We joined a summer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

We just joined a summer CSA for $250.  I just purchased a half share this summer to see how it goes.  Plus we grow some of our own veggies in our backyard so I don't want too much food.  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  It is a great way to support local farming and reduce carbon emissions (AKA- from shipping food and driving all over the place.)  It is important to me that my family does our part to improve the health of our environment and ourselves.  This is one small step in that direction.  And, the food from the CSA we joined is organically grown -  even better!

Want to know more about CSAs?  Click below.  I posted links to two local CSAs (Concord/Charlotte area.)
http://www.coldwatercreekfarms.com/
http://www.poplarridgefarmnc.com/

Transitioning from two naps to one

My daughter, the worlds best napper, has just lost her "worlds best" title.  She will be 18 months old in two days.  I think she is transitioning from two naps to one nap a day.   As I type this, she is in her bedroom, fussing and refusing to nap.  Her traditional first nap is at 10:30 but for the last two days she has protested it.  So, today I am trying a different tactic - I waited until she started to get still and cuddly then I decided she was ready for her nap.  We went to her bedroom at 11:00.  I read to her (always do this before nap or bedtime) then I nursed her (I usually only do this before bedtime.)  I nursed her hoping it would help calm her.  When I laid her down she fussed less than she did the past two days.  But now it is 11:48 and she just cranked it up loud.  Oh no.  This is not fun.  The stress.  I hate this part of being a mommy.  But, I love just about everything else.

Update:  After 45 minutes of talking, fussing, then loud crying she got quiet.  Asleep at last!  Whew, that was rough for us both.

Life with a 18 month old and working full-time

I just started my new job and I am now balancing work and being a mommy to one sweet little girl.  Am I up for the challenge?  I sure hope so.  My head spins and my stomach knots up when I think about what I am taking on.  It won't be easy.  But, I do have a great support system and with only one child it should be manageable.  My parents and my husband's parents live very close (about 10 minutes away.)   They are our volunteer daycare providers.  (Lucky us!)  I am very thankful for their help.

I don't think anyone realizes how hard it is to be a parent until they become one.  Yesterday, I was home all day with my daughter yet my house is still what I consider "a mess."  How is this possible?  Well for starters, when my daughter is awake, I focus my attention on her.  And, if I'm not focusing on her, she will come over to me and demand my attention in her toddler way - with whining and clinging to my legs.  Then, when she is napping, I must be quiet.  She is a light napper.  No dishes or clanging or vacuuming during naptime for sure!

I will say this though, I think an 18 month old is a lot easier than a 3 month old.  Sure she runs around and I have to keep her from killing herself daily BUT she usually takes naps.  And she can play by herself.  And she sleeps at night!  So, am I ready for baby number two?  Not yet.  I gotta get the working mom thing down first.  Then, we can talk about it!