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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / for fun / {Oh, just a couple of life updates…}

{Oh, just a couple of life updates…}

January 24, 2013 · 32 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, Los Angeles, the pup

Oh my, this week started out intense and it has! not! let! up! :)

With Zack working in the film production/media field, every once-in-a-while he works super long days + all weekend. And so was the case for us this week, starting on Saturday of last week. Both weekend days he headed to the office to help wrap up the files + details for the Superbowl commercials they’re working on. Pretty exciting! But it’s meant for a quiet-yet-crazy-busy week around the Whitley house. We’re hoping to make some progress with baby furniture this weekend since last weekend was, uhhh, non-progressive.

Not to mention the insanely warm weather, like 80* outside. Which is so so crazy, because our families back in Michigan are experiencing negative degree weather. YIKES! I was telling my mom on the phone earlier this week how thankful I am to be living in a state where I’m able to walk Bauer not only once, but twice, because the weather has been so gorgeous. This is seriously so different for Zack + I. We’ve been midwest people all our lives. Until now… I think we’re still adjusting :)

I am nearing the home stretch with this pregnancy and, ohhhh my goodness my emotions are all over the place. I’m super excited. Then I feel very nervous. Then I find myself absolutely unable to get comfortable, day or night. All I want to do is either walk, lay on my side or eat fruit. I still can’t get enough fruit. Pregnancy is an incredible thing… the way our bodies transform, that there’s a little person inside my belly, is incredible. Let’s just say I’ve been praying a lot, for peace for the remaining of the pregnancy + for help as I prepare to push Baby out. {giggles nervously} I’m not quite ready for that part yet ;)

And Mr. Bauer — he’s been the perfect pup. In fact, the other day I told him it was time for naptime and what did he do? Why, he brought me his bed. Oh yes. Once Baby comes, my guess is Bauer will be the King of naptime. He practically dances around my feet if it gets too late in the day and I haven’t laid down yet. This dog never refuses a good nap, ha!

 

Other interesting things:

…it is now raining. And from what I hear from the locals, it never rains in Southern California.

…we picked out newborn outfits for coming home with Baby last night. And they are SO SO CUTE! :)

…hoping to meet up with this friend over the weekend.

…BIG changes coming Saturday morning. Be sure to come by the blog to see what I mean ;)

 

So, what’s new with y’all? Are you experiencing freezing weather? Warm weather? Busy weeks? Slow weeks?  Share with me below! xoxo

 

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32 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, Los Angeles, the pup

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Comments

  1. Annie says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Home stretch sister! Home stretch!

    Don’t you be neglecting that pup of his nap times! ;) ;)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:41 am

      @Annie, Oh my gosh, Annie! Snort. And would you believe it’s actually Zack that’s encouraging me to lay down every day? Such a sweet husband :)

      Reply
  2. Corrina says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:42 am

    It DOES rain in So Cal, just not very much! I love every time it rains. Picking “coming home outfits” was one of my favorite things with my babies. So very special. Especially when you get to pick out one for each gender. This is such a magical time!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:48 am

      @Corrina, I’ve been looking forward to picking out these outfits since the beginning :) :)

      Reply
  3. Krista says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Sleep now while you still can! And heed all advice to nap while the baby naps!!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:48 am

      @Krista, Girl, you don’t have to tell me twice ;D

      Reply
  4. Amy T. says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:46 am

    I was obsessed with eating fruit too when I was pregnant! So weird, but better than craving hamburgers or pizza I guess (actually, I’m pretty sure I craved those too…)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:49 am

      @Amy T., Anything greasy = instant disgusting. Ha! :)

      Reply
  5. Nicole @ Home for Hire says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Wow! I can hardly believe that you are so close to meeting baby :) I just got to my 3rd trimester and already am feeling that time crunch–goodness, things really do start to move fast! (I also think I could live on fruit!). I adore that Bauer is enjoying a good nap with you too :) Here, in Texas, we are experiencing beautiful weather–75, not muggy, and sunny (I’ll take it because once it gets hot–it gets hot!). But, as a Minnesota girl (born and raised), I do feel a little bad that the rest of the family is enjoying -5 ;)
    Can’t wait to see that babe in his/her new outfit!!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 6:05 pm

      @Nicole @ Home for Hire, Something is wrong with me. I could seriously eat it all day. ALL DAY. I’m finding little pouches of dried fruit all over the house, too! HA! :)

      Reply
  6. Hope says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I’ve been a lurker for a while now but I thought I’d comment on this one since I’m also pregnant! (with my second). I’m about 30 weeks along so we’re not too far apart ;) I just wanted to tell in hopes that it will bring you some peace (if you can find some peace from a stranger?), that I was nervous my WHOLE pregnancy with my first just for the delivery – HOW in the world would I push that baby out? I think though, that God gives us 40 weeks because by the end of that time we’re prepared to do anything to get this little baby out of us so we can be comfortable again :) I remember after the delivery thinking, “why did I worry about that for so long?” I don’t want to say it was easy, but lots of women share their experience like it was terrible. To some, I believe it is, but I just wanted to let you know that for me, who was also nervous about the pain and the pushing and all that, it was not bad at all compared to what I had expected :) This pregnancy, I’m not really nervous at all for the delivery! :) So, I hope that helps even a little? After the experience you’ll giggle at the fact that every day for 40 weeks you were nervous about it ;)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 11:03 am

      @Hope, You are a gem. Thank you so much for this… I actually laughed reading the line about after 40 weeks we’re prepared to do anything to get comfortable again. Totally true :) Thank you Hope… xoxo

      Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:08 am

    I’ve been lurking too as well. I have two kids, 5 and 16 months, and I feel you on the phase that you’re in. You’re restless but you’re tired. You’re nervous and excited. You are a bundle of hormones and emotions and you have to pee all of the time. It’s just crazy. Crazy to believe, but I loved it. The hardest part is not the childbirth; that’s physical and you will recover from it. The hardest part for me was the lack of sleep because I felt like it altered my personality temporarily. I don’t know how to advise anyone to prepare for it, but just keep in mind when you nap now. Nap while you can and enjoy it. Enjoy this time! You have so many people who are excited for you!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 6:06 pm

      @Jennifer, awww thanks Jennifer!!!!! :) I love that we can all be excited together!!!

      Reply
  8. Casey says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:25 am

    I laughed out loud at your dog bringing you his bed! That is hilarious. Also, not gonna lie, I am a little jealous of your weather right now! I’m so ready for spring/summer…

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 6:06 pm

      @Casey, He is sooo crazy. I am convinced there’s a little boy inside of that dog body ;D

      Reply
  9. Nikki @ Outnumbered says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:30 am

    take all the naps you can! that’s the best part about a first pregnancy- next time around the naps are never as plentiful, even though the exhaustion and discomfort is!
    i am so jealous of your weather!
    i am a winnipeg girl and we have been in a cold snap since mid-december. colder than it has been in years. it’s been around -40 with the windchill every day for almost a week now. it is craaaaaaazy!! (yes, i did mean -40, NOT -4!!!) i have 4 kids and we’re basically leaving the house once every ten days- it’s too cold for me to convince myself to get out otherwise! i so want to move to california right now. our poor dog hasn’t been walked in months- she would kill for a little summer heat too i think!

    Reply
  10. Erin says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:30 am

    I too was always nervous about delivery, but by the time your due date hits (and I went ten days over) you are just so desperate to have your body back you’ll do anything. :) I remember the anticipation, though. It’s quite exciting! I’m looking forward to finding out what gender the baby will be – I’m pretty good at guessing just based on pictures. Time will tell!

    Reply
  11. Melissa @ A Time for Everything says

    January 24, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait for you to have this baby! You’d think I was the aunt or something. ;)

    My emotions have been all over the place this week, too. A popular blogger posted about a wallet she purchased from me, and my sales in just 48 hours have been nearly what an average month is for me. I alternate between jumping for joy and being terrified. Lots of praying going on for wisdom for the next step, especially since I feel like it needs to happen soon!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 6:07 pm

      @Melissa @ A Time for Everything, YEOWWWWW! ::throws confetti in the air:: How incredibly exciting!!!!! WOW! :)

      Reply
  12. Dana (Happy Little Lovelies) says

    January 24, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    So, with my boys I craved Mexican and with my girl I craved fresh fruit and veggies. hmmm…. ;) You look amazing, those extra vitamins are paying off!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 6:08 pm

      @Dana (Happy Little Lovelies), That’s what everyone says (girl)… although a few are more than convinced Baby is a boy because of how I am carrying (all in the front/from the back I don’t look pregnant). We shall see!!! :) :)

      Reply
      • Dana (Happy Little Lovelies) says

        January 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm

        @Gussy Sews,

        Yep. We didn’t find out with our first two and I was wrong on both. ;) The Dr said the only thing that had any scientific backing (and very little) was when the mom consistently dreamed about having one gender. Can’t wait to find out with you! The moment of announcing what you had to the family is amazing…Zach is in for a treat. :)

        Reply
  13. Meg says

    January 24, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    It’s been a pretty crazy week around here as well. We’re moving soon, getting the moving company in order & searching for a new place to live. On top of all that, we found out that our 2nd little is going to be a boy!!!! So excited, but such an emotional week for me :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 7:15 pm

      @Meg, WOW! Look at all the gifts life is sending your way :) Enjoy them, Meg! xoxo

      Reply
  14. Alicia says

    January 24, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    My bets are on a little girl for you lovely!!! I craved nothing but fruit with my daughter, just like u.
    I ate 5 punnets of strawberries in a week!! Can u beat my record?? ;) haha

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 24, 2013 at 7:16 pm

      @Alicia, You’ll have to tell me what a punnet is ;D And then I’ll tell you the race is on… xo

      Reply
      • Katie says

        January 25, 2013 at 11:53 pm

        @Gussy Sews, Hello I’m normally a lurker too – but i’ve been following you for sometime and have enjoyed every post since i started – you’re a very inspiring lady!
        anyway i thought i woulde help with the punnet question. It’s a term commonly used in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. A small punnet usually contains about 6-10 strawberries depending on size. Hopefully the link should take you to some images :)

        https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=punnet+of+strawberries&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=7s1&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=pIoDUafBB6aRiAKbyoDQBw&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1320&bih=651

        Reply
  15. prudence says

    January 25, 2013 at 6:21 am

    oh that weather sounds divine, you escaped MN just in time, had highs of below zero, it’s just not right!! It may make me move to a tropical island, which has always been a dream of mine anyway… hang in there, the last weeks of pregnancy are the worst, I remember the pain. but it’s all worth every second, once your holding that precious baby. You are about to experience God’s greatest gift (besides his son)..

    Reply
  16. Alice says

    January 25, 2013 at 11:15 am

    It’s sooo cold over here, and for the past few days we’ve had everything from snow to rain, and it’s been really windy, so it’s definitely not easy to be outside. Other than that I’m not super busy, but I still have a lot of things to do, so I’m kind of busy – but with the ability to take a break when I want to. :) About Zack and the lack of time – I totally get you. My boyfriend’s a visual designer, so he often has to work at home to, and he comes home at 6PM to begin with. But you know, we’re young, and all of this better pay of one day. :)

    I’m happy you live in a warm place, dressing up has to be easier. Can you imagine putting on a coat and a bunch of other stuff to be able to go out if you lived in a colder state? :D

    xoxo
    Alice

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 25, 2013 at 2:42 pm

      @Alice, When I flew home to Michigan I had to buy a coat, and I bought a regular jacket (non-maternity) because I wanted to be able to wear it post-baby. It felt weird to have my bump popping out all the time. I can’t imagine really needing a proper coat, like if we lived in Michigan. It would feel like a tent ;)

      Reply
  17. Alice says

    January 25, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Oh, forgot to explain it a bit more – the dressing up part – I think it’s harder because of the baby bump, especially if you have to put on a coat and all that.

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

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Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
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The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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