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I’ve been thinking long and hard about where I would go on the Ultimate Family Vacation. I’ve thought about local places because there are some great places here in the great state of Wisconsin. I’ve thought about the east, west, north and south and finally settled on southwest, Hawaii. If money were no object we would pack up tomorrow, take two weeks off and get the hell out of here. This may not be the type of vacation you would think of being a family vacation, but I think it would be great. We would be able to enjoy the sand, the sun, the surf. Eat amazing food, stay in a beautiful resort. We would find an aquarium and touch the animals. We would take the whole family, both sets of parents, all the siblings and kids. Also, if money were no object, we’d all have awesome health and I’d bring along all three of our Grandma’s. Now, they are all in their eighties and probably unable to fly, so it would never happen, but hey, this is my dream. I can see us now, watching the kids in the sand, sitting in lounge chairs on the beach, drinking pink umbrella drinks. I can picture Sydney in a cute pink swim suit and floppy sun hat playing in the sand. The men would be sitting around a tiki bar doing whatever it is that men do when the ladies are sitting on the beach. The sun setting in the distance, purple sky, warm breeze and the beginning of a fire on the beach.
Doesn’t that sound awesome? It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
Don't forget to enter the “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, for a chance to win your own ultimate family vacation. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thirteen Months
Disclaimer: This post is about breastfeeding. Don't read it if you can't handle it. You have been warned.
Sydney latched on with no issue. She was great and knew just what to do. Until her second day of life, when she just wanted to sleep (she is SOOO like her parents). Finally after not eating for many more hours than a newborn should go, we got her out of the warm blankets and clothes and let the cool air hit her. She was pissed. But also awake. I will never forget her screaming in the hospital basinet and Frank and I looking at each other wondering how long we should let her go. It seemed like an eternity but it was probably only two or three minutes. She latched again and went to town. The first few weeks of night feedings, leaking like crazy boobs, soaking wet shirts and sheets and towels were a haze that I don't really remember. After a month or so, I decided that I should start pumping because it was clear I had enough supply. I pumped and Sydney took her first bottle from Daddy. She did great - as usual.
I was lucky to have wireless on my cell phone so for the many hours of nursing and pumping and rocking and holding that sleeping baby, I followed twitter, my favorite bloggers and researched anything and everything regarding breastfeeding, solid feeding, baby poop, and ear infections. It was a little lifeline into the real world even if I was only reading about babies.
I went back to work at eight weeks. I remember week 7 clearly. I couldn't wait to go back to work and get out of this house. If only I had charished that last week a little more...
When I went back to work, I pumped three times a day and remember thinking "If I can make it four months I'll be happy." At four months, I decided to go six. After we made it six months, the time just flew by and I don't remember couting the months anymore. We got into a routine, and sometimes routine is good. I know that breastfeeding isn't for everyone and had you asked me five years ago if I would do it, I'm not sure my answer would have been yes. I'm lucky because I had good supply, and easy baby, a workplace that supported me and an office where I could shut and lock the door. In the nine or so months I pumped, only one person disobeyed the 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Not bad. Because I had such good supply, I think at one point, we had more milk in the freezer than anything else. It was awesome. I also knew that if I missed a pumping session it would be no big deal because of my freezer stock and excess supply.
I had my moments. There were times when I was frustrated and wanted to quit, just so I could go out and have a few beers or just because finding time to pump in the day was hard or for any other bunch of reasons. But I didn't quit. And I'm proud I stayed with it. My strong will to successfully exclusively breastfeed got the best of me and never allowed me to quit.
I'm not going to lie. I sort of liked having a rack. When I had it, I couldn't wait for it to go away, but now that it's gone, I already miss it. Thank God for Victoria Secret!
My daugher has never had formula. I'm lucky that I was able to exclusively breastfeed. I'm lucky that I had the supply, support, good health and patience it takes. I also know other Mom's who aren't as lucky or choose not to. Sometimes I think I gave up some freedoms by exclusively breastfeeding, but other times I remembered that I was exactly where I needed to be. I also think that no matter how you feed your kid, the love you have for them is what matters and now how they are fed.
Birth Day
My girl and I made it two days shy of thirteen months. I officially began breastfeeding August 14, 2009. I offically quit breastfeeding on September 12, 2010. That Sunday night was the last night. Those thirteen months were a pretty smooth ride. There were some bumps, but for us it was mostly easy. Sydney latched on with no issue. She was great and knew just what to do. Until her second day of life, when she just wanted to sleep (she is SOOO like her parents). Finally after not eating for many more hours than a newborn should go, we got her out of the warm blankets and clothes and let the cool air hit her. She was pissed. But also awake. I will never forget her screaming in the hospital basinet and Frank and I looking at each other wondering how long we should let her go. It seemed like an eternity but it was probably only two or three minutes. She latched again and went to town. The first few weeks of night feedings, leaking like crazy boobs, soaking wet shirts and sheets and towels were a haze that I don't really remember. After a month or so, I decided that I should start pumping because it was clear I had enough supply. I pumped and Sydney took her first bottle from Daddy. She did great - as usual.
I was lucky to have wireless on my cell phone so for the many hours of nursing and pumping and rocking and holding that sleeping baby, I followed twitter, my favorite bloggers and researched anything and everything regarding breastfeeding, solid feeding, baby poop, and ear infections. It was a little lifeline into the real world even if I was only reading about babies.
I went back to work at eight weeks. I remember week 7 clearly. I couldn't wait to go back to work and get out of this house. If only I had charished that last week a little more...
When I went back to work, I pumped three times a day and remember thinking "If I can make it four months I'll be happy." At four months, I decided to go six. After we made it six months, the time just flew by and I don't remember couting the months anymore. We got into a routine, and sometimes routine is good. I know that breastfeeding isn't for everyone and had you asked me five years ago if I would do it, I'm not sure my answer would have been yes. I'm lucky because I had good supply, and easy baby, a workplace that supported me and an office where I could shut and lock the door. In the nine or so months I pumped, only one person disobeyed the 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Not bad. Because I had such good supply, I think at one point, we had more milk in the freezer than anything else. It was awesome. I also knew that if I missed a pumping session it would be no big deal because of my freezer stock and excess supply.
I had my moments. There were times when I was frustrated and wanted to quit, just so I could go out and have a few beers or just because finding time to pump in the day was hard or for any other bunch of reasons. But I didn't quit. And I'm proud I stayed with it. My strong will to successfully exclusively breastfeed got the best of me and never allowed me to quit.
Mashed Potato
I'm not going to lie. I sort of liked having a rack. When I had it, I couldn't wait for it to go away, but now that it's gone, I already miss it. Thank God for Victoria Secret!
My daugher has never had formula. I'm lucky that I was able to exclusively breastfeed. I'm lucky that I had the supply, support, good health and patience it takes. I also know other Mom's who aren't as lucky or choose not to. Sometimes I think I gave up some freedoms by exclusively breastfeeding, but other times I remembered that I was exactly where I needed to be. I also think that no matter how you feed your kid, the love you have for them is what matters and now how they are fed.
Monday, October 4, 2010
I Raced for the Cure
I raced. Well, not really raced, but ran. Mostly ran. For the cure.
The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure was last Sunday. My friend's Mom lost her battle to the aweful disease that is Breast Cancer four years ago. Then, late last year, she found out she is a carrier of the breast cancer gene. This year, she had a double mastectemy and reconstruction. That's right, she chopped off her boobs to save her life. That's courage.
I raced with her and for her and her mom. And it was awesome.
Beginning of the race
I was proud to be there. Proud to be a part of something huge. Proud to be part of this team.
And mostly proud to help.
I was also proud because I ran about 2/3 of the race. Maybe even more and I finished in about 39 minutes.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where Were You?
09/11/2001
I was working for a company in Mequon as a Billing Clerk. I usually started work around 7:30. I always had the radio on 94.5 WKTI (which is no longer). I heard Miller state the bad news and I immediately was chilled and froze. I don't think I believed my ears. As they kept saying what was happening, I called my parents. They were on vacation in Michigan. I asked my mom if they heard what happened. She said they were stopped on the side of the road listening to the radio. We talked about if we were all ok. I asked about my brother, who at the time was living at home with my parents. He was around somewhere, but I don't remember if I called him or not. It was all very surreal. They guy I happen to be dating worked at the same company. He got in a little later that day and was in one of his moods - he had many. As I approached him, I knew immediately he would not provide the comfort I needed and expected. Many of us sat in the lunch room and watched the footage. We were all in shock. Everyone knew someone in that part of the nation at that time. I did not. I thought I could thank my lucky stars, but I couldn't. Someone attacked the country I hold so dear. I don't remember much of the rest of the day. I'm sure we eventually went about our day. I remember later that night sitting with my roommate and her boyfriend watching the news in disbelief. We waited for the President to speak. We waited for someone to piece it together. Sometimes I think we still don't have it pieced together.
I remember that morning like it was yesterday. It's hard to believe just 2 months later, I would meet the man who became my husband. When I think about that time and how it has passed, I remember how lucky we are to live in this country. Every year, I think about where I was and how it felt then and feels now. As I watched a bit of MSNBC this morning, I realized that the feelings are still raw.
May those who lost their lives that day rest in peace. May those who kept their lives that day live in peace.
I was working for a company in Mequon as a Billing Clerk. I usually started work around 7:30. I always had the radio on 94.5 WKTI (which is no longer). I heard Miller state the bad news and I immediately was chilled and froze. I don't think I believed my ears. As they kept saying what was happening, I called my parents. They were on vacation in Michigan. I asked my mom if they heard what happened. She said they were stopped on the side of the road listening to the radio. We talked about if we were all ok. I asked about my brother, who at the time was living at home with my parents. He was around somewhere, but I don't remember if I called him or not. It was all very surreal. They guy I happen to be dating worked at the same company. He got in a little later that day and was in one of his moods - he had many. As I approached him, I knew immediately he would not provide the comfort I needed and expected. Many of us sat in the lunch room and watched the footage. We were all in shock. Everyone knew someone in that part of the nation at that time. I did not. I thought I could thank my lucky stars, but I couldn't. Someone attacked the country I hold so dear. I don't remember much of the rest of the day. I'm sure we eventually went about our day. I remember later that night sitting with my roommate and her boyfriend watching the news in disbelief. We waited for the President to speak. We waited for someone to piece it together. Sometimes I think we still don't have it pieced together.
I remember that morning like it was yesterday. It's hard to believe just 2 months later, I would meet the man who became my husband. When I think about that time and how it has passed, I remember how lucky we are to live in this country. Every year, I think about where I was and how it felt then and feels now. As I watched a bit of MSNBC this morning, I realized that the feelings are still raw.
May those who lost their lives that day rest in peace. May those who kept their lives that day live in peace.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Little Miss Muffet
Clearly, I am just like Little Miss Muffet... except for the fact that I was sitting on my chase lounge in my living room updating Twitter, when the spider crawled up the arm of my chair and I freaked out. However, let me set the scene...
Sunday evening. We were watching that night's episode of Ice Road Truckers on DVR. Frank got up to take something to the kitchen when he saw The Spider on the wall about 3 feet to the left of me. He ran to get something to kill it with, but was too slow and when he came back, it was gone. Not really, though. It was hiding behind the book shelf. Mind you this is a 6 foot tall, 3 foot wide shelf with a back. While we tried to figure out a way to get The Spider out, I decided to stand on the chair and push the shelf back towards the wall - in hopes that I could push it back enough to crush it. That didn't work. Since we didn't think of using hairspray as many of my Tweeps suggested, we did use Lysol. Which, just for the record, doesn't kill a thing. What it did do was drop the spider 5 feet to the floor. Which is where the story usually ends. But not at my house. Frank proceeded to move stuff around on the floor - school bag, his guitar case, a small magazine rack. As he was unable to find the spider, he retreated to the kitchen. Moments later, I screamed like a school girl, hopped out of my chair faster than I have ever moved in my life. Why did I scream? Well, only because that spider was crawling up the arm of my chair, about 3 inches from my arm. This is where I tweeted this. Frank then started scouring the chair and found The spider in the corner of the chair crawling down into the seat of the chair. So, this of course, prompted us to pull the chair out, and everything that is lurking behind it. After moving EVERYTHING, looking with a flashlight. No spider. That night I dreampt (not well but that's a story for a different time) about spiders. It was not awesome. Now, a week later, I am sitting in the chair for the first time with only minor heebeejeebees. Also, still no spider. I am convinced that The Spider laid spider eggs in my house and we'll have a huge mess to deal with.
Sunday evening. We were watching that night's episode of Ice Road Truckers on DVR. Frank got up to take something to the kitchen when he saw The Spider on the wall about 3 feet to the left of me. He ran to get something to kill it with, but was too slow and when he came back, it was gone. Not really, though. It was hiding behind the book shelf. Mind you this is a 6 foot tall, 3 foot wide shelf with a back. While we tried to figure out a way to get The Spider out, I decided to stand on the chair and push the shelf back towards the wall - in hopes that I could push it back enough to crush it. That didn't work. Since we didn't think of using hairspray as many of my Tweeps suggested, we did use Lysol. Which, just for the record, doesn't kill a thing. What it did do was drop the spider 5 feet to the floor. Which is where the story usually ends. But not at my house. Frank proceeded to move stuff around on the floor - school bag, his guitar case, a small magazine rack. As he was unable to find the spider, he retreated to the kitchen. Moments later, I screamed like a school girl, hopped out of my chair faster than I have ever moved in my life. Why did I scream? Well, only because that spider was crawling up the arm of my chair, about 3 inches from my arm. This is where I tweeted this. Frank then started scouring the chair and found The spider in the corner of the chair crawling down into the seat of the chair. So, this of course, prompted us to pull the chair out, and everything that is lurking behind it. After moving EVERYTHING, looking with a flashlight. No spider. That night I dreampt (not well but that's a story for a different time) about spiders. It was not awesome. Now, a week later, I am sitting in the chair for the first time with only minor heebeejeebees. Also, still no spider. I am convinced that The Spider laid spider eggs in my house and we'll have a huge mess to deal with.
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