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 kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. 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!
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Raising A Daughter In The #metoo Era
I am typically a quiet participant when it comes to politics and going on's in the world, but lately the #metoo movement has really hit a soft spot. When the initial sexual harassment allegations began, it almost seemed to me like a scheme because there were so many claims. I quickly realized I was being naive, and recognized that 20+ years ago, it was NOT okay to speak up for yourself as a women. Women were designed to cook, clean, and make babies. (HA!) I recognized each woman coming forward was giving strength to the next woman in line. Each woman that stood up for herself, was empowering the one after her to do the same, hence the vast numbers of powerful survivors. (Forehead slap)
I live in a small town, that not only is male dominated, but some women continue with old world thinking. Thank goodness some residents are trying to make a change. Our local newspaper recently published an article that outrageously suggested that women who prompted the #metoo movement, who were raped, sexually assaulted, or harassed 40 years ago need to "get over it." He compared it to the McCarthy Era. EXCUSE ME!? Being a woman, and also a victim, this was extremely offensive. A ridiculous ideal from what seems to be an old man bound by ignorance. A man perceiving harassment as this has no idea what it is like to be sexualized or spoken to because of your body or gender. A very good friend of mine sent in the most amazing and beautfully spoken rebuttle to this man's pure ignorance. https://www.indianagazette.com/opinion/to-women-girls-everywhere-i-am-with-you/article_6a7cf34e-fdfe-11e7-aa28-13e4ab5fc2d5.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
It started to terrify me to think about raising a daughter in these times. In 2018, there still remains so much ignorance within our country about women, minorities, genders, races, ect. How women can be perceived is disgusting, and it makes me want to help the nation make a change.
I recently read an article (I searched high and low to reference this article, but damned if I can find it) where a woman was talking about how she was raised to "be sweet". She made a commitment to her daughters to change this. She talked about the challenges she is facing amongst her family to raise her daughters to "be kind" rather than sweet. She stated in the article something about teaching our daughters that being kind and standing up for themselves, is vastly different than being a "sweet" doormat.
As a woman I have been sexually harassed. Thankfully, my parents didn't raise a "sweet" woman. They raised a woman to be strong, kind, independent, and to be able to stand up for herself. And in my predicament I stood up for myself and took back the power that the man harassing me was trying to gain.
I plan on doing the same with my daughter, making her kind, yet strong. Powerful, independent, and empowering her. I don't want her to become a victim, ever. If, some day she finds herself in an uncomfortable situation, I want her to be able to stand up for herself without getting the blame. I want her to take charge of her life, and shout to the world #metoo!
I live in a small town, that not only is male dominated, but some women continue with old world thinking. Thank goodness some residents are trying to make a change. Our local newspaper recently published an article that outrageously suggested that women who prompted the #metoo movement, who were raped, sexually assaulted, or harassed 40 years ago need to "get over it." He compared it to the McCarthy Era. EXCUSE ME!? Being a woman, and also a victim, this was extremely offensive. A ridiculous ideal from what seems to be an old man bound by ignorance. A man perceiving harassment as this has no idea what it is like to be sexualized or spoken to because of your body or gender. A very good friend of mine sent in the most amazing and beautfully spoken rebuttle to this man's pure ignorance. https://www.indianagazette.com/opinion/to-women-girls-everywhere-i-am-with-you/article_6a7cf34e-fdfe-11e7-aa28-13e4ab5fc2d5.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
It started to terrify me to think about raising a daughter in these times. In 2018, there still remains so much ignorance within our country about women, minorities, genders, races, ect. How women can be perceived is disgusting, and it makes me want to help the nation make a change.
I recently read an article (I searched high and low to reference this article, but damned if I can find it) where a woman was talking about how she was raised to "be sweet". She made a commitment to her daughters to change this. She talked about the challenges she is facing amongst her family to raise her daughters to "be kind" rather than sweet. She stated in the article something about teaching our daughters that being kind and standing up for themselves, is vastly different than being a "sweet" doormat.
As a woman I have been sexually harassed. Thankfully, my parents didn't raise a "sweet" woman. They raised a woman to be strong, kind, independent, and to be able to stand up for herself. And in my predicament I stood up for myself and took back the power that the man harassing me was trying to gain.
I plan on doing the same with my daughter, making her kind, yet strong. Powerful, independent, and empowering her. I don't want her to become a victim, ever. If, some day she finds herself in an uncomfortable situation, I want her to be able to stand up for herself without getting the blame. I want her to take charge of her life, and shout to the world #metoo!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Strong Mom
I never knew how strong I could be until I had a child. I never knew that in the face of danger, I could face that danger head on, and not know the fear I came in contact with until it was over. I never knew that when my baby girl was hurting, I would have to put on a brave face, and handle the situation like a boss!
I also never knew how weak and vulnerable I could be when I became a mom. Until recently, Marlo has been very happy and healthy. Last week she developed an ear infection, and like any normal parent, we put her on an antibiotic. Little did we know, Marlo would develop a severe allergic reaction to Amoxicillin, 8 days AFTER she started the antibiotic. She woke up this morning with both eyes swollen shut, and her face so puffy that she didn't even want to eat. I immediately started crying when I looked at her, not only because I felt badly for her, but also because there was absolutely nothing I could do to provide her relief.
My husband and I rushed her to the ER and there she was placed on steroids which are already helping.
The feeling of helplessness is something that I have never felt the way I did today. Sobbing on my husbands shoulder and having to leave the room when they took her blood made me feel like a horrible mother, but also reminded me that I am human.
I also never knew how weak and vulnerable I could be when I became a mom. Until recently, Marlo has been very happy and healthy. Last week she developed an ear infection, and like any normal parent, we put her on an antibiotic. Little did we know, Marlo would develop a severe allergic reaction to Amoxicillin, 8 days AFTER she started the antibiotic. She woke up this morning with both eyes swollen shut, and her face so puffy that she didn't even want to eat. I immediately started crying when I looked at her, not only because I felt badly for her, but also because there was absolutely nothing I could do to provide her relief.
My husband and I rushed her to the ER and there she was placed on steroids which are already helping.
The feeling of helplessness is something that I have never felt the way I did today. Sobbing on my husbands shoulder and having to leave the room when they took her blood made me feel like a horrible mother, but also reminded me that I am human.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Am I the only one?
Lately I have been reading the book, "I Just Want to Pee Alone." It is a compilation of stories mostly taken from parenting blogs. They are put together to allow other parents to find humor in their own difficult situations when dealing with their children. While it's extremely entertaining, I do not come across many stories that speak highly of parenthood, and it has been making me feel like I am the only one in the world that enjoys being a parent.
I recently read one story about only child parents getting the wrath of parents with multiple children because they don't think having just one child is as difficult as several. This kind of upset me because, I only have one child as of right now, yes, but also, having one is very hard. And don't get me wrong, I think I am the only parent in my group of friends that doesn't constantly complain about their child (yet), but that's only because I tend to focus more on the positive end of parenting rather than all the negative stuff. As only having one child, that means that my husband and I are experiencing every first, and all the frustrations and learning how to deal with them all for the first time. I think sometimes, parents of multiple children forget how hard that first time parent thing can be. I'm sure having more than one is extremely difficult, (which I'm willing to try at some point), but I have also come to realize that these people never mention their partners, whether it's a husband or significant other. Where is the support?!
My husband is a FANTASTIC father. I could not have been more blessed with the person I chose to have children with. Marty is extremely involved with Marlo, and loves her and I to bits. He is able to see when I am getting frustrated, and will immediately take over and give me a break if needed. And I do the same for him. We always end up laughing in the end, even after Marlo has thrown a tantrum because I won't let her eat the dog food. I understand that not everyone has a partner, but there is a point in parenthood where you have to be able to ask someone, anyone, grandparent, aunt/uncle, friend, for help. We've all heard the saying "It takes a village", and it really does. It bugs me when all of these bloggers, and even my friends just make humor about complaining about their children. Children are a gift. We are so lucky to have Marlo, as we had some struggles trying to get pregnant, and I know other friends that have struggled as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that parents needs to focus on the positives and the beauty of their children, regardless of what they broke that week, or the picture they drew on the wall. Quit complaining about being a parent and embrace it. And if you can't ask for help, that's your fault. I learned a long time ago, I cannot tackle everything on my own, especially my kid. So when I'm getting stressed or overwhelmed I ask for help. I'm not a religious person, but, love and cherish that child, because before you know they will be grown up and on their own.
Sorry about my rant!
I recently read one story about only child parents getting the wrath of parents with multiple children because they don't think having just one child is as difficult as several. This kind of upset me because, I only have one child as of right now, yes, but also, having one is very hard. And don't get me wrong, I think I am the only parent in my group of friends that doesn't constantly complain about their child (yet), but that's only because I tend to focus more on the positive end of parenting rather than all the negative stuff. As only having one child, that means that my husband and I are experiencing every first, and all the frustrations and learning how to deal with them all for the first time. I think sometimes, parents of multiple children forget how hard that first time parent thing can be. I'm sure having more than one is extremely difficult, (which I'm willing to try at some point), but I have also come to realize that these people never mention their partners, whether it's a husband or significant other. Where is the support?!
My husband is a FANTASTIC father. I could not have been more blessed with the person I chose to have children with. Marty is extremely involved with Marlo, and loves her and I to bits. He is able to see when I am getting frustrated, and will immediately take over and give me a break if needed. And I do the same for him. We always end up laughing in the end, even after Marlo has thrown a tantrum because I won't let her eat the dog food. I understand that not everyone has a partner, but there is a point in parenthood where you have to be able to ask someone, anyone, grandparent, aunt/uncle, friend, for help. We've all heard the saying "It takes a village", and it really does. It bugs me when all of these bloggers, and even my friends just make humor about complaining about their children. Children are a gift. We are so lucky to have Marlo, as we had some struggles trying to get pregnant, and I know other friends that have struggled as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that parents needs to focus on the positives and the beauty of their children, regardless of what they broke that week, or the picture they drew on the wall. Quit complaining about being a parent and embrace it. And if you can't ask for help, that's your fault. I learned a long time ago, I cannot tackle everything on my own, especially my kid. So when I'm getting stressed or overwhelmed I ask for help. I'm not a religious person, but, love and cherish that child, because before you know they will be grown up and on their own.
Sorry about my rant!
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!
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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