Introduction

Hello! I am a 30 yo first time mom who is trying to find her way. My full time job is taking care of a very active baby girl (and on the side a husband and two lovely little dogs, a rat terrier and a mini dachshund). I have spent the last 11 months or so trying to get over the shock of having something so little rock my world and turn it upside down in such a HUGE way. And yet, nothing has ever captured my heart quite like her. In fact, she IS my heart.

I am still nursing, could probably be classified as an attatchment parent, although I did resort to a modified CIO. I am learning to never say never when it comes to parenting (mostly because it has come back to bite me in the arse a number of times). I despise judgemental parents and am working damn hard on not being one myself!

In my previous life I am a Registered Nurse, certified in inpatient obstetrics, with a variety of experience from tertiary care to birth center practice under my belt. I am proficient in all areas and antepartum, labor and delivery to postpartum and some nursery care. I also have a master's in Nursing Education and really enjoy teaching. I enjoy learning even more and could be a lifelong student. However, I have never felt dumber in some respects than I do right now. I suffer from "mommy brain". I joke that I delivered half of my brain with the placenta and the other half is being slowly sucked out of me every day. My other titles have included hostess, telemarketer, office worker, extern, various military nursing officer ranks, graduate assistant, and salesperson at a wine shop.

Hobbies (used to) include stitching, reading, watching shows with the hubby, dancing with the girls, and cooking. I have a weird thing for hooded sweatshirts, especially the zip-up kind, yet I NEVER wear the hood. I am a self-described girly-girl. I love purses, shoes, accessories, dinner and cookware, and school supplies with a passion . I LOVE makeup and products, and am definitely not afraid of color. I used to be hot.

Now I know who the Backyardigans and the WonderPets are. (?) My outfit is not complete without dog hair, spit-up, food, or milk. And, let's face it, my outfits consist of a long-sleeve tee or a sweatshirt and sweatpants or jeans nowadays. I have become that mom. Makeup? HA! Who has the time, and even if I do, it is only for a quick powder, mascara, and blush. Purses and bags are now for function, not fashion (although I do still try to find a happy medium). As for shoes, I have been wearing the same pair of Earth shoes for the last 3 months. SIGH.

Let's not even talk about weight. I am struggling big time, but think I am on a good path with healthy eating and attitudes about food. Have joined a gym and am exercising and feeling great. Am avoiding trans fats, artificial sweeteners (except the splenda in my one cup of coffee), and HFCS. I know it will be slow, but I have started losing a little, so that helps. I am in 2 different challenges for weight loss and health. I miss hot me (I am sure my darling hubby does as well).

So this is my story. I am not sure how I want to use this forum yet, but for now, I will place my musings. Enjoy!