Giving of my time and receiving so much

    I decided to volunteer for the catalyst conference on a complete whim. We usually volunteer for the Missions Conference in Wasilla, Alaska, but we will not be in town for it this year. I was hoping for some quality adult time after months of waiting for baby and then being with our baby. I received so much more than what I had hoped for. I got my quality adult time while meeting some amazing individuals and listening to some inspiring talks, plus I was given a stack of resources that I am eager to dive into. I finished my 30+ hours with a refreshed look on life and a renewed thankfulness for all of our blessings. I felt God's presence and I could feel His happiness with what was being accomplished at the conference. I also feel like He was happy that I was getting out and surrounding myself with fun positive Christians. I want to volunteer again, and honestly the sooner the better. To top off the fabulous three days, I received an audio download of the conference as I was walking out, that I cannot wait to share with Jason and others back home. Then, just the other day I received an email telling me that I won an iPad mini which I do not even remember signing up for at the conference. I just think it's another "thank you" from God. I feel prompted to send some of the resources back home and thus I will be sending a box filled with free books that were given to me at the conference. 

The Time Change

     I'm back home in Atlanta as a first time mom with my little girl Ella. Alaska has it's very own time zone and it varies by four hours to the Eastern Time Zone. The time change has been difficult on Ella, but she is dealing with it as only a baby can. The major change that has occurred is in our relationship. She now has a lack of interest in wanting to nurse. This time change and the change in environment has caused her to begin weaning. Her desire to cuddle has increased and I am thankful for this positive increase. I'm counting that as a blessing. I'm also very thankful for being able to nurse her for 5.5 months even though I never had a full supply. She was able to benefit from me as long as she wanted too. I am thankful for those five and a half months. Nursing my child was one thing I really wanted to do, along with a natural birth,  even before I became pregnant. I pray that we have an easier time with it our next go around. If not, I am prepared to tackle all the issues again and have faith in everything I have learned in such a short time. I've modified my diet and have detoxed several times and I'll continue to read and learn when ever I can. We have experienced many changes in a short amount of time but our relationship continues to grow.