Disgusting....

This story was recently posted on a community that I can't seem to quit, by another member who also has tried to quit (hehehe, damn addiction!). But, after today, I really think I'm ready to give it another try. The responses to this were, in my opinion, disgraceful.

This is a marketing campaign of a salon in Canada. I find it offensive, tacky and just plain ridiculous.
http://www.yesthatjill.com/index.php/awfulmarketingcampaign/

How did this idea even form? You have to have a really cryptic mind to think this is art. And I bet that none of the people involved in this campaign have ever been a victim of abuse. Maybe this just "hits" too close to home. Having been in an abusive relationship, I'm thankful I was strong enough to leave. But many women aren't. They are trapped by the threats. They are trapped by their own sense of self worth. They are sometimes trapped by a mental illness. They are just trapped.

Some of the responses on this article, via the community, were "Ehh.. it doesn't bother me." I replied, "I bet if it were kittens and puppies, ya'll would flip."

Yes, kittens and puppies are defenseless. But, battered women can also be just as defenseless. Women are killed everyday by abuse. It's not nearly as easy to just get up and walk away. It took me a year and a half to do that.

Thank you for posting, KG. You inadvertently helped me see that I just don't belong there and need to really sign off for good. Now.... to actually do that... wish me luck!

Growing and Learning...

Over the last month or so, it's been amazing watching Kaylee grow and learn. She's learning things that I didn't think was even age appropriate, but apparently it is. She's now walking and trying to run. Chewie and Kaylee are best friends. They chase each other. She gives him big belly laughs and he makes sure she's ok when she loses her balance. We have a large ottoman in our livingroom. This is where we'll play peek-a-boo. She'll be on one side, I'll be on the other... and we'll go back and forth finding each other. She loves it! "I'm gunna get you," while not exactly nice, cracks her up... her speed increases two-fold as she runs or crawls away.

Other things that she's doing includes high fives, blowing kisses, fist bumps... she can find your nose and ear consistently and is hit or miss with mouth and eye. She says hi, dog, doggie, daddy, mommie... the other day she tried to say Cooler, which was pretty funny.

Kaylee is also a pig. This child eats more than any other baby I have known. But, she's still a mere17.5lbs. It's hilarious watching her pack away the food...

She's pretty much still the cutest, sweetest baby I know... I know, Momma is a bit biased.

The thoughts are spinning

It really sucks when you are worried but you can't talk about said worry as it'll only make things worse.... So, here I am.. it's 3am. I've been up since midnight. Kaylee will be up by 7. Today is going to suck. I can't turn my mind off. I really hate it when this happens. I had become so good at putting everything out of my mind so I could sleep better. But, this could be big... The thing I hate most about it is someone had told me this could happen - for no other reason other than to hear themselves speak. I am mad the thought was even put into my mind. Senseless worry... that's what I'm all about... good times.

Vacation starts soon... so maybe that will set my mind at ease.

I'm Thankful for... (in no particular order)

* my husband.... Brian has been pretty awesome. I am glad I have him for a sounding board, a partner and as the father of our child.

* my kid... Kaylee is so much fun. I love having her around. I'm glad that I want to be around her and that being a SAHM isn't a "job"... it's a lifestyle. :)

* my home... Ok.. so this thing has gone through a huge transformation over the years.. from bachelor pad to family home... there are still a lot of projects left to finish up, but the overall feel is "Home"

* my health... I was so sick with Kaylee that I though at certain points I wouldn't make it.... now, I'm 100% back to normal and feeling great!

* my family... new and the old... the new have accepted me as I am, which has made me feel incomprehensible joy.. old is still there when I seek them out.. occasionally they'll seek me out.. I guess that's ok.. not as ideal as I've always wanted, but probably as good as it's going to get.

* my friends... we don't always have a lot of time to hang out, but we check up on each other at random times... it's good stuff.

* my skills... when I'm able to work, I'm glad I feel I have a skill that not everyone has. It's fun and keeps my mind stimulated.

I've been featured!

Check it out....

Year in Green

No compensation was given and I'm pretty sure she's not blogging to make money either (no ads, etc)... it's just a personal challenge. So.... click away!

Just one more thing...

to worry about, that is...

Maybe my parents didn't let on to what a pain in the butt it is to make sure we stayed safe, or maybe it wasn't a worry they had to deal with. Car seats weren't law. Drop rail cribs helped keep mom's back healthy. Sleeping on our stomachs prevented us from choking if we spit up. Processed food was the norm. Plastic was the greatest thing ever to store things in. We all survived. But, now... it's all evil.

Even car seats. And the bummer about this is it's a law. You must put your child in one. Not that I wouldn't, but now I know I'm putting her in something that could harm her. It's heartbreaking. Now, I admittedly have only read one article, but as of right now, car seats are linked to the following: reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, hormone imbalances and cancer... oh but that's not all, they can also cause liver, thyroid and neurodevelopmental toxicity.. Isn't that just neat? UGH!

Some of the comments in the article suggest that the child would have to ingest the chemical. Unfortunately, I think that's exactly what is happening.

Carseats have expiration dates. Why? Because the plastic they are made of break down and become brittle. How many of you take your carseat out, base and all, each time? I don't. It sits in the car cooking in 110+ degree weather. I fully believe that the break down process does release chemicals. But, I guess it wasn't a concern - I mean.. the EPA does stay on top of things related to children, right? (you can read my sarcasm, right??)

I don't even know what to do at this point. We have to purchase a convertible carseat soon, so I'm thankful the report has come out now. However, is there a safe carseat out there without the chemical discharge? I don't know. The article doesn't give a complete list, nor does the reference site. Now... I sit and worry. But, hopefully I can find that list to make an informed decision.

Swimming Progress

On July 7th, we began swim lessons. Needless to say, it was rough going right at first. The first lesson involved her screaming and crying the entire time. All I could do was laugh - this was for her own good. The next lesson went a bit better. She still fighted being on her back, but everything else improved a lot. Lesson three was great! She didn't fight being on her back at all, as long as her head was on my shoulder and I was supporting her. Yesterday's lesson was recorded. My MIL came and took pictures and video. Kaylee is starting to kick, which is really cool! What a difference a few lessons make...

Practicing being on her back - with distraction. :)~

Gliding and grabbing for toys.

Climbing out of the pool, almost by herself.. She's a strong Nooblet!

Practicing her "monkey walks" along the wall.

"Oh yea, Ma... I got this!"

Submersion!

Wrapped up in her towel after the lesson.. just sitting there, waiting for me to finish drying off. 

Such a good girl!