It's been almost five months since I completely weaned Casey, and pretty soon he will turn 1 and be off of bottles and formulas, and onto the real stuff.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss breastfeeding. I don't know why. In a lot of ways, I'm excited for this year mark to pass, because I know that had I been left to my own devices, and not had health issues that caused me to wean early, I would be weaning right about now.
Even though I'm no longer an official breastfeeder, I still find myself very defensive of breastfeeding moms. Like if someone gets offended by someone for breastfeeding in public. Or when Facebook took down those pictures of women breastfeeding. Or when people got all up in arms about that breastfeeding doll. Come on. It's natural, people!
So when I saw this ACLU petition regarding the LSAT exam and breastfeeding moms, I couldn't help but get a little worked up about it.
For any non-lawyers out there, the LSAT is basically the law school entrance exam - you can't get into law school without taking it. The exam itself lasts approximately four hours. Apparently, the Law School Admissions Council (the organization that administers the LSAT) has a blanket policy of denying all requests for accommodation from nursing mothers who need to pump during the exam itself. So basically, if you want to take the LSAT and you are nursing, be prepared to endure pain and invest in some extra breast pads.
Are they serious? I'm not suggesting breastfeeding mothers should have any advantages, but surely some accommodation could be made for these women to, um, get rid of the milk that is about to explode out of their boobs?
Whoever is making these decisions surely has never had said milk explode out of their boobs. I am pretty sure of that.
Whatever. I suppose I'm not surprised. The barriers to a legal career and motherhood start early. And trust me, beyond law school, it doesn't get any easier.
But this is just ridiculous.
For anyone interested, you can click the link above to sign the ACLU petition.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Four Years of Disney
Don't hate me because I'm in Disney World.
Yes, I am here - on a five day mini-vacation with the husband, the kids, and a set of grandparents. And though a trip to Disney World is far from relaxing, we are having a blast. So this week's posts will likely be heavy on pictures and light on words.
Walking around Magic Kingdom yesterday, I couldn't help but reflect on all of my trips here over the years. I have vague memories of coming here as a five year old and riding "It's a Small World" over and over again. I have sharper memories of coming here as an 8 year old, dressed in a princess dress, and galavanting around Fantasy Land. I distinctly remember coming here as a teenager with high school friends and thinking I was too cool for Fantasy Land. I clearly remember coming here while in college and skipping Fantasy Land altogether and instead doing an "Around the World" bar crawl in the EPCOT world showcase.
And then I remember coming here as an adult. I've been here numerous more times over the years, but three times over the past four years specifically. And the pictures tell the story:
Who knows what our next Disney trip will bring?
Yes, I am here - on a five day mini-vacation with the husband, the kids, and a set of grandparents. And though a trip to Disney World is far from relaxing, we are having a blast. So this week's posts will likely be heavy on pictures and light on words.
Walking around Magic Kingdom yesterday, I couldn't help but reflect on all of my trips here over the years. I have vague memories of coming here as a five year old and riding "It's a Small World" over and over again. I have sharper memories of coming here as an 8 year old, dressed in a princess dress, and galavanting around Fantasy Land. I distinctly remember coming here as a teenager with high school friends and thinking I was too cool for Fantasy Land. I clearly remember coming here while in college and skipping Fantasy Land altogether and instead doing an "Around the World" bar crawl in the EPCOT world showcase.
And then I remember coming here as an adult. I've been here numerous more times over the years, but three times over the past four years specifically. And the pictures tell the story:
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| September 2007 |
 |
| September 2009 |
 |
| October 2011 |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Un-wined of the Week - Catching Up
It has been a while since I've done an un-wined of the week. Fear not - it's not because of a lack of alcohol consumption. It's more because I've been traveling and things are busy and there are other things I want to write about. Plus, I like to add a bit of a story behind an evening of wine drinking, and lately the story has been: It's Wednesday and I am watching X-Factor and eating popcorn. And that's kind of boring.
But last night departed from the mundane.
One of the things I love about the DC area is that it is so transient. People are always moving in and out. It obviously sucks when friends leave, but it also means that there is the potential for friends to come. And lo and behold, a few weeks ago, one came. And I am so happy about it!
Kristen and I went to college together, and were in the same (ahem, I'm going to say it) sorority. She was a year younger than me, so we weren't in the same core circle of friends. But you know how there are those people that you may not be that close to, but that you just LOVE? In that, you know if you had the opportunity, you would be great friends, no problem? She was one of those. Love her.
But last night departed from the mundane.
One of the things I love about the DC area is that it is so transient. People are always moving in and out. It obviously sucks when friends leave, but it also means that there is the potential for friends to come. And lo and behold, a few weeks ago, one came. And I am so happy about it!
Kristen and I went to college together, and were in the same (ahem, I'm going to say it) sorority. She was a year younger than me, so we weren't in the same core circle of friends. But you know how there are those people that you may not be that close to, but that you just LOVE? In that, you know if you had the opportunity, you would be great friends, no problem? She was one of those. Love her.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Tale of Two Dentists
Today is going to be a short one because I am exhausted. Casey inexplicably woke up at 5am this morning, and once I got him back down I couldn't go back to sleep, since I knew I was waking up at 6:15 to go to the dentist.
But this dentist post is not about me.
Yesterday I took Braden to his first dentist appointment. I knew from the get-go it wasn't going to go well.
How do I know this? Well, Braden doesn't like to be touched by strangers. When we go shopping for shoes, he freaks when the salesperson tries to measure his feet. He demonstrates an impressive physical strength at doctor's appointments in refusing access to his ears. And just try and cut his hair. That's the worst. Because not only does he not like invasions of personal space, he also really hates loud noise. All hell breaks loose when he gets his hair cut and they bring out that electric razor thing. This is why his hair is always uneven- he ends up scaring the hair dressers and making them cry and they refuse to finish the job.
But this dentist post is not about me.
Yesterday I took Braden to his first dentist appointment. I knew from the get-go it wasn't going to go well.
How do I know this? Well, Braden doesn't like to be touched by strangers. When we go shopping for shoes, he freaks when the salesperson tries to measure his feet. He demonstrates an impressive physical strength at doctor's appointments in refusing access to his ears. And just try and cut his hair. That's the worst. Because not only does he not like invasions of personal space, he also really hates loud noise. All hell breaks loose when he gets his hair cut and they bring out that electric razor thing. This is why his hair is always uneven- he ends up scaring the hair dressers and making them cry and they refuse to finish the job.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Pic of the Week - Happiness Is...
This baby boy.
I only have a few weeks left to count his age in months, and likely even less time to count his words on one hand.
My baby boy disappears more and more everyday into an older version of himself.
But I can't be too sad about it, because, man, he is so, so, so happy. All the time.
I only have a few weeks left to count his age in months, and likely even less time to count his words on one hand.
My baby boy disappears more and more everyday into an older version of himself.
But I can't be too sad about it, because, man, he is so, so, so happy. All the time.
Monday, October 10, 2011
So It's Not Just Me
When I started this whole stay at home mom journey, it was easy to feel isolated. I knew there probably were other women who had left law firms, or other career tracks, to stay at home, but I only knew a few. I suppose part of the reason I started this blog was in an effort to reach out and feel connected. A virtual way to say - "Is there anyone else out there?"
Well, seven months out, the resounding answer is YES! Thanks to this virtual community I've joined, I've realized there are SO many of us. So many women who have taken a break from a career to be with family. So many women who never thought it was the course their life would take. Maybe it's just now becoming more apparent, or maybe it's just because I'm looking, but I've also noticed a lot more people are talking about it. In fact, in the past week, thanks to the blogging community, I've come across three fascinating articles on the subject.
Well, seven months out, the resounding answer is YES! Thanks to this virtual community I've joined, I've realized there are SO many of us. So many women who have taken a break from a career to be with family. So many women who never thought it was the course their life would take. Maybe it's just now becoming more apparent, or maybe it's just because I'm looking, but I've also noticed a lot more people are talking about it. In fact, in the past week, thanks to the blogging community, I've come across three fascinating articles on the subject.
Friday, October 7, 2011
This weekend I am STUFFING MY FACE
Tomorrow is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Before I look it up on google, let me tell you what I know about it:
It's a really big deal Jewish holiday. The most important one I think. No gifts are involved. Instead, you are supposed to go to temple tonight. And then again tomorrow. You are supposed to fast for 24 hours (starting tonight). You are supposed to think about all the crappy things you did this year, and feel really, really bad about yourself. And then you are supposed to do better next year.
And now the official description from Wikipedia:
"Also known as Day of Atonement, [Yom Kippur] is the holiest and most solemn day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services."
Well, hell hath no fury like a Jew stuffing their face, and Lord strike me down for my synagogue non-attendance. But, much to my in-laws horror, we won't be going to services, and I certainly am not going without food. (I'm pulling for Olive Garden for dinner this evening).
It's a really big deal Jewish holiday. The most important one I think. No gifts are involved. Instead, you are supposed to go to temple tonight. And then again tomorrow. You are supposed to fast for 24 hours (starting tonight). You are supposed to think about all the crappy things you did this year, and feel really, really bad about yourself. And then you are supposed to do better next year.
And now the official description from Wikipedia:
"Also known as Day of Atonement, [Yom Kippur] is the holiest and most solemn day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services."
Well, hell hath no fury like a Jew stuffing their face, and Lord strike me down for my synagogue non-attendance. But, much to my in-laws horror, we won't be going to services, and I certainly am not going without food. (I'm pulling for Olive Garden for dinner this evening).
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Forgotten One
I write all the time about Braden. About Casey. About my husband and work and vacations and my various identity crises.
It dawned on me yesterday that I haven't written at all about a certain family member and housemate.
This is Cous Cous. She also goes by Cous, "The Moose," Moostifer, and Ga ga.
She is a Cavapoo (a mix between a King Charles Cavalier and a poodle). She is 4 1/2. She is about 25 pounds. She is a daddy's girl. She is OBNOXIOUS. And as much as I hate to say it, she is at many times forgotten.
It wasn't always the case.
Back in December of 2006, we were newlyweds living in New York. I was working at Skadden in those days, and I was miserable. We made the decision to leave our jobs and move to DC, and we thought it would be a perfect time to get a dog. We'd have more space, an easier lifestyle, and I'd have four weeks off from work to potty train the little thing. We perused the internet for hypo-allergenic breeds (husband claims he is allergic) and knew Cous was "the one" from the second we saw her picture. She flew into JFK Airport with her breeder the day before we moved to DC. I fell in love with her from the moment I saw her. My husband, on the other hand, vomited that day when she had her first accident. (I told you he had a problem with his stomach when he is undergoing a life change!)
It dawned on me yesterday that I haven't written at all about a certain family member and housemate.
This is Cous Cous. She also goes by Cous, "The Moose," Moostifer, and Ga ga.
She is a Cavapoo (a mix between a King Charles Cavalier and a poodle). She is 4 1/2. She is about 25 pounds. She is a daddy's girl. She is OBNOXIOUS. And as much as I hate to say it, she is at many times forgotten.
It wasn't always the case.
Back in December of 2006, we were newlyweds living in New York. I was working at Skadden in those days, and I was miserable. We made the decision to leave our jobs and move to DC, and we thought it would be a perfect time to get a dog. We'd have more space, an easier lifestyle, and I'd have four weeks off from work to potty train the little thing. We perused the internet for hypo-allergenic breeds (husband claims he is allergic) and knew Cous was "the one" from the second we saw her picture. She flew into JFK Airport with her breeder the day before we moved to DC. I fell in love with her from the moment I saw her. My husband, on the other hand, vomited that day when she had her first accident. (I told you he had a problem with his stomach when he is undergoing a life change!)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Pic of the Week - $400 Empanadas
On Sundays, my husband generally makes dinner. He enjoys it, and I'm certainly not going to complain. This week's dinner? Beef empanadas with a black bean and tomato sauce:
I generally don't interfere with my husband in the kitchen and let him do his thing. However, while I was watching him cook on Sunday, I noticed he was throwing an awful lot of food into the garbage disposal - lettuce, tomatoes, cauliflower, etc. The garbage disposal is a great invention, but it can't take a head of lettuce. We have learned this the hard way.
I thought to myself, Surely he won't put all that down the garbage disposal. He is probably just keeping it there for now, and will transfer it to the garbage later.
So I decided not to say anything. Why be condescending? Besides: He just clogged the sink last month. He learned his lesson. I'll let him cook in peace.
A few moments later I heard the clankety clank noise of the garbage disposal.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
I do love a good "I told you so." But not at the expense of water spilling all over our kitchen floor.
A plumber, a snake, and $400 later, we enjoyed our empanadas. They were good, but not $400 good.
 |
| I swear they taste better than they look. |
I thought to myself, Surely he won't put all that down the garbage disposal. He is probably just keeping it there for now, and will transfer it to the garbage later.
So I decided not to say anything. Why be condescending? Besides: He just clogged the sink last month. He learned his lesson. I'll let him cook in peace.
A few moments later I heard the clankety clank noise of the garbage disposal.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
I do love a good "I told you so." But not at the expense of water spilling all over our kitchen floor.
A plumber, a snake, and $400 later, we enjoyed our empanadas. They were good, but not $400 good.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Hello Darkness My Old Friend
The weather this past weekend was downright depressing. Cold, rainy, gloomy, curl up in pajama type weather. It was a premature reminder of the dark months to come.
For the past four years, I have fallen into a winter funk from mid-November - February. I can't say it's depression per se, but I generally am sluggish, bored, unmotivated, and never wanting to leave the house because it's too damn cold - just blah. I find myself crossing days off of the calendar and counting down the days until daylight savings time. I think this funk has been the result of one or more of the following factors:
- morning sickness
- post partum depression
- the drafting of a ridiculous number of deposition outlines with a completely unmanageable deadline
- a crying newborn
- a lack of sleep
- sunsets before 5pm
- the self loathing of post-baby weight
- the announcement of salary freezes
- an impending return from maternity leave
- the stress of childcare to cover impending return to maternity leave
- Snowmageddon (twice - once resulting in a tree falling on my house)
Among others.
For the past four years, I have fallen into a winter funk from mid-November - February. I can't say it's depression per se, but I generally am sluggish, bored, unmotivated, and never wanting to leave the house because it's too damn cold - just blah. I find myself crossing days off of the calendar and counting down the days until daylight savings time. I think this funk has been the result of one or more of the following factors:
- morning sickness
- post partum depression
- the drafting of a ridiculous number of deposition outlines with a completely unmanageable deadline
- a crying newborn
- a lack of sleep
- sunsets before 5pm
- the self loathing of post-baby weight
- the announcement of salary freezes
- an impending return from maternity leave
- the stress of childcare to cover impending return to maternity leave
- Snowmageddon (twice - once resulting in a tree falling on my house)
Among others.
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