A NEW ROUTINE...

The first day of Joaquin's daycare proved to be hopeful. I'm pleased with the facility, Grace, that is. I have a friend that has her daughter enrolled there, and it has been the one daycare/childcare learning facility that I have visited that I didn't feel like the teachers were feeding me BS. Thank goodness. There are maybe 5 children in the room with two of whom are transitioning to the toddler room. There are two teachers, 2:5 ratio. Grace is a church that provides a warm environment for the kids and parents. I'm pleased with them, and Joaquin seems to be as well. So far so good. He did, however, have a bit of a rough day today. Why you ask?

It's Monday for one. We got up around 5:30ish am and he nursed for a bit. We then got up and got ready for the day. Once I got us out of the house, we were met by misty, cold, rain. The commute to Grace, perhaps 10-15 minutes away, was far better than the hour drive to Frankfort every morning with the little guy (I have now transferred back to my home county to work, and cut out an 80 mile/day trip to work 5 days/week). I got to Grace around 20 minutes before 8am. I sat down with Joaquin and tried to get him a bit comfy, before I had to flee to work before 8. I brought him to the daycare last Friday, so he'd get the feeling that I was comfortable with leaving him there that next week. He was still a bit clingy...okay, WE were still a bit clingy, but it gets better.

Once, I feel comfortable enough to exit, I slip out the door and watch him from a narrow slit in another door to the room. He seemed to be A-ok. :) I take off to the coche (car, in Spanish), and zip to work. Yeah, I burst out in tears for about a sec, before getting out of the parking lot. I WEAR my cell close to me all morning long, and finally break down and call to check up on him! The teacher procedes to tell me that Joaquin hadn't ate any of his cereal, and had only drank two ounces of his 1st bottle of the day! This was about 11am! He last nursed at 5:30am! My kid eats every 2 hours! I'm stressed at this point, however, I know that he won't let himself starve...and he didn't. I took my lunch at noon, and upon entering his room was told that he ate a whole tub of his Gerber squash! The boy loves some squash and peas! I then gave him another bottle that they had prepared. I was able to rock him in the rocking chair and feed him. :) He let me slip out the door to head back to work. He did good overall, just a bit different for him. I'm so pleased with the patience that the teachers had with him and me.

Daycare #2

I can't sleep tonight, starting a new daycare tomorrow and I'm having some first day jitters (for Joaquin, and myself). I can't wait to get through tomorrow. I just got to get into responsible mommy mode, and remind myself that this interaction is good for little Joaquin, and myself for that matter. He is now 7 months old, and has his 2nd tooth a couple of weeks ago. He's crawling, pulling up to a stand with and w/out help, and cruising surfaces! WOW! He'll be walking in a blink of any eye...my love, Joaquin.

CHANGE...

Two days after the 2008 Presidential Election, I spoke with a co-worker and friend regarding our new President-elect Barack Obama. My friend, a self-reported conservative, expressed happiness for blacks and others really regarding this monumental change in our country. I was pleased that she was able to express this excitement although she supported the McCain/Palin ticket. It's great to know that she doesn't carry sore thoughts or feelings regarding the outcome. Why you ask? We both were surprised by the overwhelming numbers and votes that Barack Obama received during this election. Secretly, my hope was that if he won, that it would be by some wopping number of votes...and it was! I'm ecstatic by the turnout and the outcome. I'm confident and hopeful for the future.

Don't walk away Waca!

Big news! Look who is crawling! All of the milestones are zipping right on by. My little guy has changed so much in recent weeks. Let's see: he has a tooth, his right bottom left incisor; the other one is peeping through too; he's really smiley and chattery; not only is Joaquin crawling, but he's pulling up with help; standing up with help; sitting up on his own; really knows familiar faces and gets a bit sad when they leave the room; oh, and there are so many other things. It's so exciting! Seriously, Joaquin had been squirming around on the floor from point A to point B for a little while there, but a couple of days ago it all just clicked and he started crawling, up on all floors, and exploring around the house and the hallway. One morning this week my Mama was telling me about the encounter of Joaquin and our cat, Sophie, as Joaquin wandered off of the blanket on the floor. Sophie has been quite curious about Joaquin since we brought him home. Anyways, I've been worried about Sophie getting ahold of Waca-waca, but apparently, it's the cat that needs to be concerned about his face and tail. :) Mama said that Joaquin saw the cat, Sophie, and he charged him! He squeezed his face with two hands, like he was expecting Sophie to squeak like his rubber ducky. LOL! That is so funny. Oh, I'm so amazed by him. I love-loves him, my boy.

It went there...

An image of Obama surrounded by watermelon, fried chicken, and ribs on a foodstamp? How ridiculous can so called "intelligent" folks act? With less than 30 days remaining to the election, ignorance is rearing it's ugly head. What's more important...bringing the nation together, or dividing it between two groups that have a hard history together when it comes to race relations? What's more important? We've come so far to have a black Presidential candidate and female Vice President with real possibilities of it happening, that some have resorted to propaganda. Let's not forget how that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of voters. Images of picannies, ape-like black folks, and watermelon is not something I want to see these days, and especially endorsed by a Presidential candidate's campaign or supporters. When you take not so well informed people and throw fuel on the fire, or on their ignorance for that matter...PROPAGANDA, will be created. Whether on paper or spewing out of the mouths of those not so informed voters. Let us not slip back into those times.

Joaquin's 1st TOOTH!

It's there...I swear! Okay, maybe you can't see it in this picture, but it is definitely there (the bottom right/middle tooth). Not only have I seen it, but oh yes...I've felt it! Joaquin has been cutting this tooth for over a week now, but over the weekend I was bit while nursing. There should be an acronym...BWN! Oh, this wasn't pleasant. I've been doing what the books and friends say about this. You're suppose to unlatch baby while nursing if he bites you, and say in a firm voice, "Joaquin, no...don't bite me." Once he gets the picture, he can continue with nursing, but if it happens again...repeat the whole unlatch/scolding process. :) Yeah, the 1st time I really tried it. Well, I hurt his feelings. TOO firm of a voice. :( I ended up apologizing. :)

Support Obama, and stop spreading fear!

I've come to the conclusion that the intelligent voting folks of America vote for several different reasons. I've only named a good 4 of these as Joaquin is lightly sleeping next to me and the laptop. I've probably only have 2.5 seconds before I jump back into my lovely nursemaid duties. :)

1. We vote according to our political party.

2. We vote for whoever/whomever our folks tell us to vote for. :)

3. We vote for the person that we truly believe is right for the Presidency based on studying the individual's campaign issues that he/she tackles as their objectives, and

4. We vote for the President, and in some recent cases...the Vice President that is less scary.

Yes, I am an OBAMA/BIDEN supporter. I use to work in a state government agency that left me displeased with how funds were distributed among the low-income families. Why you ask? The answer...it was obvious that 9 times out of 10, families that needed the assistance were never eligible to receive the assistance based on the rules that were in place...at that time. However, sometimes this wasn't the case...can't make everyone happy, right? Most importantly, although I disagreed with the implementation of the program sometimes. I agree with the overall purpose of the programs for individuals who may have needed it.

I honestly feel like the OBAMA ticket is the change WE need. I've tried to keep an open mind throughout the last year and a half regarding this next significant election, but I'm getting frustrated by the numerous silly emails and talk spreading regarding Obama (he's not an American, he doesn't wear a flag pin, he won't recite the "Pledge," he is anti-WASP, he is anti-Christian....blah,blah,blah,blah)! Perhaps, before we forward that next email that insists that Obama is the ANTI-WHATEVER, you/me/us need to actually look into the source, http://www.fightthesmears.com/. That goes both ways...with both campaigns. The history of each candidate speaks for itself, just research it for yourself, and stop letting nonsensical forwards tell you who you should vote for or not vote for. SERIOUSLY!

My little fella...

Joaquin is developing into quite a little firecracker! He is absolutely amazing, and yes I believe he's the most beautiful child in the world (insert big proud grin here). He makes me so happy. Joaquin is now 5 months old. He is flipping from back to belly; he loves some tummy time; he squirms/crawls effectively meaning, if there is something near him on the floor and he wants it...he will get it; he well recognizes his hands, fingers, toes, and feet; he recognizes the little baby in the mirror; he smiles and giggles so hearty; he recognizes his family; he is getting the cause and effect queues (peek-a-boo and acting out the itsy bitsy spider); he is teething, very close to getting a tooth...I think; he baby talks, screams, and squeals; and there are so many other things. He loves for you to talk to him, hold him, love on him, tickle him, blow his hair back. Aw, so amazing kids are!

Hormones or just crazy? Or both???

I thought that I managed to avoid any baby blues, postpartum depression, or whatever other psychosis I can blame my actions on. I found myself this time last week...UNEMPLOYED! Why you ask? Well, I thought that maybe just maybe...I didn't want to work anymore (not until Joaquin was bigger and I received my Master's degree). So, what did I do last month, but RESIGN FROM MY JOB! Growing worry and concern over mounting child care expenses, guilt from leaving my son at a daycare that I found inadequate, leaving my son at daycare period, etc-etc. A week after which, I woke up and realized that I made a "doozy" of a mistake. Anyways, long story short...I have rescinded my resignation and have re-evaluated what it means to be a working mom.

I like myself as a working mom, more so than being a stay at home mom. Kudos to those moms that are able to stay at home. It's not for me, not now anyways. Perhaps, if my circumstances were different. So what is the worry here? Quantity versus quality of time spent with my son. I've heard others talk about the struggle between the balancing act of motherhood, and keeping a career going. It's hard to juggle these two tasks. However, so many working moms have expressed to me that it is key that when you are a parent that has to work, the quality of time you spend with your child or children is extremely significant. I'm putting this in writing, because I forgot the feeling I experienced right before I went back to work after 2 months maternity leave. I remember that I began to feel insignificant, and not much use to myself or my son. I know now that I can do both...mommy and worker. It can be done, and I will come through it better this time around. Fingers crossed.

"What are those?," Joaquin asks in absolute uncertainty.

He's not quite sure what those little digits are that I keep calling his toes and dedos de pie. I'm trying to introduce some Spanish here and there. But, finalmente it happened. Another one of Joaquin's milestones has come. Like always, mama and I were talking to one another with Joaqua-Joaqua laying down on the sofa between us. We looked down, and there he was...those little fat feet gripped in his little fat hands. His toes were inches from his drooly lips. Out of frustration he threw his feet back down when he couldn't quite get that big toe in his mouth! :) Yeah, it these things that make me so happy these days, and I can't believe that it's those things that are so significant. I can spend precious minutes watching him get closer and closer to sweet satisfaction...Joaqua getting to suck on his toes. He's not quite sure why, but his toes like everything else now goes right into his mouth.

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month!

How warm this new symbol is. As a new mom, I would like to actually see this in public places around my hometown and places I frequent. It would encourage new breastfeeding moms to get out of the house during the weeks that follow giving birth. Perhaps, it would decrease the rate of postpartum depression and baby blues that sometime plague new mothers. If moms didn't feel like they could not leave the house without having to rush back home in two hours to nurse. I know you can say, well, why don't you express some breastmilk and take that bottle with you? Well, they (the wonderful lactation consultants) tell you not to pump until about what 2-6 weeks after you start to breastfeed. Pumping is a lot of work, ontop of everything else that Mommyhood brings. I pump my breastmilk now that I've returned to work, and that's not something that I would've wanted to tackle 1 week post birth. Not to mention, missing out on the closeness and experience of skin to skin contact with your baby. My experience with this: I'll admit...I didn't like going out in public much, because I didn't want to deal with having to breastfeed Joaquin in view of everyone. Why you say? Well, as a new mom that really doesn't know what she's doing most of the time, insert nervous grin here, you try to attempt to get your kid to latch on underneath a blanket without the inevitable happening (blanket falling down, exposing your, what I now call 'mommies', to everyone). Not to mention, jossling baby Joaquin's squirmy little bitty body underneath a blanket that he loathes! At home, it's a different story. The mommies are in full view of anyone and everyone while he calmly nurses. Joaquin really doesn't like the blanket, and I don't like having to 'hide' him underneath while he nurses naturally. When I discovered that I was pregnant, my goal was to breastfeed. In pregnancy, there is so little one can control. Even with breastfeeding things can be uncertain. However, if it all clicks, and you are able to breastfeed. Well, it is great. It is and has been one good thing that I have been able to do for my son. Breastfeeding not only is good and nutritious for little Joaquin, but it holds be accountable for the foods and drinks I consume. So, seeing that breastfeeding symbol sprinkled around town...well, it would be wonderful.

Here's link to some breastfinding information and health:

http://www.chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/DADD158C-C181-4F5D-92D7-399696CB59FC/0/2007NewsletterIssue11.pdf

Milestones

Everyday there is something new, and smile provoking. :) If I don't pay attention, I might, just might miss something that my little bundle of boy goodness has discovered that he can do. Okay, how could that happen when I'm always in the kid's face?!? Last Saturday, 7/12/08, Joaquin giggled! OUT LOUD! It was so cute, and amazing. I believe I cried a bit. He's wonderful. I was snuggling my nose in his baby scented neck, apparently, he's ticklish, and then it just happened. He started to giggle out loud! It was great. His whole face lit up. His eyes, cheeks, and mouth were all smiling with such excitement. It was wonderful. Even with all the stress that the world gives and hands out free of charge, Joaquin just makes me breathe a lot easier. I love 'em. :) Children are such amazing little gifts that God blesses you with. I'm so extremely thankful for him.

Joaquin has just turned 3 months old! He's reached so many milestones as of late. Joaquin is noticing his little fat feet now. When I change his diaper, he's grabbing at his feet and toes. It'll be just a matter of time before he extends those toes into his mouth! :0 ) I can't wait for that photo op! He's recognizes the touch and voices of his mama and daddy. He also knows his Granny's, Auntie's, and cousin's voices. How do I know that? Well, he greets us all with a big hearty full smile when he hears those familiar voices. It's amazing how much he has grown so quickly, so soon. He coos and talks; kicks his legs and arms; gets really excited at those big bright colors that I try to keep around him; gets excited and pays a bit of attention when I'm reading stories to him; and oh, he can suck his thumb now! So many things!

Couldn't imagine I'd be here...

Okay, a little over 2 months ago...I became a mama! So very excited. The last two years have been quite trying. My brother, Chris, and my father, Harv, both passed away. My father was and is a strong character in my life, and it has been a heartbreaking event to come through.

Therefore, when I discovered that I was pregnant last fall (unexpectedly of course), I welcomed the news as a great blessing. Joaquin, the new little fella in my world was born on April 16, 2008. He weighed 8lbs even, and was 18 1/2" long. My boy...sorry...our boy. John corrects me, rightfully so when I say that. As he should I suppose, since he resembles him so. :) Anyways, our boy is an absolute delight. I couldn't imagine how much fun I could have at 3am, at home, and up nursing the little bitty guy...on not much sleep...but I do. I imagine, most mamas do.

How could all that 'ripping and running' all weekend long to and from the bars be much fun!?! I am completely focused on Joaquin, and ensuring that he gets what he needs. Not to sound cliche, but it's true...when you have children...your life changes. A positive change.

I returned to work last week, so now our time together is so very precious. I took 2 months maternity leave, not even enough. When I pick the little guy up from 'preschool'...can't call it daycare...sounds cold to me. Anyways, when I pick him up from preschool, it is hard for me to put him in this carseat. I want to hold on to him for a bit. So cuddly he is. I just love him.