I love that spring is in the air! It's exciting to think about all the things we will be able to do with Calvin when the weather warms up. I've been thinking a lot lately about myself as a Mom...
I always knew I wanted to be a Mom. I vividly remember a conversation I had with my best friend while I was in college, studying my life away...I told her that the only vocation I feel like I was BORN to do was to be a Mom. I've always taken care of kids. I've helped to raise my three nephews as if they are my own. The oldest, Brandon, was born when I was 12 and I loved giving him bottles, changing his diaper and dressing him. We have a very special bond that I wouldn't change for the world. I've babysat others' kids for money while I was a teenager, nannied in college, and no matter what was going on with my college schedule or work schedule, I always was there for my nephews' games, school programs or just to take care of them. For me it's not hard, its just what you do. Family is everything! God has blessed me with a great family, and no matter how stressful or how "hard" it may get, it's all worth it!
Before Calvin was born, I was very "by the book". I researched everything, read online constantly, and even after he was born I found myself sucked into what you are supposed to do. I've found that now, today, in this moment I am more myself than I ever was or hoped to be. I do what I feel is best for Calvin, I pray for him, and I pray for guidance. Of course I read and ask the Doctor or other Moms for opinions or advice. At the end of the day, though, it's about what I feel is best for him. If Calvin is healthy and happy, then so am I!
I feel like the new question of the day is "how long are you going to breastfeed?" Why is there a time frame on it? Breastfeeding is so beautiful and natural, and we finally have such a good rhythm, why would I want to change that? I actually read a blog online the other day that said it is impossible to work full time and exclusively breastfeed. WELL...nothing is impossible with God and a little hard work, thank you very much. Motherhood has taught me more than ever that if you want something badly enough, or you feel strongly enough about something, you just DO IT. Regardless of others' judgement, opinions, or negativity, you have to do what is best for your baby and your family.
I don't know when this happened, or quite how, but I have realized that in all arenas of my life, I am ME. With my friends, at work, at home, wherever...I feel as if I have come into my own as a woman, wife, and Mother. It's a great feeling, and I feel like I am being the person that God created me to be. Of course, I have inumerable flaws, shortcomings, and moments of insanity but who doesn't? I've learned to embrace the "different" things about myself, and sometimes you just have to laugh!
Also-why should I have to choose between my education and career and motherhood? It shouldn't be an either/or scenario. I feel like so many people label mothers as either a working mom, or a stay at home mom. Aren't we all doing the same job?? Doing the best we can for our families? Although I would love to be able to stay at home with Calvin, my career is a worthwhile one that helps support my family. At work, I do make a difference in the lives of others. If I stayed home, I would still try to do that. I hope to begin my Master's program this fall, and I want to always push myself to go further, to work harder, and to show Calvin that mediocre is never good enough. Even if its just reading books at home, learning new things, or trying new foods, you must always push yourself to be the best you can possibly be!
CALVIN UPDATE:
Our little baby boy is no longer a little baby! In March, he was 15 pounds and on Sunday he will be 6 months old! He is getting so big and learning so many new things. He loves his bouncer chair, and yesterday Mommy and Calvin took a bath together for the first time. He loved the bubbles and playing with his toys. Calvin is trying to crawl and can almost sit up on his own! He tried some pureed bananas and really liked them. We're taking it slow with solids. I see no reason to force him, and babies don't need anything else until they're older. I'm taking it a little bit at a time, and letting him go at his own pace.
Calvin sleeps so well now and has settled into a routine. He is alot like his Mom...if his routine is thrown off he is a maniac. ;)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
10 Confessions
Here are ten things I've learned in the past few months!
1. You don't need to take the diaper bag everywhere. Just throw a diaper, a toy, and a burp rag in your purse and you're good.
2. Baby spit up, pee, poop, vomit, snot, etc are still gross when it's your own baby! Everyone says "Ohh when it's your baby it won't be gross". Nope, it's still gross.
3. Get used to doing laundry every day. If you don't, your house will resemble a laundromat and it will smell.
4. Who cares if my baby sleeps next to me?
5. Also, who cares if I get him when he cries? Isn't he supposed to be telling me something is wrong? I don't like the idea of "crying it out". It seems unnatural and I don't like it one bit.
6. The baby doesn't need to be changed all the time. If the onesie has drool all over it, it's not going to hurt anyone.
7. He also doesn't need a bath every day!
8. So what if I let him snooze for a few extra minutes in his carseat if he's sleeping when we get home...sounds like a good nap to me. (Of course I'm watching him closely!)
9. A blanket on the floor, a few toys=a few uninterrupted minutes for me to do some dishes.
10. LAUGH at yourself! When Calvin puked all over our sheets, pillows, and blankets this morning...then smiled the biggest smile, we had to laugh. It's all part of the journey!
1. You don't need to take the diaper bag everywhere. Just throw a diaper, a toy, and a burp rag in your purse and you're good.
2. Baby spit up, pee, poop, vomit, snot, etc are still gross when it's your own baby! Everyone says "Ohh when it's your baby it won't be gross". Nope, it's still gross.
3. Get used to doing laundry every day. If you don't, your house will resemble a laundromat and it will smell.
4. Who cares if my baby sleeps next to me?
5. Also, who cares if I get him when he cries? Isn't he supposed to be telling me something is wrong? I don't like the idea of "crying it out". It seems unnatural and I don't like it one bit.
6. The baby doesn't need to be changed all the time. If the onesie has drool all over it, it's not going to hurt anyone.
7. He also doesn't need a bath every day!
8. So what if I let him snooze for a few extra minutes in his carseat if he's sleeping when we get home...sounds like a good nap to me. (Of course I'm watching him closely!)
9. A blanket on the floor, a few toys=a few uninterrupted minutes for me to do some dishes.
10. LAUGH at yourself! When Calvin puked all over our sheets, pillows, and blankets this morning...then smiled the biggest smile, we had to laugh. It's all part of the journey!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Family Update Time
The daily grind sucked me in for a while, but I think I'm back on track! It's so easy to get caught up in work, laundry, diapers, errands, bills, and lack of sleep. It's time to update friends & family on the goings on around our crazy little house.
Calvin is doing so well and getting SO big! He can roll over like a pro, is trying to crawl, and we've tried cereal but so far he hates it! Of course what Calvin will soon learn if he hasn't learned already is that his Mama is very stubborn and we will just keep on pushing through it...
That has been the theme of our lives lately. Pushing through when you feel like you can't push anymore! When I was in labor with Calvin, I just knew when it was time to push. At first, pushing was a huge relief and I was so excited to just be closer to the end of a very painful labor and to finally meet our boy. Then...I was exhausted. I pushed for 45 minutes which is relatively good for a first time Mom, but it felt like forever. My doctor could see I was losing strength and said "Amanda, you'll almost done. You're just going to have to push through the burn." Honestly, that phrase has stuck with me for the past few months. Dealing with my complicated, sometimes exhausting family situation, my high intensity stressful job, being a first time Mom, and trying to manage a household can take its toll on a girl. It's so easy to get caught up, to lose focus, and to just simply get TIRED.
But you just have to push through the burn. The things that hurt us the most, stretch us to our emotional and physical limits are what makes us the person that God has called us to be.
I am SO blessed, blessed beyond measure. I have truly been trying to focus on the positives. The fact that I have a family who would do anything for me, three nephews who are often like my own kiddos, a husband who adores me and supports me, and a beautiful amazing baby boy is what keeps me going.
God is good, all the time!
Here are some of my new "faves"
-We switched Calvin's bottles because he had been really fighting bottle feedings, choking, and becoming gassy. I am now in LOVE with the Playtex original nurser drop ins. Feeding with the sitter and Dad are so smooth now! The latex nipple (slow flow) is the most natural and he actually "latches" on to it! Disregard my previous blog about the bottles we were using...haha. You live and you learn!!
**Another life lesson about the whole bottle situation: When we made this discovery I really beat myself up about it because someone had given us these bottles as a gift for our baby shower and they sat in a drawer for 5 months before I tried them. If I would have just looked right in front of me, I would have saved tons of money that I wasted on trying all the "fancy" bottles that promised to be best for breast fed babies. I sometimes have to slow myself down and just be more simple. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and Motherhood can turn into a competition. I'm really happy with these bottles now, and so is Calvin. He's still exclusively breast fed and we're taking it one day at a time!
About the whole breastfeeding thing, that has also been a struggle lately! We had smooth sailing for several months, then Calvin decided to go on a "nursing strike". We still have our moments of frustration because it's hard for both of us when I'm away from him at work. Pumping just isn't the same as nursing him. My supply has gone up and down, but we PUSHED through it. The best things in life are not always easy! I also learned through this experience to ask for help. Ask for advice, admit your weaknesses, and learn from the hard time. I'm so grateful to my good friends who are also Moms that encouraged me and gave great advice. I also can't forget to mention my husband, who is BEYOND supportive.
So for now, I'm still nursing and I will do it as long as Calvin is healthy and happy and as long as it continues to be relatively conducive to our lifestyle.
Now for more faves...
-Pampers Swaddlers Diapers (Either "New Baby" or "Sensitive")
We have literally tried EVERY diaper there is. We were so blessed with tons of diapers for our baby shower so we got all brands as gifts. So far, the absolute best is Pampers!
-I'm still in love with Burts Bees Baby products! All natural and they smell so good.
That's all for now!
Calvin is doing so well and getting SO big! He can roll over like a pro, is trying to crawl, and we've tried cereal but so far he hates it! Of course what Calvin will soon learn if he hasn't learned already is that his Mama is very stubborn and we will just keep on pushing through it...
That has been the theme of our lives lately. Pushing through when you feel like you can't push anymore! When I was in labor with Calvin, I just knew when it was time to push. At first, pushing was a huge relief and I was so excited to just be closer to the end of a very painful labor and to finally meet our boy. Then...I was exhausted. I pushed for 45 minutes which is relatively good for a first time Mom, but it felt like forever. My doctor could see I was losing strength and said "Amanda, you'll almost done. You're just going to have to push through the burn." Honestly, that phrase has stuck with me for the past few months. Dealing with my complicated, sometimes exhausting family situation, my high intensity stressful job, being a first time Mom, and trying to manage a household can take its toll on a girl. It's so easy to get caught up, to lose focus, and to just simply get TIRED.
But you just have to push through the burn. The things that hurt us the most, stretch us to our emotional and physical limits are what makes us the person that God has called us to be.
I am SO blessed, blessed beyond measure. I have truly been trying to focus on the positives. The fact that I have a family who would do anything for me, three nephews who are often like my own kiddos, a husband who adores me and supports me, and a beautiful amazing baby boy is what keeps me going.
God is good, all the time!
Here are some of my new "faves"
-We switched Calvin's bottles because he had been really fighting bottle feedings, choking, and becoming gassy. I am now in LOVE with the Playtex original nurser drop ins. Feeding with the sitter and Dad are so smooth now! The latex nipple (slow flow) is the most natural and he actually "latches" on to it! Disregard my previous blog about the bottles we were using...haha. You live and you learn!!
**Another life lesson about the whole bottle situation: When we made this discovery I really beat myself up about it because someone had given us these bottles as a gift for our baby shower and they sat in a drawer for 5 months before I tried them. If I would have just looked right in front of me, I would have saved tons of money that I wasted on trying all the "fancy" bottles that promised to be best for breast fed babies. I sometimes have to slow myself down and just be more simple. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and Motherhood can turn into a competition. I'm really happy with these bottles now, and so is Calvin. He's still exclusively breast fed and we're taking it one day at a time!
About the whole breastfeeding thing, that has also been a struggle lately! We had smooth sailing for several months, then Calvin decided to go on a "nursing strike". We still have our moments of frustration because it's hard for both of us when I'm away from him at work. Pumping just isn't the same as nursing him. My supply has gone up and down, but we PUSHED through it. The best things in life are not always easy! I also learned through this experience to ask for help. Ask for advice, admit your weaknesses, and learn from the hard time. I'm so grateful to my good friends who are also Moms that encouraged me and gave great advice. I also can't forget to mention my husband, who is BEYOND supportive.
So for now, I'm still nursing and I will do it as long as Calvin is healthy and happy and as long as it continues to be relatively conducive to our lifestyle.
Now for more faves...
-Pampers Swaddlers Diapers (Either "New Baby" or "Sensitive")
We have literally tried EVERY diaper there is. We were so blessed with tons of diapers for our baby shower so we got all brands as gifts. So far, the absolute best is Pampers!
-I'm still in love with Burts Bees Baby products! All natural and they smell so good.
That's all for now!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
...all who are weary...
"Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest"
This has been an extremely difficult week at work. Being a working Mom is like the being the guy at the circus who juggles plates on those thin sticks. If you drop one, they all fall.
I find it so much harder to deal with work stress now that I am a Mom. I used to crave it, to thrive off of it and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of a particularly hard day.
Now I know that I would rather give my best self to my family and my baby than to relative strangers at work. It is like an inner fight to find the strength and energy to deal with work emergencies or major issues.
I know that God has me divinely placed at my job, to help those who cannot help themselves and to give children a life they normally would never have. Although I know this, and I am willing to do whatever I need to do to support my family, it doesn't make it easier.
The good news is though, that little Calvin is so unaffected by my stress. He is why I schedule my day around pumping breaks, so that we can continue the beautiful bond of breastfeeding. He is such a happy boy and is growing like a weed! He is meeting so many milestones, and it is such a joy. Who would've thought that Elio and I would almost be in tears when Calvin grabbed a toy and put it in his mouth for the first time? Or when he took off his sock by himself with his hand? It's amazing how beautiful the joys of parenthood are!
This has been an extremely difficult week at work. Being a working Mom is like the being the guy at the circus who juggles plates on those thin sticks. If you drop one, they all fall.
I find it so much harder to deal with work stress now that I am a Mom. I used to crave it, to thrive off of it and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of a particularly hard day.
Now I know that I would rather give my best self to my family and my baby than to relative strangers at work. It is like an inner fight to find the strength and energy to deal with work emergencies or major issues.
I know that God has me divinely placed at my job, to help those who cannot help themselves and to give children a life they normally would never have. Although I know this, and I am willing to do whatever I need to do to support my family, it doesn't make it easier.
The good news is though, that little Calvin is so unaffected by my stress. He is why I schedule my day around pumping breaks, so that we can continue the beautiful bond of breastfeeding. He is such a happy boy and is growing like a weed! He is meeting so many milestones, and it is such a joy. Who would've thought that Elio and I would almost be in tears when Calvin grabbed a toy and put it in his mouth for the first time? Or when he took off his sock by himself with his hand? It's amazing how beautiful the joys of parenthood are!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Fake it till you make it.
As you can see, I haven't gotten very far with this blog thing. I'm determined to begin recording my thoughts, fears, advice, and simply fun facts about my little family and our life.
Well, Calvin Robert Rossi was born on October 31, 2010. Yes...Halloween. Or for all of my fellow church goers, that is also Reformation Sunday. He came into this world just as he was when he was growing inside me...wiggling and fast! I had preterm labor for weeks up until his birth so I was pretty used to contractions. I went into the hospital on a Saturday night at 11:30pm, and my boy was born at 4:05am completely drug free. It all happened so fast that we didn't even have our bags in the room, and they were putting on my hospital bracelet when I was getting ready to push! Calvin was just ready to come out. His personality matches that to a tee. He lets you know what he wants, when he wants it. He's such a happy, sweet baby! When he was born, my life forever changed. I've always been around babies, watched children, and I've helped raise all three of my nephews. I've changed thousands of diapers, but seeing Calvin's face for the first time was a moment that is completely indescribable. Elio and I are so in love. Those first few days in the hospital were pure bliss...then we got home...
Sleep deprivation is a funny thing. That along with hormones and the fears that you're doing everything all wrong made for a very emotional time for me. After the first few weeks we settled into a routine. A ROUTINE not a schedule! Calvin has a "schedule" but it's mostly just what a typical day looks like. There were so many things that came my way that I wasn't expecting, but one of them was the pressure from books, magazines, websites, and other parents to do things a "certain" way. Advice is GREAT! But pressure is not. I felt this pressure for a while, but then when I realized that Calvin was happy and healthy, sleeping and eating well, and I still had time to paint my nails...the books went out the window! Of course I still have questions, what new parent doesn't? Or seasoned for that matter? Life is about change, questioning ourselves but ultimately trusting God to provide us with the answers.
I absolutely love being a Mom. There have been many ups and downs along the way, but being with Calvin is the best part of my day. I love seeing how much joy he has brought my family. My family and I have been through alot the past few months. Maybe I'll write about it soon, maybe I won't. All I know is that God calls you to suffer sometimes, but he always provides a way to get through it. Calvin has been my family's light during a dark time, and I truly believe he has a special purpose in this world.
I'm going to leave you with some of my favorite products & tips because without the internet, other Moms, and random advice from good friends I wouldn't be where I am today with a happy 3 month old:
I love Burts Bees Apricot Oil- I rub it on Calvin's head a few minutes before a bath to help with flaking skin. I also put a capful in his bathwater and it moisterizes his skin so well!
I use only A&D ointment during diaper changes, it's basically just pure lanolin and petroleum so it's perfectly natural but not too sticky. Target's off brand has the exact same ingredients and it's alot cheaper.
I couldn't live without my Boppy! I've had it since day one and I wouldn't have been able to survive the first few weeks of breastfeeding without it. Now we use it occasionally and it's perfect for tummy time.
Tommee Tippee bottles. I recently discovered these, they're new to the US and highly recommended when combining bottle and breastfeeding. Calvin is exclusively breastfed (that's a another blog in and of itself, it's hard work ladies especially if you're working!) and they are wonderful since he had a hard time at first taking breastmilk from a bottle.
*Disclaimer* I will talk about nursing alot, I think it's a beautiful, natural, amazing, and difficult experience. I found myself very alone dealing with nursing questions and problems and I think more people should talk about it! I take it one day at a time. Working Mom's do not have it easy, and I am never one to judge the way one chooses to feed their baby. I do what works for us, and right now it's breastfeeding and pumping while I'm at work.
The title of this blog says it all- Fake it till you make it!
Well, Calvin Robert Rossi was born on October 31, 2010. Yes...Halloween. Or for all of my fellow church goers, that is also Reformation Sunday. He came into this world just as he was when he was growing inside me...wiggling and fast! I had preterm labor for weeks up until his birth so I was pretty used to contractions. I went into the hospital on a Saturday night at 11:30pm, and my boy was born at 4:05am completely drug free. It all happened so fast that we didn't even have our bags in the room, and they were putting on my hospital bracelet when I was getting ready to push! Calvin was just ready to come out. His personality matches that to a tee. He lets you know what he wants, when he wants it. He's such a happy, sweet baby! When he was born, my life forever changed. I've always been around babies, watched children, and I've helped raise all three of my nephews. I've changed thousands of diapers, but seeing Calvin's face for the first time was a moment that is completely indescribable. Elio and I are so in love. Those first few days in the hospital were pure bliss...then we got home...
Sleep deprivation is a funny thing. That along with hormones and the fears that you're doing everything all wrong made for a very emotional time for me. After the first few weeks we settled into a routine. A ROUTINE not a schedule! Calvin has a "schedule" but it's mostly just what a typical day looks like. There were so many things that came my way that I wasn't expecting, but one of them was the pressure from books, magazines, websites, and other parents to do things a "certain" way. Advice is GREAT! But pressure is not. I felt this pressure for a while, but then when I realized that Calvin was happy and healthy, sleeping and eating well, and I still had time to paint my nails...the books went out the window! Of course I still have questions, what new parent doesn't? Or seasoned for that matter? Life is about change, questioning ourselves but ultimately trusting God to provide us with the answers.
I absolutely love being a Mom. There have been many ups and downs along the way, but being with Calvin is the best part of my day. I love seeing how much joy he has brought my family. My family and I have been through alot the past few months. Maybe I'll write about it soon, maybe I won't. All I know is that God calls you to suffer sometimes, but he always provides a way to get through it. Calvin has been my family's light during a dark time, and I truly believe he has a special purpose in this world.
I'm going to leave you with some of my favorite products & tips because without the internet, other Moms, and random advice from good friends I wouldn't be where I am today with a happy 3 month old:
I love Burts Bees Apricot Oil- I rub it on Calvin's head a few minutes before a bath to help with flaking skin. I also put a capful in his bathwater and it moisterizes his skin so well!
I use only A&D ointment during diaper changes, it's basically just pure lanolin and petroleum so it's perfectly natural but not too sticky. Target's off brand has the exact same ingredients and it's alot cheaper.
I couldn't live without my Boppy! I've had it since day one and I wouldn't have been able to survive the first few weeks of breastfeeding without it. Now we use it occasionally and it's perfect for tummy time.
Tommee Tippee bottles. I recently discovered these, they're new to the US and highly recommended when combining bottle and breastfeeding. Calvin is exclusively breastfed (that's a another blog in and of itself, it's hard work ladies especially if you're working!) and they are wonderful since he had a hard time at first taking breastmilk from a bottle.
*Disclaimer* I will talk about nursing alot, I think it's a beautiful, natural, amazing, and difficult experience. I found myself very alone dealing with nursing questions and problems and I think more people should talk about it! I take it one day at a time. Working Mom's do not have it easy, and I am never one to judge the way one chooses to feed their baby. I do what works for us, and right now it's breastfeeding and pumping while I'm at work.
The title of this blog says it all- Fake it till you make it!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Settling
"Some people are settling down,
some people are settling,
& some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies"
Well,
I've decided to join the blog world. This life inside, otherwise known as our baby boy who is due in November, has already challenged me to think outside of myself. I feel that sharing my thoughts on a blog will hopefully be a way that our friends and family can enjoy this journey with us. This, of course, will include my random ramblings and possibly even some of my tips along the way. Who knows?
Anyways, I hope you'll join me.
some people are settling,
& some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies"
Well,
I've decided to join the blog world. This life inside, otherwise known as our baby boy who is due in November, has already challenged me to think outside of myself. I feel that sharing my thoughts on a blog will hopefully be a way that our friends and family can enjoy this journey with us. This, of course, will include my random ramblings and possibly even some of my tips along the way. Who knows?
Anyways, I hope you'll join me.
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