Hello, Little Rainbow.....

A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage or stillbirth.  Just like a rainbow follows a storm, a rainbow baby follows the pain of a lost baby. Rainbow babies do not erase our memories or take away our pain, but they help us begin to mend our broken pieces. They bring light and beauty back into a place where dark clouds have taken up space in our hearts.

8 months and many tears after we lost a baby through a miscarriage, there was the faintest hint of a line on a pregnancy test. I think I took about 5 tests over the next week just making sure it was real. I think I can speak for most mamas out there when I say, you instantly feel connected to your babies from the second you know that they exist.

Then at 9 weeks came the sound of that beautiful beating heart, and seeing the sweet profile of our baby on the ultrasound. That was followed by those first kicks in my growing tummy a few months later. I celebrated every single day of my pregnancy.....enjoying every wonderful and not so wonderful moment.

At last...on Friday March, 20th, at 1:03 pm......It’s a girl!!! Hello Little Rainbow! Lola Dakota was a 7lbs 10oz, 20 inch long blessing.

This little rainbow babe is already filling my heart with love and helping heal the space of my broken heart. It does not mean however, that our storm has been forgotten. As I sat up in the hospital holding our sweet baby I couldn’t help but think about the tears and pain I went through to get this beautiful little girl. I have a charm necklace that holds the ashes of my angel baby.  I wore it around my neck, close to my heart when I delivered our Lola. I know there will still be days where I wonder about that angel and what they would have grown to be.

So here I am...writing this post...with our darling baby cradled in my arms. There will be plenty of sleepless nights, soreness from nursing, and dirty diapers, but I will be so utterly grateful for every squeak or cry that comes along the way from our beautiful rainbow babe. Life after the storm....I have found pure joy and gratitude.

I love you little rainbow.....Lola Dakota.

It doesn’t matter.

I have learned that you can’t make people like you, love you, validate you, accept you, understand you, or even be nice to you......it’s simply out of your control. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t matter. Let that soak in for a moment......say it out loud even......it doesn’t matter.  I heard this concept years ago, but in all honesty, I’ve really struggled to understand it....until the last couple years. 

When you go through difficult times you really find out who truly cares about you. It’s the people that check in on you when life hands you lemons...the ones that are there to remind you to make lemonade.

I posted weeks ago about “my friend the coach’s wife.” My husband jokingly has referred to coaches’ wives as “my people.” All jokes aside though...they are my people. Some of them have been the ones to check in on me when life has thrown me a curve ball. As so many of us football wives can relate to.....this football life can definitely bring about some stressful times of uncertainty.  I have also gone through some bumps in the road that were not at all related to football. Everyone faces adversity right?!?! We may fall into the trap of thinking a friend on Facebook is perfect and always has their life together.....but social media is not reality.....it is just a highlight reel.

Sometimes when everything appears to be going great In life....that is when adversity strikes. November of 2018 was one of those times for me when I lost a baby by miscarriage. I learned a lot about the people in my life during an extremely difficult time. When anyone is going through tough times they need love and support.....pure and simple. I was bitter and extremely hurt when a few people in my life never even bothered to show concern or even acknowledge my loss at all.

Then, 8 months later after enduring my storm.....I got my rainbow.....I found out I was pregnant with another baby. It was interesting to me that the people who were not there for me with my miscarriage....were also the people that never took the time to reach out to celebrate my great news. On the other hand, the people who regularly checked in after my loss, just to see if I was ok, have also been the ones who have loved, supported, and celebrated with me throughout my entire pregnancy. 

It’s taken me two years and being pregnant with our rainbow baby to realize the real truth behind these simple words “it’s their loss, not yours.” To not let the behavior of others destroy my inner peace. 

The blessing in disguise from my hurt and disappointment is that I found my people. Life is precious. Stick to those who care.....I mean really care. If someone doesn’t....just remember it doesn’t matter....they aren’t your people.  Let’s be completely honest.....no response is a response. Step away from unhealthy relationships in your life. While you can’t control other people’s behavior you have complete control who you surround yourself with.

I choose happiness. To appreciate and love the ones that are “my people.”  We all deserve to be surrounded by love and respect. Stay close to and love the ones that feel like sunlight.

My friend the coach’s wife....

Whenever I talk about a coach’s wife that I know of to my husband...one of the very first things he asks me is “where does her husband coach at?” He asks because in the tight-knit coaching profession, there is always a descent chance he may know the coach, or at least know someone on the staff. From my prospective, however, I don’t really care where her husband coach's at. 

It’s not that I don’t support her and her football season, it is that it really does not matter to me what school or level of football she is at. Coaches’ wives can all relate to each other because of our shared experiences.  Any football wife that’s a friend of mine...deserves the same amount of respect and loyalty. We all go through the ups and downs that come with the profession. Each one of our husband’s work hard from week to week. We all know what it feels like to win and to lose. Every single one of us has to make sacrifices for the love of our husband and his team. None of us were given a manual when we married into this lifestyle....and all of us are very unique in our own way. Different, yet similar stories......from moving, raising kids, the winning seasons, and the not so easy losing seasons.  So whether you are a HS coach’s wife, NAIA, or in the Power 5....it plays no factor on our friendship.

I believe that a good coach's wife/friend remains close and loyal to other coaches' wives.  When a coach loses their job (let’s be honest....we all know it happens to the best of them), other coaching wives are right there to reach out and show the coach's wife going through transition that they care.

This blog post was written to show my appreciation to all the amazing women I’ve met.....in all levels of football.....each with their own “football wife life”. While there is no set mold we fit into......each coach’s wife does what works for them and their family. Thank you to all the great ones....you are loving, loyal, supportive, helpful, independent, and some of the toughest women I know. Even though some of our weeks may look different on paper.....I think my husband said it best when he told me that “coaches’ wives are your people.”

The last game.

I cried last Saturday....a lot actually.....and not just because I am pregnant either.....I cry every year at our team’s last game. As I watched the seniors step out of the locker room for the last time, still in their uniforms...going to hug their families with hurting hearts and tears in their eyes.....I could not help it.

One of my favorite moments after a win is to look over the field with the brightly lit up scoreboard shining over happy faces. To see players with their families hugging and glowing proudly after a win. Closing my eyes and literally feeling the energy and joy filling the air.

Our season was tough.....we faced a tremendous amount of adversity, including a number of unfortunate injuries, and yet our team fought through it and was able to be a top 8 seed in the playoffs. Through the ups and downs they battled....second and third string players stepped up and made big-time plays. Unfortunately, last Saturday it wasn’t enough. I did not see those happy faces on the field post-game. Our season officially came to an end, as we lost by three points in the playoffs. 

I sometimes compare the last game of the season to the day after Christmas. The excitement and rush has to come to an end....

No more baking on Wednesday’s.......

No more screaming loudly on third down......

No more lit up scoreboard post-game.....

No more children running on the field after the game, throwing the football and pretending they are future Jackrabbits scoring the game winning touchdown.....

No more waiting for my husband to exit the locker room and giving him a kiss....

No more game days.....

They say all good things must come to an end....but I don’t think I am ever prepared for that moment. Like a kid on Christmas morning....I want more games....I wish it would never end.

In FCS Football, 24 teams make the playoffs out of 126 teams. Only one playoff team wins their last game in January.....for the others teams, the season ends in heartbreak. I have to remind myself of this frequently. 

So with that said....I don’t know if I have ever been more proud of our team. With all that our Jackrabbits faced this season....they battled. They accomplished making it to the playoffs for the 8th straight year, and as a top 8 seed for the 4th straight year despite all of their trials and tribulations.

My hope is that our Jackrabbit team holds their heads high, knowing in their hearts they battled valiantly, looking forward to the opportunity for greatness that next year provides!!

GO BIG GO BLUE....GO JACKS!!! 

November 8th.

One year ago today, I was an ecstatic pregnant girl headed to my doctor’s office for the 8 week ultrasound. What happened next changed my life....my baby’s little heart did not have a heartbeat.  I know I am not alone when I share this....but once a woman has been through a great loss, such as a miscarriage...you are never quite the same.

After a lot of tears....there was a rainbow after the storm. In July, I found out I was pregnant once again.....I was thrilled.....and scared....all at the same time. I took about 5 tests in disbelief. When I surprised my husband with the news he was overjoyed and relieved at the same time, but we both agreed not to tell our four children, or anyone else, until after that our 1st ultrasound. I tried not to worry...but that’s easier said than done when you’ve experienced this kind of a loss.

Two LONG months later...the day of my Ultrasound came. I was eager for the appointment, but I would be lying if I did not say I was also petrified. As I laid down and waited for the doctor to come in the room, I looked to my husband. He smiled at me adoringly, but I sensed his uneasiness as well. I thought that I saw tiny little baby legs moving.....but inside I kept praying to myself “oh please god, let me hear that sweet little heartbeat.”

Then I heard it....the most wonderful sound that instantly brought tears to my eyes that rolled down my cheeks. My husband immediately kissed me and the feeling of relief and pure joy filled up my heart. 

I am delighted to say that I am now 20 weeks along and so completely overjoyed to see that growing belly every week. I am thankful for feeling tired.... appreciative of any nausea that comes my way. After losing our baby last November I have to remind myself.....that these are all good “problems” to have. They’re a blessing.

I choose not to complain about the not so wonderful symptoms that come along with pregnancy because I know someone is wanting those feelings right now. I will never forget that feeling of yearning for that growing round belly. I will always remember. 

I am writing this post to remember the babies who were born sleeping, the ones who were carried in their mama’s belly but never held, the babies that were cradled in loving arms but could not be taken home, and those who may have been brought home to love but could not stay.

I am writing this to give any woman out there who has experienced this painful loss hope....to keep trying for their rainbow after the storm. To pray for those whose hearts are hurting, and feeling empty. I was there. I will never forget my loss, and my heart will always hold a special place for my sweet baby who left us too soon. 

I hope and pray someday we all get to hold those sweet little angel babies in Heaven. 

10 Tips On How I Survive Fall Football Camp:

1. Practice makes perfect. Ok, well nothing is perfect, but I do think that our family is happier when we go to football practice to get a moment with Daddy. Pack up those kids or ask another wife to meet you at practice. It’s always important to have some REAL FaceTime. 

2. DIY-why not! Time to bring out any projects you’ve been putting on hold. Paint that piece of furniture or organize that closet. I like to think of it like I am nesting for the football season.

3. Cereal anyone? I am not joking when I say I eat cereal A LOT throughout the season. Between juggling back to school for my boys and all of their activities, with work....it’s about enjoying the simpler things in life. Let’s just say it also make my life a whole lot easier not planning big elaborate dinners. I LOVE me some frosted mini wheats.😉

4. Travel!!! When my first two babes were little, I usually traveled to see family during football camp. It’s much harder now with a son’s finishing up baseball season and starting football practice of their own, but I highly recommend this for wives with no kids or young kids to help the time go faster and break up the time.

5. Take care of you. During fall camp I enjoy taking time to do the things I love to do....but never have the time to do (we all know how crazy life gets during football season). Catch up on your favorite shows (Real Housewives anyone?), read a new book, give yourself a pedi/mani....or better yet....go get one. Take a bath and give yourself a mini facial with a great mud mask. Do you lady.

6. Ladies night! Now you have the opportunity to catch up with friends. Who would say no to some good convo and a glass of wine? Plan a get together with the coaches wives on your staff......you know they all can relate to the old saying “we interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season.”

7. Get Game Day ready! Every August I find myself browsing for game day looks so my family can show some style and real team spirit in the stands. I also love looking for some cute finds to decorate the house for fall.....‘tis the season. 

8. Stock up! getting game day ready also involves stocking up on food. I take the time to stock up when it comes to feeding our players, tailgating, and having people come to stay for games. This girl picks up a ginormous bag of flour and sugar at Costco every August.

9. Movie night! This is a favorite in my house all year round. Especially having four boys, it’s the only time I can get my toddler to sit still👦🏼😂. Pour yourself a glass of wine and cuddle up with those kiddos or favorite blanket and enjoy the show. 

10. Try something new. Try one of those painting classes with some friends, a new fitness class, or a new recipe....I am always researching new dessert recipes for our offensive line.

So with my 17th football camp as a coach’s wife.....I am a "football widow" once again. Summer has literally flashed before my eyes, but I am going to do my very best to make the most of these remaining weeks of summer. While my husband is preparing his boys for the next season....I will be preparing our boys for the next school year.....but making sure we have fun (and maybe I’ll get a little me time) along the way. 

My 10 favorite Summertime Products

Let’s be honest hot summer days can mean disaster: melting makeup and shiny skin is not a great look on anyone. Whether heading to the pool, or a barbecue, don’t leave the house without stashing these fabulous 10 products in your makeup bag or drawer this summer.

1. Elf Bronzer. LOVE this bronzer to throw in my purse for a glowing bronzed complexion. The 4-in-1 pallet makes it easy to blend while also providing a buildable coverage with that natural sun kissed look. Available in two colors WARM, or my favorite GOLDEN. ONLY $4 at Target or Walmart.

2. Bronze Goddess by Estée Lauder. My absolute favorite summertime scent! I have been wearing this every summer for over 15 years. The scent of tiare flower is combined with creamy coconut and the radiant warmth of amber, sandalwood, and vanilla. It is a perfect beach scent. Find this fabulous scent at most department stores from $65-$80. 

3. Elf tinted moisturizer. I am not going to sit at an 85 degree baseball game with a face full of makeup on. This moisturizer has a tint that gives your skin UVA/UVB SPF 20 protection. This foundation alternative is packed with vitamins, aloe, and cucumber.....giving your skin an all around silky radiant look. ONLY $3 at Target or Walmart.

4. Elf Illuminating Face Primer. When I’m getting ready for a night out, I love using this product before my foundation. It gives your skin a radiant glow with a soft, golden luminescence. This primer creates a flawless finish for a long-lasting makeup application. ONLY $6 at Target or Walmart.

5. Johnson’s Cream Baby Oil. This creamy baby oil is not advertised as a mosquito repellent by its makers, but it’s a safe/effective alternative to keeping the mosquitoes away....without that terrible repellent smell. An added bonus is that this baby oil is made with Aloe & Vitamin E, giving it a nice, creamy texture that moisturizes for 24 hours....and that pleasant smell. ONLY $5 at Walmart.

6. Tree Hut Sugar Srcub. I swear by this product for keeping my skin soft throughout the year. During the summer months I use it a couple times a week so my self tanner goes on smoother and my feet look, and feel, sandal ready. This scrub provides intense exfoliation and moisturization, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth while providing powerful hydration. You can find it anywhere from Amazon to Walmart for $6-7.

7. Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer. I love having color in the summer, but we all know how unsafe it is for your skin to bake in the sun or a tanning bed. This lotion gradually tans and firms your skin. It gives you a tan in just one week, and firmer looking skin in about two weeks. This product also contains mica to give skin a subtle shimmer. Only $9 at Walmart or Target.

8. L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Summer Express Body Makeup. When you just don’t have time for self tanner, or just don’t want to deal with the smell, this instant bronzer lotion is the solution. It is a transfer-resistant formula offering all day hydration, making skin look and feel flawless. You can find this at Target, Walmart, or Amazon for around $9.

9. Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm. The entire Baby Lips line is insanely hydrating, and I am loving the colors “Pink Punch”, “Peach Kiss”, or “My Pink.” You can find these at Walgreens or Walmart for around $4

10. Freeman Facial Masks. Summer can be stressful for our skin. I am loving Freeman’s Cucumber+Pink Salt Rejuvenate Clay Mask, and their Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask. The Cucumber+Pink Salt mask exfoliates, detoxes, & clears pores for renewed skin. The Dead Sea Minerals mask helps replenish and balance moisture while purging clogged pores. It contains lavender and bergamot to help relax your skin. Both masks are for all skin tones and free of harsh chemicals. You can find them for under $6 on Amazon or retailers like Walmart or ULTA Beauty.

With all the fun that comes with summertime, we all know that warmer weather brings a new set of beauty concerns.....newly exposed skin begging for some color....or a problem area or two aching for exfoliating and toning after being covered up for months. So hopefully some of my favorite summer products help you enjoy a little more what’s left of the season.