Working Mother

I did some reflecting this weekend, in between trying to comfort a fussy, teething baby, about how I've chosen to mother my child. I'm pleased to say that I haven't had to compromise much of what I wanted for my daughter.

Originally, while I was still pregnant, I new I wanted to breastfeed my daughter as long as I possibly could. I went into her birth knowing I would, but still bought a few cans of formula "as a back-up". I tried her on formula twice in the first few weeks. Since then, she has been exclusively been breastfed or drinking expressed breastmilk during daycare. My first goal was 3 months - and it came and went, then 6. My next goal is 9 months. I broke up my goals to give me some short-term milestones to reach and to congratulate myself with. My ultimate goal is 1 year at which time I'll wean her onto cow's milk during the day and probably nursing at night and for comfort for a few more months after that (or as long as my supply lasts).

I really have no desire to nurse her into toddlerhood (although I applaud women who do), it's just really not my thing. Pumping has been very hard and very demanding and I really do look forward to hanging up my pump horns. I savor the times when I nurse Natalie, although she's more than often fussy and squirmy, which makes it hard to have that magical bonding time. We rarely have a quiet, peaceful nursing session. Through it all, though, I know I'm giving my best for my child and I haven't had to compromise my wishes and desires for her.

The same is true now with baby food. My daycare provider really started me on this one. She makes all her own baby food. I figured if I was putting forth the effort to breastfeed her because it was so much better for her, then why would I want nothing less for her once she started whole food? Again, making her food is demanding of my time, but I can see already the rewards. Natalie is learning what food actually tastes like instead of eating jarred food that tastes nothing like the real thing (everyone remember that horrid game of "guess the baby food" played at baby showers?). I'm hoping that this will help her gain healthy eating habits and have her eating a wider range of foods into toddlerhood and beyond.

I realized the demand these things take on my time this weekend. When I wasn't comforting a fussy baby I was pumping (because she wasn't eating well) or making baby food to freeze when I really wanted to just sit down and read a book. I'm exhausted, but my baby has a full belly - my milk and wholesome food in the freezer and she's HAPPY.

So... I am able be a working mother AND still be able to provide for my daughter without compromising. Are there other things I could do like cloth diapering, etc...? Sure... but I'm exhausted. I've made my list of my absolutes and I have to make peace that these things will be enough.

BBVD!

OhMyGosh OhMyGosh OhMyGosh!!!!!

My favorite band of ALL TIME, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is coming to my hometown!!! They used to come to Orlando twice a year, but I've yet to see them for a few years. I'm STOKED! I've already lined up babysitters for the kiddos and Mike and I are going to go see them and ROCK OUT! Concert is October 17th at Sunrise Theatre in Ft. Pierce! YIPPEE!!!

Check them out here:
BBVD Jukebox
(click on "Simple Songs" - it's one of my favorites and it'll definately make your toe tap and your kisser smile

Faye - Part II

Well, we made it through yesterday without beating the children. It was close.. but they survived! Luckily daycare was open today. Natalie's daycare wasn't open, so Mom is watching her (school district employees are off for the storm). Poor Nati was up all night screaming in pain. She still hasn't cut any teeth and I think probably a few are moving around now. I rocked her and loved on her as much as I could. I have an amber teething necklace for her, gave her teething tabs and some motrin when it got really bad. Poor thing.

Anyhoo... back to the storm. I came into work this morning and this was the road on the way to the highway (SLW Blvd for all you local people)...




Here's our office. I had to meet a fellow employee out at the main road and be brought in by her 4x4 pickup. The whole commerce park is flooded. Niiiiiiice.

First Tropical Storm

Well, the kids are very excited not to have school today. Their Daddy and I are less than thrilled.

Here are some photos as of 11:00 am of Tropical Storm Fay here at our house. It's going to be a loooooooong day.


This is our street. Ahem, our lake, er.. river.


This is me, standing in our street/lake/river.

It's supposed to get worse tonight. Greeeeeeeeaaaaaaaat.

Firsts

I realize that as I get older... my experiences of "firsts" get smaller. As a young child, you have "firsts" all the time. Your first step, your first word, your first day at kindergarten. Our young life is defined by these firsts.

As an adult, it seems like our firsts in life get fewer and farther inbetween. Is it that we experience less as we get older, or do we not make such a distinction in the experiences in our lives?

I had a "first" today.

(are you sick of close-up photos of my leg yet?)

It was my first time I got stung by a wasp (or bee or anything with a stinger).

After the initial explatives, I started thinking about what other firsts I have experienced lately... it took me a while to really come up with some.

It made me realize that I need to make a point to really seek out some "firsts" in my adult life. I tend to get too caught up in my day to day life and forget the great joy of experiencing something for the first time.

So.. tell me, what are some "firsts" you've experienced lately??

Wordless Monday????

Return of an Old Relative

Dear Aunt Flo,

It was such a surprise to see you this afternoon. Don't you know that it's terribly rude to show up unannounced after, oh... 16 months?!

I can't say I didn't really miss you all that much. And yes, I'm aware that since you've missed me very much during this time, you'll more than likely be VERY ANNOYING during your visit.

Your return means my baby will have less to eat, will have a less tolerant mommy for a few days a month, and all that money I've been saving on formula will have to go to feminine products.

You bitch.

Your unexpected visit explains a lot. My supply has been low, my boobies have been sore and my muscles have been achy.

While I thank GOD that you haven't visited during the past 16 months, I hope that your return each month is short and rather uneventful.

Sincerely,
Danielle