It's been awhile since my last post. Life got busy as I set out to do just what I had written about in fear. I wrote about my trials with having to go back to work and not being ready to wean from nursing. My final words were "In two years I hope you find me with a child attached to my chest. Then you will know that Carter is leading the weaning not work." I am proud to update that at 19 months and counting, Carter and I still share the occasional nursing session, and it is ever more wonderful now then before.
When C turned 9 months I got hired to work part-time for Shoppers Drug Mart. The schedule worked perfectly with Daddies schedule and allowed us to have 2 incomes and NO childcare costs. Carter had only started solid foods around 7-8 months, it was a slow process, and I was insecure about leaving him to go to work.
Turns out that having a few shifts a week, was a welcomed change of scenery. I loved the math of opening the store and completing deposits. (AND I HATE MATH) I enjoyed solving customer issues. Mainly because they didn't concern diaper rash, or sleepless nights. ( I do not work in the pharmacy.) Other then the noticeable engorgement of my breasts from going 5 hours without nursing, I hardly noticed the time as it ticked by, and enjoyed myself.
Daddy and Carter were forced to figure things out in a new way. And that they did. These guys didn't miss me for a second, and I will always thank my job for getting me out of the house and out of my husbands way. To allow him do his Daddy duties without me there to interfere or take over. Carter has the best Dad. I will never ever doubt that. I am so lucky.
A few months after starting at Shopper's I took on a little boy Carter's age to babysit and bring in even more cash-flow. Again this allowed me to stay home with my son to continue breastfeeding, and now my income has doubled.
So look at me now! I consider myself to be a full-time, working stay at home Mom. I have achieved my goal of allowing for child led weaning, AND contribute to our household income. I am proud of myself for getting to this point. Proud of my son for following along so willingly and staying connected. And proud of my life.
My Toddler is leading the weaning. Not work. And I couldn't be happier.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
"Reflections of Breastfeeding"
As I was watching this, I started to well up and cry. My 14 month old climbed up onto my lap, looked me in the eyes and gave me a kiss. His giant hug soon turned into nursing. I think that was his way of comforting me. It's the only way he knows comfort, so it must work for his Mama too.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Great paragraph I found on the web
"Possibly the most important aspect of breastfeeding a toddler is not the nutritional or immunologic benefits, important as they are. I believe the most important aspect of breastfeeding a toddler is the special relationship between child and his mother. Breastfeeding is a life-affirming act of love that repeats itself every time the child goes to the breast. This continues when the baby becomes a toddler. Anyone without prejudices, who has ever observed an older baby or toddler breastfeeding can testify that there is something special, something far beyond food, going on. A toddler will sometimes spontaneously, for no obvious reason, break into laughter while he is breastfeeding. His delight in the breast goes far beyond a source of food. And if the mother allows herself, breastfeeding becomes a source of delight for her as well, far beyond the pleasure of providing food. The mother comforts the child with breastfeeding and the child comforts the mother by breastfeeding."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Happy Birthday Shannon
A quarter century so far
and although no surprise
you warmed our hearts with all you do
and with your feisty blue eyes
you were born with your beauty
and that never has quit
blonde locks and ready smile
your trade mark, and wit
a nose no more than a button
you were cute right from the start
but if one would ever think that all there might be
you brought laughter and joy to their heart
you showed depth, and a spunk
from a very young age
no one pushed you around
and you weren't so easy to gage
oh you always had friends
too many to count
then came tap, and soon jazz
all before the stage you'd mount
the first time you cried
but made not a peep
then came your pure voice
so strong and so sweet
you're loved because you love so well
from the core, right from your heart
we all win to know you as you grow
even when were often apart
and now as a partner, and a mother
it's the beginning of your next chapter in life
the first twenty five have gone by in a flash
and wait the next quarter with delight
Happy Birthday Shannon
Daddy
and although no surprise
you warmed our hearts with all you do
and with your feisty blue eyes
you were born with your beauty
and that never has quit
blonde locks and ready smile
your trade mark, and wit
a nose no more than a button
you were cute right from the start
but if one would ever think that all there might be
you brought laughter and joy to their heart
you showed depth, and a spunk
from a very young age
no one pushed you around
and you weren't so easy to gage
oh you always had friends
too many to count
then came tap, and soon jazz
all before the stage you'd mount
the first time you cried
but made not a peep
then came your pure voice
so strong and so sweet
you're loved because you love so well
from the core, right from your heart
we all win to know you as you grow
even when were often apart
and now as a partner, and a mother
it's the beginning of your next chapter in life
the first twenty five have gone by in a flash
and wait the next quarter with delight
Happy Birthday Shannon
Daddy
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Loving my body
Since giving birth to my son, I have struggled with my post baby body. I find myself so busy with a bouncing baby boy, that my regular gym and nutrition lifestyle have been completely replaced with shear laziness. When I get the chance to be alone, I'd much rather read, or nap while Carter is down. Not jump on a tread mill.
After months of self hate, and guilt due to thinking I had given up on myself, I took a long second and realized something: I am NOT being lazy, I AM having an active lifestyle, and I just need to readjust my expectations of myself.
Eating has become a marathon race against the clock. Eat before Carter wakes up, Eat while Carter is happy, eat eat eat. All I have to change in this circumstance is my control over the time I allow myself to slowly enjoy my food. I now have Carter eating with us, or have toys at the table, get him involved. Stop trying to eat while he's sleeping... (the smell of food wakes him up anyways) I eat smaller snack meals constantly during the day, and take my time to enjoy what I'm putting into my body. (I'll worry about the nutrition part eventually... :P)
Exercising to me was, hitting the gym, or going out for runs and rollarblades. Since having Carter that has competely stopped. BUT, I realized a few days ago, I am still active. EG: The million trips I take up the stairs to my sons nursery is a way better workout than the Stair Master. Chasing him around the Library leaves me breathless. Carting around a 20 pounder and all his accessories is a muscle builder ... and yoga? Well I guess that would be my sex life ;)
On top of all that hard areobic and strength training, I manage to do a complete circut training course daily. I start in the kitchen with dishes, tidy the toys, run my dogs back and forth to the kennel, lug the loads of laundry... and run on the spot, while my head spins :)
Yesterday I stood infront of the mirror in my buff and smiled. My baby belly has become wrinkly and covered with stretch marks. My hips are 3 inches wider than they were. My breasts are.... awesome. I am totally over hating my body, because it has done and continues to do so much for me. Of course there are going to be some signs of ware and tare.
I am loving my body.
After months of self hate, and guilt due to thinking I had given up on myself, I took a long second and realized something: I am NOT being lazy, I AM having an active lifestyle, and I just need to readjust my expectations of myself.
Eating has become a marathon race against the clock. Eat before Carter wakes up, Eat while Carter is happy, eat eat eat. All I have to change in this circumstance is my control over the time I allow myself to slowly enjoy my food. I now have Carter eating with us, or have toys at the table, get him involved. Stop trying to eat while he's sleeping... (the smell of food wakes him up anyways) I eat smaller snack meals constantly during the day, and take my time to enjoy what I'm putting into my body. (I'll worry about the nutrition part eventually... :P)
Exercising to me was, hitting the gym, or going out for runs and rollarblades. Since having Carter that has competely stopped. BUT, I realized a few days ago, I am still active. EG: The million trips I take up the stairs to my sons nursery is a way better workout than the Stair Master. Chasing him around the Library leaves me breathless. Carting around a 20 pounder and all his accessories is a muscle builder ... and yoga? Well I guess that would be my sex life ;)
On top of all that hard areobic and strength training, I manage to do a complete circut training course daily. I start in the kitchen with dishes, tidy the toys, run my dogs back and forth to the kennel, lug the loads of laundry... and run on the spot, while my head spins :)
Yesterday I stood infront of the mirror in my buff and smiled. My baby belly has become wrinkly and covered with stretch marks. My hips are 3 inches wider than they were. My breasts are.... awesome. I am totally over hating my body, because it has done and continues to do so much for me. Of course there are going to be some signs of ware and tare.
I am loving my body.
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