Its been a hectic week. Thanksgiving was wonderful. We shared the day with some friends from the museum (where I work). And having the long weekend with my boys was just what I needed. I wonder how Kellan feels when he doesn't see me all week. At the weekend we're never apart. I'm with him from the moment he wakes until I nurse him to sleep at night. Does he notice my absence during the week? I worry that he misses me every morning when I kiss him goodbye. He always seems pleased to see me when I come home, but not especially bothered or relieved. His Dad gives him everything that he needs, he is incredibly nurturing and fun. Kellan lights up when Nic walks into the room. But then, as Nic points out, he lights up when I walk into the room as well. He's just a lucky boy with two incredibly loving parents. He's never known daycare or separation from us. He's happy and secure in his life. That's a good thing.
Our holiday shopping is complete, I decided to be "on the ball" this year. With a 9 month old, you've got to get things done whenever possible. But instead of being a mad rush, we were finished with our Christmas cards and gift shopping a week before Thanksgiving. Now that's organised!
I'm still working on that post-baby figure. I'm in a size 6 now, but prior to Kellan I was a 1. Now, I'm aware that my hips have expanded and a size 1 is no longer in the cards, but a 4 would be nice, and no more pudgy bits around my middle, hips, and lower back. Its just gross. So we're not there yet. And the holidays aren't helping. Too much good food. Nor is my husband helping with his weekly cakes, cookies, and ice cream. I am tempted! He's so thin, he doesn't have to worry, but I'm still trying to drop these last 5 lbs or so and its a struggle (she says after just having eaten 4, yes 4, cookies from the break room -- darn staff meeting days!).
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Working Mom
I haven't had time to post this past week due to a presentation on my research (a palaeoecological study of the Grey Islands, Newfoundland -- in case you're interested!) that I gave yesterday. It was all consuming for a few days there. I realised that, even being back at work, my focus is still very Kellan centred. I come in and work with the data and sites every day, but in some ways my focus isn't all there. I love my job, but I'm still getting used to this whole motherhood thing. So actually having to present my research to a group of colleagues and scientists, when I really haven't thought critically about it in over a year, was a daunting prospect. I did manage to get enough of my brain into it to give a good show yesterday, but still, it could have been better, it could have been more. Does this division of self ever sort itself out? Will I become whole again in my work, as well as in my mothering? Kellan is everything, he is so much more important than any other facet of life. Guess that this half-brained approach is simply the way of the working mother.
Stay here; start making babies
After the tragedy that was the 2004 "Presidential Election" (yeah right), I found this article to be very appropriate. The GSU Signal - Stay here; start making babies Come on Democrats, we can do it!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
A Great Time was had by All -- and then some breast talk
We're back from our four day adventure in Chattanooga, TN and nearby GA. It was a lovely break from Springfield, land of no landscape, and well worth the 500 mile drive each way. Kellan loved the trip. Anyplace that's full of happy tourists eager to smile at a baby works for him. I'd definitely recommend it to anybody looking for a family-friendly holiday destination. I know it sounds cheesy, but there's literally something for everyone. From the steam and incline railways, to the aquarium and children's museum, or Rock City and the Civil War battlefields, its just a darn fun and scenic place. Check out the city's website
Unless you are or have been a nursing mother, you may not understand the following: One of my greatest pleasures during our four day excursion was complete freedom from the pump. The ability to nurse Kellan on demand is something that I've missed since returning to work nearly three months ago. And you know, I think he's missed it too. During those four days he nursed frequently and well. And he was happy. He never fussed, whined, or exhibited any unhappiness during the course of the weekend. Not that he's generally a fussy baby, but when he's home with Nic, there are moments and its a rare day that is entirely fuss-free. Whether it was simply having both of us and our full attention, or whether the brief return to nursing on demand had something to do with it, I don't know. We're off to San Diego, CA for ten days next month though, so we'll see if there's a similar effect.
That will be interesting. My mother feels that we should long since have stopped nursing. In her mind, when solid foods were introduced, nursing should have been discontinued. And when I didn't do that, and Kellan got his first two teeth (a couple of weeks ago), she was in absolute disbelief that I was still going to nurse him. Kellan is 8 1/2 months old now and I fully intend to nurse until he is ready to quit. Should that be at a year, 18 months, 2 years, whenever, that's what we'll do. I'm providing him the best start in life and its what these lovely breasts are meant for. I don't know what the western hang-up about breastfeeding is, but historically women nursed their babies for upwards of two years (usually closer to four). It is a totally natural and entirely non-sexual process. For more information, see the La Leche League International site.
Unless you are or have been a nursing mother, you may not understand the following: One of my greatest pleasures during our four day excursion was complete freedom from the pump. The ability to nurse Kellan on demand is something that I've missed since returning to work nearly three months ago. And you know, I think he's missed it too. During those four days he nursed frequently and well. And he was happy. He never fussed, whined, or exhibited any unhappiness during the course of the weekend. Not that he's generally a fussy baby, but when he's home with Nic, there are moments and its a rare day that is entirely fuss-free. Whether it was simply having both of us and our full attention, or whether the brief return to nursing on demand had something to do with it, I don't know. We're off to San Diego, CA for ten days next month though, so we'll see if there's a similar effect.
That will be interesting. My mother feels that we should long since have stopped nursing. In her mind, when solid foods were introduced, nursing should have been discontinued. And when I didn't do that, and Kellan got his first two teeth (a couple of weeks ago), she was in absolute disbelief that I was still going to nurse him. Kellan is 8 1/2 months old now and I fully intend to nurse until he is ready to quit. Should that be at a year, 18 months, 2 years, whenever, that's what we'll do. I'm providing him the best start in life and its what these lovely breasts are meant for. I don't know what the western hang-up about breastfeeding is, but historically women nursed their babies for upwards of two years (usually closer to four). It is a totally natural and entirely non-sexual process. For more information, see the La Leche League International site.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Halloween has come and gone
It was a happy Halloween. Kellan had his first trick-or-treat. He went round to all of the neighbours in his Thomas the Tank Engine costume. We didn't get many trick-or-treaters ourselves and I've been eating "snack size" candybars all day. The poor woman next door was all dressed up and even had a "cauldron of candy". We, on the other hand, just put Kellan to bed, watched a video, and cuddled up on the couch.
I forgot the pump today, first time. Had to take a long lunch and go home. It was nice to nurse Kellan instead of wasting the milk. And always good to have some extra time in the day with my boys.
Nic wants to go out for our weekly meal tonight. We go to the local Mexican restaurant where the food is fantastic, the atmosphere is cozy, and the service makes you feel right at home. They love Kellan and we always get VIP treatment. I'm so full of candy, hope that I have room. For anybody in the Springfield area, the restaurant is called Los Agaves Illinois Times: Food, service set Los Agaves apart Its our favourite!
I forgot the pump today, first time. Had to take a long lunch and go home. It was nice to nurse Kellan instead of wasting the milk. And always good to have some extra time in the day with my boys.
Nic wants to go out for our weekly meal tonight. We go to the local Mexican restaurant where the food is fantastic, the atmosphere is cozy, and the service makes you feel right at home. They love Kellan and we always get VIP treatment. I'm so full of candy, hope that I have room. For anybody in the Springfield area, the restaurant is called Los Agaves Illinois Times: Food, service set Los Agaves apart Its our favourite!
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