave Jackson tomorrow…he is still so very young and a mom’s heart says to be with your child (well at least mine does). Tim and I have spent some time praying about the possibility of me staying home but the door just didn’t open and I still need to find peace with that. No one knows their children the way a mother and father do. No one knows my kids, Makayla and Jackson, the way Tim and I do. We have gotten on a routine, I’ve settled into my role as a mom of 2, and I really like it (even on the hard days I wouldn’t change it for anything!). My first prayer is that Makayla and Jackson adjust well to these changes over the next few weeks. I am not worried about MG because she knows her Nana very well, but I am a little worried about Jackson. He hasn’t really spent much time with anyone besides me and Tim. But I’m sure he will feel comfortable and loved by his Nana the same way MG does.  My other prayers: My kids will still feel my love even when I’m not with them, I will have strength to get through the first day without crying in front of anyone at work (especially my students), Tim and I will adjust well to me going back to work, I will have the energy I need to do all the things required of me at home and at work, and that I will feel rested and not stressed. So on Monday morning I will be counting down the days until summer vacation when I can be home with my children again.

Shawna

Sweet as Sweet Can Be

I came across this poem that says exactly I feel about my sweet girl Makayla. This is to MG.

Growing so beautifully inside & out...you have a heart of gold

An Angel Left Her Wings

I have this little angel. For me she left her wings.
She has no idea how much happiness she truly brings.
She brightens up my days with her smiles and her laughs.
She helps me to remember all the blessings that I have.

Her face, it is so perfect, she's sweet and soft and pure.
Sometimes she can be willful and sometimes she is demure.
She tries her very hardest to please and do what's right.
She gives the greatest hugs from morning until night.

Every person that has known her sees this light within her soul
I know that in this whole great world, she has a special role.
She's helpful and considerate to everyone she knows
This light in her shines brighter as my angel grows.

When she sees someone is sad, it opens up her heart.
She wants to do all that she can; she wants to do her part.
She'll squeeze away the sorrow and make me forget about my pain.
She shows me where the sun is when we're hiding from the rain.

I know that God must love me, He showed me with His Grace
I knew just how completely when I saw my angel's face.
And in that very moment when she came into my world,
I knew that she was so much more than just my baby girl.

She would be my sunshine, with a sweetness that won't end.
And when she grows up one day she would be my closest friend.
She would be the reason I would always try my best.
For my little angel baby girl would be my greatest test.

When God entrusts to you an angel, who has left her wings for you.
Encircle her with love with everything you do.
Let her know God made her, and that He trusts you with her care.
Be sure to make time for special moments with her to share.

And when at night she finally says her prayers and goes to sleep
I Thank Him for my angel, and ask for him to always keep
A watchful eye and hand to protect her from this world.
Protect my little angel; protect my baby girl.

© Tina M. Marascia

eyes & a smile that light up the room

I love you always Makayla Grace.

Hearts & Hugs,

Mommy

Look Alikes

The other evening I snapped a picture of Jackson in the bathtub. After looking at the photo I swore I had seen that picture before. Well not exactly ‘that’ picture, but one that looked a lot like it. I picked up Makayla’s baby album and began looking through…and there it was….little MG at about 7 weeks old looking a lot like her brother looks now.

A few people have told me that my kids don’t look alike but I will have to differ on that one! I think they certainly look alike! 

Toodles,

Shawna