I was thinking of posting something special for Mother's Day but then a friend of mine beat me to it. Read this entry A Week of Celebration? For ME??? first.
It's like she was reading my mind. When you're struggling to have a baby of your own, things like baby showers and Mother's Day are pure torture. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing more precious and exciting than a new baby but having to endure new baby after new baby while wondering if you're ever going to enjoy that same happiness is heartbreaking, to put it lightly.
I'll never forget my "first" Mother's Day. I was about six months pregnant. Our pastor decided to play a little game after the service for Mother's Day. He had Great Grandmothers stand, Grandmothers Mothers, etc. to determine who had the most children and grandchildren. Every mother got a rose.
I felt a little twinge in my heart for those women that never got to stand.
He then asked anyone that had become a mother that year to stand. We all applauded for a friend who stood with her infant. Then he said, "Anyone who WILL become a mother this year, please stand." (He knew we were expecting but no one other than choir members in the congregation did.) I could barely hold back the tears as I stood. Everyone applauded with a look of surprise.
I always think of that moment when I think of Mother's Day. For me, it's not about having a "day off" (because really...does that actually happen?) or getting cards, candy or flowers. It's about remembering that feeling I had three years ago. I wish everyone could experience that.
So enjoy this Sunday with your family, your kids or your mommy friends. But don't forget those friends that are struggling to become mommies. You can't even begin to imagine their hurt.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Read All About It
Fabulous article! Check it out.
I was doing a little research on the AAP's new advice that children should rear face until AT LEAST two years old (longer if your seat allows it) and came across this article. I wish every parent would read it.
I was doing a little research on the AAP's new advice that children should rear face until AT LEAST two years old (longer if your seat allows it) and came across this article. I wish every parent would read it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Safety First
I've been waiting for the right moment to post this blog and, after a conversation with a friend this afternoon, there is no time like the present. Plus, Christa at Quintooples had a wonderful product review the other day that deals with this topic.
Many of you know how serious I am about car seat safety. Our children can't make decisions for themselves so they need parents who are well educated to keep them safe in the car (and elsewhere).
Bubba rides REAR-FACING in a Sunshine Kids Radian 65. He's 31 1/4 inches tall and weighs 23.5 pounds and YES he can still be rear-facing. I can't even imagine having him forward-facing.
I was talking with a friend of mine today and for one reason or another we came to the subject of car seats. She said that when her oldest son was still in a car seat she had a cop pull her over and tell her that he "couldn't be rear facing anymore because his feet [were] touching the back of the seat". He went on to tell her that he "does car seat checks all of the time" and that she would have to turn him around. He explained that if she were in an accident and his feet were forced into the back of the seat that his hips could be "dislodged" (his words). Wouldn't you rather have to deal with a broken hip than a broken neck? How many other people that we trust to give us correct information are giving INcorrect information!?!?
www.Car-safety.org states:
In the USA, this recommendation is valid through the 30, 33 or 35 pound maximum rear-facing weight limit of newer convertible carseats, or until the child outgrows their convertible carseat by height. The height limit of a rear-facing carseat may be listed in the owner's manual. A child is also considered too tall for a rear-facing seat if the top of their head is at the level of the top of the carseat shell. It is NOT considered a safety issue if a child's legs are bent at the knees in a rear-facing carseat, or if their feet can touch the vehicle's seat back. At a very minimum, children should remain rear-facing until AT LEAST one year of age AND 20 pounds in weight. *This is simply a guide and by no means a rule!!!*
In countries like Sweden, children are often kept rear-facing much longer, even to 3 or 4 years old. Auto related injury and death rates for rear-facing children in Sweden are near zero because of this.
Maybe we should take a page out of Sweden's book?
THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY
1.) Tighten those straps so their shoulders can't slip out in a crash
2.) Get those chest clips in the right place (even with their armpits not on their soft tummies)!
3.) Get rid of those supposed non slip seat protectors that are under your seats. They could be doing more harm than good. Click here for a few reasons
Please. Children are our most precious gift. Protect them! Don't be in such a hurry to turn them around just because you think that they're uncomfortable facing the rear of the car. They don't know any different! (Actually, I think Bubba loves it. His seat is slightly reclined so I think he's much more comfortable than if he were in a more upright position.)
Many of you know how serious I am about car seat safety. Our children can't make decisions for themselves so they need parents who are well educated to keep them safe in the car (and elsewhere).
Bubba rides REAR-FACING in a Sunshine Kids Radian 65. He's 31 1/4 inches tall and weighs 23.5 pounds and YES he can still be rear-facing. I can't even imagine having him forward-facing.
I was talking with a friend of mine today and for one reason or another we came to the subject of car seats. She said that when her oldest son was still in a car seat she had a cop pull her over and tell her that he "couldn't be rear facing anymore because his feet [were] touching the back of the seat". He went on to tell her that he "does car seat checks all of the time" and that she would have to turn him around. He explained that if she were in an accident and his feet were forced into the back of the seat that his hips could be "dislodged" (his words). Wouldn't you rather have to deal with a broken hip than a broken neck? How many other people that we trust to give us correct information are giving INcorrect information!?!?
www.Car-safety.org states:
In the USA, this recommendation is valid through the 30, 33 or 35 pound maximum rear-facing weight limit of newer convertible carseats, or until the child outgrows their convertible carseat by height. The height limit of a rear-facing carseat may be listed in the owner's manual. A child is also considered too tall for a rear-facing seat if the top of their head is at the level of the top of the carseat shell. It is NOT considered a safety issue if a child's legs are bent at the knees in a rear-facing carseat, or if their feet can touch the vehicle's seat back. At a very minimum, children should remain rear-facing until AT LEAST one year of age AND 20 pounds in weight. *This is simply a guide and by no means a rule!!!*
In countries like Sweden, children are often kept rear-facing much longer, even to 3 or 4 years old. Auto related injury and death rates for rear-facing children in Sweden are near zero because of this.
Maybe we should take a page out of Sweden's book?
THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY
1.) Tighten those straps so their shoulders can't slip out in a crash
2.) Get those chest clips in the right place (even with their armpits not on their soft tummies)!
3.) Get rid of those supposed non slip seat protectors that are under your seats. They could be doing more harm than good. Click here for a few reasons
Please. Children are our most precious gift. Protect them! Don't be in such a hurry to turn them around just because you think that they're uncomfortable facing the rear of the car. They don't know any different! (Actually, I think Bubba loves it. His seat is slightly reclined so I think he's much more comfortable than if he were in a more upright position.)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Plans Change
It has been quite some time since I've been able to carve enough time out of my day to post. A LOT has changed since my last entry.
I fell off the workout wagon. With Daddy needing to workout "more than me", I let him do the nap time workout and I used the time to do things like laundry and dishes. At least I wasn't sitting around but it's not what I had been doing previously.
Daddy was doing an amazing job with his weight loss. He dropped nine pounds in about two weeks. Men... ;) If I had exercised and eaten like him, my wrists would have gotten smaller but that's about it.
The amazing weight loss crusade has been laid to rest though. We've decided to go in yet another direction. Surprise!
After double checking some information with a recruiter in Alaska, Chris learned of the possibility of Reserve recruiting. This option is very similar to the Active Duty recruiting with the main difference being there is no weight requirement since he's already IN the Reserves. Yay!
The local AD Recruiter, of course, never mentioned this option because he didn't want to "lose" Chris as a possible recruit. That's completely understandable from his perspective but I still think he should have given Chris ALL of his options considering he knew the situation with the Reserves, etc. ANYwho...
We've started the paperwork process yet again. It was just lucky that he had his monthly UTA this past weekend so he was able to speak with the recruiter there and start gathering paperwork and having letters of recommendation written.
It'll be another few weeks before the package is sent and approved but at least the process has been started. The only really bad thing about this (either option really) is that the April class is full so he has to wait until JUNE to leave.
Yes, you heard right. That means we're "stuck" here until mid July before the possibility of a move. Like I said, it's a light at the end of the tunnel but I never expected us to be here for so long.
I fell off the workout wagon. With Daddy needing to workout "more than me", I let him do the nap time workout and I used the time to do things like laundry and dishes. At least I wasn't sitting around but it's not what I had been doing previously.
Daddy was doing an amazing job with his weight loss. He dropped nine pounds in about two weeks. Men... ;) If I had exercised and eaten like him, my wrists would have gotten smaller but that's about it.
The amazing weight loss crusade has been laid to rest though. We've decided to go in yet another direction. Surprise!
After double checking some information with a recruiter in Alaska, Chris learned of the possibility of Reserve recruiting. This option is very similar to the Active Duty recruiting with the main difference being there is no weight requirement since he's already IN the Reserves. Yay!
The local AD Recruiter, of course, never mentioned this option because he didn't want to "lose" Chris as a possible recruit. That's completely understandable from his perspective but I still think he should have given Chris ALL of his options considering he knew the situation with the Reserves, etc. ANYwho...
We've started the paperwork process yet again. It was just lucky that he had his monthly UTA this past weekend so he was able to speak with the recruiter there and start gathering paperwork and having letters of recommendation written.
It'll be another few weeks before the package is sent and approved but at least the process has been started. The only really bad thing about this (either option really) is that the April class is full so he has to wait until JUNE to leave.
Yes, you heard right. That means we're "stuck" here until mid July before the possibility of a move. Like I said, it's a light at the end of the tunnel but I never expected us to be here for so long.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Outside the Bubble
The path that our lives has taken isn't what we ever imagined. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes I just have a hard time letting my plan go. I'm learning to "go with the flow" more each day but I still struggle with one thing.
I don't belong here.
I was beyond excited when we were moving home. I've always felt guilty that my grandmother never met Bubba until he was over a year old. I know that it wasn't my fault and she is by no means upset with us but I still feel guilty.
I was so excited to be home among our families and friends. I couldn't wait to catch up with the girls-go shopping, out to lunch, girls night in (or out)...
I'm struggling because it never happens. I know that everyone has their own lives and families to take care of. At the same time I feel like I'm slipping away from my closest friends. The excitement has faded and the promises to get together have stopped coming in. I feel like I've lost touch with the people that I thought I'd never lose touch with.
I have no one to call when there's good news. I have no one to call when nap time rolls around and I just feel like chatting with a girlfriend to pass the afternoon. The two people that I felt like I could share anything with are thousands of miles away. They're just waking up and making breakfast when I'm eating lunch.
Last night I talked to one of those good friends for quite a while (closed in the bathroom so I wouldn't wake the rest of the house with my late night conversation LOL). She's always been the voice of reason for me.
She said this:
"It's hard when you grow up in a small town and none of your family of friends never leave. We left. We've met so many different people from so many different walks of life! It's hard to go back to that small town where no one or nothing ever changes and try to fit in. You just can't live in a little bubble anymore because you've actually seen the world."
I may like to think that I'm the same person that I was when we packed that U-Haul and left Albion in November of 2001 but I'd be fooling myself. I've changed. I've heard stories that no one would believe and I've had experiences that no one would understand...unless you've been there too.
I'm not in that military bubble right now. I may have desperately wanted to pop that bubble a year ago but now I can't wait to get back inside.
I don't belong here.
I was beyond excited when we were moving home. I've always felt guilty that my grandmother never met Bubba until he was over a year old. I know that it wasn't my fault and she is by no means upset with us but I still feel guilty.
I was so excited to be home among our families and friends. I couldn't wait to catch up with the girls-go shopping, out to lunch, girls night in (or out)...
I'm struggling because it never happens. I know that everyone has their own lives and families to take care of. At the same time I feel like I'm slipping away from my closest friends. The excitement has faded and the promises to get together have stopped coming in. I feel like I've lost touch with the people that I thought I'd never lose touch with.
I have no one to call when there's good news. I have no one to call when nap time rolls around and I just feel like chatting with a girlfriend to pass the afternoon. The two people that I felt like I could share anything with are thousands of miles away. They're just waking up and making breakfast when I'm eating lunch.
Last night I talked to one of those good friends for quite a while (closed in the bathroom so I wouldn't wake the rest of the house with my late night conversation LOL). She's always been the voice of reason for me.
She said this:
"It's hard when you grow up in a small town and none of your family of friends never leave. We left. We've met so many different people from so many different walks of life! It's hard to go back to that small town where no one or nothing ever changes and try to fit in. You just can't live in a little bubble anymore because you've actually seen the world."
I may like to think that I'm the same person that I was when we packed that U-Haul and left Albion in November of 2001 but I'd be fooling myself. I've changed. I've heard stories that no one would believe and I've had experiences that no one would understand...unless you've been there too.
I'm not in that military bubble right now. I may have desperately wanted to pop that bubble a year ago but now I can't wait to get back inside.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Waiting is Hard to Do
I've always been a fairly impatient person.
From a young age I had an ear for music so my parents started me with some piano lessons. I only took them for a couple of years because I "got bored". I didn't want to spend time plunking out one note at a time! I wanted to play like Mozart...now!
When it comes to an idea for a project, etc. I don't like to waste time waiting around. I like to go and get what I need so I can start right away.
You get my point.
I never imagined that we'd literally have to wait for Daddy to lose a few pounds before we could move on with our lives. Never. I know that having him gone for six weeks is going to be tough but I wish he was leaving tomorrow. That would mean that we were going to be able to move on.
Things aren't turning out the way I had imagined at all. I know that this path was chosen for us long before we even realized it and I know that it's going to work out far better than we could have ever planned. That's the beauty of it. ;) It's just so hard waiting to see what's down the road.
I am so anxious to get out of here! I know that the grass is always greener and I'll be homesick two weeks after leaving but I'm still ready. I think we're all at the point where we have come to realize that family is wonderful but sometimes they're so much more wonderful when you can come to visit.
Please say a prayer and think positive thoughts for us. We're really stuck in limbo more now than we ever have been. Please pray that Daddy will say safe and healthy as he loses a few pounds and please say a prayer for patience for everyone in this house.
From a young age I had an ear for music so my parents started me with some piano lessons. I only took them for a couple of years because I "got bored". I didn't want to spend time plunking out one note at a time! I wanted to play like Mozart...now!
When it comes to an idea for a project, etc. I don't like to waste time waiting around. I like to go and get what I need so I can start right away.
You get my point.
I never imagined that we'd literally have to wait for Daddy to lose a few pounds before we could move on with our lives. Never. I know that having him gone for six weeks is going to be tough but I wish he was leaving tomorrow. That would mean that we were going to be able to move on.
Things aren't turning out the way I had imagined at all. I know that this path was chosen for us long before we even realized it and I know that it's going to work out far better than we could have ever planned. That's the beauty of it. ;) It's just so hard waiting to see what's down the road.
I am so anxious to get out of here! I know that the grass is always greener and I'll be homesick two weeks after leaving but I'm still ready. I think we're all at the point where we have come to realize that family is wonderful but sometimes they're so much more wonderful when you can come to visit.
Please say a prayer and think positive thoughts for us. We're really stuck in limbo more now than we ever have been. Please pray that Daddy will say safe and healthy as he loses a few pounds and please say a prayer for patience for everyone in this house.
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Light
I am so happy to say that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel we've been living in.
We have been talking quite a bit recently about which path to take and it looks like we got our answer today. I said a prayer last night for God to lead us in the right direction. God is good.
As most of you know, Daddy has been struggling to find a job since October. I'm not joking when I say that he has nearly TWO HUNDRED applications out there floating around. Sure, we've gotten phone calls but most of them are dead ends.
About a month ago I suggested that if we didn't have any job prospects by the middle of March that we consider going back to active duty (EXACTLY what we DIDN'T want to have to do.)
This morning Daddycalled the Air Force recruiting office in Erie to ask some questions about the process of re-entering after separating and joining the Reserves. The phone call was really only to gather information so that we were armed when it came time to make our decision. As it turns out there are no openings for his career field on the active duty side. It is very seriously over-manned, etc., etc., etc. This means that if he wanted to go back to active duty he'd have to cross-train into another field and *fingers crossed* try to get something that he was interested in.
Then the guy mentioned that there were recruiting positions available.
This was absolutely not something he had ever considered.
After a long talk we've decided that this is best for us right now. When we left Alaska in August we had now way of knowing that the economy would take such a severe nose dive. (Plus, most of Alaska is isolated from the horrible economy. Things really aren't that bad there.) We can't live here forever and, as it stands now, we have no prospects and no end in sight.
Today there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Once he is trained we'll be able to choose where we'd like to be (from a list of available openings). This is the complete opposite of being "regular" active duty and not really having a say in where you go (even though they like you to think you do).
This is exactly what we need right now. He'll have a stable Monday through Friday job with no weekends and no possibility of deploying. We'll receive BAH and BAS and we'll be on the same pay scale as before. (Which is, quite frankly, more than we're making now...which is NOTHING!)
We'll be able to purchase a home with confidence that his job will be there in a week. In this economy, this is what we need.
So we start the process today. I'm not sure how long it will take to do the paperwork (and for Daddy to work off the 20 pounds he's gained LOL) but we have a plan.
And having a plan is good.
We have been talking quite a bit recently about which path to take and it looks like we got our answer today. I said a prayer last night for God to lead us in the right direction. God is good.
As most of you know, Daddy has been struggling to find a job since October. I'm not joking when I say that he has nearly TWO HUNDRED applications out there floating around. Sure, we've gotten phone calls but most of them are dead ends.
About a month ago I suggested that if we didn't have any job prospects by the middle of March that we consider going back to active duty (EXACTLY what we DIDN'T want to have to do.)
This morning Daddycalled the Air Force recruiting office in Erie to ask some questions about the process of re-entering after separating and joining the Reserves. The phone call was really only to gather information so that we were armed when it came time to make our decision. As it turns out there are no openings for his career field on the active duty side. It is very seriously over-manned, etc., etc., etc. This means that if he wanted to go back to active duty he'd have to cross-train into another field and *fingers crossed* try to get something that he was interested in.
Then the guy mentioned that there were recruiting positions available.
This was absolutely not something he had ever considered.
After a long talk we've decided that this is best for us right now. When we left Alaska in August we had now way of knowing that the economy would take such a severe nose dive. (Plus, most of Alaska is isolated from the horrible economy. Things really aren't that bad there.) We can't live here forever and, as it stands now, we have no prospects and no end in sight.
Today there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Once he is trained we'll be able to choose where we'd like to be (from a list of available openings). This is the complete opposite of being "regular" active duty and not really having a say in where you go (even though they like you to think you do).
This is exactly what we need right now. He'll have a stable Monday through Friday job with no weekends and no possibility of deploying. We'll receive BAH and BAS and we'll be on the same pay scale as before. (Which is, quite frankly, more than we're making now...which is NOTHING!)
We'll be able to purchase a home with confidence that his job will be there in a week. In this economy, this is what we need.
So we start the process today. I'm not sure how long it will take to do the paperwork (and for Daddy to work off the 20 pounds he's gained LOL) but we have a plan.
And having a plan is good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)