August 6, 2012

Out and About	Daily Exercise
Had a lovely lunch outside today with a friend (who snapped this picture). I love taking BC out and about not only because I feel more like my(new)self when he's with me and off-kilter when he's not, but also because I love being able to talk to him about the world as it unfolds around us. There's only so much happening in our house on any given day and I can only talk about the mailman walking up to our house, the movement of the ceiling fan paddles, or the cat's personal grooming habits so long before it just becomes sad. So, out and about we go! There's a whole world of wonder to be seen out there, even while simply sitting outside for lunch. ~M	Got up this morning, made breakfast and headed out for a walk.  I’m trying to revamp things at home.  We have pulled all processed foods, sugar, etc and we are adding exercise back into the daily routine.  It was nice when I went for my walk that three of the five wanted to tag along with SJ and I.   SJ LOVES riding in his stroller! We walked for about a half hour and then 3.0 really wanted to jog, so I agreed to jog back with him and 4.0, while 2.0 walked SJ home in his stroller.   Ow!  Someone please remind me not to do that again (at least not until I’m in better shape)! ~A

August 5, 2012

Tip #6	So Fun!
Make your own toys. Babies are seriously fascinated by most anything. BC's current favorite home"made" toys include a slightly smashed cardboard orange juice container (pictured) and a tissue box (great for hiding things inside and grabbing them out of!). He's also drawn to DVD cases, cereal boxes, and my wallet. Who says baby toys have to be for exclusive use?  ~M	So I couldn’t give blood today.  With nursing and caring for SJ it’s not an option.  I was able to have tons of fun hanging out with awesome people and, at the end of the day, I got to listen to wonderful live music and play with my little man!  So fun! ~A

August 4, 2012

The BLO	Critical Need
My husband and I took BC to the Big Latch On in Indianapolis today. The event is where women and their babies (and other supporters) gather in particular locations and simultaneously latch their babies for one minute. The goal is to break the record of the most women breastfeeding in the world, create awareness of community breastfeeding resources, and to normalize breastfeeding. In order for your latch to "count" your baby had to be on the breast for the entire one minute. It was a fun and quirky way to spend a morning and nice to be with a group of fellow milk machines and boob-feeders. Never mind the fact that BC did not latch for the entire minute (not even close, in fact). We'll try again next year.  ~M	I have the privilege of leading an incredible extended family under the name of A.C.T. Community Church.  Truly some of the coolest people I know are a part of this family and as often as we can we have what we call our Serve Sunday.  It’s where we come together at our regular gathering time and we find a way to impact our community in a positive way.  From providing food and supplies to some folks down on their luck, to surprising kids in the local children’s hospital with presents, to preparing a home for a family to be all together again, the list goes on and on and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful group of people. Last year my friend, Jerri, helped our community put on a blood drive for the American Red Cross and it was a huge success!  I am so pleased that tomorrow we will once again be doing what we can to help, as the need for donors is greater than ever.  So today SJ, 3.0 and 4.0 spent the entire day running around gathering items for the, now annual, blood drive.  SJ was a real trooper.  He managed to find ways to entertain himself when he was awake and slept a lot as we went from place to place.  Thank God babies are portable! ~A P.S. If you are able to give blood, find a donation site and go!  You can save up to three lives by donating once!!!  For more information check out http://www.redcrossblood.org/

August 3, 2012

SAHM	Upside Down Boy
Today was my last day at my job. I quit my full-time job because, well, I just couldn't do it; I couldn't go back to work full-time and leave BC. This decision was, in many ways, a very difficult one. But in the only way that counts, it was easy. Since I made that decision I have gotten one of only two reactions from women when they learn of my plans. They either say, "I was the same way! I couldn't go back and so I quit my job." or "I wish so much that I would have been able to do that. I'll never get that time back." So, yes, confirmation that I have done the right thing. This is a very odd thing. I have worked for the last 15 years. Been full-time employed for the past 12 years. And now... Well, I suppose my higher calling work is upon me. As of 4:00 PM today I am officially a SAHM. ~M	SJ’s new favorite thing to do is throw himself backwards.  I’m not sure why, but I think it’s because the world looks very interesting upside down.  It’s really the cutest thing, except when he decides to do it and I’m not prepared. ~A

August 2, 2012

A Sweet Gesture	Sling Snuggle
My older brother, JA, stopped by today to give BC his childhood teddy bear. What a sweet gesture. BC was immediately taken with it. Its fluff is a bit smushed, its fur pretty worn, and its plastic eyes and nose have lost some of their luster but it is still just as squeezable and comforting as it was 32 years ago. ~M	I have been feeling a little under the weather and SJ has wanted to ride around in the sling a lot lately.  I’m thankful that he was willing to accept a snuggle with his sling so I could rest for a bit today. ~A

August 1, 2012

One Day At a Time	Love Aunt Lisa
This week is World Breastfeeding Week. Hooray! Tomorrow I'll hit my one hundredth day of being a breastfeeding mama. I think breastfeeding is the most challenging thing about being a new mom. BC and I are both having to figure it out, one day at a time. Oh sure, to some extent it is instinctual and organic but much of the rude mechanicals in the process simply are not. And, not having done this before, I'm never quite sure if what I'm doing, feeling, or experiencing is normal. Not until after the fact.  In these last ninety-nine days I think BC has gone through about two hundred different nursing stages and behaviors. I find myself constantly questioning the process; whether or not I'm doing it "right". And always, just when I think I've got a handle on it, his nursing behavior changes and I've got to re-figure. But (I've been told) I've had a relatively easy time nursing! I haven't had latch issues, plugged ducts, mastitis, or blistered, cracked nipples to deal with. Thank. Goodness. Yet I've still struggled. I've questioned my body. I've questioned nature. I've come close to letting my fear get the better of me. So I've been grateful every time I was able to look back a week or so and think about how far BC and I have come in our nursing relationship.  I tell you what, I'd be lost without Amy, my friends S and P, and all the kind women from the breastfeeding forum I'm part of. All these super star nursing mamas have helped me stay on my nursing feet. So cheers to you all and cheers to me! Let's celebrate World Breastfeeding Week! Cheers to all mothers who are giving their babies the best, one day at a time.  ~M	A sweet care package came in the mail from SJ’s Aunt Lisa. She is always thoughtful and so giving.  What a nice surprise and a reminder of how amazing our family is.  Sj loves his new clothes!!! We love you Aunt Lisa, and all! ~A

July 31, 2012

Get Him Dressed	Why Why Why
"Can you go get him dressed?" I asked my husband. "Sure" he said.  I guess I should have added, "...in his clothes?" ~M	I’m trying to understand why everyone wants to touch SJ’s hands.  I'm honestly convinced that everyone who meets him quickly becomes obsessed with holding his hands.  My being a bit of a germ-a-phob, as my little Linus baby navigates this world, it’s intensified a bit.  I usually resist saying something like, “Hey stop that, he puts that in his mouth!” Even though I really want to. ~A