Okay, so in a previous post amongst my rant about being so busy I mentioned that I resigned from my current job and will be starting a new job this upcoming week. Well tomorrow is my first day at the new job. I'm all over the place about how I feel about it... excited, thrilled, relieved, nervous, scared, guilty, and hesitant. Let me explain....
I have had this great cushy job for almost three years. My boss was not the type that would walk in the room and seem approachable but regardless he was an awesome boss. He kept me out of the line of fire when the queen (actually it was a dude) of a CEO we had was looking for the next victim. He also was really simple - as long as the work got done it didn't matter where I was doing it which meant that he was totally fine with me working from home 2-3 days out of the week so that I could be home with my son. I always got my work done but it was so nice to be able to do the work in my pajamas and with my son playing on the floor right next to me.
However our company was recently acquired and as anyone would do - my boss found a new job elsewhere. I wasn't really looking for new work as I was hoping to get a good size severance and be able to be home with my son (peanut) until he was close to a year old before I started to look. Oh but how life is funny and how things come up out of no where. I had applied to some 40 or so jobs online and really was just doing a test run. You know, practice sending out my resume and hopefully get some interview practice as well. Well, I did and I guess my skills were not so rusty because I got an offer! I was thrilled - it was at a large corporation (which is what I wanted) and it was with a fantastic company and apparently they are known for telecommuting and working well with working moms (we'll have to see) so of course I was at a cross road.
After several sleepless nights (yes, well peanut waking up doesn't count when it comes to this) and pointless (one sided) conversations with Dude I came to the conclusion that it would be better in the long run if I took the new job. I know that there will be great opportunities for me there and wonderful connections to be made but I can't shake off the guilt and hesitancy because I won't be able to spend the same amount of time I do now with peanut and I don't want to regret that later. I mean he's only going to be this young once! I've been trying to prepare myself by leaving earlier to go to work (my current job) and I haven't worked from home... well its not like I can since I have only a few days before my last day. I gotta say its been tough and quite trying on me and from what I see and have heard it has been hard on peanut too.... which is the worst part. During this past long weekend I spent every waking moment possible with him so we both get our share of mommy and baby time before I start the work week again. I guess that is how I will have to play this out - by compensating the time I am not here with plenty of face time during the weekend and first thing in the mornings and last thing in the evenings. I don't mind but it just becomes difficult when other things in "life" get in the way.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Super Mom or Super Crazy
Doesn't the title of this already give enough for you to make a judgement about me already? You guessed it. I have found myself in a downward spiral of self sabotage. I'm trying to do it all - which of course means doing too much! However I find myself always finding my second, third, fiftieth wind!
I mean don't get me wrong I know that there are millions of moms (and dads) that do a hundred and one things everyday for their kids, spouses, parents, and everyone else in between. However this is the first time that I am adding on a whole seperate laundry list of things to do in a day, week, month, year, lifetime than what I had before. I think I just got too ambitous to make up for the last trimester (of my pregnancy) since I was on bedrest. Just to give you an idea of what I have done or am doing so far... I am a lead mom for one playgroup, I started and lead my own playgroup (yes a totally different playgroup), I am the co-chair of speaker events for a non-profit volunteer based parents group, I am the co-coordinator for an upcoming festival in our local area for children, trying to find a good preschool, looking for good swim classes, and I belong to two book clubs and this is all while I am/have planned two baby showers, two bachelorette parties, three bridal showers, two birthday parties (for adults), one kids birthday party, manage two yahoo! groups, resigned from my current job and will be starting a new job this coming week (which I will talk more about at another time), manage the chaos in my life and others (I know, I should be getting paid for it but I'm not), and all while I keep the bills paid, a clean house, a happy husband, and even happier baby boy.
No, I'm not trying to brag but it helps to just have them all out on black and white so that I can keep track as well. Maybe I'm not super mom or super crazy but just normal... a super crazy mom.
I mean don't get me wrong I know that there are millions of moms (and dads) that do a hundred and one things everyday for their kids, spouses, parents, and everyone else in between. However this is the first time that I am adding on a whole seperate laundry list of things to do in a day, week, month, year, lifetime than what I had before. I think I just got too ambitous to make up for the last trimester (of my pregnancy) since I was on bedrest. Just to give you an idea of what I have done or am doing so far... I am a lead mom for one playgroup, I started and lead my own playgroup (yes a totally different playgroup), I am the co-chair of speaker events for a non-profit volunteer based parents group, I am the co-coordinator for an upcoming festival in our local area for children, trying to find a good preschool, looking for good swim classes, and I belong to two book clubs and this is all while I am/have planned two baby showers, two bachelorette parties, three bridal showers, two birthday parties (for adults), one kids birthday party, manage two yahoo! groups, resigned from my current job and will be starting a new job this coming week (which I will talk more about at another time), manage the chaos in my life and others (I know, I should be getting paid for it but I'm not), and all while I keep the bills paid, a clean house, a happy husband, and even happier baby boy.
No, I'm not trying to brag but it helps to just have them all out on black and white so that I can keep track as well. Maybe I'm not super mom or super crazy but just normal... a super crazy mom.
From Pregnancy Journal Archive (Week 5 thru Week 7)
** Reminder... this is from my pregnancy back from July 2009 - March 2010.
Since I've missed quite a bit (life as always has been crazy which I will talk about in a different posting) I've put up three journal entries from my pregnancy journal
I do want to remind you that some of these pregnancy journal postings can be quite personal so don't be too shocked...
Week 5 (Aug 4, 09)7 Weeks
Today is Week 5 day 2...
My breasts are getting so big! Wow! I had no idea that they grow so fast which sucks because I just bought new bras two weeks ago and I can't even fit in them comfortably... I'm starting to bulge out! However, even though they are getting big they don't seem to be tender or maybe as tender as they were before. That is starting to scare me because that was the first sign that I had that I was losing the baby. I'm trying not to think about it and just going with the flow of things... it is my new motto... "go with the flow" along with "taking it one day at a time".
I started to take a look at some maternity clothes just to get a feel of when people typically start to buy them and how they cost and all. It gets me excited but I have been restraining myself to go forward because the last thing I need is new maternity clothes to later find out that I lost the baby... I definitely don't need another reminder of a failed pregnancy. So I have put it on hold... not like a bad thing but as a way to ummm... damage control I suppose. Hopefully I'll be able to go maternity shopping along with blabbing to everyone that we are pregnant!
I haven't told anyone... well that isn't true... I have told a few but at least it is a much smaller number to manage then last time. It is so hard because you want to share the great news and your stories with all your loved ones. We are waiting until the 1st trimester is over and then we will spread the news so I still have 7 more weeks... Wow that sounds like a lot to spread good news but it will be worth it. A new found friend who has a one year old loves to talk about her experience when she was pregnant and I honestly love to hear them. I typically can't wait until the next time I see her to hear more... to compare notes (in my head) and to have an idea of what to expect soon enough (hopefully).
******************************************************************
Week 6 (Aug 12, 09)7 Weeks
Today is week 6 day 2
Well I gave in... I bought a ton of shelf bra tanks - it feels good to have something that allows "them" to be free and not so tight and in my face. ahhh.... I also bought a pair of maternity jeans so that I can wear them in a few weeks for camping and all since my pants are already starting to feel tight around my belly (no where else thank goodness). They just arrived today but I haven't tried them on yet. I'm almost afraid too - again I don't want to get overly excited (which is so what I would normally do) before the first prenatal appt but if I waited until then I would have had to spend more money since I had coupons and there was a sale and you know... yeah.
I've been feeling a bit down lately, probably the hormones getting the best of me but I have been trying so hard to think positive and think of cute and cuddly things to prepare myself and peanut. Talking about peanuts, this week the baby is the size of a lentil. How can something the size of a lentil cause so much craziness in one person! Goodness they are strong! I have still been experiencing insomnia but no morning sickness. I have had to get up more often at night to go to the bathroom. All of this makes me think about how difficult it will be when we are camping for a week in Tahoe. Camping in Tahoe is my favorite time of the year, we go every year during Labor Day Weekend. I keep thinking about how am I going to get to sleep out there if I have insomnia now with my comfy bed and how am I going to manage the multiple bathroom breaks. Sigh, I'm sure it will be fine but I still think about it especially since only 4 other people who are going will know that I am pregnant out of a group of 18.
Think about it being 4 people at camping who know... let me see who does know at this time... hmm... Jacques, Tan, Nikki, Susie, Katie, my mom, Donna, and Diana (from work)... yup that's it... well other than my gym trainer and my chiropractor for obvious reasons. Wow, I applaud myself... that actually isn't too bad since I just went to a number of parties with many of our friends and relatives have been to. At least it is a smaller group of people to tell if there is bad news... you know what.... WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME! I will be fine is what my attitude should be like... that's it... from now on we are looking at this pregnancy for the long haul... this peanut is going to grow to be a fantastically beautiful and very healthy and happy baby! Ahh... that feels so good to say that.
*********************************
Week 7 (Aug 18, 09)7 Weeks
Week 7, Day 2
Here we are again. You must be thinking what do you mean again?? Well, tomorrow is my first prenatal appointment and if you remember I was pregnant only a few months ago and here.. at 7 weeks in... was when I had my first prenatal appointment for that pregnancy. There are though quite a few differences between this pregnancy and that pregnancy. For starters, I feel much better (I was terribly ill the last time around), I have been exercising before and during this one, and I am trying much harder not to stress out so that peanut is in a happier place.
Am I nervous about tomorrow's appointment, you bet I am! I just want to hear those magic seven words, that isn't too much to ask for - right? The - baby - is - healthy - and - looking - great. I want to look at that ultrasound screen tomorrow and see a chillin' growing peanut. I do have a bunch of questions (of course) for the doctor but this time I want to wait until I see peanut before I ask - I don't want to get my hopes up even more to later find out there was a problem. I know I know, I'm not supposed to talk like that anymore but hey aren't moms supposed to be worried all the time, anyways?
For the past few weeks I kept thinking about this baby will be coming around so close the wedding, oh gosh... when I should be thinking... this is awesome! The baby will be here around the wedding! I will be a mom! wow, holy shit... did I just say that... MOM... me, wow, that is going to be something. I guess for someone who wants to one day be a psychologist what better way to gain some clinical experience other than from being a parent! Let's do this!
Since I've missed quite a bit (life as always has been crazy which I will talk about in a different posting) I've put up three journal entries from my pregnancy journal
I do want to remind you that some of these pregnancy journal postings can be quite personal so don't be too shocked...
Week 5 (Aug 4, 09)7 Weeks
Today is Week 5 day 2...
My breasts are getting so big! Wow! I had no idea that they grow so fast which sucks because I just bought new bras two weeks ago and I can't even fit in them comfortably... I'm starting to bulge out! However, even though they are getting big they don't seem to be tender or maybe as tender as they were before. That is starting to scare me because that was the first sign that I had that I was losing the baby. I'm trying not to think about it and just going with the flow of things... it is my new motto... "go with the flow" along with "taking it one day at a time".
I started to take a look at some maternity clothes just to get a feel of when people typically start to buy them and how they cost and all. It gets me excited but I have been restraining myself to go forward because the last thing I need is new maternity clothes to later find out that I lost the baby... I definitely don't need another reminder of a failed pregnancy. So I have put it on hold... not like a bad thing but as a way to ummm... damage control I suppose. Hopefully I'll be able to go maternity shopping along with blabbing to everyone that we are pregnant!
I haven't told anyone... well that isn't true... I have told a few but at least it is a much smaller number to manage then last time. It is so hard because you want to share the great news and your stories with all your loved ones. We are waiting until the 1st trimester is over and then we will spread the news so I still have 7 more weeks... Wow that sounds like a lot to spread good news but it will be worth it. A new found friend who has a one year old loves to talk about her experience when she was pregnant and I honestly love to hear them. I typically can't wait until the next time I see her to hear more... to compare notes (in my head) and to have an idea of what to expect soon enough (hopefully).
******************************************************************
Week 6 (Aug 12, 09)7 Weeks
Today is week 6 day 2
Well I gave in... I bought a ton of shelf bra tanks - it feels good to have something that allows "them" to be free and not so tight and in my face. ahhh.... I also bought a pair of maternity jeans so that I can wear them in a few weeks for camping and all since my pants are already starting to feel tight around my belly (no where else thank goodness). They just arrived today but I haven't tried them on yet. I'm almost afraid too - again I don't want to get overly excited (which is so what I would normally do) before the first prenatal appt but if I waited until then I would have had to spend more money since I had coupons and there was a sale and you know... yeah.
I've been feeling a bit down lately, probably the hormones getting the best of me but I have been trying so hard to think positive and think of cute and cuddly things to prepare myself and peanut. Talking about peanuts, this week the baby is the size of a lentil. How can something the size of a lentil cause so much craziness in one person! Goodness they are strong! I have still been experiencing insomnia but no morning sickness. I have had to get up more often at night to go to the bathroom. All of this makes me think about how difficult it will be when we are camping for a week in Tahoe. Camping in Tahoe is my favorite time of the year, we go every year during Labor Day Weekend. I keep thinking about how am I going to get to sleep out there if I have insomnia now with my comfy bed and how am I going to manage the multiple bathroom breaks. Sigh, I'm sure it will be fine but I still think about it especially since only 4 other people who are going will know that I am pregnant out of a group of 18.
Think about it being 4 people at camping who know... let me see who does know at this time... hmm... Jacques, Tan, Nikki, Susie, Katie, my mom, Donna, and Diana (from work)... yup that's it... well other than my gym trainer and my chiropractor for obvious reasons. Wow, I applaud myself... that actually isn't too bad since I just went to a number of parties with many of our friends and relatives have been to. At least it is a smaller group of people to tell if there is bad news... you know what.... WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME! I will be fine is what my attitude should be like... that's it... from now on we are looking at this pregnancy for the long haul... this peanut is going to grow to be a fantastically beautiful and very healthy and happy baby! Ahh... that feels so good to say that.
*********************************
Week 7 (Aug 18, 09)7 Weeks
Week 7, Day 2
Here we are again. You must be thinking what do you mean again?? Well, tomorrow is my first prenatal appointment and if you remember I was pregnant only a few months ago and here.. at 7 weeks in... was when I had my first prenatal appointment for that pregnancy. There are though quite a few differences between this pregnancy and that pregnancy. For starters, I feel much better (I was terribly ill the last time around), I have been exercising before and during this one, and I am trying much harder not to stress out so that peanut is in a happier place.
Am I nervous about tomorrow's appointment, you bet I am! I just want to hear those magic seven words, that isn't too much to ask for - right? The - baby - is - healthy - and - looking - great. I want to look at that ultrasound screen tomorrow and see a chillin' growing peanut. I do have a bunch of questions (of course) for the doctor but this time I want to wait until I see peanut before I ask - I don't want to get my hopes up even more to later find out there was a problem. I know I know, I'm not supposed to talk like that anymore but hey aren't moms supposed to be worried all the time, anyways?
For the past few weeks I kept thinking about this baby will be coming around so close the wedding, oh gosh... when I should be thinking... this is awesome! The baby will be here around the wedding! I will be a mom! wow, holy shit... did I just say that... MOM... me, wow, that is going to be something. I guess for someone who wants to one day be a psychologist what better way to gain some clinical experience other than from being a parent! Let's do this!
Monday, August 30, 2010
From Pregnancy Journal Archive (First Person Told (5 weeks))
** Reminder... this is from my pregnancy back from July 2009 - March 2010.
We decided this time around we didn't want to tell anyone until the 2nd trimester starts (which in this case is Sept 21, 09) since the last time it was hard enough for us to face that I had a miscarriage but to tell our friends and family was devastating. However I was planning on visiting Tan in mid August for the weekend and I didn't want to be hassled for 3 days about not drinking, not eating sushi (which is my favorite) and possibly by that time having huge boobs and a little show of tummy or maternity pants. So I thought I will just take a chance and tell Linda to see what her reaction would be. You see Tan is a selfish friend... no I am not talking behind her back... those are the exact words from her own mouth - selfish! She would prefer for me to wait a few years and all but to my great surprise Tan was so supportive and so positive I thought I was dreaming! It would have been nice to see her facial reactions but nonetheless it was great to talk her and tell her the news.
We decided this time around we didn't want to tell anyone until the 2nd trimester starts (which in this case is Sept 21, 09) since the last time it was hard enough for us to face that I had a miscarriage but to tell our friends and family was devastating. However I was planning on visiting Tan in mid August for the weekend and I didn't want to be hassled for 3 days about not drinking, not eating sushi (which is my favorite) and possibly by that time having huge boobs and a little show of tummy or maternity pants. So I thought I will just take a chance and tell Linda to see what her reaction would be. You see Tan is a selfish friend... no I am not talking behind her back... those are the exact words from her own mouth - selfish! She would prefer for me to wait a few years and all but to my great surprise Tan was so supportive and so positive I thought I was dreaming! It would have been nice to see her facial reactions but nonetheless it was great to talk her and tell her the news.
Friday, August 27, 2010
From Pregnancy Journal Archive (Week 4 (July 30, 09))
** Reminder... this is from my pregnancy back from July 2009 - March 2010.
warning: for some of you this stuff might be a bit... ugh... TMI but hey it's a pregnancy journal - what did you expect!?
Today is Thursday - I just found out that I am 4 weeks (and 4 days) pregnant on Monday! Is this real? Is this the one that will make it? I'm trying to stay cool and do what is right for the baby and myself but not dwell on the fact that the test didn't even wait for me to finish my business before it showed my a big blue plus sign. Jacques, the sweetheart he is, is also staying cool but I know that he wants this and I can't wait for both of us to celebrate some good news in 8 more weeks.
The symptoms have been different this time around. Maybe it is because I have been working out a lot before this pregnancy (and during) but I have no diahrrea. I do however feel tired ALL THE TIME but I can't sleep - I'm restless when I lie down. Maybe it is the napping... I didn't nap today so we will see what happens tonight. The other thing I noticed is that I have no desire to eat my strawberries. I LOVE strawberries but just the thought of them makes me - eek. So strange. I do want salty - devilled eggs, tortilla chips, crackers and meat... and more meat!
warning: for some of you this stuff might be a bit... ugh... TMI but hey it's a pregnancy journal - what did you expect!?
Today is Thursday - I just found out that I am 4 weeks (and 4 days) pregnant on Monday! Is this real? Is this the one that will make it? I'm trying to stay cool and do what is right for the baby and myself but not dwell on the fact that the test didn't even wait for me to finish my business before it showed my a big blue plus sign. Jacques, the sweetheart he is, is also staying cool but I know that he wants this and I can't wait for both of us to celebrate some good news in 8 more weeks.
The symptoms have been different this time around. Maybe it is because I have been working out a lot before this pregnancy (and during) but I have no diahrrea. I do however feel tired ALL THE TIME but I can't sleep - I'm restless when I lie down. Maybe it is the napping... I didn't nap today so we will see what happens tonight. The other thing I noticed is that I have no desire to eat my strawberries. I LOVE strawberries but just the thought of them makes me - eek. So strange. I do want salty - devilled eggs, tortilla chips, crackers and meat... and more meat!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
*Who is in charge here!?
As a new mom I can't help but wonder what A is thinking or trying to say through all that babble so many times I have "fake" conversations with him or is it with myself... well whatever you know what I mean.
I thought it would be interesting to write some blurps of what I think A is thinking or trying say because hey I should know right... I'm his Mama!
Dude and I have been hesitating to get A started on solids because frankly I'm freaked out that he is growing up so fast but I can't help think that A was trying to tell us something when we finally gave in one Saturday (early) morning...
What... what is this!? Why are you putting me in this weird sitting thing? Why am I sitting up right and have a tray in front of me? Where is my bottle!? Why am I sitting in front of you Mama and not laying down in front of you on top of the pillow thing that you put around you? I'm hungry!!!!!!!!!!! I've been telling you I'm hungry for SO long (about two weeks in adult time)! You feed me but I'm not full!
Oh oh... what is that.. what is Papa doing there with my milk!? Where is the bottle? Oh oh... (fist in mouth, shaking of the head, grunting) I see the milk!
I see the milk coming towards me but this is not my bottle it's something else. Oh who cares - it's milk!! (chomp, chomp, drool, more drool, swallow). Oh that was strange, this funny looking stick thing that Mama is holding has my milk but with something else (rice cereal) but it's milk so I don't care. Don't stop Mama! Give me more!
(a few spoonfuls later)
Oh ok... yum. That was different but still yummy. Hopefully Mama and Papa will give me more milk from now on... in whatever form it comes in -- because I'm hungry!
I thought it would be interesting to write some blurps of what I think A is thinking or trying say because hey I should know right... I'm his Mama!
Dude and I have been hesitating to get A started on solids because frankly I'm freaked out that he is growing up so fast but I can't help think that A was trying to tell us something when we finally gave in one Saturday (early) morning...
What... what is this!? Why are you putting me in this weird sitting thing? Why am I sitting up right and have a tray in front of me? Where is my bottle!? Why am I sitting in front of you Mama and not laying down in front of you on top of the pillow thing that you put around you? I'm hungry!!!!!!!!!!! I've been telling you I'm hungry for SO long (about two weeks in adult time)! You feed me but I'm not full!
Oh oh... what is that.. what is Papa doing there with my milk!? Where is the bottle? Oh oh... (fist in mouth, shaking of the head, grunting) I see the milk!
I see the milk coming towards me but this is not my bottle it's something else. Oh who cares - it's milk!! (chomp, chomp, drool, more drool, swallow). Oh that was strange, this funny looking stick thing that Mama is holding has my milk but with something else (rice cereal) but it's milk so I don't care. Don't stop Mama! Give me more!
(a few spoonfuls later)
Oh ok... yum. That was different but still yummy. Hopefully Mama and Papa will give me more milk from now on... in whatever form it comes in -- because I'm hungry!
From Pregnancy Journal Archive (Positive Test - 4 weeks)
** Reminder... this is from my pregnancy back from July 2009 - March 2010.
So I just missed my period... it was supposed to start on July 22, 2009 and here we are - 5 days afterwards and I mention to Jacques that I should probably take a pregnancy test. So after work I pick Jacques up (like usual) and we head to the store and pick up some pregnancy tests along with my prescription for birth control pills.
As soon as I get through the garage door I run to the bathroom because I have been holding it so I can take the pregnancy test. Geez! The test didn't even wait to get more than a few drops on the stick and the plus sign is already starting to appear! I have never seen a pregnancy test give a result that fast before! I yell out "shit!" and Jacques laughs and says I guess you are pregnant huh? I laugh and we hug and look at each other to say... now what?
So I just missed my period... it was supposed to start on July 22, 2009 and here we are - 5 days afterwards and I mention to Jacques that I should probably take a pregnancy test. So after work I pick Jacques up (like usual) and we head to the store and pick up some pregnancy tests along with my prescription for birth control pills.
As soon as I get through the garage door I run to the bathroom because I have been holding it so I can take the pregnancy test. Geez! The test didn't even wait to get more than a few drops on the stick and the plus sign is already starting to appear! I have never seen a pregnancy test give a result that fast before! I yell out "shit!" and Jacques laughs and says I guess you are pregnant huh? I laugh and we hug and look at each other to say... now what?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
My pregnancy journal
Many readers (well the many of the few that I have) have asked about my pregnancy journal so I thought why not post the entries here... so for the next week or so I will post an entry from my pregnancy journal for your reading pleasure.
I had used aliases for my family and friends in the journal but I figured I should at least help you out by telling you the relationships of them all...
Jacques - husband
Nikki - my cousin (more like my little sister... she was only here while in school)
Tan - one of my best friends who moved away (we had odd nicknames for each other)
Susie - Nikki's old dorm mate who turned out to be a good friend of both of ours
Donna - one of my friends that was pregnant around the time I was but about 3 months ahead
If I have missed any feel free to point them out.
Here is the first one...
Missed Period (3 weeks)
I was feeling so out of it and I kept thinking it was because I was working out 6 times a week and some days it was twice a day. I decided to take it easy after Jacques and Nikki persistently told me that I should. Then a few days after, right around the time I should have started my period, I mentioned the weird mood my body has been in to my nutritionist - Katie Adams and she simply asked the question - "could you be pregnant?"
I had used aliases for my family and friends in the journal but I figured I should at least help you out by telling you the relationships of them all...
Jacques - husband
Nikki - my cousin (more like my little sister... she was only here while in school)
Tan - one of my best friends who moved away (we had odd nicknames for each other)
Susie - Nikki's old dorm mate who turned out to be a good friend of both of ours
Donna - one of my friends that was pregnant around the time I was but about 3 months ahead
If I have missed any feel free to point them out.
Here is the first one...
Missed Period (3 weeks)
I was feeling so out of it and I kept thinking it was because I was working out 6 times a week and some days it was twice a day. I decided to take it easy after Jacques and Nikki persistently told me that I should. Then a few days after, right around the time I should have started my period, I mentioned the weird mood my body has been in to my nutritionist - Katie Adams and she simply asked the question - "could you be pregnant?"
To bink or not to bink... that is the question
Almost every parents faces this issue... the pacifier, paci, binkie, bink, the mute button, etc. Do you use it or not.
My husband and I fought this battle for awhile and at some point around the time peanut was about a month old or so I gave in and place the plastic piece of baby heaven into peanut's mouth. Peanut of course loved it... I on the other hand felt deflated and like a failure.
You see so many articles saying that pacifiers can cause harm and are germ central but on the flip side you find other articles that say that it helps against SIDS, isn't as damaging as a thumb and all that other hoo hah. My personal arguments were yes it is germ central, yes it helps prevent SIDS but do I really want to be waking up or walking up to the crib every time it falls out? I also looked at based on family history... no one in my family or my husbands used a pacifier. We used our thumbs, or index finger but not a pacifier. Based on that information and also my husbands stern stand on the no bink side we quickly did without the bink.
I was quite content (and proud) with our decision to wean him off quickly and early on until I recently went to the chiropractor. My chiropractor is a veteran... as in he has four children and has offered some great parenting advice in the past. Typically I go alone to the chiropractor but this time I thought I would bring along peanut. Well this brought on for some interesting chit chat. Peanut was being his usual self and started to suck his thumb which apparently alarmed the chiropractor... "What?! You don't give him a pacifier!? That thumb is going to do so much damage to his mouth!" I of course asked him to elaborate on his accusation and he went forward to say how the thumb is not like a bink to where you can just act like you lost it and so it will be harder to wean them off and that it will cause damage to his oral hygiene. I don't agree but I kept quiet.
He went on to mention that another parent that he knows did not want their child (their sixth child) to use a bink OR their hand so she continuously would try to distract her from putting anything in her mouth. Well that set of a big red flag to me. I mean I am no expert but I do know from previous knowledge about early childhood development that all children go through an "oral stage" where they experience new things by putting them in their mouth. I also know that if any of the stages of development are disrupted by traumatic events or such that it will cause a lasting impression on the child in later years. All of this was confirmed when the chiropractor continued to say that now the child will secretly put sand, dirt, tan bark, socks, and even rocks into her mouth when the parent is not looking.
So my take away... whether it be a bink or a thumb - let it be... it's better than a rock.
My husband and I fought this battle for awhile and at some point around the time peanut was about a month old or so I gave in and place the plastic piece of baby heaven into peanut's mouth. Peanut of course loved it... I on the other hand felt deflated and like a failure.
You see so many articles saying that pacifiers can cause harm and are germ central but on the flip side you find other articles that say that it helps against SIDS, isn't as damaging as a thumb and all that other hoo hah. My personal arguments were yes it is germ central, yes it helps prevent SIDS but do I really want to be waking up or walking up to the crib every time it falls out? I also looked at based on family history... no one in my family or my husbands used a pacifier. We used our thumbs, or index finger but not a pacifier. Based on that information and also my husbands stern stand on the no bink side we quickly did without the bink.
I was quite content (and proud) with our decision to wean him off quickly and early on until I recently went to the chiropractor. My chiropractor is a veteran... as in he has four children and has offered some great parenting advice in the past. Typically I go alone to the chiropractor but this time I thought I would bring along peanut. Well this brought on for some interesting chit chat. Peanut was being his usual self and started to suck his thumb which apparently alarmed the chiropractor... "What?! You don't give him a pacifier!? That thumb is going to do so much damage to his mouth!" I of course asked him to elaborate on his accusation and he went forward to say how the thumb is not like a bink to where you can just act like you lost it and so it will be harder to wean them off and that it will cause damage to his oral hygiene. I don't agree but I kept quiet.
He went on to mention that another parent that he knows did not want their child (their sixth child) to use a bink OR their hand so she continuously would try to distract her from putting anything in her mouth. Well that set of a big red flag to me. I mean I am no expert but I do know from previous knowledge about early childhood development that all children go through an "oral stage" where they experience new things by putting them in their mouth. I also know that if any of the stages of development are disrupted by traumatic events or such that it will cause a lasting impression on the child in later years. All of this was confirmed when the chiropractor continued to say that now the child will secretly put sand, dirt, tan bark, socks, and even rocks into her mouth when the parent is not looking.
So my take away... whether it be a bink or a thumb - let it be... it's better than a rock.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Mommy Please
I love my son and while I was admiring him and how fast he is growing I realized that my admiration was turning into a slight bit of jealousy. Yeah what a horrible mother! No but seriously... I'm jealous because I'm not a kid anymore. The luxury of having someone wait on you hand and foot and you don't even have to say a word!
I remember being a kid. The farthest back my memories go is when I was about 3 years old. I think it's mostly due to the fact that my parents videotaped me back then and although the tape is quite deteriorated you can still catch my Dad watching it today or maybe it is because that is when the world revolved around ME. My brother was born when I was four so of course in my world I was treated like chopped liver. Ahhh, the good 'ol days - I had my two naps, someone to dress me, change me, feed me, sing to me, and play with me. Everyone wants to be your friend and buys you gifts and wants nothing more but to make you laugh.
Although that is all grand - that wasn't where the jealousy was coming from. My son is only a few months old so he doesn't have the concept of wanting something. He only understands needing something. I know that when I shop that trait would be so very helpful not only to my pocket book but also able to avoid the self humiliation when you finally clear out your closet and realize you still have some articles of clothing that you never wore and still have tags on them. The other trait that he has that I am envious of is that he truly and honestly lives in the moment. Ugh, how I wish I could do that! The ability to not think about why I was pissed at my husband five minutes ago but that he is awesome right now or to be content when I laugh and soak in all of its happiness.
I think it is so true... that when you live in the moment you live on a lighter note and you start to not worry or stress about the small stuff - and it's all small stuff.
I remember being a kid. The farthest back my memories go is when I was about 3 years old. I think it's mostly due to the fact that my parents videotaped me back then and although the tape is quite deteriorated you can still catch my Dad watching it today or maybe it is because that is when the world revolved around ME. My brother was born when I was four so of course in my world I was treated like chopped liver. Ahhh, the good 'ol days - I had my two naps, someone to dress me, change me, feed me, sing to me, and play with me. Everyone wants to be your friend and buys you gifts and wants nothing more but to make you laugh.
Although that is all grand - that wasn't where the jealousy was coming from. My son is only a few months old so he doesn't have the concept of wanting something. He only understands needing something. I know that when I shop that trait would be so very helpful not only to my pocket book but also able to avoid the self humiliation when you finally clear out your closet and realize you still have some articles of clothing that you never wore and still have tags on them. The other trait that he has that I am envious of is that he truly and honestly lives in the moment. Ugh, how I wish I could do that! The ability to not think about why I was pissed at my husband five minutes ago but that he is awesome right now or to be content when I laugh and soak in all of its happiness.
I think it is so true... that when you live in the moment you live on a lighter note and you start to not worry or stress about the small stuff - and it's all small stuff.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Off Button Wanted
On. Off. Such a simple concept for what seems to be a simple task. I want one. I know I have plenty - on my computer, in the house, in the car but I want one for my brain - my thoughts. Some meditation gurus and zen workers would say that I already have it but I'm just not that convinced.
I see myself more of the hard wiring behind the switch that connects to the fuse which connects to the grid and so on.
I try to turn it off whenever I find myself lost within the "on" switch especially when I go to bed but I catch myself waking up and writing things on a notepad or most of the time just staring at the ceiling - thinking. Maybe its because baby brain has me trying to figure out who I am all over again - that is if I knew who I was before. Before I had my son almost 5 months ago or because I was so used to 'thinking' about myself only and now I not only 'think' about and for my son but also about my husband. Husband. Son. House. Bills. Friends. Family. L-I-F-E.
Too bad ebay and amazon.com don't sell an off button.
I see myself more of the hard wiring behind the switch that connects to the fuse which connects to the grid and so on.
I try to turn it off whenever I find myself lost within the "on" switch especially when I go to bed but I catch myself waking up and writing things on a notepad or most of the time just staring at the ceiling - thinking. Maybe its because baby brain has me trying to figure out who I am all over again - that is if I knew who I was before. Before I had my son almost 5 months ago or because I was so used to 'thinking' about myself only and now I not only 'think' about and for my son but also about my husband. Husband. Son. House. Bills. Friends. Family. L-I-F-E.
Too bad ebay and amazon.com don't sell an off button.
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