I have been dealing with heightened anxiety and depression since Shepherd was born. I believe I've probably always dealt with these things but certain life circumstances or situations really bring them to the light and amplify them. Here are two things that have helped me lately: Stopped drinking alcohol almost entirely.Started taking St. John's Wort. …
Continue reading "The Best New Things I’ve Done Lately for My Mental Health"
I love reading other people’s favorite things. The items they love at the moment. The songs they can’t get enough of. The books they rave about. You too? Okay, great, read on because I’m bringing back my Friday Favorites posts!
ends up on the blog. Ha! That being said there’s nothing too scandalous or crazy to report back on (fortunately or unfortunately?).
I really cannot believe it’s the last day of November. Shep is almost 6 months old and this year is almost over. It’s wild! As much as I want the infant stage to speed up, I also want the holiday time to go slowly and have us be intentional about cherishing it. It really is the best time of the year!
It’s starting to feel like it’s really fall time now, especially now that September is over and tomorrow starts October. Here are my ‘lasts’ of September… Happy fall! What are your lasts?
Although breastfeeding is natural, natural doesn’t always mean easy. Between latch and supply issues, infections, leaking, the struggles of pumping while working, the occasional social stigma for nursing in public, (and I could go on and on), it can be a stressful journey, adding to the pressures of an already stressful situation of having a little one to care for.
I know some of us have a word for the year. Something that calls to us or something to focus our intentions on. You can read about my word for the year here. While I like having that specific word, after having Shep, I’ve also been drawn to a specific phrase: Just try Baby didn’t …
I have always loved reading or hearing people’s birth stories and many people have been curious to hear how things went this time so here goes. To follow suit with how the rest of this pregnancy has been, spoiler alert, everything was harder. I’ll try to keep the story to the point while still giving you the details. Here is Shepherd’s birth story.
Shepherd James Bell, SJB, has been with us now for four weeks! To say it’s been a whirlwind would be an understatement. Lots of days have been trying and have resulted in lost patience or frustration or overwhelming anxiety. I’ve had my share of sob sessions. Some for good reasons, some probably for no reason …
I've hit my due date! Which they tell me is an arbitrary number and guesstimate but also that if I don't deliver as we get into week 41, we'll need to talk induction. I feel a sense of accomplishment for making it full term and I've been patient but now I feel as though I'm on a timeline that isn't my baby's or my own.
Erika Reid Bell