Caged

I have been sporadic about blogging lately. I don't have much to say. Things here have been changing rapidly. DJ is pretty much walking. He still prefers to crawl, but does walk. He especially loves to hold onto Momma or Daddy's hand and try to run. I would love to gush about how wonderfully DJ is developing and such. but I want to save that for next Friday.

My chunk will be turning 1. Wow.The thought brings tears to my eyes. Not the sad type, necessarily, but the tears that come when a chapter of your life has come to a close. I don't mind it closing. DJ has an entire life to live, and getting through the first year unscathed is a huge accomplishment for a first time Momma. Hooray for all of us Mommas! Whether you are young, old, just starting out, or embarking on parenting a teenager or adult. We all deserve some recognition. After all, parenting is hard work.

Speaking of parenting, Miss Amy from our Mom and Me classes mentioned an Oprah show that aired the other day (Tuesday, I think). They highlighted a woman who for the first 7 years of her life was kept in a cage. She asked for my opinion on the woman, and I wanted to share my view on this woman's struggles.

1. Her parents went to jail for 1 year. Ridiculous. The judge had no comment for Oprah, but wished Chelsea the best. From what I remember, he said something about giving the parents a chance to fix their mistakes, which is why they were sentenced to just a short time. Insane.

2. Chelsea seems extremely put together and normal for being held in a cage for 1/3 of her life. I think this is a true testament to the durability of human kind, and the power of positive thinking.

3. She seems to be a nurturing, good mother. I think this speaks volumes about the mothering instinct that most women have. When you listen to what your body and child are telling you, you can become a great mother. Also, we all strive to give our children what we never had. Obviously she is working doubly to fill her son's life with love.