Feeding your child? You'll have to take that kind of thing outside.

I shall quote a dear friend of mine...and this about sums up this entire blog entry...



"It's just boobs people."



And there it is.



Yes this will be another breastfeeding blog. A topic I hold close to my heart.




What is this boob reference to? Going "pink" for breast cancer awareness? No. -Although go ahead and go do your monthly self check if you havent done so already. Consider this your announcement. Besides I didnt even say where I left my purse or what color my bra is....so definitely NOT a reference to breast cancer awareness...at least by facebook standards...stupid facebook.





This is in reference to a huffington post article, which tells a brief story of a Michigan mother. who was called out in front of a courtroom full of people and basically put to shame for doing something that is completely legal...breastfeeding in public. Who called her out? ....The judge.
Whhaaaaatttt? Yes. Yes he did.



http://http//www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/14/natalie-hegedus-courtroom-breastfeeding_n_1089271.html
A little article...but explains what happened, her side of the story.



Okay...here's the issue....

Breastfeeding in PUBLIC...is completely legal, ladies, and please dont let anyone tell you other wise.

I do not understand the big deal people have with breastfeeding in public. I was a breastfeeding mom. Breastfed my son till he was 13 months old and my daughter till she was 6 months (would have gone longer, but Addi had other plans). I have breastfed in a variety of places. Public places.



Parks, Restaurants, the mall, my car in a public parking lot, Disney, Dollywood, outside a local aquarium, outside a Cracker Barrel (because of the awesome rocking chairs) a shoe store, and a moving train, just a to name a few.






I do however understand some people's uncomfortableness with breastfeeding when it's uncovered. Embarrassment isnt anything we have control over...just happens...we see something we feel we shouldnt...embarrassment.

It happens to me whenever I watch any Matthew McConaughey movie. Like I said...Embarrassing.

While I have breastfed in public, I also remember that people may be uncomfortable by my breastfeeding in public...so I had a nursing cover. Believe me people of the world...breastfeeding covers are for YOU...not the mother or the baby...because most moms I know may agree with me, as that baby gets older, he or she doent want a blanket over his/her face. Its like a struggle..."Yes Darling, go ahead...nurse away...get comfortable while I throw this BLANKET over your head. And mommy loves to play tug of war to keep you and myself covered up. Yes. Yes I do.::tugtug::"(Dont you just love to eat with a blanket over your head?) Sighhhh...The things we do for the people we dont know.

If you didnt read the article, the mother was, covered up by the way...not that it would matter if she wasnt or not, because either way she is lawful to do so. But this mom, was thinking of others' feelings wearing a cover...and she was doing what was best for her baby. So no problem right? No problem except for a judge who got all "I'm the judge. My courtroom, my rules, rawr rawr rawr." (I added the "rawrs" by the way for added realism. It just seemed appropriate to add prehistoric noises regarding the judge's behavior. Sorry.)


Bottom line...Women have the right to breastfeed. Anywhere. Period. It's a right we have. So before anyone starts wagging a finger or banishing people from courtrooms...stop for a moment and remember whats legal should definitely be legal...in all places, especially our courts.

I want to really be real...for realz

Can we talk?


















Seriously for a moment?













Sorry about the picture puns...it couldn't be helped...




For the 13 of you...hello 13! And all you others out on Facebook land who tend to get a kick out of my blog from time to time, You should already know that I am a Christian. (Ive blogged on a Christianity issue a few times...) So if you are a fellow Christian I hope this is inspiring...if you are not a Chrisitian...I still hope you follow along and find it inspiring as well.



So fellow Christians....I have a question for you....



Why is it...that we are afraid to be real?



You know...real....like real people... Real normal people.





Real people. People who have problems.. and issues. And emotional baggage. Emotional baggage that may come with a matching handbag.





Hangups...struggles....




Ive got issues...Ive got problems....and I definitely have emotional baggage, and I'm a Christian.


Have you ever met one of those Christians? The Christians that don't struggle? That have a smile on their face every minute of every day? They dont argue with their spouse or yell at their children for not putting up their shoes for the 15th time today? They dont seem to have a worry about finances or health issues of loved ones. And when you ask how they are, they always answer something on the lines of how blessed they are.



Or on a deeper level...they dont seem to have that one family member that is driving them crazy, or even hurting themself....which in turn..hurts them? They never seem to let on what drives them to a breaking point or tears.






Because remember...they're blessed.




This blog entry has been rolling around in my head for months...and Ive started and stopped it..erased it and rewrote, tweaked it and edited it....and then...someone else came up with it and put it into such words where it was literally like "AHA"...yes...thats it.http://http//www.theveryworstmissionary.com/2011/12/i-hear-you.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JamieTheVeryWorstMissionary+%28Jamie+the+Very+Worst+Missionary%29

I LOVE her blog....(however as a fair warning for some Christians out there, her word usuage may be little stronger than what you may like..but I implore you to look past that fact and read what message she is trying to convey)


So after reading the above blog entry by Jamie....I came out clearer

And here it is.....

Christians have stuff.

Issues....problems....heartaches....worries....fears....


Yes...they do (:::nod:::nod:::) ...uh huh...

They do....Cause here we go. I'm going to unload one of mine.

Ive got daddy issues.



In short...he's pretty much estranged....by his choice. Its been about a 12 year span where I had not literally laid eyes on the man.







So again, in shorty shortness...the situation in general and his choices in life...overall...are sucky.




I get mad at him still. There are times, still, 14 years later, I want to scream or cry or perhaps throw things, with no intention of harm of course...(maybe rabbits...they're soft....no thats wrong I couldnt throw a real rabbit, yeesh...maybe stuffed animal rabbits...yeah...) Or maybe even call him up to recite a long 15 page list of all the wrongs he has done to myself and my family. There are times I feel he has cheated me out of a different life eperience or cheated my children out of a grandfather. I still get mad at times.







Ick.







But Im not scared to say that as Christian.....I still get mad, I have issues, I get upset, I worry....because if I didnt admit that to myself or to other people....it would be like living a lie.







Why are we scared to admit this to each other? To admit we all need a little help along the way? Or that we aren't this happy being 100% of the time. The church is filled with people who are hurting....filled with people who are struggling....and at this point I am not talking about people who are unsaved. I'm talking about Christians, who may be going through a divorce, facing problems with family members, or struggling financially, or even spiritually. It doesnt make them less Christian....it makes them more human. Why are we scared of issues like this? We do a disservice to fellow Christians who may be hurting, if we put on our fake Sunday School face each time we see each other and just blankly smile and say our life is great when it truly isnt. Being apart of the Body is lifting each other up when we need lifting...not to pretend that our life is "just awesome" all the time!







And can I say as Christians, it is our job to reach out and earnestly pray for one another. It bugs me to death when you confide in someone, something dear to your heart that hurts, and you get that nonchalent, "I'll pray for you." Will you really? Will you really pray for me???? Are you going to take the time out of your day to pray? Because this is my life we are talking about. This isn't like "Oh hey can you remember to pick up my dry cleaning?" Or "Hey do you mind making me a sandwich? Remember I don't like mustard...k...thanks!" Its my life.



I have made an earnest decision that I will not say "I will pray for you", if I know I may forget about it later in my day. So if you ever catch me saying this, please know, I honestly mean it....and like Jaime said in her blog...I hear you.

Don't stand so close to me

When I taught school, every year, and I mean every year...there was a point I would get to where I couldn't talk...speechless...

When I watched an almost 10 year old child literally crawl under his desk and scream at the top of his lungs because he didn't want to do his work...I was speechless.

When a very large 4th grader came and purposefully stomped on my foot when I told him "my classroom- my rules"...speechless (sent that little bugger to the VP right away amd he wasnt allowed back in my room by the way)

When I had a student who came in crying on a standardized test day that her parents announced they were getting a divorce and sent her to school anyway, when I pulled out a paper from a 2nd grader's desk that proclaimed "Hannah Montana is hot!", when I found a huge dill pickle in a students desk after school, carefully saved after a lunch a few days before,....speechless.

I was also speechless once a year, every year, because of a horrible cold that caused laryngitus (I know I just slaughtered the spelling of that word but its too early to spell check). I can remember my first year teaching and it got so bad I was actually writing things on the board for my 4th graders to read. I was a little too naive and too nervous to ask to go home. At lunch time my AP asked me a question and I croaked out an audible whisper. He looked at me like I was crazy cakes and said "Go home." Once he found out I was writing directions to my students on the board all morning, he probably was speechless himself.

It kinda comes with the teaching territoy...sickness. it kinda goes hand in hand. Anyone going into the teaching profession has to understand they WILL be sick a few times a year due to children being ..well..gross sometimes. As I type this, wiping Addi's verry runny nose for the 14th time already this morning. (Don't worry...purell)

But I am posting this in response to an article I just read that I was appalled at and sorta agree with at the same time (are you speechless at this?...or just confused?)http://http//www.huffingtonpost.com/devon-corneal/sick-days_b_981244.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk3%7C99920

This is the part where I'm sorta appalled at....

The author, Corneal, admits to while not sending her kid to school while vomiting, she would send him in with a cold, a mild fever, diarrhea (really??) and suspicion of stomach bugs. Because and I quote "don't kids' immune systems get stronger by being exposed to common illnesses?"

So the next time my preschooler comes home with a case of the runs, should I be sending thank you notes to the mom who decided to send her kid to school sick? (he's not sick now, by the way...so please dont think I am writing this passive aggressive note to anyone in particular)

Dear some other mom,

Just wanted to express my gratitude for taking the time out of your busy schedule by sending your sick kid to school and in return making my child's immune system a little stronger. I really have enjoyed the extra time I have spent with my son, cleaning up horrible bathroom messes, trips to the pharmacy, and the lack of sleep I have gotten due to his constant throwing up in the middle of the night.

P.S. My kid licked the envelope.

Love and lollipops,
Connor's mom



Okay.....the tiny point where I do agree...

So while I understand you cant keep your kid over every sniffle, every cough, cause if thats the case, Chaild and Family would be after you for keeping your kid out of school for like half the year. It honestly doesnt bother me when I see a kid who has a bit of a cold. Keep some tissues on you, cover your mouth please, go wash your hands please.

Back to where I disagree...

But there is a BIIIIG difference between a cold and a chesty-non stop cough,-my chest hurts-and I'm starting to gag due to all the coughing Im doing-kind of cold. And yes, I do (and I would confidently say the majority of teachers and mothers) mind when you decide to send your sick kid to school. You arent doing anyone a favor by sending a kid who has a fever, a horrible head cold, diarrhea, an anything else the author admitted to sending her child to school with.

So please, as we head into cold and flu season (whatever that is because I am convinced this is year long and not a season), if your kid is sick, like sick sick....keep them home, rest a day or two...and then get back into the swing of things. Keep your teachers and fellow students in mind. Because just as much as you are enjoying being up in the middle of the night with a child with a hacking cough and "mild fever," Ms. Corneal spending those, what did you say??? Oh "sweetest times..rocking him for hours when he's been really ill"...I'd personally rather spend sweet times with my child when he's happy and healthy. Thanks so much.

Funny Friday

Because it's hilarious....

I present to you.....

LOLcat

If you dont think this is funny....there is something seriously wrong with you...

My baby can read

My baby can read...

No not this baby...Although she is recognizing some letters and can count to 10, almost.

This Baby...

Who is soooo not a baby anymore....because he is now 4 and has started preschool....

Practically a man really. A man who drinks chocolate milk and has a stuffed mouse named Moppy.

No.... I didnt use My Baby Can Read.

Look at that baby! With the hat. Guess what kid? You also have to pass college Algebra. Recognizing your toes from a tiger wont get you that far in life! Good luck with that!

I am here today to urge you not to buy into that infomercial. ....The infomercial I would buy into however is that brownie pan that makes the individual brownies so they all have that "corner piece" affect. Thats amazing! Truly. Sign me up!

But back to Your Baby Can Read....I have news for you....this product is really called "My baby can memorize flash cards." Or...it could also be called "TV babysitter." But it really shouldnt be called "your baby can read".

For all of you who are thinking about buying into this program.....I need to share something important to you.....get ready...here it is....

TV time will not make your child a genius.

There I said it. Class dismissed.

.....No wait...come back...I have more to say.

Let me explain...

This program is aimed at getting your child to read by memorization or by sight. Now dont get me wrong. There is something to be said about sight words and visual context clues. Sight words are words children should learn through time and not have to spend time sounding out. Common words found in almost every book out there. www.k12reader.com/dolch-word-list/ (Downloadable lists for those interested)

Visual context clues help a child with difficult words....for example....if you child is reading a book and comes across the sentence "The cowboy rode his horse." And your child says "The cowboy rode his HOUSE."....and there is a bicture of a cowboy...rising a horse...you can point this out..."Is that a house? No a horse." See? Helpful.

However if your child sees a picture of an elephant and the word elephant is written on the page (or flashcard, or screen) and your kids yells ELEPHANT! ...pssstt...he's not reading...he sees an elephant. Thats why he's yelling.

Kids are smart and have the capability of memorizing...however memorizing is not the same as reading and take that same word out of the flashcard or screen and without a picture...can your kid read "The ELEPHANT was too sad and lonely to perform his circus trick?" Im going to guess no.

Look Im not trying to come down on any of you "My Baby can Read is the best thing since the brownie pan infomercial!!" people. I just ask you, if this is such a phenomena...such an amazing system, why isnt it in every preschool in America? Recommended by teachers? Why isnt illiteracy a thing of the past?

Why if only these people had a TV...then they could read!!( Is it me or is there something wrong with that?)

If you are really looking to get your child reading. Start him with phonics. Letter sounds. Blends...that sort of thing. Leapfrog has asome great fridge toys that use magnet letters and the sounds they make. Most the time they make a "clatter clatter" sound when they hit the tile floor over here. Followed by Addi's "uh oh."

Read to your children. TV CANNOT replace the influence of learning you have on your child. Be skeptical of products that are built with an "easy out" (as in plop your kid in front of the TV and he'll be a genius in no time!)

This article was passed on to me by a friend, because she knows the kind of stuff that can get me blogging. www.psychologytoday.com/blog/rewire-your-brain-love/201005/your-baby-shouldnt-read While I agree with what this article has to say about the importance of parent attachment and actually tuning into your kids learning and who they are as a whole.The article questions whether or not pushing your child to read early on is a good thing or not for them developmentally.

In the article it is said, "Louise Bates Ames, PhD, as superstar in child development...stated a delay in reading instruction would be a prevenative measure in avoiding nearly all reading failure."

Really?

Hi Louise....I'd like you to meet my 3 year old....Here's a picture of him riding a house...um...I mean horse.

My son has an insatiable hunger for reading and numbers. Been that way since he was a really little guy. For those of you who know Connor, you know what Im talking about.

Some kids are into trucks. Some kids are into playing ball....my kid is into mapping out the shortest route to his grandmother's house in Georgia on Google maps.

Its just who he is. Actually I was worried for a little while because he WASNT into trucks or ball. He just wanted to play with numbers. ALL THE TIME. Over time I just began to learn this is what he liked to do. Eventually the truck time came for him (thats what we are currently crazy about. Cars!)

But still to this day, he is most happy settling down with a book or rearranging number magnets on the fridge and announcing the "number of the day!"

When did learning get into the mindframe that it comes it flashcards? Or workbooks? Or thanks to Robert Titzer....TV? Challenge your children, dont buy an easy way out. If you have already bout this system I would encourage you to use it sparingly and not as a replacement for actual one on one time with your child and a great book (not a Kindle mind you, a book....).

Facebook...the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable

Do you remember myspace?...

Nah...

Neither do I. Neither does anybody else.

We might be saying the same thing about facebook soon, according to what Aol news says or that segment on NPR, because of Google +.

I know the two questions running through your mind right now....

1. WHY do you still have aol????

and

2. What is Google + ???

And my answers to both are...I havent the faintest idea.

I do love me some facebook though, as does most of the world (but not China, interestingly enough. I saw that on a facebook "special" on CBS. Thought provoking stuff.

I post at least once a day. And I do enjoy reading everyone else's posts...most the time. I appreciate facebook for being a link to long lost friends, and friends you currently have. Good way to have the granparents see the kiddos too.

But is anybody with me, about stuff on facebook, that annoys you? To no end?

And its bad, you know....because these are your friends...well facebook friends anyway. You know...That CBS special was talking about the word "friend" and how facebook has radically changed the meaning of that word.....like I said...intriguing stuff....

So without further ado...I present...

Stuff that really annoys me on facebook.

(If any of my facebook friends are annoyed with me after reading this, dont change your ways because of this post. You be you, man. Just be you. Go on.)

What annoys me on facebook....

1. Most Twitter updates....because I don't understand half of what you are saying on the facebook feed.

2. People who share ridiculous intimiate details or conversations about/with their significant other regarding their breakups/makeups....really...have a face to face conversation.

3. I'm sorry if you are sick...I really am...and feel free to post that you arent feeling well...because we all need a little sympathy...but words like"snot, diarrhea, mucus," and so on, really dont belong on the home news feed. I feel bad that snot is running out your nose like the Niagra Falls, really, I feel horrible for you. And kudos to the analogy. Top Notch. But I don't really need that much detail.

4. The Goodbye Cruel Facebook. AKA ...Threatening people you are about to delete friends off your Friends list. Its okay....just delete me. I understand. Its not you. Its me.

5. People praying on Facebook. Dont get me wrong. I am a Christian. I pray. I love Jesus. I like encouraging words on facebook. I like Bible verse quotes on facebook. ....however...Jesus does not have a facebook page. Sorry if this offends my fellow Christian friends....but this is weird.

6. People who post something that cause other people to ask more details, and then that person says they'd rather not talk about it, or its personal or private. Then....how about you dont post about it on Facebook and then I wont get all nosy and ask. I don't get it.

7. A friend of mine mentioned this the other day, and I whole heartedly agree with him...."Would you guys make it more interesting (facebook) and stop quoting song lyrics...no really you're the only one who listens to that song." Agreed.

8. Do not post "I'm bored", "hi" or "I don't have anything to say.".....and dont be surprised if no one comments on your awesome post.

In contrast however....things I do like about facebook...

1. Articles you find interesting.

2. Articles you find not so much interesting but more outrageous, and which makes me want to blog.

3. Funny pictures, of you, your kids or your cat ....because cats are funny.....yes they are...they are hilarious! They are!

See? Funny!

4. And anything else in between.

So off to facebook with you now. Go on. I'll see you there. Unless you deleted me after reading this.

Birthin Babies

Remember my "teeth sucker" post?


www.applesauceisthenewblack.blogspot.com/2010/12/mommy-wars.html


Here's a warning....don't be a teeth sucker while reading this post.


Here's another warning..there will be pictures of birthing in this post...but nothing that will make you blush. So if you are uncomfortable with that...you are probably a 10 year old boy....I jest I jest...

I'd like to talk about something that really bothers me. It goes along with my mommy wars post (see above link). "Superiority birthing." Thats what I'm calling it. Thats not a true term by anymeans...but I think it fits the notion of what I'm talking about.


The idea that one way of birthing is more honorable, more "work", more true, more noble, more right, less self serving, less invasive,... less...or more of someone else's experience.


I've got a severe problem with that. If you feel that you have had a more superior birth than others and are offended by my "naiveness"...then I'm sorry if you feel like you need to "unfriend" me on facebook. I'll carry on, although I just don't know how you will carry on with your help with Farmville without me. *tear



I'll start here...

I am a 2 time c-section mom. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.















(Eeks! Blood!.....It's ok...just breathe)




Connor was a scheduled c-section. And when I say "scheduled" I mean: The doctor said my baby was huge and he was afraid I would labor and tire myself out and end up with a c-section anway....so they scheduled me for a c-section.


I didnt have months to get used to this idea...I had 2 weeks. And in those two weeks I did a lot of praying and crying....mainly because I am the world's biggest chicken when it comes to pain. I already was a little freaked out by the idea of a vaginal birth. (Did she just say "vaginal??" Yes.... yes I did. Let's continue...). But now we are talking surgery. Surgery people! Whith scalpels and everything!

And then came out Connor...all 9.12 lbs of him. My mom said she over heard a couple speaking in Spanish at the nursery window, pointing at Connor, saying he looked like he ate one of the other babies. Every nurse who came into my room, would look at Connor, then at me, and then back at Connor and then would say, "You DID have a C-section right?"

So let's pause for a moment, for any teeth suckers, who may be saying...yeah but you could have still birthed that 9lb 12 oz butterball! It's possible.


Yes...it may have been possible. I may have labored for 30 plus hours, done some damage to myself birthing him, he may have had to be pulled out with forceps. Or you never know...maybe almost 10 pound babies, just. POP right out. Could happen.










But when I look back at my birthing experience with my son (yes I do feel like a C-section is still "giving birth.")








And my birth experience with my daughter....








And I honestly feel, like I gave birth the right way...for me. I do not feel cheated in any way. I feel like I battled through my surgery to have my babies, just like another mommy would battle her way through labor for her own baby. I think C-sections have a nasty stigma that go along with them. I was not FORCED into a c-section. My C-section was not the "easy way" out of giving birth. (Believe me, there is nothing easy about surgery that makes it difficult to get up and walk, and to take care of a newborn at the same time). I did not choose a C-section for my body's appearance sake...because C-sections do not magically leave your tummys all flat and smooth. again. Who has two thumbs and could totally use a tummy tuck? This girl. And when the medical community figures out how to make that happen with the use of a pill that magically tightens up your skin, I'll be first in line!


I do want to say that I do sympathize with the mommies who may have C-sections thrust upon them in an emergency situation or that they are so tired that they simply cannot go on laboring. I had 2 weeks to get used to my upcoming c-section. The idea of surgery...any surgery...can be scary and when you have planned on delivering your baby in a certain fashion, I can definitely understand a disappointment. A good friend of mine had this happen to her, and from what she has shared with me, it was a difficult experience. She is now due with baby number two, with a repeat C-section delivery in a few weeks! And I pray her experience will be much easier! :)


On the opposite end of C-sections....I'd like to share with you the birth of Samuel...


not a C-section birth...but a birth spent in many hours of labor,(26 hours, I'm told) joyfully endured by a friend of mine, Tara.



Natural and drug free at a Birthing Center and assisted by a midwife and doula!!! (That man in the picture is not the midwife or the doula by the way, that's Angel, Tara's hubby)










Samuel's appearance into the world was long anticiapted and he truly is the answer to prayer for his mommy and daddy.

Being a C-section mommy, I can also appreciate the beauty and the joy of a birth, like Samuel's that was so lovingly and thoughtfully planned. It was important to Tara to have her birth experience not take place in a hospital. And from what I understand...her experience was extremely positive at their birthing center.


Many would raise an eyebrow with the idea of not having a baby in a hospital, but Tara and her husband had to think what birth experience was right for them. And looking at her pictures, and hearing her talk about her experience of delivery, it is so evident that they made a wise decision in this area.


I hope, especially us moms out there, remember this important point when it comes to the birth choice of your friends....


-Do not express you "don't like" or could "never think of" having a baby in a certain fashion...especialy if the person you are talking to, has had a baby in that fashion. Because what you are really saying is that "I don't approve of your birth choice."....just cause you say it with a smile or a look of "concerned shock." Doesn't make it any better.


All of us moms....have gone through some kind of battle to give birth to our babies, whether it was with drugs or natural, with a c-section or a v-bac.....it was all "labor."



Did you see that?....the use of irony?....with the word "labor?"....I know....hilarious right?



.


.


.


.


.

You people are no fun.















Sigh......

Shhh... I'm on the phone!

Connor's Elmo Counting phone conversations that have taken place recently....

Connor: Uh, Hello, is this Coca-Cola? Yes? Can I speak to my Wila please?" (His grandmother)....

:::Hangs up the phone::: "Uh ...Wila can't talk now they said. She is still working."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Connor: "I'm going to call a dinosaur, Mama!"

Me: "You do that."

:::Dials the dinosaur telephone number (I imagine their cellphones look like the Zack Morris cell phone) and waits for a dinosaur to pick up the ringing phone:::::

Connor: RAWR!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Connor: "I'm going to call Eta (his great grandmother...we have weird names for our family members)

.....:::Squeaky voice:::: "Uh Hello, my BOY! :::::Oh Hi Eta! How are you? I'm doin good. "

:::hangs up the phone::::

Connor: "Eta can't talk now, cause she's still at the bingo.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Connor: "I have to call 911"

Me: "Why?"

Connor: "There's in emergency in heaven. Some guy was driving his car and another guy crashed him cause he was driving crazy."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

3...2...1

So today I will share with you something that is becoming somewhat of a tradition in our house.



We are big on countdowns in our house. You kind of have to be when your 3 year old is number obsessed and your 1 year old is showing the same early signs of loving numbers. (As the microwave counts down, Addi grunts as each number passes....8 (heh!)...7(ba!)...6(gah!)...so on...



(I personally am quite pleased she is becoming a numbers kid as well...she and Connor can someday have lengthy conversations about numbers and mommy wont have to pretend that numbers fascinate her)



Anyway countdowns...any time we take a trip we put up a countdown to build up anticipation for the kids... Connor loves to take a number off each morning...marking the days left before we leave. Yeah I'm that kind of mom.

A few weeks ago we went on a Disney trip and we of course had a countdown. I started laminating my countdowns because we use them so often and I was having to make new ones each time.



So we now have a permanent Disney countdown (Because our family is a Disney Family...despite my husband's grumblings...)


The number countdowns are Disney paint color samples I got from Lowes or Home Depot (I can't remember which one now...all those hardware shops are the same to me)







So basically each morning he takes a number down and the day we leave..he takes the last piece down....You can imagine how anticipation builds....especially when it's Disney! :) Iadmit....this countdown builds anticipation for me too.


We have another countdown coming up...our beach countdown. Another one Ive laminated for long term keeping.

































This one will be going up soon.



My son recently asked if we could have a countdown to our countdown.









Thats where I draw the line.

Timetable

I hate TheBump. com.

Right now someone is asking themselves....what is that? The Bump? Well it is not a website about speed humps or that weird lump on your head, that is the cause of you avoiding that super cute short summer do.

Thebump.com is a baby website. While I was pregnant with Connor I was a total Bumpee...I'll admit. It was a paranoid pregnant woman's dream come true. Don't know if you can eat fish while pregnant? Find it out at TheBump.com... Want to know if the gas you are experiencing is normal for being only 15 weeks pregnant? The Bump can tell you! Does this look like a double line on a pregancy test? Not sure? Post your peestick on The Bump.com and 35 women could assuredly tell you if it was a positive test or an evaporation line...seriously. (See this is why no men follow my blog...for posts like this.)

When I was pregnant with Addi, I went less to the site...because I already knew what fish I could eat, gas was the least of my pregnant woes, and you've seen one peestick...you've seen them all. But I did visit every so often to read up on an occasional pregnancy issue...

I still get emails from the Bump...at the beginning that was cute because it would give you a month by month insight as to what your baby was doing or how your baby was developing in the womb. Like...your baby is now the size of an ipod (I seriously got that one once) ....and your baby can suck her thumb now, can blink her eyes and can tapdance on your bladder to showtunes...that sort of thing....

But now the emails....I have begun to ignore totally.

Connor was one of those babies that pretty much did everything on time according to what various doctors and TheBump emails said. Rolling over: 3 months..Teeth: 4 months... crawling 8 months...walking 12 months....He could have been like the posterboy for TheBump...seriously...

But I have begun to resent TheBump and its assuming timetable of baby actions. Because of what my daughter is teaching me. My daughter has had her own timetable. And while it has caused us some concern, she is doing all things on her own time. And it's totally okay. These Bump emails werent worded " this normally happens at this time"...it was more like, "Oh, your baby is crawling!"...ummmm no she's not.

Addison has had some difficulty in the area of crawling and sitting up. She rolled at month 4 no problem. But when it came to sitting up and crawling...she just wasnt interested. So I did what any other concerned mother would do. I talked to friends with children., I talked to her doctor, I talked to another doctor..and most were nonchalent about it. She'll crawl when she's ready. But in my heart I felt that there was something more to this.

And you know what? She did eventually start to crawl! She started an army crawl at 11 months and started sitting up at 12 months. We found out this is due to a condion called Hypotonia..which is a fancy medical term for low muscle tone. She does not have a severe case of this, thank goodness, but she will be needing to go through some physical therapy to strengthen her muscles and to get her back on track. She now can pull herself to a standing position, loves to try to walk around the house, and we've seen her crawl on all 4s a few times and we could not be happier with the progress she is already making! We are in the process of starting some physical therapy for her soon. She is beautiful, smart, funny, amazing, and is so strong willed. We couldn't be more proud of our little Addi!

But all through these months of Addison not developing in the same way as many other babies her age....TheBump emails came along...."Month 6! Pulling up!" or "Oh Baby! Month 8! Start baby proofing your outlets mommies, because baby is about to be crawling all over your house!" or "Month 12...your baby is beginning to walk. Make sure you go out and buy baby her first pair of Adidas shoes and enroll her in her first triathlon because running is not far behind!"

Shut up TheBump.com

Click. Delete.

My baby has had her own time table. Nothing is wrong with her, she is doing things on her time and God's time. I resent the timetable when we stress in schools that EVERY child is different...and while I undertsand a time table is needed in order to make sure children are developing and are also needed so that we can have intereventions early on....I feel like sites where I can view a complete stranger's peestick is not the most credible source to tell me what my baby should be doing or how she should be developing. Send me recipies for homemade baby food, Thebump.com. Send me a list of the hottest baby name trends...send me a recall list of toys that contain lead. Dont send me an email, congratulating me of what my baby is doing...when she isn't doing it at all.

Yes, I unsuscribed by the way.

Listen to your mommy instincts when it comes to your children. Talk to your doctors with your concerns. Talk to mothers around you who have gone through similar issues.

And don't panic if a mom site sends you an email that your baby should be reciting Hamlet at age 15 months. Remember, ladies, every baby is different and if that baby can recite Shakespeare at 18 months...all is well. We must accept our own timetables after all.

In honor of those who make me a mama....

20 things I love about my kids.....

1. There's never a dull moment with them around
2. My Connor still says "Jee-jus" when referring to Jesus.
3. That they genuinely love each other. Connor has such a heart for his sister.
4. That Addi will say "No-no" and shake her finger while doing so.
5. They can entertain each other in the car.
6. They have the same nap scheddule. (Good timeout for mommy!)
7. That Addi has to hold every baby doll/stuffed animal and will pat them on a back when you tell her to "Hold them like a mommy." Nothing like seeing your daughter pat the back of a stuffed spider.
8. That they both prefer fruits and veggies to junk. (I hope this lasts a lifetime)
9. When Connor gets so excited because he is such a "big boy". He really does take a lot of pride in that.
10. When Connor gives Addison snacks and tries to feed her like a puppy.
11. They both have a love for music (also hoping this one lasts a lifetime too...sorta a requirement in our family)
12. When Addi calls out for me....Mama! Love hearing that.
13. That my son honestly just LOVES to learn. He is too smart for his own good. But I love that math and reading is his passion at 3 years old.
14. My son still insists from time to time for me to hold and rock him. I just tell myself I wont get this too much longer with him.
15. That I can look at my daughter and it takes my breath away how much she looks like me.
16. That they both have a love for Disney (Im working on Addi)...(because I love Disney...I'm working on Sean too ;)
17. That my son genuinely misses his daddy when he is away at work during the day. Makes his coming home at the end of the day so much sweeter.
18. Bath time...two kiddos in the tub...wet and lots of cleanup later ...but a lot of fun.
19. How my son can make me laugh (internally) when I am upset with him... "No mommy! Don't make that face! I only want you to make happy faces!!" -As he hides his eyes behind his hands.
20. How Addi will knock her cup off her tray purposefully and the look at us and say "uh-oh"

Who takes the FCAT

I wrote the following on a mommy board I belong to. The question was opened up... "Do you agree with the student performance teacher pay bill just signed into law in Fl?"



Who Takes the FCAT? Children do....



The Children who paid attention during the year...whose parents volunteer in school..the children who genuinely like school...who like their teacher...children who love to learn...children who pride themselves in doing a good job....



Who else takes the FCAT?



Children do....



The Children who didn't get to bed till 10:00 that night....the child who didn't eat breakfast the morning of test day..the child who has been absent over 16 days. The child who just doesn't "care" about school...The children whose parents don't care about school either...The child that hates school...the child whose attention span is too short....Children who are stressed at home...Children whose parents decided to split up that week...Children whose electricity was just cut off in their home. Children who are so stressed out at the mere mention of FCAT, because the school is that stressed out as well.



Who else takes the FCAT?
The exact same FCAT as the rest of the children?



Children who are struggling to learn the English language. Children with ADD. Children with ADHD. Children with emotional problems. Children with learning disabilities. Children who have a hard time staying in their seat for an extended period of time. The child with a tummyache on test day. These children..all of them...hold a teacher's salary in their little hands. It doesn't matter the gains they have made in the classroom that year. The small successes that teacher has seen those children reach. It doesn't matter about the C's on their report cards..the B's on their report cards...the A's...or the fact they finally may be reading on level. The fact that this teacher pours her heart, soul, and sometimes her own pocketbook into her profession.




The FCAT is all that matters. Usually 3 or 4 days of testing.



And you think teachers are mad? Rightfully so.

Take a Pregnancy Pause....

I have a lot of pregnant friends...two of them recently had their little ones...5 others are due sometime this year. It's exciting to see them in this time of their lives, growing their families, and growing themselves, literally. Recently having being pregnant last year, with my little Addi, that feeling of a growing belly is still fresh in my mind.


Maybe one of the biggest topics that come up with these pregnant mommas is the fact that some people lose all sense when it comes to a pregnant woman. Honestly.


When I was pregnant, I actually received these comments...


1. Are you sure there isn't two in there?


2. You're STILL pregnant?


3. I think you are even bigger than when you had your first baby.


4. I can tell you are having a girl. Your nose is much bigger.


5. Any day now right? (I think I was 5 months at the time)


6. Are you SURE your due date is right?


7. Oh honey, you look miserable.


The best one was "You look smaller on top....but thats probably because of your big belly makes everything look uneven."


Seriously?

Then there are those who will reach out and touch you. Literally. You are in the grocery store, minding your business, buying a KitKat bar for you and your growing baby...and suddenly....



Some lady comes up and pats your belly. "Hello in there!!!" Horrified at this act of invasion of personal space...all you can do is stare wide eyed as you eat your KitKat bar and mumble a pathetic "Oh...uh...yeah ...thanks." And move quickly on.

You know this may be a new flash to some people...but I will let you in on a little secret...here it is..listen closely.

WOMEN....NO MATTER IF THEY ARE PREGNANT
OR NOT DO NOT WANT TO BE TOLD THEY ARE HUGE OR THEY ARE GETTING BIGGER BY THE MINUTE.

They also don't want strangers coming up and touching them. Just because there is a baby in there, it doesnt mean it's free game to put your hands on their belly. If you dont want me coming up and patting your beer gut affectionately, please...don't do the same to a pregnant woman. It's weird and uncomfortable and a little on the creepy side.

And while we are on the subject....its nice to talk about something other than the baby too...because there is only so many times someone can talk about their due date, their baby's sex, or how their nursery is painted the perfect shade of sky blue.

So for your reading enjoyment...especially for you pregnant mommies out there..I give to you..."Things you WISH you could say or do while you were pregnant."

1. When the lady in the superstore asks if you are pregnant, look shifty eyed and act nervous. Whisper to her, asking her to be your lookout as you smuggle this watermelon out of the store. Promise her a slice if all goes well.

2. When people ask you if you are pregnant when you are in your third trimester, tell them, "No, I just ate waaaay too much at lunch today."

3. When people rub your belly affectionately and without permission, look at them seriously in the eye and say, "I shall grant you three wishes and three wishes only." Then sing some songs from Aladdin.

4. When people say, "You are so big! It must be twins!" Seriously reply...."No, she's just big boned. Jabba the Hut is her father. You know...genetics."

5. Tattoo the due date, the sex of the baby, your decision to breastfeed or not, and whether this baby was "planned" on your forehead... because it's everbody's business apparently.

6. "Why yes! I am huge! Thanks for reminding me!"

7. When people ask "you haven't had that baby yet?" sweetly reply, "yes, just last Thursday! We went ahead and got to work on number two!" Pat your belly affectionately.

8. Any man who tries to give you pregnancy advice, smile and ask him if his labor was intense, how long it took him to fully dilate, and if he breastfed right away.

9. At work when people say, "Oh, you're STILL here? You haven't had that baby yet???" Just reply, "No, I am a pregnant figment of your imagination. Carry on."

10. A complete stranger touches your stomach, without permission, and squeals in excitement, "hello little baby!" Smile and reach out and touch their belly in return, "Hello, Subway sandwich with extra onions... hello in there!"

So let this be a lesson to us all...Pregnant women like their personal space and do NOT appreciate comments about their size.....huh...who knew, right?

No touchy.

Adorable right? Yeah...

Just so cute you wanna pinch those cheeks? Shake her little hand?

Hold the phone....

Now if you are my well known relative or a dear friend and you aren't crawling with cold and flu germs...then by all means...pinch those cheeks (Although Addi is in a biting phase, so don't say I didnt warn you...)

However...if you are a complete stranger behind me in line at Target...guess what???

I'd rather you not touch my baby.

Yeah. That happened. For real.

I'm at the checkout line paying for my Target goodies, Connor at my knees and Addi in her carseat that is attached to the Target buggy. I look up to see a lady smiling and cooing at Addi...no problem. Babies are cute...people get all mushy at babies. As I sign my receipt I look up again and the lady now is shaking Addi's little hand.

Ugh. Really? C'mon.

Non threatenly-like...I look the lady over and just say "Ohhhhkay. Time to go." And whisked her and my son away. A few steps away, I pulled out the antibacterial wipes and wiped Addi's hands.

So now following my little story...here is a Public Service Announcement...usually with public service announcements a celebrity will deliver them...so introducing...

Mary Poppins! (Because she's a nanny and she understands these kinds of things)

"Hello All! Marry Poppins here! Cold and Flu season is fast upon us! That means take good care of yourself! Lots of rest! Spoonfuls of sugar to help your cold medicine go down! Washing your hands and ...hmm..oh yes! Please don't go touching any littles babes with your germy strangers hands! The mums just don't like it! Thats all! Chim chim cheerio!"

Did you enjoy that? ....Thanks Mary!

Now I'm not a COMPLETE germ-a-phobe. I don't wipe down playground equipment before Connor goes climbing on it or anything like that. We don't walk around in the mall wearing hazmat suits. (Although I have seen weirder outfits at the mall).

But I believe in the antibacterial wipe. I wipe down my grocery cart handle. We wash hands after playing at the chickfila playarea. And I do carry antibacterial gel with me.
Annnnnd I prefer that complete strangers dont touch my children, passing who knows what to them, even though they are commenting on how absoultely charming they are.

But believe me, they are less charming with snot running down their noses.

Connor's comments...

An insight to my son and the funny things he says...


:::Playing with his cars::: Connor:"These guys need a snack. So they went to the Snack store.


Me: "What did they eat at the snack store?"


Connor: "Coke and butter." :::Looking at my disgusted face::: "No Mommy! Butter is good!"

* * * * * * * * *

Talking about his next birthday ..which is MONTHS away:::

Connor: The invitations should say Happy Birthday Connor. You are so good and happy. Please come."

* * * * * * * * *

I had just told Connor that we would be taking a Disney trip soon and told him we would be visiting EPCOT instead of Magic Kingdom::::

Connor: "But...but..I want to go to the REAL Disney!


* * * * * * * * *


:::Looking at some quarters::: Connor: This one says Texas!


Me: Don't mess with Texas!


Connor:"But....but...I LIKE to mess with Texas!"


* * * * * * * * *


:::After doing something he wasn't supposed to do, he hides his face behind his hands::::


Connor: "No mommy! I don't like that face! I wan't mommy to make only happy faces!!"


* * * * * * * * *

:::Walking in to find maybe 10 tissues on the couch::::

Connor: "It's tissue party!" (He has been fighting a runny nose)

* * * * * * * * *

:::Connor smashing a pea at the dinner table with his fingers::: "Look! My Pea hatched!"

* * * * * * * * *

:::After being in timeout twice in a row at Sunday School and many talks and an early nap for misbehaving...at the end of our day we are saying our prayers:::

Me: "Do you think we should pray about what happened in Sunday School today?"

Connor: "yes"

Me: "What happened in Sunday School?"

Connor: "I have no idea."

* * * * * * * * *

::Connor walking around the house aimlessly muttering to himself:::

"Dear Jee-jus...please help me find mommy's camera. I can't find it. Dear Jee-jus...please help me find my chocolate milk. You are the only one who knows."

* * * * * * * *

Fear Factor

When I was a kid, I was scared of a few things. Scared of going into the hall way leading into my room when it was dark by myself. Scared of getting locked inside a department store or restaurant at closing time. Scared of Abraham Lincoln. Yep, You heard me. Honest Abe. I had a reoccuring nightmare growing up that Abraham Lincoln walked around all zombie like, without bending his knees and he had kidnapped my brother. And I would search the streets of our town looking for him. Abraham Lincoln is a creepy looking guy if you think about it. But you gotta love what he did for this country, even if he was a zombie.

Now as an adult I am not scared of childhood things like that. And thankfully, Abe no longer visits my dreams. But I do wrestle with fear. Different fear. This is something that has been on my heart for a while to share on my blog. So run and go tell your friends...maybe I'll get an 8th follower! ;) I know usually my blog is very toungue and cheek. Todays post will be different. (Well except for the Abraham Lincoln zombie reference)

I remember reading somewhere in a book, that woman have tendancy to believe a certain lie that is customized for them by Satan. Something they wrestle with constantly. That little nagging reminder that you can't...you don't....you're not...you didn't...

So let me share my biggest fear with you...

Something will happen...and it's my fault.

To me, that is the BIGGEST fear in my life. Something tragic, something hurtful, something painful could happen to someone I love, and it would be MY doing. This thought, at least to me, is unbearable. This fear has presented itself in my life in a control issue. I honestly believe I have a slight form of OCD because of this fear. Fear that I will leave my house with the door unlocked. So what have I done in the past? I check the door..and recheck...and check one more time...just in case (because you can never be too sure of Abe Lincoln zombies in your neighborhood).

The oven. Heaven forbid I forget to leave an eye on the stove on. For I fear the house will burn to a crisp and it would be my doing.

Same goes with the iron, my flat iron for my hair and the coffee maker. All potential house burners. eek!

But worse than the house actually burning down and worse than someone breaking in, would be the fact knowing that it was because I forgot to turn something off or lock the door. Because I would never want to cause anyone pain or hurt because of a stupid mistake. The worst part is that I KNOW I have done these things. Ive locked the door. Ive turned the key, Ive checked the oven once already, I remember unplugging the iron and then I think....but what if? Are you sure you're sure?

This is something I have wrestled with and wrestled with, even reaching as far as salvation. I admit I have prayed that prayer a few times, but many times out of fear. Fear I said it wrong. Did it wrong. And to disappoint my Lord, ...that would be the hardest thing to face. I became almost embarrased at the amount of times I prayed. Many dates written in my Bible, thinking THIS was it. THIS is the time. And I'd go back. Back to that lie where I heard that whisper nag at me and say "No...you didnt mean it. You didnt do it right. I'd invision standing before God in heaven and him saying "No you missed step 2 and 3."

And then after a while. I began to look at things differently. I slowly realized that my salvation wasn't in my hands to keep. (Thank goodness) It wasnt about a formulaic prayer. It wasn't about steps. It is, however, about what I believe, what I know, what I trust. And knowing that maybe my prayers aren't the most poetic, but feeling relief that God knows my heart.

So in order to beat back this fear...the fear of something happening...and it being my doing...I had to turn to prayer in those times of fear. Of course I do lock my doors and shut off my oven, but when I begin to have that fear creep up of "Did I? Did I do that realy?" I have to pray that God will take care of it despite if I didn't. That is the fear I still have to wrestle with. I can't always say I win out on it everytime. There are times I check my hair iron 2 or 3 times before leaving on vacation or check the door even though my husband has said he has locked it. But it's no where near the obsessive point where it used to be. I'm a work in progress.

When it comes to my fear of the keeper of my salvation. I can honestly and joyfully say, I no longer fear it. For I know who is the keeper of my salvation. And thank God it isn't me!

Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Kindle-ized

I have been resisting the idea of a kindle.
Like wholeheartedly trying my best, NOT to join The Kindle Club.

Why? Because I think everytime you turn your Kindle on and download a bestseller...

a paperback cries.

I really cannot imagine myself curled up on the couch, snuggled under a blanket on a rainy day, with my coffee cup and reading a great book...on my kindle.

Wait...I don't even do that now....

lemme rephrase....

How do I hold my kindle in one hand, as I rock my fussy baby in the other in a mostly darkened room? Because thats basically how I get my reading in now.

How do I dog ear a kindle? Or use my grocery list as a book mark on a kindle? How do I instill the love of books into my children on a kindle? How do I resell my favorite but slightly worn books at 50 cents at a garage sale if they are on a Kindle?

Sigh...

Unfortunately....I believe the Kindle WILL make its way into my home. I think its the wave of the future. And the future is here. The future is Kindle...and The Nook (another version of an e-reader).

I just hope the future doesn't have glare.

...my paperbacks don't have glare. .....They also have a great book smell to them.

I bet the Kindle doesn't smell :::rolls eyes::::

I believe that Kindle-like readers will soon take the place of textbooks in schools within the next ten years, because its much more cost effective to download new versions of textbooks rather than buy new editions every few years. So that means my son and daughter will be Kindl-ized too in the near future. I don't like the idea of it.

There is a certain nostalgia associated with going into a bookstore or library to get a book. A romantacism with page-turners. A familiarity of an old treasured book you have re-read too many times to count...like having a comfortable conversation with an old friend.

I...I...I can't have a casual conversation with a...a...robot can I?

Well...this guy probably begs to differ. ...

Okay Kindle....you win..you win....eventually.

For now though... I will re-read my old, worn out copy of The Count of Monte Cristo that Ive had since the 8th grade, that I forgot to turn in at the end of the year.

And I WON'T have to squint! ....well...except I will....because I'll probably be rocking the baby in a dark room.

But I'll be squinting, because I WANT to.

Who loves ya, baby?

I love people who...

Cry in the middle of the night.

Poop their pants.

Spit green beans at me.

Gag on tylenol.

Hate Bananas

Wave at themself in the mirror.

Pull the cat's tail.

Pinch my face.

Have sticky hands.

.

.

.

.

I also love people who...

Like to dump all their belongings in my living room.

Insist on waffles every morning for breakfast.

Wake up at 6:45 each morning, even on Saturdays.

Make me "Apple Sprinkle Coffee."

Have colored on my kitchen table.

Will barely use a tissue and discard it on the floor.

Have a hard time sharing.

Get into my scrapbook paper and color on each sheet...without asking permission.

Any guesses who these people may be?

Before I was a mom

As promised...

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a mom

I made and ate hot meals.

I had unstained clothing.

I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a mom

I slept as late as I wanted

And never worried about how late

I got into bed.

I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a mom

I cleaned my house each day.

I never tripped over toys.
or forgot the words to lullabies.

Before I was a mom

I didnt worry whether or not my

plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a mom
I had never been pooped on

Spit up on

Chewed on

Peed on

Or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a mom

I had complete control of myself;

My thoughts

My body

And my mind.

I slept all night.

Before I was a mom

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't

want to put it down.

I never felt my heart break into a million tiny pieces

when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew something so small could affect

my life so much.

I never knew I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a mom.

Before I was a mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my

heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel

to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between

a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small

could make me feel so important.

Before I was a mom

I had never gotten up in the middle of
the night, every ten minutes to make

sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth.

The joy

The love,

The heartache,

The wonderfulment

Or the satisfaction of being a mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so

much before I was a mom.

(Author unknown)