Confessions from an Organizer

I LOVE to organize but have to admit I’m not organized person! I love buying baskets, dividers, Pinning (love Pinning) organizing ideas, redoing my closet…but I really like to throw stuff on the floor and pile items on my dresser. Now I have to give myself credit over the years I’ve gotten better. I no longer sleep with my freshly washed laundry sitting at the foot of my bed (now it just stays in the dryer until I’m ready-don’t judge *smile*). I don’t have a junk drawer (probably because it just sits on the dresser now). I don’t have a pile of mail to go through (mostly thanks to calling so that they can’t send unsolicited mail for another 5 years). Yet on a daily basis I just throw things around. I guess the biggest part of my organization has been to stop bringing new items in to the house and to get rid of those that I don't need, use, or love, but the idea of "a place for everything and everything in its place" still eludes me.

 

With a new baby, I find myself wanting to spend as much time as possible with her and less about organizing. Yet I have to admit our space is more limited with the little one running around so it becomes more important to keep it organized (and clean since she likes to put everything in her mouth-I'm sure my moms out there know what I'm talking about). I also want her to have joy in a clean home and know how to organize (and keep it organized). We’ve made a pact that the living room will be cleared of everything that is not for the living room every night and we’ve gotten better. As part of that pact we stated that the other person cannot get angry when they are “reminded” to put their items away and so far so good. We’ll see how long it lasts!

 

Do you consider yourself an organized person? Do you find yourself having to reorganize often? I can’t possibly be the only person who finds it difficult?

 

 

 

ReDefining Myself

Now that I’m a mom redefining who I am has become really important to me. I think it is important for all moms to look at themselves and make sure that they are comfortable with who they are and the role they play in the world, not just at home. For me, life itself has been about transitions. During college I was always a party girl and my wardrobe has transitioned as I have become a professional woman, a married woman, and now a mom. Having a daughter plays a big role in that because I believe that children see themselves in their parents, especially the same gender. I’ve gone through a LOT of transitions (I'm almost a new person) in my life but this is the biggest one. My frugal side took over during my pregnancy so I wore my pre-pregnancy clothes as long as I could during my pregnancy. Needless to say they are all stretched out so what better excuse to go shopping! *sneaky smirk*

 

The interesting part is how not only my style changed, but my view of the world did also. I didn’t wake up one day and say I want to be a different person I just was. Things that used to interest me don’t anymore. Unfortunately this has also made its way into my friendships. As a mom you see people in a different light. You look for qualities that you hope your child will pick up and start to notice the ones you’re not too fond of. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have my fun side, my husband and I have a great time when we’re alone but it is completely different from the fun we have with the baby around. I told a co-worker the other day that my goal is for my child to one day say “no way did MY mom do that” when she hears a friend or family member share a crazy story. I guess we’ll see how it goes!

 

Have you seen a great change in yourself as your life has transitioned? Is there anything you’ve regretted giving up in the process of change?

 

The End of an Era

My little one is getting bigger and I’m in the process of weaning her from breastmilk. When I first started breastfeeding I hated it!!! I always had to stop what I was doing to feed her. It was especially annoying when her dad would point out that she was hungry. Grrrrr…

Now, I can look back and say it has been an enjoyable experience. As part of my job we encourage mothers to breastfeed. I know, I know there is a big debate going on in the world today, but for me it was something I was determined to do. Believe me it wasn't a fun experience in the beginning. She spent the first week latching on with her gums rather than her tongue prior to having it clipped (she was born tongue-tied). But I was glad I continued.

So all in all I found a real treasure in breastfeeding. I know some people are against it, some people overdo it, and some people have a hard time but looking back it has been such a rewarding experience for me.

-  It helped me lose ALL of my pregnancy weight,
-  I had a lot of down time (Can’t do anything and hold a breastfeeding child *Yay*)
-  There is a certain closeness you get when you breastfeed that I couldn’t imagine getting any other way
-  Did I mention we saved a LOT of money?!! I get teased at work because I boil the babies water instead of buying bottled so you know I loved this part!
-  She now has less risk for allergies, obesity, ear infections (Thank God!) and all of the other of benefits (please see link for helpful information about breastfeeding) she received by being breastfed.

 

But all good things must come to an end. I knew early on that I would be stopping at 6 months and well it is finally here. *sad face* Even though I have a feeling of sadness as this time passes with her growing I know I can’t do it much longer. Now the little one is squirmy and interested in everything but being still and eating. She’s getting bigger and it just isn’t as relaxing as it used to be for either of us. Lucky for me she has taken well to formula, is eating solids and is already holding her bottle.

 

 

Stop Child Abuse

Those of you that have visited the site before will see that I've added the Stop It Now! badge.

Stop It Now!^® prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. Visit our Ask Now! Advice Column for guidance and resources for concerns about child sexual abuse.

With the Sandusky scandal still in the headlines it has brought child sexual abuse back to the public.
Stop It Now!! is a great resource for parents, teachers, coaches, social workers or anyone else who comes in contact with children to know how to prevent child sexual abuse. They offer trainings via webcast and have an advice line as well.

It is up to us to help prevent child abuse and knowing what to do and say is the most important part we play. If the Sandusky trial has taught us anything it is that anyone is capable of sexual abuse, no matter how great they look in public and it takes people willing to stand up for children to stop it from happening.

Want this badge?

Getting back to your own childhood

I have always loved paper crafts. My mom got something new made out of paper EVERY holiday. Paper picture frames, flowers, cards, paintings, you name it she got it. As I grew older I got away from making my creations. Life got in the way.When the baby was born I moved all of my crafts into the garage to make room for her and since then I’ve been spending my free time watching TV or sleeping. Recently, I rediscovered this joy by just spending a couple of hours over the weekend with my Modge Podge, magazines and a composition notebook. I’m no Martha (which I'm actually pretty happy about) but I did a great job of mixing words with pictures and creating a masterpiece (at least I think so). 

 

It is nice to take time out every once in a while to just enjoy those things that make your heart sing. I’ve come to understand that along with my gym-time I also need to dedicate a little craft-time to myself in order to better take care of myself and my family. It’s funny how a spur of the moment decision sparked a bit of happiness in my heart. Who knows maybe next I’ll find a tree to climb…or maybe not I’m not as agile as I used to be. *smile*

 

What are some things that you enjoyed as a child that you have shied away from now that you are older and have more responsibilities? Do you plan to return to them?

 

 

 

The Registry Dilemna

So how many of us spent hours on our pregnant, swollen feet to do our registry for only 4 people to even look at it!?! I know I did. I bring this up because I had a conversation with a friend of mine who recently completed her registry and she has prided herself on never buying from someone’s registry. Well those 3 hours she spent in Baby’s R Us changed her forever. Lesson Learned.

As for my registry the only smart thing I did was not waste my time scanning ANY clothes. I knew my audience and new they wouldn't buy anything I picked out anyway. A lot of my closest friends have boys so I knew they would go on a shopping spree with the chance to shop for a girl! My only rule was not to buy EVERYTHING pink. Yes, I like pink but geeze! I'm against the whole girl=pink/boy=blue idea (more on that later). If you're planning to buy items not on the registry please, I beg you for all future mother's: Get a Gift Receipt!!! No one should ever be stuck with 30 baby washcloths!

While we're talking about registries, why are they only for those time in your life when you don't have any idea what you may need (weddings, first child, first home)? I'm just saying! :0)

Butterfly Wreath-EIlinee's Journal

So I'm just learning about all the gadgets and gizmos blogs have to offer like featuring another bloggers wonderful work, so please forgive me if the link doesn't work.

While out looking through the blog world of crafts (where has Pinterest been all my life) I came across this wonderful wreath. The theme for my daughter's nursery is butterflies so what better to hang on her door than a wreath made of butterflies. I can't wait to share my version of this with you all.

The Butterfly Wreath wasn't the only wonderful find on Ellinee's Journal. Her blog is full of beautiful ideas for the home. As an added bonus she includes a free printable of the butterflies.

Introductions

Welcome to my blog!
This is my first blog and I am so excited to have an outlet to share the wonders of being a first time mom. Before having her I though I was ahead of the game based on my own experiences:  

1. I've always been around children because I have nieces and nephews almost my age. In other words I've been a babysitter most of my life.
2. I have been blessed to be a godmother to several children whom I helped potty train, teethe, walk, crawl, etc.
3. I am trained in Promoting First Relationships and TouchPoints as well as other parenting strategies.

SURPRISE! having your own child is totally different! None of this prepared me for the day to day revelations I would have with Baby C. I have learned a lot since she was born. Having her around has helped me be more observant to the nuances of the world . I have begun to question a lot of things people, including myself, do on a daily basis. With all the people I have met in my life she is definitely going to leave the biggest footprint.

I hope that the things I discuss will be relevant to your life or at least amuse you in some way. I feel like I am just another mother trying to figure out how not to ruin my child.

I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do and please feel free to share your comments and questions with me.