tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67044956604315167092024-03-05T21:39:30.826-08:00Seeking AuthenticityBria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-55125347820588493612018-04-29T19:16:00.001-07:002018-04-29T19:16:29.491-07:00Greyson's Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Greyson's
birth story begins weeks before his birthday. I was having occasional
rhythmic contractions beginning around week 34 and probably once a week
until he came out. Being a doula, I knew they weren't strong enough to
be "the real thing" but that didn't stop me from being concerned when
they'd happen, sometimes for as long as 2 hours! Once I made it to 37
weeks my stress over these practice contractions lessened and just
viewed it as my new normal. </div>
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I took this belly picture at 38.5 and was prepared to have the baby stay in for another few weeks (honestly!). </div>
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Fast
forward a few days, it was a Saturday, and had to go pick up Vivian who
had stayed the night at Kevin's parents house the night before. I was
up before Kevin watching Call the Midwife and doing a little living room
work out of air squats, wall push ups, and bouncing on my birth ball. I
didn't start feeling anything until we were on our way to pick up
Vivian, it was pretty similar to what i had been feeling the weeks
leading up, but these were noticeably more intense. Everything was still
very manageable so I expected it to stop just like it always did! I
gave my doula Katie a heads up since she was out of town (pretty sure I
even sent a "but it'll probably stop soon anyway" text haha). </div>
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My
"practice contractions" lasted until around 8pm that night so I took it
in stride and went to bed with Vivian around 10/11. Since Kevin was
downtown working her and I slept in my bed.</div>
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It
was a little after 2am when I woke up suddenly flipping out of bed and
right into bending forward onto it. I was having a full on contraction
and it. was. HARD. </div>
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I
begin vocalizing pretty quickly to help cope and move around to try to
get comfortable and Vivian woke up pretty soon after that and asked me
to put Aladdin on (haha!). She also said "mom, can you be more quiet
you're hurting my ears."! I was trying to get on my ball but it just
didn't feel good, at this point I was still kind of in denial (CLASSIC
"Bria in labor" guys, I do it every time.) and called Kevin... who
didn't answer! So at this point I'm thinking I'll be delivering my own
baby in my bedroom with my 4 year old yelling at me to be quiet. </div>
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Kevin
calls back shortly after he missed my call and tells me he's on his way
home. When he gets home I get into the shower and stay in there until
the hot water runs out. While in the shower I'm timing my own
contractions while Kevin sat with Vivian (who is still awake at 3am) and
calls our doula. Contractions were so uneven and weird. Lasting
anywhere from 20 seconds-1 minute and 30 seconds, breaks were also all
over the place. Super hard, then not bad, then so intense again. All I'm
thinking is "<i>this baby is facing the wrong wa</i>y" and that this labor was going to be long and hard. </div>
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I
finally get out of the shower and call our midwives, I get Laurie on
the phone and whimper through tears "I think I'm in labor". She listens
to me moan through a big one and suggested I make my way to the birth
center.</div>
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All
the while I'm laying on the living room floor with my butt up in the
air and my chest down trying to back the baby out of my pelvis so it
could get into a better position, but I couldn't sit still! I knew what I
would do as a doula in this moment but as the birthing person I was so
far into labor land and so consumed with just getting through the pain,
there was no way!. So when people ask me why I didn't just be my own
doula.. that's why ;) </div>
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Kevin
calls Katie back and my sister in law who was going to be with Vivian
at the birth center only to find out she was already on her way (thank
God because she lives 45mins away). We were waiting for Katie and I
started to get worried about the car ride and potentially not making it
so we decided to all meet at the birth center. </div>
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The
car ride wasn't the worst like it was with Vivian! I had a sock with
double tennis balls on my lower back and I just pushed against the front
of the foot bed into them and it was the most "comfortable" I was the
entire time. </div>
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We
got to the birth center with Vivian and my SIL behind us and Katie
pulling up as we parked. Katie had told us she called our photographer,
Paige and she was on her way (thank god because I had totally forgotten
to call her myself!). I can't remember too much about what happened when
we first got there, I just remember feeling so out of control and kind
of embarrassed about it. With Vivian I was so calm and meditative the
entire time, this time was so different, it HURT this time and was all
in my butt. </div>
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I
spent sometime on the toilet, got into the tub for awhile, on the bed
with my butt up again, and on the birth stool. It was so hard to find
something that gave me relief, so I just kept moving. I kept apologizing
to my birth team because I felt so bad and that it was taking "so long"
haha and one of our midwives reminded me that it hadn't even been an
hour since we got there. Sitting on the toilet felt the best so we
settled on the birth stool and I started to let him move down. </div>
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My
entire body was shaking, my foot was bouncing up and down rapidly
(something I normally do when I'm really sick), and I wouldn't let Kevin
leave my side. Again, I was in shock at how different this birth was
than Vivian's. I was feeling a lot of pain and so much pressure in my
back and butt that I was afraid to push into it (maybe feeling like my
butt was gonna just fall out? haha!). When I finally got into the
groove, I could feel my body pushing the baby out. I was working so hard
to just relax my pelvic floor and not just hold my breath and bare
down. </div>
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Leaning
over during contractions with Kevin holding me up and Katie doing
double hip squeeze helped so much. It felt as if they completely held my
body together, and all I had to do was soften and breath. Then just
focused on waiting for that amazing "ring of fire" knowing that it
wouldn't be long after that and I'd be done. Once that hit, the fetal
ejection that occurred was so strong I could feel my entire body moving
the baby down. </div>
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And he was coming down <i>fast</i>, it took everything I had to not bare down.</div>
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Kevin
was kneeling in front of me since he was catching the baby, and the
midwives around him looking on and checking fetal heart tones. </div>
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Baby's head out. </div>
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I
didn't notice everyone talking because I was still in the middle of
contractions and breathing him out, but the midwives saw that he had a
hand right next to it's face and in order to protect me had to help
Kevin side it's arm out. </div>
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Baby born. </div>
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As
he slid out I took the most significant inhalation that I'll never
forget. While it's on video it wouldn't have to watch it for me to
recall the exact sound of my bodies first breath after my second baby
was born from it. </div>
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I did it. My baby was here. </div>
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At 6:36am.</div>
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4.5 hours of hard labor. </div>
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Kevin
raises our baby to my chest and as I stretched my arms to receive him
my eyes got drawn to the cord. It looked so thin and delicate. It was
then that I saw the gender of our baby for the first time. While not
knowing the gender was a huge part of my pregnancy, it didn't occur to
me once before that moment to guess or even care really, what our baby <i>was.</i> You would think it would be the first thing out of my mouth, but it wasn't. </div>
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After catching my breath and recovering from the initial shock I told Kevin it was a <b>boy</b>! </div>
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I couldn't believe it, and said "oh my God it's a boy!" like 3 or 4 times, haha! </div>
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Waiting for the gender was 100% the best choice for us, we would definitely do it again. </div>
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Right
after he was born I asked that Vivian be brought it. She was hanging
out in the waiting room with my SIL, she had come in at one point when I
was in the bath but stayed out there for the most part. She came in
very shy (which is very unlike her!), and I don't know if it was because
she had such little sleep or all of the commotion (not to mention her
mom still sitting on the birth stool with all the stuff that comes with
birth out) but when I told her "this is your <i>brother!" </i>she was not impressed haha. She <i>had </i>said it was a boy from the very beginning so maybe it wasn't such a big surprise in her eyes ;) </div>
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My
in-laws got there and came in and were greeted with "it's a boy!" and
it all just felt like a dream. Vivian hung out while the midwives
cleaned me and the room up, and we all just sat there in awe of this new
little guy who was ours forever. Vivian kissed his head and sang
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to him in her soft little singing voice. </div>
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The
midwives tucked me and Greyson in and our doula went home along with
our birth photographer, Paige. My FIL brought us breakfast burritos from
Whole Foods and I snacked on yogurt pretzels and chocolate covered
almonds, and sipped on coconut water. The midwives came back in to do
the newborn exams right on the bed with us, Kevin and Vivian both got
the help with it. We were so shocked to find out he weighed 9 pounds 8
ounces! No wonder it felt so intense!! </div>
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Once
all of the newborn and mama checks were done we packed up and walked
out of the room where I had spend many long nights assisting other
mothers bring their babies into the world as doula. I remember thinking,
"this time I walk out with my own baby". </div>
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Overall
the birth was definitely challenging and it shocked me with it's
difference from Vivian's. But I wouldn't change it for anything. It was
exactly how it needed to be. When I find myself doubting my worthiness
or abilities I watch the video of Greyson being born and am instantly
brought back to that moment of strength. I hear that huge inhale like I
had come up for air from the spirit world where I retrieved the soul of
my baby and I'm reminded that <i>I can do hard things</i>. </div>
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<i>Greyson Christian Sommer</i></div>
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<i>November 19th, 2017 </i></div>
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<i>9 pounds 8 ounces </i></div>
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<i>21 inches </i></div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-76351128204181069052017-06-05T12:18:00.000-07:002017-06-05T12:18:23.191-07:00Vivian at 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Slowly getting back into the habit of documenting our lives and I wanted to do a quick update on Vivian! She turned 4(?!) early April and she is so much more of a handful then ever. It's so weird and cool and heartbreaking but amazing to see how shes changed when I look back to her newborn days, even just a year ago she was so different! </div>
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She hasn't been to the pediatrician since her 3 year check up, but shes about 50 pounds and tall for her age. Seeing her around other kids her age and it's clear that she hasn't quite outgrown that "90th percentile" life that she's been in since birth quite yet ;). She love to play with her baby dolls, a basic "Baby Alive" doll (affectionately called open-mouth baby) , and her Bitty Baby (closed-mouth or big baby). She has some of her old clothes and some preemie clothes that we've collected from kid resale places and newborn cloth diapers that are constantly scattered about the house, but she loves to dress an undress them. When <i>they</i> cry she promtly picks them up and hushes them "shhh it's ok sweetie heart". She makes them pillows from dish towels, and makes sure they have plenty milk by nursing them or giving the occasional bottle when she needs the break. </div>
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She also loves any toy set that has about 1 million tiny as heck pieces and play dough that somehow always ends up caked into her pants. </div>
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Since it's summer here in Boise we've been trying to enjoy our backyard before it gets to be too hot to stay outside long. She has a small collection of sprinklers that we run through and she likes to make mud in containers. We got a small planter garden going this year and she likes to help water and see the plants grow (and pull the strawberries before they're ready...). </div>
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She has officially entered the tantrum stage, I'm pretty lucky to say she has never really been one to melt down until right before she turned 4! But the luck ran out and this mama is struggling on managing in a calm manner, and most days I fall short. We're figuring it out together and I'm beginning to learn what shes really asking for/trying to say when she has tough moments, all while giving myself some grace to fail and try again. </div>
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Going outside is still this girls love language and is one sure way to calm and make her happy. We've been going to parks as much as possible and have started to test hikes. We end up carrying her and we're not too upset about that because it gives us a better work out haha!</div>
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A big advancement for us has been Vivian sleeping though the night a couple times a week. At 4 years old it might been unfathomable to other parents how we managed to survive, but we knew our child and knew that she needed comfort. We listened to her needs and cherished that fact that she needed us in the middle of the night and our patience paid off when she just randomly started sleeping in her own bed (alone!) all night long. Waking in the morning I have to ask Kevin if she really slept all night "again"?! </div>
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Overall, she's a total dream. She is kind and intuitive to others needs and feelings. She is energetic and wild and so much fun. She makes everyday better and harder, and so much deeper than we could ever imagine! </div>
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-33940596033328293062017-05-25T17:21:00.000-07:002017-05-25T17:21:52.921-07:00Seeking Authenticty <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For quite sometime I had been feeling a churning in my soul for
something and was having a difficult time figuring out exactly what it
was I was wanting.. needing in my life. Anxiety is something I have
struggled with my entire life, the earliest I remember experiencing it
is 6 years old. Throughout my childhood I struggled to cope with it
effectively and it began to effect my life and my relationships. Today, I
find that I am so much stronger than I ever thought possible because I
had to feel my way through 14 years of some of the most difficult years
of my life to have the chance at having the beautiful life and family I
have today. </div>
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The anxiety never left, I simply chose to stop feeding it and start creating a life that I <i>wanted </i>to live. </div>
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The
older I get the more I learn about myself and just how much suffering
we can create that contributes to our own pain. We are very much the
masters of our reality, and the only ones who can create a better life
for ourselves and our families. </div>
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This
lead me to the idea of authenticity. Authenticity is defined as
"original and not false or an imitation", being true to yourself. As the
years come and go and I watch myself grow older and my daughter change
right before my eyes and I can't help but look back and think of all the
times where hustling for my own worthiness, acceptance, and love took
priority over doing what I felt was genuinely <i>me. </i></div>
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I had always believed that I always did the best I could, and I still believe that. But now, I know more and I know better... so I want to be better<i>. I want a deeply authentic life.</i></div>
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I want real connections with real people. I want experiences not things.<i> </i>I
want to feel content with everything as it comes and goes, knowing that
I am following the compass of my soul and whatever comes will be right
and true. </div>
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I
want to share this journey in a community where we are all just trying
to be our best selves. I want to put something out there that doesn't
create a perpetuation of perfection or make someone want to buy their
way to someone's approval through an online shopping cart. </div>
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I
want to be messy. I want to share my flaws and my fears and give myself
grace upon grace despite those things that may make me feel as if in
not already completely worthy and lovable as I am. </div>
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There isn't enough time to spend your life any other way, and I am so ready to begin again.</div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-65025513238708143112015-08-29T18:44:00.001-07:002015-08-29T18:47:17.836-07:00A Little Imagination.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness when I catch Vivian in the middle of playing pretend and using that little imagination of hers. I recall the hours of time I spent playing outside as an explorer or hunched over my Barbies (hours and hours people, only stopping to use the bathroom and eat). </span><br />
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I also feel responsible for fostering that imaginative play! Today there are so many digital means that we use (I'm not above putting on Daniel Tiger to buy myself some time to take a shower!) to entertain our children, but it's those hours playing with plastic figurines that I know we'll both remember forever.</div>
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Thanks for reminding me how to play sweet girl!</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-878621942447763822015-07-29T15:32:00.001-07:002015-07-29T15:33:03.218-07:00That Time my Heart Melted?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little girl loves her daddy.</div>
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And him? I saw that time look in his eyes the very first time he held her..</div>
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These two people are my world.</div>
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There really isn't anything more to say.</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-22578812242063841952015-06-20T16:34:00.002-07:002015-06-20T16:37:41.323-07:00Getting into the Summer Swing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It feels like summer is already going by too fast so we've been making the effort to really get outside and soak it all in. Vivian and I spend most of the time outside in the back yard running through sprinklers (she counts "shree, shree, shree….. GO!") then laying on a quilt until we're dry and warm only to have her grab my hand and say "again!". </div>
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We eat entire watermelon or pineapples in a day, and find all kinds of new and odd combinations to put into smoothies which end up being put in popsicle molds. </div>
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We water the garden and the grass (let not forget mommy)!</div>
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Then when we've had enough and little girl decides it's time we go inside to nurse and fall asleep for a much needed nap.</div>
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Sometimes when we're laying on the quilt still wet from the sprinkler I'll look over and see Vivian looking at me and we'll whisper a little back and forth. I'll take note of her squishy cheeks with little drops of water on them and the cute way her eyes squint when she turns to the sun. A part of me wishes I had my camera in those moments and aches at the thought of this moment fleeing, but the other (more present..) part of me stays still and just takes it in. It's these moments that I know I'll remember most vividly when I'm old and gray, maybe looking at my baby holding her baby. </div>
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So yay for summers (HOT summers.. it's supposed to be around 110 later this week…) and all of the sweet baby faces you can get!</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-40152946315767722422015-05-21T21:27:00.000-07:002015-05-24T22:03:36.540-07:00Vivian at 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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While I haven't blogged here in a while, </div>
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I wanted to write a short post about Vivian being two.</div>
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Vivian turned two last month and it was like a switch turned and all of a sudden she was a toddler.</div>
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For example..</div>
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She's started talking a lot, we can have short conversations most of the time.</div>
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She has pretty epic melt downs and everyday I think "this is it.. what everyone warns you about..",</div>
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wrong. It gets worse. </div>
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She is getting sneaky and is figuring out how to work the system (think fake crying and opening one eye to see if your looking/reacting).</div>
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…and yet she is getting even sweeter than I ever thought possible.</div>
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I'll bump into her while walking and <i>she </i>says "sahee".</div>
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She will kiss each scrape and bruise and after tell you that it's "ahhl bet"</div>
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Her smile…?!! The cheesiest little grin in the world, and it's uniquely her.</div>
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After nursing in the middle of the night I'll roll away from her and she moves in closer to spoon me, my mama heart has secretly come to need that in order to sleep.. sometimes I eagerly await her "maaaaa" cry in the middle of the night so I can sleep until morning with her.</div>
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She is exhausting, exhilarating, charming, challenging…</div>
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& lovely in every single way.</div>
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Vivian Alexandra Sommer,</div>
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I can not believe that you are ours forever.</div>
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My life changed in so many ways the day you were born.</div>
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You saved me.</div>
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I will spend the rest of my life showing you just how grateful I am for that.</div>
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Love you always,</div>
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Mommy</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-26983634564065407172014-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:002014-12-30T10:19:00.360-08:00End of the Year Update!<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that it's been awhile since I've blogged, but it's been a busy few months for our family. We've been house hunting, road triping, visiting with friends and family, and working on our passions and businesses. So here's an quick update on our little family while we're still in 2014!<br />
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Vivian has been talking a lot more! She understand pretty much everything we say to her and says a new word almost every day. She hasn't slept in her crib in MONTHS haha, but her wake ups have gone down to 2 or 3 a night. She is still nursing every few hours during the day, and for awhile I was having a hard time with it.. but I've recently chosen to enjoy this stage in our lives and if she wants to nurse <i>every hour</i>, I'm gonna enjoy <i>every second</i> of it. We got her off of her pacifier a little over two months ago and the transition wasn't too bad, but she definitely started nursing more so there was a trade off. We've recently started giving it to her at night again when I need a break, just to fall asleep then she spits it out. This decision was so hard after all of our hard work breaking the habit <i>(she only had a pacifier to sleep anyways) </i>but she didn't really completely ditch the habit, just replaced it with nursing haha. So if it gives me a little break at night, bring it on! We've always been a co-sleeping family but I would love to get her sleeping in her own bed/going to sleep before us so we can have some time at the end of the day to collect but again, I'm enjoying this time in out lives and not rushing or stressing to change it.<br />
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Kevin has been working hard, as always :). He went to a Crossfit seminar last month in Utah and Vivian and I got to tag along! It was our first road trip as a family of three and Vivian's first hotel stay. While Kevin was in his seminar Vivian and I explored Newpark in the freshly fallen deep snow. We ate pancakes, went swimming for the first time, and ran all over the hotel together. The drive was really easy and fun, it made me think about all of the long drives Kevin and I went on when we were still in Alaska. Vivian did really well during the 5 hour drive so I see a lot of road trips in our future! I'm really proud of Kevin for always wanting to be better. Be a better husband, father, and coach.. and it makes me want to be better.<br />
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My last blog post was about my doula workshop and I have since completed it, attended my first birth, and taken on a second client! I really love this work. It is so fulfilling and spiritually nourishing and I can't believe that I get to do this! I've been slowly getting my requirements completed for certification and am already looking forward to more certifications in the future. I've been building my doula business slowly <i>(but surely!)</i> since I completed the workshop. I've recently launched my Facebook page and have had a "soft opening" of my website. It's been nerve wrecking wondering if I'm doing all of this the right way. It wasn't until I realized that as long as I'm working from the heart, from a good place.. that I can't be wrong. I love this!<br />
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We've been looking for a house to buy for the past three months and while nothing is ever set in stone when you're buying a house until you have the keys in your hand, we found one! We're pretty far into the process and hopefully everything will be completed by the end of January. I'm sure this will have its's own blog post when the time comes :)<br />
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Our December has been so fun and filled with family, friends, and joy. Vivian was really into Christmas this year and has been a very good mommy to the baby doll she got haha. We want to thank everyone who thought of us this holiday season and know that we are so thankful for each and every one of you!<br />
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We hope that 2014 has been an incredible year for all of you and that the next year is even better! Happy New Year!!</div>
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-9786190957997038062014-11-03T13:07:00.002-08:002014-11-03T13:07:33.424-08:00Doula Thoughts.<div style="text-align: center;">
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I start my doula training workshop this week and couldn't be more excited! It's four days, 8 hours each day. It'll be the longest I've ever been away from Vivian (I've only ever been away from her for 6 hours!!). When I had found out about how long these daily sessions where I almost started thinking about not doing it because I couldn't think about possibly being away from Vivian that long. But this is my dream, and the time away from Vivian will be good for me not only because I'm so passionate about this but the past few weeks have been very trying for us. So a little break will be nice for the both of us, but I already can't wait to come home and nurse her! </div>
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Kevin's mom is going to watch Vivian the first two weekdays that I am in the workshop. She was able to take work off and I am so relieved that Vivian will be with her Grandma who she already knows and loves so much. Then Kevin and maybe one of his sisters will take her for the last two weekend days. </div>
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I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't nervous! I have had a few moments of doubt about if I can be strong enough to follow through with everything that is needed to start a successful doula business. I also worry about if I will be able to help a woman realize her dream birth, or support her emotionally if that dream isn't fulfilled. I have no business experience, so naturally that part intimidates me! But I know if I work hard and from the right place, ask for help when I need it, and remain focused my on my goals that I can do it. This is something I love, and <i>when you're doing something you love.. how can you fail?</i></div>
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I'm excited to join the sisterhood that comes with becoming a doula. I'm joining thousands of women who come to the profession for many reasons, all unique and wonderful. I day dream about the day that I witness my first birth and the life changing energy that will fill the room. </div>
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So send your good vibes to me this week while I take the first big step in my training to be come a doula!</div>
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…and hope that Vivian is nice to her babysitters while I'm gone haha!<br />
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-46276941940325676562014-10-27T18:41:00.002-07:002014-10-27T18:42:55.107-07:00Family Pictures By Glean Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So! We finally had some updated professional pictures taken for the first time since Vivian was 12 days old. I chose Glean Photography here in Boise because I really love Jamie's "eye" for pictures and her editing is gorgeous and natural. We know her though Crossfit, so she's basically the complete package- strong, beautiful, and talented! She was really good with Vivian who wasn't necessarily uncooperative but she definitely wanted to be on the move, and these pictures don't even show how squirmy she was. I can't wait to work with her again. </div>
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If you're in the Boise area and looking for a photographer I definitely recommend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gleanphotography" target="_blank">Glean Photography</a>. Be sure to check out <a href="http://jamiehubbsphotography.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">her blog</a> as well!!</div>
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Thanks Jamie for capturing our little family at this time in our lives. I know we'll look back on these pictures fondly for many years to come. </div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-23255663428487203972014-10-20T18:57:00.001-07:002014-10-20T18:58:35.983-07:00Fall in Boise.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So while I'm like a month and a half late posting about Fall in the blog world, I'm going to do it anyway. Because it finally just now feels like Fall has come around to the City of Trees.</div>
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The leaves are changing and falling but the temperatures are still in the mid to high 70's. I don't know if it's Alaskan in me but… I've been over the heat for a few months now! I love it when it rains and get so excited to see some overcast and cooler temperatures. I think this mostly has to do with my wardrobe. Since I AM from one of the coldest if not thee coldest city in America I have zero warm weather clothes so I really get excited when I break out my precious jeans and Uggs! </div>
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Also, you don't have to shave your legs as much, and as a mother… well lets just say aint nobody got time for that. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Haha, she's always had a thing for having her mouth open in pictures. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She stayed like this for one minute.</span><br />
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So yay for Fall and pants</div>
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& this adorable little girl playing in leaves</div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-36779339505609964222014-10-15T17:13:00.001-07:002014-10-15T17:13:58.907-07:00Vivian at 18 Months. <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2elythmr2M7RKQnI0QN0iR8bs99gvvSu2KPIgrLv8JxnviLzR8BWavkjmwbkYw-qPINru2BwnLJTy4Jo8aBl0vVZqPK9da5SoR0gxTK0Jr6EFYS6kSGvVkrnLG9VZwJ_CFeoIaBUSgS_/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2elythmr2M7RKQnI0QN0iR8bs99gvvSu2KPIgrLv8JxnviLzR8BWavkjmwbkYw-qPINru2BwnLJTy4Jo8aBl0vVZqPK9da5SoR0gxTK0Jr6EFYS6kSGvVkrnLG9VZwJ_CFeoIaBUSgS_/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is just so much that Vivian does that I absolutely love and want to remember forever so I thought I'd share them here so I can look back. </div>
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We had a rough patch of sleep awhile back, but things have started to look up. We did try to "sleep train", but did it in a way we felt comfortable with. We would put her in her crib while she was awake and if she started crying, we picked her up right away and soothed her. When she stopped we'd put her back down before she fell asleep and of course she cried right away haha. We did that 10 times<i> (!!)</i> before I accidentally rocked her for too long and she fell asleep. She woke up and I repeated the process about 5 times with a little more fussing in between and on the 5th time she climbed out of her crib! I ran out of the room so quickly because I knew exactly what had happened. She was fine and her pacifier and blanket were on the ground so I think thats why she wanted to get out. So needles to say I finally moved the crib to the lowest level<i> (I know… I should have done it a long time ago, but she seriously has never, ever shown any interest in climbing before!)</i>. She must have used her little money toes to help her get up there Because we don't have bumpers or anything. </div>
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Now she sleeps with me in the spare bedroom so Kevin can get some sleep and she's only waking up once maybe twice. It just works out so much better, she is the biggest cuddler EVER! It's probably one of the best things to wake up and have this tiny little human snuggle into you and wrap her arm around you and fall right back asleep. As far as sleep training goes, we probably won't be doing it again. We don't like the idea of crying it out and while I know it's worked for a lot of people I know it's just not our thang ;) I don't complain about not getting sleep too much <i>(except to Kevin haha)</i> because I know we basically did it to ourselves haha. I think Vivian will sleep much better/easier if she was in a real bed so I've been looking at twin beds, that way I can lay with her until she falls asleep and get out easier than in the crib <i>(how's that for a mental image? haha)</i>.</div>
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Just like every other child right now, she is in love with the movie Frozen. We listen to the Disney Pandora station and whenever a song from Frozen comes on she stops whatever she is doing and stares at the stereo then starts spinning with one arm out. That's how she dances!! Like a little ballerina. I don't dance like that and she won't dance any other way haha. </div>
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She says <i>"mama"</i>, <i>"dada"</i>, <i>"hi"</i>, and <i>"bye"</i> and that's about it for <i>"real"</i> words. But she says<i> "dadog"</i> for dog and a version of <i>"dadag"</i> for Grandpa whenever Kevin's mom comes to watch her <i>(they either FaceTime him or he comes over while I'm gone)</i>. She can make an elephant sound <i>(complete with an </i><i>arm going up like a trunk)</i>, woofs like a dog, and moves her arms like a monkey. </div>
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She is finally getting into books! She'll open them up and babble <i>"baba bababa"</i> while pointing to things on a page. She lets me read to her <i>(longer than a sentence or two!)</i> and gets into it. She knows what a lot of things are when I ask her to point them out. She has a Curious George book with shapes that pop out, I think thats her favorite. </div>
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She understands a ton of stuff. We can tell her to "squat" and she does one<i> (perfectly, I might add)</i>. She can throw garbage into the trash can, and often will do it unprovoked when she's done with a wrapper or something. She tells us when she has a dirty diaper and even has started walking to the bathroom when she needs to be changed. I set her on the potty just to get her used to the idea and I talk to her about it while I'm changing her diaper. </div>
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Recently I've started to think she just might have a little OCD haha. When she walks into the kitchen and there's a drawer or cabinet at her level that is open she has to shut it. The other night we we're laying in bed with Kevin and she gets up to shut the bathroom door and then the bedroom door then crawled back into bed. Haha, I don't know if it's good or bad but it's cute. </div>
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As always she likes to be outside, getting dirty or wet. She's loved playing in the leaves this fall and digging in the dirt out back. </div>
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She has 4 molars, her 4 front, and two bottom teeth, and she's acting like she's about to get some more this week. </div>
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Her hair is getting thicker and while I can kinda get a little pony put in, I'll spare her the embarrassment haha. </div>
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She has her little diva moments when she lays on the ground and balls up, or makes the silliest fake sad/crying face. She can usually be coerced out of it with a quick distraction and she really only does this at home or at the Crossfit gym <i>(her second home)</i>. </div>
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I know everyone says "oh this is the funnest stage!", but every stage has been fun for me in it's own way. While I personally preferred the newborn "nap-all-day-every-day" stage, having Vivian communicate more and more with me is really exciting. She is so smart and funny.</div>
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My favorite? When she leans in to give me a kiss when I say "I love you".</div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-47402846620779511832014-10-07T14:46:00.000-07:002014-10-07T14:46:07.385-07:00Thoughts on Character. <div style="text-align: center;">
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When I think about raising Vivian I get overwhelmed. I want to protect her from the imperfect things about life. I have dreams for her, I want her to be a smart, happy, and genuine person. While I make these grand plans for my 1 and a half year old.. I know that children will be who they want to be in the end. As a parent (feel free to roll your eyes at me at any time seasoned parents! or my own parents… haha) I know that I can only teach her right from wrong and hope that she makes the right choices. </div>
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I want her to think for herself. Have respect for herself and other people. I want her to have a story, and to share that story with the world in her own unique way. I hope she has a free spirit and stays up late thinking and dreaming about the world.<i> I want her to be more concerned with her character than her appearance. </i></div>
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In a world that is already so driven by appearances thanks to social media, I worry that Vivian will struggle with her identity. Will she know who she is without needing validation? Will she think that having a life that <i>looks </i>good is more important than one that <i>feels</i> good?</div>
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I am careful with the words I use when I talk to her, knowing that one day I won't be able to control what she hears. I am careful with the way I view and talk about myself knowing that one day how I talk to her about myself will become her inner voice.</div>
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I know growing up a girl is hard and it will mostly likely only be harder when Vivian gets to that point. But I know that I will do everything I possibly can to raise a daughter who is strong and unwavering in her self confidence and brimming with compassion. I'll help to build her character so that when the time comes for her to make the hard decisions.. she'll already know who she is and the kind of person she wants to be. </div>
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-51022678477618484132014-09-17T16:54:00.003-07:002014-09-17T17:01:02.067-07:00Jumping in With Both Feet.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've already started this blog post in a draft a few nights ago but just kind of ended up going on this long rant and barely even getting to <span style="font-family: inherit;">my point, ha! So… lets try this again shall we?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm going to be a doula! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me tell you what a doula is, then I'll explain why and how I decided that it was something I want to </span>do. </div>
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A doula, as defined by DONA International <i>(the organization that I will certify though)</i>; <i>is a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth.</i></div>
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When I found out we were having a baby, I knew that I wanted to have a non medicated natural hospital birth. While I never really thought about having children much, I already knew how I would do it. When I looked back on it I couldn't really explain why I felt the need to bring a child into this world without the use of modern medicine. It wasn't until after reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth that I knew that natural childbirth was right for me. I felt that desire because my body was made to create, deliver, and nourish a baby! The desire was organically driven. </div>
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I never even knew what a doula was until reading Ina May's book! I even interviewed one until we decided that we really couldn't afford to hire one since we had just moved here and still hadn't found a place to live. </div>
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After having had a wonderful, dreamy natural hospital birth.. I truly understood the role of a doula. And I feel like most women who have given birth <i>(medicated or not)</i> can agree that during labor and delivery you can use all the support you can get! From the day I had Vivian I felt this urge to help other women realize their true strength.</div>
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While the spouse or partner is an invaluable part of support during labor and delivery, a doula has been trained extensively on ways to help the mother emotionally as well as physically and it's her sole purpose while she's there. </div>
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Some doulas describe what they do as "<i>mothering the mother</i>". I saw a quote one time describing a doula as not a friend, or a care provider but as "<i>mother in the most ancient sense</i>". It really resonated with me, it struck a cord in me that I have never felt before. For the first time in my life I felt a calling. </div>
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Most people who know me know that I'm passionate about natural childbirth. I can talk about it without end and never get tired or less enthusiastic about it <i>(just ask my husband.. or my sister haha)</i>. It's not just non medicated childbirth that I feel passionate about, but the idea of giving birth back to women.. making them confident and knowledgable in their choices and decisions. There are many ways to give birth, and what's right for one woman isn't right for another. But childbirth is one of the biggest spiritual experiences in a woman's life, and that deserves some reverence. </div>
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I want to give women the knowledge and tools to make their own decisions so that they can birth however they feel most confident. I want to give her the strength when she feels like she absolutely can not go one more minute.. because after all the strength is and will always be inside of her, sometimes all it takes is a kind word and a gentle touch. </div>
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Childbirth isn't something that just happens to a woman, it is something that she is born to do and I believe that if more women had the support of someone like a doula that their birth experience can be even more positive and empowering than ever thought possible. </div>
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I went back and forth about whether it was something I could accomplish. I didn't want to let my people down. But it is because of my friends and family that I am pursuing this dream, and I couldn't be more excited!</div>
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Annnnd there it is! While I probably did ramble a bit there in the middle, it is still a heck of a lot shorter than my first go ;) </div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-72753161672699290132014-08-27T13:13:00.000-07:002014-08-27T13:13:15.530-07:00Vivian at 16 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sweet girl is 16 (and a few odd weeks) old and things have been rough around here. There are plenty of moments when my skin hurts because she is so precious and I love her so much and there have times where I feel like I'm going to loose my everything.</div>
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"Want your pacifier? I don't like you to have it unless you're sleeping... but I am desperate!" </div>
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Pacifier thrown at my face.</div>
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"Want some blueberries? Go ahead and walk around with them because it keeps you happy for ohhh… 2 minutes." </div>
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Blueberries everywhere. </div>
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When did my 16 <i>month</i> old suddenly start to act like a 16 <i>year</i> old? Sometimes when she's scream-crying while I'm trying to change the worst diaper of all time, I feel like I might join in on her song. </div>
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We <i>were</i> having an awesome run about two months ago where she was a breeze to put down for naps and at night. When my baby <i>(who never has been a good sleeper)</i> only woke up once or twice a night AND put her self back to sleep! I was starting to find my groove <i>(and my sanity!)</i> as a mom. </div>
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That was my first mistake.</div>
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I got too comfortable and Vivian doesn't like it when I'm not on my toes. </div>
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Things are finally starting to get better after a month or two of no naps and no sleep<i> (for anyone)</i>. </div>
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While she's still hard to put down for naps- she does eventually take a good 1.5/2 hour long one.. most days.</div>
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While she no longer drifts off peacefully by her self at night- she only needs to lay with me and Kevin for a few minutes until she's out.</div>
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While she wakes up multiple times a night- she usually goes back to sleep pretty quickly when she's in bed with me. </div>
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We regressed from what I thought was "perfect" to umm.. "not my idea of fun" </div>
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So the universe and my daughter decided to teach me a lesson, perfect is what you make it. </div>
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SO This is Vivian at 16 months:</div>
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4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth with 2 molars coming in painfully slow</div>
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Blonde as blonde can be barely-there-hair that neither curls nor is capable of being put in a pig tail</div>
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Nurses whenever <i>mom</i> needs a break from the crying</div>
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Probably eats too many blueberries and food pouches</div>
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Still uses a pacifier at naps and bedtime but recently whenever a melt down is occurring <i>(for both her and me)</i></div>
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Doesn't sleep in her crib much and prefers to sleep cuddled with me<i> (I melt when her little arm wraps around me)</i></div>
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Plays with iPhone apps when it's too early or too late for this mama to entertain her </div>
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Drinks the pool water </div>
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& is absolutely the most perfect little girl I could have ever imagined. </div>
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I probably still complain too much and react too dramatically to things I have no control over <i>(like mother like daughter?!)</i> but I'm trying. I'm trying to roll with the punches, pick my battles, and not wish away these first few years and moments with Vivian because they'll be gone all too soon. </div>
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16 months of being a mom has been oh so good for my soul.</div>
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-57984815628653683452014-08-15T13:14:00.002-07:002014-08-15T13:14:53.577-07:00Truthful Friday No.6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Friday! Fridays always seem a bit better than any other day of the week because it means hubby isn't working as much and even has a whole day off Sunday! I'm a mom so I don't really have "weekends" but having some extra help around the house really.. helps me out! I usually pretty burned out by Friday mentally and physically from all of the working out that goes on during the week. So I'm all about weekends because it means wine, carbs, and maybe doing a little less house work! Haha</div>
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So with all the celebrating that usually comes with Thursday turning into Friday, I want to talk about how I've been trying to stop "working for the weekend" <i>(yeah that song is stuck in my head now!)</i>.</div>
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It seems that for a lot of my life I have been waiting. I just wanted to finish school so I could "start" my life or I couldn't wait until summer, or fall, or winter… or spring! I kept waiting for the next thing instead of enjoying what has going on right now. I've talked about being present before <i>(probably a few times now..)</i> but sorry, I'm not sorry! I think that it's the biggest contributor to the unhappiness we create for our selves. </div>
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We wish our way though our current situations thinking "oh I'd be so much happier if.." then flash forward to "if" and we're onto the next wish. While it's not bad to have goals, if you're not appreciating where you are <i>now</i>, you'll wake up one day with nothing. </div>
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<i>Happiness is a journey, not a destination. </i></div>
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So I've been trying to treat everyday like its Friday. I know that it's the tiny seeds we plant in our everyday that grow into the huge garden that is our life. So everyone of those seeds deserves to be planted with attention, time, and love. </div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-58273471446633851292014-08-06T15:03:00.000-07:002014-08-06T15:03:22.674-07:00Some Midweek Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a bit on my mind that I've been thinking about for entirely too long.</div>
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It's kind of my thing.. thinking too much. </div>
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I work my poor brain and heart up with back and forth banter, </div>
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indecisiveness, and hesitation. </div>
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What if I fail?</div>
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What if I embarrass myself?</div>
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But when I finally do just do it</div>
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<i>(because I always end up doing it in the end)</i></div>
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I feel awesome,</div>
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kindaa of like a super hero.</div>
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From my experience the regret that stings the most </div>
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is inaction. </div>
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So if you're on the fence about doing something..</div>
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consider this your sign from the universe.</div>
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-55816265150592345162014-08-01T15:12:00.001-07:002014-08-01T15:12:50.257-07:00Truthful Friday No. 5<div style="text-align: center;">
One Truthful Friday post every few months is pretty good right?! </div>
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I've been feeling extra present lately. Maybe it has a lot to do with the amount I've been working out lately, giving me a release and freeing up some of my mental space for the sweet little things. </div>
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Lately Vivian has been going down at night so easily. It used to be a nightmare to get her to go down at the end of the day and that fact that she would usually wake up just a few hours later (and then again a few hours after that.. then again!) didn't make putting her to sleep any easier. But my sweet girl is finally starting to sleeping though the night (honestly? she still wakes up at least once but I'll take it) and to top it off, she goes down without a hitch! </div>
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Every night we say goodnight to Daddy and give him a kiss then Vivian and I head into her room to rock and nurse. I turn on her nightlight, fan, and sound machine and we get into the glider. She likes to rub a corner of one of her blankets on her nose while she nurses. The room is dark, but the nightlight gives me just enough light to see the collage of pictures above her dresser. Her newborn canvas is right in the middle and I look at that while I rock and hold my not so little baby. I look over to her open closet where all her pretty girly clothes are hanging so carefully, I picture her wearing them the next day. Then I look down and see two little eyes getting very heavy. Her head is nestled into the crook of my elbow and I can see the outline of her head with tiny white hairs sticking out in all directions. It's not long before I set in her her crib and she rolls over with her pacifier and blanket up to her nose.</div>
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It's in that moment that I take a mental picture, every night. I know she won't be this little forever. I know she won't want to nurse or rock in my arms forever. And it will be too soon that I won't need to get up in the middle of the night to sooth her. </div>
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So it's in those quite moments in the dark that I become infinite,</div>
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there is no end or beginning for me as her mother.</div>
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I've been made for moments like these with my daughter and she is my forever.</div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-48127172926563256092014-07-24T22:43:00.001-07:002014-09-18T19:53:47.074-07:00My Crossfit Story<div style="text-align: center;">
In honor of the Crossfit Games <i>(it's the most wonderful time of the year!)</i> I thought it would be fun to share how I got into CF, what my journey has been like, and why I love it!<br />
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So flash back to 2009- I was but an 18 year old high school graduate working at a gym on an Army base. When one day a handsome soldier and I were set up by some friends and I was all giddy and shy, so out of character for me! Obviously this handsome man was Kevin and before we were married and had our sweet little baby we had gym dates with our friends. Kevin and his friend were all about this Crossfit stuff, my friend knew what it was but I had never even heard of it!</div>
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Growing up the only sport I ever did was Taekwon do. While I was very competitive with it and ended up getting my 3rd degree black belt, I put it on the back burner to finish high school and be a teenager. So up until that point with Kevin and our friends I had only been running and doing whatever I saw everyone else doing in the gym. </div>
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The first time the guys showed us a clean I picked up the bar and… did a clean! Haha, then after the fact I vaguely remembered having a few "olympic lifting" sessions with some other TKD kids and their dad. So while it had been about 5/6 years, I still knew what a clean should feel like. </div>
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So fast forward about two years of me doing my own <i>(half ass) </i>CF workouts that Kevin would give me in the gym that now managed.. I stepped into my first Crossfit Box. Kevin was deployed to Afghanistan and I maybe got to talk to him once every two weeks so having him program my work outs got a little hard! So I swallowed my pride and embarrassment and signed up at a real gym. </div>
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I think that made the biggest impact in my Crossfit journey. I was going on my lunch break at the gym and whenever I had the day off. It was hard to make the jump to a real gym with so many good athletes and coaches, but it really boosted my confidence. It pushed me and I loved the sense of community. </div>
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Then when the fall rolled around I stopped my membership because I wouldn't have time between school and working full time. So back to my solo workouts- but this time I had more of a knowledge base to go off of. </div>
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When Kevin came back from deployment he signed up at the local box and it wasn't long before I followed! Next big step for me was competing in a local competition <i>(unknowingly 5/6 weeks pregnant haha)</i>. I went back and forth so many times about whether or not I was going to do it because I didn't feel confident and honestly didn't want to embarrass myself. I ended up doing it at the insistence of a few awesome coworkers and I was so glad I did. I did better than I thought and felt so good <i>pushing myself and doing something I had been scared to do in the first place</i>. </div>
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That last part? That is Crossfit to me. </div>
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My journey in Crossfit has been a pattern of one obstacle conquered and on to the next. My biggest struggle is <i>(and always will be)</i> fighting negative self talk. There are still plenty of times before a workout when I look at the white board at our gym with the earlier classes times or weights and I'll think that if I don't get that time or even beat it, I'm not good enough. After awhile you learn that an attitude like that doesn't get you stronger or faster. You start to be kind to yourself and focus on only being better than you were yesterday. </div>
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In todays society women are taught that you are your appearance. That you should look good so you can feel good. Since starting Crossfit the way I think about my body has changed. My whole life I had always thought that my legs were too big because they didn't look like the airbrushed ones in the magazines or because my stomach didn't concave I must be fat. I was surrounded by girls who only ate once a day so they could be skinny! Now I just want to be stronger, all around. I've stopped caring about how I look, because it has no correlation to how I <i>feel</i>. You know what makes me feel good? Adding 20 pounds to my squat. </div>
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In the few years that it's been mainstreaming Crossfit has already started to change the way we view women. We see strong women of all shapes and sizes lifting twice their body weight, just crushing stereotypes. I love raising Vivian around all of the bad ass women in this sport! She'll see that how you look doesn't even come close to defining who you are and that strength isn't just an ability to pick up heavy things. Real strength comes from within, from putting away your fears and doing that thing you never thought you could. </div>
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I did my first Open this year and will for sure be signing up every year and I have two competitions coming up this summer. I still get nervous when I think about it but the nerves no longer deter me, they feed me! It's excitement now, not fear. </div>
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So here I am one marriage and baby later… and I've never felt more confident and sure of myself. I will always have that voice inside my head that will tell me that I can't or that I'm not good enough but I will always beat it. Because you know what? When I'm in the middle of a WOD I'm not just Vivian's mom, I'm not just Kevin's wife, and I'm not just how I look or what I lift.. I'm Bria and that'll always be good enough.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.katiedidwhat.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a> for doing this healthy habits link up! I like seeing what other bloggers are out there doing to stay healthy. It's the first one that I've thrown my hat into ;) and probably not the last!<br />
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-40985471338496438692014-07-21T19:06:00.001-07:002014-07-21T19:06:25.494-07:00AK Vacation- Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
This post alternatively titled "another photo dump"<br />
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We traveling into the woods to visit sweet Linda and Carson the dog. Linda used to be mine and Kevin's landlord when we lived in the dry cabin. Visiting her brought me back to the first year of our marriage and the peace that you find living in the forest.<br />
<i>(They also fed us tea, and rhubarb crumble.. and it was delicious! Thanks Linda!!)</i><br />
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We also saw Ava and her Mother Diane <i>(twice!)</i>. I love these two beauties for so many reasons and I admire their bond and hope that one day me and Vivian will share one just like it :)<br />
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On the 4th of July we went to Alaska Land and Viv rode the carousal for the first time. Did baby wearing yoga and hung out with the park stud ;) We took pictures in the church where me and Kevin became man and wife and before heading home to eat deep fried halibut, I had a margarita.. not exactly the most American of beverages, but it was perfect!<br />
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I also <i>(finally!)</i> got the hang out with <a href="http://stephandjonwall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie</a>! True story: we've been friends for a few years but just now actually hung out! Crazy right? I should also add the she's Mrs. West Fairbanks United States 2015, so you should all be super jealous. </div>
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And of course we had some more Bre and Duke time, because these two?!<br />
Melt me.<br />
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Oh hey more AK Land pics, A train "Oscar Selfie" and Ice Cream! </div>
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Way too many pictures of my adorable daughter…<br />
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and….</div>
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MY FRIEND GOT MARRIED!!! </div>
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It was so much fun celebrating Jessie and Niki's love.</div>
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Then it was time to pack up and head back home to our guy..</div>
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So there you have it! Our Alaskan Adventure in two blog posts and too little words :)</div>
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It was a great trip and we made so many memories. I can't wait until next summer to see all of our friends and family again and make even more!</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-52596516412931318632014-07-13T16:03:00.001-07:002014-07-14T14:44:00.395-07:00Letting People Grow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wanted to write a short blog about something I have been struggling with. To maybe give myself a chance to really "ponder" the idea and put my thoughts all in one place. So maybe this will help someone else, too :)</div>
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I know I'm probably the only person on the planet who feels this way.. but sometimes people really piss me off. Since I'm a super emotional and deeply feeling person sometimes all people have to do get me going is be something other than how I <i>want</i> or <i>need</i> them to be. Because the world revolves around me, right?! </div>
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Oh self.. you're crazy. </div>
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So this post is mostly about letting people be.. who they are! While loving them for exactly that reason. </div>
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I think often people don't get along because one wants the other to be a certain way <i>(and that's just not gonna happen!)</i> so they spend the entirety of the relationship trying to get that person to be something they're not. Not productive or healthy for either party. </div>
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I'm so guilty of this and have been trying to be better about loving people as they come, and making peace with exactly who they are. We cause ourselves unnecessary pain attempting to control something we can't. So why not try to embrace the things we may not really like about someone as the exact thing that makes them unique and appreciate that uniqueness as something rare and beautiful.</div>
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I don't believe people ever change.<br />
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Some people might not like to hear that or might disagree.. but I think that we are who we are. I also believe that we experience things though out our lives that impact us- take away or add from us, but our souls are always constant. People do bad things or hurt people because of something that left a wound to their core self. </div>
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That's why I believe in redemption and forgiveness. I like to think that while people don't ever really change, they can learn and do better. </div>
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So when I struggle to accept the way someone is I remind myself that they're on a journey that is entirely their own. My part in that journey is to either add to it, or take away from it. I can not put them on a path, only be there to support them when they take a wrong turn or congratulate them when they get to where they wanted to be. </div>
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Because of all this, you should never apologize for who you are. Apologize if you did something you are genuinely sorry for and move on. You can only grow though living, and that means making mistakes. </div>
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So be unapologetically flawed. </div>
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Mess up, learn, then grow from it. </div>
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Be generously forgiving.</div>
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Understand, love, then love some more.</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-67294169835959793822014-07-10T14:01:00.001-07:002014-07-10T14:01:42.990-07:00AK Vacation- Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
So two weeks later, we're back in Boise! I know I said I would try to update the blog while up there.. whoops!! So I'm just gonna do a photo dump (or two..) here and some light commentary :)</div>
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We had such a fun time visiting with family and friends, and I really felt like me and Vivian bonded even more. She did so well on the flights and I think the awesome people we got sat next to totally made all the difference. Traveling with a baby solo is tough, so any extra help along the way is much appreciated. Now, without further ado- Our Alaskan Adventure!</div>
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Saying bye to Daddy</div>
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First we stopped in Seattle for a few days to visit with my Grandpa and Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, and cousin! Not long enough, but it was still so nice to see them and some of them met Vivian for the first time. </div>
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Vivian loved my grandparents, especially my grandpa who shared his ice cream ;)</div>
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It won't be too long before we're back, Seattle!</div>
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The flight up to Alaska wasn't bad at all <i>(baby wise!) </i>I had tried my best to keep Viv awake for she'd sleep on the plane but I failed, haha. She was awake the entire time but in a great mood. Tip for the mamas out there- get a dollar store slinky! It kept her entertained for a solid 30 mins or more :) </div>
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No pictures from on the plane, because ain't nobody got time for that.</div>
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I'm in AK for a half hour, tops.. and I get the biggest mosquito bite right in the middle of my forehead! Haha, welcome to Alaska ;) </div>
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Obviously in a better mood the next day after a coffee run.</div>
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Vivian walked around Old Navy like the owned the place haha</div>
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Pano at the cabin!</div>
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Oh, we're not related at all ;)</div>
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The original 3!</div>
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First time doing an overhead pistol.</div>
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A lot of firsts on this trip- Baby's first 4-wheeler ride..</div>
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That she fell asleep on.</div>
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After all of the fun at the cabin we got to see our friends Bre and her perfect son Duke</div>
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and there was dance party.</div>
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So I'm gonna stop there, because I don't want to overwhelm you with any more awesomeness. I'll post some more a little later :)</div>
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Glad to be back home, but these pictures make me miss Alaska already!</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-18980046530873284592014-06-20T12:18:00.002-07:002014-06-21T18:46:29.605-07:00Home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWaOre_Z2maPw0UWFD7M2XyKfy8SJ3FVGkGUTGKYZLcX-jYzQsI_woj_C5YScX_n-OrRwDpBkWQgSz-Fs3x_MY_ciaW-dmSGsN_8-dscb1Yu3ZzCOU2j8Ozrn70OG0i2sUYgzYqYVuWRZ/s1600/305731_109957109113100_1415535259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWaOre_Z2maPw0UWFD7M2XyKfy8SJ3FVGkGUTGKYZLcX-jYzQsI_woj_C5YScX_n-OrRwDpBkWQgSz-Fs3x_MY_ciaW-dmSGsN_8-dscb1Yu3ZzCOU2j8Ozrn70OG0i2sUYgzYqYVuWRZ/s1600/305731_109957109113100_1415535259_n.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a></div>
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While I may be barefoot in Boise.. Fairbanks will always be my home.</div>
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A small(er) town located in the heart of Alaska where -50 isn't abnormal in the winter and the sun literally doesn't set for most of the summer. </div>
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I was born and raised hunting, wearing snowsuits to go trick-or-treating, peeing in outhouses, and regularly seeing moose in our front yard. Alaska is such a unique place and I just love it! </div>
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Luckily I still get to go up there at least once a year <i>(when it isn't -50!) </i>and spend a week or two sharing the place I love most with the people I love most.</div>
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Me and Vivian will be spending two weeks in Fairbanks with my family so blogging might be sparse, except for the occasional photo-dump curtesy of my iPhone blogging skills ;)</div>
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I'm sure I'll post plenty on <a href="http://instagram.com/briasom" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bria.sommer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> so feel free to follow me there!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI8Kx57cpP5HNu9NBkM6n2B-oqYWYK_D_5o5480t8-RxpaRTr1PYGE40JXhxQjNrzkqYDXqh021_PRekgTrSqNfBupxjSKVF2Obo55W366sxdJ_Q7Vj2Dnf4Mwa4ld6LrY-eTopvdFc8w/s1600/bloggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI8Kx57cpP5HNu9NBkM6n2B-oqYWYK_D_5o5480t8-RxpaRTr1PYGE40JXhxQjNrzkqYDXqh021_PRekgTrSqNfBupxjSKVF2Obo55W366sxdJ_Q7Vj2Dnf4Mwa4ld6LrY-eTopvdFc8w/s1600/bloggy.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNS_ogTv6GC3QOZ1kvUndojqe50M5WEqU0JYLff0gQiTLJR5mqEfmDmbz6Mv1aenqUWUJTDRxIr-SB9g54LMN3H2Q2zkEkBVEqHbKG1G0qOePIMKqLdsf49BuSC51uaybhV4tTA9rvClE/s1600/314459_109957095779768_1288983129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNS_ogTv6GC3QOZ1kvUndojqe50M5WEqU0JYLff0gQiTLJR5mqEfmDmbz6Mv1aenqUWUJTDRxIr-SB9g54LMN3H2Q2zkEkBVEqHbKG1G0qOePIMKqLdsf49BuSC51uaybhV4tTA9rvClE/s1600/314459_109957095779768_1288983129_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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So from the City of Trees to the Land of the Midnight Sun we go!</div>
Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-88028043834884778262014-06-18T14:58:00.003-07:002014-06-18T14:59:42.525-07:00Photogenic-ness...<div style="text-align: center;">
When looking through pictures I always find the best pictures are the ones you wouldn't share on instagram or Facebook because they aren't always the most flattering/have the best lighting/out of focus... but they're almost always hilarious! </div>
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So here are a few of my favorite pictures- the good the bad and the hilarious :)<br />
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Hair caught on a branch & Barbie arms!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk6FngJDnSSkwQOfvXk1eXDW5TmRq6d_ASDX1Foti-wV3jNRbdNyP_3YlpWq-_5x9u5Xc_L38ZbaMkAA2rkT1RHucmLRXyUKVd1_7oIH5jYgi7ygKt1BdYMf6wVQJhNtSibWhBMRNv2kZ/s1600/viv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk6FngJDnSSkwQOfvXk1eXDW5TmRq6d_ASDX1Foti-wV3jNRbdNyP_3YlpWq-_5x9u5Xc_L38ZbaMkAA2rkT1RHucmLRXyUKVd1_7oIH5jYgi7ygKt1BdYMf6wVQJhNtSibWhBMRNv2kZ/s1600/viv.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Newborns are the best for silly pictures! </div>
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Sidenote: these gave me baby fever!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWazJKbwE2TGPY5olxvLNYkoiAC9VDVLKMaBihvIaq6bvH0kPnoqOHUwBX9nHMwGobCUHeAIvU-KEu25NfDGw5WpXaQ6R6brTZPWqDKwicf983K1f_o9sPLv3H3_M0EfUH4xJ0yFY-s1YN/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWazJKbwE2TGPY5olxvLNYkoiAC9VDVLKMaBihvIaq6bvH0kPnoqOHUwBX9nHMwGobCUHeAIvU-KEu25NfDGw5WpXaQ6R6brTZPWqDKwicf983K1f_o9sPLv3H3_M0EfUH4xJ0yFY-s1YN/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok, most of these are Vivian,</div>
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she just cracks me up!</div>
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This one reminds me of an evil villain in a movie haha</div>
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her laugh!!</div>
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Clearly not a fan of selfies.. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vBFfuqKmvjTX5VVsuzl32Jo7OvUs_q6OYZ-L0EULc7dqqJYoFLIupMmH9hyphenhyphenT2e_oUV6XeRC8woewODUZPBMkrhZKnmh0kYSi7w3MA3M2Vkb_tz2wRKlA-Q9Q3Pm9af7l1A6yWLabwc_t/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vBFfuqKmvjTX5VVsuzl32Jo7OvUs_q6OYZ-L0EULc7dqqJYoFLIupMmH9hyphenhyphenT2e_oUV6XeRC8woewODUZPBMkrhZKnmh0kYSi7w3MA3M2Vkb_tz2wRKlA-Q9Q3Pm9af7l1A6yWLabwc_t/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Her reaction to an unexpected flash</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-euMfccpj66yZhKKTW3VCiEJweM1bep5LloBc-sbHkRbMwVytZ12OseIbKzUUzeu8UqWgA1BdP3r83mMOk7az1FG12tIGeIypsi4Xhovacp8Fok-ylqYD_Wm-Gi-N92F1O0WijTAY18H/s1600/IMG_9046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-euMfccpj66yZhKKTW3VCiEJweM1bep5LloBc-sbHkRbMwVytZ12OseIbKzUUzeu8UqWgA1BdP3r83mMOk7az1FG12tIGeIypsi4Xhovacp8Fok-ylqYD_Wm-Gi-N92F1O0WijTAY18H/s1600/IMG_9046.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Posing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0tA4ExKbtP7TvVTa4W46z9T19I87NxJaVopFWBnNgo0kWhL4Aa0LoOEtmKKmZACJ1rZx6TFC3482B4beFRiOCTx6m2wetB5p2vwnoIH15og80s-Beuik9i9Xvq6VrXPyW3hvQJ97mwjO/s1600/IMG_7873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0tA4ExKbtP7TvVTa4W46z9T19I87NxJaVopFWBnNgo0kWhL4Aa0LoOEtmKKmZACJ1rZx6TFC3482B4beFRiOCTx6m2wetB5p2vwnoIH15og80s-Beuik9i9Xvq6VrXPyW3hvQJ97mwjO/s1600/IMG_7873.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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And.. me and my awkward hands</div>
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So there you have it,</div>
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me and my photogenic people.</div>
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Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704495660431516709.post-83057869973839502482014-06-16T14:20:00.000-07:002014-06-16T14:20:33.658-07:00Oh Hey!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDu-yCsN6WJl_bQk-AkMi5KY-kcbNxYxQON699ZLR6Mkwhg-NfoK0ugOADwRAoNe18HRrJWL3r-wTUTm8OCyGQ6ZuBA4YgMFHyNKYB95KcyO3lixh3o__t2NBECuri_fRZ8FcZlHyHLRh/s1600/IMG_9196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDu-yCsN6WJl_bQk-AkMi5KY-kcbNxYxQON699ZLR6Mkwhg-NfoK0ugOADwRAoNe18HRrJWL3r-wTUTm8OCyGQ6ZuBA4YgMFHyNKYB95KcyO3lixh3o__t2NBECuri_fRZ8FcZlHyHLRh/s1600/IMG_9196.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It was time for a change on my blog!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Barefoot in Boise"</span></div>
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I had been playing with the idea of changing the name of my blog for some time since most of the time it's about me and my musings and not so much about our "family" <i>(although you don't get one without the other!)</i>. I had a few names I liked, but this one really felt good and it is one that we can keep around for awhile. The new blog design really drives the makeover home for me, I still have a few things to fix but it's already my favorite little piece of the internet.</div>
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I have been really into cleaning/purging/freshening up things in my life lately. I'm going to be cutting our belongings in half over this next week because the stuff we humans collect just seems to pile up! My mantra is currently "simplify", and boy does it feel good! </div>
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I'm back on Facebook and Instagram with the "relaunch"<i>(?!!) </i>of my blog and I really enjoyed the time away but I'm ready to be back with a different view on things. </div>
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Me and Vivian head to Alaska for two weeks next Monday so I thought it was perfect timing. So I hope you all enjoy the new look of things and I hope to be doing a lot more blogging in the future!</div>
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<br />Bria Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660590320411903142noreply@blogger.com4