When I found out that I was pregnant I knew right away that I wanted to breastfeed. I was breastfed as a baby and I knew there were so many health (and wallet) benefits to breastfeeding. I made it my goal to go one year. Most moms I knew who breastfed didn't even make it a year, though there were a few who had gone past it.
Now, here I am, four days from Kiera turning one, four days from reaching my breastfeeding goal. My issue now is, do I quit or keep going?
Breastfeeding has been a challenge from day one. Due to my C-section, my milk was a bit slow to come in and Kiera lost 13% body weight in her first two days. The hospital made me supplement with formula and it broke my heart. I felt like such a failure.
Once home, I continued to struggle with my supply for a few weeks. I reached out to all the mommies I knew to get tips and read what I could and did what I could. Eventually, I got it up enough to where Kiera was gaining weight and feedings didn't leave me feeling emotionally drained.
Then, I started back at work. Having an infant and working graveyard was hard enough to begin with. I had to add to my exhaustion with taking three short breaks throughout my shift to pump. I was lucky to have coworkers at first who were so cool with me and my pump breaks. As time went on, they got tired of it (extremely hypocritical on the part of one girl who breastfed her son for 14 months).
When I left that job and started a day position, I thought things would get better. What happened instead is my milk production went down. In November I finally reached out to a professional to help me with getting back to a decent supply level. It's amazing what she helped me accomplish in just three weeks (hint- golacta is great for increasing supply).
And now here I am, four days to getting somewhere I fought so hard to be at. Breastfeeding means so much to me. I love our connection and that it's our special time, something nobody else can do for her. She loves it too, at an age now where she pulls at my shirt to tell me she wants her "mommy milk." Lately, she has even turned away from bottles of almond milk or juice, instead insisting on breastfeeding. It warms my heart that she can find comfort and happiness by me breastfeeding her. I just wonder how long I should continue this for. The World Health Organization recommends two full years and part of me would like to do that, go for another year and give her as much of a benefit as I can.
On the other hand, there are so many reasons why I want to wean her, though all of them make me feel like a selfish person.
I miss sleeping through the night. As I'm still breastfeeding she wakes up three times throughout the night to nurse. It gets exhausting but at the same time, I love how cute she is when she falls asleep eating. I also love that it gives me an excuse to let her co-sleep with us for a few hours in the early morning (she sleeps in her nursery until about 4 in the morning). So I have to ask, am I willing to give up this special time with my baby or should I stick it out for a few more months to a year longer?
I miss being able to have more than one drink without having to worry about pumping and dumping. I've never been a big drinker since I hate how most alcohol tastes, but I still would like the option to go crazy every now and then (well as crazy as a parent can go without endangering their child). In the long run though, alcohol does nothing good for you so why would I want to use that as an excuse to quit breastfeeding?
One huge reason I want to stop breastfeeding is I want to be able to take the supplements that I sell with It Works (you can see all the products at my webpage- krissyanne.myitworks.com). I ask people to trust me and use my products, but until I finish breastfeeding I can't use half of them myself. While I do know that these products change lives and while I see great results from the products that I have used, I want to be able to be 100% knowledgeable about my products which means trying them all. I want to share my success and share it with others, I'm jealous of only being able to share others' stories. My mom says that I gave Kiera nine months of 100% dedication and another year (well four days short) of putting her needs with my body over my own desires and that I have a right to quit now and start doing what I want. I just would hate to keep her from something that is good for her and that she loves because I want to further my business.
So, now I ask for your help. Should I continue until she is ready to self-wean? Should I start weaning her now since I have made it so far and since she has gained so much of the benefits already? When can a mother put her desires over that of her baby? Am I being reasonable with wanting to wean her or am I being selfish? When did you decide to wean your baby? How did you go about weaning your baby?
XOXO,
KABO
Friday, December 12, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Call me a Cow
Breastfeeding has really changed my life. I couldn't imagine being a mother and not breastfeeding. It has been very difficult, but very worth it. I know a lot of women who try and have trouble and make the choice to switch to formula. I know women who need to get back on medications and can't take them while breastfeeding so they put their baby on formula. I know women whose milk didn't come in or who had babies allergic to something they ate that made them allergic to their momma's milk so they went to formula. I also know some women who just didn't want to be bothered. I commend the mothers who at least try and I do not understand the mothers who don't. I want to share my breastfeeding journey with you.
Before Kiera was born I knew I wanted to try breastfeeding. I had friends and family tell me that it would be hard and that it would hurt and that it would be an amazing experience. I didn't realize how true all of that would be.
Kiera was born via emergency C-section on December 16, 2013. When a mother gives birth naturally there are certain signals sent throughout the body that let the body know to start feeding the baby through the breasts and not through her umbilical chord. Having a C-section can somewhat throw off those signals, as it did for me. The first few days of a baby's life a mother makes a pre-milk called colostrum and it's full of all these amazing things that babies need. Mine did not come in very well at all. In the first two days of her life Kiera lost 13% of her body weight. It was devastating to me that while I was trying to feed her that I wasn't able to. I was forced by the pediatricians to do what I felt was the unthinkable- give her formula to supplement.
At first the nurse just had me give her a bottle. I didn't feed it to her though, I had her daddy do it so that she wouldn't associate me with bottles. It was crushing to see her eating a bottle because everything I had read said that babies become lazy and will not latch if you feed them bottles because bottles are so much easier for them. At the same time I was happy that she was getting food because I didn't want her to be sick. Two days later I finally got to see the lactation consultant who helped rig a system of feeding Kiera formula as she was latched on to my breast so that she practiced nursing but still got enough food.
As the days went by I got used to breastfeeding. It was hard to get no sleep while trying to recover from surgery and it was even harder because it was the holiday season and both sides of Kiera's family was in town. My three sisters (Heather, Shannon, and Paige) and my mom and a bunch of my friends ended up getting flashed by me in this time as I didn't care too much as long as my baby got to eat.
During that time, Kiera was so little that when she ate her tiny arms wrapped around my breast and gave it hugs. The bonding was incredible and while I had a hard time with my supply being low, she seemed happy to have those moments with her momma. She was still not gaining much weight though, so for a couple weeks we had to heavily supplement with the formula (or at least what felt like heavy supplementing to me). I noticed that when she had a bottle it was different than when she breastfed.
Before I knew it, it was time to go back to work and time for me to really start pumping. Let me say, I HATE pumping. It's uncomfortable and boring and I would much rather just have my daughter with me everywhere than pump because I'm missing a feeding. Pumping at work is not an easy task either. I worked it out between my coworkers and HR that I would have three short pump breaks rather than one normal break. It sucks missing out on my break nap (especially with Kiera not letting me sleep much), it sucks trying to rush my pumps all the time, and it sucks that pumping doesn't let me express as much milk as when Kiera eats directly. There are so many times that I wished I was done with it, but I want so badly to go for the first full year of her life that I kept pushing on. At this point I'm pretty sure my coworkers are tired of my breaks throwing off the schedule, but I'm trying to do what is best for my daughter's health, as most of them did for their babies.
The cool thing about breastfeeding is that babies will cry to nurse for reasons other than being hungry. A baby will want to nurse because they are thirsty, don't feel well, need attention, or just want to be close to their mommy. My little princess knows that around 10:30 in the morning I get home. It doesn't matter if she had a bottle at ten, she starts crying the minute she sees me because she wants to nurse. I have to rush through my shower so I can get out and satisfy her. She always gets the biggest smile on her face as I pick her up and she eagerly finds my nipple and starts to eat. I know that many times it is her way of telling me she missed me and being close to me as opposed to being hungry. Sometimes I am so tired and it would be so much easier if she didn't always want to eat, but I love seeing the love she has for me and having those bonding moments.
Another thing that I love about breastfeeding is how it changes as she gets older. At first it was all hugs and smiles. Next we had the terrible pinching and scratching stage. She thought it was so funny to do both things while eating. Then her bottom teeth came in. Getting bit, even when it's just two bottom teeth is no fun. It's actually really painful and I am not looking forward to more of her razor sharp teeth coming in. And now, at seven month, we are at the stage where she can't decide which boob she wants and she will go back and forth and take breaks while eating to sit up and smile and laugh.
There are definitely downsides to breastfeeding. One thing I hate is that I used to have a great rack and thanks to pregnancy and breastfeeding I do not like how my breasts are shaped or how they fit (or don't fit) into my bras. Another thing that sucks is always having to be careful of what I take in. If I decide to drink I have to pump and dump and I hate dumping out that liquid gold. I also really want to try some of the supplements that I sell through It Works, but even though they are all natural, I know it is best to wait on such things as the Fat Fighter, Thermofit, and Hair Skin Nails (if you want to try them though, check out my website krissyanne.myitworks.com).
My goal, as stated earlier, is a year. Part of me would love to do it for as long as she wants me to do it, but her daddy is only letting her get away with claiming my udders for a year. He wants them back! I get sad when I hear people talk about how weird breastfeeding is. How a woman shouldn't do it for more than a few months. We drink the milk of another animal but frown on drinking the milk that was intended and specifically formulated for the development and nourishment of our own species. I'm so happy that I'm giving my daughter this experience and I hope that one day she does the same for her own children.
I'm a proud breastfeeding momma and am so happy to say that Kiera and I are almost at eight months strong! I'd love to hear from you about your thoughts on breastfeeding, your experiences, and your questions! Comment or message me!
XOXO,
KABO
Before Kiera was born I knew I wanted to try breastfeeding. I had friends and family tell me that it would be hard and that it would hurt and that it would be an amazing experience. I didn't realize how true all of that would be.
Kiera was born via emergency C-section on December 16, 2013. When a mother gives birth naturally there are certain signals sent throughout the body that let the body know to start feeding the baby through the breasts and not through her umbilical chord. Having a C-section can somewhat throw off those signals, as it did for me. The first few days of a baby's life a mother makes a pre-milk called colostrum and it's full of all these amazing things that babies need. Mine did not come in very well at all. In the first two days of her life Kiera lost 13% of her body weight. It was devastating to me that while I was trying to feed her that I wasn't able to. I was forced by the pediatricians to do what I felt was the unthinkable- give her formula to supplement.
At first the nurse just had me give her a bottle. I didn't feed it to her though, I had her daddy do it so that she wouldn't associate me with bottles. It was crushing to see her eating a bottle because everything I had read said that babies become lazy and will not latch if you feed them bottles because bottles are so much easier for them. At the same time I was happy that she was getting food because I didn't want her to be sick. Two days later I finally got to see the lactation consultant who helped rig a system of feeding Kiera formula as she was latched on to my breast so that she practiced nursing but still got enough food.
As the days went by I got used to breastfeeding. It was hard to get no sleep while trying to recover from surgery and it was even harder because it was the holiday season and both sides of Kiera's family was in town. My three sisters (Heather, Shannon, and Paige) and my mom and a bunch of my friends ended up getting flashed by me in this time as I didn't care too much as long as my baby got to eat.
During that time, Kiera was so little that when she ate her tiny arms wrapped around my breast and gave it hugs. The bonding was incredible and while I had a hard time with my supply being low, she seemed happy to have those moments with her momma. She was still not gaining much weight though, so for a couple weeks we had to heavily supplement with the formula (or at least what felt like heavy supplementing to me). I noticed that when she had a bottle it was different than when she breastfed.
Before I knew it, it was time to go back to work and time for me to really start pumping. Let me say, I HATE pumping. It's uncomfortable and boring and I would much rather just have my daughter with me everywhere than pump because I'm missing a feeding. Pumping at work is not an easy task either. I worked it out between my coworkers and HR that I would have three short pump breaks rather than one normal break. It sucks missing out on my break nap (especially with Kiera not letting me sleep much), it sucks trying to rush my pumps all the time, and it sucks that pumping doesn't let me express as much milk as when Kiera eats directly. There are so many times that I wished I was done with it, but I want so badly to go for the first full year of her life that I kept pushing on. At this point I'm pretty sure my coworkers are tired of my breaks throwing off the schedule, but I'm trying to do what is best for my daughter's health, as most of them did for their babies.
The cool thing about breastfeeding is that babies will cry to nurse for reasons other than being hungry. A baby will want to nurse because they are thirsty, don't feel well, need attention, or just want to be close to their mommy. My little princess knows that around 10:30 in the morning I get home. It doesn't matter if she had a bottle at ten, she starts crying the minute she sees me because she wants to nurse. I have to rush through my shower so I can get out and satisfy her. She always gets the biggest smile on her face as I pick her up and she eagerly finds my nipple and starts to eat. I know that many times it is her way of telling me she missed me and being close to me as opposed to being hungry. Sometimes I am so tired and it would be so much easier if she didn't always want to eat, but I love seeing the love she has for me and having those bonding moments.
Another thing that I love about breastfeeding is how it changes as she gets older. At first it was all hugs and smiles. Next we had the terrible pinching and scratching stage. She thought it was so funny to do both things while eating. Then her bottom teeth came in. Getting bit, even when it's just two bottom teeth is no fun. It's actually really painful and I am not looking forward to more of her razor sharp teeth coming in. And now, at seven month, we are at the stage where she can't decide which boob she wants and she will go back and forth and take breaks while eating to sit up and smile and laugh.
There are definitely downsides to breastfeeding. One thing I hate is that I used to have a great rack and thanks to pregnancy and breastfeeding I do not like how my breasts are shaped or how they fit (or don't fit) into my bras. Another thing that sucks is always having to be careful of what I take in. If I decide to drink I have to pump and dump and I hate dumping out that liquid gold. I also really want to try some of the supplements that I sell through It Works, but even though they are all natural, I know it is best to wait on such things as the Fat Fighter, Thermofit, and Hair Skin Nails (if you want to try them though, check out my website krissyanne.myitworks.com).
My goal, as stated earlier, is a year. Part of me would love to do it for as long as she wants me to do it, but her daddy is only letting her get away with claiming my udders for a year. He wants them back! I get sad when I hear people talk about how weird breastfeeding is. How a woman shouldn't do it for more than a few months. We drink the milk of another animal but frown on drinking the milk that was intended and specifically formulated for the development and nourishment of our own species. I'm so happy that I'm giving my daughter this experience and I hope that one day she does the same for her own children.
I'm a proud breastfeeding momma and am so happy to say that Kiera and I are almost at eight months strong! I'd love to hear from you about your thoughts on breastfeeding, your experiences, and your questions! Comment or message me!
XOXO,
KABO
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
What being a step-parent really means
Two years ago I was planning my move back to Las Vegas. I had no idea why I was always drawn to move back here, figuring it was simply because I had grown up in this crazy desert. I now know that the reason I always find my way back is because my family was here all along.
My boyfriend is 14 years older than me. It sounds like a lot, but when we are together we don't notice it. He and his ex-wife had a house a few minutes away from the house I grew up in. We went to the same grocery stores and drove the same streets every day. I wonder how many times we saw each other and never really noticed one another (what man thinks anything of a young girl or what girl thinks anything of a father?). When I moved out and had my own apartment in the Summerlin area, he was actually working at the bar of the restaurant my boyfriend at the time and I always went to. I wonder if he ever served me and I was too interested in Edward to see him. No matter what though, I know that God always had us crossing paths whether we knew it or not, because he meant for us to be together. So two years ago when I was thinking about coming back here, ready to give Vegas another shot even though there are so many things I hate about this town, I know it was because Dave was here and my life with him could only start here.
I had met Dave in October, we started seeing each other in December, and by March I was pregnant. When I met him I knew he had four children from previous relationships, one being a daughter just a few years younger than myself. The way he talked about his children just radiated the love he had for them and the love he had of being a father. I couldn't ask for a better man to be Kiera's dad as his children truly mean the world to him.
When I met the boys in December, I had no idea that one day I would love them so much. Kyle, Tyler, and Alex are the type of kids that anyone would like. They are adorable, polite, articulate, funny, charming, and just plain amazing boys. I couldn't ask for my daughter to have better big brothers than these three.
Dave and I are not married and have no plans on getting married at the moment, but those boys are my step-sons no matter what anyone says. When I became a mother, there were so many things that changed for me, things that I finally understood. I love my daughter so much it isn't funny. I love her dad so much I can't express it. If I could love the two of them, how could I not love his sons or her brothers? My family is not just Kiera and Dave, it is Dave and all of his children.
The thing about loving someone is that you have to love all of them, you can't pick and chose. You may not like certain aspects about someone, but you still have to love them. Children are a part of parents. If you chose to date a man or woman with kids, you make the conscious choice that if you are going to fall for them you are going to fall for their children as well. If you don't think you could love their children and want their children as part of your life and your family 24/7/365 than walk away before anyone gets hurt. As a parent you also have to make sure that you don't bring someone around your kids that you wouldn't want as part of your children's life day in and day out.
I look at my step-kids and they make me so happy and proud every day. I love getting to know them better and better. I love spending time with them and seeing them grow. I love doing things for them whether its a ride to the mall or making them a dinner they request. I love that they have a home with us where they can be themselves and have fun and enjoy life. I especially love to brag about them and talk about the amazing futures they are going to have. I wish I had been there when they were younger, but I am so happy that I get to be here now.
I met this man at work one night and he told me not to call them my step-kids because that would hurt them. I tried to explain that since Dave and I aren't married they technically aren't even my step-kids so it was meant to show them I love them as opposed to hurting them. He told me that he wished his step-dad had just called him his and not always referred to him as his step-son. I didn't understand what that man was saying at the time. It's only been a few months, but I think I get it more and more every day. The boys already have a mother and I would never in a million years try to replace her. That would be wrong to the boys and wrong to her. She and Dave raised three amazing kids so she obviously is a good mom and did something right raising them all. I'm at a point though where I can tell the boys are starting to see me as family, just like I see them as family. So when people tell me I shouldn't spend any of my money on them because they aren't mine or that I should sleep before work instead of hanging out with them because they are Dave's kids or that I shouldn't have bought a huge mom-mobile when I had a paid off car that fit my daughter just fine, I want to scream. These are my kids. I'm not their mom but they are my kids too. I would die for any of these boys, just like I would for Kiera. I want to give them every opportunity and happiness in life because I love them as if they were my own children. When I think of my future, I think of how every choice will make their lives better or worse.
So, as far as I can tell, being a step-mom means the same as being a mom. You don't go through the children's lives from day one and you don't have a say when it comes to the big decisions in their lives; but from the day you enter their lives you are there for the happy moments and the heartbreaks, the achievements and the failures. You don't complain that you have to drive them around or feed them or sacrifice sleep for them. Being a step-parent means you are part of a bigger picture, it means you have so much more to live for every day, it means your heart gets to grow to fit them all in.
I lucked out because the boys are great kids who stay out of trouble. I know that not everyone has it this easy. I also know that there will be times in the future where it will get hard and I'll ask myself why I put myself in this situation. I think the worst part of being a step-mom will be that if for some reason Dave and I aren't together anymore, it will crush my soul not having them in my life anymore. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it because it would really break my heart to lose them.
I'm sure by now, some of you have picked up on me not speaking about Cierra. Unfortunately, she does not live in Las Vegas so I haven't met her in person yet (last time she was here was when Dave and I had just started seeing each other and I was deathly sick). What I know about her though is just as amazing as what I see every day in her brothers. Cierra was so accepting when Dave told her about me, my age, and my pregnancy. Cierra reached out to me on facebook and has accepted me in her family with open arms. She is the kind of woman who has the biggest heart (like her daddy) and is so thoughtful (probably gets it from her mom). Cierra is the kind of person that I am in my heart but don't always act like. She's older so I feel weird calling her my step-daughter, but I'm sure if she was around she would be the kind of person I would call a best friend. I can't wait to meet her and her husband in September.
Learning to be a step-mom hasn't been easy for me. Trying to find my place in the family and how to talk to the kids and how to act around them was difficult. I don't always say or do the correct things, but I'm learning. I'm lucky that all of Dave's kids have been patient with me and put up with me. I look forward to learning more and being a better step-mom.
So, to all of the step-parents out there, I'm always here to trade stories and talk about the smiles and struggles of being a step. To everyone who doesn't think I should do what I do for the kids, I hope this may have opened your eyes a bit to how I feel and why I do what I do for them.
Comments and thoughts are always welcomed. And as always, don't forget to check out my business website at krissyanne.myitworks.com.
XOXO,
KABO
My boyfriend is 14 years older than me. It sounds like a lot, but when we are together we don't notice it. He and his ex-wife had a house a few minutes away from the house I grew up in. We went to the same grocery stores and drove the same streets every day. I wonder how many times we saw each other and never really noticed one another (what man thinks anything of a young girl or what girl thinks anything of a father?). When I moved out and had my own apartment in the Summerlin area, he was actually working at the bar of the restaurant my boyfriend at the time and I always went to. I wonder if he ever served me and I was too interested in Edward to see him. No matter what though, I know that God always had us crossing paths whether we knew it or not, because he meant for us to be together. So two years ago when I was thinking about coming back here, ready to give Vegas another shot even though there are so many things I hate about this town, I know it was because Dave was here and my life with him could only start here.
I had met Dave in October, we started seeing each other in December, and by March I was pregnant. When I met him I knew he had four children from previous relationships, one being a daughter just a few years younger than myself. The way he talked about his children just radiated the love he had for them and the love he had of being a father. I couldn't ask for a better man to be Kiera's dad as his children truly mean the world to him.
When I met the boys in December, I had no idea that one day I would love them so much. Kyle, Tyler, and Alex are the type of kids that anyone would like. They are adorable, polite, articulate, funny, charming, and just plain amazing boys. I couldn't ask for my daughter to have better big brothers than these three.
Dave and I are not married and have no plans on getting married at the moment, but those boys are my step-sons no matter what anyone says. When I became a mother, there were so many things that changed for me, things that I finally understood. I love my daughter so much it isn't funny. I love her dad so much I can't express it. If I could love the two of them, how could I not love his sons or her brothers? My family is not just Kiera and Dave, it is Dave and all of his children.
The thing about loving someone is that you have to love all of them, you can't pick and chose. You may not like certain aspects about someone, but you still have to love them. Children are a part of parents. If you chose to date a man or woman with kids, you make the conscious choice that if you are going to fall for them you are going to fall for their children as well. If you don't think you could love their children and want their children as part of your life and your family 24/7/365 than walk away before anyone gets hurt. As a parent you also have to make sure that you don't bring someone around your kids that you wouldn't want as part of your children's life day in and day out.
I look at my step-kids and they make me so happy and proud every day. I love getting to know them better and better. I love spending time with them and seeing them grow. I love doing things for them whether its a ride to the mall or making them a dinner they request. I love that they have a home with us where they can be themselves and have fun and enjoy life. I especially love to brag about them and talk about the amazing futures they are going to have. I wish I had been there when they were younger, but I am so happy that I get to be here now.
I met this man at work one night and he told me not to call them my step-kids because that would hurt them. I tried to explain that since Dave and I aren't married they technically aren't even my step-kids so it was meant to show them I love them as opposed to hurting them. He told me that he wished his step-dad had just called him his and not always referred to him as his step-son. I didn't understand what that man was saying at the time. It's only been a few months, but I think I get it more and more every day. The boys already have a mother and I would never in a million years try to replace her. That would be wrong to the boys and wrong to her. She and Dave raised three amazing kids so she obviously is a good mom and did something right raising them all. I'm at a point though where I can tell the boys are starting to see me as family, just like I see them as family. So when people tell me I shouldn't spend any of my money on them because they aren't mine or that I should sleep before work instead of hanging out with them because they are Dave's kids or that I shouldn't have bought a huge mom-mobile when I had a paid off car that fit my daughter just fine, I want to scream. These are my kids. I'm not their mom but they are my kids too. I would die for any of these boys, just like I would for Kiera. I want to give them every opportunity and happiness in life because I love them as if they were my own children. When I think of my future, I think of how every choice will make their lives better or worse.
So, as far as I can tell, being a step-mom means the same as being a mom. You don't go through the children's lives from day one and you don't have a say when it comes to the big decisions in their lives; but from the day you enter their lives you are there for the happy moments and the heartbreaks, the achievements and the failures. You don't complain that you have to drive them around or feed them or sacrifice sleep for them. Being a step-parent means you are part of a bigger picture, it means you have so much more to live for every day, it means your heart gets to grow to fit them all in.
I lucked out because the boys are great kids who stay out of trouble. I know that not everyone has it this easy. I also know that there will be times in the future where it will get hard and I'll ask myself why I put myself in this situation. I think the worst part of being a step-mom will be that if for some reason Dave and I aren't together anymore, it will crush my soul not having them in my life anymore. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it because it would really break my heart to lose them.
I'm sure by now, some of you have picked up on me not speaking about Cierra. Unfortunately, she does not live in Las Vegas so I haven't met her in person yet (last time she was here was when Dave and I had just started seeing each other and I was deathly sick). What I know about her though is just as amazing as what I see every day in her brothers. Cierra was so accepting when Dave told her about me, my age, and my pregnancy. Cierra reached out to me on facebook and has accepted me in her family with open arms. She is the kind of woman who has the biggest heart (like her daddy) and is so thoughtful (probably gets it from her mom). Cierra is the kind of person that I am in my heart but don't always act like. She's older so I feel weird calling her my step-daughter, but I'm sure if she was around she would be the kind of person I would call a best friend. I can't wait to meet her and her husband in September.
Learning to be a step-mom hasn't been easy for me. Trying to find my place in the family and how to talk to the kids and how to act around them was difficult. I don't always say or do the correct things, but I'm learning. I'm lucky that all of Dave's kids have been patient with me and put up with me. I look forward to learning more and being a better step-mom.
So, to all of the step-parents out there, I'm always here to trade stories and talk about the smiles and struggles of being a step. To everyone who doesn't think I should do what I do for the kids, I hope this may have opened your eyes a bit to how I feel and why I do what I do for them.
Comments and thoughts are always welcomed. And as always, don't forget to check out my business website at krissyanne.myitworks.com.
XOXO,
KABO
Friday, July 18, 2014
The thing about friends
There has been so much going on in my life lately that I have had to take a step back and really look at what I have in my life. Beyond all else I am blessed with a beautiful daughter who I want to mold into an incredible woman. When I think about the kind of woman I want her to turn out to be, I think of the amazing people I have in my life. Things haven't always been easy for me but there have always been genuine people there to remind me of the beauty of the world. These people are the examples I want my daughter to see because they teach me how to be a better person every day.
1)Afton Brown- I met Afton sophomore year of high school in our World History class. She was a transfer student from our rival Palo Verde and I hated her. By track season though I got to know her and a beautiful friendship arose. This woman is one of the most intelligent, beautiful, kindhearted people I know. I see her as a sister and she sees me that way. Afton is the kind of girl who always makes me smile and gets me in a way so many other people don't. She never judges and sticks with me through thick and thin. It doesn't matter that she's a fancy Air Force pilot, traversing the world, she's still always there for me, even if it's finding a computer in a remote location to say happy birthday and that she loves me. She is the perfect role model for my daughter and myself. Afton is the kind of woman that all woman should strive to be, and one who I am so lucky to call a genuine friend.
2)Jen Swanson- Jen is one of those people that I met at work who is who she is and doesn't give in to the bullshit. Like me, Jen believes the rules should be followed because it isn't personal, it's work. I've watched how Jen goes to great lengths for people who don't deserve it. She just has the most open and true heart. Jen and I started out as coworkers but I'm so lucky to call her a friend. She was so supportive of me during my pregnancy and was the only one who kept up with me during my maternity leave and even was at the hospital for the birth of my daughter. Jen is the kind of girl who makes me so happy I work in the industry because if I didn't, we would never have met.
3)Karen Gillespie- Karen was my first friend in high school. A bigger nerd than me who made school so great. This girl joined track with me and even moved to the distance team with me when Coach Miller decided I should be doing distance, not sprints. She was the only friend who I visited in college and the only friend who visited me. Karen is classy and probably one of the smartest girls I know. Her and I even had a falling out because of my spacey, procrastinating nature, but we moved forward and I still hold her close to my heart. She's the type of girl who is reserved but so vibrant. She's the type of girl who read my last post and texted me right away to be long-distance workout buddies. Distance separates us, but I know I can always call her my friend.
4)Hillary McAdam- Hills and I met at Willamette and didn't even talk our first semester there. It was when I went back second semester that we realized how well we get along and before I knew it, we were joined at the hip. We tried living together at UNLV and it almost destroyed our friendship, but in the end we made up because that's what happens when someone is a soul sister to you. She is sarcastic and hilarious and another smarty pants. She's the kind of girl who got me a job in her family's company and who looks at me as family and would do anything for me whether it's put me on her phone line or help take care of me if I was a single mom. She was the first person who purchased the it works products I sell (check them out at krissyanne.myitworks.com) and the first person to refer a friend to me. She was the first friend I told I was pregnant and the girl I planned the date of my baby shower around so that she could be in town for it. I can't wait to be one of her bridesmaids and help plan her wedding (well I most excited for the bachelorette party lol). I hate that she lives up north, but I love her so much and can't wait for her to visit (hopefully soon).
5)Ashley Fricker- Ashley and I became friends when she stepped up and was there for me when I got sick in high school. It pains me that we weren't close before that because I missed out on years of her in my life. Ashley is the coolest girl, she's an animal lover after my own heart, and a teacher every parent wants for their children. A highly intelligent, totally down to Earth person that actually listens when you speak to her and always wants to see the best for everyone around her. I know if I ever needed anything that she would do whatever she could to help me.
6)Hilary Bee- Hilary is another girl I met through the industry. We worked together briefly in Mississippi before Chef Wes got divorced and shut down the restaurant. She was taking a break from school at the time, but also graduated with a degree in English from Ole Miss. She cracks me up with her blatantly honest self and I know I can talk to this girl about anything. I mean she's my go-to girl when I'm shopping alone, I know I can send her a text and get a sound opinion on whether or not to buy something. We can talk about boys and books and writing and everything in between in one text conversation. One day we will be topping the best sellers lists together!
7)Rodrigo Chavez- My babydoll! The first thing Rod ever said to me was, "I like you hair, let's be best friends!" Mind you he was drunk at an Ole Miss game, but we did become so close and he is one of my favorite people. Another one who I got into a major fight with but worked it out and have been great since. Rod is the type of guy who babysits your pets and surprises you with a Taylor Lautner poster in your bedroom. He is the kid of guy that everybody likes. It's impossible not to, he has an infectious smile and is so much fun. Ole Miss would have not been nearly as great without him there. He's the guy I want as Kiera's godfather (if I ever actually make it to church and the baptism classes). I know he always has my back and I know we will have many more amazing memories in the future.
8)Dustin Milewski- Another amazing guy friend. We met at Ole Miss and one drunken night walking in the woods (because that is what you do in Mississippi) we decided he needed to move to NYC with me when school ended and we graduated. I am so happy that he did because we had so many great adventures. Dustin isn't afraid to be himself and I love that confidence about him. He is so passionate about things in his life and it makes you passionate about them too. I know we will be friends forever because we made it through a year living in the smallest apartment ever and somehow survived.
9)My former teammates (especially Jeanette, Laura, and Melissa)- These girls have kept in touch with me no matter where I moved and no matter what I was doing with my life. We've celebrated milestones in each others lives and watched each other grow up into women. High school wouldn't have been the same without them. We were the nerds who threw pasta dinners and laughed our butts off and ran crazy workouts because we loved it. They were all top of their classes and we all helped each other succeed. When I feel like I am losing myself it takes one lunch with these girls to remind me of who I am at the core and who I want to be. They bring out the best in me because they are all amazing women with sincere hearts. From moms to teachers to fbi agents, the girls I ran with in high school are changing the world for the better. I am so lucky to know them and even luckier to call them friends still.
These are just a few of the people who I would consider genuine, for life friends. Unfortunately the majority of them don't live in Vegas and it really sucks. They are all smart and wonderful and fun people who brighten my life. There are so many more that I just don't have time to write about. You know who you are and you know I adore you. So thank you to all my friends who get me and make me a better person. Love you all!
1)Afton Brown- I met Afton sophomore year of high school in our World History class. She was a transfer student from our rival Palo Verde and I hated her. By track season though I got to know her and a beautiful friendship arose. This woman is one of the most intelligent, beautiful, kindhearted people I know. I see her as a sister and she sees me that way. Afton is the kind of girl who always makes me smile and gets me in a way so many other people don't. She never judges and sticks with me through thick and thin. It doesn't matter that she's a fancy Air Force pilot, traversing the world, she's still always there for me, even if it's finding a computer in a remote location to say happy birthday and that she loves me. She is the perfect role model for my daughter and myself. Afton is the kind of woman that all woman should strive to be, and one who I am so lucky to call a genuine friend.
2)Jen Swanson- Jen is one of those people that I met at work who is who she is and doesn't give in to the bullshit. Like me, Jen believes the rules should be followed because it isn't personal, it's work. I've watched how Jen goes to great lengths for people who don't deserve it. She just has the most open and true heart. Jen and I started out as coworkers but I'm so lucky to call her a friend. She was so supportive of me during my pregnancy and was the only one who kept up with me during my maternity leave and even was at the hospital for the birth of my daughter. Jen is the kind of girl who makes me so happy I work in the industry because if I didn't, we would never have met.
3)Karen Gillespie- Karen was my first friend in high school. A bigger nerd than me who made school so great. This girl joined track with me and even moved to the distance team with me when Coach Miller decided I should be doing distance, not sprints. She was the only friend who I visited in college and the only friend who visited me. Karen is classy and probably one of the smartest girls I know. Her and I even had a falling out because of my spacey, procrastinating nature, but we moved forward and I still hold her close to my heart. She's the type of girl who is reserved but so vibrant. She's the type of girl who read my last post and texted me right away to be long-distance workout buddies. Distance separates us, but I know I can always call her my friend.
4)Hillary McAdam- Hills and I met at Willamette and didn't even talk our first semester there. It was when I went back second semester that we realized how well we get along and before I knew it, we were joined at the hip. We tried living together at UNLV and it almost destroyed our friendship, but in the end we made up because that's what happens when someone is a soul sister to you. She is sarcastic and hilarious and another smarty pants. She's the kind of girl who got me a job in her family's company and who looks at me as family and would do anything for me whether it's put me on her phone line or help take care of me if I was a single mom. She was the first person who purchased the it works products I sell (check them out at krissyanne.myitworks.com) and the first person to refer a friend to me. She was the first friend I told I was pregnant and the girl I planned the date of my baby shower around so that she could be in town for it. I can't wait to be one of her bridesmaids and help plan her wedding (well I most excited for the bachelorette party lol). I hate that she lives up north, but I love her so much and can't wait for her to visit (hopefully soon).
5)Ashley Fricker- Ashley and I became friends when she stepped up and was there for me when I got sick in high school. It pains me that we weren't close before that because I missed out on years of her in my life. Ashley is the coolest girl, she's an animal lover after my own heart, and a teacher every parent wants for their children. A highly intelligent, totally down to Earth person that actually listens when you speak to her and always wants to see the best for everyone around her. I know if I ever needed anything that she would do whatever she could to help me.
6)Hilary Bee- Hilary is another girl I met through the industry. We worked together briefly in Mississippi before Chef Wes got divorced and shut down the restaurant. She was taking a break from school at the time, but also graduated with a degree in English from Ole Miss. She cracks me up with her blatantly honest self and I know I can talk to this girl about anything. I mean she's my go-to girl when I'm shopping alone, I know I can send her a text and get a sound opinion on whether or not to buy something. We can talk about boys and books and writing and everything in between in one text conversation. One day we will be topping the best sellers lists together!
7)Rodrigo Chavez- My babydoll! The first thing Rod ever said to me was, "I like you hair, let's be best friends!" Mind you he was drunk at an Ole Miss game, but we did become so close and he is one of my favorite people. Another one who I got into a major fight with but worked it out and have been great since. Rod is the type of guy who babysits your pets and surprises you with a Taylor Lautner poster in your bedroom. He is the kid of guy that everybody likes. It's impossible not to, he has an infectious smile and is so much fun. Ole Miss would have not been nearly as great without him there. He's the guy I want as Kiera's godfather (if I ever actually make it to church and the baptism classes). I know he always has my back and I know we will have many more amazing memories in the future.
8)Dustin Milewski- Another amazing guy friend. We met at Ole Miss and one drunken night walking in the woods (because that is what you do in Mississippi) we decided he needed to move to NYC with me when school ended and we graduated. I am so happy that he did because we had so many great adventures. Dustin isn't afraid to be himself and I love that confidence about him. He is so passionate about things in his life and it makes you passionate about them too. I know we will be friends forever because we made it through a year living in the smallest apartment ever and somehow survived.
9)My former teammates (especially Jeanette, Laura, and Melissa)- These girls have kept in touch with me no matter where I moved and no matter what I was doing with my life. We've celebrated milestones in each others lives and watched each other grow up into women. High school wouldn't have been the same without them. We were the nerds who threw pasta dinners and laughed our butts off and ran crazy workouts because we loved it. They were all top of their classes and we all helped each other succeed. When I feel like I am losing myself it takes one lunch with these girls to remind me of who I am at the core and who I want to be. They bring out the best in me because they are all amazing women with sincere hearts. From moms to teachers to fbi agents, the girls I ran with in high school are changing the world for the better. I am so lucky to know them and even luckier to call them friends still.
These are just a few of the people who I would consider genuine, for life friends. Unfortunately the majority of them don't live in Vegas and it really sucks. They are all smart and wonderful and fun people who brighten my life. There are so many more that I just don't have time to write about. You know who you are and you know I adore you. So thank you to all my friends who get me and make me a better person. Love you all!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
My Mommy Tips
Being a first time mom, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I still learn new things every day. It's so helpful for me that I have Dave with me because he is kind of a pro at this parenting thing since Kiera is number five for him. So, here are some tips I wish I had known before my baby was born.
1) Huggies and Luvs diapers suck ass. DO NOT BUY THEM. Seriously with them on every poop became a blowout and blowouts ARE NOT FUN. I would instead recommend Pampers or Target brand.
2)As far as wipes go, I would recommend getting the Huggies Natural Care brand (the ones with aloe). They are pretty durable and not too expensive if you buy the bulk box. I don't like the regular Huggies wipes and I hated the Target and Papers brands (both were too thin).
3)If your baby can flip his or herself over, put pillows around him or her when he or she is on the bed. Kiera fell off the bed twice because I underestimated her ability to move. One time I just turned around for two seconds and she rolled off the bed, the other time I stepped out of the room to talk to Dave and we heard her thud. Both times she had been in the middle of the bed.
4)Buy a swing before the baby is born. Kiera loved her swing, just wish I had had it when we first came home from the hospital. Around six months old she started to dislike it so we switched her to a playpen.
5) Write everything down. I wish I had and continue to wish I had made notes of all the little things, like the day she found her feet or the first time she sat up. Get a notebook and keep those dates and memories.
6) Sleep when you can. Babies do not let you sleep so if your baby goes down for a nap, let yourself get one too. The dishes can wait an hour, you staying sane is more important. I am a better, more attentive mom when I've had some sleep. You don't want to be cranky and annoyed with your baby. Get your rest, you really do need it.
7)Find a good babysitter before the baby is born. Then find two reliable backups. Babysitters suck these days. It's hard to find one that will be around when you need them to be so always have backup.
8) Share the responsibility. Don't be afraid to ask daddy for help. He made the baby, let him help you raise the baby! Take turns getting in and out of the bed when the baby cries. Take turns changing diapers. Take turns watching him or her so your significant other can sleep or do work or even just take a shower. Share the household chores. As a mom you should want your sweetheart to be your child's role model and that starts at conception.
9)Breastfeeding is the most miserable thing you will love to do. When my daughter has an occasional formula bottle, she eats it and is done. When she breastfeeds, it is an entire experience. She smiles, she caresses my skin, she laughs, she makes silly noises. It's more than food to babies, it's time with mom. It's cuddles and being held and getting kisses on the forehead and getting to hold hands. Kiera likes to fall asleep breastfeeding. She loves that when I get home from work I shower and feed her. It doesn't matter if Dave gave her a bottle, she cries until mommy breastfeeds her. She knows it's our time to hang out and after nine hours of me driving to and from and actually working, she wants that close time. Yes, it is painful. Yes, it is exhausting. Yes, it is worth it.
10)Fenugeek is amazing if you have a low milk supply and are breastfeeding. I def see a difference on days I take my pills before work and days I don't.
11)The Medela Freestyle pump is the way to go if you are going to be a working/breastfeeding/pumping mommy. Being battery operated as opposed to needed to be plugged in makes it so convenient. I know it's more expensive, but it is well worth the money. I'm so glad I purchased mine. Do remember though, that as long as you have insurance, you should be eligible for a free breast pump through your insurance company.
That's all I can think of for now. When I come up with more, I'll post another list. Let me know what you think of all this. I love to hear back from my readers!
1) Huggies and Luvs diapers suck ass. DO NOT BUY THEM. Seriously with them on every poop became a blowout and blowouts ARE NOT FUN. I would instead recommend Pampers or Target brand.
2)As far as wipes go, I would recommend getting the Huggies Natural Care brand (the ones with aloe). They are pretty durable and not too expensive if you buy the bulk box. I don't like the regular Huggies wipes and I hated the Target and Papers brands (both were too thin).
3)If your baby can flip his or herself over, put pillows around him or her when he or she is on the bed. Kiera fell off the bed twice because I underestimated her ability to move. One time I just turned around for two seconds and she rolled off the bed, the other time I stepped out of the room to talk to Dave and we heard her thud. Both times she had been in the middle of the bed.
4)Buy a swing before the baby is born. Kiera loved her swing, just wish I had had it when we first came home from the hospital. Around six months old she started to dislike it so we switched her to a playpen.
5) Write everything down. I wish I had and continue to wish I had made notes of all the little things, like the day she found her feet or the first time she sat up. Get a notebook and keep those dates and memories.
6) Sleep when you can. Babies do not let you sleep so if your baby goes down for a nap, let yourself get one too. The dishes can wait an hour, you staying sane is more important. I am a better, more attentive mom when I've had some sleep. You don't want to be cranky and annoyed with your baby. Get your rest, you really do need it.
7)Find a good babysitter before the baby is born. Then find two reliable backups. Babysitters suck these days. It's hard to find one that will be around when you need them to be so always have backup.
8) Share the responsibility. Don't be afraid to ask daddy for help. He made the baby, let him help you raise the baby! Take turns getting in and out of the bed when the baby cries. Take turns changing diapers. Take turns watching him or her so your significant other can sleep or do work or even just take a shower. Share the household chores. As a mom you should want your sweetheart to be your child's role model and that starts at conception.
9)Breastfeeding is the most miserable thing you will love to do. When my daughter has an occasional formula bottle, she eats it and is done. When she breastfeeds, it is an entire experience. She smiles, she caresses my skin, she laughs, she makes silly noises. It's more than food to babies, it's time with mom. It's cuddles and being held and getting kisses on the forehead and getting to hold hands. Kiera likes to fall asleep breastfeeding. She loves that when I get home from work I shower and feed her. It doesn't matter if Dave gave her a bottle, she cries until mommy breastfeeds her. She knows it's our time to hang out and after nine hours of me driving to and from and actually working, she wants that close time. Yes, it is painful. Yes, it is exhausting. Yes, it is worth it.
10)Fenugeek is amazing if you have a low milk supply and are breastfeeding. I def see a difference on days I take my pills before work and days I don't.
11)The Medela Freestyle pump is the way to go if you are going to be a working/breastfeeding/pumping mommy. Being battery operated as opposed to needed to be plugged in makes it so convenient. I know it's more expensive, but it is well worth the money. I'm so glad I purchased mine. Do remember though, that as long as you have insurance, you should be eligible for a free breast pump through your insurance company.
That's all I can think of for now. When I come up with more, I'll post another list. Let me know what you think of all this. I love to hear back from my readers!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
I'm a better mommy when I get sleep
I never wanted to have a baby, but I always wanted to be a mother. My plan was adoption. I figured I would meet a good guy one day and we would fall in love, get married, and adopt two children who really needed a loving family. Life didn't work out that way. Not only did I get pregnant and have my own baby, but I had a child with a man who already had four kids.
With the birth of my daughter, my life was set on a new path that I never expected. I have three step-sons (or at least I call them that, even though I'm not married to their father) who are all very active (hello, T went to the little league world series representing Nevada last year and it looks like Alex's team could be on the same path this year). The amount of money we spend feeding three teenaged boys three days a week is ridiculous! I love them to death though, so other than my wallet hating it, it's all good with me. It's difficult though, trying to figure out how to be a part of their lives. Dave criticizes me a lot. I'm saying the wrong thing, treating them like they are little kids, I'm trying too hard, and so on. The big issue is that he is so scared that the boys will repeat something innocent that I say or do to their mother and that she will flip out. I have faith that the boys aren't going to want to deal with her blowing up, and I think it's important that they know that they are welcome in our house or that if they need anything to let us know. As strange as it is for me to try and find a place in their life, I'm sure it's strange for them to see their dad starting a new family with another woman. I never want them to feel like they are being replaced or that our home isn't their home too.
For almost two years I have worked graveyard at Red Rock. The hours suck, but they are the best too. I love how close our entire staff is, it's great knowing people in other departments and being able to work alongside them in harmony. I love not having managers watching my every move (not because I do things wrong, but rather because it lets me not stress and do my job confidently). I love my regulars. Another great thing about graveyard is that Dave works late hours too. I love that we both get to sleep together and eat meals together. It would be so hard on me if we were on opposite schedules and never had time together. Dave shows me how to be a better parent so of course I want him by my side as often as possible. The issue that Dave and I are having with working graveyard these days though is that Kiera sleeps while we are at work and wants to be awake when we are home (with a few naps here and there). Needless to say, we get barely ever get good sleep. I am happy if I get two two hour sessions. Being tired all the time though makes me feel like such a bad mom because I get so cranky with Kiera.
In order to be a good mom I feel that I need to be a stay-at-home mommy, like my mom was. Kids need their parents around. Financially though, this is not an option for Dave and me. Between rent, bills, groceries, gas, car payment, insurance, child support, and so on, we barely get by with both of us working. I am applying for a second job and really hope I get it. The other way that I am trying to work towards my goal is through the company It Works! I joined when Kiera was three months old, and am almost at my four month mark with the company. I won't lie, it is slow starting for me. Some people sign up and kick ass right away. I didn't put in enough effort at first to do that. Last month I really started trying and saw a huge increase in interest in the products and even got a bunch of new customers. I know in my heart that if I work hard enough I can use this company to be a stay-at-home mom. Now I just need to work on being a better salesman so that I can really help people to see what an incredible company it really is and how much the products can really help make a difference in their lives. If you want to check it out, my webpage is krissyanne.myitworks.com
So to sum it up, I'm working my hardest to make enough money to set Dave and I up so that one day I don't have to go into a job. Once I don't have any set schedule I can take care of Kiera and get sleep.
With the birth of my daughter, my life was set on a new path that I never expected. I have three step-sons (or at least I call them that, even though I'm not married to their father) who are all very active (hello, T went to the little league world series representing Nevada last year and it looks like Alex's team could be on the same path this year). The amount of money we spend feeding three teenaged boys three days a week is ridiculous! I love them to death though, so other than my wallet hating it, it's all good with me. It's difficult though, trying to figure out how to be a part of their lives. Dave criticizes me a lot. I'm saying the wrong thing, treating them like they are little kids, I'm trying too hard, and so on. The big issue is that he is so scared that the boys will repeat something innocent that I say or do to their mother and that she will flip out. I have faith that the boys aren't going to want to deal with her blowing up, and I think it's important that they know that they are welcome in our house or that if they need anything to let us know. As strange as it is for me to try and find a place in their life, I'm sure it's strange for them to see their dad starting a new family with another woman. I never want them to feel like they are being replaced or that our home isn't their home too.
For almost two years I have worked graveyard at Red Rock. The hours suck, but they are the best too. I love how close our entire staff is, it's great knowing people in other departments and being able to work alongside them in harmony. I love not having managers watching my every move (not because I do things wrong, but rather because it lets me not stress and do my job confidently). I love my regulars. Another great thing about graveyard is that Dave works late hours too. I love that we both get to sleep together and eat meals together. It would be so hard on me if we were on opposite schedules and never had time together. Dave shows me how to be a better parent so of course I want him by my side as often as possible. The issue that Dave and I are having with working graveyard these days though is that Kiera sleeps while we are at work and wants to be awake when we are home (with a few naps here and there). Needless to say, we get barely ever get good sleep. I am happy if I get two two hour sessions. Being tired all the time though makes me feel like such a bad mom because I get so cranky with Kiera.
In order to be a good mom I feel that I need to be a stay-at-home mommy, like my mom was. Kids need their parents around. Financially though, this is not an option for Dave and me. Between rent, bills, groceries, gas, car payment, insurance, child support, and so on, we barely get by with both of us working. I am applying for a second job and really hope I get it. The other way that I am trying to work towards my goal is through the company It Works! I joined when Kiera was three months old, and am almost at my four month mark with the company. I won't lie, it is slow starting for me. Some people sign up and kick ass right away. I didn't put in enough effort at first to do that. Last month I really started trying and saw a huge increase in interest in the products and even got a bunch of new customers. I know in my heart that if I work hard enough I can use this company to be a stay-at-home mom. Now I just need to work on being a better salesman so that I can really help people to see what an incredible company it really is and how much the products can really help make a difference in their lives. If you want to check it out, my webpage is krissyanne.myitworks.com
So to sum it up, I'm working my hardest to make enough money to set Dave and I up so that one day I don't have to go into a job. Once I don't have any set schedule I can take care of Kiera and get sleep.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
It's been way too long!
I sit here and realize just how long it has been since I updated my blog. Do people even blog anymore? I hope so, because I am ready to get back into it. My life has taken such a turn from where it was when I started this blog. Then again, that is only to be expected since I started it so many years ago. I think the only way to start this blog up again is to give a very brief description of where my life has been since I opened this page.
College: My blog started back at Ole Miss. Oxford is a place dear to my heart and sorely missed. There is no place like it. My blog started there, while I had so much hope for my future as an editor and writer and adventurer. I had big plans. I was going to do big things. My last year and a half was spent in semi-depression as the stress of taking a million classes a semester so that I could graduate finally wore down on me.
New York City: One year in that fine place was enough for me. I lived on 1st Ave between 91st and 92nd. I worked first as a bartender and then as a building manager. Both jobs had their ups and downs, the latter definitely paying far less than the former. I went out with a math professor for four months. That was interesting. I met a lawyer I really was into even though he was a total dork. It never went past a third date. His loss. I met "Adonis" whom I still catch up to from time to time. I like to pretend he is the "one that got away," but don't really mean that because I found the love of my life and can't really imagine wanting any other man. There were so many other dates but I can't remember most of their names so they don't really count. I made a best friend out of an LSU fan. We have two matching tattoos. I love that kid, hate that he is in the Navy and stationed across the world now. I almost got punched by my sister's dumbass ex and was saved by my girlfriends super skinny but sweet little brother. I met the first Jewish person who ever made me think of religion as a personality trait. He's an awesome dude, basically me in a male form and the owner of a soon-to-be-launched vodka company. The city was good to me (especially Mimi's pizza on 86th and Lexington). My roommates and I had good and bad times, but memories I cherish either way (love and miss you Heather and Dut). I learned so much about myself and a part of me misses the lifestyle, but after a year I had had enough of the big apple.
Colorado: After leaving NYC in May of 2012 I moved to Westminster, CO. It was a beautiful place and I lived down the street from my parents and sister. I got a job in Denver as a travel and expense coordinator. The job was supposed to be full-time but I was too efficient and screwed myself down to part-time hours. I was not very happy, I felt like I was back in high school and I hated it. I knew I needed a change, and after spending my 25th birthday in Las Vegas, I knew I needed to move back home.
Las Vegas: In September of 2012 I moved back to the city of sin, a place that I had been raised. I moved in with my "best friend" which ruined our friendship not necessarily because we didn't get along, but rather because she had another "best friend" who is psychotic and she couldn't see it. After my 14 year old Maltese was abused by said crazy lady, I had to move out. Ended up in a house I really couldn't afford. I started seeing a kid I had known for years. I was never entirely happy with him nor entirely dissatisfied. As a person to hang out with, he could have been my best friend. I had such a good time. As a love interest he lacked in so many ways, and despite all the begging and pleading from me, did not seem to care to fix things. Unfortunately for him, I was also seeing a bartender that I met through aforementioned "best friend." Fast forward seven months of being torn between two very different men to when I find out I am pregnant. Male number one is an ass and abandons me, bartender sticks by my side. Bartender and I had always had great chemistry but he wasn't really looking to be serious. Never thought he would be the one who I was able to count on. Over the course of the pregnancy we built a real relationship and before our daughter was born we had fallen deeply in love with each other. Fast forward to now. Bartender and I live together, are very happy, and our daughter, Kiera, is growing up so fast.
So, now that ya'll are up to speed I will start regularly posting about things going on with me. Tips on mommy life. About cocktailing again. About my home business (krissyanne.myitworks.com). I'm very excited to share my life with you all. Please, don't be strangers, I love comments.
College: My blog started back at Ole Miss. Oxford is a place dear to my heart and sorely missed. There is no place like it. My blog started there, while I had so much hope for my future as an editor and writer and adventurer. I had big plans. I was going to do big things. My last year and a half was spent in semi-depression as the stress of taking a million classes a semester so that I could graduate finally wore down on me.
New York City: One year in that fine place was enough for me. I lived on 1st Ave between 91st and 92nd. I worked first as a bartender and then as a building manager. Both jobs had their ups and downs, the latter definitely paying far less than the former. I went out with a math professor for four months. That was interesting. I met a lawyer I really was into even though he was a total dork. It never went past a third date. His loss. I met "Adonis" whom I still catch up to from time to time. I like to pretend he is the "one that got away," but don't really mean that because I found the love of my life and can't really imagine wanting any other man. There were so many other dates but I can't remember most of their names so they don't really count. I made a best friend out of an LSU fan. We have two matching tattoos. I love that kid, hate that he is in the Navy and stationed across the world now. I almost got punched by my sister's dumbass ex and was saved by my girlfriends super skinny but sweet little brother. I met the first Jewish person who ever made me think of religion as a personality trait. He's an awesome dude, basically me in a male form and the owner of a soon-to-be-launched vodka company. The city was good to me (especially Mimi's pizza on 86th and Lexington). My roommates and I had good and bad times, but memories I cherish either way (love and miss you Heather and Dut). I learned so much about myself and a part of me misses the lifestyle, but after a year I had had enough of the big apple.
Colorado: After leaving NYC in May of 2012 I moved to Westminster, CO. It was a beautiful place and I lived down the street from my parents and sister. I got a job in Denver as a travel and expense coordinator. The job was supposed to be full-time but I was too efficient and screwed myself down to part-time hours. I was not very happy, I felt like I was back in high school and I hated it. I knew I needed a change, and after spending my 25th birthday in Las Vegas, I knew I needed to move back home.
Las Vegas: In September of 2012 I moved back to the city of sin, a place that I had been raised. I moved in with my "best friend" which ruined our friendship not necessarily because we didn't get along, but rather because she had another "best friend" who is psychotic and she couldn't see it. After my 14 year old Maltese was abused by said crazy lady, I had to move out. Ended up in a house I really couldn't afford. I started seeing a kid I had known for years. I was never entirely happy with him nor entirely dissatisfied. As a person to hang out with, he could have been my best friend. I had such a good time. As a love interest he lacked in so many ways, and despite all the begging and pleading from me, did not seem to care to fix things. Unfortunately for him, I was also seeing a bartender that I met through aforementioned "best friend." Fast forward seven months of being torn between two very different men to when I find out I am pregnant. Male number one is an ass and abandons me, bartender sticks by my side. Bartender and I had always had great chemistry but he wasn't really looking to be serious. Never thought he would be the one who I was able to count on. Over the course of the pregnancy we built a real relationship and before our daughter was born we had fallen deeply in love with each other. Fast forward to now. Bartender and I live together, are very happy, and our daughter, Kiera, is growing up so fast.
So, now that ya'll are up to speed I will start regularly posting about things going on with me. Tips on mommy life. About cocktailing again. About my home business (krissyanne.myitworks.com). I'm very excited to share my life with you all. Please, don't be strangers, I love comments.
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