8 pumping essentials: at home, at work and on the go

Since entering into this new world of motherhood I've been asked a few times about my experience breastfeeding.  I remember once being on the outside of this group looking in and having all the same questions. Which is why I decided to put keyboard to screen and whip this post together.  While this blog is mostly personal my goal is to also make it informative. These are the products/techniques that I found to be essential during the 10 months I spent nursing and pumping! 

Amelia had a hard time getting the hang of nursing at first.  We nursed exclusively in the hospital and after realizing she just wasn't getting the hang of it I hooked up to my pump for the first time.  I got a pathetic amount of colostrum and it really was "liquid gold" as it is popularly referred to. Amelia eventually went on to latching successfully and we did a hybrid of nursing and pumping over the next 10 months.  Nursing and pumping are a labor of love, by the end of the 10 months I was ready to burn my pump as if I was burning my bra with those chicks in the 60's. (Forgive me for not caring enough to google when that actually happened and why, that's not what you're here for anyway)  Needless to say, while you're participating in this labor of love you might as well make it as easy as possible. 

momspirational mondays: Lauren Attaway

I'm so excited to introduce our next momspirational mondays contributor, Lauren Attaway. Lauren is my good friend and also my current hairstylist! She is not only a superstar with hair but she is an amazing friend, wife and mama! Lauren inspires me in so many ways but her soft spirit is what I find most inspiring.  In all situations she is calm and level headed which are qualities I strive for but don't always get quite right.  I'll let her takeover now and you all can see for yourself why I wanted to include her in this series. Enjoy!

P.S. Aren't these two stunning?!? Just wait until you scroll down and see their kiddos! 

 Photo Credit: Katie Lamb Photography https://www.facebook.com/katielambphotography

Hi! My name is Lauren, and I am delighted to be guest blogging for Mandy on this Momspirational Monday! Thanks for having me, Mandy!

            I am a 29 year old mom of two (more on them later!). I stay at home Sunday through Thursday with my kids, and I work part-time Friday and Saturday in a local upscale salon. I have been doing hair professionally for over seven years, and will celebrate six years at my current salon this fall!

            I love getting to spend the majority of the week with my littles, and love that I still get to enjoy doing something creative with people I have come to know as friends on the weekends. I regularly brag that I have the very best clients, only because it’s true!

            When I’m not at the salon, you can find me hanging out with my kids and husband, taking a million pictures with my not-so-professional iPhone, looking up recipes on Pinterest, roaming the aisles at Target, and singing at my church. Family is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given, and I am lucky enough to live close to my parents, and my sister and her sweet family.

            Speaking of family, why don’t you meet mine? My husband, Kurt, and I have been married for 8 years. We first met when we were just four years old when our dad’s worked together at the church we attended. Kurt has been my forever crush! His family moved to Dallas when we were still kids, but we reconnected after graduating high school, then became friends again through long emails and nervous phone calls. We dated long distance for a year, and were married at 21! He is truly a gift. Kurt is genuine, always ready with a compliment & encouragement, and has been the very best Daddy to our kids. The. Very. Best!

            Now to my pride and joy... my babies!

            Canten Alan is our very first child, our son. He will be 4 this fall and can’t wait for his birthday. He is such a sweetheart, full of compassion. He loves super heroes, sports, his little buddies at church and pre-school, scrambled eggs, and chocolate milk! He has recently decided thats “girls and princesses are kinda gross”, but assures me that he still loves ME! What a relief! He absolutely loves to sing and to worship (and play air guitar! and play air drums!), and to pray. I am regularly in awe of his prayers... the overflow of his heart.

            Emersen Kate is our second-born and will be 2 in January. When Emersen was born she came out with the highest-pitched cry I had ever heard, and my exact thoughts were, “Here we go!”. That mentality has followed me as I’ve been raising her these last 20 months. She is an absolute joy and keeps me on my toes! Emersen loves her big brother (and everything he does!), saying “Hi!” to everyone we pass wherever we go, coloring (but only markers will do!), climbing everything, other babies, spaghetti, and fruit snacks! She has always been and excellent communicator and I am looking forward to continuing to watch her big personality grow as she grows.

            Family is definitely a huge priority for me, and I feel like the biggest building block for how we choose to parent is team work. Kurt and I from the start have given our best to being together in our approach. From diaper changes, baths, and bed time, to navigating discipline and emerging toddler opinions, neither of us expects the other to handle it all. I am so thankful I have, truly, a partner who I can share this amazing, but often challenging, journey with as we walk down this parenting road. At the end of a harder-than-usual day when I feel like I’ve given all that I’ve got and the countdown to bedtime is on, there is so much reassurance, for me as a mom, to know I have someone who loves my kids as much as I do, that’s going to walk through that door, have my back, and help me pick up the pieces I’m dropping.

There is so much I could leave here in a letter to these sweet kids of mine, but for now, I leave you, simply, with what’s on my heart.

Dear Canten and Emersen,

            I want you to know that it’s ok to not have it all together! There are going to be many seasons in your life where you’ll feel on top of the world, and you will be! Seasons will also come that are challenging, painful, and stretching.

           My desire for your lives is that you will grow to be confident in who God created and is calling you to be... That you can walk through this life with your eyes and hearts open, unintimidated to stand out in a crowd, allowing your light to shine. There are so many distractions and temptations to pull us every which way, and you will feel the tug. But as my dad always told me growing up, as I was walking out the door, “Remember who you are!”.

          I pray you can know who you are, that Daddy and I can help guide you in that discovery, so that as the seasons of life change, you will remember who you are and walk confidently through this life!

                                      

Love, 

Mommy

                                 

momspirational mondays: Jessica Cortez

Without further ado our first "momspirational monday" post comes from a good friend of mine that I met while going to school in Lubbock.  If you know me, you know I love all things girly and that I don't accept anything but the best when it comes to my hair.  I was lucky enough to get referred to the uber talented Jessica and we instantly connected.  I asked her to post first because she literally was the first mom I got to watch up close and in action and I've admired her mommy skills (among her many other skills) ever since! Here is a picture of her beautiful family and then her authentic and inspiring post starts below. Enjoy and tell her about it in the comments section below! 

Hello beautiful mommas :) my name is Jessica. First things first...... I love my lord and savior. I struggle with keeping him first in my life. But it is my goal to get to know him better and uncover his plans for my life. I know his love for me is greater than I can ever imagine. I try to keep my life in this order God, husband, family and my career. When I don't keep this order....... things get out of "ORDER" but the good news is tomorrow is a new day!

I am not perfect and I make mistakes daily. But you have to be able to laugh at yourself. It's not always easy. Honesty is my best and worst quality. I don't do fake. Don't have time for it. I am confident, I am creative. I am a good friend. I am passionate and caring. I'm a fighter. I'm selective, I don't need a ton of friends. I'll never settle, I am genuine. I rarely think before I speak. Its good stuff! I'm a listener, I'm witty, I'm a caregiver. I have a big heart for the elderly. An adult daycare full of little grannies sounds like a dream to me! I'm a whole lot of random. But I'm ME!

Now let's get to my family. I have been married to my best friend for 8 years this December. Angel is my best friend, he gets to see ALL sides of me. The not so fun crazy wife/momma side. If you would have told me that the silly boy in 7th grade with ugly hair would be my husband one day I would have laughed. My love for him continues to grow into something much more than I could have ever imagined. Angel is my leader. (I'm not always ok with that and I don't know when I will learn that it's the best thing for me but a little tiff is always fun right) We are silly, we laugh a lot, we are obnoxious, we are ridiculous, we love big, we over communicate. We rarely disagree. Angel is patent, quiet, soft, and he is a perfectionist. He thinks before he reacts. (Unlike me) He gives me lots of grace. He makes me better :)  I have to say watching Angel lead our girls spiritually has to be one of the sweetest things I have ever witnessed. He is the best daddy. Watching Angel be a father to our girls has made me fall in love with him in a whole new way all over again. I love this picture because it captures each of our personalities perfectly.  With that being said let me get to my two best friends. 

Chloie is my 7 year old beauty with amazing hair! She is the child you pray for and hope you get. AND WE DID! Chloie is patient. She is kind, she is thoughtful, she is caring, she has a big heart, she is obedient, she is sensitive. Chloie is a perfectionist, she is quite, she is genuine. Chloie has big emotions. But she doesn't show them to everyone. Chloie loves Jesus, she has accepted him into her heart. Chloie has a lot of her daddy's qualities. One thing Chloie gets from me is her wittiness. It's very subtle but it's the best! I love her to pieces. She will try anything once and never complain about it. Chloie is positive and always sees the best side of every situation. She teaches me so much. Chloie a lot like her daddy keeps me whole. Chloie was an only child for several years. When we told her she would be a big sister one day soon her first response was " I want a baby sister named Pumpkin" her wish came true she had a baby sister. Chloie is the best big sister! Her baby sister requires lots of grace. Chloie's best qualities come into play when it comes to being a big sister.

Now let's get to the pistol of the family. Her name is Kapri and she is NOT your average 2 year old. Kapri, a lot like her name is very unique. Kapri is strong, she is silly, she has the best SMILE. She loves big, she plays hard, she is loud. For being only 2 years old she has a powerful voice. Kapri is determined, she is a helper, she is sweet, she is rough, she is honest. (Even when she knows honesty will not work on her favor) She is a thinker, she is brave, she is confident, she is FEIRCE. Kapri is such a blast! As soon as her little feet hit the floor she owns her day. It's the most exciting thing to witness. She goes through her day without a "can't" in mind. Kapri will do big things. (As long as I make her think it's her idea) Kapri loves her big sister so much. They are the sweetest friends most days. Kapri wants to be big like sissy!

Hair is my passion. I love making people feel beautiful! I started my career as a hairstylist when I was just 18 years old. Nine years and lots of hard work later I own a hair salon with my best friend. How blessed am I! I am absolutely in love with what I do. I consider all of my clients friends and many of them are. I hope :) I get to make women feel MORE beautiful, confident and teach them how to recreate my work at home. If you have the right tools and knowledge you can recreate any hairstyle. Good hair no scratch that great hair makes my day 1000% better!  I'm good at what I do and I compete with who I was yesterday to be better at what I do tomorrow. We all have room to grow :)

I am a full time working wife and mom. I could never stay at home full time or part time. I am a better mommy when I have time away. I love my babies but I would be a terrible stay at home mom. (I would need a lot of wine for that) I am not patient. My husband on the other hand would rock at being a stay at home dad.   Our parenting techniques are very basic if you ask me. 

Chloie is easy to parent. Kapri  on the other hand will give you a run for your money. We parent them differently. We do not have one style straight across the board. We as parents believe that our children need different needs met in order to grow individually. Angel and I are always on the same page when it comes to disciplining our girls. We stand firm fair  consistent and together :)  One of the biggest things we try to teach our girls is to "capitalize on the positive" we teach them this through our actions. We try to always focus in on the positive in a negative situation. It does wonders! We all need a little boost and some days a BIG boost is necessary. Focusing on the positive really keeps me from over reacting and centering in on the negative (which does nothing good but fuel my fire) 

I don't want my girls to feel like they can't ever do anything good enough. Ever. The world is full of people who will tear us down. I want them to be bold, confident and own who they are. I try hard not to change them but to help them see the better choice. In hopes that one day when I'm not there they make the better choice. This positive reinforcement method doesn't always work but we always try to start there. Our girls are two totally different little people and we try to parent them according to their individual needs. It's hard and we don't always succeed. Like our children we have good and bad days and that's okay!

"Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them." Proverbs 23:13

Have a fabulous Monday mommas :)

Jessica Cortez

*** If you're looking for a new stylist in the Lubbock area find Jessica and her great team at Kadiza Hair Studio.   Kadiza Hair Studio Facebook ***

momspirational mondays

I'm so excited to announce that there is a new series coming up on Letters to Amelia.  From now on, Mondays will be "Momspirational Mondays."  In building on my last post, fancy things and friendship, I contacted a few of my mommy friends and asked them to act as guest bloggers for this inspirational new series. 

I'm really excited to see the results and read their posts. If I haven't contacted you yet, don't fret, I would love to feature each of you special ladies and will be contacting you soon! :) 

The basic format for, Momspirational Mondays, will go something like this:
1) Mom is going to brag on herself a little bit. 
2) Mom is going to brag on her family a little bit.
3) Mom is going to tell us a little bit about her mommy parenting style. 
4) Mom is going to write a letter to her little one(s) or get creative and write about whatever she's feeling at the moment.  

Like I said, I'm really excited! What are some mommy characteristics you find inspirational?  

As silly as it might seem, I was recently inspired by Teen Mom 2 star, Kailyn Lowry. I have a love/hate relationship with "trash TV" but on a recent episode I was really impressed with her.  In the particular episode, she was dealing with a fussy toddler and infant both crying in the car.  She took them inside and began breastfeeding the infant while calmly parenting the toddler.  The toddler continued to misbehave and she took him upstairs holding his hand and simultaneously continued to nurse the infant.  The cameras didn't follow them into the room upstairs but her microphone was still on and she continued to calmly discipline the toddler.  Impressive, right?  

I sat back and thought, "Wow, moms are so awesome."  If this had been one of my mommy friends I would have been totally impressed. But, I was even more impressed with Kailyn because of her history which includes physically assaulting her current husband as well as other violent and aggressive behavior. Am I alone in watching trashy TV? Travis hates it but I find the stories of people intriguing and shows like this tend to spark my interest. 

My advice for Amelia as I start this new series is simple.  

Amelia,

Never be too proud to learn from inspirational and successful people around you.  Observe how they do things and mimic or avoid their behaviors to become the best YOU that you can be. Ask for advice, ask for help, experiment and use the techniques that work for you. Once you've done this then share the information you have learned with others.  

The advice I am giving you is simple but learning from others can be difficult.  In life, you'll go through periods of time that you will think you know all there is to know (we have all been there) try to remember this advice most during that period.  The more you are able to learn and grow in life the more fulfilled your life will be. 

Fancy things and friendship

Soo...as you can see my blog is looking all fancy! While in school I was lucky enough to meet Sarah.  A super sweet fellow sister in Christ and also super talented designer! 

Anywho, Sarah Grace Chastain rocked my world with my blog's new design!  I have gotten the opportunity to work with Sarah several times throughout the past couple years and she never ceases to impress me with her skills! Not too long ago she was one of the first people to know that Travis and I were expecting.  I contacted her about about designing a Christmas card to send out as our announcement.  I had combed through www.etsy.com (Hi, I'm Mandy, I'm addicted to etsy, it feels good to get that out there) and I couldn't find what I wanted.  Then I remembered seeing some of Sarah's work recently on Facebook.  I contacted her and told her what I wanted which included me sending her several pictures and some scattered brain ideas and here is the adorable card she came up with...

So cute, right?  Since then she's designed several things for me including, a wedding shower invite, bachelorette party invite, Amelia's birth announcement and our Christmas card for 2013.  

Check out Sarah's current designs in her etsy shop or contact her for your own personal design www.etsy.com/shop/gracefullymadedesign  In other exciting news about Sarah, her family recently grew by one sweet little girl named Emma. On top of being a new momma she has also started designing some adorable onesies! She has chosen Amelia to be a brand rep for her new business venture so I will be posting more about it very soon but for now here is the link where you can check out these must have onesies. www.etsy.com/shop/thelittlegooseshop 

While I'm bragging on one of my talented friends for her designs let me go ahead and brag on the photographer behind these images. Lacy Dagerath is simply amazing.  She is the sweetest and kindest person and on top of that is a beyond talented photographer. I met Lacy through another dear friend, shoutout Katie Pounds, and she has not only photographed our most special moments but has also become a great friend. I have been so blessed with great friendships and I am truly so grateful for each one of them. 

You can see more of Lacy's work on her website and I hope you have a lot of time because her images are mesmerizing!      www.morethananimage.com

I have always loved pictures and I love filing away the extra announcements,Christmas cards and invitations knowing that someday I'll get to show them to Amelia.  I've added them to her baby book and cherish the memories that they bring back to me each time I look at them.  I'm already planning this year's Christmas card and can't wait to see what the three of us come up with!

 I really hope you like the new look of the blog and if you do share it with your friends and family so they can follow along too. Now for a letter to my sweet girl. 

Amelia, 

I can't emphasize enough the importance of friendships in life. My dad, your "paw paw" was in the Army so we moved around a lot throughout my childhood.  I started new schools over and over again and had to leave the friends I loved and make new friends.  Looking back I have both positive and negative memories about growing up as a military brat.  Some of the positives were meeting new and different people as well as learning and experiencing the culture of each new city.  The biggest negative was not having lasting friendships.  To this day I envy people that have maintained life long friendships.  

Your dad and I hope to raise you in our little suburb of Houston for the foreseeable future.  We love this city and have felt at home here since moving here from Lubbock in 2010.  We don't have any immediate family in the area and that has made for some hurdles especially since you came along.  This is where friendship has really touched my heart lately.  Since moving to Houston I met one of the most special friends I've ever had, shoutout again Katie, and was able to reconnect with my dear friend Shana.  These sweet girls and their husbands are our first lifelines when we need anything and we know they would help us in anyway possible. Knowing this while going through pregnancy without my mom nearby means more than either of them will ever know.  (Thank you Katie and Shana, I know life and friendship is different now that our little girl has come along but your love and support still means the world to me and I cherish the time we do get to catch up and spend time together.)

Since your arrival I made one of the best mommy decisions I've ever made, I joined a local mommy and baby exercise group called Stroller Strides.  I have connected with so many local mommies and formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime.  I could spend hours talking about the blessings these friends have provided for me and our little family but I won't because I'm pretty sure I'm rambling. We can talk all about it after you read this someday. :) 

Okay, mommy is going to get back to the point.  Friends really are like family and they make life so much sweeter.  So work hard at forming friendships and at being a good friend. I promise that if you do these things you'll look back and be overwhelmed by the love you've received from your friends.