true beauty

I hope that you are as touched by this woman's story about her battle with breast cancer as I have been.  I don't know Jill personally but Nikki is our mutual friend.  However even if we didn't have a friend in common I know that Jill's story would have just as much of an effect on me as it does now.  Jill is courageous and strong.  I can only imagine what she has been through but I sure appreciate her sharing her story with the world.

Happy Friday to you all and happy weekending. 

the anatomy of a birth plan

I keep reading and hearing that I need to come up with some kind of a birth plan.  I have some opinions and I know everyone has theirs as well.  Trust me, I know.  However I just can't decide on a few things.

The main question I get asked is if I plan to use any type of pain intervention.  I know that people that believe in natural births are super serious about it.  It reminds me of how passionate people get about religion and politics.  However I personally don't have a strong opinion either way.  I have read a lot of material so it's not for lack of knowledge.  I just don't want to set myself up for a feeling of failure if I feel that I can't handle the pain.  I would love to say that I am 100% sure that I don't want an epidural or pain medication but if it comes down to it and I decide I need the relief I know that if my "plan" was to go au-natural I will be left feeling shameful that I compromised the plan and I don't want to put that kind of pressure on myself.  On the other hand it would be so awesome and I would feel like a superwoman if I didn't use any kind of pain relief.  At this point I am in the middle.  I know myself though and I know that if my choice is excruciating pain or less pain, the odds will be in favor of less. 

There are a few parts of the "birth plan" that I myself we have decided on.

1. We have a waist-up agreement.  As in his eyes are going to remain on my top portions.  No eyes (besides the doctor and nurse) mirrors or cameras are to ever find their way below the waist thank you very much.
2. I will not be leaving the house while in labor before I have taken a shower, blow dried my hair and done my make-up.  He knows this is not a joke.  If I'm going to be in pain I am not going to also look like I should be on the cover of Star magazine under the title "Stars With No Make-up!  What Were They Thinking?"
3. If I do anything unsightly (like that thing that can happen when women are pushing and straining that should only happen in the confines of a restroom) or scream say anything awful, it shall not be mentioned after the fact.  Ever.
4. We will be making a playlist of songs with "baby" in the title of chorus.  example: Hit Me Baby One More Time by Britney Spears

Those are the things we have worked out for delivery day.  Truthfully this is one of those lists/plans that I think is specific to each individual woman/couple.  It's a miracle and an incredible thing that happens to a woman giving birth so I think it should be entirely up to her and her partner to know what's right and what's best for their family.  I genuinely appreciate all the advice I get though and I like hearing others experiences.  I think it helps me to make my own decisions.  This is my first time being pregnant and everything is new to me.  Asking other mommys questions eases my worried mind about what's to come.  I don't have a past to base my decisions on just what I learn from my friends and what my gut tells me.  I just don't want to be judged for my own choices because I have no judgements when it comes to everyone else.  As long as Baby Bloom is born healthy I have no concerns with how he arrived.

TFIG by the way!  What are your weekend plans?  We are going to the art fair tomorrow afternoon followed by the new Batman movie at night!  We're super dorks about the Batman movies and we have been watching the old ones all week!  Have a good weekend!

body confidence? or lack there of?

In my life I have never been someone that can just eat anything and everything and not suffer the consequences.  Even when I was dancing in high school five or more hours a day five days a week I was still not "naturally" skinny.  That being said I think it's safe to say that I have always been cursed with body image issues.  I have dealt with my fair share of ups and downs in weight and along with that came issues with food including not eating, eating too much or not keeping food down. 

That being said being pregnant is a whole new challenge in body image.  I feel very conflicted with my ever changing shape right now.  On one hand, I absolutely love my new body.  It's a funny thing how sexy you can feel with these added lady bumps, not to mention the thicker, shinier hair, longer, stronger nails and luckily I have had the clearest skin I have ever had in my life.  So, for the most part I can embrace my new body, however on the other hand, I do find there are days that I just feel uncomfortable in my own skin.  My waist has almost completely disappeared, my boobs are too big (cleavage in a hoodie kind of big), my belly gets in the way,  I'm starting to gain weight...everywhere. (pregnancy face, arms, thighs, anyone?)  I even went to Target last weekend and found the cutest pair of leopard print jeans on sale for $6!!  They were two sizes too big for me and I was so sure that two sizes up would be plenty (maybe even a little loose) for my baby bump.  Boy, was I wrong.  So, so wrong.  It was such an eye opening moment for me.  I have not just gained a little weight I am touting around a cantaloupe sized human that has shown no mercy for my abs or hips. 

The other side of body image that pregnancy has brought on is the fear that I will not return to my former size.  My former self.  My hips have clearly widened and that has taken six months to happen.  What if it takes six months to get them back?  What if they never go back?  What if the exercise I'm doing now and the breast feeding that all these celebrities swear by does not get me back to my pre-baby body fast enough, if ever?  It's a lot of the unknown that I most find myself concerned with. 

Luckily I have an amazing husband that constantly compliments me and tells me how beautiful I am pregnant.  He tells me almost daily how he thinks I have never looked as healthy and sexy as I do now, carrying his baby.  He's too good to me.  I also have so many family and friends that tell me that I look great and that is a sure-fire to make any pregnant chick feel good.  The bottom line is that it's out of my control.  I can only do what's right for myself and my baby.  As long and I am keeping us both happy and healthy, in the long run it will all work out the way it's supposed to.  A happy healthy baby boy is the most important body that I care about right now.

regrets

I've never been one to agree with living life with no regrets.  I know that I am against the majority on this one but I truly believe that the regrets that I have are worth regretting.  I don't deny that I wish I made different choices when it comes to certain situations.  At the same time I don't wish my life to change in any way.  Most of my regrets are not the things that would necessarily change the outcome of my life but rather have saved me some tears, time and energy. 

I regret things like hair cuts, lying to people I care about, wasting time on "friends" that I should have known were not worth my trust,  allowing ugly people to get under my skin, stressing and worrying about things that don't actually matter.  I regret these things, not the decisions I made because of these things.

I started thinking about this because I was watching The Conversation and she always asks people at the end of the chat, what they would like to tell their 14 year old selves.  It took me a few weeks but I think I would want to tell my 14 year old self to stop worrying.  Oh my, if I could had spent less time  worrying about things that just don't matter in the end I could have lifted an enormous amount of pressure from myself.  The pressures of being a teenage girl are bad enough without adding the worry of what so-and-so is going to say about me when my mom won't let me stay out past 11pm.  (just kidding I think at 14 she still insisted I come home at TEN) 

Just before I met my husband I dated casually and just before that I had been in a long term relationship that ended some what badly.  We had spent most of high school together and I nearly thought my world was ending when we broke up.  Today I am able to wish him all the happiness in the world because I remember one night after we had broken up, sitting at my aunt's kitchen table and she told me that I should stop being sad and be grateful that he showed me exactly what I didn't want in a relationship.  I remember that moment changing everything.  I had such a strong sense of myself from that moment.  I knew what I wanted, what I could tolerate and what I just couldn't compromise on.  I met my husband about a year or so later.  I slipped a few times during that year and since but I always kept my aunt's advice in the back of my mind.

My husband helped me grow to the woman I am now.  I am someone that can be sensitive, bitchy, caring, cynical and incredibly aware of myself and I have been that way for a long time now.  I've never thought of myself as someone that needed to be saved.  DJ didn't save  me, he encouraged me to be the woman I wanted to be.  I don't regret the mistakes I made in getting to this point I regret the times I cried over those mistakes.  Those tears are wasted tears and I will never get them back.  Now I cry tears of joy.  Joy for the man I married and for the boy that we made together.

guest post - mother's day interview with michelle and miss mia

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Last but certainly not least this week is my mother's day interview with my friend Michelle.  I have known her since I was a little girl and she has always been someone I've been able to look up to.   

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

I believe it has, we have definitely become closer.

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

Cherish the time you spend with your child, because they really do grow up fast.  Take lots of pictures and videos!!

How about the worst advice?

That your child should be potty trained by a certain age, believe me, they do it when they are ready.

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

Disciplining my daughter, it kills me when she says "mommy your mad at me?"

What has been the most rewarding moment?

Holding my baby girl for the first time, it made all the fertility treatments, pregnancy struggles and 17 hours of labor so insignificant.

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

Trust yourself, everything really does come naturally.

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

There are too many to name, but one I won't forget was red white and blue popsicles. Yum.

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

If we are blessed with more, I would love to have 2 more. Anytime would be good.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Having to work, I missed some first time moments and it was very tough.

How has your own mother inspired you?

She has inspired me to trust in myself when it comes to mothering my daughter.

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

My mom always helping out with activities that my sister and I were involved in, like Girl Scouts and Dance.

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I want to be able to cook like she does, she really knows how to throw down in the kitchen.

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

One Mother's Day that I will always remember was when my sister and I along with our neighbor friend, got all dressed up and did a dance to "Baby got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot.  Our moms loved it!!

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

That she believes in herself and succeeds in life. That she finds happiness in whatever she chooses to do and that she knows how much her Daddy and I love her.

I'm so grateful that you were a part of this Michelle.  I love you and your whole family.  Happiest Mother's Day to you! xoxx

guest post - mother's day interview with tracey and aidan

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Today's interview is with a long time friend of mine.  I've known her for over 20 years and grew up only a few blocks from each other.  Tracey has a son named Aidan and I can't believe how big this young man is already.  Hope you enjoy!

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

I really don't believe that my relationship with my mother has changed to much. My mom and I have always been really close. Of course as much teens do, I put my mom throw some years of hell but we always stayed close and she was always the person I could turn to. I definitely call her a lot more for "nurse answers" because of Aidan, on top of the at least once a day to call and chat. 

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

As a new mom you receive a lot of advice, even when you don't want it. Everyone seems to want to give you their two sense, from complete strangers to family. The best advice I received was probably from a stranger about potty training. Aidan wanted nothing to do with the potty, most of the time I had a hard time changing his diaper because he absolutely hated being naked, ever since birth. And this stressed me out, I thought for sure my son was going to be in diapers his whole life. I don't even remember where I talked to this lady or how I started talking to her for that matter, but she told me to try and put Aidan's potty in front of the T.V and have him watch it while he sat on the potty. I thought she was crazy, but was willing to try anything with the fear that now my son was going to go potty in my living room is whole life. It worked! And after about a week he was running into the bathroom all on his own and going! (Thankfully the living room thing lasted only a week.) 

How about the worst advice?

 I don't think I was ever given bad advice. It seems like everyone wants to give advice, tell their story and even now as a mom when i meet first time moms I catch myself doing the same thing. I took what everyone said and if I thought it was a good idea I tried it and if it wasn't I didn't.

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

Besides lack of sleep, getting back into shape, and the fact that its not just about me anymore?? When you become a mom all your worries change. The hardest part for me was trying not to worry to much about Aidan. I could make myself sick with all the worrying I do. ( I still check on him when he's sleeping to make sure he's breathing) I had to learn to worry enough but not to much. So when Aidan's right eye started to turn in I blew it off like it was just a toddler thing. When I finally did get him in to an eye doctor, I learned that Aidan's right eye didn't work and he basically couldn't see. He now wears glasses and his eye is getting stronger as the days go on. Everyone talks about how cute he is in his glasses, but he's just doesn't look like my little baby anymore( mostly because he's growing up way to fast) so my favorite time of the day is in the morning when he comes walking out of his room rubbing his sleepy eyes and for a few minutes I can see my little monster.  

What has been the most rewarding moment?

At the risk of sounding cheesy, every day is rewarding. Watching him grow and learn, he defiantly is my little miracle. 

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

Mommy knows best! Give yourself  "me time" and Boppy Pillows were my life savor, every mommy must have one! 

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

I craved snickers and Ice Cream. While I was pregnant we lived walking distance from a Dairy Queen, so I always said as long as we are walking it's okay! We went pretty much everyday. Also no one could wait on me enough, I think the part I miss the most about being pregnant is how much everyone took care of me and did everything for me :) 

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

I would love more children, and I never thought I would say that after the very complicated and long delivery I went threw. But at this time Ive been put on hold by a doctor due to some medical conditions. ( We had plans this coming fall) We have recently been looking into adoption, keeping our options open. 3 would be ideal, but 2 would be great! 

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Our biggest obstacle has by far been bed time. Aidan has never been a great sleeper and pretty much slept with us in our room. When he was just a few months old he wouldn't sleep anywhere but my chest, so we went threw co/sleeping until we moved into our house. When we moved into our house we had his bedroom all set up and said that he would now start sleeping in his own bed, he was 5 months old. I thought this would be a good time for the transition. He did really well, but he was still waking up so often to eat that when I would feed him I would just take him into bed with me and there we'd stay.( a little bit of laziness on my part) Over the next few years we had issues with getting him to go to bed at night, then after me and my husband took our first trip away without him we had bigger problems. Aidan wouldn't even go into his crib, he would scream and scream for what seemed like forever and I would give in and take him to bed with me just to get him to settle down. So this is when we bought him his first "big boy" bed. He really seemed to like it but wanted either me or his dad sleeping in his room with him. We spent a lot of long tired night sleeping on his floor. To this day it is still something we are working on, every night is a battle to get him into bed, then it takes Aidan 20 minutes to say goodnight. And more often then not I still wake up to that adorable face, that part I don't mind so much. 

How has your own mother inspired you?

My mom raised three girls pretty much on her own, while working and going to school. She inspired me in so many ways, shes my hero and I owe a lot to her. She believes in me more then I could ever ask for and she makes sure I know it. 

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

I think my earliest childhood memory of my mom, was when i was 4 or 5. She was working late and I didn't feel well. I was in bed with my dad but couldn't sleep. I remember hearing the door opening and I got up and ran to her. We sat on the couch till I finally feel asleep. To this day when I get sick, I cant help but call my mom.

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I'd love to be as strong and willing as she is. She always put us girls first no matter what.
  
What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

A few years ago we started a tradition on mothers day were we go and my mom picks out the flowers for her yard, then we go to her house and spend the day planting and cleaning up the yard. We share a love for gardening, so its a perfect time for me to ask question and she shares her helpful hints.

  
Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

This one is a lot harder to answer then I thought it was going to be.  There's so much, I wish for Aidan to live a long healthy life, to be accomplished, to be happy and to live his life to the fullest, loving every minute as much as he possible can.

Thanks Tracey!!  I love you and your whole family!  Have a wonderful Mother's Day!  You deserve it! xoxx

guest post - mother's day interview with sarah and riley

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Sarah is a nurse and the mom to little miss Riley.  Her and her hubby just closed on their new home.  Riley is already 16 months old and such a little stunner.  I can't wait til my son is able to walk and talk!   

 

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

Since becoming a mother myself I have really tried to improve my relationship with my own mother.  Growing up I was the typical teenager that didn’t want my mom in my business and didn’t want to talk to her about anything.  I am and have always been an independent type A person so it has been a challenge for me to give up some control.  I just keep telling myself…I turned out fine right?!  And I didn’t become the person I am today on my own. 

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

The best advice I received about motherhood so far was when someone told me to take it one day at a time.  When Riley was first born it was so physically and emotionally draining to breastfeed every 1 ½ hours not to mention how much cracked nipples hurt lol!  After a long night of feeding, changing diapers, pumping, sanitizing bottles…the list goes on…I would say to myself, “I made it through another day!”  It sounds silly I know but it really did work for me. 

How about the worst advice?

Being a new mother any advice is good advice to me!  So I can’t say that I have received any bad advice. 

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

The hardest part about being a mom is being a working mom.  I had no clue how hard it was going to be and how guilty I was going to feel about being away from her while I was at work.  I cry when daycare calls me and says another kid bit her or she fell and bumped her head because I feel like I should be there to protect her and hold her when she cries. 

What has been the most rewarding moment?

There have been so many rewarding moments so far but if I had to pick one it would be when I get home from work and she sees me and says “mama” and runs to give me a hug.  It melts my heart and I know it’s her way of saying I love you mommy!

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

My advice to first time moms is to take a shower everyday!  It’s easy to get so caught up in motherhood and forget to take care of yourself, trust me after a shower you feel like a million bucks and like you can do anything!  When my husband went back to work and I didn’t want Riley out of my sight I would put her in the bouncy seat and set her in the bathroom while I showered.

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

Ok I am going to get real personal here and say that my guilty pleasure while I was pregnant was sex haha.  With all the hormones and extra blood flow lets just say I loved the second trimester J 

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

I definitely want more children!  Not too many people know this but I did get pregnant when Riley was only 9 months old and I unfortunately had a miscarriage.  Although it wasn’t a planned pregnancy it was still the hardest thing I have ever had to go through.  On the day I found out about my miscarriage, 11/11/11, my niece was born. One life was taken out of this world and one life was brought into this world.  It has been about 8 months since my miscarriage and I am ready for another child.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome and am still working on is time management between working, being a mom and being a wife.  I am a nurse in an ICU and after working a 12 hour day I am exhausted.  When I wake up the next morning the last thing I want to do is clean the house and do laundry.  My priority is spending time with Riley.  So I am trying my best to balance all my roles and responsibilities; it’s a work in progress.

How has your own mother inspired you?

My mother has such a big heart and helps every person in anyway that she can.  I inspire to be as open hearted and caring as she is.  

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

My earliest childhood memory of my mother was in kindergarten.  For Halloween we were having a parade and I wanted to be a princess.  She made my costume by hand and I remember her working so hard on it.  I can still picture the crown she made for me that had tulle hanging from it.  She really did make me feel like a princess.

 

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

Growing up my brothers and I always made my mom breakfast in bed for mother’s day. Looking back now we made her some unappetizing things yet she always ate what we brought her.

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

My greatest wish for Riley is that she has happiness in her life.  I have an amazing husband, a great career and the love for a daughter only a mother would know.  I am so happy where my life has taken me and I wish that my daughter has as much happiness in her life that I have had in mine.

Thank you so much Sarah!  I love your answers and you crack me up!  (the second trimester is pretty awesome haha)  Happy Mother's Day to you this year! xoxx

guest post: mother's day interview with ele, austin and cole

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Today I'm sharing my mother's day interview with my friend Ele.  She gave birth to twin boys earlier this year.  She's incredible and I hope I look as good as her after giving birth to one baby boy as she does after twin boys! 

 Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

As the baby in the family, having babies made my mother see me as a women instead of only her daughter.  We have a stronger bond then before I had children.

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

Even though I am a first time mother, that the unknown will become known when the time comes. I was advised to trust in my self.

How about the worst advice?

Worst advice regarding motherhood dealt with when I stopped breast feeding... do NOT stop cold turkey... ouch!

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

Seeing your child in pain but not being able to do anything about it. As in: vaccinations :(

What has been the most rewarding moment?

The most rewarding moment of being a mother was after a long hard journey in the NICU... I finally got to walk out the front door of that hospital and finally it was with my children in hand. We prayed hard for their fight for life, and it was worth all the pain!

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

When all else fails to get the crying to stop... put your child in the car and drive... always works.

 What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

 Ben and Jerry Ice cream... every night!

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

Our most recent journey was incredibly stressful. We both need lots of time to catch our breath after raising newborn twins! When I say catch our breath, I really mean we'll need to sleep for a few years to catch up on what we've missed.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Going back to work has been extremely difficult :(

How has your own mother inspired you?

She has inspired me to be fun and creative as a mother. I want to create wonderful childhood memories for my boys.

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

My earliest memory of my mother is when I was in pre school. We were all given Indian names and my mom named me babbling brooke because I am known to talk too much.

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I want to be as forgiving as my mother. No matter what I did, I was immediately forgiven.

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

When I lived closer we would get pedicures and have a girls day out.

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your children?

 My greatest wish for my children is that they believe in themselves as much as I believe in them.

Thanks Ele!  Happy Mother's Day to you! xoxx

guest post: mother's day interview with sara and lyla

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Today's post is featuring my lovely friend Sara.  She recently gave birth to the adorable Lyla.  I love her and could read her interview over and over.  Enjoy!

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

Absolutely!  I think I’ve apologized 100 times already for all the things I did as a kid.  Honestly, it is so cliché but they say the love a mother has for a child is like nothing you’ve ever felt before and it’s true.  The first time I got to hold my daughter and have that feeling, it made me think of my mom loving me like that – and made me appreciate her so much more.  She stayed with us the first week Lyla was born to help out and just watching my mom hold my daughter was the best thing in the world. 

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

The best advice I received was from my best friend who told me not to listen to everyone else!  As soon as you tell people you’re pregnant they start to overload you with their stories and advice (sorry Laura, I know I did with you a little!).  It can be really overwhelming and annoying, so just smile and say thank you. Not everything that works for someone else’s baby is going to work for yours; it’s a learning process for the both of you.   

How about the worst advice?

I don’t think that I’ve really received any bad advice.  Just a lot of unsolicited opinions on how I should be doing things, i.e. do what they did.  I know my daughter child better than anyone else, so I do what I think is best for her.   

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

The exhaustion is by far the hardest thing of being a mother.  I was so emotional the first couple of weeks that I’d cry at literally everything.  And I definitely put way too much pressure on myself about every single thing.  I’m a control freak by nature and it was very hard to deal with the fact that some things did not work out the way that I had hoped. 

What has been the most rewarding moment?

Honestly, every single moment and milestone I have with her.  From her first smile to our cuddle sessions in the morning, and now her talking (gibberish) to us.  Every day I am consumed with more and more love for her. 

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

(Even though I previously said don’t take other people’s advice – this is more advice for you personally, not so much about the baby.)  The same thing most mothers say, it goes by so unbelievably fast so try hard to live in the moment with them.  Another big one is to communicate with your partner!  It’s not always sunshine and rainbows those first couple weeks (or months), you will be a crazy and sleep deprived person – so try remember to give each other attention during that time (you’ll need it).  And don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if it gives you an hour or two to yourself.  Your child will take over your life for the next 18+ years, and you need every break you can get to remember who you are and what you need. 

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

I became obsessed with beets!  I had never had them before, and for whatever reason I tried them and couldn’t get enough.  And salt, my god I would’ve licked a deer salt stick if I could have. 

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so, how many?  How soon?

It’s funny because before I would always say “one and done – that’s it!” But as soon as I held her in my arms I thought - now I know why women do this over and over.  I do think that I would like to have one more child eventually, probably within five years.  I’d like for us to get married first and buy a house so we can have more room!  But yes, I hope to have one more. 

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Learning to let go and realizing that I can’t be in control of how things will turn out.  I had my birth plan ready to go and all these ideas of what I was going to do.  At 38 weeks I found out she was breech which meant that she would have to be delivered via c-section, and not naturally like I had wanted.  When she was born I intended on breast feeding, however, she had a very high pallet and couldn’t latch on at all – which meant I had to pump or give her formula.  I opted to pump because I knew my milk was the best for her… but it was so time consuming and I couldn’t care for her when I was doing it.  It made me completely miserable and I got mad at myself that it wasn’t working.  Eventually it got to the point where I wanted to stop pumping, but I felt like I was admitting defeat and felt guilty for being selfish.  I had a Crohn’s attack 4 weeks after she was born and was forced to quit pumping because of the medication they were putting me on.  It ended up being a life saver because I was able to get more sleep and give her my complete attention.  Again, the pressure of trying to do what everyone (books, blogs, doctors, etc) says is the best thing was beyond overwhelming.  The truth is – what’s best for you ends up being the best for your baby. 

How has your own mother inspired you?

I think about how much my mom and I have been through… how many times I broke her heart when I was growing up, or when we had really good moments.  I just think of what she did during those times, the patience she had – and that’s what I hope to do with Lyla. 

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

Not sure how old I was but driving in the car on our way up to our cabin, singing country songs and stopping at the cheese store for snacks!  We did that a lot so that’s probably why it is my strongest memory

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I hope that I’ll be as strong as my mom, I know growing up there were times when I tried so hard to push her away and she never gave up on me.  She was also really understanding and open with me, so I was able to go to her with things (when I wasn’t pushing her away) that other people would never go to their mom about.  If I could have half of my mom’s strength, patience and understanding then I’ll be lucky!

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

The older I get the more I know how much my mom has done for me, so I always try to get her something small and write something to tell her how thankful/lucky I am to have her as my mom.  I know that I didn’t tell her enough growing up, but she was an amazing mom and she needs to be reminded of that.  It’s not a lot, but I know she appreciates me recognizing everything she has done for me – and continues to do! 

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

I just want her to be happy and healthy.  She is already so loved by so many people; I don’t want her to ever forget that.  Without a doubt I know I’ll be doing as much as I can to make sure she experiences as much as she can in this life.  But other than that, I can’t ask for much else.  

Thanks again Sara!  Happy mother's day to you! Love you! xoxx

ladies, all the ladies

I swear if you are not watching Girls and The Conversation you are seriously missing out. 

I saw a preview for Girls back in March and I put it on my calendar to make sure to DVR this show.  It was compared to Sex and the City.  I can see where they were going with that in three ways.  One, it's on HBO.  Two, it's about four women.  Three, it's a realistic view into how women really talk and real women issues.  On the other hand though if you're looking for the fashion, that's not the kind of show it is.  I love love love this show though.  It's so funny and I adore the real life views.  You need to watch it! Lena Dunham is so smart and funny.

I also watched last weeks premier of The Conversation.  A number of enviable celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jane Fonda, share their views about issues women face at all ages.  Amanda de Cadenet sits around her house with each celebrity in a very relaxed way, just as girl friends do and it gives you a fly-on-the-wall view of conversations about problems that all women face, even celebrities.

I can't even find words to explain how good both of these shows are.  WATCH THEM!  And happy weekending to you.  My awesome mama is graduating this weekend! Yay!  Sunday we will be sunning ourselves in downtown Plymouth for the Green Street Fair with all of the rest of Plymouth.

Ten Images of Inspiration - Femininity

I am a girly girl from head to toe.  I wear 5" heals to the grocery store and do my make-up to go to the gym (well...sometimes).  I don't need much inspiration when it comes to being delicate or feminine, but I think maybe some others might. Although, that being sad, I embrace all styles, just as long as you have some.

Ok, that's actually 14 images, but I just love being a woman and I find all facets of being a woman incredibly beautiful and stimulating.

"Women will be good for you and bring about your success.”  Christian Dior



Women In Sports

It's no secret that I am not a fan of women sports reporters.  I find it annoying to hear stats and facts from a woman.  Call me the anti-feminist, but I'd prefer to hear about sports from a man.  I pride myself on being knowledgeable about hockey, but that being said I would never get in front of a camera and try to tell a bunch of dudes my opinion on the sport.  I know that women can be just as acquainted with sports as a man, but unless you are prepared for the environment you are entering than I feel women should stick to short skirts an pom pons.

To prove my point I'd like to bring up a few recent stories in the news that make me say, "I told you so." 

ESPN fired announcer Ron Franklin after he apparently made "sexist, inappropriate comments" to Jeannine Edwards.  Ready for what he said..."Listen to me, sweet baby, let me tell you something." Following this she apparently requested that he address her more appropriately and he ended up saying, "OK, then listen to me, [expletive]."  I'm imagining that the expletive being referred to is bitch, but had she requested I speak to her differently I probably would have used c-u-next-tuesday, over bitch.  So, he's out of a job because he approached her with "sweet baby".  Wake up sweetie, I'm sure he uses slang when talking to other men, such as "dude" or "buddy" and no guy is running around crying to their bosses that he was "inappropriate"  Furthermore you mean to tell me that she never called a player or coworker anything other than his name?  Doubt it. 

I can not stand the fact that a woman enters a field that is bulging with testosterone and has the nerve to be sensitive.  In my opinion this sets women back further.  Of course men don't want to work with women.  Every time they say "hey sweetie" or direct their eyes anywhere below your chin, they are in danger of being accused of sexual harassment.  You need more proof? 

How about Ines Sainz saying that she felt "very uncomfortable" in the New York Jet's locker room, when she was allegedly being "harassed".  Ready for this....

Yep, this is what she wears to work.  To interview a bunch of muscle laden, horny men.  Apparently she has since stated that it was no big deal and that she never filed a complaint, but to make a comment regardless is so unbelievable to me.  She's beautiful and would still be if she wore a business suit or a sweater, but instead she looks in her closet and pairs skin tight denim with sheer top over a pink bra.  If that isn't an invitation for a man to look at your boobs then some of  my friends are never going to find a man.  (totally kidding about that) 

Normally, I save this kind of ranting for my husband, but when I heard this week of another man in sports being accused and fired for a so-called "sexist" comment to a woman, I though my head was going to explode.  I'm prepared for the backlash of these statements, but I hope you can take what I say with a grain of salt and realize that I am the quintessential girls girl.  I have fives times as many girlfriends as I do men, but I can't tolerate cry babies and that goes for men or women.

“Sure God created man before woman, but you always make a rough draft before creating the final masterpiece."