Can we be real here for a minute...

I preface this by saying this post is not really about mom-ing. It's not really about my kids, though I suppose, indirectly it's about everyone . . . all of us.

I keep seeing these posts on social media about how "so-and-so has plus sized models now!" or about how "so-and-so is posting pictures laying in a pile of food because body shamers are nasty." etc. etc.. You've seen them, we've all seen them. Can I just ask, why does the term "plus sized" even exist? I mean, really? Doesn't using terminology like that just perpetuate some people's need to body shame? Why does ev.ery.thing need a label anyways? Can't pants and dresses just have sizes? You know, people, human, sizes?

Don't get me wrong, I understand that the obesity problem we have in America is no joke, it's serious stuff. That's not what this is about either.

This is about the reality that social media is creating this land when body shaming is a thing, and cyber bullying is a thing, and it's SO prevalent. I mean, I was raised being taught if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. what ever happened to that? Just because cowards can hide behind a computer monitor and their false identity (maybe) they think it's ok, it makes them feel better about their (probably) sad life in some small way? I just can't wrap my head around it!

For one thing-you body-shaming-type-people, just keep your mouths shut, virtually and in real life, do us all a favor. Unless you know a person's story, or past, or present even, what gives you the right to comment on their external appearance ever anyway? Who are you to judge? How do you know that the woman you just called a "nasty fat cow" isn't on a weight loss journey, and until you opened your mouth was feeling very proud of hitting a milestone number in her weight loss? Or that someone isn't battling an illness of some type that cause rapid weight gain, or just makes it that much harder to keep it off? I could go on and on about the circumstances someone might be in. But what I'm getting at here is this, can we PLEASE, please, please get back to being nice? If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything. If you feel compelled to tell someone something about their appearance, I'll give you a tip, just don't! Maybe instead, use your words to ask them how their day is going. Tell them you like the color of their shirt, it makes their eyes look lovely... you catch my drift?

I know this was a bit of a rant, but it just, literally makes me sick reading these headlines, and seeing so many beautiful humans feeling bad about themselves because of the unfortunate few who choose to take their misery out on everyone else. And you know, I guess this is about my kids, because I have to raise my children in this world, in this social-media culture, and it's my job to make sure they grow up to be good, kind, thoughtful humans. Humans who will treat others with compassion and forgiveness, even when the world around them can be such an ugly place, and even knowing that they are not always going to get the same kindnesses back. And that's a big responsibility! So maybe I should also thank the jerks of the world for making sure I have a good example of how not to behave for my children.

So on that note, can we please just go back to treating others as we want to be treated? Treat others with kindness, respect, love because after all, what you put out into the world is ultimately what you are going to get back.

On loneliness. A bit of a rant.

One may wonder how it could be possible to be lonely when you are married and have a small child with another on the way. But I assure, at times, it is very possible. With spring teasing us in the air on occasion (less in the hills where I live) many groups of friends and family are more actively getting together, planning trips, just getting out in general. And sometime, I can't help but feel a little sad. True, I always have people to hang out with. But there is something to be said for girl time, and friend time, and even family time. And since we've moved, the majority of my local group of friends are un-married, or at least childless. Don't get me wrong, I love my little family with all of my heart and wouldn't trade it for the world, but being childless, you have a certain freedom that us with children, especially children of napping age, do not have. Throw in a full-time job and a freelance business and you really have some planning problems! I feel like the only way I ever see people is to either plan months in advance, or have them come here on one of my 2 days off a week, and living at LEAST a half hour away from most people I know makes that one hard as well. I don't mean to sound like a complainer, though I suppose I am complaining. But really, I just miss my friends. I miss being able to join in on parties, and hikes, and last minute planned adventures.

Finding a proper balance for everything is key, but so hard to do! I am in awe of other working moms who still maintain a social life, how do you do it?! I imagine it's easier if you don't work opposite hours as your spouse. But still. Maybe I should start planning parties here...but then the issue of being so far away comes into play again.

I guess I am just feeling a little ... friend-sick? Does that make sense? What do you working moms do? Is this just going to be the way things go for the next um-teen years or so?

That's all for today-I apologize for my whininess today, I promise my next post will be happier :)

the first trimester- round 2

Today I am at 12 weeks exactly. Which means I only have one week left of the first trimester (yahoo!) I have to say, it has been a really easy first trimester (knock-on-wood not over yet!)

When I was pregnant with Joshua, I felt like I had a hangover for 3 months basically. I never got sick, but had no appetite, and wanted nothing but slushies and fruit snacks. This time around it's a whole other game. I had a few bouts of nausea, but nothing bad. Mostly I've just been tired. Tired, and hungry. all. the. time. I don't think I'm supposed to be this hungry this early on, but I am! Really, I am not nauseous when I'm hungry, which can come on in an instant. One second I'm totally fine, and the next I'm ravenous and need to eat instantly or whoever is closest in proximity to me may get a limb chewed on.

Of course, this week I end up catching the family/office cold. Which it seems everyone in my office also has. Colds are really great when there is nothing you can do to feel better other than rest... which is what exactly? I think the last time I rested was before Joshua existed! So I'll just drink water and tea and hope it moves quickly.

On a Joshua note, he had his three-year checkup today. He is a whopping 3 feet tall, and 31.8lbs. He's in the 50th percentile for weight and has dropped down to the 20th for height. I was told it's normal to see a drop at this age because this is when they switch from measuring kids laying down to measuring standing up, and standing is more accurate. We'll see if he is going to catch up next time, or if he's destined to have short Godard family genes like the rest of my family! He did such a good job at his checkup, the only time he made a peep was when they pricked his arm to draw blood.

I really can't believe how fast this pregnancy is already going, and how fast Joshua is growing up, I mean really? How is it possible that he is already 3?!

I think that's all for now. Sorry I can't form a cohesive strain of thought tonight. Must be pregnancy brain? Mom brain? A combination... which just can't be good for anyone!

Joshua turning 3

To my dear Baby Boy;

People always say, 'time flies.' And until I had you I couldn't fully grasp what they meant. I can still remember being pregnant with you, through your birth, like it only happened yesterday. But everyday that I spend with you I see you growing, learning, and changing. 

You're no longer the newborn or infant who couldn't hold up his head, or the toddler struggling to figure out how to feed himself. Now you are a smart, caring, loving, sweet, and amazing little boy. I am so proud to call you my son. I am amazed at your independence, and the way you figure things out so quickly. 

We have had our share of disagreements already, and I'm sure there will be plenty more to come, but I think you already know I will love you through it all, no matter what. 

This birthday is extra special for another reason as well. This will be your last birthday as an only child. In September we will welcome you new baby sister or brother to the world and you will take on another roll, Big Brother! I feel such a range of emotion even thinking about it. I'm sure you will have your own opinions once he/she is here too. Just remember, no matter what you will always be my little boy, and I will never love you any less than I do right now.

Happy Third Birthday, Joshua! Mama loves you.

I'm back!

I've decided it's time to come back to this and update everyone on the happenings of our lives. Some things that have happened since my last post:

We moved. A couple of times. (I hate moving... especially with a toddler and his ridiculous amount of stuff!)

Joshua is now in a new daycare, and next month he will be moving down the hall to the pre-school classroom. I still can't believe he is going to be old enough for that already!

Joshua is no longer sensitive to dairy. We are still careful with it and drive mostly almond milk, but he can eat and drink anything he wants to now! Hooray!

I am very busy trying to juggle between my full-time job, my freelance business, and being a wife and mom. Things get a bit hectic sometimes... ok... always. But I like it that way! (mostly.)

Since it's late, and I am actually supposed to be working. I will leave you in suspense until next time!

Wine lovers unite!

Do you love wine? Do you dislike cancer? I don't know anyone who would not agree with at least ONE of those statements. So whoever is driving distance, should come by Mineral Hills Winery this weekend for a fundraising, wine tasting, extravaganza!

On Friday, September 23, we will be having a fundraiser weekend kick-off party! There will be snacks, a 50/50 raffle, freshly pressed cider available for purchase, and 100% of wine tasting costs will go to the Eileen Diemand Foundation!

10% of sales from the entire weekend will also go to the foundation, so you should come by and buy some apples and wine if you were thinking about it. Now's a great time!

Friday's event will be happening from 5-8pm so swing by if you can! Contact info and directions on their website if you need it. And see the attached flyer here as well for more details (you can click on it to view it larger, or download it as well!)! Spread the word!

p.s. if you are not driving distance, but still are interested, you can order via phone as well or simply make a donation online HERE Thank you all for your support! :)

Busy, busy!

That is how my day was. Woke up way too early, showered, got Joshua up and dressed, dropped him at day care, went to work, meeting about Friday's fundraiser (which I will post more on later!) Dinner, Joshua to bed, Washed about 20 bushels of cider apples. (phew!) That was how my day went, how was yours?!

Tomorrow is the first cider pressing day of the year. So tonight we were washing and sorting many apples. But it will all be worth it for a delicious glass of fresh pressed cider, or cider with spiced rum... mmm... so many adult cider based beverages to choose from. but I digress.

Today was Joshua's first day back at day care after a week off in New Hampshire. He is getting better and better every time at the drop off it seems. He still definitely does NOT want me to leave, and certainly knows where we are when he sees the house and even the general direction we are driving in. but once I drop him off and am out of sight, I am told he is quite the charmer, which I don't doubt. And today I was told he cried for no more than 10 minutes or so after I left then was ready to play with the other kids and enjoy the day. And when I went to pick him up he was playing nicely still and was all smiles and being his normal goofy self, which is awesome, because last time I went to pick him up I was told he would start crying every time one of the other kids got picked up and he was still there. :(

I am trying to be tough for him through it all, though I understand his pain a bit, I think. Joshua and I were home together for a year and a half all the time. I was lucky enough to work the majority of the time from home after I had him. and I feel very lucky that I didn't have to rush into day care (or paying for day care.... OY!) But part of me thinks day care may be easier on the little ones when you start them young. I feel like it can never really be easy on the parents. It is that constant battle between not wanting to need someone else to raise your children and not wanting to miss a single second of their lives as they grow and change so quickly vs. knowing how awesome the right day care can be, and how much kids really do get out of having a good place to learn and play with children around their own age. I did tear up at the first drop-off, I admit. I told myself I wouldn't, and really believed that until I actually had to hand my child who was crying for Mama to another woman for the first time *tear.* But all in all, I am feeling very happy with our decision to do part time day care, and I am very glad I stumbled upon the day care I found. It is about five minutes from where I work and right on the way. And the women who work there are awesome! I was also very lucky to find someone who is very familiar with allergies in children as her own have been through many of the same experiences as Joshua has. This was a big plus for me!

That's all for now. Sorry for the lack of pictures. I promise there will be a cute photo shoot happening in the near future! If you have read this far without pictures, I thank you.

Ok... maybe a few pictures... these are pictures of Joshua from about one year ago... aweee