Wordful Wednesday: The Zoo, the Park and the Trampoline

October 3, 2012 By 15 Comments

Since the days have been getting cooler and the days a bit shorter we’ve been enjoying the crisp air outside with our extended families. This time of year is especially busy for Michael so the girls and I are often left to our own devices.

On one such day we were got a chance to visit the Potter Park Zoo right here in Lansing with Aunt Jilnar (Michael’s sister). My sis and bro-in-law bought us a zoo membership for Christmas and it was awesome to be able to use it with her.

Since Jilnar lives in Chicago we don’t get to see her often enough, so we all really enjoyed being with her all day.

We got to see goats and chickens, monkeys and penguins. And the lions. We stared at the lions forever.

Then last week in an attempt to walk Leslie’s baby out of her, we took a stroll, hit up the local bakery Sweetie-licious, had a picnic at the park and Izzie tried the swings for the first time. Could that big ole grin on her face be any cuter? She loved the swing!

I’ve said it a million times but the friendship between Cedella and Anna is just incredibly sweet to watch. They fight like sisters and yet they can be so silly and loving to each other. But damn are they both Little Miss Bossy Pants!

(*And you know what? Our attempt helped, well, that and their family tent camping the night before she went into labor. Leslie had her baby this weekend!!!! A baby girl named Amelia!!!! So incredibly excited and happy for the whole family!)

And we finally got a chance to spend time as a whole family on Sunday when we went to our little cousin Salem’s 4th Birthday party. And though there were awesome blue Batman cupcakes, a zillion new toys and a pinata full of candy the real star of the show was the awesome new trampoline in the backyard.

When I asked Salem what her favorite present was, she said “the trampoline”. Which is easy to understand. Cause it’s pretty damn cool.

All the kids absolutely loved it. And while they jumped like crazy after the cupcakes and the candy all of us parents got to feel a bit like kids ourselves, smiling and laughing along.

It was a perfect afternoon spent with Aunt Jilnar and our cousins Mary, Glen and Salem. It’s always enjoyable to spend time with them.

How fortunate are we to have so many fun ways to spend our days and so many lovely people to share them with?

With the football season here it’s easy for our family to get so crazy, stressed and disconnected. But it’s moments like these that remind me how much we have to be thankful for.

A special thanks to the lovely Kristi at Live and Love Out Loud for the fabulous free collage templates that helped facilitate this fun post. Check out her page for some photo inspiration and fun freebies.

Thanks for stopping by and reading today! But I’d love it even more to hear from you. How do you reconnect with your family when life gets busy and stressful? Any tips for making those sparse family moments really count? Any recommendations on cool places to go with your family? Looking forward to your comments :)

Happy Wordless/Wordful Wednesday to all!!

 

 

Filed Under: BFFs, birthdays, family time, firsts, friendships, happiness, husband, marriage, milestones, motherhood, parenthood, photography, playdates, smiles, swinging, walking

Wordful Wednesday – Happy World Breastfeeding Week

August 1, 2012 By 8 Comments

*WARNING – Boobs and Nursing Pics to follow. But no nipples. I don’t do nipple pictures. It would be a bad latch if you could see them…

Today marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week. Something all of you know I am very passionate about (or should know if you’re new :) .)

I have hailed the benefits of nursing Cedella, how important a bond it is, and how, even past two years old, it is one of the best nutrition I have ever given my children.

But I haven’t really talked much about Isora nursing probably because it’s just so normal and comfortable. And thankfully we have had no issues with nursing. She latched on a few moments after being born and has been sucking her way to good health ever since.

Isora nursing mere moments after she was born while we were still in the tub.

Though I want to believe it goes without saying that breast milk is the most perfect food you can give your baby I know that many people think that formula is just as good. It’s not. It’s adequate and will get the job done, sure. But it’s not Liquid Gold. Don’t believe me? The World Health Organization can school you.

I know that in so many circumstances many women can’t breastfeed (or continue to do so) often due to having to return to work so soon after having their babies. Or after having health problems or complications from giving birth. That sucks. On both accounts. But I understand.

What I don’t understand is having a free and infinitely better food source at your disposal and not using it. I like free. And healthy. Free and healthy? Yes please.

I know, I know, there are lots of other reasons women don’t or can’t breastfeed and I’m over-simplifying the issue. I feel this is an individual choice to be made and not regulated or legislated, but common sense should prevail and yet it doesn’t.

It’s hard to know what is more often the case. Is it that many women don’t have the information they need about why breastfeeding is so important? They are lacking help and support in starting and continuing their nursing (including help figuring out their right to pump in their workplace)?

Or is it that formula is just so much easier to use? Cause my ‘bottles’ are always warm and ready, and nothing’s easier than whipping out a boob. (Just ask Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty ;) )

Simply put my Breastaurant* is always open and there’s only one (well, sometimes two) customers. (*Thanks Aunt Jacqueline for that term!)

Isora is an amazing little nurser. She can empty a breast in five minutes flat and tanks herself up during the day so that she gets about an 8 hour stretch of sleep every night. Yes, my nursing infant sleeps through the night. It’s not just an myth.

Izzie nursing on the beach. She then fell fast asleep. Nursing Champ.

Nursing with Cedella was something I did a lot of research about and made an informed decision. And it was HARD.

Though she nursed right away it was hard knowing when to feed her and wondering if she was ‘getting enough’. Don’t we all?

When my milk came in I was so engorged and sore for days that I would just cry and cry while she nursed cause it hurt so bad. I remember milking myself like a cow in the shower to relieve some of the pressure. It sucked.

Sore nipples for the first three months? Yep. Had them. Thought it was normal until I asked my friend Kelle about it. It was NOT normal. It was a bad latch.

Bitten nipples? Ugh. Those were the worst.

Leaking nipples at the most inopportune times? Man. This has happened more times than I can count. I have always completely forgotten about nursing pads. Oops.

I know. It sounds miserable. But for all of the issues I had with Cedella as soon as I found support it was like all of those issues started seeming smaller, or at least, more manageable. By the end of my first La Leche League meeting (which I’m sure I cried at) I felt a rush of relief and a renewed sense of purpose and strength.

I continued attending the Series meetings throughout my pregnancy with Isora. Helping to set myself up to start a strong nursing relationship from the beginning. And crazier yet, setting myself up to tandem nurse a toddler and a newborn (tandem referring to two children nursing from the same mother NOT necessarily at the same time. Cause I haven’t gotten that desperate to silence them both simultaneously yet).

And you know what? It worked.

Nursing the baby while comforting the toddler. Don’t I look thrilled? All in a day’s work.

Sure, I had engorgement, and it hurt like hell. But it was much better than the first time and didn’t last as long. My nipples are fine and not even a little bit sore. And leaking still happens. Because I’m lazy forgetful Mom of two and you’re all lucky if you see me out and about and my teeth are brushed.

If you’re pregnant or thinking about starting a family please consider breastfeeding your children. There are so many incredible benefits that far outweigh the challenges. And there is so much help and support out there if you need it. La Leche League International and WIC are great places to start.

In fact, just ask me. Me and my kids are down with the Boob!!

My Isora…a total Boob Man. 

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! And Happy W Wednesday too!!

 

 

Filed Under: breastfeeding, natural childbirth, natural parenting, parenthood, toddlers

Why it’s Not JUST Chicken

July 28, 2012 By 10 Comments

I just read a blog the other day written by a momma (who’s also a lawyer) about her take on the issue. She is admittedly quite a fan of Chick-Fil-A which doean’t bother me. She will not stop eating there. Again, doesn’t bother me. She recognized that the Constitution protects our right to free speech and the owner of the company is protected by that. Agreed. However then she went on to say that she “admire(s) the owner’s bravery” for standing up for his beliefs.

WHUCK?!

It’s been a while since I’ve written about being a multi-cultural family and despite feeling like I wanted to refocus on those aspects of our family on this blog, nothing has jumped out and I don’t want to force it.

And then I read this. And though I’m way behind the news cycle I just couldn’t bite my tongue on this one.

And though we are not a LGBT family we have many friends that are and this is something that effects the world that our children will inherit. This IS the civil rights issue of our time.

Many may argue that being LGBT is not cultural. Many more may argue that gay rights are not the same as the historic Civil Rights movement. But I am not one of those people.

Dan Cathy, COO of Chick-Fil-A, is absolutely entitled to his opinions and voicing those opinions are within his rights. However his bigoted views should not be admired. And he certainly should not be held up as being “brave” for being a bigot.

That’s like calling George Wallace brave for saying that Alabama will always be segregated. Think about it. It’s the same type and amount of bigotry. And because one man is a politician and one is a businessman is no different. Using their platforms, be it the state capitol or thousands of drive-thru windows in America, their are using their power and position to promote hate.

The city aldermans and mayors that have publicly blocked Chick-Fil-A  in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco are the brave ones in my book. These politicians will be on the right side of history when the dust settles and the inevitable occurs. Because make no mistake, the equal rights of all individuals, be they black, white, Hispanic, gay, straight, male, female, Muslim or Christian will be confirmed. And though it will take hard work and time to get there, it is inevitable that we recognize equality for all.

In reality ours is a family that would not have been possible only a generation ago. My parents weren’t even legally able to marry in some states until the 1970′s. That’s only 30-something years ago. Michael’s parents, being from two very different cultures, though not illegal, was certainly not the norm or widely accepted.

For us, diversity is not just something you train for. It is our entire lives. Our entire families. Our wonderfully, beautifully blended children.

These same beautiful children who will grow up with multi-cultural friends. With friends that have two moms or two dads. With friends that speak different languages or eat different foods. Because that is the reality of the world that we live in.

Can you imagine if you couldn’t marry someone you loved? Because the law said so. Because of rich bigots that sell chicken tell you that God said you can’t marry? And pay for political representation to reflect their bigoted views?

I cannot. And I will not and cannot support such a business. Nor will I teach my children that it is brave to stand up for your beliefs when your beliefs have such hateful and negative effects on people. Not in my house.

Shit, I don’t shop at Walmart for less than what this man is saying.

Thankfully there are no Chick-Fil-A restaurants near us. And if there is one, well, they will not be getting our dollars until they change their tunes.

 

Filed Under: honesty, parenthood, race, religion Tagged With: , , ,
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