Monday, April 27, 2009
The Swine Flu
As if I didn't have enough to worry about! My in-laws left on their vacation to Cancun yesterday. And the Swine Flu was in my face everywhere I looked! The Sunday paper, the news, MSN.com. My own parents are freaking out about it as well. My mom keeps sending me articles she finds online and calling me to tell me things she has just heard about it. Like there is even anything I can do about it. People who live in Mexico are walking around wearing masks to protect themselves. People who live in the US are bringing it back with them and spreading it to their loved ones... And my in-laws are in the middle of it all! So now I have to break it to my husband that WE(as in him too) are going to have to avoid his parents like the plague when they return next week. And I'm not even sure how long we should keep our distance.
Becoming a Mom= Becoming Overprotective
My journey as an overprotective mom started about a year and a half ago. That's when I met my baby boy, Jack. I always wanted what was best for him from the beginning. Meeting this helpless little person, all I wanted to do was protect him from everything.
When I was pregnant I wasn't completely sure about breastfeeding. I thought it would feel weird or I would be embarrassed to do it. I told myself I would try it, but gave myself permission to stop at any time. I asked my husband to be supportive, but made him promise not to push me. Jack was a natural! He latched on well and was a very good eater. I made small goals for myself: if I could just make it 3 weeks; now 6 weeks; how about 3 months... It got easier and easier as the days passed! I actually enjoyed doing it! And as a result of our success I had an extremely well mannered baby. I breastfed him until 13 months. I was advised to stop by Jack's allergist because I was eating foods he was allergic to.
Which is a major reason I can't help but be overprotective. Jack is allergic to MILK, EGGS, NUTS and DOGS. I have to read food labels religiously and check websites for ingredients before going out to restaurants. I also have to worry about things like if Jack picks up another kid's sippy cup or touches a toy that someone touched after eating a food he's allergic to.
And I was a little germaphobic to begin with. But now, I can't help but think of what types of things come in contact with EVERYTHING! I think about snot faced kids playing with the toys and books in the store, which leads me to clean even brand new toys. I think about where my husband's shoes go throughout the day, like in public restrooms they pretty much aim at the floor and pee. My neurotic thoughts go on and on like this all the time.
When I was pregnant I wasn't completely sure about breastfeeding. I thought it would feel weird or I would be embarrassed to do it. I told myself I would try it, but gave myself permission to stop at any time. I asked my husband to be supportive, but made him promise not to push me. Jack was a natural! He latched on well and was a very good eater. I made small goals for myself: if I could just make it 3 weeks; now 6 weeks; how about 3 months... It got easier and easier as the days passed! I actually enjoyed doing it! And as a result of our success I had an extremely well mannered baby. I breastfed him until 13 months. I was advised to stop by Jack's allergist because I was eating foods he was allergic to.
Which is a major reason I can't help but be overprotective. Jack is allergic to MILK, EGGS, NUTS and DOGS. I have to read food labels religiously and check websites for ingredients before going out to restaurants. I also have to worry about things like if Jack picks up another kid's sippy cup or touches a toy that someone touched after eating a food he's allergic to.
And I was a little germaphobic to begin with. But now, I can't help but think of what types of things come in contact with EVERYTHING! I think about snot faced kids playing with the toys and books in the store, which leads me to clean even brand new toys. I think about where my husband's shoes go throughout the day, like in public restrooms they pretty much aim at the floor and pee. My neurotic thoughts go on and on like this all the time.
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