It has been said a picture is worth a thousand words. Hopefully on Wednesday’s I won’t have to write one.
Tag Archives: Parenting
Weekly Photo Challenge: Carefree
Carefree
Footloose and fancy free
This weeks photo challenge topic is Carefree.
I have always felt carefree during summer.
When I was little I would start the day in my swimsuit and wouldn’t take it off till bed time, if then. We would spend all day outside, swimming, playing in the sprinkler or in the tree house. We would go to the park and camping.
We would consume massive amounts of Popsicles.
As I got older the summers turned into me and my future hubby taking off to go camping or a drive to the beach for some surfing. Well, surfing for him, not me, our coastal waters are too cold for me to get into.
Now that I have children I still love summer time and all that comes with it.
Eating Popsicles for lunch
Or teaching Ian to swim ‘all-my-by-self’ in his life jacket
And the fact that Baby Sid is so happy in the water
My mom has always had the perfect yard for a slip n’ slide
And nothing says Carefree like taking a bath outside in a wash tub that has seen every baby bottom in our family
For me Carefree = Summer
Happy Shooting
Necessities for Baby- What To Save On and What To Splurge On {Guest Post}
There was another baby added to our family (not by me!) recently.
The birth of babies always has me thinking back to when I had my boys. Which makes me think about the things that we need and don’t really need for these tiny little humans.
Katie Moore from Moore From Katie would like to share with you what she feels is a necessity for new babies.
Necessities for Baby: What To Save On and What To Splurge On
When I was pregnant with my daughter, it was quite overwhelming to see all of the different baby items that were available for purchase online and at baby stores in my area. I had no idea whether or not some of these items were actually necessary or if they were just over-hyped and far too expensive for what they were worth! With a little experimenting and the help of other expectant parents, I was able to narrow down the list of items that I would actually need for my little one. If you are just as overwhelmed while doing your baby shopping, these tips will assist you in picking some things that you should definitely splurge on while opting to save on others.
- Splurge On A Crib
Splurging on a crib is a must when expecting a newborn. A quality and safe crib is an important investment for any nursery. A crib should never be purchased used as it may no longer be safe or may have been recalled in previous years. Opt for a crib made from high quality wood that will offer sturdy construction and a long-lasting design that can be used from infancy throughout toddler-hood when choosing a crib that converts into a toddler bed.
~Babies R Us
- Splurge On Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood banking has become an increasingly popular choice over the last several years. Cord blood comes directly from the umbilical cord after birth, so the decision to splurge on this option should be made before the birth of your child. Your child’s cord blood can provide your family with a source of related stem cells, which could possibly be used in a medical treatment – should the need ever arise. Make this a splurge but be sure to do your homework; talk with your doctor and find out more about cord blood banking and potential benefits.
- Save On A Diaper Bag
Forget about picking out a stylish diaper bag that could run you into the hundreds. Instead, opt for a more practical, comfortable bag as this will most likely take the place of your purse and be something that you will be carrying around with you for years to come. The most important thing about a diaper bag is that you have enough space for diapers, wipes, bottles and other necessities!
- Save On A Wipe Warmer
Wipe warmers are simply something that you do not really need to have for your child. While having a warm wipe may feel nicer during diaper changes, there is no need to warm a wipe before using it. If you do want to warm the wipe, simply rub it between your palms before changing your little one. If this is something that you must have, consider buying one used or a cheap model rather than splurging on an expensive wipe warmer that you may rarely, if ever use.
~ Babies R Us
Take it from me- a little bit of research can go a long way when trying to prepare for a baby on a budget. Talk to others parents and find what worked and what didn’t work for them. This exciting time will be much smoother with extra change in your pocket!
Katie Moore has written and submitted this article, all the opinions expressed are her own and may not be that of the owner of this blog. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26
Look! It’s her Teet!!!
I would like to warn you this post is about breastfeeding.
I understand not everyone has the same views on breastfeeding and breastfeeding in public. This post is about something I recently experienced. These are my opinions, and I hope that you respect them, even if you don’t agree, as I respect yours.
At the end of November 2012 our zoo welcomed a new member to the elephant family. This is the second child of two of our elephants, this one a girl named Lilly. Elephants will nurse exclusively for the first three months. After a year the young elephant has the ability to feed itself independently but will still nurse till around three years of age. It is thought that suckling after two years helps maintain growth rate and body condition.
Mama and Baby Lilly in March 2013
Since Lilly is still less then nine months she is still nursing fairly regular.
The other week the boys and I were visiting the zoo and were inside the elephant exhibit. We have a building where we can go inside to observe them, usually eating and this is where we went.
Both mom, Rose-Tu, and Lilly, were inside eating when we were there. Lilly draws a pretty big crowd, as she is still little and really cute.
Mama and Baby Lilly July 2013
Also watching the elephants were two women who had at least four children between them, one was still an infant less then three months old. The others were a girl around the age of 10 and two kids about 3 and 5. I don’t know their story, or if there was other kids with them. These are just the ones I saw them interacting with. I do know that the older woman was mother to the three older kids, at least, by the way she was addressing them and the things she said.
This woman, the older one, talked in a very loud patronizing voice. The kind of voice that she thinks she is educating and helping, but really just comes off as condescending.
I couldn’t help but notice these things and think about them while trying to watch the elephants because she was just so loud and made her self known to everyone.
Now, the reason I bring this up is because while sitting there watching the Ian and the elephants this woman exclaims “Look, [someone’s name]! It’s her TEET! The baby elephant is feeding! OH MY GOD! Isn’t it the most beautiful thing? Come look!” She was practically yelling it, and the room echos.
It made me feel embarrassed. And she wasn’t even talking to me, or about me.
My baby is still breastfeeding and is under a year old. I have always thought it very important that babies get breast milk till at least a year old. By the time they no longer need milk as a meal, and their bodies can digest cow’s milk, it is the time to ween them off mother’s milk.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, and then to breastfeed with the addition of foods until at least two years of age. The main reason for this recommendation is due to the antibodies that are passed from mother to child through breast milk, and to maintain adequate nutrition.
My personal belief, remember this is my opinion, is that it is not necessary after a year. My children get adequate nutrition from their diet and we don’t live in an area with out appropriate medical care. So I have made the decision to completely ween my children off breast milk after twelve months.
That doesn’t mean that on their first birthday I cut them off. It is a gradual process, with Ian it took a two months. But shortly after that we also eliminated bottles, so there was no need for it.
I think everyone who can, should breastfeed their babies. Again my opinion, but I don’t judge those who have decided it is not for them, or who simply can’t. You have to do what you think is best and what works for your family.
I think breastfeeding is great, and wonderful, and yes also beautiful. But I also think it is something personal between a mother and her baby.
This is why I had such an issue with this woman and her drawing attention to the nursing elephant. I wouldn’t want someone to walk by me while I was feeding my baby and shout and point at us.
I agree, that it was wonderful and amazing that the baby elephant was nursing, but I could help but feel that I was invading their privacy. That we were all intruding on something so personal.
OK, yes I understand that elephants don’t understand English, and these ones are used to people standing on the other side of the glass watching them, but that doesn’t mean we have to be evasive of their personal lives. Does it?
Ian and the Elephants
I am pretty sure the elephants didn’t notice or minded. But I couldn’t help but think that if I had tried to breastfeed Sid while sitting there, she would have made a big deal of it, or at least drawn attention to the fact. I know crazy thoughts, but what else do expect from me.
We just ended World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7) and it got me thinking about all these issues.
It is hard enough for us mothers to breastfeed that others shouldn’t also make it social awkward for us. Especially if we are nursing in public and accidentally have a some boob showing!
Happy Breastfeeding!
I Tri and Craft 