Why am I insulted

By somebody saying they're proud of the fact that I worked out 6 days last week?

1. I never asked for external validation for my actions
2. I don't need external motivation for working out. That's why Weight Watchers would never work for me, when it's been widel successful for so man others. The idea of weighing myself in front of other people doesn't faze me. Here, let me share. I'm at 179-181 now. I would love to be at 160, I was at 170 pre-pregnancy and was very happy with how I looked. So, my own goal is to get back to at least that, if not for nothing else but the fact that I am not buyin any clothes in the next size up.

Ok, going back to my original reason for this post. I got an email from a very good friend that talked about a lost of motivation factors for working out. I asked why she felt the need to send me that since I worked out 6 days last week. Her answer was that she was proud of me and wanted me to know that and some other stuff that I can't remember, probably because of the rum and coke zero I just had ;-) but, I instantly felt insulted. Why? To me, if somebody hasn't indicated the need or want for validation of their choices, you don't go out of your way to do it. I don't need or want outside motivation or validation to work out. So, it was insulting to think my friend thought I needed to read about motivating factors for exercising.

Does this make sense?

Breastfeeding does not quate to peeing

Breastfeeding is not like peeing, I wouldn't feed my toddler or myself in the bathroom so why would I take my infant into one?

I see more boobage at the beach than from a nursing mother anywhere.

Your kids look curious? They ask a question? Just say she's feeding her baby, this is how I fed you for a while.

By making faces, comments or dragging your kids away, you're creating an uncomfortable situation where none should exist.

And if all of these arguments fail, it's a legal right so neener neener. Sorry that's childish but adult discussion doesn't seem to be understood by some.

Oliver's first baseball game



So, last Saturday, thanks to a friend, we took Oliver to his first O's game. They were playing the Cleveland Indians, and after a 9 game losing streak, they won. I'd like to say Oli was their lucky charm ;-). We took Oliver to fan services and they gave him a certificate that has his name and the date on it and states that this was his first game. He was so good, he stayed awake till almost 10 p.m., fascinated with the people, the lights, the sounds. And he charemd all the ladies around us. There was one behind us who kept talking to him and was absolutely in love with him.

Jeff was tickled pink at being able to take Oliver to the game; I think some of his fondest memories are of games with his dad and so I hope he can continue the tradition with Oliver. I can stay home and do my hair, watch Lifetime Movie Network, read a Harlequin Romance novel, drink a bottle of wine ... endless possibilities.



He was chewing on my necklace



Before the game, we had dinner at the Pratt Street Ale House. They have great food and very good beer. They ahve their own brewery and it's called Oliver Brewery, so of course we had to get some pics of our Oliver in front of their logo.





Home improvements

	Well, our darling 8 month old decided this last weekend he was going to start zooming around the house on all fours. Then, he decided that was boring, and he wanted to stand up. Which, as you can see on the left, he did. And keeps doing using every chair, bar stool, table, toy we have lying around. We've had a few head bumps and a minor amount of crying over the aforementioned head bumps, but so far, he seems to be doing great.
	What this meant for the house was some more baby proofing. Baby gates on both ends of the kitchen because we don't have doors there. Which he immediately used to stand up and  scream about the injustice of not being allowed in.
	It also meant fridge door and oven locks, which we've pulled off a few times ourselves because we forget they are there.

Blessed @ 8 months

Blessed by Elton John (another song from our shower CD)

Hey you, you're a child in my head
You haven't walked yet
Your first words have yet to be said
But I swear you'll be blessed

I know you're still just a dream
your eyes might be green
Or the bluest that I've ever seen
Anyway you'll be blessed

And you, you'll be blessed
You'll have the best
I promise you that
I'll pick a star from the sky
Pull your name from a hat
I promise you that, promise you that, promise you that
You'll be blessed

I need you before I'm too old
To have and to hold
To walk with you and watch you grow
And know that you're blessed
__________________________________________________________________

Oliver is 8 months old today. He is started to scoot on his hands and knees, about a couple feet before falling on his belly and either giggling or screaming in frustration. I can't wait to hold his hand as he starts his first steps. Yet, I am terrified of that at the same time.

He looks at Smokey and chuckles, which makes me already feel sorry for the poor dog. Smokey only goes near Oli when I am feeding him solid food because Smokey gets the droppings.

Oli hates sitting anymore, he wants to be standing at all times. He loves holding on to our couch and standing. He'll stomp his feet and giggle out loud. He loves jumping in his Fisher Price Jumperoo (we have an older version) & the Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station. Try sitting him down on the carpet, even with all his toys, and he gives you a look of pure sadness.

I love watching him grow but I am sad at not having my tiny baby anymore. I cannot hold him comfortably in one arm anymore. Carrying him into daycare in the morning, I have to rest him on my hip, he's too heavy to just carry in my arms.

He's starting to look a lot more like us. He laughs and I see Jeff in his smile. He frowns and I see me in his furrowed brow. Oh kiddo, please don't get your mama's temper. I hope he gets his daddy's patience and my multitasking skills. That'll be the perfect blend. Then, he could take over the world :-D

Here's a family photo I tried to get with my iPhone before heading out to a July 4th bbq. I hope Oliver grows up feeling blessed to have been brought into this family, because we definitely feel blessed to have been given this precious bundle.

Misanthropy

According to Merriam-Webster:

mis·an·thro·py	noun: \mi-ˈsan(t)-thrə-pē\
Definition of MISANTHROPY	a hatred, dislike or distrust of humankind
First Known Use of MISANTHROPY	1625

Lately, I have been feeling discontent, just generally mad at people. I think I need to do a thankful post so I don't become a permanent misanthrope.

I don't think I have ever spoken about the time I was home alone with Oli before going back to work. I had a few weeks after we brought him home from the NICU, when I had my parents, then Jeff's parents and then my parents again at home to help us. Then, they left, and I had 3 weeks alone at home with Oli. Jeff was commuting to Arlington and so was gone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. One evening, at 5 p.m., I found myself on the couch just sobbing. I don't think I'd had 5 minutes to myself all day, for days. I texted a couple people who'd said they'd be available if I needed to ever talk and they weren't. And, not even a minute after a text went out, Anjuli & Mike called. Asked if they should come over, talked to me till Jeff got home. I am so very thankful for friends like that.

Thank you guys and please know that the same helping hand exists over here now that you guys are dealing with double trouble over there.