Sending my baby to Kindergarten

Yesterday was the first day of school for our girls.  It was my youngest daughter's first day of full day Kindergarten.  She *just* turned 5 so this was a harder transition for her (or maybe me!!) than when her big sister started half day Kindergarten at almost 6 yrs old.

Like with my oldest I planned ahead to help all of us with the transition.  I talked about school for MONTHS ahead and brought it into daily conversations.  We also visited the school in the summer and went to Meet the Teacher night.  

Last weekend I rearranged their closets so both girls could reach their own clothes (my youngest used to have hers up high) and made sure they had enough school appropriate outfits.  This can be a challenge here in HOT HOT AZ as they're back to school even though it's still 100+ degrees outside.  They aren't allowed to wear thin strapped tops or dresses which is well, pretty much all they wear in this weather!

The night before school started we had a special dinner with sparkling grape juice toasts, picked out first day dresses, read 4 books about starting school and I gave my youngest a special matching necklace.  I did the same with my oldest when she started K.  She wears a necklace and I wear a matching one so that when we miss each other we can touch our necklaces and remember that the other person is missing us/thinking of us. Basically it's a cute and easy transition object (remember I used to be a therapist....using my skills people, using my skills).

1. We Like Kindergarten - A little Golden Book from the 60s.  Honestly it isn't very relevant for school today as those little kids had nap time, juice and cookies and clay play...but still a fun book.
2. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing - This book was my favorite and I will admit to crying at the end.  Sigh.  Highly recommend!  
3. Teachers are for Reading Stories by Harriet Ziefert.  We have a few books from this series (cousins, mommies, daddies, etc) and my girls loved the lift-the-flaps aspect of it.
4. Last but not least: Katy's First Day a vintage 1970's "Tell-A-Tale" book.  I LOVE these tiny little vintage hardback books and have collected dozens for my kids.  This sweet story is about a reluctant kindergarten girl who starts out not participating in the school day but ends up loving it!  It's the cutest.  Here is another copy on Etsy.

She loved her necklace and I made sure to add an initial for my oldest to my necklace so she knew I was missing her too!  They are both birds and mine has an extra pearl added.  I purchased them from an Etsy shop rememberZEN.  

The morning of school I snuck little love notes into their lunch boxes and pennies in their pockets (as a mommy surprise).  We got to school early and I walked both of them to class.  

The Kindergarten teacher had the kids sit down in the reading circle and she read "The Night Before Kindergarten".  I mentioned that book above, it is one of the books I read the night before so I knew what to expect.  Basically the book is about a first day and how the kids were fine but the parents were surprisingly emotional and teary.  In the book the teacher reads a book and then the kids give their parents hugs and send them on their way.  

Well that was exactly what my daughter's teacher did which was both humorous and emotional.  And oh yes, I did cry as she gave me that last goodbye hug and a cheery "by mom, see you later".  

She was totally fine but I was a wreck.  It's a big transition for both of us as I no longer have any littles at home!  Boo hoo.  

They both had a great first day and I'm easing into my new normal...will keep you posted. :)

For more first day of school tips check out my oldest's Kindergarten transition back in 2013. 

In Celebration of Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding month.  I am not celebrating as a breastfeeding mom this year, but I am still in support of breastfeeding!  My sweet baby girl weaned shortly after her 2nd birthday last month.  It had been my plan for her to finish when she was ready and that's exactly what happened.

It happened gradually and very naturally and for that I am grateful.  It is a bittersweet milestone and although I had hoped she'd been done by age 2 it was still hard to see those baby-days go.

Last year I wrote about the benefits of extended breastfeeding (past 1 year of age).  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends BF until age 2 and for us it was a good fit.  I have to emphasize that I strongly believe BF should be comfortable and agreeable for both the mom and the child.  For many moms extended BF isn't a good option.  I'm thankful that it worked well with both of my girls, despite some challenges early on.  

So to celebrate BF month I have a few things to show you.  First is a link to my very famous Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip (lactation) cookies.  I will be making these cookies for many many more years, babies or no babies.  They are healthy for everyone, not just lactating moms. :) 

Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies

The following items are from Etsy.  

Breast Milk Bead Pendant by Mommy Milk.

This is something very unique.  It is a pendant made out of your milk (the flower part inside).  I haven't had one made, but I still think it's a interesting idea. :)

Keep Calm and Nurse on Pendant by Home Studio.  Only $9.  

I love this one!

Modern Momma Nursing Necklace by KangarooCare.  $13, this was our favorite teething necklace which is also lovely for babies to play with while breastfeeding.

And from Amazon:

Mama's Milk A sweet children's book that normalizes breastfeeding. 

More entries on Breastfeeding:

Benefits of Extended Nursing
Dealing with Mastitis

Happy National Breastfeeding Month!

National Babywearing Week Oct 8-14

March babywearing at Knott's Berry Farm.

As you may know I am a big fan of babywearing.  I've found it especially helpful and important with baby #2 as I need my hands free!  Also because it's a way to spend more quality close time with baby-girl even if I'm dual tasking.

August in Zion National Park.

Baby-girl is almost 15 months and her independence has meant we wear less than when she was younger.  I no longer need to wear her at home while making dinner, doing the laundry or to get her to sleep.  However, I still wear her all-the-time when we're out doing errands.  It is MUCH easier to shop with her on my front rather than in a germ-ridden grocery cart (although I do put her in there sometimes).  When we've traveled in the last year I've found it especially helpful during hikes and walks.  I wore her all over Zion National Park for example.  

This week is National Babywearing Week.  So wear your babies or support friends and family that do!

For more on why I babywear look here.

Lactation Cookies in honor of World Breastfeeding Week

Did you know that we're in the middle of World Breastfeeding Week?  August 1st-7th is the official celebration.

I am a breastfeeding supporter and I still breastfeed my now 1 year old daughter.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding exclusively from 1-6 months and then breastfeeding in addition to table food from 6-24 months.  

Why am I still breastfeeding my toddler?

Breastfeeding past a year of age continues to have many benefits to both baby and mother.  Breastmilk is a source of nutrition and disease protection the entire time a child breastfeeds.  

For example:

In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy (calorie) requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements

Breastmilk is more than just food.
Extended breastfeeding contributes to a child's health, providing important antibodies.  It has shown to contribute to intellectual development (cognitive achievement) and also mental and social development.  When you meet your child's needs in a consistent way you are laying the groundwork for healthy attachment and independence.

What about me?
There are also benefits to the mother including delayed return of fertility (whoot whoot), lower risk of breast cancer, lower risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, protection against osteoporosis, reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and last but not least you can lose weight easier.

Note: My information was obtained from kellymom.com and the world health organization.

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I'd like to share my oh-so-popular and VERY tasty lactation chip cookie recipe.  They are not made with breastmilk (a common question I get, ha!) but help support breastmilk production.  They are safe for anyone to eat however, whether man or child.  Trust me, both my husband and my kids LOVE these cookies.

Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies 
Ingredients 
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp flax seed meal
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups oats
1 cup chocolate chip
3 Tbsp brewer's yeast
1/2 cup raisins

Directions 
Preheat the oven to 350. Mix the flax seed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 min. Beat the butter, sugar and brown sugar well. Add eggs and mix well. Add flax seed mix and vanilla, mix well. In a medium bowl mix together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to the butter mix. Stir in oats, chips and raisins. Scoop onto baking sheet (I covered mine with parchment paper). Bake for 12 minutes. Let sit for a couple minutes then enjoy!

This recipe made 3 dozen cookies, enough for you and to share with another lactating friend.  These make a great gift for a new-mommy by the way.  It's the brewer's yeast and oatmeal that help with milk supply and the flaxseed meal is a great way to get fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.  Omega 3's are good for you and your baby. :)

Mastitis sucks.

Not the most clever title but if you've had Mastitis you will agree.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast, most often caused as a result of breastfeeding (although men or women not lactating can get it too).  Most women get it when their babies are quite young, within 4 weeks post-partum.

I am not most women however.  Ha!  My sweet 8.5 month old baby is finally starting to sleep longer at night and Mastitis was my oh-so-not-wanted reward.  She wasn't keeping up with my supply and so infection set in.  Or at least that's the theory.  It might be because she bit me the day before, who knows.  All I know is I got very very ill all of a sudden on Sunday evening and am still recovering and on antibiotics.

I am not a doctor or a medical professional, just a mommy who has had Mastitis 5 times so far (4 with my first daughter and once so far with the baby).  And this is what I've learned.

Common Symptoms:

-high fever and chills (I had 104.7)
-red spot on your breast that is hot to the touch, hard and sore.
-achy and tired (like the flu)
-pain during breastfeeding

If you get Mastitis here are some non-medical things that helped me.

• Lecithin - 1200 mg 4x a day.  Lecithin also helps with plugged ducts and was easily found in the vitamin/supplement section of my grocery store.
• Hot compress - Using washcloths or towels put as hot of water you can handle on the red spot/infection site throughout the day.
• Hot showers - Similar concept as the compress, hot water helps bring blood flow to the infected area which promotes healing.  Especially if you massage the infection while under the water.
• Sleep/rest - This one is tricky, especially if your baby is older and/or if you  have other children.  But do the best you can to cut back on your busy schedule and just lay around.
• Nurse - This may seem counterproductive if there is a lot of pain, but nursing really makes it better.  The nursing pulls out the infection and keeps the milk moving.  The infection is not dangerous or contagious for your baby by the way.
• Yogurt - My doctor told me that two servings of yogurt (w/active cultures) a day has shown to help decrease the length of an infection.  

The non-medical/natural solutions are great but what really helped me was antibiotics.  All five times that I've had Mastitis it's the antibiotics that really turned things around.  And when you've got a temp of 104.7 it's not the time to wait and see if you'll get better on your own.  Trust me, in this case drugs are good.  Really good.  Sometimes you may even need to try different antibiotics before finding one that will work.  That's what happened to me with this current infection.  It was that bad.

So if you get Mastitis remember to rest and to get medicine if you have a high fever ASAP.  Don't let it make you give up on breastfeeding.  I remember with my first daughter someone asked me why I was still breastfeeding (after having it 4x) and when I would give up.  I thought about it and said that I'd just keep trying and wouldn't stop breastfeeding until I'd had it eight times. :)  I am so glad that I didn't give up because my daughter went on to breastfeed seamlessly after that until she was almost 2 years old!  It may seem horrible at the time (and it is) but wait until you're healthy again before making the decision to wean.  

Parenting the "normal" way and my new favorite author Mayim Bialik.

You may or may not know that I am becoming a super-fan of Mayim Bialik.  Between being a television sitcom star, having a PhD (in neuroscience !!!), author, conservative Jew, Lactation Counselor and Attachment Parent I am intrigued.  I thought her blog post yesterday on kveller was interesting.   She was responding to media attention this week regarding Alicia Silverstone pre-chewing food for her child and January Jones eating her placenta.  I especially liked this quote:

Everyone has a line which, when crossed, makes them perk up their ears. For you, it may be me breastfeeding my 3-year-old. For someone else, it may be me breastfeeding at all (I know people like this). For you, me holding my newborn over a potty may be the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard of. For me, diapers for 4-year-olds sounds pretty outside of my comfort zone, as does not wanting to be close to your baby as much as possible. The point is, we all have an idea of what we want to do or what we think is “normal.” It benefits no one for us to turn someone’s choices or even eccentricity into a case for ridicule or judgment.

Exactly.  As I share life and community with other friends who are parenting we are bound to have differing views on so many things.  And believe me we do.  It makes for some very colorful conversations at our get-togethers.  I appreciate Mayim's point-of-view that we need to respect other's choices and be cognizant of our own "lines".  Knowing that we do things that others could be looking and laughing at (or judging) as well.


Another wise friend when referring to Attachment Parenting her 3 month old versus other options said the following:

I always pray that God reminds me that he is the one who attaches relationships and mends broken ones. And that no matter what method is used in life, my job is to point her to Jesus. And for now I see that as meeting every need, soothing every tear, and holding her as much as possible. Like Jesus does with us. - Laura G.

Exactly.


Attachment parenting may be "crossing lines" for you.  The fact that I keep getting up during the night over and over to hold and calm my 8 month old.  Or maybe it's that I breastfed my first daughter until 23 months, or that we cloth diaper.  Perhaps that I wear my baby and haven't used a babysitter since she was born. Maybe that we don't spank our 4 year old.  Or that we don't do Disney.  If you think all of that is just fine I bet I've got one that will make your "ears perk up a little", I do momma cloth.  There, now I've got you.  Not sure what momma cloth is?  Google it. ;)

I'm sure I'll be writing about our parenting choices more as I get through Mayim's book.  More to come!

Why I wear my baby.

I am a big fan of babywearing.  Huge.  I can't imagine how someone can take care of a baby without wearing them.  Boggles the mind.  I wear my baby everywhere; the doctors office, grocery store, airport, park, restaurants, my kitchen.  Everywhere.  Heck, I even wear her to the bathroom.

I'm using a Moby wrap with the baby when she was only 7 weeks old.

What is babywearing you may ask?  It is simply holding or carrying your baby or child with a cloth carrier.  There are many different kinds of carriers.  I personally have used a wrap, structured carrier and a pocket/pouch.  I find that different carriers work better for different ages.

In no particular order here are some of my reasons for babywearing:

• Keeps my baby close to me which helps with her attachment.
• Frees up my hands to get things done.
• Helps her get to sleep when we're out and about.
• Helps her calm down when she is fussy.
• Helps her feel safe when we are out and about, as she is in a cocoon if you will.
• I know exactly where she is and what she is doing (hard to tell sometimes in the stroller).
• It is easier at times than lugging around a car seat and/or stroller.

When my babies were newborns I favored pouches or wraps.  This is my firstborn in a Peanut Shell pouch at one week old.  I used the pouch all the time until she was about 7 months old or so.  It was very convenient to put in the diaper bag and pull out when we'd get to a grocery store.  She especially loved facing out and looking at everyone.  The main downside to the pouch was it put pressure on my shoulder which made it uncomfortable for long periods of wearing.

  Another favorite carrier with the littler ones is a wrap.  Wraps are long pieces of fabric that you wrap around with the baby tucked inside against your body.  It takes a bit of practice and a good photo step-by-step guide to get it right.  In this photo I'm wearing a gypsy momma wrap that is also suitable for use in water.  It is lightweight and easy to wrap.  I wore it when we went to Yosemite.  

I used that same wrap with my first born when we toured Antelope Canyon when she was around 10 months old.

Once the baby got a little bigger we switched to my Beco structured carrier and I haven't gone back to anything else.  It is easy to get on and off (has straps and snap in buckles to fasten), very comfortable and a bit stylish. ;)  I am always getting comments and questions about my Beco.  

Last month I posted here about a free child size Beco carrier (offer has expired though).  I was able to get one for my daughter to use to wear her baby dolls or stuffed animals.  She was thrilled to be able to have one just like momma.  We are too cute together when we're both wearing our Beco carriers (if I do say so myself).

I am grateful to have a community of friends that also babywear.  We all hang out together at the park, zoo, restaurants and homes wearing our babies. 

Just this morning I read a powerful article on fierce mamas about a woman who saved her baby's life by babywearing.  Now that's amazing!

So do you babywear?  What are your favorite carriers?

A Breastmilk snack (Chocolate chip oatmeal raisin cookies)

If you're not lactating, going to be lactating or with someone who is lactating you may want to skip this post. ;)

Today I made a lovely snack of tea and cookies.  But they're not just any tea and cookies, no they are special lactation promoting tea and cookies.  Of course anyone could eat the cookies. They just help a lactating momma more than a hungry 4 year old. Ha!

The tea is from Traditional Medicinals and is called Organic Mother's Milk.  It has a proven combination of herbs that help increase supply.  Ingredients like fennel fruit, aniseed fruit, coriander, fenugreek seed and blessed thistle.  Fortunately it tastes pleasant as well, especially with a little sugar and milk added.

The cookies came from a recipe I found here.  It's an oatmeal chocolate chip recipe but I added raisins as well.  The cookies taste as good as they look.  They would make a wonderful gift for a new mommy or for a friend who is breastfeeding.  I made a large batch so that I could share some with my friends.

Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 Tbsp water
• 2 Tbsp flax seed meal
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups oats
• 1 cup chocolate chip 
• 3 Tbsp brewer's yeast
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Mix the flax seed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 min.
3. Beat the butter, sugar and brown sugar well.
4. Add eggs and mix well.
5. Add flax seed mix and vanilla, mix well.
6. In a medium bowl mix together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda and salt.
7. Add dry ingredients to the butter mix.
8. Stir in oats, chips and raisins.
9. Scoop onto baking sheet (I covered mine with parchment paper).
10. Bake for 12 minutes.
11. Let sit for a couple minutes then enjoy!

This recipe made 3 dozen cookies.  It's the brewer's yeast and oatmeal that help with milk supply in case you were wondering.