Ok all you Mom's out there... how do you stop your child from having that gross crusty booger nose? Carson has been on and off sick for the past 2 weeks and he absolutely hates when I try to clean his nose. I've used an entire package of boogie wipes already and my green bin is half full of tissue. The fun of having a sick kid.
I was out with him today at Chapters and was hoping no other Mom's would notice and think I'm a bad Mom for not cleaning his nose. I do, and I did with a wet cloth before we left, but 2 minutes outside in the cold and it looks ugly again! Why do I even care what anyone thinks?
Moving on to the tea part. I've been happily enjoying tea much more recently. I notice coffee can give me a bitchy crash sometimes. I never know when, but I just notice that with tea, you don't get the caffeine buzz and then nasty crash. There are also many benefits to tea. It's fun to try new teas and to just take that time to relax. Everyone needs a little bit of "me time" and when Carson naps, I make a tea and have 20 minutes to myself... some days..
Maybe tea is the answer to Carson's boogies! haha! Winter is here and so is cold season. Let the wiping of the noses (or battle of the wiping of the noses) begin!
November 27, 2012
November 21, 2012
The Challenges of the First Year
A lot of people told me when I was pregnant to enjoy the rest of my time alone with Austin because once baby comes life is pretty much over. I hated hearing that. What pregnant woman wants to hear that? People say the strangest things. The worst thing you can say to any pregnant woman is: "Wow, you're huge! Are you sure it's not twins!??". I was told this so many times. The first couple times bothered me, but then I just got over it. I was massive!
Anyway, the people were somewhat right about having a baby. Your life as you know it as an expectant parent is over once the baby arrives. There's no denying that! Looking back to the first year now that I have adjusted to everything, it was insane. I don't remember as much as I thought I would. There were many, many sleepless nights and days alone that I thought I was going to go crazy. Days I didn't shower and lost track of everything and everyone. When the sleep regression began at 4 months, our lives took a turn in the other direction.
I feel like sleep is what gets new parents. When you don't have sleep, everything is crazy. I resented Austin when I shouldn't have, I eventually was upset with Carson for not sleeping and not understanding why he wouldn't just shut up and sleep! It sounds blunt, but that's how it was. I'm trying to give a realistic view on parenting and this is how it was for us.
Dinner was rarely made, dishes weren't done, laundry piled up. Slowly things got out of control. Once we went through the process of getting Carson into better sleeping habbits everything changed. Life was a lot better when we were sleeping. Austin slept the entire time, but he had to deal with me. I used to wake him up when I was getting too frustrated to even hold Carson. It was that tough sometimes.
I can happily say that everything we went through was worth it. There is light at the end of the tunnel even when it seems like you're never going to get there. It's ok to be angry and upset with the way things are too. Things also get easier when I finally just accepted that I was doing most of it on my own and I had to just be strong. No one was going to cook or clean for us. I just had to deal with that.
I have grown a lot over the past 16 months. I didn't see it 12 months ago, but the challenges I was facing then taught me so much about myself and my family. I know I have so much to learn and so much more to go through, but I am confident in myself and my husband that we can get through it together and as long as we have love, that's really all we need.
Anyway, the people were somewhat right about having a baby. Your life as you know it as an expectant parent is over once the baby arrives. There's no denying that! Looking back to the first year now that I have adjusted to everything, it was insane. I don't remember as much as I thought I would. There were many, many sleepless nights and days alone that I thought I was going to go crazy. Days I didn't shower and lost track of everything and everyone. When the sleep regression began at 4 months, our lives took a turn in the other direction.
I feel like sleep is what gets new parents. When you don't have sleep, everything is crazy. I resented Austin when I shouldn't have, I eventually was upset with Carson for not sleeping and not understanding why he wouldn't just shut up and sleep! It sounds blunt, but that's how it was. I'm trying to give a realistic view on parenting and this is how it was for us.
Dinner was rarely made, dishes weren't done, laundry piled up. Slowly things got out of control. Once we went through the process of getting Carson into better sleeping habbits everything changed. Life was a lot better when we were sleeping. Austin slept the entire time, but he had to deal with me. I used to wake him up when I was getting too frustrated to even hold Carson. It was that tough sometimes.
I can happily say that everything we went through was worth it. There is light at the end of the tunnel even when it seems like you're never going to get there. It's ok to be angry and upset with the way things are too. Things also get easier when I finally just accepted that I was doing most of it on my own and I had to just be strong. No one was going to cook or clean for us. I just had to deal with that.
I have grown a lot over the past 16 months. I didn't see it 12 months ago, but the challenges I was facing then taught me so much about myself and my family. I know I have so much to learn and so much more to go through, but I am confident in myself and my husband that we can get through it together and as long as we have love, that's really all we need.
November 14, 2012
Loosing The "Baby Weight"
I haven't written a lot about myself and the journey I have taken with the baby weight. It has been a long one, and I will talk more about this soon, but I wanted to note that today I offically can say I lost every single pound I gained!! Yess!! Finally!
Carson is now 16 months and I finally lost the whole 60 pounds I gained while pregnant with him. I never thought it would take this long or be this hard, but I did it. I put my mind to it and made changes, gave up things in order to work out and take the time to plan healthy meals.
It was so much easier just being pregnant and eating! haha! It was fun, but so not worth it in the end. I know now that I wasn't eating right. I may have chosen to eat a well balanced diet, but I was eating too many calories for what my body needed. I stopped intense exercise and weight lifting at about 26 weeks when I was having lower back issues. I did continue to eat like I was still working out as hard as I did before I was pregnant. I've learned a lot for the next time!
I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished in 16 months. Loosing 60 pounds while nursing, taking care of my family and myself has not been easy. I just want other Mom's or Mom-to-be's to know that you too can loose it. Just put to your mind to it and find what works for you. You CAN get your sexy body back too!
Carson is now 16 months and I finally lost the whole 60 pounds I gained while pregnant with him. I never thought it would take this long or be this hard, but I did it. I put my mind to it and made changes, gave up things in order to work out and take the time to plan healthy meals.
It was so much easier just being pregnant and eating! haha! It was fun, but so not worth it in the end. I know now that I wasn't eating right. I may have chosen to eat a well balanced diet, but I was eating too many calories for what my body needed. I stopped intense exercise and weight lifting at about 26 weeks when I was having lower back issues. I did continue to eat like I was still working out as hard as I did before I was pregnant. I've learned a lot for the next time!
I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished in 16 months. Loosing 60 pounds while nursing, taking care of my family and myself has not been easy. I just want other Mom's or Mom-to-be's to know that you too can loose it. Just put to your mind to it and find what works for you. You CAN get your sexy body back too!
October 20, 2012
Such a Happy Boy
Having a baby has changed me. I've realized a lot about myself, my husband and life. I've managed to conquer the first year and become a much stronger woman that I was before I had Carson in my life. The next 20+ years are going to be filled with more challenges and adventures that will help shape me as a person.
The most common comment I've received about Carson has been:"He's just such a happy, sweet boy!". I love hearing this. It makes me feel like Austin and I have done something right. We are both people who put our best foot forward in any situation and want what's best for everyone. We love Carson so much and try out best each day to make him happy. Sometimes we have to say no and he screams at us, but that's our job too. He can't always watch Sesame Street when he wants to... right?
The world is crazy and busy and full of so many bad things, but having Carson to play with each day makes life and the world look so much better. I'm so grateful for my family. I don't take anything for granted. I've finally learned to live in the moment and enjoy what I have. I don't want anything else. It's a peaceful feeling to get to this point. Just happy in my own space, in my own life, that I created with Austin. I have Carson to thank for helping me to reach this point in my life. He's my happy little boy and it's just so contagious!
The most common comment I've received about Carson has been:"He's just such a happy, sweet boy!". I love hearing this. It makes me feel like Austin and I have done something right. We are both people who put our best foot forward in any situation and want what's best for everyone. We love Carson so much and try out best each day to make him happy. Sometimes we have to say no and he screams at us, but that's our job too. He can't always watch Sesame Street when he wants to... right?
The world is crazy and busy and full of so many bad things, but having Carson to play with each day makes life and the world look so much better. I'm so grateful for my family. I don't take anything for granted. I've finally learned to live in the moment and enjoy what I have. I don't want anything else. It's a peaceful feeling to get to this point. Just happy in my own space, in my own life, that I created with Austin. I have Carson to thank for helping me to reach this point in my life. He's my happy little boy and it's just so contagious!
September 10, 2012
The Guilt of a Mother
This morning I dropped Carson off at his daycare and went to the gym. I knew it wasn't going to be pretty, but I had to do it. I can't believe how bad I feel when I do things like this to him.
As I was walking away from the house, I could still hear him screaming. I felt awful. I'm making my kid cry and be upset just so I can workout. Tomorrow is his first full day at daycare. He will only be going once a week while I work a full day. It's not even that bad, I'm still with him 70% of the time, but I still feel like the worst Mother ever!!
As a new Mom I think this whole guilt thing is just going to stick around, or I'm breaking myself in and getting super strong for the next one. I feel bad all the time for doing things for myself, so I just don't. I always put Carson first. That's ok though. I want to do that as much as I can. I take time for myself when I can. Luckily, I have a more than capable husband who supports me and cares about giving me time for myself too.
It's funny because I know Carson needs to experience these things, but I never thought it would be this hard. I knew being a Mom would be work, but I never expected to feel bad just for integrating him into daycare. Guilt, guilt, guilt! In the end, all these hard and stressful things just makes me stronger. Carson benefits from it too. He's learned that I come back and that it's ok to be without me for short or longer periods of time.
The guilt of a Mother....
As I was walking away from the house, I could still hear him screaming. I felt awful. I'm making my kid cry and be upset just so I can workout. Tomorrow is his first full day at daycare. He will only be going once a week while I work a full day. It's not even that bad, I'm still with him 70% of the time, but I still feel like the worst Mother ever!!
As a new Mom I think this whole guilt thing is just going to stick around, or I'm breaking myself in and getting super strong for the next one. I feel bad all the time for doing things for myself, so I just don't. I always put Carson first. That's ok though. I want to do that as much as I can. I take time for myself when I can. Luckily, I have a more than capable husband who supports me and cares about giving me time for myself too.
It's funny because I know Carson needs to experience these things, but I never thought it would be this hard. I knew being a Mom would be work, but I never expected to feel bad just for integrating him into daycare. Guilt, guilt, guilt! In the end, all these hard and stressful things just makes me stronger. Carson benefits from it too. He's learned that I come back and that it's ok to be without me for short or longer periods of time.
The guilt of a Mother....
July 9, 2012
A Walking, Talking... What?
Carson has now been walking since early June (the 6th to be exact) and each week his walking has progressed. He went through the falling stages and more timid stages, and now he just runs all over the place. I rarely see him crawl. Only to a wall or thing so he can pull himself back into a standing position.
Over the past 2 weeks Carson is also babbling much more. He really is trying hard to communicate. I've always talked to Carson as much as I could and I have noticed that he actually is starting to understand what I'm saying to him.
When I say "Let's do your diaper." he goes to the stairs and waits for me and we go up together. Same with bathtime, or he knows what walk means already. I am still shocked at how quick this past few months has gone by and just how much my boy has changed and grown up.
I've been so busy with work and life that having a chance to reflect on these changes hasn't come until now. I'm so proud of Carson. He's really smart and developing so well. He's so independent and we have so much fun together.
He likes to play games with me and when we're together and happy, it's like time doesn't exist.
I'm so greatful for all my time with Carson. Being back to work has been busy, but I have also had more chances to really value my time at home. I always did, but now I do even more. I love my boy!
Over the past 2 weeks Carson is also babbling much more. He really is trying hard to communicate. I've always talked to Carson as much as I could and I have noticed that he actually is starting to understand what I'm saying to him.
When I say "Let's do your diaper." he goes to the stairs and waits for me and we go up together. Same with bathtime, or he knows what walk means already. I am still shocked at how quick this past few months has gone by and just how much my boy has changed and grown up.
I've been so busy with work and life that having a chance to reflect on these changes hasn't come until now. I'm so proud of Carson. He's really smart and developing so well. He's so independent and we have so much fun together.
He likes to play games with me and when we're together and happy, it's like time doesn't exist.
I'm so greatful for all my time with Carson. Being back to work has been busy, but I have also had more chances to really value my time at home. I always did, but now I do even more. I love my boy!
June 11, 2012
It's been a week since my first day back to work. I am working about 15-25 hours a week and on paper that doesn't seem like much, but it's been a lot harder to adjust to than I anticipated.
I was so anxious about how Carson was going to be without me there at bedtime. I was hoping for the best, but somewhat wanting him to miss me too. He did really well for Austin for the first two bedtimes without his Mommy. No issues. It was just a normal night, but without me there.
It was so strange being at work. Being in an adult environment is weird to get used to. Working as a CSR in the bank is also a very social job. I was overwhelmed for the first few days. It was weird not being able to eat when I wanted, or even fart! Yes, fart! I said it. You sure get used to being at home when you're on parental leave.
The first full day away from Carson was also a stressful day for me. Of course he woke up at 4am that morning and woke me up too. He did go back to sleep until 7am which is an hour longer than he normally sleeps. The one day that I had to be out of the house by 8am he does this!! Really!?? I had to actually get ready for work. This is a process. Something I'm not really used to. I've been wearing lululemon capris and joe fresh t's for the past 2 months religiously. I've even stopped making excuses for my attire lately. I just don't care! I'm a Mom!
So where am I even going with all of this? I guess going back to work has been much harder than I thought it would be at first. The good news is, like everything, it gets easier. I'm now getting used to it. It's crazy how women can add so much extra to their lives and just keep taking it. Really, wouldn't it be nice if life wasn't so expensive and we could just not work and spend 100% of our time with our children? On the other hand, it's been awesome getting back into a professional environment. I feel like I'm getting my brains back. (not all of them though, I don't think I ever will again.)
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was for me to just throw myself back into my old job. I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised! I was doing it for 5 years almost before I had Carson. It's scary how much I just did without thinking. The team I'm working with has also been very welcoming. The mix of people I'm working with are so easy going and very down to Earth. I feel like I'm really fitting in and I will excel in what I'm doing.
I feel much more relaxed about leaving Carson for extended amounts of time now as well. I am now starting to think about leaving him for a weekend and doing something FUN. I have fun every single day when I'm with Carson, but I mean, baby-free-fun!
Life is a constant battle of dinner, dishes, taking care of everyone and trying to fit in something for yourself (which usually comes last, but hey, that's just something else we accept right?). The real challenge is figuring out how to juggle the important things.
I'm so greatful for the help we've received from my Mother-in-law as well. Carson has not had to go to daycare nor have I had to shell out any extra cash. He gets lots of attention from her too. Thankfully, he's also sleeping for her. This was a HUGE concern before I went back to work.
As you may have read, we had some major sleep troubles with Carson at the beginning so I was worried that everyhting I had worked so hard to make work was going to be thrown out the window. Carson surprised me and kept to his sleeping routine. This was so relieving for us.
June has been a very busy month for the Reid family! Austin's birthday is tomorrow, my sister's bridal shower is next week, and then it's Carson's first birthday the following weekend! I've been dealing with all this on top of starting work again. How do I do it? I just do.
I was so anxious about how Carson was going to be without me there at bedtime. I was hoping for the best, but somewhat wanting him to miss me too. He did really well for Austin for the first two bedtimes without his Mommy. No issues. It was just a normal night, but without me there.
It was so strange being at work. Being in an adult environment is weird to get used to. Working as a CSR in the bank is also a very social job. I was overwhelmed for the first few days. It was weird not being able to eat when I wanted, or even fart! Yes, fart! I said it. You sure get used to being at home when you're on parental leave.
The first full day away from Carson was also a stressful day for me. Of course he woke up at 4am that morning and woke me up too. He did go back to sleep until 7am which is an hour longer than he normally sleeps. The one day that I had to be out of the house by 8am he does this!! Really!?? I had to actually get ready for work. This is a process. Something I'm not really used to. I've been wearing lululemon capris and joe fresh t's for the past 2 months religiously. I've even stopped making excuses for my attire lately. I just don't care! I'm a Mom!
So where am I even going with all of this? I guess going back to work has been much harder than I thought it would be at first. The good news is, like everything, it gets easier. I'm now getting used to it. It's crazy how women can add so much extra to their lives and just keep taking it. Really, wouldn't it be nice if life wasn't so expensive and we could just not work and spend 100% of our time with our children? On the other hand, it's been awesome getting back into a professional environment. I feel like I'm getting my brains back. (not all of them though, I don't think I ever will again.)
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was for me to just throw myself back into my old job. I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised! I was doing it for 5 years almost before I had Carson. It's scary how much I just did without thinking. The team I'm working with has also been very welcoming. The mix of people I'm working with are so easy going and very down to Earth. I feel like I'm really fitting in and I will excel in what I'm doing.
I feel much more relaxed about leaving Carson for extended amounts of time now as well. I am now starting to think about leaving him for a weekend and doing something FUN. I have fun every single day when I'm with Carson, but I mean, baby-free-fun!
Life is a constant battle of dinner, dishes, taking care of everyone and trying to fit in something for yourself (which usually comes last, but hey, that's just something else we accept right?). The real challenge is figuring out how to juggle the important things.
I'm so greatful for the help we've received from my Mother-in-law as well. Carson has not had to go to daycare nor have I had to shell out any extra cash. He gets lots of attention from her too. Thankfully, he's also sleeping for her. This was a HUGE concern before I went back to work.
As you may have read, we had some major sleep troubles with Carson at the beginning so I was worried that everyhting I had worked so hard to make work was going to be thrown out the window. Carson surprised me and kept to his sleeping routine. This was so relieving for us.
June has been a very busy month for the Reid family! Austin's birthday is tomorrow, my sister's bridal shower is next week, and then it's Carson's first birthday the following weekend! I've been dealing with all this on top of starting work again. How do I do it? I just do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)