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tales from a working mom // the truth about feedings

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talesfromaworkingmom

Having a baby means all kinds of grand planning.

And then real life slaps you upside the head and knocks some sense into you.

When we were going through the great solids debate, we knew we wanted to try the unconventional by using the baby led weaning approach. And in many ways, we have done that.

But we’ve also gone the convenient route.

Because, well, it’s convenient. And, more importantly, he likes it.

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We started out giving him pieces of the foods we were eating — avocados, bananas, whole oats, etc. It went well. He was hesitant, but my little champ went with it.

But my milk supply continued to decrease. And the stress of not being able to make my baby feel full was overwhelming. So one day at Target I noticed that some of the Happy Baby organic, no-GMO, food pouches were on sale. So I picked up a handful of them.

Right away, he loved them. He ended up going nuts for them!

So I sent some to the sitter with him and ever since, he’s been eating about 2 pouches [or 8 ounces] of food a day. Sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, sweet peas, bananas, beets, pears, mangoes and more. He loves it all.

One thing we didn’t do conventionally was feeding him one type of food for a week straight. Cause that’s boring for everyone. And who’s allergic to green beans?? Probably 1 person out of a million. Seriously.

So I guess we’ll continue with what works for us [which is what parenting is all about, right??].

We’ll feed him pieces of our meals and we’ll make sure he’s getting all of the necessary nutrition through alternate routes — like organic pouches and breast milk — keeping our baby happy and healthy!

neurotic + overwhelmed

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I’ve been completely avoiding social media this week. In times of crisis, I tend to shut down mentally + emotionally.

And this week was no exception.

I was overwhelmed with emotion. And thoughts. Oh, the thoughts!

My outlook has changed dramatically since Ari was born. I’ve always been the paranoid type, but something about the responsibility of caring for another human is unnerving.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago I was at the gym, working out, and the video feed I was watching on my iPhone went out. No cell signal at all. Zero.

My first thought was completely irrational — something had happened, like a nuclear bomb had hit the US and knocked out all cell signal.

Yes. That is the first place my mind went. Neurotic. I’m aware.

At this point in my life my biggest fear is something bad happening and not being with my baby.

Some days it’s paralyzing. I didn’t expect to feel so overcome with anxiety all of the time as a parent, but it’s my new reality.

I just want Ari to be safe. And if he isn’t? Well, then I want to be with him when the s*** hits the fan.

The reality check of this week made me count my blessings even more.

Each night after work, I picked up Ari and headed home; I kept my computer shut and just focused on spending time with my family — in savoring each moment with them; I [mostly] stayed off twitter, email, blogs and facebook. I just couldn’t stop hugging my baby.

I know I can’t keep my family completely safe. So instead I’m going to love them hard and hope for the best.