Getting Organized

Tomorrow is my daughter's first birthday! I am in the process of cleaning up the place and organizing her party. So, far I am happy things are going well. She is starting to walk, is off of formula/baby food so she is on her way, I feel like I am losing my baby in some ways but I am glad to move into a new phase with her. So, is it time for another one now?
LOL! A friend of mine recently stated this but it was crazy the first time around being unprepared. I think I'll at least try to get life somewhat more simplier before bring in additional child into the world.

Being Prepared

Typically when I go out with my daughter I always have her diaper bag with diapers and wipes. We went to the library and I took her to the bathroom to change her. As I put her on the changer, I looked into the bag and the wipes weren't there! What a bummer! I had to get toilet paper from the bathroom...it wasn't as efficient and clean as the wipes!
Anyway, it was a clear reminder to double check before our outings.
Later, my hubby took us to Old Country Buffet. It was a nice change of venue. My daughter enjoyed it since all she did was stare at people. So, I didn't see Idol but I will tonight. I think it will probably be Allison.

I am starting to understand what the statement "as a woman, your work is never done" really means. It always seems like there are a 100 million things to do but just not enough time during the day. My life right now seems rather simple (keyword seems but it is a lot of work) since my primary focus is being a mom but I am trying to get back into the workforce as well as school so I can imagine my life when I take on these roles again. I am looking forward to finishing school because I know that is my vehicle of providing my daughter with a better life.
But for now, I am taking care of her. She is sleeping now as I look around and the place is a mess, so I probably should be cleaning or making breakfast. Hmm....there is always something to do...I just wish the days were longer.

The weekend

The zoo was fun. It was really crowded. I mean I don't think I have ever seen so many babies and strollers in my life. It was like everyone had one, including myself. We took the metro so the elevator had lines full of people and strollers. And it seemed that everyone had the same idea to take the metro to the zoo. But I guess it is early spring and people are anxious to take the kids to the zoo. We got there pretty late so we weren't able to see the lions, tigers, and bears..oh my! Well, we were able to see the Sloth Bears but not pandas. We're going to have to go back before it gets too hot to really see all the animals. It was just so much walking! My legs are still hurting and two days have past. There were pregnant women there who most look like they were in the second or third trimester. One look like she was due any day now. I couldn't imagine walking up all those hills pregnant because I am not even pregnant and I was so exhausted! It made me realize that I need to work out more...need some more physical activity in my life. I am thinking about taking kick boxing since my fiancee has his bowling so perhaps I need something of my own. Plus I am thinking it will help me lose the little small pouch left over from my pregnancy. The tupler exercises work well because my diastasis has closed or is almost there! Who knows if I work hard between now and July, I may be able to get into the bikini I've always worn before I had my daughter.
And today is going to be 90 degrees! It's not even May yet, I don't think I've ever seen it this hot in April. I guess you never know....maybe this global warming phenomenon is catching up to us afterall. Well, we're shopping for baby girls birthday decoration! I'm excited about her turning one and sad a little, too. I mean the whole year has been based on buying formula (since I did both breastfed and gave her formula) and she just ran out of formula yesterday, I gave her regular milk and she drank it. So, I have no more need to buy formula or that baby food. She is now one of the big people and eating table food. So, it is just diapers, which is great for me because I've been cutting down other expenses as well so this just adds to it.

Yesterday was a nice day. We were able to meet with some family and AJ was able to play with her cousin. It was nice to see the two play together. AJ was trying her best to keep up with her older cousin who will be 3 in August. I think she'll motivate her to walk. My daughter will walk if you hold your hands out but doesn't seem to eager to do it own her own.

Well, it is a day out to the zoo. She watched Wild Animals today on Baby Einstein so now she'll be able to see the actual wild animals!

It should be fun. I haven't been to the zoo in years!

Disciplining

It's finally Friday! I tell you these days go by so fast!
I am starting to realize that my fiancee' and I have difference methods of disciplining.
Last night my fiancee' spanked my 11 month on the hand to discipline her as she knocked a cookie out of my hand. Anyway, she started crying for like 50 seconds or so and had this sad look on her face. I told him she doesn't understand and to simply tell her no! I mean she's just being a typical baby! I think he felt bad enough because she seemed so upset by it.
Has anyone noticed differences in disciplining with their significant others?

Free Asthma Test are Given To Kids May

Just wanted to share that Free Asthma test will be given to all children in May. Here is a link for more information:

http://www.babycenter.com/204_group-urges-kids-to-take-free-asthma-tests-in-may_10312467.bc?scid=momsbaby_20090421:2&pe=2UusId8

Screening Locations based on where you live:

http://www.allergyandasthmarelief.org/nasp/screening_locations.aspx

Idol

It's Thursday...and a rather warm Thursday at that. Did anyone watch Idol last night? My predictions were correct...Lil and Anoop! I am thinking Adam, the Elvis impersonator, is going to win. I guess the saved worked for...what's his name? Matt? I think it's Matt since he's still in the competition. My guess is that he'll be the next to go. But we'll see. They definitely look like they have a lot of fun on Idol. I know part of Lil is glad to go home and be with her family. I couldn't imagine being away from my kid for that long but it'll definitely benefit her kids in the long run.

What a night

I didn't sleep well last night. AJ moves around so much while sleeping and when she is in her crib, I guess she hits the rails and ultimately wakes up. So, she ends up in the bed with me but she is so up under me that I can't move. I am thinking about getting her the toddler bed soon. I am hoping with that she can sleep on her own. Any suggestions?
This morning I put her in the crib she woke up and stood up in the crib whining. So, I eventually got her out but by then she was wide awake. It was around 3 something then and I couldn't get her to fall back asleep so I just turned on the tv and pulled out some graham crackers. About 5:45am she went back down. So, she's still sleeping now....
Ahhh....thank goodness I don't have anymore that I am obligated to be so I can least get some rest when she takes her afternoon nap!

The Pressure from Others

It is interesting when you have a child that everyone has an opinion. Now don't get me wrong, sometimes advice is good especially when you are a first time mom but sometimes, it's just annoying.
For example, when we went to North Carolina for Christmas, my daughter was 7 months old at the time. We were feeding her baby food. My relatives thought we were crazy! How come you aren't giving the baby some table food? Give that baby eggs, etc. etc.! So, when I went down there again for President Day Weekend, what stage of baby food is she on now? Stage 3? After they chuckle, of course!
But we felt like what's the rush? She has her whole life to eat table food? And if she is eating baby food, than why not?
Another issue...the McDonald's issue. Have you given her fries? Last I heard McDonald's food is fattening and is high in sodium. So, I am not sure why I would rush out there to give my 11 month old fries from McDonald's when I barely eat their food myself...with the exception of the salads. I am not saying I am not going to ever feed her McDonald's but I don't feel like I should go out of my way to give it to her now especially since she knows nothing about it.
It's funny because I've heard on the news last week that 1 out 4 children under the age of 4 are overweight! Maybe part of that is the need to give young kids McDonald's and other fattening foods....
Another issue...do you give her candy? My child barely has four teeth...almost but not quite. My aunt tells me I could at least give her a lollipop to let her suck on as a treat. Of course, she is the same one who sarcastically asked what stage of baby food is she on now? But anyway, I don't feel it is time to introduce her to candy just yet...she has the rest of her life for that! So, what is the big rush!!!!
LOL!

Home Sweet Home!

If you've heard the saying "there is no place like home", there is definitely truth in this phrase! I went to North Carolina to visit my grandmother and I am so glad to have awaken this morning in my own bed! From people walking into the room disturbing your sleep or the uncomfortable spring jabbing you in the back! The first night the bed didn't bother me too much but the second night, my hip bone starting hurting, my back! Ohhhh....not too mentiont that at home, I sleep in a foam bed that doesn't have springs in the mattress or the box spring! Anyway, I am glad to be at home where I can have reception on my phone (there you're practically out in the woods so using your cell phone is almost impossible) and there is no computer! Did I mention I love my computer?????
But it was a nice break, glad to be home....I hope this weekend is nice because I would love to take my daughter to the zoo this weekend. She has seen animals on the Baby Einstein videos but it would be nice for her to actually see them.
She was so cute this weekend. She has a cousin who is 9 months older than her so her cousin is 20 mos. My daughter hasn't starting walking yet so as she was crawling, she decided to pull up on her cousin. She was able to do it without sending her cousin to the floor but I know it surprised her! LOL! I missed it but my mom told me about it!

It's Friday...

It's Friday!
We had a good day yesterday! We went to the park and she got on the swing and played with the dirt....not too much, because I didn't want her to get dirty! But she had fun. We also purchased her first face forward car seat yesterday. My little girl is growing up. I just installed it this morning so I know she'll be surprised when we go out for our outing today!

We're headed to North Carolina for the weekend to see my grandmother. I tell ya...if ya ever want to go somewhere for peace and quiet, go to Weldon/ Halifax! It is so quiet and laid back but at the same time it is boring!!! But we'll be back soon enough!

Idol, breastfeeding, etc.

I can't believe it's Thursday! The day goes by so fast now! I hope everyone has gotten their taxes done. My mom was telling me there was a huge crowd at the post office yesterday. I finished mine in February so I didn't have a need to deal with the post office. Whew!
Well, it's finally a nice day. So, not only can I run some errands but I take AJ to the park. We've been indoors for the past couple days so I am sure she'll love to be out.

So, did anyone watch American Idol last night? I was surprised they finally used the save technique. Although, it's going to suck next week when two contestants have to go.

On the home front, I am going to try to wean AJ soon. She associates sleeping with nursing so I need to try other techniques with her. I may having her father put her to sleep so she'll get adapted to a new way of sleeping. I never thought I would breastfeed this long. When she was first born, I said I'd do it until she was 6 months and now she's almost 12 months old. I guess you never know! I will probably wait until she 12 months to wean her, which will be May 1st.

My cousin thinks breastfeeding is so nasty and sees it primarily for sexual purposes. She always shakes her head when she hears I am still breastfeeding. But yes, she's a mom herself and did try breastfeeding for the first week of her child's life. So, it didn't quite work for her.
It does have a lot of great benefits so I know I would do it again for my next child. I am just glad that it is becoming more accepting. I know when I was born, it wasn't as common as it is now. So, it's a great option as well as a great cost saving strategy!

It looks like we're going to finally get some 70 degree weather later this week! I'm excited because I can take AJ to the park! She loves the park, here are some pictures from our last trip!

It's a rainy Tuesday! I know we need rain but for me, it's a day to be indoors and luckily for me, there isn't anywhere that I have to be today. I am just aching for the 70 degree weather. It hasn't been that warm where I am so that will be nice.
I just feel so good this morning! I slept like a baby last night...I was so tired yesterday because I didn't sleep well. So, I am feeling pretty good and AJ feel asleep rather quickly so it worked out.

Is anyone following the Casey Anthony story? It looks like prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. I am not really one for the death penalty. I personally think being in prison all of your life is punishment enough but all well, that's just me. I am surprised that they are seeking it on her...partially, anyway.

Easter was a laid back day. I had a close friend come by who I kinda lost touch with since I've had my daughter. She came over for a couple of hours, it was a nice visit. It's funny how you don't speak to someone for a good while but when you do speak, it feel like no time has been lost. I guess there is always a bond there even if the friendship changes...

I had a girlfriend call me last night about a relationship problem. It seems like she's at her wit's end. For her it's a relationship she thought would work but it goes back to the same issues! I am hoping it'll work itself out but hmm...you never know. You never know what goes on inside other people's relationship. I mean I had a friend who got married, got pregnant two years later and everything goes well. Then she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with an older woman. The lady was fat and about 20 years his senior. Apparently, he chose this woman because she would give him what he wanted with no strings attached. She didn't want a relationship/ kids because she had already done that and she satisfied his desires. So, I guess all we can do is hope for the best and hope we know what we can and cannot tolerate.

On another note, I didn't sleep well last night. I was so sleepy but my daughter didn't fall asleep until an hour later and by that time, I couldn't quite fall asleep as easily. She slept in the sleep back from my mom's around 8:45pm so she was entergized. I have to get her on a schedule for my own peace of mind......

My Easter Sunday!

So, it's Sunday! It's Easter Sunday! I was so looking forward to going to church today but I realized last night after going to the store and getting my daughter pantyhose, that she shoes didn't fit. When I put them on her barefeet and they didn't fit, I thought they'd fit with dress socks on but they didn't! I mean her heel wouldn't even go into the shoe! I was too tired and it was almost 9pm to go get her some more shoes! So, it's going to have to be next Sunday. In the meantime, I settled for listening to a sermon on the radio and she clapped along as they clapped on the radio. Of all things! I shouldn't have assumed they fit but the last time she had the shoes on, they were big! But she was 7 months than and is 11 months now! What a difference with these little ones! So, it's just a laid back day. Waiting for hubby-to-be to put on a new tire for me! Let's see what the rest of the day has in store!

A Boring Saturday!!!

It's a boring Saturday! It's rainy and all I have done is slept. I hit my head at the park with my daughter on Thursday and I am still getting headaches. I was kneeling down and as I stood up, I hit my head on the pole. Yikes! I just have the best of luck! Hopefully, this weekend gets better!

Feeling like a hypocrite!

It's Friday! TGIF! Even though I don't get as excited about Fridays when I was 9 to 5 but I do in the sense that my fiancee' will be home since he doesn't typically work on the weekends.
But this is a special weekend so I am looking forward to it. It's Easter Weekend!

And I am going to feel like such a hypocrite when I go to church, which I haven't done all year. I thought I would go earlier since I have my baby but she's 11 months now and she's never been. So, I think it will be interesting for her to be in church with the music and people. She may even see it as an opportunity to dance! But church is our plan this weekend, her father said he'd think about going so we'll see how this goes. Who knows, maybe will start going on a regular basis after this...I just hate getting up so early on the weekend...
Well, no promises because I have had problems following christianity but I do want my daughter to be raised in the church. So, we'll see. Can anyone else feel me?

Other Random Thoughts

National Mother's Day Out
As seen on my twitter updates, May 7, 2009 is National Mother's Day Out. Perfect opportunity for moms to have some alone time. We all need occasional me time so we appreciate ourselves, have a break as well as appreciate our children. I know whenever I have a break from my child I appreciate what it is just being me but I also miss her and appreciate the time I do have with her. So, with that said, I hope you all enjoy that day as well as Mother's Day! Does anyone have plans yet? Anyway, Be sure to click the link for more information.

Mummy Tummies
Has anyone else experience diastasis after they gave birth? I spoke about it during an earlier post. If you don't know what diastasis is it happens when the stomach muscles separate during pregnancy so after pregnancy if you lie down you can feel the separation. Well, here is more information so you can read about it yourself. http://www.befitmom.com/abdominal_seperation.html
So, has anyone with this had luck in getting their stomach back to what it was? According to Julie Tupler, by doing certain exercises, the stomach can go back to what is once was. Here is more about her:http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/lose-mummy-tummy

Yesterday

Well, yesterday was a pretty good day. Not only did my daughter take a two hour nap (which usually doesn't happen) but I started cooking early aroung 2:30pm as she slept (which I usually don't do). But I am starting to think it makes sense. I usually wait until 5 or 6pm to start cooking dinner when I am home for most of the day. And then I am tired thereafter but starting early provides more opportunity for relaxation. Hmm...I guess I am learning slowly but surely!

After I cooked dinner, I watched Baby Einstein with my daughter. I am hoping she'll pick up the sign language since she's watching Baby Wordsworth so I try to do them whenever the opportunity comes along. Has anyone had their child pick up sign language? She's 11 months so maybe she'll start doing it at some point. She does mock other things that I do like if I hit my tongue to the roof of my mouth she'll try to do that but not quite the signs yet.

Deception

I was just thinking...I have a cat on my page and I don't even like cats. Funny, huh? I simply thought it was cute and wanted it on my page simply because it moves around. But in real life, if I saw a cat my first thought would be get this cat away from me! There is no petting, admiration, just simply move away!
I have never been able to get into animals. I feel the same way about dogs, too. I am thinking this is because we never had pets as kids and most of my relatives didn't either. Well, we did have gold fish but we couldn't even take care of them! I mean we ended up giving them away because my dad was too lazy to keep the fish tank clean. Why did I clean it, you may ask? I was about 6 and my brother 8 so we were too small.
But anyway, the cat is cute, huh? Hopefully, I just don't see a black cat outside? Are they still bad luck???????

Last Night

Last night I watched American Idol, while cooking and tending to my 11 month old daughter A.J. For some reason, I have been unable to fully watch the show like I did in the past. I used to vote now I catch some performances while missing others. Hmm... I did see Alison sing " I can't make you love me", I've always liked that song and she song it well. She does have talent. While watching the show A.J. would clap after the performances as she would see it done on tv. It's so funny to see her dance to music but I guess she got that from her father. He loves to sit her on his lap while the watch youtube. HA!
Anyway, after Idol as we settled for bed. I came on the computer while she was in the room with her dad (MikE). All of a sudden I hear a thump! My baby fell out of the crib! Now this is the crib that I had been told Mike to adjust. Bummer! When is he going to get that a woman is always right!? I'm serious I was blown! So, he finally adjusted it last night to its last setting.
So, parents let's make sure we keep on top of this! So, we can avoid the plitter platters...ok, maybe that isn't a word but it sounds good nonetheless!

What I miss about my life before child

Walking around the house naked...hmm...just kidding, I never did this.

I miss being able to just simply go to sleep whenever I wanted. Uh, priceless. Now not only am I the last one to fall asleep ( it is usually my fiancee, than the baby, then little ol' me) but I have to breastfeed her to sleep something I want to stop pretty soon. After she's asleep, I wait about 10-15 minutes to make sure she's really asleep than put her in her crib. Praying she doesn't wake up and I have to start all over again! Yikes! Even still she wakes up two hours later and ends up being in our bed through the rest of the night. But I figure she needs to get used to sleeping in her crib so I put her in there knowing she's going to wake up pretty soon.
It just feels like a long process. I just wish she'd just fall asleep on her own!

I also miss being able to make those small errands. You know what I mean? Your driving home and you think I should stop to get a lottery ticket but then you think of the process involved. Do I pull out her stroller, carry her in my arms, and the whole process of getting her out the car seat. Never mind.
Or just the ease of throwing on my clothes and making a quick run to the CVS. Now it's like getting her ready and fed, etc.

And lastly, just simply being able to rest and lounge on the couch for a good period of time without chasing someone all across the house.

Hmmm...did I mentioned I miss my nice flat stomach. I developed diastasis which I just learned about through reading Julie Tupler's book. So, now I am using her methods to close the diastasis. It's so much work! But she says 90% of women getting diastasis and simply doing crunchies can make it worse! Who knew?

But despite many of the inconveinences I mentioned, I love being a mom! It is such a joy to see her grow and see the world through her eyes! A lot of work but I would trade it for anything!

Being A Mom

Being A Mom
I can remember vividly being a single just two years ago. I was 27, frustrated and wondered when things were going to change. I mean not to sound like I was desperate but I had gone out on many dates but it never seem like anything would progress. So, it was July 2007 and I remember thinking well, I am going to enjoy my life because once it happens, I know I will miss being single. This particular day I decided to get out of the house because I thought, I am not going to meet anyone being in my apartment. So, I went to the gym and there was my fiancee'. We hit it off quickly by September 2007 I was pregnant with my first child. So, it was finally happening for me. It definitely shows you never know what life has in store for you.

So, here we are now and my child is almost a year old. My how time flys. It seems just like yesterday I was pregnant and wanted to get it over with. And then I give birth and I slowly start to realize it was easier being pregnant. I mean I had tried to mentally prepare myself to have interrupted sleep but when it happens you realize you can't prepare yourself.
It is easier now but she still wakes up. I didn't think this part would happen. But it's a lot of work, which I am sure many moms can relate. It is also that part of trying to maintain the house. My fiancee' works a lot so the majority of the time everything falls on me. So, it's me and my daughter most of the time. How does one find a balance?
We always thought about having another one but geez, I feel burned out with just one. LOL! Not too mentioned she had to be born 4 weeks early due to me developing preeclampsia, so I worry about that. Not too mentioned I have a fibroid, which apparently runs in my mother's family. Ugh!