Let's Just Get Along, Okay Matey?

Argh, did you know today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day?  I did & I've been celebrating all day....

There's been a bit of a hoopla on the inter-webs today about a picture that made its way onto Facebook.

I liked the picture when it came across my news-feed and then I didn't think any more of it.  Until it popped up on Diaperswappers (and let the drama begin) and then on my Google reader on a blog that I happen to adore.  It seems that the mama behind, Live with Levi, re-posted the picture on Facebook and got a huge debate started on her wall. Now, there has been an official "update" from the creators of the picture at Granolababies.com.

I am VERY passionate about several parenting issues.

Circumcision is one of them.  I was ignorant (to a point) about circumcision when Luke was born and let Tim "win" that argument.  After what Luke went through we both swore we would NOT circumcise any more boys.  Then I got pregnant with Vinnie and had SO much angst because Tim was wanting to go back on his promise.  I finally poured it out to him that I could NOT LIVE WITH MYSELF if I went and circumcised Vinnie and he agreed that if meant that much to me, we wouldn't do it.  So, I am on one of those moms with one boy who is and one who isn't....I can see both sides of the fence.  What I cannot see, is KNOWING that it is wrong and not in any way customary anymore, and still doing it.  I will attempt to educate and change your mind as best as I can until the deed is done...but if you still choose to circumcise your baby boy, guess what, most likely it won't be a deal breaker and we'll still be friends.  Ultimately, past actions can't be changed, especially this one, and if I otherwise like you as a person, I'll still like you after this.  So, while I do have some "judgement" of those that circumcise their children, I am still very tolerant and not obnoxious or rude.

I am also passionate about breastfeeding, co-sleeping, extended rear-facing, and all of the facets of attachment parenting.  These things make up who I am as a mom.  They are all things that I believe directly impact who my children will grow up to become.  Nursing your babies is such an awesome thing and I think EVERYBODY should at least try.  I do know that it isn't for everybody though, heck, lots of the time I don't like it! (GASP!)  Yes, there are times, almost 3 years into it, that I wish even for just one day, that my boobs were mine!  Co-sleeping (not using CIO ever) is also important to me, I don't think babies or toddlers should be made to fall asleep alone or cry themselves to sleep.  The things it does to their hormones and trust in their parents can only be negative.  There are days where I wish I could just tell Luke to go to bed and then relax myself.  Its on those days that I remind myself, before too long, he'll be a big boy and snuggling with his Mommy (or Daddy) won't be cool and I'll miss his sticky little hands getting tangled in my hair as they are wrapped around my neck.  Extended rear-facing just makes sense to me and I want others to realize that it is a financial possibility that could save their children's lives.  I am disappointed and saddened when friends choose to forward face their kids, especially if the seat they already own could rear-face, but it isn't a deal breaker for me.  As an attachment parent, I pretty much prescribe to all methods of gentle parenting and I wish that every baby and child could be parented with respect and dignity   However, these are the choices I have made for MY kids, for my family, the choices that others make regarding these issues DO NOT EFFECT me or my kids at all.  So, who am I to judge?  I'm not perfect and I don't claim to be.

Luke has gotten "spankings"--swats on the butt when he doesn't behave.  Its an extreme, last resort measure, but sometimes he just won't listen.  This goes against EVERYTHING AP/Gentle discipline, but, I'm not perfect.  I'd love to say I've raised my kids without every disciplining them physically, but I just can't. I was raised to get a "good butt whooping" every now & then when needed and I turned out okay.

Luke is the world's PICKIEST eater. And we cater to it.  I am a picky eater.  I hate being made to eat things I don't like.  So, I don't force my kids to eat things they don't like either.

Luke is circumcised, Vinnie is not.  If it ever becomes an issue, we'll have to explain to Luke that we knew some of the facts but didn't realize all that it involved and we are sorry we made that decision for him.  Hopefully, it doesn't cause any kind of rift between the boys.

I have let both boys cry, a few times. I hate it, but there have been times in both boys' lives, that their crying or fit throwing, or refusal to sleep was just too much for me to bear and I would leave them in a safe place and walk away for a few minutes.  (normally the crib)  To go pee, get a drink, calm down for just a minute so I could be the mom I wanted to be.  Their tears break my heart, but I know they forgive me when they are so happy to see me when I get back.

I spend time on my computer in the morning, and when I get a few minutes of quiet time throughout the day.  The boys aren't ignored and are safe.  Facebook is my doorway to my friends....without the support groups  I have on Facebook and Diaperswappers, I'd be a lonely, stressed out mess.  Reconnecting with women who love me for who I am, no matter what, helps me be a good Mommy.

I sneak the things the boys are allergic to, even though I know it effects them through my milk.  I can't make myself commit to a 100% corn, dairy, & soy free life.

But, like I'm sure most moms out there do, I try my best.

I spend time with them each day, loving them, snuggling them, tickling them.  I kiss their boo-boos and play pretend games that make no sense whatsoever.

I pour myself into making their lives happy and whole.  They know they are loved.

I try.  I don't always succeed, but I'm human, and nobody should expect me to be perfect.  I certainly can't expect anybody else to be either.

So, I hope, we can all just GET ALONG.  Its okay to disagree. Really, it is.  But, be respectful.  Don't bash someone else just to make yourself feel better.  I like the gist of what the GranolaBabies folks quotes---you'll get a lot further with honey than with vinegar.  So, lets all play nice.

APSEVA Taylor Farm Play Date

We went to our first Attachment Parents of Southeast Virginia event this month!

Taylor Farm is an awesome pumpkin patch experience & I would recommend it to anybody!  

We started out at the first playground.  They have a wooden train which was a big hit with Luke!  

 Then we got to go meet the goats.

After the goats we walked by & saw the donkeys. 

After the donkeys there was another play-ground, but I didn't take any pictures of that one.

On the way to the hay-ride there were some mini-horses.  I nursed Vinnie while we waited our turn & then some more on the hay-ride.

At the pumpkin patch there was a jump-jump and that's ALL Luke wanted to do.

When it was time to get back on the hay-ride, Luke grabbed a  pumpkin.

Then he tried to grab two more!  I managed to get him back to the tram with only ONE pumpkin in tow.

After the hay-ride the "group" part of the day was over, so we took our time visiting with Aubrey & her mom Hilary.

Both kids got a kick out of checking out the pigs.

Then they played on the playground some more.  (This is a boat play-place.)

In the fire-house.

When we finally left after 1pm both boys were exhausted.

All-in-all, we had a great time!

You Might be a Counter-Cultural Mama if....

My posting of this was inspired by THIS post on my friend Kelley's blog...which was inspired by this post on Mamaeve's blog. :) 


I'm going to take the best of both of their lists, add my own & see what we've got!!   Be sure to read their's too though because they do some things that we don't!

You might be a countercultural mama if...

1. You breastfeed your children
2. You wear your babies
3. You feed on demand and not on schedule
4. You delayed solids
5. Your babies first foods were something natural, like banana's, avacado's, or squash, etc. given whole, in chunks or mashed instead of something pureed and in a jar.
6. You have ever co-slept in some capacity
7. You have had one or more natural, unmedicated births, one or more of which may have been in the water.   (I tried!)
8. You waited for the umbilical cord to stop pulsing before it was clamped (This was in the birth plan!)
9. You consumed sushi, raw cheese, deli meat, beer, or wine (or all of the above) while pregnant.
10. When you ask your children how babies eat, they lift up their shirts (even the boys).
11. You know was EC means.
12. You use cloth diapers and/or EC (which most of your friends and family also think you are nuts for!)
13. You'd rather make something for your children/friends/loved ones, even if it may cost more, and if it costs you your time b/c there is more love in it, and it will be unique and special.
14. You craft in one way or another.
15. The only time your child is strapped into a car seat is when they're in the car/airplane.
16. You believe that making smart choices about what you put in (food) and on (bath products, cosmetics, etc) your body can affect your over all health, well being, and risks for developing cancers and other serious medical conditions.
17. Your children nurse their baby dolls, wear them in baby carries, and change their cloth diapers.
18. Your baby rear faced past a year (13 months & going strong!)
19. You own 3 or more baby carriers
20. You know why that kid is wearing an AMBER NECKLACE.
21. You own a wrap and know how to tie it.
22. You have one or more dishes that you make by adding ingredients by sight and memory and not using a recipe.
23. When you change a dirty diaper, you take it to the toilet, not the garbage can.
24. You can hardly get through a reality show about birth without yelling at your tv.
25. When the Hylands Teething Tablet recall was announced you went out and bought as many bottles as you could get!
26. You are aware of America's c-section rate and it makes you sad.
27. You think it's ridiculous that doctors can refuse to take patients who want a v-bac.
28. You think it's ridiculous how many doctors won't allow a v-bac if the mother hasn't had a vaginal delivery before.
29. You think nothing of using the terms penis, foreskin, breast, vagina, vaginal, intact, perineum, and nipple in normal everyday conversation.
30. You nurse without a cover, even if it's only around family and close friends.
31. You don't think there is anything wrong with breastfeeding in public.
32. You selectively vax, or delay vaccinations.
33. You smile and nod at the doctor to avoid being "that" patient, while silently knowing that you will only apply the things you know to be good for your child.
34. You think that educating your children is your responsibility before anyone elses, even if your children go to school.
35. You know that it is your job to teach potty training, discipline, and proper social behavior to your children, not their teachers (if they don't happen to be homeschooled.)
36. Your partner doesn't "babysit" the kids while you go out for whatever reason (on the few rare occassions when you leave the house without even the nursling in tow) he/she co-parents.
37. You prefer natural and homemade items over store-bought
38. You have at least one thing for yourself that you either made yourself, or was handmade.
39. You know what a Diva Cup and Mama cloth are, and possibly own one or the other.
40. You have a paper free, or limited paper household, which may or may not include wipes, toliet paper, paper towels and/or napkins.
41. You reduce, re-use and recycle.
42. You'd rather buy used and save the difference. :)
43. You've squirted breastmilk on your child's eye/ear/nose/butt.
44. You've squirted breastmilk on your own or your spouse's eye/ear/nose/cut/burn.
45.Your toddler doesn't know what cow's milk or juice tastes like.
46. You have no idea how many times a day (or night) you breastfeed your child(ren).
47. You educate your children but don't send them to school.
48.You can walk and breastfeed at the same time.
49.The staff at the pediatrician's office knows you as THAT patient.
50.You cook things from scratch because you want to be able to pronounce every ingredient.
51.You know how to breastfeed your child while they're strapped in a carseat in a moving car. (I am QUEEN of the "Booby Dangle")
52.You own a copy of TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR FERTILITY .
53. A non-biological child (or adult) has drunk your breastmilk.  


And here are the ones I hope to SOMEDAY add to my list!

A) Your friends look at you like your nuts when you tell them you don't use Johnson and Johnson or some other name brand bath and body products for baby b/c they have a high rating on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database
B) The ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP'S COSMETIC'S DATABASE is bookmarked on your computer, and you don't buy anything over a 2.
C) Gardening is considered a family fun learning activity
D) Your child only weaned because he was too busy running around to remember to breastfeed anymore.
E)You know what tandem nursing is, and you've done it.
F) You're going to have to explain to your boy children why their penises don't look like their dad's.


Can you come up with more? Add them to the comments and peruse what other people have to say!

Inspired By Finn Co-Op

Hello!

Do you have a teething baby or toddler?  Do you get headaches or back aches?  Do you suffer from arthritis pain?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then baltic amber jewelery is for you!

Here, copy & pasted from Inspired By Finn, is an explanation of what Baltic Amber is & why it is helpful!

"Our Baltic Amber jewelry is a unique piece of history…The amber beads are fossils from an ancient forest which existed tens of millions of years ago. 
Baltic amber is not a stone, but a fossilized tree resin.
Historically, Baltic Amber has been used in Europe as a natural and traditional remedy and curative for many ailments for centuries. Long ago it was considered one of the leading ‘medicines’ of its time. Baltic Amber is the most esteemed amber in the world, and the healing qualities of Baltic Amber make it unlike any other type of amber found in the world.

When baltic amber is worn on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases trace amounts of healing oils from the amber. These oils contain succinic acid and are absorbed into the skin. 

Baltic Amber has some of the highest concentrations of Succinic Acid found in nature, and this is what makes it so special. Succinic Acid is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and it's presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways.
How can baltic amber help us?

• Pain Relief -

Baltic amber contains analgesic properties and helps take the edge off of many types of discomfort associated with dental issues, headaches, joint pain, etc.

• Strengthens the body's immune system -

In many different and subtle ways, succinic acid helps boost the body's own natural healing ability and immune system.

• Restoring Energy –

The human body naturally produces succinic acid. The salt of succinic acid (succinate) is one of the most active substances in the processes of cellular respiration and intercellular energy creation. Succinic acid restores oxygen and energy supply to depleted cells and helps the body return to a normal, functioning state.

Succinate is a raw material and a catalyst in the Krebs Cycle which is one of our main sources of energy. During the Krebs Cycle carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are metabolized for energy.

• Maintaining Wellness -

When the human body reacts to stress, the body’s cells begin to use oxygen more quickly. Oxygen plays a central role in the intercellular creation of energy, and a lack of oxygen can result in feeling lethargic.

Oxygen is alkaline-forming in the blood and maintaining a slightly alkaline blood ph helps keep us healthy. Whenever the body functions in a state of low oxygen, it is much more susceptible to illness.

• To help break a cycle of (chronic) inflammation -

Where chronic inflammation is present, disease lurks.

When the body’s cells are chronically inflamed the human body’s immune system response is to increase production of free radicals. Chronic overproduction of free radicals results in inflammatory-related disease. Chronic inflammation is a common denominator of many seemingly unrelated diseases.

While wearing a piece or two of baltic amber jewelry may not cure all that may ail you, it has been a proven benefit to many! 

Be sure and check out our testimonials by clicking on the link!"


Luke has been wearing an amber teething necklace (not for chewing) and anklet off & on since he was about 6 weeks old.  I believe that it does help with his teething pain.  


I am getting him another necklace, because the one he is wearing is old and worn out.  I actually received it a few years ago as a blog contest prize & wore it daily for my migraines!  I am planning on getting myself a new one too! (They sell matching Mommy & Me sets!) 


I am hosting this co-op so that you can try Baltic Amber jewelry at a discount!  Using my code, "stephanie" you will save 25% on all jewelry & baby legs you purchase from their store!!


Quick visit today!  This co-op will only run until Mid-May.  I just ask that if you do purchase anything using my code, please comment or email me so I know how many ITEMS you bought.  You don't have to tell me what, just say, for example: "I bought 3 items using the code."

Thanks!

(Here are some shots of Luke sporting his necklace!)