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Attached

What makes an "AP" (aka attached parent)? Is this trendy, exclusive club defined by how many of its vast and specific "guide rules" you can keep? Can you consider yourself AP by only following a few?
I have never felt so much love for one person as I have for my daughter. Nine months after her birth and I still tear up from time to time over how happy she makes me feel (Ive always been on the emotional side). I have never questioned my parenting, truthfully, when I brought her home, my natural instincts gave me the most confidence I have ever felt in my whole life. I knew I was born to be a mother.

To explain my opening statement, First, I must share a few facts with you about how I raise my daughter.

- I use disposable diapers and generic (walmart bought) wipes. I enjoy the convenience of them. Eleanor has NEVER had a diaper rash/irritation and I do not believe the chemicals in disposable diapers are harmful.

- I am glad we stopped co-sleeping. For Eleanors first few months of life, she did co-sleep (she still comes in our bed in the morning to snuggle and snooze for a couple hours) BUT, the moment she started sleeping in her own room, I started sleeping better and by her being in her own bed, improved me and Wes' romantic relationship.

- I stopped breastfeeding at three months. This particular statement is difficult for me to admit (i know how judgmental some women are about this subject). But I believe the honesty of one mother will one day help another. When Eleanor was born, both her and I took to breastfeeding very well. I loved providing for her, I loved everything about breastfeeding.  As time went on, and the "new mommy high" faded, complete, 24 hour exhaustion set in. I made the choice to formula feed. From then on out, Eleanor sleeps better and so do I. I am proud to say that Eleanor has NEVER been sick, she has ALWAYS measured in the 90th percentile for height and weight.There you have it. Three honest facts about my parenting that I stand behind and am proud of.

Now, after reading these, most people would agree that I am not "following" AP guidelines. Therefore, my parenting style is a disgrace, Right? In my first statement, I referred to AP as a trend. It is one trend, that I have noticed, spreading like wildfire. Everyone claims the title, moms are degrading other moms for bottle fed, disposable diapered babies. Ive seen so many people be so critical. Why are these women belittling eachother when part of being a mother is helping support one another? What gives one mom the right to call another mom "unattached"?
"Attachment parenting has nothing to do with circumcision or vaccinations, natural (drug-free) birth or organic foods"

I do not vaccinate. I enjoyed my epidural. I wear my baby. My baby is formula fed. I bathe with my baby. I do not believe in CIO. I use disposable diapers. sometimes I place the carseat in the cart. I read to my baby. I buy my baby organic food. I AM AN ATTACHED PARENT!!!

Tiny meals

Its been an enjoyable challenge coming up with meals that are fit for us and Eleanor without having to drastically modify the dish (or our grocery shopping). I am hoping that preparing the same meals for all three of us will help prevent a picky eating toddler in the future (fingers crossed). Recently, I discovered green lentils from Trader Joes ($1.69 for one pound and can be made one cup at a time). They are an easy source of protein, combine well with various ingredients and cook up quickly and soft, perfect for a nine month old with four front teeth ;)   

Todays lentils were prepared with Butternut squash and asparagus
(with an added poached egg for this momma)!

Eleanor size

Momma size

Eleanor approved!

Delicious dish

One of my favorite things to make is sushi. Its easy, healthy and I snack on it all day which is perfect for a stay at home momma who never seems to have a second to eat. Todays menu included this...and ALOT of coffee ;)

Differences

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew my little growing baby was a girl, call it a mothers intuition. I didn't have a preference on gender, a son would have been the perfect fit as well. But when I heard the ultrasound tech say those defining words "its a girl", my whole world made sense. Like most mothers, I pictured my "mini me". A perfect little friend with the worlds most beautiful hair and softest voice. A daughter with delicate features and ladylike mannerisms. I thought about the mother daughter bond we would have, and introducing her to all the fun girly things in life, showing her how to hold a babydoll, reading American Girl books, having fancy tea parties. Teaching her how to, tastefully, apply makeup or talking about what boys are worth her time. I thought about our time choosing her wedding dress.

While pregnant, I gathered information on specific topics to educate myself to build my own strong decisions that would best fit our family. In doing so, I gained knowledge on attachment parenting, permissive parenting, instinctive parenting (what we lean the most towards, while being highly attached ;) I always keep an open mind about different parenting approaches as well.
It is said that the rules on parenting shift from generation to generation. There will always be a new "trend" with parenthood. One specific trend that has surfaced quite rapidly is raising your child gender neutral (popular among progressive parenting). This involves raising a child with out "gender limitations" and giving a child the right to choose what he or she wants to be (I encourage anyone to look deeper into this style of parenting, its quite interesting).
Although this is an extreme style, I noticed that the words "gender neutral" have become very popular with everyday/ordinary parents as well. To be bold, I am fed up with hearing these words. Personally, I believe we should celebrate the diversities between male and female! Yes, a woman can weld metal, she can cut down a tree, butcher a cow. A man is still a man if he chooses to be a stay at home dad, become a florist, barista or secretary. Talking freely about the differences between men and women can be complicated but I believe there are certain traits we were born with that the other gender can posses but not translate as well. I respect the sensitivity a woman has, the gentle, natural, maternal instinct that she discovers is completely opposite of a man who establishes the dominate protective role once a child is born into the family. We should embrace these characteristics that define who we are.

I am excited to embrace my daughters femininity, to complement her beautiful intellect and appearance. To teach her every beautiful diversity that exists, whoever she chooses to be.

Our normal

While perusing the mom blog world, Ive discovered that I gravitate towards the more "realistic" outlooks on life. While I respect all great mommas and their individual family choices, whatever they may be, I find it more believable and enjoyable to read about the everyday life from an ordinary momma, like me. One who shops at Target for baby clothes, stops into Walmart for inexpensive dry goods. A mom who isnt afraid to admit they stay at home in their PJs for a couple days or who hasnt cleaned up lunch from the day before. I am taking on the blog "challenge", I am showing you our real home, and what it looks like most days...those days where the household chores can wait ;)

1. Babe in toyland
2. Dishes from our dinner last night
3. A pile of dirty clothes and much need coffee
4. Her bedroom, since the discovery of how to pull toys down
5. The downstairs tub, a constant state of bath fun

Cuppy cake sweetie

Today, my three year old niece, Monroe, came over to visit and play. Its an easy time when she comes over, she keeps Eleanor thoroughly entertained. We walked to the park and grabbed hot chocolates from the cafe then came home to bake some sweets! I always keep boxed cupcakes or cookies on hand for occasions like this. The recipes are simple and keep a young-ins attention without getting them too bored.

Monroe did most of the work, while I held Eleanor.
She did a pretty fantastic job!

The end!