TURN THE CAMERA HORIZONTAL WHEN FILMING ON AN iPhonE

Not one person, nada one, not even in the many “Journey to Breastfeeding” books or “Mommi & Me” blogs I read before my daughter came! Oh, breastfeeding – what a magical dance of love and snuggles! From those first latch-on moments that felt like reuniting with a long-lost friend, to the sweet smiles that come with a hint of mischief, this journey is a whirlwind of emotions I never saw coming.  Who knew that Hello River's tiny gums could pack such a pinch? The tender connection with my little one brought both joy and a touch of "ouch!" Those early days, when it seemed like my nipples were in training for a marathon, taught me a brand-new definition of resilience.  Through every giggle-inducing moment and every tear-tinged twinge, I realized that the unspoken realities of breastfeeding are part of this unique journey. Sharing laughs and stories with fellow moms showed me I wasn't alone in this wild ride. So, to all the radiant new mamas out there, remember: amidst the aches and the unexpected tugs, a symphony of love and joy makes every second worth it. Here's to embracing the sweet chaos of breastfeeding – messy, magical, and oh-so-beautiful. So smile at the end!

I was nervous to post this, the backlash may be too real, lol. So, yes, I may have had a small, pea-sized tantrum - an adult, grown-ish tantrum. So here it goes. I am my mother's only child, which makes me an only child for 40+ years, receiving and giving gifts is my love language. And that's all I have to say about that! Now on to the story. Ah, the magic of Christmas – twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the joy of giving. But amid the festive cheer, there's a facet that often gets brushed under the tinsel-covered rug: adult tantrums, triggered by the gift-giving frenzy. Imagine a scene: a cozy living room, wrapped gifts piled high, and laughter in the air. Yet, in the midst of this merry moment, a sudden storm brews. The reason? The number of gifts, or perhaps the lack thereof. Yes, it turns out even adults can throw a tantrum over presents. The pressure to present a mound of gifts can weigh heavily on us, influenced by societal norms and well-intentioned but potentially stressful expectations. And when reality doesn't match up – be it due to financial constraints or a shift in priorities – emotions can bubble over like a pot of simmering cider. But here's the heartwarming truth: Christmas isn't about the quantity of gifts, but the quality of love shared. It's about the smiles, the hugs, and the warmth of togetherness. While material items are delightful, they're merely bows atop the real present: the love that binds us. By the way, my entire family was in on a prank to see how I would react when it came time to open presents. I had to keep passing the gifts to others and it was pretty funny! Despite the prank, it was a lovely day filled with lots of my type of LOVE ;).