So here we go. I've joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge (http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/)! For the month of July I will be blogging at least a 100 words a day. Not sure what I'll be writing about or how I'm going to keep up BUT it'll be done.
I've wanted to keep up on blogging since I started this almost a year ago and think I've found an inspiration to do so. A friend of mine did this a couple months ago and highly recommended it.
My blog's history is short. I haven't been able to keep up with blogging since it began. I started this blog as a mommy blog. However after being a mom all day long, the last thing I want to sit down and write about at the end of the night is being a mom. No wonder this blog was neglected for so long!
I think you get lost in that first year of your child's life. You become a mom and your world revolves around being a mom. ALL. THE. TIME. Its wonderful and frustrating at the same time. As your baby becomes independent and grows into become a toddler, the fog clears and you realize you've been wearing your mom suit for over a year and you need to get it dry cleaned. Big time.
So the mommy blog is changing into a blog about my thoughts, my life, my family and our happiness. Enjoy!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
In Real Life
Like many of us, I spend a lot of my time in the "digital world". It comes from my Nook, my smartphone, my laptop at home, my computer at work and of course the TV.
As a web developer I spend a large majority of my time staring at a computer screen. I'm programming applications for people to use and stare at on their screens. I don't physically work on "real world" things. This makes it easy for me to loose my grounding from time to time.
I communicate with a lot of people via social networking. There's e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, I'm part of an online community where I'm talking to other mom's daily and texting via my phone. Actual real life communication is pretty much non existent unless I'm talking to coworkers, the daycare provider, my husband or my son. Many of us have this life and its not going anywhere.
I was outside playing with Connor this evening and we spent time in the "real world" playing with chalk, discovering lighting bugs, climbing on the deck and collecting sticks from the yard. Even though it was as humid as a bathroom after a long hot shower the breeze was blowing and we were surrounding ourselves in mother nature. Mid summer will be here soon and our outside time will have to be limited but its evenings like these that make letting go of the laptop, smartphone and TV well worth it.
As a web developer I spend a large majority of my time staring at a computer screen. I'm programming applications for people to use and stare at on their screens. I don't physically work on "real world" things. This makes it easy for me to loose my grounding from time to time.
I communicate with a lot of people via social networking. There's e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, I'm part of an online community where I'm talking to other mom's daily and texting via my phone. Actual real life communication is pretty much non existent unless I'm talking to coworkers, the daycare provider, my husband or my son. Many of us have this life and its not going anywhere.
I was outside playing with Connor this evening and we spent time in the "real world" playing with chalk, discovering lighting bugs, climbing on the deck and collecting sticks from the yard. Even though it was as humid as a bathroom after a long hot shower the breeze was blowing and we were surrounding ourselves in mother nature. Mid summer will be here soon and our outside time will have to be limited but its evenings like these that make letting go of the laptop, smartphone and TV well worth it.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Today is Friday?
Today is my Friday! Be jealous!!
For the next 3 weeks I will be pulling a LESS THAN 40 hour work week! Its like lots of mini vacations happening all at once!
Tomorrow Kevin and I are off to a wedding. Alice is coming to spend time with Connor while we're out. I'm looking forward to having a great time. On Friday, Kevin and I are dropping Connor off at daycare and then enjoying a much needed date day! We're hoping to fit in two movies at the movie theater or a movie and then biking. It'll be a nice kickoff to our 4th of July weekend. However, we don't have any 4th of July plans. Hmmm....
The following week I'm off Monday for the 4th and then a half day on the 8th because my mom and step dad are flying into town for a visit! I'll have to go back to work for the 11th and 12th but I'll be off the rest of the week to hang out and get in trouble with my mom!
This time off is a big deal because other than when my mom flew into help me during maternity leave I haven't been able to take time off when she or Bill visit. I just have to get the house prepped for visitors! YIKES!
So again... this is my Friday and the beginning of a bunch of mini vacations! Yay!
For the next 3 weeks I will be pulling a LESS THAN 40 hour work week! Its like lots of mini vacations happening all at once!
Tomorrow Kevin and I are off to a wedding. Alice is coming to spend time with Connor while we're out. I'm looking forward to having a great time. On Friday, Kevin and I are dropping Connor off at daycare and then enjoying a much needed date day! We're hoping to fit in two movies at the movie theater or a movie and then biking. It'll be a nice kickoff to our 4th of July weekend. However, we don't have any 4th of July plans. Hmmm....
The following week I'm off Monday for the 4th and then a half day on the 8th because my mom and step dad are flying into town for a visit! I'll have to go back to work for the 11th and 12th but I'll be off the rest of the week to hang out and get in trouble with my mom!
This time off is a big deal because other than when my mom flew into help me during maternity leave I haven't been able to take time off when she or Bill visit. I just have to get the house prepped for visitors! YIKES!
So again... this is my Friday and the beginning of a bunch of mini vacations! Yay!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Father's Day
I haven't posted about Father's day just yet and thought maybe I should!
Friday evening after Connor was settled into his crib and fast asleep Kevin and I popped in the movie Parenthood. We've watched the show Parenthood on NBC and LOVE it so we figured we would watch the movie that started the whole thing. Well... That was was a very 80's movie! I love watching classic 80's movies. It took us a little while to figure which characters were which but overall it was a cute movie.
Saturday we woke up and ran right over to my dad's house to fix us up a mean old breakfast. I made sausage, french toast, eggs and cut up cantaloupe. After breakfast we discovered Connor has a knack for playing the harmonica! Once he figured out how to play it he couldn't put it down!
In the afternoon it was finally hot enough for us to set up Connor's swimming pool. He LOVED it! I see us spending many summer evenings out there cooling him off.
Sunday Kevin played in a Father's day softball tournament. Connor did surprisingly well while we were there. Thankfully there was a playground and swings to entertain him for the most part. He also had my dad, step mom and Kevin's mom to play with him as well. BUT like clockwork, the nap time meltdown made us head home. Kevin was able to stop by and see his dad after the tournament but Connor and I were home for the evening by that time.
Last year for Father's day we went to Floppy Hat Night to see an O's game. This year I scored two tickets to the Baltimore Museum of Industrial History. I'm excited to get this on the calendar and go! I figured Kevin has always been into history, and given his line of work, it would be perfect.
It was a very low key Father's day this year. Last year we spent Father's day at Downs Park and having Connor's dedication. It was HOT, there was lots of friends and family and LOTS of good food to eat. I had accidentally booked the party on Father's Day and felt bad that Kevin would spend his first Father's day dealing with all the craziness of the party. BUT... When you stop and think about it, what better way to spend your first Father's day than with family, friends and dedicating yourself to you child (and good food at that)!
Connor Last Year
Connor This Year
Friday evening after Connor was settled into his crib and fast asleep Kevin and I popped in the movie Parenthood. We've watched the show Parenthood on NBC and LOVE it so we figured we would watch the movie that started the whole thing. Well... That was was a very 80's movie! I love watching classic 80's movies. It took us a little while to figure which characters were which but overall it was a cute movie.
Saturday we woke up and ran right over to my dad's house to fix us up a mean old breakfast. I made sausage, french toast, eggs and cut up cantaloupe. After breakfast we discovered Connor has a knack for playing the harmonica! Once he figured out how to play it he couldn't put it down!
In the afternoon it was finally hot enough for us to set up Connor's swimming pool. He LOVED it! I see us spending many summer evenings out there cooling him off.
Sunday Kevin played in a Father's day softball tournament. Connor did surprisingly well while we were there. Thankfully there was a playground and swings to entertain him for the most part. He also had my dad, step mom and Kevin's mom to play with him as well. BUT like clockwork, the nap time meltdown made us head home. Kevin was able to stop by and see his dad after the tournament but Connor and I were home for the evening by that time.
Last year for Father's day we went to Floppy Hat Night to see an O's game. This year I scored two tickets to the Baltimore Museum of Industrial History. I'm excited to get this on the calendar and go! I figured Kevin has always been into history, and given his line of work, it would be perfect.
It was a very low key Father's day this year. Last year we spent Father's day at Downs Park and having Connor's dedication. It was HOT, there was lots of friends and family and LOTS of good food to eat. I had accidentally booked the party on Father's Day and felt bad that Kevin would spend his first Father's day dealing with all the craziness of the party. BUT... When you stop and think about it, what better way to spend your first Father's day than with family, friends and dedicating yourself to you child (and good food at that)!
Connor Last Year
Connor This Year
Monday, June 20, 2011
Cat Hair
While vacuuming the cat hair from our couch this weekend and giving the couch a much needed deep clean, I had quite the realization.
No matter what angle I positioned the vacuum hose on the cushions the stubborn cat hair would not let go (and we have a Dyson!!)! It takes a lot of elbow grease and sweat to thoroughly clean the couch when it comes to cat hair, especially with microfiber. HOWEVER, if I were to just sit on the cushions, the cat hair would easily transfer from the couch to my newly pressed shirt or slacks.
I started thinking about this concept in the larger sense. Things we wouldn't want to happen to us happen so easily and things we want so badly take a lot of hard work and dedication.
Our clothing attracts the cat hair like a magnet as do our thoughts. When we focus on all the negative while we're trying to reach what we want the only thing we are going to attract to ourselves is the negative. To reach our goals and attract what we want we have to stay positive and work hard.
There is no quick fix to getting rid of cat hair and there is no quick fix to achieving your dreams. Keep working hard.
No matter what angle I positioned the vacuum hose on the cushions the stubborn cat hair would not let go (and we have a Dyson!!)! It takes a lot of elbow grease and sweat to thoroughly clean the couch when it comes to cat hair, especially with microfiber. HOWEVER, if I were to just sit on the cushions, the cat hair would easily transfer from the couch to my newly pressed shirt or slacks.
I started thinking about this concept in the larger sense. Things we wouldn't want to happen to us happen so easily and things we want so badly take a lot of hard work and dedication.
Our clothing attracts the cat hair like a magnet as do our thoughts. When we focus on all the negative while we're trying to reach what we want the only thing we are going to attract to ourselves is the negative. To reach our goals and attract what we want we have to stay positive and work hard.
There is no quick fix to getting rid of cat hair and there is no quick fix to achieving your dreams. Keep working hard.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Perfect Connor and Mommy Date Night
Connor and I have spent a lot of time hanging out just the two of us while Kevin is in class these days. I felt like we were starting to get into a rut as of this week. Same old same old. Come home. Play or read. Eat dinner. Some sort of craft, play outside or watch some TV. Boooooring.....
This evening we went to Walmart after picking him up from daycare because we needed cat food and as we're walking to the register down the frozen food aisle I asked Connor what he wanted for dinner. He pointed at the Digiorno behind the cold glass. I caved. Apparently Digiorno's come with cookie dough now too. What a treat! Something to mix up the mundane.
As we pull into the driveway it starts to pour down rain. I pull Connor out of the car and let him run around the driveway and splash in the puddles. He laughed, squealed and loved getting his toes in the gross water that collets on the sidewalk at the end of our driveway. I forgot how much fun that is!! It called out to my inner child that has fast dissapeared over the last year.
After dinner I set us up in the living room for chocolate chip cookies and milk. Mmmm. Connor took one bite of the cookie and threw it. Hmm... Him and chocolate just aren't friends. He eventually warmed up to them and started eating them. I learned my lesson about chocolate in the living room. I was chasing him down to avoid getting chocolate smears on the couch. Next time we'll enjoy our treat at the table.
This evening left me feeling refreshed and happy with our little date night but now that he's sleeping... a messy kitchen is calling my name.
This evening we went to Walmart after picking him up from daycare because we needed cat food and as we're walking to the register down the frozen food aisle I asked Connor what he wanted for dinner. He pointed at the Digiorno behind the cold glass. I caved. Apparently Digiorno's come with cookie dough now too. What a treat! Something to mix up the mundane.
As we pull into the driveway it starts to pour down rain. I pull Connor out of the car and let him run around the driveway and splash in the puddles. He laughed, squealed and loved getting his toes in the gross water that collets on the sidewalk at the end of our driveway. I forgot how much fun that is!! It called out to my inner child that has fast dissapeared over the last year.
After dinner I set us up in the living room for chocolate chip cookies and milk. Mmmm. Connor took one bite of the cookie and threw it. Hmm... Him and chocolate just aren't friends. He eventually warmed up to them and started eating them. I learned my lesson about chocolate in the living room. I was chasing him down to avoid getting chocolate smears on the couch. Next time we'll enjoy our treat at the table.
This evening left me feeling refreshed and happy with our little date night but now that he's sleeping... a messy kitchen is calling my name.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Moooooommmmmmmmmy
Mommy. Mommy. Mommmmmmy. Moooooommmmmmmmmy. Mommy. Mommy. While I used to wish my son would call me mommy now a days I’d love to go back to Da, Daddy, or Dee da.
Connor went through a phase where he would whine when he needed help with or wanted something. I didn’t want to encourage whining so I said, “Can you say Mommy Help?” whenever he whined. He started saying “Mommy”. NOW he says “Mommy” for EVERYTHING.
He knows Kevin is “Dee da” and I’m “Mommy” but now if he needs something, wants something, is talking to himself it is “Mommy mommy mommy mommy”. He’ll even look at Kevin when something is out of reach and say, “Mommy?”
This morning he was sitting on a floor with one of his books. He usually babbles as he turns the page. This morning he was pointing at pictures and saying, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy”.
In hindsight I should have just said, “Can you say Help?” Back to the drawing board I suppose! I’m very blessed that he is finally calling me Mommy, I truly am. I’ll be even more blessed when I can get him to verbalize the physical things he’s pointing to!
On more than occasion I've been reminded of this clip from Family Guy:
Connor went through a phase where he would whine when he needed help with or wanted something. I didn’t want to encourage whining so I said, “Can you say Mommy Help?” whenever he whined. He started saying “Mommy”. NOW he says “Mommy” for EVERYTHING.
He knows Kevin is “Dee da” and I’m “Mommy” but now if he needs something, wants something, is talking to himself it is “Mommy mommy mommy mommy”. He’ll even look at Kevin when something is out of reach and say, “Mommy?”
This morning he was sitting on a floor with one of his books. He usually babbles as he turns the page. This morning he was pointing at pictures and saying, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy”.
In hindsight I should have just said, “Can you say Help?” Back to the drawing board I suppose! I’m very blessed that he is finally calling me Mommy, I truly am. I’ll be even more blessed when I can get him to verbalize the physical things he’s pointing to!
On more than occasion I've been reminded of this clip from Family Guy:
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Zoo, Egg Hunting and The Park Oh My!
Spring has sprung and we’re making the most of the beautiful weather!
Thursday daycare closed for Easter break and I took off work to spend time with Connor. The first play date on our agenda was a trip to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with our friends Meghan and Gabbi. We had such an enjoyable time!
Meghan and I decided that strollers with walking toddlers would be difficult to manage so we decided to get out our harnesses and let the kiddos walk. They did great and loved being in control of the journey. We had to do minimal carrying and enjoyed picking them up to see the animals instead of taking them out of the stroller and having to put them back in.
They loved seeing the animals that were up close and sharing snacks. Most animals were out. The only animal we didn’t get to see was the giraffe. The petting zoo was a big hit even though Connor kept trying to pet the back end of the goat.
For me it was great taking Connor to a place that I remember going to as a kid. I was sad not to see as many animals and the old part of the zoo closed. However, I remembered most exhibits and enjoyed taking Connor through the Children’s Zoo. I hope this was the first of many trips to the Zoo.
Saturday we went to our first Easter Egg hunt for Connor. Before we went I did a dry run with Connor in the living room. I wanted him to have the concept of it down. I knew we would get there and he’d get stuck with wanting to bang two eggs together. Cute, but I know him looking for eggs would be even cuter.
Mark and Robin hosted the hunt and the brunch at their location. Everyone was able to make it so we had all 4 of Connor’s friends plus a cousin of Delaney! Needless to say it gets crazy when we have all the toddlers together.
The weather was yucky most of Friday and Saturday morning. Once the rain passed and turned into sprinkles we went across the street to an elementary school. The kiddos had fun finding eggs, picking up rocks, trying to walk in grass and stealing eggs out of each other’s baskets.
On Sunday the Easter Bunny came and left us with a basket full of books, a chocolate bunny and two new friends, Donald Duck and Goofy. I was shocked that Connor was not interested in his chocolate bunny. He actually pulled the piece of chocolate out of his mouth! We enjoyed dinner with family and ended the evening with a thunderstorm and my baby cuddled on my lap.
Monday I was off work again due to daycare still being closed. In the morning Connor had his 15 month well visit. He weighed in at a whooping 24.11lbs and is 30.75in tall. He was angered by getting two shots in the leg but it soon subsided once we arrived at Downs Park for lunch.
We enjoyed lunch under a tree near the water. Afterwards I pulled out Connors new ball he loves to throw and try to kick. He ran around chasing the ball and fell into soft dirt / mud. And so raising a little toddler begins!
Before we left we stopped off at the playground. He swung on the swings, climbed on the smaller play gym and slid down some slides. This is yet another place I used to go to A LOT as a child and it was great taking him there and watching him enjoy himself as I did.
My mini break came to an end and it was time to head back to work. You would think I was dreading Tuesday morning, but I was surprisingly ready to get back into the grind. I love being a mom but I also enjoy my new job. Life has blessed me with being able to have a healthy balance between the two!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Where did time go?!
Jan 2nd marked the year birthday of my little guy. While babies are supposed to grow up and become independent toddlers is just so hard to believe that he's becoming his own little person. He's walking when he feels like it, beginning to repeat words, getting frustrated when things don't go his way, eating almost anything, and dancing to any kind of music. I'm amazed every day when I look at him constantly learning and growing like a weed.
The beginning of this year was met with stress, anxiety and sickness. As the year was turning from 2010 to 2011 I was met with what the doctor said was stress and anxiety. While I've dealt with lots of this before I apparently let it get ahead of me. I was met with a stomach bug and then not being able to sleep. Thankfully the doctor gave me valium to help my body to remember to sleep and relax and I learned I need to let go and ask for help when needed.
Connor's birthday party that was supposed to be small and quiet but turned out large and loud worked out perfectly. Everyone we've been close with over the last year was there and I think I've made enough cupcakes to last a lifetime.
Shortly after, Connor became sick and we found out he had RSV. RSV is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and land its victim in the hospital with low oxygen levels. Thankfully we caught it before it became serious. We were left with a feverish baby, breathing treatments three times a day for a week and a half, and two exhausted parents. I did get to see some of Connor's first steps while I was home from work with him!
We ended the first month of this year healthy and with 3 extra teeth what we started with.
The beginning of this year was met with stress, anxiety and sickness. As the year was turning from 2010 to 2011 I was met with what the doctor said was stress and anxiety. While I've dealt with lots of this before I apparently let it get ahead of me. I was met with a stomach bug and then not being able to sleep. Thankfully the doctor gave me valium to help my body to remember to sleep and relax and I learned I need to let go and ask for help when needed.
Connor's birthday party that was supposed to be small and quiet but turned out large and loud worked out perfectly. Everyone we've been close with over the last year was there and I think I've made enough cupcakes to last a lifetime.
Shortly after, Connor became sick and we found out he had RSV. RSV is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and land its victim in the hospital with low oxygen levels. Thankfully we caught it before it became serious. We were left with a feverish baby, breathing treatments three times a day for a week and a half, and two exhausted parents. I did get to see some of Connor's first steps while I was home from work with him!
We ended the first month of this year healthy and with 3 extra teeth what we started with.
Friday, September 3, 2010
And Then Came Separation Anxiety...
Ohhhhh good old separation anxiety... you turn my happy independent baby into a blubbering mess when I leave the room, hand him off to grandma, give him to daddy, or even move to the side of the room where he can't see me.
Just when I got over my separation anxiety about going back to work, going away to teach a workshop for most of the day, or even book a cruise with my husband, my baby's anxiety kicks into overdrive. Part of me wonders if his anxiety growing is because mine is shrinking. Does he feel me pulling away?
I've read that he's finally realizing that when something goes out of view that its not gone forever. So when he can't see me he wants me back because he knows I'm not actually gone. He is also starting to develop preferences for people. One day he may prefer me and the next daddy. People tell me it goes in phases but its so sad to hear him cry when I leave the room to put on my makeup in the morning. But you can't calm the voices in my head telling me he knows I'm more comfortable leaving him. All I can do is give extra hugs and kisses before I leave and schedule more snuggle time at home.
On top of the separation anxiety he has also developed stranger anxiety. He used to smile and coo at anyone who held him. Now when I pass him off to someone "new" he cries of stiffens up! My social baby clams up and becomes a statue.
Its amazing to see not only the physical development of my baby but also the emotional. He has preferences, actual feelings, and shows his love in a smile or touch.
Just when I got over my separation anxiety about going back to work, going away to teach a workshop for most of the day, or even book a cruise with my husband, my baby's anxiety kicks into overdrive. Part of me wonders if his anxiety growing is because mine is shrinking. Does he feel me pulling away?
I've read that he's finally realizing that when something goes out of view that its not gone forever. So when he can't see me he wants me back because he knows I'm not actually gone. He is also starting to develop preferences for people. One day he may prefer me and the next daddy. People tell me it goes in phases but its so sad to hear him cry when I leave the room to put on my makeup in the morning. But you can't calm the voices in my head telling me he knows I'm more comfortable leaving him. All I can do is give extra hugs and kisses before I leave and schedule more snuggle time at home.
On top of the separation anxiety he has also developed stranger anxiety. He used to smile and coo at anyone who held him. Now when I pass him off to someone "new" he cries of stiffens up! My social baby clams up and becomes a statue.
Its amazing to see not only the physical development of my baby but also the emotional. He has preferences, actual feelings, and shows his love in a smile or touch.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Art of Being Busy...
Pre baby times I always had something to do. A class to take, a workshop to teach, a full time job to go to, parties to attend, or deadline to meet. Now that we've tossed a baby in the mix I've learned to appreciate how my time is being spent.
I love the time I spend being a mom. It is so much more rewarding than I ever imagined. Most days I feel renewed at the end of the day instead of drained like I did before I was a mom. I started this blog with excitement to share my thoughts but its been put by the wayside while I've caught up on housework after teaching workshops over the last month.
I have gained some time back since my son has gained some of his own independence. At first there was a part of me that dreaded his growing independence from me over the last two months; we weaned him from breastfeeding, he started holding his own bottle, going to bed earlier and started sleeping through most nights, he sits on his own, entertains himself with his toys. I felt like he was already growing up and moving away. That feeling soon passed when I found his independence allows me to slowly return to a life that somewhat mirrors my pre baby days. The extra two hours I have at the end of the day because he goes to bed between 8 and 8:30 are a blessing. I have time to read, reconnect with the energy around me, get some housework done, reconnect with my husband or go to bed if I feel like it.
The last month was filled with teaching workshops on my weekends. I felt guilty at first for leaving my baby on the few days that we can spend all day together. By the end of month I realized how important it was for me to get out and still have time doing non-mom stuff. It opened my eyes and showed me that my baby's world won't fall apart if I'm not available. It also gave me the courage to book a cruise in November and go away with my husband baby free. I would have never thought four months ago that going on a cruise without a baby possible.
I took two days off work last week and had a four day weekend. I caught up on some much needed mommy and Connor time. It's amazing how your heart grows when its already so full of love.
I love the time I spend being a mom. It is so much more rewarding than I ever imagined. Most days I feel renewed at the end of the day instead of drained like I did before I was a mom. I started this blog with excitement to share my thoughts but its been put by the wayside while I've caught up on housework after teaching workshops over the last month.
I have gained some time back since my son has gained some of his own independence. At first there was a part of me that dreaded his growing independence from me over the last two months; we weaned him from breastfeeding, he started holding his own bottle, going to bed earlier and started sleeping through most nights, he sits on his own, entertains himself with his toys. I felt like he was already growing up and moving away. That feeling soon passed when I found his independence allows me to slowly return to a life that somewhat mirrors my pre baby days. The extra two hours I have at the end of the day because he goes to bed between 8 and 8:30 are a blessing. I have time to read, reconnect with the energy around me, get some housework done, reconnect with my husband or go to bed if I feel like it.
The last month was filled with teaching workshops on my weekends. I felt guilty at first for leaving my baby on the few days that we can spend all day together. By the end of month I realized how important it was for me to get out and still have time doing non-mom stuff. It opened my eyes and showed me that my baby's world won't fall apart if I'm not available. It also gave me the courage to book a cruise in November and go away with my husband baby free. I would have never thought four months ago that going on a cruise without a baby possible.
I took two days off work last week and had a four day weekend. I caught up on some much needed mommy and Connor time. It's amazing how your heart grows when its already so full of love.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Super Mom - My rambling thoughts
I've determined if you're a mom you're Super in my book.
I'm a member of the January 2010 Birth Board on BabyCenter.com. I was commenting on a post today about being a Super Mom. I got to thinking about how many other Super Moms there are in my life after reading other peoples posts about why they thought they were a Super Mom.
Of course there is my two mothers in my life. My mom did everything that she could for my sister and I as a single mother for most of our young lives. Being a mother now has me appreciating everything she did ten times more than ever. My step mother never had a desire to be a mom until she met my dad. She always treated us as her own giving us her love, advice, time, money and energy when needed.
The Super Moms that have recently come into my life are my close girlfriends. I have a close relationship with at least five to six other women who have had babies within six months of me. I am amazed at ourselves and what we have learned and accomplished in such a short time.
My Ramblings...
We are all Super Moms. Some of us are first time moms, some of us have been there done that and have been a mom for years, some us went back to work, some us are now running and managing our homes, some us are "Mom" 24-7 because dad is overseas, some of us are making homemade baby food, some of us breastfed, some us are still breastfeeding, some of us are lugging her breast pump back and forth from work, some of us are cruising Farmers Markets to provide her family with the best food possible, some of us have changed to an organic diet for her family and baby, some of us find apps on our smart phone that create white noise to help our babies sleep, some of us not only have babies to take care of but cats and dogs running under her feet too, and some of us have many children pulling her in all directions and still can find time for each child. Our Super list is never ending. Some how some way we do it... we accomplish what we desire for our family and we strive for whatever is best for our children.
We should all have a Super glass of wine!
I'm a member of the January 2010 Birth Board on BabyCenter.com. I was commenting on a post today about being a Super Mom. I got to thinking about how many other Super Moms there are in my life after reading other peoples posts about why they thought they were a Super Mom.
Of course there is my two mothers in my life. My mom did everything that she could for my sister and I as a single mother for most of our young lives. Being a mother now has me appreciating everything she did ten times more than ever. My step mother never had a desire to be a mom until she met my dad. She always treated us as her own giving us her love, advice, time, money and energy when needed.
The Super Moms that have recently come into my life are my close girlfriends. I have a close relationship with at least five to six other women who have had babies within six months of me. I am amazed at ourselves and what we have learned and accomplished in such a short time.
My Ramblings...
We are all Super Moms. Some of us are first time moms, some of us have been there done that and have been a mom for years, some us went back to work, some us are now running and managing our homes, some us are "Mom" 24-7 because dad is overseas, some of us are making homemade baby food, some of us breastfed, some us are still breastfeeding, some of us are lugging her breast pump back and forth from work, some of us are cruising Farmers Markets to provide her family with the best food possible, some of us have changed to an organic diet for her family and baby, some of us find apps on our smart phone that create white noise to help our babies sleep, some of us not only have babies to take care of but cats and dogs running under her feet too, and some of us have many children pulling her in all directions and still can find time for each child. Our Super list is never ending. Some how some way we do it... we accomplish what we desire for our family and we strive for whatever is best for our children.
We should all have a Super glass of wine!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Don't cry over spilled milk
Whoever coined the phrase, "Don't cry over spilled milk" was obviously not a breastfeeding/pumping working mother.
I have come to a crossroad about whether or not I should continue breastfeeding and pumping. My original goal for breastfeeding was until I went back to work. Then we bought a pump and my goal became 6 months, and then later, after I realized how easy it was for us, it became a year. In the last month my supply has dropped and we have encountered some bumps in our smooth sailing path of breastfeeding. It has me questioning whether to keep at it or throw in the towel.
Now that Connor is eating solid foods and on an evening schedule it makes it difficult for me to want to spend chunks of my evening pumping. In a given day I spend at least 5-6 hours pumping, cleaning my pump parts, planning out my supply, and packing up my pump for the next day.
I feel that if I could spend that time with Connor he would be getting more out the quality mommy time than the antibodies from the breast milk. I would be happier spending time with my son than stressing about how many ounces I've pumped for the day. A person in one of my online groups said it best, "A happy mommy equals a happy baby".
I will be sad to let go of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the one thing I am very glad we were able to do. I know there are many women who are not able to produce enough milk or the baby can't latch. We are very fortunate that Connor was born a pro and didn't have any issues. We are very fortunate that my milk came in the second day after birth. I will have the memories of us bonding and spending that special time together.
The sadness in my heart about letting go of all of this will be replaced by my excitement in the horizon. I'll be able to run errands after work without having to come home to pump first. I'll be able to make it to my yoga class at the gym after work because pumping won't be holding me up. I'll be able to take care of dinner earlier so there will be extra time with Connor before bed. The list goes on and on.
So as Connor turns 6 months I'm hanging up the pump and nursing bras and looking forward to making some awesome wholesome baby food.
I have come to a crossroad about whether or not I should continue breastfeeding and pumping. My original goal for breastfeeding was until I went back to work. Then we bought a pump and my goal became 6 months, and then later, after I realized how easy it was for us, it became a year. In the last month my supply has dropped and we have encountered some bumps in our smooth sailing path of breastfeeding. It has me questioning whether to keep at it or throw in the towel.
Now that Connor is eating solid foods and on an evening schedule it makes it difficult for me to want to spend chunks of my evening pumping. In a given day I spend at least 5-6 hours pumping, cleaning my pump parts, planning out my supply, and packing up my pump for the next day.
I feel that if I could spend that time with Connor he would be getting more out the quality mommy time than the antibodies from the breast milk. I would be happier spending time with my son than stressing about how many ounces I've pumped for the day. A person in one of my online groups said it best, "A happy mommy equals a happy baby".
I will be sad to let go of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the one thing I am very glad we were able to do. I know there are many women who are not able to produce enough milk or the baby can't latch. We are very fortunate that Connor was born a pro and didn't have any issues. We are very fortunate that my milk came in the second day after birth. I will have the memories of us bonding and spending that special time together.
The sadness in my heart about letting go of all of this will be replaced by my excitement in the horizon. I'll be able to run errands after work without having to come home to pump first. I'll be able to make it to my yoga class at the gym after work because pumping won't be holding me up. I'll be able to take care of dinner earlier so there will be extra time with Connor before bed. The list goes on and on.
So as Connor turns 6 months I'm hanging up the pump and nursing bras and looking forward to making some awesome wholesome baby food.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Today Show vs Playhouse Disney
Getting ready for work in the morning has changed drastically for me.
My husband leaves for work before daycare opens so that leaves me the person to myself ready for work and the baby ready for daycare. Let me say I am NOT a morning person.
The Today Show used to on the television in the morning when I got ready for work. I never really paid attention to it because I was usually running around like a crazy maniac trying get out the door on time. I would catch the weather, traffic and then out the door I went. Now when I'm getting ready and packing up everything for me and the baby for the day I keep him in his walker, sitting on the floor or when he was really little in the bouncy seat.
About a month ago I was running around and looked over at my baby sitting on the couch staring at the TV. This was the first time he actually looked like he was paying attention and taking in what was on the screen. Before this you could tell he was just fascinated by the lights and the noise. I realized my Today Show mornings were over. Yes I love catching the latest on world events, knowing the weather for the day and which route I should take to work, BUT I don't need my baby being 3 years old and up to date on the latest oil spill crisis, the war in Iraq and the status of our economy.
I'm not a fan of sitting a baby in front of the television but it is helpful in the morning. Now Playhouse Disney is on in the morning, starting with Handy Manny and then Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I actually find myself enjoying the morning even more. Partly because the baby is laughing and enjoying cartoons and partly because I'm not being hit the negativity of the morning news.
Now if there is anyway for me to turn into a morning person and remember everything necessary for the day.
My husband leaves for work before daycare opens so that leaves me the person to myself ready for work and the baby ready for daycare. Let me say I am NOT a morning person.
The Today Show used to on the television in the morning when I got ready for work. I never really paid attention to it because I was usually running around like a crazy maniac trying get out the door on time. I would catch the weather, traffic and then out the door I went. Now when I'm getting ready and packing up everything for me and the baby for the day I keep him in his walker, sitting on the floor or when he was really little in the bouncy seat.
About a month ago I was running around and looked over at my baby sitting on the couch staring at the TV. This was the first time he actually looked like he was paying attention and taking in what was on the screen. Before this you could tell he was just fascinated by the lights and the noise. I realized my Today Show mornings were over. Yes I love catching the latest on world events, knowing the weather for the day and which route I should take to work, BUT I don't need my baby being 3 years old and up to date on the latest oil spill crisis, the war in Iraq and the status of our economy.
I'm not a fan of sitting a baby in front of the television but it is helpful in the morning. Now Playhouse Disney is on in the morning, starting with Handy Manny and then Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I actually find myself enjoying the morning even more. Partly because the baby is laughing and enjoying cartoons and partly because I'm not being hit the negativity of the morning news.
Now if there is anyway for me to turn into a morning person and remember everything necessary for the day.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Who Am I?
Before getting pregnant I had a pretty good idea of who I was. Stepping into the role of being a "Mom" has blurred lines and views of who I am.
I was a wife.
I was a friend to many wonderful girlfriends.
I enjoyed working outside the home.
I was a holistic practitioner/educator.
I am still all of these things. Now I am "Mom" first and foremost. Then my role as wife, friend, employee, holistic health practitioner/educator follows.
I am married to my best friend and look forward to waking up every morning knowing we are working towards the same goals and building a life together. It amazes me that we created life and have this little replica of our genes.
I have some of the best girlfriends a woman could ask for. I feel I see them few and far between these days but stepping into my new role as "Mom" some how makes it ok. I know they are an email/phone call away.
I spent four years going to college and worked hard to have the job that I have now. At first it was really hard to want to work and leave Connor at daycare. Each day got easier and easier. Now I know my little one is in safe hands growing, socializing and learning a schedule while I am contributing to supporting our household.
Since the birth of Connor, I have started to be more selective of how many clients I am seeing and how many classes I am teaching. My weekend and evening time is sacred to me because I'm spending as much time as I can with the Connor.
Being a "Mom" now means timing feedings between running errands, keeping my fingers crossed that he sleeps through the night, engaging his mind to help him grow, trying to catch every smile possible, spending my lunch break pumping breast milk so I can provide him the best nutrients possible, monitoring how regular he is because he's started solids, making him laugh so my heart skips a beat, worrying that maybe I'm not doing something right, surfing the web to find out what his next steps are, and soothing him anytime he's cranky.
I am a "Mom" who still enjoys her wine but schedules around breastfeeding. I am a "Mom" who still loves to snuggle with her husband every night but has to wait until Connor's last feeding. I am a "Mom" who misses lunch with her girlfriends on Saturday afternoons but needs to catch up on housework from the week before. I am a "Mom" who tries to take time and meditate but falls asleep after a long day.
I am a "Mom" who's heart has been filled with to the top with love in the last six months and it grows every morning I see him smiling at me from in his crib. I know I'm only getting a glimpse of the love that is to come.
I was a wife.
I was a friend to many wonderful girlfriends.
I enjoyed working outside the home.
I was a holistic practitioner/educator.
I am still all of these things. Now I am "Mom" first and foremost. Then my role as wife, friend, employee, holistic health practitioner/educator follows.
I am married to my best friend and look forward to waking up every morning knowing we are working towards the same goals and building a life together. It amazes me that we created life and have this little replica of our genes.
I have some of the best girlfriends a woman could ask for. I feel I see them few and far between these days but stepping into my new role as "Mom" some how makes it ok. I know they are an email/phone call away.
I spent four years going to college and worked hard to have the job that I have now. At first it was really hard to want to work and leave Connor at daycare. Each day got easier and easier. Now I know my little one is in safe hands growing, socializing and learning a schedule while I am contributing to supporting our household.
Since the birth of Connor, I have started to be more selective of how many clients I am seeing and how many classes I am teaching. My weekend and evening time is sacred to me because I'm spending as much time as I can with the Connor.
Being a "Mom" now means timing feedings between running errands, keeping my fingers crossed that he sleeps through the night, engaging his mind to help him grow, trying to catch every smile possible, spending my lunch break pumping breast milk so I can provide him the best nutrients possible, monitoring how regular he is because he's started solids, making him laugh so my heart skips a beat, worrying that maybe I'm not doing something right, surfing the web to find out what his next steps are, and soothing him anytime he's cranky.
I am a "Mom" who still enjoys her wine but schedules around breastfeeding. I am a "Mom" who still loves to snuggle with her husband every night but has to wait until Connor's last feeding. I am a "Mom" who misses lunch with her girlfriends on Saturday afternoons but needs to catch up on housework from the week before. I am a "Mom" who tries to take time and meditate but falls asleep after a long day.
I am a "Mom" who's heart has been filled with to the top with love in the last six months and it grows every morning I see him smiling at me from in his crib. I know I'm only getting a glimpse of the love that is to come.
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