Nursing List Update

Bob Evans

Weekends at Home

Weekends at home are the greatest.  When it's just me, Mark, and Collin snuggling, watching a movie, or something else--it doesn't get any better.

This past Sunday we had originally planned on going to church but Collin had other plans.  So, it made for a lazy Sunday at home.  Mark and I started feeling crafty and decided to make our own firestarters for when we use the fireplace (which is frequently with this cold weather!!). 

Here's what we did:

Materials:  1 cardboard egg carton, 1 candle (melted), and sawdust

Actions: 

• We put the candle on the warming zone of the oven to heat it all up (we picked a candle that we didn't really care for - so now instead of sitting around collecting dust, it's actually being put to use). 
• Meanwhile, Mark filled each of the egg holes with sawdust (we have a lot of that since we are still working on our house)
• We've read that you can also use dryer lint instead of sawdust.
• Once the candle was melted, Mark poured it over the sawdust. 
• We let is solidify and then Mark cut up the egg carton. 
• And now we have firestarters that we didn't have to pay for!

What Truly Matters

I think that the perfect picture of innocence is a sleeping baby/child.  No fears, worries, or concerns.  Their biggest task is communicating to mom and dad that they're hungry, wet, or need cuddled.  They have complete faith and trust in their parents (even if their parents don't feel 100% prepared).  Watching Collin sleeps helps me remember what's truly important in life--my loving husband, nurturing the life we've been blessed with, making time for family and friends but not letting it stress us out.  These are the things that matter.  These are the things we'll reminisce about 30 years from now. 

Milk Saver 1 week update

In one week's time, I collected nearly 18 ounces of breastmilk with my milk-saver.  I can't say enough how incredible this product is. 

Nursing List Update

Christ United Methodist Church:  Cute Story--a little old lady came into the bathroom while I was nursing Collin (there's a comfy bench in there).  She said "that's how I fed all 5 of my children! I think it's the best!"  She was so cute and it's always nice when others offer encouragement about breastfeeding. 

Lutheran Hospital Lobby

Milkies Milk-Saver Update

In 4 days, I've collected nearly 12 ounces of milk thanks to my milk-saver! This is the coolest breast-feeding invention yet!

Immunizations or Worst Day Ever

Collin had some of his immunizations yesterday.  It was the most awful thing I've ever had to watch.  Two nurses held his legs down and each gave him a shot at the same time.  He turned beat red and screamed in pain.  I shouldn't have stayed in the room; I cried :(  Mark was a rock.  He held him afterward and calmed him down.  On our way home he said "well, that's about the hardest thing I've ever had to watch." 

Not fun.

Family Ski Trip 2010

The Biehl Family took a trip to Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Somerset, Pennsylvania just this past weekend.  We went there because it was sort of a half way point for us and Aaron, Mark's brother who lives in New Jersey.  Mark and I were nervous about taking Collin on a 7+ hour road trip.  So, on the way down, we stopped at hotel when we got about 1/2 way.  We arrived around noon on Friday and Collin was quite content! We were also nervous because Collin has been pretty fussy lately--but he did relatively well over the duration of the trip. We have a mirror that allows us to see him and that made the trip even better! I could rest assured that he was okay.

While we were there, we got nearly 30 inches of snow--in one day! It made the skiing pretty hard at times because all the loose snow would pile up and you'd either stumble or have to push yourself to get through.  But, in all, we had a decent time.  We wish there had been more runs to go down, but it was okay.

The house we stayed in was awesome! Mark and I had the basement to ourselves--this included a living room, laundry room (great for my diapers), bathroom, and room with 2 queen beds -- we only needed one, but the other was great to throw all our stuff on! Then the house had the main level with living room with a gas fireplace, kitchen, dining room, room to store the ski stuff and a bathroom.  Then it had an upstairs with three bedrooms and a bathroom.  Two of the rooms had queen beds and the other had 2 sets of bunkbeds.  It was nice to have a house to stay in.  Usually, we stay in a hotel and it's harder to get together with everyone.  Staying in a house allowed us to all be together for meals and downtime. 

As I said, while we were there, we got 30 inches of snow! Mark and the boys had to dig out the vehicles and walkway.  Thankfully, we brought our truck--that allowed us to be able to get back and forth to the slopes! We looked a little bit hillbilly though--everyone would pile in the back of the truck to ride down to the slopes. (We stayed on the resort so it isn't like we were riding on major roads like this). 

Now, I will say that the first time we went out it was hard to be away from Collin.  I was worried about missing his feeding and that he wouldn't take the bottle of breastmilk we left.  But, he did just fine.  So, the next day was much  better for me.  Also, when he's fussy, it's hard for me to leave him.  So, on Saturday, since he was a happy camper, it made skiing more enjoyable. 

So, we had a good time but we wouldn't choose to go back to that resort.  I'd rather go to a real mountain range next time! We've been to Copper  Mountain in Colorado and it's pretty hard to top that skiing!

But it was nice to be with the family and I'm sure Barb, Mark's mom, loved having us all together!

Milkies Milk-Saver

My friend Nicole bought me the Milkies Milk-Saver.  It is absolutely fantastic! You just slip it into your nursing tank or bra on the side you aren't nursing on.  It collects the milk that is let down while you feed your baby! Effortless collection is fantastic!

So Pros:

• Effortless collection
• No wasted milk from the side not being nursed
• Comfortable
• Easy to use
• Carry case also acts as a stand so you can set it somewhere before you lay your baby down (if not, you'll spill the milk all over the baby!)
• Cuts down on disposable nursing pads or in my case, my washable pads will last longer throughout the day
• Doesn't affect your milk supply because it's not doing anything that isn't already being done (not expressing the milk, just collecting what is let down)
• BPA and Phthalate Free

Cons:

• My Milk-Saver was a gift but it will run you around 25 dollars
• The carrying case is a bit bulky so it will take up some room in the diaper bag

I think it's fantastic and I really just love the fact that my milk isn't being wasted! Even if you stay at home, there might be a time when you can't nurse (fever, emergency, etc.) and so if you can effortlessly collect and store this milk, you have a back-up!

Helpful Links

I've mentioned a few specific things throughout some of my posts so I wanted to provide a list of links in one spot:

Cloth Diapers-info and places to purchase:

http://www.cottonbabies.com/
http://www.bumgenius.com/
http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/
http://www.thanksmama.com/
http://www.justkidsstore.com/

Breastfeeding Book and Supplies:
http://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Parents-Guide-Amy-Spangler/dp/0972998861/ref=pd_cp_b_1
http://www.mymilkies.com/
http://www.cottonbabies.com/
http://www.mom4life.com/
http://www.mommynecklaces.com/

Oh cereal, how I've missed you!!

Since I'm breastfeeding, sometimes the things I eat or drink affect Collin in a negative way.  One big problem causer was milk.  I haven't had a bowl of cereal in almost 2 months.  But my friend Julie recommended I try Rice Milk.  Now, I had my doubts.  Milk, made from rice?  Well....I tried it and it's not bad! It has a different flavor, but not a bad one! So bring on the cereal!