Currently

Currently-we are cutting two top teeth in this house. This has resulted in late night screaming (at the top of his lungs) throwing paci's out of his crib and scaring the bleep out of mom and dad. We have given him Motrin and lots of extra snuggles so hopefully the pain will be over soon. They are at least out of the gum and poking through so I am thinking he will have some relief within the week.

Currently-Titan is loving mac and cheese, he would eat a whole box if he could I'm sure. He isn't really coming around to his sippy cup though. At first he was taking it well but now not so much. I am worried that it's going to be a harder transition than I thought. He is still eating oranges like they are going out of style. Gives open mouth kisses, which is super cute to me and Jess but won't be super cute once he does it to someone who isn't mom and dad. Last week we thought he said Dada and today he said "Mom" clear as day but I don't think he meant to.

Currently-we are still in Florida. Praying God gives us news sometime soon. My mother in law sent me a picture message that said "If the door won't open, it's not your door". I have been repeating that to myself ever since. That and "Your will God, not mine". Even though I hate to admit it, there is obviously some growing that needs to be done on mine and Jess' part. People always say God makes us uncomfortable in order to transform us into the people we were meant to be. And I'm ok with that I just wish I knew what it was that I needed to change. Time will only tell ;)

Currently-T's birthday is coming up and I haven't started on anything. I knew this would happen. This is the busiest time of year for us, why in the world did I not start ordering decor in October? I know exactly what theme, cake, food and festivities I want to have. It's all just a matter of getting it done. 

Currently-Jess' birthday is 5 days away and I am really trying to make it special since it's looking like it might just be us 3 celebrating. We already got him a birthday gift, I just want to do something extra fun and extra special for him since it's been a little bit of a rough month. 

I know this was not my typical post but I just wanted to share what was current with us. I want to give a shout out to whoever left a comment on my last post. It was left anonymous so I don't know who left it but I want you to know that it didn't go unseen and I appreciated it so much. He is powerful and I know he is working on our behalf and everyone in this world's behalf. Thank you for the reassurance and reminder. 

Love,

E

Splash Pad and Farmer's Market

Thursday we actually attempted the Zoo in 90 degree weather and let's just say that Titan was less than impressed with our parenting choice for that day. So Friday we tried to make it up to him and take him to a Splash Pad nearby. Unbeknown to us there was a Farmer's Market going on at the park the Splash Pad was in. This was a major bonus because let's face it, everyone loves Farmer's Markets! Especially us!

The picture above is right before he stuck his face in the water. The one below is his reaction to it. 

Even though you can't tell, he loved it! He makes you work for a smile so we knew that he was having a blast when he started screaming when we tried to dry him off to leave.

We had lunch under one of the pavilions once we were done playing in the water. Jess got some bar b que and lobster mac and cheese. I opted for dessert and got some homemade cookies from this cookie bar. There were so many colorful and good looking veggies and fruits there. The whole park smelled fresh and yummy! We are thinking of going back this Friday!

I hope y'alls week went well!

Love,
E

Easter Weekend

We kind of had a rough beginning to the weekend on Friday morning. As I said last week we were gearing up to leave Spring Training and head north for the season. Before I go on, let me fill you in on some things that will make this easier to understand. Jess is a Free Agent, so this means when he signs a contract with a team he isn't guaranteed a job, he must show up and compete for one. I'm sure you are thinking that seems fair, yeah me too. I agree. So with how his training went we felt pretty confident in his chances and didn't really stress too much about the what if's. He had a wonderful Spring, he really did. Every outing (excluding his first one) was spot on. Even his games in the big leagues were great but with impending releases, cuts and the setting of rosters the final day of camp came.

He always texts me after he has breakfast to see how we are in the morning so he had let me know that he was in the clear and his name was on the list for Triple A. Around 9:30 my phone rings and it's Jess. I knew that was odd because he never calls unless he's on his way home or there is an emergency.

He basically said that they didn't have room for him in Double A or Triple A but asked him stay in Florida for a few more weeks to see if any moves were made that would make room for him. I know at first he was very shocked and his pride was for sure wounded. He had to pitch in a game that afternoon so I made sure to be uplifting and positive instead of jump on the hurt feelings bandwagon with him. I just really want God to guide us so I am trying with all my heart to really accept things as they come even though it has been really hard for me to watch Jess be so down and out about the whole situation. I was waiting to hear that Earth shattering advice from God after all this happened but it dawned on me Monday afternoon that maybe I should take the advice from my favorite verse and just "Be Still". There is nothing I can do to help, change or solve this situation so I cannot sit anxiously figuring out a way to. I need only to be still because the Lord will fight for me(Jess).

Easter Sunday:

Most Easter's are spent traveling to the next city, checking into hotels or unpacking and getting settled in a new place. This year we celebrated by going to a Church by our house, having lunch and then making rice crispy treats together afterwards. It was a very fun relaxed day and we missed our families a ton! 

I love the statement "He is Risen". There is definitely a world's worth of hope in that statement for me. And I love Easter, I think it is one of the most underrated holiday's. One of the most important yet underrated and under celebrated. 

I hope y'all had a wonderful Easter and having an even better week! 

Love,

E

Hello April!

April is here! I cannot even believe it. Less than a week for Opening Day and just about 8 weeks until T is 1. This has been the fastest year of my life. I remember being in high school wishing the years would pass faster so that I could go off to college and get away from my parents watchful eyes. Umm, what was I thinking? Now I am longing for the years to be longer!

We have a busy next couple of weeks ahead of us. In my previous post I said that our car would be shipped anywhere from the 2nd to the 4th but that fell through today. As we were heading out to Jess' game I got an email with the news. In normal baseball fashion I was scrambling around all afternoon trying to figure out how to get our car across the county. What a lot of people don't understand is that baseball doesn't take holidays. We have one holiday and that is All-Star Break. Can I get an Amen? Jess plays 142 games within 152 days. Once Spring comes around we are non stop until September or October. So with Good Friday on Friday and Easter on Sunday we are in a bit of a bind but I think I found a company that is willing to help us out. The man was nice and his sister's name is Erica so I think he favored me a little ;)

With that off my list of to-do's for this week I can focus on the million other things I should be doing. I am sure something else will come busting at the seams but that makes it all the more adventurous! One thing that is still on my list to do is make another list of all that I will need for T while we are on the road for the next couple of weeks. I am an avid list maker, I NEED to see it written down. I just have to. I plan on sharing all that I plan on carrying with me with y'all just in case y'all have little ones y'all will be traveling with soon. Things are definitely more Titan centered verses my husband and self centered. I did get myself and Jess a little something though to keep us calm and steady during these next few months.

It's called a Baseball Lacelet and they are made by a baseball wife and her sister. The baseball wife's husband is actually on Jess' team this year which I thought was pretty cool.  Jess' is black and says "I press on toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14 and mine is tan and says "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14. We need little reminders every now and then and I feel like this is a good way for us to always see it. You can find all their products here. I did the create your own but there are other options already made up for you to choose from and products as well. I highly recommend getting one! We love ours!

Before I go I have to share this picture of T and Jess. The one on the left T is 3 weeks old at his very first baseball game. The picture on the right T is 42 weeks old (9 1/2 months) at his first Spring Training game. Obviously a huge difference. I can't wait to compare the picture on the left at a year!

I hope y'all have some fun plans for Easter this weekend! 

Love,

E

10 Months

T turned 10 months last Thursday! My parents flew in on Wednesday so we were busy, busy until they left Sunday morning. This explains my absence last week ;)

10 Months

Walking: Somewhere between 9-10 months, Titan decided to start taking steps. So far he is getting better every day and the amount he takes at once so I feel like it will be NO time before he takes off!

Food: We started table like food when we got to Florida. I decided it would be a good idea to start the process because we will be traveling a lot and carrying jars and jars of baby food just isn't possible. I still supplement with baby food if I feel he hasn't eaten enough "food" that day but his favorites are as follows: Oranges, grilled cheese, toast with butter, mum mums, pasta, green beans, juice from a grapefruit, smoothies, yogurt and sometimes chicken. 

Toys: Still loves the green ring, baseball bat, ball, tractor and books.

Size: He is wearing 12 months and 12-18months. We haven't weighed him since his 9 month check up but he was 19.8 then and he feels heavier now so I'm guessing he's gained a few pounds. 

Words: He hasn't actually said mama or dada yet but he is waving, clapping "yay" and gives high fives. If he's in a good mood he will give you a kiss ;)

Saturday was the last full day my family was here so we went to the beach and walked around. It was kind of chilly for T so we just walked by the water and let him swing at the park that was right on the beach. He is growing so so fast. I can't say it enough.

Sunday Jess pitched so after the game me and Titan played in the grass while we waited for him to be done. He is in a stage where he thinks EVERYTHING needs to be in his mouth, no matter what it is so I had to watch him close or else he would be eating lots of grass. 

We are in our last few days of Spring Training and we both feel really good about how it's going. Having T here to experience all of this was the cherry on top for us and we know we will look back at all these pictures and explain to him where we were and what we were doing with so much love and contentment because we have waited for this time for a very long time. 

I am looking forward to Easter on Sunday but until then I need to start getting packed up! Opening Day is right around the corner!

Love,

E

He is good

I am going to share a little bit of my heart with you today.

There is no doubt in my mind that my husband has had an amazing career in baseball. He has had opportunities that many people do not get and I am so very thankful God has blessed him (us) in this sport. If you asked my husband he would probably say a little different of his career. Since 2010 he has been plagued with feeling as though he has failed all the while statistical wise he has prospered. You see, baseball-which is just a recreational sport for some, a summer event for others is our lively-hood. One man's home run which is a huge gain is another man's error.

A game. 

Something that is just a "game", past time for most has been lucky for us my husband's job for going on 9 years. It hasn't been easy. Lord knows, nothing is. But in the grand scheme of things we have been so blessed. This offseason Jess went back and forth on whether a team was going to call or not. We kind of started to prepare ourselves with what we were going to do if no one called. I remember watching him throw and thinking to myself "this can't be happening, someone has got to call". I prayed, my parents prayed, Jess' parents prayed so I knew we were covered in that department. Honestly, at one point I don't really know what I was scared of. We have God's promises. He will never leave us nor forsake us so regardless of Jess playing baseball or not we were (are) going to be fine. Of course there would be adjustments but I am convinced that I only want what God has planned for me and my family because his plans are far better than my own.  

I have been rigid with anxiety over the years. Mostly because I have cared what judgmental people have thought about me, about my husband and his stats. It is finally clear to me that what others think of me is none of my business. Shame on me for feeling so insecure for such a petty reason. There has not been one day that I have not been proud of Jess. I don't know how he goes out there and does it. Thousands of screaming people focused on you and what you are about to do, gosh it can be scary. I guess that is why God put me in the stands to watch instead of be watched. Good call, God, good call.

I think back to that first season I started traveling with Jess. At that point in time he was ranked in the top 100 (I think) of Baseball Prospects and projected to do amazing things that year. I remember seeing the wives, their kids and thinking to myself "I can't wait for that to be me". Baby on my hip, watching Dada from the stands. It would be glorious! Nice condo by the field, just an easy walk over. Ohh it would be amazing! All of things would accompany Jess in the BIG LEAGUES of course. (A little superficial, huh) Well fast forward to 4 teams and years later. I finally have that baby on my hip (a story for another day) and we have that place close to field, just a short walk over and we are waving at Dada and cheering for him from the stands. All the while Jess is not in the BIG LEAGUES and hasn't been since 2010. It dawned on me the other day that God has always given me everything that I have wanted. It may not be the exact way I wanted it but he has blessed me and blessed me more than I deserve. I have no clue why because some days I have been way less than faithful. Like, way less than faithful! But he has been faithful because he is GOD. He is good and he loves us. It may be hard to see the rainbow when you are sitting in the storm but God blesses us because he is God and he only wants what is best for us.

As you know, Jess signed with the Red Sox this season. As a free agent you aren't guaranteed a job. You must show up and "fight" for a job like everyone else. Minor league games started on Wednesday and Jess was scheduled to throw. He wasn't pleased with his outing at all and felt a little defeated. I think he used the word "chunked".  "I chunked the ball, Erica. I did terrible", were his exact words. With it being the first game of Spring and his first outing, he wanted to make an impression but it really didn't go that way. I felt all over the place at the game. My emotions were a little off and I could feel that I didn't trust that God was there with me. I felt guilty that I didn't trust him enough. When I know all that he is capable of. I do this often, not just in baseball. I fly off the handle when things get hairy. I panic and get scared. I just have to remember to be still. God has got this.

So today I just want to testify that if you don't know God, please get to know him. I am sorry if this offends you and if you don't read my blog anymore but I have got to share the good news. I can't sit here and say that if at the end of Spring Training Jess doesn't make the team I won't shed a tear, feel a little lost or be sad but I can say that I know what is coming will be amazing because the one who holds my future is amazing and I trust he has our back. And this post isn't just about God blessing me. There are a lot of things in my life that I don't understand and struggle with but I rest in God for those things. Please do not get the impression that things are all peachy and perfect in my life because that just isn't so. I pray that this post came across as what I intended it to be and that is an encouragement to get to know our Lord so that you may have rest.

He is good and never fails.

Love,
E

Current Faves

I swear since we have gotten to Florida Titan has changed so much. We literally put him to bed one night and the next day he woke up a toddler.

He has taken about 6 steps in the past week. It probably has a lot to do with most of the rooms in our condo being tile and that can be super painful on your knees if you crawl on it all day like he does. Regardless, I see us having a walker soon. Happy and scary thoughts enter my mind when I think of T walking. How can he possibly be at this point already?!?

He is getting better everyday at feeding himself and we are trying to transition from baby food to table food. I feel like now is the time since we have so much traveling to do in the next four months so him eating more of what we can share would make things a lot easier.

BeechNut Baby Food: I do still feed him baby food on occasion. So if he's not "feeling" what I made or if he can't have what we are eating my "go-to" foods are BeechNut baby food products. They have a variety of different jarred foods and also these awesome pouches. There are no additives, just plain old fruits and veggies. I love that! I also love that the pouch is helping T learn how to hold his food while he sucks it. Sucking can be tricky for a almost ten month old as I have learned with a sippy cup in the past. 

Smoothies: This child loves smoothies. We have two recipes that are pretty much the same but we alternate different fruits if we aren't feeling like one over the other that day. 

1/2 cup Non Fat Plain Yogurt

1/2 cup Apple Juice

1/2 cup Blueberries or Strawberries

1 Banana 

8-10 pieces of ice

Then mix until it's all smooth! 

Sometimes we add an orange for extra flavor too! 

Sunshine: T has been enjoying the nice weather just as much as we have! 

This little nugget is growing up so fast. I can hardly stand it! I am so thankful that we can all be together during this time. Baseball is grueling enough on the mind and body. It would break Jess' heart if he weren't able to watch our little man grow. So thank you, God. For blessing my family and for allowing us to spend this time together.

I hope y'alls week is shaping out nicely! Only 3 more days until the weekend!

Love, 

E