Bad Habits

Before I had Cayden I knew *exactly* how I was going to raise him. I had everything planned perfectly and I had a million and one rules for myself and a long list of, "I would never". Well, I had Cayden and all my lists and rules seemed to go out the window and these past four months I have been doing what feels good and what feels natural.

Mine and Chad's parenting sytle is pretty relaxed. We go with the flow and pretty much let Cayden call the shots. He isn't on any type of scheule except The Cayden Schedule. He eats, sleeps and plays pretty much on his terms. We tend to give him what he wants when he wants it. So far our laid-back parenting style has worked to our advantage. Cayden is a great baby. It's such a joy to take care of him.


However, (yes, there is a "however") Cayden is developing what you might call a bad habit. Actually, it's not Cayden's bad habit, it's my bad habit. Cayden is held *a lot* and has been ever since the day we brought him home from the hospital. Now four months into our parenting adventure Chad and I are finding that Cayden doesn't want to be put down--in fact, he cries sometimes when we do...opps.


I swore I wouldn't be one of those parents who constantly hold and spoil thier baby. Well, then I had Cayden and he was so wonderful I never wanted to put him down. I still don't. I could hold him all day, everyday. I *want* to hold him all day, everyday. However, that is not humanly possible. He *needs* time to be on his own for both physical and psychological development.

I feel that it will be a harder habit to break for myself than it will be for Cayden. He is smart, well-behaved and growing more active everyday. I am sure he will start seeking his independence soon. However, his mommy will have to learn that Cayden needs to be put down at times. It's going to be tough, but I am going to put a real effort into it--starting next month.

Our Life

I have not written in forever. The main reason is because Cayden keeps me so busy that I hardly ever have a few minutes to get on and actually write. He doesn't take two hour naps anymore. Instead we spend most of our days playing on the floor. Also, on a day-to-day basis there is not too much to report. Life is simple and happy.

I enjoy Cayden more everyday and I am fascinated by watching him grow, change and discover the world around him. He is getting so big--litterally growing before my eyes. I swear some mornings I pick him up from his crib and he is *heavier* than when I put him in it the night before. He can sit up by him self, he can roll over, he plays with his toys and he has started eating baby cereal. He laughs all the time and constantly babbles.

He is so sweet too. He hugs and snuggles and gives the worlds biggest kisses. He likes to hold hands and make eye-contact; he looks at you with such love. While Chad is at work Cayden nurses and when Chad gets home I pump bottles so that Chad can participate in feeding him too. Nursing Cayden is pure bliss. I love it. I can't imagine *not* breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is one of the greatest joys of mommyhood. Cayden is so sweet too, he hugs the boob. I just love knowing that even though I am no longer pregnant with him I still remain everything he needs.

The holidays and cool weather are almost here and I simply can not wait. I am so excited to see Cayden at "his first" fill in the blank. We can't wait to be spending some much needed time with our family during the holidays.

I remain grateful that I am able to stay home with my little guy and be a full-time mommy. I enjoy every second I get to spend with him and I will cherish our time together always.