Can a Working Mom practice Attachment Parenting?

That was my question as I pondered this parenting style and the undeniable fact that I was returning to work.  Nonetheless, I was determined to make it work!

As a teacher/educator, I have the benefit of added in breaks to my work schedule.  Due to the fact that Harper was born via (emergency) c-section, this afforded me 8 weeks as opposed to 6 weeks of maternity leave.  And my maternity leave ended right before Spring break, so I had 9 wonderful uninterrupted weeks with my girl!  I was a babywearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding junkie!  And I loved every minute of it!  As did Harper.  Due to her small size at birth, I definitely wanted to do everything I could to ensure her health and development stayed on track.

Then came the dreaded day that I had to go back to work.  I had to make sure everything was in place for my girl and our style.  I found a great caregiver.  When I started back to work, I came with breast pump in-tow!  Fortunately, my position and schedule allowed me to sneak away at leaast twice a day to pump.  My body certainly had to adjust to the new schedule.  When it was time to pump, boy was I ready!!!

When we got home, it was babywearing and breastfeeding time!  This allowed my girl and I to reconnect and allowed us to maintain our bond.

Almost a month after I went back to work, a wonderful thing happended... SUMMER BREAK!  Two more months of time with my girl. 

Now my high needs baby is a high needs toddler (different blog post for a different day!).

Yes, you can work and practice attachment parenting.  Work to achieve the right balance for you and your family.  And enjoy the ride!

My Granddaddy is gone

It's taken awhile for me to write this post.  I guess by actually writing it, it becomes more real.  I don't want it to be real.  He's been gone a little over a month.  Everyone felt like their relationship with him was special, as if they were his favorite.  My relationship with Granddaddy WAS special.  He was like a 2nd dad!  I grew up four houses down from my grandparents.  We were over there almost everyday!  Anytime something happened in our lives, we went down the street to share!  If it was a great thing, like an A on a report card it was twice the congradulations.  If it were not so great, then it was twice the you know what.

My mom's relationship with Granddaddy was truly special.  Even as an adult, she would come over and get in the bed with her parents.  I didn't know any different, so I'd climb right on in and find a spot too!  So on any given day, you'd find us in the bed talking, laughing or sleeping!  I'm going to miss that. I'm going to miss our talks and the countless lectures advice he gave..  At his funeral, it was said we all have a piece of him.  I want all of him!  This is so hard!

On the day I left for college, I received another tid bit of advice.  He said, "Make good choices, Sheriss".  That statement has followed me every day of my life since then.  He wanted so much for his family.  I'm going to do my best to honor him by continuing to do my best to make good choices for my self and my growning family.

I miss you Granddaddy!

Put that baby down!!

My sitter thinks that Harper is spoiled. “Put that baby down” she tells me. “You’re spoiling her”. That statement has been on my mind all week. So, by being a responsive parent, I’m spoiling my child. I’m confused. Am I supposed to just sit here and watch my baby cry? I will concede that she is very particular. She likes being held in a certain way. She almost refuses to sleep in her bassinet, so getting her to take a nap is no easy task. To her, being swaddled is like being held in a straight jacket. She tries her best to break free and almost always succeeds! I love holding her, wearing her in our Moby Wrap. Is that spoiling her or helping her to feel secure and loved? I’ll take the latter. What say you?