Psychology 101

I am going to let you in on a secret of mine. Since I used to be one of these people I can totally speak from experience. Being a pushover, doormat or any other word to describe a person who lets people walk all over them, is one of the many hurdles I had to overcome in my life. In turn when I see others, people I love, who are knowingly being used and abused I have the urge to empower them and teach them what I have learned. Here are a few definitions:
Doormat: a person easily mistreated, imposed on, exploited, etc.
Pushover: a person, group, etc. easily persuaded, defeated, etc.
Sucker: a person easily cheated or taken in; duped
Victim: a person who suffers some loss, esp. by being swindled
Not many people would associate a "victim" with a "pushover" but clearly the proof is in the pudding or definition in this case. There is nothing more irritating in life than seeing a person being mistreated and all you can do is stand back and watch. Sure you tried talking sense into them, and they can change, but in a way they don't want to. This is something we call "learned helplessness" Have you ever met a person who says they are sick and tired of getting abused and yet they return to their abuser? That is what I am talking about, to better help you understand here is the clinical definition. Learned helplessness is a psychological condition in which a human being or an animal has learned to act or behave helpless in a particular situation, even when it has the power to change its unpleasant or even harmful circumstances. As of now I am dealing with a person like this, I want nothing more than to shake her up and want her to change. But change must be wanted and then sought out. Until then, I pray.

Favorite Things...

I was staring at my Christmas tree today and I was thinking of how pretty the lights were. I eventually slipped into a gaze and the lights turned into little glowing blurs. Just looking at our tree puts a smile on my face. Over the past few years I have started a collection of ornaments. Well, it's more like people bought them for me. Out of my collection I have one favorite. It was a gift from my mother-in-law. She took into consideration that I like "bling" and bought me this beautiful star ornament laced with rhinestones and has a crystal dangling down from the top. What are some of your favorite ornaments and why?

Ten Percent

There is a little something that every church preaches on right before they go into a sermon. This little thing is too often neglected and not taken as seriously as it should be. When Noah and I began dating, he invited me to church and I always saw him writing out his weekly tithe check and that is when I knew I should be giving a portion of my earnings back to God. After all everything I have is on account of him so the least I can do it give him

10%. Recently Noah and I have had some money struggles. My loans just kicked in and we were in need of some divine intervention. We had been consistent with prayer and tithe and were counting on the Lord to see us through our hard times. Sure enough, he did! Just when you think the impossible isn't possible, God sends blessings your way. I want to write a book called "If you are consistent, God is also". Yes, Tithe and prayer really do work!! God will always have your back and we are living, breathing proof of His great works.

Claustrophobia

Oh my word, the bigger Wyatt gets the smaller my house seems to be. Now that he is crawling all over, he barely has enough room to turn around with out bumping his head into the furniture. I have taken the coffee table out of my living room, hoping to give him some more room. Now I have a coffee table in my bedroom that I bump my shins into on a daily basis. If you can't sense my frustration by now let me go on. Every closet in my house is stacked to the ceiling with stuff and when I want to get one thing out everything topples on me! We had to put the computer in my bedroom to make room for the Christmas tree, as you can see our room is like a mini-self storage unit. Needless to say I find my blood boiling just looking around and my small place. I need a house, not just any house either. I have narrowed down a few "must haves". 3+ bedrooms, 2+ baths, a garage and a basement. I know we are a young couple to actually own a house and we are about a year away from buying one,but seriously I can't take this anymore!
-help.

If I could be married as long as my grandparents I would be one happy woman. Ever since I can remember I loved watching elderly couples hold hands or just sit together on a park bench. There is something about it that makes me warm and fuzzy inside. Never once did I think that spending my life with one man would be boring. In fact I can't wait to grow old with my husband. I am sure we both will shrink in height and walk slowly hand in hand through the grocery store. I will push the cart and he will place the items in it for me. This picture was taken on my grandparent's anniversary, (pre-hospital) I made them kiss for the camera even though I snapped it a bit too soon lol. It has been the wallpaper on my cell phone ever since. These two would go to the ends of the earth to help anyone out and that is what I admire the most. In light of my grandpa's condition, he still manages to ask how I am doing as if he weren't laying in a bed with cancer. This holiday season we have a lot going on but it just reminds me of how precious life is and how thankful I am to have such wonderful people, like my grandparents, in my life. So whenever you are tempted to get out of the Christmas spirit, stop to smell the roses, or poinsettias in this case.

Time Marches On

Wyatt will never cease to amaze with me with all the things he can do now. I went into his room this morning to find him sitting up in his crib. My face lit up in excitement because with every new milestone he meets I am reassured that he is a healthy child. Even though I try not to pay attention or compare him to other children, I can't help but wonder when he will crawl, walk and talk! He can pick up Cheerios and feed them to himself, he knows how to reach out his arms when he wants to be picked up and is now almost too big for his walker. He scares me because he will drop a toy on the ground and lean over the walker tray to see it, when he does this it looks like he is going to just tip the whole thing over! On Sunday Wyatt saw snow for the first time. We were at my in-law's house and looking out the window it was like a blizzard. Huge, puffy snowflakes whirled around and Wyatt was lol'ing at them. When it was time to leave he was trying to grab the snowflakes but didn't have any luck do to his hands being confined by his mittens.

In other news I thought I would start early with Christmas cards this year, ok the truth is I am like a kid and just can't wait! So be looking in your mailbox for a card from the MORGAN'S.

Never Again

So there I was at 5:30 am freezing my buns off in front of Menard's. When we got there, about 100 other people were already lined up at the door, yeah I know who the heck goes to Menard's on Black Friday? Needless to say this was my first time attending any Black Friday event, I usually was the one behind the check out counter. The workers announced the five minute warning and I raced back to the car to grab Wyatt and my mother-in-law who were toasting their buns. Then, you would have thought the gates of heaven opened when insanity struck. These people were running through the doors, pushing each other out of the way and steering their carts like they were in a NASCAR race. If that weren't crazy enough, I noticed "impostors" who just got there and were rushing to the front of the line. Of course my husband, along with some other freezing customers, were yelling at them to get to the back of the line. I got fired up too, only because we were the ones waiting out in the cold and it wasn't fair. In my mind I pictured tazing each person who attempted to sneak in. Ok, that was a morbid thought but I was running on no sleep. Well, we got what we wanted but after the whole experience I will never do it again. Noah loves it so I will just send him out for me next year and the many years after that!

Thanks #2

Today I am thankful for modern medicine. With all the latest technology it seems the sky is the limit. The grandpa that I once thought was invincible, is now in the hospital with cancer. Now, I am praying that with this new technology they can "fix" my grandpa. Even though there have been thousands of improvements in the medical field, there is still so much that needs to be discovered, including, the cure for cancer. Personally I am fed up with the lives that sickness has taken as well as the lives it has damaged. On the same token I am thankful for all the people who have been helped thanks to the Dr's who God has blessed with a gift of helping others. It is unfortunate that my grandpa is getting diagnosed closed to the holidays but I am sure glad they found the cause of all his pain. If you are reading this, please keep him and our family in your prayers.

Give Thanks...

In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am going to list one thing for each day that I am thankful for. Today, I am thanking God for my wonderful little family. We took pictures today in order to send out cards and I am thankful that Wyatt was amazing. He smiled and sat so nice for the photographer. When it comes to my family, I want to cry just thinking about them. I honestly don't know where I would be it it weren't for each of them. Thank you God and this is only the beginning!

23 and counting

I have some serious issues with growing older. I think I have a "Peter Pan" complex or something. Even though I am very much an adult, I still don't feel that way at heart. I certainly started things early in life and I am starting to wonder if that is why I feel so "old". 23 is young to be a college graduate, wife and now mother. Even though I may look younger than I am, I definitely act older than I am. I can't wait to have a good Birthday-Weekend with my family because they are all I could ever want for a gift.

Gross, but too funny not to share!!!

I am a mother of a son, so I know what lies ahead of me as far as gross things go. But never in my wildest dreams did I think it would start this early! The other day I was giving Wyatt is second bath of the day, Dr's orders. He was splashing around and making me look like I was hit my a tidal wave. As I looked down at my sopping wet clothes, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. I thought, "could it be a toy or a washcloth?" It was neither. I screamed in horror for Noah, he came rushing in because he thought Wyatt was hurt when I told him, "He pooped in the tub!" Noah was laughing and I was loudly barking orders at him to get Wyatt out of the tub and rinse him off in the sink. I then had the lovely task of scooping his "presents" out of the tub and flushing them down the toilet. After my adrenaline slowed down, I was able to laugh about the whole thing but I can honestly say I was disgusted. All in a days work as a mom!

Don't Be Ashamed to Vaccinate!

Here is an interesting story found in the Rockford newspaper. It only supports my belief of getting your children vaccinated.

"There are 28 cases of whooping cough that were found in a private school in Rockford as well as 1o other cases spread around the community. The school outbreak, which officials believe is contained, started with a patient who had NOT been vaccinated for pertussis (whooping cough). Officials also think that the person was exposed to the disease while traveling outside of the state....four families in the school had opted out of immunizations for their children. 10 of the 28 cases are with in those families and the other 18 cases are related through some sort of contact."

Now I am very much aware of all the "negative" research done on immunizations. They have now found that signs of Autism (which people were blaming on the vaccinations) started earlier on and just so happened to show up after the child was immunized. This case of the whooping cough is minor, however, it could be something far more fatal in the future. Please, think of your children and give them the proper health attention they deserve. Because even though they might not be the ones traveling out of state or country, they could be contracting it from others who are also not vaccinated.

Random, Randomness

Wyatt's first trick-or-treating experience was a great success. Besides the fact that he up chucked on his outfit, things went great. He loved seeing all the little kids and the people handing out candy were loving our "Bears Baby", some of them even gave him extras. I haven't uploaded any pics yet, but they will come.

I really miss my brother Josh these days. This past Saturday we all went out to eat and I could barely enjoy it because my brother wasn't there. It's like we aren't what we used to be with out him here. Adrian sends me pics of Caprice and videos of her singing the B-I-B-L-E song. She is growing up and I am missing it! I am hoping for a miracle storm to blow them back into our lives but I am praying in vein.

Another odd thought, I really want to have another baby. I know we couldn't possibly afford one, but a girl can dream. I think it has something to do with Wyatt getting older it makes me want to have baby to snuggle with and who isn't ready to crawl away. I want to get a giant King size bed so that all of my four children (yeah, I wish) can jump into it with Noah and I on Saturday mornings. That is just a snapshot of where I want to be in 5-10 years.

The only constant in my life

Yesterday I was sicker than a dog. I had a fever, tummy issues and a migraine. To top it all off I barely had enough strength to carry my son let a lone clean the house, do laundry and make dinner. I have the best hubby in the world. He totally took things over so that I could rest. He just so happened to be off work, thank the Lord, and I didn't have to watch Breana either. He did four loads of laundry, took care of Wyatt and made an amazing dinner that I ended up eating two bites of. Noah is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. He is so unlike every guy I have ever met. He isn't crazy about sports so I never have to yell at him for watching ESPN 24/7, he doesn't mind cooking or cleaning and best of all he NEVER leaves the toilet seat up. His mom taught him well. When I think of my insane past and all the mistakes I made, I don't understand how I could still come out on top with a spiritual leader, loving husband and devoted dad. I am not complaining but I am living proof of how God takes garbage and makes gold.

Finding a Cure

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. She would have been turning 48 years old, if I did the math right. October is the Breast Cancer Awareness month and it always struck me as odd that she died of Breast Cancer in the month set out for it. Call it coincidence or just plain old weird, I miss her more now than ever. The fact that my son will never know his grandma Lisa breaks my heart. She will never get to spoil him or break his routine just so she can spend more time with him. A mother is something that is never replaced even though I have tried to fill those shoes by being the best mom I can be. It would be nice to call her about cooking or how to deal with a teething child. I guess it bothers me that she doesn't hear me when I talk to her or when I cry about missing her. With my next child I am hoping for a daughter so that I can experience the ever-so-strong-bond between mother and daughter. There is something very special about it and I can't wait to share that with my children because it was not shared with me.
I love you mommy, I always have and I always will and when I meet you in heaven I wont remember that you were even gone!

The Best, in my book at least...

Noah and I rented the Prestige tonight. I have already seen the movie and loved it, so basically I forced him to love it as well. So while I was thinking that everyone should see that movie, I was making a list of must see movies.

1. Passion of the Christ
2. Home Alone 1 and 2
3. The Santa Clause (yeah I like Christmas)
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
5. Lord of the Rings (all of them)
6. All Disney old school cartoon movies, not the new age stuff
7.Gladiator
8. The Notebook (because I sob terribly even on the 12th time seeing it, now that is a good movie)
9. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (come on, we have all ditched school at least once, right?)
10. The Prestige

These are only a few of my fav's that I would recommend to others.

Ok, Ok, I cheat

I know I am not the best cook in the world. In fact I could just about screw up any recipe and that includes how to make Koolaid and coffee! So my idol is Sandra Lee from the Food Network's Semi-homemade show. Not only does she make great food, but she cuts a lot of corners to make things easier to make and harder to mess up on. The other night I made Manicotti, with fat-free ricotta cheese of course, but I used an Aldi brand sauce. I mean who has time to make their own? I was so excited to tell Grandma Bea what I made until she asked what kinda of sauce I used, immediately I felt like a failure lol. I was embarrassed to tell the queen of cooking that I cheated and used store bought gravy. Never-the-less, the Manicotti was delicious and I can still be proud of it, however, I am curious to know if anyone takes the long, often times more difficult, route when cooking. Let me know if I am not the only "cheater".

Count Your Blessings...

Whenever you are tempted to think that life couldn't get any worse, just remember there will ALWAYS be some one worse off than you. While waiting for Wyatt to get out of surgery numerous children walked passed me. One just got out of radiation, another was getting a hearing aid put in and one girl was wheel chair bound. God humbled me that day and I am thankful for it. Wyatt's "issue" is not a terminal or life threatening problem. About twenty minutes before surgery Wyatt became very distraught because he hadn't eaten in hours, he was screaming and his face was soaked with tears. All I could do was whisper in his ear and tell him it would be ok, but nothing I said made those hunger pains go away. All I kept thinking about was the hundreds of mothers who stare into their starving child's face every day knowing they do not have the food to ease their pain. Our twenty minutes of pain was nothing compared to the years of the others'. When the nurse finally came in to take Wyatt back for his operation I handed him over willingly, knowing that he would be asleep and pain free in a few minutes. God took care of our family yesterday, just like he has done and will continue to do. These next three months of down time will be great and all I have on my mind these days is my baby's first Halloween and Christmas spent with the family!

One Week and One Day

Today I had the sad task of putting some of old Wyatt's clothes and toys in storage. In exactly one week and one day my little boy wont be so little anymore. We put his bouncy and swing away as well as all of his 0-6 month clothes. How six months passed by already I am not really sure. It was like one day I was pregnant and the next day my son is turning 7 months old! I heard a lot of older people say "they grow up so fast" or "enjoy them now" and I never really knew what they meant until now. If six months could fly by so could 18 years! As much as I want Wyatt to crawl, talk and walk, I also want to wrap him in a blanket and hold him. "Let them be little, because they are only that way for awhile"

Warning: touchy subject, if you are offended easily do not read on!

In light of all the presidential debates and the entire election for that matter, I have to wonder if most Christians are Republicans. Most of the Christians I know happen to be Republican. At first I wanted to remain a Republican because my parents were, then I learned a lot about what each party stands for and I continued to stay with my party. Not that Christians can't be Democrats but I just don't see how agreeing with some of their platforms is "Christian". Things like gay marriage and abortion should be a no-brainer as to which stance is a Christian one. I just happened to noticed what type of people are liberal/democrats compared to republicans. The difference between the two groups are completely obvious which leads me back to are most Christians Republican? Can you be part of one side even if you don't agree with some of their beliefs?

R & R

My mini vaca to the Dells was too perfect and went by too fast. The water park was a blast and Wyatt couldn't be happier splashing around in the water and watching the kids get dumped with water. Noah and I went go-karting and then on a lost canyon tour, which we were seated on separately grrr, and then out to a really nice dinner. It is pretty sad that I missed Wyatt the entire time. He is my life and while I want time alone with Noah I can't help but wonder how Wyatt is doing and if he is behaving. I think by next year I will be ready to leave Wyatt overnight with some one, until then Noah and I will just have date nights. It isn't that I don't trust the people watching him, but i know he needs to stick to a schedule and when he doesn't he turns into mommy's little monster.

Our first year of marriage was remarkably full and entirely blessed. There were times when we had to completely rely on the Lord to supply for our family and again and again He pulled through. It is our strength in the Lord that keeps us going. I am beyond thankful to have the spiritual leader in Noah that I prayed for. We learned a lot with in this past year and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life learning and growing old with my hunk of a husband!

I'd rather eat cardboard!

So I have given whole wheat foods a chance and I am still sticking to my guns when I say, "I'd rather eat cardboard". There is something about the grains that I don't like! However, I do like the whole wheat pop tarts and the rotini pasta isn't that bad either. I am trying to do the healthy thing but why do all the good foods have to taste so bad? I want to put the cookbook deceptively delicious on my Christmas list so I can trick myself into eating better. I swear my appetite is like a toddler's. I put the blame on my parents, they never made me eat new foods or foods they didn't like. I have promised myself to do better with my kids because believe it or not, I hate being a finicky eater. So far Wyatt likes all the baby food he has tried, lets hope he stays that way!

My glass is half full...or is it half empty?

Half full: Wyatt weighs 18 1/2 lbs and is 28 inches long
Half empty: He now weighs more than my friend's one year old daughter

Half full: Wyatt got his 6 month shots to keep him safe and healthy
Half empty: He cried so much I don't want to make him do it ever again!

Half full: We finally got the referral for Wyatt to see a Urologist
Half empty: Eventually he will have to go in for surgery

Whether my glass is half empty or half full, my cup always runneth over.

21?!?... Already?

How is my little sister 21 already? Where was I went time decided to rob me of my sanity? I know I sound crazy because we are only 2 years apart but Shayna will always be my little girl. As much as she is my friend, I feel like her mom! Listening to her talk I have to keep telling myself, "answer like a good friend and not her mother". She acts like such a grown up it scares me. She is a manager, just moved out of the house and finally 21 years old. I am so proud of what she has become and most of all I am glad she learned from all of her siblings' mistakes and didn't let history repeat itself. At the end of the day I know I don't have to worry about Shayna. She is independent, strong and isn't afraid to stick up for what is right. She is my polar opposite, my sister and my best friend.

School Started with out me

School has officially started up at Judson and for some odd reason my heart feels like I should be there. For years it was the same old thing, fall comes, I meet up with roommates and we decorate our dorm room. Classes start the next day and homework piles up from that point on. Closing that chapter in my life leaves me with a gap that now has been filled with full time motherhood and housewife duties. A sick part of me misses my "old" life with school and friends and then the sane part of me remembers what it felt like pulling an all-nighter to turn in an essay due at 8am. Now there are new stresses in my life that don't really have certain "due dates" but they are just was important.

Gossip Girl

Gossip is something a lot of people, including Christians, struggle with. Whether we are listening or participating, I would think all of it is wrong. I just wish I knew when talking about some one turns into gossip and when that turns into a sin. Either way being more aware of what I say or listen to wouldn't be a bad thing. What about magazines or keeping up with the lastest on Britney or Angelina? All of this made me wonder why we care anyway. I guess it may be human nature, curiosity or sheer boredom but I have made a choice to monitor my "gossip" habits just to cover all my bases.

Our New Little Addition...

Noah and I are officially parents to a little kitten name Phoenix. We picked him up last night from my sister-in-laws house. Shayna has Phoenix's brother, she named him Nyo. We thought he was a girl until we took a closer look to find out that he was indeed a he. She didn't care but now at least our kittens can see each other once in awhile. Wyatt couldn't be happier that we have a pet. He pats the kitten's head and tugs on his ears. This morning Phoenix was playing with Wyatt's toes, he was laughing so hard because I am sure it tickled. Phoenix is not the only one who likes feet. Wyatt has managed to pull his chubby feet to his mouth and bite on his toes. He also is miserable from his teeth trying to come in. As much as I just want his teeth to break through, I can't help but think he is growing up too fast!! I have a feeling the process only gets faster the older I get.

Back to life, back to reality

Now that I relaxed for a whole week it is now time to reload and get back into the swing of life here back in the sticks. Noah goes back to work on Monday and I start babysitting again as well. Vacation was great, we went to Cedar Point, swam and stayed up late laughing like the good ol' days. Visiting them in Ohio was just another reminder of how much I really did miss them. I wish so badly the Mangialardi siblings could reunite forever, but that just isn't how things worked out. Caprice is getting so big and talks like a little grown up and of course everything was "shay-shay this and shay-shay that". I also liked watching my two nieces battle it out for every toy they wanted. I just can't wait until Wyatt is thrown into that chaos! Wyatt was also dedicated by Adrian's grandpa the day we arrived, it is a load off my chest that I will have the support of my family in helping raise my child in the Lord. Well, I have a whole night of unpacking, however, there will be pictures to come!

The Immunization Craze

While talking to "Jane" (not going to mention a name) today we got on the topic of immunization and where schools should have to draw the line. I believe in getting them because I would rather be safe than sorry. While "Jane" on the other hand has researched them and found they may cause Autism. I am not sure if that has been proven a fact but she is certain that they will have some effect on her kid. She is entering him into a public school which requires immunization or a note stating your reasons otherwise. I tried telling her that the schools are simply trying to protect themselves and the students attending the school. She replied "Well then my kid can't go to the school because we don't believe in that?". If I were the school, I would say no! There is no telling where the child has been or what he/she has been in contact with. This whole church vs. state stuff is all very touchy. Just like standing for the Pledge of Allegiance even though it says "one nation under GOD". You can't make anyone do it, but there are some things that I believe are more necessary for the good of the whole not just a part of it.

Cara "Mangialardi" Morgan

I had some extra time this morning so I thought that I would google my name. It turns out that there are hundreds of "Cara Morgans", one is a family doctor and another is all the way in Ireland! I remember conducting the same search back when I was a Mangialardi, I didn't get as many hits. Shedding my old last name has its ups and downs. I almost miss people knowing that I was Italian just by my last name. I don't miss people struggling to pronounce it, that is what my first name is for! Being proud to be Italian was ingrained with in us ever since we could eat our first helping of Grandma Bea's pasta and although I would never keep my last name, in respect to my husband, I really do miss my eleven-lettered, long-winded, proud-to-be-Italian-last name.

Yesterday Noah and faced the cold hard truth about our future. We met with a financial advisor from Washington Mutual and we discussed many things that couples normally put off talking about. Luke asked us what would like our lives to look like if one of us didn't come home one day. Life insurance is insanely important and starting in January Noah and I have decided to start putting money away for life insurance, Wyatt's college fund and just a emergency back up fund. All the talk of "what ifs" really put things into perspective for my new family. There are so many things that we have planned for the next three years and I like being assured that they will happen regardless of what happens to Noah or I.
PS I would recommend this guy to anyone so if you or anyone else you know could benefit from Luke, please let me know! It is a great way to spend an hour learning about how to protect your future!!! The first time you meet he just talks to you and asks about your future plans. There was no pressure to do anything but listen!

Wedding Fever

I think people are prewired to get emotional at weddings. After all we are human and God made us in His image. He has immense emotion and care for us, so we rightfully feel the same for others. While watching Janna and JP exchange their wedding vows I held Noah's hand so tightly as I tried not to cry. Seeing another couple agree to commit their lives to one another makes me so thankful that God made a helper for Adam. Noah is not only my husband and best friend, but we are life long companions. In other words we are in this for the long haul. I loved what Eric said about loving each other despite our imperfections. There are so many things that Noah does that gets on my very last nerve, but I wouldn't trade him in for all the riches this world has to offer. After the ceremony was over all I wanted to do is jump up and run to alter with Noah to do it all over again! The feeling you get standing across from your future spouse in front of everyone who loves you can not be described. I pray that God bless Janna and JP as they embark on the journey ahead of them!

My Ten Commandments

These are ten rules of thumb that I want to live by during my lifetime:
1. Thou shall not lie
2. Thou shall put others before themselves
3. Thou shall watch at least one musical in their lifetime (movie or theater)
4. Thou shall tell thy spouse "I love you" every night, even if you are upset
5. Thou shall not hold regrets, life is too short to stay angry
6. Thou shall go to Disney World at leat once in their lifetime (I have yet to do so)
7. Thou shall make light of everyday mishaps (I have to work on that one)
8. Thou shall be happy for other's who are fortuate and pray for those are not
9. Thou shall have at least one conversation with a homeless person, even if you just say "Hello"
10. Thou shall show the love of the Lord not only in with their words but with their actions

T is for...

TEETH! Wyatt has cut his first tooth. It happened about two weeks ago on his bottom left, and now the bottom right is about to cut through too! Because of his teeth he can now hold on to his pacifier a lot better because he chews on it. He also has bit me in trying to make his gums feel better. He is growing up and is now four months old. He has gone for his first swim at grandma Cindy's house. I can't wait until we go visit Josh and Adrian in Ohio. They have an in ground pool that I will be lounging in 24/7. We are still working on getting a home phone as well as the Internet but who knows when that will happen!!

The Working Gal

Now that I have begun babysitting I finally feel like I am pulling some of my weight in the house. Noah works over 50 hours a week and now I have picked up two sitting jobs. I watch a little 19 month old girl named Breana. She comes over 2 or 3 times a week and so far things are working out great. She listens, goes down for her naps and I have only had to give here three time outs! My goal is to help potty train her so I bought a little potty for her as well as a car seat for when we go out. I figured I can just use them for when Wyatt gets older. The other days off from Breana I am going out to Rockford to watch 2 girls that I watched last summer. With all the school debts I have gained in the past 5 years, the least I can do is help Noah pay them off! (We still have no internet at the house so it is a real treat for me to get on a computer. )

Psychology...real or sinful nature

While feeding Wyatt at 3:30 am I came across a pastor preaching of Jesus and how he became of flesh and paid the price for our sin in the flesh. He then went on to say that if people would just accept this concept, that our sins are of the flesh and already paid for, then there would be no mental illness such as depression or OCD. After listening to his shbeil for 5 minutes I couldn't take it anymore. Being the psychology major that I am or was, I came to the conclusion that our bodies were flawed by the fall. After Adam and Eve were booted from paradise life as they knew it would be a struggle. The same goes for today. Our bodies and minds are allowed to be flawed. Obesity, poor eye sight, addictions, cancer... they are all part of our lives because humanity was corrupted by the fall. So when Joseph Price was preaching his "there should be no depression" sermon, I was furious thinking of all the people who truly are mentally ill or struggle with addictions. This all brought me back to the unforgettable days in the "C"-word that prayer is the answer to EVERYTHING. After all, it is because we didn't pray hard enough that my mother died, or so she said. All I can do is pray that Pastor Joe broadens his horizons and preaches of a world that is now corrupted and how to stay pure.

Wyatt the human clock

My little boy is growing up so fast. When I put him in his crib his head is at 12 o clock and ten minutes later I go back in and he has turned himself to three o clock. Ten minutes later I go back in and he is at 6 o clock. I am not sure how he does it exactly but I think he just kicks his feet and rolls around until he has reached his desired position!
Other Wyatt updates:
-He loves to stand up and when you try to sit him down his legs just stay stiff
-He has begun eating cereal which he loves!
-He has been doing quite well on his new routine and I wake up once around 4am and them around 6 or 7am
-He will be three months old on the 7th
-He has finally learned how to keep his pacifier in his mouth for more than 3 seconds
-He must weigh close to 15 lbs by now because I can barely carry him in his car seat anymore!

A Bit Perplexed

Sometimes it is really hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that not everyone thinks or acts in the ways I do. I know that might sound a bit narcissistic but I was raised to respect those around me, treat everyone fairly and most importantly put your family first. If I had a nickel for every time I heard "blood is thicker than water" I would be a millionaire! So when I see others not using the principles that have been instilled in me I become extremely frustrated. I plan to raise my children with those simple morals but in a world where people aren't using respect, equality or valuing the importance of family, I wonder if my children will learn from my example or from those around them. I have lived my life as a people-pleaser and I am not saying that everyone should be. But I think the world would be a much happier place if people stopped thinking of themselves for once and started thinking of others. If people could think before they made any big decisions they would most likely find that others may be hurt by those decisions. This whole concept, a Christian one at that, will be the basis of my parenting style. Lets just hope my children catch on quickly!

New Diet

Well I will admit losing weight after a baby is no walk in the park. Yo-yo dieting seems to be my problem. So, for once I am putting my foot down and I am determined to lose weight. I started this diet that has me eating healthier than I have ever eaten before! I am already having withdrawals from the lack of sugar in my diet but I know that it will all be worth it when I start dropping pounds. It has been 5 days since my diet and I am down 3lbs. I walk with Wyatt every day and I plan on starting my Pilate's again. Let's hope this all works because I refuse to walk through life as a fat person.

Weddings and Baby Showers...

Two weddings, one wedding shower, one baby shower and one baby. All of these are events are sure signs of growing up. My cousin and friend from college are marrying the love of their life and my roommate from school is having her first baby this September. I am only 22 years old and yet I and those around me have accomplished so much. To top it all off my once little cousin Ari is graduating 8Th grade! Man does that make me feel old. I can still remember like yesterday when Aunt Danielle told us she was pregnant. A couple weeks ago I was expressing to Noah that I can't wait to be like grandma and grandpa Mangialardi. I say this because I watch them sit at family gatherings and I wonder if they are thinking "we created all of this". So I told Noah that I can't wait until we have our own "empire". I am not sure why I chose that word but I can just picture us old at Christmas watching our kids and grand kids opening up gifts and I will think we have created our own mini empire. But until then I will just try to get through these joyous occasions this summer and I will cap it all off with a road trip with my family and Joey's to Ohio.

How Embarrassing...

A couple of days ago I stumbled across my jewelry box. Originally I was looking for an earring when I spotted my wedding rings. I haven't been able to wear them since I was about 5 months prego (I envy the pregos who never get swollen fingers!). Me being the stubborn dago that I am, I shoved my chubby fingers into my rings. Bad idea...at first my finger was fine but when I looked down a second later it was the color of Barney! I rushed over to the sink and ran my hand under cold water, I tried cooking oil, baby oil and Vaseline...nothing was working. Running out of options I put Wyatt in the stroller and walked to the library. I looked up the number to the fire dept which is only a block away from the library. I asked if they had some tool to get a ring off of a finger. Luckily they did. So I rushed over there and three firemen worked on my pathetic finger while I sulked with embarrassment. Needless to say each of my rings now have a chunk missing that now need to be sodded together. This is definitely a story to tell the kids!

The New Chapter

So far Noah, Wyatt and I are officially all moved in and unpacked. It feels wonderful knowing that we will be staying here for awhile. Just the thought of moving again gives me the jitters. Noah and I are really missing being a married couple. Since Wyatt is such hard work I have noticed we have been on each other's nerves! I don't mean to snap at him but sometimes I question his logic. We are in dire need of a date night. We haven't had once since the second week Wyatt was born. Wyatt has begun his new schedule which involves him crying because I put him down for a nap alone when usually I rock him to sleep. It has been a rough few days but I have already noticed some improvement. He is learning to put himself to sleep instead of being nursed or cuddled. I will admit is is really hard to just let him cry. I have to turn the music or TV up just so I don't feel bad. When he finally does cry himself to sleep, I am beyond happy that he is capable of doing it. This new routine is called Baby Wise. You feed your baby, keep them awake and then put them down for a nap so they know that eating does not mean you go to bed. The only exception to the wake time is at night when you feed, change the diaper and put them back to bed. We are starting this routine late because at Judson I couldn't get him in a set schedule. Keep us in your prayers as we endure many sleepless and full of crying nights!

I'm Free!!!

Today was my very last final for the rest of my life. Tomorrow I will walk across the stage only to be handed a piece of paper I worked 5 long hard years to get. As I looked back at those five years, never did I think in one year I would plan a wedding, get married, have a baby and graduate college. There were so many nights, the one's I was up with Wyatt, that I thought about just throwing in the towel on school. I was always tired and always having to do homework and most of all I was neglecting my marriage. Noah and I can't wait to start the new chapter of our lives in Marengo and for the first time since Wyatt has been born, I can breathe.

Baby Mama and Wedding Video

Today, Shayna, Aunt Danielle and I had a mini girls day out and saw the movie Baby Mama. It was hilarious! I would recomend for everyone to see it. There is like two swear words in the entire movie the rest is laughs and maybe a happy tear or two.

In other news, I finally got to see some footage of my wedding day. The person's camera who was supposed to be shooting ran out of batteries so I cried thinking of those memories not being captured. Luckily, Shayna's friend recorded most of it on his cell phone, so today we finally put it on DVD. Watching it made me think how it was one of the happiest days of my life! I picked the best bridal party (well the girls lol I didn't have much say-so for the guys) I could. Each one was hand picked for their uniqueness and special impact on my life. Shayna because she is my sister and my best friend, Meaghan because she was my very first friend at college and she always had my back, Erica because her heart is as pure as gold and Janna because I was blessed enough to live with her and duh....she was my twin lol. When your wedding day flies by so fast it is hard to relive the day. I remember barely getting to talk with people who traveled so far to see us and dancing like their was no tomorrow!!! Watching the video just confirmed that Noah and I were so loved to have all those people witness our marriage in the church. If I could do the whole day again, I would in a heart beat!!!

Happy Birthday Bella!!

Today the three of us are going to my neice Bella's 2nd birthday with my sister-in-laws side of the family. I still can't believe how old my neices are already!!! Time sure flies when you are looking and it is hard to think that Wyatt will be 2 someday. Bella and Caprice are adorable little girls, Bella is a bit on the crazy side while Caprice is a total "miss priss". I love them both even though they are complete opposites. I can't wait for the three cousins to play together while us moms sit back and chat. As for now, Auntie Shay-Shay is their favorite because she spoils the heck out of all of them!!
Here is to Bella turning 2, may there be many, many birthdays to follow this one!!!

Eyelashes...

The other day while staring at Wyatt, I realized that he had more eyelashes grow in which make his eyes pop even more. Sometimes things are so hectic with school, homework and chores that I don't stop to realize all the changes that Wyatt has made since he was born. he is so much bigger and much more alert. He smiles when I talk to him or kiss him. I know which cries mean what and most of all he has started to sleep about 5 hours in a row! I can't get enough of my Wyatt and I just hope I remember to stop and smell the roses otherwise I will make up one day and Wyatt will be in college!

Give Thanks...With a Grateful Heart

Out of a grateful heart comes a view of life that recognizes that we are not entitled to a life free of problems.

I found this quote while researching for a project and it really struck a cord with my current situation. Sometimes when things are really stressful I forget to think about all the things I do have and keeping that grateful heart mentality is a challenge when things are exactly going as planned. Being a Christian I shouldn't expect a life free of problems, rather I should fight through them and remember to be grateful of the things that are going well in my life. I have a wonderful husband, a healthy baby boy, a roof over my head, an education and a family that would gladly take a bullet for me. When I think of all these positive things in my life, the problems I thought were so big, are swept under the rug where they should stay, beneath my feet.

there's a place for us...

Noah and I finally signed the lease to our new apartment yesterday. It is in Marengo IL (only 20 min NW of Elgin). It was totally God that we even found this place. Tuesday afternoon we decided to take a look at a house for rent, we drove all they way out there only to find out that house was taken. So, we sulkily drove to the gas station for a potty break, when Noah came back out to the car he was holding a newspaper and suggested that we call a few more places in Marengo since we were already out there. We called on a two bedroom one bath that was a block away from that gas station. Sure enough a guy name Mike answered the phone and said he could meet us there in 15 minutes. We were so excited but didn't want to get our hopes up. The apartment was small and cute, very modest, but we knew that for our budget we would have to settle for a less glamorous place. The rooms were a nice size and the master opened up to the quaint yard. The kitchen even had a separate eating area as well as a pantry! Those seemed like luxuries after living in our 200 sq ft college apartment. Mike asked if we wanted to fill out an application and we jumped on the opportunity. After we were done filling it out, Mike looked it over, asked Noah a few questions about his character and then said "I will rent it to you guys right now if you want". Well, our jaws dropped to the floor in astonishment! We were worried that our credit wouldn't be good enough to get a place and this guy didn't even want to check it. He trusted us enough to know we were good people. So yesterday we drove there again, looked the place over one more time and signed the lease. When Mike handed over the keys I felt like such a grown up. We were finally going to be out on our own and away from school. Another praise God moment, was that Mike gave us have the place for two weeks with out charging us for it so we could being slowly moving our stuff in until even before our lease technically starts. We knew there was the perfect place for us out there, all we had to do was trust that the Lord knew just which place would work the best!

God Help Me!!!

I am in need of some prayer...last night was pretty rough with Wyatt. He was up screaming in pain trying to make a BM. There is nothing worse than looking at your screaming child and not knowing what will take the pain away. I was almost in tears for a couple of reasons; I didn't want to see Wyatt in any more pain and I was beyond tired I could barely keep my head up. So getting up for my 8am class was horrible. I stared off into space listening to my professors voice trail off. I am hoping to catch a few naps while Wyatt does now that my classes are done for the day. I know this is all part of motherhood but I never said it was going to be easy.

A must listen to...Canyon Prayer by Jessi Alexander

About two years ago I came across this song and I just thought about it today. I loved it back then and I still love it now. It is a good daily prayer but in song form.

Copy and paste the link below
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8mKwTDgtoRs

Trust the Lord Your God With Your Heart, Soul and Mind

Our apartment search is coming to a stressful end. I graduate in just a few weeks now and apartment searching has not been fun. In fact I never want to do it again. There are so many things to consider, the commute time, the location, the safeness of the neighborhood etc... I just wanted to find a place so bad that I forgot the most important thing, to ask for God's insight as to where he wants us to be. When Noah and I prayed about it night after night, I got a really good feeling about one apartment in Algonquin. The location is great, not too far from Noah's work and I felt safe there. Trusting in God for things like how to pay the bills and where to live is really hard for me but time after time God shows his constistency and I am learning to trust in him for anything with all of me. My heart might believe it but often times my realistic mind doesn't.

The Perfect Gentleman

The other morning I was on the way to my Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8'0'clock class, almost to the door I was met there by a young man. He stepped to the side and held the door open for me. My jaw dropped in total shock, I wasn't used to any other man doing so except for Noah. I thanked him kindly and proceeded to my classroom. Later that day I was thinking about why I was so shocked and how I shouldn't have been. Whatever happened to the concept of "ladies come first" anyway? Instead we now live in a society that is more like" survival of the fittest" and nobody has an extra moment to go out of their way to help some one else. My challenge for raising Wyatt, because I am still old fashion, is to teach him about manners especially around women.
And a challenge to fellow bloggers: if some one goes out of their way to help you, thank them as if they saved your life. Maybe you will make their day or another person could learn from their example, just a thought :)

The Missing Husband

I have spent many a lonely nights waiting for my husband to come home from work. You see Noah works at job where the schedule is forever changing. If he was supposed to get off at 8 he rolls in the apartment around 9 or 9:30. Today was supposed to be his day off, but much to my surprise (sarcastic here), he was called in from 6am to 4pm. I have officially given up on planning anything because in the end my plans will just shatter. However frustrating this all may be, I stop to think of how selfish I am being. Here I am watching the newest episode of the Hills while my husband is slaving away at work. Sure I am cooking dinner, taking care of our child and doing homework, but I am certainly not breaking a sweat in doing so. Noah is amazing, even after a hard day at work, he walks in with a smile on his face and two kisses, one for me and one for Wyatt. Life around the Morgan house is spontaneous and crazy, I am learning to love it.

Out with the old...

I try not to worry about keeping up to date with the latest trends, but sometimes I just need to vent and blogging seems like an easy option for me.
Update: My son who is three weeks Friday has not pooped in two days, I have regretfully returned back to school and I saw a mouse in my apartment.
Living in the school dorms certainly has it's pros and cons and one downside is the lack of modern amenities. I think mice are cute and all, but I do not want to share the same living space as them.
Wyatt is looking cute as ever and each day I stare at him thanking God for such a blessing. Well time for the 8'0'clock feeding. Until next time...