To Infinity and a Mom

We are a whole year old today. A lot took place over this past year but I wouldn't change one minute of it. I thank everyone whom has stuck with us. We are on summer vacation so be sure to drop by some time to see what we are up to this hot days. Thanks again ....... Happy Birthday to Us ........ Love To Infinity and a Mom

When I happen to blurt into a conversation " I have 4 kids" the response is always vague and typical. But boy do reactions change when I follow that statement with " Yes, 4 girls" by then eyebrows are raised and I feel the millions of thoughts come into play. Honestly no matter what is said, having 4 girls/ 4 same sex children versus a variety definitely sets the bar for us as parents. Here's the run down on having 4 girls. No, having all girls isn't all you would think it was. Hand me downs vary- I always take way longer in the bathrooms in public- pink is not allowed to be the primary choice color- and no it isn't easier. First, hand me downs only work if you have 4 same sex kids born in or around the same seasons. I learned this when BG3 was born in late winter/early spring and nothing her size that I already had was season appropriate, I mean come on my first 2 are fall babies so at 3 months they were wearing thermal onesies , doesn't work for 90 degree weather no does it. I always take longer in the bathroom because everyone still little and needs help lining the toilet with paper or placing the portable potty so they don't fall. Let's not forget I have a diaper and a pull up to change too and of course take care of mami. Pink is not allowed to be primary color of choice because everyone does not like pink. I know a 6 year old that's not gah for pink unheard of right. Never, Kyrah has never been fond of pink, she likes blues and peaches lol how complex right. And finally, no it's not easier. Everyone thinks the mood swings and attitudes are in the teen years but everyone seems to forget kids have their own personality. From food choice, to style, even at 6-4-2 my kids are picky and well aware of what they want. Everyone is differs no matter the sex, but same sex kids are one for the books. Let's just hope as time past I get even better at keeping up. Love, Yana

So as a mom, I think everyone can agree that you never knew how much judgement existed until you entered motherhood. I mean before becoming a mom of course people had s**t to say but you were too busy doing you to listen. As a mom, it's like your antennas are on full power and everything people say not only is heard but most of the time reacted to. Someone always has something to say about someone, all the time, no matter their walk of life. But why, why is what I'm doing any better or worst than what your doing. Motherhood is a whole new grade of schooling for me , when it comes to raising my children, it's a learning process. But I'm not looking to be graded on my progress but those before me. Your Grandmother has something to say, your aunt, the neighbor , whomever is your gossiper at that moment. I sometimes ask myself is this tradition in its simplest form. But what we all fail to remember is words can hurt too. And at the end of the day, no one wants to be hurt over words. These are things that we have to tell our children. Remind them, everyone and everything has feelings and to just remember to be kind. By doing this we can try to break the cycle although its presence in the world may be destiny, it doesn't mean we are destined. Just a little bit from my mind to yours, Love, Yana

Been struggling posting since a week after posting the schedule my entire family got horribly sick - of course I was one of the worst with a severe sinus infection and a virus - it was horrible - and then this week I've been dealing with some personal stuff but next week I have 3 new post brewing for your reading pleasure - but I just wanted to say I love my followers - Thanks for sticking with me - and check us out next week - The First Week of MAY Love Y'all, Yana

When BBG1&2 were smaller, I stayed home but due to extreme circumstances at the time I returned to work when BBG2 was around 7 months old. From that moment on I worked Full- Time, sometimes even multiple jobs to provide for my family. My Hubby stayed home during this time. He loved his experience as a SAHD he got to see milestones and teach our children new things. Although he seemed and claimed he was happy he definitely seemed he was losing his self worth. So by fate this pass summer my long time, full time job was causing me a lot of grief and stress that I couldn't handle being that I was 6 months pregnant with BBG4. I then made the courageous decision to leave my job and let hubby get back to work. And ever since I've been back to being a SAHM. I love being a SAHM. I can raise and teach my children as I choose minus the fear of neglect or abuse at the hands of a day care. I love it but as everything in life, staying at home has its pros and cons. I love that I'm with my children but I am Also looked upon to maintain the household as well. For me it's no problem but I feel like I'm the maid. I feel as if since my hubby works long hours he feels entitled to throwing things where he pleases and I clean them up because it's " my job". I've talked to some women whom don't mind staying home and their significant others make strides to help as he can and give mommy some " me time ". I've talked to some whom said staying home made her feel as if she was just another child, having to ask to do anything she wanted to do especially when it came to money. I've even spoken with women whom husbands are in the service and they spend long days stranded home simply because he needs the car. And all these circumstance are valid. Every situation is different it's just how you look at it. No matter the situation all the SAHM I spoke with all agreed they enjoyed the time with their children most. But I hate when working moms dare to bat an eye at me because I stay home. So why I'm I writing this right? Because I wanted to say to every SAHP that you are somebody, ur not the maid, the teacher, the Chauffeur, the nurse, the tutor, the bad guy, and everything in between. By your Mom or in some case Dad. You where all these hats because they fit and where them proudly with your head held high. We keep the wheels of our families going round and round . We're the glue. And nothing about my job is easy. Love, Yana

Hey guys, So now that I'm on BBG4, breastfeeding has become completely natural for me, not that's it's never been. I exclusively breastfed all my girls for a year plus and honestly it's such an accomplishment for me. I know so many women whom wanted to breastfeed but something happen that caused it not to happen. My heart hurts for these women because breastfeeding was such an experience I would never think I couldn't have. Throughout my breastfeeding journey I didn't deal with much discrimination. I do remember once a mall security guard harassed us in one of the breastfeeding areas because they didn't realize I had a baby and thought my husband and I were young kids up to no good. But I gladly showed him I was feeding my baby and he felt like a complete and total ass. Otherwise other than people looking I never really dealt with any negativity until recently. Last week, my family I went to our local dinner buffet. When we first arrived the baby was sleeping so I took the opportunity to eat before she awoke wanting to do the same. Of course shortly after I finished my food she began crying and wanting to nurse. So I picked her up covered us with our muslin blanket ( way better than a nursing cover since it's not heavy and doesn't get so hot) and proceeded nursing. Two tables away a women sat in disgust as she observed us. She then says to her family how disgusting it is and that she can't believe I am doing that at the table while people are eating. This then made me super upset. Are you kidding me lady she has to eat too. People think an appropriate way to breastfeed is in the bathroom or in the car which I think is utterly ridiculous. Would you take your food in the bathroom and sit in a stale to enjoy your meal? Would you excuse yourself from dinner to sit in the car to have your meal? No you wouldn't so why should I take my baby away to these places for her to eat? This lady was so upset she requested to take her food to go. This mad me even more upset. My baby eating her food made you lose your appetite? I was utterly appalled by her actions but at no point did that stop me from feeding my baby . I was covered and decent even though by law I don't have to be. But I cover for respect of others but for this women that was not enough. Why is it that breastfeeding isn't considered normal?? Why is it that people frown upon me for making the best decision for my baby. Mammals create milk for their babies to provide the proper nutrients for the early stages of life. Formula was not created to give moms an easy out. Formula was created during the war to support babies whom mothers had been killed. Today I see people choose formula so they can enjoy some drinks or be able to leave baby with the sitter. I drink on occasionally, I go out, I can work if I so chose to do so. But I never resort to formula for my own benefit. But had I pulled out a can of powder and a bottle with water this lady wouldn't have thought twice about what I was doing. And that's just not ok with me. Me breastfeeding my Baby should be equally ok as it is for people to give their babies formula. At the end of the day breastfeeding is a choice for some and a right for others but everyone is entitled to their own choice and opinions. But at no time should my choice affect others. I hope everyone see's where I'm coming from and doesn't take offense to anything I have said. Much Love, Yana

It’s beautiful watching nature take its course, Monkeys do as nature tell them. This monkey is breastfeeding her baby - it’s her natural instinct …… So what happen to humans. Most women in my area jump to giving babies formula simply for selfish reasons instead embracing their God given gift - I get some people can’t but I want to ask those moms if you could, why not give baby the best you can???

Yana

PS Will be posting an official posting schedule later today so stay tuned

So as soon as things are looking way up something has to come to put my spirits way down. Our new apartment has a serious mice problem therefore we are moving again. This could not come at a more inconvenience to our lives since I was expecting within days of having to make this decision. Lucky for us we were able to find another apartment in a better area for us and we were approved. This was all great but the day I received the phone call notifying us of our approval I was also in labor. We welcomed our newest little princess on November 18th 2015 at 12:38am. This was all so great but it still leaves me to worry about having to take her home to the current apartment because the new apartment isn't ready until December 1st. Not to mention we have to come up with the money to move with the holidays right around the corner. We have moved during holiday before and it put such financial strains on us that we couldn't afford gifts for anyone we were stretched so thin. But I have faith that everything is gonna work itself out and we will be able to make everything happen and the Christmas too. Sometimes I feel so alone in all our struggles. Although I know there are others out there doing far worst I can help but to feel very alone in these times. I do my best to keep my head up high and my faith even higher. I hope the next post I have will be better filled with tons of good news and holiday cheer, but for now you have my heart and all honesty. Much Love, Yana

Yana

So as if moving isn't a headache in its own, imagine being pregnant with kids in tow while moving. Well I am proud to say I am about to do just that for the 3rd time. I have literally moved during each of my 4 pregnancies. As my family grows my living space typically must do the same. This time though will be the first time we are moving into a place of our own. Normally we would be moving with my family but now that we are soon to be a family of 6 , my mom had to let me go once and for all. This is an exciting journey we are entering but the hardest part is actually moving. In past experience I can say I have gained some understanding of what works and what doesn't. Here are some tips and tricks from me to you #1: Pack a bag just for the first week at the new place. This should have 5 outfits, pjs, toiletries, and anything else you might need immediately. This saves you from having to rummage through boxes looking for those essentials. Don't forget a first aid kit!!!! #2: Have the kids equipped with a " busy bag" this bag should have books, tablets, snacks, extra clothes, anything they might need during the move also headphones are a major plus. #3: Have a simple bathroom set at easy access. The first thing you want to do after moving is shower so have that stuff easily accessible so that you can relax before unpacking. Things like a lightweight rug, shower curtain with liner and toilet cleaner would be best to have at once. #4: Pack your beds last. That way that's the first thing you take into the new place this way if you can't do anything else on the first night you can at least sleep on your bed ( or just the mattress) instead of a pallet on the floor. #5: Pack Heavy Stuff in plastic bins or crates versus boxes. The worst thing to happen is a box breaks on the way out the moving truck. Keep heavy items in bins to avoid that and the bins and crates are always reusable and great for storage. #6: Move items out of truck and into their "homes" this way unpacking is easy and you have less to figure out. #7: Try to have cable/internet set up the day of move. This way you can at least check your emails and watch a movie while unpacking. Otherwise moving is fairly simple once you get settled. I hope this is an easy transition for us. I am sure I will post an update to let you guys know how it went, Yana