What I would tell my new, mama self!

Being a new mama is tough! 
Getting adjusted to a new sleep schedule, recoving from giving birth, catering to every single need of this tiny human, getting your chest used breastfeeding/pumping, and so many more adjusments!
Before giving birth to Makenna, I had so many misconcieved notions of what motherhood was really going to be life. After hours on google and spending so much time talking to other mama, I thought I was SO prepared. I thought mother hood was going to be something I can easily transition into...
WRONG! 
While I have suprised myself these past, almost, 9 months as to how much I adore and love motherhood..those first fews day, actually WEEKS, were nothing less than just rough.
SO!
In honor of Sunday being Mothers Day, this post is all about the top 5 things I wish my new, mama self had known!
Here we go:

1) Do not get caught up in all the "stuff." 
Motherhood is seriously such a huge marketing scam.  You have all these different companies advertising their stuff for babies that makes you feel you just HAVE to have it! Electric thermoter? CHECK! A $900 swing? CHECK! 500 stuffed bears and other cute little animals? CHECK! That pretty, fancy, frilly daiper holder thingy that holds all the diapers? CHECK!
NO!! I've learned that having a newborn does not require a lot of "stuff" and that less is actually more. Looking back on it now, I'm almost thankful we brought Makenna home to a 5th wheel so that we had the excuse of limited space! Makenna did (and still does) indeed have more than she needs but not in a ridiculous amount.

2) You're not going to bounce back right away after giving birth.
I always thought that having a C-section is what would have been the biggest healing process after giving birth. I never thought a VB (vaginal birth) would have left me in the condition it did! After Makenna was born, she went into the NICU. I rememeber having to go down there every 2 hours to nurse her and my body was so worn and tired that I was unable to even stand up to change a diaper. I couldn't sit, could barely lay down or turn over in my bed and the nurses put such fear into my head of when I would finally go number 2! I give so much credit to my body for doing what it did to deliver our sweet baby and wish I gave it that credit then. I remember being so frustrated and impatient that my body wouln't let me do anything! One thing that I can advise to new moms is that we all need different amount of times to heal. Don't look at other mamas and think "oh she healed so much faster." Give yourself and body a break AND a good pat on the back :)

3) Breastfeeding doesn't make you Mom of the Year.
When I was pregnant I wanted nothing more than to breastfeed my daughter. My heart was more than set on it and I gave myself no other choice. Well, when Makenna was in NICU, she had a giant cast on her arm that held in the IV and it made it very difficult to nurse her with that in the way. The nurses were always running tests and checking on her that it messed with our feeding schedule. Makenna had no interest to latch on because she was already too upset. I started to pump milk right away and have been pumping, every day, ever since then! There were a few times in the hosptial that we had to feed her formula. It crushed me and I was way too upset. I wish I knew how important it was that my baby was just FED. While pumping as much as I do does make me feel a little bit like a champ, it DOES NOT make me better than any other mama out there! I wish I would have relaxed when it came to breastmilk and pumping. Makenna has been getting nothing but my milk since we came home from the hositpal and for that I'm happy but it wouldn't have been the end of the world if dthat wasn't the outcome.

4) It's OK to have time to yourself.
I am SO thankful to have my parents right up the road. They are so good with Makenna and really pay attention and respect how Eric and I like things done with our daughter. I definetly utilize their closeness to have time to myself. Whether it be to just head to the grocery store or serve at church for a few hours during the week, it is super important to recharge and have moments to myself. Mentally and spiritually. When Makenna was really little and I needed some time to myself or even for a date night with my husband, I felt super guilty leaving Makenna. I would totally tell my new, mom self that it's ok to take some time to yourself and especially to date your husband. We, as mamas, are still humans (shocker!!) and need to take some time to show some love to myself.

5) Mom shaming is NOT COOL!!!!
This one. Ok, now look, we are all guilty of being judgy toward other mamas, myself included. But I am SO sick and tired of seeing the mama bullying that goes on about anything and everything: how we handle discipline, sleep habits, breastfeeding or formula, organic or non organic, homemade pureed baby food or store bought, how fast your baby is developing, working moms VS SAHM and OH MY the list goes on and on. It needs to STOP! We are all a community. No seriously we are!! A community of women who want nothing more than to see our children happy, healthy and successful. We need to stop showing condemnation and start showing compassion. When Makenna was first born, I spent a lot of time comparing. Why?! For what?! I am me and Makenna is her and we are both different than every single person on this planet. While one parenting mathod may work for our family, doesn't mean that it will work for any other family.
We all love our kids and while we don't all need to be eachothers best friends, we NEED, we MUST, respect the fact that we are all different and are going to parent different ways. We must show eachother love and kindness.
I still compare sometimes. But only sometimes because I've learned that there is no point in seeing what's on the other side of the fence. I need to spend my time and energy focusing on my side.
The bullying needs to stop and the mom shaming needs to stop.

Well there ya go! Have something to add or share? Let me know!
I hope all the mama's out there reading this have a GREAT Mother's Day. I hope you are made to feel important and loved because you are. God chose you to be a mama for a reason.
For those that are hurting at the thought of this day coming up, I'm here. Always!
gfmamaj@gmail.com
Much, much love!!

Inhale love, exhale gratitude

I absolutely adore this time of year. The chill in the air starts to set in for winter, everyone is busy holiday shopping, and families are getting together for one very special dinner of thanks! It's crazy to think that this time last year, I was already pregnant with Makenna and didn't even know it. Now she's here and I'm able to hold my sweet babe while stuffing my face with turkey this year.
I am so thankful for all that has happened in our lives this past year. I shamefully realize how much I take for granted every single day. Yes my roof may leak when it rains, but it's still shelter from the cold. My car may be in the shop every other month, but I am still able to get around. I may get my yearly sinus infection but for the most part, my family and I have our health. We may not be rich but my husband has an amazing job that's able to take care of us and provide us with an amazing, stable life. When times get hard, I don't always remember how great I really have it. God has blessed my little family with so much and I should recognize and be thankful for all of it every single day of the year.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. 

Psalm 95:2-3

With all the hate that has spread all over the news the past few days, this leads me to want to jump into my community even more. To take this relationship I have with Jesus by the hand and bring it everywhere I possibly can. I have been feeling even more appreciative of where I am at emotionally and spiritually today. This country needs love. This world needs love. Why not pour that sweet love we have inside of us to those who so desperately need it most this upcoming holiday season? And when the holidays are over, lets carry that with us wherever we go. There are so many places and opportunities where we can extend a loving and lending hand. I challenge all of you to take time this holiday season to reach out to anyone you may feel needs it.
Life can be made beautiful no matter what hand we are dealt. Focus on what you DO have tomorrow and what others would do anything for.
I pray all of you have a warm and happy Thanksgiving with whoever you may be spending it with. May your belly be full and your heart even fuller.
Much love to you all!

Five more things I am thankful for:

*A place to call home

*Our health

*How much progress Eric and I have made in our marriage

*Date nights

*Grace

This one is for you, Kim K.

Hey there!
As much as I do not like to admit it, I used to watch Keeping up with the Kardashians. On a weekly, morning and nightly basis. I'd tune into their new episodes every Sunday night and read magazine articles about them.
It's not so much that I really "admired" them but was more fascinated by them. Fascinated with fame that really came from no where or the way they spoke to one another and just lived their lives. In a way, I was almost envious of their lifestyle. They had so much money and could literally buy whatever they wanted to and they seemed so happy doing so.
It wasn't until, maybe, two or three seasons ago that I started to get over the whole Kardashian craze and they honestly started to bug me. I decided to stop watching it and really felt good about that decision. I honestly didn't even hear much about the Kardashians anymore. Until last week.
I'm sure most, if not all, have heard about how Kim Kardashian has "broke the internet" with the spread she did for Paper magazine. The pictures of Kim are quite bare and by bare I mean wearing nothing at all.
The feedback has been negative. Some positive but mostly negative. Those that do support the Kardashians are lashing out to those who are negatively commenting on that spread, saying that "she's a woman and is embracing her sexuality." Or "she's free to do whatever she wants" and "you are all just jealous your body doesn't look like that."
OK STOP
When I first saw the pictures (right there on my news-feed, I couldn't scroll away fast enough!!!), I will admit that I, most definitely, judged. I looked down upon Kim and was almost angry at the thought of this being on my husbands news-feed and HIM having access to see this. But these past few days as I was thinking about the magazine spread and looking at comments from people all over the world with their thoughts on it, my shock and disgust disappeared. It really just makes me feel bad for her.
I can honestly say that it saddens me that a woman as beautiful as Kim Kardashian feels she needs to strip down to literally nothing in order to gain even more attention. It saddens me to imagine that all she thinks she is good for is her body. It saddens me to think that her daughter has to grow up in an environment where taking your clothes off for money and attention is ok. It saddens me to think that with all that fame and fortune and attention; are they really happy? Is this life really what they want?

And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.
-1 Timothy 2:9

I'm not talking about wearing turtlenecks and long skirts here. I love to look good and attractive BUT for one person and one person ONLY: my husband. I do not dress in a way to attract the eyes of others, especially men. I have no problem dressing in a way that speaks class and still lets me feel great about myself because, YES, as women, we should have confidence. Confidence leads to happiness and I want that for every lady. But does that mean to strip down to your birthday suit to do that?
Look, Kim Kardashian did what she felt was a good move for her and her career. If her husband is ok with it then what else is there to say? I will pray for the Kardashian- West family. That they are and will raise that little girl to be humble, to love and to do the right thing-whatever that may be to them.
I may get some backlash for this and that is ok. But, I am the child of a God who wants me to respect my body and to me, that is not showing it much respect. I do not think a picture like that should be for the eyes of the world. 
However, to each their own. I will continue about my daily life and soon enough, that magazine spread will fade into a thing of that past. Even though I can't personally, I will show Kim K. compassion through good thoughts and prayer. I really tried hard to pick and choose my words in this post. I don't want to come across as being one of those "jealous" fans because trust me, my body may never look like that and that is perfectly fine with me.
As for my family, I would love to teach my daughter to seek the attention and approval of Jesus and not society. To represent herself (and still love) in a way that is appealing to Him. 
To anyone who disagrees and would like to discuss this further, I would love to! (gfmamaj@gamil.com)

MOVING ON:
It is almost Thanksgiving! I'm pretty sure I am finished with my Christmas shopping and now it is just a matter of putting it all together.
The Janson Family has so many exciting things on the calender. Besides the fact that we are celebrating Makenna's major first holidays (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years!), we also have some church Christmas parties to attend. 
 While still sick, I attended my first Worship Band practice yesterday! (EEEEP!) It was SO much fun. It was more then rewarding to be around other musicians again, especially those that just love Jesus! I am so excited to see where this leads because at Newspring and in God, the best is ALWAYS yet to come!
Well, that is all that's on mind (for now)! I hope you are all having a fabulous start to your week and are busy finalizing Thanksgiving plans. As always, I'm here to chat about anything that may be on your mind :)
Much love!

5 more things I am thankful for:
-My sweet husband playing nurse while I've been sick
-Decaff green tea
-Music
-My parents generosity
-Pintrest recipes

Show me how to love the unlovable

"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:9-10

I read the most amazing devotional yesterday morning from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It starts off with the verse you see above from Romans and then talks about "unrushing" your life and making time for the smaller assignments The Lord puts in our lives daily. While I could relate to the devotional and it really was a great read, this bible verse they provided made me think about something else that I know every single person (I know I do!) must struggle with.
Loving those who are the hardest to love.
It is hard for me sometimes to show love and compassion to EVERYBODY. There are those that have done me wrong, those that don't necessarily seem compatible with me, and those that I feel I should just avoid. I run away from those that probably need the most love. 
This is not like Jesus at all. Jesus ran to those that had the most problems: prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors, the poor and dirty, etc. He didn't hide away from those that were socially unacceptable. So why should we? It all comes down to judgement doesn't it?
The bible says to love and help others as long as it doesn't interfere with YOUR personal and growing relationship with God. I hide behind this when I do not want to extend a hand or kind words to those that need it most. My selfish feelings get in the way of doing what I know is expected of me as a Christian and I will admit, I am shameful of this. It's hard for me to give kindness and love to somebody that hurt me, my marriage or my family. I don't want to pray good things for them. I want anger to take over my heart because that is what I feel they deserve.
But you know what? I deserve anger too. I've fallen and still do fall short. Jesus is the ONLY perfect person out there. I have no right to not forgive anybody that has done wrong doing against me.
We love because He loved us first.
-1 John 4:19
I pray a lot that God teaches me to love how He loves. To forgive how He forgives. To be rich in mercy and slow to anger. (Psalm 145:8) How do I expect to bring others closer to Jesus if I pass any judgment or show nothing but anger to them?
I'm realizing that the more love I put out, the more love that can fill my heart. Anger and judgement will have no choice but to leave because there will be no more room in my heart to fit those emotions. It's not always going to be easy. The other day I tried to show compassion to the last person I would ever want to show it to and I have since received no response. Honestly, it bruised my ego a bit before I realized it's not about how good it makes ME feel but about just knowing that I am able to go out and do what God expects of me to do. It's Him I want to please and His work I want to complete. 
Try it out. Try extending grace and love to others on a daily basis, whether you follow Jesus or not! Run to those that need love the most. Set an example for others to follow your lead. Show a smile behind your eyes instead of jealousy, anger or judgement. 
If you have anything you'd like to chat about regarding this or anything on your heart, please do not hesitate: gfmamaj@gmail.com :)

On to a more different and yummier note! That soup looks SO good right??!

I found this great article of all these different kinds of Gluten Free soups! The weather is really starting to cool down here in SC and I am anxious to try out new recipes, especially some beef stew. (My faovrite!) So check out the link and let me know which ones you like and have successfully made:

Gluten Free Soup Recipes

Also during this time of year, I to just pour myself a small cup of wine at the end of the day while Eric enjoys a nice, manly beer! His taste changes all the time but my favorite wine happens to be Moscato. I'm always open to trying new types (just no red please) so I welcome any wine suggestions you may have :) Duplin has come out with their Christmas wines and I cannot wait to get those back in my fridge again!

Hope you all had an excellent week and have an even sweeter weekend! It's going to be nice here in Lexington, so I'm hoping we can make it outside for a little while.

Much love!!!