I never thought I would hear myself say...

"Odessa, princesses don't use their wands as weapons"

Hazards of Nursing in Public

Reassurance

This is an article from kellymom.com that I have read more than once. And I should put it on my "to-do" list at least once every couple weeks. I spend so much time worrying and stressing and second guessing and listening to other's opinions when what I really need to do is just BE.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your child's intense needs?

But how much intense parenting they need, possibly including frequent nursing, in the second year depends for the most part on their inborn timetable for emotional development. As parents we can slow down emotional growth by leaving needs unmet. But there is nothing extra we can do to speed it up. ...your investment in your toddler who seems to be 'always attached' will pay off when the time for independence does come. -- Norma Jane Bumgarner in "Mothering Your Nursing Toddler"

Older babies and toddlers can get really clingy at times. Sometimes it seems as if your child has been nursing all day (or all night), or has been clinging to your leg all day long (even when you go to the bathroom) and you really just need a break.

These "velcro days" usually have a cause (even if we only know after the fact): teething, illness, a developmental advance. But even when you know the reason behind a clingy episode, it can still be very frustrating, particularly if you had something you expected to get done or if you were simply anticipating some time to yourself.

Do know that each of us gets overwhelmed from time to time. Remember - these moments pass, even though it may seem like forever when you're in the middle of one of these days.

I've gathered a few tips for dealing with these "velcro" days, but I'd like to get your suggestions and experiences, too.

Breastfeeding & the Workplace in Oregon

Last week, Oregon's Senate passed HB 2372. The law requires most employers to provide two 30-minute unpaid rest periods for pumping during an 8-hour work day. Employers are also required to provide a private location for the employee to express milk. The law does not cover employers with fewer than 25 employees, and it exempts employers if the requirements pose an “undue hardship” in light of the size, financial resources, nature or structure of the employer’s business. This new law comes with a stiff penalty for violations: the Oregon Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for willful violations of the law.

(from http://urbanmamas.typepad.com//activistas/breastfeeding/index.html, December 5, 2007)

Homebound No More

After too many days stuck at home with a sick baby, I finally made it out. Thank goodness. I considered getting out of this apartment a mental health emergency. I may have only made it to run a few errands, but man it felt SO good.

Margarita Mama

Combining nap time and happy hour...

Bathtime

This is just one of many photos we plan to use to humiliate Odessa when she is a teen-ager [insert maniacal laugh here]. But, damn is she cute!