Naked as We Came

                                                                    Sally Mann, Goosebumps

Magic Man and I have differing views on clothing and nudity.  I hold degrees from 2 schools that are clothing-optional campuses; I think that makes my views clear.  He sees getting up in the morning and putting on public-ready clothes as a natural part of life.  Even if you're not going out in public, the clothes are a healthy and necessary reminder of civilization, he asserts. 

I don't 100% disagree--giving up on getting dressed can be a sign of depression or other illness.  But, I also think that one works hard in life so as to be able to NOT wear pants (or anything else), if one chooses. There is nothing "natural" to me about clothes. ESPECIALLY in the Texas heat.  I do appreciate a good bra, being of the larger breast persuasion...but outside of that, the rest is mostly optional in my mind, and I have spent chunks of my life happily wearing clothes only part-time. As a result, I have also enjoyed far fewer body image problems than a lot of women I know, especially considering that I've always been a chubster (or Rubenesque, as my mom puts it).

I have no intention of forcing my kids to wear clothes when we are in the privacy of our own home. It is incredibly important, obviously, for them to understand conventional social rules around bodies, privacy, and audience. Home alone with your parents is different than at a friend's house for a birthday party. But, as long as that understanding and respect of culture is there, I see no point in forcing them to stay dressed all the time if they don't want to. There is nothing wrong with their bodies, and making them anxious about covering themselves all the time only increases early-sexualization of their bodies. I think it brings shame into a place it does not belong...possibly making it harder for them to hold clear boundaries of body safety later on.

 TBD's body is his body. It's not mine (even now while still totally encapsulated by my body.) If he doesn't want to cover it, within the safety of set boundaries, I think that should be his choice.

Magic Man and I haven't come up with set rules yet. Seems a little premature.  But, I have full faith that we will find a happy medium. He has no desire to have kids who are anxious about their bodies, just as I have no desire to have kids who can't function in public life. 

Here is a solid post on the subject by Shannon Hayes (author of Radical Homemakers). I agree with so much she is struggling with here. 


Ugh...ok, back to sipping this nausea tea. Yes, I am still vomiting.

(29 weeks, 5 days pregnant)

Avoiding Brie Is Dumb

Obviously I'm not a doctor, but...

I'm really annoyed by all the alarmist crap around food and pregnancy in this country.  I seriously doubt that eating brie, salumi, , bloody steak, or even having the very occasional glass of wine is going to make my baby deformed or lacking in intelligence. Especially after the more fragile 1st trimester. Even some well-chosen sushi from a highly reputable place is fine in my mind (say no to mercury, though; heavy metals are for real, ya'll.)  Is it because we're a culture that doesn't really value moderation?

NOBODY should eat salumi twice a day. C'mon guys...

There are plenty of things to worry about in parenting. Stressing because you desperately want some brie, and you're not supposed to have it, seems like a ridiculous waste of energy. The stress is probably worse for the baby. Bacteria is everywhere; you could cut your hand and touch an infected doorknob and get a crazy infection. That doesn't mean wear gloves all the time.

Just don't buy sketchy food products. As long as I'm educated about what and how much I consume, I think it should be fine. Soft cheeses, here I come!

                                                   http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/biltmore-estates-nut-crusted-brie-with-cherry-chutney/index.html

Bradley Method Class #1

Last night, the Magic Man and I went to our first Bradley Method class down on the south side. Jenny Wood is our instructor, and I can say already that I like her! The class has 6 other couples that seem to come from a wide range of backgrounds. There are a few women there which I've decided I want to maybe be friends with.

After class I felt a lot less anxious about delivery. It may just be the over-confidence from being a ninja of squats and kegels, but I think I might really be able to do this sans epidural. I am a little concerned at the possibility that one's pc muscles can be...too strong. I'm not sure about the science on this; further research required.


(28 weeks pregnant)

Lols

26 Weeks Belly Pics

99 Days to Go!

I've been away for longer than I thought. Family visits, registry filling, the never-ending hunt for the right bassinet....these have been filling my days.

I had a good 6 weeks of feeling like a normalish person. But now, 6.5 months in, the morning sickness is back with a vengeance, the beginnings of stretchmarks are starting to appear (luckily they're directly over old stretchmarks--win!), and hot/cold flashes are making an appearance here and there.  At least I've gotten used to these gianormous boobs, for the most part.

The kid is quite the tiny dancer, and I can see my belly ripple when he's really getting down. This can be fun, but his stronger movements--when paired with worshiping at the porcelain alter--present extra difficulties in trying to forcibly will the food to stay in my stomach in those touch & go moments. It's hard enough to mentally calm my puking muscles, without an outside force kicking at my organs. (Please don't let me spontaneously vomit in public!)

*sigh* Less than 100 days to go (hopefully).


(25 weeks, 6 days pregnant)