Thoughts of a Working Mom....

This post is inspired by my favorite new mom, Christy. She is such a strong, fun, and caring mom to the sweetest lil baby, Jack, and is facing the "Working Mom Dilemma" as of 03/22.... After reading and hearing her concerns about going back to work, it really brought me back to the time when I was faced with the exact issue... so, Christy, I hope this makes you feel a little better and know that you are not alone! I wish I had this blogging thing when I was going through that time in my life- so I hope it will be a great tool for you to express how you feel about everything!

I remember that the worst thing you can say to a new mom that is going back to work after spending only 9 solid weeks with her newborn was "alot of mom's do it"- as almost to dimiss the fact that you are absolutely devasted that YOU have to do it. Every mom is different and every mom is allowed to feel sad, apprehensive, upset, or relieved about it. So, men, take note...be extra sensitive to a new mom who just got back to the office- we are very fragile (not to mention, just thinking or hearing our child's name can cause random lactation..whoops.)

When lil b was a newborn, I remember that I could not stop looking at him- and yes, I have to admit, that's what I did all day for 9 weeks... no t.v., no reading, no dishes, no laundry...haha. So when my time started dwindling down, I felt soooo upset that I would be seperated from my sweet baby boy. How can someone take care of him better than I can? How am I going to continue breastfeeding when I go back to work? What if something happens? How am I going to deal with missing my son's childhood and special moments? What if the daycare provider gets to see all his first everythings (smile, crawling, steps, laugh, etc)? And the worst concern for me was/is: What if he calls her Mommy and forgets that I'm his real Momma????!! ahhhh! And poor Big Blake who had to console me everytime I had a meltdown...

Lucky for Big B and me, our past experiences with putting lil b in daycare have been mostly great! After researching many daycares, both in-home and corporate, we decided that an in-home daycare would best fit our needs and our budget. We were blessed with the fact that lil b is such a chill baby and adapted easilty to each new place (we are on #3)...and that each caretaker was awesome! Here are some pros and cons of being a working mom (that I have experienced):

Pros 

• Seperation- A mother must leave child- that sounds harsh, but it helps with the seperation anxeity later... from the mother's perspective! It was easier for us to leave lil b with grandparents/aunts/uncles etc so Big B and I could enjoy a weekend away as grown ups.
• Immunity! Talk about strengthening the lil guy's system...yeah he will come home sick a few times with horrible fevers, but after those hurdles, lil b doesn't get sick that bad anymore... and it's good practice to become Dr. Mom... I am now a pro at taking rectal temps, administering medicine, nose suctioning, saline spraying, etc...
• Social Skills- lil b may be shy the first 30 seconds you meet him, but he warms up fairly quick. He loves interacting with kids and adults, but especially babies. He is currently learning how to be a great big brother (no I'm not pregnant) to a little baby girl at his daycare... when she cries he runs over, gives her HIS paci, pats her head, and gives kisses. He is also over protective when the other kids get around her... sooo cute.
• Special Moments- We really enjoy the time we do get to spend with lil b...we treasure every moment and take full advantage of the time we do have with him... it brings a whole new meaning to family time :) There's nothing better than having your toddler run up to you with a big hug and kiss when you pick them up...

Cons

• Insecurities- yep, I have them. The questions mentioned in the paragraphs above sum it up.
• Expensive!- sometimes I wonder if I am working just to put him in daycare and if it's worth it for me to keep working a full time job...so far, by our calculations, it's still beneficial for me to work (boo!)..but maybe when #2 or three come around, I will be enjoying my job as full time mom!
• Less Time- I still feel like I am missing out on shaping my child's life and seeing all his "firsts"... I wish I could be with him, watching him grow, 24/7. I think this may be the biggest con...nevermind, it IS the biggest con.
• Schedules- I usually get home only to spend 2 hours with him before he goes to bed...once again, adding on to the guilt that I am not there 24/7.
• Nursing- working fulltime and nursing felt like overtime! In fact, I had to quit nursing and go straight to the pump! This went on until he was 11 1/2 months...but so worth it...so maybe a pro too?
• Sleep Deprivation- This takes a severe toll on a mother's mentality... babies are on their own schedule, not your work schedule! I would blame my forgetfulness and delrious comments on this...often. :)

I'm sure there are more pros and cons...but I think I have whined enough for one day. Luckily I am surrounded by great family and friends who have kept my spirits high! Good Luck Christy! Call if you need anything!

These Boots Were Made For Stompin'....

Last weekend turned out to be a rainy one and left all three of us stuck inside with movies, books, and boredom! Lil b would venture away from the movie to find something fun to do...that's where we caught him standing and sitting on the window sill giggling at the park and yearning to go for a swing! He then would come get me and grab my hand and lead me to the stairs where his shoes were....how can I say no to that?!

 It had stopped raining so I got us geared up to get a little fresh air...and what an adventure we had! After swinging for what seemed like forever, he let me take him out without a fight- which never happens! On any other day, he would be "that kid" who screams and kicks when I take him out of the swing while all the other parents and kids stop their conversations and playdates and stare...luckily, that's when lil b puts on his cutest smile and waves bye to the people...this boy loves to ham it up in the lime light. So, no struggle...awesome. Wait, now I know why he was okay when I took him out- PUDDLES!

As a firm believer of boys will be boys, I let him explore and jump from puddle to puddle until he was soaked. Okay, I can't take all the credit- lil b's caretaker Rachel lets him be a true little boy all day- rain or shine...and hence allows us to be more laid back parents. We are so lucky to have her! In the video below you will witness a true little boy stomping away in puddles in his favorite rain boots...as well as wave to his friend in the puddle :)

New Videos of Lil Beaze!

Here are some short clips of lil b the last couple of weeks...some might be a little long, but at least you get to see him in action!

lil b always wants to help stir things up in the kitchen...especially if it's cookies, eggs, or what ever his imagination creates!

quiet time with lil b :)

Bathtime routine with DAAADDDD!

Boots and Boys...

So... I had purchased lil b a pair of rain boots vs snow boots during snowmageddon 2010 to keep his feet dry and so he could wear them in the spring when it rained...little did I know he would want to wear them everytime they were in sight! He's already a trendsetter and I couldn't be more proud... :)

it's just a little trim!

I'm not sure what it is about lil b not liking to get his haircut, but it is quite the struggle! I'm sure he is just expressing his independence- which is just predicting one of the many topics we will argue about when he becomes a teenager (woo hoo, can't wait.). I've been meaning to get his haircut for about a month now, but after being permanently scarred from our last experience, I procrastinated. It wasn't until last week when we went to dinner with Don and Dolores that pushed me to finally do it. As we were enjoying our dinner, a lady walked by and just ohh-ed and ahh-ed about how cute our little girl was. Due to the initial shock of the situation, I kept my mouth shut. I mean, he was wearing maroon, brown and khaki with puppy dogs etc...did he really look like a girl!? Don had a few choice words about the lady calling his grandson a little girl though...haha. So it was decided for me...lil b was getting his haircut ASAP.

Luckily, our neighbor, Mrs. Amanda was nice enough to give him a quick trim...little did she know what she was getting herself into!  We tried everything; favorite tv shows, having control of the remote, phones, cameras, toys, food, combs, you name it we tried it (well, except for scissors, although he wanted those pretty bad)...but nothing could keep lil b from resisting his haircut. It turned into me holding his face towards the tv while Amanda swiftly tackled his hippie hair. After about an hour and a few tears, lil b looked like a little boy again.

The Verdict Is In....

My family is moving to Hawaii.... :(

It's easier for me to announce this over the blog because I've been such a mess everytime I talk about it in person... For everyone who has already listened to me pout about this, thanks a ton! I am so lucky to have great family and friends...and there will be plenty more pouting.

My dad will leave on April 12th and my mom and sister will follow sometime this summer. And although we've known for a long time that this move was very possible (and I mean, 95% possible) the reality just set in last week when we found out that the move was 100%. I may not have mentioned it to alot of people yet simply because it was not my news to announce...and now that the key players know, we are good to go.

As most of you know, Hawaii is not unfamiliar to the Pyle Family. We did our first tour there back in the '90s- I believe I was 7-11years old (give or take).... and it was an awesome experience! We were able to travel to the other islands, my parents were scuba junkies, we all surfed and boogie boarded, and we just got to be beach bums. We loved it! I think I am more upset that I will not be able to go with my family this time around more than anything! Well, that and the fact that we will be so far away from them which will make visiting more of a challenge...but then again, who can complain about going to Hawaii??! I know Sienna will have a blast eventually- after the intial shock of her first move... She is such a mature and positive young lady- and I have no doubt that she will adapt to the change in no time. Ugh, I'm going to miss that sassy lil sister of mine. Good thing we all have Verizon...haha.

By the time I moved over there, I had already moved 2 or 3 times.... and I became a nomad like my dad. However, the move to Hawaii in the 90's was a big one for our family back in the day and I was devastated to leave my family in Virginia, especially my grandmother

(Di Dung- you will see her mentioned every now and then :) ) And that is another hard part for the Pyle Family now- lil beaze is East Coast...and he is going to miss his Ahma, Grandpappy and Auntie Enna sooooo much! Thank God for technology, though. We already have webcams and other means to communicate in person (almost)! And I'm sure he will want to go to Hawaii all the time--- how on earth am I going to explain to a toddler that Hawaii is just not that easy to get to? This should be interesting.

Top Left: Pyle Fam @ Luau

Top Right: Me and DiDung @ Hanauma Bay

Left: Krystal and Friends @ Barbers Point

Right:: Family in the Toilet Bowl @ Hanauma Bay

Above: Krystal and Dad @ Barbers Point

I just researched the distance to Honolulu, Hawaii (from Charles Town, WV) and looks like we can be there in about 16 days.... The cross country drive will take 2 days and the kayak trip through the Pacific Ocean will take 14 days...haha. Thanks Google Maps!

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Stay tuned for more Pyle Family updates...!