kindness...

I spent two and a half hours on hold with United Airlines today.

When we booked our travel a few weeks ago we didn't really think about how difficult it may be to arrive home around midnight and not throw off our baby's nightly routine. Nor did we think about the poor friend who would have to come pick us up at the late hour. So today, two days prior to our departure from our extended stay here in snowy Ohio we decided to see about changing our flight. #lastmintueisourthingnow

It didn't seem like it would be possible to get on an earlier flight without paying an arm and a leg (even with miles.) We got the run around from the first guy and had to hang up and call back.

Another hour on hold...

I understand why people get frustrated waiting on hold. During the time we spent on hold my husband and I were able to drink two cups of coffee, shower, and I fed the baby twice. What people forget sometimes is that the person on the other end didn't intentionally put off speaking with you for an hour. It's not a crime against you. That person is not an asshole (well...sometimes maybe!) That person is just like you or me and they are just doing their job.

So I was extremely polite to the woman I was speaking with even though things still were not looking good. She spent thirty minutes with me trying every single possible way for us to get on an earlier flight. I was willing to pay change fees and whatever it took to get us home at a normal time and on a direct flight. Then... all of the sudden she said, "Samantha, I've got it all taken care of. Have a happy new year!"

What? That's it? I owed nothing. I asked if there was a manager I could speak to so that I could compliment her for my pleasent experience. She said it wasn't necessary. I really feel she deserves an award or a raise... or a cupcake!

Great guest experience isn't always easy to come by (especially with airlines.) So today I want to acknowledged her and express my gratidtude for her help. Whoever and wherever you are... THANK YOU! Enjoy this cupcake from me.

hope you like Sprinkles!

Let this serve as a reminder that when we work together anything is possible. When you find yourself getting worked up over anything take a deep breath, be patient, and be KIND.

 

Posted with Blogsy

my year in review...

I want to celebrate and share my year! You should too!

I'd like to start with the lovely lady pictured below. She is one determined woman. I'm proud to say she wants my job and she really is the perfect fit for it! This was us on the first day of 2013, and on that day I declared that she would have my job by years end. Mel- thank you for being an incredible inspiration and for always leading from a place of love.  I am so proud of what we have accomplished together this year and will be forever grateful that you are running the show while I'm out on maternity leave.

I kicked the new year off right with a wicked awesome personal best at the Chevron Houston Marathon. I shaved 24 minutes off of my previous best time and have never felt so amazing doing so. I thought I was going to fall flat on my face from insufficient training up until mile 10 of that cold and rainy race. This became the 2nd greatest day of my life to date (first being my wedding day) but as you will see later on in the year this one has to slip to #3.

In February we found out we were going to be parents! This was a goal we set to accomplish sometime this year... it just came a little sooner that we thought! No complaints here.

I traveled more than ever this year for work, for play, with friends, and with family! El Paso, NYC, St. Thomas/St. John, Ohio, Dallas, Austin, Vancouver, Naples. All while pregnant! Whew!

I saved a boat load of money. OK... my definition of boat load may not be that much... but I set a goal and I achieved it, people! I also set a goal to make money through writing and guess what?! I've earned approximately $3.41via Google Adsense and Amazon Associates. Boo ya! #betterthannothing

At my company's leadership conference in August, I was one of 28 store managers to receive the "Most Inspiring Leader" award! I was completely surprised, honored and bursting with #joblove. I am so grateful I fell into my store 4 years ago and I couldn't imagine working anywhere else. 

I celebrated my three year wedding anniversary with the most wonderful man. We've been together for over nine years! Marriage has been one hell of a good ride! We grow closer every single day.

and then...

the most wonderful thing happened this year...

My heart is so full as this year comes to a close AND there are still three more weeks to go! I'm thrilled to be able to have the time off work to travel back home to Ohio with our families for an extended period of time (I'll hopefully build a snowman or two!) This Christmas we are creating new traditions with our new little family.

2013 you have been awesome.

smiles...

My six week old baby slept for 5 hours and 8 minutes straight last night. When I walked over to her bassinet and looked down at her she stopped crying and smiled the most genuine smile I've ever experienced. It was a moment I'll never forget.

Cherish moments like these...

That's all...

new year approaching...

It's hard to believe that 2013 is coming to a close! I've been reflecting back on this year and am totally amazed at all that I've accomplished. I set some BIG goals and I did a pretty bang up job on achieving them. There are a few I have yet to cross off my list but I just need to readjust my timeline... Apparently, its not recommended to get an outrageous tattoo when your pregnant :)

I love December not only because of the holidays but because its an awesome time to reflect and dream up big plans for the new year. So what do you want to get up to in 2014? What have you put off doing? Personal, health, career... whatever it may be just dream it up and share it with people around you. Share with me!

Here are several resources I've used for goal setting...

Brian Tracy- Psychology of Achievement

More Brian Tracy

Jacki Carr is incredibly RAD

Susan Conrad is also RAD

Chip Wilson on Goal Setting

 

a few of my favorite [mom] things...

December is here! It's my favorite time of year. For as long as I can remember I've been fascinated with the Holidays!

I've been scouring the Internet for gift guides and inspiration as we embark upon gift giving season. As a new mom I've discovered several products I couldn't be without so I wanted to share in case you are expecting and want to add these to your list, or you have a new mom in your life that you will be shopping for!

Marley's Mom's Must Haves

The Honest Company Diapers and Products

The Honest Company

Why I dig it: All natural products that happen to also be absolutely adorable. We were not 100% sold on cloth diapers but still wanted something that was more eco-friendly. With any diaper you'll have blow outs and leaks but the Honest has played way better than the Huggies we've also used. You can gift monthly subscription bundles or check out their diaper cakes! Bonus: The customer service is AMAZING. I felt like I was talking with one of my girlfriends when I called to set up my bundle subscription.

aden + anais Burpy Bibs and Swaddle Blankets

Burpy Bib & Swaddle Blanket

Why I dig it: The bibs are super soft and absorbent and can be used as a burp cloth OR bib. The size and shape is perfect for slinging over your shoulder. The blankets get softer every time you wash them I swear! They are great for swaddling and are just darling. I've also found myself using them as a nursing cover! I had a friend tell me if you are ever unsure of what to get someone who is expecting that you can never have enough blankets and I completely agree! 

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags

Quick Clean Steam Bags

Why I dig it: I was given these as a gift at my shower and I cannot tell you how much easier it has made my life! I don't have to mess with the bulky sterilizer. I can take apart my pump and clean it quickly. When the dog gets a hold of the pacifiers I don't have to boil them on the stove. There is nothing to clean up... you just pop the bag in the microwave and boom... you're done!

Magnificent Baby

Magnificent Baby Gown

Why I dig it: Great company out of NYC! Clothing designer so that nothing has to go over their precious little heads! Makes diaper changes in the middle of the night insanely easy. They have cute patterns and other styles of onesies as well. Check them out! 

Tiny Devotions Mala Beads

Yogi Mala Bundle

Why it's on my wish list: I've been gifted a pair of these gorgeous beads before and they are something special! Wonderful quality. As a mom, I now know how deserving of special treats we are and I think this bundle has it all. It includes: The Mama Mala, a scarf, COFFEE, bracelets, and a signature soap. 

lululemon athletica Still Pants

lululemon athletica

Why I dig it: Even if I didn't work for the greatest company in the World I would recommend these pants for every woman! The Still pant is especially wonderful for new moms. Comfy and loose with pockets to stuff your phone, burp cloths, pacifiers, or snacks!

Happy Cyber Monday! Happy Holidays!

-Marley's Mom

bump to baby...

I've been working on this post for days now as part of my healing process. It is authentic. It is me. And I want to really share how its going for me adjusting to my new life. So here we go...

What I expected these first few weeks...

I knew that I would be sleep deprived

I knew I would walk around with puke on my clothes

I knew I'd be pooped on while changing diapers

Showers would be few and far between

I would have to let household chores slide

I wouldn't have much time to think about what I'm eating

I would look at my baby and smile uncontrollably

I would be a different person (not in a bad way)

People would be more excited to see the baby than me (well...duh!)

What I didn't know... 

What "sleep deprived" actually felt like

How leaky my boobs would be ALL THE TIME

How sore every part of my body would be after delivery
I would get mastitis twice... what the hell is mastitis?!

My grey hair would reappear so quickly (perk of pregnancy)

Breastfeeding would be so challenging and demanding (#understatement)

I would (out of necessity) need to go sugar, dairy, and gluten free three weeks postpartum to combat the war going on in my body from being on antibiotics for three weeks... going on four

I wouldn't want to be around people (I love people!)

I would feel like the old me had "died"

It would be possible to have PTSD from my labor and delivery (once you lay eyes on your baby your brain erases all the pain and suffering right?!)
I would feel trapped in my own home

I would battle feelings of sadness, guilt, fear, anxiety (I could go on)

I never thought I would revert to my old ways of dealing with difficult times (which was to blame it all on everything and everyone but me.) The "new me" would accept responsibility for everything in my life and understand that it is not happening to me... it is just happening. However, "post baby me" feels sorry for herself, cries everyday, and is constantly waiting for the next bad thing to happen.

No one ever prepared me for this. No one warned me of some of this stuff. If they did I didn't listen. If the blogs and the baby sites had it posted, I missed it. Everyone kept asking me if I was ready and excited while I was pregnant and my answer was always the same, "hell yeah, I'm ready!" I said it enough... I believed it. Reality smacked me in the face a few weeks ago.

It is important for me to stress having a baby really has been the coolest thing I've ever done. I wouldn't change ANYTHING. I cannot imagine my life without her. I still can't believe we made that! And I could write an entire blog dedicated to my husband (and I may just yet!) He has been my rock and hasn't judged me once for any of my feelings postpartum.

I started writing this five days ago and I can say things are getting better. I'm more in control of my emotions. I'm falling more in love with my baby everyday. I'm slowly letting go of resentment, guilt, anger. I'm starting to believe that I can do this. Of course I can. A million other women have done it. There will be tough days ahead and I accept that. Its all easier said than done and I'm being patient with myself during this process.

For all of my pregnant friends and followers... don't be scared! Just be aware that you may will experience feelings that you were not prepared for. You won't feel the way I do. You won't have the same experience as I had. Yours will be unique and different and messy and beautiful.

Sometimes you have to share the not so good stuff, the stuff people don't like talking about. The process helps you to open your eyes to all the really good stuff that is going on. Thank you for allowing me to be real and to share with you what I'm going though.

the greatest finish line ever...

When I wrote my last blog post I had just been in the hospital for monitoring after a little fender bender we were in the day before. I genuinely thought I would be discharged from the hospital that afternoon and we would meet baby in a week or so. I had it all wrong.

During the 24 hour monitoring period baby had a little dip in her heart rate sizable enough for my doctor to advise that we induce labor that night. There were a few other things working against us and we we're almost 39 weeks so it was safe for baby to arrive. However, this was not my ideal birth plan. Medical induction was probably one of the things I was trying most to avoid. So I breakdown in tears...

Once I stopped crying, my husband and I stood in shock when we realized we were not leaving the hospital without a baby. That was exciting! I forgot for a moment that my "plan" wasn't going to go the way I had imagined. OK, this is real. (Because no matter how many times you thought it was real before it wasn't.)

(after we got the news we wouldn't leave the hospital without a baby)

So I had a choice... I could keep crying or I could GO FOR IT and give it all I had. I will spare the majority of details of our 6 night hospital stay but it was 54 hours from start of induction to the time our baby arrived. It was filled with ups and downs. We heard good news and bad news. We had moments when we felt like we didn't know what was going on. 

(proof that the Universe was looking out for us)

I had a moment near the end where I wasn't sure I'd live to meet my baby... after 54 hours I was too physically and mentally exhausted to fight that nasty thought. When it was over I barely knew where I was or what had happened. Looking at my little girl made it all worth it. I have never done anything as challenging as what I did that week. I had to completely throw away all of my plans and adapt to what was needed in the moment. I had to give in to what was in the best interest of baby and myself. The reward was epic. 

It was a true marathon... the greatest marathon finish line I'll ever cross.