....I'm not anyone's Momma yet. Although, I dream of that day.
Let me say this in advance- if you already are a Momma and you're reading this post- take heed! This is me speaking from a personal, non-experience in Mommyhood point of view. So, take a deep breath. And continue on.
It must be my age, 24 now (What?! Ah!), but it seems that most of my Friends are pregnant. With anywhere from their 1st to their 3rd or 4th child. (Holy smokes...busy!) So naturally, being apart of the Facebook community- I see a lot of posts, blogs, statuses, links concerning baby feeding, baby safety, baby health, baby this that and everything inbetween. Thus, I've began to form a few of my own opinions and probably goals for when my time comes to join the Mommyhood Club, that's all so exclusive.
Breastfeeding.
Man, I never knew there was so much controversy on the subject. A year or two ago Kyle mentioned something about it causing an upheaval at work (a mall)- but I didn't really process any of the conversation.
Apparently- breast feeding in public is quite the topic these days, huh?
In light of it, I figure I'll get my opinion out there- because Lord knows, Kyle doesn't particularly want to hear what I have to say about it right now. :)
I feel that breast feeding in public is just fine.
If you're covering your breasts. Completely.
No nipple showing, no "cup" showing...No. I don't want to see your boob(s). And I don't want my Husband to see your boob(s) either.
I completely understand that:
A) Feeding your baby is not a sexual thing
B) It's bonding time for you and your baby
C) It's nourishing your Child
D) You don't want to have to sit in a public restroom and hide out
E) When a baby is hungry- baby is hungry NOW!
F) It is not comparible to anything else (Like, peeing in public or masturbation in public)
G) It's a natural process
However, as rough as it sounds- when you're out in Public, the World isn't going to be revolving around you and your Child. It may not seem fair. It may seem like no one understands- but frankly, people do understand breastfeeding. I think it's a small minority that actually think it's disgusting. And not even the breast feeding itself, but revealing your breasts- that "disgusts " them. (Which by the way, I think is a bit of a strong term. Being that a lot of women these days wear shirts that reveal nearly their entire chest.) I think it's simple that other people would rather you keep your breasts to yourself. (And since this IS my personal opinion- yes, I do think that women who having their breasts hanging out of their shirts should cover up as well.)
Just because your a Mom- doesn't mean that the Public is going to dote on your child and it's nourishment needs- as you do.
It doesn't make it OK to allow other Men perusing by to see your breasts. There is a reason why you generally wear a shirt. Because that part of you is private. It's reserved for your Husband. No?
And, we're not in another Country. Here, we do wear shirts regularly.
I think breast feeding is wonderful. I am looking forward to having this experience. But, I also know that, I will always cover myself up. Out of respect for the bond that I'm sharing with my child, out of respect for my Husband, for myself...and out of respect for even, the Public.
Co-sleeping.
I recently read an article- apparently Wisconsin is trying to try and stop co-sleeping? Some of you probably know the context better than me.
But I did read the article- to which the Mayor stated, "If you love your child, you will not sleep with your Child"- something to that affect.
Two more babies died recently due to irresponsible co-sleeping, involving drinking and a toddler sibling. Needless to say, those Parents didn't take any sort of precautions in insuring their Baby had a chance to live through the night.
Extremely sad.
The article also asked what the Readers thought of co-sleeping, if they co-slept- and if they agreed with the Mayor.
Out of the 65 comments that were posted, probably 5-6 of the comments were from Readers who A) agreed with the Mayor or B) did NOT co-sleep.
All of the other comments were people who DO co-sleep and do NOT agree with the Mayor.
So again, after reading all of the comments, I'll give my two cents on the info I gathered and my own convictions on the issue.
I understand that:
A) It's more convenient & easy
B) It comforts you knowing that you have some sort of grasp on your Child's safety (Video Monitors?)
C) It creates a bonding for you and Baby
D) You're depressed without Baby RIGHT next to you at all times
E) There are guidelines you need to follow to ensure safe co-sleeping
F) Women in other Countries "always do it"
I feel that, the Mayor should not have implied that a Mother doesn't love her Baby if she co-sleeps. (Although I don't think that was necessarily his intention). But, I think he's on the right track with spreading the word that co-sleeping isn't really a safe plan.
I do not plan on co-sleeping with my Baby. My Husband doesn't want me/us to. I feel like it takes away from the Mommy/Daddy bonding time. I think it promotes a harder transition for the Child to sleep in his/her own room in the future.
And, whether or not there are safety guidelines to follow- regardless of statistics that state deaths by co-sleeping only occur when guidelines aren't followed- why risk it??
There are other ways to bond with your baby. Waking up at all hours and walking into another room is just part of the deal. They have video monitors now, if you feel that a sound only monitor is not sufficient. Yes, you may wake up in a panic all night, constantly checking the video (I've done this before, while being a live-in Nanny)- but you can clearly see baby. You can see baby moving, talking, sleeping, crying...everything.
Sleeping with your Child just seems irrational to me when there is even the slightest possibility that something could go wrong.
Do I think you're a bad Parent for breast feeding in Public or sleeping with your Baby? Of course not. Everyone has their own opinions and their own convictions on Parenting. And my opinion may not be shared with you- but at least I got it all out there. And I feel better about it.
Until next time, feed that baby! :)
-Manda
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Cinderella & Coffee
What is it about coffee that makes someone seem like they have an amazing life? Maybe...I don't know, what? 20 years ago? Cigarettes probably had this affect. Maybe they still do, but being a non-smoker- I have no idea.
Regardless- for me- coffee and I guess tea, is what makes someone "look" the part of someone who has an amazing life.
For example, this morning. I was driving to work and glanced to the right while passing a nearby street and saw a woman walking with her daughter to the bus stop. The daughter looked to be telling her Mom something in great detail and the Mom was glancing at her here and there as encouragement....and sipping a mug of coffee.
First, I thought "Who the heck walks down the road with a mug? Why not just wait until you get back to your house which is probably a few feet away?"
But then I channeled in everything else I saw in that quick image. She was wearing a comfy matchy -matchy track suit and her hair was shoulder-length and kind of messy curly. She looked, natural. "Easy, breezy, beautiful.." even. :)
For a quick second (or maybe not so quick since I'm still retelling the story an hour later...) I found myself thinking, "Wow. She's lucky. She's beautiful. Confident. And she's drinking coffee from a mug while walking down the road." Mind applaud.
Isn't that funny though? I mean, I saw her for a total of 15 seconds and I pulled all of that out of the sighting.
Moral of the story: Hold yourself in a good way- always- because you never know who may see you, if only for 15 seconds, and create an impression. (Even if it's not entirely accurate....why not try to make it a good one?!) And also, coffee in a mug is good.
On another note- Can I just say that: when people blubber on about Valentine's Day and how horrible it is because they don't have a "lover"- I think it's annoying?
Yes, true, I *do* have a Husband and I *do* get spoiled- BUT- I haven't always had someone to celebrate the day with.
So let me just say: Next Valentine's Day, instead of being a Debbie Downer- go find a friend and celebrate with them! Go buy yourself a box of chocolates and eat it all in one sitting! Send a Valentine's Day card to an elderly neighbor.
Because honestly, I don't want to feel bad about describing how my Valentine's Day went on Facebook because I may cause an upheaval of dissatisfied Valentine's Day-ers.
Okay- that rant is over. Moving on again...
I always sleep with socks on. I hate the way the sheets feel against my feet. Or the way my feet feel when they rub together.
Lately I've found that I've somehow managed to push off one sock at some point during the night. So this morning, Kyle was making the bed (with me in it, I might add) and when he removed the comforter- I could feel the cold air- also, revealing my naked foot.
For whatever reason, I immediately started thinking "Oh my! What if Kyle notices I have one sock on and one sock off? SO unattractive. I have no idea where that other sock could be..."
And then in one swift, soft gesture- Kyle was slipping the missing sock onto my naked foot.
I found it a bit romantic and had a childhood vision of Cinderella.
Have any plans for the weekend?
I'm babysitting. And doing laundry. And most importantly, watching this week's episode of "The Bachelor".
Until next time,
Drink Coffee!
Love Valentine's Day!
And sleep with Naked Feet!
Regardless- for me- coffee and I guess tea, is what makes someone "look" the part of someone who has an amazing life.
For example, this morning. I was driving to work and glanced to the right while passing a nearby street and saw a woman walking with her daughter to the bus stop. The daughter looked to be telling her Mom something in great detail and the Mom was glancing at her here and there as encouragement....and sipping a mug of coffee.
First, I thought "Who the heck walks down the road with a mug? Why not just wait until you get back to your house which is probably a few feet away?"
But then I channeled in everything else I saw in that quick image. She was wearing a comfy matchy -matchy track suit and her hair was shoulder-length and kind of messy curly. She looked, natural. "Easy, breezy, beautiful.." even. :)
For a quick second (or maybe not so quick since I'm still retelling the story an hour later...) I found myself thinking, "Wow. She's lucky. She's beautiful. Confident. And she's drinking coffee from a mug while walking down the road." Mind applaud.
Isn't that funny though? I mean, I saw her for a total of 15 seconds and I pulled all of that out of the sighting.
Moral of the story: Hold yourself in a good way- always- because you never know who may see you, if only for 15 seconds, and create an impression. (Even if it's not entirely accurate....why not try to make it a good one?!) And also, coffee in a mug is good.
On another note- Can I just say that: when people blubber on about Valentine's Day and how horrible it is because they don't have a "lover"- I think it's annoying?
Yes, true, I *do* have a Husband and I *do* get spoiled- BUT- I haven't always had someone to celebrate the day with.
So let me just say: Next Valentine's Day, instead of being a Debbie Downer- go find a friend and celebrate with them! Go buy yourself a box of chocolates and eat it all in one sitting! Send a Valentine's Day card to an elderly neighbor.
Because honestly, I don't want to feel bad about describing how my Valentine's Day went on Facebook because I may cause an upheaval of dissatisfied Valentine's Day-ers.
Okay- that rant is over. Moving on again...
I always sleep with socks on. I hate the way the sheets feel against my feet. Or the way my feet feel when they rub together.
Lately I've found that I've somehow managed to push off one sock at some point during the night. So this morning, Kyle was making the bed (with me in it, I might add) and when he removed the comforter- I could feel the cold air- also, revealing my naked foot.
For whatever reason, I immediately started thinking "Oh my! What if Kyle notices I have one sock on and one sock off? SO unattractive. I have no idea where that other sock could be..."
And then in one swift, soft gesture- Kyle was slipping the missing sock onto my naked foot.
I found it a bit romantic and had a childhood vision of Cinderella.
Have any plans for the weekend?
I'm babysitting. And doing laundry. And most importantly, watching this week's episode of "The Bachelor".
Until next time,
Drink Coffee!
Love Valentine's Day!
And sleep with Naked Feet!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Story Time
I realize that I already posted, not but 2 hours ago, so forgive me for obnoxious posting.
HOWEVER- this is ridiculously important that I share.
My Mom and I always read books together growing up. Everything from The Berenstein Bears to The Boxcar Children series.
One book, though, sticks out in my memory like none other.
Peter Spier's Christmas!
There are no words in this book and somehow Mom always managed to get the story just about the same...every time!
There is just something so whimsical about this book.
I encourage you to read this to those little people in your lives. It'll spark a little imagination for you and a lot of memories for them.
HOWEVER- this is ridiculously important that I share.
My Mom and I always read books together growing up. Everything from The Berenstein Bears to The Boxcar Children series.
One book, though, sticks out in my memory like none other.
Peter Spier's Christmas!
There are no words in this book and somehow Mom always managed to get the story just about the same...every time!
There is just something so whimsical about this book.
I encourage you to read this to those little people in your lives. It'll spark a little imagination for you and a lot of memories for them.
"These are a Few of My Favorite Things"
Anyone else 'doodle' while you're watching movies?
Lately, I've picked up this habit of my Mother's- where I can't hardly sit through a movie without having a piece of paper to scribble on or some other project to help keep me sane.
Last night, while watching Kate & Leopold and I started randomly writing a list of things that I like. Things I enjoy. And when I looked over the list, I realized that I had accidentally given myself a boost.
It really is the little things (and sometimes BIG things) that get you through the day.
This week, make a list of your favorites!
Here is my list:
Pomegranates
Quills
Upper West Side Apartments
Crushed Ice
Smelling of Fruit
Knit Blankets
Over-sized Sweaters
Slipper Boots
BabyLips Lip Balm
Cat Eyelashes
Key Pads
Striped Pajamas
Paperback Books
Sloppy Braids
Moscato Wine
Not dotting my "I's"
Discovering New Shampoos
Chocolate Covered Fruit
Rain
Body Pillows
Hydrangeas
Fresh Basil
Ben&Jerry's Banana Split Icecream
Pink Nail Polish
The French Language
Organizer Boxes
Journals
Cheese
Mugs
Shopping for Babies
Snooping
Stationary
Brick Fireplaces
Hot Rollers
Large Trees
IKEA
Salmon
Christmas Lights
The Word "Darling"
Grape Bubblicious Gum
Big Bags
Lockets
Fields
Inside Jokes
Papyrus
Disposable Coffee Cups
Lately, I've picked up this habit of my Mother's- where I can't hardly sit through a movie without having a piece of paper to scribble on or some other project to help keep me sane.
Last night, while watching Kate & Leopold and I started randomly writing a list of things that I like. Things I enjoy. And when I looked over the list, I realized that I had accidentally given myself a boost.
It really is the little things (and sometimes BIG things) that get you through the day.
This week, make a list of your favorites!
Here is my list:
Pomegranates
Quills
Upper West Side Apartments
Crushed Ice
Smelling of Fruit
Knit Blankets
Over-sized Sweaters
Slipper Boots
BabyLips Lip Balm
Cat Eyelashes
Key Pads
Striped Pajamas
Paperback Books
Sloppy Braids
Moscato Wine
Not dotting my "I's"
Discovering New Shampoos
Chocolate Covered Fruit
Rain
Body Pillows
Hydrangeas
Fresh Basil
Ben&Jerry's Banana Split Icecream
Pink Nail Polish
The French Language
Organizer Boxes
Journals
Cheese
Mugs
Shopping for Babies
Snooping
Stationary
Brick Fireplaces
Hot Rollers
Large Trees
IKEA
Salmon
Christmas Lights
The Word "Darling"
Grape Bubblicious Gum
Big Bags
Lockets
Fields
Inside Jokes
Papyrus
Disposable Coffee Cups
Monday, February 6, 2012
Smitten
Have a happy weekend?
I find that weekends go way too quickly once you've accepted that you're an adult. Children, meals, cleaning, laundry, lists, lesson plans, shopping.... But I do always manage to slip in a bit of me time. My beloved me time.
I've been reading blogs and have been smitten by several of them. Blogs on traveling through Paris, on cooking, on photography, on life in general. Blogs that continuously lull me back in day after day and inspire me to continue writing my own blog.
I used to hate the idea of blogging daily. I could only picture masses of computer memory being overstocked with posts that are only read for a week and then probably forgotten.
However, I think I may be getting over this silly fear. If my words, even just one, can inspire someone else in some way...even if it's only for a week....by george! I accept!
I've been debating what to do for Husband this Valentine's Day. I'm not overly creative by any means, but he does appreciate homemade love. So, I've been tossing around this idea that was introduced to me by a friend last year. Thoughts?
I've been doing so much soul searching lately. More so than my general "day dreamer soul searching" as I'll call it. Deeper searching, I suppose. Taken from my discontentment as of late. Exploring what I can truly be capable of and enjoy, without going out of my mind.
I've always kind of seen myself as, normal. Average. Boring. Dependent.
I'm not one of those women who can go to school for years, opening her own business, travel the world.
A) I chose to get married at a young age- and in doing so, in my mind- I chose to live my life alongside my Husband, which keeps me in Connecticut. And B) I'm not an independent person. I never have been. I used to see it as a bad thing and almost feel guilty for it- but I've learned to accept and appreciate it.
BUT.
I want to explore other avenues. Work from home? Work in an office? Take a class?
I'm not sure at this point what all of this soul searching will lead me to, if anything exciting comes up, I'll be sure to share.
A curiousness, I'm not eating as I blog. Although, I do have a Hazelnut Latte on the table next to me, which also seems to be one of my blogging trends.
Until next time.... Eat, Drink...Blog!
I find that weekends go way too quickly once you've accepted that you're an adult. Children, meals, cleaning, laundry, lists, lesson plans, shopping.... But I do always manage to slip in a bit of me time. My beloved me time.
I've been reading blogs and have been smitten by several of them. Blogs on traveling through Paris, on cooking, on photography, on life in general. Blogs that continuously lull me back in day after day and inspire me to continue writing my own blog.
I used to hate the idea of blogging daily. I could only picture masses of computer memory being overstocked with posts that are only read for a week and then probably forgotten.
However, I think I may be getting over this silly fear. If my words, even just one, can inspire someone else in some way...even if it's only for a week....by george! I accept!
I've been debating what to do for Husband this Valentine's Day. I'm not overly creative by any means, but he does appreciate homemade love. So, I've been tossing around this idea that was introduced to me by a friend last year. Thoughts?
I've been doing so much soul searching lately. More so than my general "day dreamer soul searching" as I'll call it. Deeper searching, I suppose. Taken from my discontentment as of late. Exploring what I can truly be capable of and enjoy, without going out of my mind.
I've always kind of seen myself as, normal. Average. Boring. Dependent.
I'm not one of those women who can go to school for years, opening her own business, travel the world.
A) I chose to get married at a young age- and in doing so, in my mind- I chose to live my life alongside my Husband, which keeps me in Connecticut. And B) I'm not an independent person. I never have been. I used to see it as a bad thing and almost feel guilty for it- but I've learned to accept and appreciate it.
BUT.
I want to explore other avenues. Work from home? Work in an office? Take a class?
I'm not sure at this point what all of this soul searching will lead me to, if anything exciting comes up, I'll be sure to share.
A curiousness, I'm not eating as I blog. Although, I do have a Hazelnut Latte on the table next to me, which also seems to be one of my blogging trends.
Until next time.... Eat, Drink...Blog!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A Sunshiny Day
Happy Saturday!
I'm currently enjoying waffles and hot chocolate and soaking in the morning Sunshine. (Why is it that I always feel the need to blog while I'm eating?)
So it feels as though my mind has gone out of control and I have been so emotional lately. Like, crying at the drop of a hat. Be offended over virtually nothing. Starting arguements with Kyle, just because.
Curse you PMS!
Among everything spinning through my thoughts this past week, has been the still lingering discontentment I feel about my current situation. I feel like it's time for a change. Again. But I can't put my finger on what the change ought to be- which makes the whole thing even more confusing..
A new job?
A house?
Something less ginormous, like a haircut? New nail polish color?
I don't know. But I need a change because I feel like I'm stuck in a rut currently.
.... Isn't it interesting that someone can dislike change so much- but at the same time, quite regularly feel the need for change?
Ugh.
Human life.
Originally, I thought that I wanted to be a Nanny all the way up until I had children of my own.
But then- recently- I've realized how insane I must be. Don't get me wrong, I adore children, obviously- otherwise I wouldn't make the daily choice to spend hours with them.
However, I really think I need to have a break. Do a different line of work for awhile so that when I have my own little bean, It'll be new again. Fresh.
On the other side of the coin, I've really been debating how ready I actually am for a baby of my own. And if you know me at all, this idea will surprise you. Because I've always, always, always talked about wanting to be a Mom.
When Kyle and I were first married we visited his childhood Church- and while we were there a woman was cuddling her newborn baby and I started bawling like a baby. (Hey, ladies! Don't let that early baby bug fool you!)
I enjoy coming home after a long day to a quiet home. Peaceful.
And any of you who have spent a good chunk of time around a child, know exactly how quickly that peaceful enjoyment would last!
Of course I know, having a child of your own is completely different. And to that, I look forward to....eventually.
I am turning 24 on the 23rd of this Month.
Growing up, I had this tradition of celebrating a Birthday and then immediately saying, "I can't wait until I'm...whatever age I'd be at my next birthday."
Needless to say, that tradition stopped a few years ago.
I'm beginning to understand the concept that...as you age, you still feel younger than you are. Generally speaking, of course.
I can hardly believe that it's been 6 years since I graduated from High School. I can't believe I'm about to enter the "Mid-20's" of life.
I love birthdays and feel that they should totally be celebrated to the fullest. This being said, I'm excited to have my birthday off- the first time in a few years and relax and absorb another year of life.
In other news, Kyle and I are planning a trip to Cancun this July. I'm so excited for this- and it's making me get my toosh in high gear and lose some weight! (Right after I finish my hot chocolate and waffles...of course...)
I can't think of anything else to write that's worth reading. So I'll end this and continue to hope you have a Saturday that's filled with goodness.
I'm currently enjoying waffles and hot chocolate and soaking in the morning Sunshine. (Why is it that I always feel the need to blog while I'm eating?)
So it feels as though my mind has gone out of control and I have been so emotional lately. Like, crying at the drop of a hat. Be offended over virtually nothing. Starting arguements with Kyle, just because.
Curse you PMS!
Among everything spinning through my thoughts this past week, has been the still lingering discontentment I feel about my current situation. I feel like it's time for a change. Again. But I can't put my finger on what the change ought to be- which makes the whole thing even more confusing..
A new job?
A house?
Something less ginormous, like a haircut? New nail polish color?
I don't know. But I need a change because I feel like I'm stuck in a rut currently.
.... Isn't it interesting that someone can dislike change so much- but at the same time, quite regularly feel the need for change?
Ugh.
Human life.
Originally, I thought that I wanted to be a Nanny all the way up until I had children of my own.
But then- recently- I've realized how insane I must be. Don't get me wrong, I adore children, obviously- otherwise I wouldn't make the daily choice to spend hours with them.
However, I really think I need to have a break. Do a different line of work for awhile so that when I have my own little bean, It'll be new again. Fresh.
On the other side of the coin, I've really been debating how ready I actually am for a baby of my own. And if you know me at all, this idea will surprise you. Because I've always, always, always talked about wanting to be a Mom.
When Kyle and I were first married we visited his childhood Church- and while we were there a woman was cuddling her newborn baby and I started bawling like a baby. (Hey, ladies! Don't let that early baby bug fool you!)
I enjoy coming home after a long day to a quiet home. Peaceful.
And any of you who have spent a good chunk of time around a child, know exactly how quickly that peaceful enjoyment would last!
Of course I know, having a child of your own is completely different. And to that, I look forward to....eventually.
I am turning 24 on the 23rd of this Month.
Growing up, I had this tradition of celebrating a Birthday and then immediately saying, "I can't wait until I'm...whatever age I'd be at my next birthday."
Needless to say, that tradition stopped a few years ago.
I'm beginning to understand the concept that...as you age, you still feel younger than you are. Generally speaking, of course.
I can hardly believe that it's been 6 years since I graduated from High School. I can't believe I'm about to enter the "Mid-20's" of life.
I love birthdays and feel that they should totally be celebrated to the fullest. This being said, I'm excited to have my birthday off- the first time in a few years and relax and absorb another year of life.
In other news, Kyle and I are planning a trip to Cancun this July. I'm so excited for this- and it's making me get my toosh in high gear and lose some weight! (Right after I finish my hot chocolate and waffles...of course...)
I can't think of anything else to write that's worth reading. So I'll end this and continue to hope you have a Saturday that's filled with goodness.
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