On 'Coming Unglued'

I'm continuing with this series, and today is about 'Coming Unglued'. Now, I know what you're thinking…a red-headed, Sicilian, there's no way she comes unglued. I like to refer to it as getting passionate or becoming a bit feisty, but whatever it is, it's a complete loss of control and patience. 

Now, I've read Lysa TerKeurst's Unglued where she describes 4 types of people in two categories: "stuffers" and "exploders". I am an exploder. Now, being an exploder means that I get fired up come unglued quite often. 

Now, the bible speaks a lot about being slow to anger, wise with our words, and rejoicing always. In an effort to keep the peace, I tried to find the source of my frustrations. Sometimes, it's a lack of patience, but most times it's insecurity. 

When I'm losing patience because Eloise is crying, or I'm stuck in traffic, or something isn't working the way I want it to, I attempt to stop, breathe, and focus on what really matters. 

But then there are times when I get angry super passionate. My hearts starts to race, tears begin to well up, and my voice gets louder and my language gets poorer. Unfortunately, my husband knows this all too well. It is my biggest flaw. Paul jokes that it's "not very becoming of a lady to use words like that" whoops! I used to think it was just something that happens. That I couldn't control it. I prayed, "Please, let me not be like this. Why does stuff bother me so much?" I finally got down to the route of the issue, it was because I was insecure. These things bother me because I'm not confident in my own self, my own decisions, my relationships, my possessions, etc. Once, I determined this, I focused more on what I needed in those moments. More specifically, what I needed from my spouse. It's hardest on him, when I come unglued, because 90% he's who I'm venting to. 

I'm sharing this because I have learned a simple trick that helps me and I wanted to share it with you and hope that it helps you too. Words of Affirmation and Touch. Seems so simple right, but when coming from the right person at the right moment it can do wonders. Let your partner, best friend, mom, whoever, know that you need this from them at those times. When he can see me getting worked up, Paul will now, come to me, put his hands on my shoulders, look me in the eyes, and say to me, "I love you. You are beautiful. You are an amazing mother and an amazing wife. I'm sorry they hurt you. I'm sorry that that happened, etc.", and then he'll embrace me. It may seem scripted, but it works. It allows me to stop, breathe, and become secure in his embrace. 

Don't be fooled. It took us a long time to get there. Us women, we have struggles. The biggest encouragement I want to leave you with, and the whole point of this series is that we are not alone. This are not just our struggles. All of our relationships become involved when we come unglued. So involve others in a positive way. Try to find the route of the struggle, whether it's a lack of patience, or a lack of confidence. Find what it is you need in that moment. It may be an extra hand, it may be a kind word, it may be a loving embrace. Whatever it is, be direct and tell your partner that you need them to…[insert need here]. They will be so encouraged that they can help you in this way, and you will be so encouraged when your unglued moments become shorter and less often. 

Eloise is 1 Year Old!

Eloise, 

You are 1 year old! I can't believe it. This past year has been such a learning experience, but one I wouldn't trade for the world. I have learned so much about myself, my relationship with your dad, and so much about God's goodness. You are an amazing little girl, and have exceeded every expectation we ever had for our first born. I tell your daddy everyday that I am so proud to be your mama. 

I can't believe how smart you are! Your signing has really taken off, and you can sign, "more", "all done", "good job", "hello/bye bye". You love to make noise, but you don't speak too many words just yet, but we are working on it. You have, however, started throwing tantrums when you can't have something you want. How early is too early to start implementing "time out"? ha!

Eloise, you LOVE to dance. I think it may be my favorite thing about you. You love to walk on your tippy toes, and when asked if you "want to dance" you will start to sway from side to side. You come up with new dance moves all the time. You even got your first tutu for your birthday! Your father, however, has taught you how to kick the soccer ball, and you've gotten very good at it. We have a friendly argument going to see if you will play soccer or dance when you get older. Whatever you do, we will be there, up front, cheering you on!

You are a petite little one year old. We wondered if you would make the 20lb mark by your birthday, and you came in just under at 19lbs 11oz (25%) and 28"(15%). Since you are walking full time we have started to put you in shoes on a regular basis and your size 3 baby feet are the most adorable thing. 

Since you have turned 1, you have become so cuddly. It's so sweet, when we ask you for a "hug" you will come hold onto our arms and lay your head on our shoulder. It just melts my heart. 

Eloise, we are so blessed to have you as our daughter. We love you more than words. 

Mom and Dad

"The SUV of Strollers"

*This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. All thoughts and opinions are my own, I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to receive a complimentary FastAction™ Fold Click Connect™ Jogger from Graco. 

After I had Eloise, I wanted to get into running. Well, that lasted all of five seconds. However, my husband does jog frequently and long wished he could bring Eloise with him. Since I don't jog often ever, and he doesn't have time to jog a whole lot, we couldn't justify $600+ for jogging stroller. When I heard Graco was coming out with a jogger, I just at the opportunity to try it out and review it. It's exactly what we were looking for, and even though we received a complementary one, I would have definitely paid the $180. 

Introducing the FastAction™ Fold Jogger Click Connect™ Stroller. Dubbed the "SUV of strollers" because "it combines all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain joggers"

A few weeks before my local Graco event, we received our stroller and got to test it out. I'll be honest, Paul used it more than I did. My biggest frustration was that for me the FastAction fold was kind of difficult. It is supposed to be a one-handed one-strap pull close, but I had a hard time. Fortunately, when I wasn't the only one. Thanks to the other fantastic ladies I met at the event, we figured it out. I will say it does take some getting used to, but I'm sure like with any other stroller, you get it the more you use it. 

I love going to these events. I love meeting other mom bloggers in the area, and there's always a Graco rep giving us the dish on up and coming products. You probable noticed all of my instagram and twitter posts from the event.  If you're interested in other reviews and pictures just follow hashtag #gracojogger #ad. 

It has so many great features for the everyday. The one-handed pull close is pretty awesome. It usually takes me 2 hands and 5 steps to get my current stroller open and close, so only having a one-handed, one-step Fold is such a time and stress saver. I'm in love with my Click Connect Car Seat, and you can set it right on the stroller, no extra parts or adapters needed! It has a huge basket under the seat to store plenty of shopping bags ; ) There are also really great cup holders. Unfortunately for me, it is heavy. 30lbs may be nothing for some people, but for me it's a lot to lug it in and out of the back of my SUV. Many of the other moms loved that it had the option of doing a 3 or 5 point harness and that the seat reclines between multiple positions.

As far as the jogger portion of it. The front wheel has an optional lock so it's easy to switch from everyday to jogger. It says it's all-terrain, however it doesn't have any shocks so even though it will go on trails and off road, your child will feel the rocky terrain and some children may not like that. It has an awesome smart phone holder on top that makes listening to music super easy and convenient. 

Overall, I liked it. However, I still continue to use my other stroller for the everyday, and this one sits in our garage for jogs and walks around the neighborhood. We had the opportunity to purchase a really great traditional stroller, but that came at a high cost. We will definitely use it for the airport, though. With the FastAction fold, and the ability to attach our car seat with no added pieces, it's a no-brainer for us. So, if you are looking for a budget travel system, but still with the opportunity to take it out as a jogger, this is a great choice. 

Graco’s NEW jogger is the ultimate crossover stroller, combining all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller (FastAction Fold and Click Connect Technology) with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger.

As an added bonus, Graco’s innovative one-second, one-hand FastAction™ fold automatically locks & is self-standing.

This post is sponsored by the Graco.

*You didn't hear it from me, but Graco may or may not be releasing a ClickConnect Double stroller in the Fall, so stay tuned for that!