tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33134995968563076142024-03-13T04:39:18.335-06:00The Adventures of a Bond Mommy!Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-56222365083991562252011-10-28T10:52:00.001-06:002011-11-17T12:36:06.897-07:00I&apos;m back!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It appears I do have some faithful followers because I am getting hate mail that I haven't done a blog post in some time now. Over 2 months to be exact. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why haven't I have a post....because I am so busy.....being a parent has made me more busy than ever. For real, now that I am at home most days and not in the office I seem to have less and less time for things that I used to have time for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My days are filled with cooking, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, playing, settling baby for naps, play dates, errands and babysitting a couple children on a part time basis. Aside from all of this, I still have to shower and do laundry and all the other extra things which relate to running a household and family. I have become this woman who can multitask like never before. As great as it is, I can get frustrated and there are days when it doesn't all get done, or showering is the last thing on my list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We did another session of Mommy Connections and I made some more wonderful friends with adorable children. Funny how sometimes when you have a young child, you feel so alone but at the same time feel as though you have more friends than you can possibly visit and see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My younger sister Brittany moved here at the end of September. This of course has come with many ups and downs. I feel that sometimes I am too hard on her or that I am too motherly to her. This is a switch that is hard to turn on and off. She is so much younger than I am, and I find it hard to remember what it was like at her age. This maybe is because we are different people and have lived different lives. Similarities there are, but all in all it is very different. She is also going through her own changes and I need to remember this must be a really hard time for her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton has changed SO much! He went from slithering to crawling. After he could properly crawl he instantly was pulling himself up and cruising. Now he can walk without assistance for several steps. My little boy!!!!!! My baby is becoming a little boy! He can wave 'Hi' and loves to do this. He prefers to point with his middle finger, this of course is quite funny. Teeth are popping out everywhere and the sounds are never ending.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Omg, i can't even finish this post, I am newly obessed with True Blood and Sutton is sleeping so I have to take advantage of this time to watch it uninterrupted!!!!! hahaha</span>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-46867679254324819532011-09-15T18:30:00.001-06:002011-09-15T18:37:51.592-06:00What a WeekWell it's been busy around our house the last week or so. Alana Mum and his Nanny were here from Thursday to Tuesday. It was a great visit. We did he usual mall and dinner. Played 5 Crowns which I love, went the the Farmers Market and went to the Royal Alberta Museum. <br />
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Nanny is truly a remarkable woman. She is 81, and she's as sharp as a tac and you can't get anything by her. She is a little slow moving and can't bend all that well, but she is 81. She remembers so much of the past. She was raised in England, married Grandad and his work as a geologist discovering new places where oil was took them to India, Ecuador, and Burma. She has birthed in all these countries and I was so eager to hear about her experiences. Well, I was a little bummed out to hear that she had private healthcare and British doctors. She was never in the woods with a local Indian woman assisting her to give birth in the most natural setting. <br />
She has lived a life we can't even imagine. She was a child during the war and after she didn't experience the depression as others might have. Her father did well, and as a result she wasn't poor. She trained to be a primary school teacher, but soon after married and had babies and when her eldest (Alans dad) was 6 weeks she boarded a plane and left England. This wasn't at all common for those times. <br />
She had servants, cooks, house boys, you name it. <br />
This isn't to say she didn't see the real world. She saw it and she lived it. Her stories are so fascinating, and so well told. <br />
Mum and I sugguested she write a book. She of course says this is something she wouldn't ever do. Why I don't know. Wouldn't you buy that book?<br />
After all of that, they took a big gamble, moved back to England and purchased a hotel. Years later sold it and Grandad passed away a few years ago. <br />
She is still a world traveler though. She has children in Dubai, Australia, and Canada, who she often sees. <br />
She is so strong and so knowledgable, but at the same time so lonely I think. Loosing a husband so unexpectedly must be heartbreaking. <br />
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On another note, Sutton is learning so much. He went from slithering to a proper crawl. He can also pull himself up to a standing position. He can wave too. Nanny taught him to clap. He loves to throw a ball and clap and smile afterwards. <br />
Watching him grow, learn and discover is truly amazing. <br />
He has also been sleeping in his crib through the night more times then not. He also goes to be well now, and has both daily naps in his crib. Fantastic. Goodbye swing, you were amazing!<br />
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We have started another moms group, so this is great. It is for toddlers, so Sutton is by far the youngest in attendance!<br />
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AND I finally got an iPhone. I feel so special. I love having a camera on my phone again! I have an iPad so it was fairly easy to learn. My numbers are all transfered over and I'm uploading apps like I have nothing better to do.<br />
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I have also joined yoga, and my local community league! Wow, busy lady I am!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TG54EM1GfEU/TnKZDu0lnlI/AAAAAAAAAaw/kUYeX4dTiUw/s640/blogger-image-1596272672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TG54EM1GfEU/TnKZDu0lnlI/AAAAAAAAAaw/kUYeX4dTiUw/s640/blogger-image-1596272672.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GI2x5Lxfhk/TnKZEZIjjdI/AAAAAAAAAa0/lWqhTOQ_aBw/s640/blogger-image-1902065076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GI2x5Lxfhk/TnKZEZIjjdI/AAAAAAAAAa0/lWqhTOQ_aBw/s640/blogger-image-1902065076.jpg" /></a></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-47185260423241161992011-08-29T22:34:00.000-06:002011-08-29T22:34:23.776-06:001 Little Monkey Falling Off The Bed!Dear Lord, it happened. My baby got hurt on my watch. I'm told this is normal and will happen time and time again, but that didn't make me feel any better at the time it happened, or even now.<br />
Sutton was in bed with me, as he normally is in the mornings. After nursing and napping on and off for a couple hours, he decided it was more fun to kick me in the face, repeatedly. This is part of his daily morning routine. I am usually awake at this point singing, laughing, talking, fake sleeping or anything else that comes along. <br />
Today was like normal, then I fell asleep. This is when IT happened... I woke very alert because I heard a thud, then a cry. I flew out of bed and saw my precious little boy, laying on his back on the hard non carpeted bedroom floor. He was wedged between the bed and the side table. I instantly scooped him up while grabbing the phone. I called a friend who thanks to his firefighter education was able to assess Sutton through the phone. No blood, no obvious bump, pupils normal, not sleepy, etc. <br />
I nursed him, he played, ate breakfast. I also held off his nap for almost an hour longer. He is just fine. Thank God.<br />
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This now brings some questions, which I've been trying to answer all day, but yet to have a definite answer.<br />
Will Sutton be in our bed with just him and I again?<br />
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When he wakes around 230 or so, he comes to bed with me. I would love to nurse him in his room and put him back in his crib, but honestly, I always forget. I'm asleep and practically naked, and just bring him to bed with me. Lately Alan has been getting him and bringing him to our room. Sutton nurses, sleeps and the wakes around 6 or so and nurses on and off for a couple hours. Its usually just after 8 when we wake. SO, what do I do to change this routine? <br />
I will add that Sutton exclusively co-slept with is for almost 8 solid months. He has only been in his crib for about 1 month, for the first half of the night for the most part. My day cannot start at 6am, that wouldn't work for either of us. Plus, sleeping, cuddling and nursing is a part of our day that I truly cherish. I think we both do. Even on the mornings that Alan is home we still do this, and Sutton always wakes Alan up by trying to climb on him.<br />
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Do I get a bed rail? Do I make sure I don't fall asleep, as I never have before. Do I make a barrier of some sort? Do I duct tape him to the bed! <br />
I just don't want anything to change, things are perfect as they are, except for today when Sutton fell off the bed. <br />
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One thing to add, I went into the bedroom later today, to get dressed....at 2pm.....and saw the little mirror on the bed. He must have seen it, grabbed it, and then went to grab my hairspray, and that's when he fell. I don't know this, but this is what clues the evidence is leading towards. <br />
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Why did I fall into a real sleep and not just doze like normal? <br />
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Sutton is just fine now and got a little tougher today....or he is not going to be getting straight A's in school, I'm not sure.<br />
Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-91179256797775408902011-08-26T00:19:00.000-06:002011-08-26T00:19:54.261-06:00The Decision Has Been Made<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sitting here in bed, with the house all tidied up and on lock down. Alan is out of town again, and as much as I hate it, it is nice at the same time. I have had a few hours all to myself, and it feels great. Sutton isn't away, he is in his own crib in his own room, all sleepy and cosy, dreaming of mommy milk and pizza...maybe, maybe not!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, Alan and I finally made the decision about me going back to work or not. Well, I made my choice I guess, he is OK with whatever I decide. I decided...that....I....am..... NOT.....going.... back.....to.....work. This was such a hard decision for me. Funny how it took me so long to decide, because come to think of it, I really knew this on Nov 19, 2010, I even remember the time, it was 10:45am. I love to work, to learn, to be responsible and be in charge of doing something, and of course I like to social aspect of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I do work now though, everyday, all day with breaks being very rare, and lasting only minutes if i do get a break. I am always on call, so I can't plan much for myself. Or when I do plan something, I will never be alone or more than a few hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I haven't yet told my employer that I won't be returning. I am sure they assume I won't be. I went in for a meeting a few weeks back to discuss working part time, and they weren't willing to do half days. This doesn't work for my nursling. I though about half days elsewhere, but again, it's a childcare issue. We...or I, don't feel comfortable leaving Buttons with anyone until he is around 2. That way, I feel, I will have a better understanding through him what sort of care he is given. He may be talking then, but I am sure I will really know by his behaviour. It's crazy to think of my little boy being 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, there, decision made. I am going to officially be a full time mommy and housewife....with no financial compensation. How will we make ends meet, I have no idea. Maybe we will have to sell everything we have....kidneys included, I have no idea. We are very comfortable with this decision, and maybe after my mat leave runs out in November, we will have to re-evaluate. We did discuss selling the house, and finding something more manageable. I thought about taking in a child or 2 on a part time basis, delivering flyers, whatever it takes. It won't equal my wage before Sutton, but we are starting to see that every dirty brown penny does count.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I finally feel comfortable and at peace. I've taken the stress away by simply deciding, and knowing I am doing what is best for my son, and my family. Perhaps now, I can focus on my health more as well. Crap, I am supposed to be fasting for bloodwork tomorrow...opps! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Summer is coming to end very quickly, and it feels as though it has just started. I love summer, and I never want it to end. Before long, it will be -40'C in this province, and all everyone will talk about is how cold it is.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We have done so much this summer, and I can't believe that in a sense my summer continues, not the weather, but the feeling of freedom that summer brings. No more back to school traffic, not seeing daylight because I am stuck in a concrete pit all day. I will be home everyday with my little man, playing house in real life, only this time, I am not pretending to be the Dad, I am a mom...in REAL LIFE!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I just had to sneak out of the house in my tank and undies to get the camera from the van so I could upload these pics!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see him do this and think..."Omg, remember when he could hold his head up!"</span> </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The swings could be an all day activity for Sutton!</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My popsicle got stolen!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sutton's other best friend!</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby playdates...this was at the end when Sutton wanted a nap, or was mad because he was the only boy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-5658873571570967242011-08-14T22:47:00.000-06:002011-08-14T22:47:19.283-06:00Almost 9 months...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day I got pregnant didn't seem like long ago, and the day I gave birth seemed like yesterday. My little boy is growing so quickly. I am not the same person I was just months ago. I will never be that person again. The person I am now is more real, more patient, more loving, more sympathetic, and more true. Oh, and I am also SO busy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My baby will be 9 months old in just days. I think about his birth daily, and when I look at his newborn pictures (which I wish were professional), it seems like a lifetime ago and at the same time like yesterday. He has changed so much. I know that every parent feels this as well, but I guess until you experience it yourself it's totally unimaginable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spoke to a friend recently and we mentioned how the parent I thought I was going to be is not the parent that I am</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never thought I would co-sleep, nurse for as long as I have, not believe in CIO, and so many others. I love being Sutton's Mommy, and I think I do a really good job, better than I ever imagined. Sutton recieves so much love and understanding. I recognize his cues, and act on them. I remember his personality and react accordingly. He is such a sweet precious little boy. I have never known love like I do now! Throw in the fact that I have an amazing husband who is a great father, pretty much concludes that my life is perfect!!!</span><br />
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Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-6352643478638105002011-08-14T22:34:00.001-06:002011-08-14T22:35:37.935-06:00Yard Sale Crazy!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my, yard sales are a great way to meet great people, as well as really really creepy people. It amazes me how some people are.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the history behind our yard sale. I like to store things in Rubbermaid bins. This is a problem. Obviously! Luckily we have a great deal of storage in our house and it wasn't really a big issue to have them all, as they were hiding in the basement. Alan of course hates this. Last summer he started talking about having a yard sale. I wasn't a fan of this, as it meant that my precious belongings would be sold for next to nothing. I didn't like the idea of people coming onto our property. But most of all, it meant we had to go through all the bins. Yikes! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alan brought it up again this year, and I said fine, let's do the stupid thing. We sold our downstairs living room furniture a couple weeks ago and this sparked it all. It was a time to clear it all out now. It took a couple nights and we got through it all. We skipped pricing and organizing because it seemed pointless to Alan, and hard for me to do with a baby. I love wearing Sutton, and he likes it too, but its too hard when bending and lifting, and stairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We agreed, or shall I say that Alan gave in to do it in the front yard. As it tuens out...like I knew, it attracted so much more traffic. I borrowed 5 long tables from a friend which was GREAT!!!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started around noon on Thursday and went through until 9pm on Saturday. We have sold so much of our treasures, I mean crap, but there is still lots left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone asked if we had a DVD player, so we went and got ours and sold it, along with our TV from downstairs. After all, we don't have any furniture down there now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our neighbours joined us yesterday and we are having a joint garage sale, and it is so much fun. On Saturday we took shifts, as we both had stuff to do at some point during the day/</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We seem to attract many people who are not all there. They are mentally disabled, but provide a lot of chats to say the less. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- One guy came looking for a DVD called Drums Of Africa. He was very persistent. It was crazy. He didn't have a computer but wanted us to go on ours and look for it online. He was really annoying because he just wouldn't leave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- One woman had a pile of stuff, we said $5, she said $10, SOLD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Many people drive past slowly looking, and then keep driving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 3 people have asked us if we have seen their dog. Alan yells no, I of course get their address, dogs name, description, etc. Haha poor puppy all lost!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Our frist customer was a really odd character. He was really greasy and yucky. Super creep factor. He touched everything, and talked about everything. He tried on Alan's back support belt what seemed like a million times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Some cultures are SO cheap! It's unreal. Like seriously, unreal. We had a chair marked for $30, and she offers $10. This is after Alan tells her she makes the chair look good! haha Gross!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- A few people came back a couple times, with their spouse or friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- I was nursing, and one woman asked me how old he was, I told her and she responded with "Oh, wow, and he't still attached. Gross, I never breastfed, my nipples were too sensitive" I decided to tell her I would breastfeed for 2 years if Sutton was interested. I wanted to scream at her and punch her in the face, but in the end decided against it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Things that sell are: knives, flashlights, planters, DVD's, tools, clocks/watches, army stuff...dear god, did that stuff sell!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Unsuprisingly, only 3 people bought VHS tapes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Its amazing how many people are looking for something in particular. Some even yell from their car.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- We had so may random cords, etc, and most people looked at them, that was entertaining.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- It was obvious where we intended people to walk, but only 2 walked though the wring way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- I saw a nun for the first time ever!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- When you wave passer bys over, they do come!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Most of the visitors early in the day were employees from the gas company, water, etc</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- When we came back from being out on Saturday, our neighbour came running up to us, to tell us he destroyed our garage. The opener is broken, and now needs replaced. Not impressed, but it was an accident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We actually had a lot of fun. We made about $500. How great is that. The remainder we donated to Value Village, which is a really really scary place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton had a great time, he loves outside, and seeing people. It was cute watching him try to get peoples attention.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having so much fun!!!</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A69I2r16xFs/Tkigehn7NFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/1Q2y_I4G3Tw/s1600/DSCF7207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A69I2r16xFs/Tkigehn7NFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/1Q2y_I4G3Tw/s320/DSCF7207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 3 long days, this is what happens to Sutton's hair!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4IOTKzI8fg/TkigVw2f-1I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/qPNlGDcSN2c/s1600/DSCF7234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4IOTKzI8fg/TkigVw2f-1I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/qPNlGDcSN2c/s320/DSCF7234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<img height="72" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A69I2r16xFs/Tkigehn7NFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/1Q2y_I4G3Tw/s320/DSCF7207.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 195px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1531px;" width="96" />Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-51573705927375434212011-07-28T23:47:00.000-06:002011-07-28T23:47:02.660-06:00Innocence<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the innocence of a baby. They are never embarrassed or ashamed. They never feel bad for crying. They like the simple things like a plastic bag, a newspaper, a slipper or a Kleenex. These objects be can be so fun to explore. Touching parts of their body is always something that can bring new amusement. A new noise can entertain them for hours on end. When do babies loose this innocence. Imagine life was so simple? Imagine the best thing in life was having your mom close by, and a sound from you could have her running to you instantly. Imagine not knowing anything bad or hurtful? Everyday for a baby is a day to learn, play and love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the innocence in my son brings me so much joy and so much love. It makes me enjoy my life and eager to go to bed to start another day. Seeing the excitement in Sutton when Alan comes home is always so heart warming. The squeals of delight never get old, and I don't think they ever will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raising my son has not aged me at all, it has made me feel young and free, full of life. Everyday I get to see things for the first time again. A plastic container being banged on a floor can make so many different noises, it can bounce and roll or not move at all. Every bang can have a different outcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It can be harder these days to clean, do yard work, shower, do laundry and all the other chores and necessities in life. Since I do all these things with a baby close by, or attached to me, it is never the same. Sutton enjoys watching me vacuum and do laundry. He likes the noise, and the movement. I like the final product and the completion, he just likes the act. Again, so simple and so innocent. He doesn't dread going downstairs with a laundry basket, he likes to see where we go, and what we do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life has sped up and slowed down all at once. The once mundane chores are now like adventures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These little creatures can sometimes be so complicated and yet at the same time, so sweet and innocent.</span><br />
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<div align="center"></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-87701205178211618882011-07-11T23:39:00.000-06:002011-07-11T23:39:04.984-06:00To Work Or Not To Work??This decision is harder than I ever thought. When I was pregnant I seriously thought I would go back to work, maybe even early. I also thought I would continue with my courses during my year off. Who was I kidding? Clearly because Sutton is my first child, I had no idea what was going to be in store for me. I had no idea that my child would die if I left him for more than an hour,(or so it seems), I had no idea I would feel at peace being home all day with my son. I had no idea I would have to google nursery rhymes and create dances for them. I had no idea I would take my boob out so many times a day. I had no idea that my days of crazy long showers would be over. I really didn't know anything, I still don't know everything, but I do know how much I love my son, and the time we have together.<br />
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These little amazing creatures do grow so fast. I still haven't decided what I am going to do. Will I work full time, part time or not at all. Will I go back to the same place if I do go back? When did I become old enough to make such huge decisions.<br />
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If I got back to work, full or part time, there is a lot I have to do to help Sutton adjust to another care giver. I need to work on his sleep, nursing, bottles and solid foods, but mostly I have to get Sutton to be okay without me.<br />
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Oh dear god, the stress is huge and I'm not really the type of person who gets stressed out. I should maybe go crawl into bed and snuggle that little ball of perfection. After all, our cosleeping nights are going to change. It saddens me, but it's a family decision that Alan and I made, or one which I agreed to. As with everything regarding Sutton, it will be baby led, maybe a modified version, I want Suttin to ease into his own room and crib well. I know this could be very hard, so we will take it slow. We have done this before with short term success, now to try again. <br />
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Goodnight!Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-25076249871865139362011-06-19T06:23:00.000-06:002011-06-19T06:23:22.180-06:007 months, really?That's what I said to Alan this morning. How have 7 months passed already. We have just experienced the best 7 months of our lives so far. Knowing that we have this precious little boy only reinforces the fact that we know the rest of our lives will be fantastic. How is that for a guarantee?!?!<br />
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Also, today is Father's Day. The funny thing is that we are going to the zoo, the Toronto Zoo. We flew into Toronto yesterday in the early afternoon, and have been sweaty and hot ever since. The humidity is still always a surprise. <br />
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Anyway, babes and Alan are napping so I'm going to watch the show I love so much "The New Adventures Of The Old Christine". So funny!Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-24947931851104600972011-06-12T23:51:00.002-06:002011-06-12T23:54:25.101-06:00Baby Led Weaning is Fantastic!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alan and I are loving <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby-led_weaning">Baby Led Weaning</a> (BLW)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why you ask???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Sutton is over 6 months old, he doesn't NEED purees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. We won't have to deal with transitioning textures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Sutton loves to sit and eat with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. We eat healthier as Sutton eats what we eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. We are able to sit and eat our meals without entertaining Sutton or holding him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Going out to eat is easy...nothing for us to bring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">7. Learning is constant, he is even starting to use a pincer grip!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">8. It is so cute!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Many people as us if we are scared he will choke. Of course we are, but anytime he has food no matter what age he is, the risk of choking will always be present. He has gagged many many times, and even vomited a few. This is a safety mechanism and will prevent him from truly choking. He can handle pieces that are too large well, and often spits food out. Sutton is always supervised, we never leave his side. He is almost 7 months old, and can sit well, has an interest in food, can move food around with his around, and can chew and swallow. Pureed baby food is commercially produced in mass quantities and sold everywhere; it has been this way for years and years, but due to the fact that we (most of us) no longer wean our babies at 3 or 4 months doesn't make it an essential product anymore. BLW is not a new concept at all, in fact it dates back as far as breastfeeding....also known as the beginning of time. BLW is a natural transition for Sutton, especially because he is breastfed, he has experienced different tastes, just through my milk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I do understand why people do purees though. The same with breastfeeding, not everyone does it, and not everyone does it as long as I intend to. I respect this, and I don't judge. I do feel that BLW is great for my family though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton has tried so many foods, and his favourites change almost daily. He loved bananas at the beginning and no longer goes for them first. He does seem to have a way in which he eats, but I haven't figured it out yet. Occasionally we use the mesh bag thing, it is a great little tool, especially for some meats, fruits which aren't an ideal size for him, and popsicle type things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton usually only wants to eat food at suppertime. Sometimes he will snack on an apple or something I eat throughout the day. He is still breastfed as his main source of nourishment, but enjoys to eat, and does swallow some.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are a million photos of our fantastic suppers!</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He started with Oatmeal Cereal</span></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLgE-vkJbNQ/TfWiBai1qsI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ro3VHNOGoNI/s1600/DSCF6515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLgE-vkJbNQ/TfWiBai1qsI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ro3VHNOGoNI/s320/DSCF6515.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toast!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He sure can mangle a banana well!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjbKpUh9xxU/TfWiZBEzIrI/AAAAAAAAAZM/bVgBBEkO57g/s1600/DSCF6560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjbKpUh9xxU/TfWiZBEzIrI/AAAAAAAAAZM/bVgBBEkO57g/s320/DSCF6560.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watermelon!</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A happy baby is a baby with yogurt!!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Q-V-HvPLw/TfWjA2opetI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hbLq6pqH7Z8/s1600/DSCF6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Q-V-HvPLw/TfWjA2opetI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hbLq6pqH7Z8/s320/DSCF6627.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mmm, meat!!!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-37811572976926391722011-05-19T21:27:00.002-06:002011-05-19T21:31:37.537-06:00Yum Yum Yummy!!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am excited to start Baby Led Weaning. I love the concept of baby feeding themselves, and of course skipping purees. I am aware that once he starts eating food it could take a month or two before he actually rips a piece off and swallows it. I look forward to him learning that food will fill his belly. He seems to have lost his tongue thrust reflex and is sitting up well, not in his own, but upright enough. Once he able to sit up we will start whole and large food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We weren't going to do cereal, as there aren't all that many benefits to it. The iron theory isn't as accurate as many health professionals say it is. We are told that babies have lost the iron they are born with when they turn 6 months. Studies have disproved this theory stating that the only begin to loose it at around 6 months. I also have a few friends who have tried the commercially produced rice cereal and have had negative reactions to it such as hives and constipation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Alan wanted to try to oatmeal cereal for babies, so we did. What a joy this has been. He was a little hesitant at first however, now he lunges in for it. It is so cute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tonight he sat in his highchair at the table and couldn't get enough. We also gave him a little bit of water with apple juice for flavour. Funny funny reactions. I of course want to limit his water intake as I still want breast milk to be his main source of nutrition. I don't want him to fill up on water, as there is no nourishment or fat in it. I do want him to enjoy eating, and to help him to be a happy and good eater when he is bigger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for Baby Led Weaning, I will be doing a modified version if it. I am not wanting to wean Sutton from the breast just yet, but I am wanting to introduce him to REAL food, in the form in which adults eat it. I have been reading Baby Led Weaning by Gill Rapley, and it is fantastic. So logical. I look forward to not pureeing foods and spoon feeding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To contradict myself though, we did do baby cereal where we spoon fed Sutton and let him feed himself as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some pictures, which I will cherish forever!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Alan helping Sutton eat, he was leaning forward to get to it faster!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He loved the spoon and trying to get the food off! Ahhh, such a big boy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yum! He was licking it off his hands!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water with a smidge of apple juice, it must have been sour!!! (I found a sippy cup which Sutton will actually drink out of, and he does it by holding it himself. It is the Tilty Cup. Hopefully he will drink breastmilk from it, as he is refusing the bottle still and the other sippy cup we have.)</span></div><br />
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</div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-44778143712895349442011-05-06T17:42:00.000-06:002011-05-06T17:42:03.602-06:00Playing is so much fun!!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last couple weeks Sutton has been loving his Exersaucer. I do not like to keep him in for too long as he cannot yet stand on his own, but he LOVES it. He grabs at everything and pulls the toys, presses the ones to make songs and just flails around. It is so exciting to see him get so overwhelmed at all the toys and the songs. After about 10 minutes though he has had enough! I am using the excersaucer as a tool to help him play on his own. I love to always play with him, but I feel it is important that he also be able to entertain himself alone or with toys for short periods of time. His hand eye coordination is also delveloping as is his abilty to reach out and touch things. This will help when he is ready to start eating solids by baby led weaning. He is learning cause and effect. He knows that certain things make certain noise, sometimes it takes him a while to remember or figure it out, but once he does, he doesn't stop! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My perfect sweet little baby is growing so fast!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here is a video of him playing. I couldn't do it with the camcorder as I do not know how to upload, so I had to use my cell, the quality isn't that great, but of course his cuteness shines through regardless! He mostly stared at me, but when I am "not looking" he really plays and explores!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw0mx8mk-xydwFAYuYnZnoGgQGp9vB-E5fQcxFVCoF_EEGNbNjjlAxaZlvL8RHKO0osbx6VkCYue1YPK3vJ0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-56539037997809674202011-05-03T16:32:00.002-06:002011-05-03T16:45:29.672-06:00I connected at "Mommy Connections"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my many fears while being pregnant included being at home alone with a baby all the time. I am such a social person, how could I possible handle the adjustment to not working and not being with other adults? Wouldn't I go crazy? After mentioning this to some other mommies, they suggested I join a post natal moms group, which sounded like a lot of fun, and a nice weekly getaway! I was excited to get out of my pj's, do my hair, make up and choose a cute outfit for both me and baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I decided to start looking for one. This did not come without many challenges. There were so many, some far, some close, some free, some had a fee, some in houses, some in cafes, some for babies, some for kids, some with structure, some without. I ended up not choosing one, as I basically wasn't able to choose or bother with contacting people. For a couple they had you fill out forms and almost be accepted. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was in a restaurant one day, when I was talking to another mom there. She mentioned she went to <a href="http://www.mommyconnections.ca/">Mommy Connections</a>. As quickly as she mentioned it, I inhaled my burrito, grabbed my baby and went home to google this group. Well, was I suprised! I could apply online, and the application was just my contact information. There were several locations in the city that had the same program, so naturally I chose the one closest to me! Now, to wait for the following Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I loved that every session, we started out talking about our babies and anything that had happened in the last week. Babies learn so much everyday, so there was always something for all of us to share. Actually it was one Monday morning at MC that my baby fully learned to roll over, maybe watching the other babes insipried him. I also liked that the days were structured. I didnt want a moms group at a coffee house because what if I didn't click with the other moms there, I would have to sit in silence and just wait. Well, knowing me, there would never be silence, but I wanted structure. I wanted to learn while socilaizing. Mommy Connections offered this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The days were all the same in structure. We had 2 presenters each Monday for 8 weeks. Some of the topics included Itnellidance Babies, First Aid, a lacatation consultant, Kindermusik, introducing solids, Discovery Toys, and infant massage, sleep, just to name a few. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of my favourite sessions was when the <a href="http://www.mommyconnections.ca/edmonton-north">North Edmonton Mommy Connections</a> Director, and <a href="http://www.tinygem.ca/">Tiny Gems</a> consultant Lyndal spoke about cloth diapering and baby wearing. Those are 2 things I am passionate about so it was great to learn lots and chat with other moms about it. She also did a demonstration on different baby carriers. Oh, and we had a professional photographer from <a href="http://www.islandmistphotography.com/">Island in the Mist Photograhy</a> come in and take "Mom and Baby" Photos. She did a wonderful job, the photos are amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The location was great, especially if you had other children, they could play at Gymboree and have fun for the full 90 minutes, while the moms and babies all sat together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have made several friends through Mommy Connections, who I will keep in touch with. They were down-to-earth women who were all there for the same reason. One thing that stuck out the most in my mind was that for the most part we all breastfed. Even though breastfeeding is so natural and best for baby, some people do not like to see you do this in public. It was great to sit and breastfeed with sometimes 10 women....AT ONCE!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I enjoyed this program so much that I joined again. I decided to try a different location so that I could meet new women and hear some different presenters. It is great to get out once a week and see the same people, get to know them and their babies. We have a common bond in the fact that we are raising our little babes. I have great friends outside of Mommy Connections, but those without children, or with older children simply cannot relate to me right now, and sometimes it is just nice to talk to someone who is going through the same changes in life as yourself. When we were learning about sleep, we got to ask questions to the presenter, and one mom turned to me and said "I'm glad it's not just me!" Sometimes it is reassuring to know you aren't the only one who is having challenges or joys, and sharing it can mean so much. It is also exciting that my 5 month old baby has friends!!!! Today at Mommy Connections, he even held hands with a little girl....uh oh, now I am in trouble!!!</span>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-51955778463062925342011-04-27T23:22:00.001-06:002011-04-27T23:25:55.360-06:00'No Cry Sleep Solution' Book Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned in an earlier post, I had started reading the book 'No Cry Sleep Solution'. I had really started to enjoy the book, but hadn't yet got into the "how to" section. As I was reading I knew this was going to be a lot of work, as everything involving parenthood is. As the book progressed, I had to start the logs, this is where the challenge came in. When I started this book, Sutton was sleeping the first half of the night in his swing, and the second half in our bed. I was supposed to write down what time he woke, how long he nursed, and what time he fell back asleep. This was almost impossible for me to do, because in order for me to write it down, I would have to turn over to the bed side table, risking waking Sutton. I also would have to stay awake. Sometimes I cannot tell if Sutton is comfort sucking or if in fact he is nursing. (I know, 5 months in, and I still don't always know!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The thing I love about co-sleeping, is that I get a full nights sleep...for the most part. This may seem selfish or lazy, but sleeping is important for me, Sutton and Alan. Alan doesn't wake at all, but is very aware of Sutton's presence in the bed. We do what works, and this is the best decision for our family.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For 5 months now I have gotten much "advice" about how to get Sutton to sleep in his crib. Some advice is from friends or family or people who genuinely care, this is fine. But many people tell me that he will never sleep in his crib if we don't make him do it now. We all know this is not true...don't we? Am I the first person to ever co-sleep? What about cultures where co-sleeping is the norm? What about large families in small houses? Why are some people so oblivious to the fact that I am not crazy or making bad decisions? We all judge I guess, but it's no fun when people judge me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Alan and I decided that co-sleeping was good for us, it was something that worked, and something that we felt Sutton needed. We have been trying the crib on and off the last couple weeks, and it is going really well. He falls asleep at the breast as usual, and then we place him in his crib, he always lies on his tummy, looks around, then cries. Instantly I pick him up and hold him chest to chest. He quickly falls back to sleep, and then after a minute or 2 I place him back into his crib on his tummy and pat his little bum. He settles just fine, and sleeps for about 4 hours. At this point, he comes into our bed, and I nurse him and he stays the rest of the night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am aware that I should sit up, nurse him and put him back in his crib, but we have come so far with him sleeping for any amount of time in his crib, that we will slowly progress to the full night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The most important part of all of this is that every morning I wake up to little hand in my face. To smiles and kicks and little chatter! Sutton obviously has slept well, and is well rested. That is key, Sutton gets the sleep and comfort that he needs and is entitled too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">However....I really really wanted to read the entire book, and apply the techniques. In the meantime though, we have found a technique that works for us. I will read the rest of the book, but not do any of the logs. We have already establish</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ed a good nighttime routine and are getting our baby to sleep without crying it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cannot upload a picture of Sutton sleeping in his crib, because I do not dare go in there and risk him waking to the startling "bright lights of heaven" of a flash I have on my camera! Another good parenting move on my part!!! Yeah!!!!! </span>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-18413533898753940942011-04-19T00:14:00.001-06:002011-04-19T00:16:36.143-06:00Cool We Are!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little sister Brittany just flew in from Ontario tonight. My mom from Ontario is also here, but she arrived a few days ago. Anyway, it is 12am, or almost 2am for Britt, and we are both sitting here writing blog posts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, I am just sitting here at the kitchen table enjoying my tea and the music from Sutton's swing. Then she mentions my pantry door, I had no idea what she was talking about, I looked at her, and I realized what "pantry" door she meant. I looked at her again, and held my head in shame and said "That isn't a pantry, that's the junk closet!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is what she saw when she opened it......then she says "Wow, lots of good stuff in here!!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She is clearly the greatest person to ever walk this planet!!!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYWpJhPVBHM/Ta0oQczff4I/AAAAAAAAAYk/0SjSHXW5n_0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYWpJhPVBHM/Ta0oQczff4I/AAAAAAAAAYk/0SjSHXW5n_0/s1600/photo.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-37244734041201825702011-04-10T19:24:00.002-06:002011-04-10T19:39:53.103-06:00I love Spring!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love spring. I think it might be my favourite season. The snow melts, the weather warms, and everyone is so happy. I do love the fall too but everyone is always so negative awaiting the first snowfall, and the first COLD day. We also pack up our patio furniture and prepare the house and yard for the next few miserable months. It's just a feeling of ending, dying even. But the spring signals new life, and a new outlook.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh, and it is also my birthday month!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some photos of Spring so far for us!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I need some new baby approved sunglasses for The Butt!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0K9rMhqeE5U/TaJaSgP-fNI/AAAAAAAAAXU/MJuM-FXJvww/s1600/DSCF6223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0K9rMhqeE5U/TaJaSgP-fNI/AAAAAAAAAXU/MJuM-FXJvww/s320/DSCF6223.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lovely walk!!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubqVJy2hP5U/TaJauN5A_qI/AAAAAAAAAXc/4wjAkBxxIUg/s1600/DSCF6258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubqVJy2hP5U/TaJauN5A_qI/AAAAAAAAAXc/4wjAkBxxIUg/s320/DSCF6258.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have feet!!! Yay!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbF_KkQ-UvU/TaJa4Ek_CFI/AAAAAAAAAXg/9j5kSAA1zzY/s1600/DSCF6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbF_KkQ-UvU/TaJa4Ek_CFI/AAAAAAAAAXg/9j5kSAA1zzY/s320/DSCF6230.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to clean the car...I mean minivan!!! Waiting in line for the car wash gave us time for a quick nurse and bum change!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yk2nGXV4dA/TaJbC7S-6zI/AAAAAAAAAXk/_iIL9OtEQrc/s1600/DSCF6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yk2nGXV4dA/TaJbC7S-6zI/AAAAAAAAAXk/_iIL9OtEQrc/s320/DSCF6094.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got all the ice off finally!</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-59uLsJUp0/TaJaiZN3c5I/AAAAAAAAAXY/Ykx3l-G7tVc/s1600/DSCF6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-59uLsJUp0/TaJaiZN3c5I/AAAAAAAAAXY/Ykx3l-G7tVc/s1600/DSCF6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-59uLsJUp0/TaJaiZN3c5I/AAAAAAAAAXY/Ykx3l-G7tVc/s320/DSCF6120.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-42575993540327955142011-04-09T10:58:00.003-06:002011-04-10T19:28:38.874-06:00Milk Maid Tea Experiment<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeuCYLUIPGg/TaCPiqYrbrI/AAAAAAAAAXI/YhdQfOUfmJM/s1600/DSCF6244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeuCYLUIPGg/TaCPiqYrbrI/AAAAAAAAAXI/YhdQfOUfmJM/s320/DSCF6244.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must start this post by mentioning I am VERY pro breastfeeding. I do not look down on mothers who use formula, but I always wonder why. If it comes up in conversation, it is always the same thing "I wasn't producing enough milk" What does that even mean? Breastfeeding works best if you do it. I know it can be hard to wait it out; especially, if you feel your baby isn't getting enough milk, usually they are though, but if you continue to feed the baby it will work out, and if your supply is still low, there is much you can do to increase it. Assess your lifestyle, your diet, your stress level, your determination. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I must also mention, I am not in the medical field and do not in any way possess a medical degree except for the one I issued myself in the ability to 'Self Diagnose'. I am also not a Lactation Consultant. I am not going to provide any studies or research in this post, I will simply speak from experience and conversations I have had with others. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son has been exclusively breastfed for 4 and a half months....his entire precious life. At first I wondered if I wasn't producing enough milk. Now I think that maybe I just don't store a lot, I have small storage tanks maybe!!! My milk came in right away which was wonderful. At our 1 week check up I mentioned to my doctor that I was concerned I had a low milk supply, </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and she was not at all concerned as Sutton was back up to his birth weight in less than a week, on average they say it takes up to 2 weeks. She did give me a prescription for a medication which can aid in more milk supply. In fact, she said she had a patient who adopted, and was able to breastfeed because of this medication. I did not fill the prescription as when talking with a friend about my concerns, she basically told me that my body knows what to do, and if the baby doesn't suck the body doesn't produce. Tough it out, hang in there, and most importantly to keep at it. I consider her a hero in my breastfeeding adventures. Another thing she told me was to not have any formula on hand, it will only make me want to use it when I am struggling the most. I had to follow my instinct, by body and my son.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here, almost 5 months later, I still wonder. I think just because I cannot pump very well. It takes me at least 2 days and 4 pumping sessions to get a 5oz bottle. Everyone knows though that a baby sucking at the breast is far more effective than a breast pump ever will be.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless of the fact that I KNOW I am producing enough milk, I still regularly eat oatmeal as it does enhance my supply, and it is so healthy and yummy too, and I get to eat copious amounts of brown sugar! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was at one of my favourite children's boutiques when I came across the Earth Mama Angel Baby Products. They had a 'Milk Maid Tea' for breastfeeding mothers. I figured I would give it a shot. It contained 16 tea bags for $9.99. That works out to $0.62 a cup. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Man oh man does it ever work. I was going to try it for 10 days, but I just quit last night and did it for 6 days. It really does work. My breasts were definitely larger, huge even. Alan and I pointed and laughed that I was going to topple over. I was also able to pump more than usual. I was slightly engorged, but not too engorged that I was in complete discomfort.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As I mentioned in a previous post....all (or close to all) women can breastfeed. I often hear people say that they cannot, as they didn't have enough milk. How did they know? One cannot determine how many ounces of milk they have. The more you feed the more you produce, and a pump can never replace a baby. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the first month or so, Sutton was ALWAYS on the breast. Several people told me he was comfort sucking and to put an end to it immediately. I didn't want to to deprive him comfort at all, and I wanted to wait it out. I now truly believe that he was increasing my supply. My son and my body worked together. There are still times when Sutton 'comfort sucks' and sometimes I know he is just needing comfort and other times I think he is increasing my supply. Breastfeeding is a 'Supply and Demand' business after all. The more the baby sucks, the more you produce. Just as your body can conceive a child, carry a child and deliver a child, it can also nourish a child. I am sure there are some circumstances where mothers cannot or do not produce enough milk, but I also believe that determination plays a huge role. If a doctor says you aren't producing enough milk do you believe them? How do they know? Their medical degree doesn't enable them to see through your skin and into your milk ducts. As long as your child is healthy, content and gaining weight properly that is indication that you ARE producing enough milk. Never trust a pump alone. Had I have done this, it means that my son is only getting 2 oz of milk per day. I know this isn't true. I make sure my breast is emptied as much as possible to aid in my body's ability to continue the supply and demand.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, to conclude my experiment, the Earth Mama Angel Baby Tea is very effective. Please see the ingredients below. I am sure the main ingredient of Fenugreek is the reason it is so effective. I have heard of doctors who prescribe Fenugreek pills as well for the reason of increasing milk supply. I will use this tea again if I want to quickly enhance my supply to be able to pump a few bottles. It seemed to work very quickly. I noticed by the next day for sure. The taste wasn't bad. I could smell and taste the peppermint most. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It also states not to use if you are Pregnant. I am not sure why. I assume it has something to do with the Red Raspberry Leaf in it, or maybe because you do not want to stimulate milk supply too early in your pregnancy. I am not sure why, but I wasn't concerned as I am not pregnant. As with anything, do your research and ask a professional. Most places who sell these products are very well informed as well.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKZ-P0xXZ0M/TaCPs1gLl7I/AAAAAAAAAXM/VTrG1KxZh0U/s1600/DSCF6250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKZ-P0xXZ0M/TaCPs1gLl7I/AAAAAAAAAXM/VTrG1KxZh0U/s320/DSCF6250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-9752016028544013402011-04-05T17:36:00.000-06:002011-04-05T17:36:22.003-06:00Funny Boy!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sutton is so funny!!!! He makes me laugh every single day, many times a day! Watching him learn and grow and discover new things makes me want to have 20 kids to I can watch it for the rest of my life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are on a regular schedule now, and I love that. It has variances of course, but we are up at the same time every day and his naps are at about the same time, and the same length. Frees up my day a bit, but I find myself waiting for him to wake up. I could nap, but I would much rather use his time sleeping as time for me to do what I want. Which is often just sitting, or being on the computer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This week, I was changing Sutton, and I let him air out while I was going through his clothes. I noticed he started to pee. I covered it with my hand, and thought he was finished, so I grabbed a cloth, he then continued to pee and it went in his eye, nose and ear. And of course it went all over his arm, leg and bum. It was so funny. Then a couple days later, he did #2 while I was changing him again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton loves naked time, and he uses that time to roll around. He feels so free and kicks like mad! Rolling is really his new favourite thing to do. At play group yesterday, we had a demonstrator there for baby massage and Sutton was too busy rolling around to be masssaged! haha He still prefers to stand as much as possible. He enjoys playing in his back as well. He is able to roll both ways but prefers to go from back to tummy. Tummy time is also much more fun now than it used to be. He no longer has to be bribed with a mirror! He also gets less frustrated! Thank god, seeing him struggle was hard, but he was learning at the same time. He is so strong. Everyone comments that for 4 months he has incredible strength!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton smiles all the time, and he has a few different smiles. They are so cute. My eyes still water when Sutton smiles at Alan. Sutton has started to laugh a little. I think he is copying me more than truly laughing, and I can't wait for the day when he laughs a real laugh at something real.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A few days ago I put Sutton in his Exersaucer for the first time since he has been big enough for it. I put the 1000 batteries in it, and he was so suprised at all the sounds, and motion. So much to see, listen to and touch. He just looked at everything with amazment. He didn't know what to do, it was so overwhelming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton and I cook or bake together several times a day. He watches me do everything, and I explain it all to him while wiping up his constant stream of drool! He will happily sit in his Bumbo and just watch and look around the kitchen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Playing with toys is now much more fun. He can grab things well, and shake them. He of course loves to put them in his mouth. He has toys that he prefers over others. He likes Gus (Sophie The Giraffe), his Kindermusik rattle, his lovey (stuffed giraffe) and the thing we bought in Texas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We went to the Health Centre the other day and Sutton weighs 12lbs 10oz. He is 24 inches long. He is perfectly healthy and is growing at a good rate. It shocks me that he is double his birth weight now. I can't believe that he was half the weight he was! My oh my, do they ever grow quickly. I made the mistake of blinking, and here he is growing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sutton is the light of my life. He brings me joy like I have never experienced before. I love when I am out and people stop me to tell me how cute he is. He then smiles at them, and his little dimples poke through, and instead of speaking or thanking the person, I agree with them, and stare at Sutton! hahahaha</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sticking his tongue out while being changed!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz-QBD280xY/TZuVomY3LSI/AAAAAAAAAWs/FKMAnhZ9Di8/s1600/DSCF6162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz-QBD280xY/TZuVomY3LSI/AAAAAAAAAWs/FKMAnhZ9Di8/s320/DSCF6162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chewing in his lovey! You can see in his eyes he really is chewing!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMKjSAPy4yI/TZuWNF3f1wI/AAAAAAAAAWw/UmHqL5Tup2w/s1600/DSCF6167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMKjSAPy4yI/TZuWNF3f1wI/AAAAAAAAAWw/UmHqL5Tup2w/s320/DSCF6167.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has discovered his thumb. He mostly chews on it rather than suck it though!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_TNbiX8smg/TZuWY_BOA4I/AAAAAAAAAW0/r-moZ1DS26k/s1600/DSCF6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_TNbiX8smg/TZuWY_BOA4I/AAAAAAAAAW0/r-moZ1DS26k/s320/DSCF6124.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smiles!!!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc4GsfJByGo/TZuWh5CN53I/AAAAAAAAAW4/Knj0rfXQi-8/s1600/DSCF6179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc4GsfJByGo/TZuWh5CN53I/AAAAAAAAAW4/Knj0rfXQi-8/s320/DSCF6179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-86033277719334800712011-04-05T10:40:00.001-06:002011-04-05T17:36:44.117-06:00Breastfeeding...it is for EVERYONE!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Question: "Will you breastfeed?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Answer: "Gross, no! Why would I do that? They make formula you know, and I was formula fed, and I am smart-ish, and am rarely sick. Besides, it seems like such an inconvenience. And then the Dad doesn't have to do anything, and everything will be left onto me. And my boobs will be hangy and saggy and ugly. And like as if I want my boob hanging out all the time. And leakage, I hear horrible stories about this, and never want to deal with that. It freaks me out that my child will be sucking on my tit, sick, boobs are for sex, and sex only."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Who would say something so foul...ME, a couple years ago. Anyone who knows me knows I do not think this way anymore!!! I am so ashamed it brings me to tears!!! I cannot believe that I almost deprived my son of what is best for him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I remember the day I decided breastfeeding was for ME and should be for EVERYONE! I was visiting friends on Ontario a few years ago and I saw my friend breastfeeding her daughter. I stared in amazement. You could see their bond and their love, and their naturalism. Then, that same day a friend told me she was pregnant. I looked at her, looked at my friend with her boob out and I was so jealous. These bitches...they have what I want. I want a baby, and I want to breastfeed...like, immediately. I will remember this day forever, it was one of my greatest days. Of course the day I got married, found out I was pregnant and delivered my son are also high ranked. But this day I feel was the most important, it was the day that my life changed so much. This is the day I think I fully acquired my mothering gene. I was surrounded by friends and without their knowing it, they helped me make the decision that I wanted to be a mother, and wanted to give my child the best start in life by breastfeeding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have had several moments in my life that I think "okay, NOW I get it." But why did something so natural like breastfeeding do this for me? I think about this often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I often nurse my son and talk to him. I pet his little head, touch and kiss his hand, pat his bum and just talk to him. I love how when he is stressed, I can nurse him, and his whimpering slows down and his body relaxes. His heartbeat slows down and he is at peace. He is held, loved, warmed and nourished. But above all that, be is being nurtured, naturally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love breastfeeding for so many reasons. The cost...its free, its easy, I never have to prepare bottles or clean them, I never have to listen to my baby scream while I prepare formula, and of course it is best for baby. The health benefits are truly amazing! Have you ever noticed that all ads for formula state that breastmilk is best. There are studies that support this, and really, in this day in age, who is going to argue this anyway?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The health reasons why we should all breastfeed are countless. I often get so discouraged when people say that they cannot breastfeed. I do not believe this. I know I may offend some people here, but I truly believe that we can all breastfeed. If your body can conceive, grow a baby and deliver a baby, you can also provide natural nourishment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was talking to a friend one day, and she is my friend (if I can label her) who is the most knowledgeable on everything, she is well educated, and truly is an amazing person. She is constantly learning things, and with everything she says she can show you references and studies based on the facts. I said to her one day "If I hear one more person say they CANNOT breastfeed, I will punch them in the face!" She replied "I think you are being a little hard on people." I almost died. I have read so much, but often cannot relay these facts and studies back to someone. I have also been exclusively breastfeeding for almost 5 months now. I have experience, and what is better than experience. I know she didn't mean to stun me like she did, but I felt horrible that I couldn't back that up with some actual REAL information. So many moms put too many faith in doctors. Doctors are just people. They have flaws, and just because they can prescribe medications and perform surgery, doesn't mean that they are supportive or knowledgeable in natural things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">While I was pregnant, I was seen by several doctors about a genetic health issue. There were concerns that my baby and myself would be in danger. I did a lot of research, got my health records from birth to now, and did my own diagnosis. I decided to terminate myself as their patient. I felt like I was being treated as a case study and not as mother who wanted a natural childbirth. If I continued my care with them as a "high risk pregnancy" I knew I would be seen by an OB/GYN and would have to have a c-section and blood thinners. Wi</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">th these blood thinners I wouldn't be able to nurse my son. In the end I made the right decision. I figured that following my own instinct was best, after all, I was a mother at this point, and mother knows best when it comes to their child. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are many women w</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ho have problems breastfeeding. I am one of these women. We all go through the pain, the inexperience and the sleepless nights that make us want to give up. Determination is key...so is my husband. He knows how important nursing is for me, and this became important to him as well. There were days at the beginning of Sutton's life when I sat there crying. My baby was covered and soaking wet with my tears. But we came through. I had to remember that minutes after Sutton was born, I was nursing him. I had no idea what to do, so I just put him up to my nipple and he suckled away, not the most effective way, but he knew what to do. I have also had to deal with a low milk supply. I don't even know if I do have a low milk supply. I nurse Sutton so often, but I think it is because he doesn't get a "full feeding" in one session, so I just nurse him more often. My son is happy, healthy, gaining weight, and developing as he should be. I do drink special tea and eat oatmeal daily to enhance my milk supply. Should that have not worked, I would have gone on medications to help me. I also had latch problems and positioning problems. but after a couple visits with a lactation consultant, and again determination, and of course continuation, Sutton and I worked through it. It took us about 6 weeks to fully know how to breastfeed more efficiently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I would live to go into more details as to why we can all breastfeed, and touch on some of the misinformation out there. At this moment, I cannot, I must get ready to nurse my son, as I see he is starting to wake! I did come across <a href="http://www.sleepywrap.com/wp-content/themes/sleepy/pdf/Breastfeeding/4pdf.pdf">this</a> website though on low milk supply. It is very informative. As always my research will continue. I want to look more into a mothers diet and babies having problems with nursing because of lactose issues and such. Is this fact or fiction? I will find out, and not to prove to anyone, but because knowledge is power, and maybe the more we all know can help ourselves, and help others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I breastfeed my son everywhere! Whenever and wherever he is hungry or needs comfort I nurse him. (I have even pulled the car over to nurse him in a parking lot.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When breastfeeding; support is so important. If it weren't for friends, and my husband, I may have given up. I will never know for sure though, as this wasn't my case. Again, I was determined, and my determination paid off! I plan on continuing to breastfed well after a year. I know many people may think this is irrelevant and gross, but it isn't. Even though Sutton will be getting nourishment from solid foods, breastmilk still has benefits, even after the first 12 months. Research it! In many cultures extended breastfeeding is normal. They however, may not have access to formula....point proven once again! If friends and family cannot support you or provide assistance, there are several health centres with lactation consultants and of course there is the <a href="http://www.lllc.ca/">Le Leche League</a> for support as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will state that I wish I could write this better. I wish I could express my feelings and beliefs with facts and studies, and in a better mind set to relate these facts. I do not want to offend anyone who doesn't breastfeed, or believes they cannot do so. I just want to express my love of breastfeeding.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bpbj3IBnHY/TZtEyPJQaiI/AAAAAAAAAWo/43brRWT8YEs/s1600/Nursing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bpbj3IBnHY/TZtEyPJQaiI/AAAAAAAAAWo/43brRWT8YEs/s320/Nursing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-86008993864709861642011-04-01T09:28:00.004-06:002011-04-01T11:31:30.830-06:00My Thoughts on CIO<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've recently came across a new <a href="http://www.theconnectedmom.com/">blog</a> that I love. It s a blog about Attachment Parenting, and I came across this <a href="http://www.theconnectedmom.com/2010/11/10-alternatives-to-crying-it-out.html">post</a> that I really meant a lot to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have copied only part of the post below, but please read their entire <a href="http://www.theconnectedmom.com/2010/11/10-alternatives-to-crying-it-out.html">post</a> to fully understand who these woman are and their style of parenting to get the ideas they intended. In this same post they do provide 10 alternatives to crying it out, and of course link their previous posts on the subject and also back up their writing with experience and published articles, books, etc. Again, I really do LOVE this blog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the portion of the post that hit me the hardest:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I see it all the time on facebook pages and message boards - moms lamenting the torture of listening to their babies cry it out. Nine times out of ten the mom is hating it. Sadly, I occasionally see a mom happy to say the CIO worked and baby is "finally asleep." What tends to happen is that most moms I know hate CIO, but eventually it seems to work. Baby seems to cry less and less when he is left in his crib. And to an extent the trick has worked. Baby has slowly learned his crying won't work to draw his mom back in the room. He's been conditioned to understand his crying won't elicit the attention he needs or wants. He has learned helplessness.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a parent with a supportive husband who doesn't and will not let her baby cry it out, the last few sentences of the above paragraph really helped me to know that Alan and I are doing the right thing. Sometimes we loose sight of this because of the comments other people make. I do a lot of research on babies and compare my style of parenting to others. I have friends and family who do things their own way, and some are similar to Alan and I and some are not. I think at the end of the day we do what works for us, but also what we believe to be best for our children and family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always I continue to research topics about parenting and child development. I am currently reading 'No-Cry Sleep Solution' by Elizabeth Pantley. So far it is good, I have only just started this book, but am enjoying it so far, and learning about babies sleep habits, and a SOLUTION to sleeping through the night. We do fairly well with Sutton actually. Sleeping through the night is cconsidered to be a stretch of 5 hours or more. This often happens in our house, so I am not at my wits end, walking into walls because I am completely sleep deprived. I do find this subject fascinating though. Even though Alan and I are comfortable with Sutton's night time sleep schedule, which is nursing him to sleep, placing him in his swing and then bringing him to our bed for his night time nurse then sleeping the rest of the night together. Again, we are okay with this, especially the part about him sleeping in our bed, but ideally, we would like to place him in his crib and wake up 12 hours later. I also understand that parenting doesn't stop between the hours of 8pm and 8am. I am perfectly okay with this, in fact, I love seeing Sutton when I go to get him out of his swing in the middle of the night, and then snuggling with him as he nurses. After this, we both drift back to sleep, and wake up hours later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once we let Sutton cry it out, and we will never do this again. I ended up picking him up after almost an hour, and he was too distraught to even nurse, his body was tense, and he was shaking. Alan and I looked at each other and felt so bad for him. I felt horrible that I had let Sutton suffer like he did. I watched him in his crib as he was struggling, and knew we would never do this again. Alan and I both agreed that this was not the method for us. In fact, we knew this beforehand, but because of other peoples pressures, and curiosity, we caved, and we tried it for the first and last time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I did come across this portion of her book. She is quoting Jean Liedloff's 'The Continuum Concept' (Addison-Wesley, 1977). Here, she describes a baby waking in the middle of the night:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He awakes in a mindless terror of silence, the motionlessness. He screams. He is afire from head to foot with want, with desire, with intolerable impatience. He gasps for breath and screams until his head is filled and throbbing with the sound. He screams until his chest aches, until his throat is sore. He can bear the pain no more and his sobs weaken and subside. He listens. He opens and closes his fists. He rolls his head from side to side. Nothing helps. It is unbearable. He begins to cry again, but it is too much for his strained throat; he soon stops. He waves his hands and kicks his feet. He stops, able to suffer, unable to think, unable to hope. He listens. Then he falls asleep again.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cried as I read this. That is exactly what it was like with Sutton the one time we let him cry it out. Babies know how to sleep, but they do not know how to sleep like older children and adults. Of course not, they cannot do anything for themselves, why must we force them into sleeping like adults in this method. The above breaks me heart, but this is what it was like for Sutton. Even though he cannot speak to us and tell us what he feels, we both saw what was happening. We both looked at each other with that look of fear and question. And this method of sleep will not be practiced in our family again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am eager to continue reading this book, and when I am finished and have tried her methods I will post about our experiences.</span>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-46333284365870885342011-03-30T10:47:00.002-06:002011-03-30T11:13:07.871-06:00Happy Anniversary To Me & Photos<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary yesterday. It was a great day! Alan had the day off, so I left the house...sans baby...for a few hours and got my hair cut and coloured! It was nice to get my hair done and not have to nurse a baby at the same time. And I drove the car too, which was fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Later we went to East Side Mario's for dinner. We hadn't been in so long as they not common here, and it is no longer my favourite restaurant. Still was a great time out though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Photos:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here we are out for dinner!!! The kids behind us were spying on us the whole time! You can also see my new short hair, the colour is the same as always!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0CblbLmKik/TZNbhE7IzuI/AAAAAAAAAWE/o1CG2-NuaFE/s1600/DSCF6122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0CblbLmKik/TZNbhE7IzuI/AAAAAAAAAWE/o1CG2-NuaFE/s320/DSCF6122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got home, I started baking! (See the <a href="http://ithinkyouforgotsomething.blogspot.com/p/recipies.html">recipe</a> section for all the tasty details!) Sutton is a very good helper! I had to wash 10 utensils I didn't actually use myself...actually, I still have to wash them! haha</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1VxHWkX5iE/TZNb1aNDayI/AAAAAAAAAWI/JVHdjymabfs/s1600/DSCF6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1VxHWkX5iE/TZNb1aNDayI/AAAAAAAAAWI/JVHdjymabfs/s320/DSCF6153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So cute! Little sleepers!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjCGtnMTj30/TZNcHLxtE5I/AAAAAAAAAWM/CUs0CO7Ta8g/s1600/DSCF6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjCGtnMTj30/TZNcHLxtE5I/AAAAAAAAAWM/CUs0CO7Ta8g/s320/DSCF6102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naked Time is Sutton's favourite time! Mine too, he is so soft, and I can't stop touching his perfect skin. He loves to be free, and kick and roll around!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZobF4vYu9sk/TZNcQg-vJvI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/QfmaM537khM/s1600/DSCF6133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZobF4vYu9sk/TZNcQg-vJvI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/QfmaM537khM/s320/DSCF6133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing with his lovie!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc8MIedvv-Q/TZNcYMqnh1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/TRb3NQOZ7sU/s1600/DSCF6111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc8MIedvv-Q/TZNcYMqnh1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/TRb3NQOZ7sU/s320/DSCF6111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has that expression that says "Really Mom, the car seat again...."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Tj-nJIl58/TZNcyLeoKRI/AAAAAAAAAWY/EoFWAjWgliQ/s1600/DSCF6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Tj-nJIl58/TZNcyLeoKRI/AAAAAAAAAWY/EoFWAjWgliQ/s320/DSCF6092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-47159570419110880322011-03-29T16:55:00.000-06:002011-03-29T16:55:47.705-06:00Band of BondsWow, what a musical family we have here! Music time is very fun! Sutton lays on the floor holding his rattle and banging it off Sophie The Giraffe (who we call Gus) and his cloth diaper. So, at once he is rattling, squeaking and banging. I sing, and Alan dances,and by dancing I mean bopping his head. It's a lot of fun for us all. Sutton also blows spit bubbles which creates a really funny noise!<br />
What a wonderful afternoon!Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-45139754593265773332011-03-23T13:17:00.004-06:002011-03-24T21:51:07.293-06:00Cloth Diapering Extravaganza!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several people (like I once was) are very curious about cloth diapering. I personally love cloth diapers for several reasons:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - I don't spend $100+ a month on diapers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Environmental factors - less diapers in the landfill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Better for babies - Less chemicals and toxins on a their genitals for 2+ years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Cuteness!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> - No blow-outs. for real, they never seem to leak or come out the top back part of the diaper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Re-usable! - They can be used for multiple babies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We waited a few months before using, as Sutton was too small for them, and they were far too bulky for his little body!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Typical questions I get or comments I hear:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. "Don't they smell?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Yes and no! They still contain pee and poo, nothing will ever eliminate that scent! I find that disposables always WREAK like urine. It makes me sick! With disposable diapers, the urine turns into a gel type concoction, and that to me is why they wreak! With cloth the moisture is absorbed differently and doesn't create a new material. I do want an actual diaper pail though, they have a charcoal filter in them. But I wash every couple days so they don't build up anyway!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. "Gross, you have to touch it?"</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">No, I don't. No more than when changing a disposable. For laundry it took me a while to get a way that worked best for me. I put all the soiled diapers in a wet bag in a bin and then throw them all in the washer on a cold water rinse, and then a cold water wash with soap. AND....I get covered in puke and spit more then pee and poo.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. "Don't they cost a lot?"</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Don't kids cost a lot? I spent probably $400 on my diapers. But I bought many different styles and brands, many of which I don't even use as often as others. But, if you think about it, $400 is only about 4 months on disposables. And with my cloth, I wash and reuse and don't continue to spend on something that is thrown out. I can also use them with my next child or sell them or give away to someone. It took me my pregnancy and beyond and get my stash, so over time you can buy a couple diapers a month if that suits you better.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. "How do you know what ones to buy?"</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">This is always the hard part. I asked around and looked at many blogs and websites. Luckily, I had friends using cloth, and their advice meant a lot to me. I also shopped at quality stores who were experienced in cloth diapering. The ones I love the most are the ones I bought after I had started using. Some diapers are really bulky, others aren't. Some are best for skinny babies and some for chunkier. </span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. "Isn't it a lot of extra work?"</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">No, not at all. It is just 1 load of laundry, thats all. And personally, I LOVE doing laundry!</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some photos of the diapers I have, and use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The top diaper is made by Dri-Line a local Edmonton company and sells for just under $7. Below are 2 covers by Mother Ease, both around $12. Very similar. The left is a Velcro closure with side gussets, great for a small legged baby, and the right is a snap closure. These are all sized, so they can only be used when the child is that size. I don't love the Dri-Line as it gets soaked, and for a boy you need the extra material at the top which this diaper doesn't offer. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BDahwvr1c9g/TYo3TVk6lfI/AAAAAAAAAUM/tSy8tju4MrY/s1600/DSCF6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BDahwvr1c9g/TYo3TVk6lfI/AAAAAAAAAUM/tSy8tju4MrY/s320/DSCF6064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the GroBaby system. (Now called GroVia). I bought these off babysteals.com as a 2 pack (2 covers and 2 liners) for i think $40 or so. At first I hated them, now I love them. The cover can be sized again for babies from 7-35lbs. The liners snaps into place, so you don't need to worry about squirmy baby moving things around. The closure is like Velcro but is not Velcro. Very soft and not scratchy. I often use the cover several times as the liners absorb so much.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ess-1FIaRqE/TYo3ch52Q4I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Xj9ocLw4mSw/s1600/DSCF6067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ess-1FIaRqE/TYo3ch52Q4I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Xj9ocLw4mSw/s320/DSCF6067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> left diaper is a Sweet Pea pocket diaper with a fleece liner. Both are pockets with fleece and need a liner in them. The right is a Bum Joy, I bought off Etsy as a 2 pack for I think $25. So, $12.50 each. These are both one size so, they snap up or down for the size of the baby. They are really soft and easy to use. The snaps are zig zagged so you can make the leg part fit better for small or large babies.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OJdOCZ2vOQk/TYo3mFuJaPI/AAAAAAAAAUU/vWvqYOS2zyg/s1600/DSCF6068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OJdOCZ2vOQk/TYo3mFuJaPI/AAAAAAAAAUU/vWvqYOS2zyg/s320/DSCF6068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Flip diaper is my favourite, (by the makers of bumGenius). The cover is lightweight with a PUL lining, so it can be reused. If soiled, just wipe it off. The insert is the Stay Dry also by Flip. The cover is $21 and the insert $7. But the cover I use over and over before washing, a full day usually. I never have any leaking and the cost is great. I also find this a trim fit and less bulky than others. The cover and insert are both 1 size. The cover snaps up an down for size, and the cover folds, providing extra material for boys. For girls you flip it the other way. The cover also has little pockets at the front and back to hold the liner in place. I LOVE this system! And you could buy an entire system of 2 covers and 20 liners for $200!! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ypZO-vUr6Es/TYo3vGXe4UI/AAAAAAAAAUY/F1JkvE7QrYk/s1600/DSCF6069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ypZO-vUr6Es/TYo3vGXe4UI/AAAAAAAAAUY/F1JkvE7QrYk/s320/DSCF6069.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some random inserts or liners. The first is the Flip Organic prefold for $10. It folds into thirds, and its OK, too bulky for me though. The next is an Apple Cheeks organic prefold for $13 I think. Love it! It is so soft and absorbent. Not bulky at all either, and Canadian made. The 3rd is a MotherEase liner. I like it as well, but its too thin to use on its own. The last is a liner for the Gro Baby system. They can all be used with misc covers as well.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gK9CTktFDhM/TYo335IOOxI/AAAAAAAAAUc/jw1ycLU8Lm0/s1600/DSCF6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gK9CTktFDhM/TYo335IOOxI/AAAAAAAAAUc/jw1ycLU8Lm0/s320/DSCF6070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top is a cover from WeeHuggers for $20. It soaked through the first couple times but is fine now. I like the Velcro closures, but the snaps to make the desired size don't stay well. Sutton squirms a lot when being changed so I need something strong. The size is good on the large setting though. I like the leg gussets on it. The bottom is a Bummis cover. Their new one. I love the idea of it, but the Velcro is too much. I think it digs his belly too much and the legs are tight, or it is too stiff still. Maybe its too small. I wish it worked better for us. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pb3Y54VxQHE/TYo4AxFzw1I/AAAAAAAAAUg/qA9t3SdvBLg/s1600/DSCF6071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pb3Y54VxQHE/TYo4AxFzw1I/AAAAAAAAAUg/qA9t3SdvBLg/s320/DSCF6071.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Butt in a Flip system.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-laELII70pws/TYo4KQFmWAI/AAAAAAAAAUk/p7s8AgYxQLM/s1600/DSCF6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-laELII70pws/TYo4KQFmWAI/AAAAAAAAAUk/p7s8AgYxQLM/s320/DSCF6073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also use cloth wipes. There are so many on the market, but I like baby washcloths. I had millions of them. I got a Princess Lionheart cloth warmer for $20 from Babies R Us. I wet the cloths with some tea tree oil in the water, gently ring out the water and roll up. I love cloth wipes because disposable wipes cost money and also contain chemicals. (See </span><a href="http://www.safemama.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.safemama.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fc53Li2yqN0/TYo4Tv7qaFI/AAAAAAAAAUo/FkBMW2gA7Ps/s1600/DSCF6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fc53Li2yqN0/TYo4Tv7qaFI/AAAAAAAAAUo/FkBMW2gA7Ps/s320/DSCF6075.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I store the soiled diapers in this wet bag by Bummis, an then store that in a garbage pail. The bag cost me $25 but doesn't leak. The pail I got from Canadian Tire for $15. I love that the pail has a foot pedal. I would like a real diaper pail but for $40, I loose the foot pedal. I put a couple bounce sheets in the bottom of the pail just in case!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HIwHNSb7RUU/TYo4dGInZUI/AAAAAAAAAUs/kP_bN-kINcw/s1600/DSCF6076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HIwHNSb7RUU/TYo4dGInZUI/AAAAAAAAAUs/kP_bN-kINcw/s320/DSCF6076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things to consider and tips when buying cloth diapers:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Do your research. I personally like the cover and insert/liner system better than the pocket or All in 1, its all about preferance really.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Follow the manufactures washing instructions. (IE. no fabric softener, no stain remover, wash 3 times before use, special soap, etc.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Many people sell their used or new diapers online.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. You can fade stains with sunlight. I don't care much about staining as they are diapers anyway, and they will stain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. For newborn infant poo, just leave it as it is liquid anyway. As the child is older and has solids, they will have to be dumped in the toilet (as you should do with disposable diapers also.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Remember that they are puffy; so clothes might have to be bought in a larger size.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions, and do consider cloth diapering. The benefits are great, enviornmental, cost and health!!!!</span>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-89554240929014268232011-03-19T19:49:00.001-06:002011-03-24T22:07:00.297-06:00I'm Still Here!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life has been busy lately. You know, feeding a baby, cleaning a house, waiting for the mail to come, doing laundry, and again; feeding a baby, etc etc, you get the picture!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's no excuse not to update. I will say though, that I am working on a new blog altogether. Something less personal maybe, something where I talk about what I love, my family, natural parenting, and the transition from working girl to stay at home mom. Once I have it up and ready I may disclose the address!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since I have last posted so much has gone on. Sutton and I went to Houston, Texas for almost 3 weeks, and we had a fantabulous time! Spent lots of time outside, and of course playing with little Penny. Penny is 13 days younger than Sutton, so they are so close in age, but so different in their personalities and such. It is quite funny to watch. We had a few hard days, I think the adjustment for Sutton was difficult and he had started teething, so that resulted in a fussy baby and a stressed out mom. I even had to call Alan crying one day, there was so way I was suffering alone. Of course, when I called Alan he was in Banff with 3 other friends, partying, drinking and skiing. OMG, what I would have done for a few drinks right then! All in all though we had a wonderful time, and the weather was great, we even swam in an outdoor pool. I really enjoyed seeing Zoe and the other family members we saw as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Being home has been great, Sutton is back on track and is doing well. We seemed to just pick up where we left off, only better!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We did some minor changes in the house. We got a large area rug in the livingroom and got rid of the coffee table. Now I can get down with The Butt on the floor and play! Love it!! We also moved the TV which I know sounds minor but I love it. I love little changes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We also moved the bassinett, Sutton seemed too big for it. We are pretty much exclusively co-sleeping, except for when Sutton is sleeping in his swing. Co-sleeping works great for us, and I am so glad that I warmed up to the idea. I never thought I would sleep with my child, but it works best for us all as a family. And of course, if done with safety in mind, it is very safe. The only people who say it isn't safe are people who have not done it or researched it at all. And really, many people co-sleep anyway without really knowing it. Kids who crawl into their parents bed after a bad dream, or are too restless to sleep, parents who are too tired to try to get their kids to bed, often times, parts of the night are spent co-sleeping. The only difference is that Alan and I choose to do this from the moment we all go to bed. I especially love when Sutton is sleeping, and I put my hand in his and he holds it. I think I loose sleep co-sleeping though because I stare at him so much, and kiss his head! hahaha Oh the challenges! hahaha AND, nightime nursing is easier as well! We will definately choose to co-sleep if we have more children as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Enough about that....it is making me sleepy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am going to join a moms group right away. I hope anyway. I have missed some of the sessions already and am not sure if I can joign part way through, for this particular group anyway. Others are a drop in basis, the one I am looking at is an 8 week dealeo!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My mom is coming to visit again soon, and I cannot wait. It will be so nice to see her, and she is so excited to see the little man again. She last saw him when he was just a few weeks old, so he has changed so much, and likes to interact with people more! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I better go, I heard a sleepy baby a whole ago!!!! Oh wait, Alan just walked up to me....(I am hiding) and he is holding Sutton who is asleep in his arms with his neck almost folded in half....who sleeps like that!?!?!?! Only a baby! But, the best part is, that we now can tell more when Sutton is sleepy, he gives us cues, and being the awesome parents we are, we act on it. I guess Alan must have held him and bounced or walked around a bit. The good news is that I didn't have to nurse him. OMG, my baby is getting so big and independent!!! I better have another quickly!!! haha</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Take care, and I promise I will update soon....if anyone is even regularly following anymore, sorry again for being boring the last month with not posting!!!</span>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313499596856307614.post-47590313333331095632011-02-04T14:33:00.000-07:002011-02-04T14:33:14.802-07:00Happy Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GfBGy8lNDZo/TUxwbsTp78I/AAAAAAAAAUI/3sSykbgdtcQ/s1600/DSCF5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GfBGy8lNDZo/TUxwbsTp78I/AAAAAAAAAUI/3sSykbgdtcQ/s320/DSCF5603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Bond Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06495228760300195812noreply@blogger.com3