Something is better than nothing

Since becoming a mom "something is better than nothing" has become my mantra. And like a mantra it has an oddly soothing effect on me.

Now, I am what you call a type-A gal. I've been known to be obsessive, high strung, even... anal. I am a creature of habit. I like my routine, I like to do certain things by the book, and I like my house and my stuff to be "just so." Well guess what? People like myself do not fair well once a baby enters the picture. I was obsessed with doing everything the way I thought it should be done to the point of driving myself insane. I used to be a list-maker. You know the type. I would add already completed tasks to a list just so I could cross them off. After I had Sophie I stopped making lists because seeing only 1 or 2 things crossed off a long list at the end of the day would just depress me.

And then I found my mantra. I began to tell myself several times a day that something is better than nothing. For example, if Sophie wakes up from her nap early, causing me to only be able to go on the treadmill for 20 minutes instead of 35, that's okay. Because some time on the treadmill is better than none. And (warning- not for the squeamish or awkward) if I am only able to pump 2 ounces one night instead of 5 because I was stressed and hadn't remembered to drink all 8 cups of water that day, that is just fine. Because pumping some milk is better than pumping none. If I was away for a three day yom tov and got on the weight watchers scale and only lost .4 pounds instead of the previous week's 2 pounds, that was nothing to get upset about. Because losing some weight is always better than losing none (or gaining some back!). You get the idea.

So, now I have decided to share my mantra with all of you. I really think my mantra could be used in almost any situation, for anyone. It has really helped me to let go of my irrational belief that I have to be a super woman and get it all done the right way always. And if I help just one person by sharing this thought, then that is just awesome. Because helping one person is better than helping none!

Fall is here!

Even though it is still 80 degrees out, somehow the leaves know to change colors and fall from the trees. Somehow my nose knows to be stuffed up. And somehow we have still managed to have lots of Fall fun!

Last Sunday was our shul's BBQ and Sophie had a blast picnicing and swinging!

Sophie enjoyed eating and playing in the sukkah.

We went to Weber's Pumpkin Farm with the Diamonds a couple of weeks ago and had a great time!

Happy Fall, Everyone!!!

Inside, Outside, Upside Down

And of course in a box, in some socks, with a fox, eating lox, etc. etc. Statistics, chemistry, and even some Jewish history went out the window a long time ago, but Dr. Seuss will stick with me forever.

Sophie is now 9 months old, which means she has been outside of me as long as she was inside. She is SOOO BIG. You would never believe she used to be 6 pounds and have toothpick legs. She is finally moving, although her method of transportation is scooting backwards. On her tummy, not on her knees. And whenever she feels like it, which is once or twice a day. But hey, you gotta start somewhere. She has 3 teeth (2 front bottoms and 1 front top) and many more are on their way. She loves playing with other kids and has had several recent play dates (pictures and more details in upcoming posts).

And as for my every three months theory: The most notable strides since 6 months have been the scooting and the nicety and convenience of the fact that she eats real food (i.e., a nice serving of cholent, a piece of challah, and 1.5 pieces of sweet potato pie at a recent shabbat lunch out). These aren't as big accomplishments as the ones that accompanied 3 and 6 months (see previous entries for details), but the point is that Sophie is growing and changing way too fast!

On an administrative note, I feel like I am bursting with things to blog about. Every day I make a mental note to put to pen (keyboard) things I observe and ponder. But the day just isn't long enough. And Shimmy steals the lap top when he comes home from work. However, I have decided to write as many entries as I can, each with its own separate topic ASAP. Over the next couple of days, be prepared for a blog overload!