Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother

Hiding The Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

My how it has been a while.

Our holidays were great. Christmas was one of the best ever, with The Tadpole being old enough to open presents and play with his gifts, he was too cute! Then things got busy and kind of stayed busy, until finally I realized that it had been a month since I lasted posted here.

So, here are some updates:

The Guppy is still taking dance, and still loving it. She is also loving her "school time." Right now she is doing Math-U-See Primer, handwriting, and learning how to read. She spends most of her day drawing and asking me how to spell words, then carefully writing them down on the paper.

The Tadpole...well, there is so much I can say about him. I can tell you that he is the main reason why I haven't had much time to write here. It started right after Christmas, when he suddenly wanted to nurse constantly, throughout the entire day. He had teeth coming in, a growth spurt....it was all fine and good. But it continued, and continued...and then, two weeks ago he decided that he was going to get into more mischief than he normally does. He is so sweet, so easy going, so cute, so cuddly....and such a pain in the butt!!

This is my typical day with The Tadpole: after breakfast, he nurses. And nurses. And nurses. I try to convince him to play with some toys, he refuses. Finally I tell him "No more na-nas" and start the girls school. While I'm getting their books, he drags the kitchen chair over to the counter, stands on it, and tries to smash the coffee maker. Or turn the water on in the sink. Or play with the knives. Or turn knobs on the stove. Or get into the dishwasher...you get the picture.

I come back in, take him down, push the chair back to the table, he immediately walks over and pushes back to the counter. And we repeat. All day. Every day.

I have a dear friend who has a darling little boy, and once I went over her house and she had removed all the chairs from the kitchen. At the time, I thought it was over-kill.

I totally get it now.

Oh, how this little boy drives me nuts. I recently found my first grey hair, and when I found it, I really wasn't surprised.

He drives me dearly, and I couldn't possibly love him more.

And now, The Mermaid. My little mother. She's so caring and kind to her younger siblings, always helping them, always reading to Hunter or playing with him, and comforting him when he cries.

She's really enjoying astronomy and history, and of course math. She still struggles with reading a little, however, but it's something we are working on.

She's also taking art classes and tomorrow is her first Girl Scouts meeting.

That's pretty much what we've been up to. My goal is to post at least 3 times per week. You know, in between hiding the kitchen chairs.

Disney on Ice Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:55:00 +0000

So I know I am two days late with this, but it's that hectic time of year again!!

The winner of the family four pack of tickets to Disney on Ice, chosen by a random number generator, is.....

Jennifer O'Donoghue! Congrats!! I'll be messaging you with more details.

Thanks to everyone who entered!!

Thursday Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:14:00 +0000

It's nine days until Christmas and for once, I'm almost ready. This is a far cry from the usual Christmas Eve scramble to get the rest of the gifts and wrap them up. This year, I am determined to not be awake until 1AM on Christmas Eve, wrapping presents at the very last minute.

The other day I heard the girls talking in the living room about Christmas. The Mermaid said "You know what I like best about presents? Spending time with family! That's the best part!" To which The Guppy replied, "I just like the presents!" These girls are too funny, and so different!!

The Tadpole has been nursing like crazy. This is because his molars are coming in, and they are taking their sweet time, thank-you-very-much. I feel bad for him and I do love nursing him so, but it's a relief when I get to leave the house without him in tow, just to get a break.

How are you all doing? Are you prepared for the Holidays?

The Final Frontier

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:07:00 +0000

This year in science The Mermaid is studying astronomy. She was so excited when her book came in!! This is a drawing of our solar system that she did on her own, without any prompting from me. I love how creative she is, and how she loves to draw!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Have you entered my giveaway for a family pack of tickets to see Disney on Ice?

Holiday Pageant

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:03:00 +0000

On Sunday our church had their annual Holiday Pageant. The Mermaid was an angel and The Guppy was in the jingle bell choir.

The Tadpole was a great audience, as usual. He's so laid back and calm, we can take him anywhere. He smiled and laughed through the whole performance.

I'm so proud of my two stars!!!

Thanks Mom!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:58:00 +0000

My mother took me shopping Friday night for an early Christmas present...new running shoes!!!

My old shoes were over three years old and the cushioning was completely shot. I had been having problems with sore knees and back when running lately and I'm sure that my shoes were the problem. These shoes are the new Asics 2170 and I can't wait to try them out tomorrow, a nice easy 3 mile run! Seventy-six days left before the half-marathon in February!!!

If there are any other runners out there on dailymile, please feel free to "friend" me.

Ballerina

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Guppy has her second dance recital on Sunday, a Holiday themed recital. Her class danced to the song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause."

Before the show, I asked her if she was nervous and she said no, because if she forgot the steps she could just look and see what the other kids were doing. I love how she likes being on stage so much!

My beautiful ballerina. I'm so proud of her!

Stolen Secret Moment.

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I took this on Thanksgiving Day.

Is The Guppy sharing a secret or giving The Mermaid a kiss? I can't remember, but either way, I love this picture.

I braided both their hair the same way and they laughed and said, "We're twins!"

Wordless Wednesday

Ball!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

"Ball!" he says, grinning. It's his newest word, and the ball is his favorite toy.

I'm relieved he likes playing with a ball, instead of one of the plastic and loud toys that lay dusty and forgotten under the train table.

He throws it over his head and laughs when it lands behind him.

He gathers up all the balls on the deck and throws them over the railing. The Mermaid goes down into the yard to get them for him, each time telling him "This is the last time, Tadpole, so don't throw them over again, I won't get them for you." We all know he'll throw them over, and when he does, she'll laugh and run down to get them again.

I watch the three of them bounce and laugh and giggle, and I think about how lucky I am. And how Life Is Good.

Giveaway! Disney on Ice!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:03:00 +0000

It's that wonderful yet sometimes stressful time of year again. And for Disney to come give us a break from it all with a night of great entertainment!

This will be, I believe, our third Disney on Ice show and it never gets old. The girls LOVE the show, and I'm looking forward to getting The Tadpole's reaction too, now that he's old enough.

"Discover endless riches when Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove! Get tangle up in Disney's 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn, then enter the worlds of Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and Snow White. Set sail with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Netherland! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon. And don't be late to a very important date with Alice & the Madhatter as they march with the Queen of Heart's Army of Cards. Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime."

Opening night is December 26th, and we can't wait to tell the girls on Christmas where we will be doing the next day!

GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm giving away a family four-pack to the 7PM performance on Monday, December 26th at the TD Garden in Boston. To enter, just leave a comment telling me which Disney character is your favorite! The lucky winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, December 16th. Good luck!

Just Saying.

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Just coming on here to say that I've been really busy. In a good way.

And...my kids are totally awesome.

Have a great Thursday everyone.

No Wasted Time

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:26:00 +0000

My client had her beautiful baby girl on Nov. 5th.

I missed the birth.

She called me at 9:35PM and told me her water had just broken. I asked if she was having any contractions and she said she wasn't, but that she was feeling a little uncomfortable and was going to head into the hospital to get her antibiotics for Group B, would I mind meeting her there? Not a problem.

I called my mom to come watch the kids. I kind of took my time. I mean, she wasn't even having contractions yet, right? I ate before I left, thinking that it was going to be a long labor and I needed to fuel up.

I drove to the hospital and walked in her room at 11PM. Right as they were placing the baby on her chest! Total labor from rupture of membranes to birth was 1.5 hours! She did awesome, and of course baby is beautiful!

I'm also working with a postpartum client right now, starting today. I worked with this lovely family previously when their baby was first born, and now they have called me back for a few more days.

I'm spending this month really working on expanding my business. I'd like to eventually get up to two clients a month. We'll see how it goes!

Dusting This Thing Off

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:15:00 +0000

I haven't really been around here much. Life has been so busy! I'm homeschooling two now, and still trying to figure out the logistics of that. Plus The Tadpole is certainly keeping me busy!

I've also been spending all my free time studying. I'm applying for a nursing program. I'm going to become an LPN so I can qualify for the IBCLC exam in 2014. The program I am applying to only accepts 30 students out of the 200 that apply. I'm taking the TEAS V exam on Saturday and I need to do well!

I could always just take the college courses required to qualify for the exam without going through nursing school, but I figured if I have to take that many courses anyway I might as well get some credentials to go along with it. That way I could also get a nursing job as well, or go back for the bridge program to become an RN.

Doula business is doing well. I'm on call now for a client due in November. I still don't have as many clients as I would like to have, but this year I've had more than I've ever had in one year.

That's about it over here. Hopefully this blog won't be so neglected now!

Till My Legs Give Out

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:09:00 +0000

This past weekend I ran my second 10K. It was the Devil's Chase in Salem, MA, and it was actually a little longer than 10K, 6.66 miles (get it, 666? yukka yukka).

My first 10K I ran in September, the 5th Annual Lone Gull. I was still only about halfway through the Couch to 5K program and had only run three miles at the most. It was HARD and I walked a lot of the course but I managed to finish. Boy was I sore!

After Lone Gull I finished the Couch to 5K and immediately started a 10K training program. I finished that just in time for Devil's Chase. Boy what a difference between the two races! I ran (slowly) the entire 6.66 miles and beat my Lone Gull time by 6 minutes!

Devil's Chase was a blast to run. It was freezing but once I started running I warmed up quick. I did not run in costume, but everyone else did and it was so fun to see how creative people got! Next year I will be sure to run in costume.

I'm now starting a half-marathon training program. I'm thinking of running one in February. In May, I'll be running the Run For Your Lives 5K Obstacle Course. I'm really excited, I think it's going to be a blast.

Can you tell I'm addicted to running?

Here I am, right after finishing Devil's Chase:

Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:01:00 +0000

My dearest Guppy,

Just like your sister's letter, this one is embarrassingly late. So sorry, my sweetheart.

You are now five years old. And still a total sweetheart. You love to cuddle and hug, you love praise and affection. You get so upset if you even suspect that someone might be upset with you.

We've officially started homeschooling. You're learning reading, writing, and soon we'll be starting math. History and science you are learning just by listening to The Mermaid's lessons in the background. I didn't realize this until you started blurting out the answers to the questions I was asking her.

You still love playing dress up, and being a princess. You are so girly, I love it!! If it has bows, ribbons, or ruffles you must have it. You love dance class, and I love watching you blossom on your own, in the one activity that you don't share with your sister.

You are so sweet to your little brother, although sometimes you do lose patience with him. I think you want him to stay a baby more than I do, so you can keep "mothering" him like a newborn. Since The Tadpole has become less cooperative, you've started to mother your dolls more, putting them down for naps and nursing them when they are hungry.

You crave alone time with me or your father. It doesn't matter if we are just brushing your hair or your teeth in the bathroom, you beam and light up. I'm sorry we don't get more chances to have alone time, my love.

You're not shy, but you are an introvert. Having time to yourself is simply how you re-charge your batteries. So different from your sister!

We love you so much, our little sweetheart, and we are so lucky to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday.

You Are So Much More

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:44:00 +0000

My Dearest Mermaid,

This birthday post is so late it is incredibly embarrassing. Over a month late. So sorry, love.

Seven years old. Wow. Or, as you pointed out, "Only three away from 10." But I still have some time before I have to think about how you are in the double digits, so please don't rush me, my dear.

You are definitely my sassy child. Always independent, you have a hard time understanding that just because you are able to do something, doesn't mean you should.

You are loving school. Math is your favorite subject, and strongest. You are still struggling with reading, but you are doing much better. You're like me - impatient, and easily frustrated when you can't read a word quickly, not wanting to stop and take the time to sound it out.

You're fearless. I love seeing your determination and confidence. There isn't anything you can't do. You take risks that make me shake my head and make my heart skip beats. I try to walk the line between keeping you safe and allowing you to explore and remain confident in your abilities. It's a tough line to walk, and you get frustrated with me often. The words "Why not?" and "Don't worry, Mom!" are heard quite frequently in this house.

You're so incredibly social. There isn't anyone you won't talk to, and invite into your life. Again, I struggle between keeping you safe yet not creating fear of the world within you. We've had so many conversations about talking to strangers, and talking to people in general. My love, people do not need to hear about every detail of your life. You have a hard time understanding that. And with your confidence, you are having a hard time catching on to the fact that you will not be friends with everyone you meet. When the neighborhood boy stopped asking you to come over to play, you couldn't understand why. Neither could I. Except that some people are just too different to be friends. But my heart broke as I tried to field questions for WEEKS on why you couldn't go over and play. Another tough line to walk.

You are amazingly helpful. You are such a great older sister to your brother, helping to get him dressed in the morning, playing with him, comforting him when he gets upset. You make me so proud. You help out around the house so much, no questions asked, and because you are absolutely determined to own your very own American Girl Doll, you are always asking to do extra chores for money. You have $16 left to go before you can buy that doll.

You're bright, funny, happy, and a match for me in sarcasm. You keep me on my toes. You forgive easily and don't hold grudges - I'm thankful you didn't inherit that flaw from me. You love to sing and you love to learn new things.

And I am so incredibly lucky to have you as a daughter.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, my Mermaid. I love you so much.

That's Better

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:01:00 +0000

So far this morning is turning out better then yesterday.

Actually the whole day was tough until I started reading people's stories over at We Are The 99 Percent. Really puts things into perspective.

Also, I got my morning run in today, and that always helps cheer me up.

I'm also over at MassMoms today, talking about easy tips for writing a birth plan.

Have a great Tuesday!

How to Know If You Really Want Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:52:00 +0000

Think you want to have kids? Think again.

Monday mornings are tough, but the Monday coming back from vacation is always harder. I specifically went to bed early because I knew I would have to do a lot of post-vacation clean up around the house.

The Tadpole took forever to go to sleep. And then he kept waking up. Over and over again, all night long. I tried nursing him, cuddling him, rocking him. I took of his pj's in case he was too warm, changed his diaper, but whatever was bothering him did not stop. I got literally one hour of sleep, from 5:30 to 6:30AM.

I missed my morning run. I hate missing my morning run.

I heard The Knight get out of the shower at 6:30AM. I heard him come into the bedroom and I heard him say to me, "Do you know Tadpole is naked?" I grunted in response. He poked my back and I opened one extremely heavy, crusty eyelid to glare at him. It was enough to wipe the smile of his face and I closed my eyes again.

Then I heard him say, "I smell poop..."

I sat up slowly and looked around. And then I saw it. The Tadpole had taken off his diaper, pooped on the rug, stepped on it, and tracked it all over the entire second floor. Including the WHITE rug in the hallway and the girls' room. THEN he apparently played with it and rubbed it all over himself.

The Knight cleaned The Tadpole up while I attacked the rugs, swearing under my breath the entire time. I went into the girls room and started the clean up in there.

While scrubbing the rug, I looked up and saw that they had taken an entire box of maxi pads and stuck them to the bedroom walls.

*1....2....3...4...5....6...7....8...9...10* DEEP BREATH.

"Girls why did you do this?"
"We wanted to make a carpet on the wall."

Of course we found out when we started to take them down that the sticky layer does not come off unless it takes some of the paint with it.

DEEP BREATH.

Meanwhile, the Knight had finished cleaning The Tadpole up and left for work, smirking at me as he walked out the door. F*cker. I want to go to work at a place where the co workers don't sh*t all over the house!!

DEEP BREATH

I'm finishing up the rug cleaning when The Mermaid tells me that she'll take The Tadpole downstairs and start breakfast. Which she has done many times before. I smile gratefully at her, thank her, and tell her I'll be down in a minute. I finish the rug, ~~scrub my hands until they are red~~ wash my hands, and go downstairs where I'm greeted by the sight of literally half a box of cereal all over the kitchen floor. Not the usual amount of cereal that most parents are stepping on, I'm talking literally half a box.

"WHAT HAPPENED?!?"
"Oh, well, Tadpole asked for the box and I gave it to him and he dumped it out."

Another cleanup. Now I'm sitting here, typing this while staring at the coffee maker, willing it to drip faster.

It is only 8:45 in the morning.

Sadly, this day is not all that unusual. If you read this and still want kids, congrats. You're going to make a great parent. And you can have mine, all three if you want.

One Tiny Minute.

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:22:00 +0000

The living room is a mess and ingredients and dishes from lunch are still spread out all over the counter but I'm sitting down here anyway because I need just one tiny minute before I can face that mess.

The TV is on and the girls are watching one show because they promised they would watch quietly and not ask me any questions.

I just put the Tadpole down for his nap, finally. He has this terrible rash so I've been letting him run around naked all morning, trying to let his sore bum air out. The rash combined with his teething has left him a very cranky baby, and I sighed with relief when I laid him down on the bed and kissed his sweet little forehead. (A forehead that is no longer covered by wispy, soft golden curls because I accidentally had the barber cut his hair WAY too short. It's growing on me but I cried the first day because there was a little boy standing where my baby used to be and that's not fair!).

I still have to pick up the house, do the laundry, finish the Mermaid's schooling, and then run to the store because I forgot to buy fish food again! Maybe one day I will own a Prius and I won't hate running to the store for such little things but now in my van I feel guilty every time I have to make extra trips due to my forgetfulness.

The Earth is sick, and we have to do what we can to make her better I always tell the girls, then tell myself I will write "Don't forget fish food" on my hand in permanent marker next time, if that's what it takes.

It's rainy and cloudy and this type of weather always makes me be too hard on myself.

My one tiny minute has now turned into 15. We'll finish up schooling but maybe instead of cleaning we'll put on rain jackets and rain boots and go splash in puddles.

And embrace this rainy weather, for once.

Just Write

Bit by the Running Bug!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:33:00 +0000

Yesterday I ran the 5th Annual Lone Gull 10K.

One year ago, I was almost 50lbs heavier and could not walk up the stairs without getting out of breath. If you had told me back then that in one year I would be almost 50lbs lighter and run a 10K, I would have laughed.

I think it's just hitting me now that I actually ran a 10K! Granted I did not run the entire time but I ran a good portion of it, and I finished. That was my goal, just to finish.

The course was absolutely gorgeous, it was by the ocean and the views on the beach were wonderful! I ran it with a friend, so it really was a lot of fun! My legs are so sore but it was really worth it!

I'm hooked :) I'm finishing up my training with Couch to 5K, and then will do a 10K program and then 1/2 marathon, then marathon, etc.

I can't wait for my next race!

This Could Easily Become An Addiction.

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:35:00 +0000

On Sunday I am running my first race, a 10K. My friend somehow convinced me to sign up even though the most I've ever run is 3 miles.

I should do ok, right?

It's by the ocean, so it's not a bad place to perish if I end up dying by the side of the road.

And to show you how hilarious I think the idea of me running a race is, from my FB page:

What are your favorite songs to run to? Or favorite inspirational quotes?

Punched

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:58:00 +0000

This week I....

...got my nose pierced. It's something that I've been wanting to do for a long time. And yes, it hurt. Not so much when it was pierced, but afterwards. I felt like I had gotten punched in the face.

...got my nose ring ripped out by The Tadpole. That hurt. But not as much as pushing it back in. That hurt worse.

...am still happy that I got my nose pierced.

...also went through a hurricane (tropical storm?) We did not get hit badly at all, we didn't even lose power. But a lot of people around us did.

...got annoyed by all the people on Facebook putting updates that said things like "What a dud Irene was" or "Irene wasn't a big deal." Listen, maybe Irene wasn't a big deal for you but it was big enough to kill 23 people and flood parts of NY and NJ.

What did you do this week?

Gorgeous Day

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:27:00 +0000

It is GORGEOUS out today! Not too hot, not too cold.

We've been spending all day outside. Weeding the garden, planting the fall crops, enjoying the sunshine.

Meanwhile, I'm over at MassMoms with Five Tips for a Natural Childbirth. Feel free to check it out and comment!

Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:14:00 +0000

"Look Mommy! It's a plane!" the Mermaid shouts, pointing up to the sky and jumping with excitement.

"What? Oh, yeah. Great." I say, while scrubbing the counters.

"Look Mommy! It's a butterfly!" says the Guppy, skipping across the grass.

"Hmmm" I say, not even looking up from sweeping.

I sweep and scrub and sweep some more, and it still looks like no cleaning has been done at the end of the day. And that is just life with three small children.

But I wonder, at what point did a spotless counter become more important than sharing with my child the joy of observing a butterfly fly across the yard? Or the wonder of watching a FLYING machine cross the sky?

And why

am I still holding this broom

instead of their hands, as we run across the grass?

Because in the end, we are all stepping on cereal. But...so what?

Down in Words

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:50:00 +0000

So I haven't really been around here as much as I used to. The publish button is looking mighty dusty and dingy, in fact.

Part of it is because I've started to turn off the computer during the day. I didn't want to be just home with my children; I wanted to be present with them as well. That means less time to read other blogs, tweet (my poor twitter account is neglected!) and write.

Part of it is because I've been busy. I'm trying to finish up my CBE Educator training, and really get started on my herbalist training. Add on to that the housework, the homeschooling, and the hanging out with my kids and there's not that much time left in the day.

And part of it is because I haven't really had much to say. I feel like our lives have settled into this wonderful routine. I'm peaceful. Happy. There's nothing really exciting going on right now in my life, and that's ok. I'm fine with the simple things, and there's only so much you can write about that.

I've thought about what form I want this blog to take in my life. I found myself wondering if I should stop posting in it. I haven't had the time or energy. But, I decided to keep it. I LOVE writing. I'm not good at it all all, and I don't try to make money from it, but I still love it. And seeing as I never filled out the baby books for any of my kids...well, this is their baby book. I write them their age letters here. I want them to one day be able to look back on this blog and get a glimpse of what things were like.

So, the blog stays. I can't promise it will always be interesting, or even updated. But I'm always here. Writing when I can.

Getting this fabulous life down in words.