OMG
A friend of mine shared a youtube goodie with me last summer. I watched it, giggled, and thought of all the people I could fit into either part of the conversation. But a bored blog-browsing session today led me to stumble upon her blog, as well as her youtube channel.
While I definately have more crunch to me than this woman, at the end of the day she's not about breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. She's not about homebirths vs. hospital births. She's not about circumcision vs. intact. Her videos are a poignant reminder of just how some of us moms can come across, and how batcrap crazy we can sound!!
Dudes, remember what you're fighting for, and who you're fighting! ;)
And watch her videos. Seriously, they're awesome.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Blogging for the sake of it ;)
I'm still trying to figure out what I want this little blog to be. Some blog about a struggle they are battling with, some blog about their families, some blog about their work, some blog about causes. I'm guessing this will probably turn into one about my family. As I start to think about launching a business for myself, I am considering HOW and WHAT PART I want to brand. I'm thinking of launching a seperate blog and twitter account for writing about advocacy, and lactation-related goodies. But I'm hoping to keep this one up and going as well. I want to blog more often about my family. I am AWFUL at keeping up baby books. Hopefully taking the time to blog or journal a little bit every day will at least give me a point a reference when I look back in a year and try to remember what The Tobes was like at 9 months old, or what hilarious things Princess said (the other day, she tried to convince me that I should watch TV instead of playing on the computer, becasue the TV was so much better... "Tangled" was in the DVD player on our laptop...) So yeah. Blogging for the sake of it right now, but hopefully I'll take better advantage of this little blog o' mine ;)
Monday, February 21, 2011
What Are You REALLY Fighting For?
I wanted to start this off by saying that this is about no one in particular, but written for everyone (myself included). This thought process started out as one conversation with one friend months ago, and then stemmed to more conversations, with more friends.
I have been blessed to know many MANY strong people in my life. They are nurses, teachers, business people, volunteers, activists, and advocates for a variety of causes. They are fighting for a cause, they are fighting for themselves, they are fighting for their familes, and they are fighting for others. They are fighting the government, they are fighting legislation, they are fighting colleagues, team-members and they are fighting pre-existing stereotypes, labels, and misconceptions.
It's clear to me that each of these people have taken up the cause because they've believed in it. Something about it has implanted deep within them. I, for example, am an avid advocate of breastfeeding.
It can be exciting to take a stand and fight. To share the information, educate others, break down barriers and push through. It's awesome to see minds change, and people impacted by your actions, by your taking a stand. And it's a responsibility. I am a nurse, consultant, and educator - it's my JOB to be passionate about this topic.
But I think deep down every one of us need to take a pause and contemplate exacting what we're fighting for, and exactly who we're fighting against. Do you actually know what you're getting into? Do you actually know the other side of the argument? Educate yourself on both sides. Your argument is a million times stronger if you already know what they're going to say. Do you know your sources? Do you know theirs?
And do you know who you're up against? Are they the attackers or the uneducated? Are they the unjust or the uninformed? There are times and places for the bullhorn and picket-line, yes. But don't forget that actions can also speak louder than words, and sometimes respect begets respect. Are they people you know, or strangers? The high-powered, or the person on the street? Are they people like you, or polar opposites? Do you know their background, their resources, what led them to where they are, and why they believe what they do?
It's disheartening to see people get disrespected by the bullhorn, or turned off by someone's on or off-podium actions. And it's frustrating to get painted with the same brush. In all the fighting, where's the compassion? Where's the respect? Just because you're right (or think you're right) doesn't make other people automatically wrong.
So I beg you to take a moment and think about how you take up your cause. Because your actions don't just impact you. They impact us all.
I have been blessed to know many MANY strong people in my life. They are nurses, teachers, business people, volunteers, activists, and advocates for a variety of causes. They are fighting for a cause, they are fighting for themselves, they are fighting for their familes, and they are fighting for others. They are fighting the government, they are fighting legislation, they are fighting colleagues, team-members and they are fighting pre-existing stereotypes, labels, and misconceptions.
It's clear to me that each of these people have taken up the cause because they've believed in it. Something about it has implanted deep within them. I, for example, am an avid advocate of breastfeeding.
It can be exciting to take a stand and fight. To share the information, educate others, break down barriers and push through. It's awesome to see minds change, and people impacted by your actions, by your taking a stand. And it's a responsibility. I am a nurse, consultant, and educator - it's my JOB to be passionate about this topic.
But I think deep down every one of us need to take a pause and contemplate exacting what we're fighting for, and exactly who we're fighting against. Do you actually know what you're getting into? Do you actually know the other side of the argument? Educate yourself on both sides. Your argument is a million times stronger if you already know what they're going to say. Do you know your sources? Do you know theirs?
And do you know who you're up against? Are they the attackers or the uneducated? Are they the unjust or the uninformed? There are times and places for the bullhorn and picket-line, yes. But don't forget that actions can also speak louder than words, and sometimes respect begets respect. Are they people you know, or strangers? The high-powered, or the person on the street? Are they people like you, or polar opposites? Do you know their background, their resources, what led them to where they are, and why they believe what they do?
It's disheartening to see people get disrespected by the bullhorn, or turned off by someone's on or off-podium actions. And it's frustrating to get painted with the same brush. In all the fighting, where's the compassion? Where's the respect? Just because you're right (or think you're right) doesn't make other people automatically wrong.
So I beg you to take a moment and think about how you take up your cause. Because your actions don't just impact you. They impact us all.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
When the "Transitioning" Become the "Transitioned"...
I'm officially coming out of the closet. At least here. I don't know exactly who reads this or how often, so this is kinda a big deal, but it's a smaller deal than let's say facebook or the entire world.
I'm a lactation consultant.
That's right. I wrote my exam. I am officially an IBCLC. I have an official card and pins and everything. And a certificate. That's right. I have a piece of paper and a PLASTIC card (no paper nonsense like my RN membership) with my full name on it. And 2 metal pins. All of them say that despite my procrastination and baby-brain and 2 children, I did over 1000 practicce hours, 75 hours of education, and passed a day-long exam and have now joined the ranks of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. I could be hired at a hospital, have my own private practice, or work with doctors, midwives, or doulas.
But I am in hiding, mostly.
Why am I hiding? Because it feels safer. Because while this is a passion of mine, and a longterm dream, I think it's easier to not acknowledge it. At least not yet.
I look at other lactation consultants that I know (both with formal and informal training, both with formal and informal titles) and they're SO knowledgeable and SO smart. And I know all of my shortcomings, and I know all the things I don't know.
But I also understand that I will always be learning, and I will always be growing, and it takes time and practice to become who I see these other women as. And now, I'm just as qualified to do the job as any of them.
So I'm out of the closet. But don't tell your friends. At least not yet ;)
I'm a lactation consultant.
That's right. I wrote my exam. I am officially an IBCLC. I have an official card and pins and everything. And a certificate. That's right. I have a piece of paper and a PLASTIC card (no paper nonsense like my RN membership) with my full name on it. And 2 metal pins. All of them say that despite my procrastination and baby-brain and 2 children, I did over 1000 practicce hours, 75 hours of education, and passed a day-long exam and have now joined the ranks of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. I could be hired at a hospital, have my own private practice, or work with doctors, midwives, or doulas.
But I am in hiding, mostly.
Why am I hiding? Because it feels safer. Because while this is a passion of mine, and a longterm dream, I think it's easier to not acknowledge it. At least not yet.
I look at other lactation consultants that I know (both with formal and informal training, both with formal and informal titles) and they're SO knowledgeable and SO smart. And I know all of my shortcomings, and I know all the things I don't know.
But I also understand that I will always be learning, and I will always be growing, and it takes time and practice to become who I see these other women as. And now, I'm just as qualified to do the job as any of them.
So I'm out of the closet. But don't tell your friends. At least not yet ;)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Christmas
Is it Christmas yet? Now? How about now?
I am one of those annoying people with their lights up in October (though, in my defense, you need to get them done early with the winters we have! And we don't turn them on yet... Mostly because Greg won't let me...) I squeal at the first Christmas commercial of the season (not because I enjoy the commercialism of the season, but because I like the songs, and the reminder that Christmas is, infact, just around the corner). I love the twinkling lights, the decorations, and the music. I love the snow (when I don't need to go anywhere), the coziness, and the warmth. I LOVE gift-giving. I have an incredible craft-list for family this year that I'm so excited to work on! And most of all I love the "meaning of the season" - I love the opportunity to celebrate Jesus, and God's gift of salvation to us. I love hearing the story of Mary and Joseph and singing Christmas carols in a packed church with my family and friends.
So... Is it Christmas yet?
I am one of those annoying people with their lights up in October (though, in my defense, you need to get them done early with the winters we have! And we don't turn them on yet... Mostly because Greg won't let me...) I squeal at the first Christmas commercial of the season (not because I enjoy the commercialism of the season, but because I like the songs, and the reminder that Christmas is, infact, just around the corner). I love the twinkling lights, the decorations, and the music. I love the snow (when I don't need to go anywhere), the coziness, and the warmth. I LOVE gift-giving. I have an incredible craft-list for family this year that I'm so excited to work on! And most of all I love the "meaning of the season" - I love the opportunity to celebrate Jesus, and God's gift of salvation to us. I love hearing the story of Mary and Joseph and singing Christmas carols in a packed church with my family and friends.
So... Is it Christmas yet?
Friday, September 24, 2010
"Moments"
This post is dedicated to all my awesome friends - those who have shown amazing kindness and gentleness towards me and my family. Some of you have children of your own and have "been there, done that". Some of you are aunties (whether biologically, or have been adopted into the role) and some of you have made the decision to turn working with small children into a career. This post is a thank you to all of you. I know for certain that some of you read this blog, and I don't know about others. But I need you to know how awesome you all are.
I feel like I have had a week of "bad mommy moments". I don't mean that to say that I'm a bad mommy. I know I'm not. I look at my little girl and I know that I've done something right ;) But this has been a trying week, and when people look back at my life, and remember me as a mother, I hope this week is replaced by many happier memories. I've been short tempered, frustrated, tired, and upset. It's been rough with my partner-in-crime gone. I can tend to Tara (who I think has actually gotten chattier), or I can tend to Toby (who, while is a smiling ball of cuteness, is still a fussy, wailing infant!) but I feel like I fall desperately short when trying to care for both (and then throw myself and a dog into the mix). Thank goodness his trip was only 6 days! I am so happy to be back to "normal". Beyond missing my hubbyman like crazy, I'm so happy to have a second set of hands, and a second person to lavish attention on Tara while I nurse Toby, or to play with Toby (which at this point involves making faces and squeaking a giraffe) while I read to Tara. It's nice not to be outnumbered, and to give each child the attention they deserve.
We all have our "moments", whether mommy-related or not, where we feel we fall short of our own expectations of ourselves. Moments where we look back and feel like something has caused us to act out of character, where we could list 3 different (better) ways we could have reacted to a situation, or where we've come up with the PERFECT response... 2 days later. I've definately had my fair share, not limited to this week, although I feel like it's been more concentrated these last 6 days. I get frustrated with my chatty 3-year-old. I am flustered with my crying baby. I say and do things that while no one else might have thought anything of it, I wish I could redo (2 days later, of course! ;)) I pride myself on my parenting. I am proud of the funny little girl my daughter has become, and the smiling, happy baby my son is. I am embarassed when I get flustered and upset. I am embarassed when I lose patience and raise my voice. I am embarassed when I'm distracted and can't focus.
And this is where my awesome friends come in. I know it's all part and parcel in friendship, but thank you for your looks of understanding when I have those moments, and knowing that I'm just having a bad day. Thank you for your patience, and kind words. Thank you for your love and understanding.
You guys rock my socks!
I feel like I have had a week of "bad mommy moments". I don't mean that to say that I'm a bad mommy. I know I'm not. I look at my little girl and I know that I've done something right ;) But this has been a trying week, and when people look back at my life, and remember me as a mother, I hope this week is replaced by many happier memories. I've been short tempered, frustrated, tired, and upset. It's been rough with my partner-in-crime gone. I can tend to Tara (who I think has actually gotten chattier), or I can tend to Toby (who, while is a smiling ball of cuteness, is still a fussy, wailing infant!) but I feel like I fall desperately short when trying to care for both (and then throw myself and a dog into the mix). Thank goodness his trip was only 6 days! I am so happy to be back to "normal". Beyond missing my hubbyman like crazy, I'm so happy to have a second set of hands, and a second person to lavish attention on Tara while I nurse Toby, or to play with Toby (which at this point involves making faces and squeaking a giraffe) while I read to Tara. It's nice not to be outnumbered, and to give each child the attention they deserve.
We all have our "moments", whether mommy-related or not, where we feel we fall short of our own expectations of ourselves. Moments where we look back and feel like something has caused us to act out of character, where we could list 3 different (better) ways we could have reacted to a situation, or where we've come up with the PERFECT response... 2 days later. I've definately had my fair share, not limited to this week, although I feel like it's been more concentrated these last 6 days. I get frustrated with my chatty 3-year-old. I am flustered with my crying baby. I say and do things that while no one else might have thought anything of it, I wish I could redo (2 days later, of course! ;)) I pride myself on my parenting. I am proud of the funny little girl my daughter has become, and the smiling, happy baby my son is. I am embarassed when I get flustered and upset. I am embarassed when I lose patience and raise my voice. I am embarassed when I'm distracted and can't focus.
And this is where my awesome friends come in. I know it's all part and parcel in friendship, but thank you for your looks of understanding when I have those moments, and knowing that I'm just having a bad day. Thank you for your patience, and kind words. Thank you for your love and understanding.
You guys rock my socks!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Feelin' Old... Or Grown Up, at Least ;)
I just finished filling out the form for my daughter to start Irish Dance. I danced for about 10 years, and it's only been about 5 since I quit, and now I'm registering my daughter. Same school and everything. I'm going to be one of those moms out in the hallway. Maybe I should take up knitting? Or crochet. I can't believe I'm going to be a dance mom. I'm not OLD enough to be a dance mom*!!
I'm so excited :) I'm so excited for her first class (which reminds me, I need to get her black shorts!) I'm so excited to buy her first pair of shoes (as far as I know, her feet are still too small for real soft shoes, so I imagine she'll wear black ballet slippers in the meanwhile). Oh my goodness, I'm so excited (and nervous!) for the first time I have to try to curl those long locks! I remember how long it took my mom to do my hair, and it was nowhere near as long as her hair is!!
I'm excited to help her practice (I've been trying to get back into dancing as well), and for her very first competition.
I'm gonna be a dance mom*! Eee!!
* Don't worry. This isn't one of those "trying-to-relive-my-youth-through-my-daughter" things. I'm gonna be a cool dance mom. I'm going to support her, not force her.
I'm so excited :) I'm so excited for her first class (which reminds me, I need to get her black shorts!) I'm so excited to buy her first pair of shoes (as far as I know, her feet are still too small for real soft shoes, so I imagine she'll wear black ballet slippers in the meanwhile). Oh my goodness, I'm so excited (and nervous!) for the first time I have to try to curl those long locks! I remember how long it took my mom to do my hair, and it was nowhere near as long as her hair is!!
I'm excited to help her practice (I've been trying to get back into dancing as well), and for her very first competition.
I'm gonna be a dance mom*! Eee!!
* Don't worry. This isn't one of those "trying-to-relive-my-youth-through-my-daughter" things. I'm gonna be a cool dance mom. I'm going to support her, not force her.
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