All is well in the house we call home. We are dancing and singing, having parades full of circus animals, listening to baby giggles, watching him crawl, stand, cruise and push anything and everything anywhere and everywhere... We listen to our 2 3/4 year old sing, watch her change clothes every 15 minutes and wear crowns (as she is a princess)... We have had company, been company, missed family and skyped family since I last posted.
We have continued on our resolution journey and have been living life, each day another adventure. (Life with a high-drama toddler and a mobile baby makes for an emotionally and physically draining day)
I am reminded though, through this resolution journey - just how amazing life is. It is right here, at our fingertips. It is our moment. Each moment. My laughing children, who can now take my breath away with any one of their dimples... I am so proud to be their mother.
I never really knew what motherhood would be like before I was married and had children. Back when dating was a sport, dancing happened at bars, and research was done because of a college assignment. I did know this: I would be a mother someday.
Dating has now become a family affair, as we wouldn't have it any other way. Dancing happens in our living room with tutus, magic wands, music, and normally a glass of wine ;) And research, well research is something that I thought I would leave behind after my college days; however, after becoming pregnant and feeling this obligation to not only birth and care for a human being, but to do it with 100% of my soul - research became my best friend.
I have learned that anything occurring in this "Herd Mentality" of a population we live in should be challenged. Not everything is black or white - not everything is as easy as just taking advice from your friends who have all done it before you... Educate yourself on this: Parenting. You only get one stab at it (per child of course) and it is your responsibility to do the best job you possibly can.
Take mental (and actual) photographs of the tutu dancing, tea parties, dress up sessions, and even date nights, but please don't forget to mentally (and physically) document the things in which you do that you KNOW make an amazing mother.
A few items on my "Pride" list:
1. Co-sleeping with two children... because I know just how much my toddler still needs/wants/craves those night time snuggles. How can you blame her? We could not exactly tell her to sleep in her room as Mommy, Daddy, and new baby brother slept together in another room. I am even more proud that we are listening to her needs and not moving her (or baby brother out) 9 months after the birth.
2. Nursing Olympics... You know - when you are sitting leaned over on the couch and baby can stand and nurse in front of you. Or when baby can find his snack at any angle imaginable... Not "breastfeeding olympics" because breastfeeding is what you do when you purely breastfeed. Nursing takes it to the next level. You nurse when you feed on demand, for comfort, and for an extended period of time (meaning after you have introduced foods, after a first birthday, after baby can sign or "ask" for it... knowing the benefits it provides to your child). I nursed Scarlett for 20 months and wish that she would have continued longer, but my milk changed at that point of my pregnancy and she weaned herself :( With Emmett, I am hoping that he continues going strong and hits 2 or more years of nursing. I say nursing because I will nurse him when he falls and gets a boo-boo, or when he has his feelings hurt, or just when he is thirsty and wants it.
3. Baby-wearing... Scarlett gave me no choice. She had to be worn throughout her infancy. However, I am proud because after researching, I learned just how wonderful baby-wearing is, and not just at infancy. Scarlett will still bring me the ergo and ask to be worn. I do not deny her (unless Emmett is already on me - and then she just has to wait until Emmett is down). Emmett is worn pretty much 24/7. We have to keep up with Scarlett somehow. ;)
4. Cloth Diapering... I will say that I was against this before Scarlett was born, but John stood firm and talked me into "trying" it. Joke is on him, right? You should see the stash of fluff we have in this house. My biggest point of pride in this field is that Emmett has never had anything other than fluff on his butt. From day one.
5. Extended-Rear Facing... My 2 3/4 year old daughter is still rear-facing, as it is the safest way to have a child sitting in the car. She will stay this way until we cannot fit carseats in this position or she outweighs the limit.
6. Baby-Led Weaning... call it healthier (or lazier), but we do not use baby food - or purees at all in this house. Baby eats what we eat when baby is ready. It is healthier in the long run, yes - but it sure is easier too :)
7. Wet Nursing... I didn't know if I would ever discuss nursing another woman's child. Let alone the thought of someone nursing my child. But when your child will not take milk from any other source but a boob, will not eat table food, and you are in need of just an hour with your husband, a best friend who is also nursing comes in handy :)
8. Delaying (until who-knows-when) Vaccinations... mercury? aluminum? formaldehyde? nah... no thank you.
9. Natural Birth... I am grateful for doctors to be there for those who are in need a c-section (true need - not elective need) - but every woman is capable of giving birth naturally... It is the most "Super Woman" feeling you will ever have. EVER.
I am even more proud of my husband though - with each of these points, he has read, researched further, and supported me in every way possible. It has to be hard when you do not have milk flowing to stop tears. He is by my side and is the greatest father I could have ever asked for my children.
I will say though that the most prideful moment(s) have been after bringing these babies into the world... all of the moments I have followed my gut, researched, learned, and grown as a mother. Each day presents opportunities to take the easy road, or the road most traveled by mothers. I am proud that I can look at this road and realize that it is easier not because it is right, but because it has been paved by those following in step of the others around them - unquestioning, unknowing that there is even another road available.
So thinking back to my college days, I realize just how much I have changed. I also realize just how proud of myself I am. I am now the woman (and mother) that I never even knew I could be. Take a look around you - take pride in the little things as well as the big. Take pride in giving up a job to be with your babies. Take pride in learning to love finger painting. Take pride in falling asleep while reading books to your little one. Take pride in being an amazing parent.
What are you proud of?
Friday, May 18, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
A week's worth.
Last Week:
Thursday - Determine a change that can be made - and change it.
John and I decided to not have any wine Monday-Wednesdays at home. (If we are at a friend's house then it is ok.) This is more of a budget saver than anything else. If we can save even one bottle of wine a week, that will add up to $40 a month or more! We normally have a glass of wine every or every other night. Thursdays in the summer, our community hosts large cookouts with live music. We know we will have some wine/beer there; hence the Monday-Wednesday change.
Friday - Cook an old food in a new way.
John loves fried eggs. I love scrambled eggs. Scarlett loves any egg in general. I decided to take the plunge and fry away! DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! A little ham, an english muffin. DONE. delicious breakfast!
Saturday - Volunteer.
After speaking to our church, I decided to start helping create the baptismal banners. The ladies who have been sewing them for years are "retiring" and a new team is needed. Since I can sew, why not?
Sunday - Do Jumping Jacks.
Scarlett loves jumping jacks. She actually helps me create my bootcamps sometimes! Not only did we do some jumping jacks, but we designed an entire bootcamp based around kids' activities.
Monday - Plan a date.
I think this counts... well it counts for us because we will have no children with us. This weekend is the TC (The Players Championship) in Jacksonville, FL. We will leave the kids with my in-laws for the day on Saturday and head to the golf tournament to meet with friends!
Tuesday - Finger Paint -- I was planning a Mother's Day project for my mom and mother-in-law this week anyway - I guess I just pulled a great resolution to help us get started!
Wednesday - Craft Project (i guess I should just leave the newspaper down)
Thursday - Determine a change that can be made - and change it.
John and I decided to not have any wine Monday-Wednesdays at home. (If we are at a friend's house then it is ok.) This is more of a budget saver than anything else. If we can save even one bottle of wine a week, that will add up to $40 a month or more! We normally have a glass of wine every or every other night. Thursdays in the summer, our community hosts large cookouts with live music. We know we will have some wine/beer there; hence the Monday-Wednesday change.
Friday - Cook an old food in a new way.
John loves fried eggs. I love scrambled eggs. Scarlett loves any egg in general. I decided to take the plunge and fry away! DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! A little ham, an english muffin. DONE. delicious breakfast!
Saturday - Volunteer.
After speaking to our church, I decided to start helping create the baptismal banners. The ladies who have been sewing them for years are "retiring" and a new team is needed. Since I can sew, why not?
Sunday - Do Jumping Jacks.
Scarlett loves jumping jacks. She actually helps me create my bootcamps sometimes! Not only did we do some jumping jacks, but we designed an entire bootcamp based around kids' activities.
Monday - Plan a date.
I think this counts... well it counts for us because we will have no children with us. This weekend is the TC (The Players Championship) in Jacksonville, FL. We will leave the kids with my in-laws for the day on Saturday and head to the golf tournament to meet with friends!
Tuesday - Finger Paint -- I was planning a Mother's Day project for my mom and mother-in-law this week anyway - I guess I just pulled a great resolution to help us get started!
Wednesday - Craft Project (i guess I should just leave the newspaper down)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
A sniffle, a sneeze, and an AHHHCHOOOOOOOOO.
It has been a rough few weeks of sleep in this house. Scarlett has had this horrible cough due to environmental allergies - and it has lasted at least three weeks now. We were finally getting back in to the groove of sleeping, when I wake up with snot flowing and a headache like no other.
I took Scarlett to the doctor today, to prove to John and that she does not have pneumonia. (which by the way she does not.) The doctor recommended saline up the nose throughout the day and a decongestant at night. That's all fine and dandy until of course you try to get drops up a 2.5 year old's nose. If you have not had this joy, it plays out like this:
Me (not feeling well myself): Scarlett lay down like the doctor showed you.
Scarlett (hesitant): Ummmmmm.... I don't think so.
Me: Scarlett please lay down.
Scarlett: Nope. (runs and slams a door)
Me (knocking on door): Please hunny. The doctor said it will help your cough.
Me (opening door, grabbing Scarlett, laying her down, pinning her legs): Scarlett PLEASE.
Scarlett - SCREAAAAAAAAMING..... "NOOOOOO MOMMY!! no drops!"
Me (the battle has begun. I try pinning legs, arms, head, anything I can, but getting a DAMN DROP in her nose is impossible) : Scarlett - Mommy really needs to help your cough get better.
so on and so on.....
needless to say, after much bribery, one drop made it into one nostril. I gave up.
I then let Scarlett watch a cartoon on netflix for 2 hours while Emmett and I napped.
John is on nostril duty tonight.
The resolutions are picking up from April 25th (Wednesday) :)
Wednesday's resolution: Don't try counting your blessings, there are too many - just enjoy your time with them.
Thursday's Resolution: Make sangria. (We are saving this for the next party!)
Friday's Resolution: Go to bed early.
Saturday's Resolution: Visit the farmer's market. (And purchase all local meat and veggies!)
Thank you to Hunter Cattle - we purchased fresh beef, pork, and chicken! And a shout out to the couple running the sweet pea (and other veggie) booth - you gave us the BEST recipe for the sweet peas! We threw thm into the crockpot, covered with water, and layered on top all of our left over bbq (or you can use bacon) - set it on low and let it o all day long!
Sunday's Resolution: Walk the dog - a real walk.
Monday's Resolution: No wine or beer tonight.
Tuesday's Resolution: Make a baked potato. (Easy enough - we covered ours with beans, brisket, and cheese!)
Wednesday's Resolution: Dance outside. Watch out BOOTCAMPERS - we are dancing in the park tomorrow!!!
I took Scarlett to the doctor today, to prove to John and that she does not have pneumonia. (which by the way she does not.) The doctor recommended saline up the nose throughout the day and a decongestant at night. That's all fine and dandy until of course you try to get drops up a 2.5 year old's nose. If you have not had this joy, it plays out like this:
Me (not feeling well myself): Scarlett lay down like the doctor showed you.
Scarlett (hesitant): Ummmmmm.... I don't think so.
Me: Scarlett please lay down.
Scarlett: Nope. (runs and slams a door)
Me (knocking on door): Please hunny. The doctor said it will help your cough.
Me (opening door, grabbing Scarlett, laying her down, pinning her legs): Scarlett PLEASE.
Scarlett - SCREAAAAAAAAMING..... "NOOOOOO MOMMY!! no drops!"
Me (the battle has begun. I try pinning legs, arms, head, anything I can, but getting a DAMN DROP in her nose is impossible) : Scarlett - Mommy really needs to help your cough get better.
so on and so on.....
needless to say, after much bribery, one drop made it into one nostril. I gave up.
I then let Scarlett watch a cartoon on netflix for 2 hours while Emmett and I napped.
John is on nostril duty tonight.
The resolutions are picking up from April 25th (Wednesday) :)
Wednesday's resolution: Don't try counting your blessings, there are too many - just enjoy your time with them.
Thursday's Resolution: Make sangria. (We are saving this for the next party!)
Friday's Resolution: Go to bed early.
Saturday's Resolution: Visit the farmer's market. (And purchase all local meat and veggies!)
Thank you to Hunter Cattle - we purchased fresh beef, pork, and chicken! And a shout out to the couple running the sweet pea (and other veggie) booth - you gave us the BEST recipe for the sweet peas! We threw thm into the crockpot, covered with water, and layered on top all of our left over bbq (or you can use bacon) - set it on low and let it o all day long!
Sunday's Resolution: Walk the dog - a real walk.
Monday's Resolution: No wine or beer tonight.
Tuesday's Resolution: Make a baked potato. (Easy enough - we covered ours with beans, brisket, and cheese!)
Wednesday's Resolution: Dance outside. Watch out BOOTCAMPERS - we are dancing in the park tomorrow!!!
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