I remember when Wes had the conversation with me last March about quitting work and being a stay at home mom, and all I could think about was "How in the heck am I going to survive without a $400 monthly spending habit?" No, seriously...its true..$400 a month. But that is why I worked, so i could afford to afford...you know? And the second thing I thought of was how I was going to be an equal in providing financially for my family. I'm not a crazy feminist or anything, but I believe I have a rightfully equal role as my husband in providing for my family. He wasn't going to argue with that either haha, we had split everything down the middle, even groceries.
A few months later, I felt relieved that I didn't go back into the workforce. My baby bug needed me so much, and I really needed her. She turned into my world and my center, not just the center of my world. I then felt overwhelmingly grateful and appreciative for my husband and his will and fortitude to support all of us with just his income. I have significant empathy for one income families, but also I share with them a rare opportunity to see our child grow and develop and also maintain my home with love and diligence. My appreciation for 'family' in every sense of the word, is greater than ever.
I took some time to just be with my baby. I spent every waking minute she had playing with her and singing to her and holding her. and when she took naps I would start feeling a little empty and i just wanted to do. to do whatever to make myself feel like i felt when i was playing with my baby- fulfilled, satisfied and gratified. So I started baking again and maintained the garden, cleaned a little, and just filled that time up until she woke up from her nap so I could just hang out with her again. I know this is a little weird, but I started to think to myself " If I died tomorrow, I don't ever want my daughter to feel like she wasn't loved enough by me" SO depressing right? speaking of..cause it was true, my post partum depression has been slowly disappearing, thanks to some happy pills...and now I know why they call them that. I was ashamed of it at first, but now I feel like it is something that I think many women go through and we aren't alone in the battle. If it helps us get through the depression, then go ahead! Everyone is better off with you on them then off of them. Not a long term solution, but I can see how it is just that little bit of push to get you over that slump.
I love pinterest...no really...LOVE it. And I saw some baby leggings posted up that were so cute! I wanted to buy them and pulled the trigger, but then they were sold out! And then I thought, I could just make these. I bounced the idea off a friend and my husband and a couple months later, brushing up on all my sewing skills..I decided to do it and open up shop. Came up with a name and worked on a few patterns and designs. I started with a few headbands and a pair of leggings and got great response. Then I decided to take a risk and sew all sorts of shit and test the market. So if you are on FB or IG or Pinterest and are seeing all sorts of crazy stuff regarding baby clothes, you have been part of a test.
My husband and I have a big plan with Tiny Limes Co and its not something I want to divulge yet, its in the works and we feel it could really take off with the right planning and patience.
I have found out this past month or so, as I have been sewing and selling and shipping and sewing and posting and posting and sewing....and posting and sewing and selling and shipping and ...yeah it is a bit over the top, I know, but it is what I have in the means of getting the word out that won't cost me more than $2 a day. Back to the point, I have found out that there are people who truly support you and who truly disregard you when they see you try something new. I've always been a do-er, a go-getter, and I've always tried. So you may think ' Here she goes again with something else' and I am glad you are thinking that...'something else' just means to me I'm moving forward. Everything I try out doesn't always succeed, but I can say i've done it. Wedding planning..still doing it, maybe not as successful as I had imagined, but I am amazed at how many people now associate weddings with me. Baking blog? yeah its still going and I still bake and post when I can, and maybe not as often as I used to, but again, people continually associate me with baking and ask me for tips all the time. And now sewing baby items..though I am still new, I've already had people ask me to help them out, and of course I will. I'm really proud of myself and, now, during Charlotte's naps, I fill the time with creating, designing, cutting, basting, sewing and then posting my creations- cute, crazy or whatnot. So for those who've deliberately made it a point to roll your eyes at another moo-venture, or to put me down in a non direct way- it's okay, i am not going to try and win you over. For those who encouraged me, complimented me or even "liked" my posts...I appreciate all that support..That support keeps me moving ahead, to fill in my time when my baby is napping , that fulfilled and satisfied emotion for a few hours each day. And when she wakes up- she rightfully steals my attention and fills my heart again.
Of course, I want to make money too, to help out with the bills and be able to equally provide again in the household. I want to feel I'm contributing in that way. Its important to me, and my family knows that ts important to me and they support that decision. This is going to be a long process for me, but with the support and love and encouragement that has come my way- I know that I can do this and do it well.
What is a post with out some pictures?
I tried to do a boys version of these, and they didn't get the same response. but I will keep trying.
Her face! You just want to kiss it all the time...and I do!
My mom is in Georgia for a while visiting my half brother..it is so odd she isn't just a car ride away. I really miss her, and part of that is because the last time i saw my dad, he passed away..i worry , though my mom is in great health, that it will happen to me again.
This picture is so unfair to charlotte. She has recently learned to put her binky in her mouth, but sometimes she misses or does this...she was so frustrated with herself and all i could do was laugh and take a picture to send to her dad...lol!
The Millers do Halloween!
#Adorkable
Im so glad I saved this text message ! Its is so crazy!
I don't know why, but i love flamingos this year and i think its going to a big thing this Spring.
Somewhere between 5 months old and today, she learned to sit in a chair thats all hers. I Love my Lil Pumpkin!
