Published on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by caryn
Life is a series of moments captured in time in our mind.UnknownOne of the only ways to describe the past year is bittersweet. I haven't talked a lot about it, but the year was filled with a number of changes, challenges, blessings, opportunities, extreme joy and tremendous sorrow. It's the year where I finally realized my dream of staying home with my children...th... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by caryn
This is an original Orange County Moms Blog Post.
I practice unconventional parenting. I co-sleep, wear my baby, breastfeed until we (not I) decide to stop, and discipline with love (not my hand). Apparently, I need a support group, because my style of parenting is among Discovery Health's Top Ten List of Radical Parenting Methods (did you hear me sigh?!?).
I at... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 by caryn
My loving, hardworking, gracious husband
My bright-eyed, inquisitive, talkative 3 year old son
My sweet, smiling 5 month old daughter
My generous, supportive, caring parents
My friends that encourage and inspire me
Freedom (I wholeheartedly agree with my friend Elizabeth)
The community of support that I've received online
Health (and health ca... Read More »
Published on Monday, May 10, 2010 by caryn
Your curly hair frames your face
Your brown eyes light up when you're happy
You wake up singing each morning
You want to "do it all by yourself" one minute and "be a baby" the next
You want to help out with your baby sister by giving her the paci or her bunny
You play pretend with your trains
You giggle
You want to help mommy and daddy out with ... Read More »
Published on Friday, April 9, 2010 by caryn
You scoot to snuggle with me at night...despite the fact that I put you on your back to sleep between daddy and I.
You turn over on to your belly to sleep (just like your brother...and your mommy like to sleep).
You can be asleep peacefully next to me one minute and bright-eyed the next, the moment I wake up.
You squeal every morning for about 15 minutes in s... Read More »
Published on Sunday, April 4, 2010 by caryn
Twice a month, I contribute to two local websites...OC Family Magazine and Orange County Moms Blog. This week I found a suitable cupcake solution for my son (who was recently diagnosed with food allergies) and took the mask off to show you how imperfect I really am.... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 12, 2010 by caryn
It was supposed to be a great day. How could it not be, when we started out the morning with Cinnamon Pancakes. I know he's been feeling the effects of my divided attention. He's been the center of my world for the past 2 1/2 years. Now there is this other person...taking his place in mommy and daddy's bed...strapped to mommy where he once was...nursing in mom... Read More »
Published on Sunday, February 7, 2010 by caryn
Ten years ago (I'm totally aging myself), I boldly walked into my first interview as a new nurse, ready to start my career. I was passionate about changing the world and what better way to do that than at the bedside. As time went by, I gained the confidence and experience necessary to advance my career. I went back to school to obtain a Master's Degree in Nursi... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 11, 2010 by caryn
I looked at the clock this morning and almost an hour had gone by. I watched you look around the room and into my eyes...mostly you just slept. I prayed for you and dreamed about all of the things we'll do together. This overwhelming need to protect you overcame me. Only another mother would understand that instinct which is so strong.
I started thinking abou... Read More »
Published on Sunday, December 27, 2009 by caryn
I went into labor all on my own for the very first time...
And out of the greatest pain came the greatest joy...
I delivered a healthy baby girl...
I met the daughter I've been waiting, praying, and hoping for my whole life...
I became a mother of two incredibly beautiful children...
And my heart grew bigger than I could ever imagine to love, protect, a... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 25, 2009 by caryn
We told him much sooner than I had anticipated. Mums the word until week 12, right? But I was sick...very, very sick. And he needed to know why mommy was lying on the couch all day...or stuck in the bathroom for too long. In a small way, I felt like he understood (as much as a toddler can) that mommy wasn't herself.
Thankfully, week 12 came and things we... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 by caryn
I know it *appears* that I've been around...but I really haven't. My incredible husband has been doing much in the way of answering emails, closing giveaways, and updating everyone on how we're doing so that our baby girl and I could have some much needed bonding time before we go home. My husband has been doing all of this and more in between the times when h... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by caryn
Whew! I'm wrapping my holiday gift guide and on to my baby shower. Many (but not all) of my holiday giveaways are closing tomorrow, so please be sure to enter before 10 PM PST tomorrow night. And, please be patient with me. I will be choosing winners over the weekend and emailing you to get your information so there will be plenty of time for shipping before t... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 by caryn
Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
Our house has a lovely smell of pumpkin pie, spinach and artichoke dip, and apple-pecan dressing. I am so looking forward to a day of food, family, and fun. Happy Thanksgiving!
I wanted to update you on what to expect next week. My favorite posts are those of the personal nature....where I get to express my thoughts and fe... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by caryn
It's been a busy few weeks. Between my 2 year old, my household, my husband, my gift guide, my upcoming baby shower, and all of the media events...it's been an exciting whirlwind. And oh...I'm about to have a baby! This week I've decided to take a break. This week is a time of reflection...a time to focus on my husband and son who are home with me the enti... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 22, 2009 by caryn
Today we spent much of the day preparing for our little girl's arrival. Washing blankets, going through my son's old clothes... I came across my son's first pacifier...and the outfit we bought for his dedication...and the overalls my husband wore as a baby (given to us by my mother-in-law). It was a day filled with mixed emotions. My son is almost 2 1/2. How... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by caryn
Role Model - a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, esp. by younger people.
Dictionary.com
"Who is your role model?" I remember being asked that question many times growing up. A parent? A teacher? A coach? An athlete? I never quite understood the purpose of that question. As if stating that fact justified my word... Read More »