The Caitlin Moss Blog

11 lbs. 13 oz., 22 inches! The Family Comedian! As I sip on my afternoon coffee, listen to Christmas music, and start decorating for the season, I can't help but feel like I'm living in a dream. Both my babies are sound asleep and the rain is softly tapping on the windows. Now if only if I got a shower and my makeup done, this would be a scene straight from an ABC Family Christmas movie. :) But really, who cares? I know Isaiah and Maci don't. Isaiah just wants me to play and kiss his boo-boo's all better and Maci just wants to nurse and cuddle. I still can't believe they're both mine. So sweet, so innocent...so mischievous, at times. I love all the moments, all the moods, all the messes...all of it. Maybe not all the time but once I get a chance to reflect on the chaos that has become my life, I can't help but feel overjoyed. There's a sense of calmness in my heart and my home that I've never felt...even when Isaiah colors on the floor and Maci ...

Have you ever heard the song, "I am" by Nicole Nordeman? If you haven't I highly recommend it. The lyrics are a narrative of life and how God is always there for you. From the time when you believe in super heroes and fairy tales to the time when you need reassurance that you will get through the day...or night. The verse I've found myself in for the last 6 weeks is this: "You saw me wear white by pale candle light I said, "forever" to what lies ahead. Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream Too much it might seem when it's 2 a.m. But when I am weak, unable to speak Still I can call you by name Oh Shepard, Savior, Pasture-maker Hold on to my hand And you said, I am" We've already had a few nights with both kids awake in the wee hours of the morning and I know it's only just begun. I couldn't help but giggle to myself thinking of this song. Even though I'm pretty tired these days, I'm loving every second o...

When my husband gets home from work and asks, "What did you guys do today?" My answer always is (no matter what we did in addition), "We played." When we moved into this house we weren't looking for a four bedroom but now that we have one we're so thankful for the space! It's AMAZING how quickly a home can fill up. We left the 4th bedroom pretty empty until recently and we've debated over and over what to turn it into. First we said a media room/man cave. Then an exercise room. Then a guest room. And finally, a play room. This made the most sense and we quickly flipped to drab and empty to fun and colorful this week. Just in time for Maci. (I feel like I'm bribing her to get here now). It is incredible how many toys you can accumulate for one little person. We've also been very fortunate to receive several hand-me-downs from neighbors and friends. The process of making the art work for the room. "I painting!" he said the whole t...

Here are a few fun, yummies that have been happening in the Moss household. Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Oatmeal Pancakes: I think pancakes are a once in a while thing and when we make them, we pack them with a ton of goodness to make them better for you. (They also don't make you feel so ick.) 1/2 c pancake mix 1 c oatmeal 1-2 spoonfuls vanilla protein powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tbsp flax seed 1-2 bananas (optional) 1/4 c berries (optional) 1 c milk or water Prepare just like regular pancakes. If it's a special day, Isaiah will get a little syrup but they don't need it. They're very sweet on their own. They're also VERY filling. I gave Darren two the other day (he can usually throw down at ihop) and he looked at me like, "Are you putting me on a diet?" But he was totally stuffed. You can also freeze and toast later for a quick breakfast. Killer Dave's French Toast Ever had Killer Dave's bread from Costco? You should. It's so go...

I have been wanting to complete a crock pot freezer meal extravaganza since the first time I saw it on Pinterest months ago. With a little one close to being here, a wild toddler, and a hungry husband, my nesting skills came out in full force today in the form of crock potting. And it was insanely successful. Why didn't I do this before? The biggest problem I had with the blogs I pinned was that I didn't like all the recipes (or they just weren't my favorite) so the grocery list ended up not being helpful. So, my solution? Go through all my crock pot recipes (both in my head and on Pinterest) and make my own grocery list. This took me about 20 minutes. No seriously. 20 minutes. The meals I decided to make include: 1 ranch pork chops with potatoes and carrots, 2 chicken 'n dumplings, 1 Zuppa Tuscana, 2 Teriyaki Chicken with carrots (to be served with rice), 1 Italian Chicken with potatoes and carrots, 1 Ranch Chicken Tacos (to be served with taco fixings), 2...

I've been so nervous about being small this week that I had to compare these pictures with when I was pregnant with Isaiah. While my belly is a totally different shape, my size is pretty similar. Man, am I OCD or what? You can see those pictures here . Every day I feel a little more at ease with pregnancy. For some reason I get super anxious between 32 and 37 weeks. I think it's because your close to the end but not full term yet...why does it have to be so stressful? I have to admit being 3 weeks small last week has had me a little nervous. I KNOW she is low, it's just hard for me to not be by-the-book. I ended up asking my friend who's a labor and delivery nurse, Stephanie, her thoughts and she said just to pay attention to Maci's movement. If it decreases, go in. Thankfully Maci has been reminding me she's alive and well all day long but I'm REALLY starting to notice how low everything is. The other morning I felt her shoulder (SHOULDER!) bumping into ...

We are ready. We have everything we could possibly need for this sweet little girl. Everything is washed and put together. All we need is our little Maci to enjoy it all. (Isaiah already has...he's tested the crib, bouncer, bassinet, toys, everything.) Get here soon, sweet girl! (Just not too soon!) Some of her clothes neatly washed and put away. I know this won't stay neat so I'm enjoying it while I can. Her bedding was made by my mother-in-law. So cute, huh? Maci's room! We didn't get to do this with Isaiah so it's been exciting for us. She already has so many toys - what a lucky girl to come second! She seriously has so much stuff! Bow holder. Pinterest-inspired. The bassinet we borrowed last time isn't available this time around so we decided to get a rock 'n play sleeper instead. I've seen them at the store and thought "how nifty" then read an article about one and how awesome they are and then my sister said all her fri...

Fun times!! Loves to open and close the garage door too. During the last month or so, I've been teaching Isaiah to drive. It's such an important life skill, don't you think? ;) Let me just say he LOVES it! He goes crazy as soon as I put him in the driver's seat. He must think he's a big boy or something. Letting him drive is a win/win too. It allows me to unload groceries, clean the car, etc. and have a very happy camper while I do it. He seriously will stay in there for an hour. When I let Grady in the car he goes bananas - it must be so funny! I love this kid. If you haven't done this with your toddler yet, I highly suggest you do. Who needs Disneyland when you have mama's car to drive?

Sometimes we hear exactly what we need to hear. That's what happened to me this week. Along with motherhood, as many of you know, comes so much worry. Worry about the well-being of your child. Worry about doing things correctly. Worry about giving enough time to your children and enough time to your husband. Worry about finding enough time for yourself. Worry about being a good mom and a good wife. Worry about getting enough sleep tonight so I can have enough energy to get through tomorrow. The list of worries and anxieties go on and on. They don't tell you about this when we sign up to be parent. Or do they? Anyway, last week I was reading the Bible. While studying the book of Matthew I came across this verse: "But seek first His kingdom and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34 Isn't that script...