Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Giveaway: Precious Girls Club

I love Precious Moments. Not only do they create fantastic and adorable figurines, but now they keep coming out with great tools for moms and little girls.

These days, letting your child explore the Internet can be a little nerve wracking. Now, thanks to Precious Moments, there is a safe place for your child to go online and have fun: the Precious Girls Club. At the Precious Girls club, your child can create her own profile, meet new friends, play games, and get ideas for crafts and other fun activities.

Not only is the Precious Girls Club a great place for your child to connect with other children online, but it also helps mothers to communicate and connect more with their daughters.

The Precious Girls Club is set to launch in a few days. Right now, if your child pre-registers, she can get two free gifts! So head on over and watch the introductory video and learn how the Precious Girls Club can be your child's favorite online hangout.

The Precious Girls Club also has a great series of books for girls that celebrates what makes each little girl unique and precious. The first book, A little Bit of Faith, tells the story of a girl who moves to a new town and overcomes the challenges of being a newcomer. The Mermaid and I loved reading this book together; the story line is great and the pictures are adorable.

GIVEAWAY: Two lucky winners will receive their own copy of A Little Bit of Faith, plus a FREE premium Rainbow Membership trial to the Precious Girls Club. To enter, just browse the Precious Girls Club website and come back and let me know what your favorite part of the site is. Easy Peasy. For extra entries, you can link back to this giveaway on your blog and/or subscribe to my feed. Please leave a separate comment for extra entries. This contest is open to US residents only (sorry Canadian moms!) and I will announce the winners on September 30th.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

So Blessed With My Job

I love my jobs. All of them. But what I love most about them? I get to work from home.

I am so blessed to have a job I love as a doula that allows me to stay home with my children. I am so blessed to have a business that I am working to build to help us establish a financially secure future. And finally, I also work as a part-time editor for some local court reporters: how blessed am I to have this job that lets me work from home while earning some "now" money?

These jobs don't pay all the bills, but they pay some. And I am there for my children: when they wake up, when they are learning, when they are sick, when they need me. Often I work with a nursing child on my lap and another child coloring nearby. It's a perfect fit for us.

Sometimes, between working and homeschooling and having two little ones in general, I feel very overwhelmed. Working from home definitely does have its unique challenges.

Today I am over at Mommy Matter writing about tips for working from home. Head on over and join me if you wish. You might learn a thing or two that will help you balance your work life and family life.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Proof That I Am Truly Crazy

Saturday we held the girls' birthday party. Since the Mermaid's birthday is Sept. 3rd and the Guppy's birthday is Sept. 26th, we decided to have a joint party. We also decided that since we are in the process of moving, it would be very small. Cake and Ice Cream with friends and family, then Chuck E Cheese's.

That's right, Chuck E Cheese's. On a Saturday night. When it was raining.

It was an absolute mob scene. But, the girls had lots of fun :o)

Here are some pics from the cake and ice cream part of the night. The girls TONS of arts and craft supplies (love it!), some books, and some clothes. They also each got a doll with a carrier and stroller. So, minimal plastic junk and great tools for homeschooling. Love it.

Soccer

On Wednesday the Mermaid had her first official soccer practice. She was so adorable in her cleats, shin guards, and socks! Most importantly, she LOVED it and can't wait to play again.

Her first game was scheduled for Saturday, but was cancelled because of rain. Here are pics from the practice (don't you love the pink socks?):

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Still Cheering You On

It's this morning. You and I are in the van, just the two of us. I'm taking you out for breakfast for your birthday. I already promised you that you can have the pancakes with the M&M's.

We pull into the parking lot and I glance down just in time to see the clock turn to 7:33 AM. The exact time you were born, four years ago. The first glimpse of your precious newborn face flashes through my mind, and then I glance into the rearview mirror to observe you quietly for a moment. You are excited, talking about how many pancakes you are going to order, your face lit up in delight, one pigtail slightly higher than the other, a smudge of toothpaste still on the corner of your mouth. You are beautiful.

We sit down at the table and order our juice, and then you announce that you have to use the potty. We head towards the single-stall restroom, but when we reach the door you spin around, put out your hand, and say, "No Mommy, you stay here. I can do it myself." I shouldn't be surprised. You were always the independent one, you always knew what you wanted and that was that. You chose when to wean, you chose when to potty train, and now, you are choosing to grow up and become even more independent, whether I am ready for it or not.

As much as I hate to admit it, I am not ready.

How did this happen? Did I really, truly think that you would stay little forever? That I would have all the time in the world to make up for our rocky newborn days, when I suffered from postpartum depression and did little but the basics to meet your needs? I yearn so much to be able to turn back the clock and go back to those newborn days, to change my actions, to do more than change your diapers and nurse you, to actually hold you and cuddle with you and take in your sweet, newborn scent. Now, when I ask to snuggle with you, you manage to sit still next to me for about five minutes before you bounce off to continue to play.

You exit the restroom and we return to the table and order our food. We talk and color, you write out your name and we count to 20. When the waitress brings our food, you announce to her that you are now four years old, your face proud and overjoyed.

I take a deep breathe, and let out all my feelings of regret. You are independent. You have outgrown so many needs that you received from me. You no longer need nursies, you no longer need me to help you go potty, and most of the time, you no longer need me to cuddle with you. But, that does not make me insignificant in your life. You still need me to teach you, to hold your hand in parking lots, and to help you pick out your outfits. You and I still have a special bond that I will always cherish; the bond of a mother and daughter. I will always be here for you, no matter how independent you become, no matter how many times you tell me, "No Mommy, I can do it myself."

When we exit the restaurant and head for the van, you automatically slip your hand into mine and I smile. I give it three quick squeezes: our silent code for "I love you." You turn your still-little face up to mine and say, "I love you too, Mommy" and my heart melts.

Tonight you have your very first soccer practice. The days of playdates are slowly transitioning into organized sports and homeschooling activities, and now I am okay with it. Now, instead of sitting in my lap nursing while I chat with other moms at a playgroup, you will be on the field, by yourself, learning and laughing without me by your side. But, if you stop for a second and listen closely, you will hear me cheering you on from the sidelines. Always.

Happy Birthday, my precious Mermaid. I love you so much.

Wordless Wednesday: The Sweet Taste of Summer

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

My Favorite Part of Summer

My favorite part of summer is going to all the local fairs. To me, a fair is the essence of summer; spending time outside, animals, games, and food. Spending time with family. Love it.

This past weekend we went to the local Woodstock Fair.