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What I learned about being a hunting mom

1. My child cries/moans in his sleep! Seriously - see #6.  Is this normal?  Who knew?

2. I needed to bring a lot of gear with me!  My hunting clothes, my 'normal clothes', his toys, his clothes, his bedding, his food... I'm glad I have an Outback!

3. Bringing the wrong "flow" bottle top could alter how quickly he goes to sleep.  Slow flow - forces him to slow down and puts him to sleep.  Rapid flow - drinks too fast and throws up.  And is not tired.

4. I had to make sure to pack enough diapers, food and clothes.

5. Don't forget the bathtub - routine is important! I forgot to bring this the first weekend and our bedtime routine was not the same.

6. You really can stay awake in a tree stand after 2-4 hours of sleep! It helped that it was so cold that I feared hypothermia.

7. Sometimes grandparents can get kids to do things moms can't - like eat all of their peas.

8. There really is guilt associated with being a hunting mom!  I didn't necessarily feel bad about leaving him (I had to deal when I started taking him to daycare) but I felt guilty having my mom watch him every time we went out.  Disclosure: Mom said she had withdrawals the first weekend after hunting was over. Still, there is guilt.

9. I can't just think about me.  I use to be able to check in with friends if I was up in the area to go hunting.  I can't run out for coffee if I have to put the baby down starting at 6:30.

10.  There is nothing better than following my Dad and knowing that in a couple of years, he will be teaching Owen the same stuff he has been teaching me!



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Comments

  1. penbaymanDecember 31, 2013

    A whole 'nuther level of preparation..phew..makes me tired just thinking about it..Happy New Year Erin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ErinDecember 31, 2013

      Happy New Years to you too! Lots of prep this year -- wait til he is 16 months... I am going to need a leash and lots of toddler blaze orange =)

      Delete
  2. Born in the wrong CenturyJanuary 01, 2014

    Erin, I give you a lot of credit being a new mom and continuing to do what you love.

    ReplyDelete

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