No More Mommy Milk?

A change is coming. It's on the horizon; I can almost see it. I can most definitely feel it. And I'm not ready.

My baby boy is almost one year old. 

1 day old 

1 month old

9 months old

So much change comes with your baby's first birthday. More teeth, solid foods, starting to walk and talk, changes in sleep patterns...I'm ok with all that. What I'm scared about is weaning him. I've been nursing Samuel for almost 1 year and it's all he knows -- and as of the last year, it's all I know. Weaning Victoria was no big deal. It was fairly simple, in fact. However, Victoria went to a babysitter  while I worked and drank most of my milk out of a bottle, so the attachment factor wasn't quite there. 

Samuel and I have a different bond with me being home all the time. Whenever he's hungry, or sleepy, or sad, I can soothe him through nursing. I don't think I'm ready to give that up! And I know I don't have to. But I had planned to wean him at 1 year old. It's when the pediatrician recommends doing so, plus I'm ready to not have all the extra work that comes with nursing and pumping. Emotionally, though, I'm not ready. I know the time will come when I'm weaning and he tries to come to me for some "mommy milk"...and it won't be there. That makes me sad. I know his frustration won't last for long and soon he'll forget that I ever nursed him at all, but that kind of makes me sad, too! 

#milkbarinthecar

And of course, I'll miss taking post-nursing selfies after my workouts at the Y with my boy and using the hashtag "milk bar in the car"....sigh. Such trials and tribulations that lay before me. I know the world has much bigger problems on it's hands, but these are the worries of this stay-at-home mom. Thanks for listening, friends!

xoxo,

So long! Farewell, 2014! What a fantastic year!

I can't believe it's already New Year's Eve. This year has flown by so fast! I started out the year with the goal of
1) having a healthy baby boy

2) losing my baby weight

3) staying sane with 2 under 2

I know, some pretty lofty goals! However, once I set goals, I'm pretty set on obtaining them. I am a Type-A perfectionist (which is such a pain in the hiney!), so once I set goals, you better believe that I'm going to do everything in my power to MAKE IT HAPPEN. So how did I do accomplishing these goals?

1) Yep. He's a chunk. Looking pretty healthy to me.

2) I signed up for a half marathon and all that preparation helped me lose those baby pounds and then some. I can't believe I actually got there and I'm so excited for new fitness goals for this year!

(2014 also brought a new hair-do!)

3) Ehhh...some days, yes; some days, no. Having two babies is SO hard. And did you know we just added a 7 week old Lab puppy to our mix? Am I insane? YES! Things just got so much crazier. But the truth is, I love every minute of it. Even when I'm feeling at my wit's end (like today's visit to the vet with a puppy, an 11 month-old, and a 2 year-old -- that's a post for another day), I feel so blessed to have such amazing children, to have the opportunity to be home with them, and to have our fur babies as well. So there are moments where I sit in a corner and cry and say WHAT AM I DOING?! THIS IS UTTER CHAOS!, but then I count to ten, take a deep breath, look at my children laughing and playing, and puppies bouncing around the room, and just laugh right along with them. Pure joy and happiness surely beats the tantrums, sleepless nights, and poop accidents.

This year has had some surprises, as well! I found an amazing group of mommy friends through MOPS, which you can read about here. I started writing on my blog more frequently in an attempt to be a blogger, and NO, I have not given up! I know I have not written a lick in December and my brain hurts because of it! I have so many things I want to write about, but to be honest, it's been an insane month. I started a new business the last week of November, we traveled to Disney the second week of December, we traveled all during the holidays, and then Sunday we picked up our new puppy. Yes, I promise to blog about all these things so you will feel caught up!

And yes, you heard me right, in the midst of all this "chaos", as I call it, I have started a new business. I've been working for Jamberry for 5 weeks and it has been such a fun and exciting whirlwind of a job. Why in the world would I add one more thing to my plate?
1) I LOVE Jamberry nails.
2) This is something I'm doing for ME. In Jamberry, I'm not mommy, or wife, or puppy trainer: I'm Lizzie Woolwine, Independent Consultant.
3) The camaraderie. The feeling of community that exists among Jamberry consultants is like nothing I've ever experienced. I've had many different "jobs" since I turned 16, and this is the first one where I've felt so supported. It's like I've gained a second family that is there to guide me, cheer me on, and help me succeed!
So that's my WHY in a nutshell - plus, I make some "me" money that I'm hoping will turn into "family vacation" money! I'll let you know how it goes!

So as 2014 comes to an end, I don't see an end. I see a beginning. My children are growing like weeds and our puppy won't be a puppy for long. I'm feeling the high of ambition as I set new fitness goals, Jamberry leadership goals, and develop plans for a REAL blog. I'm excited for the growth of friendships and adventures along my fifth year of marriage. I encourage you to take a moment to look back on all that has happened in your life in 2014, and how will that transfer into the new year? Are you ready? Are your goals set?

Happy New Years, friends!

xoxo,

Mommy Revelations

I've had lots of "mommy time" this week, as in, time with other mommies. If you are a brand new mom or are expecting your first child, I have some advice for you. Find other mommies to be your friend. You will need them to get you through all the tough times ahead.

As I mentioned in my Being Me, Bravely post, being a mom is not easy. It's a job that you have 24/7 for the rest of your life, and those first few months are a brutal awakening. Literally, you will be awake way more than you want to be or can physically tolerate. You will be needed by your child all the time. You will either be feeding your baby (or trying to if you're still figuring out breastfeeding), dressing your baby, changing your baby's diaper, cleaning up spit up or pee/poop that made it's way out of the diaper, washing your clothes and your baby's clothes, trying to figure out how to swaddle your baby so he/she will fall asleep and stay asleep if you lay him/her down, saying "sh, sh, sh" repeatedly while hoping your baby will actually fall asleep in the first place...and all of that literally takes up 24 hours of your day. So, there is no time left to take care of yourself, feed yourself, bathe yourself, or rest. We're exhausted and losing our minds. This, my friends, is why we need mommy friends. We get it, like no one else will.

This is me trying to act like I've got it all together but I'm miserably exhausted.
 (Samuel, a few weeks old)

Husbands can be a huge help, and maybe some are no help at all. Either way, we mommies tend to think that we have to be strong all the time. We think it all rests on us and that we are not allowed to have moments of weakness. We'll shower someday, we tell ourselves, and we'll sleep again one day, we hope. Do you know how hard it is to live on little- to-no sleep? If you've ever been the mommy of a newborn, then I know you do. And I want you to know, you are not alone. I am here for you. And there are other mommies out there that want to be there for you.

My new hometown is filled with so many resources for moms, but you have to be willing to take a chance and meet new people. You have to be brave. My MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group is where I have met so many fabulous women who are crazy about their kids, but who also appreciate their "mommy time". We get together so that we can grow emotionally and spiritually and find other moms who get what we're going through. We get together to support one another and to reinforce the fact that we're not alone. We learn about things that are important to moms, like how to deal with our mommy fears, or how to start building Christmas traditions. We learn how to be crafty together and we give what we can of ourselves through service projects. And when we have sleepless nights, or feel like our home lives are struggling, we're there to listen, pray, give advice, and pick each other up.

Part of my village - MOPS friends!

One of my MOPS friends, Julie Ann, said something during a playdate this week that really stuck with me. We were discussing how hard having little bitty babies is, especially when you feel like you're alone in your role.

She said something alone the lines of, "It really is true that it takes a village to raise a child. This is our village."

This is a traditional African proverb, and one that I've heard many times in my life. However, it now has an entirely different meaning to me. My children are being raised by me and their dad, by their grandparents, by their teachers, babysitters, and child care workers; but, I know that I also need the support of all those mommy friends to do my part. They are part of this village, too. Without their wisdom, encouragement, guidance, support, and love, this mom gig would be a lot harder. Having my mommy friends has taught me that I'm not strong when I'm on my own. I'm strong when I know how to ask for help. Somehow, we got this notion that we are the glue of the family and we are supposed to take care of everyone. I guess it's just in our nature. But, we have to take care of ourselves, too. It's really hard to do that when you are brand new at this gig and you are so scared to mess something up and you're just so tired....hey, it's ok. Take a deep breath, know how blessed you are, and if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed - ask for help. If your husband or family can't give you the help you need, that's when your mommy friends come into play. As my wise friend Julie Ann reminded me this week, it takes a village to raise a child.

Mind blowing, right?

xoxo,

Mommas Are Never Alone, and That's the Truth!

It's safe for me to say that today has been a pretty ordinary day for a mother of two under/at two. If you're not a mom or caretaker of little ones, you may not be able to relate as much, but for those who are, I know you've been down this road before: using the bathroom --- with everyone crammed in with you.

I texted my husband after this morning's eventful bathroom experience and reminded him to enjoy every peaceful bathroom moment he had today, because mine are never peaceful. Or private. Unless I fasten my two-year-old into her booster seat, stick my nine-month-old into his exersaucer, turn Mickey on, and keep the door cracked from the side hallway, so I can make sure no one tries to jump/climb out. Although if they did, what would I do? Stop myself from going to the bathroom and run out to grab them? Probably not. I'd probably just let them continue, unless it got really dangerous (I think).  Anyway, even in this ideal situation, I'm still not having peaceful, private time, as the door is half open and both kids may or may not be yelling my name. On repeat. 

However, there are times in my life that using the bathroom was a me time and I know that one day it will be again. So I'm not at a loss. In fact, I'm sure that when the day comes when I do get to use the bathroom on my own, I will miss my littles and their constant intrusions. It'll be kinda lonely, I suppose.

Today's bathroom visit not only had my nine-month-old trying to crawl through the door that my two-year-old was trying to shut on him, but my three-year-old Lab insisted on joining in the mix. 

(Note: we were in our powder room downstairs, not the full master bath. Think tight, small spaces). 

I think my cat was the only one giving me some space. She's a cat, though: she understands the need for space. As I was feeling slightly overwhelmed at the whole scene, I realized how utterly hysterical it all was. Babies yelling at each other and at the dog, yelling at me for help, watching me as I finished up, and making honest toddler comments like, "Eww! Yucky!". So I just started to laugh. And, document with my camera phone. What else can we do but laugh and take pictures, right? 

** I apologize for the poor quality of photography; I was multitasking and couldn't focus on lighting and camera angles. 

Mommas, next time this happens to you, don't despair. Be grateful. How blessed are we that we have someone to share our bathroom time with? I can't imagine having it any other way. Except with more babies and dogs piling on in. 

Have a blessed day!

xoxo,

Being Me, Bravely

For my mom friends who are in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), you know exactly what my post title means. "Being you, Bravely" is our theme this year and our challenge, as moms, is to embrace ourselves, face our fears, and take those brave steps of motherhood. Being a mom is so hard - in fact, it might be the hardest thing I've ever done. There are so many unknowns, so many challenges, and it can be scary.

But what I've learned from this amazing group of women and the many MOPS resources, is that I'm not alone. You, fellow mom, are not alone. We are in this together, because we've all been there. When your baby is up every couple hours, hungry and crying, and you just want to sleep because you're so sleep deprived you might go insane: we've been there. And when you just can't do it anymore and you leave your baby to "cry it out" and you feel like your heart is being torn in two and that you're a terrible mom for letting your baby cry like that: yup, done it. How about when your two-year-old starts taking her diaper off in bed for no apparent reason, except to pee all over the bed and then yell for you in the middle of the night for hours, so the next night you try duct taping the diaper shut and sticking a onesie on her? Ok, maybe that's just me. But the point is - motherhood is one BIG FAT challenge! And I wouldn't trade it for the world. Nothing is better than the sound of those little feet running down the hallway, the giggles between siblings as they chase each other through the house, the eskimo kisses before bed...yup, so worth it.

I'm a mom. It's so hard. And I love it.

So this year, I'm taking on the challenge of being me, bravely. One part of this challenge is "The Brave Collective." The head honchos at MOPS describe this as choosing to share your courage with others, because when you share, the courage multiplies. Collectively, we become brave. The plan is to grab a group of ladies, sit around a table together, and share your "brave" (something that you want to take on this year that requires you to be brave). Then you can share your journeys with each other as you conquer your braves, knowing that your friends are holding you accountable and as fellow brave moms, are there for you. And it doesn't have to be something monumental. It can be anything that is something you feel you need to do, want to do, for YOU.

Well, I haven't done the table part, but I want to share my brave with you today. This year, I, Lizzie, want to become a blogger. Yes, I'm already blogging right this minute, but I want to be a REAL blogger: writing regularly, making it a priority, growing in the blogger community, sharing my deepest moments with my fellow readers, and reaching out to other moms, letting them know they are not alone. I love to write and I love being a mom. So there it is. I'm already feeling a little braver! Now the plan is, because I've decided to be brave and share my brave thing, hopefully I will continue to be courageous and reach my goal. Thank you so much for your support already by reading today's blog. Now it's your turn! What's your brave?

xoxo,

My Fix!

 A few days ago I posted on Facebook about my awesome experience with "Stitch Fix": an online styling service for women. They encourage you to do so upon receiving your "fix", so you can share your experience with other women, perhaps bring more customers to Stitch Fix, and then gain credits for your next fix. However, I made it clear that I wasn't posting just for selfish reasons like gaining credits (although, you can't deny it - that's sweet!). I just was so in love with all my pieces and amazed at how easy it was to suddenly look hip  as a stay-at-home mom, who often has baby vomit in her hair (see evidence in pic). 

Look closely in the braid...some lovely spit up! 

But it came from this guy - so worth!

It's easy for me to share words about how much I love Stitch Fix, but it's hard to really understand without seeing my "fix". (I love their name - whoever came up with that is a genius!). So this afternoon while the kids have been napping, I got all done 'up for you guys and did a fashion show in front of my mirror with my iPhone. Classy, right?

I hope you like 'em, cause I got them all! That's the other great thing about this service. You pay $20 up front for the service, which they apply toward any clothes you decide to buy. Then, if you decide to buy all 5 pieces, they give you 25% off the total. Yes, please!! So back to my pieces. First I took pictures of my 5 pieces, but it's hard to see how cute they are unless someone is wearing them, so that's where the fashion show comes in. Enjoy!

Remi Striped Side-Gathered Tank with Porter Legging

Esteban Open Back Striped Top with Porter Legging

My favorite part of this striped top - the back! (notice how it's different from the front)

Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan

Kalli Empire Waist Faux Wrap Dress

So, there you have it. My 5 pieces from Stitch Fix. I specifically requested to have items that are comfortable, since I stay at home with the kids, as well as items that are easy to nurse in. My stylist found two nursing-friendly tops that aren't even made for nursing, but they work perfectly! So, see? You can nurse your baby in public (or at home) and still look cool! It can be done! I also told my stylist that I wasn't interested in dresses, but she encouraged me to try out this dress (in the pic above), because it would work great with nursing. She was right. I love it. 

How did I know what my stylist was thinking, you ask? Well, they not only send you clothing items, but they send you pictures with ideas of how to style each piece and a letter from your stylist letting you know what he/she was thinking when the item was picked out for you. It's so  personal! 

Ideas for styling each piece! 

Personal note from my stylist

Now, I know you're probably wondering if the clothes are expensive. I mean, they must be for such an awesome service, right? The answer is that they will be as expensive as you want them to be. When you sign up, you fill out a survey (so make sure you have at least 20 minutes to yourself when you sign up - I did it at 11:00 PM one night when I didn't have children climbing all over me and I wasn't sidetracked by the television). The survey asks everything and anything about you, including how much you want to spend. If you want each piece to be around $50 or less, click "the cheaper the better". And remember, if you don't like them all - it's ok! You don't have to get them! But I'm all bout getting gorgeous clothes (that are inexpensive) shipped to my front door for me to try on in the comfort of my home at a time that works for me. Plus, I don't have the challenge of getting the kids to the store, or entertaining them at the store, or even dealing with tired/hungry babies while trying to get home from the store. Thank you, Stitch Fix! You ROCK! (and thank you to my friends who informed me that Stitch Fix exists! You ROCK too!). 

So are you ready to try it out? Click here to sign up and let me know how it goes!

Happy shopping, friends.

Love,
Lizzie

How Being a Teacher Has Made Me a Better Mom

Last week, my husband Trey went on a trip to Canada (Winnipeg, to be exact), and I had to become a true "supermom". I had no idea how much I really depend on his help to carry out the evening activities. I think our night time routine (dinner, bath, and bed time) is the hardest part of the day, because everyone is tired. Tired babies (which are sometimes overtired babies, due to being two-years-old and trying to skip nap time!!) are a lot harder to work with. Naturally, everyone needed mommy at the same time. So, for about an hour (sometimes longer), I learned to take a deep breath, pray to God for patience, and hold my babies tight as we worked our way to sweet slumber.

How does being a teacher help me accomplish this? Let's see if I can effectively explain. When you teach, you are challenged with teaching a large group of children, who all have different strengths and weaknesses. As a fifth grade teacher, I had to teach five subjects everyday, to 20+ kids : below grade level, on grade level, and above grade level, while maintaining a structured, disciplined classroom, and keeping my sanity. And some of those kids are running up and down aisles, slamming themselves onto the desks of other children, screaming out randomly, and throwing objects. I kid you not. Of course, for students like these, I usually had a second hand in the room (you know who you are and I am forever grateful for your help), but nevertheless, it's utter chaos. And you know that if you don't figure out how to get the material taught and mastered, you could lose your job. These days, teaching jobs are a lot harder to come by. So you figure it out and you get it done. 

That's how I felt this last week as I was putting my two children (ages 2 years and 6 months) to bed. I know, it's a bit of a ridiculous comparison, but it made me feel like I could persevere. Now, I know there are "supermoms" out there who have to do this everyday because their husbands have jobs that make them unavailable, or maybe things didn't work out with their husbands and they're single moms. I praise you all - you are ROCKSTARS in my book. Somehow, I thought that with my husband being on vacation, I too, would have a little vacation for myself. HAH! I forgot that he helps me with so much in the evenings (this is a shout out to you, babe). By the time I got everything done that we both usually tackle, I was exhausted and ready to pass out in my bed.

My good friend Kate, and her son Noah, came to visit while Trey was away.
Bath time was easy to handle - throw 'em all in and let the dog supervise!

So, back to the point: how do you teach children with different needs at the same time? You do what you can keeping the kids together in a whole group, and then you work with them in smaller groups. You give the kids who have "got it" something that will challenge them while they work on their own, so that way you can focus on the students who "don't got it" and work one on one or in small groups to strengthen their abilities.

I took this strategy that got me through my three years of teaching fifth grade, and applied it to our bedtime routine. Now, depending on levels of exhaustion, hunger, and wellness (Victoria had a fever two of the nights), different children got to work independently. If Samuel needed to go to bed NOW (he lets you know), then I nursed him while Victoria danced around us and read books. If Victoria needed to go to bed NOW (she lets you know), then Samuel would lay in her floor and roll around, working on his core strength, while I read a book with Victoria, said prayers, and sang to her (and yes, if she wasn't too tired, Samuel joined in on reading, praying, and singing too). Sounds obvious, I'm sure. But I'm so used to doing things a certain way when Trey is here, that change is hard. Usually, I'm in charge of putting one of the kids to bed and he's in charge of the other; so when he's gone, I feel like the substitute, who's been left with no lesson plans, trying to figure out how to best teach the material that needs to be learned.  

Now that I'm staying at home with my children, I often think back to my days at Hollins University where I studied to be a teacher. Or maybe it's my monthly student loan bill that reminds me. But do I see my studies and time spent teaching as a waste? Absolutely not. How else would I have learned how to get my kids to bed when Trey is gone? Thank you, Masters in the Art of Education! Totally worth it. 

See you mommies later, 

Lizzie

Month-by-Month View

Watch Victoria grow!

Victoria at birth