Why We're Waiting...

I got a lot of feedback on my previous post about babies. So, I'm at it again. Mostly, to answer the aging question, "When are y'all going to have kids???" 
The question mostly comes up like this:  "Y'all have been married for over two years now. Aren't y'all thinking of having kids anytime soon? What are you waiting for? When are y'all going to have kids?" 
As previously mentioned, we do want kids. Just not right now! Seriously, why can't people just accept where you are in your life, whether it be single, married, dating, baby-less, a house full of little ones, loving on a dog/cat, living in a mansion, struggling in an apartment with no white picket fence - WHO CARES?! Okay okay, that's really a topic for another day {it's coming, don't worry}. 
via Do those precious toes make me want to have a child of my own? Of course! But seriously, what's the rush? Some may disagree with me, but this is my blog. Therefore, my opinions. You can leave if you want, I don't mind. 
Yes, Colten and I have been married for over two years.  Yes, we both want to become parents.  Yes, we have baby fever.  Yes, we're waiting. 
Why? Let's take a look at the reasons why we're waiting, shall we? It's really why you're here anyway... 
Finances. Surprise, surprise {not!}, having a baby costs bookoos of money. I'm talking lots and lots of paper. LOTS! I don't know from personal experience {obviously}, but it's no secret. It starts with the moment you are aware you're pregnant. It's doctor bill after doctor bill, and it's only the beginning. For nine{ish} months, you will attend numerous doctor appointments to check on your baby as well as your own well-being. Fun fact: we're not rolling in the dough. Therefore, we know that we want to be more financially stable before even attempting for children. Before you go rolling your eyes at me {yes, that means you!}, I am completely aware of the fact that no one is ever able to afford having a baby, and if we wait until we can afford it, it'll never happen. Preach elsewhere, please, as I've already mentioned - I'm aware! But there's a huge difference in being able to afford a baby and being financially stable for a baby to enter into our lives. If you want more details on that, you just let me know. :) 
Marriage. Marriage is not something that I take lightly {no one should}. I vowed forever with my husband, and by gosh, I'm going to enjoy every minute! Which also means I'm going to truly cherish every single second that it's just 'two' in our family. For those of you thinking, "but it's already been two years..." Yes, it has, but can you ever really have enough time with your spouse? Seriously, Colten and I don't get that much time together {definitely not as much as we'd like}, so we're really not rushing into adding another HUGE and LIFE CHANGING commitment to the mix right now. We want to truly enjoy each other and learn more about each other, which we do every single day. We want to stand by our commitment to stand by each other. That doesn't mean that marriage is out the window once a baby comes into the picture, but I want to be able to experience life with my husband by my side and be sure that we have 'married memories' that don't involve waking up in the middle of the night to a blood curdling scream from a newborn that only has to poop. Ok? Okay. 
It's not our decision anyway!  Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. It's not mine or Colten's decision when the right time is for us to have children {if we even can}. We firmly believe that it will happen in God's timing. He holds our future in His hands, and if it shall be, it will be. Colten and I have such a want to one day become parents that we know it will happen one day, one way or another. It may not be easy, but through our current state of 'wanting', we're also learning a lot. Roman's 5:3-5 says: 
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 
We are learning perseverance and building our character to be better parents one day than we would be today. I have unfailing faith in our Savior that his will shall be done through me. If I'm meant to become a mother, it'll happen in God's timing and in God's way. 
However, that doesn't mean that I'm not human and want a baby so badly some days, because I do. God knows the wants and desires of my heart, which leaves me clinging to these two verses - 
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.   -Mark 11:24 
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.   -Psalm 37:4
God knows what he's doing. He knows better than I could ever imagine. And because of that, we're waiting. We know that His timing will be impeccable, as with all things, and I will just be content having 'baby fever' until it happens. That doesn't go to say that I will be happy waiting until I'm in my 40's to have a baby, because let's face it, I'm a pretty impatient person. But God knows all of this. It's really nothing new to Him. My patience will definitely be tested during this time of 'waiting', but I know it's what's right. For all involved parties. 
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  -Psalm 37:7 
Yes, God, I hear you! :) 
How amazing is it to be at peace knowing he is working for me, even though I cannot yet see it? When we rest in God and trust Him to take care of us, then we stop trying to make things happen on our own. 

A Glimpse into Parenthood

It's inevitable: a baby post. 
*Disclaimer: I am NOT pregnant* 
Colten and I want kids, but when the time is right for us {which in our opinion, isn't right now}. We are focusing on other things that are important to us right now in the stage of our lives we're in. Vague enough? Good. :) 
With that being said, we have baby fever! We know it's best to wait {and wait we will} and we also know that God already has it all planned out, if we are meant to be parents. Regardless, it seems like all of our friends are pregnant and popping out babies! Ahhhh! And with social media, it's plastered in my face every single day! I'm unbelievably happy for all of our friends and wish the best for all the parents/parents to be! It's so exciting! But with that, Colten and I are content on waiting for our time. 
We had the opportunity recently for a glimpse into parenthood. As in, we were completely responsible for human lives that depended on us. Whoa. I was never into the babysitting business and didn't watch other people's children for any period of time on my own, for no other reason than I just didn't. 
With that being said, Colten and I kept two of our cousins for a few days at our place. I admit, I was nervous! They were not in their home with all of their things, how was I supposed to keep them occupied and to where they weren't bored out of their everloving minds?! What would we DO with them all day? I like to be lazy, but these girls are so energetic! We don't have a backyard ... what will we do?! They're also probably pretty picky when it comes to their food...what would we feed them? Would they be miserable the entire time? I mean, it was for two nights and two days! 
Now, it wasn't a glimpse into taking care of a completely helpless baby, as they are 8 and 12 years old. They can do things on their own. 
Like cooking supper {they even shredded the cheese with a potato peeler because their cousin does not own a cheese grater...}.

And taking selfies...

And posing with random things in the store! 

They also can buy things on their own, like a giant duck to add to their ever-growing barnyard in their room! 

And holding hands crossing the gigantic parking lot and standing still long enough to capture our shadows.

And playing fruit ninja until their little arms felt like falling off...

And talking Colten and I into taking them to JumpStreet! 

Hilary met us there, and we captured this gem mid-air. =) 

Colten was in heaven, y'all! He is a kid at heart, and he's so endearing to watch around children. I know he'll make a great father some day! But that day, he was giant cheeto! We could always spot him, bahahaha! 

Overall, it was a great experience! Thanks, Kim, for allowing us to be responsible for your children! I hope they aren't too scarred... ;). We had a blast, and I know the girls did too! I also know they were ready to go home to their mom and dad and their friends. 

What I learned: 

+ Colten and I will be amazing parents, as we will pay attention and sacrifice our wants and needs for those of our children. 

+ We will lose sleep once we have kids. I know, this is a big, giant DUH! But it's so true - Kyra wakes up sooooo early! Luckily, she's old enough to just play on her phone and entertain herself. Our kids will probably be more like Maeve and sleep until noon. We can only hope! 

+ I was actually motivated to do things and be {dare I say} productive! As in, I cleaned the kitchen and did laundry, etc. It's crazy what being responsible for human life can do to you...even if it is only for a few days! I actually am looking forward to this aspect of parenthood. 

+ Life is going to be a blast! I already love Colten and I's relationship so much, and there's seriously never a dull moment. We have our ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade our love for anything! Add a little one {or two, or ten....KIDDING!} to the mix, and I know that our 'every day' will only improve!

+ Our children are going to be oh so loved! Not only by us, but by their aunt and uncle and grandparents as well! Hilary came out and joined us at JumpStreet after work and an appointment. We all had a blast! We even introduced Kyra and Maeve to the fabulousness of Olive Garden! Can you believe they didn't even know what it was?! Oh my goodness...they know, now!

So, there you have it! A glimpse into parenthood!