Family Planning

Since attending some mom groups since having Ella, it has been brought up to me once or twice-"What are you doing for birth control?" I find this question quite funny since for 6 and a half years we weren't able to conceive a baby!

This question amazes me for many reasons. One, is that no one ever thought to ask me that before having a baby. Two, it is amazing to me that women are so nonchalant about their fertility. Three, other women assume that I wouldn't want another baby right away.

So, my answer is usually something like, "I teach a form of natural family planning and if you are interested I can give you some information, it has a 96% success rate for avoiding pregnancy." So far, no one has asked for more information, sadly.

Unfortunately, I have a feeling that trying to have another baby is going to be something that is calculated and thought out. We both have hormones issues and I might have to have my tubes cleaned out again. So, I don't really think we have anything to worry about in that department. Probably, what I should say is that we allow God to plan our family for us. Now that would get me some, "You are crazy!" stares.

Maintaining Perspective

Maintaining perspective has always been something that has been difficult for me. As a child, I had a temper that wasn't always pleasant. Then, the teens years brought horrible mood swings, acne, heartbreak, and constant feelings of being left out. College life had its own frustration and heartache as well as my young adulthood. It is fascinating to me how during the goods times that I don't believe that life will always be good. It is during those challenging times, I think, will last forever.

Now, motherhood has been challenging me to learn to do this better. To think that that the good times will be ongoing. But, it is those difficult times, I would not be able to cope with.

Case in point, when sleep training our little one-will she always cry when I put her down in her crib? When, I was nursing her, I would think, "will she ever be happy when eating?" At the end of pregnancy, it was so hard to maintain perspective when faced with the swollen and aching feet and never ending insomnia.

The truth is that the Lord is always using new situations to show me how to maintain perspective and keep my eyes towards heaven. It is so hard sometimes, but it does bring me consolation knowing that He has glorious plans for me.

Small Successes!

1. I went to the grocery store today (with all the other crazy people-we are supposed to get 5 inches of snow tonight!). Plus, I have had the stomach flu for the last 4 days and it was a major feat to leave the house, with the baby!
2. I did 5 loads of laundry.
3. I managed one Hail Mary with the baby today.

Are You Working?

I get this question everytime I am out in public with little Ella. My comment is "no, I stay home." I have the privledge of being home with her full time. I am so humbled and honored that I get to do this. It is interesting to me how people react to me. Some career women don't have anything to say to me. Some comment, "That is how it should be" and others just say, "good for you." I read somewhere that only 10% of women stay home. How surprising! I am sure there are many reasons for this.

Staying home with Ella is a very fulfilling experience for me. As a young professional, before having Ella, I was conflicted on whether or not I would go back to work. Maybe if I had had children when I was younger, I might have wanted to continue to work. But, for now, I am completely content being at home with Ella.

Yesterday at mass, I saw a school nurse that I used to work with, and she was the first one to ask me, "So, do you get to stay home?" And, this was the best way someone has asked me yet.

It has been way to long and Small Successes

Sorry all for not posting on this side. I have been updating on my private blog, Finding Joy in Every Journey but not over here. I am going to intend in posting here about all things relating to motherhood.

So first with Small Successes!

1. Offering today up to Our Lord and the Blessed Mother. I said a brief prayer before getting out of bed and am going to really try to do this everyday. I also plan on saying my prayers in the Magnificat each evening before bed.
2. Not stressing about being the perfect mother. I really want to the best for my dear 6 month old daughter Ella, but also not be something that I am not. So today, I got great deal on baby food at Babies 'R U.S and didn't care that I'm not making my own. Ella doesn't mind and is healthy!
3. I am going to write 2 thank you notes today. I am so behind in thank you's for gifts from Ella and really need to get them done!