Blog 2 - The Birds and The Bees

     In retrospect, I was pretty young when I began to question the concept of sex. In fact, I believe I was around the age of 12. My parents, thankfully, did not have to provide me with the whole birds and the bees talk and it was by images and word of mouth that I began to understand how sex was carried out. I was not grossed out by the concept of sex, but indifferent to it. I was not curious about it nor did I want it. Until I hit my high school years.... and thats a blog on a whole different subject.

     Lana Alexis Marie Robertson was born on December 16, 2008 to a soldier and his high school sweetheart. She was not planned, but was wanted more than anything in the world. I was 20 years old at the time and felt the most confident I could ever be. As young as I was, I felt so prepared to take care of a little one. Fast forward three years and I swear my little girl can be smarter than me sometimes. I sometimes day dream about the day that she decides she wants to date and how my husband will be screening her potential suitor beforehand. Or how he'll be cleaning his gun upon him entering our house. These scenarios will replay in my head as I experience feelings of bittersweetness. I know she will date and I know she will eventually ask questions and I know we will have to explain to her the concept of sex and how to practice it safely.

     Of course I want to act like a parent and not a friend, but I definitely do not want a sense of awkwardness. Who does? I think it will be a little weird for my husband to do the talking so I would rather take the initiative. I would begin by asking her how her school life is and if any boys like her. I would then address and forewarn her of the upcoming awkwardness but much needed conversation. I would probably start this conversation around the age of 12-13, so around the time that she is entering middle school. I would anticipate common terms like "ew, mom" or "gross" or "I know what sex is, can we not have this conversation?". But, none of those, hopefully, will deter me from my point. As much as I think she will understand the concept by that age, I would just press on how important it is and how special it would be if she remained a virgin until she got married. I would tell her that if she wanted to attain her goals and aspirations, that she needs to solely focus on that and that having a baby will only prolong her dreams. I would explain to her my sacrifices by getting married so young and having a baby at 20. The fact that I had to put my dreams on hold to become a mother and a wife. Believe me, I absolutely have no regrets. Of course, having sex does not always have to equal a baby, but I would also press on protection and the consequences of having sex casually.

     I know that this would be too much information for a 12 year old to comprehend, but I hope that I can do it from a loving, understanding place. Even I am getting frazzled thinking about this!! Well! There's my scenario for the years to come. I am so not prepared but I have 12 years to get on it!

Healthy Behaviors

  Growing up, I was never a really healthy eater. I ate whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. At the time, which was around my middle and highs school years,  my metabolism was near perfection. I remained at an ideal weight eating any type of food I pleased. Well fast forward 10 years, a baby and a husband. My metabolism has significantly slowed down and putting on weight has become much easier than losing weight.

    Sigh*, to have the metabolism of my youth. Eating healthy has become a very difficult, yet an important factor in my life. I have realized that certain "bad" foods have started to affect my energy, my cravings and sometimes my irritability.  I don't know about you, but I have never thought that food could affect certain functions.

     As a mother, I want my three year old to grow up with healthy eating habits. I typically try to add "color" to her lunches for daycare. By color, I mean fruits and vegetables. My daughter is not the best eater, so I try to supplement whats good for her by giving her Pediasure drinks that provide certain vitamins and minerals that she might be lacking from her daily diet. By no means is my daughter a healthy eater, she definitely despises most vegetables, but thankfully likes almost all fruit. I also skim over Pinterest so I can grab some inspiration on how to provide better, healthier meals for children. So my advice for moms wanting to lead their family into healthier lifestyles is find a happy medium. Cook their favorite meals, but opt for healthier alternatives. Incorporate "color" into your meals and look at Pinterest for inspiration :)