Thursday, July 29, 2010

Needs Vs. Wants

Since I am no longer blinded by my need for newborn diapers, I've been able to think of other things I should get for the baby.

Sophie was "high maintenance." She never really had great sleep, and soon got used to nursing to sleep. I read all over the internet "DO NOT LET BABY NURSE TO SLEEP," you are supposed to pop them off when they are tired and let them fall asleep. Yea.... right. Not such a lovely concept at 3 in the morning when you've only been able to sleep for 2 hrs at time all week.

I can't remember it, but Denny tells me that Sophie hated being swaddled. I honestly don't even recall swaddling her outside of the hospital, then again my brain was often running on 4 hours of sleep those first few months. With the 2nd baby, I want to try out a swaddler. I've looked at some popular blankets online, and they honestly just seem like torture. Who wants every inch of them strapped down? I mean really. Babies may be in a small area, but they can still move in the womb.
Which is why I choose this swaddler, The Woombie. Awesome, no? It is like a spandex cocoon, the baby can still move but remains nice and swaddled. Plus, they have super cute colors. I'll have to order one once we actually know the sex.

Next I definitely want to babywear. I did with Sophie, but not nearly as much as I'm going to with next baby. Sophie ALWAYS wanted to be held as a baby, so most of the time I just did things one handed. This time I'll just wrap the baby to my chest and go to town. My favorite color choices (and most affordable one I've found) come from the Sleepy Wrap.
How cool does that look? Even better... Denny can use it too! Or I can just buy him his own, he has one demand if he is to be strapped to the baby, the wrap must be nerdy. I have yet to find a nerdy wrap. :(

Also, and I am dead serious about this, I want another bed. Not a different bed, just another one to go along with ours. To either stick in Sophie's room, so I can sleep in there with the baby; or to shove against our current bed, and give us one massive bed.
It would be so convenient! That and I just really want one giant bed. :) I also don't want to have to kick Sophie out of our bed, just because another baby is on the way. It seems mean. Denny could care less really, he just wants his bed back. Maybe I'll just see if I can steal my old bed from my dad's house.

Granted I won't need one until the baby is at least sitting up, I still want a double stroller. And not one of those retarded ones, the one where the kids sit one in front of the other. I hate those. I want one where they sit side by side.
Obviously we won't be getting something like this, that is $700. Absurd for us non-rich folk. I'm hoping I can score a nice one at Kid To Kid when the need for one arises.

Our baby monitor went on the fritz last year, so we'll have to get a new one. Our Wal-Mart one did just fine, unless someone was on the same frequency. Then I would hear a baby cry at 3 in the morning, and a mans voice going to comfort the child. Scared the hell out of me the first time. I went into her room prepared to attack a grown man.
I suppose we'll just have to deal with it. Just one more thing that sucks about living in apartments.

Then I'll need all of my diapering stuff. And this list is just assuming it is a girl.

If we have a boy, I have to get bedding, clothes, all that jazz. Curse all of you who have jinxed me by saying the baby will be a boy.

She's Done When SHE'S Done

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about child-led weaning. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!



When I first started nursing, my goal was to go at least 6 months. From what everyone told me, nursing was difficult, painful even. I never dreamed that stopping would actually be the hardest part of it. That's when most people stop isnt it? 3 to 6 months?

6 months rolled around, and we were nowhere near ready. I "attempted" to stop, ok so not really. I then changed my goal to one year. When they are old enough to ask for it, it's time to stop, right? I mean, what would people think!?!?!

Along came her first birthday, and yet again - we just weren't ready to stop. The silly thing is, I didn't really care what people thought. Once I made up my mind that we would nurse until she was ready to stop, I was completely at ease.

Eventually she only really wanted to nurse when she was tired. Naps, bedtime, and once around 1 to 3 am. Summer rolled around and nursing wasn't even wanted at naps, she would pass out during her stories. Around 17 months I decided that she (and I) were ready to start the weaning process.

At bedtime we would go through our routine - bath, getting dressed and reading books with daddy, then I would come in to rock/nurse her. Instead of nursing I would offer her warm milk with a bit of strawberry nesquick. At first she would take a few sips, then want the good stuff. I would nurse her and try again the next night. There was no reason to stress about it, we were going at her pace.

Soon (too soon) she didn't want to nurse to sleep, but she would still wake up once during the night to nurse. After a while I decided she needed a bit more help at stopping. She seemed content with the one nursing, but my milk seemed to be going. The 18 month mark hit, and we were ready to be off the boob for good.

So late one night she woke up, and was rather put out that I didn't just give her what she was used to. Instead we came out to the couch and I gave her a Popsicle. 45 minutes of sleep lost (not so bad) and one Popsicle later, she was out. The next night we got up for a Popsicle and only lost 30 minutes. I brought her sippy cup into bed and she took that as a substitute. Only 2 nights, and she was fine. :)

Now at 2 1/2 years, she still has her sippy cup sitting on our nightstand. She rarely actually wakes up and asks for it. I like to think that our weaning was nice and gentle. I didn't want it to be something traumatic for her. So we took it at our pace. Poo to anyone who says kids should be cut off at so-and-so age. Each kid is different.


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  • Renee @ Just the 5 of us!—Weaning

Breastfeeding & Family

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about family and breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!


My breastfeeding was affected by family in two ways really - 1. MY family, and 2. my extended family.

Denny never really expressed any interest in bottle feeding, and didn't really say anything when I told him that I planned on breastfeeding. We had formula for those "just-in-case" situations.

If the baby woke up at night and I was exhausted, Denny could make a bottle. HA! The man was impossible to wake up. I think I tried having him do that all of once. (of course now he is much better at the late night emergencies) I had formula also for when we left Sophie with family... again HA! I got so anxious being away from her at all. The first time we left her with my dad, just to go have dinner, I very nearly cried.

After leaving her with Denny once, and having her cry the entire 45 minutes I was gone, I didn't do that again either. I was perfectly content with having her with me all the time, and therefore had no reason to bottle feed.

Looking back, I now realize that my mom was actually my best breastfeeding advocate. I remember visiting her once, and "trying" to wean Sophie around 6 or 7 months. After she cried for about 20 minutes my mom yelled to me, "Oh just give her the boob already. She wants it." Whenever we would be out driving, my mom would pull over whenever Sophie got fussy, just so I could feed her.

Not once did she ever make a negative comment about my breastfeeding, my co-sleeping, or my cloth diapering. My mom name me feel like what I was doing was the norm. I realize now a lot of people don't have that kind of support, and I am blessed.

While Sophie was more "MY" baby during the first 2 years, I think breastfeeding was a positive experience for our family. Denny would ask when I planned to stop, but never pushed it. I got her all to myself for those 2 years, and we bonded in a way that I'll cherish forever.

I guess I'll have to learn how to share the next baby. :P


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Monday, July 26, 2010

Big Sister in Training

Sophie takes care of her "little sister." Feeds her, changes her, gives her medicine when she's sick.


Duck Lips

This is what these people do at night.

They be crazy.


Breastfeeding for Me

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about mothering through breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!



Becoming a mother is something amazing in itself. For me, breastfeeding made it that much more special.

Denny wasn't very "involved" for the beginning for Sophie's life. He went to work, paid our bills, and made sure that we had what we needed. Dads aren't really programed with that special mom gene, the one that just tells you what to do. Being 17, I didn't really know that. Instead of throwing him into the waters of parenthood, I eventually gave up and took over everything. I now have a lot of respect for single mothers.

Nursing Sophie helped me to feel special. She needed me. Instead of spending my time resenting my husband, I threw myself into the beautiful bond of mother and baby. It was so rewarding to lay there with her nursing, while she smiled up at me. Many days, even now, she is the reason I get out of bed.

Being stamped as "bipolar," some days are harder than others. Throw in that it was the middle of winter, I had just become a mother, and was handling it on my own - the harder days started to grow. Nursing helped me to feel like I had a purpose. I was quite literally provide life for someone else. I gave her the nutrients that my body made specifically for her.

It is impossible to understand the feeling unless you do it yourself. Sitting with your baby in your arms, and having them look up at you with that milky grin, nursing to sleep, or just putting their hand on your chest while you nurse - it's special.


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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Baby on Board - Literally

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about babywearing. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!


Babywearing = convenient. Who wants to haul a stroller/carseat combo everywhere? Or even a stroller? We first started out with one of those store-bought front/back carriers. It made many things easier, since I had a baby who wanted love 24/7. I could strap her to my chest and get the laundry done.

Eventually I got fed up with how much time it took to put the thing on, put Sophie in, then adjust everything. I found how to make a simple sling on the internet, and went to town. (I only found it after I had ordered a fancy padded one of Ebay) The sling was so much easier for me to use. I just slipped it on, plopped Sophie in, and off we went. She was older then, so I didn't have to worry about her sliding down or anything.


With this next baby, I plan to use a wrap. Then once he/she gets bigger, I'll probably use a sling again. I just love the closeness. Even Denny can babywear. Nothing is hotter than a man with a baby strapped to his chest, while he does house chores. :D Am I right?

I rarely had a problem with shoulder/back pain, only when my sling bunched up and the weight wasn't spread properly. I would suggest babywearing to everyone. It is so much easier just to fold your sling up and stuff in the your diaperbag/purse, than it is to load the stroller into the trunk of your car. Just sayin.



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Saturday, July 24, 2010

7 lb Uterus



Not very noticeable... ya? At least that's what I tell myself.



Denny took some pictures with his phone, while we played at the river this evening.

Other than the fact that I now have the generic Mexican highlights...

(I have the red dye to put over them, I just haven't gotten around to it)

My tummy is becoming my biggest physical trait.

(haha "biggest", get it?)

I suppose we'll have to take some actually belly shots here soon.




And yes my kid is running around in her Blue's Clues panties at the river.

Got a problem with it?

Night Shift

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about nighttime parenting and nursing. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!



Nighttime parenting is a subject in which I am strongly opinionated. If someone doesn't want to lose sleep, spend hours taking care of a child at night, and do this for months years - do not have children. End of story.

I did not have an "easy" baby, you know, those freak babies that sleep 10 hrs solid the day they're born. My daughter took hours to soothe to sleep. That isn't an exaggeration. I often spent 1 to 2 hours rocking, nursing, and/or singing to get her to bed. This was just the begining of our night, she woke up countless times well into the 2nd year of her life.

A book that helped me was "The No Cry Sleep Solution." I am strongly against the whole "crying it out" option, I find it down right cruel. If and infant cries, it is because they need something. If they need just your attention, I think it's wrong to deprive them of that. The book helped me to plan out a nighttime routine, and chart out just how many times she woke up at night.

When she was about 1 year old, her wake ups varied between 3 - 7 times a night. The count was higher if she was sleeping in a crib. Co-sleeping helped to keep me from becoming a zombie during the day. I could just pull my shirt aside, and go right back to sleep. Sophie would nurse until she was content, then fall asleep herself.

Around 18 months (when we stopped nursing) she would only wake up once a night, ask for her sippy cup and go right back to sleep. Now at 2 1/2 she rarely wakes up at all. If she does get up, she just asks for her sippy and that's that.

I cannot express just how much co-sleeping helped me. I was the one who was up every single night with my daughter. I was the one who nursed her in the rocking chair and tried not to pass out. I was the one who sacrificed my sleep, to make sure my daughter was happy and well. Therefore I was the one who decided that we could all squish into a little full size bed.

Co-sleeping isn't for everyone. I would suggest at least a queen size mattress (like we have) or bigger. I'd love the idea of squishing two queens together, but Denny just rolls his eyes at me when I mention it. ...Secretly, I think he'd love the idea too.

Waking up to a 2 yr old smiling just 3 inches from your face is delightful. Even better when they yell "Good morning, Mom!" My pillow often gets stolen, I normally have tiny feet sprawled across me, and if I don't wake up in the morning - I get a little finger in my eye/nose/ear. Still, I love it.

All in all, parenting is not a day time job. I work all day every day, nights and weekends, holidays and even when I'm sick. If you don't want to sacrifice your time and sleep, I would suggest a different job field.



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Friday, July 23, 2010

Nursing In Pain

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about nursing in special circumstances. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!


As stated before, nursing was not a picnic at first. It was down right painful - both physically and emotionally. I didn't really know that anything was wrong when she first nursed, but later that day I was hurting. My nipples were cracked and bleeding.

Our first night was spent in the hospital, both of us crying. My baby was constantly hungry, and I couldn't understand why. She nursed and nursed, but never seemed to be satisfied. We all know when babies are hungry, and don't get fed, they cry. She cried, I cried.

I sat there in my hospital bed, and felt like a failure. How was I supposed to take care of this little person when I couldn't even feed her? I asked for the lactation specialist, but it took her forever to come. She latched Sophie on, but nothing was really explained. I felt like a bad mother having to ask for help, with something that was supposed to be natural. Eventually I cracked and asked the nurse to bring me a binky. Around 4 in the morning, Sophie finally fell asleep.

The next morning I was informed that she had dropped from her 6 lbs 12 oz to 6 lbs 4 oz. She "needed" formula. I passed on the nipple tube, and just fed her from a bottle. My boobs hurt so much, even showering hurt.

When we took her home, we stopped to buy a pump. If my baby was going to drink from bottles, she'd at least drink my milk. I decided to try breastfeeding again at our home, and it worked. It still hurt, because the scabs were healing, but it wasn't the same stabbing pain. A few days after I completely healed, there was no pain at all.

My baby was a pro nurser. Had she not "learned" on her own, I don't know how our nursing experience would have gone.

 
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Birth Centers

I played with the idea of a midwife when I first got pregnant, but didn't really look into it too much. 1 - we don't have a ton of money to spend, 2 -the pain.

I found that the average cost of midwife + birth center here is about $3,000. Not as much as doctors cost, but then again insurance helps with the doctors. Not to mention when you are lucky enough to get medicaid, you don't pay squat. Sadly, since there are no licensed birth centers in Utah, Medicaid won't cover a delivery at a birth center.

The birth center is what really appealed to me.
Being in control of my birth
Not being tied down to a bed
Eating, drinking, or showering during labor
Going home 4 to 8 hours after birth

It's just my luck that the one freakin licensed place like this would close down the year I get pregnant again. *harrumph* Of course there are still other birth centers around, but nothing insurance will cover.


I first fell in love with BetterBirth. Who wouldn't want to have a baby here? It is like going to a nice hotel to have a baby. Props to the ladies to just skip this step and have the baby at home, it just isn't something I'm comfortable with. A birth center seemed like a nice half way point.

Once I realized it would cost $2,600 ($1,400 if I went the cheap way) I was slightly depressed. Being poor isn't fun, and curse anyone who just has that much money lying around. If I really wanted to go there, we'd have to take out a loan. :( Being the responsible adult I am Feeling guilty about making Denny find that much money, I didn't even bother contacting the place.

I started looking at other centers/midwives and all the prices were pretty close to the same. Denny said the next child we could plan to have in a birth center, but I don't plan to have another until I at least get Sophie and/or the 2nd in school.

So I get to grumble and just fine a midwife who will deliver at McKay Dee. Damn you Utah, and your lack of licensed birthing centers!

Special Bonds

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This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Importance of Breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!


When I was pregnant, I knew I would nurse. Sure I could formula feed if I felt like it, but that wasn't the "norm" for me. I grew up with my mom's family, who were both Hispanic and always had babies. Everyone nursed, it just made sense. Why waste the time filling a bottle with warm water, measuring the formula, and shaking it up? It takes 2 seconds to plop out a boob.

As a pregnant mom, I did a lot of reading. Of course I knew that "breast was best." Sure, formulas could put all kinds of things in their cans, but they would never reach the awesomeness of mommy milk. I collected the free sample cans for two reasons, one the cheap in me wouldn't let me throw them out, and two just in case.

After our pain in the butt introduction to nursing, it was easy for us. It was better than easy, it was wonderful. There was a special something there, that only her and I would share. We had time to just connect.

She ate like a piranha most of the time, but bed/nap time nursing was my favorite. There was no rush, and no one to bother us. We would snuggle together, she'd play with my fingers, my hair, my face, whatever was in reach. Eventually the "milk drunk" effect would take over, and her mouth would pop off leaving that little O.

We nursed for 18 months, and that 18 months was delightful. I "tried" to wean once at 6 months, then at a year, but it was mostly from pressure. Pressure of what the world wanted, once I finally decided "screw the world," I pretty much let her wean on her own.

18 months was good for us, and it was important to me that I not take it from her too early. She was always a mommy's girl, and she needed that special bond. That time where I was hers and hers alone. Even at the very end, when we only nursed once a night to put her to bed - it was still our time. I miss that. :(

I plan to nurse just as long as the 2nd baby needs as well. Not only does it help out financially, but have you tasted that formula stuff? I did just out of curiosity, because I'm weird like that, and BOY is that stuff nasty. We did try a few bottles at the beginning of her life, with both formula and pumped milk (she quickly found out that boob was better and refused the bottles), and it just wasn't the same. There wasn't that special click. Anyone could feed her a bottle, it wasn't something special that only I could do for her.

Sure it can be harder for some women, but I believe in will power. If you want to do something, really WANT to, you will be able to. I wanted to nurse my baby, and we did it. I wanted to rise above stereotypes and be a good "teen mom", and I did it. My husband and I want to give our daughter the world, and even though we aren't blessed in the money department, we find a way to give her everything she needs and more.

That bond is important, even if it only lasts 3 months or so. Props to women who actually give it an honest try. I wouldn't give up those special moments for anything. Breastfeeding was one of the best decisions I ever made.




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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Birth and Breast

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Birth Experiences and Breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!


For my birth experience, I didn't really know what I wanted. I was 17 for crying out loud. Thanks to the "Bringing Home Baby" show, I was horrified that something would go wrong.

Our birth ended up going along just fine (for the most part). I was in labor for a little under 10 hrs, and didn't have to push very long at all. Once they cleaned all the ick off Sophie, the nurse dove right in my shirt to latch on my baby. I was horrified that it would hurt, everyone said it hurt for the first month or two. Lies, all of it.

No body told me that when you nurse the right way, it isn't supposed to hurt. There I sat, with bleeding nipples, and a baby that wanted to nurse constantly, because she just couldn't latch. I had no idea. I just knew I was in pain.

Eventually the a nurse came in to tell me that Sophie had dropped too much weight, and she needed to get formula in her. I was given the option of just putting a little tube up to my boob, and letting her "pretend nurse." The idea of giving the girls a break was too much to resist. I ended up just bottle feeding her until we got home from the hospital the next day.

On the way home, I had Denny stop at target and buy me a pump. If I couldn't nurse, I was going to be sure that she still got mommy milk. Turns out it wasn't really necessary. Once we got home, she was pro. I don't know if it was drinking from the bottles, using her binky, or what, but she could now latch perfectly and ate like there was no tomorrow.

I didn't feel informed when I had my baby. I didn't really know any better. If Sophie hadn't mastered nursing magically, I may have just been too defeated to keep going. Luckily this time around I know what to expect. I know how it should feel and what to do.

That is how my birth experience affected our breastfeeding.

 
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Picking a Game Plan

The moment I saw that little pink line, I started stressing about the birth. Would we get medicaid? How would we pay for the hospital stay? Who would watch Sophie? What if something went wrong? Blah blah blah.

I like to be prepared, I like to know what is going to happen, and when it will happen. This makes it impossible for me to be friends with those kind of people that just randomly expect you to drop your plans for them. It also drives me insane to try to plan family outings, because family likes to do their own thing. So I plan what I can, and adjust when things ruin my plans.

Here is my "everything goes perfect" plan -

I go into labor at night/early in the morning. We get to the hospital and set everything up, while a family member bunks down here at the apartment while Sophie sleeps. Denny goes back to get Sophie (or the person watching her brings her up). Assuming I'm not in labor all freakin day, Sophie can stay and play in the room. If not, we'll have someone take her out to have a fun day.

I'll have the nurses block the entrance to my room. I explained to Denny that it is my vagina, and I want an intimate birth this time around. Granted everyone on the floor saw my vajay last time (thanks to my hemorrhage), I'd like it to be us as a team. He can't disagree, because I'd just have the nurses kick him out too. :P

Once the baby is born, the very first person in the room will be Sophie. No ifs ands or buts. Then grandparents, family, and whoever else might be there. (I also don't want a circus there.) After that I'm kicking everyone out so we can spend time together as a family. Don't like it, tough nuts. Count your blessings because I first planned on not calling anyone until baby was born, but I figured if people want to wait in the waiting room, so be it.

Visitors can come in the evening, and Denny can take Sophie home for the night. 1 those fold out beds are too small for him, and 2 I want Sophie to have a parent with her. Hopefully I only have to spend 24 hrs in the hospital, if not - Denny will spend the day with Sophie.


You've all been forewarned, I love visitors and babies as much as the next person, but I will have our time as a family first.

So says the mean pregnant lady.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Boob Love

Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is Wordless Wednesday: Breastfeeding Photos! Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!


(Thanks to my friend, Claire, I was introduced to the Breastfeeding Cafe last year. I'm super excited to get involved with it this year. I'm volunteering as the host for the Expectant Moms Circle. Breastfeeding should be the norm, and even though we aren't nursing anymore, I'm still an advocate for boob.)

I find it completely depressing that during the entire 18 months that Sophie nursed, I got pretty much zero pictures. Since this is the Wordless Wednesday post, I am supposed to put on pictures of our beautiful nursing experience. I had to DIG to find any.

This one I got from my mom's camera a year or so ago. Notice the poor baby, having your face covered just can't be comfortable. I had horrified my cousins earlier that day by whipping out my boob at the table, so I figured I wouldn't torture them more than necessary.... then I showed them my birth video. >:) They needed a good dose of "don't get pregnant in your teens."

b1.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

This one I pulled from a video. Denny was trying to figure out how to record with our video camera, and accidentally recorded some bewb.

b6.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

These last 3, I love. I pulled these from Sophie's birth video. Yep, we are THOSE kind of people. The people that record birth. I didn't really want video of my vajay, but I sure wanted the experience documented.

b2.jpg picture by EvilTemptress


b4.jpg picture by EvilTemptress


b3.jpg picture by EvilTemptress


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4th (3rd) of July

Like usual, I took Sophie to the Glory Days parade this year. Everyone but Isaak went, because he's a slacker.

DSC_0032.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

We have our favorites, which include the otter pop people.

DSC_0033.jpg picture by EvilTemptress


DSC_0034.jpg

The toilet paper people.

DSC_0073-1.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

The freaky dancers from Roy High.

DSC_0128.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

And the salon truck.

DSC_0103.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

There is always one person that sticks out, this year it was the bunny lady. These people treat the big ass bunny like a small dog. You can often find it on a leash in their front yard.

DSC_0044.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

Sophie got really into the candy collecting this year. We made sure to stuff Denny's pockets full.

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And of course, he couldn't resist snapping a picture of my rear.

DSC_0161.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

Later that evening we pulled out our sparklers and poppers.

DSC_0193.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

Sophie loves the poppers.

DSC_0186.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

She's not such a big fan of the sparklers. She liked to look at them, but only from a distance.

DSC_0209.jpg picture by EvilTemptress


DSC_0213.jpg picture by EvilTemptress


DSC_0220.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

Even Papa got in on the sparkler action. :)

DSC_0202.jpg picture by EvilTemptress

At night we took Sophie in the field to watch the fireworks. She wasn't impressed.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Goodbye 1st Trimester

That's right ladies and gents, I've officially made it 13 weeks (as of last Friday).

Positives - I have slightly more energy, my boobs keep growing, I have insanely colorful dreams, I feel nauseated less often, and my chance at a miscarriage goes down to about 2%?

Negatives - I have to use a hair-tie to keep my bottoms on (I only own one pair of maternity shorts), I continue to eat everything in site, sometimes the dreams are not so nice, and I can no longer sleep on my tummy.

At my last appointment (11 weeks) I got another ultrasound, because it was too early to find just the heartbeat. So I have MORE itty bitty baby pictures. If you don't love me enough to bring me fast food, you don't get to see them. I'm mean like that.

(I just haven't gotten around to scanning them, they'll be put up if I ever remember.)

Sophie's newest fascination is with Toy Story. Every single day she asks for Buzz. She's now a whopping 25 lbs. Her imagination amazes me.

Yesterday, she was running all over the apartment looking for her imaginary unicorn. The unicorn is named BoopBoop. She eats chocolate chip pancakes and yogurt. BoopBoop also likes to run away and hide in another room. While this was happening I searched all over for the darn video camera, but I couldn't find it. :(

Sophie also enjoys having tea parties in the shower. She has 3 or 4 cups in there, and often offers demands I drink her tea. She makes us "dinner" at her play kitchen. She uses my tripods as telescopes. The list goes on and on.

My latest project has been starting an art journal. I absoloutly love it.