Sometimes...

I came across an old acquaintance's blog earlier today and it got my head spinning. I can't believe that a woman, a mother at that, would criticize someone's choices so harshly. I think we all have opinions and none of us are innocent of judgement. I think opinions are great and I love that we all have differing views on everything. 

There are very few things that I think are non-negotiables as far as parenting, birth, etc go. Of course, those "non-negotiables" are also my opinions.

Yes, this is one of those posts. 

The basic gist of said acquaintance's post was that she's better than the moms that were in the hospital on her delivery night. She's better because she doesn't moan, growl, scream or apparently vocalize in anyway while she's in labor. This is really uncommon. Most women, even those with epidurals, moan, grunt, etc. As far as I know this can be a beneficial thing, even my doula was speaking of how if you "ahhh" during pushing you're less likely to tear. She criticized a woman for puking. Yes puking, another very common occurrence during transition. Stated "We were like oh there goes another woman that doesn't know what to do. She of course took the wheelchair upstairs." Huh? Apparently, it's also not okay to take a wheelchair anywhere. I didn't realize that puking meant you didn't know what to do...seeing as women in labor puke a lot apparently not many people know what they're doing? That's good to know. 

The blog I'm speaking about makes me really sad. Sad for the mothers she's criticizing especially. Who are we to judge someone because they want an epidural. Yes, you all know that I believe the majority of women can do it without it but that doesn't mean every woman wants to. I think it shows the power and amazement of the woman's body. You want an epidural, drugs, birthing on your back, baby cleaned off before you hold him or her? Go for it, I'm not going to stop it. I KNOW that giving birth without an epidural is hard work. Don't have to convince me! I think she also fails to realize that some people have had very traumatic experiences in their lives and are fearful of giving birth or of pain. Not every situation is as easy as her deliveries seem to be. 

I also realize that I come across very strongly about a lot of my opinions. If i've EVER made you feel badly about a decision, come across this way please let me know. I'm very sorry if i've ever come across this way. (I'll argue with you to the death on some things if I can PROVE it's better..but that doesn't mean it's not your choice still.) 

Figuring it out

The year starts with a boat load of questions. How will we get it all done? Can we handle two kids this close together? Will we be ran ragged at home with no time to just sit and do nothing on our "vacation"? Will we like Washington? How can we be better? Will this pregnancy be as great as the first? Will we be healthy? CAN we become healthier? What kind of gear do we need for the new baby? What will his or her name be? I know these may seem silly but i have questions like this constantly and i have SERIOUS anxiety over most of them. More than anything I want our move to go smoothly and this pregnancy to be healthy.

I ate poorly with Rosalie and gained 40lb. I was lucky to be able to lose it all quickly but my body just isn't the same. YES, i know that it probably won't ever have everything in the spot that it once was but dang, it sucks. I doubt many people see it but me. I'm hoping to not gain as much with this lil bean as I did  with Rose. How can I do that? What should I and shouldn't I be eating? HELP!!! I don't even know where to begin! I don't want a radical change, something I can't stick to. I just need something...better, something easy. I realllly don't enjoy cooking at all...especially if it's "hard" stuff. I can bake and i enjoy it, maybe that's my problem. I desperately need to drink more water. A friend came up with using a timer...each time the timer goes of she has to drink a bottle of water....maybe i'll use that idea. How many ounces though? I drank SO much milk with rosalie i didn't have room for anything else! In fact, that's how Mike knew I was pregnant! I'm sure my mother-in-law thought it was weird that i was drinking milk with my pizza (that's what she drinks with pizza normally and i think it's weird)....pregnancy explains that.

I'm struggling with getting this house in order to get the heck outta here. I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. Perhaps I should start in one room and work my way out....I have stuff to sell but it's SUCH a hassle, I don't want to bother. I'd rather just sit everything outside and tell people to come and get it.

Too many questions, not enough answers. Not enough time. Not enough motivation.