“Any woman who knows she will have an HG pregnancy and chooses to get pregnant again is nothing but selfish. If she knows she can’t take care of herself and will burden others, she has no right to put her family and friends through that.” I blinked at the words on the screen. Battling extreme morning sickness for the fourth time led me to online support groups for my condition, hyperemesis … [Read more...]
A New (Little) Adventure for Our Family, Coming Summer 2018
Gwen refused to be in this photo from our trip to NOLA on the way home for Thanksgiving. But THERE'S STILL FIVE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE. Did you catch that?! I’m good at keeping secrets about other people. About myself? Not so much. And I’ve been dying to tell you this for the past month! It is with greatest joy that I announce that we are expecting a new baby next summer! We are absolutely … [Read more...]
Baptismal Traditions (And Giveaway from CheruBalm!)
Today I’m partnering with CheruBalm to chat baptismal traditions (and offering a great giveaway at the end of the post!). As we’ve been unpacking in our new house, I uncovered the box with the kids’ baptismal candles and special mementos from their baptismal days (such sweet memories!) and I've received a few questions about baptismal traditions so lately so it just seemed timely. Baptism days … [Read more...]
Links for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
image source Today, October 15th, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It's a difficult day for so many families because miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss are not uncommon. For most of my life I pushed the possibility of these painful events far to the edges of my mind. Probably out of fear because losing a chid is every parent's worst nightmare. But after walking with so many … [Read more...]
Every Story Has a Bellybutton
While we're on our adventure across the country, my friend Tyler is sharing a post on the blog today. Enjoy! - Haley Image source By Tyler Blanski Everyone has a story, and every story has a bellybutton. In the shadow of Planned Parenthood and what has been aptly called abortion’s Wilberforce moment, it could be said that bellybuttons are the most natural and prolific pro-life bumper … [Read more...]
Learning to Trust God Through Childbirth
(The book is done, but while I'm swamped setting up the logistics of launching it, my sweet friend and one of my favorite bloggers, Christy of fountains of home is here to share some beautiful thoughts. - Haley) When I think back and look over my spiritual journey as it were, there are many different experiences which make up my faith as it is now. There have been times of spiritual … [Read more...]
When Our Good and Holy Plans Fall Through…
(I'm honored to share this beautiful guest post from my dear friend, Mandi Richards. -Haley) I thought I woke up every morning willing to do God’s will. I made choices that others questioned (like marrying young and starting our family early - both without much money in the bank, giving up grad school for life as a stay-at-home mom) but I did so willingly and with great joy because I believed … [Read more...]
The Three Most Important Things I Do Before Having a Baby
(While I'm up to my ears in book edits and formatting, one of my favorite bloggy friends, Kendra of Catholic All Year, is here! I'm a huge fan of Kendra's blog, and although sometimes we don't agree *cough* Flannery *cough*, Kendra is fantastic, kind, funny, and occasionally astounds me with her amazing ideas (a devil pinata on Michaelmas?!). Enjoy! - Haley) If you're expecting me to say … [Read more...]
Growing a Family on One Income: Ideas for Spending Less on Clothes
(Growing a Family on One Income is an ongoing series at Carrots. Previous posts are about being a one-car family and fitting three car seats in a Camry.) New clothes are fun. If I had the cash to spare, I would spend way too much on clothes. But when you’re on a budget, this is a great area to make some sacrifices. When you’re expecting, it’s hugely tempting to go hog wild buying new baby clothes … [Read more...]
Welcome to the Family, Gwen! Newborn Photos by Sarah Gray
When Benjamin was a newborn, I would stare down at him, trying to carve every line of his tiny face in my memory. But by the next day he would look different and I couldn't recall exactly how he'd looked the night before. I am so grateful that we have beautiful photos of his first week taken by a photographer friend. But when Lucy arrived, I didn't book a newborn session and I deeply regret … [Read more...]
