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| made especially for Miss Molly - Go Flyers! |
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| Perfect for the little Buckeye fan! |
4.30.2011
accessories
I am having so much fun making hair accessories for Delainey and all of her little friends. And talk about stress relieving and therapeutic!
4.29.2011
Holy Crap
One of my very bestest friends sent me a link last night to another blog (The Poop Whisperer) with a note in the email saying
"You both must read this!!! (Unfortunately. But, it WILL prepare you for the aftermath!)"
She sent this link to both myself and our other pregnant bestest friend.
Not thinking anything of it, I opened it this morning when I got to work and began to read.
WOW!! Let me just tell you that, while I have heard some of this from moms I have talked to - this pretty much just puts it all out there and in perspective.
The blog post is entitled "Postpartum...A List...By Jess" and details out the best things to do and not do in the minutes, hours, days and weeks after the baby is born.
She makes a good point. Most expectant mothers spend the majority of their time and energy reading, preparing and gearing up for how to deal with a newborn postpartum, but there is not really much time or effort spent on preparing yourself for the hell your body will be experiencing after you push a little human out of your who-ha!
Here is the link...I would strongly recommend if you are pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant, that you read this blog post and save it to your favorites, or print it out, or commit it to memory - I don't know first hand (yet) but I can only assume that many of these things will be major factors in packing my "go bag" and the postpartum kit that needs to be ready to go when I get home.
http://www.poopwhisperer.com/2011/04/postpartum-listby-jess.html
Finally - Holy Crap...guess this is what I have to look forward to...well that and the birth of our beautiful daughter...I know it will all be worth it, but I am slightly freaked out now!
"You both must read this!!! (Unfortunately. But, it WILL prepare you for the aftermath!)"
She sent this link to both myself and our other pregnant bestest friend.
Not thinking anything of it, I opened it this morning when I got to work and began to read.
WOW!! Let me just tell you that, while I have heard some of this from moms I have talked to - this pretty much just puts it all out there and in perspective.
The blog post is entitled "Postpartum...A List...By Jess" and details out the best things to do and not do in the minutes, hours, days and weeks after the baby is born.
She makes a good point. Most expectant mothers spend the majority of their time and energy reading, preparing and gearing up for how to deal with a newborn postpartum, but there is not really much time or effort spent on preparing yourself for the hell your body will be experiencing after you push a little human out of your who-ha!
Here is the link...I would strongly recommend if you are pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant, that you read this blog post and save it to your favorites, or print it out, or commit it to memory - I don't know first hand (yet) but I can only assume that many of these things will be major factors in packing my "go bag" and the postpartum kit that needs to be ready to go when I get home.
http://www.poopwhisperer.com/2011/04/postpartum-listby-jess.html
Finally - Holy Crap...guess this is what I have to look forward to...well that and the birth of our beautiful daughter...I know it will all be worth it, but I am slightly freaked out now!
Anticipating THE ARRIVAL, and the MOMENT
I have to say at this point the nervousness of Delainey's arrival and becoming a father have subsided........for now...I am sure it will come again, but right now I am just very much looking forward to putting on the biggest smile that I have ever had and holding little D in my arms. The thought of that exact moment has replayed in my mind so many times, and yet I know that I will not be able to describe the the moment or the feeling that I will have not only when I hold her for the first time but also every time that I hold her as she grows up in this world.
4.28.2011
more crafting
Second round of flowers featuring different types and sizes of ribbons...
I love making these for Miss Delainey, and can't wait to make a few for her friends!
Check them out and let me know what you think!
I love making these for Miss Delainey, and can't wait to make a few for her friends!
Check them out and let me know what you think!
the B word...
Why is is that two little words can strike fear in my heart and cause me so much unrest...
I am talking about Breast Feeding...and I am going to be totally honest in this blog post so if you are a die hard all babies should be breast fed kind of woman...maybe you should just skip this post.
I am scared sh*tless of this "natural" process.
I have read so many things over the last 30 weeks pertaining to the importance of breast feeding, comparing the benefits of breast and bottle and outlining the natural process of providing sustenance to your newborn child...and I have talked to countless women about breast feeding and bottle feeding, hearing all sorts of stories, experiences, thoughts, and opinions...and honestly all it has done is confuse me more.
Of course I want to breast feed my child...I was to give Delainey the very best and if that comes from my boobs...well then so be it.
But its not that simple. I have heard many things about breast feeding, and honestly, I know that I won't be able to make up my mind until I am actually in the thick of it - at which point in time it is no longer anecdotal speculation but real life experience that I have to draw on.
So many benefits, but it seems to come with so many sacrifices...and honestly, I would be willing to sacrifice anything for our child - but I am just not sure how to truly feel about the entire process.
I am not an overly private person...but there is something about whipping out a boob in public, covered or not, and attaching my child to it.
I don't require a ton of sleep, but the thought of pumping every two hours during the night in between feedings or while Mike feeds Delainey, so that we can stock up on breast milk for the next day leaves me less than enthusiastic.
I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but bleeding, cracked, sore nipples...sounds fun...NOT!
I am going back to work after an initial 4 weeks off - which means that while I am at work, I need to fit pumping into my day. Not saying that I wouldn't be able to make it work, but that goes back to the semi-personal thing that I am not sure I am comfortable with doing at my place of business.
And it means that I have to continue to change my diet to ensure that what my daughter is getting in my breast milk is good for her. No wine, beer, spicy food, who knows what else - if she is like some babies, with acid reflux, an allergy or has some sort of reaction to something I am eating, I have to take out one thing at a time to figure out what that is...
Trust me, I know the benefits and perks of breast feeding. Its cheaper (hell its free) and formula is expensive. But so is my time and sanity and I am not sure that pumping every two hours once I go back to work is any less of an expense. And sure, breast milk helps to ward off allergies, helps to build the baby's immune system, helps in brain development, etc...but I was a formula fed baby, as was my husband, my sister in law and several of my friends...and we all seemed to turn out alright.
I have promised myself that I am going to give it my best try. At least while I am at home for the first four weeks, and then when I head back to work, see how pumping plays out along with supplementing formula to help with the long days and late nights.
I am trying not to psyche myself out too much...women have done this for thousands of years...but I am also trying not to feel like I am being selfish, or a bad mother or a bad woman because I am not totally sold on breast feeding.
Judge me if you want - at the end of the day, I need to make the best decision for my child, my family and myself...and until we all walk in each other's shoes, I am not sure any of us (moms) have room to judge each other for choices we make.
While breast may be best for the most part...it doesn't necessarily mean it is/will always be best for my family.
More to come on this subject
I am talking about Breast Feeding...and I am going to be totally honest in this blog post so if you are a die hard all babies should be breast fed kind of woman...maybe you should just skip this post.
I am scared sh*tless of this "natural" process.
I have read so many things over the last 30 weeks pertaining to the importance of breast feeding, comparing the benefits of breast and bottle and outlining the natural process of providing sustenance to your newborn child...and I have talked to countless women about breast feeding and bottle feeding, hearing all sorts of stories, experiences, thoughts, and opinions...and honestly all it has done is confuse me more.
Of course I want to breast feed my child...I was to give Delainey the very best and if that comes from my boobs...well then so be it.
But its not that simple. I have heard many things about breast feeding, and honestly, I know that I won't be able to make up my mind until I am actually in the thick of it - at which point in time it is no longer anecdotal speculation but real life experience that I have to draw on.
So many benefits, but it seems to come with so many sacrifices...and honestly, I would be willing to sacrifice anything for our child - but I am just not sure how to truly feel about the entire process.
I am not an overly private person...but there is something about whipping out a boob in public, covered or not, and attaching my child to it.
I don't require a ton of sleep, but the thought of pumping every two hours during the night in between feedings or while Mike feeds Delainey, so that we can stock up on breast milk for the next day leaves me less than enthusiastic.
I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but bleeding, cracked, sore nipples...sounds fun...NOT!
I am going back to work after an initial 4 weeks off - which means that while I am at work, I need to fit pumping into my day. Not saying that I wouldn't be able to make it work, but that goes back to the semi-personal thing that I am not sure I am comfortable with doing at my place of business.
And it means that I have to continue to change my diet to ensure that what my daughter is getting in my breast milk is good for her. No wine, beer, spicy food, who knows what else - if she is like some babies, with acid reflux, an allergy or has some sort of reaction to something I am eating, I have to take out one thing at a time to figure out what that is...
Trust me, I know the benefits and perks of breast feeding. Its cheaper (hell its free) and formula is expensive. But so is my time and sanity and I am not sure that pumping every two hours once I go back to work is any less of an expense. And sure, breast milk helps to ward off allergies, helps to build the baby's immune system, helps in brain development, etc...but I was a formula fed baby, as was my husband, my sister in law and several of my friends...and we all seemed to turn out alright.
I have promised myself that I am going to give it my best try. At least while I am at home for the first four weeks, and then when I head back to work, see how pumping plays out along with supplementing formula to help with the long days and late nights.
I am trying not to psyche myself out too much...women have done this for thousands of years...but I am also trying not to feel like I am being selfish, or a bad mother or a bad woman because I am not totally sold on breast feeding.
Judge me if you want - at the end of the day, I need to make the best decision for my child, my family and myself...and until we all walk in each other's shoes, I am not sure any of us (moms) have room to judge each other for choices we make.
While breast may be best for the most part...it doesn't necessarily mean it is/will always be best for my family.
More to come on this subject
THE DIAPER BAG...
I have been doing some research on things that need to be included in a diaper bag - scouring the Internet for list after list of items that mothers from all over the world and every walk of life feel is simply essential to include in the newest accessory I will be rocking after July.
Obviously...diapers top the list (duh...isn't that why it is called a diaper bag) but there were several things that I never would have thought of prior to reading these lists.
No brainier essentials include things like wipes, diaper ointments, powder, hand sanitizer, changing pad, pacifier, bottle, food/formula/breast milk (stored properly) a small toy or two for entertainment...but things I didn't think of before reading these lists include
Crazy how much you have to fit in one (not so little) bag now that you have a little person you are responsible for.
Calling all moms...what sort of things are "essential" in your diaper bags that should be added to this list?
Obviously...diapers top the list (duh...isn't that why it is called a diaper bag) but there were several things that I never would have thought of prior to reading these lists.
No brainier essentials include things like wipes, diaper ointments, powder, hand sanitizer, changing pad, pacifier, bottle, food/formula/breast milk (stored properly) a small toy or two for entertainment...but things I didn't think of before reading these lists include
- plastic bags to discard diapers and store soiled clothes (smart)
- baby socks or leg warmers
- blanket
- tissue
- change of clothing for the baby
- burp clothes (ok I thought of this one after I sat here for a few minutes trying to make my own list - but it didn't just come to me)
- nursing pads
- nursing cover-up
- water bottle and snacks for the mom
Crazy how much you have to fit in one (not so little) bag now that you have a little person you are responsible for.
Calling all moms...what sort of things are "essential" in your diaper bags that should be added to this list?
last year at this time
When I stop to think how much has changed in a year, and just what I was doing last year at this time - it honestly stops me in my tracks.
Last year at this time - I was spending quite a bit of time on theknot.com, planning out details for our wedding in August, discussing with my best friends various aspects of wedding planning, picking out shoes, hair pieces, hair styles, make up, table settings, programs, flower arrangements, music, etc...I was counting down the days until we came home for the wedding shower, and even more so, counting down the days until I married my best friend.
Wow - look how much has changed in the past 12 months. Now I spend my time looking at sites like fitpregnancy, the bump and other pregnancy related website. I am planning things like, child birth class, birth plans, child care, and maternity leave. I am counting down the days until our beautiful little princess decides that she has had enough on the inside and wants to break free. I am coming to terms with the fact that most of it I can't plan at all...
Its amazing to me how much life can switch up over the course of one year. A year ago, I was more concerned with picking out the right outfits for me, staying thin, planning a wedding...today, all I seem to care about it making sure that everything is perfect for Miss Delainey. I would rather shop for her than for myself. Making the necessary improvements to our home have taken priority over spending money on things for ourselves. No more sports cars...hello family cars. No more nights out spent with single friends enjoying several adult beverages...now we find that spending time with our friends who have kids, is much more our style.
When you actually stop to think about it...and slow down for just long enough to realize how quickly a year has passed and truly how much has changed...it makes me realize just how quickly life is moving. And being that I don't really see it slowing down anytime in the near future...we might as well buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Last year at this time - I was spending quite a bit of time on theknot.com, planning out details for our wedding in August, discussing with my best friends various aspects of wedding planning, picking out shoes, hair pieces, hair styles, make up, table settings, programs, flower arrangements, music, etc...I was counting down the days until we came home for the wedding shower, and even more so, counting down the days until I married my best friend.
Wow - look how much has changed in the past 12 months. Now I spend my time looking at sites like fitpregnancy, the bump and other pregnancy related website. I am planning things like, child birth class, birth plans, child care, and maternity leave. I am counting down the days until our beautiful little princess decides that she has had enough on the inside and wants to break free. I am coming to terms with the fact that most of it I can't plan at all...
Its amazing to me how much life can switch up over the course of one year. A year ago, I was more concerned with picking out the right outfits for me, staying thin, planning a wedding...today, all I seem to care about it making sure that everything is perfect for Miss Delainey. I would rather shop for her than for myself. Making the necessary improvements to our home have taken priority over spending money on things for ourselves. No more sports cars...hello family cars. No more nights out spent with single friends enjoying several adult beverages...now we find that spending time with our friends who have kids, is much more our style.
When you actually stop to think about it...and slow down for just long enough to realize how quickly a year has passed and truly how much has changed...it makes me realize just how quickly life is moving. And being that I don't really see it slowing down anytime in the near future...we might as well buckle up and enjoy the ride.
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