yoga, it's a lifestyle
HOW IS MY BABY ONE YEAR OLD? These past weeks have flown by as I have slightly dreaded Lucca turning one year old. Of course, I want him to grow and am beyond grateful for his life. However, his time as a baby is moving way too swiftly for my liking. As a typical new... Continue Reading →
Being a mother is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Whether you have one child or six little ones, it is demanding, exhausting, rewarding, and life-changing. Each child has their own personality, and part of your job is discovering theirs while providing what he or she needs. Motherhood is not for the... Continue Reading →
As someone who identifies with Christianity, I have become increasingly triggered as of lately. There are everyday people, public figures, leaders in the community and country, and all over social media who claim to be Christian, but are forgetting what the whole religion is based upon. This religion, and the associated beliefs, is centered around... Continue Reading →
Years before we found out we were pregnant, I envisioned using cloth diapers for my babies. Once I became pregnant, I decided to begin with disposable diapers until the baby's BMs got more solid and less frequent - easier and less to clean. So about 4 months into motherhood, we were full fledge cloth diapering. ... Continue Reading →
Fall has been here for a few weeks, but with the weather finally cooling down, it FEELS like autumn is officially here! Some people enjoy pumpkin spice everything, and while I can appreciate that, I'm excited to get outside in the fresh air! Friday afternoon, my husband, baby and puppy took a short drive to... Continue Reading →
I cannot believe my baby is half a year old! He seems so big, and has grown so much... but he's still a baby. Thank God! Babies are my favorite; infant age is my favorite phase but it has been much harder with my own child. I never expected being a mother would be simple,... Continue Reading →
For my entire life I have always said I will be the one to stay at home with my children, raising them. Fortunately, my husband works hard enough that I am privileged to do so. For the 28 years of life before baby, I idealized this dream. I could see my babies and me cuddled... Continue Reading →
Hey there! I know I have not been posting regularly (due to that mom life), but if this blog is helping me work through feelings and share my experiences, it has to be a priority. To see where I am, it's interesting to go back through older posts to see where I've been. I... Continue Reading →
Goodness gracious. Sunday night was the new moon, and apparently I thought it was a good time to adjust Lucca's sleeping routines. We bed share, and even though it is controversial, it works for us. We do it as safe as possible, and I do not see it as an issue. What needs to change... Continue Reading →
My word. Traveling is difficult enough with a baby who does not enjoy car rides, but a weeklong beach vacation is not really what I would call relaxation. There were a few moments of sweet napping, smiling at family, and watching the waves, but there might have been more whining, confusion, and exhaustion (for the... Continue Reading →
I shared a lot of my pregnancy journey through blog entries and on my Instagram page, but here are a few photos to highlight the time while baby bear was in my belly! It all goes by so fast; life is fleeting . . .
Some people are weird about breastfeeding, especially in public. I believe I was even raised to think the same thing, it should be in private. Did you know it is much more accepted in Europe and Africa? Most people don't give it a second thought if they spot you nursing your child on a park... Continue Reading →
Being a mother is never easy. Even when days, or more likely moments of the day, run smoothly, there is always a chance of that changing. Here are a few truths I have learned with my three- month old boy: The Good Lucca naps lying on my chest, and I have just gotten used... Continue Reading →
Nothing could prepare me for motherhood or a postpartum yoga practice. People warned me, but motherhood is something no one really understands until it's experienced on a personal level (like many life phases). I was told numerous times how hard, wonderful, and tiring having a baby would be. I was prepared as much as possible... Continue Reading →
It has taken me quite a while to write this story. Nothing went as I planned (even though I was open-minded), and I think I have been feeling slightly guilty and embarrassed since I gave birth. Lucca arrived perfectly, and all is well now. But I am still not content in how it all happened,... Continue Reading →
We all question ourselves and our abilities. Am I doing a good job? Am I doing this wrong? What can I do better? Am I the problem? The first night home from the hospital, I was a mess. Mainly due to the fact I slept 2-3 hours a day for our 3 day stay... Continue Reading →
A few nights ago: Sitting quietly, watching The Office (what else), enjoying a beer, and being so thankful. We have gotten into a routine, and I think it helps baby bear. Each night at 8:30, Lucca gets a bath or showers with me, pajamas, big bottle of breastmilk from Papa, snuggles, and falls asleep on... Continue Reading →
Dearest Lucca, You coming into our lives has been a gift. You try my patience as you teach me infinite love. You worry me with your crying while you warm my heart with snuggles. You have stolen sleep from my nights, but I get to watch you sleep and make precious breathing sounds. You... Continue Reading →
I saw this cycling around Facebook a while ago and wanted to save and share it. Whenever we do have a girl, this will be helpful. *Also, I do not know who originated this, but if you do, please let me know so I can credit them! Rules For My Daughter: 1. Make your bed... Continue Reading →
Help! Not just anybody. It is SO hard for me to ask for help. One of my go-to themes in my personal yoga practice and classes is surrender. To let go. It is exactly what I need to work on now and is becoming increasingly more difficult. Having control makes me feel organized, put together. ... Continue Reading →
It has been a day. Prepare for some candid, colorful language... Holy shit, motherhood is hard. My sweet baby and I drove to Springville (about 30 minutes away) and back this morning. He cried loudly at least 85% of the drives. Today was one of those days he hated the car. I have listened to... Continue Reading →
I have been HIGHLY frustrated recently. Being a new mom is no joke. I am aware of my insanity, but I cannot seem to let it go... I think the mama bear in me is roaring. I am tired. Tired of people hovering over MY baby. Tired of people calling my baby their baby. ... Continue Reading →
On any given day, I will have breastmilk spilled on me. And a boob out. Maybe both. Sometimes I forget... I may also forget I have to pee because I can't set him down. Or I put him in a wrap, and we go together. There isn't much time to answer texts or have a... Continue Reading →
Our baby is one month old. A lot of people say they cannot remember the time before the baby was born, but I definitely do. I remember sleeping a lot during my pregnancy, because I thought I was tired then. Now, I am consumed with everything baby. And I honestly, truly wouldn't have it any... Continue Reading →
It seems our society cares so much about artificial beauty, and it becomes difficult to see the beauty within ourselves because of the outward influences. But pregnancy has made me feel beautiful. Really beautiful. After years and years of distorted body image and eating disorders, I never really felt worthy of positive attention or comfortable... Continue Reading →
First of all, HAPPY DUE DATE TO BABY BEAR!!!!!!!!! Even though I have been blogging about my pregnancy for 4 weeks at a time, these last many weeks will be clumped into one post. Many pregnant women say the second trimester is the most enjoyable, the first being difficult because of morning sickness and the... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the THIRD and final trimester! We settled on our OB/GYN, a really kind and supportive woman in the city. Originally I wanted a midwife and doula, but there are not any in are immediate area, the closest being at least 45 minutes away. And there are no birthing centers either. We went to... Continue Reading →
My little baby bear, I promise to let you dream. Big, wild, magical dreams. I vow to protect you, but let you think and grow on your own. I will always hug you and tell you how much I love you. I vow to teach you about compassion, tolerance, ahimsa, and enjoying the simple things... Continue Reading →
Experts now recommend that pregnant mothers and their birthing coach make up a "birth plan" and let their team know. The purpose is to make the mother and her supporters feel more comfortable about labor and delivery and have a little guide of what to expect. And so. I will begin to create my birth... Continue Reading →
Is planning a wedding or preparing for a baby more stressful? Both occasions, although celebrating love and life, are very different. My experiences with both were/are a little of a roller coaster. First off, wedding planning was MUCH more stressful. Second off, it was pretty worth it! I know preparing for a baby will... Continue Reading →
Pregnancy has really humbled me. I feel like I say and think this all the time. Every day, and every week, there is something new going on. As much as I have enjoyed pregnancy and want to be pregnant forever, I know that feeling is fleeting. At 25 weeks, Baby Bear was growing right... Continue Reading →
One thing I learned in Yoga Teacher Training was that mid-winter (New Year's) is not the most logical time to set demanding Resolutions. During this time of year, we are wanting to relax, stay warm inside, and indulge in yummy holiday treats. While it is important to WANT to improve our lives, it is also... Continue Reading →
Literally, dreaming! In the past, I have had dreams about being pregnant, when I was younger and was not ready. But since I have been pregnant (24 weeks now/6 months), and more so recently, I have had dreams about the baby. For now, in the majority of my dreams the baby is a girl. I... Continue Reading →
I'm not even sure if you all read my pregnancy blogs, but I continue to write them for those of you that might be familiar or curious. Also, I share these to remind myself what a wild ride pregnancy is! For the 17-20th weeks of pregnancy, I felt so much better! I had more energy... Continue Reading →
If you follow my Instagram (@sarieberryfairy) you might have seen me mention my diet. Mainly I use this social media platform for yoga, inspiration, and sharing my memories, but I also like to share more intimate and meaningful topics. Currently, this has included my diet transitioning from vegetarian to vegan. For almost 9 full years,... Continue Reading →
Men and women are significantly different, and that is what makes the world go around. However, there are some things women will never know about men, and many things men will never understand about women and their bodies. Through my pregnancy, I have experienced more emotions than I have since my eating disorder episodes or... Continue Reading →
I am not one of those people who says "Adopt, Don't Shop," because I think that ALL cats and dogs deserve a loving home. My family dog, Henry, who just passed away was bought at a pet store. Sarah Belle, my husband's and my black labrador, was also purchased from a breeder. Both of their... Continue Reading →
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies! Ever since I was a child, I loved carrying a book around with me. I remember making my little brother sit with me as I made up the stories to pictures in the books. To this day, I am not a fast reader, but that is not my... Continue Reading →
The nausea has gotten much, much better! Thank you, God! Nausea only creeps up at night, and is not nearly as extreme as it was in the second month. I still am very fatigued, but that is part of pregnancy. I'm okay with the tiredness and think I have gotten used to it and being... Continue Reading →
After we found out that I am pregnant, I told most of my closest friends and family. It is SO DIFFICULT for me to keep a secret like this! My dream in life has always been to be a mommy, and now everything was falling into place. John, my sweet husband, has been taking care... Continue Reading →
THERE IS A BABY IN MY BELLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought I was pregnant; I didn't feel different or anything, but I kept having these real thoughts. Monday after I taught class, I went by the store to pick up a pregnancy test. On the phone with my best friend, we talked about our current ongoings. I... Continue Reading →
It has taken me a very long time to get to this point, many years in fact. You have heard me talk about my struggles with eating disorders on and off for 8 years. This is not a subject that I ever saw myself discussing, or being freed from. But here I am, the healthiest... Continue Reading →
In the past few months, I have had more "no-shows" in my classes than I have had in 1.5 years teaching in Nashville. Moving to a much smaller city where people are unsure of yoga has really opened my eyes. I was prepared for fewer people in class and even getting paid less. However, I... Continue Reading →
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies! Since we have moved and still have much work left to do on our new home, I have not had much time to devote to diving into a story. My father-in-law bought a Sea-Doo the other day, and we have been out on the river playing as much... Continue Reading →
Today is Luna Mango's fourth birthday! I cannot believe how much a tiny, little kitty has changed my life. She is the sweetest little girl, just like her sister was. It is also very bittersweet; our sweetest puppy will celebrate her sister's and all the rest of her birthdays in Heaven. Looking through the stages... Continue Reading →
Regret is not something I claim. There are mistakes in my life, but I believe they all have taught me lessons. Sometimes the lesson is simply "don't do that again," or maybe the explanation is much deeper. Whatever the mistakes, everything has brought me right here, where I am meant to be. If I were... Continue Reading →
My first grandparent passed away when I was in the sixth grade. I remember it more clearly than the loss of my other grandparents, not because of his significance but because it was my first traumatic loss. He had pancreatic cancer and passed away within 8 weeks of his diagnosis. A few days after Christmas.... Continue Reading →
Why did I write and publish the electronic book, "Healing Yoga: Volume 1"? Why is this guide for YOU? How does one stay committed to the healing process? There are so many yoga guides, books, teachers, and resources out there! With all this information, it is important that we search for the truth. Why do... Continue Reading →
My husband and I have recently decided to move from Nashville, TN to Gadsden, AL. I am originally from Shreveport, LA (a population of about 100,00), and he is from Gadsden. We have been here for about 5 years, 6 for me, and are ready for a big change. Even though we are only about... Continue Reading →
Ever since my little brother was born, 22 months after me, I was obsessed with all things babies and cute kiddos! I blame a lot of this on him, because he was the cutest baby with the most kissable cheeks. I always tried to kiss his cheeks, even on the school bus. He didn't like... Continue Reading →
My husband and I lost our sweet black lab, Sarah Belle, several days ago. Here are some of my favorite recent moments with our angel, puppy face. . .
Living in the chaotic, modern world of today, with all the distracting media, technology, and complicated hardships, is quite challenging. Several weeks ago, a dear friend brought a good point and conversation to my attention. These are questions I hear quite often: "WHY is all this pain allowed to happen? WHY all the hatred? WHY... Continue Reading →
And this is why I'm still a babysitter at 28 years old. 😍 These specific kids I began babysitting in the fall of 2011. I moved to Nashville for an art internship not knowing but a handful of people. I babysat one family part-time and was scared away by their intensity. So I looked for... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends sent me a video. My immediate reaction was, "Laura, I don't have time for a 5 minute video! Haha." The next thing I knew, I was looking at my computer screen crying. Not sad tears, but overflowing with joy tears. Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo--H_yx2vg&app=desktop... Continue Reading →
Merriam Webster defines considerate as: (adjective) 1: marked by or given to careful consideration 2: thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others considerately (adverb) : considerateness (noun) *Also sympathetic regard. This is a concept that has become very present in my life. I think a lot of times we are focused on accomplishing a... Continue Reading →
My love language has become so obvious to me. Quality time. I feel the most loved when I am spending TIME with my loved ones. I love, love, love my friends. It might be an insane amount, kind of like my love for John and our pets, but they light my heart up! Now since... Continue Reading →
I am about to embark on a new training - yin yoga. It is a short intensive weekend in the mountain town of Asheville. One of the required readings is, "Wherever you go There you are." Unknowingly, I purchased this book at a discount book store several weeks ago. Maybe even months ago. I have... Continue Reading →
Since I was in the second grade, I have been watching children. Yes, I was still very much a child, but I knew very early in life I was born to be a mother. As long as I have known, I have wanted to have babies. What better way to practice than with kids? Babysitting... Continue Reading →
Growing up, I was always running away from my family. I have felt like the black sheep for a while (even though it is probably only in my head), but everyone still loves me. During high school, I was a brat, a lot. Suffering through eating issues the way I did, I didn't want... Continue Reading →
Yoga with Sarie 