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.