The time has come. Time to say goodbye to Cot Time, Play time and Snack time. Time to step from “baby” into childhood. If you haven’t guessed- its 1st GRADE time!
Look at that little hand 🙂
Wow! Exciting happy, slightly emotional (and that just us parents )
I wanted to write a post about the first day of 1st grade for my little one. I want to grasp what this milestone meant for my baby girl daughter ( can I still say baby girl?) and our family.
So while I was preparing, packing school supplies and gearing up for the 1st day of 1st Grade- I was continually thinking what does this mean for her and us? What do I want for her this year?
Then I saw the word
Hope
and it resonated within me and I knew:
I
Hope that her year is Amazing
Hope that she walks in the confidence of who she is
Hope that she never doubts her abilities
Hope she finds herself surrounded by True Friends
Hope that her world will be filled with Love, Grace, Peace & Joy
Hope she feels safe and empowered
Hope she has the voice to speak her truth- Always
Hope her ear is turned towards the Lord’s voice
Hope she always dance like no one is watching
I cannot lie- The truth is, it can be uncomfortable sending your baby into the world- no matter the age or season or milestone. It may be the 1st day of Preschool, Kindergarten, High School, College or the 1st day at their 1st professional job. When we look at them – we still see that baby, that toddler just learning to navigate their world.
As parents we HOPE
Hope that they are living their best lives without compromise. So this year I join with you on this 1st day of 1st grade- as she enters into the a different environment-
I HOPE with you that your ‘babies’- no matter if they are 4, 5, 6 , 18 or in their 20s or more-that they excel in life, that they walk in their purpose , that they learn to
Hope and Dream on their own.
Happy School Days Everyone!
Wife/Mother/Nurse/”Champion ” for all pregnant women
"I don't want to grow up because if I did, I wouldn't be a Toys 'R' Us Kid
I saw this picture recently on social media and surprisingly it made me reflect….
Not just on the closing of an Iconic store –that during my childhood made my spirit leap with joy.
My favorite area was the Barbie aisle the colors would illuminate the row pink and
I was in Barbie Heaven!
I could do and be anything!
…and I didn't just reflect on how I when I was pregnant, I walked the aisle picking out a stroller , car seat and high chair etc- thinking one day – my baby would come here with me
…and I didn't just reflect on the memory of when I introduced my child to Toys 'R' US for the first time and saw her eyes light up at the unlimited possibilities of
a WHOLE BIG WIDE STORE of TOYS!
I did truly reflect on the fact that it is a reminder that life will always be a series of goodbyes. That nothing last forever. That change is constant and we are constantly evolving to another level and we should STOP and enjoy the moment we are in. As the saying goes, sometimes you never know what you have until its gone.
My daughter recently was promoted from Kindergarten and said Goodbye to her teacher and friends and she cried.
She says she will miss her teacher , friends, doing work, playing on the playground and the "Kindergarten life"–her words not mine :) We reminded her, this does not mean the end of school, you will go back in August; and all was right with her world 🙂
…and I realized this just the beginning of always saying goodbye
Goodbye to moments, and things that were constant in our lives
Goodbye to seasons in our lives-we thought would last forerver,
Goodbye to our jobs and careers- because situations and people change
Goodbye to friends who we have lost touch with -due to circumstances or life
Goodbye to family – because, unfortunately those we love cannot live here on Earth forever
Goodbye to things we know and thought would be forever.
Is it sad?
Yes! We are human and it hurts
But is it necessary?
Yes. Its necessary to let go and 'Trust the Process' because without change there will be no growth. We also have to learn to cherish each moment without rushing to the next–because just like a snap of your fingers- it can disappear.
True,we can cherish the memories forever. However, it is important to savor ,embrace , fully be in the moment of where you are in life at that moment.
If that's you taking your child to Kindergarten for the 1st time- enjoy that sweet innocent time-its hard , its challenging, but make that time AMAZING.
We celebrated my daughter's 1st day of Kindergarten with lunch and invited the grandparents. I took pictures. She may not remember this in few years, but I will always remember her face as we exclaimed how proud we were of her and going to school for the first time. I'll remember this season as the time I embraced the 'Art of Letting Go'
As emotional as her last day of Kindergarten was for my daughter and I'll admit-me and her dad- We embraced the moment- took a ton of pictures and took her to dinner to celebrate all that she had learned and acknowledged her transition.
You may be facing a career change or starting a new position- embrace it. Try not to yearn for the days gone by – enjoy the moment you are in- learn what the situation is teaching you and wrap yourself around that experience.
If this is you , with your 1st baby or 10th-embrace this time- you will never be pregnant with this child again. Take a moment to just savor that you are creating a "WHOLE HUMAN BEING"! Find the joy in the season you are in.
Goodbyes are a part of life , a part of our daily existence.
Take the moment you are in a make the Goodbyes count . Each moment in time is meant for you to learn from, experience, love , embrace, acknowledge; and then say goodbye too.
Just like Geoffrey
I don't want to grow up because if I did I wouldn't be a Toys R Us Kid
Yet,
all the children have grown up-there's no more Toys 'R' Us Kids
So be like 'Geoffrey' with his little suitcase leaving behind a global brand, a life, passion, our history…
Embrace the change , Embrace the moment, Find the joy and say Goodbye!
I want to hear from you- tell me about your recent goodbyes- What have you learned? What are you embracing? Comment below…
Wife/Mother/Nurse/"Champion " for all pregnant women
It is true, pregnancy will challenge you, it will fatigue you, and it will transform you. Pregnancy is one of the most miraculous events you can experience, but that’s not to say its easy. Truthfully, it can be a hard journey. Studies have shown that if a mother is depressed , anxious, or stressed while pregnant, it can increase the risk of affecting the child later in life ( Glover,2014).
That’s why my goal, hope and passion is that everyone who is expecting a child experience peace and joy. No matter what way you are expecting a baby; through pregnancy, adoption, or surrogacy- I want you to experience a stress free, happy, joyful, peaceful season as you wait on your little one.
Understandably, each person is different and experience ‘joy’ in their own ways. I hope I can help you embrace this season of your life.
Listed below are 10 helpful ways to Embrace your Pregnancy and “Live your Best Pregnant Life”
1.Breathe
Simple Enough , right? However, with pregnancy there is a lot of information coming at you: ways to be healthy, family and friends input, internet , instagram, celebrity pregnancies. There are so many opportunities to feel like you are not “doing it right”.
Who’s to say what’s right. The main goal: is always Healthy Mom/Healthy Baby. As long as you and your doctor/midwife are in agreement. Tune out the extra noise and
Just Breathe
Breathe in the positivity that a new baby is coming into your life
Breathe in the knowledge that you are Strong Enough to bring forth life and nurture life once it arrives
Breathe in dreams and hopes of what’s to come
Breathe out doubts and insecurities and know
you are More than Enough
Just Breathe
2. Celebrate
This does not have to be a big party- but then again it can be. Thei this is your story. If you want to celebrate with a ‘Pregnancy Announcement’ party , Gender Reveal or Baby Shower.
Designs by Denise (Detroit, MI) (Find on Instagram: www.instagram.com/mommie_and_me
You can also celebrate in small ways. Taking joy in the thought of your son and daughter joining your family. You can celebrate by saving the first “official” photo (Ultrasound). Keep a pregnancy journal.
Celebrate sharing the news with family and friends- Make this a special moment you will remember always.
3. I think I Can! Be Positive
Pregnancy is definitely as season of transition. Be it your first pregnancy or second/third pregnancy; it can be scary, nervous, exciting. It can even be fearful at times as you strive you do everything ‘just right’ . Try to focus your mind on the end goal: healthy baby/healthy mom. Think of the positive things about pregnancy. The things that make you happy while you are pregnant.
(Of course if you have concerns – talk to your doctor or midwife right away).
This doesn’t mean if you are nervous, scared , depressed etc to not talk about it. It is always okay and encourage to discuss with your provider how you are feeling.You can experience signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy. It is very important you speak with someone if you experience any symptoms.
Another thing to remember, surround yourself with positive people that uplift you and the life you are carrying within. You want family and friends near by who add to your experience in a positive way. Remember its okay to set boundaries during this time. The focus is healthy mom/healthy baby.
Which leads me to ….
3. Embrace the Season you are In (Acceptance)
Pregnancy : the time in your life where you will gain between 25-35 pounds and be encouraged to do so .
(Always talk to your doctor and/or Midwife about what is a healthy weight gain for you).
Embrace your baby bump, your curves, the life you are carrying.
Embrace this season in your life.
It can easy to get into your ‘To Do ‘ list, working, caring for your family. This pregnancy may be your 3rd or even 10th pregnancy, and you are pretty use to the ‘whole pregnancy thing’.
However, remember, this is the only time you will be pregnant with this baby. The only time you will walk nurturing your child from within. This is the time to bond with your baby even before its born.
While its challenging at times to carry a baby, its also a pretty miraculously time.
Take a moment to just embrace and appreciate the strength, wonder and amazing job your body can do.
Focus on a healthy lifestyle while you are pregnant.
The Mayo Clinic , 2017 states eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. After all, the food you eat is your baby’s main source of nutrition.
If you are healthy with a normal pregnancy- Get physical. If your health care professional gives you the OK to exercise, you can decide together on an exercise routine that fits your needs and is safe during pregnancy (The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist (ACOG), 2017).
Benefits of Exercise (ACOG, 2017)
Reduces back pain
Eases constipation
May decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery
Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy
Improves your overall general fitness and strengthens your heart and blood vessels
Helps you to lose the baby weight after your baby is born
5.Expect the Unexpected
I say pregnancy is a journey and you are traveling on a road with signs pointing int eh right direction- but there is always detours.
It is nice to have a plan and the way you expect or hope your pregnancy to go. However, this is one time in your life- you cannot totally control. Relax and follow your path. You may not have an easy smooth pregnancy (although, I hope you do!). Your pregnancy journey may take you on a high risk path. Your pregnancy journey may detour with twins, preterm labor or bedrest. Remember , even with these ‘detours’ you can still have a stress-free, joyful pregnancy.
Take each moment, each second as they come. Focus on each small progress and declare It is well!
6.Preparation
Growing a whole human. Birthing a whole human. Raising a human. The thought of what is happening and to come can be intimidating. While you cannot prepare for every scenario in life. Having an understanding of possibilities and how to address each situation helps.
Use this time in your pregnancy to take a Childbirth Education Class, Infant CPR class,Breastfeeding Education Class and or Parenting Class. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents who are experiencing the same things you are. These classes can help you learn new skills and lessen your anxiety about this new role you are about to embark on !
Check with your Provider who can provide information if your health system offer classes and where. Most times insurance will cover all or most of the cost of the classes.
7. Say No!
Live your best life by saying No! If you are too tired to meet friends for dinner. Say No. If you do not want to pick up extra hours at work. Say No. If you just want to sit and relax- Say Yes. This is the time in your life to be at your best. If that means you do not feel like doing what you use to or going places you normally would. It is okay to say No. Remember don’t feel guilty or embarrassed. This is the time you are to live your best pregnant life. If that means you need to be focused on your needs to help you do that. Then it is okay to do it!
Just say No!
8. Say Yes!
This is your time and your story. It is the time to Say Yes! to the things that make you and your family happy during this pregnancy. If you want to have that extra nap- Say Yes! If you want to do a glamour pregnancy photo shoot- Say Yes! If you want to just relax and enjoy ‘me time’- Say Yes! Keep the pregnancy between you and your husband in the beginning- Say Yes! Tell only close family /friends-Say Yes!
What makes you happy this pregnancy? What makes you feel relaxed and at peace?
Choose those things and invite them into your world- and
Say Yes!
9. Wear the Gorgeous Maternity Clothes
Today’s Maternity Clothes are cute, chic and classy. They really celebrate your bump! Take advantage and try the different styles until you find the one that’s you.
Embrace ‘Rocking the Bump’. Walk in Confidence, Walk in Style. Walk knowing not only are you healthy and well growing a human. You also look fabulous doing it!
The most important thing to remember when ‘Living Your Life during Pregnancy’ is to make it uniquely yours. What works for someone else,may not work for you. Just having the opportunity to grow a human is Amazing on its own- even without doing anything else.
Find what brings you peace, joy , and eliminates stress and do it!
Happy Best Pregnant Life to you moms-to-be and moms-to-be-again
By :
Mary E., RN,BSN, MSN
I’m a Wife ,Mother, Registered Nurse
“Advocate for All Pregnant Women”
I would love to hear from you: What helps you have a stress free pregnancy? What makes your parenting life the best?. Any questions or concerns, Or just to chat.
I look forward to hearing from you. Be sure to like and share this post! 🙂
Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/theadventuresofpregnancy
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamazingadventuresofpregnancy/
E-mail: theamazingadventuresofpregnancy@yahoo.com
Sources:
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist. (2017). Exercise During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Exercise-During-Pregnancy
Glover V. (2015) Prenatal Stress and Its Effects on the Fetus and the Child: Possible Underlying Biological Mechanisms. In: Antonelli M. (eds) Perinatal Programming of Neurodevelopment. Advances in Neurobiology, vol 10. Springer, New York, NY
Mayo Clinic Staff ( 2017). Pregnancy nutrition: Healthy-eating basics Smart food choices are the cornerstone of pregnancy nutrition. Find out what — and how much — to eat.
Meet Kayla: A 20 year something-year-old female. Momma to a sweet one year old boy named Cameron. Kayla shares her tips on returning to work after Maternity leave. Be sure to visit her blog as she shares her passion for fitness, healthy lifestyles, saving money, marketing, fashion, make-up and of course being a Mommy to a tiny human.
Visit Kayla’s blog at
www.Mommyingainteasy.com
In June 2017 I returned to work after having a baby and being off work for over a year. I remember dreadfully counting down the number of days we had left together before I had to go back to my 9-5 office job. The first 3 weeks were the toughest. I was exhausted, struggling with what to cook for dinner, battling the traffic to and from work and being away from my son for 10 hours a day.
Here are my tips for returning to work after maternity leave and what worked for me and our family.
1) Get organized the night before, for you and your baby.
Not only do I pick out my son’s clothes for daycare, I also pick out my own clothes, pack my gym bag (for the gym at lunch), meal prep my lunch and snacks, get the coffee ready and set a timer, shower and straighten my hair the night before.
2) Wake up early and even earlier in the winter
I give myself a full hour in the morning to get ready and out the door on time. The Canadian winters can be harsh and unpredictable. Snowy winter days means you’ll have to sweep off the car and let it run for 15 minutes to warm up. I give myself and extra 10 minutes in the winter months to get boots, coats, hat, gloves etc. on and into the car.
3) Bring photos of you baby to work
I was so excited to print out photos of my sons first birthday and decorate my office with them, I would look at a photo of him smiling, covered in cake and it instantly brought a smile to my face
4) See the value and take pride in your work
As amazing as maternity leave was and how much I valued this time with my son, it is nice to know you are good at something aside from parenting. Don’t get me wrong, motherhood is the best job in the world and I would not change it for anything. Getting back to the digital marketing and e-commerce world felt great.
(pinterest)
6 months later, we’ve all adjusted and settled into our new normal. We look forward to the weekends, stat holidays and vacation days. Most importantly, we value and cherish the time we have together.
Focusing on #Pregnancy Love, I want to take a moment to celebrate
Rocking the Baby Bump!
When I think about Maternity Wear/ Fashion , I am impressed. Styles have evolved to women showcasing the beauty of the baby bump.
I reflect on the 1950’s when Maternity Wear was more along these lines:
(pictures from google.com – BlogSpot-a little bit of everything & time-go.ru & pixabay.com)
While 1950s maternity fashion was cute. (I am slightly bias , as I love anything vintage. ) Fashion was focused on loose flowing clothes that camouflaged the pregnancy.
Today, instead of hiding the bump, we can CELEBRATE the baby bump.
picture source: Bossfight.com
There are so many stylish , cute, chic, elegant maternity fashion.
Picture taken at Target ( One of my favorite places)
Today’s#PregnancyLove Month is a celebration of Pregnancy.
Words cannot say how much I love the pregnancy process.
Personally-because it brought me Her!
My baby girl
A dream come true
Faith Manifested
Blessings abundantly
Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice
My intelligent , inquisitive, loves the Lord, sensitive, creative , great sense of humor, lover of all things from the stuffed animal world, will one day be a world traveler baby girl.
She is everything I ever needed and wanted and then more.
You walk with the glow of confidence , knowing your baby is with you. You can feel their kicks , rolls and flutters. Your love for them is already all consuming!
Your Pregnancy Journey, is miraculous. It is the one time in your life where you physically walk with the one you love every day, every moment , every breath. It is the time in your life where you are truly helping with the miracle of life. A time in your life where you are sustaining and nurturing your little one-without even touching them .
picture source: https://pixabay.com/photo-1910302
This pregnancy journey is a precious time as you connect and bond with your little one, even while they are still in utero. It is AMAZING when you think about when you are pregnant; your baby can hear your heartbeat from the inside, feel your emotions and form a connection that is far greater than anything you could imagine.
Pregnancy is an opportunity to dream. Dream about your hopes, promises, future and who your baby will be.
Is the baby a boy or girl? Tall or Short? Dark hair or light hair? Freckles or none?
The truth is it doesn’t matter- Whoever your baby is and will become is
perfection.
Personally , I think this is the perfect thing to celebrate during #Pregnancy Love Month. From the moment you begin to attempt to conceive to that positive pregnancy test and throughout your entire pregnancy- You are dreaming.
Dreaming about when you will become pregnant. When you become pregnant , you dream about how you will tell everyone. How your pregnancy journey will be. You dream about your labor and delivery story. Most important you dream about this baby who is more than “just a baby” , this is your baby. During your pregnancy you not only “see” your baby, you see your future with your child. The places you will go, the things you will do, your new family dynamic; the hopes and dreams you will have for this child
Every moment will be perfect because they are yours.
For some families, the pregnancy journey is not easy. It is met with challenges and dips and bumps in the road. This is the story for moms with High Risk Pregnancies.During #Pregnancy Love Month , I want to celebrate your endurance and strength and wisdom when choosing the perfect Maternal Fetal Medicine Team to have with you on your journey.
www.pixabay.com
For families who are experiencing High Risk Pregnancies, they meet their High Risk team in the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department. Today, for #PregnancyLove Month, I want to celebrate familes who have an Amazing Maternal Fetal Medicine Team.A team who takes a personal interest in their patient’s pregnancy and goal is to have a healthy mom and healthy baby.
For those moms with high risk pregnancies during #Pregnancy Love Month. I want to not only celebrate your strength and endurance and hope . I want to celebrate you for picking a wonderful MFM team to have on your side as you travel your Pregnancy Journey.
Focusing on #Pregnancy Love, I want to take a moment to celebrate
having
GLORIOUS HAIR
during pregnancy!
Long , short, curly, straight, brown ,blonde, red or black! Hair during pregnancy is GLORIOUS!
Thank you hormones, especially estrogen ! These hormones cause your hair to grow thicker and stronger. Also during pregnancy , your hair does not go through the natural phase of growth, resting and hair fall. The hairs remain giving you longer, thicker Glorious Hair!
Unfortunately, this Glorious Hair does not last. After you have your baby, the hair that did not fall out with pregnancy tends to shed. This occurs as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state and hormones return to normal levels.
However, for now , Celebrate #PregnancyLove Month and Swish that glorious hair as you rock your baby bump!
Did you notice hair growth during your pregnancy- on your head and other places..
Share your stories below….
References
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. (2014). found online : https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Skin-Conditions-During-Pregnancy
and gearing up for the 1st day of 1st Grade- I was continually thinking what does this mean for her and us? What do I want for her this year?
I want you to experience a stress free, happy, joyful, peaceful season as you wait on your little one. 
