Things to Not ask a Mom That is Extended Breastfeeding.

Marli will be 1 in 9 days. So, that means I will be getting those concerns on my boobs. I will be breastfeeding for as long as we want to.

1. Why?

This just explains it all. 

2. How?

 

Well, the child latches on to a boob. Like she has done for the last 12 months of her life. DUH

3. Isn't she too old to breastfeed?

Since everyone is a breastfeeding expert, it is actually normal in other countries to breastfeed till at least 4.

4. When are you going to stop?

Hmmm, well I am trying to decide between 3 and 18, either way I DO NOT NEED YOUR INPUT.

5. What will you do when you get a boyfriend?

I will continue to take care of my child? Not your tits not your problem. 

6. Are you going to do that in public?

You know it.

~~~

Do not look down at someone for parenting choices. Not your boobs, not your problem. I love the bond I have with my daughter and will breastfeed as long as we desire to!!

To people who look down on me or judge me for it, enjoy me breastfeeding and giving you a dirty look for a change.

My blog was different today, but I had fun with it. PEACE ✌

-Laurin, the "Me" in Marli and Me

Coffee, Coffee, and more Coffee

I would like to elaborate on something. College is not harder than high school at least for me anyways, I have taken 2 finals and I still have 4 to go. My week is packed, on Tuesday I have a 2 hour long exam for math, Wednesday my Theatre final is due, Thursday I have my comp final and my history final.

I am exhausted just thinking about it honestly. I just need to make it through this week and I will feel so accomplished, last year at this time I was uber pregnant and still preparing for Marli to come around. I am now almost done with my first semester and I have already registered for my next semester.

Marli's second trip to the Stockyards was a success!

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My challenge from last week, I accomplished it! Sort of? I mean it was Facebook and messaging but it counts right? It is a big step for me. 

I also informed my parents that if I could marry myself  I would, cause lets be honest there is nobody as perfect for me is myself. 

~~~

So, I always like to say I have no friends, well, that is a lie. I realized this weekend I have more friends than I give credit. I have friends from theatre, from tennis, and a lot of people still in high school. We are just in different points, but when we get the chance we do socialize and I love when we do get that small amount of time. So, to them, thank you!

This weekend has been bittersweet. The people I went to high school with, my senior class this year, they had their fall show.  It was supposed to be my last fall show. I loved seeing everyone, but I also wanted to just crawl in a corner and cry because I was supposed to be up there with them. I know that is how the majority of this school year will go. 

I am not sad I had Marli. I am sad with everything I gave up, I still continue to sacrifice everyday. I am the only one that has sacrificed and still do. It sucks. It is the only thing I can say on it, it sucks. 

Take advantage of everything, I didn't expect for my sophomore year to be my last fall show. Theatre meant so much to me and still does till this day. I guess for me I did not get the closure I wanted, I didn't get to do every one's "lasts." No last first day, no last fall show, no last football game, no last tennis match, and no senior year. 

It sucks. 

~~~

On a positive note I passed a test I didn't finish 3 out of the 20 questions and forgot 2 formulas. Hallelujah!

I have had a few people come to me about writing a short story. Here is my dilemma. I can write, sure. I am not creative though, like, at all. 

I am not a violent person, but there are a few people in this world that I would really like to throat punch. Just a few people, like the guy that cut me off in traffic, compulsive liars, and whoever it was that got the last cake pop at Starbucks. 

~~~

I got to wear shorts today. On December 11, 2016, I WORE SHORTS. I was wearing my letterman on Saturday and shorts on Sunday. I was enjoying the cold. Well played Texas, well played. 

Countdown, 16 days till my baby is 1. I am still only like 5 minutes pregnant. Like honestly how is life moving this fast? How is this even possible. 

Also I am on day 20 that my tinder app hasn't worked. How am I supposed to find Prince Charming now? (TOTALLY JOKING) But for real, I enjoy telling guys the only nudes I am into are heels and lipstick. Definitely gets a reaction everytime, and a block. DISCLAIMER: Never have I actually met anyone off this ratchet site. 

~~~

Remember, go out of your way to be positive, give a compliment, and make your life more positive one day at a time.💗

-Laurin the "Me" in Marli and Me💓

Hello December!

We are only 4 days in and it is going to be one eventful month, I have finals next week, Christmas, then Marli's first birthday party, and then New Years. There will definitely be no stops  in this month.

We are going to need coffee, fires, fuzzy blankets, and lots of snuggle time with my favorite princess! She will be one in 23 days!! I don't want to believe this craziness. I refuse because I am still only like 5 minutes pregnant right? RIGHT?? 

It has been a crazy year, an emotional roller coaster, and definitely one I will never forget. 

Could not help the stereotypical Starbucks selfie!

Lipstick smudges and Peppermint Mocha explained my day perfectly!

~~~

Today we took some pictures, they were just for fun to help my mom kick off her business! We loved helping out the family today for pictures. 

This is a perfect example of our pictures today, miss priss was not cooperating.

Hey Marli Faye!

Almost the last one, I promise! Maybe....

I have mixed feelings about my face honestly.

Y'all get the point, I may be a little obsessed with posting pictures! I mean on one side she is only little once, I want to have all these pictures for her to look back on and smile. 

~~~

Last Wednesday we went downtown with my best friends, Marli's first time going to Sundance Square and you could say she enjoyed it!

I'm so thankful for some awesome friends, they can be a pain in my butt, but they have always been there through everything. (Yes, I said butt but, I'm ashamed because I giggled) We have been friends since we were like 4 and 5, I can't believe how awesome they are!

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Serious time, I am so stressed. My finals are next week and I know I shouldn't be, but I am scared. Prayers would definitely be appreciated this week!

~~~

On Friday, I was able to have a small amount of freedom. I was required to go see it for my theatre class, but I honestly loved it. The Laramie Project was presented by the Tarrant County College at the Northwest campus. I am pretty sure I met my professor, since my wallet was stolen I did not have my ID and he asked for my teacher. I completely butchered my teachers last name and he corrected me. I was mortified. I am embarrassed to even turn in an assignment anymore.

~~~

You know, there are certain types of moms, none bad at all, just everyone is different. I cloth diaper, I breastfeed, we do baby led weaning, and I am pretty darn "crunchy" I guess you could say. If I am breastfeeding in public and you decide to make a face or a comment I make no promises on what will happen to you, maybe some milk to the face, a comment back, or me telling you to shove it up your a**. 

Honestly, I'm full of crap. I am so non-confrontational it is bad. I won't even go up to the cute guy at Pizza Hut who is getting my pizza. Oh, a cute guy in scrubs at Pei Wei that I have been making awkward eye contact with for 20 minutes? We are basically married he just doesn't know it. Do I dare go up to him? Hell no I will not. 

Now you may be thinking, "How will she get a date if she is so shy and doesn't put herself out there?" That is a great question my fine reader. I haven't thought that through yet, but when I do you will be the first to know. 

Do you have any cute friends? Family members? Hit your girl up because we know I can't do it on my own. (LOL Joking, kind of) 

~~~

I don't need confidence, I am confident in myself. I am just not too confident with men, what if I gain courage and they have a girlfriend? Can you say AWKWARD. Or you know just not interested in getting to know me? I guess I will never know unless I try.

For y'all, within the next 2 weeks I will have a story. My goal is to approach at least one guy just so I can gain experience and a story. Just wait, this will be amusing or successful we will see which one. 

~~~

Stay positive and live a happier life one day at a time!💗

-Laurin, the "Me" in Marli and Me

Post Holiday Haze

Long time no blog, I mean it has only been like 4 days. These 4 days have been kinda eventful. I mean nothing crazy, but definitely not boring.

I want to start off with something, many of you know me personally, I am a very very forgiving person. There are some people that don't deserve my forgiveness, once you push me past my brink I'm just done. Over it. There's only a handful of people that I have felt this way about, they were toxic. I am beyond grateful that another toxic person has been marked off my list of "friends." So, thank you, you made my decision I had been thinking on, crystal clear.

Along with this, disrespect is not tolerated by me in any way, I have been disrespected in a past relationship and I refuse to feel that way again. As said before it was toxic. NOTHING and NOBODY should be able to control how you feel about yourself or alter your mood for months on end. Also, don't try to fix things to make them happy, just because you "love" someone it is NOT a reason to stay. If you are staying purely for the fact of "love" run. Toxic people are everywhere in your life and around you. Be the change that happens in your life.

~~~

Okay, now for the fun stuff! Friday we did nothing but stay home in our pajamas and play Far Cry 4 ALL DAY. Just a nice day to just our family since we are hardly off all at the same time.

Here's a baby with some yummy french toast!

~~~

On Saturday we went to Marli's other grandparents house. They are some pretty great people and the best yaya and pops for my precious daughter! She has 2 aunts and they are her favorite people. They will sit down and just play with her, hug her, and just love her so much. It warms my heart!

After our visit we went to the square in Weatherford for the tree lighting ceremony. To kinda make up for what we had missed downtown last weekend. Marli adored the lights and all the little ones around!

~~~

The last day of Thanksgiving break on the 27th we took Marli's 11 month pictures. I mean how did I even make it this far? It is crazy how fast she is growing and learning. She turns one in less than a month. I definitely held my little princess a little tighter! 

My favorite scrunchy face from my favorite munchkin!

We also accompanied Mimi on a photoshoot for one of our dear friends. Remember, no day is complete without Starbucks! A peppermint white hot chocolate was necessary on the super windy day, of course with coconut milk! 

I've almost kicked out my cold that I developed over the break and hopefully my dreaded cough will be gone soon. 

We also put up the Christmas Tree! We have yet to get around to actually decorating it, shhhhh! 

Then, that night while I was doing some shopping for Marli I could not find my wallet. We have ripped apart our house and cannot find it anywhere.

~~~

So, today we had to go to the DPS and  I requested my new license.

I had to be an adult today. I cannot for the life of me remember my login for my bank account online. With that being said I had to call Chase. After 2 minutes of it telling me to put in my debit card number it finally put me through to a real person.

Little did I know this person would barely speak English. I feel TERRIBLE cause I keep asking her to repeat herself over, and over, and over again. After 5 minutes she understood that I needed to cancel my card and request a new one. Then I made the dumb decision and asking for help on my online account. She asked for my last deposit, last charge, and for the date my account was opened. She said she would start an investigation. investigation? INVESTIGATION?? I just need you to rest my password and username. I just said thank you. That's all. I don't like being an adult. 

~~~

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! The next holiday is CHRISTMAS!! Then Marli's first birthday I'M NOT READY! Well as always, find something positive about every single day. Make your life happier one day at a time! 💗 

-Laurin, The "Me" in Marli and Me

Sickness and Thankfulness!

The last 3 days I have been getting sick, going nonstop, and stuffing my face. On Tuesday, we went to start our Christmas shopping. I still had class that night but it wasn't too bad because that night I got to have friendsgiving with old friends.

I wore an outfit on Tuesday that I was very insecure in, it was an outfit that I had my sophomore year before I got pregnant. If you have ever been pregnant you know how much your body changes, now that I have got down to pre-pregnancy weight I could wear my adorable Banana Republic skirt.

As I was leaving the house I kept asking my mom if my outfit was okay maybe a million times. I had on a black skirt, gray long sleeve, maroon tights, black booties, and a black hat, I have been mainly wearing leggings and sweats, so this was new territory for me. While I was at Target getting a dessert, 2 separate groups of girls told me how cute my outfit was. I cannot even describe how my confidence boosted. 

My point is, go out of your way to say something nice to someone, you don't know what they are going through and you might just make their day better.

~~~

On Wednesday, I woke up even worse, the congestion, the sore throat, the whole 9 yards. Also, my face is all broke out, so it was definitely a leggings and sweatshirt day. We went to Southlake for a Costco trip to gather everything we needed for Thanksgiving. Marli then ate at her first sushi restaurant!

 My precious little joy has had a great couple of days, she also got several pairs of new pajamas this week at Carter's!

~~~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I hope your tummy is full and your heart as full as mine is! I was responsible for deviled eggs and a creme brulee cheesecake, sadly because of me feeling terrible my mom made the cheesecake! 

I mean what could be better than a couple mimosas and loaded baked potato deviled eggs? My answer is nothing. Even with my cold I am getting over, deviled eggs are like my favorite things at Thanksgiving.

I made loaded baked potato deviled eggs, bacon and cheddar deviled eggs, and the traditional. They all turned out amazing and our meal was definitely one for the books!

How about them Cowboys? My future husband pulls through every time! If you didn't know my man is number 4, Dak Prescott, don't know how it will happen but just watch. 😋

~~~

I am thankful for everything and everyone, I know that is very vague but at the same time everything I have been through and everyone I have met make me who I am. Everyone that has loved me, betrayed me, or reached out to me has changed me in some way to shape me. I have been through a lot, and I mean A LOT, but I am not letting that affect me in any way. My life is great, I have a beautiful almost 11 month old, about to finish my first semester of classes, and I have the best support system around. I know I am going to be successful and go far in this world. Just you wait and see, and to that I hope y'all have a great night and be thankful! 💗

-Laurin, the "Me" in Marli and Me

Fort Worth Christmas and More!

Today we attempted to go to the parade of lights in downtown Fort Worth., sadly we left way too late and we could not even drive to get there. So, small detour and we decided to go to West 7th, went to visit Climate, and take some pictures with the Christmas lights.

Guys, we got a bow on today!! Her whole outfit is from Gap besides her chambray shirt which is from Target, I know, you're shocked. Her bow is Sweet Sippi on Facebook, and these are absolute perfection!

My outfit, I know it is definitely not as cute, but my cardigan is Matilda Jane's Cool Fountains Sweater, a black long sleeve tee from Gap, Banana Republic jeans, and X-Appeal black booties! Super comfy and perfect for our cool days we have been having.

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I am so glad for my blogging recently, I made a discovery, I have not been taking near as many pictures as I should have been. I make sure we have pictures so we can can make the blog better, and I love that one day Marli can look back and see everything we did together and all the pictures we took!

  

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I am pretty excited, about a month and a half ago I decided I was done with feeling miserable. I decided it was a time to change, I needed to change my lifestyle. I have lost about 20 pounds in this short amount of time!! 

I am down to a size 12 right now and I am beyond excited, I was a 16 and a XXL in all my shirts. I am now a 12 and get to wear L shirts! This is only the beginning though ladies and gentlemen, y'all just wait!

~~~

TARGET! Our goal of matching pajamas ended up really successful and they are adorable! Super Targets are my lifeline. 

I decided to invest in a pair of jeans and I am terrified to try them on. I have a 33 inch inseam and it is hard to find longs in jeans. Why was I blessed with long legs? The world may never know. My legs are longer than my own father's, Lord only knows where I got it from. 

STORY TIME!

So, sitting in the Target parking lot I am feeding Marli in the car. As many of you know I exclusively breastfeed her. My mom comes to take her for me and a truck pulls into the spot next to us. I have yet to put my boob up and my mom moves one way and the guy opens the door. Awkward eye contact continues as I pull my shirt down. So, I flashed a guy at Target. I also saw him in the store, more eye contact happened. I mean at least he was cute right?

Here's a progress selfie from the Target bathroom. I know, random, but when you feel beautiful show it off!!

~~~

And yes, again I know you are shocked that Starbucks happened today too. A little treat for my weight loss, even if my pants are tight tomorrow from it. A brownie peppermint cake pop and my peppermint mocha latte with coconut milk!😍

For dinner it was a Chipotle bowl and a great end to another great day! As always the favorite way to end my day is to blog and tell everyone about it!

-Laurin, the "Me" in Marli and Me

The Park, College, and my Target Obssession

So, today I had class and I am actually learning something from my professor. My student success course is what I am required to take at 8:30 in the morning (EW) but I am enjoying it. The class has been pretty enjoyable and it is helping me have a more positive lifestyle and be thankful for my support system.

Honestly my life is not easy, but it could definitely be a lot worse! Why look at the negatives if there is even 1 positive to kick out the million negative points? I have a great family, a bed to sleep in, my beautiful little one, and I have a pug. Life honestly couldn't be better.

I have made a beautiful discovery too, the vanilla iced coffee from Chick Fil A rivals my sweet cream cold brew from Starbucks and it is like a third of the price.

I am writing as I procrastinate my U.S. History assignment because who really WANTS to write a 400 word discussion board answer over the American Revolution? I know I don't, I'll continue to aimlessly write on my blog, sorry sir. My comp professor, can this count as extra credit as creative writing? No? Oh well.

~~~

We went to the park today and y'all let me tell you, I don't know what has happened to Texas. It was a whopping 59 degrees today and we got to whip out the beanies and jackets. 

After the park we packed up and headed to Mellow Mushroom on University. I swear if I had been in that place like 10 more minutes I could have had a date with a TCU guy, but alas this isn't how that went. I just grabbed my gluten free pizza, and struggled to understand the awkward pickup lines the cashier was spouting out. (A pizza joint after a TCU game is like feeding time at the zoo) 

~~~

Today was definitely a cute and comfy day, you know like I tried, but not hard enough. Yesterday's makeup, a spirit jersey (from freshman year😜), leggings, thrown up messy hair, a pair of $3 socks from the dollar spot at target, and my fave Nike Roshe's.

But really, PUGKIN SPICE!! I mean come on, who doesn't love pugs with a flower crown on a coffee cup? No outfit is complete without our favorite ruffle company, Cotton Truffles Boutique, and my daughter was without our beloved huge bows because honestly it just didn't happen today. But that GAP jean jacket though!😍

Today was a day that you just want to crawl back under your fluffiest blanket, favorite night clothes, and with your best binge watch worthy show. What is your favorite activity on a cold day?

Blogging has made me think more and more all day, what am I going to write? What will people think? Will this post be as successful as my first? 

In all honesty, I am not funny at all. I try to come up with witty comments that get giggles, but sometimes it is way harder than it looks. 

Part of my day revolved around finding matching pajamas with my almost 11 month old. WHY IS THIS SO HARD? Gap failed me. Target is our next jump, I mean you can find everything at Target right? RIGHT? I love Target more than the average teen, but it is every moms getaway, sweet escape. I can try on cute clothes and do my grocery shopping, it's the best of both worlds. Baby clothes, cute booties, Starbucks, and dark chocolate, what more could a mom want? 

Exclusive quote from the princess herself, "Babababa Booba Booba mama mama," she is a wise soul that is obsessed with the boob and her mama!

~~~

The pizza was good, the weather was perfect, the babe and I were adorable, and today was just yet again another great day!💗

-Laurin, the "Me" in Marli and Me

The Start of it All

Many things are certain, nothing is easy and motherhood goes along with that. I'm Laurin, also known as Marli's partner in crime. I became a mom at 16 and became a single mom 2 months later. I am a freshman in college right now, live in a small town in North Texas, and have one of the most supportive families ever. 

Marli is a little girl who was born December 27th 2015, she is my little companion on this crazy ride called life.

~~~

Honestly how do you even start one of these things? My life mainly consists of college, Facebook, and chasing around my crawling baby. Who is almost walking by the way!! I guess I can start off by saying I am going to college to become a Midwife. Fun fact, I gave birth with no medication and my midwives actually impacted me in such a positive way it changed my entire career mindset. I want to leave a positive impression on everyone I meet.

Things have definitely not been easy, you never expect to get pregnant at such a young age  you never expect to be a single mom at teen mom. Nothing is how I expected things, if 3 years ago you told me I would be where I am right now I would have laughed at you. 

Sure, it sucks I don't get to go to my senior prom, homecoming, participate in theatre, or tennis, but I love that I became a mom. Even if it was early and unplanned I do not regret my beautiful baby! 

~~~

So, I hardly ever get time to myself. If I am not at school I am studying or taking care of Marli. This last Wednesday, I got to go out with some friends and eat Pei Wei at Montgomery Plaza and go to Target. 

~~~

You will learn that I call a good time a trip to Target, a grande iced white chocolate mocha, and making weird eye contact with the cute guy working. You could call me your basic white girl, but I consider myself a lazy girl with a caffeine addiction. In all seriousness, whoever invented leggings, I would like to personally shake their hand and commend them for making me look like I tried when I rolled out of bed 20 minutes earlier. 

When people ask if I have hobbies, like on dating sites, I just always say rugby, tennis, and volleyball. Even though I actually have not done any of that in months. I don't see why it is so unacceptable or unappealing to guys when I am always on social media, stay in my night clothes till 3 pm, and hang out with my mom. Those are my real hobbies yet, not acceptable to put on a dating profile. 

Everyday I learn to be a better mom and best friend.💗

-Laurin AKA The "Me" in Marli and Me