tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28552371743773451762024-03-14T03:39:56.172-07:00Once Upon A New TimeAlways Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-79779467724083975392020-04-24T10:44:00.001-07:002020-04-24T10:59:38.890-07:00What is safety?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is my safety?<br />
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As so many things in the world, the concept of safety is relative. All determined by your personal worldview, and standards of your life. If you compare living conditions all over the world it is most likely that you will find a huge amount of the population living the conditions you might consider "unsafe". And they may say the same thing about you. Being safe can mean a multitude of different things to different people.<br />
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Safe means....<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost</span><br />
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Even before coronovirus were we ever truly safe?<br />
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When I first became a parent I was overwhelmed and filled with tensions about just how many ways and things can be hurtful or unsafe for my baby. Just ask google, or your mom friends and on any given day you will hear another story of a friend's friend, or an article or a personal experience of some way a child got killed or seriously injured... it sucks. But its true, everything from improper car seats, choking, falling off a couch, being exposed to a horrible illness, cancer, malnutrition, allergic reaction to a diaper cream, whooping cough.. and the list goes on and on... this list builds as children get older... if you ever wonder if a child has gotten seriously injured or killed by doing anything... they have. Just google it- actually don't- it truly sucks. Fallen off a playground, yep. All day, every day and in every way we live our lives where there are thousands of awful things that could happen or may happen to our children.... even before we have the baby, women still die in childbirth... everyday, infants are still born... these awful things happen, and although less now, women still are aware of these risks and yet people still have babies. Despite the risk of what it could do to you and what may eventually happen to your child someday.. we still have them... we do...<br />
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Lets say you have a condition that makes you higher risk during your pregnancy. You are aware of that risk and decide to either try to have a baby or not. If we wanted to eliminate anyone ever dying in childbirth or having a child get seriously injured, we could simply eliminate the risk and never have children. And you have every right to decide the risk is too high for your family.<br />
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Something I also discovered early on in my motherhood journey is that I simply cannot worry about everything... I can't. You can't. If we did we will go mad with anxiety and worry, The truth is, we have no idea what will happen, we could all die a million different ways every day. I chose to worry about what I can, and accept what I cannot in terms of what happens to me and my child. I can't and won't live in fear that everyday I could die- which is 100% true- from tons of things. As could my child.<br />
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Every single thing we do is a calculated risk... anyone who says otherwise is simply lying.<br />
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Riding a bike... so low chance of serious injury, but large one for minor injury. Even if our child wears a helmet they could -and might- fall off in just the right way at just the right speed and hit their head and die...don't google it, but its true and has happened. Just because we all realize it is not likely- its still possible . Then we as moms, take this info, and weigh it against the fun, enjoyment and exhilaration that riding a bike brings... we weigh the risk versus the life experience and say the good out weighs the bad in probability so were gonna teach our kids to ride a bike. (probably)<br />
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The argument I hear mostly today is, well this current situation is different because you could make other people sick and die and that is not your choice to decide if you want to risk that. OK, lets say that's true. Lets say I could have this virus for 2 weeks, or forever, who really knows at this point, and never have any symptoms or anyone in my family (which I am still confused why this is a bad thing, shouldn't we be so happy that a majority of people are asymptomatic?) but anyway, lets say I do. I'm out there living my life going to the grocery store, breathing fresh air and hanging out with friends. And then someone I know gets sick? Then what? What do they do? They stay home, and have this illness that sucks and try to get better soon. Then they get better as in all likeliness they will. They come out, and start hanging out again....life y'all. Also, they become one more person with antibodies who can continue life in the economy and contribute to herd immunity. That should be praised! - Those people who are out, are also accepting the risk- so we all get it.<br />
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If someone does not wish to risk that- they stay inside- and isolate- therefore I am not around you or your mom/dad and have no risk to get you sick. If you don't want to get someone you love sick- keep them away from society. Problem solved.<br />
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You have the right to protect your and your family from this illness by staying inside- I have the right to live my life fully and take this minimal chance.<br />
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Well, what about people with underlying conditions. Again, If you have a higher risk of becoming extremely unwell, you have every right to decide the risk is too high for you. Yes you do. You can stay inside and isolated, if the risk for you outweighs the enjoyment of living life, yes stay isolated and "safe" from me. -not sarcasm- 100% do it! You do what is best for you and I will do what is best for me.<br />
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I don't want to unknowingly kill someone and I don't want someone to unknowing kill me or my family. But its a risk I'm willing to take... someone could easily kill me and my family- without meaning to- every time I get into the car... I don't want it to happen. I take precautions, we wear seat belts, I don't text and drive and try to be aware of my surroundings, and I want others to do the same. In the same way as I do with an illness. I don't cough on people, I wash my hands and try not to touch my face, and try not to spread germs. I am aware that in both scenarios I could accidentally injure someone..... Its a risk. I accept it, and so do the other people out there. If you don't ever want to die in a car crash... its simple, don't ever get into a car. If you don't want to die from a virus- of any sort ever- never go outside. Its your life... You don't want ever have to worry about the guilt of accidentally hurting someone in a car crash either...you have every right to determine that your safety- and the possibility of what you could do to others- trumps being able to experience things and see new places- 100%.<br />
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But because you determine that its too dangerous for you to drive, you CANNOT take away my right to drive and right to decide if I and the other people out there want to risk it living life to the fullest or simply being alive.<br />
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Take precautions yes, sure, Cornovirus is an added risk, it is, I can't deny it...but I've weighed my options, will take precautions and decided it is a risk I am willing to take. The risk is there, for sure, but the risk of me losing my mental state, or ability to be a good mother or tell my kids that it's better to always be safe rather than sorry, is something that is of higher value to me. I will not tell my kids, that safety is the highest concern in life no matter what... I simply won't y'all. You have every right to tell your kids that. You have every right to teach them that taking no chances, and doing absolutely everything "safely" is the way to have a best life.... You can. I won't. Even if everyone stays inside for months and months, this virus is not going to magically disappear... it's out there. We must find a way to live with it, instead of avoiding life because of it. Even if a vaccine is made, and you decide you want your child to get it, the virus will still be there y'all... and getting a vaccine is also a risk... so... life is all about risk. You decide yours and I decide mine.<br />
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Simply being alive does not make a life worth living.<br />
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SO when will it be safe?<br />
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Never. You will never be safe from the world... none of us will get out of this alive...you consider what is important to you and live you life according to your version of safety. And I will live mine. A world where we avoid every single risk, is a life not worth living... if you never take a risk... you never get a reward- or even a life...<br />
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Also, in terms of safety... I feel less safe now than I have have before in my life. And not because of the virus, but because of the way people treat people and the situation we have now deemed an acceptable way to live. You go to the grocery store, you get scowled at, no one talks, or even looks up, its scary. People shame your for bringing a child out of your house. People feel vindicated to call the police on someone who is not wearing a mask walking down the street. This type of world that we have allowed to happen while trying to mitigate COVID risk scares me one thousand times more...I fear the world I am setting my child up to live in. The world where people ingrain into their children that playing with their friends could unknowingly kill them... y'all... wow. The world where fear rules the thoughts and minds... fear of getting sick, fear of getting someone else sick, fear of getting shamed for having a different opinion, fear of wanting a different life....<br />
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I want a safe world for myself and my children just like you do. I want this virus to magically be gone and no one to die from horrible things ever again. I truly do! I believe in working towards this goal, but also accepting the fact that we are never truly safe, and we never will be. No one can ever look you in the eye and say your won't sporadically die from a paper cut... they can't. But, if you live your life avoiding every way you could ever be injured...what kind of life are you living?<br />
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<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-54100233913864702752020-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:002020-04-13T17:25:48.259-07:00I'm not ok...<br />
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All of a sudden, I am non-essential. About a month ago I was told by the government that my lifestyle was too risky, to be lived, it was determined for me. My lifestyle of living involved taking kids to sports practice and school, helping other moms out carpooling, taking my child to speech therapy and hanging out with friends at the park. We went to libraries, drove to gardens, and discovered new things. This was my life, I worked from home a few hours, went to church, was planning life events, Easter parties, going to grad school, working on my career and letting my kids run, jump, discover, enjoy and experience life. I am a let's go do it-type mom. I am not a Pinterest, organized three-hour activity mom. I am not a home school mom. While I love that some are, it's not me, and I was fine with that fact. I loved having things to do, I loved having things for my kids to do. Yet, everything that made me “Me” and what I did and enjoyed was taken away, without any thought or any one asking me if I considered it worth the risk. <br />
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Here’s something you may not know about me, I suffer from anxiety. It’s not a secret and really I will tell anyone who asks, but I don’t shout if from the rooftops. It is/was very well controlled. I managed it by accepting it was there and doing what I need to do. I took breaks from things, I kept busy because that helped me focus on other things. I exercised, got sunshine, had time with friends. I prayed. I took deep breaths and breaks from my kids when needed. I got out of the house. I worked on projects and did things I enjoyed because it made me feel good and needed. I know what I am good at and what I am not. Now though, that is all gone. Where the world used to care about maintaining my mental health, it is now not essential. I am on the back burner and all my “problems” aren’t as important because there are bigger problems. I am not saying people should care about me and not COVID, I am just saying, I am being severely affected by this isolation-in many ways. In many bad ways y’all. And I know a LOT of other people are feeling the same, but are scared to say anything publicly, because you get pinned with the “selfish” title or the “your life isn't that bad, it could always be worse” title. I want to change that. While, I admit yes, my life could always be worse, that argument is invalid, because life could ALWAYS be worse, no matter what is happening, there is always a way to make it worse, so because of that we aren’t allowed to have feelings or sadness? No.<br />
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Also, I am extremely thankful for what I have. I have a husband who has a steady income. I have two cool kiddos that I love tremendously. I am thankful for what I have and can see that I do have more than others, but that doesn’t make what is happening not devastating on my life and me as a person. I am aware of the things I do have in my life, and I thank God for them daily.<br />
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I realize this is not everyone’s perspective. Some people still lead a relatively normal life. You may be an essential worker, or even a nurse. You get up, go to work, and you have a purpose. Your purpose was not deemed not important enough. Like mine. You are getting to help, to make a difference, you might even love it. You are important enough to keep on living and doing what you enjoyed. The entirety of my life has been wrapped up into -”your job is to stay home” and that's it….nothing more/no choice.<br />
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Others might simply be working from home and can’t understand why it is so hard for others not to just “stay home’. Maybe you don’t have kids, or they are older, and being at home with your spouse/family or even alone is relaxing. You are relishing the “slow-down” world and you get to binge watch Netflix shows, re-organize your closet, sleep a bit later and basically take a break. I can imagine that doesn’t seem all bad. You are probably frustrated that others-like me- simply can’t stay home and be happy for the good of the community. You are doing it and it’s fine, but it’s not fine for me.<br />
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Your perspectives are valid, and if I were in your shoes, I would likely feel the same. But, not everyone is feeling that way. Not everyone is in your shoes. Not everyone loves the world where basically what they did is no longer even relevant. I'm told, I must home school, I am told I must make the best of it and be happy. I am told I must keep my kids inside and not let them use the playground because someone deemed it too risky. I am told that everything and every way I lived before is selfish….and in a blink of an eye, I simply have to be ok with it for the greater good….I have to be ok living in a world that I hate with no chance of ever making it better. Repeatedly I hear “well, there is nothing you can do about it…” and wow y’all, if that statement doesn’t take your breath away… I don’t know what will.<br />
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When I was a child, we were middle class. I never once was scared we couldn't afford food or necessities. But, I did realize there were people with way more money. Some people got new clothes a lot, and new cars at 16. I didn’t. We went out to eat maybe twice a year and went to buffets so we could “make it count” for lunch and dinner. In all honestly we had 6 kids in my family so I get that was crazy expensive ha. My point is, I didn’t grow up extremely privileged, did I have more than some, yes, but I wasn’t coddled and given all the opportunities in the world. Despite this, I never once thought I couldn't do something. Anything I wanted was at my fingertips and I never doubted it. The catch was that I also knew to be or do anything, took a TON of work. I knew I could get straight A’s, but it would take a lot of studying. I knew I could be better than my sister at softball, but it would take thousands of hours of practice to get there. I was comfortable knowing I was capable of anything, if I just worked hard enough. Whether or not I wanted to work that hard was not the point, I knew I could.<br />
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This thought process has followed me all my life, until now. The mentality I grew up accepting, is simply gone. For the first time in my life I am being told I actually CAN’t do anything. I don’t have opportunity-the right, I don’t have a say, I can’t change my circumstance, I can’t speak up, I can’t leave my house without a mask. My identity is gone….<br />
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A huge thing I hear people saying after I admit my feelings is this: “ It’s just temporary. Soon, this will all be over and we can get back to normal, just hang in there”. While I understand the good intentions of saying this, and also people just don’t know what to say, I simply can’t get onboard with this ideal. People don’t want to hear, “It won’t ever actually be over”, “old normal will never exist again”, “there will be no ‘life’ to get back to if we continue on this way”. I get it, people cope how they cope and hearing this is too depressing, no matter how true it may be.<br />
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I have decided to stop being silent on how I feel. You may not feel this way, and that's fine, but I do, and I am tired of people saying I'm not allowed to- for the safety of public health- feel this way. I feel what we are doing is a mistake. I feel that millions are being negatively affected, weather it be mentally, financially or another way by this "distancing". People say "no life is worth risking" well, at what point do we consider all the lives we are harming by this shut down? Why are the lives lost from COVID more important than the lives lost from its self induced life shut down?<br />
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I have to stand up for myself, no matter how unpopular... someone has to speak up and look out for those of us suffering, because we are y'all... and if I could get an honest tally, I would say the number of people who are suffering from mental illness alone right now because of this isolation, is in the millions....the millions....<br />
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When does my life/those suffering count again? Or will it only matter if I contract COVID?<br />
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<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-33490622287920975332015-11-08T12:03:00.001-08:002015-11-08T12:03:20.260-08:00When parenting is illegal...<div><br></div>So many things race through my mind since becoming a parent for the second times. Some thoughts of worry and self doubt are the same. Others of sharing my time and love with another child are new. Either way, as any new mother will tell you, it is exhausting and challenging having a new baby. <div>With the challenges come the decisions a parent has to make. We all make small, some what trivial ones all the time. Things like weather to give your child a bath everyday or the time of the bed time or even how much tv they can watch are pretty minor. But then there are the major decisions every parent has to make. The huge ones. The scary ones. The controversial ones.</div><div>In today's world so much info is thrown at parents on how to raise children. Every doctor, nurse, and grandmother has an opinion on if you ( or me) are doing this parenting thing correctly. </div><div>The scary thing is that every parent has choices and options. Most people will tell you there is no "right" way to raise a baby or child since every kid, family and situation is different. Yet, according to the law, there sort of is...</div><div>Today, as everyone knows, every kid has to be in an approved car seat when in the car. This seems like common sense now, but 40- 50years ago the ideas of car seats were pretty new. Kids just sat in cars and were fine. Babies were held in the front seat and that's the way it was. Obviously, car seats are for the child's safety and do help tremendously, but like with any seat belt regulation, why is it the governments business to tell parents a specific way to have their child in the car? I'm not saying I believe kids shouldn't ride in car seats, but when did it become not a parenting decision and a turned into a everyone else's problem? You may be rolling your eyes at this point but stay with me.</div><div>From the day your child is born, every mother is urged to breast feed, not co sleep, have their child sleep on their backs and not smoke. These are supposedly the things that help prevent SIDS. ( to be clear, I am not saying they do or don't as I am no expert). Yet, even if a parent does all these " correct " things, their child could still fall victim to this scary thing called SIDS. It is every parents worst night mare and I am so glad I don't have personal experience with it, yet I know people who have. Right now, all the things doctors tell you to do to prevent SIDS are suggestions. They can't make you breastfeed or not smoke around your child as neither one of those things are illegal. But will they be in the future? Parents choose to do "un suggested" things all the time that could put their baby at risk. If you choose to formula feed for whatever reason and your baby dies of SIDS will you be arrested for child endangerment in the future? You knew the risk was higher, yet did it anyway. If you let your infant sleep on their stomach because they sleep much sounder and won't sleep on their backs will you have your child taken away from you if someone finds out? According to doctors, both of those things are risk factors in SIDS deaths so it would make sense that doing those would cause you to contribute to your child's death, thus leaving the law room to find you guilty of negligence? </div><div>If you think that sounds far fetched, look at the whole "leaving kids in the car" issue that is such a hot topic these days. I don't know about you but me and my sisters spent some time alone in the car from time to time when we were kids. Not when it was hot and the windows were always down, but it wasn't a big deal when we were younger for us to stay in the car when my mom ran into the gas station to get some milk. Obviously, my mom considered this to be safe, and it was. It was her call to decide what was safe for us and what was not. She wouldn't have left us there all day in the heat, but you get what I am saying right? All over today you hear about parents getting arrested for leaving kids in cars,but there is not actual law saying "you may not leave a child in a car" if there was, it would have to be super specific. Like you can't leave a child in the car for X amount of minutes during whitch the outside tempurature has to be less than X amount. What about putting your kids in the car seat and running back inside the house to get something you forgot? Is that legal? If someone saw me do that ( or videoed it, since that's what people do now) would I get in trouble? Do I have to keep an eye on my child every single second of the day?</div><div>I read an article about a mom who left her 5 year old child in the car for 5 minutes, on a cool day to go get something in a store. The child was fine, nothing happened and all was ok until she got arrested several days later because someone had videoed her and sent it to the police and they got her license plate number... It's things like that make me wonder, wasn't that just the moms choice? She deemed itsafe, and her child is fine, so why wasn't it? It's the same thing when you consider how old a child can be to stay home alone. Some children may be ready at 10 years old, others may not be. Or when a child can play alone at a park or even walk home from school? But shouldn't it be your call as a parent to decide that?</div><div>It just get so confusing because obviously there are parents who abuse their kids, or put them in extremely unsafe environments, or neglect them completely and of course I think the law should be involved in those cases, but it just begs the question.</div><div> Where is the line drawn?</div><div>When are the choices parent have to make every day going to become illegal? And who gets to decide the exact "right" way to raise your child?</div><div>To clear things up, I am not anti government control or against laws about car seats or things that keep kids safe. I just often wonder about how much parenting can be questioned now a days. And it makes a bit wary having 2 kids and learning and trying to be the best parent I can be for them and myself.</div><div>Dare I bring it up, but the hugely controversial vaccines debate always brings this to my mind too. If a parent vaccinated their child and signs the form saying she knows the risks and benefits, but that child ends up dying from that vaccine ( apparently there is a teeny tiny chance that this can happen with any vaccine because of unknown reasons, read the fine print:) will that parent be blamed? She knew the risk, and decided, because of the benefits to go ahead and vaccinate, yet her child was ultimatly harmed. And the same can go for anti vacciners. If they don't vaccinate their child and he gets the measles and passes away, or even more gives it to another child and that child passes away, can the mother be charged with Manslaughther? </div><div>For the record, I am pro vaccination, but I do understand there are risks involved in any choice I make as a parent.</div><div>I could talk about this forever. Things from drinking wine during pregnancy, ( or even eating sushi) to letting your kids ride their bikes around with no helmet all cross my mind from time to time. As parents we have to decide the best and safest way to raise our kids according to us. Isn't that part of the glory and fear of being parents? But when should it be left up to the parent and when shouldn't it? I don't know the answer... I wish I did. I guess it's just one more thing that will keep me up at night! </div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-3990910605143981902015-03-02T14:02:00.000-08:002015-03-02T14:02:36.716-08:00To the First Time MomOk, So... ( I feel like I start out a lot of my blogs like that) .... anyway, as many of you know and have heard, once you have a child or are expecting one, every mother on the planet will bombard you advice and suggestions on everything from getting your child to sleep, what is the best formula and even tips on how basically how to have the perfect baby. Every mom (myself included) it seems, can't wait to share her opinion on how to raise your child. Every mother is insistent that her way is best. I remember it being way over whelming when I was pregnant with Max. So much so that I didn't even look up or google things, I stopped asking people questions about labor, newborns and the whole child thing in general. I heard so much advice that I didn't know where to turn. I was confused and went with the ideal that I would just figure out this "MOM" thing as I go. After all, people had been doing it for years so how hard can it be? Although I did hear the advice many times that I should just follow my "Mommy Gut" when it came to making decisions for my child, and I gotta tell ya, as a first time mom, I honestly just thought this so called mothers instinct would kick in like people said and I would just know what to do all the time, because duh, I had a child now, I knew what I was doing.<br />
Well, I found out quick that I absolutely did not know what to do at all. That so called Mom's instinct was very slight, and I mostly doubted it. I didn't know how to trust myself with this new role I had been given. I was lost. <br />
I started looking into that ever-annoying baby advice that I had so easily cast off while I was pregnant. I searched for anything that could help. It was embarrassing for me to ask for help/advice. It was like I was admitting I was failing at the "most natural job" on earth. Fortunately for me, I have some very honest sisters and a mom who tell all tell me the cold hard truth about raising babies. I am so thankful for that because so many times did I hear the words from acquaintances like " Being a Mom is hard, but it is so worth it!" or " Babies are amazing, you will just be so happy all the time!". Seriously. Hearing vague words like that about babies when you are struggling to not cry all the time because you don't know what the freak you are doing as a mom is.. well... less than helpful...<br />
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Hearing HONEST, TRUE, REAL LIFE ADVICE is one the main things that helped me through the hard times. Not some, Hallmark version of motherhood, but the real stuff. The stuff that sucks to hear, the stuff that only a true best friend, a sister or a mom will admit to you... motherhood is not always pretty, it can be downright depressing. <br />
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So, in an attempt to reach other first time moms who may be struggling but afraid to ask in fear of getting a thousand mixed answers or the glossed over version. I asked a few mom friends I know (on a Mothers With Questions Facebook page that my sister and I started so we could go and ask the tough mom questions) what HONEST advice they would give to first time moms or moms struggling with the job. So, if you aren't worn out from endless mom advice here are a few tips I wish I had known before giving birth and hopefully will help realize you are not alone!<br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><em>Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. You feel like you should be able to "do it all" and know what to do. The reality is mommy does need a break and get some rest to be able to function (although it's a lot less than you thought possible). Also <span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">even if you have several children, everyone is different. It always helps to have some mom friends that you trust for advice. You don't have to take any of it, but a fresh perspective is always helpful.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="fsm fwn fcg UFICommentActions" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763282893761335:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.3" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="UFIRow UFIComment display UFIComponent" data-ft="{"tn":"R9"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763284960427795:0" style="text-align: center;">
<em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763284960427795:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763284960427795:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763284960427795:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763284960427795:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> For first time moms I buy some variation of the following "must haves" depending on budget: Tylenol, motrin, baby q-tips, baby toothbrush, Aquaphor (for chapped cheeks), saline, pedialyte, mylocon or gripe water, mam pacifiers, homedics sound spa, and a nose frida. I also like to buy "On the Night You Were Born". Such a sweet book. <span class="_1az _1a- _1q3y"></span></span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763284960427795:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.6"></span></em></div>
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<em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763286143761010:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763286143761010:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763286143761010:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763286143761010:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I also tell moms that when they take baby's blood in the hospital to have them use a heating pack on their heel. This makes the process SO much easier. The first person that took my daughter's blood didn't use it and she screamed and screamed and ended up with a bruised heel. The next day another nurse came in and used a heating pack - not a peep. I felt so awful for day one. <span class="_1az _1a- _2g2"></span></span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763286143761010:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.6"></span></em></div>
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I wish someone told me it was ok to tell people no. So many people wanted me to go places to show them Baby and then people wanted to come over all the time and it was so over whelming to me to try to plan things out I just wanted to be left alone and get used to my new life and get settled in but I felt so guilty like all these people want to see the baby and I'm being selfish not letting them. If I had to go somewhere I literally cried because it stressed me out so much. That only lasted a few weeks but I felt really bad. I wish someone would have told me just say no maybe in a few weeks. And also I learned this quick not to stress out when baby cries. I realize it's a hard one. But I just felt like if he was fed and full. Clean. And there was nothing wrong sometimes babies just cry. So if I knew he was ok I would just hold him and read my book while he cried or put him in his pack and play. I really felt like he cried more when I stressed out. But could be just me. Oh and breastfeeding is really hard! But worth it. But really stupid hard!</span></span></span></span></em></span><a aria-label="Remove or Report" class="UFICommentCloseButton _50zy _50-0 _50z- _5upp _42ft" data-hover="tooltip" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763339073755717:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.4" data-tooltip-alignh="center" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/367347110021584/#"></a></div>
<li class="UFIRow UFIComment display UFIComponent" data-ft="{"tn":"R9"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0"><em></em><div class="clearfix" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right" style="text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I would say that there are going to be things that don't go as you hoped or planned. There will be curve balls that are frustrating and scary. But that Gods plans and vision for you as a parent are so much bigger than your own. You may not be able to have the all natural birth you hoped for or breastfeeding as long as you wanted. There are lots of little things that seem big in the scheme of things. They will pass, and all that matters is that you love your child unconditionally and do your best. I'm still a newbie and learning every day that I can't be perfect and that there is grace when I'm not!</span></span><span class="_5uzb" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763340737088884:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.1">.</span></span></span></em></span></div>
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<li class="UFIRow UFIComment display UFIComponent" data-ft="{"tn":"R8"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0"><div class="clearfix" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0" style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Sometimes your instinct as a mom is better than any people around you advice and books you read- trust your gut! Be flexible! It WILL be hard at times, you will break down and cry often but it's normal(even if you look around and it 'appears' all the moms around you have it together), it's worth it, and focus on all the awesome moments that far outweigh the tough ones! You are strong, beautiful, and capable!</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763352883754336:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.6"></span></em></div>
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<li class="UFIRow UFIComment display UFIComponent" data-ft="{"tn":"R7"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0"><div class="clearfix" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0" style="text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><em><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I felt totally inadequate as a mom when Baby 1 was born and throughout his first year. Definitely fell victim to comparing myself to the "super mom" that exists only in my imagination and on Pinterest. The Lord spoke to that lie of inadequacy a lot during </span></span><span class="_5uzb" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763355907087367:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.1">my pregnancy with my second through friends and my time with him. So I'd tell a first time mom that though she won't be a perfect person (because who is?) she will be the perfect mother for that baby. Regardless of how much she enjoys or doesn't enjoy throwing huge birthday parties, or her stance on vaccination, or if she breastfeeds, or if she gives them a LOT of peanut butter and jelly instead of well rounded organic meals... (we go thru an insane amount of peanut butter at our house)... All of these things are not what make you a "good mom." A good mom is someone who loves her children well, and that looks really different for each person because all kids and all mothers are really different. That's what I'd say! <span class="_1az _1a- _1q3y"></span> Oh and I second breastfeeding being stupid hard</span></span></span></em></span></div>
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<em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363617086596:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363617086596:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363617086596:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363617086596:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> The only thing I can think to add is to not overshop. We ended up with way more clothes than he needed and an annoying amount of toys and stuffed animals. All of the baby gear sounds necessary, but you can probably do without most if the budget is tight. We had a cute jumperoo that Baby only used for about 2 weeks.</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363617086596:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.6"></span></em></div>
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<em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363827086575:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363827086575:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363827086575:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363827086575:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363827086575:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Be prepared to throw all your plans in the trash. Babies are unpredictable and change all plans you may have <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text">wink emoticon</span><span class="emoticon emoticon_wink" title=";)"></span> also if she's going to bf then be prepared for hourly feeding the first week or two. .. It's normal!</span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_763363827086575:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.6"></span></em></div>
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<em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764748686948089:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764748686948089:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764748686948089:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764748686948089:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">New moms-look into belly binding. I really wish I would have. (I have 3 kids, ages 4, 2, and 9 months). And have a split in my abdominal muscles that I'm still trying to heal. If you have a "mummy tummy" look into Diastasis Recti, might help you<span class="_1az _1a- _2f4"></span></span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764748686948089:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.6"></span></em></div>
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<li class="UFIRow UFIComment display UFIComponent" data-ft="{"tn":"R2"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0"><div class="clearfix" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0" style="text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">When my daughter was born I planned to breastfeed. That first week though was hell. I seriously was considering giving it up but both my mom and my doctor kept telling me that if I could just make it through that first week it would get so much better. They were right. And, don't hesitate to utilize a lactation consultant. I do say this even though my lactation consultant wasn't really good. I ended up learning a lot through La Leche League (can just Google it). They had some great videos online so I guess if you can't get a lactation consultant or you have a crappy one like mine there's always that..</span></span><span class="_5uzb" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764889090267382:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.1">...</span></span></span></em></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">Yes, ask for help with boobie feeding. Its hard and it can really suck and be painful. If it wasn't for the lactation consultants, I never would have made it as far as I did. But on the same side, don't fear formula, your doing just fine if that's wh<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">at needs to happen or if you make that decision. Your sanity is whats most important... speaking of sanity, don't be afraid to ask for help for yourself. The baby blues and Post Partum Depression are scary and can come on super quick. We all react in different ways to childbirth and that little thing is a blessing but can give massive stress too. You aren't failing as a mom, it takes help to get through those rough patches... they will pass, everything does, but it can seem like the end of the world at the time</span></span></span></span></span><span class="_5uzb" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764908530265438:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.1">...</span></em></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><em><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">My biggest piece of advice is to not let everything you read and hear in trying to do things "right" get so loud in your head that it overwhelms your ability to find your instinct. Yes, it's helpful to listen to advice from mothers who have been there,done that, and consult them when you have questions - but you ultimately get to make the decisions and you will not always know what's right and often times you just have to give it your best guess. <br data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">But the sooner you become in-tune to your "mommy gut" the better off you'll be and the easier all those choices and decisions will be for you. Because ultimately, YOU get to make the choices that work not only for your child, but also work best for YOU. </span><br data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$5:0" /><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$8:0">The sooner you learn to own the choices you make for yourself and your family, the more confident you'll become about your mothering ability</span></span></span><span class="_5uzb" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764940190262272:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.1">.</span></em></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764941100262181:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764941100262181:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764941100262181:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764941100262181:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".72.1:3:1:$comment763258213763803_764941100262181:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><em> I'd say to not get offended when people offer advice and suggestions. If you like what they have to say, cool; learn something from it. If you don't agree with what they have to say, then just say thanks for the suggestion and let it roll off. There's no time to get "offended" by other people disagreeing with your mothering choices. Who cares what they think? I mean, there's no need to be rude to people offering suggestions either (most have good intentions and are just trying to help), but don't yourself get bent out of shape if you disagree either</em></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-84912965190747395712015-02-03T08:16:00.001-08:002015-02-03T08:16:48.117-08:00Just about Max!Just decide to write a quick blog about Max. Not sure if anyone cares, but here is what he has been up to lately:)<div> </div><div>He is a funny kid who really likes to identify things. He points out things he sees all the time! He will go to someone new house and go around and point out the fridge and the microwave and couch and TV. He is really into flags recently and he and Jeffrey go over flag of the world every night, he has a flag poster in his bedroom and loves to point out all the flag he knows. Which, for the record, is more flags than I know. He knows nearly all the European flags... It's actually pretty impressive. </div><div><br></div><div>He also really loves his trains. He will play with them more than any other toy and loves him Thomas movies! He always wants someone to play with him. He loves doing puzzles and playing with cars and planes. He makes the sound affects for them and it is so cute! He likes to build things. Mostly he is into mazes and car washes and garges. He likes Jeffrey and I to build them too and then he likes to destroy them. He laughs a lot! I am so thankful I have such an easy to please kid. </div><div><br></div><div>He loves the moon and tries to find it every time we go outside, day or night. He loves watching the stop lights as we drive and tell me what each light means and when I need to stop or go.</div><div>He absolutely loves to play at parks, playgrounds and play places more than anything else! Once he sees one it is impossible to not let him play on it. He could actually play for hours and if other kids are playing too, it make it even better, he loves playing with other kids! He is a little bit of a climber and always finds wierd way to climb on things. He is not shy kid at all and loves to give " big hugs" and kisses! He talks to everyone and likes to tell people random things. Whenever he sees babies he pats them on the head and says"nice baby" , and then leaves them alone. </div><div><br></div><div>He is very loud and likes to make noises of all kinds. He knows how to fake cry too and it's actually pretty hilarious. He is doing pretty well at potty training, mostly trained during the day. And it's nice not using diapers anymore. He does like to talk about his poop and pee though and he hasn't mastered always getting pee in the toilet. He talks a lot and is always listening to us even when we think he isn't. He remembers so much and can repeat things back all the time. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He knows a lot of Spanish words. Jeffrey has been reading to him in Spanish since he was a baby and max asks me all time who to say something in Spanish and I have to say " uh, we have to ask dada when he gets home". </span></div><div><br></div><div>He is super ticklish and loves having his back scratched. He loves the song " wheels on the bus" and I have to sing it to him every night before bed. Although he will never sing it for me when I ask, I often hear him singing to himself while he lays in bed at night. It is the cutest thing! </div><div><br></div><div>He also loves playing with the iPad. We have to set timers for him and every time the timer goes off he looks up at me and smiles, like he's trying to get away with still playing even when his time is up. He really likes watching you tube videos of car washes and kids playing with Thomas the train. </div><div><br></div><div>He is still a picky eater. Foods he loves are chicken nuggets, all types of cheese, yogurt, French fries, grapes, blueberries, crackers, hummus, ice cream, cupcakes, green beans, bananas, mandarin oranges , goldfish, food pouches, spaghetti, bread, waffles, oatmeal, cereal, fish sticks, macaroni, and Popsicles!</div><div>Food he hates and I cannot get him to eat are hot dogs, any kind of beef, any new type of veggie, or basically anything new at all. It is so hard to get him to try new things, it once he does he usally likes it. </div><div><br></div><div>He is a pretty decent sleeper most of the time, but likes to play during nap time and doesn't always sleep. He has to have his Lovey to sleep and still has to listen to the waves on his sound machine.</div><div><br></div><div>I love my little boy so much more than I ever thought possible! He is a super funny kid and does wierd things sometimes! I thank God for my little 2 1/2 year old boy every day!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-10376961771599394672014-11-17T07:25:00.003-08:002014-11-17T07:25:25.214-08:00Getting older, and looking it<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">A<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">s with most of my blog posts, I have been wanting to write this one for a while. I have been thinking about this topic for the past 6 months, just wondering how to put it into words with out sounding completely lame, well I don't think I can, so I am just going to write about it anyway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I am 28 years old</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I am not dumb enough to call this age actually "old" I also have to admit that is not exactly "young" in the most general use of the word. For some reason or another, turning and being 28 has felt pretty hard on me. Now, I know some of you who are older will just role your eyes and say ' Oh, Please!" but just bare with me, It has been hard on me in the fact that this is the first age where I have actually said to myself " Wow, you can't really be young and dumb anymore". Up until this age I never gave age that much thought. I would simply reassure myself that</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Oh, I am just in my early 20's, or mid 20's, plenty of people this age are still figuring out life and you have plenty of time to figure out yours" </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When your a teenager all you want to do is grow up and be the ever glorified 21! It seems like this amazing age and time to be free and young, and it really is! Than after that, age isn't nearly as exciting, but even so there are alot of things I was looking forward to at that age. I graduated college at 22, got married at 23 and still felt young enough not to have any pressure to have kids anytime soon. I was looking forward to starting a career and being a cool young adult. I remember even wanting to be a few years older, because a lot of people in the working world didn't take a young 20 something very seriously. I wanted to not be seen as some young kid anymore. Turning 25 was an awesome time for me! I had lost some weight and was doing good in my job and felt great! I was still young , but old enough too! Although my dad had always said that age 25 is the last age where you are at the peak of your life (physically) after that starts the slow decline into old age haha. So I was determined to make that age count, and I did. Ultimately, I got pregnant at 25 and had Max at 26 years old. For me, that age was perfect timing. I didn't feel too old, or too young to have a baby. Age wise, my life was turning out the way I always thought it would. And after I had Max I was way too overwhelmed and stressed to even worry about aging or anything else (which is and has been the topic of many other blogs :) But then all of sudden I was turning 28!\</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point things had settled down enough with Max and I was back to my normal self, which sadly had some age damage. I started noticing people my own age looking "rough" seeing photos on Facebook or even in real like of people I hadn't seen in years and being able to tell how they aged was a real shocker to me, Before this age, People, women specifically tend to get better looking, but at this age, most of us have hit our PEAK and have started the decline, Some men, on the other hand, tend to get better looking even into their 40's, sorry ladies, its just the way it is. Now, I know in 10, 5 years or even 1 year I will read back on this blog and role my own eyes and think how good I looked then compared to now haha, but this is just to mark my first year int he realization and effect of aging. I started looking at actresses in their late 20s and early 30s to see how the best of women are aging. I recently started watching the show "Once Upon A Time" and the main character on there, Emma is supposed to be 28 years old, when I saw that I kept saying to Jeff, "No way is she 28, she looks so much older!" Don't get me wrong she is still pretty and looks good, but just looked older than 28 to me, That's when the realization hit me that 28 isn't really that young and I was scared people say that about me, So I gave in and IMDB'd her. Jennifer Morrison,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1PvGdOTkJlQoh2J0DYXGDx4n9VyUPruE6zZHJ6UtwkBz15PgBAsqn7HREDXSUltDCpUBH7G42o1Ykbrotv2skEg2o2PmDLPtETTVrwb_BooDzWZDma6VgzOaDv49iROYNlVi4UiqHUY/s1600/tumblr_mrmtycGI9N1s9lptno1_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1PvGdOTkJlQoh2J0DYXGDx4n9VyUPruE6zZHJ6UtwkBz15PgBAsqn7HREDXSUltDCpUBH7G42o1Ykbrotv2skEg2o2PmDLPtETTVrwb_BooDzWZDma6VgzOaDv49iROYNlVi4UiqHUY/s1600/tumblr_mrmtycGI9N1s9lptno1_r1_250.gif" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> the actress, turned out to be about 30 when she made the first season back in 2011. So, yes, she was older than 28, but not by much and that made me have a little bit of a reality.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway looking at people roughly the same age as me I could really tell who had taken care of themselves and who hadn't. Sorry, but you can tell the ones who tanned and don't wear sunscreen. You can tell the ones who take care of themselves and try to keep up with fashion trends, you can tell the ones who have completely fallen into the "mom world" and sort of given up. Some of us look worse for wear at only age 28.This is just the first year I have been able to actually SEE this aging happening and it kind of through me a little. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been aware of wrinkles and people looking older when I was in high school because of the kids moms I used to see. Let me explain, when I was maybe in second grade there was this kid's mom who used to come in and help out a lot in the classroom. I would see her a lot, she was nice and I always thought she was pretty. Fast forward to high school when I hadn't seen this mom in a about 8 years, I suddenly see her again and was shocked! I distinctly remember seeing the extra wrinkles on her face and the way she just "seemed' older. It was really wierd for me. Now, I really don't know how old she was, maybe mid 40s? But I just couldn't believe how much she had changed (or my perception of her) had changed just a few years. Since that time and when I spotted my first forehead wrinkle at the age of 17, I have been concerned about looking too old. Its just one thing that young people tend to take advantage of and not realize will always be there. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can ask my little sisters, I bug them about always taking off their makeup at night, especially eye makeup! Using moisturizer, putting sunscreen on and so forth. Sorry girls, but I think you will thank me later:)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, I just wasn't feeling my best at age 28. I just felt like I looked older, and it was making me feel a bit down. The dark circles under my eyes looked deeper, the crows feet by my eyes were getting more noticeable and even my teeth looked less white. Even people who have amazing diets, work out all the time and only drink water, still age in the face. Its true to say. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only was I looking older, but feeling older too, not physically, but emotionally Nearing age 30 make me feel like I should have my life figured out. Mainly with kids. So many of my friends with kids Max's age are pregnant again, or already have another child. I feel like I should know when/if we want to have another kid, because I feel like the biological clock is starting to tick if we want more than one more. I should know if I ever want to go back to work, I should have my freaking student loan paid off. I should be able to enjoy cooking and be able to be an awesome Mom who cooks for her husband and kids, So many things I thought I would be be this age and not only do I not know, its showing on the lines on my face.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In conclusion, this ended up being a very long, disorganized blog with a lot of typos. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not really sure how I want to end this blog either....if you made it this far reading you are probably hoping for a big positive finish or something to make that long read worth while. Well, I may disappoint you. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The truth is....aging is a part of life. A part most young people don't think about. We will not stay young and in our prime forever. Life goes faster the older you get and your body shows your years. Taking care of yourself is important, but just because we look older, doesn't mean we are any worse. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There will always be someone skinnier, younger, and richer than you no matter what</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still struggle with looking older and often wish I could have my pre- baby 17 year old body and pre wrinkled skin back, but I can't. And as my mom always reminds me, we aren't getting any younger than you are right this second. so flaunt what you have and be proud of what you have done in your life. My mom is always proud of her age and never was ashamed to admit how old she was. When I was younger I didn't really think much of it, but I can see the merit in that now and it inspires me to try to and be proud of my age and what I look like. Yes, I look older at age 28 then I did at 21 and I will still look older with every passing year, but that is just a fact of life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aging doesn't have to be a bad thing. Like everything in life. It is what we make it!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYFN5xj7OtMEnqhZqAhESmfPSEZiPS0pOZKGToAwAkHeHiy3AAhnPo-uPgCvcDQ3TZFaQsAobjLAPJq5gTwfoJ11JpgCAFVEI49QBcB3MgG7u36zxsXCnDh8INQKz20EWhqLbSXmgITU/s1600/10612800_10154546821470072_4243306295919136694_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYFN5xj7OtMEnqhZqAhESmfPSEZiPS0pOZKGToAwAkHeHiy3AAhnPo-uPgCvcDQ3TZFaQsAobjLAPJq5gTwfoJ11JpgCAFVEI49QBcB3MgG7u36zxsXCnDh8INQKz20EWhqLbSXmgITU/s1600/10612800_10154546821470072_4243306295919136694_n.jpg" height="320" width="162" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">My Mom and I after she convinced me to wear this crop top dress after I was feeling self conscious about it being too "young and edgy" for me. She said "Wear it now because you look amazing and you're only this young now. Don't have regrets because your only going to get older and then you wont get the chance". <br />Thanks Mom!<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Oh, I want to add that I think women can look fabulous at any age! I am not trying to say we only get uglier as we get older, just that we look older. Beauty is the person, not the age. It is what we make it!</span><br />
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<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-36488246704434650282014-10-08T04:11:00.001-07:002014-10-08T05:19:40.207-07:00Being Thrifty.So it's been over 6 months since I last blogged! Yikes! I guess I have had a lot of other stuff to do, or I haven't thought anything was interesting enoug to blog about, either way, I am going to try and be better about that.<div><br></div><div>So this blog, about being thrifty, is something I have wanted to write for a long time, but I know people get weird when talking about money. I am not sure why, but it makes people feel uncomfortable, anxious and sometimes, down right upset when talking about money. I have never been one of these people. To me, money is money. You need it to survive, some people have a lot, some people don't. But as long as you do the best you can with what you have, why should you embarrassed of that? Idk, today, I consider myself a part of the middle class America, when it comes to family income. Although, when you google salary of middle class American salary it tells you something way higher than what we have, so maybe I'm a lot poorer than I thought? </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, I feel like it's okay to talk about money, because if have hardly had any before. In college, and immediately after, I worked several jobs just to make payments. I recall several times where I put 50 cents- 1$ of gas in my car so I could make it work without running out of gas,just so I could use all the tips is made that night into a tank of gas. I used to go to laundramats and not use dyer sheets, because it didn't want to pay 5$ for them. Back in the days when people didn't have passwords on their wifi, I knew every place in the house that I could sit to steal the neighbors wifi. I would eat a left over baked potato from work every night for dinner, because that was the only food they would have to throw out at the end of have nights and I could get it for free:) Now, I wasn't destitute or anything, I just learned how to live life REALLy cheap! I saved where I could so I could occasionally afford the things I wanted to. </div><div>Although, I don't have to scrimp anymore, I still really like to save money where I can. It gives me a thrill to know I paid way less than someone else for an item. I love it when someone compliments my outfit and asks when I got it and I say "the thrift store!" . I love admitting to someone that I scored an awesome deal on something, or that I got it used. I am not ashamed of being cheap At All! Now, I do spend money on things, but saving the small stuff makes me feel better about spending on the important things. So, here is a list of ways I save money, and please comment on this blog if you have any other great money saving ideas!</div><div><br></div><div>1. Like mentioned above, go to thrift stores! I really do like to shop, and when I really feel like buying something I just visit my local thrift stores. Yes, sometimes there is just a bunch of junk in them, but searching for good stuff is part of the fun! More often then not, you can find a great deal on everything! Plus, most thrift stores/ second hand stores profits go towards some sort of charity. So not only are spending way less, you are helping someone else out too. Plus there are some awesome thrift store apps I use to buy clothes for Max and myself. My favorite one is called thredUP. It has lots of womens and kids clothes for great deals!</div><div><br></div><div>2. Facebook yard sale pages. These are great because you can request that you are looking for something specific, or you can just browse around. Plus, you can negotiate on pricing. Being a military spouse, pretty much EVERY single base has at least 1 Facebook resale page, it is super easy, plus I know every community or city/ town has them too, just search for your town and I'm sure you'll find a ton! These aren't just good for buying, but also for selling any used item you have that you are not longer using. Take advantage of these sites people!</div><div><br></div><div>3. Do your research. If I am looking for a specific item, I always look around online first. The search up always starts with Amazon.com for me. I scour reviews from other buyers and the when I decide the item will work for me, I immediately browse around online to find if I can buy it anywhere cheaper. Usually Amazon wins out as the cheapest, but not always. Speaking of Amazon, if you are a frequent buyer (like me) sing up for Amazon prime. It is a yearly subscription that allows free shipping on a lot of items! Really worth it if you buy even just a few things a year! Also on Amazon, (can you tell how much I LOVE Amazon!) they have an option called "subscribe and save" where items that you usually purchase on a regular basis can be automatically shipped to you with a pretty good discount. This is an awesome service for things like diapers, vitamins, or food that you buy all the time. Cheaper and it just come to you in the mail as often as you want! If there is something you get often, check it out on Amazon subscribe and save! So I could go on and on about Amazon and their services....I just love them!</div><div><br></div><div>4. Coupon. Ok so I am not a crazy couponer. I don't have a stockpile or get most of my groceries for free. I do however, think saving a few bucks every week at the grocery store really adds up. It can be difficult to get started and I'm not always the best couponer, but I work at it. For me, I only use coupons for things I would regularly buy anyway. Maybe I'll switch a brand name here and there if it's a good deal. On average, I save about 10-15$ bucks a grocery store run, so maybe 35ish$ a month that I saved. That's 420$ a year! That's your MOT and ROAD TAX for the year if you love in the UK! Coupons rules vary per store and state, and getting coupons is different too. If you're interested in couponing just google it for your area and I'm sure you'll find tons of info of how to save!</div><div><br></div><div>5. Spend money on things that count. For me. I'll spend a good amount of money on things you are going to use for years! I will always pay good money for a good pair of jeans. How often do you and will you wear a pair of jeans? A lot! How often do you wear that cute 40$ tank top? Maybe a few times? No comparison. It's the same with kids stuff, which we all know can cost an arm and a leg. Spend a money of a good quality car seat that you can use for many years, don't spend 100$ on a brand new baby swing that you will maybe use for 4 months. Those are the things you can buy used. Send money on things that are important to you. For me, I get my hair cut and colored often. I mean I get my hair cut every 6-8 weeks and colored every other time. For some women that seems like a lot, and it does add up with costs. However, my sister used to say, "Your hair is the only accessory you carry every single day, so take care of it". I like splurging on my hair, and because I save else where, it makes it ok. Now, I am sure everyone else has things that are important to them to spend money on and that's ok too. Just think about what is most important to you to spend money on, and go down the list. The bottom stuff you can either go without, or buy used. It's pretty simple:)</div><div><br></div><div>Well, that's my basic list, thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing other ways to save!</div>Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-73577017379084027172014-04-24T06:43:00.003-07:002014-04-24T06:43:48.225-07:00European DiscoveriesSo one of the reasons I started this blog, nearly 2 years ago, was to tell all my friends and family, who are an ocean away, about my life in Europe. Well, looking at all my previous blog posts, it hasn't really been used for those purposes. It has been mostly filled with new mom struggles and high lights . Well, what can I say, that has basically been my life while I lived here, so I didn't have too much time to enjoy and discover my surroundings. But now that Max is nearing the big TWO, and I feel like I have a little bit of a handle on this "mom" thing. I have recently been able to do and learn a lot more about this amazing country/continent that I live in!<br />
I have a huge, jam packed,and fun filled summer planned as I do intend to blog about our trips and keep everyone updated about those places! I can't wait to get out more and explore this amazing place while I can!<br />
So basically, this blog will serve as a compacted, random overview of what I have learned, experienced and discovered about Europe thus far.<br />
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- I feel like this a little random to start out with, but something I have really noticed about British people, at least the people in the area that I live, will travel far but not near. Travel to other countries is much more prevalent here. It seems like with any chance to take a holiday (vacation), the people here jump at it and go. They will travel to Spain, Greece, and other far away places, but they won't travel to a city a few hours away. For example, the girl who does my hair, who happens to be the same age as me, said she hadn't been to London in over 20 years... and she has lived in this same place( which is about 2 hours away from London) her whole life. What? I have found that that is not uncommon for Brits. They will explore other countries, but won't travel to other cities within England. I am not sure why this is, but thought it was interesting.<br />
Oh, and when I am talking to random Brits, most all of them have been to the US before. And when I ask which part, the majority say.....Florida. I still think this is weird, as I always thought it would be New York , Los Angeles, or even Las Vegas, but apparently, Florida is the most popular US destination. (from the people I have talked with)<br />
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-I have learned so much more about geography! So I am not sure if you saw that link floating around Facebook a while ago about random Europeans trying to name the US states, but everyone thought it was hilarious. Here it is- <a href="http://www.pleated-jeans.com/2013/11/27/brits-suck-at-labeling-the-united-states-15-pics/" target="_blank">http://www.pleated-jeans.com/2013/11/27/brits-suck-at-labeling-the-united-states-15-pics/ </a>However, I thought they did really good considering, you give that same map to the average American adult and see if they can do much better. Or even worse, try and get the average American to name the European countries! <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/americans-try-to-place-european-countries-on-a-map">http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/americans-try-to-place-european-countries-on-a-map</a> . Anyway, I am proud to say I can name the location of the majority of European countries and actually know the locations of the major England cities. I have to admit that before I came here, I didn't even have any idea where in England, London was located. (go a head you try and find it on a blank map of England!) Plus, I can now determine the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England... They are different, but also the same, it is very confusing, but I think I have it now:)<br />
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- I really like milk in my black tea now. I never would have considered putting milk in my tea back home, but I find myself loving a good British tea with milk and sugar around 2pm....aww just love it! I have a feeling it will be one of the things I take back to the states with me.<br />
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- People are the same, and yet completely different from Americans. When looking at it broadly, British families are just the same as American families. They take their kids to the park, enjoy dinners together, go out to with friends, hang out and so much more. All in all, we do the same things, just differently. Houses and pantries are tiny here, so no one bulk grocery shops! They buy enough groceries for a few days and then head back to the store a few days later.<br />
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-Even small things, that I noticed are different. For example, outdoor swimming pools in England are almost non existent! I did some research and found like 4 in the entire country. Back in the US, even colder states have outdoor swimming pools at least open for a few months. I truly miss swimming with the sun beating down on me.<br />
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-Another thing, people really don't wear shorts...I mean they do sometimes, but its not a staple of clothing. it just doesn't get warm enough, and along the clothing line. It is true that Brits dress way nicer than Americans. I honestly have never seen sweat pants and a hug baggy t-shirts on Brits. Never would they ever be seen in pajama pants! And thank goodness, I do wish Americans would take some note of this and realize it doesn't hurt you to throw on a tad nicer clothing...<br />
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-A thing I have enjoyed about living here is the random words they have that are different from America. Learning to say "crisps" when talking about potato chips and saying "chips" when talking about french fries are some of the small things that are fun about being here. More things than you think, have different names here in England and despite popular belief in the US, most people call the bathroom the "toilet" not the "loo". I have only seen the toilet labeled the "loo" once since being here and I remember it distinctly.<br />
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- Something that does bug me about here is that everything closes so early! Malls and stores close at 5 or 6 on weekdays and usually earlier on weekends and it is hard to find open stores at all on Sundays. I often wonder when the working person has time to go to these stores. All it would take is for one store to stay open late, even until 8pm and they would see how awesome it it for business lol. Idk, maybe there is a law against open hours (they do have some strange rules like that) .<br />
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I know I have more to share, but that is all that is coming into my head now, keep a look out for more European based blogs though!<br />
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****Some of the things we have planned coming up are: Horse Races at Newmarket Races in 2 weeks, Glamping (glamorous camping) in Wales for my birthday weekend, also a long Memorials Day weekend in Cornwall (most southern part of England with beaches). Also Jeffrey is going to Normandy for a long ruck march and to view the battlefields for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day (Max and I haven't decided if we will be joining yet), but lastly we have a Paris trip planned in July to of course visit all around Paris and Paris Disney!<br />
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-Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-26203668935021454352014-03-21T07:12:00.001-07:002014-03-21T07:12:20.886-07:00Living is a Calculated RiskSo, everyday that I scroll through my Facebook page (which, lets face it, is several time every single day) I am flooded with news articles that have been shared by my friends. The ones that always pop out to me are the articles about a new certain type of miracle food that helps prevent cancer, or will make you live longer. Everyday sometime new is apparently "discovered" that is "proven" to keep you healthier. One day doctors (well, the doctors that are always quoted on these circulating articles) are telling us to get some sun because it contains vitamin D, which is good for your health, but wait, not too much, make sure you wear sunscreen, or wait, sunscreen is toxic, don't wear it, its evil, but don't get sunburned either, you could get melanoma, but wait still get sun on you or you will get a deficiency, and get sick....<br />
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It seems like now-a-days there is an article "proving" everything you wish to believe. I have seen article after article shared on Facebook about so many terrible things you can do from articles about how Ipad's can melt your childs brain to how no one should use shampoo because it gives you brain cancer, to how eating even one helping of french fries from Mcdonalds will make you die earlier....Now, the majority of these articles make some sense, and I know people share them because they generally are trying to help and raise awareness for things they believe can be prevented. But, so many people love to glorify their way of life and health, that I can't help but be reminded that we don't have any control over how or when we die.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying to do whatever you want because in the end it doesn't matter, I am not endorsing un-healthy lifestyles, nor am I endorsing super healthy lifestyles. I think people should do whatever makes them happy and realize that everything we do in our lives is simply a calculated risk.<br />
In reality, if you wanted to live the longest and be the healthiest person, if that is your goal, you could work out all day, eat only home grown fruits and vegetables, raw milk and sleep exactly 8 hours every single night. Never sit around and watch TV, don't ever call anyone on the phone (cell phones can give you brain caner too, haven't you heard?), don't drive anywhere to meet anyone (car accidents are one of the most likely way people die) never take public transportation (OMG have you seen all those reports about how germ filled the subway is? you could get sick!) Maybe you could sit and learn things on your computer (Oh wait, no, that screen will make you go blind) Maybe you could read, an actual book that is, (is that still safe?).<br />
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Does anyone live like that? Maybe a select paranoid few, but really the majority of us take these risks everyday. Why? so we can live a full and happy life. Everyone needs to do what they think is best for themselves and their own family or course, but I can't help but wonder about when everyone got so worked up about safety? Again, I am not saying safety is bad and we shouldn't do anything to protect ourselves from the dangers of this world, but lets face it, you can't protect yourself from everything if you want to actually live life.<br />
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I guess this topic has been in my mind since becoming a parent. Even before Max was born I did and looked up everything about how to keep my baby safe. Tiny things from like what type of non- toxic detergent to use on his clothes to plastic toys he shouldn't touch. I was determined to have a perfectly safe child. However, a year and half into this parenting thing, I have realized that I can't prevent everything, as scary as that sounds, its true. We can do our best to keep drawers locked, chocking hazards at unreachable levels, and to offer healthy foods. I could keep him locked inside and never let him ride a bike or eat ice cream or even watch kid movies, I could protect him from so many things that I think harmful, but should I? If I let him ride a bike, he will probably fall off at some point, scrape up his leg, maybe even break his arm....I could prevent him from having this pain by simply not letting him ride a bike....but is it worth taking away the pain and also taking away the joy that comes with bike riding? This topic, like so many deserves a healthy balance of acceptance that we can't control everything, with the fact that we can prevent only a little.<br />
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To reiterate for the third time, I think my friends that live super healthy and safe lives are great, and if that is what makes their lives full and happy, then good for them, but I personally have accepted that I don't really control my life. God does. I will do my best to raise my child up in a happy healthy environment, but I have also accepted that there are many things I can't control. Am I going to worry that my child will end up obese because we eat fast food once a week? No. Am I going to worry that my flight might crash when I fly home to visit my family? No. I have decided some risks are worth taking to live my life to the fullest, the way I think God intended all of us to do. I know that there is the chance that something bad could always happen, but if we focus on that all the time, then we have no time to focus on the good or happy parts of life. We all are going to die one day, no matter how green you eat, how many time a week you work out, or how much you protect yourself. So, might as well life you life to the fullest every day and not worry about the bad things that inevitably will happen at some point. We only have one life to live, make the most of it!<br />
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-Sorry, this blog is a bit unorganized, but it was just my thoughts for the day so take it or leave it:)Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-18482722377028510352014-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:002014-01-13T06:13:00.302-08:00Toddler Must HavesSo I wrote a blog similar to this about baby items that were a must have for our family, but I thought it was about time to address the needs of an older baby/ toddler. As a child grows, so does the things that he needs and wants so we have found ourselves always looking for the next item that will be "the best kid things we have ever bought!". Max is nearly 1 1/2 and here are a list of a few things that I would totally recommend to parents with kids around his age! All of these things we have used all the time and well worth the money we have spent on them!<br />
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(in no particular order)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWzK1r7af8cz3S5foNBRGjX_mh9qbyHGxeRPDozv1xHS6z2JIODPmyod9lGGRaTSdWaWgoLfeRdeEpQhpq3tRSJB9_xJWlUYOf_BJScG1nu0IHi_WmIVuNxmao4jYxc334-Ha-2fK7vE/s1600/DSC00110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWzK1r7af8cz3S5foNBRGjX_mh9qbyHGxeRPDozv1xHS6z2JIODPmyod9lGGRaTSdWaWgoLfeRdeEpQhpq3tRSJB9_xJWlUYOf_BJScG1nu0IHi_WmIVuNxmao4jYxc334-Ha-2fK7vE/s200/DSC00110.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBr2tYrsJKHRr69q1JucxeFpsKd42KxQjwWeB_60iWsidnDYOCFL-hdw41TUst-x567RTkQmOP241Tl0hPUeg7nf6kpmvdHZNktHLoTmitwQz69d_z4Goi0vvraQJKxdR0q9YqgpQOBdo/s1600/DSC00112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBr2tYrsJKHRr69q1JucxeFpsKd42KxQjwWeB_60iWsidnDYOCFL-hdw41TUst-x567RTkQmOP241Tl0hPUeg7nf6kpmvdHZNktHLoTmitwQz69d_z4Goi0vvraQJKxdR0q9YqgpQOBdo/s200/DSC00112.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGMypYLw8Ao2BZaY01cENBZgsJ-bSHTwESJMCWvBYehCQMVMSApFqI6puC93WunpD1w7uhyOq804z7n8MyZhclsmfzmA8j3KtaXCE78Na7qW1sH7WNthSFVwsSXSqEtzqGIghfjL15b4/s1600/DSC00113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGMypYLw8Ao2BZaY01cENBZgsJ-bSHTwESJMCWvBYehCQMVMSApFqI6puC93WunpD1w7uhyOq804z7n8MyZhclsmfzmA8j3KtaXCE78Na7qW1sH7WNthSFVwsSXSqEtzqGIghfjL15b4/s200/DSC00113.JPG" width="200" /></a>1. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Baby Place Mat</span>. Every single time we take this out in a public place, someone will come up to us and ask where we got this place mat or comment and how such a good idea it is. I have to say, for 10$ this is an absolute must buy! Now, if your kids aren't at the eating table food stage yet, than let me explain what this is. Super simple, you just unroll it and stick it the table when you are out to eat and BAM, you have a clean surface to put your baby's food that they cannot easily throw (like a napkin, or even worse a ceramic plate for a restaurant). It just rolls up super easy when you are done and all you have to do is throw it in the dishwasher when you get home. Fits easily in diapers bags even has a little lip to catch food that doesn't quite make it into baby's mouth. They have plastic throw away versions of these that work in quite the same way, but cost more and you have to constantly buy more too. With baby/kid things I always try to go for the reusable item and this is it. I do have to admit that this particular one doesn't always stick to every single surface and Max sometimes can now pull the whole thing up and food goes everywhere (but I don't think there is much you can do about that at this stage no matter what). But we have used this item for almost a year and it still has plenty of life left in it!. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Tiny-Diner-Green/dp/B007F9YPDM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1389618773&sr=8-9&keywords=baby+PLacemat">http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Tiny-Diner-Green/dp/B007F9YPDM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1389618773&sr=8-9&keywords=baby+PLacemat</a><br />
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2.<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;">Skidder Shoes</span> . These are really more like socks as the only thing that separates them is the rubbery sole. They are perfect for when a kid is just learning to walk and needs some extra resistance on the ground. We have found they are also useful when you just need to slip shoes on the kid really quick to head out the door and don't want to mess with the shoes and sock business. We use them inside too when its too chilly for Max to walk about barefoot on our cold tile floor, but socks just make it too slippery. We used these all during the summer as they stay on feet well and have just the right amount of foot coverage over a sandal without making them too hot! Not great for for the rainy and chilly weather, but I plan on buying more this next summer! We love them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomBrzC4lPC69bVgt6xOnQE9XbazYyi_MHKXVqwHKYKyNpmlnOYp9i2X1DNLQ6hMQIS5TMgDYBibAeqPH_u6g2WQz82apvPHPoKinzXB_9ndGDF9ws6esiemtzggAJjhh7JjvkdbQ0OXk/s1600/8905_10151735544314923_88228244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomBrzC4lPC69bVgt6xOnQE9XbazYyi_MHKXVqwHKYKyNpmlnOYp9i2X1DNLQ6hMQIS5TMgDYBibAeqPH_u6g2WQz82apvPHPoKinzXB_9ndGDF9ws6esiemtzggAJjhh7JjvkdbQ0OXk/s400/8905_10151735544314923_88228244_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see Max wearing Skidder shoes as he is outside playing with his Papa (Jeffrey's Dad)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HWTN1Z0lGA1DUpdqvxFU9ge89RlM678ppJsF7ubqNSAcqeqcXLrhoQmvtE4AJFWRMiM-QsAPZFJ2puGwfaqloNz1Imw1Gkyv28qF4r2jPr4U3KSJeNQaaIFPQBK3fjltbM_1R3SECjI/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HWTN1Z0lGA1DUpdqvxFU9ge89RlM678ppJsF7ubqNSAcqeqcXLrhoQmvtE4AJFWRMiM-QsAPZFJ2puGwfaqloNz1Imw1Gkyv28qF4r2jPr4U3KSJeNQaaIFPQBK3fjltbM_1R3SECjI/s320/IMG_3563.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_NThN3JqE3Try2G6WmAXsPGK4FUKq_iIHvs6eh1D37gVha0up9fZasr7y8IpzkfXt8kfr3RSs-xQGZTe-9BaPSx5NGgBU5TqGvLw3fEyz3DFI9ZxU0zgkJ0gl4d4gJEWzo9gZs8g-AQ/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_NThN3JqE3Try2G6WmAXsPGK4FUKq_iIHvs6eh1D37gVha0up9fZasr7y8IpzkfXt8kfr3RSs-xQGZTe-9BaPSx5NGgBU5TqGvLw3fEyz3DFI9ZxU0zgkJ0gl4d4gJEWzo9gZs8g-AQ/s200/IMG_3565.JPG" width="200" /></a>3. <span style="color: orange;">Baby Back Pack</span>! There are many different kinds, brands and styles you can get for a baby back pack and since I obviously haven't tried them all, I won't go into which is better. I can only say that we have LOVED ours! If you plan on doing any sort of traveling I for sure recommend one of these! We take this thing anywhere and it is so much easier to maneuver through crowded streets, un-even terrain and well anywhere, compared to a stroller! Max loves riding in this too and can even nap in it! I recommend one of these to anyone who wants to be able to take a baby/toddler out places and be hand free! It is comfortable and has pockets for food and drinks. Also has a sun/rain shade we can put on the top if weather is bad! Love Love! -Oh the brand we have is Kelty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ6UAVPtPEoRHsaYiK6zIIekVwUsltmqcOkG6uFanvrYsr5xNbjA5YelXRmJAb1Fd5327zIdewqI3FqCPT8gIFlQPckfqEaTInYgrZHlO9lo4bThChynTGKivcXQC7y5mq_EWl7KXI4s/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ6UAVPtPEoRHsaYiK6zIIekVwUsltmqcOkG6uFanvrYsr5xNbjA5YelXRmJAb1Fd5327zIdewqI3FqCPT8gIFlQPckfqEaTInYgrZHlO9lo4bThChynTGKivcXQC7y5mq_EWl7KXI4s/s320/IMG_3202.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max was about 9 months old here and the crib wrap was just becoming necessary </td></tr>
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4. <span style="color: yellow;">Crib Wrap</span>. I'm not sure why, but kids like to chew on things! They are sort of like dogs in that anything that can be chewed on, will be chewed on! Once your baby is old enough to stand up in his crib, he will start chewing on the crib too! We were lucky enough to find this gem before the chew marks got too bad. It is machine washable, easy to put on and take off and really durable. We only purchased one for the side of the crib that faces out, (the side he mostly stands on) but if I ever have another child, we will for sure get one for every top part of the crib. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trend-Lab-CribWrap-Fleece-Cover/dp/B00208NUOI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1389620099&sr=8-2&keywords=crib+wrap">http://www.amazon.com/Trend-Lab-CribWrap-Fleece-Cover/dp/B00208NUOI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1389620099&sr=8-2&keywords=crib+wrap</a><br />
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5. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Snack cups</span>. Pretty simple, kids like to eat snacks, and make messes. These cups allow you to put goldfish, cheerios, apple slices, or anything you want, in a safe spill proof container. The top works so that the child can only put his hand in to get the snacks, but if the cup is thrown or turned upside down you don't have a huge mess to clean up! Another item that we use almost daily and are perfect for the car too!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Snack-Catchers-Colors-Vary/dp/B000GB0NZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389620998&sr=8-1&keywords=toddler+snack+cup">http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Snack-Catchers-Colors-Vary/dp/B000GB0NZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389620998&sr=8-1&keywords=toddler+snack+cup</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW7j-IcNTTrqnpGqva7TKDoZ8tH1RbHK6GAXYFAE3sNeChFqqmjgOM_WWpFmvzahlu1F1GC-6zvzD9Ljrg5fOFk6zxxmeH4bQ8WEFxrTki-7_BFryoOvRvunFwbwQJKFeQzcr7jntvD4/s1600/51gpHpprBPL._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW7j-IcNTTrqnpGqva7TKDoZ8tH1RbHK6GAXYFAE3sNeChFqqmjgOM_WWpFmvzahlu1F1GC-6zvzD9Ljrg5fOFk6zxxmeH4bQ8WEFxrTki-7_BFryoOvRvunFwbwQJKFeQzcr7jntvD4/s200/51gpHpprBPL._SY300_.jpg" width="200" /></a>6. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Food pouches</span>! I didn't think I would be using these as long as I have, but let me say now that I am so so so so thankful for them! With a picky eater on my hands, it is very tough to get Max to eat any vegetables and on a day when all i can get him to eat is cheese, bread and food pouches, I thank God that at least he is getting some veggies from those pouches. For those who don't know , the food pouches are basically just pureed fruits and vegetables in a easy to eat pouch. They have tons of different brands as well, but the ones we like the best are Happy Tot and Ella's Kitchen. Both have good combos of mixed fruits and vegetables, and they actually taste decent (yes I have tasted them lol). You can also get these pouches in actual food like pureed chicken or beef, (for babies who are still eating only pureed foods), but max never liked those. Max eats at least 2 of these a day and now sucks them down in under a minute lol. We buy on Amazon (what a shock ha ...sarcasm) and get a great deal when you subscribe to them and use Amazon Mom. I think we will be using these for years to come as the are a great snack on the go and a super healthy option at that! - Note: these do tend to make some pretty horrendous messes, especially in the beginning when you child still hasn't<br />
figured out exactly how to do it, but still worth it I think!<br />
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7<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">. Toddler Belt</span>. Not sure if it is common for young toddler to find pants that fit, but it is for my child.<br />
He is a little on the short side and not really very thin, but we always seemed to have the hardest time getting his jeans and pants (the ones without elastic waist) to stay up. I am not sure why the pants were so big in the waist, but we managed to find this toddler belt. It simply goes through the belt loops in the back of the pants and snaps tight to hold the pants up! It is very adjustable and easy to use, and you don't have to take on and off during diaper changes either! We use it all the time and pan on using it for years if we still can't find pants than fit Max correctly! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dapper-Snapper-Toddler-Belt-BLACK/dp/B003IXVFLO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389622038&sr=8-1&keywords=toddler+belt">http://www.amazon.com/Dapper-Snapper-Toddler-Belt-BLACK/dp/B003IXVFLO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389622038&sr=8-1&keywords=toddler+belt</a><br />
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Well, there you have it. Some of our favorite toddler item so far!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Tiny-Diner-Green/dp/B007F9YPDM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1389618773&sr=8-9&keywords=baby+PLacemat"></a><br />
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Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-49599942383279476222013-12-12T12:39:00.000-08:002013-12-12T12:39:32.550-08:00Am I too Selfish?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alright, this might be a controversial blog, as I feel as if I am about to admit a blasphemous sin in the world of mothers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I vaguly remember watching a Dr. Phil show years ago (back in high school) about a mother and her so called shocking view on parenting. I don't know why this show has stuck in my mind all these years, but I guess it is because it always confused me, as to why this mother was getting so much negative attention. To sum it up, there was a average mother who had written a book ( I have no idea what her name or the name of the book was) about how her world did not revolve around her 3 kids. The most popular line, and the one that sticks out in my mind is when she said, " I love my kids, but I am not IN-love with them." She talked about how she did things with out her kids. Her and her husband and even went on several day long vacations every year with out them on purpose. (I think the kids were like elementary ageish). They did things with their kids too, but she made it point to go out very regularly with her husband (more than the average date night) and did things weekly with her friends too. This mother's point of view was that while yes she was a mother, she was also a woman and wife before the kids came along and why should she give herself up just to be a mom? From what I can remember of the show, she was a middle class women in her 30's and still appeared to be a loving mom. They even brought the kids out and they seemed well cared for and they loved their parents. So why was this women getting publicity I wondered? They seemed like a happy family. I was shocked to find the controversy when the audience began to ask questions. Other moms in the crowd stood up and asked her how she could live with herself?! Why did she even have children is she didn't want to give anything up? How could she say she wasn't in love with her children and they aren't the center of her universe? Some even told her what an awful mother she was! It was all very weird for me watching back then, I truly did not understand what the big deal was. But for some reason this show stayed with me and today I am beginning to understand a little bit more.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since having a child almost a year and half ago, I have been introduced to the world of motherhood. As any mother will tell you," Motherhood has it's ups and downs, but at the end of the day, it is totally worth it". I think that is so true and I love my son so much that at times it actually hurts! I would not change anything about my adventure with motherhood and it has been the greatest thing in my life! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That being said... Here comes the shocking part!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I sometimes miss not having kids. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(GASP) All the other moms out there, go ahead and judge me. I feel like that is the one things moms CANNOT say. It feels like if you admit you miss your old life than you somehow love you child less. I don't think this to be true at all. And let me explain.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having a child is rough. People always say it's hard and time consuming but I hardly think you can understand the realities of parenting, until you are a parent. You give up A LOT, if not most of yourself to be a parent. It feels like now-a-days mothering is an art, and you can sometimes learn it, but it is just so obvious the women that were born to be mothers. You all know what kind of mothers I am talking about, the moms that do every craft and cute pin on Pinterest, the mom's that always still looks super hot when they take selfies entitled "So tired, after taking care of the kiddos:)". I role my eyes at these moms mostly because I want to be them lol, and am jealous that I don't have it all together like they do. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do like to do things with my child and fun activities. We make things and since I stay at home with my son, my days do revolve around him and doing things for him. We are even involved in a playgroup, which I love, and do kiddy things twice a month. I love taking care of him and spending our days together.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, it does get boring and lonely and I do miss the freedom I had when I didn't have him. I miss having a social life that didn't revolve around him. I miss going out to movies with my husband whenever we wanted. I miss just picking up and going on a day trip without being stressed about the baby crying the whole way or if we have enough diapers or if it just going to be a miserable trip. I miss doing what I want when I want. I miss taking naps or sleeping in on occasion. I miss being able to finish a book in a few days. I miss having and keeping a clean house. I miss being able to relax. I miss throwing really fun parties. I miss going to the bathroom with out a child banging and crying at the door. I miss being able to go and get my hair done or a pedicure without having to arrange a huge long day sitter. I miss not having the responsibility.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are so many small things you don't realize you are giving up when you become a mom (and I only have one kid, so I truly can't even compare to people with several!) I think the mom from the Dr. Phil show may have been a bit extreme, but I get her point of view. I think you can love your kids, but still realize that you are a person without them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To make this blog even worse, I have another confession. A lot of my friends are family are pregnant right now, and my first thought when they tell me is " I am so glad it's not me!" Truly, that is terrible to admit, of course I happy for them and if that is what they want then I want them to be happy, but all I think about is how much work and stress they have coming their way. As a parent of one toddler, I am happy to leave the baby stage behind. I had even less freedom with a baby and with nursing. It is literally only you and the baby ALL the time! I love sleeping through the night now and being able to cook a meal while he plays....Clearly, I am not ready for another child at this point and I think this thought would definitely qualify me as a selfish person! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To reiterate: I do love my son so very much! If you know either of us I think that is very obvious and I don't feel the need to have to prove it. I do love being a mother and cannot imagine a life where I never got this opportunity! However, I love being a women and a wife too. I don't think just becoming a mother means you have to sacrifice the parts of you that existed before you gave birth. Yes, things are definitely different after becoming a mom and I find myself wanting different things, but I am still me and I still love spending alone time with my husband. I still love going out with my girl friends. I still love baking cakes. I still love so many things that don't have to do with my child. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So to any moms out there who are feeling the same way, I want you to know that you are not alone and it's okay to be yourself self and not get trapped in the thought that all you are now is a mom and nothing else. You can be both:)</span><br />
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<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-88856541309349395262013-11-23T12:46:00.001-08:002013-11-23T12:46:23.903-08:00Mommy Manners? So now that Max is getting older, he interacts with other kids and parents a lot more often. When observing other mothers and kids, I can't help but wonder about the unspoken "rules" of what is appropriate for kids and moms in a public place. I sometimes let Max do something and then wonder, "Hum, I wonder if that was ok?" I am not talking about hanging out with your close friends and their kids at your house; but public places where a bunch of kids are playing. I often feel like I am breaking some sort of "mom rule" when I do or don't do something. So my question is, is there a secret set of Mom Etiquette rules that every mother should be aware of? If so, can I get a copy please:)<br />
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Here are a few examples of situations that have risen that have left me wondering what I should have done.<br />
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(Keep in mind that Max is only 15 months old, so a young toddler at best :)<br />
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1.<b> Playground rules: </b>Kids are playing at a small neighborhood playground and a few kids are eating Oreos, Max goes up to them starts trying to grab the Oreos, the mom offers to give him one if its ok with me and I say "Ya thanks" (granted I had met this person before, but we aren't friends exactly) The mom then gives him one, but gives me a weird look like I shouldn't have let him have one when she offered. Then I start thinking, "Hum....should I not have? Is that a rule that I wasn't supposed to except that?"<br />
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2. <b>Diaper Changing rules:</b> I could care less if a mom changes her kids diaper at my house or in the living room floor, unless it's poopy which is another story, but is it only appropriate to change diapers in designated changing areas? Obviously, I wouldn't change the diaper in a place where people eat, but is it ok to change a diaper of you are out at park or something? I do realize that I can't have an objective perspective on this since I really don't care about where other people change their kids diapers, but I know that some people don't have kids and find things much more inappropriate that I do, I don't wish to offend anyone. So what is the unspoken rule of where you can change a diaper?<br />
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3. <b>Disciplining strangers kids:</b> So, in this scenario Max was playing at a indoor play place and in the toddler area. Some bigger kids came in (around 7-8 years old) and started playing really rough in there and knocking Max down. I asked them to please stop and asked if they could go play in the big kid area, since they were bigger. They left, but kept coming back. We eventually just left, but I couldn't help but wonder if I should have tried to find their mom. I really don't want to be an annoying parent and tattle-tale on kids lol, but I think I would want to know if my older kid was being mean to little kids. So, again, what is the right thing to do?<br />
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These are just a few of the times when I have questioned my Mommy Manner ability:)Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-78679774875892646052013-10-16T13:12:00.002-07:002013-10-16T13:12:43.649-07:00I LOVE having a Toddler!Maximus is 14 months old now and is just so much fun! I feel like I say that a lot, but there really aren't any other words to describe it.<br />
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I know the toddler years are draining and tiresome for a lot of mothers (it is for me as well, but more on that in a minute) and I know some mothers dearly miss the days when their baby would just lay there, content and happy with the world. They miss the non-mobile pudgy baby that smiled and squeezed their fingers. Well, I'm not sure if it't wrong to say, but I don't miss those days! I love having a toddler so much more than a baby! Let me explain....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He would not stop running around at the Fall Festival!</td></tr>
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Having a toddler is tiresome. I am literally chasing Max everywhere, all day long. If we go in public, it is even worse. It seems as if everything is his to open, play with, touch, eat, or generally just get into. I can't just sit and have a conversation with someone in public and expect Max to sit still. He will play a game on my phone or watch something on TV for about 2 minutes before he goes to find what else he can get into. This does make taking him places difficult, but it has always been difficult taking him places. Good luck if I take him to a restaurant because he will maybe sit in his high chair and eat if it is something he likes, but once he is done, he is done and we better be too! So all this does add up to a very busy, never relaxing me. So why do I love having a toddler?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing and playing!</td></tr>
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Well, it is so cool to watch Max learn something new. It started when he began to walk at 11 months old, from then on I feel like he learns something new every day! I can communicate with him now too! He doesn't talk too much, but if he wants something he points to it and says "dat". He grabs his own drinks when he is thirsty and grabs his diaper when he is poopy, so I go change it. He loves to play on his own now for a while and will just and stack blocks for a little bit. Or he will pull his wagon around the house and put things in it. Yes, he gets into all my stuff and the Tupperware cabinet is constantly destroyed, but he can actually entertain himself. Plus, I actually have so much fun playing with him too! He will bring me books and come sit on my lap and we read them. He will point to things in the books and we talk about them; we often take walks outside where he picks up things on the ground and puts them in his bucket. A toddler is just so more interactive than a baby! Max understands a lot of what I am saying now and if I say "time for lunch" he will go over to his high chair, or if I ask him to throw something away, he walks over to the trash can and throws it away (that is actually one of his favorite things to do). I love watching him play ball with Jeffrey or putting easy puzzles together! It is like I am just now getting to see who he is and watching him learn new things just makes me so unbelievably proud! I can feel myself teaching him to do things, and then he can actually do it! Obviously, he is only 14 months old, but seeing him have fun scooting around on a toy truck and laughing when he knocks over his blocks tower just brings a smile to my face everyday! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He find fun anywhere now!</td></tr>
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As a baby, Max was a crier. I found myself so many times, just frustrated to the verge of tears because I didn't know what was wrong. I couldn't tell why he was crying or what I could do to make it better. He had to be held all the time and was literally NEVER content to be sitting my himself in a bouncer, or swing or anything for more than a few minutes. I was constantly afraid that he would start crying and I wouldn't be able to comfort him. I was sleep deprived not for a few weeks or measly months, but for the good part of the first year of his life. I remember the baby times although there were some good times of course, but I am loving Max being a toddler! Yes, there are still times now, when I don't know what is wrong, or like a few weeks ago when Max was sick and I felt so helpless, but for the most part is is so much better than the baby stage.<br />
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I am loving being a Mom more than ever right now and am just trying to enjoy this fun, crazy toddler stage while I can! He still lets me kiss him and he loves to give hugs so as long as I can still do that, I don't think I will miss having a baby in the house:) Oh, It also doesn't hurt that Max is simply the cutest toddler on the planet! :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly playing with Legos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What!? eating with a spoon by himself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite outside toy!</td></tr>
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Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-44018159521817573072013-09-23T05:33:00.002-07:002013-09-23T05:33:24.702-07:00What's New with the BeenesJust thought I would post a little update blog to let everyone know what has been going on lately with me and my little family:)<br />
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Well, It seems as if Fall has officially come to England. We had one nice day yesterday, but mostly the clouds and rain and chilly weather has once again returned to stay until June. It was a nice warm summer, so I am not complaining really. But I am dreading the looming darkness and dreariness that winter brings to this part of the world. But on the positive side, I really like fall clothes and am really into hats and scarves this season, so I am excited to be wearing those things much more often:)<br />
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As far as me goes, I have joined the MOCSC (Mildenhall Officer and Civilian Spouses Club) as the historian this year. All I mostly do is take pictures and post them on facebook, but its fun for me to get involved with other spouses. I also volunteered to be a Key Spouse for my husband's flight. For those of you who aren't familiar with the program, I basically am just there to help out and reach out to any spouses who may need it. We try and spread word about upcoming events and ways to get out and about:) I also organize and participate in Toddler Play Group for Max. We are a bunch of moms and kids who get together twice a month to either go random fun places, or sometimes just to each others house to hang out. It's nice to get adult time and also nice to let the kiddos play. Hum, what else am I doing?.....I think that pretty much sums of my life right now... I have a few crafts I am working on like a new knitted scarf and I am really trying to get into couponing, but am having a tough time motivating myself to get it going. I have been able to read more lately and have recently finished "Divergent" and looking forward to continuing that series, but right now I am pretty consumed with the book "The Outlanders". I am looking forward to the Holiday season (as always) and already planning Christmas presents and parties:)<br />
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Jeffrey, well I suppose you'd have to ask him about more specifics as what he has been doing recently, as I only know so much about his work:) He has been keeping very busy the last couple weeks at work and I do know that he is getting to really love his job here, which makes it good for everyone:) Idk if you all know, but Jeff is working on his Masters Degree online and is only a few classes away from graduating, so that's one of his things to keep up with. Also, twice a week a participates in an online Spanish class which helps him keep his Spanish more fluent. He also has recently competed in a "tough mudder" and a "spartan" race the last few weeks.<br />
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As far as Maximus, well he has been keeping the most busy out of all of us. He is constantly on the go, from morning until night! He just went down to taking only one nap a day, which means even more time for him to run around haha. He absolutely loves playing outside and could play on slides for hours and hours. Going up and down and up and down is just so fun for him, but he only ever goes down the slide on his belly:) He is a pretty good walker for his age, almost 14 months, but he tries to act like he is a bigger kid and it doesn't always work out for him. I am constantly chasing him around as he still gets into things he shouldn't, puts randoms things in his mouth, and tries to climb on everything! He exhausts me almost everyday! He is getting to be so much fun as at this age is able to understand a lot of what we are saying. He can still only say a hand full of words, but he understands a lot more. We can finally do activities together like playing with balls or collecting pine cones or simple fun "toddler" activities. We are really starting to see him personality now and it is so much fun. It is like he is no longer a baby, but an actual kid you can play with! He LOVES bananas! He would eat them for every single meal if I let him. I suppose there are worse things he could love, but its so funny. He is a really fast learner and Jeff and I are starting to have to be careful what we do or say in front of him as he is starting to mimic some things. You show him something once and he can usually copy it. I know all parents think their kid is super smart, but Max really is a smart kid:) He has been sleeping really well at night now, most of the time from 7pm- 7am, which is awesome for us! I guess it is because he is so busy during the day.<br />
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Well, thats us, the Beenes. Not a super unique crazy life, but we are enjoying it! We try and enjoy every single day and look forward to the fun things to come:)Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-1585566013522455502013-09-04T02:27:00.001-07:002013-09-04T02:27:31.650-07:00Perks of being a lonely Military Spouse.So we have all heard the woes and and hardships that military spouses have to go through when their spouse is gone. Although it is hard and there are SO many things that down right suck about having your spouse gone, I thought I would write about some of the good things. Being a military spouse, know one is immune to being alone or away from their spouse. I don't care what rank your husband is, he will be away from you for more than the average civilian couple, and you will be left to take care of the house on your own. Although none of us, (military wives) look forward to our husbands being away, it is a fact of the military life and we can either mope about it and cry and get depressed, or focus on the positive part and try to make the situation as best as we can. Whether he is gone for a few days for training or on a year long deployment, having the house to your self doesn't have to be all bad.<br />
So, after giving it some thought here is a list of positives and not so terrible things about being a single mom/wife.<br />
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1. <b>The house stays cleaner</b>. I don't know about everyone else, but when my husband is gone I tend to focus much more time on keeping a clean house. Maybe it is because there is one less person to get things messy/use more dishes/create more laundry but my house is always just more clean when he is gone. I have more time when the baby is asleep at night to clean the house. When Jeff is home I would rather be watching a movie with him or playing a board game instead a cleaning, but when I am all alone, I notice more what I need to clean and it gets done!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZK5LzXYItBU1S0hZcoF4pwK0ZGwsf8Gr2D01u2Z7_JtOSCmdFyPH19bhk9Y8bbqlRgiET4n47eRMh5Lv4dgFcbOlmkwhtcjT9yrvnr-AGkqPE75Z_7O8DGQ5iFygkAeMTQ33icAp5cg/s1600/tv-keeping-up-with-the-kardashians14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZK5LzXYItBU1S0hZcoF4pwK0ZGwsf8Gr2D01u2Z7_JtOSCmdFyPH19bhk9Y8bbqlRgiET4n47eRMh5Lv4dgFcbOlmkwhtcjT9yrvnr-AGkqPE75Z_7O8DGQ5iFygkAeMTQ33icAp5cg/s200/tv-keeping-up-with-the-kardashians14.jpg" width="200" /></a>2.<b> I get to watch whatever I want on TV</b>. Let it be said that there are some "trashy" TV shows that I simply love, that Jeff cannot stand! To name a few, "Keeping up with the Kardashians", "Teen Mom" and "I Didn't Know I was Pregnant", are among the shows that Jeff refuses to watch with me:) So I take the opportunity when he is gone to soak in all the bad reality TV that I can!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZwFpMpIrEsHNjnmiBpK6uvnAOWtvWeEjikyJ7Rk8heE-rDtZUbYoyN2up94Tg3-e5HOwqMlgeyAwWURFX4Q3uzvY1neO3rS-An8QB-MWX_ngMiUj343-JltdjO9jM7zBoW8_n88vGog/s1600/IMG_8192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZwFpMpIrEsHNjnmiBpK6uvnAOWtvWeEjikyJ7Rk8heE-rDtZUbYoyN2up94Tg3-e5HOwqMlgeyAwWURFX4Q3uzvY1neO3rS-An8QB-MWX_ngMiUj343-JltdjO9jM7zBoW8_n88vGog/s320/IMG_8192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Girls Twilight Trip to Forks Washington!</td></tr>
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<b>3. Time with girl friends. </b>There is never a better time to spend with your girl friends than when your husband is away. It is easier to get more girl time when you don't have kids but either way, it can be done. When I lived in Montana and Jeff had a schedule of gone for 5 days and then back 4 days for nearly 2 years, it made for some times to get together with friends! My friends and I would get together a lot and take turns hosting parties or fun craft times, movie nights or even crazy vacations. We would share holidays and have such a fun time! Especially when you have friends whose husbands are also gone, this is the time to catch up and who doesn't love a Pinterest Party? Wives who have their husbands home every single day, rarely ever get to experience the fun of spending so much time with girl friends! It is harder to spend so much time with friends once kids are in the picture as you don't have the hubby home to watch the baby if you want a girls night, but you can a get a sitter at one house to watch the kids and go out and get pedicures with the girls, or even just have some other moms over during the day for soda and snacks. With kids or not, friend time is definite bonus!<br />
<b>4. More Money</b>. Ok, so everyone knows about the non taxed pay while your spouse is deployed, but there are other pay benefits too, depending on where they are and for how long. They get paid a per diem amount and some hazardous duty pay and extra pay benefits too! While it sucks to have them gone, you may just be able to afford that new living room set by the end of the deployment:)<br />
<b>5. Extra time for "ME"</b>. When Jeff is gone, I get more time to work on crafts or sit in bed and read for hours when Max is asleep. "Me" time is hard to come by when you have a family and sometimes you can lose sight of who you are. Take advantage of this time and find things YOU like to do. Redecorate the house or work on making a scrapbook for when your hubby gets back. Take up a new hobby, just do something that you like to do and enjoy it! When you have a family, a lot of the time is spent doing "family" things. And while that is not bad, use this time to remember yourself and that you are a person too:)<br />
<b>6. I always learn something new.</b><br />
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<b> </b>Lets face it, there are jobs and things around the house that normal wives would never do, chores that are set aside for husbands and considered "mans" work. Civilian spouse get the luxury of never having to learn or do these things, but when your hubby is gone, it is all up to you to keep the house in running order. I have learned to do things that I have never done before when Jeff was gone. For instance, I mowed the lawn for the very first time when Jeff was gone because we got a ticket from the base housing office and the lawn had to be mowed in the next 24 hours. I also learned how to change a furnace filter, (being in a freezing house in Montana, can teach you a lot of things). Learning how to drive in a foreign country is something I have also recently learned, because if my husband was always around, I would just have him drive me everywhere lol. Things like changing light bulbs, unclogging toilets are not necessarily fun things to learn but hey, when it's all done you feel pretty confidant that you can do anything- Girl Power!<br />
<b>7. Gives me that chance to lose some weight! </b>Practically everyone I know would like to either lose weight or tone up their body. What better motivation is there than to have a rockin' body when your hubby gets back? It is the perfect time to eat healthier (It's always easier for me to eat better when I am not making meals for both us and can just plan for me:) and lose weight! Whether you have just 10 pounds to lose or 100, when your spouse is gone for months at a time, you have no excuse not to step up and just do it! Just imagine his face when you next see him and it will all be worth it!<br />
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There are obviously many downfalls to being alone, and not having your life partner around to actually live your life, can be a huge challenge. I am going to say it is easy, but I just want military wives out there to be aware that there can be some good in it. There are most definitely more negative than positive aspects of having your husband gone for an extended period of time, but Look at your life and look for the positive notes. It is what you make it! And that's all a military wife can do:)<br />
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<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-4372504375802210942013-08-25T01:32:00.000-07:002013-08-25T01:32:18.133-07:00Breastfeeding: Year End Review<b><span style="color: red;">*WARNING: This blog contains a lot of references to breasts, nipples and what they go through when nursing, so if you don't want the detail, I would recommend not reading any fur</span><span style="color: red;">ther:)</span></b><br />
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So WOW! It has been a YEAR (actually a little bit more than a year)!<br />
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If you had asked me one month, two month, or even three of four months in I would have said that there is NO possible way I could make to nursing for an entire year! But here I am one year of breastfeeding under my belt and I wanted to share my experience with the whole process:)<br />
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<b>THE BEFORE</b><br />
Now during pregnancy I always knew I wanted to breastfeed. My mom breastfed all of us kids and I also saw my aunts nurse my cousins, plus both of my sisters had breastfed their babies, so it is safe to say that I was more familiar with the breastfeeding process than the average person. I wasn't too apprehensive about nursing as it seemed like it was a natural part of life and having a baby. I was aware that some people had harder times nursing than others, so I was prepared for engorged painful breasts, sore nipples and difficulty latching. I tried to educate myself more on the subject of breastfeeding in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I went to a breast feeding class where they taught me about how to hold the baby, how to get a good latch, how long babies should nurse for and basically things to do and not to do. I also attended a few "Meals on Heels" groups (a local breastfeeding support group). At one of these meetings I remember saying to a girl next me " I hope I am one of those women who breastfeeding is easy" she replied back saying " I don't think it's easy for anyone." That statement made me think and become a little nervous about it. I have to say nothing prepares you for breastfeeding beside just doing it.<br />
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<b>THE FIRST FEW DAYS/ WEEKS</b><br />
So about 30 minutes after Max was born I started my journey with breastfeeding. Basically a nurse just kind of gave him to me and put him to my boob. Max didn't know what to do and with help from my mom and a nurse he kind of was able to latch for a second, but wouldn't suck. I had previously heard that babies just know what to do and nursing comes natural for them, so I was a little confused. No one seemed too worried, they said just to try for 15 minutes on each side and then try again later. Well, we did that and he still wasn't nursing despite help from several people. So I ended up pumping a little out and having to feed it to Max through a syringe. The nurses try and discourage giving babies a bottle right away as it may confuse them so for a few days we were forced to do the syringe feed. This process is quite time consuming as it requires me to<br />
1. Pump as much as possible (which in the beginning was maybe an ounce)<br />
2. Suck up the milk into a tiny syringe<br />
3. Attach a little tiny tube to the syringe<br />
4. Put the tube, and your pinkie finger in the babies mouth<br />
5. Slowly squeeze the milk through the syringe and tub into the babies mouth when he starts sucking on your finger. ( This is supposed to teach the baby that he gets food when he sucks)<br />
6. Wash out all the equipment used to use again<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOSUGlFttli60xz2XDAXIpi4iPJ6y3unWDXvxaAlXNWUYASY9zNZQE9RTeGOQMSy_fpwZ94z652DJCYvHzs7SAleZB0hv8e8PGoBAJSHuapn9Q4VCbCRkf8rnLfYbz19XAkeBY8zmwXQ/s1600/69cc6_baby_milk_5558900224_2b8aa42ebc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOSUGlFttli60xz2XDAXIpi4iPJ6y3unWDXvxaAlXNWUYASY9zNZQE9RTeGOQMSy_fpwZ94z652DJCYvHzs7SAleZB0hv8e8PGoBAJSHuapn9Q4VCbCRkf8rnLfYbz19XAkeBY8zmwXQ/s320/69cc6_baby_milk_5558900224_2b8aa42ebc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't a picture of Max, it is just a photo I found online, but here is what it looks like to syringe feed a newborn</td></tr>
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Well, Max was a very slow sucker and this entire process took nearly an hour from start to finish so that gave me maybe an hour until we had to do it all over again. Plus before I pumped every time I would try and get Max to nurse normally, but every time he just wouldn't do it! Well, as you can tell it was a very time consuming process so needlessly to say we only fed him like this for a few days before we gave up and went to a bottle of expressed breast milk (which he ironically sucked on just fine!) The next week or two I tried several times a day to get him to latch and suck, but with no success. I did see a lactation consultant and all she said I was holding him fine and he would even latch correctly but know one seemed to know why he wouldn't suck. The given advice was just to keep trying. After nearly two weeks of trying and puzzlement from consultants and my mother (she has nursed 6 babies and said she had never seen a baby not suck before) I had almost settled to believe that I would be forced to pump and feed in a bottle forever. Then, after doing some research online I found my breast feeding savior, nipple shields!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbavNi9igWSeCylznM8zuRnaPcpZy3d3RifX7hY0b5wvUi0zVC62s7csk-QPs-i48LKhx1n2ZNfu2dCFcipyTO5VJusgkKSdO30z6Tfrtb7t369_QrZclT8j-onOn3nhwtXsotpWLlsTU/s1600/61Dnk9FGAyL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbavNi9igWSeCylznM8zuRnaPcpZy3d3RifX7hY0b5wvUi0zVC62s7csk-QPs-i48LKhx1n2ZNfu2dCFcipyTO5VJusgkKSdO30z6Tfrtb7t369_QrZclT8j-onOn3nhwtXsotpWLlsTU/s200/61Dnk9FGAyL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a>Apparently these things are some what slightly frowned upon by the pro-breast feeding community, because they can confuse the baby, but for me, they are awesome and the ONLY thing that kept me able to keep breastfeeding. They do what they look like and just cover your nipple and make it more like a bottle nipple. Well, the first time I tried these it worked! Max was able to nurse and he got milk and I can't tell you how good it felt to finally be able to to nurse! These were kind of a pain as you do have to wash them out and keep them sterilized and take them with you every where you go, but for me it was better than nothing. I used these for a solid month (occasionaily trying to get Max to nurse without them with no luck) until I decided to really try and get him to not use them. The only down fall to the shields were that I think they gave Max an incorrect latch and I pretty much suffered from constant nipple tenderness and pain. Especially on the right side. But, honestly I thought the pain was just something I had to live with while nursing.<br />
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<b>TWO to THREE MONTHS-</b> I finally was able to completely wean from the nipple shields by offering him the breast normally first before trying with the shield. Sometimes he would suck, and sometimes he wouldn't but I just kept at it. It was such an amazing feeling the first time I got him to nurse the right way with out the nipple shields! I felt so accomplished and proud of myself that I didn't give up!<br />
I have to admit that I was pretty seriously considering going to formula for a while. In the first month or two it was so hard and I cried a lot. I even bought some formula and gave him a few bottles. Well, he didn't seem to like it all and every time I tried to give him formula he just seemed sad, and I felt like a failure, so we stuck with the breastfeeding despite it being pretty painful and draining (physically and emotionally).<br />
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Max also began spitting-up A TON all the time! It wasn't projectile, and it didn't actually seem to cause him that much pain, but the spit up was honestly pretty constant through-out a day. I'd say the average day he spit up at least 5-6 ounces of breast milk, no joke. So naturally, I was concerned that it was something I was eating that was causing him to get an upset stomach. For about a month, I tried to find out what was the cause of his horrendous amounts of spit-up by eliminating things from my diet. I went without dairy products, chocolate, and type of citrus fruit or drink, caffeine and much more. I could never find an answer and every day the amount of spit up he had was exactly the same not matter what I ate. After a month or so, I gave up and just ate whatever. I accepted that I would just be literally covered in spit-up for the rest of my life. The doctors weren't concerned about his spit-up because he was gaining weight pretty well, but they did put him on the medicine Zantac for a while (which did not help one tiny bit).<br />
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<b> THREE to FIVE MONTHS IN</b><br />
Things got easier. Max was more comfortable eating and the process was less painful for me, but I still got occasional nipple pain from improper latching. At this point I was still nursing every 3 hours or less because of Max's intense reflux. It was at this time that I started introducing solid foods. (well, solids for babies) Things like rice cereal, pureed sweet potatoes, bananas and prunes were Max's favorite. He only ate a little baby food once or twice a day for a a few months, so I was still breastfeeding pretty often. I know it is recommended now a days to exclusively breast feed for 6 months, but Max needed something with more density to try and keep down. Also, I must admit that it was nice to have someone else be able to feed him once in a while.<br />
I still was not a pro at nursing even at this point. It was awkward holding while nursing him because he was getting bigger and squirmier. I couldn't quite hold him with one arm anymore, but he couldn't hold himself up either. It was a weird stage for me. But thankfully by this point my breasts were finally hardly ever leaking and I didn't have to wear breast pads all the time anymore. I think my milk had finally kind of regulated and my breasts weren't uncomfortable very often at all.<br />
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<b>SIX to EIGHT MONTHS</b><br />
I can finally say that during this span, breastfeeding FINALLY got easy for me. I never had pain, holding Max was easy, he latched and nursed quickly, it all was really great. Yes, Max still spit-up at least 5 times a day and by this time I had serious spit up stains covering my furniture and carpets, but I didn't even care anymore. Max was eating his purred food great and nursing on a pretty regular schedule.<br />
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<b>NINE- ELEVEN MONTHS</b><br />
Right about 8-9 months old Max decided he didn't want to eat purred baby food anymore. We started giving him regular food (cut up of course) and he really loved it. He loved being able to feed himself and pretty much refused to eat anything from a spoon (except yogurt). I think this helped with his reflux because at about 9 months he finally stopped spitting -up so much. He still got the occasional spit up or little dribbles, but at 9 months I was actually able to go somewhere with out worrying if Max would drench the person next to us in spit up:) It was also at this point that nursing became more a chore for him. He was able to crawl at 7 months and by 9 months, had no desire to be or sit still ever! Trying to get him to nurse just got harder as everything would distract him, and he wouldn't sit and latch for more than few minutes at a time. We tried sitting in a dark room, giving him something to look at while nursing, but none of it worked. He just had too much to do and breastfeeding was not on his schedule. It is recommended that at this age babies still nurse at least 4 times during a 24 hour period. Well, I was lucky if we got that many. At first it really concerned me that he wasn't nursing enough, but at about 10 or 11 months old, I just said whatever. Max would nurse in the morning and at night right before bed time and try to get in just one feed during the day sometime.<br />
At least I thought he would be pretty easy to wean.<br />
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<b>WEANING</b><br />
I cut out the daytime feeding a little before Max's first birthday. As expected, he didn't seem to care much but, he has never been a kid that was attached to nursing. We did that for about 2 weeks and then I cut out the morning feed. I have to say that it was very nice to get to wear normal bras again. Also sleeping at night with out a bra on was simply awesome lol. I did notice that after we stopped nursing in the morning, Max started eating a lot more for breakfast, so that was nice that Jeff could just get up with him occasionally and just feed him breakfast. He also really loves cows milk and has no affects on him, so thats good. I probably nursed him only at night time for about 2 weeks. The last few nights he just really didn't want much. He would nurse for less than a minute on each side and then was done. I am not sure if I really just didn't have any milk left or he was just over it. Yesterday was the first night he wnet to bed without nursing. I had Jeff put him do the night time routine of books and then lights out, snuggles for a few minutes and then bed so I wouldn't be tempted to nurse him lol. I will admit that I was a little sad to see it end, and kind of needed a big hug from Jeff when Max went to sleep just fine without me nursing him. Kind of made me feel like Max didn't need me the same way anymore, and I think that part was just a little hard on me :) ( Oh man, what am I going to do when he goes off to college lol?) So as I had expected weaning was pretty strait forward. I would really miss seeing his eyes get drowsy when we would do our night time feed. But, it is what it is.<br />
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<b>OVERVIEW</b><br />
When/if I have more babies I definitely want to breastfeed. Overall, it has been a positive experience for me. I liked being able to nourish my baby the way he was meant to and it made me feel good to not quit even when things got VERY tough. I would encourage other mothers to breast feed as it is a unique experience, and obviously there are a lot of other positive results.That being said, I have nothing against formula feeders. I do realize that for some families, formula is the way to go, and in some ways, formula would have been much easier. The pressure in the first few months of me being the only one that could feed Max was plainly exhausting! I think that, in itself, is one of the main reasons women don't stick with nursing. It is a lot of added responsibility to the already daunting task of taking care of a baby, and I totally get it. When I was writing this blog I felt some of the emotions come back from the early days of breast feeding. And for me, when everything else was going wrong and I just didn't know if I could do anything right as a parent, I always felt deep down that by breastfeeding I was doing at least one thing right! It kept me going. (Again, not that you are wrong if your formula feed, this was just how it felt for me at the time)<br />
Breastfeeding seems to be sort of a hot topic these days, especially about feeding in public and breast feeding a 3 or 4 year olds. Feeding in public was never a huge issue for me as Max and I rarely went out in public for any long period of time where I would need to nurse lol. The times that we did, I would nurse in the car or somewhere private usually. It was honestly just easier for me as Max hated being under the cover and got distracted easily, so if there were things going on, he wouldn't concentrate on eating. I really don't care if women nurse in public without a cover at all. It doesn't bother me in the slightest if I see a boob or a nipple, but I do understand that it could bother some people. That was also a reason I tried to be very discreet about feeding in public. I don't think nursing mothers should have to hide, but we need to be respectful of other people too. I think people realize that breast feeding is the way a baby eats, but come on, it is your boob just hanging out there and ya people are going to look. Some people just haven't been around a nursing mother, so I think it just throws them off guard when you start getting undressed in public. So in my opinion, yes, please do nurse in public and don't be ashamed, but do realize that you are going to get looks if your boob is hanging out, in just the same way that you would get looks if you were wearing a super low cut shirt with cleavage spilling out. It's a boob...so ya people are gonna look at em:)<br />
As far as nursing an older baby goes, well, I can't imagine doing it with Max. As I have said before, he has rarely showed interest, so there is no way I could see him nursing for much longer, by his own choice. If I had one of those babies who loved nursing, then it might be a different story, I don't know. I for one, was happy just to reach the year mark. I am ready to have my body back and not use it simply for the purposes of my baby any more ( not sure if that makes me selfish or not) I mean almost a year of pregnancy and a year a nursing...just think about it, 2 years where your body is for you child. I was ready to wear cute bras again and not have to worry about if the shirt I was wearing was nursing compatible. I was ready to have the same sized breasts and to be able to leave Max with a sitter without worrying about pumping and all that mess. It was definitely time for Max and I to stop when we did, but I show no judgement on women that nurse longer. Although I think I may draw the line at 3 or 4 years old:)Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-29957089710333891612013-08-16T02:53:00.001-07:002013-08-16T02:53:17.256-07:00Things I Love about England and Things I miss about the USASince I have been here for over a year and feel pretty well acclimated, I figured it was time for comparison blog.<div>
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Things I like about the UK (in no specific order)</div>
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*Round Abouts- For those of you who don't know a round about is a type of driving intersection. It is a driving circle with at least 3 exit points and each car is required to enter and exit the circle while yielding to the cars already in the circle. There is a etiquette that comes with driving in these with certain blinkers being used when exiting and entering the round about. It took me a while to get used to them, but now that I have, I have to say that I really like them. It is a way better system than stop lights, or the terrible 4 way stop signs we have in the US. The huge round abouts (with 5 plus exits) can get a tricky and hectic, and there are also round abouts with stop lights, which are weird. But for the most part, I really like them and wish the US would convert:)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an example of a round about and the way you drive on it</td></tr>
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*I like that all, or most, of the buildings are built of brick or stone. Almost any building here is built with solid and lasting materials. It makes them look really nice and honestly, it is why people here can live in really old homes. Its because everything here seems to be built better. I have not seen a building yet built with paneling or whatever all the cheap new homes in the US are made of. </div>
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* Everything here seems to have culture or history. Yes, England has been around way longer than the US, but seriously every single little town you drive through had some major historical event attached to it. And I am not talking about "the worlds largest hay bail". There are castles or ruins or something cool to see everywhere. The little villages </div>
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*The windows. So this may seem small, mot most the windows here in the UK are really nice, with pull down screens. I love them! It is so awesome on a nice day to keep the windows open. I guess because there is no AC anywhere, people always have there windows open and I truly do love fresh air all the time!</div>
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* Being able to shop on Amazon and Amazon UK! I know this is because we are military and have the luxury of having a US and an UK address, but I do love it! If you know me, you know I am addicted to Amazon. I order almost everything on Amazon and now I can check out Amazon UK too! They often have very different things and are often very different in costs. Every once in a while I will find something so awesome on Amazon UK, that is impossible to find in the states! Its like double the shopping lol.</div>
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* Television. I like being able to watch shows from all over the world practically. With satellite here I can watch all the shows I used to love to watch in Australia. Plus every once in a while there are some really fun British shows, plus American shows too and when the Olympics were on BBC like 10 channels, all with no commercial breaks at all! We got to see all sorts of cool events that they never show back home.</div>
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* Travel is so easy here, to get from one county to another I mean. I know so many friends back home that have never even been to another county, or some another state! Well, since everything is so small here, travel to multiple countries is simple and every does it lol. It is really cool having the opportunity to see so many places that most Americans never will.</div>
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Things I miss about the US (besides obviously being close to my friends and family)</div>
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* Plugs in the bathroom. Ok, so this kind of weird, but for some reason the British refuse to have outlets in the bathrooms. They have a small plug for men's razors but that is it. It won't fit a regular outlet. It just make is really difficult for doing your hair or anything really. I am not sure why this is this way, but anywhere I have been, you can not find an outlet in the bathroom.</div>
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*Staying on the bathroom theme. All the bathroom mirrors are really high up. Like it probably starts where my chin is. Again, making putting on makeup or even brushing your teeth a little odd.</div>
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* I miss drive throughs. They do have drive throughs here, but they are not that common. Apparently, the British are not big on driving and eating at the same time lol. They have a few McDonalds here and there and you will see a fast food place, but not with a drive through. I have to say, that this kind of sucks. Especially with a baby and just wanting to get something fast with out having to get him out of his car seat and him sunning around. I am looking forward to have drive throughs again!</div>
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* Stores staying open. So mostly all the shopping stores here close about 5:30. A few grocery stores stay open until about 8 or so, but really you are out of luck if you needed to pick up an outfit after work. The Brits really seem to enjoy the night life, so night time is for going out I guess. But I really do miss being able to go to Walmart or Target at anytime and get almost anything! </div>
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* Simple roads and interstates. So I am still not a driving pro here and alot of the time find the roads just so confusing. They do have high ways and things like that, but it's not the same you'd find in the US. Most of the time, to get from point A to point B takes a lot of turns down tiny roads. (this might be different if we lived in a larger city) But a lot of the villages and town are layed out so weird. I know it is because theses things have been here forever, before modern surveying, but honestly, I just dream of things being layed out east to west and neighborhoods not being filled with tiny winding roads.</div>
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* Television- This sort of needs to go in both columns. I dearly miss my old TV shows and getting to watch them at the same time as every one else. Most of the shows here get a delayed playing. Some are just a few episodes behind the States and some are seasons behind. Yes, we have a sling box so we can watch TV from the US, but I have to watch it on my computer and sometimes the internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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really sucks. And we don't get any US Sports channels, which makes Jeff sad lol.</div>
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* Parking! So parking lots are a thing of luxury over here. You would not believe how few there are. Back in the US, you would expect a restaurant to have it's own parking lot right? Well, here not a chance. You can find in larger cities some parking garages or maybe a parking lot for a grocery store, but that is it. You would not believe how many people seriously just park on or in the street. On a two lane road with no shoulder. You will often see cars parked right there in the street, and if you are behind it you have to go into the other lane to get by. It is crazy, the parking situation here and it is something I miss so much about the states!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRfCfn1S-lYqTzd9TJzn_T8voku8C86fZp76LKneiQY0MsHybwO4phr0vs_HZtgmpyygb1zrpem7t-1wKu5d2-Tt2ZJQkjepzRAjRDmjZeN4VntPENomfPb5xxkk3Kyhhfqie0O-vqxk/s1600/brighton.preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRfCfn1S-lYqTzd9TJzn_T8voku8C86fZp76LKneiQY0MsHybwO4phr0vs_HZtgmpyygb1zrpem7t-1wKu5d2-Tt2ZJQkjepzRAjRDmjZeN4VntPENomfPb5xxkk3Kyhhfqie0O-vqxk/s320/brighton.preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is a really a 2 lane road that you are supposed to drive down, both ways. This happens ALL the time!</td></tr>
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I am sure there are more pros and cons but for now, these are the major ones! Enjoy!</div>
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Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-69833597204424554632013-07-03T02:35:00.002-07:002013-07-03T02:35:25.013-07:00First Night AwayParents' first night away together from their baby can be an emotional one. I am not talking about a date night out to go to dinner, but a complete and total over-night away from baby. I know many parents who left their kids with family when the baby was only 3 or 4 months old, and I also know parents who still have never left their 3 year old over night with anyone. I think the right time to finally leave your baby/child with someone else is when you feel comfortable. I think it also depends on the baby. If the baby is breastfed, sleeping through the night and other factors can make the decision difficult. Also having someone you trust that is willing/available to watch your child is a major issue. Well, for Jeff and I, the right time to have an over-night get away came a few days ago.<br />
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Max is 10 1/2 months old, finally sleeping through the night consistently,and able to put himself to sleep so I thought it was time Jeff and I got our night away. We might have done it sooner if we lived near family, but I couldn't just leave him with any sitter so I needed to make sure it was with someone I trusted. Well, Jeff's family came to England to visit us so I knew that leaving him with the in-laws would be something I would feel comfortable with (plus I know they wanted to spend as much time with Max as possible:)</div>
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In the weeks leading up to this night, I was so excited! I literally dreamt of having an entire day and night for just my husband and myself. I couldn't wait to simply go out to a movie with him (we hadn't seen a movie in the theater together since before Max was born). I booked us a quaint British bed and breakfast room for the night and looked forward to the wonderful alone time I would get to have with my husband.</div>
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The hours before Jeff and I were marked to leave for our big getaway were very anxious for me. I couldn't understand why I felt so nervous. I found myself writing down every single possible detail of Max's schedule, bed time routine, eating habits and so much more for my in-laws. I didn't expect to be so apprehensive about the whole thing. I started to really think about it and could count on one hand the number of times I hadn't put Max to sleep at night ( he's still breastfeeding). And those few times, I was always there to see his smiling face in the morning. As I got him down for a nap right before we were about to leave I had him fall asleep in my arms and just held him for a while. My eyes got watery as I thought about leaving him. I felt like I was abandoning him. I didn't imagine getting this emotional.</div>
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My logical self tried to reason with the emotional self by reminding me that Max would be fine. I completely trusted my in-laws to take care of Max. It was me that was going to miss him, probably not the other way around. It was just strange to be away from him when I the longest I have ever been away from Max was maybe 3 or 4 hours at a time. It was different for Jeff, he has been away for months at a time due to his job. I have been left alone to take care of Max for quite a while and I just figured out that I need Max as much as he needs me. </div>
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After I laid Max down to sleep, I went to get my stuff to go. I needed a hug from Jeff to re-assure me that it would be okay. He loaded up the car and I sat in our room and cried for a few minutes. For the record, I NEVER wanted to be this woman/mother. </div>
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I thought it was so pathetic...and even as I cried in my room I felt a little embarrassed for myself haha. Well, I mustered up the courage to take a deep breath and go down stairs. Before we left I was searching my brain for anything and everything I was forgetting to tell my In-laws...I was trying to think of anything that would get me to stay a few more minutes. Jeff, on the other hand, was ready to go and had packed up the car...<br />
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As we got in the car, I again had to hold back tears. I wanted so bad to enjoy this time away with Jeff, but it was so much harder than I ever could have imagined! After about half an hour and while getting our movie tickets (omg we hadn't seen a movie together in the theater in over a year!) I came to the realization that this was so nice! I was determined right then and there to enjoy our time!<br />
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After that it was surprisingly easy. I did get Max updates from the in-laws (THANK-YOU!) which made things very nice. The rest of the day and night and next day went just fine and I have to say that it wasn't as terrible being away from Max as I had thought it might be.<br />
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All in all it was a wonderful day and night and I am so glad we did it! I don't think Max was traumatized in any way, and I know it was good for me. So a big thank you to Carol, Jeff and Allison for taking such good care of Max for 24 hours!<br />
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Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-29175786740947096022013-05-30T02:33:00.002-07:002013-05-30T02:33:56.613-07:00What Not to Wear (because I'm 27 and a Mom)Alright, well since I have gotten back into my pre-pregnancy stage and it looks as if the weather may finally be giving us some warm days I have been looking into what to wear for the spring and summer. I am finding it a little difficult to fit my style and budget into clothes these days for these reasons.<br />
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<b>My age</b>. Ok, so yes I am only 27 so to me that still seems pretty young in the grand scheme of things. And I want to dress young. I do realize that I am getting older and can only pull off certain clothes while in my twenties so I don't want to waste the few years I have left. I have the rest of my life to dress "older" so why do I want to do it now? Answer: I don't. I still want to wear fun trendy items. But with this, there comes a balance. A few years ago I pretty much stopped buying anything from the Juniors sections at the stores because I figured I am an adult and need to start shopping like one. Today, I occasionally cheat and get something from that section if it is super cute or on sale haha, but for the most part I steer clear from it. Most of the clothes there are very "teenagerish" anyway and I find myself wondering if they make me look too young. I don't want to look like I am trying to be in high school again, or that I am desperately trying to make people think I am 21 again, because lets face it that is not going to happen. I simply want to appear to be a mature, yet trendy and cute 27 year old woman. I am still young, and want to appear that way without going too far. It seems to be kind of a difficult balance.</div>
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<b>Since I am a Mother. </b>Everyone is aware of "mom" jeans and how the stereo-typical mother dresses. It is less than pleasing. Mothers tend to fall into the "I just don't give a crap what I wear because I have so much other stuff to do" slot. I totally get it; wearing cute clothes that just get covered with food and pulled on just doesn't have the same appeal. And when I am around the house, I must admit that I spend most of my time in yoga pants and tee shirts, shorts if I can. But, on the few times a week that I get to go somewhere, I take advantage of the opportunity and dress the best I can. Plus, a lot of mothers tend to believe that they some how need to stop being women and start only being a mother. Which I don't think is right for me. I need the few days a week to dress up (sort of) and feel pretty and stylish again. I have always been a firm believer that even though you become a MOM, you are still a woman and a person. Being a Mom is not the only thing that defines me and I like to show that with my wardrobe.</div>
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<b>My size</b>. I have never been the skinniest person around, but usually not the biggest either. Over the years I have gained weight and lost it, but for the most part have stayed about where I am now. I have always thought I have good body parts and some other body features that I would rather cover up. For instance, I have always kind of liked my legs. I'm not sure if that sounds conceded but I think I have nice calves and ankles, and my thighs are just ok haha. For that reason, I always love wearing heels, they elongate my legs. So, it's one of my assets and I'd like to show them off while I still have nice legs. I am not sure how many years I have left, so I am going to take advantage of it. One of my problem areas has always been my stomach/belly region. This area got worse with pregnancy and so it is the area that I like to keep covered. There are many clothes items that there is an unspoken rule about and only for "skinny" girls to wear. But on the other hand, I don't want to go around always so scared of my body image that I have to cover up every part of me because it isn't in perfect shape. I have found that there is a line. I have accepted there are certain clothes items that just won't ever look good on my body type, and girls with my size just shouldn't wear. I think this comes into play with every body type and whatever size you are there are things you can wear and not wear.<br />
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Why are clothes even important to me? They are important because if you have ever seen the show on TLC "What Not to Wear" you will understand. The way you present yourself to the outside world is the way people perceive you. Since perception is reality, what a person looks like on the outside, generally is a reflection of what they feel on the inside. I want to project myself as a semi-stylish twenty something mother who has fun, enjoys life and enjoys wearing cute comfortable clothes:)</div>
Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-81673969915353922772013-05-12T02:32:00.000-07:002013-05-12T02:32:51.006-07:00Opinions on ParenthoodSo once you become a parent you will be over-loaded with advice and opinions on how to raise your child. Everyone is certain that their way is best and "the only" way it should be done. Mothers will get so worked up I have found that parents can get VERY offended and opinionated about certain hot topics. I have found that there are certain subjects that I do not bring up with surrounded by a group of mothers as it can lead to a very heated argument and a lot of uncomfortableness. These subjects (and much more) are:<br />
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1. What and when to feed you child. (organic homemade food, all vegetarian vs store bought) ( when to start solids, juice, cows milk, you name it, people have an opinion about it)<br />
2. The way your child sleeps. ( Co-Sleeping, sleeping on the back or belly, sleep training)<br />
3. Breast Feeding vs Formula<br />
4. Circumcision<br />
5. Vaccinations<br />
6. Birth Control<br />
7. Chemicals in the home ( baby wipes, cleaners)<br />
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Most of MY personal parenting style as been to just go with the flow. I honestly didn't do too much research when I was pregnant about ALL the different baby products and advice because I found it WAY too over whelming. There was never any straight answer on anything. For all the research you do on one topic, there are 100 reasons why you should and shouldn't do something I pretty much just told myself that I would figure it out as I go and people have been being parents since the dawn of time, so I am sure I could figure it out. <br />
I have pretty much tried to do what I thought was best in my journey with parenthood. Yes, I have asked for alot of advice and there is still tons I will admit I don't know about parenting, but one thing is for sure. I know my child better than you. I am with him 24/7 and know his reactions/moods/temperament and personality. I remember getting so frustrated (when I was already beyond frustrated) about people telling me the way I should get Max to sleep or eat or the "Wow, you let your baby do that?" question followed by the polite smile. I do know that honestly some people just try to help. Saying something like, well "This _____worked for my child, so maybe it will work for yours? but all babies are different so just hang in there" was the way I liked to get advice. I can just tell that some other mothers are thinking "Well if you just do what I do then your baby will eat/sleep/ be happier"<br />
I have gotten so fed up with young mothers telling other people and making a big stink about how their parenting choices are the best and because of them they are going to have a perfect child. I ABSOLUTELY HATE when a mother will say I need to STOP doing something.<br />
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I only have once child, so I only know how he is and thats it. I have learned to only take parenting advice from people I actually know (and like). Plus I have learned that advice from parents of at least 2 children is way more valuable. With only 1 child, a parent only knows one way to do things because that baby responded to it. ( I am including myself in this group) If they have an easy child who ate well and slept well then they think they had something to do with it. I think people with 2+ children understand how much the baby controls the parent and not the parent and not the other way around.And even then, it is just advice on their experience. That person who is telling you what to do is not living you life and in your shoes. I don't think some mothers know how bad they make other mothers feel about being an insufficient parent because their baby doesn't do the things yours does.<br />
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I am writing this blog because I want other mothers out there, or mothers to be to understand that everyone is just doing the best that they can. If you are a all- natural holistic mother who uses no chemicals, breast feeds in public, and doesn't vaccinate you child, good for you, but just because a mother uses formula and pushes her child in stroller, doesn't make her a bad parent and any less loving. I am fine with someone saying," ____ is my choice as a parent, and this is why I choose to do it or not do it". But please have respect for parents or choose a different method than you. You have no idea what their family is like.You may not agree or choose to raise your child differently , but that is the beauty of being of being a parent, you get to choose, but you don't have to be snotty or "holier than thou" about it. We are all mothers just doing the best we can, so lets start being supportive to all mothers and not JUDGMENTAL!Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-66970200711173928602013-04-21T02:16:00.000-07:002013-04-21T02:16:34.724-07:00Thankful to be AliveI am just so thankful to be alive.<br />
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Today is one of those days that I just can't help but feel so blessed. </div>
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In my life I have experienced amazing love.</div>
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My parents have always been there to support me and I can honestly say have been the best parents in the world.</div>
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I have the most special love from all of my unique sisters. Although, my sisters are the only people that I can get in huge fights with, I love them more dearly than almost anything. I had such a special childhood that always brings the most fond memories.</div>
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I have a HUGE extended family on both sides and so many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins that love me for who </div>
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I am, and I so lucky to have so many people to lean on. </div>
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I have had and still do have close, loving, best friends that have and would do anything for me. I am so blessed to have not just one, but so many best friends that I can count on no matter what happens in life. It doesn't matter if we haven't spoken in months, I know for a fact that if I really needed something, so many people would be there for me in a heart beat.</div>
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I have known deep, passionate love for husband. It is the type of love that is literally unexplained and can only be felt. Every day I know that he loves me with all his heart and makes me feel like the happiest woman in the world.</div>
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I have given birth to the best baby on earth! Even through all the hard times, I for real do not know what I would do without my baby. He brings me such joy in the morning when he wakes up talking and smiling, I don't even mind that it is 6 am. I have been blessed enough to experience the joys of motherhood which know one can ever take away. </div>
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All these things and so much more make me feel so blessed beyond anything. I feel like if something happened to me today, I would be at peace because I have lived a full and love filled life. Of course, I would like to live and grow old and see my grandkids, but I am lucky enough to make it this far in life. 27 years of joy is more than a lot of people get and I thank God for giving it to me. Every day is such a gift and I don't plan on wasting however many I have left! </div>
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Thank-you Lord for giving me my wonderful life!</div>
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Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-55732536362393278482013-04-11T13:28:00.002-07:002013-04-11T13:28:47.780-07:00I miss my husbandSo my other military wives will understand. When your husband has to leave for months at a time, you are forced to live and get by on your own. There are so many things a military wife has to adjust to, and I have come to realize that there are so many things I miss about Jeff being gone. Besides the obvious of generally missing his company and my partner in life, I have realized it is the small things that I didn't even think about that I miss the most.<br />
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These are some of the things that Jeff did when he is here that I never had to ask him to do and I'm trying to remember or find time to do myself now haha<br />
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- taking out the trash and remembering to take the cans out on trash/recycle day<br />
- lock the doors at night<br />
- set the robot vacuum to run while we sleep<br />
- mow the lawn<br />
- check on the baby before we go to sleep at night<br />
- get up with Max in the mornings while I sleep a little bit longer<br />
- turn off the downstairs light<br />
- start the coffee in the morning<br />
- stop to pick up milk or any small things on the way home from work<br />
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These things and more are just some of the small things that I have to get used to doing on my own.<br />
<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-12166899051738680892013-04-09T03:10:00.000-07:002013-04-09T03:10:38.970-07:00Nothing NewSo I have been wanting to blog for a while, give people and update on my life and whats been going on, but the truth is that really not a lot. Since Jeff is gone my days are pretty much the same. Max and I wake up, I get coffee, feed him breakfast and play. After his nap we usually go somewhere short like to check the mail or for a walk. We have lunch, play more, he takes an afternoon nap, then hang out, dinner bath books and bed. It's all pretty basic. When Max goes to sleep, I clean up the house, do dishes and play around the computer and then go to sleep. Some days we have play group or meet some friends, but mostly the days just go by the same way. I'm not complaining at all, in fact I actually love the monotony of every day.<br />
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I plan for special events like I have always done. I am in the stages of planning for Max's 1st birthday, which I am so excited about! I know I am going to go overboard, but it's going to be so fun as long as its not raining that day lol. I am also looking forward to family friends coming out to visit this summer.<br />
I am working on planning a family vacation for Jeff, Max and I somewhere this summer, but I am having a tough time with it. There are literally so many places we could go around Europe! Every time I think about someplace I want to go, I think about how hard it is going to be with Max, especially now that he is mobile and not too keen on sitting still for long periods of time. I pretty much have decided that day trips are going to be the best idea for a while. It's kind of weird since Max is not really old enough to enjoy any "kid" places yet but also doesn't do well in museums or castles or other "adult" attractions that Jeff and I would want to see. So deciding where to go has been a challenge. Instead of any long vacation this summer I think we are just going to explore a few places around England this summer. For sure going to Sherwood Forest and hopefully making the trip out to see Stonehenge are at the top of the list, but we will see. Plus, everything is so expensive!<br />
Um, so ya....that is really all I am doing right now:) hopefully I'll have something new and exciting to blog about soon:)Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-63382948462932473142013-03-22T03:19:00.001-07:002013-03-22T03:19:23.841-07:00A List of VERY late resolutions.Ok, so I have been meaning to post a list of things I want to improve about myself or do better. I meant to do it around New Years, but, of course, it never got done. So here it is.<br />
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1.<b> NOT BAIL. </b>It is so easy to have excuses not to do things when you have a baby. Seriously, you can pretty much blame anything on them and people can't really say much. It's not like someone is gonna say "You're baby isn't really sick, bring him out anyway". Plus it is honestly so much easier at times just stay in and not have to get everything ready to go, worry about if your baby is going to be fussy, or if its going to to interrupt his nap time. One of my hugest pet peeves, is when people bail on doing something last minute, when they previously said they would. I mean coming up with a bad excuse is one thing, but just not showing is so much worse! But then I got to thinking, holy crap, I am guilty of doing this exact thing! There have been many times where I am just not feeling like going out of the house and putting makeup on, so I make up and excuse...It is<b> </b>really annoying of me too. So I have decided to REALLY try and not do this. Unless there is an actual legitimate excuse, I am going to try and make myself do things and not cancel! A legitimate excuse being that Max or myself is Actually sick, with a fever or cold or what not, or something that I HAVE to do came up instead. Otherwise, if I said I am going, I am going!<br />
2. <b>PUT MY BIG GIRL PANTIES ON. </b>This kind of goes hand in hand with the first one, but I really need to start manning up and doing things by myself, (or just me and Max) especially since Jeff is leaving in a few days. I still get so nervous about bringing Max out in public...I really do think that having him alone on the terrible flight a few months ago, seriously scared me. It was the worst feeling of my life and I honestly get sick to my stomach just thinking about it. Driving around England makes me nervous enough since the roads are all weird and tiny, so that in itself make me not want to go anywhere farther than 10 minutes away. But having to worry if Max is going to be crazy is the other major part. Well, I have decided it is time to get over it. Yes, I am still pretty terrified, but other people/moms can do it so so can I! I just have to make myself, otherwise I know I will be stuck at home forever.<br />
3. <b>MAKE FRIENDS! </b>I think I got spoiled in Montana because I was able to make such good friends really quickly. Pretty much right away, I had good friend who I could tell anything too, and I miss so much! I have always needed good friends in my life and even though I have moved around a lot in my life, I was always able to make some relatively fast. Here is has been different. It gave me a huge shock to realize that in 2 months we will have lived in England for a year! Wow I can't believe how time flies! I know this time it has been different because of the baby, making it much harder to get out (thus the upper resolutions), but yikes. I mean I am not completed lame, I do have a few friends here that I really like and we have started to get together. I know making close friends sometimes takes a while. ( and I feel like it is different with moms, because everyone has such different view on parenting and it can sometimes get really tense when moms don't agree) I just really miss being able just call someone and be like, hey im coming over to hang out and wathc movies, or lets jut talk, or hey lets grab dinner....I need to try harder to make friends here, because I REALLY miss it.<br />
4. <b>WEAR LIP COLOR</b>. This one is slightly off from the other ones, but still important. Every few years or so try and change my makeup routine and I really want to make lip color a staple. Every time I see a photo of myself, I think "man my lips need some color" but yet I hardly wore and color because lipstick was always a pain. Well, I have changed that and am have several different color of lip stains which I wear whenever I put makeup on. It last mostly all day and I can just put gloss over it through out the day.<br />
5. <span style="background-color: white;"><b>FLOSS</b></span>. Man I just hate flossing so much! It takes time and is annoying and gross. I really just hate it, but every time I got to the dentist they always ask me, "how often do you floss?" I say "Umm... not very often". The they say " So like twice a week?" and I lie saying "Sure". Truth is I rarely floss at all, and I know it is important so I am going to really make an effort to so it twice a week at least so I don't have to lie to the dentist haha.Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2855237174377345176.post-69913347206049505142013-03-05T08:55:00.000-08:002013-03-05T08:55:28.031-08:00Some Baby/Mom Items that We Couldn't Live Without!So, when I was pregnant I asked other mom's what were some baby items that they loved, and I always learned some new things, so here is my experience so far on what baby items Max and I LOVE! If I ever have another child, I will for sure be buying them or reusing them again!<br />
I know not every baby likes the same things, so these items may or may not work for you and your little one, but Max is feisty, particular, and squirmy little baby who is always moving and reaching, so these items work for a baby like him!<br />
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(in no particular order)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyAep5sEA86AhySXmq-wodkWNj-XlNa6_wTbglJT1lYt57eYSDJFQ9LoJonAW4pVwxRh5-_TRO6S4RCq4MMsJH1HbolhJpvnkdpHjb-crxwWxjw1xXC9KaB0XUBiUiwg9WL4lJzC7eTI/s1600/416Dr1-M4gL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyAep5sEA86AhySXmq-wodkWNj-XlNa6_wTbglJT1lYt57eYSDJFQ9LoJonAW4pVwxRh5-_TRO6S4RCq4MMsJH1HbolhJpvnkdpHjb-crxwWxjw1xXC9KaB0XUBiUiwg9WL4lJzC7eTI/s200/416Dr1-M4gL.jpg" width="200" /></a>1. <b>This teething necklace</b> has been so so so wonderful! I have two, in different colors, and wear them every single time I go out anywhere with Max. I originally wanted one so that I could wear it while I nursed to give Max something to look at/hold on to. It works for that, but it is the best teether ever! It is always accessible whenever Max wants it, and it never falls on the floor and gets dirty since I wear it around my neck! Max can yank on the necklace and it won't break, and he loves just playing with it! Plus, its not terrible to look at and really kind of looks like a real necklace so a simple accessory!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Teething-Bling-Shaped-Necklace/dp/B001ANUSY4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1361869404&sr=8-6&keywords=teething+necklace" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Teething-Bling-Shaped-Necklace/dp/B001ANUSY4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1361869404&sr=8-6&keywords=teething+necklace </a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPDUJxuSTB-idgxTMm-UknKgjhiQJgzHElGPZhKFgHxNAVI0wAAYGl29HxFWIYNhPAMxbFO9n3E0WIOKh6NlJSn4XEywiSqjDsQHTigDFaO6Ihn85IW7xwph6hTp_H2u6Up0ovFEPPqM/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPDUJxuSTB-idgxTMm-UknKgjhiQJgzHElGPZhKFgHxNAVI0wAAYGl29HxFWIYNhPAMxbFO9n3E0WIOKh6NlJSn4XEywiSqjDsQHTigDFaO6Ihn85IW7xwph6hTp_H2u6Up0ovFEPPqM/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching a football game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdW4Ci0Q6gbjOMjfhG7Dvs63a29_RXd2RaOZHmMlQQioM_7c8VTfYIcBVarDRs6fAwWPaTlqwfW_ynoee4t5yhEjzBmmmaXX3AjTtaVX9KPcce0PvD4z8igQknl3kXGndc5h64V60zck/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdW4Ci0Q6gbjOMjfhG7Dvs63a29_RXd2RaOZHmMlQQioM_7c8VTfYIcBVarDRs6fAwWPaTlqwfW_ynoee4t5yhEjzBmmmaXX3AjTtaVX9KPcce0PvD4z8igQknl3kXGndc5h64V60zck/s200/IMG_0646.JPG" width="150" /></a>2. <b>Nap Nanny Chill</b>! Ok, so I know these were recalled and a huge deal was made about them, but all baby items, when used INCORRECTLY, could cause harm. This product is great for us because it was the only thing Max would sit in for a while. Since he has reflux, it kept him propped up with being sitting up. He would nap in it when he was little because he didn't have to be on flat his back (which he hated) Max hated his baby swing and would survive in the bouncer for only a few minutes, but for some reason this Nap Nanny has been awesome for us! Just give him some toys to play with, or sit there with him and talk to him and he stayed pretty happy in it! He still uses this at 7 months old. We can put him in it with a toy and he'll sit there and watch TV (yes, I suppose I am one of those moms who let their baby watch TV for a while, but he's happy so oh well:) He doesn't like it as much now because he can now sit up and is trying to crawl so he sometimes tries to squirm out, but it has straps so it's fine. I think we will keep out for a while still. Again, great baby product for us and even though it was kinda pricey it was way worth it for sure! My mom even got one for her house when we were down there, so Max could be happy:) I am not sure where you can buy these now that they are recalled... maybe craigslist? But a great buy especially for a baby with reflux!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo2SiCGCLITOXXqsqWaiWq58tng-1eXf2M5HlTt0AOKSWGU8dPD3zOraE4x-KNhTitww0yGw23kwZmXpOxPBqPpodvGcbK7SUr3DLx40j0JXd9UWSWOhwcRvOEp9LV5p10OkQddAgb2k/s1600/41-CRLJFABL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo2SiCGCLITOXXqsqWaiWq58tng-1eXf2M5HlTt0AOKSWGU8dPD3zOraE4x-KNhTitww0yGw23kwZmXpOxPBqPpodvGcbK7SUr3DLx40j0JXd9UWSWOhwcRvOEp9LV5p10OkQddAgb2k/s200/41-CRLJFABL.jpg" width="200" /></a>3.<b> Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo</b>- This is the only toy Max really likes. He will jump in this thing for probably about 30 minutes at a time! He just loves jumping like crazy and spinning all the toys! We started putting him in it when he was just under 5 months old, and now at 7 months he is still loving it! I am thinking he may change his attitude towards it when he starts crawling, but so far he loves it! It great because he can't escape from it and I can put him in it and make dinner, fold laundry or really get anything done! Again, a little expensive, but by far the best baby toy item we have bought!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-K6070-Rainforest-Jumperoo/dp/B000I2UJ0Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361957545&sr=1-1&keywords=rainforest+jumperoo">http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-K6070-Rainforest-Jumperoo/dp/B000I2UJ0Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361957545&sr=1-1&keywords=rainforest+jumperoo</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDQa1R5QklencwL-qSu_FwL5fD181HwknsfqGdbtdSkPuS5QW4c-no6vRHpj9bSFQtHWPbpCKOoNxwiZN2Hfq4lXdYQga4vDvLLrrPJpZZELuV7aoGGwsv49uiTIOzfwXpUUJX1Q6lnw/s1600/boppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDQa1R5QklencwL-qSu_FwL5fD181HwknsfqGdbtdSkPuS5QW4c-no6vRHpj9bSFQtHWPbpCKOoNxwiZN2Hfq4lXdYQga4vDvLLrrPJpZZELuV7aoGGwsv49uiTIOzfwXpUUJX1Q6lnw/s320/boppy.jpg" width="320" /></a>4. <b>Bobby Pre-Natal Cuddle Pillow. </b>I love this pillow because it has so many uses! The regular Boppy Pillow is pretty well known and has a pretty good reputation already, but I actually liked this one better. The pre-natal pillow, was a great use for sleeping during pregnancy. I took this pillow everywhere, even on the plane when we traveled to England. It is a good shape for using when you sleep, ( I had the hardest time sleeping while pregnant, but this pillow helped) You can put it between your knees when you sleep, or just under your belly and then cuddle with the top part. I thought it was a great pillow because it wasnt as huge as a full body pillow so it didnt get in the way when I tossed and turned in bed, it also never bugged Jeff or pushed him out of the bed. So there is that use for the pillow, also I used it almost every time I nursed for about 4 months! It was great for propping Max up, and was so comfy, I honestly preferred this pillow over the regular boppy because it didn't form around me, but sort of just curved nicely around me with good support for Max. After Max didnt need it for nursing anymore, I thought it had used it up, but a month ago I found another use for it! Max was learning to sit on his own, so I used this pillow to put behind him incase he fell backwards. Unlike the other boppy, it doesnt support him or hold him up, so this helped him practice on his own without the danger of hurting himself when he fell.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Prenatal-Cuddle-Pillow-Neutral/dp/B00474AT6K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361957384&sr=8-2&keywords=boppy+prenatal+pillow">http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Prenatal-Cuddle-Pillow-Neutral/dp/B00474AT6K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361957384&sr=8-2&keywords=boppy+prenatal+pillow</a><br />
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5. <b>Hot Milk Nursing Bra</b>- Ok, this one is basically just for the Moms (and Dads!). Nursing bras, if you have ever tried to find any, are typically pretty disgusting looking. They have to be full coverage and and supportive to hold up your now massive and milk filled boobs, but do they have to be so ugly and look like something that your grandmother currently wears? Lets face it, the months after pregnancy are not usually the most sexy in a woman's life. You are trying to loose baby weight, deal with the new stretch marks and are facing severe sleep deprivation. In my opinion, a cute bra, can help a lot with giving you a little pick me up! These bras are just as supportive and comfortable as any other nursing bra and are 10 times more sexy! It helps you feel a little more like a woman and not just a dead mommy. They are maybe a little bit more expensive than some other nursing bras, but well worth the extra money in self esteem:) -Oh, I would recommend waiting to get one until a few weeks after birth, so that way you can know what size you will be.<br />
<a href="http://shop.hotmilklingerie.com/" target="_blank">http://shop.hotmilklingerie.com/ </a> (PS, this site also has tons of fun lingerie for during pregnancy and after!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeOpgIoSygeY6AeoKKjsaWyo2GRQs03p2qgJHoT-MfwtnaHpBjNSMllHZAaVnwg0CHjnaxEPqFqHzSq71t0mxvJDDywjH4esSfLbsgSusbi6nfMrM6rxgtECjo7BWHYZn-suJv9S3kaY/s1600/81KuqIUl6jL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeOpgIoSygeY6AeoKKjsaWyo2GRQs03p2qgJHoT-MfwtnaHpBjNSMllHZAaVnwg0CHjnaxEPqFqHzSq71t0mxvJDDywjH4esSfLbsgSusbi6nfMrM6rxgtECjo7BWHYZn-suJv9S3kaY/s200/81KuqIUl6jL._SL1500_.jpg" width="182" /></a><b>6. Baby Bath Seat</b>- Again, I know some babies love their baby baths and will just sit there and coo....Max was not one of those babies. For the longest time he hated the bath and in the little baby bath tub he would squirm and kick and fight. He hated just laying there. So when he was 3 1/2 months old we got this baby bath seat. Obviously, he could not sit up properly in it yet, but we put a towel behind him for some cusion and it worked great! You just put it in the regular bath tub and he sits right in it. He started to love bath time and splashing and not having to be laying down. At 7 months, we are still using this seat. Even though Max can sit on his own now, its nice to have him in this because he won't fall over and you dont have to worry about him hitting his head on the tub. I think we will use it for a while (probably until he figures out how to get out of it)! Max will play forever in the bath tub now!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dorel-Safety-Swivel-Bath-Pastel/dp/B004U4KRQE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1362500365&sr=8-7&keywords=bath+seat">http://www.amazon.com/Dorel-Safety-Swivel-Bath-Pastel/dp/B004U4KRQE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1362500365&sr=8-7&keywords=bath+seat</a><br />
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7. <b>Magnolia Organic Crib Fitted Sheet- </b>If you have ever had to change crib sheets, than you know what a pain in the butt it can be, especially if you have a bumper on the crib. Well, I tend to be a little obsessive when it comes to sheets anyway, but I found crib sheets to be especially annoying. When we started out, we had the basic Target crib sheets, no big deal I didn't think it mattered, but one of them got really messed up in the dryer, so then we only had one sheet. I started looking around and found these sheets. We bought one and had to buy another as they are so soft and fit perfectly on the crib mattress without causing you to work up a sweat from trying to stretch this tiny sheet on the mattress. We have always had to change Max's sheets a lot, since he tended to spit up in bed, so maybe for some people, having an okay crib sheet would be no big deal, but not for us. Anyway, I recommend this sheet because it is comfy feeling and is actually large enough to fit a crib mattress that has a mattress cover on it, but it also stays taught and tight over the mattress as crib sheets are supposed to be. :)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UP9H9I/ref=oh_details_o05_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UP9H9I/ref=oh_details_o05_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGq0FXYmYDc2uvI9nN7d3yHWscM6-wJFGuBw4N0cFG3nwyIGHEHqc2bOTYaME5O9rzEGy4qDBZV_Po4eKVKrUGGBXXjyY0-d8eqpKZ5X-4aw9C0B6YA3UdN3PT7IbBkuYED344_a89mE/s1600/553197_10152608283260072_1113304693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGq0FXYmYDc2uvI9nN7d3yHWscM6-wJFGuBw4N0cFG3nwyIGHEHqc2bOTYaME5O9rzEGy4qDBZV_Po4eKVKrUGGBXXjyY0-d8eqpKZ5X-4aw9C0B6YA3UdN3PT7IbBkuYED344_a89mE/s320/553197_10152608283260072_1113304693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>8. Silicone Baby Bib-</b> We got a ton of clothe bibs for gifts and we used them a lot for Max on a daily basis ( for spit up and drool) but once he started eating some solids, we needed something a little sturdier that we hold in the mess. My sister had one of these bibs for her daughter and used it all the time, so when I found one at the store a few months ago, I just had to pick it up! It is, first off, very cute with the little bow tie, but it is also VERY useful. It cleans up so easily, you can just rinse it off, or even through it in the dishwasher from time to time. It has a lip on the bottom that catches anything that happens to fall out of Max's mouth. We use it for every meal time and love it! If you only buy one bib, buy this one!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Day-Silicone-Baby-Lime/dp/B00648KZ9I/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1362502007&sr=1-1&keywords=bow+tie+baby+bib">http://www.amazon.com/Make-Day-Silicone-Baby-Lime/dp/B00648KZ9I/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1362502007&sr=1-1&keywords=bow+tie+baby+bib</a><br />
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As I have said in Many of my blogs, every baby and family is different, so what baby product you like/need might be completely different from the next person. What is a life saver for one person, may be annoying for the next. So, these are just my experiences:)<br />
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<br />Always Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856836169387710310noreply@blogger.com1