write random and join in.
1. the end of an era.
my baby girl will soon be 11 months and is weaned to formula and i'm no longer making milk. : ( for the first time in over three straight years i'm not growing a baby or making milk. no more mixed up hormones... it will be a much needed break. anyways, i just up and dried up so i figured i better get her on formula quick before she starved. all of a sudden she's completely against baby food... she's way too good for it. whatever big brother is eating is what she wants. which makes my life so easy. - i make one thing and they share it. seriously, everyone who told me that having kids so close in age would get way easier after the first year, they were right on. and since i'm not pumping any longer it added two hole hours to my day. i got a time raise. this is fantastic.
2. not-so-natural.
since we're talking milk, can i just shout from the rooftops that even though nursing is so "natural" it really is not-so-natural for everyone?! i say that lovingly and with experience, because i know so many women (myself majorly included) struggle with nursing. we live in a fallen world and not everything works like it's supposed to; nursing just doesn't work for some. sometimes you can't make enough milk, sometimes the milk doesn't come, etc, etc. and if this hasn't been your experience it's probably hard to understand. i just can't stress enough how we woman can not be in the business of judging other mom's and their choices of using formula over breast milk. you have to do what's best for your family.
3.
=
=my man + me + the beach + fishing poles + sunshine.
and thank you grandma (my mom) for playing with our kids so we could go to the beach and play in the sand, without bringing the entire house with us.
4. back at it.
i told you a while ago that i could no longer run farther than two miles before my knee would start to give out and feel like everything inside was shattering. i put two and two together and went on a run minus the kiddos in the jogging stroller... which made my trek 85 pounds lighter. and bingo. those 85 pounds were doing my knee in. i can run as far as i want without any knee problems as long as i leave the kids at home. so now my goal is to do the Charleston half marathon next January. i'm thrilled. i grew up running cross-country so it feels like i have a little piece of myself back. having a goal to work towards is encouraging in more ways than one. especially for this couped up mom. : )
5. tasteful.
the kids love these and so do i. i highly recommend this sweet potato goodness. even if they're full price. and that's saying a lot for this coupon lover.
6. quotable.
i'm reading John Piper's Spectacular Sins for the second time. it was that good and worth reading twice over. can't wait to share what all i'm learning. this quote has been in my mind ever since ~
ps. thanks so much for liking miscellany monday. i can't believe it's been going on for well over a year. it's sort of like putting yourself out there and then when others grab on to the idea, it makes you feel like you actually had a decent idea. : ) i can't always visit your posts (remember, i have a 26 month old and a 10 month old... and a computer to use only in the evenings when my honey is home with his laptop) but i try to hop around.
35 {comments}:
I remember when women made me feel bad about #1 and #2. I came to the conclusion that a mentally healthy mom was more important.
Your beach day looked super fun!
I loved nursing so much. When I stopped I had mixed feelings of missing it, while also feeling relieved to have my body back to myself!
I spent 4 of the 6 past years nursing so I totally get what you're saying about the end of an era. It was really emotional for me to stop nursing both kids! However, it is also nice to have my body/even hormones back :) The beach (minus everything but the kitchen sink!) sounds lovely! Your mom is such a beauty! Congrats on getting back into running. I've never run with a jogging stroller so I have no idea how I would handle that but I'm guessing not so well! That is a huge load of you, crazy! Hope the week ahead is a blessed one :) xoxo
Stopping nursing was hard for me-but starting it was even harder! I feel like too many women are putting this idea in your head that it's supposed to be wonderful and natural...and although that might come to you later {or it might not}, it surely isn't like that at first. I try to be real about it with my friends that are about to try it, but not scare them to death! haha
That beach day looks divine!
We love everything sweet potato at our house right now. The beach looks wonderful. It sounds like a great day away.
Oh..I love the quote...awesome :)
A "time raise"...how awesome! Time is vital when you have littles. :)
And I struggled so much with nursing that I eventually gave up and Ellington had formula for 99% of her first year. I wept and wept about it because before she was born I would say my child would NEVER have formula. I still get my feeling hurt when other moms talk about how awful formula is and "how could a mom ever do that to her baby?". Ugh, mom guilt from other moms. That's not good.
I pretty much love logging in on Monday mornings to see what you've got to say. Thanks for sharing :)
Nursing can be hard. Our society has set us up to fail at breastfeeding, unfortunately. They give us formula for free so that we use it because it's there, causing us to have a lower supply, relying on formula.
Although some women do not produce enough milk, it is not nearly as common as people say it is. (Don't get me wrong - It definitely happens! Not saying it is not a real issue!) I really think that we are set up to fail. We are told we can't nurse in public, so we bring along a bottle of formula. We are told if its hard, just give them formula.
I am so not judging at all. I know nursing does not come easy for everyone. I had quite a few roadblocks in my nursing relationships with my children. Just before Easter, I had mastitis and felt like I was going to die. After birth, It took me weeks of healing with son #1 because of the initial challenges of nursing. I gave Ben formula from 7months-12months because somewhere along the line, someone told me when they start teething I need to stop nursing. And I had no other direction. No other education. So I listened. I have no guilt related to that at all. I just really think education is key to encouraging breastfeeding. All of that being said - Education is key so that women can make informed decisions. In the end, I absolutely want women and families to make the best informed decision for their family! That means... no judgment if someone chooses formula. I just long for the day when our society encourages nursing and makes is easier to make an INFORMED decision.
I also love the idea of human milk donors/banks. What a fabulous way to share health with others.
I hope your body adjusts quickly to the changes as you end this "era"! You are to be celebrated as a mother and wife for doing what is best for yourself, your children, and your family.
I have been struggling with Post partum depression and anxiety since Joshua was born so I know how much hormones can affect your body and mind!
#2 is so true! I have chosen to use formula and have had several people question my decision. Thanks for pointing that out!
Hi sweet friend that picture of you and Sage is priceless girl you look fantastic! I can't believe she is already 11 mths old! Yay for the feeding to young ones getting easier! Girl I was one that had problems with my milk whn breast feeding it just wouldn't come in like it should it stopped at like 2 mths so I had to formula feed Kelcee from then and I was ok with it for it was best for her and I tried! Yay for a day of fishing, tanning and pure bliss and yay for the grandparents to watch the kiddos for said pure bliss LOL!! Sweet potatoe tots look yummy may have to try them! Ooooh I need to read that book now, you have me intrigued! PS I am so tickled you found the love for Matilda Jane, I knew you would told you it is addicting LOL
xoxo
SUms
Thanks for pointing out that breast-feeding is not the same totally natural, blissed-out experience. I was not able to breastfeed my son, even with two lactation consultants working with me diligently. It was heart-breaking enough to feel that I was letting him down, without the added judgement from society of being a "formula mom." People always say that it's "rare" for a woman not to be able to breastfeed; I think it's actually a lot more common than people think. We all need a lot less judgement and a lot more love in this regard.
Have an amazing week!:)
*I meant to write "experience for everyone." lol
Adorable pictures, girl! The beach looks absolutely loverly. Praise the Lord for Grandmas! As much as I love nursing, I totally get the "I have my body back" thing. Growing babies and nursing takes a toll. Though I absolutely love nursing, and have had to fight for it, when Q self weaned at 10 months, it was the easiest transition for both of us. Too many women carry a chip on their shoulder about how they feed their children. You're exactly correct, we have to do what is best for our family. Unfortunately, anytime a mother expresses her opinion (or desire) about her children there will always be someone who takes it wrong. I get that from some friends when I talk about how much I love nursing and hope to maintain it for much longer and withhold solids with Sprig...it's not because I'm suggesting all people should do that, but because I feel like that's what I need to do with her. So, it goes both ways. Women (especially Moms!) would be much better served to love one another more and judge less!
LOVE that Piper quote. The cross and grace, sum it all up. Have a great week! I'm adding those sweet potatoes to my grocery list!
You look marvelous darling! I can see why you are so pretty...cuz you have a very pretty Mom! (:>)
I loved that quote! Thanks for sharing it.
Your little sweetie is a doll. I am glad she is enjoying eating big people food! Ha!
Life is good. Especially when we trust in Him!
Have a great day!
Linda
#4! I am running a half in a few weeks. Good luck, you can do it. I loved my long runs by myself. It was refreshing to get out for a little bit! I also ran cross country in high school and coached the last few years. Running is just a part of your life after that!
Wonderful quote, my friend. And way to go on the running....I am so impressed and proud of you! The mornings where I've ran I've come home feeling so motivated. Energized.
And you look beautiful. As usual. :)
Have a wonderful Monday, my sweet friend!!
Thanks so much for the fun here! I really enjoy doing these on Monday. And welcome to life with your hormones in tact again...as if that really exists for women. :) Have a super week!!
what a great quote - thank you for sharing, and for hosting the linkup!
The older your kiddos get the easeir it will be to have them closer in age. They get to play sports together and they will be at the same schools...it really is hard the first few months but so much easier once they get a little more independent! I can imagine pushing that much weight can make it hard to run, just trying to push one when I'm walking can be a challenge sometimes:) Have a great week Carrissa!
Your mom is so beautiful, glad you got to go the beach with just your hubby. Those sweet potato puffs look like a must try, thanks for letting us know about them.
Great post {as always!} Have a great Miscellany day! http://www.cisforchristine.net
Thank you for number 1 & 2. I am 37 weeks pregnant and truly hoping I can nurse my baby, at least for a little bit. I'm reading about the struggles now and gearing myself up for the challenge.
It's easier to have two close in age after the first year? I wish! My sons are 19.5 months apart & it's wild craziness allll day every day.
How sweet of you mom to give you some time with your hubby :) precious time indeed!
Love the pictures~ and how cute is your mom?! Glad y'all have some great people to allow you to get out and enjoy some alone time. I remember before I had kids that I wasn't sure about the whole nursing thing, but it is crazy the judgments and misperceptions that go with the territory. I was so fortunate to have two amazing experiences, but I know that's not the norm and I'm determined to be as helpful and supportive to all the moms I know who have different experiences! Happy Monday!
yes, thank goodness 4 grand parents! what a perfect date!
sweet sadness yet not on end of nursing sweet sage. one day i will have my body back...i didn't wean lily until after reid ...haha and he'll prob follow her 2.5 yr feed too whew!
I'm not a huge fan of sweet potatoes, but I have to admit those look yummy!
Also, I love the quote at the end!
yay for being done with nursing!!!! I'm so excited for you! As much as I love MC getting my milk... I will be excited when she turns one and I can be done. I am a tad bit jealous you were able to go to the beach with no baby and lay out. I will soon do that and it will be lovely! Also- I'm reading Missional Mom by Helen Lee and you will ove it. I will let you borrow it when I am done! see you soon!
How nice that yall got some beach time, just the two of you!! And those sweet potato puffs look wonderful...I'll have to give them a try! :) Thanks for the heads up!
Beach time with your hubby looks so nice. Glad you were able to have time alone with just enough for you both.
I have no kids, so I can't weigh in the breastfeeding thing, but I'm glad both your kids are wanting the same foods to ease your load. =)
WOW- How good for Sage!! She's moving on up to real food! The beach looks like the perfect date day... I'm glad yall had fun!! The half marathon sounds awesome!! I couldn't run that far so I'm always amazed at people who can... way to go! Sweet potato puffs?? That sounds like a dream come true! Yummm! Wow, that sounds like a great book... I just finished Heaven is Real and I loved it...
i wish there wasnt such strong opinions when it comes to bottle or breast. i have to admit that while breast feeding came easy to me when i did want a break i felt guilty for giving a bottle. and i dont think any mother should have such stigmas held over their heads. its hard enough loving somebody as much as moms love their kids. thats one thing that doesnt get easier (at least not for me) is the heart wrenching love you have for your kids. i thought as i became "friends" with my adult children i would feeeeel more like a friend. but i dont, my heart breaks with every pain and disappointment they have. it sucks sometimes. lol just saying.
ps thanks for your response, it made me teary to hear some things but also my heart was full because you just cant fake empathy. you can fake sympathy. but you KNOW where my shoes have been. uugh i sound like a dork. i hope you get what i am trying to say.
Love your pics =) It is amazing how "up in arms" women get about breast vs. bottle... you have it right though- encourage and love each other regardless! I have been out of the breastfeeding and diapering stage for long enough to actually start missing it again- I have serious baby fever.
I am enjoying my beach days right now too- that is what my post is on today :) ~Lily
Yea, for you, no nursing and no pregnancy. :o) If anyone deserves the break, you do.
So glad you and Hubby got to enjoy some special time together. That is always good for what ails us. :o)
Sweet blessings to you and your precious family!
having the kids so close together is hard in the beginning but so much fun! glad your mom got to watch the kids while you spent time with the hubby and glad that you are now running again without knee problems! yay for you!
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