A foreign exchange student was appalled that I'm still working while 9 months pregnant. She said it's my right to say home and rest.
I'm not a supporter of universal healthcare, but I do wish there was more focus on the nuclear family and homemaking in our country.
Sorry gentlemen, this post may cater more to the ladies.
As a new mom, I got so much conflicting information about breastfeeding.
I am pretty conservative. I am not comfortable breastfeeding or pumping in public or in front of company.
This led me to resent breastfeeding because I ostracized myself and prevented myself from living life while feeding my baby.
Older women in my life thought it was absurd to breastfeed, while younger women insisted that breastfeeding was "the way."
Breastfeeding should be the most natural way to feed your child. Your body makes it, tailors it to their needs, and produces the appropriate amount to continue their growth.
The advice I did receive was extremely conflicting. The lactation nurse in the hospital, the lactation nurse at the pediatrician, and advice from friends all conflicted.
How is that the god given method for feeding babies is so misunderstood???
I began my 2nd pregnancy thinking that I wouldn't make an attempt to breastfeed due to the mental stress I put on myself with my first child.
I'm going into my 2nd breastfeeding journey with a different mindset. Hindsight is 2020, but I have a better attitude about feeding my baby. This is such a small portion of my life that can be so impactful on theirs. I've researched better techniques to make breastfeeding work for my lifestyle (a hands free pump for example). I've also learned to trust my gut and not get sucked into conflicting information. As long as my baby is gaining weight and growing appropriately, I am not going to put pressure on myself. I will likely remain conservative with covering my body, but I am not ashamed to do what is necessary to feed my child.
In addition, formula is a godsend. We've supplemented with formula in the past and I am so thankful for that option for this 2nd pregnancy.
I am a proponent of "fed is best," but I also wanted to share my internal struggles with breastfeeding because women don't talk about it. It's not easy, and not always possible, but I am willing to try.
If you are hesitant to take medication or vaccines, are you also hesitant to inject botox or or get silicone implants?
Because I surely am.
I'm seriously concerned about the affect that birth control had on my body after taking it for 10 consecutive years. I did not feel like myself while taking that medication. I felt like a new woman the 2 times I stopped taking it to conceive my children. I've seen a trend recently in women sharing their negative experiences with birth control meds. I'd like to do more research into this.
I also refuse to put unnatural substances in my body for the sake of beauty.
We need to embrace ourselves as we were created and stop striving to attain and unnatural and unrealistic appearance, especially if it's harmful.
7 years ago I posted this about a student teaching experience.
I do not regret my time in public education. I love to teach and I love children. However, public education is not where I belong. I belong at home teaching my babies. I'm ready to start my home school journey.
We won't get into the flaws of the public education system, but I could certainly name more than a few... 🙃

After my previous post, I started to think about how we live in a culture where most people would feel inclined to be considerate or apologetic to those that don't also feel comfortable in their own skin.
There is no need for me to acknowledge those that are insecure. This is my post, it's about me, not about you.
I say this all because I've encountered this on other sites, particularly when announcing a pregnancy.
There were people that wanted to take away my family's happiness because I did not consider their feelings about MY pregnancy.
If you find yourself upset about a harmless post about someone else, maybe it's time to do some self reflection.
I can't rest at night unless the "big" messes are cleaned up. It does make the next day (and morning) less stressful to start with a "clean" slate.
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As a woman, I've tried to wear makeup, dye my hair, wear expensive logos on my clothes and accessories. I felt like I was wearing a disguise.
I look most like myself with my natural hair and face. I'm happier when my clothes/accessories are more functional and durable (especially as a mom).
Recently, I've been wanting to live with less "stuff." Particularly shoes, clothes, knick knacks.
I know it's a trend to be a minimalist right now, but there is something GOOD in owning less material items and focusing on what is actually important to you.
I don't see that as a trend, it's more about finding peace within your life.
I would also like to add to my previous post that just because I disagree with someone's take on one topic doesn't mean they should be cancelled. It's okay to disagree with someone and still be able to listen and learn from their perspective.
I typically agree with Candace, but not today. I will not let my child suffer from a dangerously high fever just to avoid a dose of Tylenol. A single dose of medicine (with no previous reactions) will not ruin my child's life, but a high fever can cause brain damage so I'll err on the side of caution.
I can understand being cautious about medications, vaccines, procedures, etc. However, I don't see the purpose of a child suffering when it just isn't necessary.

Repost of a repost. Still accurate.
I also really love Brett Cooper as a role model for young women. I needed someone like her in my early twenties.

What can I say? Life is good.
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Getting my popcorn ready for the drama to follow.
I wonder if his post will be removed from insta? 🤔
I genuinely feel like Kanye posts/says things just to see the reaction.

I wonder why I see so many educators involved in pyramid schemes.
Part of me wants to remove anyone who participates from my social media, but another part of me wants to keep them on my feed out of pure curiosity.
▫️What strategies are being using to recruit sellers and advertise products?
▫️Are these people responsible financially?
▫️Do these people have knowledge of the ingredients, ethics, and profit margins (or lack thereof)?
These are just some of the questions that cross my mind when I see a vague, emoji filled post presenting a "new" "amazing" business opportunity.
Enjoying the fruits of our labor. Hoping to can strawberry jam or jelly this season. 🍓

Sounds like what I need today. 😆
Never forget.


