My friend, Melody had a great “Girls Only” post.  My comment ended up being so long that it exceeded the comment box’s word count.  I decided to post my response here, in it’s entirety.

Only proceed if you’re an “Estrogen American” and you have read Melody’s 7 Quick Takes – TMI /Girls Only Edition.

 

it’s so nice to hear from a brave soul who is willing to put a voice to what many of us 30-something moms are experiencing.

i will openly share here because i believe that we could all benefit from the sharing.  i much rather read the views of a faithful Catholic mom than those from the secular world.

pelvic floor – i was convinced that kegals were not the answer after i experienced no improvement (from one preg. to the next) despite my rigorous routine.  i did some online research and was further convicted to avoid kegals, altogether.  it’s been a little over one year and i have experienced great results with squats, alone.  (there continue to be mixed reviews.  i’m just sharing what has worked for me.)

gray hair -  (note, what I’m about to say comes from a place of discernment not condemnation.  I’m still discerning this matter on a regular basis.  here is where i stand today….)

i’m in the same boat you are.  (i wrote a little about it on my blog post – Hair Detachment) it’s the transition period that i predict will be the most difficult.

i desire to let my husband be the head of my home and me.  this is one small area for me to practice such submission so that i can better follow him for the big stuff.  the way I see it,  if my husband does not find it necessary for me to dye my hair then i should follow suit.  it’s not something big but it is within my means.  i consider it a small act of reparation for Jesus.  i also hope that it will inspire my daughters to embrace their entire femininity – as He wills it to be.  after all, going gray His design. 

i’m sure,  if more 30-something year olds would not dye their hair, this would be a non issue for many.  we would not have the same pressure to "look our age."

i desire to be the age i am, just as He has willed it to be.  i do make exceptions for my husband’s requests.  I figure he’ll have to answer for those choices. 

i try hard not to worry about how others may view me.  if they see me as a "frumpy old" woman, so be it–one me thing for me to offer to Jesus.  i want to live a simple life (as natural as possible)and enjoy every stage of life to it’s fullest.  for me, that means accepting the gray hair as a crown of glory — one step closer to Our Heavenly Father & Home.

feminine products – i used a menstrual cup (MC) two kids – five pregnancies ago.  i’ve always preferred tampons since it was the practical way to go for my athletic regime.  as a mom of three (including a nursing baby) tampons were no longer working for my heavy blood flow.   i opted for an alternative to tampons. (this was right around the time i became a wannabe crunchy mom.) i didn’t find many options.  i used Instead Softcups.  they worked great once i got used to the whole process. 

note:  do NOT attempt your MC trail run on a day when you’ll be active and/or outside the home.  i’m speaking from experience.

i didn’t use a MC for long because I became pregnant shortly after and never really had much time to reacquaint myself. 

i would definitely use a menstrual cup again.  in fact, i’ve been shopping around to see which brand I will purchase next. 

custody of the eyes – my temperament is to be direct and make a correction regardless of the situation.  yes, i have issues with my tongue.  instead, i work on fighting the urge. 

on my good days, i say a quick ejaculation to the Blessed Virgin Mary and try to shower that individual with charity — the charity in which i desire to receive.  on my bad days, i abruptly end the conversation and walk away. 

i agree, a man should have eyes only for his wife.  i pray that i adequately train my boys so that this will never be an issue for them.

post-partum hair loss -  i  have you beat—dragonfly is twenty months and my hair has not completely returned.  the hair that has returned is gray. 

nursing bras – i think i’d opt for a quality nursing bra for the next preg (God-willing, there be a next time).  i usally wear a comfy sports bra when I’m at home and a regular bra when i need to be presentable.

i don’t care much for the latches on any nursing bra.  my fav nursing bra was a $6 find from target’s maternity line.  i found it eight years ago and it still does the best job for me (and the girls). 

valentines -  thanks for sharing the idea.  i look forward to checking it out.  dad and i usually don’t do anything extraordinary on st. valentine’s day.  i think this year may need to be different since st. valentine is my family’s patron saint for 2012.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!