"Pink is My Signature Color"

I was so excited to find out in May that the baby I was pregnant with was a precious little girl. Part of the fun in expecting a girl is all the pink accessories in decorating the nursery. I was not quite sure that I wanted to paint the room pink, but when I saw this bedding by Serena and Lilly I fell in love with it. A soft pink paint color soon covered the four nursery walls. My mom, Lucy Mills' Suggie, and I had so much fun getting the room together. We pulled out my old baby dolls, tea sets, and story books to line the white shelves. Travis' parents gave us the most comfortable glider chair to complete the room. I have spent many nights in that comfy chair, rocking Lucy Mills back to dreamland. I really love her sweet room. When I think about it I am reminded of my favorite movie Steel Magnolias when Julia Roberts' character is discussing her wedding colors. In her defensive yet proud, southern accent claims, I like pink...pink is my signature color. So is ours Lucy Mills, so is ours.

Two Months!

Lucy Mills,

What a life changing two months it has been! We have had every emotion that comes with being first time parents. To having an infant in the special care nursery for six days, to being up at night with you, to struggling through severe acid reflux and a milk allergy. But more importantly counting the kisses we give you and it's still not enough, being Daddy's audience every night when he plays songs on his guitar, and rocking you to sleep in your pink nursery, staring in complete amazement of how beautiful you are. All in all, you are such a joy. Two months have already gone by so quickly and I just want to be mindful to soak up the moments in our days together. I have a feeling that they will go by too fast.

Sleepy girls

With all of the rainy days we've had around here lately, some days Lucy Mills and I agree to have a pajama day. This was one of those days and Trav came home to find his girls napping the afternoon away...

It's a Girl Thing!

We've loved adding one more girl to our "No Boys Allowed" club. Here are some pictures of Lucy Mills with her Aunt Susu and Suggie.

Our Nighttime Ritual

One of the ways Trav won my heart when we were dating was when he would play the guitar and sing to me. I mean what girl doesn't want to be serenaded by a man and his guitar?? Well we have incorporated Trav's musical skills into our nighttime routine since Lucy Mills was born. She wakes up from her nightly nap at 8pm, gets a bottle, then a bath, and we round out the evening with songs by daddy. She loves it! Even if she is being fussy, once he starts playing she is mesmerized by his voice and the music. If only all little girls could be so lucky to have a daddy like hers!

I just love these two together!

Finally Fall!

After being pregnant through the sizzling South Carolina summer, enduring bedrest for the month of August, and then staying inside the house with a newborn during September and most of October; needless to say the Mason household has longed for the crisp fall weather temps! Well the weekend finally came and Trav and I decided to bundle little Lucy Mills up and go for a family walk. I didn't want her to catch cold in the 57 degree weather so I dressed her in as many warm clothes that I could find...do you think I went overboard? When I looked down at her sleeping peacefully in her carrier, this is what I saw...



...notice the red mittens even! Guess you can tell I am a first time mom?!

This one is a little better, well at least you can see her sweet face more.

My New Mission

Working mom vs. full-time mom? That has been the question on my mind and heart since I found out I was pregnant, but even more so in these past few weeks since Lucy Mills was born. I have been an admissions counselor at Columbia College since I graduated in 2003. I love my job recruiting and counseling prospective students and working closely with current students. The college has been my home away from home for the past six years, not to mention my time I spent as a student before I began working. Needless to say, I knew this was going to be a difficult decision. Difficult, but easy at the same time.

You see all I have ever wanted is to be a wife and mother. In a society that does not always support or affirm women who devote themselves to full time motherhood, I have been hesitant to wholeheartedly embrace what I believe is God's design for our little family. After a lot of soul searching, praying, reading, and valuable conversations, I have decided to take on a new full time job. I want to commit to the mission of motherhood. I mean who would not want to be around this little munchkin all day???

I am so blessed to have a husband who supports and encourages this decision. God has also provided an amazing small group Bible study for me to be a part of during this new season in my life. Every Tuesday morning Lucy Mills and I meet with a group of moms and their little ones to both encourage one another and learn more about biblical motherhood. If anyone is interested to read the book we are doing it's called The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I have a link to her blog on my bloglist too. Since I began reading her book I have found even more joy and validation in my role as a mom. When the hours of my day seem to overflow with the tasks of changing diapers, making bottles, folding laundry, and emptying the dishwasher, I am reminded that this calling of making my home a haven and making sure my child feels loved and cared for are divine appointments that I can not take on lightly. I came across this poem that pretty much sums it up.

The Struggle

The stay at home Mom, a decision for thee,

or to chase a career, how selfish of me,

Investing in home time, will it ever pay,

a return on investment, seems so far away.

But God keeps whispering, to me admist the sounds,

that the little ones he gave, were to be loved with abound.

So I look to the Light, for guidance and to pray,

and counted each blessing, as they woke everyday.

In just a few years, the house will be silent,

And I'll yearn for the time I struggles within it.

What are you doing, the world wants to know,

just continuing the Struggle, God's plan for me now.

But strength and patience, where do I get it

when things go awry and He seems so distant.

It's then that God says, "have I got your attention?"

For you relied upon self, not by divine intervention.

The stay at home Mom, by design will have trouble,

But joined with God, it's a bearable Struggle.

There comes a day, when the Struggle pays off,

the investment at home, was not wasted or lost.

And when life is at end, "well done Mom" God will say,

"you raised your children in Christ, and taught them to pray.

And just as with you, I'll keep their Struggles within bare,

for they know My voice, and do My Will down there."

When He shows me a seat, next to His throne,

A star on my crown, will be for Stay at home Mom!

Fun Moments with Lucy Mills!

Mommy can't stop kissing me!

Sleeping beauty

Daddy being silly...as usual :)

Talking to Mommy

Chillin'

Yes - I am already a Columbia College girl!