This year I have felt much better about myself in my bathing suits. Mostly because I've kept off 15lbs that I lost at the beginning of the year, but also because my "fat suits" fit much better and more comfortably this year!
As a mother I feel like it's hard to feel good about yourself, long after you've given birth. I've always struggled with my weight since college, and to feel this pleased with myself is a new feeling to have.
So ladies, if you're feeling down and out about your body after baby, don't give up hope. It's all about how you see yourself, and I think my whole mindset has changed overall about motherhood, and I'm cherishing it more than I ever thought I would. Squish tells me "mommy pretty" all the time, and we all know toddlers don't lie! 😂
Remember that you can always make changes, today, tomorrow, in a week, or in a year!
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Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Temper Tantrums, YIKES!
So, I thought the 2's were supposed to be terrible, not the 21 months! Marlo had her first ever, full out temper tantrum last night (thankfully we were home) and for no apparent reason. She had to go to daycare full time this week as grandpa and grandma were out of town. I'm thinking she was exhausted, but it lasted about 30 minutes, and for no reason at all. As I was holding her after her nap, (she was calm) I sat down in a chair and she freaked out! Wet noodle, on the floor, screaming her head off. My husband and I quickly learned that if we ignored her, the crying (pterodactyl noises) would stop. But the moment you made eye contact with that little dinosaur, the fight was on again!
We were planning on meeting a friend for dinner, so by the time we were about 20 minutes late, we decided to just go for it. Elmo (me) suggested we go outside and walk around, which seemed to calm her down for about 30 seconds. My husband fought with her to get in the car seat, but once she was strapped in, she stopped screaming and began politely talking to us like nothing ever happened....WHAT??!?!
Maybe she realized we weren't giving in. Maybe she realized that we had plans, and we weren't going to stop them because of her fits. Or maybe she was exhausted (as were we) after throwing herself around for 30 minutes for no damn reason! Once we got to dinner, she was content, happy, and running around like her normal self. She was smiling with our friend and playing peek-a-boo.
Toddlers are bipolar! I work in the mental health field, so I am not trying to bash anyone with bipolar, trust me, I've lived with people that have severe cases. But holy hell what was going on in that kids mind that she had to wet noodle throw herself in a tizzy on the floor and spin around and scream for literally 30 minutes? Has anyone ever hooked up a brain scan to a toddler during a temper tantrum? Probably not, because they are afraid of losing a limb while trying to attach it! Oye Vey!
Good luck parents of this age, we all need to stick together!
We were planning on meeting a friend for dinner, so by the time we were about 20 minutes late, we decided to just go for it. Elmo (me) suggested we go outside and walk around, which seemed to calm her down for about 30 seconds. My husband fought with her to get in the car seat, but once she was strapped in, she stopped screaming and began politely talking to us like nothing ever happened....WHAT??!?!
Maybe she realized we weren't giving in. Maybe she realized that we had plans, and we weren't going to stop them because of her fits. Or maybe she was exhausted (as were we) after throwing herself around for 30 minutes for no damn reason! Once we got to dinner, she was content, happy, and running around like her normal self. She was smiling with our friend and playing peek-a-boo.
Toddlers are bipolar! I work in the mental health field, so I am not trying to bash anyone with bipolar, trust me, I've lived with people that have severe cases. But holy hell what was going on in that kids mind that she had to wet noodle throw herself in a tizzy on the floor and spin around and scream for literally 30 minutes? Has anyone ever hooked up a brain scan to a toddler during a temper tantrum? Probably not, because they are afraid of losing a limb while trying to attach it! Oye Vey!
Good luck parents of this age, we all need to stick together!
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
The Working Mom
I always get the lecture from certain people in my life who feel that I should stay at home every waking moment with my daughter. Not only does this make me feel bad anytime I make time for myself, but it also makes me think how crazy we both would go if I did such a thing. Everyone needs a break from one another, and work is my outlet, my adult time, and Marlo's time with her grandparents and other kids at daycare.
I work as a school counselor in an alternative school setting, and yes, some days are very challenging, but a lot of them are also rewarding. The benefit of working with "at risk" youth certainly outweighs the downsides. A lot of the times we have unsuccessful students who end up getting placed within a group home, or dropping out of school. But, there is always that one success story throughout the year that really makes it all worth it. If we get more than 1 a year, that's an added bonus!
I recently read an article that stated working mother's (and father's), tend to work on average between parenthood and their normal 8 hour work day, 86 hours plus a week! No wonder I am exhausted at the end of every day! I used to think something was wrong with me once I got home and just wanted to nap after work! Now I know why I am so tired. I typically tell people, working with teenagers is like being in Washington D.C. traffic for 8 hours. You must constantly be aware of what is going on around you. It may not be physically exhausting, but mentally for sure. Once I am done with work, I try to come home and decompress. But now that I have a toddler, decompressing is difficult to do at times.
Last year, after I begrudgingly returned to work after my maternity leave with the voices of those SAHM ideas in my head, I was pleasantly greeted by an old student who successfully graduated high school, got a job, and is thinking of becoming a police officer after they complete their time within the Coast Guard. When that student arrived and shared their success with me thus far, it really made me take a step back and recognize that although I may not help every single student I come in contact with, I always help at least one.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying working mom's are better than stay at home mom's. SAHM have just as much of a job as an outside working mom, if not more. I give them all credit for entertaining their little one's all day, and enriching their minds so that they grow up to be successful human beings among society, as I try to do at my job with teenagers at school that have lost those skills somewhere along the way.
Whether you're a working parents, or a SAHM, I tip my hat to you. I have just recognized the SAHM gig is not for me, and I am happy that I no longer fret over whether I am doing the right thing for my family and myself. Mommy needs adult time, and if that includes a paycheck for 8 hours of my day, I'm cool with that!
I work as a school counselor in an alternative school setting, and yes, some days are very challenging, but a lot of them are also rewarding. The benefit of working with "at risk" youth certainly outweighs the downsides. A lot of the times we have unsuccessful students who end up getting placed within a group home, or dropping out of school. But, there is always that one success story throughout the year that really makes it all worth it. If we get more than 1 a year, that's an added bonus!
I recently read an article that stated working mother's (and father's), tend to work on average between parenthood and their normal 8 hour work day, 86 hours plus a week! No wonder I am exhausted at the end of every day! I used to think something was wrong with me once I got home and just wanted to nap after work! Now I know why I am so tired. I typically tell people, working with teenagers is like being in Washington D.C. traffic for 8 hours. You must constantly be aware of what is going on around you. It may not be physically exhausting, but mentally for sure. Once I am done with work, I try to come home and decompress. But now that I have a toddler, decompressing is difficult to do at times.
Last year, after I begrudgingly returned to work after my maternity leave with the voices of those SAHM ideas in my head, I was pleasantly greeted by an old student who successfully graduated high school, got a job, and is thinking of becoming a police officer after they complete their time within the Coast Guard. When that student arrived and shared their success with me thus far, it really made me take a step back and recognize that although I may not help every single student I come in contact with, I always help at least one.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying working mom's are better than stay at home mom's. SAHM have just as much of a job as an outside working mom, if not more. I give them all credit for entertaining their little one's all day, and enriching their minds so that they grow up to be successful human beings among society, as I try to do at my job with teenagers at school that have lost those skills somewhere along the way.
Whether you're a working parents, or a SAHM, I tip my hat to you. I have just recognized the SAHM gig is not for me, and I am happy that I no longer fret over whether I am doing the right thing for my family and myself. Mommy needs adult time, and if that includes a paycheck for 8 hours of my day, I'm cool with that!
Thursday, July 27, 2017
I survived!
Any moms out there terrified when it comes to the thought of your husband leaving you alone with the child for a weekend? Well, I was, but it went surprisingly well!
Marty left to go camping last weekend for basically 3 days. I was so scared that something was going to go wrong while he was away I had myself in a tizzy! Eventually, after the first 24 hours, I realized that I am a great mom, and I just kept Marlo and me busy while he was away. She was actually great, and very well behaved, and I don't think she even cried once!
We went shopping, went out to eat, and even went to the pool. During our shopping excursions I made the mistake of buying an electronic toy that now repeats on the daily, "the cat says..." because Marlo only has interest in pushing the buttons, not hearing what it has to say. I immediately regretted the purchase as soon as I took it out of the box, but luckily there is an on/off button. Phew!
I did take Marlo to grandma and grandpa's the one afternoon in order to get some much needed house cleaning caught up, and get myself a shower, but other than that we had a great couple of days together. Not that I don't love all that my hubs does for us, trust me I do! But while he was away, it was amazing how clean the house stayed, even with a 1-year old in it! It was also awesome to tell him all of the new things she had learned or acquired in just those few days. Children really are sponges and do learn something new almost every minute it seems.
So for you moms out there that are worried about the first time you're home alone with your little one while your hubby or significant other is gone for a few days, don't sweat it, you got this!
Marty left to go camping last weekend for basically 3 days. I was so scared that something was going to go wrong while he was away I had myself in a tizzy! Eventually, after the first 24 hours, I realized that I am a great mom, and I just kept Marlo and me busy while he was away. She was actually great, and very well behaved, and I don't think she even cried once!
We went shopping, went out to eat, and even went to the pool. During our shopping excursions I made the mistake of buying an electronic toy that now repeats on the daily, "the cat says..." because Marlo only has interest in pushing the buttons, not hearing what it has to say. I immediately regretted the purchase as soon as I took it out of the box, but luckily there is an on/off button. Phew!
I did take Marlo to grandma and grandpa's the one afternoon in order to get some much needed house cleaning caught up, and get myself a shower, but other than that we had a great couple of days together. Not that I don't love all that my hubs does for us, trust me I do! But while he was away, it was amazing how clean the house stayed, even with a 1-year old in it! It was also awesome to tell him all of the new things she had learned or acquired in just those few days. Children really are sponges and do learn something new almost every minute it seems.
So for you moms out there that are worried about the first time you're home alone with your little one while your hubby or significant other is gone for a few days, don't sweat it, you got this!
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Really? I have to change her where?
Alright boys and girls, lets talk about the fact that not every eating establishment with a public restroom happens to have a changing station for babies and toddlers. What does this mean for parents? It means we have to get creative!
I have been to several restaurants lately that have restrooms, but no where to change Marlo. Sometimes the restroom isn't even big enough for us to both fit in. So I have to improvise. I either take her back to the car (no matter how far the walk) to change her, or put her on the floor of a filthy restroom, which I really hate doing. Otherwise, I'd be happy to change her on the bench or table we are eating on, and all of the other customers would have to be exposed to her exposé!
I have also been impressed on some places that DO have bathrooms with changing stations for little ones. In fact, Marlo went on her first plane ride in June, and low and behold she pooped as soon as the flight took off! Once the seat belt sign went off, my husband and I rock, paper, scissored for the glorious opportunity to change her in the tiny bathroom on the plane. Luckily, Spirit airlines has a decent set up for changing a little one in the almost as little bathroom. I should have taken a picture, but I was just hurrying to get Marlo cleaned up. (You may notice I lost the game of rock, paper, scissors.) They had an entire table that folded down and basically took up the entire toilet seat. IT WAS AMAZING! Not only were their staff delightful and mildly humorous, but the changing area for babies and toddlers was sufficient, need I say, better than most Wal-Marts I have been in.
Airport bathrooms were also delightful as they had an entire counter to change your little one on rather than just that pull down plastic table that almost always feels like it's going to collapse under the weight of a 1-year old. Marlo was not a fan of being changed in public prior to the trip, needless to say the hubs and I were a bit nervous about the experience. Luckily, due to the unexpected amenities provided, Marlo is not as grumpy when we attempt to change her public.
The family's favorite restaurant is even lacking one. I have complained to the well known manager several times that we have to take Marlo to the car, change her, and proceed with our dinner. I don't think those fold down tables are difficult to install. In fact, I'd do it for you!
Don't worry, you won't lose any "hip/cool" points with the teens and young adults if you include one of these in your public restrooms. In fact, they probably won't even notice!
A PSA to any establishment knowing they will have children in and out of their doors: PLEASE INCLUDE A CHANGING TABLE!
I have been to several restaurants lately that have restrooms, but no where to change Marlo. Sometimes the restroom isn't even big enough for us to both fit in. So I have to improvise. I either take her back to the car (no matter how far the walk) to change her, or put her on the floor of a filthy restroom, which I really hate doing. Otherwise, I'd be happy to change her on the bench or table we are eating on, and all of the other customers would have to be exposed to her exposé!
I have also been impressed on some places that DO have bathrooms with changing stations for little ones. In fact, Marlo went on her first plane ride in June, and low and behold she pooped as soon as the flight took off! Once the seat belt sign went off, my husband and I rock, paper, scissored for the glorious opportunity to change her in the tiny bathroom on the plane. Luckily, Spirit airlines has a decent set up for changing a little one in the almost as little bathroom. I should have taken a picture, but I was just hurrying to get Marlo cleaned up. (You may notice I lost the game of rock, paper, scissors.) They had an entire table that folded down and basically took up the entire toilet seat. IT WAS AMAZING! Not only were their staff delightful and mildly humorous, but the changing area for babies and toddlers was sufficient, need I say, better than most Wal-Marts I have been in.
Airport bathrooms were also delightful as they had an entire counter to change your little one on rather than just that pull down plastic table that almost always feels like it's going to collapse under the weight of a 1-year old. Marlo was not a fan of being changed in public prior to the trip, needless to say the hubs and I were a bit nervous about the experience. Luckily, due to the unexpected amenities provided, Marlo is not as grumpy when we attempt to change her public.
The family's favorite restaurant is even lacking one. I have complained to the well known manager several times that we have to take Marlo to the car, change her, and proceed with our dinner. I don't think those fold down tables are difficult to install. In fact, I'd do it for you!
Don't worry, you won't lose any "hip/cool" points with the teens and young adults if you include one of these in your public restrooms. In fact, they probably won't even notice!
A PSA to any establishment knowing they will have children in and out of their doors: PLEASE INCLUDE A CHANGING TABLE!
Friday, July 7, 2017
Commitment
While I have not blogged in almost a year, I am now committed to making this a weekly if not several times a week thing. One of my good friends from high school recently started her own blog, and I realized how therapeutic this used to be for me.
Marlo is now 13 months old! Where did the time go?! I now know why parents say time goes by so quickly, so try and enjoy every single moment. I try to snuggle with my little squish at least once a day, and I also try and observe her and watch her learn at least once a day. It is amazing the amount of knowledge and skill she is gaining every day!
At times I second guess whether my husband and I are helping her get the best of the best as far as education, even though she's only 1 year old, I know her brain is like a sponge right now. I read all kinds of blogs and parenting tips in order to make sure she is getting what she can. Then I realize, as long as we love, care and support her, she will learn as much as she needs to, at her own pace.
IT IS AMAZING the amount of love my hubs and I have for this little girl. I often find myself putting myself in positions I never would have before in order to protect her. Mama Bear coming through! I've even taken a basic gun safety course, and I'm signed up for an additional class to carry conceal safely. We travel and do a lot of things in our community and sadly, in today's world you never know!
Welcome to my journey with my now toddler....I promise I will keep blogging!
Marlo is now 13 months old! Where did the time go?! I now know why parents say time goes by so quickly, so try and enjoy every single moment. I try to snuggle with my little squish at least once a day, and I also try and observe her and watch her learn at least once a day. It is amazing the amount of knowledge and skill she is gaining every day!
IT IS AMAZING the amount of love my hubs and I have for this little girl. I often find myself putting myself in positions I never would have before in order to protect her. Mama Bear coming through! I've even taken a basic gun safety course, and I'm signed up for an additional class to carry conceal safely. We travel and do a lot of things in our community and sadly, in today's world you never know!
Welcome to my journey with my now toddler....I promise I will keep blogging!
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Marlo Jane
Marlo was placed in oxygen and heated incubation chamber for the first 24 hours of which I was unable to see her due to having the c-section and all that comes with it (catheter, compression boots, IV, ect). Not our birthing plan AT ALL! I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so the plan was to go all natural if possible, but to not beat myself up if I decided on an epidural. All that changed at about 10 pm on June 1st.
So along with insane hormonal emotions running through me, I wanted to see this baby! I hadn't gotten to visit her in the nursery and they would not bring her out because of her delicate situation. In the end, she was only in incubation for a 24 hour period as I mentioned before. She was a tough cookie, and was able to spend most of my hospital stay (4 days) in our room.
Breastfeeding was torturous, I don't think my body was ready for it yet, but she did get some breast milk within the first 5 weeks of her new life. I tried and tried to pump and feed, but she was growing at a rapid rate, and my milk was just not coming in. She's been on formula ever since and is now a hefty 13 pounds.
The reason I am sharing this story is because I know I beat myself up over the things that I didn't accomplish that I wanted to; natural birth, breastfeeding for at least 6 months, a full term baby. But in reality, we don't get to make those choices, the universe makes them for us. I was lucky to have a wonderful support group of friends and family that allowed me to push through the hard times and recognize that as long as Marlo was healthy, why did it matter how she got here? Now I don't even think about the things I wasn't able to do, because just waking up to her sweet face every morning made it all worth it.
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