Work

A favorite work lately- different types of brushes, small bowl of water and a chalkboard.

Will be back soon :)

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2009

Why We're Still Sleeping Together

We love it. Clint (papa) loves it. I love it. Porter loves it.

I guess Porter is lucky to have a papa that wants his son close and his wife too.

We've had a few different sleeping arrangements around here and we've finally found a solution that works perfectly and keeps us all in one room-- something all three of us really enjoy.

As I nurse him down to sleep, I get to watch his eyelids get heavy, hear his breathing deepen and see his muscle tone relax.

When I slip away, I always pause and just watch for a few seconds or minutes.

I take in his gentle blond curls at the base of his neck. His dark long eyelashes. His thick full cheeks. His little red lips perched tightly together and still nursing on the breast that is no longer there. He breathes and then his mouth moves up and down.

He's so content and peaceful.

Every morning Clint leaves for work. When Porter wakes he looks over to where papa was sleeping, points and says, "Papa!" We talk about how papa leaves early for work and will be home for dinner, Porter nods his head in agreement.

It is such a comfort for Porter and for both Clint and I to be together. Yes, we could all sleep alone and we're past the age where sleeping alone is a great risk. But why? Why would we?

When Porter wants to sleep in his floor bed all night long alone in his room, of course we will support that choice.

Until then, we will continue to respect his space while he's sleeping; offer a warm body if he wants touch and a soothing voice when he wakes up startled.

The family bed is such a beautiful unit. I feel blessed to have a husband that believes in it and a son who has given me the opportunity.

Every night I remember to smile. This phase of life isn't long lasting and before we all realize it, Porter will be grown and wanting a lot of space.

But these moments, these moments are heart warming. They are sweet and peaceful. I can't imagine the day when they will be gone.

Early Writing

Ohhhh how P is loving and loving and loving to write! These past few weeks have been filled with sketching- using pencils, markers, crayons, chalk, paint, water, sticks, pens.... anything he can get his hands on and we're willing to let him experience.

It has been ohhhh so fun watching him work and develop his skill. When he first began, he would start near the top of the surface and strike downwards. Lines lines lines. Downward lines.

(13 months)

Then, as he continued to draw, he wanted us drawing and writing too.

"Jet, jet!" So, we draw jets.

"Ball, ball!"

And when he is working and drawing, he says, "ball" or "jet" or barks like a dog.

This week he's left the straight lines behind as he's experimented with swirls and curves and loops and spirals.

(19 months)

I've been waiting for this step and wondered when it would happen.

Also- dots. Lots of dots.

"Writing consists of a series of attempts to transmit thought in a practical and permanent way. Its history goes back to thousands of years ago. At first man tried to represent the objects of his thoughts by means of drawings; then to symbolize ideas by signs; and only much later has he found a simple solution in the alphabet." Maria Montessori, The Formation of Man.

NPR, Diaper-Free Special Report

I was listening to NPR, Michigan Public Radio this morning and they had a great report on "diaper-free babies"! Enjoy!


BPA DURING PREGNANCY & DIAPER-FREE BABIES

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Less Laundry

Today I thought it had been awhile since the diapers had been washed. Usually, it's an every-other day chore. And, even though it's a "chore" something that has to be done, it is still ridiculously easy...

Anyway, I went to grab the bag and the bag was empty. And, it's been multiple days since I've done the wash.

We've been so busy. I forgot about the diapers. But what I really forgot was that we haven't been using the diapers!

No more dirty diapers.

Porter is wearing underwear. Really.

And there have been times when we've thrown a cloth diaper on him, doubting our intuitiveness while we're on long road trips or out of the house. But, they've stayed dry. He hasn't gone anywhere but the toilet or his little potty. Well, and if there's ever an opportunity to pee on the grass... he never objects to that! Or trees... or car tires... Yes, the advantages of having a little boy I suppose!

What's also exciting is he's adjusting quickly to going in whatever potty is around. I'm still in a habit of having the potty in the jeep and taking it out wherever we go.

Clint just takes him into the bathroom and they aim everything just right! I should try to watch how they do it sometime because I'm always leery of him getting too close to a public bathroom. Clint always assures me that there's never any actual toilet touching and there's always hand washing too.

I also mentioned before how Porter would only stand to go. Not the case anymore, he's really gotten comfortable going while sitting too. Offering drawing paper, makers and crayons helped.

So, instead of throwing the laundry in, Porter and I did some reorganizing of his closet. We moved the diapers off the shelf and folded his underwear in its place.

I do need to give credit to my mom. If it wasn't for her asking about Porter and all his dryness, I'm not sure when I would have picked up the first pair of underwear. His diapers have been dry and they are like underwear... so we were just going with that arrangement.

But seeing him wear his underwear and observing how much more freedom he has to move, stretch and experience, really made me appreciate her voicing her opinion and buying his first pack.

We love that she's just as excited for Porter as we are during this new milestone.

I think credit is also due to the friends we surround ourselves with. Really supportive people that are really happy for our life experiences. People that don't feel competitive or judgmental. People that just love us and give us strength. I think it makes a remarkable difference.

I Love Fall

I love the fall. The colors, the smells. Red, orange and yellow. Apples, pumpkins and leaves.

This year it feels like it's going by so quickly.

Give me more time to enjoy this cool sun and these warm treats and crunchy ground.

I think Porter is also growing an appreciation for this season too...

A Simple Act of Motherhood

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.”

-Ambrose Redmoon

I wonder why what comes so natural, what seems so beautiful, so right, so perfect-- isn't always easy.

Isn't always perceived as normal, or beautiful, or right.

When I am faced with people that don't believe in breastfeeding or think that breastfeeding is an act done only in privacy; I remind myself how important it really is to nurse out where people can see.

There once was a time when people believed there would never be a black man as president.

There once was a time when people didn't think women had the right to vote.

When laws were created to protect the black race and allow them freedoms in this country-- people balked. Some people were not okay with it. Some people were supportive and could open their eyes and see the bigger picture.

When laws were created to protect and allow women the right to vote-- people again balked and were outraged. Some people were supportive.

There is a bigger picture when nursing our young. Breastfeeding has come a long way and I argue it still has a very long way to go. There will always be people who aren't understanding, who don't wish to see it or are embarrassed by it.

If no one nurses a toddler in the open public, no one will see that nursing a toddler is natural and normal. A mother is providing nourishment, love, touch, attention and comfort.

It is like any other right. And change is a long process, but we'll get there.

So, smile when you see a nursing mom and young. Nod your head or stick up your thumbs. It is the rare mother that will be nursing in the open and not wondering if people are secretly scorning or disapproving. As strong as she is and as confident as she appears, she will always accept support and kindness.

Global Breastfeeding Challenge

Today was a Global Breastfeeding Challenge. Women from all over the world meet up with other women in groups and nurse their babies as a way of promoting and demonstrating the beauty of breastfeeding. Bringing awareness and love to corners all over the world.

You won't find more smiles and warm thoughts anywhere else like you will in a huge group of babies nursing. No crying heard; actually, you hear a lot of chatting and nursing bras clicking open and close.

Being there today made me reflect on being there one year ago with a six month old. Six months is about the longest most American moms last. The AAP pushes one year and one year hard, but it's only 6 months for most.

(That's me in the light pink)

When Porter was six months, I couldn't imagine stopping. I didn't know when we would, but I knew it wouldn't be anytime soon. At the same time, I remember seeing nursing toddlers at the Challenge. I didn't think that would ever be me. I thought those babies looked so big. They were running, talking, touching, pulling breasts, smiling and jumping. Clearly they were past the nursing age.

My oh my. Here I am with an almost 19 month old toddler and neither one of us is ready to stop. He nurses a lot. He has a need to nurse, to suck, to cuddle and to be close. By giving in to this need, he will grow to be secure, safe, loved and independent. He will have a strong early start getting all of his precious and important needs met and won't look for them in other places as he ages. Not to mention that fact that he's rarely sick; what better gift do I have to offer him?

What better gift does he have to offer me? Cancer rates plummet, hormonal shifts are stable and rest and relaxation are guaranteed with every nursing break. Nursing provides an important time to stop, pay attention, cuddle, love and breathe.

When something is such a huge part of your life, you gain a deeper understanding of it. Two years ago, I had no idea about the benefits and beauty of breastfeeding. Yes, I knew it was best- who doesn't? That was always clear. What was also clear was the fact that at some time, everyone switched over to formula. You breastfeed and then bottle feed. That's the system around these parts.

For me, I must have had a little angel or spirit near me. Because, each day I nursed, each day I knew we'd keep going. This was meant to be. I became more confident. I observed my child's need and surrendered my self and my will to him.

I'm serving my child. And for all breastfeeding mothers, we understand this.

Be bold. Be proud.

The boy who has taught me and the man who has supported me.

"Don't Judge Me"

PhD in Parenting recently wrote a post about parent's choosing different ways to raise their children and the conflict it may cause between other parents. Although it is a lengthy read, I think it's worth taking in and considering. Just because we all choose different ways to do things, doesn't mean we can't be civil to each other and doesn't always mean that we think others are wrong. I think she made a good point about the reasons why she blogs and why some people take her words so personally.

Read it here.