tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67758187675629941912024-03-05T07:05:56.259-08:00I can handle it! Can you?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-52877806010018752092013-08-15T17:43:00.001-07:002013-08-15T17:43:13.404-07:00The Business of Birth #2 - Hospital VS HomeHospital vs Home?! What are you talking about?! Everyone knows that babies need to be born in hospital! Right? No. Not right. Although my parents generation seem to think that a baby that is planned to be born anywhere OTHER than a hospital is complete insanity!<br />
<br />
But is it that insane? How is the hospital that much better (in cases that are NOT high risk)? Everything has a place, and a hospital is a place for "sick" or otherwise non-healthy people/babies. BUT, if you've had a completely normal pregnancy, with all normal results, and are "low-risk", they why do you have to be at a hospital? Why not be at home? In your own space, where you can be more comfortable... you have your own food (anyone who's ever spent any amount of time in the hospital can really appreciate having their own food!).<br />
<br />
I've personally had 3 hospital births, and for my forth, I'm planning a home birth. It had never occurred to me to deliver at home before... but then I didn't have a midwife for my first 3 children either. I've done quite a bit of research about home births before making my decision. I like lists... so I've made a pro's and con's list of each option. Here's my list!<br />
<br />
Hospital<br />
<br />
Pro's<br />
<ul>
<li>IF anything should go wrong, you're right there and don't need to be transferred (except to another room)</li>
<li>IF surgery is required, again, you're already there and only have to wait for a room.</li>
<li>IF you need pain medication, they have it on hand (and in my opinion offer the pain meds WAY too often, even when you specifically inform them that you don't want any)</li>
<li>The nurses are only a button push away if you have any questions after your baby is born (however, this is only good IF you have good nurses... otherwise it's of no good use)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Con's<br />
<ul>
<li>Not your own space, and you can feel uncomfortable and uneasy in the medical setting, which is not conducive to being relaxed and allowing your body to "do its thing". </li>
<li>They tend to push pain meds that can lead you down a difficult road filled with interventions and ending in a cesarean section.</li>
<li>They often try to rush things (this is dependent on the dr however, some are fine with taking the time needed)</li>
<li>You probably won't get YOUR dr... and will have a complete stranger that you've never even met deliver your baby.</li>
<li>Worse yet, the dr may be busy in surgery and not make it to your delivery (happened to me with my second - and the nurse who was delivering him had never delivered a baby before, and he wasn't breathing... so they had the resident dr's come in to help), so then you are in the hands of someone who not only do you not know, but they also aren't qualified. </li>
<li>They like to keep you on a time limit - one that's not always necessary.</li>
<li>You often aren't allowed to eat - if you're having a longer labour you're going to need food to have enough energy to push that baby out - otherwise you might need the help of a vacuum or forceps during delivery.</li>
<li>When you do get food, it's hospital food... gross. And they may not have anything you like. Also, what about your partner? What are they going to eat? Junk from the cafeteria? and how much is that going to cost?</li>
<li>While speaking of costs, what about the cost of parking? ($16 for anything over 30 mins at our hospital)</li>
<li>And cost of a private room? or will you settle for semi-private, or a ward?</li>
<li>Breastfeeding isn't always supported by ALL nurses, and if looking for breastfeeding help, you will almost never get consistent answers. They also only help on their time schedule, not necessarily when the baby is wanting to nurse. These can cause all sorts of difficulties at the beginning.</li>
<li>Lack of space in the delivery and postpartum rooms, makes it difficult for support people or visitors.</li>
<li>If you have older children, they are displaced for a few days while you're in the hospital. </li>
</ul>
Home<br />
<br />
Pro's<br />
<ul>
<li>In your own space, comfortable, familiar and everything that's YOUR'S is at your disposal.</li>
<li>If you want to eat... you have everything you like right there.</li>
<li>You don't have to worry about when you should go into the hospital, and if they will turn you away because you aren't "progressing enough" for them. </li>
<li>You can walk freely from room to room for a change of scenery without worrying if some stranger will see you half in the nude (I hate those hospital gowns!)</li>
<li>Your support person will feel far more comfortable in their/your home.</li>
<li>If you have other children, they can stay in the house... and their routines/lives won't be disrupted because of the new baby. I think it will make for a far better introduction to their new little sibling if they don't feel like they've been shipped off because of the baby's arrival. </li>
<li>You have the option of having a bath/shower whenever you like, for however long you like. (There were restrictions at the hospital I was at, and there were only 2 showers, no tubs, and it was way down the hall in a corner).</li>
<li>Your doula/midwife have excellent options for pain management that are easier to administer without the interference of medical equipment (I find in the tiny hospital rooms you tend to be tripping over all of their equipment).</li>
<li>You have a choice on what position you birth your baby. You don't have to be splayed out on your back working against gravity.</li>
<li>Once your baby is born the midwife places your baby on you for skin to skin contact, that helps to calm your baby, pink them up, and it's a great start to your bond as Mommy and Baby.</li>
<li>Midwives also usually let the cord pulse for longer than they do at hospitals, ensuring that your baby gets all the benefits from the umbilical cord.</li>
<li>Your baby stays with you... the ENTIRE time... unless there is an emergency of some sort.</li>
<li>After the birth, you get to stay/sleep in your own bed. This is a BIG DEAL. Hospital beds suck.</li>
<li>Also, you don't have to be transferred to another room (love those trips through the hospital, just after birth, looking a little dazed as strangers stare at you).</li>
<li>The midwife and/or your doula can and will stay with you for the first few hours afterwards. Then they go away and let you rest. And let you bond with your new little one without the constant interruptions of vitals, vitals again, questions, vitals... ect.</li>
<li>You have a private room. FOR FREE. That's huge... with my last I was in a ward with 3 other women. Sleep didn't come easy... or at all for that matter.</li>
</ul>
Con's<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you need a c-section, then you have to be ready to be transferred to the nearest hospital. Keep in mind that if you were already at the hospital, you would still have an average wait time of 20 mins before being able to get into the OR. So the wait time isn't much different, but you now have to deal with the transfer.</li>
<li>If you need pain meds, you will have to transfer to the hospital.</li>
<li>If something goes wrong during the birth, you will sometimes have to be transferred to the hospital for observation.</li>
<li>Pretty much all the cons are "if's" and deal with being transferred. However, in a normal, healthy pregnancy with no complications, it is unlikely for those "if's" to arise. </li>
</ul>
All in all... the only reason to be at a hospital is IF you are having complications. In which case, thank heavens that we have the option for medical intervention. Without it there would be some miracle babies who would not have made it. BUT, if everything is healthy and normal, then why be at a hospital at all? That's just my personal opinion.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I'm very excited about the impending birth of my fourth. I'm already more relaxed with my plan. I'm not stressed like I was last time about when I should go in to the hospital, if I'll make it there in time, what do I do with my other 3 kids if I'm here alone when it happens.... ect. <br />
<br />
My parents generation in general seem to find this idea of birthing at home ludicrous. Purely insane, and primitive. I get the "but that's why we have hospitals!".... no, we have hospitals for emergencies. When was the last time you decided to go to the hospital for yourself as a completely healthy person? or take your healthy child there? unless you're visiting someone else, you don't. Because there's no need too. Pregnancy and birth are not sicknesses, and shouldn't be treated as one, unless complications arise.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying you have to be for home births... I'm just saying keep an open mind, and do your research. You may be shocked by some of the things you find!<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-4922114878789836572013-07-30T18:17:00.000-07:002013-07-30T18:17:06.332-07:00Vacations and LONG DrivesWe recently got back from our family vacation, a 16 hour drive, one way. We have 3 little ones, 6, 4, and 2. For some, that kind of a vacation drive would seem like a nightmare!!<br />
<br />
Between the "I'm bored's" and the "are we there yet's"... Madness takes its toll. But listen closely... Not for very much longer. I've got to keep control.... but I digress... and I have no idea why that quote from The Rocky Horror Picture Show came to mind... but it seems fitting.<br />
<br />
So what do you do to keep your children entertained on long road trips?<br />
<br />
I find that less is more, and more just creates more to fight/argue about. Some swear by dvd players - I'm not a fan. Why?<br />
<br />
1. With 3 kids, they seldom to never agree on a movie, and I'm not playing several movies at once... they're a little young yet for headphones and the noise would drive me mental.<br />
<br />
2. I'm also not a fan of having them stare at a show for 16 hours... there's so much more we could be doing with our time!<br />
<br />
So what do we do then?<br />
<br />
1. Each of our kids packs a backpack that they get to have beside their seats in our van. This generally contains a few books, and 3 or 4 of favourite toys.<br />
<br />
2. I pack a "tickle trunk" (any Mr. Dress Up fans out there?!) I put a few inexpensive things in there and sometimes when we stop they get a little something from there. They don't get to pick, and they don't know what's in it. It can be anything from a new little truck, to colours and an activity book. They love getting the occasional little surprise and it buys a good 1-2 hours of quiet play.<br />
<br />
3. We bring music that they know and like. It might not be our favourite, but they have a blast when we all have a sing along.<br />
<br />
4. We talk about "interesting" things. We talk about where we are, the land, the people, the culture, the different kinds of jobs, and one that my kids seem to love - the geography - where we are, how far is it from home, what Province/State it's in, ect.<br />
<br />
5. We play strange homemade games... like the license plate game: spot a license plate that is from somewhere OTHER than the Provence/State that you're in and gain points based on how far away the plate is from.<br />
<br />
6. We play age appropriate trivia, and "I spy".<br />
<br />
Between all these things and stops for gas and for meals we NEVER ONCE heard an "are we there yet?" or an "I'm bored".<br />
<br />
And for meals... if at all possible, PACK PICNICS! The kids want to get out and run, play and stretch. Heck, I want to run, play and stretch after sitting for so long! Picnic's are a great way to do this. No wasting time sitting in a restaurant and waiting.<br />
<br />
We also have Van Rules. This is a list of things you are allowed to do. We don't bother going over what's not allowed... they pretty much know what is not allowed, and I don't need to remind them, especially if that's the last thing they hear... what do you think is going to be fresh on their mind? Perhaps they can't think of stuff they are ALLOWED to do... so they will often do what's on their mind. Wow... hope I didn't lose you there... haha!<br />
<br />
So our rules... here they are.<br />
<br />
Van Rules:<br />
<br />
1. You can play with the toys/books you packed.<br />
<br />
2. You can look out the window.<br />
<br />
3. You can be bored... yes... it's okay to be bored. If you complain to me that you are bored, then I will be happy and say "Great! That's one of the things that you're allowed to do!"<br />
<br />
4. You can sing songs.<br />
<br />
5. You can participate in the van games (license plate game, trivia, ect)<br />
<br />
Pretty simple!<br />
<br />
We had a great trip, both ways. Our kids didn't complain... not even once. No fighting (okay, there was a couple of times where one kiddo got a little over zealous with their toy and ended up bumping the one sitting beside them.... but it was a mild altercation and easily resolved!).<br />
<br />
I've had people tell me that we're just lucky that we have such good travelers. Perhaps that's true. Perhaps my kids are just good travelers. BUT, I'm not going to give them any reasons to start becoming a spoiled, I want what I want right now, kind of traveler. My kids are well prepped, and know my expectations, and they know what to expect of the trip. There are no surprises for how long it will take, and we break it up in stops so they know just how much longer we have. It works for us.<br />
<br />
Happy Travels!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-48436449462918382592013-06-17T05:58:00.004-07:002013-06-17T05:58:27.349-07:00How to Calm Down the CraziesI know we all have them... the crazy weeks, the ones where every minute seems scheduled, planned, or just plain rushed.<br />
<br />
That was my week last week. Pure insanity.<br />
<br />
Today is the last day where 2 of my kids extracurricular activities over lap - so it will be nice to get by tonight so that we only have one sport to attend on Mondays for the rest of the summer.. Last week saw sporting events, school trips, birthday parties (one for my princess, and one to attend), party prepping, meetings, and every Mom's never ending cleaning/laundry/cooking routine.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">What do you do after a crazy week? </span></h4>
<br />
I'd like to take a week and calm it down. No plans, just having fun playing outside with no commitments of having to be here, there, or anywhere. Time to just be together as a family, and enjoy each others company.<br />
<br />
Sadly, it's going to be a busy couple of weeks coming up too... as we prepare for vacation - our first in a few years. It's about an 18 hour drive with 3 kids and 2 adults (it can be done in 15 with just adults and only stopping for gas). But with the kids we like to stop and give them some time to run and stretch.<br />
<br />
So we have planning, prepping, and packing for vacation. Soccer games and practices, final swimming lessons, the ending of school, vehicle checks, food/meal planning. Lots of stuff to fill my days, never mind the regular cooking/laundry/cleaning routine with three little ones. And of course finishing a crochet blanket for a friend of the family, and trying to get ready for our new baby that should be arriving in September. Just lots to do.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping vacation will be a good time to just relax and enjoy our together time. I'm even looking forward to the 18 hour drive - that might make me crazy - but I can't wait to just sit there and not have to do anything for 18 hours!!<br />
<br />
Speaking of long drives.... <span style="color: #3d85c6;">what do you do for your kids on long drives?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-22373710991287002052013-06-06T17:45:00.000-07:002013-06-06T17:45:35.300-07:003D Ultra Sounds, Ye or Ne?This being my fourth pregnancy, it's been a pregnancy of firsts.<br />
<br />
I've never been one for 3D ultra sounds. Why not? I found that it ruined the surprise of seeing what they looked like when you got to hold them and look at them for the first time. I never wanted to get one with my first three.<br />
<br />
But now?! Well, everything seems different this time around. I don't know if it's because it wasn't planned this time or what, but I seem to be doing everything different!<br />
<br />
I had a 3D a week ago... we wanted to confirm the gender (which I couldn't wait to find out this time - and didn't even want find out at all with our last). I was actually excited about seeing our little one in there. It was amazing!<br />
<br />
I don't regret not doing it with the other three, but I am happy that I took the opportunity to do it this time.<br />
<br />
How do you feel about 3D ultra sounds? Ye or Ne? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-58080558838282648252013-06-06T05:28:00.001-07:002013-06-06T05:28:48.576-07:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8077079/?claim=eehk9nhbgd2">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-63958533046770119882013-05-31T17:22:00.002-07:002013-05-31T17:22:19.669-07:00Separation Anxiety?Separation anxiety.... for the parents?!<br />
<br />
So the grandparents call and ask if they can have the kids for a sleepover and you, as the parent, think... well... maybe.... but your not over the moon about it?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?</span><br />
<br />
Almost all the parents I know would be over the moon to have an evening and half the next day to themselves. So why do I feel so lost without the noise, the fighting, the shear craziness? Because I also miss the kisses and hugs, the story time, the snuggles.<br />
<br />
I know that it's important for them to have some "special grandparent time".... and they LOVE it! So do my parents. I just have a hard time letting go.<br />
<br />
My kids have only ever had a sleepover with Grandma and Papa - and even
that is only occasionally. Perhaps as they get older I'll feel more at
ease with it... but at 6, 4 and 2.... well.... I just really miss them. <br />
<br />
Does anyone else feel this way? Or am I just crazy?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">What's your first reaction when sleepovers are requested? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">How old were your kids when they had their first sleepover? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-31613453549018317122013-05-29T20:06:00.004-07:002013-05-29T20:06:50.480-07:00This Business of Birth #1I put #1 because I couldn't possible fit everything about birth in one post... so there will be a few "birth" posts and they will be easier to keep track of if they are numbered.<br />
<br />
This business of birth and all that surrounds it, the magic, the myth, the medicine, the midwives vs doctors.... but most of all the shear miracle of it. Through my posts I'm sure I will touch on all of these things - certainly not in sequence, and I may overlap them sometimes. But I think it's a very important topic that women need more information about, so that they can make informed decisions about their bodies and for their baby. Also, I will incorporate my varied experiences I've had with my first three children, and I'll update about my fourth as I go along (I'm due in September - so I'll have a full update of how things went after that - until then I'll post about my intentions this time around.<br />
<br />
So where to start? There is so much that can be covered on this topic!<br />
<br />
I guess I will start at the beginning... my beginning that is.<br />
<br />
I had trouble getting pregnant, was seeing a fertility specialist... ended up getting pregnant, but started to miscarry - or so I was told. This "specialist" had missed the fact that I had an ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy. VERY dangerous! 3 days later I was in major pain and ended up in the ER. I won't go on about this (perhaps another time) but I'm including it simply because it led me to the OB/GYN that I used for my first three children. She was great. Very efficient, and blunt which I liked. I wanted to know what was going on, and not have things sugar coated just to make me feel better.<br />
<br />
I was with this Dr when I got pregnant with my first baby (technically my 3rd pregnancy though). I had considered going with a midwife after I got pregnant, I called the only midwifery group in my area but they were booked. I went on the waiting list, but didn't hear back. I stuck with my Dr. Now I'm going to gloss over this a bit, but I went into preterm labour at 24 weeks and spent a month in the hospital on bed rest, was released and allowed to go home on bed rest at 28 weeks. I was told I would NEVER (all of the "specialists" opinions, and there were many who had a hand in my case) make it passed 32 weeks at best. I made it to 37. Dr's don't know and can't predict everything. I'll get into my love hate relationship with dr's after.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to the birth. 10 hours and 10 minutes long total. I went into the L&D around 6:30 pm with my contractions 2-3 minutes apart. I got checked in, monitored, they made me lay on my back for monitoring - those of you who have had back labour can sympathize with this. I was in AGONY, but they said they needed a 30 minute "strip". I was never so happy to be able to get up when they finally finished that! I got moved to a room, finally, around 8:30.<br />
<br />
This is when the constant barrage of options and opinions started flowing in from nurses and the dr. It was highly recommended to me to get an epidural. I refused. It was written in my birth plan that I did NOT want any interventions, unless medically necessary. And since an epidural wasn't a medical emergency.... well... there was no reason for them to even mention it, let alone try to push it. Upon refusal I was given other medicinal options, I can't remember them all, but they were injections to help lessen my pain. I repeatedly informed them that I was doing fine and didn't need it. They told me "oh but you will, and then it will be too late".... gee thanks, way to support a first time mom in labour!! Non the less, I held out. I requested a ball and spent most of my time on that... what a wonderful thing for back labour! It was the only thing that gave me some relief.<br />
<br />
Around 9 pm the dr came back in. Upon learning of my refusal of meds he shook his head and came to talk to me. He checked me and I was about 8 cm dilated. He said "well, lets speed things up and have this baby tonight. I'm going to break your water, ok?" Again, as a first time mom I thought that this is what "had" to happen... so I said ok. OH MAN!! That's when the real pain started! I was still having back labour and they gave me gas (the only thing that I had "ok'd" on my birth plan) to try and help me with my breathing. I was getting no breaks between the contractions. This went on for 30 minutes approximately.<br />
<br />
Now I think it's interesting to note a couple of things at this point. The Dr said "well, lets speed things up and have this baby tonight. I'm going to break your water, ok?" While that is technically a question, it certainly doesn't come across like "would you like me to break your water to speed things up?". He didn't say it like it was an option. And I didn't think it was an option. It was just what HAD to be done. Now however, I think what was the rush? Did he want to make sure that he got paid for another delivery before his shift was up? I don't understand what the rush was. I hadn't been in labour for very long, the baby was doing fine, and I had only been at the hospital for a few hours - so why the rush? Very curious.<br />
<br />
Anyway, around 10 pm I was ready to start pushing. This took me some time... 1 hour and 10 minutes to be precise. I was working hard - my body was working hard with the contractions to push my baby out. And again, in comes the Dr. - by the way, I didn't know this Dr and hadn't met him before - he's there at the end of the bed waiting for more action to happen. Things slowed down as she started to crown, but everything was still fine with both baby and me. However Dr. Rushy-rush had a "suggestion". He said "I'm just going to give you a little incision to help speed things along". Now I was somewhat more prepared for this, and was adamant that I was NOT going to have an episiotomy unless my baby was in distress and it was necessary to get her out now. My baby was fine however, and there was no need for "a little incision" as the Dr said, especially if it was just to speed things up. Since when is birthing a baby a race? I didn't understand the rush.<br />
<br />
I spent the next several minutes - I can't say how long exactly, if you've ever been in labour you can understand how time can cease to have any meaning - arguing with the Dr between contractions/pushes. I asked him point blank why he wanted to give me an episiotomy, again he repeated that the incision would just help speed things up. This confirmed that I had not been hearing things the first time. And I don't understand why he wouldn't say episiotomy, he just kept saying "a little incision", like that somehow made it more acceptable and friendly? Anyway, I flat out told him NO. We argued about it for a while. He said, well you're going to tear... like that was scarier than being cut. Not for me, I had done my homework on that and I knew that tears heal better and faster than "little incisions". Arguing with the Dr really makes for a memorable delivery though!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Finally my daughter was born, with no meds, no episiotomy.... and (mostly) in her own time. </span><br />
<br />
So again... why the rush? I found out some interesting information about that night though. There were 9 women in labour that night. I was last one in, the first one out, and the ONLY one not to get an epidural. Of the other 8 who all got epidurals, 7 of them ended up with cesareans. I didn't get the chance to talk to all of them after the fact, but I did get to talk to 5 of the 7 c-section ladies. They ended up with the cesarean because their labour's had stalled out after the epidural, then they had pitocin, then another epidural and more pitocin.... a vicious cycle that ended up with the baby being in distress and then having the cesarean as a result. I wondered if that would have happened if they had not had an epidural? I don't know if they asked for the epidural in the first place, but if that was the first thing the nurses had asked me... well... there's a good chance that it was the first thing they asked them too. And it's hard to refuse a carrot that's being dangled in front of you.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Anyway, I found that a very interesting fact. That's when I started to become more interested in the how's and why's of birth, and birth in the hospitals.</span><br />
<br />
Why was the epidural being pushed so much? Why all the rush? Why did the dr not make my options actually appear to be options? How could this have been a better experience? An experience that didn't feel as though I had different expectations of the staff, an experience where we were all on the same wave length and could work towards the common goal of a healthy, natural birth. Not an experience where medical interventions were offered and in some cases pushed when there was no need for it.<br />
<br />
In closing, options are GOOD. But informed decisions are BETTER. Know what you're agreeing too, do your research. This is YOUR body and ultimately your decision.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. And let me know if there is a particular topic that you'd like to discuss. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-78035638056687529392013-05-28T19:23:00.002-07:002013-05-28T19:26:00.401-07:00Breast Feeding.... and an Interesting Article.As a mama of 3, soon to be 4, who is VERY pro breast feeding.... I found this article very interesting: <a href="http://karamariaananda.com/blog/2013/5/27/viva-la-boobies" target="_blank">Kara Ananda Blog - Viva La Boobies</a><br />
<br />
Now I can't speak for how scientifically accurate this info is... as I didn't cross reference or research her points - but I still find it a very interesting read. Seriously... how amazing are our breasts? I think in today's world they're simply passed off as a sexual body part - it's been ingrained into most us. But they are so much more than that.... providing sustenance for our babies is just the tip of the iceberg so it seems.<br />
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<a href="http://www.northernhealth.ca/Portals/0/Your_Health/Programs/MaternalChildServices/breastfeeding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.northernhealth.ca/Portals/0/Your_Health/Programs/MaternalChildServices/breastfeeding1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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My breast feeding story started off very rocky. My daughter and I didn't have a good start. The nurses at the hospital (Lakeridge Health Oshawa) continuously pushed the bottle at us and told me that if I didn't start supplementing with formula that I would be putting her at a huge risk. Granted she was also jaundiced, and it was more severe because it was "ABO" jaundice. BUT, the nurses really were not supportive of breast feeding. This was six years ago - I'm happy to report that most of them have come a long way! Anyway, we got off to a rocky start, but I continued to try. I don't think she every really got the right latch, and some of that was probably something I wasn't doing quite right too.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">There is a lot to remember as a first time parent, and breastfeeding can be stressful!</span></b></span><br />
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My daughter wasn't patient, she went from zero to starving in seconds, and I had nicknamed her the piranha. She was vicious! Feeding her was so painful. I had milk blisters, and blood blisters. I was cracked and in MAJOR pain each time she latched to eat.<br />
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I ended up throwing in the towel and giving up after one particularly bad day. BIGGEST REGRET OF MY LIFE - looking back I would have done things differently. But hindsight is 20/20 right? That fateful day my breasts were in bad shape, and while she nursed I continued to bleed. I sat there with giant tears rolling down my face in pain. A pain like I had never felt before, and that's saying a lot because I had a completely natural birth with no meds. I would have gladly done it all again instead of having to deal with the pain of nursing her. Once finished nursing, she then proceeded to cry for 45 minutes and spit up MY blood that she had ingested.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I was a wreck. </b><span style="color: black;">I cried the whole time. This was precise moment when I decided I couldn't do this anymore. My daughter was 8 weeks old. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">There were many things that led to or had a hand in our - okay, MY - failure. Our poor start and support in the hospital, the lack of knowledge on my part, and perhaps the biggest contributing factor... the lack of support from those around me. My husband was great.... but in the end he wanted what was best for both of us and it was killing him to see me sit there silently crying while our daughter nursed. My family and friends just kept saying "why don't you just do formula? it's much easier" and "you had formula and you turned out okay". All valid opinions.... but not helpful, supportive opinions for a first time mom struggling to breastfeed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">My second time around was a MUCH different experience. To start with, I was bound and determined that it would work out this time. I was carrying around a lot of guilt about "giving up" with my daughter, and I was adamant that that wouldn't happen again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I had a lactation consultant lined up for right after my son was born - sadly I didn't have a good experience with her - but that's a whole other story. As a second time mom I had more confidence. I wasn't shy or reserved when the nurse made "suggestions" - and I wasn't shy about having a few words with one nurse who tried to shove a bottle into my son's mouth after he had just finished nursing and clearly wasn't hungry. I was no longer the unsure first time mom who second guessed her gut or her knowledge of what her child needed (at least food wise!). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">My breastfeeding experience was amazing the second time around. I knew what to expect and I was much better prepared.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Whomever thinks that telling a first time mom that breastfeeding is so natural and wonderful, and all rainbows and smiles..... WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! </span></span></h3>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: black;">Okay, that may seem harsh. But really, I think women need to be prepared for things to be hard. They need to know the realities of breastfeeding. Yes it can be amazing, wonderful, bonding.... and more. But lets be realistic, in the beginning it's HARD! It's painful, trying, exhausting, and long hours with very little sleep between feedings. But with the right support, you can get to the amazing side of things. Not everyone has difficulties in the beginning, but in my experience most mom's do have trouble. But I digress....</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: black;">What was I saying?.... oh right... I was better prepared. And more determined. I went to the lactation consultants (better ones - who actually informed me about the damage that was done to my nipples with my daughter that was still very apparent and still a problem), when I started to have pain again they suggested an all purpose nipple ointment (AMAZING STUFF, you can find out more about it here: <a href="http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-APNO" target="_blank">Dr. Newman Clinic</a>). I made it through those trying first days, weeks, months. I found that 4 months was the magic mark for us. By then my son had the hang of things and so did I. I got brave and began nursing in public instead of running back to my car to nurse him there. This was our turning point... the point where breastfeeding was less work and more convenience. I realized that this was what some of the other mom's were talking about.... THIS was the rainbows and smiles... THIS was the natural, wonderful bonding experience. <span style="color: #cc0000;">THIS IS WHAT I HAD BEEN WAITING FOR.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="color: black;">It was all of that. Now I could understand where others were coming from. It was a long road, but it was a huge achievement for me. One of my proudest achievements as a parent.</span></span><br />
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We had bumpy patches.... growth spurts, teething, a nursing strike at 9 months old. But we persevered. Even without the support of some of my closest family and friends. I was stronger this time, so their comments and reasons for me to stop nursing didn't phase me. I had answers ready for them. I wasn't ready to give this up. It was one of the few "good" times I remember with my son. He was VERY colicy and I barely slept for his first year of life. When I say barely, I mean I often counted the minutes of sleep I got. I was severely sleep deprived. I often refer to those days as "The Dark Days". The light in my dark days was our success with breastfeeding. But I'll leave the colic and it's challenges for another post.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">My son self weened at 17 months old. I was a little sad that our days were done, but happy and proud that it was done on his terms. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">My third child, my second son... we had a great experience until 9 months. Our hospital experience was great, but only because the nurses didn't bother with me at all. Literally. They took my vitals and that was it. Nothing else. As a third time mom though, this suited me just fine. I wanted out... I wanted to go home to my other two little ones.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Everything went great until he went on strike at 9 months. Having gone through this with my older son I wasn't too worried and I hand expressed and finger fed, then syringe fed. A month went by. He still flat out refused to nurse. I started to pump full time and had to boost my supple with <a href="http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-DGS" target="_blank">Domperidone</a> and my son took to drinking from a straw sippy cup. I still offered the breast at every feeding, but he always just flat out refused. So we continued this way until he refused my milk - 5 days before he turned 1. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Again, the weening was on his terms, but I was heartbroken that it went the way that it did. I was expecting something more like my other son. But this is was his terms. And so it was what was right for him. I had harder time with the adjustment... I just wasn't ready for it... and was surprised by the sudden turn of events. I was at peace knowing that I did everything in my power though. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I'm looking forward to my next experience though and the challenges and triumphs that it will present. Perhaps I will update on how this one goes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">So, Mama's out there.... if you find things hard, <span style="color: #a64d79;">YOU'RE NOT ALONE! <span style="color: black;">Breastfeeding is a lot of work, and there is a learning curve. But if you put in the time you WILL NOT regret it. It is an experience that is worth working for. Not just for wonderful bonding experience, but for the benefits for your child... and for the benefits for you. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">p.s. While I am pro breastfeeding, I'm also not against formula feeding - as you have read, my daughter was mostly formula fed. I am pro doing what is best for you, your child, and your family. Different things work for different people. I do know those who have a condition that prevents them from producing enough milk to sustain and nourish their children. We all have challenges.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: black;">What kind of challenges have you had with breastfeeding? </span> </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-77843784564754745682013-05-21T12:30:00.002-07:002013-05-21T12:30:57.071-07:00The surprise of a lifetime.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjPcKvbMb5CI2OqbJlywB11MAQSEMK4evQh_QWOm9xlYzuCCgABK2NRQWQvU0qW3GFBSWfQeyuvmgexp2Y2kbcU2NA2oeWhcLsPVUtzDDFzHPgUF5QRPAWMPwkPfgfuu-VD3j99BBl7U/s1600/surprise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjPcKvbMb5CI2OqbJlywB11MAQSEMK4evQh_QWOm9xlYzuCCgABK2NRQWQvU0qW3GFBSWfQeyuvmgexp2Y2kbcU2NA2oeWhcLsPVUtzDDFzHPgUF5QRPAWMPwkPfgfuu-VD3j99BBl7U/s1600/surprise.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
So what's one of the biggest surprises you can have in your life?<br />
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That's right.... a surprise pregnancy.<br />
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There are so many different situations that this can happen in... I'm very lucky that mine is in a very good position. I have a loving husband (and three other children), a home, and I'm in a stable place. There are much worse positions to be in. That being said.... it was a HUGE surprise.<br />
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Whenever I heard about "surprise" pregnancies.... I thought "ya right! How much of a surprise can it be?! You knew what you were doing and how babies are made!" I still think that's true... however... now I can see it in a different light too.<br />
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So how can this possibly be a surprise for us? SIMPLE. Way back when trying for our first (a three year adventure), I found out I had PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Dr's told me it would be very difficult if not impossible for me to pregnant by myself. I was devastated. I took some time to come to terms with it, and I moved forward with what options I had. 3 years, 1 miscarriage, and 1 ectopic later, we had our daughter.<br />
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Trying for our second and third went much faster since I had found my "magic combo" of having lost weight, and taking metformin.<br />
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While pregnant with our third, I knew that this would be it for us. Our magic number 3 and our family was complete. I was wrong.... but that's what I thought at the time.<br />
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So between being careful, and knowing that it was very highly unlikely for me to get preggo... it really never occurred to me that it would happen. We had things set in motion for it to be a permanent decision. We were certain that we were happy being a family of 5.<br />
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You can imagine my shock when I found out we were expecting #4!!! NATURALLY!!! I didn't know what to think. I was in complete shock. Essentially a lot of coincidences had to happen at the same time... it's truly nothing short of a miracle for this to happen. It's taken me some time to get in the right frame of mind.... it's a whole new journey this time. In many more ways than one. Things are so different when you're planning and trying for child... and a surprise really threw me for a loop!<br />
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So surprises can happen.... even to someone who never thought it possible!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-33184618325054454392013-05-21T04:36:00.000-07:002013-05-21T04:36:14.657-07:00A change in FOCUS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6IS_PFSXIT_So6VIKuTMac-3iEORpKIERyS5lBYXKrMNCSCwlhmGx4zUILCdwMU2sRlGXM96ko5MamZmhEgV89-YRGR6jcj-XfVL6TTpp5EKGLWDsW4dAqMPMSM4zxgZDwJILO8daQw/s1600/focus.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6IS_PFSXIT_So6VIKuTMac-3iEORpKIERyS5lBYXKrMNCSCwlhmGx4zUILCdwMU2sRlGXM96ko5MamZmhEgV89-YRGR6jcj-XfVL6TTpp5EKGLWDsW4dAqMPMSM4zxgZDwJILO8daQw/s1600/focus.jpeg" /></a></div>
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So it's been ages since I've posted. There have been some big changes for me since the new year and I've spent the time figuring out some things. My focus has changed. A major change. I questioned if I was going to continue with this blog or not.... but in the end I decided to keep it.... it's just going to have a shift in focus too.<br />
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This blog was originally about a stay at home mama of 3, who was also working.<br />
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Now it's focus will shift to be more about parenting, children, and childbirth.<br />
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So why the change?<br />
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Early in the new year I found out that we were expecting again. There's nothing like a new baby to shift your focus in life!<br />
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I'm still trying to work when I can, but things have definitely changed.<br />
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From this point on I'm going to have more regular posts, but they will be less ranting... well... I'm sure I'll still have some rants lol but they won't be as "work" focused.<br />
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Looking forward to this new adventure!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-32027664886690601152013-01-16T09:15:00.000-08:002013-01-16T09:15:31.487-08:00What Happened?Ummm.... wasn't it JUST November?! What happened? I blink and we're halfway through January 2013. It's been far too long since I've blogged. I think I was pushed off the wagon - must have gotten a concussion while I was at it, because I don't remember much.<br />
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How was Christmas and New Years for everyone else? Any fun/good stories out there? I'd love to hear them! It was all a blur for us - but we did have a wonderful Christmas, with a big thanks to some new friends and neighbours for their love and generosity.<br />
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Hmmm.... I feel like most of my posts have been rants... haha... not feeling very rant like today I guess. But in interesting news, the show we were part of all summer (Million Dollar Neighbourhood) has begun airing. It started on Jan 6 @ 8:00 pm est on OWN. It's be interesting to watch how it's all played out on tv vs what happened during those weeks.<br />
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I was actually in the first episode, briefly, but they showed my interview during the bank - you just couldn't have blinked, or you would miss it! So happy that we were NOT a feature family though. If you're watching the episodes (every Sunday night at 8 pm est on OWN) I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, and I'll answer any questions that I can.<br />
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Happy 2013 - and I'm sure I'll have more rants soon :PAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-84318374750481816452012-10-19T05:51:00.002-07:002012-10-19T05:56:01.248-07:0010 Myths About Graphic Design<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found this this morning... and it couldn't be more true! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy_BdgMOtYI6-IABdATKY0KhXsHPdwNf_F1wlTDH5G8EpDO6pBIzUCsg6m57Fk17JeqHN2AG43TmK6BlXXBL9h_aaJZ3AI67K2r9G9KD8bw6mN6D_Srd4AGBTi75JnU6DyWTuVo_ihMg/s1600/10-Myths-about-graphic-design2-600x2626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy_BdgMOtYI6-IABdATKY0KhXsHPdwNf_F1wlTDH5G8EpDO6pBIzUCsg6m57Fk17JeqHN2AG43TmK6BlXXBL9h_aaJZ3AI67K2r9G9KD8bw6mN6D_Srd4AGBTi75JnU6DyWTuVo_ihMg/s1600/10-Myths-about-graphic-design2-600x2626.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
Original Post:<a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2012/10/15/graphic-design-myths/#" target="_blank"> 10 Myths About Graphic Design</a><br />
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As a graphic designer I find it frustrating and insulting when someone who has very little to NO training in design considers themselves a designer. Just because you have photoshop/illustrator and you can use the programs, DOES NOT MAKE YOU A DESIGNER. There is a lot more to it than that. And please forgive me if this offends you, but more often than not, I find people who went to school for MARKETING tend to think themselves designers too. Are they related fields? Absolutely. Are they interchangeable? Absolutely NOT. I wouldn't pretend to know the best way to market a company... I understand how marketing works, and I can do it at a small scale. But I did not go to school for it, therefore I do not know the intricacies of the job.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Without the schooling....</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Can a legal assistant be a lawyer? </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Can a nurse be a doctor?</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Can someone who changes their own oil be a full fledged mechanic?</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Can someone who's read all the diet books be a dietician?</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Can someone who does their own finances/taxes consider themselves an accountant?</span><br />
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I can go on and on.... point being that just because you have a little bit of knowledge, does not make you an expert on the subject. That doesn't mean you can't share what you know, and help out those who know nothing on the subject. BUT... do not try to pass yourself off as an expert.<br />
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Please show some respect to those who did the schooling and have spent most of their life living and breathing design. I would do the same for your profession.<br />
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And for the love of monkeys... DO NOT USE CLIP ART!!! That is NOT design... and quite frankly it's embarrassing and gives the rest of us "real" designers a bad name.<br />
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Phew... guess I've been holding that in for a while.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-35335236675296710082012-09-21T08:04:00.003-07:002012-09-21T08:04:58.266-07:00How I've longed for thee....Oh sweet blessed Autumn, how I've longed for thee... with your beautiful crisp mornings, perfectly breathable air, and amazingly cool evenings that ease me into a deep and restful sleep.<br />
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Only complaint is the leaves. I don't know why when we bought this house we thought the 2 GIANT maple trees on our property were beautiful and perfect... clearly we had no idea that 2 massive maples equals about 65 bags of leaves a year. The leaves have started to scatter... I feel the overwhelming presence of bagging leaves in my near future. The killer is when you're almost done the yard, and about 30 bags, and you happen to glance up and see that the trees at still at least half full.... and you know that because you're so damn lucky that you get to do this over and over again for the next few weeks! Who needs a gym membership right? :)<br />
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Aside from the leaves.... I LOVE FALL! My kids love fall... jumping in the piles of leaves - which we have no shortage of - playing outside without melting, and best of all.... <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e69138;">HALLOWEEN!</span></span><br />
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Speaking of Halloween.... I've done a few Halloween invitations.... check them out. The turn around time to get you the design is 1 day, or LESS! You can get them printed at your nearest print store (Staples, Walmart, Blacks... to name a few) or I can order them for you through Vista Prints - very reliable, and the do a great job!<br />
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Check it out!<br />
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www.littleprintsdesign.weebly.com<br />
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Hey, for once this didn't turn into rant.... hmmm... maybe I'm turning a new leaf?<br />
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Na... I'm sure I'll be back with rants too :P <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-76077192221397916742012-09-17T19:15:00.001-07:002012-09-17T19:16:41.106-07:00Dealing with the public...Alright, is it just me? Am I the only person who notices the people who work with the public are so damn rude to people? Okay, to be fair, not ALL people dealing with the public are rude... but there are some out there that you'd just like to <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;">SLAP </span></span>up side the head!<br />
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Take for instance the lady who is the secretary at my daughters school... This is my daughters second year, and last year each time I had to deal with the secretary I gave her the benefit of the doubt... I would think <span style="color: #6aa84f;">"maybe she's having a bad day"</span> or <span style="color: #6aa84f;">"maybe she's been dealing with some difficult people herself, and is just in a bad mood"</span>. Well, as of today I've come to the the conclusion that she's just <span style="color: #cc0000;">PLAIN RUDE</span>.<br />
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Here's the situation:<br />
I'm bringing something to the school for my son (in JK) and it needs to be taken to his class. Now, based on a previous bad experience with this secretary, I now know that they don't like parents to drop things off at the class. We must drop it at the office. Okay. Fair enough. I can comply with that.<br />
So back to today... I bringing the box of stuff to the office. I have my youngest son with me, in the stroller, and asleep. As I get into the school the bell rings to end recess. I'm not going to leave him in the hall while hundreds of kids pour in trying to get back to their class.... so I'm struggling to hold open the door to the office, and drag the stroller in with limited space to move.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">NO BIG DEAL</span>. I've done it before.<br />
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However, as I'm almost through the door, I look up and see the wonderful and cheery secretary (can you hear my sarcasm?!) looks right at me and rolls her eyes and shakes her head. WTF?!<br />
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What... do you think I should have left my baby in the stroller in the hallway as 100+ kids come streaming in?<br />
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What... am I disturbing your "me" time?<br />
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What... do you find it a PITA to sit there and watch someone struggle in the door?<br />
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What... are you mad that you actually need to get off your ass to come and help someone?<br />
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YOU ARE IN A POSITION THAT DEALS WITH THE PUBLIC. DON'T BE SUCH A BITCH.<br />
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Sorry... I got out of hand there. At least I didn't pull out the "C" word... to be honest though... I thought it.<br />
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But seriously... what is this woman's problem? Never once have I gone in there for any reason and was greeted with a simple "hello". She's rude, nasty and just plain ignorant when dealing with people. I cannot possibly understand how she still has a job... how can you keep someone like that as your main contact between the school and the parents? I'm shocked that she's still there.<br />
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Clearly she doesn't like where she is... so why is she still working there? Maybe I need to offer to help her find a new job? Perhaps one where she can work from home and has minimal contact with other humans.<br />
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I won't even get started on some of the other professions where dealing with the public is a common occurrence and the people in those positions are completely inept at social interaction.<br />
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This one lady is seriously getting on my nerves though... there is absolutely NO reason to be so rude and unhelpful to people. Cheer up, or get a new job as remote ice fisherman. Just a thought.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-47694695359966195472012-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:002012-09-07T07:32:48.744-07:00Common sense is a lost art....I feel like I'm ranting a lot lately.... but seriously.... what has happened to common sense?! Are some people so wrapped in themselves that they can't see the light of day? Look, despite what you might think, the world DOESN'T revolve around you. You are NOT the most important thing in everyone's life. To your family, sure. But not to everyone that you happen to come in contact with.<br />
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This summer we choose to be part of a reality show. When we were chosen to participate, my husband and I sat down and talked about all of the possibilities. What would be our roll in the show, what we hope to get out of it, and was it going to be worth the work. I feel like we were one of the ONLY people to do this!!<br />
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People are complaining that there are "feature families", or the cameras don't come to film the stuff that they are doing.... blah blah blah. Nobody cares. This is a T.V. SHOW people!!! It needs to be interesting, it needs to have drama! Who wants to watch a tv show without drama? Name a show that doesn't have any drama that's lasted more than a few episodes? There is NO WAY that they can cover ALL of the families involved! There are some who have more interesting/complicated/sad stories, some people have more eccentric personalities that look great on camera.<br />
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We talked about this stuff before hand. We looked at our situation, and while it sucks, it's not that different from a lot of other families that are struggling right now. We're a pretty normal, boring, run of the mill family! LOL Until you get to know us :P But really, for camera purposes, we're not going to be at the top of the list. We knew this going in. We took a look at it, and came to a LOGICAL conclusion. It seemed obvious.<br />
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We discussed what we wanted to get out of it. Friendships in the community, networking, business advice, and financial advice.<br />
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It has been GREAT for that! We wouldn't change our experience for the world.<br />
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But I'm still perplexed that their are "adults" out there who whine, complain, name call, and even start rumours about others! All because they feel like they deserve more film time than others?<br />
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The producers know what they're looking for. They need certain amounts and certain kinds of filming. They have a plan for the show. A certain feel that they're going for. Remember people, it's a tv show and it has to be INTERESTING. Every week. We need ratings people! Bad ratings could mean that there wouldn't be another season. And that would be very unfortunate.<br />
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So don't get your knickers in knot. Just stop and think about the situation. Ask yourself, "what makes ME more important then whomever else they are filming right now? What would I do/how would I feel if the roles were reversed?" And most of all, be RESPECTFUL!<br />
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Use your common sense! And if you don't have any, then come and ask me.... I'll give it to straight, with no sugar coating. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-82331844347366648962012-09-06T10:38:00.001-07:002012-09-06T10:55:36.669-07:00Really?! That's what you say to me?!!!!You know when you're working your ass off trying to do everything for everyone, and trying to keep everyone happy? You use all of YOUR spare time to work on your business, you have NO down time, unless you count the few hours you use to sleep.<br />
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An example of my days right now:<br />
6-6:30 am - up for the day after being up several times with the baby in the night (although if it's been a particularly bad night, if you bug your husband enough in the morning he will sometimes let you sleep for an extra hour) <br />
7 am - breakfast for everyone, get everyone dressed and ready for the day<br />
8 am - if its a school day, walk 3 kids 500m to the bus stop, if not then try to get a bit of house work done<br />
9:15 am - husband leaves for work (returns around 10 pm), finish cleaning up the kitchen, get the baby down for a nap<br />
9:45 am - get the older two kids set up doing some activities<br />
10 am - work for/participate in the show, or work on my business, answer emails, pay bills, laundry - whatever needs doing.<br />
10:40 am - baby's up, do something with the kids - like a walk to the park or library<br />
12 pm - lunch and clean up<br />
1 pm - nap time<br />
1:15 pm - work on my business, sweep floors and prep supper<br />
2:30 pm - kids are up, snack time<br />
3 pm - play games and work on school stuff with the kids<br />
4 pm - start cooking supper<br />
5ish pm - eat<br />
6 pm - start clean up of supper, and start bedtime routine for the kids (bath, books, bed)<br />
7:15 pm - bedtime<br />
7:30 pm - finish supper dishes, more laundry<br />
8 pm - work on my business and finding more freelance jobs.<br />
11 pm - my bedtime<br />
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And heaven forbid if I don't bake every couple of days!<br />
Can someone please point out to me where I'm wasting time?!<br />
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While doing all of this.... you don't get to eat in peace... hell, you can't even go pee in peace! Everything you do, you're doing with kids pulling on you, interrupting you, fighting with each other, asking you 1 million questions. I love my kids more than anything in this world, but some days you'd like to have a minute to yourself so you could pee in peace! You don't have a second to think of what YOU want to do for YOURSELF. Because on your "to do" list you come DEAD LAST.<br />
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All of this, and then someone who is suppose to support you and back you up, tells you "if you don't have time now, then how do you expect to do anything else? Maybe you shouldn't be doing this. ("this" being my freelance work). Also said in the conversation, "fine, I won't help you or ask you about it again."<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span>. So what your saying is that all the work I've put into my business has been a waste of time, and I never should have bothered. Not to mention that you really don't support me going forward, and you think I should just quit and move on.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span> for your negativity. As someone who's always struggled with self confidence, you ALMOST make me believe that I should just quit.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span> for not backing me up and saying "I know things are difficult right now, but I'm here to help you whenever you need it."<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span> for thinking that you're the only one who cares about my freelance jobs - as though they mean nothing to me, I don't actually want them, and I'm not working my ass of to get them.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span> for not putting me at the top of your important list - so that maybe you can ASK me if I need help with something and not just TELL me what YOU think I need to do.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span> for showing me that I put too much importance on your opinion of me. I won't do that anymore, so now I have more free time to do what I love to do - design and take care of my children. I will no longer worry about what you think of what I do, I won't worry about trying to make you happy. Now I see that there's really no point in wasting my time with that, as you're not going to change your views of me anyway.<br />
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And most of all, <span style="color: #6aa84f;">THANKS</span> for showing me that if I want this (AND I DO) that I'm going to have to make it on my own. AND I WILL. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-77059846374534862642012-08-24T07:09:00.000-07:002012-08-24T07:09:05.869-07:00The End of the SootherSo I've done it. I've finally taken away my little guys soother. Why you might ask? Why not leave him have it until a later date? Why not leave it until he can understand? Why, why, why???<br />
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Where to begin.<br />
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First off, I'm not a fan of the leave it till they're older and have to try to talk around it - that has a major impact on their speech! And don't forget their teeth. Also, I think once they're over a year or so the "need" to "suck to sooth" is greatly diminished (that's just my personal opinion). So after that age it's more of a habit than anything else. And it's not a great habit to have. So why support a bad habit?<br />
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That being said, it's so hard taking away something that I know he loves and enjoys! He only gets it when he goes to bed, so I've been putting off taking it away.... I keep using excuses like, he doesn't have it all the time, he's still a baby (he's 15 months now), he won't understand, blah blah blah.... but in the end, I know that it's in his best interest to just take it away.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">The straw that broke the camels back?</span><br />
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Over the course of a few days.... he started throwing it out of his crib - and his soothers the "soothies" and they BOUNCE.... like crazy... I don't know how many we've lost because of this! So yes, throwing it out of his crib, so that I would go back in and get it for him. Not to big of a deal at first. He did 2-3 times and then would go to sleep. Well, it got worse. The day I took it away, this had been going on for over 30 minutes! I felt like if he was throwing it away then he must not really want it that much. I had just had it with it taking him so long to go to bed.... just because he would purposely throw it out and scream until I gave it back.<br />
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That was it. I took them all away - and hid them. The first day was a nightmare. I so wanted to give in... but then where would I be? In the end I know that not having the soother will be better for him, so I can be strong, and be there for him while he's upset.<br />
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His first nap he screamed for an hour.... he was MAD!! I held him, and rocked him, and sang to him to help calm him down. I could never just leave him in his crib screaming. I think that's just mean... and honestly a little neglectful. If I'm taking away his main source of comfort, then I need to help him find another way to comfort himself. So we snuggled, and I sang to him until he fell asleep. The same for his next nap, and bedtime. The next day was a little better, it didn't take him so long to fall asleep. I changed what I did a little.... I would hold him and sing still, but just before he would fall asleep I would put him in his bed. That would start screaming all over again. LOL But I would stand there and continue to sing and rub his back until he fell asleep. About 20 mins or so.<br />
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Today.... day 3..... we are back to normal. I lay him down in his bed, he turns over and plays with his bear and blanket, and falls asleep. No soother. Just a happy boy :)<br />
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Was it worth it? <span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;">YES!!</span> A million times yes!<br />
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Oh... and in all honesty, I think it gets harder the older they are. First of all, the longer they use it the longer they have to form/ingrain the habit. Secondly, things are much harder to take away when they understand what you're doing. They ask questions that are very hard to answer, and they play the guilt card VERY well. They also have a great memory, and will keep asking you about it - long after 2 days! It's so much harder when they are older.<br />
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If anyone else out there is doing this soon... I wish you luck! And once you take it away, don't give in and give it back. It will take away from all the work you've done thus far! And then they know that you'll give in, and they will use that to their advantage.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Good Luck and Happy Parenting!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-33383529284000460082012-08-23T07:46:00.002-07:002012-08-23T07:46:27.547-07:00Oh the craziness!Some days I wonder what the hell I was thinking.... lately that feels like EVERY DAY.<br />
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This summer has been.... can you say.... unique. We have/are taking part in a show called Million Dollar Neighbourhood. First off, it's been a ton of fun. Secondly, it's been an insane amount of work! On this, I say... WTH was I thinking? But ya, I've been handling it. Today, we have 2 appointments... One being a teaching session about a program I can use for my new business adventure (did I mention that I'm starting up my own business?!?! Yep, I'm doing this while taking care of the kids, the house, meals, the show, and whatever else it is I do! Check it out: www.littleprintsdesign.weebly.com) But I digress... again. What was I saying? Oh yes... today... 2 appointments/meetings... right, with 3 kids in tow. Pray for me? :P<br />
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I feel like I'm trying to work 3 full time jobs... all at the same time. Any wonder why I forgot to eat breakfast today!! <br />
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Yesterday was two bushels of Roma tomatoes, some pots, a knife, and water.... yep... making stewed tomatoes (if you've never tried it, try it this year.... OUTSTANDING). That took all day, then rushed home for a photoshoot with the kids down at the creek. Left the house at 9am, got home at 8pm. Got through it.<br />
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Will post some of the pictures when I get them back, as well the photographers website - she was outstanding with the kids - got some smiles even though they were way passed tired and just generally grumpy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775818767562994191.post-78198797666810989182012-08-04T12:42:00.000-07:002012-08-04T13:03:34.813-07:00Where I'm at.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a mommy of 3... ages 5, 3.5 and 15 months. Yes I'm busy... who wouldn't be?! But ya, I can handle that. Besides being mommy and all it entails... I'm also a freelance designer, and working on my own small business... littleprintsdesign.weebly.com check it out :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06559194674542454149noreply@blogger.com0