2/5/11 Katie's Healthy Eating Journal: Saturday

Tonight we went over to our friends' house that just had a baby six weeks ago.  I can't tell you how important it is to have people in your life that are going through some of the same experiences as you...especially during this stage of life.  It's not that my other friends are less important; in fact, they help keep me sane and remind me that there are other things to life other than bottles and baby poop!  This is just as important in my life too.  

But, having a baby can cause a lot of insecurity (questions such as, am I doing this right?  am I being a good parent?  is there something wrong with my child?) Having others in your life who are going through similar life experiences can help you feel less alone.  My friends' baby is a generally good baby but he does cry some and it feels like a relief because our baby went through a 3 week fussy stage and it was nice to hear that it is normal and our friends understand just how much it can drive you crazy and stress you out!  We were talking last night about how it's no one's fault but if you don't have a new baby some may just not understand.  Even older adults quickly forget how tough this stage can be.  Our church had a social for new members last weekend and I tried to tell the lady running it that our son screams half-way through church and although we'd like to go to the social we may not be able to if he's upset.  I understand she really wants people to go but her kids are older and she must forget because her response was: "There are tons of ladies there that have had kids and don't mind snuggling with a screaming baby.  We also have daycare services too!"  That is extremely nice but if our baby is screaming his head off we are not attending a social function.  Not being able to soothe our baby causes us a lot of stress and I start sweating and getting anxious right along with him.  The only thing that seems to calm him down is getting in the car.  I'm sorry but a social function is not that important to me when my son is upset; if he's crying I'm not going to relax and let a stranger try to care for my kid.  I'm really hoping that this phase is a quick one which is why people forget so easily.  But, the good news is:  tonight he survived his first entire evening at church without screaming!  Whooo maybe we really are growing out of the screaming crying stage!

SATURDAY

Breakfast -

JC Blueberry Pancakes and Sausage with 1/4 cup sugar-free syrup

Banana

1 cup fat-free organic milk

Snack -

JC Vanilla Crisp Anytime Bar

Lunch -

JC Beef and Barley Stew

Cauliflower 

Snack -

Tangelo

Dinner -

JC Meatloaf and potatoes

Salad with peppers and mushrooms 2 tbsp light ranch

Snack -

JC S'mores bar