I'm happy to report that my son feels much better today!
I'm hosting a meetup based on baby/toddlerwearing at my house in a little less than two weeks and I want to give attendees useful information to take home. I've been gathering information for weeks and finally spent a few hours researching the validity of the information. I have written about six pages (obviously I'll be printing them front to back!) and I have two separate handouts that contain illustrations and photos depicting safe holds.
I felt that I knew quite a bit about babywearing before I embarked on this journey, but my mind is boggled at how much I didn't know! I have seven carriers, five different types. I'm afraid that I want another type of carrier now that I've learned more about it. . .this is becoming an addiction, isn't it?
I have a little more work to do on my handout and I'm hoping that this meetup will be fun and informative for everyone who attends!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sick Babies Are No Fun!
I'm sad to report that my son didn't miraculously improve overnight and he was still sick today.
He had a pretty bad bout with diarrhea in the middle of the night and it kept the two of us up for a bit. He knows to let mama know if he goes poo-poo, so I went to sleep in my own room. I wish I hadn't.
When he finally woke this morning, I walked in his room and the stench slapped me in the face. He had a diaper that was full of loose stool. How long it was there, I have no idea. He howled and cried as I wiped him clean and his bottom and entire groin area was so red that it was almost purple.
He had no energy today and spent the entire day in my arms or laying on my bed. He even took a morning nap, something he hasn't done in ages, in addition to his regular afternoon nap. My son is typically on the go from the moment he wakes up until he falls asleep, so his fatigue is a good sign that he feels poorly. He also has no appetite. He ate 1/4 of a banana, five bites of chicken, six Goldfish crackers, and 1/4 cup of chicken noodle soup today. He normally eats more than this in one snack. His lack of appetite is particularly troublesome to me.
Having a sick baby is so hard. You feel so bad for your ailing little one and you wish that there was some way you could take their sickness away. I adore snuggling and cuddling with my son, but I hate that he felt so bad that he was content to sit still all day.
We did share a special moment today, just before he drifted off to sleep for his afternoon nap. He was staring at me, eyes heavy, and he was touching my face. I whispered, "I love you." And his eyes closed. I think it's so sweet that the last thing he heard before going to sleep was his mama telling him that he's loved.
Thankfully, his diarrhea stopped this afternoon, but he still had a fever when he went to bed tonight. I'm hoping that he'll be back to being himself tomorrow. . .
He had a pretty bad bout with diarrhea in the middle of the night and it kept the two of us up for a bit. He knows to let mama know if he goes poo-poo, so I went to sleep in my own room. I wish I hadn't.
When he finally woke this morning, I walked in his room and the stench slapped me in the face. He had a diaper that was full of loose stool. How long it was there, I have no idea. He howled and cried as I wiped him clean and his bottom and entire groin area was so red that it was almost purple.
He had no energy today and spent the entire day in my arms or laying on my bed. He even took a morning nap, something he hasn't done in ages, in addition to his regular afternoon nap. My son is typically on the go from the moment he wakes up until he falls asleep, so his fatigue is a good sign that he feels poorly. He also has no appetite. He ate 1/4 of a banana, five bites of chicken, six Goldfish crackers, and 1/4 cup of chicken noodle soup today. He normally eats more than this in one snack. His lack of appetite is particularly troublesome to me.
Having a sick baby is so hard. You feel so bad for your ailing little one and you wish that there was some way you could take their sickness away. I adore snuggling and cuddling with my son, but I hate that he felt so bad that he was content to sit still all day.
We did share a special moment today, just before he drifted off to sleep for his afternoon nap. He was staring at me, eyes heavy, and he was touching my face. I whispered, "I love you." And his eyes closed. I think it's so sweet that the last thing he heard before going to sleep was his mama telling him that he's loved.
Thankfully, his diarrhea stopped this afternoon, but he still had a fever when he went to bed tonight. I'm hoping that he'll be back to being himself tomorrow. . .
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Day Out of Balance
All it takes is one little thing to be out of balance and the entire day falls apart.
There was a bit of drama last night and I never did get around to eating dinner. I think that's what started it all. I wasn't able to go to sleep until a little after four this morning. Obviously, the official start of my day began waaay too early.
I knew that my MIL would need my help today. I brought lunch & dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. I meant to run to the grocery store for her, but I ran out of time. We enjoyed a nice visit until my son needed his nap.
My son didn't care that I was exhausted from the moment I woke up because he really needed his mama today. He kept telling me he was "tie tie" (tired) and he started running a fever at around lunch time. The only things he ate today were 1 cup of milk, one bite of cheese, one bite of pear, 1/2 a cookie, a cup of juice, and a cup of water. My son typically eats like a horse and his lack of appetite worries me far more than the fever. He refused every single thing I put in front of him tonight. And he refused every beverage I offered. I feel horrible that my son went to bed with no dinner.
Though he ate virtually nothing all day, he somehow ended up with diarrhea. Horribly smelly, gooey, and messy diarrhea. Did I mention that this was in a cloth diaper? A cloth diaper with gathering at the legs. That was the frosting on the cake of my day. Make that the poop frosting on the crap cake of my day.
My poor little babe only wanted to cuddle before drifting off to sleep. I held him close, humming his favorite bedtime song. He kept kissing me over and over again. Of course, I kept kissing him over and over again too.
Here's hoping that my son improves overnight and tomorrow is a much better day.
There was a bit of drama last night and I never did get around to eating dinner. I think that's what started it all. I wasn't able to go to sleep until a little after four this morning. Obviously, the official start of my day began waaay too early.
I knew that my MIL would need my help today. I brought lunch & dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. I meant to run to the grocery store for her, but I ran out of time. We enjoyed a nice visit until my son needed his nap.
My son didn't care that I was exhausted from the moment I woke up because he really needed his mama today. He kept telling me he was "tie tie" (tired) and he started running a fever at around lunch time. The only things he ate today were 1 cup of milk, one bite of cheese, one bite of pear, 1/2 a cookie, a cup of juice, and a cup of water. My son typically eats like a horse and his lack of appetite worries me far more than the fever. He refused every single thing I put in front of him tonight. And he refused every beverage I offered. I feel horrible that my son went to bed with no dinner.
Though he ate virtually nothing all day, he somehow ended up with diarrhea. Horribly smelly, gooey, and messy diarrhea. Did I mention that this was in a cloth diaper? A cloth diaper with gathering at the legs. That was the frosting on the cake of my day. Make that the poop frosting on the crap cake of my day.
My poor little babe only wanted to cuddle before drifting off to sleep. I held him close, humming his favorite bedtime song. He kept kissing me over and over again. Of course, I kept kissing him over and over again too.
Here's hoping that my son improves overnight and tomorrow is a much better day.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
La la la la, la la la la, Elmo Sucks
My son has grown obsessed with Elmo. For those of you lucky enough to not be in the know, Elmo is a Muppet of some sort that's on Sesame Street. He's red and he speaks in falsetto. He has a goldfish named Dorothy and he continually bothers a barely-functioning retard named Mr. Noodle. Or it's his brother, Mr. Noodle. And I hate that I know that.
My son adores this little red monster. He will run to the televison whenever he hears Elmo's wimpy voice or his theme song. He excitedly points to the TV and tells me it's, "La-La."
I have unwittingly fed his obsession with all things Elmo because I made the mistake of giving him two pair of Elmo jammies at Christmas. They are long-sleeved jammies. It has been hot the last few days. I want him to wear short-sleeved jammies. Do you see where I'm going with this?
I've tried to get him to warm up to his short-sleeved Mickey Mouse jammies to no avail. He apparently knows how to fully undress because he does a darn good job of it when I try to dress him in these stupid Mickey jammies. Last night he began thrashing about as I was dressing him for bed. He kept calling out, "La-LA! LA-LA!" I don't know if he thought the little red bastard would somehow save him from the indignities of wearing Mickey jammies or if he was simply demanding that I dress him in Elmo jammies.
He also has an Elmo T-shirt. An Elmo T-shirt that he has been demanding to wear every friggin' day. Thankfully, I do laundry every night and I can indulge him in this simple demand. The jammies were another thing altogether.
I checked at three different stores before I found one that had short-sleeve Elmo jammies. And I bought every damn style they had on the sales floor. For good measure, I also bought him some Elmo outfits for Summertime.
I dropped over $100 on Elmo clothes today. Jammies, T-shirts, and shorts. Over one hundred freaking dollars. I told my husband that part of this better count as the little one's birthday gifts.
I can't remember the last time I spent money on myself. Well, I did buy a mascara today because I was out. But to buy clothes just because? Geez, I can't even remember when I last did that. I'd guess I was still working, so at least two years or more. But I was (sort of) happy to spend this money because it makes my son so happy to wear clothes with his favorite little character.
He saw his new Elmo jammies tonight and his eyes lit up. He actually hugged and kissed the shirt before I put it on him. A hearty thanks to Kohl's for saving me from a bedtime struggle tonight.
My son adores this little red monster. He will run to the televison whenever he hears Elmo's wimpy voice or his theme song. He excitedly points to the TV and tells me it's, "La-La."
I have unwittingly fed his obsession with all things Elmo because I made the mistake of giving him two pair of Elmo jammies at Christmas. They are long-sleeved jammies. It has been hot the last few days. I want him to wear short-sleeved jammies. Do you see where I'm going with this?
I've tried to get him to warm up to his short-sleeved Mickey Mouse jammies to no avail. He apparently knows how to fully undress because he does a darn good job of it when I try to dress him in these stupid Mickey jammies. Last night he began thrashing about as I was dressing him for bed. He kept calling out, "La-LA! LA-LA!" I don't know if he thought the little red bastard would somehow save him from the indignities of wearing Mickey jammies or if he was simply demanding that I dress him in Elmo jammies.
He also has an Elmo T-shirt. An Elmo T-shirt that he has been demanding to wear every friggin' day. Thankfully, I do laundry every night and I can indulge him in this simple demand. The jammies were another thing altogether.
I checked at three different stores before I found one that had short-sleeve Elmo jammies. And I bought every damn style they had on the sales floor. For good measure, I also bought him some Elmo outfits for Summertime.
I dropped over $100 on Elmo clothes today. Jammies, T-shirts, and shorts. Over one hundred freaking dollars. I told my husband that part of this better count as the little one's birthday gifts.
I can't remember the last time I spent money on myself. Well, I did buy a mascara today because I was out. But to buy clothes just because? Geez, I can't even remember when I last did that. I'd guess I was still working, so at least two years or more. But I was (sort of) happy to spend this money because it makes my son so happy to wear clothes with his favorite little character.
He saw his new Elmo jammies tonight and his eyes lit up. He actually hugged and kissed the shirt before I put it on him. A hearty thanks to Kohl's for saving me from a bedtime struggle tonight.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Making Progress on My Journey
I did something this morning that I haven't done in ages. No, not that - you perverts. I worked out on a Saturday morning.
Even back when I was the Cardio Queen, I NEVER went to the gym on a Saturday morning. I would go in the afternoon, but never in the morning. I've always enjoyed sleeping in on the weekends and, more often than not, I was drinking on Friday evening and didn't have the energy to work up a sweat come sunrise.
Since I'm not drinking at all this month, I decided that I had no reason not to squeeze in some activity before my little tater tot woke up. Besides, I was attending an Easter Egg Hunt/Potluck in the afternoon and I knew that I'd have an easier time facing temptation if my appetite was dulled from some aerobic activity. I was aiming for 30 minutes, but I ultimately rode the LifeCycle for 45 minutes before I called it quits.
I'm fairly critical when it comes to exercise because I know how hard I used to work my body. In some ways, I feel that I shouldn't be too proud over doing 45 minutes because I used to do 90 minutes of cardio and I never did less than 60 minutes.
But that was then and this is now. I had trouble doing just 20 minutes on Tuesday (on Level 1 and Level 2) and I made it through 45 minutes (30 on Level 2 and 15 on Level 3) today. That is progress and that does make me feel proud.
Best of all, I remembered why I used to love exercise. At about minute 19, I felt it. That high-flying feeling you can only get by doing some moderate-to-intense aerobic activity. It's exhilarating and it's a big reason why I enjoyed working out. I began to smile and punched the air for a few minutes before raising them over my head in some sort of mental victory. My face was flushed and my eyes were lively. My skin glowed and I tingled from my head to my toes. It was almost as good as an orgasm except my panties weren't soaked from anything besides my sweat. That warm feeling remained long after I showered.
I used to feel a real joy of movement and I suppose I had missed moving my body. Once I experienced that awesome and long-forgotten feeling, I knew that I will be able to embrace activity once again. Sure, it will take some time to work up to 60 minutes and even longer to work up to 90 minutes. But I can do 45 minutes today and I will do 45 minutes tomorrow.
Thanks to the aerobic appetite suppression, I was able to resist unhealthy choices that would have tripped me up at the potluck this afternoon. Macaroni & cheese, cocktail meatballs, and potato dishes surely would have been my downfall. Instead, I chose to enjoy a hamburger patty, a lot of raw veggies (that was my contribution!), and some fresh fruit. I did decide to have a sliver of homemade chocolate cake and a 1/2 cup serving of homemade banana pudding. I reasoned that I would use my dinner points on dessert at the potluck because I knew that I wouldn't eat supper tonight since the potluck was in the late afternoon.
I've faced quite a bit of temptation in the last two days. I went to John's Incredible Pizza for lunch yesterday and I had the potluck today. I feel that I handled both situations very well. I budgeted my points with these events in mind and I made great choices along the way. Add in the activity and I think I'm definitely making solid progress on my weight loss journey.
Even back when I was the Cardio Queen, I NEVER went to the gym on a Saturday morning. I would go in the afternoon, but never in the morning. I've always enjoyed sleeping in on the weekends and, more often than not, I was drinking on Friday evening and didn't have the energy to work up a sweat come sunrise.
Since I'm not drinking at all this month, I decided that I had no reason not to squeeze in some activity before my little tater tot woke up. Besides, I was attending an Easter Egg Hunt/Potluck in the afternoon and I knew that I'd have an easier time facing temptation if my appetite was dulled from some aerobic activity. I was aiming for 30 minutes, but I ultimately rode the LifeCycle for 45 minutes before I called it quits.
I'm fairly critical when it comes to exercise because I know how hard I used to work my body. In some ways, I feel that I shouldn't be too proud over doing 45 minutes because I used to do 90 minutes of cardio and I never did less than 60 minutes.
But that was then and this is now. I had trouble doing just 20 minutes on Tuesday (on Level 1 and Level 2) and I made it through 45 minutes (30 on Level 2 and 15 on Level 3) today. That is progress and that does make me feel proud.
Best of all, I remembered why I used to love exercise. At about minute 19, I felt it. That high-flying feeling you can only get by doing some moderate-to-intense aerobic activity. It's exhilarating and it's a big reason why I enjoyed working out. I began to smile and punched the air for a few minutes before raising them over my head in some sort of mental victory. My face was flushed and my eyes were lively. My skin glowed and I tingled from my head to my toes. It was almost as good as an orgasm except my panties weren't soaked from anything besides my sweat. That warm feeling remained long after I showered.
I used to feel a real joy of movement and I suppose I had missed moving my body. Once I experienced that awesome and long-forgotten feeling, I knew that I will be able to embrace activity once again. Sure, it will take some time to work up to 60 minutes and even longer to work up to 90 minutes. But I can do 45 minutes today and I will do 45 minutes tomorrow.
Thanks to the aerobic appetite suppression, I was able to resist unhealthy choices that would have tripped me up at the potluck this afternoon. Macaroni & cheese, cocktail meatballs, and potato dishes surely would have been my downfall. Instead, I chose to enjoy a hamburger patty, a lot of raw veggies (that was my contribution!), and some fresh fruit. I did decide to have a sliver of homemade chocolate cake and a 1/2 cup serving of homemade banana pudding. I reasoned that I would use my dinner points on dessert at the potluck because I knew that I wouldn't eat supper tonight since the potluck was in the late afternoon.
I've faced quite a bit of temptation in the last two days. I went to John's Incredible Pizza for lunch yesterday and I had the potluck today. I feel that I handled both situations very well. I budgeted my points with these events in mind and I made great choices along the way. Add in the activity and I think I'm definitely making solid progress on my weight loss journey.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Slingin' Babies & Pouchin' Toddlers
I won't have time to write a post tomorrow, so I figured that I better do it tonight.
Earlier this month I wrote about how much I adore my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch. It has proven to be an indispensable part of my parenting arsenal. I truly wonder how I parented effectively without an appropriate carrier for my toddler.
When my son is upset or overwhelmed, he goes in the pouch. When my son is tired and we're out, he goes in the pouch. When we're in situations that can be dangerous, he goes in the pouch. When Mama needs an extra pair of arms, he goes in the pouch. You get the idea. I have "pouched" him as he's starting to have a meltdown and being held close quickly restores his sweet attitude. I've joked that we should have named him Joey because he likes being in the pouch so much.
I took my MIL to the doctor again today and she requires a wheelchair at the moment. He won't sit still on her lap and he can't be trusted to walk by himself without holding Mama's hand, so he went in the pouch. My son eagerly snuggled up to me once he was safely ensconced in the pouch and I was able to push my MIL in the wheelchair.
Two different people stopped to ask me about the pouch.
While in the elevator, one woman asked my son's weight and I replied that he was around 25 pounds. Her eyes widened and she asked if he was too heavy to carry him in the pouch. I told her that it's perfectly comfortable for us and just a few weeks ago he was pouched for 3 1/2 hours with no problems. She told me that a friend can't wear her 20-pound baby because the child is so heavy. I let her know that there many types of carriers, one for nearly any mama and nearly any baby, gave her some ideas, and exited the elevator.
While checking in, the receptionist commented that my son looked comfortable hanging out in the pouch and I replied that I thought he was. She wanted to know if it was difficult to wear him. I told her the same thing that I'd told the woman in the elevator. The receptionist responded that she can't wear her 6-month old anymore because it's painful for mama. I asked what type of carrier she was using and it sounds like she's using a Baby Bjorn or some other type of crotch-dangle baby carrier. You know what I mean, the kind that has the baby facing outward, legs dangling, and all the baby's weight is supported by their crotch. I suggested a few carriers that would be more comfortable for her and for her baby. She countered that there has been a "sling recall" and I let her know that the recall is about a specific type of carrier, not all "slings" or carriers are dangerous. She mentioned that babies had suffocated while being worn and I let her know that it is perfectly safe to wear your baby or toddler if you are using an appropriately-designed carrier and using it properly. By now there was a line behind me and I finished by encouraging her to check out babywearing to learn about the vast variety of carriers that are available.
I typically like to quickly go about my business and don't like to idly chit-chat with strangers that I will most likely never see again. Since when do I care what someone thinks of baby/toddlerwearing? I can only guess that I care because I love it so much and it has brought tremendous comfort to my son. I believe that we have a special bond because I wore him so often in the early days. No, I'm not saying that mamas who don't wear their babies don't have a special relationship. I'm saying that I believe that my relationship with my son has been enhanced because I chose to keep him close all the time. Well, except bedtime because he's always slept in his own bed.
The pediatrics department was busy today and ALL infants were strapped into their infant carseat/carriers while waiting. Yes, every single infant was left to sit in a carseat/carrier. Some of the carseat/carriers were on the floor, which is the safest place I suppose, others were on a chair next to mom. Out of all the moms that I saw today, around ten or so, only one was paying any attention to her baby. Even when babies were fussing, moms still didn't pick up their child and chose to rock/shake the carseat/carrier instead. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers, I know some good mamas who have used them, but the behavior in the waiting room today was interesting to me.
I can't imagine putting my baby in a carseat/carrier and toting them around that way. Let's start with the fact that they are heavy and bulky. Kind of like, well, a carseat. I hated the idea of leaving my son in a seat when he didn't have to be and I loved to cuddle with him in waiting rooms, in stores, in restaurants, anywhere. Before anyone gets all up in arms, remember, I am not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers. I just would never, never, never tote my son around in one because I prefer to wear him close.
Wearing your children, pushing them in strollers, toting them in carseat/carriers. . .I don't know which is best. But I do know which I prefer for my children and now my readership does too. What about you?
Earlier this month I wrote about how much I adore my Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch. It has proven to be an indispensable part of my parenting arsenal. I truly wonder how I parented effectively without an appropriate carrier for my toddler.
When my son is upset or overwhelmed, he goes in the pouch. When my son is tired and we're out, he goes in the pouch. When we're in situations that can be dangerous, he goes in the pouch. When Mama needs an extra pair of arms, he goes in the pouch. You get the idea. I have "pouched" him as he's starting to have a meltdown and being held close quickly restores his sweet attitude. I've joked that we should have named him Joey because he likes being in the pouch so much.
I took my MIL to the doctor again today and she requires a wheelchair at the moment. He won't sit still on her lap and he can't be trusted to walk by himself without holding Mama's hand, so he went in the pouch. My son eagerly snuggled up to me once he was safely ensconced in the pouch and I was able to push my MIL in the wheelchair.
Two different people stopped to ask me about the pouch.
While in the elevator, one woman asked my son's weight and I replied that he was around 25 pounds. Her eyes widened and she asked if he was too heavy to carry him in the pouch. I told her that it's perfectly comfortable for us and just a few weeks ago he was pouched for 3 1/2 hours with no problems. She told me that a friend can't wear her 20-pound baby because the child is so heavy. I let her know that there many types of carriers, one for nearly any mama and nearly any baby, gave her some ideas, and exited the elevator.
While checking in, the receptionist commented that my son looked comfortable hanging out in the pouch and I replied that I thought he was. She wanted to know if it was difficult to wear him. I told her the same thing that I'd told the woman in the elevator. The receptionist responded that she can't wear her 6-month old anymore because it's painful for mama. I asked what type of carrier she was using and it sounds like she's using a Baby Bjorn or some other type of crotch-dangle baby carrier. You know what I mean, the kind that has the baby facing outward, legs dangling, and all the baby's weight is supported by their crotch. I suggested a few carriers that would be more comfortable for her and for her baby. She countered that there has been a "sling recall" and I let her know that the recall is about a specific type of carrier, not all "slings" or carriers are dangerous. She mentioned that babies had suffocated while being worn and I let her know that it is perfectly safe to wear your baby or toddler if you are using an appropriately-designed carrier and using it properly. By now there was a line behind me and I finished by encouraging her to check out babywearing to learn about the vast variety of carriers that are available.
I typically like to quickly go about my business and don't like to idly chit-chat with strangers that I will most likely never see again. Since when do I care what someone thinks of baby/toddlerwearing? I can only guess that I care because I love it so much and it has brought tremendous comfort to my son. I believe that we have a special bond because I wore him so often in the early days. No, I'm not saying that mamas who don't wear their babies don't have a special relationship. I'm saying that I believe that my relationship with my son has been enhanced because I chose to keep him close all the time. Well, except bedtime because he's always slept in his own bed.
The pediatrics department was busy today and ALL infants were strapped into their infant carseat/carriers while waiting. Yes, every single infant was left to sit in a carseat/carrier. Some of the carseat/carriers were on the floor, which is the safest place I suppose, others were on a chair next to mom. Out of all the moms that I saw today, around ten or so, only one was paying any attention to her baby. Even when babies were fussing, moms still didn't pick up their child and chose to rock/shake the carseat/carrier instead. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers, I know some good mamas who have used them, but the behavior in the waiting room today was interesting to me.
I can't imagine putting my baby in a carseat/carrier and toting them around that way. Let's start with the fact that they are heavy and bulky. Kind of like, well, a carseat. I hated the idea of leaving my son in a seat when he didn't have to be and I loved to cuddle with him in waiting rooms, in stores, in restaurants, anywhere. Before anyone gets all up in arms, remember, I am not saying there is anything wrong with carseat/carriers. I just would never, never, never tote my son around in one because I prefer to wear him close.
Wearing your children, pushing them in strollers, toting them in carseat/carriers. . .I don't know which is best. But I do know which I prefer for my children and now my readership does too. What about you?
Diva Cup - Month Three
WARNING - WARNING - WARNING: This is yet another post about my vagina and it's on-going adventures with a Diva Cup. Stop reading if it will creep you out to read about my period and stuff like that.
It's been three cycles with the Diva Cup. I initially thought it was the worst invention in history, far worse than a Chia Pet, but I'm definitely coming around. I guess you can say that I have a love/hate relationship with the Diva Cup. I love it most of the time and I absolutely detest it some of the time.
Let's start with fit since that is what has caused me the most problems. I still think it's too big, but I've learned to deal with it. If I relax and bear down (does that make sense?) during removal, I have a much easier time and it isn't nearly as painful. Insertion isn't usually too bad if I fold it as small as possible and lift my leg as high as possible. Yes, it does look like I'm doing bizarre yoga poses when I'm inserting my Cup.
I made the mistake of telling my husband that the Diva Cup would be perfect if I could just stretch out my vagina a tiny bit. Heh, tiny bit! Anyway, I don't mean that I want it as wide as the Midtown tunnel, but insertion and removal would be so much easier if my nether regions were just a little more roomy. My husband shot me an incredulous look and sarcastically said, "Oh yeah, that's a great idea!"
Of course, this is the guy who half-heartedly suggested that I consider having another C-section once I have our second child. You know, so that the playpen isn't destroyed by our child's melon head and broad shoulders. Honestly, that is a concern I have too, but that's another topic for another day.
So, for the most part, I have insertion and removal down. I haven't had too much trouble emptying or cleaning the Cup. Storing the Cup is easy enough. Not having to buy tampons is wonderful. In two more months the Cup will have paid for itself in tampon savings. However, I have been using a liner each day that my Aunt is visiting. I have one very heavy flow day each cycle (I fill the cup several times in a twelve hour period - hehe, period!) and sometimes the liners are necessary.
My biggest problem at this point is my morning routine. I have a tiney vaginey and it gets very irritated at intruders in the morning. The Diva Cup doesn't even try to make out for a little bit before barging on in and my vadge particularly despises the Cup in the morning. It gets so angry and clenches up so tight that, I swear, it can turn coal into diamonds.
Obviously, I have grown to hate the Cup every morning. But the rest of the day typically makes up for it. Like I said, it's a love/hate relationship.
It's been three cycles with the Diva Cup. I initially thought it was the worst invention in history, far worse than a Chia Pet, but I'm definitely coming around. I guess you can say that I have a love/hate relationship with the Diva Cup. I love it most of the time and I absolutely detest it some of the time.
Let's start with fit since that is what has caused me the most problems. I still think it's too big, but I've learned to deal with it. If I relax and bear down (does that make sense?) during removal, I have a much easier time and it isn't nearly as painful. Insertion isn't usually too bad if I fold it as small as possible and lift my leg as high as possible. Yes, it does look like I'm doing bizarre yoga poses when I'm inserting my Cup.
I made the mistake of telling my husband that the Diva Cup would be perfect if I could just stretch out my vagina a tiny bit. Heh, tiny bit! Anyway, I don't mean that I want it as wide as the Midtown tunnel, but insertion and removal would be so much easier if my nether regions were just a little more roomy. My husband shot me an incredulous look and sarcastically said, "Oh yeah, that's a great idea!"
Of course, this is the guy who half-heartedly suggested that I consider having another C-section once I have our second child. You know, so that the playpen isn't destroyed by our child's melon head and broad shoulders. Honestly, that is a concern I have too, but that's another topic for another day.
So, for the most part, I have insertion and removal down. I haven't had too much trouble emptying or cleaning the Cup. Storing the Cup is easy enough. Not having to buy tampons is wonderful. In two more months the Cup will have paid for itself in tampon savings. However, I have been using a liner each day that my Aunt is visiting. I have one very heavy flow day each cycle (I fill the cup several times in a twelve hour period - hehe, period!) and sometimes the liners are necessary.
My biggest problem at this point is my morning routine. I have a tiney vaginey and it gets very irritated at intruders in the morning. The Diva Cup doesn't even try to make out for a little bit before barging on in and my vadge particularly despises the Cup in the morning. It gets so angry and clenches up so tight that, I swear, it can turn coal into diamonds.
Obviously, I have grown to hate the Cup every morning. But the rest of the day typically makes up for it. Like I said, it's a love/hate relationship.
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