Things I Use to Say

Don't judge moms out there! You never know what their situation is with their child. Until you have one of your own, you just don't understand. I use to look at babies/kids who I thought were too old for a pacifier or bottle. I also looked at people who put a leash on their kid like they were crazy! However, I have already done several things I said I would never do with my son. Things I use to say... 1. I will NOT breast feed my kid! 2. My kid will NEVER sleep in my bed! 3. My kid will NOT have a pacifier! 4. I will NOT let my kid crawl around on a dirty floor! 5. I will put my kid on a strict schedule early on so I can schedule our days! Reality... 1. After attending a breast feeding class at our hospital there was no question that I would breast feed. It is the best option for every baby and it is free. However, the lactation consultants make it sound so easy, and like everything is going to be perfect and smooth. Nope! It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I made it breast feeding for 5 1/2 months. My goal was 6 months for sure but I would have loved to make it a year. However after returning to work my supply dropped drastically and in turn I became very stressed and the supply then dropped more. I had to suppliment with formula and then eventually my milk supply became so little it wasn't worth pumping all day. It was very emotional having to let go of something I didn't think I wanted. Luckily it's almost time to start feeding him real food! 2. So, my son goes to bed at about 8:15pm. He sleeps in his crib until about 12:30am. Then he sleeps with me and his daddy! It all started after having a c-section. I couldn't move around very easily and since I was nursing I slept in the recliner my brother-n-law let me use for two weeks. Little Matthew slept in it with me. After I was able to sleep in my bed, I brought baby with me. We tried the bassinet but he was so small and the mattress pad in it was so weird he would roll all the way to the side of it and his face would be against the side. So that wasn't an option. I was so tired that every minute of sleep I could get helped. Instead of walking all the way to his room I just picked him up, fed him and laid him right back down to sleep. Now I'm in the process of getting him to sleep in his bed the whole night. Ooops! 3. As far as the pacifier.... Well sometimes you just need a few minutes of silence! :-) Luckily, it is not a must have for Matthew, but it is a must have for mommy and daddy. #mutebutton 4. Guess what? My kid learned to crawl at 5 months!!! I don't care where or what he crawls on! :-) That is what baths are for! Right? 5. Raising a kid is not the same as teaching kids in the classroom. Yes babies need routine and a schedule but I ended up allowing him to set his schedule instead of setting one for him. He still eats, naps, and plays at the same time everyday, give or take 15/30 minutes. Although he hates to sleep... and eat for that matter. All he wants to do is learn and play! He's very active! I think Greg and I have our hands full! So far my mommy adventures have been amazing! I have a great support system and my son is doing great! Now to get through teething, and baby proofing the house for a little boy who already pulls himself up on furniture in our house.