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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

4 months

i still can't believe that is has been 4 months since colton was born. while one part of me feels like it was a million years ago, the other part just feels like it happened yesterday.



i usually do bullet points of my dear, sweet colton but thought of doing something different. i started writing him a letter each month so i thought i would share month four on my blog.

my dearest sweet son,

you are four months today. and what a little active four-month-old you are. while you found your voice the day you graced the world with your presence, you are one extremely talkative and social little guy. i wonder who you get that from ;)? 

i absolutely adore that you love your momma. the way you keep your eyes locked on me, or smile at me when you hear my voice, or your adorable laugh that comes out only when you are with your momma, it melts my heart. you love when i sing to you. if you are crying, you stop and stare at me and often smile. it must bring you back to the many times i would sing when you were in my belly.

you are a strong little guy. you might have a large head, but you know how to keep that thing up. whether it is during tummy time or sitting in your bumbo chair, you enjoy looking around. you also love to push off with your strong little legs. standing with help from mommy and daddy is always a fun time for you. i am excited but also apprehensive that crawling and walking will happen a lot faster than i think.

you stared playing in your exercauser this past month. we laugh at your determination and frustration to get all the toys in your mouth, but you aren't quite there yet. 

you celebrated your first christmas this month and you just took in all the sights and sounds, especially the tree lights and christmas music that your mommy loved playing everyday. something your daddy just deals with. ;) you were also one spoiled little boy on christmas. your grandparents must adore you. ;)

you are rolling over like crazy on your tummy to your back. one day you will figure out back to tummy, but for now, we are so proud of you. you sleep an average of 11 hours a night - 9-10 hours straight usually. mommy is looking forward to the day when we don't get up at 4am anymore to feed. hopefully now that we will start rice cereal it will keep your belly full for longer.

teething has entered the picture. while we can't see any yet, we know that it must be bugging you because of the constant drool, hands in month, and random acts of crying. maybe your will get your little chompers early. 

at your four month appointment, you weighed 15 lbs and 1oz. were about 26 inches long, and your head is still rocking the upper 90 percentile.

i can't tell you how much bigger my love for you gets everyday. i love watching you grow. 

love you so much my sweet little colton.

forever and always,
mommy.

Friday, December 23, 2011

christmas card from the snares

well, in usual danielle fashion, i have failed miserably to do my 12 days of christmas. oh well. taking care of a teething four month old comes first these days.

here is our 2011 christmas card. it turned out perfect. thanks to candace carr for her amazing design work and cassandra eldridge for her phenomenal work behind the lens.


will be posting a bit more today, tomorrow, as well as sunday. got some cool wrapped gifts, a dying tree, some thoughts on christmas this year, as well as colton turning four months on sunday. ;) get ready for some major cuteness.

have a great morning.


Monday, December 19, 2011

a lifechanging moment, 365 joyous days ago

this past weekend marks the one year anniversary of when i found out i was pregnant. i can still remember that morning as it was yesterday... what a joyous moment. but more than that, how God's timing is ALWAYS PERFECT.

and i think that is the biggest thing i have learned being pregnant with colton. december of 2010 was filled with many dark, sorrow-filled days and many joyful, incredible days. getting pregnant of course as one of those joyful days.

God knew that december 18 would be the perfect day for me to take a test and find that it was "+". what immense joy i felt that morning. and even more as i gave joseph his first christmas gift last year letting him know that he was going to be the best daddy in less than nine months.

he also knew the day before i realized i was pregnant would be a perfect day to accept a new job that would later allow me to work part-time at home with mr. colton and come in whenever i want. he knew that august 25th would be the day that colton would enter the world. he also knew that colton would be born during one of the most trialing times of my life. he knew that only a few weeks later, i would realize that everything happens for MY GOOD in HIS TIMING and fill my heart with more joy than i could ever imagine.

all in all...i am blessed. and during this christmas time, i really am filled with so much joy. i am blessed with the cutest four month old who is just the best and happiest baby around and who has changed my life in ways i never thought possible. and who has me wrapped around his little finger.. i am even more blessed with an amazing husband who loves his son more than anything. watching him grow as a daddy has brought tears to my eyes and a heart full of joy as i look forward to many more years of child-rearing and bearing.

i wouldn't change God's perfect plan for anything over the past year. colton is more perfect than i imagined 365, lifechanging, joyful days ago.

Proverbs 19:6
The heart of man plans his way,
   but the LORD establishes his steps.

i mean, seriously? who would have thought my kid would be this adorable... 

Friday, December 9, 2011

3 months

i am a terrible mother. colton turned 3 months on thanksgiving. and i haven't blogged about it yet. gah!


things about colton @ 3 months:
  • mastered tummy time and loves it
  • loves to smile and laugh (has the cutest laugh - vid to come)
  • uber talkative (wonder where he gets that from?!?!)
  • rolled over for the first time
  • loves his farm playmat
  • sits up with help
  • loves "horsey" with daddy
  • loves clocks? weird. but he does 
  • super ticklish (love it.)
  • got some strong legs. loves standing (with help, of course)
  • still hates his swing
  • starting to like his bouncer
  • started playing in his saucer 
  • sleeps an average of 10 straight // 12-13 total
  • wears 6+ month clothes because he is so LONG! 
  • has beautiful blue eyes (like his mommy hehe)
  • celebrated his first thanksgiving

Monday, December 5, 2011

oh, hey, christmas...

gah! the past few weeks have been IN-SANE. insane. did i mention they have been insane? i have a pretty neat job - one that allows me to work part time... yes. part time. but these past weeks it was more like full time + a baby + being a wife + mrs. social. add those together, we get insane.

most of you know me. and most of you know that i am a "go-getter." i had too much on my plate but like every type a personality, i got it in the bag already. so here i am, two weeks later and i wonder where last two weeks went. the other week, i worked 14 hours straight. good thing i had plans this past monday or i would have been stuck at work again.

but here i am, december 9th and i can't believe christmas is in like what, 15 days?!?! last year i did a blog type advent calendar thing. i actually had a blast doing it. everyday i did something "christmas" related and wrote about it. well, i am a bit behind, but that doesn't mean i can't do something similar but different. so this year, i am going to do the "12 days of Christmas." yeah, yeah - i know it is about "gifts" but i'm going to do 12 different christmas activities from our christmas card, to wrapping gifts, to decorations, to a cute colton christmas shoot - you will just have to wait and see...

so putting my insane life aside, let's grab some warm coco or coffee, turn up those christmas tunes that we only get to enjoy for like 30 days, sit by the fire and now until christmas day my blog will be dedicated to the glorious season of christmas.

and as i dive in, i want to really us to dwell on matthew 1:21, "she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." as i really think about that, i continually dwell on the fact that we can't separate the manager and the cross. they go hand-in-hand. he was born to save us from our sins. what a strange but amazing way to save the world. may you also dwell on that this christmas season.


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 22

Day 22: Thankful for Rest

okay, today, i am super thankful that colton is such a great sleeper. he still gets up at 4:30 every morning to eat but 9-11 hours straight every night is amazing.

other than the first few days of motherhood, i really don't have those "exhausted" moments (i mean, i still do but very minimal) - probably because colton sleeps like a champ and still takes four naps a day over an hour a piece. what can i say, the kid loves his sleep. (it will probably be a different story once #2 comes into the picture... i know, i know)

i am so glad the lord knows our circumstances in life and provides what we need. he knows that i need sleep. he knows that i have to work. he knows that i need to clean the house. or do the laundry. or the eight million other projects going on. so he has perfectly made colton to be content when laying on his activity play mat or peacefully naps for an hour so i can answer emails or clean up the kitchen. so thankful.

so today, i am thankful for the rest i am able to get. the six-seven hours straight of sleep, or the little cat nap i sneak in during the afternoon, i am thankful.

Monday, November 21, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 21

Day 21: Thankful for my Passat Wagon

we knew we would need a bigger car once the babe arrived so we bought a 08 passat wagon and i loooove it. if you know anything about my car history, you would laugh. don't get me wrong, i am so thankful i have had something to drive since i was 16, but i am extremely thankful i have a RELIABLE car now...

my brother, sister and i always laugh at our memories in our 88 corsica - this thing would leak oil, would leave us stranded, have puddles of water inside the car, the ceiling was falling down - oh boy. this thing was hilarious. or our grand prix. i gotta say - this thing was pretty fabulous except that it didn't have air conditioning and if you know anything about me, that is not good. and then it started rusting. finally, the first car i bought, a mazda millenia.... ooohhh boy. the car looked nice but that thing... ugh. let's just say i got stranded in the middle of nowhere indiana one day. drove down a week later, picked the thing up in nowhere indiana, broke down again after they "fixed" it... brings back too many terrible memories. and then to put a cherry on the top - my mother smashed into the side of the thing. i think that made us even with what i owed them from so many years. 

anywho, got rid of that piece of junk and then purchased a red grand am. not only did it smell like an ash tray, nasty - it didn't start like two days after we got the dang thing from the dealer! what, the what?!? did they even check it? it took like three weeks just to fix everything because they couldn't fix it and had to bring it to a GM dealer. oy vey. you can probably feel my frustration. the car was a champ for awhile but it was only two door. annoying. then one day i went grocery shopping and the vinegar top came off and went all over my car. ugh.

and then the passat came along. it was a long search but i am in love. the back is big enough for colton's gigantic stroller, pack-n-play and what else. plus, the thing has heated seats. who doesn't love heated seats? but seriously, this car is a gem and i am so grateful that we were able to get this car. and even after all of my car drama for 10 years, it has made me appreciate what i have more than you know.
so today, i am thankful for my vw wagon. it is fab and totes a mom car. ;)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Colton: Week 12

my dear precious boy is 12 weeks.

  • has mastered tummy time. the kid is one strong boy. he loves holding his head up and looking around. 
  • sleeps an average of 10 hours straight a night. 
  • mornings are the best. he just smiles, laughs and is VERY talkative. 
  • i love when he wakes up in the morning. he is looking around and just chattin. so precious. i'll have to take some video one day and post it. 
  • officially too long for most of his 3 month clothes so we are moving on up. 
  • still hates his swing. bummer.
that is about it. he turns 3 months this week so the upcoming post will be longer! :) 

A Month to be Thankful: Day 20

yeah, yeah - i skipped day 19. ;)

Day 20: Thankful for Recovery Systems

yes, i am extremely thankful today that there are people out in this world that are so technologically smart that they can pull some of your most precious memories off of a crashed hard drive. to all of you data recovery people and places, you are precious - especially brian at 300dollardatarecovery.com. you are my new best friend. 

last weekend our mac crashed - the day i was going to back everything up, ironic, eh? went into the mac store on sunday and the smart mac guy told us that our hard drive crashed. i started balling right there. probably wasn't the first and to tell you the truth, i didn't care. i really thought i just lost colton's first three months of his life plus various other precious memories of joseph and i. i was so mad at myself. 

i then had my sister's I.T. guy at her work looked at it and gave us the information to 300dollardaterecovery.com. he couldn't pull the data off but he said that this guy probably could. however, jason did update our mac and put a new hard drive in for free. for that, i am so thankful. 

after sending the hard drive all the way to the good state of california this week, i kept praying. i felt so silly praying but the Lord knows the desires of our hearts. and while there are extremely worse things i am praying for, i still felt the need to pray that we would get our photos back. and now, we are. :) i was up all last night with food poisoning, which i am not thankful for, but it was great at 3am when i looked at my phone and saw an email from brian saying he had great news. he was able to pull 99.99% of the data off my hard drive. praise the Lord, huh? 

so today, i am extremely thankful. especially for all of you smart I.T. peeps. kudos to you my friends. and especially brian and jason, you both make me one happy mama today. 

and a lesson learned: BACK UP RIGHT AWAY. ;)

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 18

Day 18: Thankful for the Time with Kyle

well, if you don't know, november 18th is always a hard day. i woke up this morning and thought of that morning 18 years ago as i found out my little brother had passed away from his battle to cancer. losing a family member is never easy, but when you have the comfort and love of God, it makes it a bit more bearable. and while it is still hard today and kyle only lived three short years, i am still so thankful for the time we had with him.

kyle lived for three and a half years and about a year or so of that battled with neuroblastoma. however, those three short little years were filled with some of the greatest memories, of which i will never forget. and one thing about kyle that i will never forget... his smile.


kyle could light up a room. and his personality, smile, and fun memories of him still do today. i smiled and laughed as i read my dad's facebook status of some of his favorite memories of him. he was some kid. so, as the day comes to an end, i am thankful for the time we had with kyle. while it was too short and hard, it was also so wonderful in many ways. and thankful that i know he is with the lord - no more pain. no more suffering.

Kyle Christian Plantz 1990-1993






A Month to be Thankful: Day 17

Day 17: Thankful for BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)

every thursday morning i attend BSF, Bible Study Fellowship. and i can't tell you what a blessing it has been. this is my fourth year in BSF and this year we are studying the book of Acts. i have had the privilege to study: the life of moses (exodus, Leviticus, numbers and Deuteronomy), the book of john, isaiah, and now acts.

i have been so engaged in this study. from the start of the christians to the early church, i feel like every week i can apply something new to my life. i am so thankful the lord has given me this opportunity again to study his word. so today, i am thankful for bsf. what a wonderful organization and a wonderful study.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 16

Day 16: Thankful for Our Neighbors

i can't tell you how blessed we are to live where we live. i always prayed about living in a neighborhood where my kids could play outside for hours with all of the neighborhood kids. or thought about how cool it would be to have neighbors who were also believers. well, guess what? we got both. and even though colton isn't old enough yet to go play outside we have a TON of little kids. and our neighbors? yup. they are believers. so cool. it is such a joy to live among people who are doing life like you. so today, i am thankful for our many neighbors especially the Franks and Carters. :)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 15

Day 15: Thankful for Entrusted with a Child's Heart

every tuesday morning i go to "entrusted with a child's heart." my good friend, jen freckman invited me and i can't tell you how much of a blessing it has been to me as both a mom and wife. and while colton is still so small, i know sooner than later he will be old enough for a chore chart, constant discipline, and daily teaching. but for now, it is so good for my heart as i learn new things in my new role, a mom.

it is great to hear from other mom's in the same stage as me or with kids older to see what they have learned and tips to take from them. it has been such a great tool and i look forward to the rest of the year. so, so, so thankful for this study.


Monday, November 14, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 14

Day 14: Thankful for Music

i don't know what i would do without music in my life. i have been all about music since i could get noise out of my mouth. for those who don't know me, well you don't me if you don't know my love for singing and playing piano. ;) and i am so thankful the Lord has given me these gifts and talents to use. and while i don't use them much, i love singing to colton and seeing his face light up, or playing piano by myself and going into my zone, or rocking out at the top of my lungs in my car. wherever and whenever, music truly brings a smile to my face. so today, i am thankful for a voice to use, fingers to play, and ears to hear the wonders of music. 


Sunday, November 13, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 13

Day 13: Thankful for Warm Fall Weather

okay. i am not a fan of extreme heat or extreme cold. let's just say i am not a fan of most chicago weather. ;) however, i am extremely thankful for days like today. sixty, sunny, and windy - the "warm" wind makes this november 13th beautiful. i am 60 degree fan, so today i am thankful for this beautiful warm sixty degree day. taking it all in before we hit the extreme cold for the next four months. oh vey.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 12

Day 12: Thankful for my B.O.B.

you are probably like, "what?" yes, my B.O.B. my fabulous, incredible, jogging stroller. as most of you know, one of my favorite things to do is run. so when i got pregnant i knew we had to get a jogging stroller and what better than a B.O.B.  i am so thankful i am able to get out with colton during the day and go on a nice and easy (well, kind of) run.

so today, as i go out for a run, i am super thankful that we are privileged enough to have such a nice stroller to help me continue to do the one of the things i absolutely love, running.


Guess who is THREE today?

one of my favorite little guys in the whole world: ethan. 

happy birthday, superman. you are so loved.

ps. baby colton loves you, too. ;)


Friday, November 11, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 11

Day 11: Thankful for Veterans

today i am extremely thankful for those who have served our country, who are currently serving, and those whose lives were lost fighting to keep the freedom we oh so take for granted.

i think i am extremely thankful because they did or are doing something i don't think i could or can. so to those who are in the army, navy, marines, air force and so on, i thank each one of you. your dedication to serving our country is not going unnoticed. the danger you are putting your lives in so that my family and i can enjoy our "freedom" is very courageous. the days, months, years, you are serving spending time away from the ones you love to keep me safe from harms way fills me with much gratitude. and for the lives lost, you are always on my heart. to you serving today, who served yesterday, and those who served to their last day, i am thankful.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Colton: 11 Weeks

colton is 11 weeks today. i am going to try to blog about him each week just so i remember the little things he does on a weekly basis and to see him "grow up" in front of my eyes every week.

i feel like as each week goes on colton gets more talkative, smiley, and laughing a ton more. he loves his play farm, especially the piggy. he likes to grab it and he is now using his hands to hit the dangling cow in the middle. it is super cute to see him "learn." colton loves his mommy - it is amazing to watch him look for me when i am in the room or when he gets the biggest smile on his face when he sees me. colton still loves the clock in the living room and laying out on the couch. he LOVES bath time still but has learned to "splash." i'll post a video of that soon! it is so funny even if we are soaking wet by the end of it. colton is a great sleeper. he is sleeping on average about nine hours straight at night and goes right to sleep when we put him in his crib. his neck is getting stronger and stronger by the day - he is getting really good at holding his head up by himself. he is almost past the head bobble stage.




A Month to be Thankful: Day 10

Day 10: Thankful for my Nephews

being an aunt is one of the greatest jobs. almost as great as being a mom, but not as quite. maybe it is the fact that it is your brother's kids and you have a special bond? don't know. but i do know that i have the privilege of being an aunt to two of the cutest boys ever, ethan and miles.

i treasure the moments when i get to be with them and spend time playing with trains, cars or running up and down grandma coco's hallways for about an hour, auntie dani is tired but ethan wants to play more. "come on dani." ;) and when ethan gets asked who he wants to come to his birthday party and he lists, "benny boo, uncle jophess." and his buddies, "coco and dani." those texts from kerry melt my heart. or feeding miles more food than i could ever image eating. my mom said i was a big baby too, so i guess we share the love for food.

and even though we are thousands of miles away and i can't see them in person everyday, i am so thankful and treasure the photos and opportunities to skype as i watch my two beautiful nephews grow up. so today, i am so thankful for them, their precious hearts and handsome faces.

Ethan and Miles

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 9

Day 9: Thankful for Friends


good friends are hard to come by and well, i have quite a lot. so today, i am thankful for my friends. i have sweet friends from my childhood, close friends from high school, amazing roommates and sisters from trinity, Godly and beautiful friends from harvest, crazy and fun friends from work, and the list goes on...


i have been prayed for, loved on, cried to, cried from, laughed with, encouraged by, memories made by each one of my friends. i am thankful for friendships. and while some may go, some may change, and some may grow - each one has made significant impact on my life and i treasure each friend no matter what. so wherever you might be in my life today, know that i treasure you and am beyond thankful for your friendship.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 8

Day 8: Thankful for my Job and Coworkers

i have always dreamed about being a "stay at home mom." but, unfortunately right now, i can't. however, i am extremely thankful for a job that allows me to come back part-time and work part of that time from home. i have been back at work for about two weeks now and it has been working out very well. i work all day from the office on mondays as my parents joyfully and oh so willingly take colton for the day. so thankful i have parents who love their grandson so much that they are willing to do that for us.

and i have the best coworkers in the world. i have missed seeing them on a daily basis so it is nice to see their welcoming faces yet again. and of course, all of their drama. (hehe) they could literally make a show about our office. ;) thankful for you all!

so, here i am, as a working mama and am so thankful for this opportunity and time in my life. 

Aren't they cute? And yes, I was pregs in this pic.

Monday, November 7, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 7

Day 7: Thankful for a Home

i have been blessed with a beautiful home. due to the economy, not many individuals can buy a house. but, by the faithfulness of our Lord, we were able to buy a home back in may of 2010. i can't tell you how many times i am thankful as i walk into our house and know that this place is "ours." it is amazing how many stories this home could tell and how many stories we, as a family, already made in this house. and if we ever move, this place will always have a huge place in my heart.


Sunday, November 6, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 6

Day 6: Thankful for the Sibs

remember those days of constant fights back and forth with your sister? or the moments when the last person you wanted to sit with AGAIN was your brother? we have all been there. but, do you also remember those moments with your siblings that bring back some of your most fondest memories? some of your hardest laughs? and some of the most treasured times? i do. everyday. and for that, i am thankful.

i am so thankful for ryan, candace and madeline. they each have played such significant roles in my life and still do today..

ryan: i am thankful for his example in many different ways, his love for others, and his uncanny humor. i could laugh for hours.

candace: i am thankful for her sensitive heart, her incredible talents, and our close bond as sisters.

madeline: i am thankful for her wit, our fun relationship, and her beautiful heart.

i would bend over backwards, run across the great wall of china, go to the moon and back, swim the ocean, practically die for these three individuals. i am so thankful that the Lord has given me incredible funny and different siblings to love.









Saturday, November 5, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 5

Day 5: Thankful for My Parents

when thankfulness comes to my mind, my parents are on the top of my thankful list. i am beyond lucky to have two of the most Godly, hardworking, loving, fun,and hip parents ever. they not only demonstrate God's love in their personal lives but also their love for one another.

i love when a little baby or a kid gets so excited when they see their mommy or daddy. we have these neighbors that have a two-year-old boy and it is so cute to watch him run down the sidewalk to give his daddy a huge hug as he walks toward his home from the train. so much excitement. well, sometimes, i feel like that. i get so happy to see my mom and dad. i cherish them and the time we get to spend together. they are two of my best friends and i am so thankful for all they have shown me, how they have led me, and the love they have given me.

so here are three things that i am beyond thankful for my mom and dad (i could come up with thousands:)

thankful that they show me what a Godly marriage looks like.
thankful that they have given me such a perfect example of parenting.
thankful that they have and still love and support me like no one else.

Aren't they the cutest? ;)

Friday, November 4, 2011

A Month to be Thankful: Day 4

Day 4: Thankful for Family

i am thankful for my family. and i am so lucky, that i have two. :) 

the plantz gang:
i grew up in an amazing family with amazing parents and amazing siblings. i love being with my family. now that we are all grown up and live on our own (for the most part...;)) our family time is very few and far between. but, when we are together, those are the moments i cherish the most and are so thankful for. i am thankful for the belly achy laughs. i am thankful for a family who all loves the lord. i am thankful for our insane and loud moments. i am thankful for our deep conversations. i am thankful that we are able to hold one another up in the deepest and darkest moments. i am thankful that we are so open. i am thankful that we cherish what family means. i am thankful for the bond we share that many families never experience. and especially during this month of november, i am thankful that we all know the importance of each family member, because life is so short. i am thankful for each and everyone of you.

the snare gang:
when i got married, i also gained a mother-in-law, father-in-law, and a brother-in-law. i am so thankful for each one of them and the moments we all spend together. i am thankful that i feel so loved and excepted. i am thankful for our fun moments together. i am thankful for the times we play a simple game or sit around the table for dinner. i am thankful for support during hard times. i am thankful for laughs and crazy conversations. i am thankful for their huge love for colton. i am thankful for each and everyone of you.



Check Up: 2 Months

colton had his 2 month check up a few weeks ago. which also means his first round of shots. poor guy.

anyway, a little bit about the man:
  • WEIGHT: 12lbs on the dot. we are rockin' the 47%. I was hoping for a chubby baby but hey, at least it is easy on the arm muscles. 
  • LENGTH: 23 1/2 inches. has grown 3 inches since birth. they said that is HUGE. kid's a grower. we are rockin' the 77% in length.
  • HEAD:  well, he has to be like mommy in some aspect considering the kid looks exactly like his father. drum roll please... colton is rockin' the 99% for head circumference. yes, off the charts. definitely got that from my side.
and he took those shots like a champ. strong boy. but he was pretty miserable for the rest of the day. well, until next time.

A Month to be Thankful: Day 3

you all knew this day would be in my top three, duh. ;)

Day 3: Thankful for my beautiful son, Colton Daniel. 


colton is a blessing. when i realized i was going to be a mommy it came at the right time. God is so good.. all of the time! over the past year i have been carrying this little bundle of joy not knowing if he was a boy or girl. either way, i knew i would love my baby more than i could imagine. when colton came into the world on that thursday in august i was in awe of my little guy. he was perfect. and i am so thankful God chose me to be his mommy. to love and care for him. to hold him when he gets his shots. to smile and giggle with him. to watch him grow everyday. in all, i am so thankful for him. he is a perfect gift that was given to us at the perfect time.

A Month to be Thankful: Day 2

Day 2: Thankful for my Husband, Joseph


"you don't choose your children, you choose your spouse." i have always loved this quote and i am so thankful i chose the right guy for me.

i am thankful that he loves the lord more than me.
i am thankful that he is willing to serve me.
i am thankful that he loves me more than i can imagine.
i am thankful for his servant heart.
i am thankful that he is willing to help... anyone... at anytime... even when it is sooo inconvenient. ;)
i am thankful that he is an amazing father to our son.
i am thankful that he is a true godly leader.
i am thankful for his hardworking spirit in a job that can be so demanding.
i am thankful that he is just as workout crazy as i am. ;)
i am thankful for his courageous ways to step out even when i am not willing.
i am thankful that he puts up with my stupid ways like not always screwing on the lids al the way. ;)
i am thankful for joseph.

A Month to be Thankful: Day 1

well, i started this blog on november 1st and never got around to publish the past four days, so here are a bunch of blogs to read. Enjoy.


last year my friend, kristen macDonald (check out her blog HERE) wrote out something she is thankful for everyday for the month of november. i just LOVED this idea and wanted to do it this year. i guess i am feeling a bit more thankful this year?!? ;)

Day 1: Thankful for Jesus Christ
today i am thankful that the Lord die on the cross to save me for my sins and my ultimate penalty: death. i mean, i can't really be more thankful than that? through my faith and belief in Him, i know have the assurance of eternal life with Him! Lord, THANK YOU for saving me!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

10.25.11 : 2 months

my baby boy is 2 months today. really? two months already? i feel like it was yesterday i was rushing to the hospital with labor pains. :) these last two months have been so amazing. being a mom is more than i could ever have imagined. and i am so grateful for my new role and more importantly, for my baby boy, colton.

over the past two months, i have been given a new perspective and genuinely fell back in love with the Lord.  i can go on and on about how my life has changed blah, blah, blah...but long story short God is good. joseph and i are in such a great place and while there are still obstacles to get over and getting to that point when "time heals everything"... we continue to trust the Lord and enjoy these precious moments with this beautiful bundle of joy that the lord has blessed us with. until next time...


things about colton @ 2 months:
-smiles
-scoots on his tummy all over his crib. we literally find him in a completely different spot in a completely different position
-knows his mommy
-loves falling asleep on daddy's chest
-sleeps about 5 hours straight every night
-almost grown out of his 0-3 month clothes :)

Monday, October 24, 2011

8.25.11

8.25.11::the date that changed our lives forever . . . and for the better.

get ready for blue, trucks, cars, dirty clothes, sports and more because we gotta boy on our hands.

colton daniel snare was welcomed into the world at 7:41am. at 6lbs 13oz and 21 inches - and what an entrance it was.

i had a doctor's appointment the tuesday before his "birth"day. i was only dialtated a centimeter. it was something new considering i wasn't progressing at all the whole month. i was truly convinced this baby was coming in september. i was drastically wrong. that evening i started to feel cramps but thought nothing of it since i was having him in september. :P

i went into work on wednesday morning (dumb) and left early because my cramps were actually contractions. [come on, i didn't know what to expect...]

went home. took a nap. made dinner. ate. turn for the worst (or better, whatever way you want to look at it)

around seven/eight o'clock my contractions became much worse and much closer together. by nine i was contracting every five minutes for a minute.

long story short: hospital by 11pm. epidural by 1pm. in the OR for an emergency c-section at 2am (didn't happen) because my water broke, i was dilated 6cm, contracting every minute - colton couldn't handle it so his heart rate went down while my blood pressure was shooting up. eventually we were back in our room at 4am. pushing at 7am. colton's arrival at 7:41am. talk about an entry, huh? definitely was an eventful night over at good shepherd.

when colton came out, i was so in awe. he was the most adorable newborn i have ever seen. he blew me away. with tears running down my cheeks, i couldn't believe what we created... correction: what God created. my little lamb was finally here.

colton is such a joy. a blessing. and i am so thankful to be a mommy to the most precious little baby. it has already been quite the ride but i look forward to many many more special memories with this little guy.

proud daddy
i was so in awe of his beauty
this picture says it all: in love.
mommy and daddy meeting colton for the first time
perfect babe



Monday, October 17, 2011

i'm back?!?

gosh. i am terrible. has it really been a few months since I have blogged? yikes. sorry. guess the new mom thing took over for awhile.

anywho, i am back. i am finally getting into the swing of things with my cute little babe so hopefully my blog posts will be more frequent. one can only hope. ;) i think i have said that many, many times before.

well, i have much to blog about. so here is a list of things that will come up shortly this week or next:

1. colton. really? i haven't blogged and bragged about my adorable baby boy yet? gotta get on that one.

2. bsf study in acts. so, so, so good. will be a weekly thing, but for this week, i'll try to sum up the past four/five weeks.

3. entrusted with a child's heart. yes, colton is only 7 1/2 weeks but i know getting this information in my mind now will help in the future.

4. babywise. definitely a wise book. and it works.

5. change. yes, things have changed in the snare household. not only a child but much, much more.

6. monthly (maybe weekly or daily or even hourly) updates on the one and only, colton daniel snare. duh. we are finishing up month 2 already, whhhhaaattt??

7. journaling. so good for my heart and soul.

okay, gave ya a little glimpse of what to expect. come back, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy my blogs. i am sure they will much more often and probably early in the am. :) loving my new 5am wake up time. really, i am.

signing out... until then... ;)




Thursday, August 11, 2011

Top 10 Things I am excited for...


10. being able to get off the couch without extra effort
9. having my body back to normal (or somewhat back)
8. not having hands and feet twice it's normal size
7. sleeping or laying on my stomach
6. not feeling nauseous
5. seeing my toes while i stand
4. lose the weight and the challenge it will face (sick, i know)
3. running!!!
2. finding out if it is a boy or girl and the NAME!
1. actually holding my child/being a mom to the greatest kid ever created

there are a ton more, of course. good and bad. i will miss being pregnant. i know, even though i had a pretty rough pregnancy - i am going to miss all the fun moments with me and the baby. yes, there will better to come, but it is unlike anything.

excited for this little kiddo. few more days!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

final stretch. and some major changes.

here we are, the final stretch of this pregnancy...

i know - i have neglected the blog world lately. my life has been insane. work has been very demanding. getting ready for a baby is more work than i ever imagined. i sleep like it is my second job. and well, i haven't had much to say lately.

however, here we are. on the verge of becoming parents to a little baby. scary? yes. exciting? yes. nervous? a bit. but, i am trusting in the Lord. i can't believe we will be a family of three in a few short weeks...

and yes, being pregnant brings many different emotions. one moment i am so happy and the next, i am full of tears. i don't know if it is just life decisions being made or just the final weeks of pregnancy, but these days have been pretty rough. when i was making life decisions by myself, i thought it was the hardest thing. but now add another person, and soon, three...

we have all made some pretty tough decisions in our lives that can impact not only our lives but the lives of others - and let me tell you... i have shed thousands of tears from it. you know when you are so deeply involved in something and your life is so impacted by it that the thought of doing something different almost brings anxiety? it is like i am scared of change. scared of the future. unsure what the Lord has planned. and while i am trying my hardest to trust Him and continue to ask for peace... my heart is still so burdened.

so here am i today. heavy-hearted. and after spending some quality, tearful moments with the Lord this morning the fact is, i am still not at full peace about it. and when you are making a decision with someone else in mind, and now two, it is even makes this whole situation that much harder.

so i continue to mediated on His Word. psalm 27:7 one of my favorite verses: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him... so i do wait. and i wait patiently. i know He will show and give me the peace that surpasses all understanding at the right time.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

wedded bliss


i remember our big day like it was yesterday. it was 70s, partly sunny, let's just say - an overall perfect day. it really was. of course i would remember the weather first as it is one of my major obsessions but really, the day was perfect. perfect weather. perfect husband. perfect bridal party. perfect guests. it was an overall, perfect wedding.

and here we are, two years later knocking on the door to parenthood and i couldn't be filled with more joy. i am so incredibly blessed with such a loving, encouraging, godly, selfless husband. seriously, i am so thankful for a husband that i continually fall more in love with everyday.

and while our marriage is a beautiful thing and this year for us has hit some amazing highs, we have also meet one another at some incredible dark lows. but, in all, the Lord was faithful. so faithful.

december was probably one of the hardest and most trialing months for us. both personally and in our marriage. from some very depressing circumstances that had arose in my life and uncertainty in our future, all where placing a major road block in our marriage and in my relationship with Christ. but through much prayer the Lord proved Himself True. :) Two weeks later on a friday (december 16) i found myself getting another job and the next morning (december 17) would be a morning that would change my life, joseph's life, and our marriage forever.

while i was "late" and didn't feel myself i really didn't think we could be expecting. so i nonchalantly took a pregnancy test only to come back a few minutes later and see two lines = pregnant. i was shocked. didn't believe it. but, yes, it was true joseph and i were going to be parents to a beautiful baby. and i was THRILLED.

God had a plan. a much bigger plan than i had ever thought. i kept thinking about the verse in proverbs... proverbs 16:9 - the heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. we might have been "planning" on when we wanted to start to have kids, where should i work now, and what should we do about this, and that, and this and that but God knew. and He established it. QUICK. he answered our many, many prayers and how THANKFUL i am of that.

so here i am today, entering into our third year knowing that our marriage is going to change. we are going to hit even more highs and lows. add another person to our family. decrease in our "income" as i go part-time. but in everything, we will give Him all the praise. i am truly looking forward to this next year of marriage with the events to come that will only grow us stronger in the Lord and together. here is to another year and many, many more (God-willing) to follow.

[jps - i love you with all of my heart and being. you are a blessing.]

here are some songs that i really have enjoyed over the year that always make me think of j and i. yes, they are country (no comments country haters...) but i think the words say a so much. take a little listen:

keith urban's "without you": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3TWpWf798s

miranda lambert's: "love song": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwvQcjWNiYw

miranda lambert's "makin' plans": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewg393qymRo


Sunday, May 15, 2011

movement

what a special moment that is when you feel the first kick or punch of your unborn child. honestly, it blew me away. and it brought so much joy after such a hard first 20 weeks. it happened one morning lying in bed and i felt a small little punch on my side, brought a smile and tear to my eye.

i can't wait to meet this little one. and it has been a joy to feel i move more and more over the past few weeks. sometimes at 3am but i am grateful it is active.

love being pregnant these days.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

mother's day... or mother's-to-be day ;)

i never got around to publish this post... oops. it was for mothers day. never too late...

i have the best mother - i look at her as one of my best friends. someone i count on, look up to, share my exciting moments with, have a shoulder to cry on. whatever it is, she is there.

and as mothers day is here and i sit here typing with a little one on the way, i look forward to motherhood and being half the mother my mama was and still is today.

i am excited and nervous to be a mom. excited to hold, cherish, love, teach, and guide this little person. but extremely nervous, too. i mean, it is mine - i can't give it back, i have to figure it out myself, and learn the ways of motherhood with a newborn. it is scary thought.

but, i am eternally grateful that i had such an amazing example to learn from. my mom is a mother of five and if any mom has gone through EVERYTHING, it is her. from losing a son battling cancer, to loving and praying for prodigal kids, lying children, heartbreak and tears - she has battled every single one. and even good times, from seeing three of her four children married, 2 1/2 grandchildren, success in jobs, life, school, etc. through each one, good or bad,she is who she is and wouldn't be who she is without each and everyone of those moments. and this is why she is practically one of the best moms out there. she learned every angle of motherhood and nailed it.

so, with that example, i look forward to raising my kids through the good and the bad times. and as mother's day comes to an end, i am so extremely thankful for my mom, colette. this day is well deserved for someone as wonderful, Godly, and beautiful as her.



Thursday, April 14, 2011

Halfway

well, we are halfway through this pregnancy. the first trimester is way over (thank goodness) and i am well into my second. i honestly couldn't imagine myself not being pregnant. it is such a blessing to be carrying this beautiful child that i will finally meet in 20 short weeks. :P

on monday, i had my 20 week ultrasound. as i sat there looking at the little one being active inside my little womb, i couldn't believe it. it was so surreal. it was so fun to look at the baby and then back at joseph's face as we both sat there amazed at what we were looking at. it is always a plus to hear the doctor say, "healthy, growing, active baby" all in one sentence. ptl. then the big head and weighing 1 pound already got me freaked out. classic "plantz" baby, i guess.

yes, joseph tried to cheat and figure out what the baby was, but he had no idea what he was looking at half the time. (phew). i love surprises, so of course i would wait to find out.

so, after seeing my little lamb, i am so thankful and in awe that the Lord chose joseph and i to be parents to this little baby. my pray today is that we will first figure out how to be parents ;) but more sincerely, to raise this child up in a home that firmly believes in Jesus Christ. and my prayer for this little one is that no matter what it does that above all, their first love and priority will always and forever be their savior, Jesus.

take a look at this little one, i mean, how cute is that:
so, what is your guess? ;) boy or girl?

until next time...


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Baby Snare. 8.28.11

sorry blogging world - i have neglected you yet again. i have wanted to blog and tell you all about my growing tummy and extra weight that i have gained, but feeling awful 24/7 for the past 10 weeks had my focus on my daily tasks and trying not to throw up.

okay, i'll say it, i thoroughly did not enjoy my first trimester. i would say, hate, but that is harsh- and I am in LOVE with my little lamb already.

if i had to sum up the past 10 weeks in one word, i would say, "tough." i have endured a lot in my short little 24-25 years of life. i have trained and ran 3 full marathons, numerous half marathons, trekked through a semester with 21 credit hours in college with two jobs, dealt with a loss of a brother, and many, many other things.

however, this pregnancy probably makes it in the top 5 toughest things i ever had to endure. not only was i waking up to awful nausea and gagging (and still am), and then eventually, vomit - but my "morning sickness" was "all-day sickness." at first, i dealt with it, got on some medication and went on with life. but as the weeks went on and days would end in tears, i eventually told myself i couldn't do it.

phew, finally week 13. prior to this week, i was told i was going to get better. but, of course, i didn't. it got worse. it was clock work. everyday at noon, i was throwing up whatever i ate. and to make matters worse, i work 40+ hours a week, so i didn't have the comfort of my home to "do my thang." nah, my co-workers have experienced and heard my vomit as much as i have. ;)sorry, guys.

and to make things even tougher, i find out that three other girls i know are due right around me and their first trimester was a breeze. another word: depressed.

i wasn't angry with God but i was frustrated. i didn't understand why i had to go through such a terrible first trimester, and part of my second while no one else was. why only me?

but after much prayer and thinking, i realized that i forgot i was carrying a baby, a human being, being formed with our CREATOR's hands. i realized that there are hundreds of women that can't even get pregnant and spend hours crying because they want the opportunity to be a mommy. i realized that God puts us through situations to grow and test our faith. i realized that one day, i will be able to encourage a woman in my life when she is dealing with a very difficult pregnancy. i realized that in six short months, i will have my first child in my arms and nothing that i went through will matter, nothing. i realized a lot. and i felt convicted.

so here i am, almost 16 weeks with my next doctors appointment on monday to see my little lamb and let me say, i couldn't be more excited. i am finally feeling better. this week has been a huge encouragement. i am still nauseous but haven't thrown up in a few days. (sigh of relief.)

thanks for all the prayers for those who have been praying for me and little snare. i feel it. and praise to my Lord who has given me the opportunity to carry a child that in a short 25 weeks, i will be holding and calling my own.

i can't wait share this journey with you over the next 24-25 weeks. i am sure there will be a lot of joys and a lot of discouragements, but i am glad i can share each week with those who love me.

as a start, here is the first picture and heartbeat pattern of little snare at seven weeks. yes the peanut looking thing in the center is the baby. ;)




For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works my soul knows it very well. psalm 139:13-14