babyhood / home / MOTHERHOOD

it ain’t easy being green (or being a milking parlor)

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I realized yesterday, that since the birth of Elizabeth, I spend my days constantly thinking about five steps ahead of myself. I have to take full advantage of her naps and think way ahead into my day in order to get anything accomplished–like a shower, a load of laundry, making a salad for dinner, or writing a thank you note or two.

I’m doing my best to keep my dryer quiet this time of year and take full-advantage of the clothesline. With all the "green" publicity this Earth Day, I’ve realized how much little changes make a difference.
I’ve dumped my plastic grocery bags in exchange for these and I’m trying to get as many loads of laundry on the line as I can. But even this takes lots of coordination–during naps, getting Emma and Mary dressed because no doubt they’ll want to accompany me, having the load washed and ready to go out. (And usually the clothes don’t make it off the line until close to dark!)

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I’m just over the two week mark with breastfeeding Elizabeth and I have to confess that it’s really hard. The lactation specialist–my new best friend, a busty woman with a Scottish accent–tells me Elizabeth’s going through a growth spurt which explains her need for what feels like contast nursing. (I’ve never been so up-to-date on world news or Oprah in my lifetime–with all the time I’m spending in the comfy chair by the TV.) I know things will eventually even out, but man it’s consuming right now. Especially when I have two little ones running around my feet longing for a little attention, too.
Emma had the horsey pair above set up in the bathroom window the other day and I thought, "Lucky you, Mrs. Mare. No worries about proper latch-on, cradle holds, milk supply or plugged ducts. You just walk along, grazing here and there as your foal suckles away. Piece of cake." 

But, as my mom always says, "this too shall pass." I’m counting on that.

P1010017
And if you have the chance, I just posted one of my favorite recipes for Walnut Raspberry Salad Dressing over on the farmers’ market website. Check it out…

P1010006

I realized yesterday, that since the birth of Elizabeth, I spend my days constantly thinking about five steps ahead of myself. I have to take full advantage of her naps and think way ahead into my day in order to get anything accomplished–like a shower, a load of laundry, making a salad for dinner, or writing a thank you note or two.

I’m doing my best to keep my dryer quiet this time of year and take full-advantage of the clothesline. With all the "green" publicity this Earth Day, I’ve realized how much little changes make a difference.
I’ve dumped my plastic grocery bags in exchange for these and I’m trying to get as many loads of laundry on the line as I can. But even this takes lots of coordination–during naps, getting Emma and Mary dressed because no doubt they’ll want to accompany me, having the load washed and ready to go out. (And usually the clothes don’t make it off the line until close to dark!)

P1010009
I’m just over the two week mark with breastfeeding Elizabeth and I have to confess that it’s really hard. The lactation specialist–my new best friend, a busty woman with a Scottish accent–tells me Elizabeth’s going through a growth spurt which explains her need for what feels like contast nursing. (I’ve never been so up-to-date on world news or Oprah in my lifetime–with all the time I’m spending in the comfy chair by the TV.) I know things will eventually even out, but man it’s consuming right now. Especially when I have two little ones running around my feet longing for a little attention, too.
Emma had the horsey pair above set up in the bathroom window the other day and I thought, "Lucky you, Mrs. Mare. No worries about proper latch-on, cradle holds, milk supply or plugged ducts. You just walk along, grazing here and there as your foal suckles away. Piece of cake." 

But, as my mom always says, "this too shall pass." I’m counting on that.

P1010017
And if you have the chance, I just posted one of my favorite recipes for Walnut Raspberry Salad Dressing over on the farmers’ market website. Check it out…

23 comments on “it ain’t easy being green (or being a milking parlor)”

  1. I’ve been trying to use the clothesline, too–I tend to forget, though, and start the laundry too late in the day to get enough dry time outside. But on my husband’s day off, he did a load and put them up. Hoooray. Now, if only I had a big enough clothesline for all the laundry…

    Hang in there with the little ones!

  2. ah breastfeeding. how i love/hate you. keep up the good work molly and just remember, at some point your boobs wont be tools anymore! and really, do take it easy on yourself, i was gearing towards a burnout after arlo was born and just had to give up and over to the new rhythm of life.

  3. Oh i remember that feeling. Just take it easy, i know you like to do a lot but right now just enjoy the excuse to take it as easy as you can with 3 kids.

  4. Oh the non-stop nursing. My sympathies. It wasn’t until my third that I had difficulties with breast feeding. Funny how that happens. I am now in the toddler stage of breast feeding, not my fave.

  5. i have loved visiting your blog and your last post really hit home. I have been trying to use my new clothesline as well and just today i ordered myself some reuseable bags. Maybe one day soon those bags will be the norm instead of paper or plastic

  6. love the clothesline! and yup – know how you feel in regards to the breastfeeding. but your mom is right! (aren’t they always??) thinking of you! xo

  7. Bringing back bitter-sweet memories to me as well. All those long evenings “trapped” in the chair. I got so much knitting done! It’ll be gone in a heartbeat though. Do take time to be in the moment. There will always be cleaning/housework to do!

    Thanks for the reuseable bag link – now I know what to get everyone for Christmas!

  8. i wish i had a clothesline!

    i hear you about the nursing – those growth spurt days are really the worse. your mom is right, though. it will pass. and get easier each day.

    thinking of you lots!

  9. I had that same horse set when I was young, but mine were a pair of bays (the mare was also grazing, I think). I used to love playing with them. Hang in there!

    PS – I definitely think you need the “Buffet” t-shirt 😉

  10. it gets harder and harder to hang clothes out – what with the kids coming with, forgetting them out there and then the sprinklers come on (or it rains), etc.

    yay for you for trying – with a new little one, too!

  11. I remember how incredibly difficult those early weeks of nursing were (my daughter is now 9 mos. with some pretty sharp chompers). I had no idea how all consuming it was – and I cannot imagine how you do it with two little ones on top of your sweet wee one. I hope you get some quiet moments to yourself to breathe without a wee someone attached to you. The joy/pain of that mama bond is indescribable.

  12. It will pass, and when it does, it is gone forever. So enjoy it now and don’t worry about what slides. It will all work itself out in the end. Hugs!

  13. I often wonder if the animals have an easy time or if it’s hard for them too. I watched so much tv when nursing, so much junk tv. Enjoy getting to know your little girl during all that nursing, that is something I miss from those days.

  14. Nursing is one of the things I’m most worried about with the next baby. I remember how hard it was. I only lasted 6 months with Elise, with formula supplementation, and it was a constant struggle. You’re doing good work though, mama!

  15. I know how you feel! My first was easy to breastfeed, but now my boy just does nothing else! I have actually learnt to relish the evenings when number 1 has gone to bed and I just put number 2 on the breast and read my book for an hour.

  16. I am so proud of you!! You go! I just started as a Peer Lactation Councelor at our Health Department. I am so happy to see other moms trying to Breastfeed. You are giving your baby such a wonderful gift. I am so glad that you are seeking help too. That is what lactation councelors are there for. Latch on is the key and it does sometimes take a couple of weeks for you and baby to figure all that out. Then you do get to the point of Mrs Mare and it is second nature and peaceful and a wonderful bonding, relaxing time for you.

  17. It sounds like you’re doing wonderful. That jump fron two kids to three was brutal for me. If you don’t have a sling, pouch, or another type of baby carrier I would so reccomend getting one. Mine was a life saver with my third. Once we both got the hang of breastfeeding I’d pop him into the sling and he’d be in there most of the morning. When he needed milk I just popped open my shirt and could continue hanging out clothes, playing with my other kids etc. Of course I still took plently of time to sit and nurse, that relaxing time is one of the bast things about breastfeeding!

  18. you really make me feel like we need a clothesline in our backyard. I must confess, I didn’t think of that! Too much city living I guess, but now I think we need one.

    The breastfeeding, I can sympathize. I luckily had no problems, but often felt like I could do nothing else (my kids both nursed constantly as newborns). Your mom is completely right, it will pass. When I weaned Ian at a year, it was with happiness and saddness all poured together in huge emotional amounts.

  19. Can’t wait for our farmers’ market. Love the laundry on the line, but unfortunately our hoa won’t ‘allow’ it. Ugh. So maybe I’ll put up several wooden collapsible dryers on my back deck?Sorry about the feeding struggles. It will get better and before you know it, you won’t remember the pain & effort involved.

  20. I can so relate!! it’s so hard at first, but you will get in a routine and befor you know it you’ll be a pro. Give it time though, enjoy all your shows and a slower life for awhile. Congratulations again!!

  21. molly!you are awesome and i so admire your will and positive attitude. i really, really can’t see how moms can do it it all, but somehow they manage and it is so impressive. i love how well you are able to write about your journey as a mother and enjoy your words. hugs to you!

  22. I feel for you & the breastfeeding challenges. Luckily, with your best friend at your side, you are able to resolve lots of problems together. It must be great to have such personal support…

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