Warm Hearts Happy Family

Trying so hard to hear You…..trying to feel You. I am ready for Your guidance in my life. My heart is open.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

My family just got through a week of hell on earth…the stomach flu. Wow. It started Sunday night with me which just so happened to be a rare night that Tim had to work all night at an emergency job. My cousin, who was my angel of mercy, came to help me with the kids because I could barely walk let alone care for diva 1 and diva 2. Her boyfriend also came to help out and I am so appreciative of them. 2am rolls around and Brady wakes up crying–the kind of cry that you just know is about to be followed with some major puke action. The bulls eye of his vomit seemed to be my cousins chest–nice. I felt really bad because at that moment I was fairly certain my agony was in her near future. Sure enough she sent me a message the next day that she too was sick. I owe her a serious dinner from a five star restaurant. Just when I thought things were settling down Grace starts up…you get the picture. That was another night of virtually zero sleep for me! Ah, the joys of motherhood. And finally yesterday I got the dreaded call from Tim racing home from work to be sick. This strain of flu has been brutal and lasts about 3 days so I am telling you–wash your hands! And keep washing them! It is extremely contagious and has been spreading like the plague…yuck.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Nursing my daughter has been one of the most rewarding wonderful things I have done to date. I tried with my son, and failed miserably due to a number of things. Lack of knowledge, lack of support, and most of all lack of confidence. That is the key, not only wanting to do it but believing you can. Getting through the first few days without freaking out that you are starving your baby. Trusting in your instincts. And surrounding yourself with people that want you to succeed, not wanting you to fail just so they can make themselves feel better about their formula choices. Son got 8 weeks of my milk…better than nothing at all I guess. I envy the women who got it right the first time without all the help that I so desperately needed. Don’t get me wrong though, my failure is all mine.

With Diva, I was lucky enough to have a group of women that cheered me on, answered all of my questions no matter how redundant and seemingly basic. With their support I felt empowered and strong. Why don’t women give that to each other more often? I guess we will always be in an eternal competition with each other; the criteria may change over the years but the one up-ing probably never will. I will for the rest of my life be a support system to women who want to nurse their babies–a one woman cheer squad here!

Here we are just over one year of nursing and I am proud of us. It is effortless now, but it took a lot of hard work and dedication for a long time. Especially with my working full time–I had to pump. And pump. And pump. But my daughter got nothing but my breast milk for the first 7 months of her life so it was worth it. Looking at your healthy chunky baby and knowing that only your body sustained their little life since conception is amazing. Mothers milk is amazing. Right around 7 months we started giving her solids and she took off with it. The girl loves to eat which is quite common in our house I must say. We will probably self wean when she is ready to give it up…which doesn’t seem anywhere in sight.

So if you have nursed your babies in the past…make sure you pass on your knowledge and offer support. Even if it is just a smile to the young woman nursing in public :). And if you want to nurse your babies–you can do it! You will suprise yourself. And as you teach yourself how to get it right, your baby will be teaching you to mother through breastfeeding. All of your instincts come to life. Honest! It rocks the house.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Daughter turned one yesterday. My little Diva Monkey is getting so big. This also commemorates our 1 year nursing anniversary. I am so proud to have been able to give her the best start in life. She shows no signs of slowing down either!

We did the usual…tons of food and family. Presents. And a one year old let loose to do what she wants with her cake. Fun times for all.

I remember my blessings often for what I have and try to thank God for them daily. I always wanted a daughter and she is so amazing that I sometimes don’t feel worthy. I can not wait to guide her and find out what her future holds

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Remember how 09 is all about thriftiness? Well the self proclaimed coffee addict works directly next door to the most delicious of all deliciousness coffee places. No more spending 5 bucks on a cup of coffee. Will power. Will power. Will power. Sigh…going to make myself a cup of tea to pass the craving.

Love you Biggby, its been real.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!