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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / 10 things I love / 10 things I love // vol. 9

10 things I love // vol. 9

February 17, 2016 · 27 Comments
Filed Under: 10 things I love, giveaway, Natalie

It’s late in the evening as I type this, and the quiet of the evening is settling in around me nicely. The furnace is bringing warm air into each room, Bauer is taking his 37th nap for the day, and my mind is re-playing some of the silly things the kids have done or said recently. These happy things bring me much comfort :) I’ve had a few extra doctor appointments this pregnancy, more than we thought we’d be having, and so even though my bones are sore come nighttime, I’m really thankful God has lead us through with such comfort. Pregnancy is hard on our bodies, isn’t it? (Amen.)

For the next few “10 things I love” posts, I want to focus on each of our children. This month I’ll feature Natalie, next month I’ll feature Maxwell (his birthday month), and then I’ll feature our newest bundle in April (I’m due on the 15th). I have a very strong feeling about the gender, but it’s still a mystery to us :) Any thoughts — boy or girl?

natalie maggie whitley

Here are ten things I’m really loving // cherishing // never wanting to forget about Ms. Natalie:

1. it’s amazing to witness the way you love your babies. You have one in particular you love with extra greatness: your pink teddy bear. You squeal as you crawl over to her, you give her hugs, you lift her to my mouth for a kiss. And then come bedtime, you put her under your cheek as you drift off to sleep. It’s very heartwarming to watch you love your little bear.

2. you’re a big fan of having a bedtime snack. Like, a really big fan! If I forget to give you a snack you (very loudly) remind me as I’m trying to sing you to sleep.

3. the other day I found you trying to put on your shoes. You had your foot lifted up and had extended your arm out with your shoe in your hand. Seriously! You are so smart and well-coordinated. Learn baby girl, learn!

natalie veeshee blanket maggie whitley

4. you are definitely “a blankie girl”, just like your big brother! You bring your blankets everywhere you play. And if you’re ever cranky, your blanket is your number one comfort.

5. your hair has gotten so long, we can finally tuck it behind your ears! (When it’s not pulled up into a “whale spout”, that is!)

6. at night when we’re snuggling, in the dark of your bedroom, you often reach your hands up to my cheeks and draw me in close to your. We are nose to nose, and I cherish that you want me this close to you.

natalie veeshee blanket maggie whitley

7. if I’m ever unsure where you are, because you’re being too quiet, you’re most likely standing at your blue bookshelf and reading a book :) at nearly 17 months old, you’re our little book worm!

8. yesterday I caught you as you were emptying your dresser drawer. No no, Nony! And to no surprise, when I asked you to put your clothes back in the drawer you did it! You are such a good listener ;)

9. your favorite day of the week is quickly becoming Thursday: trash day! The garbage truck drives down our cul-de-sac, and you squeeeeeeal like it’s a surprise they’re back again! I LOVE IT! You and Maxwell wave to the men, and they wave back, and every week my mama heart explodes a bit. Such sweetness you and your brother bring me.

10. and perhaps my favorite is watching you grow up a little bit more, every single day. As hard as it is to be so engrossed in this mamahood thing, it’s a real gift to me, and I recognize it as a gift. I think that’s what makes each day at home with you so special… we have found our rhythm together, and we get to practice together often. Right now one of your favorite places to be is in my arms, sitting on my baby bump, and it reminds me of all the days I wore you as a tiny baby. Precious memories, my little lady.

natalie maggie whitley

PS. the embroidered baby blanket Natalie is playing with in a few of the photos is by Veeshee, a really wonderful shop that makes custom/monogrammed baby blankets and bibs.

veeshee custom blankets bibs maggie whitley

Veeshee is offering one Maggie Whitley Designs reader a custom baby blanket AND bib of their choice (a $105 value).

Here’s how to enter:

+ follow Veeshee on Instagram: @veeshee.baby (required entry), be sure to leave your IG handle in the comments!

+ visit their website and leave a comment below sharing a link to your favorite baby Veeshee product/customization

+ share this giveaway on social media and leave a comment below sharing the permalink of your share. (You can share once per day per social media platform.) If you’re reading this post on my blog, click the social media links below for super easy sharing.

Veeshee is on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, too! Don’t be shy, say hello :)

natalie veeshee blanket maggie whitley

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Thank you so much for supporting the shops that help support me and my family. It’s no small thing to me that you’re a part of this community…

PPS. you can find all past “10 things I love” posts HERE!

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27 Comments
Filed Under: 10 things I love, giveaway, Natalie

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Comments

  1. Katie says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:59 am

    My kids are blankey kids too! Love the grey bubbles on the Dreamy Blanket.

    http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-blanket-with-trim

    Shared on Pinterest.

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/198369558565333050/

    Reply
  2. Alissa says

    February 17, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Love this giveaway! We are adopting a sweet baby very soon and I would love to win! http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-blanket-with-trim is my favorite
    Followed @veeshee on IG and shared giveaway on my IG @babybirdscoffeecup

    Reply
  3. Emily says

    February 17, 2016 at 9:58 am

    In two weeks we are having our 4th baby! We don’t know the gender, so this blanket is my fave!
    http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-blanket-with-trim?t=60

    Reply
  4. Sarah Polleys says

    February 17, 2016 at 10:10 am

    I love the Lovie at this link http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/lil-dreamy-lovie?t=279 My kids all have one, but it’s nice to have an emergency lovie in case one gets lost!! I shared on twitter @mrspolleys and my instagram handle is @spolleys

    Reply
  5. Nancy says

    February 17, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Dreamy blanket in pink damask

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      February 17, 2016 at 10:18 am

      http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-baby-blanket

      Sorry, I personalized it with my daughters name, but not sure if this link will show it

      Reply
  6. Kelly Tschida says

    February 17, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Love this! http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-baby-blanket?t=217 I also followed on Instagram @kellytschida. Also shared on Twitter @kellytschida

    Reply
  7. Kristin Smith says

    February 17, 2016 at 11:08 am

    A good friend of mine is having a baby (after a really hard miscarriage) so I would LOVE to get a blanket for her little one…she knows the sex but isn’t sharing yet!! But would order something based on that reveal that should happen soon!! Yay! @richesofhislove

    Reply
  8. April says

    February 17, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    I’m guessing baby #3 is another….boy. :)

    Reply
  9. Jackie says

    February 17, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    I’m pregnant with my third, too! I don’t know gender, but if I were to have a boy I would choose this blanket:
    http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-blanket-with-trim?t=59&pid=VS4500&p=Customized&pt%5B0%5D.prt=5&pt%5B0%5D.mc=BBLU&pt%5B0%5D.prti=0&pt%5B1%5D.prt=6&pt%5B1%5D.mc=LIMS&pt%5B1%5D.prti=1&pType=1&s=&mStyle=0&f=BrodyD&tid=42&fSzOpt=0&qty=1
    My IG account is @livesdownthelayne, I’m following both of you.

    Loved your list and thank you for the giveaway :)

    Reply
  10. Gabby Anderson says

    February 17, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    My favorite blanket is Dreamy Blanket with Trim followed on Instagram user name Gabbysunshinej also shared on my Instagram Page

    Reply
  11. Edye says

    February 17, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    I’m with Natalie! If I don’t get my bedtime snack, I’m not a happy camper ;) Have a great day!

    Blessings,
    Edye // Gracefulcoffee

    Reply
  12. Allison Wilhelm says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Love the dreamy blanket with trim in white minky and natural satin!

    Reply
  13. Terri says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Dreamy blankies are so sweets for a tiny baby. Grandbaby on the way!

    Reply
  14. Stephanie Aydelott says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    http://veeshee.com/custom/baby

    I love the minky baby blanket wth trim. Looks as soft and dreamy as a could!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie Aydelott says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    http://veeshee.com/custom/baby
    The minky baby blanket with trim looks so dreamy and soft!

    Reply
  16. Tanya says

    February 18, 2016 at 12:48 am

    I am a big fan of yours.I love reading ur blogs and ur posts everyday. Your kids r adorable. My baby boy turns 1 on april 15th when u have ur due date.By looking at ur pics I think u r having a little boy.

    Reply
  17. Karen gonzalez says

    February 18, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    I am in love with this blankets!!! I really love the Grey Chevron Dreamy baby blanket . . Its sooo cute and I know my little guy would love it!!!! My IG username is : mylifewith_david_noah

    Heres the link for the blanket I like

    Reply
  18. Lesley says

    February 18, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    Followed @veeshee.baby on Instagram. @lesleykingjones

    Reply
  19. Lesley says

    February 18, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    http://veeshee.com/cart
    I’d choose the dreamy baby blanket in watermelon dot! Love the bright color.

    Reply
  20. Lesley says

    February 18, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    I shared and saved on Pinterest!
    http://pin.it/pcsnUC_

    Reply
  21. Michelle McCray says

    February 18, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    I follow Veeshee on Instagram @strawberrypi

    Reply
  22. Michelle McCray says

    February 18, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    I really love the custom cosmetic bag and the edged baby blanket <3

    Reply
  23. Michelle McCray says

    February 18, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40321359142424184/

    I pinned this to pinterest :)

    Reply
  24. BrieAnn says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    I love the dreamy blankets with trim.
    http://veeshee.com/custom/baby/dreamy-blanket-with-trim?t=58

    Reply
  25. BrieAnn says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    I follow on instagram, my IG handle is brieanns

    Reply
  26. Rosi says

    February 22, 2016 at 11:29 pm

    I’m not here for the giveaway, but I think you are having a boy! You look adorable!

    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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maggiewhitley

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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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
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. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
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? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
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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