From the featured blog, Lizzy Dear’s Life

It’s an age-old question: are in-laws a help or a hindrance? I know we’ve all heard plenty of negative feedback in regards to in-laws, and the role they play (or don’t play) with our children. But is the hype true, are all in-laws evil? I’m not one hundred percent driven to answer yes or no on that question. In my personal experience with in-laws, I believe that everything depends on the attitudes of all parties involved. Sure, we have flaws, and at times personalities and convictions don’t mesh, but I do believe there is a benefit to creating a positive relationship with in-laws.
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By Tesa of 2Wired2Tired

“Wow!” “Congrats!” “We are so happy for you!” These are statements my husband and I heard over and over again when we told people we were pregnant with our daughter. Later, when announcing our pregnancy with our son, the reaction couldn’t have been more different. Most people thought we were joking. Some said, “Really?” and “No way.” Others even said, “You know how that happens right?” and “Was it an accident?”

Our friends and relatives responded so differently because our daughter was our first, and the pregnancy with our son was confirmed when she was only 6 months old. Friends and relatives were even more shocked to find out we planned it that way.

How we got two kids under 2

We wanted to have children close in age for a number of reasons. We thought it would be wonderful to have siblings that grew up enjoying the same things and sharing a bond. We felt the years spent changing diapers and staying home would be far fewer, than if the children were spaced further apart. Also, we waited until almost our 30’s to have kids. We’d been responsible and held off as everyone had instructed us to do, but then I started reading more and more about the difficulties of getting pregnant after 30. I was getting nervous and felt we were racing the clock. So, my husband and I were thrilled when the second pregnancy test read positive right around our daughter’s 6-month birthday.

Then it all set-in. There were many things I hadn’t counted on struggling with two pregnancies close together.

From the featured blog, Between Laundry and Naps

When my daughter was born three years ago, my husband and I did not know how much rest and relaxation we would be giving up as a couple. All during my pregnancy, we had heard those famous words, “Enjoy your free time now, because once the baby gets here, you will not have any.” People tried to warn us. They tried to get through to us. But it never, truly sank in……until we had our precious daughter in 2006. To us, free time meant spending whatever time we had away from our daughter, either together or separately, doing things we enjoyed and loved. This, in turn, was enough to spark the romance and keep the magic alive in our relationship. Before our child rearing days, we were always a care free couple, pursuing our individual hobbies as well as spending time with one another. But once our little Ava arrived, things in our relationship started changing. What made things even more realistic is that we started realizing how over protective we were becoming as parents. It was like a job interview every time someone offered to babysit for us. All of a sudden, planning an evening of romance and dinner turned into the Spanish Inquisition for babysitters.
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From the featured blog, Growing Up…Townsend Style!

When I got pregnant with my first child in November of 2001, the only fresh example of parenting I had was my aunt and uncle, who at that point in time had their three children ages 7, 6, and 3. 

I, of course, had my own example of parenting from my mother, but I don’t remember any of my “baby” years, nor do I remember my brother‘s.  I’d witnessed my aunt and uncle happily brining home all three girls from the hospital and my aunt breastfeeding and pumping with all three.  When I began my own journey into parenthood, I immediately decided on breastfeeding.  My aunt told me it was best.  My uncle, a pediatrician, told me the benefits such as less allergies and higher IQ.  Did I want the best for this little person my body was building?  Of course I did.  Was breastfeeding the right choice for me?  Yes, I believe it was.

Fast forward to August 28, 2002.  At 3:17PM, I’m formally introduced to my beautiful baby boy, Ethan.  Our first nursing session goes beautifully.  I love cuddling this soft, warm little person to my chest as he happily nurses.  The next day, we are discharged and head home to continue our bonding.  In preparation for my breastfeeding journey, I purchased a pump and very few bottles.  I didn’t want to hinder myself in the process of establishing a healthy breastfeeding bond with my baby, so I didn’t purchase any formula, and refused the  samples they offered us in the hospital.  Would it have been easier in my sleep deprived state to grab a pre-made bottle and slap a nipple on it?  Sure.  But, was it the best?  Not in my mind.  Continue Reading »

From the featured blog, Confessions from a Working Mom

I’ll admit it…

 
I was one of those moms who thought she would spend her maternity leave leisurely strolling through the neighborhood, pushing a pram (no, I’m not British, but like Madonna, I like to sound that way); I thought I’d be spending afternoon coffee dates with my girlfriends; and I thought– for sure– I’d be getting lots and LOTS of rest.
 
Because, honestly, how much work could one little baby be?
 
Well, you know what people say what you assume… It’s not nice.
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From the featured blog, Dear Crissy

On August 3rd, 2009, I gave birth to my tremendously handsome son, Evan. As a first time mother, I spent most of my nine months of pregnancy wondering what life would be like once my baby was born. I knew that while there would be many new challenges and perhaps even surprises in store for me, I could be certain of two things. First, that I would love my baby and strive to be the best mother possible, and second, that I would breastfeed. Loving my baby was a piece of cake. From the moment I saw his face, it was a done deal–I was hooked. I wish I could say that my goal of breastfeeding was so easy.
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From the featured blog, Parenting BY Dummies

When #1 was my only child I considered myself something of a child development and behavioral expert.

My kid was good so obviously I was doing everything right.

Now, three kids later, not so much.

While I still like to think I’m something of a kid raising expert*, I realize that being a successful parental disciplinarian is more than just luck of the mild-mannered-by-nature-child draw.

It requires forethought (from what I hear) and deliberation.

You can’t just accidentally discipline your kids into being good citizens (actually I think you sorta can, it’s just not as sure fire as some of the other more widely suggested strategies).

But with preparation and planning you can certainly brainwash guide your child into being a responsible, productive member of society with character and manners to boot (at least that’s what I hear).

Here are a few tips anyone can employ for dealing with day-to-day childhood transgressions.

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From the Featured Blog, Old School/New School Mom

When I was pregnant, I had no idea how I would feel about leaving my baby and going back to work. At the time I was in Graduate School and I discussed the idea of how I would care for my baby with my classmates. When they asked what I planned to do, here was my standard speech:

“My parents have agreed to split the babysitting duties with my boyfriend when I go back to work. They live close and my boyfriend works nights.” This usually shut people up.

After I gave birth to my son, I loved every moment I spent with him. Even when I was delirious from lack of sleep (so exhausted that I was hysterically crying) I still wanted nothing more than to be home with my baby.

I was granted three months maternity leave from my job. When the three months were up, it was understood that I would return to work. But towards the end of my leave, I abruptly changed my plans. Continue Reading »

From the Featured Blog, Completely Eclipsed

When I first brought my tiny daughter home from the hospital, I expected that I would have to sacrifice my sleep. All new parents know that sleepless nights come with the territory. And in the beginning those midnight (and 2am, 4am, and 7am) feedings took on a certain romance. It was just the two of us. It was dark and peaceful. However, that got old. Quick.

As she approached the two-month mark, she was still waking up several times a night and my patience was starting to wear thin. I thought for sure that there must be something wrong with me as a mother. Why wouldn’t my baby sleep? What was I doing wrong? Continue Reading »

Well it is almost here! I am only 2 1/2 wks until that wonderful day that I get to meet my beautiful baby girl. I have to say I am more nervous with this one than I was with my first. I have a hundred and one scenarios playing in my head… both good and bad. What if I fall? Has my son using me as a jungle gym hurt the baby? I think my biggest fear is that I will not be able to provide the same amount attention to both of my children once the baby is here. Continue Reading »