Monday, August 24, 2009

Bye-bye Binky!!

Sunday was a sad day. We took the binky away from Brodie. He, like Dillon, is having zero issues with this. Sigh...BIG sigh!!! My littlest is truly growing up. It is such a happy time and I am truly happy, but there is a little part of me that is crying. I am so sad my boys are growing up so fast. Songs have new meanings, things people say to me have new meaning...for once, I think I am truly realizing what life is really about. I work to support my habit and love...my family. When I leave my paying job, my fun job begins - the one I life for. What do you live for???

Monday, July 20, 2009

Rocking Babies:

I think I may have wrote about this before, but I am coming back to it. There is a lot of opinions on whether you should rock a kid to sleep or not. Most people say no, as well as the experts. I consider myself a fairly strict mom, but I say - DO IT!! It is the best thing ever! I rocked Dillon to sleep almost every night (Dad filled in from time to time). I rocked Brodie to sleep the entire 11 months I nursed him (minus a few trips) and I still do. Dad gets to do it more now, but I still jump at the chance.

I will be very sad when I can no longer do this. I always want to be the one that puts my child to bed. On the rare occasion that we get a sitter, I am almost ALWAYS home to put them to bed. I don't want others doing it. I want to do it. There will be a time they won't want me to and that will break my heart. So until then, I rock!!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Things people never tell you...

No one ever told me how hard it is to be a parent. Ok, maybe they did and I did not listen. Being a parent is tough...really tough. Like next to attending my father's funeral, the toughest thing I have ever done. Please do not get me wrong, I LOVE my boys, but it is a challenge!!!

So, the whole reason I started this blog was to write about parenting and the challenges. You see, I want people to not feel crazy when they are thinking of running away (for good) or sending their kids to Bolivia. It is normal and does not mean you don't love you kids. It is hard and we all need to support each other through this journey.

Yes folks, I am back...watch out!!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

No time!

Like most of you in Mommy/Working-Land, I have no time. So the sad part is, this blog gets neglected...My one outlet for sharing insanity.

My Brodie is almost one year old! He is taking some steps and is getting better daily! Dillon is also quickly approaching his forth birthday.

I have been wanting to write about this topic for a while now. People who do not have children have NO IDEA what it is like to have children. I was totally that way. I had no idea how hard and time consuming it was. I don't know what I expected, but I sure got a huge kick in the pants. Again, not to say anything bad about my kiddos - I love them. I am just saying...

Jason and I had a conversation the other day about time. We never seem to have enough. Things don't get done around the house. Our "to-do" list never decreases and we HATE it. But, we don't get a sitter to clean, make repairs to the house, etc. When we get our, once in a blue moon night out, we go out!! We came to the fast conclusion that we will not regret it! All the house stuff can and will wait. They will be teens one day and will not want to see us. We can do it all then. For now, my house will be a little messy and things might not be in full repair, but I bet my children will never say - I wish Mom/Dad had paid more attention to me!!! (I hope anyway!)

Friday, April 10, 2009

A new spin!

I have been doing some more reading on weight charts. I was curious to see how much they have changed over the years. Obviously, we as a society are fatter now than we were 10 years ago. (Present company included!) In this research, I stumbled on to a WHO article about weight charts and how they are trying to get dr's to adopt their weight charts. The discussion went on to address how breastfed babies often gain weight fast and then "level off about 5 months". This often leads dr's to recommend supplementing with formula or stopping breastfeeding all together. I find this interesting. My dr recommended we supplement a little with formula at Brodie's 9 month appointment when he was shown to be in the 10% for his weight. I looked up the WHO growth chart and according to it, he is in about the 50%. So interesting. My point...while dr's are great...they are not the be all, end on instructions for caring for your baby. I am supplementing now with some formula, but I have other reasons also for doing it. I am not saying to not use dr's, just PLEASE do your own research too and do not take everything they say as the gospel. I am blessed to have a very analytical husband whom I trust for many health realted issues. I also have a very close friend in chiropractic school. I count on both of them for alternative advice when my children's health is a concern (or mine for that matter).

No one makes it easy or easier for women to breastfed. I know everyone has good intentions, but until we (this is everyone from dr's to the community) all begin to support these new moms in the way they need, we will continue to see breastfeeding numbers go down.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Interesting:

I was doing research on starting whole milk before age 1 and this is something I ran across. Pay close attention to the last sentence. Very interesting...

"The Canadian Paediatric Society says it’s fine to introduce cow’s milk between nine and 12 months of age. However, in the US and some other countries, the official advice is to wait for at least a year. Why are the guidelines different from those in Canada?

“The main concern is about iron deficiency, and that problem starts in the early months of a baby’s life,” explains Robert Issenman, chief of paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton. “When babies under six months or so are fed regular cow’s milk, they have minute amounts of blood loss in the GI tract. This blood loss makes them likely to become anemic. By nine months, drinking regular cow’s milk no longer causes this bleeding.”

Anemia develops most often when parents who are not breastfeeding find formula too expensive, so they buy ordinary milk for their young baby.

“A recommendation that babies not drink cow’s milk until they are a year old won’t change what those families are doing, so it won’t solve the problem of anemia,” Issenman says. The advice will be followed by those families who are already breastfeeding or giving formula until their babies are nine months old — and for those babies, it will not make any difference in the rates of anemia.

This recommendation does help in the US, Issenman notes, because a government program provides subsidized formula for a year for babies who are not breastfed. This can be important because the subsidy isn’t enough to purchase all the formula a baby needs, and parents sometimes give regular cow’s milk when the formula runs out.

Why don’t we have a similar program in Canada? “We have a different philosophy here,” says Issenman. “The concern has been that if we offer free or subsidized formula, it might persuade women not to breastfeed, or to wean early.” A 2004 study in Pediatrics did find that program families were less likely to breastfeed than families with similar low incomes who didn’t sign up. More than half of the formula sold in the US is distributed through the program."

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Slap in the face!

We took Brodie in for his 9 month check up and I received a HUGE slap in the face. Mind you, it would not have been such a slap on the face had I not had so much other stuff going on in my life. He is on ear infection #4! It blows my mind because Dillon had zero ear infections. They are talking tubes, but not quite yet. We will give it a little while longer. The more I talk with people the more I see this is not so bad.

Next, Brodie is on breathing treatments again, as needed. That RSV crap just hangs on in the form of a cough!

Lastly, Brodie has lost some weight. The doctor is a little concerned. He is now only in the 10% for his age!! This has hit me the hardest. Probably because he is nursed, so therefore I am equating it to being my fault. We are supplementing with a little formula and going to start whole milk here in a bit. (I even got my Ped's blessing...under the table of course, he would never admit to it and I would never rat him out!)

So there you have it. I am hoping this kid gets out from under all this health crap he had dealt with the first part of his life. I know that is selfish, because compared to some kids, he is VERY healthy!! When it is your kid though, that is all you see!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Always something-

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day. She wanted to know when there was a breather with her child...when could they just be and not have to do doctors, diaper rash, eating issues, etc. I totally understand that. In fact, I think the one piece of advice I have for people who decide to have a baby is. "it is always something." It is. When you have children, there is always something to respond to, deal with, take care of, etc. Parenting does not necessarily get easier...it is just different with every stage and you learn to handle things better (sort of).

So hang in there. We have all gone through it. Just because you get stressed or think, "will this end?", does not mean you do not love you child any less. We all love our children, but it is very stressful at times. That is why I encourage all parents, especially women, to talk about their experiences and share. This help make you feel less crazy! Because having kids is a CRAZY thing!! ;-)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

My trip!

I got the privilege of flying with a breast pump. It is an interesting story I will tell later...I am too tired now. I just wanted to get you thinking on it to build the story. It is obviously not too exciting - I did not end up on MSNBC!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

I am not sure how I feel about this...

Story from ABC News.

On one hand, why not? But on the other, I would not want anyone else breast feeding my kid! Of course, we don't live in a third world country. I do believe people here in the US have VERY distorted perceptions of breast feeding. I think it is mostly b/c we are such a sexualized society and that is the most common way breasts are viewed. Sad...I have thoroughly enjoyed breast feeding Brodie this long!!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

More generic

Gerber stage 2 baby food sucks. Actually, Brodie likes it and I will feed it to him, but it is really runny and falls off the spoon. Beechnut is my favorite, but sometimes it is not the most cost effective. The brand that Wal-Mart sells with the Pooh bear on it is the best.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

American Baby

I received the new American Baby magazine in the mail today. I am always amazed at the information that is included in these baby magazines. Nine times out of ten, it is a load of you know what. Sometimes I wonder who reads these magazines for hardcore information. I hope no one - I read for supplementary information at best!

This issue had an expose' entitled "What's It Worth To You?" This was by far the silliest thing I have ever read. It started out ok, discussing baby bodysuits. Then it got a little out of control. $930 for a stroller? The cheapest baby bedding set was $180! Seriously, they puke, pee and poop in their beds. I highchair for $300 and a diaper bag for $640. Sign me up for two of each!!

Has anyone ever stopped to think these are babies? Your first priority should be their safety, then comfort, then style. Manufactures play on women's emotions so bad with this stuff, because so many times we equate expensive with the best. Folks, that is just not always the case. Remember - most all baby items are regulated and can only be sold if they pass safety tests. Don't get sucked into this marketing scam!!

Besides, if you start having to buy your baby the best of everything, it sets a president for things to come. Kids grow up no matter what - their happiness is the only thing that matters, not what car seat they puke in!!!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

I have mixed emotions about this article. While I would LOVE to have my Mom around, she raised her children and I would NEVER expect her to raise mine. This article talks about how a women paid someone to pick her kids up from school and babysit them till she got home from work. Yes, that is what most of us do. They are called grandchildren for a reason. My husband was raised by his grandparents and I am very thankful for that. I believe it made him who is today.

I think it goes back to what I was discussing with a friend yesterday. People have issues with taking responsibility for things now days. Whether is admitting you messed up or raising your child...

Friday, January 30, 2009

Idiot!!

Read this

I don't condone thinning out the number when multiple babies are involved, but since you had a problem getting pregnant the first place and got 6 kids the first time through fertility treatments, don't you think maybe you would stop there? The article said she was "young" and "lived with her parents". Again, Idiot!!!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Generic Diapers

I put generic diapers on my children. I used name brand diapers the first few weeks they were born and then always switched. There are some things with children you need to buy name brand (not much though) and the rest you can sub generic stuff. I used to use Parent Choice diapers, but I have recently found the best generic diapers in the world. I think they are 100% equivalent to Pamper, Huggies, what ever name brand you use. They are the Target diapers. I love them!! I do have to say they have changed them since Dillon was a baby. I tried to use them when Dillon was a baby and hated them. I also love their baby wipes. They are like cloth. The best part about both of these products is they are about 1/2 the price. Who would not love saving $5 a week in diapers?! I use most everything generic from Tylenol to baby lotion. I like most all of it. With the economy being what it is, we are trying to save a few bucks here and there - I thought maybe you would be too, so I thought I'd share!!

See, I am not the only one that thinks so!!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Pretty informative:

Good information and it seems to be accurate!

Article

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Let me first start off by saying, I really do love my children with all that I am.

Now let me say, and it will be blunt, sometimes it sucks being a parent. I think the thing that sucks the most is never getting a break and always having to have your "A" game on. I am tired of dealing with sick, whining children that won't go to bed. I am tried of not being able to sit down for 2 minutes to rest. I am tired of my children thinking I am mean because I am making them "do the right thing". I am tired of cleaning up puke, changing really gross poopie diapers, and being covered in snot.

I need a break from my kids. Anyone that tells you they love being with their kids every minute of every day is lying. I don't like anyone that much and if you are human, you don't either.

Does the good out weigh the bad? Sure it does. That is why we have more children. But I will be the first to tell you that is not always roses!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sorry it has been a while. My boys have been sick. Dillon had a cold and then we found out Brodie has RSV. No fun at all. He is on breathing treatments at home. He also has an ear infection and I can see top teeth coming in. Wow! Triple whammie!! Needless to say it has been no fun around our house.

My next point, have you noticed how badly dad's are discounted in our society? Don't get me wrong, Mommies rock, but I would not be able to raise these kids without help from my husband. When we took Brodie to urgent care the other day, they all talked to me and not Jason. I don't get that. In many ways, Jason is a much better parent than I am. In fact, He stayed home with Dillon till he was about one. People thought it was weird and he got weird looks at the mall. I so was appreciative of it. He very involved in everything they do, which includes all decision making. Go Dads!!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Having kids is a big decision!

Jason and I were married 7 years before we had Dillon. In fact, we brought Dillon home on our 7th anniversary. I cannot begin to tell how glad I am that we waited. 7 years was a little too long - I am thinking 4 to 5 years is a magic number. Jason and I got to do so many things as a married couple and boy, did we enjoy it. We were ready (as ready as you can be to be kicked in the stomach) to have kids. The other thing was we got use to be married and functioning as a married couple. I just don't understand why people enter into have children so carelessly. It is hard raising Dillon and Brodie and we planned on them (one of them anyway).

I am going to stop because I feel myself starting to ramble. The point was the title. Having children is a big decision and it IS a whole new world.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

If anyone cares, the biting got a little better this afternoon and evening. In fact, he did not bite me once for his last feeding of the day. I think part of it was teething, but the other part was I was over feeding him. I was feeding him without him really asking for it because I was used to his old schedule. I guess over the last few days, he has decided he can eat every 3 to 4 hours - usually every 4. Funny, he forgot to tell me. So I was trying to feed him and he was not hungry - enter in the teeth scenario, so therefore he bit me. Again, it would be nice if these cute little things came with instructions. I get so frustrated!

I know you never think about over feeding your children, but you can. Obviously, my son is not hurting for nutrition, but this schedule change threw me off mentally and physically. Every day he needs me less and less, which should be joyful, right? I am going to stop because I feel rambling coming on. Tootles!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Oh, the pain!

My lovely son has decided he needs to bite me every time he eats. Not just a little nibble, I am talking FULL on biting. He made me cry twice because it hurt so bad. I know his top teeth are coming in, but this is ridiculous. I hate to stop nursing since I have made it this far, but my nipples are demolished and I am STRESSED out! Help!

(So much for me giving advice. I am obviously the one that needs it!!!)

Friday, January 9, 2009

All about me:

Once you have a baby, it is all the sudden NOT about you anymore. I really did not have too much of a problem with that (minus not being able to run when I wanted - running is a HUGE stress relief for me), but I know people that have. Finding the balance is the hard part. Trying to find some time for yourself is hard when you have a kid, or two, or more! Sometimes I don't get to run, go shopping, or out with friends, but I know I will again one day when the boys are older. Right now, my family is the most important thing in my life and my boys are growing up way too fast to miss anything. Had you told me 5 years ago that a Friday and Saturday night at home with my boys would have been the best thing, I NEVER would have believed you. We have the most fun just hanging out as a family. So if you have little ones, I encourage you and challenge you to do one thing for self everyday. This could be something as little as locking the bathroom door so you can use the bathroom in peace! (If you have little ones - you know what I mean!) Even 1 minute of time to yourself helps. Jason sends me to to the grocery store alone a lot. I know what you are thinking, "Gee - what a guy!" Actually, I enjoy it and since I do not have children, I get to look at some of the other things there and I don't have to rush in and out. See folks, it is all about perspective and your attitude about things that come your way!

Monday, January 5, 2009

I am one of those people,,,

I rock my kids to sleep. I did this with Dillon for a year or so and up till tonight, I did it with Brodie. It was not by choice that I put him in his crib awake tonight. He was fighting me rocking him, so I went and put him in bed. He went to sleep. I am hoping this is an isolated incident. I am selfish...I want to continue to do this. Especially since he will most likely be my last baby. There is nothing like rocking a baby to sleep. People tell me a lot that I should not do that. He needs to learn to go to sleep on his own. My answer is always, thanks - but I rocked Dillon and he goes to sleep perfectly fine on his own now. They are only babies once and this time is going WAY faster than the first time. So if you rock your babies to sleep - GOOD JOB!! If you don't - yeah, for you.

Next topic (reminder for me) - when you have two children, one being a baby and all the sudden everyone forgets about the older child because they are being a 3 year old. Everyone loves a baby...

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Brodie is a breast fed baby. He has been breast fed except for the baby food he eats. He gets bottles at day care, but it is expressed milk. Dillon was nursed about 6 or 7 weeks. He was a nightmare to nurse. Should I have stuck with it - yep, but I did not know better. He was my first and I had no support. That is the key to success with breastfeeding - support. Whether it is a friend or a lactation consultant, doesn't matter, you just need support. (I spent almost a hour on the phone with a La Leche leader here in town just talking.) Especially since most of the population will tell you lies about breast feeding. They are not doing it to be malicious or vindictive - they are just not educated on the topic. I am by no means an expert on breast feeding, but I have done a lot of research this time and have asked a lot of questions to people who know. Breast feeding is not the "be all end all", but I STRONGLY believe everyone should try it (if they medically can) and do it for AT LEAST a week or two. Brodie was a very sick baby and I personally take responsibility for him being VERY healthy now. I have some very strong feelings about breast feeding and how to help overhaul the welfare system, but that is a whole other post and I am not sure I want to discuss political stuff on here.

My friend Kelly recommended this site to me and I have used it a lot. I think it is good information and it is fairly unbiased. www.kellymom.com

Friday, January 2, 2009

There is a story on abc news on line today about a mom that is still breastfeeding her 6 yr old. I am not going to comment on that since I started this blog to support other moms and I also stated that what works for me does not work for others. If you want my opinion, you can ask me.

Anyway...Happy New Year! I was in bed this morning thinking about Brodie's night time fussiness. (He was fussy in the evening for a few months.) This is VERY common for babies. I think between 2 and 4 months. (That was Brodie's run.) I don't remember Dillon being this way - I would have to ask Jason. A good walk outside always seemed to cure him, along with constant movement. Making sure all their needs are met is key and then just loving them. They may still cry, but just be there for them. I read something once that made a lot of sense and it has helped me a lot. I read an article that said sometimes babies cry to expend energy. (Especially when they are not moving and playing around yet.) They need to get it out and sometimes that is the only way they can do it. So again, meet their needs and then love them. They may still cry, but it will be ok.