(okay, i know this isn't exactly wordless, but in case you need an
explanation as to why he's naked yet again: it's hot. & i like not having to change diapers.)
8.31.2011
wordless wednesday: watering
(okay, i know this isn't exactly wordless, but in case you need an
explanation as to why he's naked yet again: it's hot. & i like not having to change diapers.)
8.23.2011
a little sewing for a little girl
about a year ago i made my first diaper cover out of fleece material. it's definitely not fool-proof and because it's made out of fleece it really only works when we are around the house and can change a diaper quickly (or for extra protection at night, under a PUL cover -- resulting in a very large diaper butt). but making it was so fun and gave me the confidence to explore the world of sewing even more! when it comes to sewing, i've realized the main thing to keep in mind is that when you are learning, you will mess up. you will make wrong cuts, you will waste fabric, you will sew and then have to pull out everything you just sewed and then re-sew, and then maybe sew again. sometimes, your finished product will look like crap. and you can't let it get to you. eventually, you will create something you're actually proud of -- maybe even a little impressed with!
a couple weeks ago i made my friend nataly's little girl a pillow case dress (only not made with a pillow case) for her birthday. again -- FUN! and encouraging. i figured if it's possible to make something as simple as a rectangular piece of fabric and some ribbon cute, maybe i could try to make a dress that's a bit more complicated. so after discovering that we have tons of 6 month and toddler clothing but hardly any newborn to 3 months clothing, i decided our little girl needs some little newborn dresses. this was great, because i have a lot of scraps of fabric; not a whole lot of one pattern, so i was totally able to make teeny clothes out of small pieces of fabric. and i'm glad i'm finally finding a use for all my fabric scraps and not letting them go to waste.
this was the first one i made. it is quite lopsided and handmade
looking, but i lovelove the colors and the roses are my favorite!
i learned how to make them using the tutorial on the awesome blog, make it & love it.
looking, but i lovelove the colors and the roses are my favorite!
i learned how to make them using the tutorial on the awesome blog, make it & love it.
this was my second attempt and i am very pleased! still kind
of lopsided, and i used the wrong side of the ribbon when
making one of the straps (woops), but i am very proud of this one.
of lopsided, and i used the wrong side of the ribbon when
making one of the straps (woops), but i am very proud of this one.
and i made her these dorky pants, too. john thinks they
look funny but it think they will be cute on a newborn...
i'm picturing her tiny toes sticking out those huge flared bottoms.
i didn't make the onesie (i wish) but look! it matches! :)
look funny but it think they will be cute on a newborn...
i'm picturing her tiny toes sticking out those huge flared bottoms.
i didn't make the onesie (i wish) but look! it matches! :)
8.21.2011
sick of the birth wars
i am tired of hearing extremes from both sides. i hate hearing from my fellow natural-birthers that mothers who choose to get an epidural or have c-sections don't bond with their children as well as women who have natural births. what an entirely heartless thing to say. do i believe the natural birth process can help with the bonding process? absolutely. but i don't believe it is the only factor in that early bonding process. and i know there are amazing, 100% devoted and loving mothers out there who've had elective c-sections (gasp).
i am also heartbroken and weary of hearing stories of incompetent midwives making ignorant or selfish decisions that result in the death of a baby. "homebirth" means a lot of things when it comes to statistics. these aren't just the planned homebirths of low-risk women with well-trained midwives. these are unassisted homebirths, unplanned homebirths, homebirths of teenage girls too afraid to tell anyone they are pregnant, homebirths of women living in poverty who could not afford health care, and homebirths attended by midwives like those mentioned.
i also am tired of those homebirths being the only ones people in the medical field reference to, and hearing that women who choose homebirth care more about the birth experience than about their baby. i am sick of hearing the mothers blamed for the death of their babies, and sick of deaths of babies in hospitals being ignored. the truth is, not one side is perfect. a mother must trust HER instinct and birth where she feels safest. i am along the line of thinking that birth is inherently safe -- i know many people will disagree with me on this one -- and that often, it is the situation the mother finds herself in that makes the birth unsafe. not that issues don't arise naturally, but i do believe that 98% of the time, with a good, well-trained, understanding and attentive care provider, birth is safe.
i can say, being on the homebirth side of things, i became defensive very quickly, because i'd only ever known hospital birth. i may be wrong, but my line of thinking is that in a society where 99% of women choose to birth in a hospital, hospital births don't need defending (unless you've been personally attacked... then by all means ;). if you've ever assumed i've judged you for your birth choices, know that i have not. my anger lies not in the choices of women, but in our health care system, the lies surrounding natural childbirth, the stories i hear day after day, and how women who have been hurt or traumatized are left thinking that's all there is, and that they should just settle for that kind of experience or treatment. i am not ignorant enough to think that's all there is in hospitals -- but i do know it is quite common.
i've heard so many people say, "it's just birth. so what if you have a good experience." but i can't sit here and tell you "it's just birth." not after what i experienced. and i'm not sitting on my high horse saying my experience was better than yours. if you were satisfied and happy with your hospital birth, had a great obstetrician, felt taken care of, had an epidural or cesarean section and wouldn't ask for anything different, who am i to say my birth was better than yours? i am not here to change your mind -- what my goal has been, always, is to show women that birth doesn't have to be scary or traumatic, and that it can be different than what most americans believe it to be. the truth is, it's not "just birth." women are impacted in some way when they give birth. hello, you are birthing a life into this world. it is the one of the most life-altering things you can go through. and so what if a woman says she feels empowered and strong after giving birth naturally? who is anyone to sit there and mock her, or tell her she's being selfish?
my faith in god comes into play in how i view birth, as well -- which is not something everyone is going to relate to. if i am talking to a non-religious woman about how i trust god because my body was designed for birth and i believe birth to be an amazing gift and spiritual experience, she is going to think i am crazy and it is going to mean nothing to her.
do i believe homebirth to be the best for me? obviously -- otherwise, i wouldn't choose to have one. if i felt for any reason that i would need to birth in a hospital, i would. but believe it or not, i don't think it is the best for everyone. some women need to be in a hospital to feel safe. some women need an epidural to calm their fears. but what i do believe above anything, is that every woman needs to educate herself about her body and the process of birth and needs to find the best option for her, whether that is in a hospital, birth center, or at home. don't just trust everything you hear. research, research, research. ask questions. don't go with a midwife just because it feels good. and don't go with an OB just because that's what everyone else is doing.
there's no point in these birth wars. what it comes down to is that women need to decide for themselves what is best, and everyone else just needs to back off. if someone has a different opinion than you -- so what. respect it. there is no reason for hateful language, bigoted attitudes, and assumptions about someone you do not even know. understand that they have that opinion for a reason. homebirth moms need to stop trying to make hospital birthing moms feel guilty for their decisions, and obstetricians need to shut up about something they have never even experienced. everyone needs to step off their high horse and mind their own damn business.
phew! how's that for pregnancy hormones?
on an ending note, of course i will continue to talk about and advocate for homebirth. and god willing, i will continue to be able to have homebirths. it is my passion, and if i come across as in-your-face about it, i don't mean disrespect, and don't misinterpret my passion as judgement.
i am also heartbroken and weary of hearing stories of incompetent midwives making ignorant or selfish decisions that result in the death of a baby. "homebirth" means a lot of things when it comes to statistics. these aren't just the planned homebirths of low-risk women with well-trained midwives. these are unassisted homebirths, unplanned homebirths, homebirths of teenage girls too afraid to tell anyone they are pregnant, homebirths of women living in poverty who could not afford health care, and homebirths attended by midwives like those mentioned.
i also am tired of those homebirths being the only ones people in the medical field reference to, and hearing that women who choose homebirth care more about the birth experience than about their baby. i am sick of hearing the mothers blamed for the death of their babies, and sick of deaths of babies in hospitals being ignored. the truth is, not one side is perfect. a mother must trust HER instinct and birth where she feels safest. i am along the line of thinking that birth is inherently safe -- i know many people will disagree with me on this one -- and that often, it is the situation the mother finds herself in that makes the birth unsafe. not that issues don't arise naturally, but i do believe that 98% of the time, with a good, well-trained, understanding and attentive care provider, birth is safe.
i can say, being on the homebirth side of things, i became defensive very quickly, because i'd only ever known hospital birth. i may be wrong, but my line of thinking is that in a society where 99% of women choose to birth in a hospital, hospital births don't need defending (unless you've been personally attacked... then by all means ;). if you've ever assumed i've judged you for your birth choices, know that i have not. my anger lies not in the choices of women, but in our health care system, the lies surrounding natural childbirth, the stories i hear day after day, and how women who have been hurt or traumatized are left thinking that's all there is, and that they should just settle for that kind of experience or treatment. i am not ignorant enough to think that's all there is in hospitals -- but i do know it is quite common.
i've heard so many people say, "it's just birth. so what if you have a good experience." but i can't sit here and tell you "it's just birth." not after what i experienced. and i'm not sitting on my high horse saying my experience was better than yours. if you were satisfied and happy with your hospital birth, had a great obstetrician, felt taken care of, had an epidural or cesarean section and wouldn't ask for anything different, who am i to say my birth was better than yours? i am not here to change your mind -- what my goal has been, always, is to show women that birth doesn't have to be scary or traumatic, and that it can be different than what most americans believe it to be. the truth is, it's not "just birth." women are impacted in some way when they give birth. hello, you are birthing a life into this world. it is the one of the most life-altering things you can go through. and so what if a woman says she feels empowered and strong after giving birth naturally? who is anyone to sit there and mock her, or tell her she's being selfish?
my faith in god comes into play in how i view birth, as well -- which is not something everyone is going to relate to. if i am talking to a non-religious woman about how i trust god because my body was designed for birth and i believe birth to be an amazing gift and spiritual experience, she is going to think i am crazy and it is going to mean nothing to her.
do i believe homebirth to be the best for me? obviously -- otherwise, i wouldn't choose to have one. if i felt for any reason that i would need to birth in a hospital, i would. but believe it or not, i don't think it is the best for everyone. some women need to be in a hospital to feel safe. some women need an epidural to calm their fears. but what i do believe above anything, is that every woman needs to educate herself about her body and the process of birth and needs to find the best option for her, whether that is in a hospital, birth center, or at home. don't just trust everything you hear. research, research, research. ask questions. don't go with a midwife just because it feels good. and don't go with an OB just because that's what everyone else is doing.
there's no point in these birth wars. what it comes down to is that women need to decide for themselves what is best, and everyone else just needs to back off. if someone has a different opinion than you -- so what. respect it. there is no reason for hateful language, bigoted attitudes, and assumptions about someone you do not even know. understand that they have that opinion for a reason. homebirth moms need to stop trying to make hospital birthing moms feel guilty for their decisions, and obstetricians need to shut up about something they have never even experienced. everyone needs to step off their high horse and mind their own damn business.
phew! how's that for pregnancy hormones?
on an ending note, of course i will continue to talk about and advocate for homebirth. and god willing, i will continue to be able to have homebirths. it is my passion, and if i come across as in-your-face about it, i don't mean disrespect, and don't misinterpret my passion as judgement.
8.19.2011
soon to be making an appearance
i lurve babies. whether someone's having their first or their tenth, i get super excited for any of my friends who are welcoming a precious new life into their family. back in february, we attended the birthday dinner of one of our friends, and told them that, surprise, i was pregnant with number two. yay, okay, a new baby, exciting. with your second (and beyond, i'm sure) it's more like a pat on the back, and when you have two kids in less than three years of marriage, shock and awe. so we settled into our chairs at the restaurant and ordered our food. as everyone was finishing up their meal, ben and erin handed out valentine's gifts to their parents and asked us to photograph their reactions as they opened the gift. can you guess what was inside? okay, no, not a baby, but a picture of a positive pregnancy test was. best birthday lunch EVER! it was especially exciting to be pregnant with a friend this time around.
and now, eight months later, little jaden is going to be making his appearance in just two short weeks. be on the lookout for follow-up newborn pics. ;) congrats, erin and ben! you know we are ecstatic for you guys.
and now, eight months later, little jaden is going to be making his appearance in just two short weeks. be on the lookout for follow-up newborn pics. ;) congrats, erin and ben! you know we are ecstatic for you guys.
8.17.2011
remember when i was all, "i'm putting river on a routine"?
okay. okay.
i know i've said three thousand times that i am going to get organized, but this time I AM GOING TO GET ORGANIZED! i have to. with a little one due in october, i'm not sure if this lazy, whatever, no-routine thing we have going on is realistic if i am going to keep my sanity. river has certainly crossed the border from sweet, energetic baby who gets into nearly everything to still-sweet but strong-willed, energetic toddler who really does get into everything because he can reach/open/maneuver it. one mom told me she had a kid just like him and that her daughter needed to be constantly doing something -- whether that was cutting paper, stuffing tissue into a box, or squishing play-dough between her fingers. this is river exactly, and i can tell he is starving for a routine.
my one hesitation is my lack of energy. when i am pregnant, if i don't get about ten hours of sleep every night, i am dead. and i also have been experiencing some insomnia. i go to bed and fall asleep fine, but a couple hours later i'm wide awake and can't fall back asleep for a couple hours. then, when i finally do fall back asleep, it's that dozy kind of sleep where you feel like you're awake the whole time, and when your two year old wakes you up with a cheery HI MAMA OATMEAL PLEASE C'MON MAMA UP! :D :D :D you think to yourself, "noooo.... wasn't it four in the morning five minutes ago and wasn't i just making a grocery list in my head? i need sleeeeeep" and then you pretend to be asleep for another hour while your hungry toddler sits there whimpering and singing to himself and every now and then, attempts to ask you for oatmeal again, with little success, until finally you either hit your husband awake enough times that it's his turn to make oatmeal or you force yourself out of bed, figuring your kid is probably actually really hungry at this point, and this is probably considered neglectful parenting, or something like that. or maybe that's just me.
of course, my other hesitation is that i am completely unorganized by nature and me saying, "i'm going to be organized!" is like me saying, "i'm going to climb the himalayas!" even when i try my hardest to be organized, i fail. but i have two months to try to at least accomplish something. river needs to move to his own bed and i can't just spring this on him without any warning. right now our bed-time routine is pretty much non-existent. he falls asleep with us when we go to bed, or in his high-chair mid-peanut butter sandwich, like tonight. when he was nine months old, i had come to the end of my rope with him waking up in the middle of the night and wanting to play for a couple hours, and then nursing every hour on top of that, so i started doing a little bed-time ritual with him: first he would get a bath, then we'd go into our room and turn on an amber light that was soothing and kept the room pretty dark, and i'd talk to him in a quiet voice. we'd put on PJs, read a book or two, and then i'd nurse him to sleep. believe it or not, he started sleeping better at night and woke up less to nurse. it was like magic. i know kids thrive on routine and that god is a god of order and created us to seek order, but you should see my living room right now. it really does take a lot of self-discipline for me to be orderly and stick to something i am not thrilled about.
am i just a hopeless case? this whole commitment to routine thing is freaking me out. i'm not sure i can do it.
i know i've said three thousand times that i am going to get organized, but this time I AM GOING TO GET ORGANIZED! i have to. with a little one due in october, i'm not sure if this lazy, whatever, no-routine thing we have going on is realistic if i am going to keep my sanity. river has certainly crossed the border from sweet, energetic baby who gets into nearly everything to still-sweet but strong-willed, energetic toddler who really does get into everything because he can reach/open/maneuver it. one mom told me she had a kid just like him and that her daughter needed to be constantly doing something -- whether that was cutting paper, stuffing tissue into a box, or squishing play-dough between her fingers. this is river exactly, and i can tell he is starving for a routine.
my one hesitation is my lack of energy. when i am pregnant, if i don't get about ten hours of sleep every night, i am dead. and i also have been experiencing some insomnia. i go to bed and fall asleep fine, but a couple hours later i'm wide awake and can't fall back asleep for a couple hours. then, when i finally do fall back asleep, it's that dozy kind of sleep where you feel like you're awake the whole time, and when your two year old wakes you up with a cheery HI MAMA OATMEAL PLEASE C'MON MAMA UP! :D :D :D you think to yourself, "noooo.... wasn't it four in the morning five minutes ago and wasn't i just making a grocery list in my head? i need sleeeeeep" and then you pretend to be asleep for another hour while your hungry toddler sits there whimpering and singing to himself and every now and then, attempts to ask you for oatmeal again, with little success, until finally you either hit your husband awake enough times that it's his turn to make oatmeal or you force yourself out of bed, figuring your kid is probably actually really hungry at this point, and this is probably considered neglectful parenting, or something like that. or maybe that's just me.
of course, my other hesitation is that i am completely unorganized by nature and me saying, "i'm going to be organized!" is like me saying, "i'm going to climb the himalayas!" even when i try my hardest to be organized, i fail. but i have two months to try to at least accomplish something. river needs to move to his own bed and i can't just spring this on him without any warning. right now our bed-time routine is pretty much non-existent. he falls asleep with us when we go to bed, or in his high-chair mid-peanut butter sandwich, like tonight. when he was nine months old, i had come to the end of my rope with him waking up in the middle of the night and wanting to play for a couple hours, and then nursing every hour on top of that, so i started doing a little bed-time ritual with him: first he would get a bath, then we'd go into our room and turn on an amber light that was soothing and kept the room pretty dark, and i'd talk to him in a quiet voice. we'd put on PJs, read a book or two, and then i'd nurse him to sleep. believe it or not, he started sleeping better at night and woke up less to nurse. it was like magic. i know kids thrive on routine and that god is a god of order and created us to seek order, but you should see my living room right now. it really does take a lot of self-discipline for me to be orderly and stick to something i am not thrilled about.
am i just a hopeless case? this whole commitment to routine thing is freaking me out. i'm not sure i can do it.
8.16.2011
all he wanted to do
remembering breastfeeding my little boy...
this picture cracked me up and i had to share it. this was river's birthday last year, and as we were opening presents, all he wanted to do was nurse! i can't wait to nourish my little girl in the same way. it's such a special relationship. :)
this picture cracked me up and i had to share it. this was river's birthday last year, and as we were opening presents, all he wanted to do was nurse! i can't wait to nourish my little girl in the same way. it's such a special relationship. :)
8.15.2011
a toddler art party
to celebrate river's second birthday with family and friends, we threw a little art party. on a long table we set up canvases, paints, scrapbook paper, glue, glitter, scissors, and raffia and let the kids have at it! it was fun to see their creations. what good little blooming artists!
it was a morning birthday party, so for food we had egg casserole, fruit, and no birthday party in san antonio is without chips and salsa. i'm proud to say the casseroles were a hit, and i actually made a third casserole last-minute as guests were arriving -- and it's a good thing i did because they were eaten completely! the cake was a yellow cake and the cupcakes were chocolate -- nothing really healthy about it (uh... other than the organic cream cheese in the frosting and whole wheat flour in the chocolate cupcakes, but i'm pretty sure the refined sugar canceled that out ;), but they were made from scratch as opposed to a box cake or pre-made store-bought cake, and five ingredients is healthier than fifty, right?
for decor we just hung paper pom poms and a "hooray, river is two!" banner. i can't bring myself to buy balloons anymore, and the pom poms are a great "greener" alternative, though it does take a lot longer to fold, cut, and fluff 12 pom poms than to blow up 12 balloons... but they are much cuter. :) i wish i had gotten more pictures, but when you're busy planning and executing an party the last thing you think of is to actually take any pictures, even if you're a photographer. but here is what i did get -- enjoy!
it was a morning birthday party, so for food we had egg casserole, fruit, and no birthday party in san antonio is without chips and salsa. i'm proud to say the casseroles were a hit, and i actually made a third casserole last-minute as guests were arriving -- and it's a good thing i did because they were eaten completely! the cake was a yellow cake and the cupcakes were chocolate -- nothing really healthy about it (uh... other than the organic cream cheese in the frosting and whole wheat flour in the chocolate cupcakes, but i'm pretty sure the refined sugar canceled that out ;), but they were made from scratch as opposed to a box cake or pre-made store-bought cake, and five ingredients is healthier than fifty, right?
for decor we just hung paper pom poms and a "hooray, river is two!" banner. i can't bring myself to buy balloons anymore, and the pom poms are a great "greener" alternative, though it does take a lot longer to fold, cut, and fluff 12 pom poms than to blow up 12 balloons... but they are much cuter. :) i wish i had gotten more pictures, but when you're busy planning and executing an party the last thing you think of is to actually take any pictures, even if you're a photographer. but here is what i did get -- enjoy!
8.13.2011
two.
my baby became a two-year-old over night.
one moment he'll be eating face-first out of his bowl like a puddy (puppy), the next he's shaking glitter all over his hands and then tranferring said glitter to the table/chair/floor, and moments later he'll be bringing me my folded clothing (now unfolded, of course) and an armful of hangers (which means, like, two): "here, mama! clothes!" he loves hanging on things like a monkey (doorknobs, counter tops... anything above three feet that will hold his weight) and lately has a fascination with turning on the faucet in the bathroom sink, now that he can reach it, and washing his hands with 72 squirts of soap. everything is turned into a cell phone (a remote, the right size book or piece of paper, you name it) and anything can be turned into a song ("maaamaa... mama daddy maaamamaaaaa. booook, mama reeeeead, night-night mamadaddymamaaaaa"). he wakes up every morning in the greatest mood... snuggling and cuddling and stroking my face while i pretend to be asleep, and then the moment i open my eyes he gasps and says in the most dramatic, drawn-out, sweetest voice, "HIII MAMAA!" like i am just the best thing in the world. his favorite foods: bananas, tacos, oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, and strawberries. his favorite things? drums, airplanes, puppies, the water hose, baths, reading books, playing outside, and dancing. this boy. can. dance.
i keep saying how i can't believe how much he's grown and how i'll look at him and think, "wow, now he's really not a baby anymore!" but seriously, this time i mean it more than ever before. he is, for real this time, a full-grown toddler. i can hardly believe he's two. he has been, from the day he was born, the light of my life. every day is wonderful and fun because of this teeny boy. i kind of can't believe it.
let me start off by saying second birthdays are much more fun than first birthdays. of course first birthdays are amazing milestones and special in every way. but this time, we were able to do so much more with him and enjoyed watching him enjoying his day. it started off with his favorite breakfast -- oatmeal with peaches! around lunch time we headed to chickfila to get him some ice cream and play in the play area (which he calls the swing... even though there are no swings). he's never had his own ice cream before, so we thought it'd be a special treat. he had a different idea, though. he was excited about i-keem (ice cream) until he saw the wing (play area), and then he wanted nothing to do with ice cream. there we were standing in line for ice cream and he's trying to clamber out of my arms. it went something like this.
river: WING! WING!
me: don't you want some ice cream?
river: no! wing.
me: look, mmm! ice cream! let's order some ice cream first!
river: noooo, wing wing wing! no i-keem! wing!
me: you don't want ice cream?!
river: no. WING! (seriously, what do i have to do to convince this lady?)
me: wait, look! there's yogurt. you love yogurt! want some yogurt?
river: N-- yeah. yuhgut.
me: do you want ice cream or yogurt?
river: YUHGUT!
me: really? (thinking, no way... let's try this again) do you want ice cream?
river: no.
me: do you want yogurt?
river: yeah, yuhgut!
me: do you want ice cream...or yogurt?
river: yuhgut!
eating yogurt and waving to passersby outside the window.
and there you have it. he was more excited about the "wing" than the ice cream, and more excited about the yogurt than the swing. and so the birthday boy got his special yogurt treat, made special only by the fact that it probably had 30 grams of sugar in it and he's used to eating it plain & unsweetened. afterwards, of course, he wung on the nonexistent wing.
we then went to target for some new clothes and shoes and to pick out a little present. honestly, this is the first time in his entire life that i've actually had to shop for clothes for him. we've always been crazy blessed with hand-me-downs from tons of people, enough that we actually receive too much and can pick out our favorites and donate the rest. i had so much fun buying him a couple cute shirts. for his present, we gave him the option of a puzzle, a sock monkey, and a tiny airplane, and he picked -- the airplane, for a mere $2.50.
that night we had church and he fell asleep and woke up grumpy when we stopped for gas... so i bought him one last treat for his birthday. his first chocolate milk. i'm pretty sure he loved it, not just because of this cheesy smile, but because he was not happy when it was gone!
one moment he'll be eating face-first out of his bowl like a puddy (puppy), the next he's shaking glitter all over his hands and then tranferring said glitter to the table/chair/floor, and moments later he'll be bringing me my folded clothing (now unfolded, of course) and an armful of hangers (which means, like, two): "here, mama! clothes!" he loves hanging on things like a monkey (doorknobs, counter tops... anything above three feet that will hold his weight) and lately has a fascination with turning on the faucet in the bathroom sink, now that he can reach it, and washing his hands with 72 squirts of soap. everything is turned into a cell phone (a remote, the right size book or piece of paper, you name it) and anything can be turned into a song ("maaamaa... mama daddy maaamamaaaaa. booook, mama reeeeead, night-night mamadaddymamaaaaa"). he wakes up every morning in the greatest mood... snuggling and cuddling and stroking my face while i pretend to be asleep, and then the moment i open my eyes he gasps and says in the most dramatic, drawn-out, sweetest voice, "HIII MAMAA!" like i am just the best thing in the world. his favorite foods: bananas, tacos, oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, and strawberries. his favorite things? drums, airplanes, puppies, the water hose, baths, reading books, playing outside, and dancing. this boy. can. dance.
i keep saying how i can't believe how much he's grown and how i'll look at him and think, "wow, now he's really not a baby anymore!" but seriously, this time i mean it more than ever before. he is, for real this time, a full-grown toddler. i can hardly believe he's two. he has been, from the day he was born, the light of my life. every day is wonderful and fun because of this teeny boy. i kind of can't believe it.
let me start off by saying second birthdays are much more fun than first birthdays. of course first birthdays are amazing milestones and special in every way. but this time, we were able to do so much more with him and enjoyed watching him enjoying his day. it started off with his favorite breakfast -- oatmeal with peaches! around lunch time we headed to chickfila to get him some ice cream and play in the play area (which he calls the swing... even though there are no swings). he's never had his own ice cream before, so we thought it'd be a special treat. he had a different idea, though. he was excited about i-keem (ice cream) until he saw the wing (play area), and then he wanted nothing to do with ice cream. there we were standing in line for ice cream and he's trying to clamber out of my arms. it went something like this.
river: WING! WING!
me: don't you want some ice cream?
river: no! wing.
me: look, mmm! ice cream! let's order some ice cream first!
river: noooo, wing wing wing! no i-keem! wing!
me: you don't want ice cream?!
river: no. WING! (seriously, what do i have to do to convince this lady?)
me: wait, look! there's yogurt. you love yogurt! want some yogurt?
river: N-- yeah. yuhgut.
me: do you want ice cream or yogurt?
river: YUHGUT!
me: really? (thinking, no way... let's try this again) do you want ice cream?
river: no.
me: do you want yogurt?
river: yeah, yuhgut!
me: do you want ice cream...or yogurt?
river: yuhgut!
we then went to target for some new clothes and shoes and to pick out a little present. honestly, this is the first time in his entire life that i've actually had to shop for clothes for him. we've always been crazy blessed with hand-me-downs from tons of people, enough that we actually receive too much and can pick out our favorites and donate the rest. i had so much fun buying him a couple cute shirts. for his present, we gave him the option of a puzzle, a sock monkey, and a tiny airplane, and he picked -- the airplane, for a mere $2.50.
8.08.2011
obsessssssed with breastfeeding
A few weeks ago on Facebook someone mentioned in passing my “obsession with breastfeeding." My first reaction was to be offended, because it came from someone who does not have children and I took it that they were using it in a negative way. After thinking for a while about the word they chose, I did realize that while any other “lactivist” will understand why I post article after article pertaining to breastfeeding, to anyone else, especially to those who chose to bottle feed or to those without children, it must very well look like I am obsessed with breastfeeding!
Now, I assure you, I do not walk around thinking about boobs and human milk all day, but if obsessed is what you want to call it, then why exactly am I so obsessed?
In our culture, breastfeeding is taboo. You’ll see grown men become embarrassed and skittish when the topic of breastfeeding comes up, or if a woman breastfeeds her child in front of them. You’ll hear about other mothers wanting breastfeeding moms to cover up or leave the room, so their husbands and adolescent boys don’t get a peep show. Yet you’ll never see anyone ashamedly turning their head when a Victoria’s Secret commercial comes on, or asking a young woman to wear a blanket over her shoulders and chest when she is in her bathing suit, or mothers covering the eyes of their children as they stand in line at the grocery store surrounded by a dozen magazines with half-naked women on the covers. In our culture, it’s okay for boobs to strictly be sexual objects. It is okay for tween Disney stars to wear revealing, low-cut blouses, for young women to increase their breast size to increase their confidence, and for women to use their breasts as a way of grabbing the attention of men. And in this same culture, breastfeeding is icky. Breastmilk is gross. Mothers should breastfeed elsewhere, as if it is wrong or something to be ashamed of.
I’m not going to lie, breastfeeding is not always easy. I am very lucky to have had an easy time with it with River, but even then, it was painful for the first couple months and I suffered two bouts of mastitis. Aside from being painful, at first I found it incredibly awkward to breastfeed around people and inconvenient to have to find a private place if I didn’t have the confidence to just feed River where I was. In those early months, I did not like breastfeeding. One day, I remember thinking, I totally get why some women choose formula!!!
I truly believe I had such an easy time is because of the amazing support I had in my group of breastfeeding friends and family members. If I’d chosen to bottle feed, there probably would have been a freak-out from some of the women closest to me. Sadly, for some mamas, it’s quite the opposite; there is a freak-out because they choose to breastfeed. One breastfeeding friend shared with me that before she got pregnant with her daughter and started reading about breastfeeding, she had never before considered it because she came from a family of exclusive formula-feeders. Her mother, aunts, and sister-in-law all fed their babies formula from day one. That’s just how it was done in their family. When she made the decision that she would breastfeed, her friends told her she was crazy. One woman told her she thinks breastfeeding is “disgusting.” If I had been surrounded by this kind of attitude when I was dealing with those common struggles in the first few months, I may have quit, thinking if everyone else thought it was crazy and disgusting, if it was hurting so much and if it was so inconvenient, I might as well switch to formula.
It is heartbreaking to me that this is the kind of attitude our society has toward breastfeeding, and that when women are interested in nourishing their babies the natural way, they are bombarded with negative responses, lies and myths, like, “Your body probably won’t produce enough milk,” and, “If you’re baby gets jaundice, you’ll have to supplement with formula,” and, “If your baby’s so fussy, you should try formula – she’s probably not getting enough milk, or she’s allergic to your milk.” These are all things that have been told to friends of mine, and they are very common. And they aren’t true. When I was pregnant, I was surprised a commonly asked question was, “Are you going to breastfeed?” What surprised me even more is that the response to my yes was, “Oh, I tried for a couple weeks. It was awful. I just couldn’t do it.”
Unfortunately, this is the kind of information available through the media and acquaintances and ill-informed friends.
This is why I’m “obsessed” with breastfeeding. I want people to see the articles I post. I want people to get used to hearing that boobs are for babies, not sex. I want people to be aware of how our society views breastfeeding and know that this is not healthy, and that because of this, it is not always easy to breastfeed in America; in fact, it can be quite discouraging and frustrating. I want people to understand what some women go through to give their babies the best possible nourishment, and to be sensitive to breastfeeding moms they know, especially new mothers. I want people to know that breastmilk and formula are not one in the same – that breastmilk gives life-long protection from diseases like obesity, diabetes and asthma, and that breastfeeding is an amazing bonding experience.
I know that breast is best, and I’m proud to be a sometimes “loud” voice for breastfeeding. Even if it does make me come across as a little obsessed. ;)
Now, I assure you, I do not walk around thinking about boobs and human milk all day, but if obsessed is what you want to call it, then why exactly am I so obsessed?
In our culture, breastfeeding is taboo. You’ll see grown men become embarrassed and skittish when the topic of breastfeeding comes up, or if a woman breastfeeds her child in front of them. You’ll hear about other mothers wanting breastfeeding moms to cover up or leave the room, so their husbands and adolescent boys don’t get a peep show. Yet you’ll never see anyone ashamedly turning their head when a Victoria’s Secret commercial comes on, or asking a young woman to wear a blanket over her shoulders and chest when she is in her bathing suit, or mothers covering the eyes of their children as they stand in line at the grocery store surrounded by a dozen magazines with half-naked women on the covers. In our culture, it’s okay for boobs to strictly be sexual objects. It is okay for tween Disney stars to wear revealing, low-cut blouses, for young women to increase their breast size to increase their confidence, and for women to use their breasts as a way of grabbing the attention of men. And in this same culture, breastfeeding is icky. Breastmilk is gross. Mothers should breastfeed elsewhere, as if it is wrong or something to be ashamed of.
I’m not going to lie, breastfeeding is not always easy. I am very lucky to have had an easy time with it with River, but even then, it was painful for the first couple months and I suffered two bouts of mastitis. Aside from being painful, at first I found it incredibly awkward to breastfeed around people and inconvenient to have to find a private place if I didn’t have the confidence to just feed River where I was. In those early months, I did not like breastfeeding. One day, I remember thinking, I totally get why some women choose formula!!!
I truly believe I had such an easy time is because of the amazing support I had in my group of breastfeeding friends and family members. If I’d chosen to bottle feed, there probably would have been a freak-out from some of the women closest to me. Sadly, for some mamas, it’s quite the opposite; there is a freak-out because they choose to breastfeed. One breastfeeding friend shared with me that before she got pregnant with her daughter and started reading about breastfeeding, she had never before considered it because she came from a family of exclusive formula-feeders. Her mother, aunts, and sister-in-law all fed their babies formula from day one. That’s just how it was done in their family. When she made the decision that she would breastfeed, her friends told her she was crazy. One woman told her she thinks breastfeeding is “disgusting.” If I had been surrounded by this kind of attitude when I was dealing with those common struggles in the first few months, I may have quit, thinking if everyone else thought it was crazy and disgusting, if it was hurting so much and if it was so inconvenient, I might as well switch to formula.
It is heartbreaking to me that this is the kind of attitude our society has toward breastfeeding, and that when women are interested in nourishing their babies the natural way, they are bombarded with negative responses, lies and myths, like, “Your body probably won’t produce enough milk,” and, “If you’re baby gets jaundice, you’ll have to supplement with formula,” and, “If your baby’s so fussy, you should try formula – she’s probably not getting enough milk, or she’s allergic to your milk.” These are all things that have been told to friends of mine, and they are very common. And they aren’t true. When I was pregnant, I was surprised a commonly asked question was, “Are you going to breastfeed?” What surprised me even more is that the response to my yes was, “Oh, I tried for a couple weeks. It was awful. I just couldn’t do it.”
Unfortunately, this is the kind of information available through the media and acquaintances and ill-informed friends.
This is why I’m “obsessed” with breastfeeding. I want people to see the articles I post. I want people to get used to hearing that boobs are for babies, not sex. I want people to be aware of how our society views breastfeeding and know that this is not healthy, and that because of this, it is not always easy to breastfeed in America; in fact, it can be quite discouraging and frustrating. I want people to understand what some women go through to give their babies the best possible nourishment, and to be sensitive to breastfeeding moms they know, especially new mothers. I want people to know that breastmilk and formula are not one in the same – that breastmilk gives life-long protection from diseases like obesity, diabetes and asthma, and that breastfeeding is an amazing bonding experience.
I know that breast is best, and I’m proud to be a sometimes “loud” voice for breastfeeding. Even if it does make me come across as a little obsessed. ;)
8.06.2011
a baby shower for a little lady
although we have known for weeks, and if you are a friend in real life or on facebook, you probably already know, but i have yet to announce it on my blog... because i wanted to make a big deal about it. i've been neglecting this poor thing lately and didn't want to just pop in and be all, "oh yeah, and by the way.." so yes, six weeks after we found out, i would like to announce that...
it's a girl! i still can hardly believe it. the other day i got rid of a lot of river's old baby clothes (only keeping a few favorites for future... waaaay in the future.. kids) and as i was saying goodbye to teeny blue outfits in giant bags to pass onto a friend who is expecting a boy, i couldn't help but think, "wait... should i really get rid of this stuff? just in case..."
a few months ago, these friends of ours found out (on april fool's day, no less) that they were expecting a girl. how exciting! they both wanted a girl. had her name picked out and everything. when they went in for a second sonogram, however, the OB announced, "i'm so sorry, i know i said your baby was a girl... but this is definitely a boy!" they went in for a 4D ultrasound just to make sure, and sure enough, baby aleah was really baby jaden. so, i'm a bit worried that maybe, just maybe, the same thing will happen to us. i know it's not likely, but i wanted a girl so bad, i'm still half-expecting a boy!
a couple weekends ago, three amazing friends of mine threw me an absolutely beautiful, perfectly girly baby shower.
it's a girl! i still can hardly believe it. the other day i got rid of a lot of river's old baby clothes (only keeping a few favorites for future... waaaay in the future.. kids) and as i was saying goodbye to teeny blue outfits in giant bags to pass onto a friend who is expecting a boy, i couldn't help but think, "wait... should i really get rid of this stuff? just in case..."
a few months ago, these friends of ours found out (on april fool's day, no less) that they were expecting a girl. how exciting! they both wanted a girl. had her name picked out and everything. when they went in for a second sonogram, however, the OB announced, "i'm so sorry, i know i said your baby was a girl... but this is definitely a boy!" they went in for a 4D ultrasound just to make sure, and sure enough, baby aleah was really baby jaden. so, i'm a bit worried that maybe, just maybe, the same thing will happen to us. i know it's not likely, but i wanted a girl so bad, i'm still half-expecting a boy!
a couple weekends ago, three amazing friends of mine threw me an absolutely beautiful, perfectly girly baby shower.
some of the decor... that yellow snowsuit type thing is one that i
wore when i was a baby! i'm so glad my mom saved it. i'm
hoping when little girl gets here in october, it will be cold
enough for her to wear it... probably not, but i hope. :)
we set up a vase of branches with little scrapbook paper tags for
people to write "wishes" or prayers for the baby. such a sweet idea!
my diaper cake that one of my friends made... out of cloth diapers!
a table full of candy for guests to take home in little bags.
it was everything i could have asked for! a fun, pink celebration of a little life with our friends... it was so fun opening all the pink packages. we received a lot of cloth diapers and now this baby has an entire drawer full of her own pink diapers! (river has since used a couple, for the few times we ran out of clean diapers and needed to borrow some from his little sister... ha. :)
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