{Reflect}

I cannot believe another year has passed! This past year has been filled with busy days, hard days, happy days, and everything in between. If I have learned one thing in 2012, it's that the only thing permanent is change. God has really thrown our family into some new and exciting situations, and the overarching theme has truly been to let go and trust Him. He truly wants total dependance, utter reliance, and selfless service. Trust me, I am fully aware of how much work I need to do and how much further I need to go in my personal growth and change! The past few months, I have had some hard decisions to make, some major life changes, and questions about the future...but throughout each day, each moment, each breath, God is still good.
Here are some of the footnotes of 2012:
-Calvin found his voice. Although Calvin was quite the talker early on, he really took off this year. Full sentences are the norm, and he surprises us each day with hilarious new vocabularly.
-We worked, we worked, and we worked some more! Our schedules were quite busy, and Elio's schedule kept him going. We were able to fit in some really great little trips and had a great family vacation to South Carolina. We got to visit with my amazing life long friend Bonnie and we all had a great time! Summer was fun for Calvin, and he discovered a great love for the beach!
-Calvin got really, really sick for the first time. We powered through THREE stomach viruses, each lasting about a week long and sending us to urgent care on two occasions. I know it's part of life and parenting, but it was quite difficult and I hope that we don't get hit back to back like that ever again.
-Calvin turned 2! Calvin's second birthday was quite emotional as he is turning into a little boy right before our very eyes. His party was huge success, and great memories were made. We had a GREAT fall season complete with apple orchard trips, pumpkins, trick or treating, and craft time.
-Babies, babies, babies! My friends all seem to be sprouting new little angels in their families, and current babies are turning into toddlers. So many little ones turned "1" this year, and I just love watching my sweet friends' babies grow up.
-We became members of our church. This was a very special day which we took very seriously. We love our church family and we are getting to know more great people in our church. Calvin adores church, and loves to socialize.
-I found out I was pregnant!! I am due in June, and we got to hear a heartbeat and see that our baby is healthy on an 11 week ultrasound. We always wanted to add to our family. I was very, very sick for several weeks which was hard on everyone. I am still struggling at times with feeling sick, but it is improving.
-Elio lost his job. This was a huge blow to us that took place right before the holidays, a couple weeks prior to Thanksgiving to be exact and right around the time I found out about our new upcoming addition. This was a huge trusting moment for us as the way he lost his job was upsetting to us both.
-I got a promotion! I have accepted the fact (somewhat begrudgingly, I might add) that for this time in my life, I must be a working Mom. I am good at my job, and I am passionate about my career. The pull between home and work has always strained me, but I am getting better at letting go and trusting that God wants me where I am, and that is just the way it is.
-I finished a semester of graduate school...barely. It was tough, and different, and a huge time management struggle, but I did it. I finished well and I have decided to take some time off from this venture. "Success" to me is serving God and making sure my family is intact, and that is my priority at this point. Although I enjoyed working on the projects and papers, and got some accolades for my work...it took precious time away from my loved ones which is already too few and far between in my opinion. So, this was a hard decision but I've decided to put this on hold.
-Elio got a new job! God provided (quickly!) and Elio got a new job through his union. We are still adjusting which is not easy, but we are grateful nonetheless.
-I took time off-just to be OFF. I've NEVER been off the weeks of Christmas and New Years. I am pretty sure I've worked them (except for the holidays themselves) since I was 16! I took several days off, and relaxed with my family. I also got quite a lot done around the house. It felt fantastic, and I hope I can do this every year. My favorite moments have included sleeping late with Calvin, indulgent breakfasts, coffee on the couch, and lots of time wearing yoga pants and my bathrobe.
-Christmastime was near perfection and it was bliss watching Calvin and the boys sparkle with excitement. Calvin learned the Christmas story, and he melted our hearts with his "Merry Christmas!" and his rendition of "Jingle Bells". He loved talking about baby Jesus, and just adored all the Christmas lights and festivities. His favorite present is Woody, from Toy Story. This past holiday season, he also took on his identity, which is a vehement "I'm Calvin Rossi!!" He tells everyone his name, and loves knowing just exactly who he is!

Well, this is a long blog to make up for lost time, and I'll leave you with some of my goals and aspirations for 2013
~Let go. I can't blog often, I don't scrapbook as much, and I hardly journal lately. It's more important to play cars with Calvin, snuggle on the couch, and do that load of laundry. I will do those things when I can, but I am realizing its more important to live IN the moment than obsess over documenting the moment.
~I'm a working Mom, and that's just what I'm called to be at this point in my life! I'm going to do my best to excel at my career, and 2013 will be no different in that I still prioritize my life in this way: God, family, work. In that order, always. Friends and extended family are in there too of course, but that is just reality and it always will be.
~Have more lazy days. Do nothing sometimes. Being sick this pregnancy has literally forced me to let go of a lot of the scheduling, cleaning, and to-do lists. It's been against my nature and very hard, but it has taught me a valuable lesson. It's ok to delegate and sometimes it's necessary. It's also ok to let things be dirty sometimes. (Gasp!)
~Work harder on my marriage and spend more quality time with Elio.
~Plan special Mommy and Calvin time to get him prepared for his new sibling.
~Spend more time in God's word, connecting with people at our church, and focusing on what is truly important.
~Update this BLOG & work on some more of my personal interests.
~Have more girl time and visits with friends. With jobs, kids, schedules, and life in general, it's hard to have that quality friend time...but it is necessary and I need more of it.


I am sure there are lots of  goals and accomplishments that I could or should be working on, but that's it for now! Happy New Year!

TWO!

Calvin is TWO! I absolutely cannot believe that our little baby has turned into a full fledged boy. It amazes us how smart he is, and we truly had a blast celebrating his second birthday! His party was Curious George themed, and I had so much fun getting everything together! With working full time and balancing our busy lives, a fun party is the ultimate celebration and fun time to get together with family and friends... and BOY does Calvin have friends! I am so blessed to have lots of friends who showered Calvin with love, affection, and...toys. :) He is one fortunate little fella. His party was the weekend before his actual birthday which falls on Halloween. (I always knew he'd surprise us, and his entrance into this world was full of drama just like him!) His party was a success, but my stubborn boy refused to nap before hand and crashed shortly after the gifts were opened. Either way, we had a great time! I took the day off on Calvin's actual birthday to spend quality time with him all day. It was great because we did nothing but play, read books, and watch his favorite shows. Later that day we went trick or treating with Jimmy and Logan! They had a great time, and Calvin LOVED it. He said "Trick or Treat!" at each house, and "Thank you!" He got a lot of candy which Mom and Dad are enjoying still. ;) Afterwards, we went to our church's harvest party. Calvin is the only toddler, and so he got to hang out with all the big kids. He loved watching them play games and he joined them in eating pizza.
Calvin is doing everything for his age and so much more. He amazes us. Elio and I always joked that he'd be smarter than us by the time he was two, and I think we were right! Calvin's verbal skills and the things he picks up on are what impress us the most. Our conversations with him are hilarious. He speaks in sentences, runs, jumps, skips, and does his "exercises" which include a silly yoga pose and push ups. Calvin loves trains, cars, and playing with Jimmy and Logan. He's a lazy boy in the morning, and loves to sleep in. When he's ready to get up he says "I'm ready to go downstairs and watch a show!" He gets to cuddle on the couch for a while in the mornings and watch one of his favorite shows. Calvin is eating better, but oh man, he loves junk food! We offer him everything, but he has a certain affection for the junkier foods. He's getting so big, too...he really looks like a two year old! Here are some highlights from his birthday week:

 

Juggle

Lately I've been wondering how long I can keep juggling it all.

HOME. {My favorite place to be} Calvin. Elio. Brandon. Pets. Laundry, Groceries, Meals, Cleanings, Homework, Bills, Budgets, Receipts, Phonecalls, Texts, Calendars, Scheduling, Doctor, Dentist, Eyes, Cars.
WORK. 40ish hours M-F. Intense. Demanding. 100's of phonecalls, emails, & reports. Emergencies,Customer service, Scheduling, Calendars, Stress, Rewarding, Fulfilling, Happy endings, Sad endings, Career, Respect, Validation.
FAMILY. Sports, Phonecalls, Emails, Dinners, Homework, Church, Stress, Love.
CHURCH. Serving, Lesson Planning, Attendance, Second Family.
SCHOOL. Discussion Boards, Papers, Reading, Typing, Emails, Validation, Networking, Future.

ME: Shower? Clothes? Hair? Eat? {if I have time}

FRIENDS: Facebook, Texts, Phonecalls, Cards, Gifts, Time to have fun...

Don't get me wrong~ I LIKE staying busy, and I cannot sit still for long. I am always doing several things at once, making lists, and planning. I also know when to say "NO" and I have said "YES" to most things that I'm currently doing because I enjoy them and want to do them.

The problem keeps coming back to one thing on the above list: Work.

It's been obvious that I may/need/should leave my 9-5 job behind to focus full time on family, church, and furthering my education so that I can have a more peaceful career in the future.

It's just a matter of when & how. I'm still trusting. Juggling all these plates is wearing on me, but I'm going to power through. I always have, and I always will.

I just hope I don't drop any plates. No one likes a circus act that flops.

Vacation!

In July, we had our first official family vacation! We've taken plenty of trips here there and everywhere, but they've always been long weekends or trips to visit family. We planned our trip for awhile and it took us a long time to decide where to go. We went to Charleston, South Carolina, which is a place very dear to us. Elio and I have been there before, and we instantly fell in love with it. The history, the ocean, the people...it's just wonderful! We always talked about how we wanted to go back and stay for a few days. We went to the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, which is a beautiful place! The trip down took about 13-14 hours, so we stopped overnight in Tennessee. I prepared an arsenal of activities to keep Calvin entertained in the car...books, coloring, toys, snacks, music, and my not-so-secret weapon: a DVD player. He did great!
The first couple days we relaxed, swam, and just enjoyed the hotel and the nearby restaurants. The third day we went to the South Carolina Aquarium in down town Charleston which was AMAZING! It was hands down the favorite part of our trip. Calvin was mesmerized and beyond excited! He kept yelling "Whoa, WOW!" We had a great time and left just as a storm was rolling in.
After checking out of our hotel, we headed to Greenville, SC to visit my long time best friend, Bonnie. She had never met Calvin, and it was so special. Bonnie and her husband Jason opened their home to us, and we had an absolutely wonderful time with them! They got a crash course in what it's like to have a baby. haha! They gave us a tour of down town Greenville, which is GORGEOUS, and we had a delicious dinner. The next day, after a breakfast from our hostess, we headed home. We ended up driving straight home. It was a very long day, but we were ready to get back to our little house in Indiana.
Traveling with a little one taught me a lot...and taught me to let go! I had so many things planned, and I literally had an itinerary. Well, that went out the window really quick. I learned to just relax, unwind, and enjoy each moment. We took lots of stops on the way there and back, and let Calvin run around and enjoy each stop. Calvin enjoyed hillbilly gas stations just as much as the resort! Haha. Although we missed the boys and our families, we had a great time and can't wait for our next family vacation.

Surviving Sickies

We've been really blessed that Calvin has been such a healthy boy. Up until a couple months ago, he only had sniffles and teething symptoms. In May (the same week as my car accident, go figure) he got an awful stomach flu that lasted for a solid week. It was the first time we had ever seen him that sick, and it was super scary. We did end up taking him to the ER just to make sure it wasn't anything more than a virus. After a week he was himself again, but it was a rough week!

A couple weeks ago, he got another stomach virus which lasted 3-4 days and wasn't nearly as bad as the first one. The poop issues were the worst part, and his poor little bum was pretty sore. He had some more symptoms today which was not fun, but he already seems better and is sound asleep. I'm hoping it was just that nasty virus leaving his system-hopefully for good!

Here are my tips for surviving the sickies with a toddler!

-Put your game face on. Just face it that you're not going anywhere. Cancel plans, and put on your sweats.
-Toddlers really cannot tell you when they are going to throw up, so I prefer to leave Calvin in his diaper and just surround him with towels and cover the couch with sheets.
-If it's a really bad virus, camp out in the living room. We don't have a bathroom upstairs, so if we all sleep downstairs, we can throw him in the tub to clean up...even if it's 2am.
-Even if you don't cloth diaper or have no desire to, I strongly suggest buying one with some inserts just for times like these. It's easier to tell if they are having wet diapers (the tell tale sign that they are not dehydrated) and they are a life saver for a sore, raw bum! Poor Calvin's bum was so sore that he was crying really hard at diaper changes, and the cloth diapers made him so much more comfortable.
-For a raw, red, sore bum from what we call "hurty poopies" (WOW I am such a Mom) I used A&D ointment and a cornstarch baby powder. It did the trick!
-Clorox wipes are my best friend during times like this. They work wonders for cleaning up puke and sanitize at the same time!
-There's NOTHING you can give your child for a virus except lots of love, fluids, and rest. So keep the lights low, turn on cartoons, and pray. ;)
-If you are a nursing Mama, KEEP NURSING! Even if your little one is throwing up, nursing is comforting and a great way to make sure they are staying hydrated during an illness. The doctors and nurses at the hospital when Calvin was sick were so encouraging and told me that I was saving him from being sicker than he already was.
-Your child isn't going to starve. Even if you're inwardly-or outwardly- freaking out that your kid hasn't eaten in days, just remember this: As long as your baby or toddler is having wet diapers, they are fine. Their appetite will come back in time. Remember how horrible it feels the few days after you have the flu and even the sight of food makes you want to puke?? They feel the same way!
-Follow the BRAT diet- bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Calvin loves chicken soup, so we did that when his appetite came back too.
-Keep in  mind that this virus or illness is building an immunity in your child for future illnesses! Everything happens for a reason, even if it's making you insane.
-Clean, clean, clean! Kill those nasty germs and pray they never come back ;)

Calvin is such a healthy boy, and I know that these bumps in the road are all a part of parenting...I am glad I've learned these tips and I know it's not the last time I'll use them!

Summer & Almost 2!

A little disclaimer--my blog is under construction--but I could not bear to go any longer without at least posting a blog about our growing boy.

Well, our boy is almost TWO years old! He's officially 21 months, and I absolutely cannot believe that almost two years has passed since his birth.

Calvin is a running, talking, laughing, learning, silly little guy. He says SO many words, phrases, and literally learns something new each day. Calvin has always been the type of child that you only have to show him something one time, and he just "gets it". Everyone who meets him or interacts with him says this! This is good...and bad...because he repeats and will try to do pretty much whatever we do! It amazes me how established his personality is and how it feels like we have always known him. Here are some blurbs about our guy and what he's up to:

-Well, he's still a picky eater! He doesn't like veggies, so I am reading "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfield for some inspiration! He goes in stages where he will eat everything, and then refuse everything. We've sort of learned to just go with it, and we've realized that perhaps he's like a little bird who snacks on things and stocks up for later. ;) I always offer him food at every meal, and I try to the best of my ability to incorporate healthy options. If he throws it on the floor, well, then I clean it up with half a smile! He asks for his fork and spoon, and uses both very well. He is getting better about being neat during dinner time as well. He's a lot like his Mom and Dad who eat tons of our favorite foods and not so much of our least favorite foods. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! (Pun intended)
-He LOVES TV. Which is both great for doing a load of laundry and horrible in that it causes children to become vegetables. (not the good kind) So..we try to limit it to a couple shows in the morning while we're getting ready, and then one favorite show at night during snacktime. Other than that, I try to have the TV off. (We have made an exception for the Olympics!) Some of his favorites are Little Bear, Blue's Clues, and Dora.
-Calvin could play with his "guys" (Jimmy & Logan) day and night. He LOVES playing...cars, trains, babydoll..you name it and he's there! He loves to play! I love it that he can interact with kids of all ages and is very social!
-Although he is social, he is quite the Mama's boy. He is pretty clingy lately, and I am sure it is a phase all toddlers go through. All this learning and growing is hard work!
-I'm not a huge fan of the heat, but we have been enjoying summer. Nightly walks are our favorite, and he LOVES pointing out everything he sees and talking about it! It amazes us that he recognizes everything and can verbalize how he is feeling.
-Calvin knows feelings and emotions. He tells me "I'm scared" when he is scared! Although it's so cute, it's also scary to know that my son knows what is feels like to be afraid. Can I wrap him in bubble wrap and never let him leave the house? No? ok...
-He sleeps like a rock...with us. Calvin has grown to be a good sleeper, which is a huge relief because I truly thought I would never see 8 hours of sleep again for the rest of my life. He sleeps in our bed, and I'm fine with it. You know why? Because 8 hours of sleep and sleeping in on Saturdays is TOTALLY worth it...thankyouverymuch. Also, that cute, sweaty toddler is just too darn well adjusted and healthy for me to give a darn about it.

Calvin really, truly, makes us laugh, shake our heads with wonder, and thank God every day that he's in our lives! Life has been crazy with hectic work schedules all around, family stresses and demands, our house literally falling apart all at once (I'm being dramatic), and pet issues...did I mention bills, laundry, yardwork, groceries, and trying to shower? God is always good, and for that, we cannot complain! We are healthy, happy, and I've somehow found myself getting ready to start a graduate program for a Masters of Education.

Another update will hopefully appear in less than 3 months. Until then, God bless from the Rossi's.

Toddler Love

Calvin is 18 months old! I have not blogged in so long it seems. Our life has been a little more hectic than usual, and this is just something that has not fit into our schedule. There have been so many things lately that I have said to myself "Oh...I really need to write a blog about this!" so if I happen to have some free time soon, get ready for blog overload!

In the meantime, here is what our toddler is up to. I have to say, having an 18 month old is very tiring but SO FUN. He is learning so much, talking so much more, and has turned into his own little person. I adore this age and stage. He LOVES being outside, playing with the "guys", and spending time with us. Calvin also has a special affection to the TV which I had hoped to avoid. Well, life happens. The fact is, if I want to do a load of laundry (or *gasp* actually shower uninterrupted) Nick Jr has become my new best friend. Hey, everything in moderation right? ;)

The best part of this age is that there are so many fun activities we can do. We love crafts, reading books in silly voices, singing songs, going to the park, and we hope to have a zoo trip soon. Calvin also loves playing. Just PLAYING. He always wants to play with the guys, play with his toys, play outside, play at the babysitters...I swear the boy never stops! I love it though that he has so much fun. He is also just doing so much on his own. He amazes us every day! He picked me a flower for the first time, and my heart just melted.

He's also talking so much more! He says so many words but some of my current favorites are:
Shoes (it sounds like "chews". so. cute.)
Pablo (his duck, from the Backyardigans)
Owl (his favorite stuffed animal)
Bobo (his monkey, which he named)
Potty, Pee Pee, and Butt. (Hmmm...maybe potty training is in my near future?)
He says so many more, and I love actually talking with our boy. Elio has been so wonderful, and it's great to see him be able to do guy stuff with Calvin.
                                                           We love our toddler!

Green(er)

I posted a while back about trying to be more eco-friendly. Well, I believe it's a process that can sometimes take a while so I wanted to write an update. We recycle now! I know, I know...please don't judge me for how long we weren't recycling We save so much waste it's unbelievable. I just bought a tall white garbage can that is specifically for recyclables. It's super easy, and the bins in my town are free. We have two of them that we have no problem filling completely up. I plan on teaching Calvin about it. He already knows how to throw things away and loves helping. I have been researching cloth diapers lately as well. It's been something I've thought about for a long time. I went to the Mothering By Nature Center in Valpo (on Indiana Ave, near downtown). They have a large selection there and the owner is very knowledgeable. My good friend Lisa is also giving me some tips. I work full time which is the main reason I've not tried it yet, but since Calvin doesn't need changed quite as often I am thinking of giving it a try! I'll keep you posted...
My next step in going green is doing away with plastic bags. I have saved and reused them around the house for years, but it's amazing how many get thrown away! I bought some reusable bags from my local grocery store, and I also bought some from Target. I prefer Target's (only .99) bags. They have a solid piece at the bottom to keep the bags steady. What I normally would need 4 or 5 plastic bags for I used 2. They were also much easier to carry!
I am also going to plant an herb garden sometime soon which I am super excited about. I've been lobbying to Elio that we should get a couple chickens for fresh eggs, but he's not quite convinced yet. Maybe it's because he knows I just want to play with fuzzy little chicks and that he will be the one taking care of them? Haha...he's right. ;)

I smell Spring!

Although we have not had a typical Indiana winter, our family has had some major cabin fever. It was SO nice to play at the park with the boys after church today! God is so good to us, and today I was just so aware and grateful for all He has given us. Calvin absolutely loved playing outside, and he thinks he's big like the other boys! It worries me because he wants to do everything they do, including play basketball and ride bikes! We had a great time, followed by good food and a long nap. What a perfect Sunday! Overall, it's been a great weekend. I took the time to download some new books for myself on my Kindle, and our family has had the TV off most of the weekend minus a date night movie last night for Mom and Dad. I had a really stressful week at work last week, so this family weekend was much needed. Here are some pictures from our afternoon:


First time down the slide!

He wanted to walk up the slide too...like a big boy!

Playing basketball!

I love this boy!

He LOVED playing basketball with Brandon and Daddy!

He just loved running around outside!

Boys will be boys! Playing with a stick.

" I wanna get on the bike"

Riding with Daddy!



Try, Try Again.

I have been asked questions by friends and acquaintances regarding breastfeeding on multiple occasions, and I must tell you that I love it! It's definitely a passion of mine, and I feel totally comfortable sharing information. While pregnant, I read a lot and the past 16 months I have read even more articles, research, books, and talked to other successful nursing Mothers for more information and advice. Let me just put it to you this way...I'm the girl in high school who liked research papers. I may have complained about them to fit in, but I liked them. I have blogged before about finding the right balance between research and common sense instinctual parenting. I can truly sit here today and tell you that I feel confident in my parenting, specifically with breastfeeding. Of course, I still have questions, sometimes daily! I am NOT perfect, and I am NOT always right. But I can tell you that there are some facts that I am sure of, because I have done the leg work. With that being said, here is some information, resources, websites, and my own advice for those who have tried and failed, those who are curious, or those who just want inside my brain for a while. (That's a scary thought...haha) Most specifically, this was inspired by a friend who has a few kiddos and breastfeeding did not work out as she had hoped. She asked for advice, and this blog was inspired by her. We all know the saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again". That's a great mantra for parenting and breastfeeding! Just keep going. Just keep trying. There's always a solution. This blog post will include lots of links. I highly recommend you take the time to read them! They will go along and support all I have to say, and provide you with excellent factual information as well as much needed support.


If you feel like a "breastfeeding failure" take the time to read this: ARTICLE


Before I begin, let me make something perfectly clear. If you formula fed your children, that is your choice to do so, and I by no means ever want to sound judgemental or offensive. It is a highly personal journey, and I respect all Mothers. Period. If you want to know exactly how I feel on the subject of navigating the territory of bottle feeding vs breastfeeding read: THIS.


Let's start with the facts. Read: THIS article on the amazing, wonderful facts and benefits of breast milk. Get inspired and excited! Breast milk has absolutely everything your child needs to not only survive, but THRIVE for the first year of life. They do not need any supplemental foods for the first year, only the "good stuff". The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first year of life, and beyond that if child and Mother mutually desire. Introducing solids is not recommended until six months of age. Formula cannot, and will not ever duplicate what God has made. Contrary to what many nurses and doctors will tell you, your newborn does NOT need to supplement. Here's the basic rule of thumb to repeat to yourself over, and over, and over again whenever you think that your newborn is not getting enough milk:
If they are eating a lot, pooping a lot, and peeing a lot: THEY ARE FINE. Even after birth in the hospital, regardless of what the crabby 70 year old nurses tell you, your child does NOT need formula. They have everything they need to survive and only need a tiny bit of your milk, which begins as colostrum. Their tummies are literally the size of a marble. There is a reason why newborns spit up constantly when immediately given a 4 ounce bottle! Their tummies simply cannot handle it. An absolute must read for any Mother who intends to breastfeed is:

I highly recommend reading this book, specifically for how to breastfeed immediately after birth. This will walk you through the importance of skin to skin contact immediately after birth, proper latch on, and it will reassure you that you, as Mommy have everything you need to sustain your child. Your milk will not "come in" for a couple days. That's fine! Your baby is fine. Just keep nursing. The colostrum provides all they need, and trust me...when your milk comes in, you'll know it! This book will guide you through the first few weeks, and then some. Just buy it. You'll need it time and time again. Also, read: THIS blog on the normal behaviors of a breastfeeding newborn. Actually, don't just read it. Print it out and tape it somewhere. You'll need it at 4am when you're frustrated. ;-) Also, in the hospital, make your wants known and remember, you are BOTH learning how to do this for the first time! It is a process, and will not happen right away. Don't give up. Calvin and I had a hard time figuring out how to get him to latch on, so a wonderful nurse helped me pump and put some colostrum in a syringe for him. By the next day, we got it! Nothing worth doing is easy, my friends.

I nursed Calvin about every two hours for the majority of his infancy. We didn't adhere to a "schedule", that's just how it worked for us. Most newborns do need to eat every couple of hours, and as most Moms know...they will wake you up and let you know! At night, just sleep. Sleep when baby sleeps, and feed when baby's up! Pump to avoid engorgement, and freeze or refrigerate the milk. Read THIS information on proper storage of breast milk. The reason why your baby wants to nurse so much is normal, and it's simple: they're hungry and they are fulfilling their instinctual desire to suckle. (Not to mention all the hormones that are released intended to relax, soothe, boost supply, and nurture your child!) The more you nurse, the more you will produce! Don't worry about low supply unless your child is losing weight. Unless you have a medical issue, if you nurse your baby often, and they are gaining weight, pooping and peeing well...you are on the road to success. Your baby doesn't need a bottle. I understand it's painful at first, TRUST ME. Just keep going. Bleeding, cracked, and painful nipples are normal for the first couple weeks. Just power through it. Nipple shields also help immensely to reduce pain, or if your baby will not latch on. Pure lanolin is a God-send. Use it liberally before and after nursing. Also, apply cool compress to ease discomfort. Use warm compress to help with painful engorgement. The solution for almost EVERY breastfeeding hurdle is: Nurse More, Nurse Often, and Just Keep Going. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel, the pain will go away. I promise! I also HIGHLY recommend meeting with a lactation consultant. Every hospital has one, and you can call them night and day for advice or questions. Do not let a little problem turn into a bigger one. Sleep deprivation makes everything worse, and you need to rely on the experts to help you navigate the tough times. Your OB and pediatrician are NOT lactation experts. For breastfeeding questions, you should rely on a lactation consultant. If it is a medical concern or issue, they will refer you to your doctor. Again, nothing worth doing comes easy, and several months from now, nipple pain will be the last thing on your mind. There's nothing wrong with pumping a bottle and letting Dad take a turn, either! Just make sure you nurse extra or pump to keep up your supply when baby has a bottle. My rule was always, if I'm physically here, I nurse him.

What If:

~You have to go to school, or work. It is Federal law that employers and schools provide nursing Mothers with a private space to pump that is not a restroom. I also recommend buying a high quality electric breast pump. Medela and Avent are the two best brands. Yes, the best ones are expensive. Think about it this way: What you will spend one time on a breast pump is what some people spend  for one month's worth (or less) of formula. You can also find them on Ebay, or collect coupons for Babies R Us or Target. I saved giftcards and coupons and got a great deal on mine. Also, pay extra for the warranty and buy a car adapter. I cannot even tell you how many times I have pumped in my car!

~ You're self conscious. Simple...buy a nursing cover. I use my cover all the time, usually for when I pump in the car. They are super cute and affordable. Go to Uddercovers.com for some great ones, or you can also find them at most baby product stores. Also, you don't have to explain what you're doing to anyone. If you're at someone's home, just ask for a private space to nurse or use your cover.

~You face criticism. Be confident, respectful, and polite. You'd be surprised at how many people act critical because they are truly ignorant and just lack information. Also, you don't have to explain anything if you choose. It's your body and it's your child.

~I'm so busy and on the go. Umm..have you met me? I work full time, and not at a bank, people...I drive all over the state, I have to testify at court hearings, and I also take care of my three nephews plus my own child. There's so much I could write on this, but I'll keep it simple. You will figure out what works best for you. I've found that nursing is easier for my lifestyle. I don't have to mix bottles, heat bottles, or worry about running out of formula. When I'm at work, I pump 2-3 times (it's slowing down now) and save the milk accordingly for the next day. I am also so grateful for the money I have saved my family. I've nursed or pumped for Calvin wherever we go and I'm still modest and private.

~I want to eat and drink whatever I want. I drink and eat pretty much whatever I want. Enough said. I limit caffeine to one cup of coffee per day, and of course you cannot consume alchohol in excess while nursing. When it comes to presriptions or over the counter meds, just look it up or ask your doctor if its safe while nursing.

Ok. That was a lot of information, but honestly I could write so much more! Now I'm going to talk about worst case scenario...for some reason, somehow, it's not working for you. You've tried what you feel is everything. You've come close to giving up, but you don't want to. You can pump, and feed your baby breastmilk in a bottle! I know Mothers who have done this, and are quite proud of it! You can also milkshare. You would be so surprised to see all the women willing to donate their milk to Mothers who are struggling. It is simply as easy as connecting with organizations online or on Facebook. Read Michelle's: blog about her journey. It is inspiring, and amazing.  Formula is an option, of course. You can combination feed, which is both formula and breastmilk. ANY breastmilk is good for your child. If you've decided to stop nursing altogether, that's ok too. Just be proud of what you HAVE done!

Although there are justified and valid reasons for not being able to breastfeed, I promise you that the average woman CAN do it. YOU can do it, you can power through the rough spots, and you can succeed! If it wasn't worth it, would I still be doing it at 16 months while working full time? It's an amazing experience and totally worth it. Dare I say it, but it's easy now! After you and your child learn how to do it, it becomes second nature. Did I mention we sleep well most nights and all I have to do is roll over and feed him? Calvin has never been seriously ill, thank GOD, and he is so happy with our life. I could type all day about why you should do it, and how you should do it, but it is up to you to determine what works best for you. My email address is amandaelio@comcast.net. I'd be happy to help or assist anyone who has questions, concerns, fears, doubts, or additional information.

I will leave you with some of the absolute best websites to bookmark on your computer:

www.kellymom.com [Reference this site for literally every question, concern, or fact. Managed by a lactation consultant, this site is excellent and accurate]

www.askdrsears.com

www.bestforbabes.org

www.breastfeeding-magazine.com

Watch, Wait, Listen.

Patience is not a virtue of mine, and I will be the first one to admit that. I am a "get it done right now, and fast" kind of person...very typical type A personality. Not only do I want it done right now, I want it done perfectly. WELL. This is not realistic, and I have gotten much better with letting some things go. Trust goes along with letting go, and it's something I honestly struggle with. As some of you are aware, the past several months I have heavily considered leaving my job. Actually, since Calvin was born I have wanted to do something that required less of my time away from home, not to mention less stressful. I had a plan, and I'll spare you the details but it had what I thought was a good "end date" attached to it. Well, we make plans and God laughs, right?


I've been praying, and praying, and praying for the right thing to do. I've applied to other positions elsewhere and I've been faithfully working my little "plan" to make it possible for me to quit entirely if I needed to. (It's not that I do not want or need to work. It's a lot more complicated than than. Insert long story about my 14 year old nephew slash brother living with me here) I've also researched graduate programs, and ways to turn my hobbies and passions into a career. Well, I've received a series of confirming signs that the answer is right in front of me:


God said Wait. He didn't say Yes, He didn't say No. Wait.


I let go of applying elsewhere for now. I let go of obsessively stocking up on laundry detergent in case I quit.


So now, I wait. I watch. I listen.


Easier said than done. So if you pray, I will accept yours wholeheartedly. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to work hard, love hard, and make it work!

Little Artist

I decided to do a Valentine's Day craft with Calvin, and we made several different types of Valentines. Some of them were more "homey" than others, but all in all they turned out great! Calvin was VERY serious and focused throughout our crafting session, and his favorite part was using the paint for his handprint and writing his "name" with the pen. He was hooked! Elio is a wonderful artist and has been painting oil paintings since he was tiny...maybe Calvin will follow in his footsteps. Here's my serious little artist!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Rossi Update!

Calvin is now 15 months old! Time surely flies when you're having fun, and let me tell you...he is a BLAST. I have not blogged at all in 2012, and to my loyal friends who care about my ramblings, I apologize. One of my goals for this year was to blog more, and well, you can see how great I'm doing on that one! Haha! Here is what our toddler is up to lately, some of my current favorite products, quick fixes, and ideas:

 -Guess what, Calvin eats like a big boy! He is still somewhat picky, but he tries food every day and is doing so much better with mealtime. It is completely true that each child is an individual and you cannot force things before they are ready. I've read some articles that say toddlers live off of air, and it's true...most toddlers just snack all day long and still need breastmilk or another form of milk as their primary nutrition. I still send a puree mix when he is at the babysitter. I love Happy Tot, it's a squeeze tube of organic fruits or veggies and he really likes those. I also send snacks and other foods. Oatmeal is a favorite of his. Every night before bed, we enjoy a bowl of oatmeal and watch one episode of Yo Gabba Gabba entitled "Sleep". He loves this routine, and so do I! The only juice I give him is either Orange Juice (Simply Orange or Tropicana) or Fruitables by Adam and Eve. The Fruitables contain veggie juice too, so they're actually good for him instead of just pure sugar.


MMM, Bacon!

 -He's into, well, everything. Calvin's always been curious, but I've found that he is much more easily entertained by random items than he is his by toys. I use things we have around the house, for example I hide plastic straws and tupperware in the cabinets he can access. He loves "finding" them and playing with them. I'm also loving the website Pinterest for toddler activity ideas. Our first craft project is going to be making Valentines, and I can't wait!


See what I mean? Into Everything.



What, Mommy? I'm not doing anything wrong...



What do we have here?

 -He is sleeping so much better, and I've noticed he loves to wake up early, then go back to bed. This makes getting to work on time quite the task...but on the weekends I love it. He's in our bed, and I am sure it will stay that way until he is ready to sleep in a big boy bed.
-Calvin loves to "read" books, "draw", and "talk" to us. He gets frustrated when he can't do something, and I can see he definitely has my personality!

-I still swear by Triple Paste diaper cream. I'm also still a Pampers fan. We tried Luvs, but ladies...if you have boys, you know how much they pee!
-I've always used Burts Bees lotion on him, but I discovered Burts Bees Calming lotion. It has lavender and eucalyptus in it, and smells so great. Perfect for after a warm bath!

I realize this is a blur, but this is what my house looks like most of the time. Kids, toys, and craziness!

This year has already been so busy for our family! My Dad's health is still stable, which we praise God for. It's still a struggle to deal with, and we still have tests, results, and an uncertain future. Brandon is with us on a semi-permanent basis, and I have to admit I love having the extra help. He is 14 now, and boy is it nice to have a half grown extra set of hands! For my close friends who know the history of our situation, I am no longer referring to Brandon as my "nephew". He has always called me his sister (which legally, I am his sister), so I want to respect his choice. The two younger boys call me their Aunt, and until they decide differently, that's ok with me.

Elio works so hard, and he has been pulling a lot of overtime. I love him so much, and I thank God for him...good and bad! Marriage is not a sprint, it's a marathon. It's hard work, but the benefits are the best. We've been stretched to our limit at times, but I could not ask for a better partner.

As for me, well...I am still working. I have had some especially difficult weeks at work that have been very trying. (Hence the lack of blogging, and lack of sanity on some days) I am praying for clarity about how, where, and when God wants me to make a change. I am thankful though that a few co-workers have told me that I have changed their mind about certain things, for example breastfeeding. People are more open to the conversation and providing me with support. Seeing me with my pumping bag every day has obviously sent a little message to my fellow social workers. Or maybe it's my big mouth...I'm not sure which. ;-)

My 2012 goals include:
-More blogging (Be on the lookout, I have a lot to say!)
-Graduate School (I put that on hold when I had Calvin, and when my Dad became ill)
-Crafting with Calvin & Scrapbooking his first year
-Getting more involved with our church
-Home projects, like decorating and improvements
-Vacations! (This may be more like a dream than a goal, but we'll see)
-Exploring my passions and making time for me
-Letting Go...as in if none of these goals are attained, I'll be ok with it. ;) Let's see how that works out, shall we?