Life with Helen

I recently learned that April is Caesarean Section awareness month. I had never given it much thought, but now, having experienced it myself, I feel the need to celebrate the c-section mamas. In movies and TV shows, there is always that beautiful birth moment - you know the one. The crying, sweaty, exhausted mama feels she can’t go on. Then someone holds her hand and gives her the encouraging speech she needs for one last push. Just then, you hear the unmistakable sound of a newborn baby crying as they place him or her on the moms chest. *cue music* Now, I don’t know if that’s really how it goes or not because I never made it there!  My doctor knew Logan was going to be a big boy, and suggested that I schedule a c-section.  I thought to myself “noooo way! (That’s scary.) You are not taking my beautiful, made-for-movies moment away from me! (Also, I’m scared.) You don’t know what I’m capable of, lady! (Petrified of that option actually.) I’ve got this!!” You guys, I didn’t...

I think you know by now that I am pretty candid about what’s going on in my life. Consequently, I am also candid about what’s going on in the lives of those around me.  So, here’s a quick update to bring everyone up to speed who maybe haven’t watched my stories and posts as diligently as I would like...  Matt has been experiencing a lot of pain, and recently had a surgery in an attempt to relieve that pain. The jury is still out on whether or not there is improvement because, much like when you do a simple home repair, you fix one thing, 3 more pop up. He also started a new chemo this week. It has definitely felt like a super steep uphill battle the past few months, but I will go more in depth with everything another day. Logan is almost 1. He is walking, talking, and destroying constantly. I am still working from home full time. Both a blessing and a curse for many reasons. I started a thing called 75 Hard, at which I initiall...

I know this is the most annoying thing moms say about their kids, but I just can’t believe my boy is 6 months old! And I really can’t believe I’m still home with him everyday with no end in sight! I’m definitely not complaining, but gone are the days of him taking long, luxurious naps and quietly watching the ceiling fan spin! No, no, this kid is AC-TIVE. He wants to be doing things all the time, so I find myself moving him from contraption to floor and floor to contraption over and over again to keep him entertained. We’ve sort of found a routine, but just when we think we’re knocking it out of the park, he throws a change up! I’ve had quite a few people tell me that they referenced my Newborn Must Haves post while putting together their baby registry, which thrilled me to death. Soooo, I thought I’d keep it going and share my favorite 3-6 month items as well! All of them are linked HERE  on LIKEtoKNOW.it! Happy shopping! #1 on the list and #1 in my heart is the Merlin’s Magic Sl...

This time last summer my mama arrived home from a work trip to Wyoming, and while it felt like she was gone forever, it was really just one week! I showed her how much I missed her with my very best zoomies!  I listened as she told dad all about her “motion sickness” and “altitude sickness,” but I could tell something was different about her. I just couldn’t put my paw on it.  The next morning I watched her in the bathroom from the bed with my head rested on my paws. I knew she didn’t feel well, so I had hoped she would come back for more cuddles and pets . After she shut the door, I pawed at it to let her know I was concerned. Also, I was offended that it was shut. I wagged my tail when she emerged to make her feel better.  You know, they say hoomans need rewards and positive reinforcements.  I followed her as she made her way down the hall to the room that housed that dreaded Cricut. Ugh, I hate that thing. So scary.  I watched from a safe distance until she...

It’s unfortunate that COVID-19 is still around for Mother's Day weekend.  It's kind of putting a damper on the celebrations and gift buying! Let’s be honest, if there’s ever a year moms need to be celebrated, it’s 2020.  After being trapped in the house with their stir crazy children whilst working at a dining room table with their husband for...I'm not even sure how long, they deserve a super special day!  I mean, you know we are struggling because a lot of us have relented to joining Tiktok for entertainment, and there’s no shame in that. It’s called survival.  BUT, you've made it this far, so please allow me to congratulate you on a job well done. I've said before that I have really enjoyed my time home with my family!  I am so grateful for this extra time to snuggle with Logan.  Throughout the day, while I am working, I often look over my laptop to see Matt and Logan giggling and chatting it up and think "I could be at the office right now missing thi...

I am going to preface this post with a confession.  I have not sent out thank you cards.  But they are coming!  It's not that I am not extremely thankful, I am, I truly am! The thing is - I hate my handwriting.  Like, truly embarrassed by how bad it is.  Cindy Noffsinger always told me that it's because my hand can't keep up with my brain, which makes me feel good, so we will go with that.  This is why I absolutely loathe writing notes or even addressing an envelope, which is why you addressed your own envelope if you came to my baby shower.  True story - I sent Megan Hannah a picture of my first addressed wedding invitation and her reply was something like "Why don't you let me address them for you as a wedding gift?"  I know Meg well enough to know that was her polite way of saying “Holy cow, you will not ruin our beautiful invitations with that chicken scratch on the front!” (Jokes, jokes, she’d never say that to my face lol ) SO, to avoid all ...