Mom Books.

I didn't grow up around a lot of babies. I never really had to take care of children in my family because I was one of the youngest ones. When I first found out I was pregnant I spoke to several parents of all ages about what to expect and got some great advice. I also did a lot of research and took a few classes so that I would be fully prepared for my little one. I don't think anything can really prepare you for motherhood but these were some books that greatly helped me so far on this journey.Best book ever written for breastfeeding. It's a little "hippy-ish" in some aspects, but for the most part very informative and supportive. I heart La Leche League for all they do. Most hospitals provide classes taught but lactation consults that are apart of La Leche League International. I didn't realize breastfeeding was really an option until a friend sent me this book. I never saw people breastfeeding growing up, and figured that formula was the traditional way to go. Nursing has so many benefits but it certainly is harder than it looks or seems, so I would recommend this book to anyone who's curious or interested.

This one is a classic. This is the pregnant person's handbook. No wonder it's so popular, it really is awesome and answers a lot of questions. The website is great also. It has so many resources to use as we'll a weight cart that you can start to track your progress with weight gain within healthy guidelines.

Definitely an entertaining one. I crack this book open a few times a month just to get a look at, well.. what to expect. I guess that title explains it all.

This is an excellent one also. It's a little stricter than some of the other parenting and baby books, but I definitely appreciate it's advice. The American Academy of Pediatrics are the baby rule makers, made up of nation's finest pediatricians. If you have a question, the answer is probably in there along with a clear explanation.

Stuck

1 month, 3 weeks until Madison turns one.
OH MY GOSH! time fliiiiessss. :)
now for the big decision....

Welcome Back

I had my first shift back at work. It was a little intimidating at first. A lot of things have changed in a year, but by the end of the night I was pretty confident, and probably won't need any supervision after this weekend. Front desks are my thing anyways.

The grave shift hours weren't as bad as I thought, they were quite easy. However when I got home I crashed until about 2:30pm. Hopefully I will be able to wake up by noon after I get into the swing of things at home. Matt did a great job watching Madison even though he forgot to brush her teeth this morning and when I came down stairs at 2:30 she was still in her pajamas, but as far as letting me rest he did awesome. I'm really happy that he's willing to give up his Saturday and Sunday mornings to let me rest. He's the greatest

One thing I enjoy about my job is seeing troops come home from deployment. A lot of them don't have a place to stay the first couple nights after they come home from a deployment and welcome back ceremony so they flood the lobby of the Inn. Even at 3am after almost a whole day of flying and stopping in random countries they just look so happy to be home. Their family members are practically glowing with happiness and pride to see their mothers, fathers, wives, husbands home. One of the soldiers checked in, and grabbed a beer from the convenience store and set it on the counter just to stare at it. "I haven't had one of these in a very long time" he said, and I smiled and replied "Well, I think you deserve it."

Have Not Painted

I have not painted in a few weeks. For some reason the very thought of starting a new painting makes me a little nauseated. I believe it's because I have no muse at the moment. I may force myself to start a new one today.

On a brighter note, I sold my poppy painting! I was nervous at first but they told me they loved it so now I'm happy. :)

Bubba Gump

It has come to my attention that there is no Joe's Crab Shack on this island.

This makes me very sad

Today was my cousin's birthday and she really wanted crab cakes.

However, we did find Bubba Gump's (which I have never been to) and I enjoyed an entire bucket of crab legs myself.

It was yummy!!!

I even let Madison try some, she loved it SO much that she pounded on the table and threw an absolutely fit if I took too long to give her a little more. (I'm not an expert at eating crab so it takes me a second to get to the good stuff)

I literally made a huge mess, crab juices, butter and lemon juice was pretty much in puddles around my seat and running down my legs from rolling down my bib.

But it was worth it. Well worth it.

Boobie Humor.

Biology Class - final exam.*

Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term
exam. The last question was, 'Name seven advantages of Mother's
Milk,' worth 70 points or none at all. One student, in particular,
was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote:

1.) It is perfect formula for the child.
2.) It provides immunity against several diseases.
3.) It is always the right temperature.
4.) It is inexpensive.
5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa.
6.) It is always available as needed.

And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just
before the bell indicating the end of the test rang, he wrote...

7.) It comes in 2 cute containers.

He got an A.

Supermom

So after running a few times over the last week, it didn't take me long to get back into my groove. It is getting easier, however I think I may need a new pair of tennis shoes because I've had the same ones for about 3 years now and they're starting to not support as much.

After contacting my old job I will be going back working the graveyard shift 10:00pm-6:30 am Friday night and Saturday night, and on call during the week 6pm-10pm. I chose to do this so I can still stay home with Madison, and Matt will be home those nights so I don't have to rely on a sitter. My job isn't very rigorous in the first place, I'm basically just workin' the front desk during the dead hours, so I think I'll be fine (since I'm a night owl anyways). I'll sleep from 7am-12:30pm saturday morning and sunday morning so we can still spend some quality family time together, plus Matt gets plenty of 3 day weekends. It will be nice to have my own money to shop and buy bday, Christmas, and anniversary gifts for my husband. It feels awkward getting him these things when I'm not working because even though I know it's "our" money, I can't help but feel like he's buying himself something.

The thought of not putting Madison to bed two times a week makes me a little sad, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm a very clingy mom if you can't tell.